I have Secondary Progressive MS and have lived with the disease for twenty seven years. I have been under the care of a physician and neurologist for the past thirteen years. To this day, the only treatment that I have received is medication to relieve pain. Every two weeks, $300 is spent at the Pharmacist. I take high levels of…
Romans 8:26-29Romans 8:26-29
English: World English Bible - WEB
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. The word for “brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.”
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One of the most common Bible verses that gets quoted is, “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28Romans 8:28
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28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
WP-Bible plugin). At least that’s the one people give me. Unfortunately the theology of this verse has been lost in the whole mentality of self; a poor theology.
Let’s start with this question: Who, or what is the subject of these verses? There are two choices, me or God. It has long been interpreted a “me” being the subject. After all, isn’t the Bible all about me? (cynicism intended) .
God is the subject, He’s the main person. In the previous verses (Romans 8:26-27Romans 8:26-27
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26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
WP-Bible plugin) it is talking about how the Spirit, the one that has breathed a new life into us, giving us a new nature, and placed that life into the family of God, he is the one that has taken up residence in my life and yours. In fact, he’s so close that in times when we come to God with a heart ache or need and land up not even knowing what to say, the Spirit steps in and tells God what it is that I really need. He speaks words on our behalf (Romans 8:27Romans 8:27
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27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
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Don’t lose track of who the main person is here? Paul has just said that the Spirit was the main person in verse 27 by telling us how in tune and closely tied the Spirit is connected to our new self.
What’s happening here? I mean what is the one big point? It is simply this: God’s desire for us, more than anything else is for us to have a close relationship with Him. And the Spirit is there helping us make that happen. In fact what He’s telling the Father (verse 27) is what you and I absolutely need to improve that relationship.
And then Romans 8:28Romans 8:28
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28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
WP-Bible plugin, the Spirit, Father, Son and you, the greatest synergy team ever, take every thing in our life and constantly mould it into what is the ultimate good. The good, in the Father’s opinion, is our relationship with him. And it’s true, the Triune God can take our hurts and use it in combination with everything in our life and make a contribution to God’s plan for our life.
Here’s my point: If it’s true that God always has our best interest in mind, then it also makes sense to walk as closely with the Spirit as possible and take time each day to get to know Christ and speak with your Father. Don’t go a day without spending time with the family.
(reprinted by permission)
Christians that live a life of servanthood get the best out of life.
Years ago our family decided to become a foster home. God soon sent a teenager, Joanne, to us. This was her first foster home from a background of tragedy and pain. We stepped into Joanne’s gap of a healthy home and sought to do our best to provide safety, love, and care.
It was a new situation for all of us and soon ended in what I thought was failure. A new home for her was provided within a few months. Fifteen years passed. Then I received a Facebook message from Joanne. Her words blew me away! We had not failed and our investment had paid great dividends:
“I just wanted to send you a little note to let you know that I appreciate every day you spent with me….
[read more on the Insight For Living Canada Website] Comments on their website are appreciated.
Revelation 2:12-17Revelation 2:12-17
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12 “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write:
“He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13 “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise TR reads “which I hate” instead of “likewise”.
16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, Manna is supernatural food, named after the Hebrew for “What is it?”. See . and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.
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What is normal Christian living?
I have heard it often. An individual that i am witnessing to will We may look a particular person and see them as a fine Christian Often when I look, think, “If that’s Christianity, I’d rather not be one.” Our back-patting each other has lowered our idea of normal Christian living.
How distant are you from that? Somehow lost power? Somehow stopped spiritual growth? How did it happen? Answer found in this Church.
Read Rev.2:12-17
Capital City of Asia. Noted for worship of many Greek gods, including Athena & Zeus. Home of a great university & library (200,000 books). Books became gift from Mark Anthony to Cleopatra, who carried them off to Egypt.
“where Satan has his throne.” Religion was big business there, most of them directed by Satan. His headquarters were there. Headquarters have moved. He’s not in hell, he’s “prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:81 Peter 5:8
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8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
WP-Bible plugin). But the atmosphere in Pergamum was charged with the presence of Satan.
“words of him who has the sharp, double edged sword.”
To this city that is overrun by the occult, Jesus introduces himself as one with a sword. Jesus presents Himself as conqueror, victor.
