LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness is the seventh attribute the Holy Spirit desires to implant into our daily walk. In the New Testament the Greek word is pistos and is often used in the context of conviction of belief in respect to God and Christ. But it is also used to describe the quality of faithfulness which as been explained as “the character of one who can be relied on”.
While many claim this attribute the wisdom of Proverbs 20:6 tells us it is a hard virtue to find. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The Psalmist tells us about the lack of faithfulness in his day. Psalm 12:1-2, Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. Sounds a lot like the present days we live in but faithfulness is essential for those who would receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
To encourage the development of this attribute in our lives let’s first look at Jesus as our example and then share together a few areas in which we need great faithfulness.
Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His role as the Son of God. He was faithful in carrying out the work given Him. These passages from John’s Gospel back this fact up.
John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.
Jesus is also faithful in the role of being our high priest. Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus is faithful because He understands our weakness. Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Jesus is faithful because He richly supplies with grace and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Isn’t wonderful to have a Savior upon whom we can rely?
Some ways we need to be more faithful to God and Christ:
• We need to be faithful in the way we use our gifts, talents, abilities and opportunities. Too often we are like the man in Jesus’ parable that buried their talent and this displeases the Lord. Like Moses at the burning bush we make excuses, but for every excuse we can come up with, God can provide a way for us to be faithful. We may need to begin to be faithful in small things in order to be faithful when the going gets tough.
• We need to be faithful to our church. The family of God always has a need for people who are truly faithful. Lack of faithfulness to the church can be seen in several ways. By the forsaking the assembly of ourselves; church attendance. We might need to ask ourselves if everybody else were only as faithful as I am what kind of church would we have. Consider this example of "faithfulness" to the church... Grandma Taw Bow, a resident of Thailand, does not impress strangers. She is small of stature, bent with age, her hands and fingers gnarled with arthritis. She often stands quietly to one side. Her name translated into English means "Always." Despite her unimpressive physical appearance, Grandma Always has inspired her missionary friends and Thai Christians by her faithfulness. A widow and over ninety years of age, she lives as a servant in a Thai home. Every Sunday she walks two miles to church. Out of her income of five cents a day, she regularly gives one day's wages to the Lord every week. When her missionary friends drive her home from church services, she gets out, and bows her head in an audible prayer for the missionaries and the work of Christ in Thailand. One missionary says, "The thought of Grandma Always' faithfulness humbles and deepens us." (A Dictionary Of Christian Illustrations, p. 121) What every church needs is more Grandma Always!
• We need to be more faithful to our families. Fathers need to be faithful in fulfilling their spiritual roles. Mothers need to be more faithful in fulfilling their family responsibilities. And of course husband and wives need to be faithful to each other in their respective duties. Children, you also have a need to be faithful to your parents.
In his commentary William Barclay ended his examination of this word in this way: "Pistos is indeed a great word. It describes the man on whose faithful service we may rely, on whose loyalty we may depend, whose word we can unreservedly accept. It describes the man in whom there is the unswerving and inflexible fidelity of Jesus Christ, and the utter dependability of God."
Will you not strive to be faithful, in your service to God, in the use of your gifts, in your church and in your family?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—GOODNESS
Of all the attributes that the Holy Spirits wants to install into our character Goodness is the most difficult for me to grasp. It may be because this single attribute of God’s personality is so complete. God’s goodness is not an occasional manifestation toward us, it is His very nature. He is always working for the good of those that love Him and are called according to his purpose. His motives toward us are always good. His watch-care over us is always good. His provisions for us are always good.
We consider ourselves to be good or bad by the things we do, say or participate in, and by our understanding good is a relative term. If the word gooder was a word it would be the word we use to describe the things we do, say or participate in. For instance we might rebuild a porch on the house of a widow because her old one was rotten and dangerous. When we are finished the porch would be gooder than the old one and we might consider ourselves gooder for having done it. While the act of building the porch was a manifestation of goodness and an indication that we are capable of doing good things it is not proof that we have obtained the fruit of goodness as defined in our focus verse. You and I both know lost people that are generous and continually do good things. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the fruit described as goodness is not a relative thing. We tend to think of goodness in relative terms (good, gooder, goodest) but the attribute of goodness that we strive for through the Holy Spirit is not relative-it is completely good just as God is good.
