Follower of the Way

Thought for Today - Denying Self, Following the Example of Christ

Matthew 16:24-27 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

 

In this passage in Matthew we learn several key things that we need to do:

                Deny Self

                Take up our cross

                Follow Christ

                Lose our life in Christ

Christ told his disciples this after Peter rebuked Christ for telling his disciples all the things He would suffer in Jerusalem at the hands of the priests and elder and how he would be killed and rise again.  Christ rebuked Peter, telling him, ^“Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”  (Matthew 16:23 (ESV))

Are we willing to deny self?  When we think of Christ example, a good passage to consider is Philippians chapter 2.

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 I Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Thought for Today - May we be zealous for good works

Titus 2:1-15 (ESV)
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.  Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.  Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

 

May we be those who seek sound doctrine.  May we be sound in the faith, in love, and steadfast always in the Lord.  This passage shares many traits that we should seek to have in our life.

 

May we be those who seek to honor God and who seek to show the love of God to everyone we come in contact with.  May we seek to be servants of all, not seeking our own, but that which is best for others.  May only that which is good and upright be seen in our lives.  May our hope be for the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ.  May we be zealous for good works.

Thought for Today -- Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked

1 John 2:4-6 (ESV)
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

When we walk as Christ walked the fruit of the spirit will be evident in our life - love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-24 (NKJV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Do we show patience with others?  Do we seek to show kindness in every action of our life?  Are our intentions the best for everyone we meet?  Are we more concerned about the needs of others over our own?

Christ is our example and our goal in life is to seek to follow the example of Christ.  May we seek to “walk in the same way in which he walked.”  May we show the love of God in our life, in every action we take.  When are focused on serving others and showing the light of God in our lifes our motives will be pure and actions will be those that will direct others to God.  May our constant prayer be that the light of God’s word will shine in our every action giving glory to God.

Thought for Today - We should be those who serve others, We should be light in the world

Galatians 5:12-14

I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off. For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Philippians 2:3-8

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

I Peter 2:15-17

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.  Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Reading for Today - Acts 21:17-26 - What then is to be done?

Acts 21:17-26 (ESV)
When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.  On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.  After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.  What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.  Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.  But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”  Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

Paul was concerned about his example and how it affected others.  Paul would gladly give up his liberty to serve others due to concern for the soul and conscience of others as long as it did not cause him to go against the word of God.  We too should have the attitude of Paul and be willing to give up our liberty to serve others due to concern for the soul of conscience of others.

Reading for Today - Acts 17:16-34 - The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent

Acts 17:16-34 (ESV)
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.  Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.  And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”  Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.  So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.  For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.  The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’  Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.  The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”  Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”  So Paul went out from their midst.  But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

 

Picture the great Areopagus in Athens.  What a great occasion that must have been for Paul to preach Christ before the crowd.  There were many idols in the city of Athens and alters to many gods.  Paul noticed an alter “To the unknown god”.  Paul told those at the Areopagus that this was the God he was proclaiming to them.  How great is our God.  When we stop and look at the great creation God made.  When we look at how wonderfully and fearfully we are made we cannot but be amazed and stand in awe of the power of God.  To think that the God of all the universe and the Lord of heaven and earth sent his son to die for us and who has called us to be his Children is amazing and wonderful.  How great is the love of God for us.  How great is His purpose for us.  Paul told those in Athens that “The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent”.  God sent His son to deliver a saving message.  God has appointed a day that he will judge the world.  May we accept and follow the saving message of Jesus Christ.  Paul said that “he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”   May we be diligent in seeking God word and will in all things.  May we seek to be a light in the world and allow Christ to live in us.

Reading for Today - Acts 17:1-15 - they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so

Acts 17:1-15 (ESV) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

Paul had a custom of going to the Synagogue on the Sabbath and would reason from the Scriptures to teach Jesus. Paul and Silas found many of the Jews in Thessalonica eager to the receive the word and it says of those in Thessalonica that they examined “the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” What great examples for us – looking for opportunity to the good news of Christ and “examining the scriptures” of what we are taught to ensure “these things” are so. May we follow their example.