While Satan may have liberties right now, his time is coming, he knows it & so doing all he can now. Jesus is inviting you to stay on the victory side.
1. “I know where you live” Tough place for Christians. Occult & Paganism.
They were a small Church with limited resources. Jesus knew it & commended them. Pergamum needed the gospel. Needed truth.
2. “Yet you remain true to my name.” They could not be criticized for their doctrine. They believed & defended the Deity of Jesus Christ.
3. “You did not renounce your faith in me.” There were those that were faithful to death. Antipas is mentioned, 1st Pergamum martyr. Many others followed that fearlessly stood for the gospel.
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you” The problem wasn’t that they rejected or denied Christ, more so, it was that they did not reject other teachings. They were embracing the occult, they were permitting lifestyles of the world. It came to the point that they lived no differently than the world.Except Church on Sunday=hypocrite.
They had compromised with the world! They looked at the appeal the world has to offer, and decided to incorporate it with their faith. In fact, they had to tell Christ to step aside.
1. Teaching of Balaam (14)
“You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam,”
(cf.Num.22) In brief, the Israelites had settled in the plains of Moab. This unsettled Balak, King of Moab, & so he summoned Balaam, somewhat of a prophet, & offered to pay Balaam to curse the nation of Israel. After prompting, Balaam agreed. Every time his mouth opened to curse, out came a blessing.
Balaam then counseled Balak to seduce the children of Israel into accepting Moabite ways of life & religion.
2. Teaching of the Nicolaitans (15)
“you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans”
Different group, same problem. Nicolaitans believed you could live an adulterous life, and there would be no negative effect in your relationship to Christ.
The only time the Christian has the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit at his disposal is when he is obedient to the will of God.
When he disobeys God and makes alliances with the world, he is entering into a powerless state that will ruin him.
Those that study Church history see an excellent example of this.
We talked last week of the great persecution that came over the Church by way of the Roman Emperors. When Constantine became emperor in 312 AD, that changed. In fact, Christianity became state religion, and Constantine became the head of the Church.
It was then Constantine’s ambition that every person be Christian. Much money was given for operation for Churches. At same time, toleration was given to other religions, their ideas so that they would cooperate with the Roman State Religion. Many of the practices of the Pagans were embraced by Constantine & made law. The first thing he established was the question, “Who is a Christian?” He came up with the idea, “Baptism”. After making it law, Constantine was gripped with a personal question, “If I am saved from my sins by baptism, what is to become of my sins which I may commit after I am baptized? Can baptism wash away yet uncommitted sins? His fear prompted him to wait until weeks before death for baptism. (Call upon the name of the Lord, saved. Jn.3:16)
Throughout this, the Church stood opposed to implementation of pagan practices to their faith. Most of the died defending their faith. The state Church became a mighty machine but without power.
To this I say, “Stay true to the Word!” Let us not tolerate sin and the lifestyle of the sinful to become the norm in our Church. Let us declare war on our personal sin. Let us not become satisfied with living below the norm. Let us not become back-patters of others that have taken upon themselves the lifestyle of sinners.
Let us spur one another on to godliness. (Heb.10:24) Let us encourage one another to press on to maturity in Christ.
Draw picture of Christian Growth. Is there an obstacle that is hindering you? Declare war on it. Be obedient. Invite people to pray that you will have strength. Just do it. Without obedience there is no growth. To live with that obstacle there is no growth. To commend someone at an impasse is embracing that sin.
A word to our leaders. 100% of our leaders must be involved in Bible Study and Prayer group. Without it, not spiritually suited to lead.
E. Christ’s Counsel (16)
1. “Repent.” Have a change of mind that results in change of action.
- “I will soon come to fight against them…” Trib. Church full.
2. “I will give hidden manna.” - Spiritual nourishment.
3. “I will give him a white stone” Stand trial, jurors would publish their vote on the case by laying down a white stone, signifying that they acquitted him of the crime. Jesus will give you a white stone. Put your trust in him, forgiven.
Is there a road block to your spiritual growth? What is it that the Lord would have you do? Is there an area of compromise that you’ve let become a part of your life?