The word good has so many uses that one dictionary, The Reader's Digest Complete Oxford Word Finder, devotes an entire 6" x 9½" page in very fine type to list them! We use it to indicate competence (good at math); reliability (good brakes); strength (good eyesight); kindness (good of you to come); moral excellence (good deed or good works); behavior (good child); enjoyment (a good party); thoroughness (gave it a good wash); immensity in number (a good many people); beneficence (milk is good for you); soundness (a good reason); expedience (thought it good to have a try); freshness (is the meat still good); worthiness (good old George); attractiveness (has good legs); moral rightness (did it for your own good); promise (good news); a desirable end (sacrificing the present for future good); favor (a good review). There are many more, but this is sufficient to give us an overview of some of this very versatile word's uses in everyday English. It is used as a noun, adjective and adverb and is the root of the word "goodness." The common idea in almost all of its uses is that it suggests a desirable quality, something commendable, reliable, welcome, enjoyable, beneficent, kind, noble, admirable, exemplary and very much welcome. In the word "goodness," the inner qualities of virtue, excellence of character, morality and attitude that we see in a person's behavior come out.
So how does our goodness manifest itself? I think our goodness has to mirror/reflect God’s goodness toward us.
• Psalms 107:1, Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
• Psalms 31:19, How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!
The goodness of God is prominent in the opening chapters of the Bible. Repeatedly, God pronounced everything which He created good.
The goodness of God appears to be the sum total of all of God’s attributes. The goodness of God may be viewed as one facet of His glorious nature and character and also the sum total of His nature and character. Exodus 33:19, Then Moses said, “I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion”
We cannot separate what is good from God. You cannot have goodness without God, just as you cannot have God without goodness. God alone is good. James tells us this in James 1:17, Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. We simply cannot separate “good” from “God.” Here is where our society, and especially our educational system, had better take note. You cannot teach values, you cannot teach morality, without teaching about God. “Be ye holy,” God said, “for I am holy”
The goodness of God is a life-transforming truth. God’s wrath is good. God’s holiness is good. God’s righteousness is good. There is nothing about God that is not good. There is nothing God purposes for His children that is not good. God gives to His children only that which is good. And He withholds nothing good from us. God is good, and He is at work in our lives for good. Nothing which God creates, nothing which God accomplishes, is not good.
Let me conclude by considering ways the goodness of God should intersect our attitudes and actions.
• We must take this truth of God’s goodness one more step. God allows nothing to happen to the Christian which is not good. We all know this passage well: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose. Romans 8:28. We may be convinced of God’s goodness and yet doubt that everything which happens to us is good. Whatever comes into the life of the Christian is a part of God’s purpose to bring about our good and His glory.
• We all like to say “God is good; all the time God is good!” But when we are faced with the harsh trails of this life can we still say it, even in the hurt and the loneliness when even our friends desert us? Do we still say, “God is good!”?
• The goodness of God is evident in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the “good news”. Do we share this good news, which is the extreme way God shows His goodness, with those we know need it?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
We consider ourselves to be good or bad by the things we do, say or participate in, and by our understanding good is a relative term. If the word gooder was a word it would be the word we use to describe the things we do, say or participate in. For instance we might rebuild a porch on the house of a widow because her old one was rotten and dangerous. When we are finished the porch would be gooder than the old one and we might consider ourselves gooder for having done it. While the act of building the porch was a manifestation of goodness and an indication that we are capable of doing good things it is not proof that we have obtained the fruit of goodness as defined in our focus verse. You and I both know lost people that are generous and continually do good things. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the fruit described as goodness is not a relative thing. We tend to think of goodness in relative terms (good, gooder, goodest) but the attribute of goodness that we strive for through the Holy Spirit is not relative-it is completely good just as God is good.
