Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth Is A Choice – Part One
The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only redemption, but renewal... In baptism, we undergo a "washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" - Ti 3:5. From baptism, we rise to "walk in newness of life" - Ro 6:4. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of spiritual growth.... Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth so is a healthy spiritual life a process of growth. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually.... Many have been Christians for years, with little change or improvement. They are no more, often less, useful to the Lord than when they first became Christians. Failing to grow, they become stagnant, like a pool of water. That is because "Spiritual Growth Is A Choice".... It doesn't happen by default (unlike physical growth). Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only when we choose to grow. -- If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be no spiritual growth!
To encourage us to make the right choice regarding spiritual growth, consider that "Spiritual Growth Is A Choice" commanded by God. This is implicitly stated in the Great Commission. The Great Commission is found in Mt 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples. Baptizing them and teaching them to observe all things He commanded. -- Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would be obedient learners, i.e., constantly growing as they learned and obeyed their Lord.
We find the command to grow explicitly in the apostolic epistles. Peter ends his second epistle with a command to grow - 2 Pe 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” We are to grow in grace. We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to grow - 2 Pe 1:5-8 “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.” We are to be making every effort to add to our faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, which implies growth. -- Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked - He 5:12-6:1 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,” Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow!
We should also remember that "Spiritual Growth Is A Choice" that requires diligent effort unlike physical growth which is controlled by body hormones. People grow physically by default (unless there is some disorder). No effort is required on our part; we mature physically whether we want to or not. -- Don't think that just because you grow older, you are growing spiritually! Spiritual growth requires concentrated effort. Jesus said it requires labor - Jn 6:27 “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."’ Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on - Ph 2:12 “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,”; 3:13-14 “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.” Peter wrote that it requires diligence - 2 Pe 1:5 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”, 10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” (KJV) -- Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular exercise - 1 Ti 4:7-8 “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.”
Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it, today, tomorrow, always. But we can take comfort in knowing that "Spiritual Growth Is A Choice" which is assisted by God. We are not alone in our efforts. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us - Ph 2:12-13 “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.” Just as He was with us in producing our new birth - Ti 3:5-6 “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” -- God desires to complete the work He started when He saved us - Ph 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Thus far in this lesson we have learned that our salvation is a process of growing spiritually by our diligent obedience to grow, as commanded implicitly in the command Jesus gave in Mt 28:18-20. We have examined the instructions given in the apostolic epistles. In the next portion of this lesson we will look at the blessings derived through growing spiritually and how God will help us in that growth.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Saved to Serve - Part Two
Saved To Serve - Part Two
In order that we not be negligent in our service, we need to be aware of some hindrances to sevanthood. We may find ourselves serving the wrong master. Jesus warned we cannot serve both God and Mammon - Mt 6:24 "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Serving the wrong things will render us fruitless - Lk 8:14 "And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." Paul illustrated we can only serve the one we obey - Ro 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
We may find ourselves placing limitations on our service. Some limit how, where, and when they will serve as Moses tried to do - Exo 3:10,11 "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" Many will serve God, but only when convenient. Some limit who they will serve as Jonah tried to do - Jon 1:1-3 "Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah; and he went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah."
Many will serve God, but not when it means serving others (especially people we don’t like). We may find ourselves possessing certain attitudes such as sluggishness and laziness - He 6:11,12 "And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."; Mt 25:26 "But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;" We may find ourselves with an attitude such as ingratitude - 2 Co 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich."; Ph 2:5-7 "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;" Which often comes when we forget how graciously we have been served. We like service with a smile; are we willing to give service with a smile? Such as pride or self-centeredness as when self-pity affected Elijah and he went and hid in a cave - 1 Ki 19:13-18 "And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And Jehovah said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay; and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." Or as when some preached Christ out of envy - Ph 1:15-18 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." As when some seek for recognition, praise - Mt 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee." -- Humility and unselfishness are basic prerequisites for servanthood - Ac 20:19 "serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;"; Ph 2:3-4 "doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."