1 John 3:11 John 3:1
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3
1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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Here are the TOP 10 INVENTIONS our world has seen (according to a list I found a few years back)
The reason I’ve done this is to help us imagine the thrill of inventing something. The experience of a discovery that you know will impact people. That’s the Apostle John’s experience. He’s bursting to let you know this.
1 John 3 1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
LOOK WHAT I SEE!
“KJV – Behold” “wow”
John is ready to describe a most incredible experience. After about 80 years on this earth, this finds its way to the apex of John’s thoughts, rising above all the rest. A discovery that overshadows all the rest. The thought he wants to hang on to, motivating all he is.
IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD!
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us.” “KJV – what manner” This is not your ordinary discovery. It boggles his mind just to think about it. When he discovered it, he just wanted to linger. Ever been there?
The only discovery I can think of relates to my dad. Aron was born in the village of Orenberg, Russia, on August 10, 1918st 10, 1918
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Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!
WP-Bible plugin, the youngest of 13 children. This was just about the time that Communism was forcing its way into Russia (the Bolshevik Revolution). The Christians were being severely persecuted by the Communists. To avoid persecution, my dad, as a 4 year old immigrated to Canada. As a teen he discovered that his Canadian father was actually his cousin (Bernard Peters) and that his father was Isaak Klassen. Thus began the search for his family. Anyone. After about 40 years, a few pieces of the puzzle began to trickle in. His father, my real grandfather was starved to death by the communists and a few other siblings had found their way out of Russia but their names and whereabouts were unknown. Only after communism fell, did family start to come out and puzzle completed. After 70 years, of searching, my Dad met his brother. What a discovery.
John’s discovery goes far beyond ours. It’s a discovery about God.
There was the day that Jesus was in a boat with his disciples and a great storm arose. Jesus stood and rebuked the wind and the waves and it became completely calm. The men were amazed. Matthew 8:27Matthew 8:27
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27 The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
WP-Bible plugin “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” “What manner of love….Wow. It’s out of this world!”
THINK OF JOHN’S SPIRITUAL HIGHLIGHTS:
THE LOVE OF GOD:
“Lavished” = extravagance, excessive, wasteful, openhanded.
Romans 8:38Romans 8:38
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38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
WP-Bible plugin “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” You cannot escape God’s love for you.Romans 5:8Romans 5:8
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8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
WP-Bible plugin “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Chad was a shy, quiet boy. One day he came home from school and announced to his mother that he wanted to make a valentine card for every fellow classmate. His mother, being much more in tuned with the class setting, wished her son would not do this, knowing he was going to be let down in the end. She knew the children made fun of her son and would often ignore him. Chad labored for two weeks, carefully designing and creating 35 valentine cards. On Valentines Day, Chad was beside himself with excitement. Packaged his cards and bolted out the door.
During the day his mother made him some nice cookies to ease the pain a little. She watched for his return home. The bus stopped near their home and she watched the children getting off the bus, arms full of cards, and then her son came off, and as she expected his arms empty.
Chad came through the front door and Mom said, “Hey Chad, I made you your favorite cookies. He marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: “Not a one. Not a one.” Her heart sank. And then he added, “I didn’t forget a one, not a single one.”
While we were yet sinners, Christ loved you so much that He gave his life for you.
John 3:16John 3:16
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16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
WP-Bible plugin “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This love, the Love of God:
Wait a minute, God doesn’t love me…there’s no evidence for it. Two blueberry farmers were talking at harvest time. One had a great crop while the other suffered. God doesn’t love me. Not true. God does not settle all His accounts in July.
We have diluted the love of God, replacing grace with a works related love relationship. You don’t have to attend Church, give money, be good etc. etc. for God to love you. This is a love you can not possibly earn. It is not by our righteousness that we earn God’s love. God loves you.
John 1:12John 1:12
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12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
WP-Bible plugin “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
We had 300 kids here this week for our Summer Day Camp. We love them. Not one I was willing to hand the right to be my child. You see, I have a different love depth.
In a small town in Spain, a father had a bitter argument with his young son Paco. The next day the father discovered that Paco’s bed was empty – he had run away from home. Overcome with remorse, the father searched his should and realized that his son was more important to him than anything else. He went to the town center and posted a large sign that read, “Paco, come home. I love you. Meet me here tomorrow morning. The next morning the father went to the store, where he found no less than 7 young boys named Paco who had also run away from home. They were all answered the call for love, each hoping it was his dad inviting him home with open arms.