The word good has so many uses that one dictionary, The Reader's Digest Complete Oxford Word Finder, devotes an entire 6" x 9½" page in very fine type to list them! We use it to indicate competence (good at math); reliability (good brakes); strength (good eyesight); kindness (good of you to come); moral excellence (good deed or good works); behavior (good child); enjoyment (a good party); thoroughness (gave it a good wash); immensity in number (a good many people); beneficence (milk is good for you); soundness (a good reason); expedience (thought it good to have a try); freshness (is the meat still good); worthiness (good old George); attractiveness (has good legs); moral rightness (did it for your own good); promise (good news); a desirable end (sacrificing the present for future good); favor (a good review). There are many more, but this is sufficient to give us an overview of some of this very versatile word's uses in everyday English. It is used as a noun, adjective and adverb and is the root of the word "goodness." The common idea in almost all of its uses is that it suggests a desirable quality, something commendable, reliable, welcome, enjoyable, beneficent, kind, noble, admirable, exemplary and very much welcome. In the word "goodness," the inner qualities of virtue, excellence of character, morality and attitude that we see in a person's behavior come out.
So how does our goodness manifest itself? I think our goodness has to mirror/reflect God’s goodness toward us.
• Psalms 107:1, Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
• Psalms 31:19, How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!
The goodness of God is prominent in the opening chapters of the Bible. Repeatedly, God pronounced everything which He created good.
The goodness of God appears to be the sum total of all of God’s attributes. The goodness of God may be viewed as one facet of His glorious nature and character and also the sum total of His nature and character. Exodus 33:19, Then Moses said, “I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion”
We cannot separate what is good from God. You cannot have goodness without God, just as you cannot have God without goodness. God alone is good. James tells us this in James 1:17, Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. We simply cannot separate “good” from “God.” Here is where our society, and especially our educational system, had better take note. You cannot teach values, you cannot teach morality, without teaching about God. “Be ye holy,” God said, “for I am holy”
The goodness of God is a life-transforming truth. God’s wrath is good. God’s holiness is good. God’s righteousness is good. There is nothing about God that is not good. There is nothing God purposes for His children that is not good. God gives to His children only that which is good. And He withholds nothing good from us. God is good, and He is at work in our lives for good. Nothing which God creates, nothing which God accomplishes, is not good.
Let me conclude by considering ways the goodness of God should intersect our attitudes and actions.
• We must take this truth of God’s goodness one more step. God allows nothing to happen to the Christian which is not good. We all know this passage well: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose. Romans 8:28. We may be convinced of God’s goodness and yet doubt that everything which happens to us is good. Whatever comes into the life of the Christian is a part of God’s purpose to bring about our good and His glory.
• We all like to say “God is good; all the time God is good!” But when we are faced with the harsh trails of this life can we still say it, even in the hurt and the loneliness when even our friends desert us? Do we still say, “God is good!”?
• The goodness of God is evident in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the “good news”. Do we share this good news, which is the extreme way God shows His goodness, with those we know need it?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—KINDNESS
As a result of more people being impatient, having short fuses, and with everyone always being in a hurry – many people have lost the ability to treat others with kindness and respect. A kind word, a kind action to another person can really do wonders for them.
When you study the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you can really tell how kind He always was with other people in His dealings with them. The quality of kindness goes hand in hand with the quality of love. Once the Holy Spirit starts to transmit His love up into you, the quality of kindness will follow right along with it. It will then become much easier for you to be able to be kind to others once the love of God starts to flow more into your personality.
You cannot help but be more kind to others if God’s love is flowing through you. This is why the quality of love has to be the main quality that you really concentrate on getting more of from the Holy Spirit. Once the love of God starts to flow and operate through you to touch others, many of the other fruits of the Holy Spirit will then start to follow right after it in domino fashion.
Think about a time when someone did something kind for you. Was it something that you demanded to be done? Did you ask for it? Did you expect it? In most cases the answer is no. Maybe the kindness was when someone held the door for you. Or maybe when the car ahead of you gracious let you make that lane change. Maybe a friend gave you a hug when you needed it most. There are many ways to show kindness.
Kindness Meets Needs: Kindness brings joy. Kindness lets others know someone cares for them. There is no better example of kindness than looking at God’s kindness towards us.
Kindness is Part of Love: First Corinthians 13:4 says “love suffers long and is kind”.
Kindness Caused God to Make Us: God says it was His loving kindness that created us in Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV: “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”
Kindness Causes God to Sustain Us: The psalmist knew it was God’s loving kindness that keeps him: “Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11).
Kindness is the Root of God’s Mercy: Even the rebel Jonah knew God’s loving kindness. Jonah 4:2 NKJV says “for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm.”