Reading for today - Acts 16:1-5 - So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily

Acts 16:1-5 (ESV)
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.  He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.  Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.  As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.   So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Paul wanted to make sure that things were done in the best way to encourage and help others to grow in the Church.  Paul knew that Timothy could be a good aid to him in the work and wanted Timothy to accompany him.  Paul had concerns about how Jewish Christians might accept Timothy and took and circumcised him.  We can learn from Paul and Timothy's example that we should be thoughtful about others and how we can best reach them with the message of Christ.  The Jewish law of circumcision was no longer under affect, yet Paul had Timothy circumcised to aid them in teaching the Jewish brethren.  May we be willing to sacrifice our own wants, needs, and desires to aid others in their growth as Christians. 

 

Reading for Today - Acts 15:36-41 - there arose a sharp disagreement

Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)
And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”   Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about John Mark going with them on their missionary journey.  Sometimes we may have a disagreement in our Church family and we need to be careful that we handle disagreements with grace, truth and love.  It we have a doctrinal issue we must deal with it and hold to the Bible.  We must be careful to speak in love and be motivated by love in every action we take and every word we speak.  If we have an issue that is a matter of opinion we should not seek to bind something that God has not bound in His word.  It we are seeking to put others needs ahead of own, if we are seeking to put God and Christ first in our life, if we truly desire to follow after the will of God, and if we speak with grace, truth, and love we can handle disagreements the right way.

Reading for Today - Acts 11:19-30 - in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians

Acts 11:19-30 (ESV)

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.  But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.  The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.  So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.  Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.  And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).  So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.  And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

 

Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem to teach and exhort in Antioch.  Many were added to the Lord.  Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him back to help in Antioch.  Saul and Barnabas met for a whole year with the church in Antioch and taught many people.  We reach in this chapter in Acts that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

 

May we be like those in Antioch.  May we follow the exhortation of Barnabas to remain faithful and with steadfast purpose.  May our purpose be centered on that which is pleasing to God.  After Saul and Barnabas had been in Antioch teaching a year Agabus foretold by the Spirit that there was to be a great famine.  The Christians in Antioch sent relief by Barnabas and Saul, according their ability, to help those living in Judea.  What a great example.

 

Barnabas truly was a brother of encouragement.  He encouraged the church in Antioch and think of his influence on Saul by seeking him out to help in teaching in Antioch.  We never know how we might aid another by asking for their help and how God can use us in encouraging others in his service.

Reading for Today - Acts 7:54-60 - Lord, do not hold this sin against them

Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.  Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.  And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

Many in the early church were faced with death for their belief in Christ.  Stephen was willing to die to share and defend the gospel.  Most of us will never be asked to go to that extreme for our devotion to the gospel.  May we each be willing to suffer whatever hardships we face so that Christ may be taught.  May we never fall back from standing up for the Gospel and may we seek to share the Gospel that others may have the opportunity to come to know Christ.

Just as amazing as Stephen's willingness to die for the Gospel was his willingness to forgive those who had killed him.  In Stephen's final words he asked that this sin not be held against them.  Are we this willing to forgive those who wrong us in lesser things?  May we also be willing to give forgiveness.  May we not harbor a grudge.  May we not seek or desire ill will for others, but seek and desire that which is to the benefit of others.

 

Reading for Today - Acts 5:17-42 - We must obey God rather than men

Acts 5:17-42 (ESV)
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”  And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.  But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”  Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.  And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”  Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”  But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.  But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.  And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men.  For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.  After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.  So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

 

Most of us will never suffer persecution to the level of the Apostles.  The apostles had been put in prison for teach Christ.  After being miraculously set free the apostles began preaching Christ publicly again.  The apostles were then taken and were beaten and charged not to speak regarding Christ.  The apostles rejoiced in this that they “were counted worth to suffer dishonor for the name” of Christ.  The apostles were focused on sharing the great, precious, and powerful message of Christ and after being charged not to teach they continued to teach.  They were teaching every day, both in the temple and from house to house, and “did not cease teaching and preaching that Christ is Jesus”.