God’s posted a sign with your name on it. “I love you. Come home.”
John 15:5John 15:5
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5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
WP-Bible plugin “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life.
Do you want to accomplish something for God? Do you want to make a difference in His Kingdom? Do you want to make an impact in people’s lives? Do you want to live God’s purpose for you life? It starts by recognizing that God loves you. Embrace His love. Stop the activity, like this old apostle, and be mesmerized by God’s love. Allow that love to melt away the crust of self and pride and intellect and come back to that first and most motivating force. That Jesus loves me.
Rather than judging, love them like Jesus.
How Shall We Respond?
Embrace God’s love for you.
Radiate God’s love to others.
Worship Him.
1 John 3:11 John 3:1
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1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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College Exam. “Write all you know about the Holy Spirit & the Devil.” “I had no time for the devil” Is that a description of your Christian life? I Am My Father’s Child
Born into a new family. Love, Trust, Respect
I have a tender relationship with him
Proverbs 3:12Proverbs 3:12
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12 For whom Yahweh loves, he reproves;
Even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
WP-Bible plugin “Whom the LORD loves he corrects, just as a father the son in whom He delights.” Generally we don’t enjoy lessons of life…Chores. Disobedience = punishment.
1. How Does God Train His Children?
Hebrews 12 talks about “fixing our eyes on Jesus” (start and end with God). In v.6 it says that “the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” All God’s children are walking through training / discipline. Take time for God later?
2. Why Be Glad?
Hebrews 12:5Hebrews 12:5
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5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children,
“My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by him;
WP-Bible plugin “the Lord disciplines those He loves.” I was 17, caught smoking. Heard Mom & Dad crying and praying.
Punishment? No question of love. No control.
3. The Goal of Discipline
Hebrews 12:11Hebrews 12:11
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11 All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.
WP-Bible plugin – “No Discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” We make mistakes in discipline, not Father.
Matt.7:9-11
I believe that the Heavenly Father will never disappoint His children. He will supply our needs….sometimes much different than our wants.
What kind of needs do we have?
Basic Physical Needs (Matt.6:31-32)
Knowing How to Pray (Rom 8:26Rom 8:26
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26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
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Overcoming Worry (1 Peter 5:71 Peter 5:7
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7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
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Coping With Trials (James 1:5James 1:5
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5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
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Facing Pressures (2 Cor.1:8-11)
1. What hope keeps people going day by day?
Pay-check. Day off. Vacation. Relationship. Promotion. Recognition. false hope?
2. Why do we have reason to hope?
I Am My Father’s Child! We have:
Been given eternal life & freed from Satan’s grip (Ephesians 2:1-7Ephesians 2:1-7
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2
1 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience;
3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ ,
6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
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Assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Rom 8:35-39Rom 8:35-39
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35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Promise of forgiveness and restored to a close relationship with God. (1 Jn 1:51 Jn 1:5
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5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
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Promise of a purposeful life (Jn 10:10Jn 10:10
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10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
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That’s just while we’re here on this earth. We have heaven to look forward to. Reunited with loved ones. Relief from every sorrow.
1 Peter 1:14-171 Peter 1:14-17
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14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,
15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;
16 because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.”
17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as strangers here in reverent fear:
WP-Bible plugin “As obedient children, …be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’ …conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.”
1. What do we expect from our children?
Proper respect, listen. Express love.
2. What does God want from us?
a. He desires our love most of all. Greatest Command, Matt.22:36 “love the Lord your God. Don’t just go through actions…tell him.
b. He deserves honor. (Doxa / Doxology) Reverence. Applaud for who He is. Giving His due. How do we show it? Time, Talent, Resources
c. He wants us to imitate Him. If I would introduce you to a family member, the first thing you would do is look for family resemblance. 1 John 3:11 John 3:1
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1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
WP-Bible plugin0 “this is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God.” We look like God’s children when we obey. “Not everyone that says, ‘LORD, LORD’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Mtt.7:21). When a person says, ”I am a son of God,” we should expect that his life will have at least some trace of the character of God.
I Am My Father’s Child
1 John 3:11 John 3:1
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1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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Have you looked deeply at someone’s face lately? Not just in passing, but to look long and hard.
