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 - 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.

Thought for Today - Let each esteem others better than himself

Paul frequently wrote that we should serve one another and give preference to others:

Galatians 5:13 (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.

Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Christ is our example for how we should live in this life.

Matthew 20:27-28 (NKJV)  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
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.

If our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ could leave Heaven and come to earth to provide us an example and to die for our sins; what is it for us to give our lives in service to others during our time on this Earth.

Reading for Today - I Timonthy 3:1-13 - If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.  Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?  He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.  

 

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.  They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.  Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.  Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.  For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

 

In the New Testament we read of elders and deacons in the congregations of the church.  In Paul’s letter to Timothy he mentions traits that those who serve in these roles should have.  Elders have great responsibility for the flock and deserve respect and honor.  Elders seek to lead the flock and must do this through both example and action.  Paul mentions, in addition to many personal traits, that elders should manage their own household well and should be well thought of by outsiders.  It is important for elders to be living a life that glorifies God and directs others toward Christ.

Deacons, are those who serve.  When a congregation looks to add deacons they should seek those who are already serving.  Deacons too, must manage their households well.

In the church the elders and deacons should not be the only ones serving.  We should all seek to serve God and others.  Throughout our lives we should be seeking to follow the example of Christ who came to serve and not to be served.  If anyone was more deserving of being served while they were on the earth it was Christ, yet Christ came to serve and to seek and to save the lost.  May we all seek to follow the example of Christ in our lives, serving others and seeking to put others ahead of ourselves.

Reading for Today - Galatians 5:1-15 - through love serve one another

Galatians 5:1-15 (ESV) For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.  I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.  You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.  For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.  You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion is not from him who calls you.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump.  I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.  But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.  I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!  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.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

 

We should be about serving one another.  Paul urged the Galatian brethren to no use their freedom to serve the flesh, but instead to use it to serve one another through love.  Paul reminds us - "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

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

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.

He gave it ALL

Have you ever stopped to ponder what Jesus Christ gave up for you?  Jesus left the splendor and glory of Heaven.  He left the very presence of God to come to this sin sick world to die for you and me.  I can’t even begin to image the full extent of that sacrifice.  In Philippians chapter 2 Paul wrote that Christ “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”.  Paul went on to write that Christ “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”.  If the very Son of God was willing to give up all the glory of Heaven to save you and me what should I be willing to do for my God and what should I be willing to do for my fellow man.

I have started with this thought to put in contrast both the great sacrifice and humility of Christ.  Christ deserves and could have demanded all those on Earth to give him homage.  Christ was and is Lord of all the Earth and yet he chose to come as a servant and seek to save us.  Christ sought to do what would save our souls instead of imposing himself on mankind.  How many times when I have been wronged do I demand my rights?  How many times when I feel like I deserve something do I demand it?  When I think about the fact that Christ was humble enough to put aside his rights, to save me, how little of a task is it for me to put others ahead of myself.

Paul used that example contrasting the sacrifice and obedience of Christ to demonstrate how I should be living and thinking as a Christian.  Paul told Christians to “have this mind among yourselves”.   The example of the mind of Christ that would leave Heaven and die for us on a cross is the same mind that Paul tells us will help us to look to the interest of others above our own, do nothing from selfish ambition, and in humility count others more significant than ourselves.  It is that same mind that will cause us to seek for peace and unity in truth with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul went on to exhort the Philippian brethren to do all things without grumbling or disputing that they might shine as lights in the world.  If we make the choice to put others interests above our own and seek to put the Word of God at the forefront of our life we will live a different life.  The life of a Christian is one that will seek to create peace with men and will seek the good of those around him.  Can you imagine what this world would be like if everyone was seeking after the best interest of others?

There are a lot of unhappy people in this world and you may be one of them.  The first step in living the full life is to realize that unless you are living a life that is seeking to put the will of God first you are missing out.  There is no greater joy than knowing you are following after God’s will.  The peace, joy and hope you will have from this are the greatest thing you can experience on this earth.  This doesn’t mean life will be easy.  It means you can experience the contentment when you know you are attaining love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.  You may be persecuted for following the truth.  You may be ridiculed for being different.  Others may have a hard time comprehending why you are so different from the world – why you don’t return evil for evil.  Rejoice – your actions will confuse people because you will not act as one in and of this world.