The gospel message is a message that all men need to hear.  It is the only message that will save our souls.  May we strive each day to share this great message with others seeking that all men will come to a knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Reading for Today - Acts 4:32-37 - great grace was upon them all

Acts 4:32-37 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.   And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.  Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Christians should strive to be of one heart.  Christians recognize that all blessing are from God.  Christian recognize that they are here to serve others as Christ came to serve others.  Christians show grace.  What a great example of the early church.  When Christians seek to know the word of God, study it together seeking only the truth, and seek to put God first and others ahead of themselves the light of Christ truly shines to the world.

Reading for Today - II Timothy 1:1-7 - I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day

2 Timothy 1:1-7 (ESV) 
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.   As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

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What a moving greeting from Paul to Timothy.  Grace, mercy and peace.  Could any of us hope for more in our lives!  How great is God's grace and mercy to us that He gave His son to die for us.  Can anything surpass the peace we have in Christ!  Paul remembered Timothy in his prayers night and day.  Wouldn't you have wanted to be in the prayers of Paul.  We each need the prayers of others and should remember others daily as well. 

What a great example of faith that Timothy had from his mother and grandmother.  We too should seek to be an example to our children in faith and should desire for our children to have a strong faith.  May are daily lives be an encouragement to those around us and may our example encourage and build faith in our children.

Reading for Today - I Timothy 4:6-16 - for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way

1 Timothy 4:6-16 (ESV)

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.   Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.  For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.  Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.   Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Let us never forget that studying God's word "holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come".  May we follow the words of Paul to Timothy and

1)  Set our hop on the living God

2)  Be an example in Speech

3)  Be an example in Conduct

4)  Be an example in Love

5)   Be an example in Faith

6)  Be an example in Purity

 

Reading for Today - Romans 12:1-21 - Present your bodies as a living sacrifice

Romans 12:1-21 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.   Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Submitting our lives to God is spiritual worship.  God desires for us to live our lives as a living sacrifice.  God desires that we live a life that is holy.  Paul urges Christians to not be conformed to the world, but instead to be transformed.  Christ came to this earth and lived a life of service, should we not be about the same?  Each of us needs to use the talents God has given to us for his service.  Each of us have different talents and abilities.  We should never feel ashamed if we have less talents than another.  We should only be ashamed if we are not using the talents God has given us to His glory.  As Paul closes chapter 12 of Romans he lists so very basic principles of living the Christian life;

1)       Live in harmony with one another

2)      Do not be haughty

3)      Never be wise in your own sight

4)      Repay no one evil for evil

5)      Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all

6)      As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all

7)      Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God

8)      If your enemy is hungry, feed him

9)      Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Reading for Today - Romans 1:1-15

Romans 1:1-15 (ESV)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Paul looked forward to being with the Christians in Rome.  Paul wanted to encourage them, but he too wanted to encouraged by being with them.  Can you imagine the great challenges that face those who choose to be Christians in Rome.  Many in the Roman government and in Rome thought of Christians as trouble makers because they did not know the truth about Christianity.  When something bad would happen the Roman citizens would blame the Christians because they would not worship the local gods and this made the Romans feel that the gods were punishing them because the Christians would not appease them.  Yet in the capital of Rome, under persecution, the church grew.  Paul prayed for the brethren at Rome and was thankful for the example of their faith.  Paul noted that their faith was "proclaimed in all the world".

Our example can be a great encouragement to others.  We don't suffer the persecution that Christians suffered, but we are looked down upon by many because we will voice moral wrongs and stand up for truth.  The book of Romans addresses how we can be in the world, but not of the World.  There are many things for us to think about our example and Christian life in this world as we study Romans.  We should be thankful that we know Christ.  We should be thankful we can be counted as Christians.  We should be thankful for the examples of others and the encourage they provide in our life and we should seek to be an encourage to others as they seek to follow after Christ.

Let us Pray that we may encourage others and they we will have strong Christians in our life that will encourage us.

Let us Pray that are faith will be seen and that it will lead others to Christ.

Let us Pray that we will let God use us in the harvest.  May we seek lost souls.  May we preach and teach the word by our example and action.