The Christian has been "Saved To Serve". Called to serve God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Called to serve his brethren and those in the world. -- It is a noble calling, one that we should accept with humility and gratitude. If one chooses not to serve God then they remain a slave to sin - Ro 6:16a "Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey;" And the end of such slavery is eternal death - Ro 6:16b "whether of sin unto death," But when one chooses to serve God their servitude leads to righteousness - Ro 6:16c "or of obedience unto righteousness?" The end of such service is eternal life - Ro 6:22 "But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life." May what the apostle Paul wrote of the brethren in Rome be true of all Christians today. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Ro 6:17-18). Have you been set free from sin, that you might serve Jesus Christ? - Please read Ro 6:1-7
This will conclude this series of lessons on The Significance of Being a Christian. I hope that they have helped you recognize the signifacance of the choice you made when you became a Christian. My hope and prayer is that this will help you live a fuller and faithful life in Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Nested
In order that we not be negligent in our service, we need to be aware of some hindrances to sevanthood. We may find ourselves serving the wrong master. Jesus warned we cannot serve both God and Mammon - Mt 6:24 "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Serving the wrong things will render us fruitless - Lk 8:14 "And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." Paul illustrated we can only serve the one we obey - Ro 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
We may find ourselves placing limitations on our service. Some limit how, where, and when they will serve as Moses tried to do - Exo 3:10,11 "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" Many will serve God, but only when convenient. Some limit who they will serve as Jonah tried to do - Jon 1:1-3 "Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah; and he went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah."
Many will serve God, but not when it means serving others (especially people we don’t like). We may find ourselves possessing certain attitudes such as sluggishness and laziness - He 6:11,12 "And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."; Mt 25:26 "But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;" We may find ourselves with an attitude such as ingratitude - 2 Co 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich."; Ph 2:5-7 "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;" Which often comes when we forget how graciously we have been served. We like service with a smile; are we willing to give service with a smile? Such as pride or self-centeredness as when self-pity affected Elijah and he went and hid in a cave - 1 Ki 19:13-18 "And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And Jehovah said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay; and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." Or as when some preached Christ out of envy - Ph 1:15-18 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." As when some seek for recognition, praise - Mt 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee." -- Humility and unselfishness are basic prerequisites for servanthood - Ac 20:19 "serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;"; Ph 2:3-4 "doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."
The Christian has been "Saved To Serve". Called to serve God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Called to serve his brethren and those in the world. -- It is a noble calling, one that we should accept with humility and gratitude. If one chooses not to serve God then they remain a slave to sin - Ro 6:16a "Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey;" And the end of such slavery is eternal death - Ro 6:16b "whether of sin unto death," But when one chooses to serve God their servitude leads to righteousness - Ro 6:16c "or of obedience unto righteousness?" The end of such service is eternal life - Ro 6:22 "But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life." May what the apostle Paul wrote of the brethren in Rome be true of all Christians today. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Ro 6:17-18). Have you been set free from sin, that you might serve Jesus Christ? - Please read Ro 6:1-7
This will conclude this series of lessons on The Significance of Being a Christian. I hope that they have helped you recognize the signifacance of the choice you made when you became a Christian. My hope and prayer is that this will help you live a fuller and faithful life in Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Nested
Monday, February 12, 2007
Saved to Serve - Part One
The Significance Of Being A Christian
Saved To Serve - Part One
Please note that in the following lesson all scripture text will be taken from the American Standard Version rather than the Contemporary English Version as in previous lessons. This is for consistency in the use of the word "servant" in the text.
We have seen throughout this series that the Christian is truly blessed...
"A person reborn", he is provided the opportunity to live a new life. "Belonging to the Lord", he is God’s special child. "Living by faith", he walks with God. "Consecrated to God", he has been set apart to live a holy life. "Guarded by the power of God", he is not alone in his struggle against the powers of Satan and the evil world in which we live. But with blessings come responsibilities. There are obligations that come with our new opportunities. There are duties that come with our new calling. Indeed, the Christian is a person who has been called to serve God. We have been "Saved To Serve" - He 9:14 "But Christ was sinless, and he offered himself as an eternal and spiritual sacrifice to God. That's why his blood is much more powerful and makes our consciences clear. Now we can serve the living God and no longer do things that lead to death."; 12:28 "We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping him and by showing him great honor and respect." It is only "reasonable" that we be expected to serve God - Ro 12:1 "Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God." Each person has a ministry (service) we are expected to fulfill - Co 4:17 "Remind Archippus to do the work that the Lord has given him to do."; 2 Ti 4:5 "But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well." Thus the concept of "servitude" or "servanthood" is a significant part of what it means to be a Christian.