We were created in God's image. As a result, we have the same capacity to extend kindness that God has. Are you wondering how to start being kind? Here are a few suggestions:
• Visit someone in the hospital. Your presence could be a gift from God to the person you are visiting.
• Send a birthday card to let someone know you care.
• Bake some cookies for your family, neighbors or coworkers.
• Help an elderly person who has too many packages to carry.
• Call someone like a family member or friend you've lost touch with.
Did you notice how kindness only happens with an action? Visit, send, bake, carry, call…these are all actions. These all require some form of action on our part. Kindness shows up when we act.
James said faith without works is dead (James 2:17). I say the same thing holds true for kindness. You can't be kind if you never offer kindness in some way. Start today. Show some kindness to someone and watch how God is glorified. Don’t just make kindness a random act, make kindness a part of your walk.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
When you study the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you can really tell how kind He always was with other people in His dealings with them. The quality of kindness goes hand in hand with the quality of love. Once the Holy Spirit starts to transmit His love up into you, the quality of kindness will follow right along with it. It will then become much easier for you to be able to be kind to others once the love of God starts to flow more into your personality.
You cannot help but be more kind to others if God’s love is flowing through you. This is why the quality of love has to be the main quality that you really concentrate on getting more of from the Holy Spirit. Once the love of God starts to flow and operate through you to touch others, many of the other fruits of the Holy Spirit will then start to follow right after it in domino fashion.
Think about a time when someone did something kind for you. Was it something that you demanded to be done? Did you ask for it? Did you expect it? In most cases the answer is no. Maybe the kindness was when someone held the door for you. Or maybe when the car ahead of you gracious let you make that lane change. Maybe a friend gave you a hug when you needed it most. There are many ways to show kindness.
Kindness Meets Needs: Kindness brings joy. Kindness lets others know someone cares for them. There is no better example of kindness than looking at God’s kindness towards us.
Kindness is Part of Love: First Corinthians 13:4 says “love suffers long and is kind”.
Kindness Caused God to Make Us: God says it was His loving kindness that created us in Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV: “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”
Kindness Causes God to Sustain Us: The psalmist knew it was God’s loving kindness that keeps him: “Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11).
Kindness is the Root of God’s Mercy: Even the rebel Jonah knew God’s loving kindness. Jonah 4:2 NKJV says “for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm.”
We were created in God's image. As a result, we have the same capacity to extend kindness that God has. Are you wondering how to start being kind? Here are a few suggestions:
• Visit someone in the hospital. Your presence could be a gift from God to the person you are visiting.
• Send a birthday card to let someone know you care.
• Bake some cookies for your family, neighbors or coworkers.
• Help an elderly person who has too many packages to carry.
• Call someone like a family member or friend you've lost touch with.
Did you notice how kindness only happens with an action? Visit, send, bake, carry, call…these are all actions. These all require some form of action on our part. Kindness shows up when we act.
James said faith without works is dead (James 2:17). I say the same thing holds true for kindness. You can't be kind if you never offer kindness in some way. Start today. Show some kindness to someone and watch how God is glorified. Don’t just make kindness a random act, make kindness a part of your walk.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—PATIENCE
When everything is going our way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our coworker derides our faith, again. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of irritations and trials. Impatience seems like a holy anger. But Galatians 5:22, our focal verse, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit which should be produced for all followers of Christ. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love.
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7. Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” James 5:7-8. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” Lamentations 3:25.
We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with God. James points us to the prophets In James 5:7-11, 7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” Hebrews 6:15. Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will Philippians 4:4, and 1Peter 1:6. Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as in Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” Romans 2:7
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7. Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” James 5:7-8. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” Lamentations 3:25.
We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with God. James points us to the prophets In James 5:7-11, 7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” Hebrews 6:15. Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will Philippians 4:4, and 1Peter 1:6. Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as in Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” Romans 2:7
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Monday, October 18, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—PEACE
As we continue our study of the attributes of God the Holy Spirit desires to instill into our personality we come to the third listed in our focus verses. Peace is what everybody desires. Very few Christians enjoy disagreements, discord or conflict. We will take any action necessary to avoid placing ourselves in these situations. As Americans we are proud of our members serving our country in the armed forces yet we hate war because of the cost to those we love who are fighting to preserve and protect our freedom. We all want world peace. But in my understanding of our enemy which has great power in this world, world peace is unattainable.