Lights in the World - Reading for Today - Matthew 5:17-7:28

           We are to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth and Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount some very practical ways in which we should be different.  Christ did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it and in Him we have a new law of the heart.  Today the why of what we do is just as important as the what.  It is not good enough to just do right; we must also do what we do for the right reasons.  Christ illustrates this in several examples in the Sermon on the Mount.

            We should be those who share our faith and live daily as Christ would want us to.  Our faith should manifest itself in action.  The Pharisees were criticized because they appeared very religious on the outside, but inwardly were very cold — lacking mercy, justice and faith.  We need to be those who are different.  We should not have hate or have anger toward a brother, and if we do we should seek immediately to take care of getting rid of that hate.  God does not want us to come before him with hatred in our hearts.  Christ said that hating our brother is the same as murder and we know that no murderers will be in heaven.

            Our life in Christ should also cause us to think differently.   One example of this that Christ noted was that a man should not lust after a woman because if he did he had already committed adultery in his heart.  Additionally, our desires to do right, as well as our love for God, should cause us to do everything within our power to put those things which hinder us from living as God would want us to out of our life.  Christ emphasized this when he said, “if your right eye offend thee, pluck it out”.  This doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted.  An evil thought could come to our mind, but our trained conscience should confront it immediately and dismiss the thought as wrong.

            Our word should be true, our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no.  Christians should be the most honest people there are.  As Christians we should be those who are willing to go the extra mile, we should be those who pray for our enemies and who do good to those who wrong us.  You can see how very different our lives should be compared to the world.   As we do good, we do not do it to be seen by men, but we do it to please our heavenly Father. We do good because we love God, we do not do good to others because they have already done so for us.  We do not love men because they love us.  Today, the world does good to those who do good to them and loves those who love them, our lives in Christ should show how great our love is, by our compassion for the needs of all men. 

    God loves us and we should seek his will and remember that he has promised to see us through.  Christ reminds us that God takes care of the birds of the field and that he will care for us.  If our fathers on earth cares for our needs how much more will our heavenly Father?  We should not be those who build our storehouses on earth.  Our storehouse of treasure should be in Heaven; because, if we have laid up our treasure in Heaven no man can take that treasure from us.

            If we seek God’s desires for our life we will be blessed and can stand temptation and trial.  This doesn’t mean life will be easy as the world sees it.  It is promised that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  Seeking God in all we do we allow us to have the greatest inner peace, inner joy, and inner love on this earth and the reward of being in the presence of God for eternity in Heaven.  Our love for God should manifest itself in action.  Christ closes this sermon illustrating that if we hear and do God’s word we have a foundation that will stand the tests of time and weather, but if we do not the will of the Father we have no hope in time of trouble.  Let each of us build on the rock. 

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

Philippians 3:2-16 (ESV)

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Christ is our righteousness. We were unworthy and Christ paid the price that we could be redeemed. Our confidence should be in Christ.

Everything is worthless in comparison to knowing Christ. We should be willing to give up everything to gain Christ.

Paul had not obtained and was not already perfect. Paul realized that he needed to keep pressing on. If Paul had to press on how much more do we need to press on.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you

James 4:5-10 (ESV) Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

God loves us very much. God desires for us to be saved and to be with Him in Heaven. When we think about God giving his Son to die for us we should be impressed by the great love of God for us. Christ died for each and every one of us.

John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:10-11 (ESV) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 8:31-39 (ESV) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We should always recognize that everything is God's. We should always be grateful and thankful for every moment of life. James notes several attitudes and actions we should have in our life.

We should be those who are humble. Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

We should submit ourselves to God.

We should resist the devil. It is important for us to feed on the Word of God. Each time Jesus was tempted by Satan his response was "it is written". We should also remember Joseph's response when Potiphar's wife attempt to cause Joseph to sin -- "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9b). Sin always hurts our relationship with God and many sins hurt our relationship with our fellow man. May we seek to know God's word and will by studying the Bible so that we can seek to live a life pleasing to him and be ready to answer "It is written".

We should draw near to God. When we are seeking God it is harder to fall into sin. If we have put our focus on His word and his will. If we value our relationship with God more than anything else. If God's will is number one in our life we will be growing closer to Him.