That our service to God might be more acceptable and fruitful, consider the greatness of servanthood. Being a servant of God is a great honor. The title of "servant" was what many great men in the O.T. were called. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Deu 9:27 "Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin," Moses - 1 Ki 8:53 "For thou didst separate them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah." Joshua - Josh 24:29 "And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Jehovah, died, being a hundred and ten years old." Caleb - Num 14:24 "but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it." Job - Job 1:8 "And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil." Isaiah - Isa 20:3 "And Jehovah said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia;" The prophets - Jer 7:25 "Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day, I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:"
Likewise, the New Testament writers referred to themselves as "servants". James - Ja 1:1 "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting." Paul - Ro 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"; Ph 1:1 "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" Peter - 2 Pe 1:1 "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:" Jude - Ju 1 "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:" John - Re 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;"
Even Jesus came to serve. He was foretold to come as the "Suffering Servant" - Isa 52:13-53:12. He "did not come to be served, but to serve" - Mt 20:28 "even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."; Ph 2:7 "but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;" Even as our Lord and Master, He exemplified the servitude He desires of His disciples - Jn 13:12-17 "So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them." What a honor, if God were to look upon us as "His servants" as He did these great men, including His own Son, Jesus Christ!
He will, if we put into practice the concepts of servanthood. It involves complete obedience in a slave-master relationship. The slave knows no law but his master's word. He has no rights of his own. He is the absolute possession of his master. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience. Does this describe our relationship to Christ? It should, especially in light of 1 Co 6:19-20 "Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body." We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own - Lk 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"; Mt 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Coming to Jesus involves absolute humility otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience. For example, consider Paul’s self-estimation - 1 Co 15:9-10 "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."; Ep 3:8 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;"; 1 Ti 1:15 "Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:" Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will? Jesus said it should! - Lk 17:10 "Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do." But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be considered "servants"?
Coming to Jesus involves absolute loyalty. Since we become servants freely, it should be expected that we:
Are to be loyal to Him first - Ga 1:10 "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ." Do not consider our own profit or preference important, but that of the One we freely serve! It is amazing how any can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, while:
Complaining about having to do the will of God, OR being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will. Yet some act as though they are being forced against their own will! They don't "have to" serve the Lord Jesus. Of course, the alternative is not very inviting. If we don’t serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined for hell! But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever grumble or complain that He calls us to a life of service in grateful appreciation!
In order that we not be negligent in our service, we need to be aware of some hindrances to sevanthood. We will look at these in Part Two of our lesson.
Saved To Serve - Part One
Please note that in the following lesson all scripture text will be taken from the American Standard Version rather than the Contemporary English Version as in previous lessons. This is for consistency in the use of the word "servant" in the text.
We have seen throughout this series that the Christian is truly blessed...
"A person reborn", he is provided the opportunity to live a new life. "Belonging to the Lord", he is God’s special child. "Living by faith", he walks with God. "Consecrated to God", he has been set apart to live a holy life. "Guarded by the power of God", he is not alone in his struggle against the powers of Satan and the evil world in which we live. But with blessings come responsibilities. There are obligations that come with our new opportunities. There are duties that come with our new calling. Indeed, the Christian is a person who has been called to serve God. We have been "Saved To Serve" - He 9:14 "But Christ was sinless, and he offered himself as an eternal and spiritual sacrifice to God. That's why his blood is much more powerful and makes our consciences clear. Now we can serve the living God and no longer do things that lead to death."; 12:28 "We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping him and by showing him great honor and respect." It is only "reasonable" that we be expected to serve God - Ro 12:1 "Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God." Each person has a ministry (service) we are expected to fulfill - Co 4:17 "Remind Archippus to do the work that the Lord has given him to do."; 2 Ti 4:5 "But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well." Thus the concept of "servitude" or "servanthood" is a significant part of what it means to be a Christian.