That said peace for the Christian is attainable! It is the promise of Jesus in John 14:26-27, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I know that of all the things our enemy wants to steal from us our peace is high on his list. He wants us to fret and worry. He wants us to keep our minds on our troubles. He wants us to forget the protection, provisions and blessings of God and only dwell on our temporal condition. He wants us to forget our Hope and mutter around in our daily strife and struggles. I’d like to share three truths that help me when I find myself overcome with the conflicts of everyday life that Satan uses to rob me of my peace.
First I have to remember to check to see if I’m at peace with God. When I delight in God’s law I’m blessed, but when I sin, I experience misery and unhappiness, conflict and chaos, tragedy and heartache. Sin separates me from God, it destroys my chance for real happiness. My salvation reconciled me to God and He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, but sin disrupts my ability to experience the peace of a child held and hugged by a loving Father. The truth we have to face is that there is nobody, no principality and no power on this earth that can separate us from the peace we find in the arms of a loving Father other than our own sin. So the first truth is our own sin robs us of our peace.
Second I have to have peace with myself. Christianity affords peace with self, i.e., an inner tranquility, independent of circumstances. Yet, peace of mind is a rare quality in today's world. That evidence is all around us: delinquency, divorce, substance abuse, and suicide. We as Christians are not exempt for the physical signs of stress: hypertension, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. While the Declaration of Independence assures every American the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is painfully obvious that few are successful in their quest for serenity and inner calm. Our focal verse teaches us that we achieve peace of mind by applying God's word to our lives Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Contentment is the fruit of a spiritually-minded attitude. Inner tranquility belongs to those who lean upon the Lord. Philippians 4: 6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We as Christians should be the happiest and most well adjusted people in the world. We may face difficult problems, but the peace of God enables us to maintain a proper balance. The old gospel song, "It Is Well With My Soul," beautifully expresses this sentiment: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
Third I must be at peace with others. Christianity also produces peace with others. It creates a harmonious relationship among believers, and also yields relative harmony with the non-Christian world around us. Jesus told us that He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn" 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law 36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. This describes the struggle between righteousness and evil. It reflects that division that inevitably occurs between those who seek to please God and those who rebel against Him. At times we will experience conflict with the world, yet as a rule, obedience to the Lord will improve all our relationships. We as Christians are admonished to live peaceably with all men. If the gospel of Christ could break down the wall of hatred that existed between Jew and Gentile, it can resolve whatever difficulties exist between brethren. I don’t usually quote Longfellow, but he said, "All your strength is in your union. All your danger is in discord; therefore be at peace henceforward, and as brothers live together.” Unity cannot exist where there is selfishness and pride. If we are to achieve peace with others, we must have the humility of Christ.
to be continued……
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
That said peace for the Christian is attainable! It is the promise of Jesus in John 14:26-27, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I know that of all the things our enemy wants to steal from us our peace is high on his list. He wants us to fret and worry. He wants us to keep our minds on our troubles. He wants us to forget the protection, provisions and blessings of God and only dwell on our temporal condition. He wants us to forget our Hope and mutter around in our daily strife and struggles. I’d like to share three truths that help me when I find myself overcome with the conflicts of everyday life that Satan uses to rob me of my peace.
First I have to remember to check to see if I’m at peace with God. When I delight in God’s law I’m blessed, but when I sin, I experience misery and unhappiness, conflict and chaos, tragedy and heartache. Sin separates me from God, it destroys my chance for real happiness. My salvation reconciled me to God and He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, but sin disrupts my ability to experience the peace of a child held and hugged by a loving Father. The truth we have to face is that there is nobody, no principality and no power on this earth that can separate us from the peace we find in the arms of a loving Father other than our own sin. So the first truth is our own sin robs us of our peace.