We should purify our hearts. When we are seeking after what is good and desiring to follow in the way of God we will seek to avoid things that will distract us from this goal. There are certain things in this world that do not help us in living a pure life. There will be things we will not do. There will be things we will not watch. There will be things we do not want to listen to. We are in the world and we need to be in the world so that we can share the good word with others. God is not calling us to live a life of seclusion. We do need to be thoughtful of what we partake of in the world. We need to think about how things can affect our soul and how our example could impact other's lives. We need to live our lives as a living sacrifice and seek daily to renew our mind in the Word of God.

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

By this we know love - I John chapter 3

1 John 3:11-18 (ESV)

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

John wrote much about love - God's love for us, Christ's example for us, and how we should love others. We may not like everything that people do. Sometimes our friends will disappoint us. Sometimes people close to us will hurt us by their actions. Love doesn't mean that we accept or approve of those actions. Love is how we react to all situations. Love is a choice. It is important for the Christian to make the choice to show love. John emphasizes that our love shouldn't just be words, but should manifest itself in action and be true. Christian love starts with the realization first that God loves us.  We should also realize that all men are created in the image of God. God loves everyone, and I should love everyone as well. My love for God and my fellow man causes me to be concerned for the wellbeing all men. This love will manifest itself in many different ways.

When I am wronged. I will forgive.

When I see a need. I will help to the extent I able.

When I see someone doing something that will endanger their soul. I will correct.

When I see someone in sorrow. I will comfort.

When someone receives a blessing. I will rejoice.

When I know something I could do would cause another to stumble. I will refrain.

Like Christ I will put others needs ahead of my own. My goal is Heaven and my desire is that all men can share the joy of Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

Philippians 2:4 (ESV)   Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (ESV)   So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.   Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)   For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.   For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

John 13:35 (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil - I John Chapter 3

1 John 3:3-10 (ESV)   And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.   Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.   You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.   No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him - I John

1 John 2:15-16 (ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.  

We are in the world, but we are not to be of the world.  Our strongest desires should be for the word of God, to Worship God, to have fellowship with those that Love God, and long to be in the Heaven.

Think about what your strongest desires and wishes are -- do they show your priorities are for that which is spiritual?  If not, I urge you to get into the word of God. 

We know from Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God.  It is God's word that will nourish us and help us to become more like his Son.  We should also take our concern to God in prayer and ask his help as we seek to follow His word and way for our life.  We should also seek the encouragement of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to help us keep our focus on the right things.

Additionally, we should be focusing on helping others to follow Christ and subordinate our needs and desires to help others.  It is important to keep in mind that we do not live for the here and now but for the there and then.

John further wrote in I John 2:17 - "the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

God's word and will are eternal.  This world is passing away.  All that is in the world is decaying and one day God will destroy the entire world.  We must keep this in perspective.  Having this understanding will help us keep our priorities straight.  We need to make sure we truly desire God's word that will grow deeper in our faith and understanding.  We need to make sure our first desires are spiritual.  We need to make sure we aren't in love with the world.

We can't even begin to imagine or comprehend how great the blessings are that our God has prepared for us.  We need to make sure we are not fooled by the world into focusing on "having everything the world has to offer".  Our treasure is in Heaven and as such we can see past the glitter of what this world has to offer.  We know that what the world has to offer is worthless and foolishness in comparison to what God has promised us.  We know that worldly desires - "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life" are desires that we should flee from.  Only by filling our life with Christ and filling our life full of Godly desires can we overcome the world.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (ESV)

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.   Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.   Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.   Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

James 1:14-22 (ESV)

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.   Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.   Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.   Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.   But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The Love of a Christian - I John Chapter 2 and 3

1 John 2:7-11 (ESV)

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.  At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1 John 3:15-18 (ESV)

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

In John 15:12 We reach that Jesus told his disciples to love another,  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”  John in I John wrote that we should have love and not hate.    The Greek word for hate translated in I John 2 would mean any degree of hate.  We need to follow after the example of Christ in showing love to all men.  Christ gave himself for us when we were unworthy and lost in sin.  We were separated from God and yet Christ was willing to die for us to reconcile us back to God.  When we consider the grace and love that God has shown us we should be compelled to show grace and love to those around us.