That our service to God might be more acceptable and fruitful, consider the greatness of servanthood. Being a servant of God is a great honor. The title of "servant" was what many great men in the O.T. were called. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Deu 9:27 "Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin," Moses - 1 Ki 8:53 "For thou didst separate them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah." Joshua - Josh 24:29 "And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Jehovah, died, being a hundred and ten years old." Caleb - Num 14:24 "but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it." Job - Job 1:8 "And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil." Isaiah - Isa 20:3 "And Jehovah said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia;" The prophets - Jer 7:25 "Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day, I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:"
Likewise, the New Testament writers referred to themselves as "servants". James - Ja 1:1 "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting." Paul - Ro 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"; Ph 1:1 "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" Peter - 2 Pe 1:1 "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:" Jude - Ju 1 "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:" John - Re 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;"
Even Jesus came to serve. He was foretold to come as the "Suffering Servant" - Isa 52:13-53:12. He "did not come to be served, but to serve" - Mt 20:28 "even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."; Ph 2:7 "but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;" Even as our Lord and Master, He exemplified the servitude He desires of His disciples - Jn 13:12-17 "So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them." What a honor, if God were to look upon us as "His servants" as He did these great men, including His own Son, Jesus Christ!
He will, if we put into practice the concepts of servanthood. It involves complete obedience in a slave-master relationship. The slave knows no law but his master's word. He has no rights of his own. He is the absolute possession of his master. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience. Does this describe our relationship to Christ? It should, especially in light of 1 Co 6:19-20 "Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body." We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own - Lk 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"; Mt 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Coming to Jesus involves absolute humility otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience. For example, consider Paul’s self-estimation - 1 Co 15:9-10 "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."; Ep 3:8 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;"; 1 Ti 1:15 "Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:" Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will? Jesus said it should! - Lk 17:10 "Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do." But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be considered "servants"?
Coming to Jesus involves absolute loyalty. Since we become servants freely, it should be expected that we:
Are to be loyal to Him first - Ga 1:10 "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ." Do not consider our own profit or preference important, but that of the One we freely serve! It is amazing how any can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, while:
Complaining about having to do the will of God, OR being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will. Yet some act as though they are being forced against their own will! They don't "have to" serve the Lord Jesus. Of course, the alternative is not very inviting. If we don’t serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined for hell! But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever grumble or complain that He calls us to a life of service in grateful appreciation!
In order that we not be negligent in our service, we need to be aware of some hindrances to sevanthood. We will look at these in Part Two of our lesson.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Guarded By The Power of God - Part Two
Guarded By The Power Of God - Part Two
The Bible teaches the security of the believer. No one can snatch a believer out of the hand of God - Jn 10:28-29 "and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands," Nothing can separate a believer from the love of Christ - Ro 8:35-39 "Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say, "For you we face death all day long. We are like sheep on their way to be butchered." In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!" -- But note carefully: these promises are for one who is a believer! The Bible also teaches a believer may become an unbeliever - He 3:12 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God." A believer can develop "an evil heart of unbelief". In so doing, such a person "departs from the living God"’ -- When a believer becomes an unbeliever, the promises of security for the believer are no longer applicable! This explains the many warnings in the Scriptures to remain faithful - Re 2:10 "Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life."
The Christian’s responsibility is to take to heart the many admonitions in Scripture:
To take heed - 1 Co 10:12 "Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall."
Gird up the loins of your mind - 1 Pe 1:13 "Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Discipline yourself - 1 Co 9:27 "I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others."
Root yourself in Christ and His love - Ep 3:17 "and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love."; Co 2:7 "Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful."
Put on the armor of God, that you might stand - Ep 6:10-18 "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people."
Be strong in the grace of the Lord - 2 Ti 2:1 "Timothy, my child, Christ Jesus is kind, and you must let him make you strong."
Stand fast in the faith - 1 Co 16:13 "Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong."
Resist the devil - Ja 4:7 "Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you."; 1 Pe 5:8-9 "Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are."