Second I have to have peace with myself. Christianity affords peace with self, i.e., an inner tranquility, independent of circumstances. Yet, peace of mind is a rare quality in today's world. That evidence is all around us: delinquency, divorce, substance abuse, and suicide. We as Christians are not exempt for the physical signs of stress: hypertension, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. While the Declaration of Independence assures every American the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is painfully obvious that few are successful in their quest for serenity and inner calm. Our focal verse teaches us that we achieve peace of mind by applying God's word to our lives Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Contentment is the fruit of a spiritually-minded attitude. Inner tranquility belongs to those who lean upon the Lord. Philippians 4: 6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We as Christians should be the happiest and most well adjusted people in the world. We may face difficult problems, but the peace of God enables us to maintain a proper balance. The old gospel song, "It Is Well With My Soul," beautifully expresses this sentiment: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
Third I must be at peace with others. Christianity also produces peace with others. It creates a harmonious relationship among believers, and also yields relative harmony with the non-Christian world around us. Jesus told us that He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn" 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law 36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. This describes the struggle between righteousness and evil. It reflects that division that inevitably occurs between those who seek to please God and those who rebel against Him. At times we will experience conflict with the world, yet as a rule, obedience to the Lord will improve all our relationships. We as Christians are admonished to live peaceably with all men. If the gospel of Christ could break down the wall of hatred that existed between Jew and Gentile, it can resolve whatever difficulties exist between brethren. I don’t usually quote Longfellow, but he said, "All your strength is in your union. All your danger is in discord; therefore be at peace henceforward, and as brothers live together.” Unity cannot exist where there is selfishness and pride. If we are to achieve peace with others, we must have the humility of Christ.
to be continued……
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—JOY
As we continue our discussion on living LIFE BY THE SPIRIT we now look at the attribute of JOY. Our focus verses are Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
We live in a world that is full of crime, disorder and disappointment. We see daily accounts of horrific crime and for some of us the economy has had a devastating effect on our everyday life and on our plans for the future. Some have lost jobs and remain out of work, others have had their salaries reduced and many within our community of faith face loss of their homes.
Many who do not have a personal relationship with Christ try desperately to convince themselves that they are happy. They fool everyone but themselves. Or they know they are not happy and try to drown their sorrow in drinking, drugs, sports, work or something else to keep their minds off their unhappiness. We believe there is only one kind of true, lasting, joy: Christian Joy.
Others are church members, but find no reason for joy. Because of the weakness of their faith, and the temptations that so easily beset, some have a hard time seeing the joy of salvation.
I’d like to share some of the sources for our Christian joy.
Joy is a consequence of faith.
Joy comes from having a confident trust in God.
Without faith in God and Christ, we cannot experience abiding joy.
Faith is essential to joy because it dispels the attitudes that prevent joy from occurring. Attitudes such as worry, doubt and fear evaporate in the presence of faith.
Joy is also a result of obedience.
Obedience to the Word of God fosters joy in the heart of the obedient.
Conversely, disobedience dispels joy and produces fear. Hebrews 10:26-27, If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Lack of joy could be an indication of a lack of obedience.
Joy is based on forgiveness.
The guilt of sin is a major reason many people lack joy.
Awareness of such guilt causes stress, unhappiness, and worry.
Even as Paul illustrated in describing his condition as one struggling with the problem of sin. Romans 7:22-24, For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
But where there is forgiveness, there can be joy! When you get a chance read the 32nd Psalm of David.
If you have not yet received the forgiveness found only in Christ, there is no way to experience the abiding joy that comes only in the Lord.
Joy also comes from Christian fellowship.
Paul experienced joy by witnessing love and fellowship in Philemon 1:7 says, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Are you developing and nurturing the kind of Christian fellowship that adds to your joy?
Joy comes from Christian service.
There is the joy of spreading the gospel.
Barnabas rejoiced in the conversions at Antioch in Acts 11:20-23.
The Christian Jews delighted to hear of the conversion of the Gentiles in Acts 15:3.
There is great joy in seeing the spiritual progress of others. To watch as others come to know our Lord and grow in the Lord.
Joy comes from giving.
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Every believer that is willing to become involved in serving the Lord, whether it be through teaching or the giving of one's time, energy or money, will experience joy from such service!
The theme of the epistle of Galatians is Christian freedom. Regardless of the circumstances of life, believers should be able to rejoice or have joy in the freedom that is in Jesus Christ.
We have joy because of our place in Christ
We have joy because of our purpose in life.
We have joy because of our perspective of eternity.
The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. This is why it is so important that every Christian have some level of God’s joy operating through them in this life. Without God’s joy operating in your life, things can begin to dry up. Nothing is ever fun anymore. Living life by the Spirit is living a joyful life, a life blessed with the joy of salvation.