My favorite passage when thinking about the attributes of the love of a Christian is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love is patient. Our love should endure all things and time does not change our love. Our love should allow us to show kindness to others. Our love should cause us to want the best for others and even want them to have the best. When we love someone we want to do everything we can for them, we want them to have our best. When we love someone we rejoice in their success. The success of the ones we love does not make us feel of ourselves or less for them, but rather joy and appreciation for them. Love doesn’t get irritated or resentful. Love doesn’t rejoice in wrong, but rejoices in truth. Love allows us to bear all challenges. Love allows us to look for the best in those we love. Love for another allows us to give everything we have, expecting nothing in return, seeking the best for those whom we love. Developing this kind of love, the love Paul wrote about in I Corinthians 13 should be the goal for each of us in our life for everyone. When we show this type of love in our marriage, in our families, in the church, and to all those around us there will be “no cause for stumbling” in us as John wrote about. Christ was the ultimate example of a life of love in action. If we seek to have our love to imitate the love God and Christ have shown us we will be well pleasing to our Heavenly Father. When we are having difficulty showing love to others we should remember our Savior’s example. We should also turn to prayer when we feel our love challenged. At those times we should pray for strength and pray for those whom we are having difficulty showing the love of Christ too.

John 13:35 (ESV)  

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Growing in Christ - II Peter Chapter 1

II Peter 1:5-11 (ESV) For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Because of the great promises that God has given us we should be working at growing. As Christians we should be constantly striving to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, and brotherly affection with love. Peter tells us that if we possess these qualities and are growing in them we will be effective and fruitful in the Kingdom of God.

When we look at vs. 5 we see Peter's exhortation to make every effort. Yet, while we are making every effort to grow in these traits, what we do only comes along side what God has already done for us. We should always be humbled by the great love God has for us. Jesus paid the debt of our sin. Yet we must live after the example of Christ to be pleasing to God. There are many references in the New Testament teaching us to give our all in pursuit of the Christian life.

Faith is a key element in being pleasing to God.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)   And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

It is our active and living faith that shows we believe God and are following after him. The Hebrew writer noted that to be pleasing to God we must both believe in Him and believe that He rewards those that seek Him. We must be those who are seeking God according to His will.

Faith is the foundation for all of the other characteristics we should have in our life.

Virtue is the determination to do what is right.

Knowledge, as referenced in these verses, is the discrimination to know right and wrong. We need to be sure we are training our conscience to ensure that we hate evil and love good. Is important to note that while we hate evil and love good, we love the souls of all men. We may not like that actions that people take; however, we are all made in the image of God and we desire that all men would come to know God's word and will and seek to follow it. Because of our love for our fellow man we will teach them about God's word and we will bring sin to their attention. We do this because we love their souls. We will speak out against evil and sin because we care for the spiritual wellbeing of others.

Self-Control is keeping our actions and speech under control. We have the power to choose how we react to people, conditions, and events. When we use this power of choice we are exercising self-control.

Steadfastness is resistance to evil and bearing under evil, persecution and challenging circumstance. Steadfastness will build patience.

Godliness is humble reverence and deep piety toward God.

Micah 6:8 (ESV)   He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Brotherly affection is love for the brethren. One of my favorite scriptures describing the qualities of the love of a Christian is I Corinthians 13.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (ESV)   Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

The qualities that Peter mentions in II Peter chapter 1 should be ever increasing in our lives. We need to be asking ourselves frequently -

Am I a stronger Christian today than I was a month ago, a year ago, five years ago, and when I first obeyed God's call?

Am I bearing fruit (Fruit of the Spirit)?

Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.   And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we are growing and living in these Christian graces we will be living in a way that brings honor to God and is pleasing to him.

Be a Blessing and Pursue Peace - More Thoughts from I Peter chapter 3

1 Peter 3:8-11 (ESV) Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it."

Peter mentions some very important traits we want to have in our life in I Peter chapter 3 -- "Unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind."