Take advantage of activities conducive to remaining faithful:
Daily prayer
Daily Bible study
Frequent association with fellow Christians
Attendance at the congregational assemblies
Development of personal usefulness to the Lord
Involvement in the work of the Lord
Acceptance of correction, and repentance as necessary
Yes, the significance of being a Christian is that one is "Guarded By The Power Of God"...
In the spiritual warfare that we face, we can stand strong "in the power of His might" - Ep
6:10-13. In resisting the devil, God will "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle" us - 1 Pe 5:9-10. But never lose sight of the importance of our faith. Our resistance must be "steadfast in the faith" - 1 Pe 5:9. We are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Pe 1:5. If we seek to enjoy being "Guarded By The Power Of God", then let us not forget the admonition of our glorified Lord: "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Re 2:10)
Are you remaining faithful to the Lord?
May the promise of a new creation and a new life in Christ remind us of "The Significance Of Being A Christian", and challenge us to examine our loyalties if we do not see in our lives the evidence of "A Person Reborn" That "Belong’s To The Lord", "living by faith", being "Consecrated To God" then we need to repent and take advantage of the wonderful blessings from our Lord and Savior. Then we can be "Guarded By The Power Of God". Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would you like to be reborn in Christ to be a new creature with a new life? If you have not responded to the gospel message and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at: jimnewy@classicnet.net
This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2002
The Bible teaches the security of the believer. No one can snatch a believer out of the hand of God - Jn 10:28-29 "and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands," Nothing can separate a believer from the love of Christ - Ro 8:35-39 "Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say, "For you we face death all day long. We are like sheep on their way to be butchered." In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!" -- But note carefully: these promises are for one who is a believer! The Bible also teaches a believer may become an unbeliever - He 3:12 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God." A believer can develop "an evil heart of unbelief". In so doing, such a person "departs from the living God"’ -- When a believer becomes an unbeliever, the promises of security for the believer are no longer applicable! This explains the many warnings in the Scriptures to remain faithful - Re 2:10 "Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life."
The Christian’s responsibility is to take to heart the many admonitions in Scripture:
To take heed - 1 Co 10:12 "Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall."
Gird up the loins of your mind - 1 Pe 1:13 "Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Discipline yourself - 1 Co 9:27 "I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others."
Root yourself in Christ and His love - Ep 3:17 "and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love."; Co 2:7 "Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful."
Put on the armor of God, that you might stand - Ep 6:10-18 "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people."
Be strong in the grace of the Lord - 2 Ti 2:1 "Timothy, my child, Christ Jesus is kind, and you must let him make you strong."
Stand fast in the faith - 1 Co 16:13 "Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong."
Resist the devil - Ja 4:7 "Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you."; 1 Pe 5:8-9 "Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are."
Take advantage of activities conducive to remaining faithful:
Daily prayer
Daily Bible study
Frequent association with fellow Christians
Attendance at the congregational assemblies
Development of personal usefulness to the Lord
Involvement in the work of the Lord
Acceptance of correction, and repentance as necessary
Yes, the significance of being a Christian is that one is "Guarded By The Power Of God"...
In the spiritual warfare that we face, we can stand strong "in the power of His might" - Ep
6:10-13. In resisting the devil, God will "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle" us - 1 Pe 5:9-10. But never lose sight of the importance of our faith. Our resistance must be "steadfast in the faith" - 1 Pe 5:9. We are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Pe 1:5. If we seek to enjoy being "Guarded By The Power Of God", then let us not forget the admonition of our glorified Lord: "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Re 2:10)
Are you remaining faithful to the Lord?
May the promise of a new creation and a new life in Christ remind us of "The Significance Of Being A Christian", and challenge us to examine our loyalties if we do not see in our lives the evidence of "A Person Reborn" That "Belong’s To The Lord", "living by faith", being "Consecrated To God" then we need to repent and take advantage of the wonderful blessings from our Lord and Savior. Then we can be "Guarded By The Power Of God". Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would you like to be reborn in Christ to be a new creature with a new life? If you have not responded to the gospel message and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at: jimnewy@classicnet.net
This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2002
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