To be continued….
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
We live in a world that is full of crime, disorder and disappointment. We see daily accounts of horrific crime and for some of us the economy has had a devastating effect on our everyday life and on our plans for the future. Some have lost jobs and remain out of work, others have had their salaries reduced and many within our community of faith face loss of their homes.
Many who do not have a personal relationship with Christ try desperately to convince themselves that they are happy. They fool everyone but themselves. Or they know they are not happy and try to drown their sorrow in drinking, drugs, sports, work or something else to keep their minds off their unhappiness. We believe there is only one kind of true, lasting, joy: Christian Joy.
Others are church members, but find no reason for joy. Because of the weakness of their faith, and the temptations that so easily beset, some have a hard time seeing the joy of salvation.
I’d like to share some of the sources for our Christian joy.
Joy is a consequence of faith.
Joy comes from having a confident trust in God.
Without faith in God and Christ, we cannot experience abiding joy.
Faith is essential to joy because it dispels the attitudes that prevent joy from occurring. Attitudes such as worry, doubt and fear evaporate in the presence of faith.
Joy is also a result of obedience.
Obedience to the Word of God fosters joy in the heart of the obedient.
Conversely, disobedience dispels joy and produces fear. Hebrews 10:26-27, If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Lack of joy could be an indication of a lack of obedience.
Joy is based on forgiveness.
The guilt of sin is a major reason many people lack joy.
Awareness of such guilt causes stress, unhappiness, and worry.
Even as Paul illustrated in describing his condition as one struggling with the problem of sin. Romans 7:22-24, For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
But where there is forgiveness, there can be joy! When you get a chance read the 32nd Psalm of David.
If you have not yet received the forgiveness found only in Christ, there is no way to experience the abiding joy that comes only in the Lord.
Joy also comes from Christian fellowship.
Paul experienced joy by witnessing love and fellowship in Philemon 1:7 says, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Are you developing and nurturing the kind of Christian fellowship that adds to your joy?
Joy comes from Christian service.
There is the joy of spreading the gospel.
Barnabas rejoiced in the conversions at Antioch in Acts 11:20-23.
The Christian Jews delighted to hear of the conversion of the Gentiles in Acts 15:3.
There is great joy in seeing the spiritual progress of others. To watch as others come to know our Lord and grow in the Lord.
Joy comes from giving.
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Every believer that is willing to become involved in serving the Lord, whether it be through teaching or the giving of one's time, energy or money, will experience joy from such service!
The theme of the epistle of Galatians is Christian freedom. Regardless of the circumstances of life, believers should be able to rejoice or have joy in the freedom that is in Jesus Christ.
We have joy because of our place in Christ
We have joy because of our purpose in life.
We have joy because of our perspective of eternity.
The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. This is why it is so important that every Christian have some level of God’s joy operating through them in this life. Without God’s joy operating in your life, things can begin to dry up. Nothing is ever fun anymore. Living life by the Spirit is living a joyful life, a life blessed with the joy of salvation.
To be continued….
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—LOVE
In our previous discussions on what it means to live life in the Spirit we discovered that it was necessary to turn away from our old dead life and its personality and embrace a walk toward what God wants us to be. We began to understand that God desires to impart into us the attributes of His personality through the work of the Holy Spirit. These attributes are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These attributes should not be an occasional manifestation in our lives rather they should be so evident in our interaction with the world that, because of them, the world will know we are Christians. Let’s take them in the order they are presented to us in these verses. The first is Love.
I guess if we were to rank all of the fruits in these two verses in order of possible importance, the quality of love would have to rank number one. This may be why it is the first listed in verse 22.
Here are some of the different definitions on what love is from the different Bible dictionaries and commentaries:
1. Unselfish, benevolent concern for another; brotherly concern; the object of brotherly concern or affection
2. The self-denying, self-sacrificing, Christ-like love which is the foundation of all other graces
3. Unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the well being of another
4. The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people
5. To love, to have affection for someone; to like; to be a friend; the love of brothers for each other
One of the main themes that you will find as you study the Bible is the extreme importance that God’s Word places on love. The Bible teaches the importance of every believer learning how to love God, love your brothers and sisters in Christ and even to go as far as being able to love your enemies and those who will try and harm you. You all know God expects this to be a quality of your Christian life but we also understand that our abilities as fallen humans to love one another are very limited. This is why it is so important for each of us to work closely with the Holy Spirit to get this fruit or attribute worked into the very core of our personalities. It is only when the love of the Holy Spirit starts to flow and enter into your personality that you can even begin to love God, love yourself, and love one another to the degree and to the intensity that God would like to see from each one of us. Due to the extreme importance of love becoming a part of your personality you must allow the Holy Spirit to move on you to impart this quality into your mind, soul and emotions. Love is an extremely important part of your walk with Christ.