How do we create unity in mind? Unity in Christ can only be found when those that love him seek to know his word and live by it. The unity of the Bible is unity that is built upon the word of God. The unity that Peter writes of is a unity that is both united in mind and purpose. To build that unity of mind we need to be those who study God's word and study it with each other that we may grow into the Unity of mind based on what God has provided in his word.

How do we show sympathy? Sympathy is truly caring about others. It causes us to feel the pain and joy for others. It causes us to want to take action.

How do we show brotherly love? In Christ we are family. We are God's children. We should treat each other with the love we would show to a brother or sister.

How do we have a tender heart? Are we concerned when we see needs? Are we disturbed by wrong? Do we rejoice when good things happen?

How do we show a humble mind? When we realize every blessing we have is from God how can we not but be humbled. Christ gave his life for us. All that we have is from God. With that perspective we realize we are insignificant and unworthy -- yet God has shown us mercy, provided us blessings, and provided a promise that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his promise. When I think about all God has done for me and how much he loves me it should help me to have a humble mind. When I think about my Savior's sacrifice it should cause me to have a humble mind. With a humble mind I will put others first.

As part of showing a humble mind we should be those who bless. We bless even we have been shown evil. Peter writes, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling". The way of the world is to get even and to get someone back. That is not the way we should live. Instead of getting even Peter encourages us to BLESS.

When we are working to have "Unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind" we will be better able to bless others and to pursue peace.

More Thoughts from I Peter chapter 2 - We are to be Different from the World.

We are to be different from the world.  Peter mentions in chapter two of I Peter that we are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession".  We have been called out of this world to proclaim the good news. Because we are to be different Peter urges his readers to abstain from the "passions of the flesh". We need to be careful how we live in this world. Peter sums up how we should deal with others by saying, "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."

Christians should be the best citizens, best neighbors, best friends, best spouse, best parents. Our example could impact others. How we react to others could either be a help or a hindrance to them. Peter mentions that we should "live as people who are free, not using . . . freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." Why is our example so important? Peter wrote, "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Some commentators have suggested that the reference to them glorifying God on the day of visitation could be a reference to those in the world coming to know the truth. Many a preacher has commented that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. Our example may cause someone to come to a knowledge of God and his will. We should never underestimate how God can use us in someone's life.

Because of the importance of our example Peter tells servants to be subject to their masters and even went as far to say to be subject to both the just and the unjust. The ultimate example of suffering unjustly is our savior -- Jesus Christ. Peter reminds how we should follow after the example of Christ and "follow in his steps."

Paul also encouraged his readers to have the mind of Christ and to be concerned with others. Below are three passages from the epistles that emphasize the importance of looking out for others.

Philippians 2:1-16 (ESV) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.   Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Romans 15:1-7 (ESV) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.   May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)   Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.   And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Is our focus on God and His Word?

The epistles of Peter and John both help us think about what is really important and where we should have our focus.

In I Peter Chapter 1 verses 13 through 19 Peter urges his readers the following:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

And John in I John Chapter 2 verses 15 through 17 wrote

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

We are called to be holy. We are called to be different in this world. Our focus needs to be on things above and on living in a way that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. We have been bought with a price and the great love of God and the example of His Son should cause us to live as he would have us to live.

The August blogs will be focused around key thoughts in I & II Peter and I, II, an III John that will help keep our focus.

The God of all comfort!

Paul begins his second letter to the  Corinthians reminding them of the comfort that God provides.  In 2 Corinthians 1:3 Paul states that God is the "God of all comfort".

    Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort!  He comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble by the comfort through which we ourselves have been comforted by God.  As the suffering of Christ increase in us, so our comfort increases through Christ.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

As we are challenged in this life and persecuted by those who do not love God and his people we will find comfort.  Our God will provide comfort.  The word of God comforts us as well because His promises provide a great hope that we rest in full assurance of faith.  Moreover, as we see our fellow brethern challenge there are times that we should provide comfort to them as well.  Some challenges may be individual and we provide comfort to those face an individual challenge.  Some challenges may be more collective and we may be participating in the same challenge and at that time providing comfort that are in this same journey with us.  The comfort that God has provided and continues to provide will allow us to "comfort those in any trouble by the comfort through which we ourselves have been comforted by God".

As we will our lives we should seek to have the same confidence that Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 2:12 -- "The testimony of our conscience, that in single-hearted devotion and in godly sincerity, not in human wisdom but in God's grace, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more especially toward you."  We should each seek to be as Paul and make sure that live in a way that shows that God's word is alive in us.  We should each seek to live in such a way that the world sees Christ living is us.  If we put Christ first in everything and seek to live a life that displays a Christian example, a life that is concerned about how what we say and what we do will impact the lives around us our example will be one that will challenge others to consider if they are living as God would have them live.

If you are feeling challenged today.  If you have suffered persecution for Christ.  Take comfort from God!  If you see a brother or sister in Christ suffering comfort them with the same comfort God has provided to you!  Choose today to be courageous and live in confidence seeking to be a light in this world by being a shining example in word in your actions. 

These words and thoughts cause me to think of the words in a song - "May my whole life sing to you".  Our thoughts and actions should bring glory to God and in bringing glory to God we should be drawing the world to Christ.  As Christians our example will either bring others to Christ and build others up or it will turn them away and tear them down.  Keep this thought ever present and as you are in the world think about how others may be influenced by you.  Keep this thought ever present as you are with your brothers and sisters in Christ and think about how you can be an encouragement to them and to each other as we all seek to bring glory to God and seek to serve Him.

Do you love like Christ?

In the sermon on the mount Jesus said,

    You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say, love your enemies and pray for the ones who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, who makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and makes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust.  If you love the ones who love you, what reward do you have?  The tax collectors do as much.  If you only greet your brothers, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even Gentiles do the same?  You therefore be mature, as your heavenly Father is mature.  Mathew 5:43-48

When those of the world misuse you or others take advantage of you -- how do you react?  In considering your reaction it is good to consider Psalms 37.

The Psalmist wrote(Vs 1, 7-8):

    Do not be upset because of evil-doers.  Do not be envious of wicked workers. . . . Be still before Yahweh.  Wait patiently for him.  Do not be upset because of someone's success, nor because an evil-doer prospers.  Refrain from anger and leave off wrath.  No good comes from being upset.

What can help us in taking this course of action is following the Psalmists advice (vs3-5):

    Trust in Yahweh, and do good.  Dwell in the land, and seek truth.  Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desire of your heart.  Commit your way to Yahweh.  Put your trust in him, and he will take care of you.

However, this doesn't always mean the path is easy.  It only means the Lord will take care of us.  The Psalmist further writes (vs 23-24):

    The steps of a righteous man are established by Yahweh, and he delights in his way.  Though he falls, he will not be cast off, for Yahweh supports him with his hand.

As we live our lives in this world we need to remember we are in the world, but we are not of the world.  We should be different.  Our lives should be different and they should shine as a light to the world.  As we face challenges we remember that "For those who Love God All things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."(Romans 8:28)

We are different -- as children of God we should shine in this world and the world should see we are not of this world.  They should see the light shining in all we do.  Our actions will cause those in the world to question themselves.  For some they will be like Pharoh and harden their heart and to others this will cause them to question why we are different and seek a new path for their life.

All we can do is sow the seed of God's word.  It will fall upon the hearts of man and God will give the increase.

Each of us should prayerfully seek to live the life that demonstrates we are God's children.

    Behold what manner of love the Father has showered upon us that we should be called the sons of God -- and we are!  I John 3:1.

 

We are the only Bible some may read

Collossians 4:5-6  Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

We don't always know who is watching us or how our actions may affect someone.  When I read the verses above I am drawn to the words that our speech should be "with grace as though seasoned with salt".  As much as possible I want every action I take and every word I speak to draw men to Christ and to honor my Father in Heaven.  Grace is delivering the message in a thoughtful and considerate way while the salt is providing the truth of God. 

If we keep a constant reminder that our every action could have an impact on those around us it will cause us to be more thoughtful in everything we say and do.