You can be the greatest person of God and have some of the greatest gifts of God flowing through you – but if you are not walking with all of this in the spirit of love and humility, it will have all been for naught. I guess the most familiar chapter in the Bible about love is 1 Corinthians 13.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This type of love was one of the motivating reasons behind our confession and repentance that has led us to the 51+1 theme. As we found ourselves surrounded by such a people as the people of La Mora, a people of great need, it was easy to love them. They were so grateful and appreciative of our generosity, they were so welcoming of our visitation in their village and they were willing to listen to us as we shared the Good News with them. It was easy to demonstrate to them the quality of love listed in this passage.
But what about here at home?
• How patient has your love for others been the last few week?
• How kind have you been in trying situations?
• Have you found that you have been self-seeking, seeking what you want rather than what love demands?
• Has it been easy for you to become angry with those that don’t act like you think they should?
• Have you said in your heart, I’ll remember what you said and what you did, keeping a record of wrongs?
• Have you failed in loving others?
I challenge you this week to seek ways to live out this passage. Allow the Holy Spirit to make love a part of your personality.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
These attributes should not be an occasional manifestation in our lives rather they should be so evident in our interaction with the world that, because of them, the world will know we are Christians. Let’s take them in the order they are presented to us in these verses. The first is Love.
I guess if we were to rank all of the fruits in these two verses in order of possible importance, the quality of love would have to rank number one. This may be why it is the first listed in verse 22.
Here are some of the different definitions on what love is from the different Bible dictionaries and commentaries:
1. Unselfish, benevolent concern for another; brotherly concern; the object of brotherly concern or affection
2. The self-denying, self-sacrificing, Christ-like love which is the foundation of all other graces
3. Unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the well being of another
4. The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people
5. To love, to have affection for someone; to like; to be a friend; the love of brothers for each other
One of the main themes that you will find as you study the Bible is the extreme importance that God’s Word places on love. The Bible teaches the importance of every believer learning how to love God, love your brothers and sisters in Christ and even to go as far as being able to love your enemies and those who will try and harm you. You all know God expects this to be a quality of your Christian life but we also understand that our abilities as fallen humans to love one another are very limited. This is why it is so important for each of us to work closely with the Holy Spirit to get this fruit or attribute worked into the very core of our personalities. It is only when the love of the Holy Spirit starts to flow and enter into your personality that you can even begin to love God, love yourself, and love one another to the degree and to the intensity that God would like to see from each one of us. Due to the extreme importance of love becoming a part of your personality you must allow the Holy Spirit to move on you to impart this quality into your mind, soul and emotions. Love is an extremely important part of your walk with Christ.
You can be the greatest person of God and have some of the greatest gifts of God flowing through you – but if you are not walking with all of this in the spirit of love and humility, it will have all been for naught. I guess the most familiar chapter in the Bible about love is 1 Corinthians 13.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This type of love was one of the motivating reasons behind our confession and repentance that has led us to the 51+1 theme. As we found ourselves surrounded by such a people as the people of La Mora, a people of great need, it was easy to love them. They were so grateful and appreciative of our generosity, they were so welcoming of our visitation in their village and they were willing to listen to us as we shared the Good News with them. It was easy to demonstrate to them the quality of love listed in this passage.
But what about here at home?
• How patient has your love for others been the last few week?
• How kind have you been in trying situations?
• Have you found that you have been self-seeking, seeking what you want rather than what love demands?
• Has it been easy for you to become angry with those that don’t act like you think they should?
• Have you said in your heart, I’ll remember what you said and what you did, keeping a record of wrongs?
• Have you failed in loving others?
I challenge you this week to seek ways to live out this passage. Allow the Holy Spirit to make love a part of your personality.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
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