Artists do: they carefully study the face for nuances to include in their portraits.
Lovers do: the blush of new love brings long looks into the face of the loved.
Parents do: the face of a newborn is irresistible (especially when they sleep).
For me, Tuesday, I rushed down to Abbotsford, MSA Hospital, where Dad lay recovering from a bad fall. Not much to do but look into each others’ eyes. While I was at the hospital, one of our friends gave birth to their first child. I went there and held that child and looked into Madeline’s eyes. I saw her tenderness, beauty, innocence. Just simply to look at her face.
The Bible speaks often about God’s face.
(1) To have God "turn his face" from us shows his displeasure and rejection (Ps 13:1; 34:16Ps 13:1; 34:16
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For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.
1 How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
16 Yahweh’s face is against those who do evil,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
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(2) For his "face to shine upon" us is to bask in his pleasure and blessing (Ps.67:1; 80:3).
(3) To "seek his face" is to pursue what is good and right (Ps. 17:15; 119:58Ps. 17:15; 119:58
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15 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
58 I sought your favor with my whole heart.
Be merciful to me according to your word.
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(4) But to "see" the face of God … that is eternal! "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever " Rev. 22:4-5Rev. 22:4-5
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4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
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Have you looked deeply at the face of God lately? That’s the privilege of His children.
I am My Father’s Child.
F = Family Status. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Born Again, adopted into the family of God.
A = Access Through Prayer.
Matt. 6:9Matt. 6:9
English: World English Bible - WEB
9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
WP-Bible plugin “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name.”
Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 4:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
WP-Bible plugin “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.”
An incredible thought
Incredible thoughts for those listening to these words for the first time. The Scriptures tell us that we have direct access to the Heavenly Father. Jesus taught us to pray… (Abba = “Daddy”).
The OT emphasizes God’s awesome holiness to such a degree that God seemed unapproachable. Scribes struggled to write Jehovah. High Priest entered the Holy of holies annually, chained at the ankle lest he die in God’s holy presence.
But when Jesus paid the debt for our sin on the cross of Calvary, the curtain was torn in two, forever. We can walk right in. No appointments. Only prerequisite is family. The Father awaits your visit.
Have you looked deeply at the face of God lately? Imagine my father awaiting my visit. “I watered your flowers, mowed your lawn, dad.” Good, what about sitting face to face.
Little Madeline…”set up a University fund, built a crib, bought toys…” longs to see face. Hear our words of affection.
How do you sit face to face with God?
1. Family Status
2. Pick a time to sit.
3. Read His Word
4. Listen. Write down a thought or two
5. Commit to Obey
6. Pray for others
I Am My Father’s Child
Family Status
Access through Prayer
1 John 3:11 John 3:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
3
1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!”
I’m thrilled to be my Aron Peters’ child. He made it easy for me to embrace the Christian faith. Not by what he told me, guidelines he enforced. He did it by building bridges throughout the challenges, pitfalls and temptations that we all encounter. After building the bridge, he would cross over it and show me how. With Dad, I discovered what it meant to be unconditionally loved, accepted, valued and forgiven. To this day I often hear my father tell my, “I love you.”
When Dad told me about the Heavenly Father, how I could trust Him, how He loves me, accepts, values and forgives me, it was an easy bridge to cross. Dad had crossed it before me and modeled God’s love.
J.I. Packer said, “If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of having God as his Father.”
Flippant.Yeah, kinda’ neat. Awestruck?
The greatest truth to comprehend is that God loves you…to the depth that He wants to recognize you as His child. (Norm Day)
This morning I want to begin describing what it means for us to be God’s child.
1. Why do we need to become part of another family?
Impressions of an orphanage in Bolivia will never be forgotten. Imagine those children trying to convince me that their present family was just great. Yet they did need a different family if there was to be any hope or future. All around us we see a world that is offering little hope and future. Abuse, divorce, anger, lawlessness, alcohol & drugs… the list goes on… all on the increase.
Reason is that this world is being dominated by a heartless tyrant. He’s the Devil, Satan, prince of this world (Jn.12:31). He blinds the minds of men to believe that they’re happy with this world, and he throws the Christians minds into a state of complacency and self-centeredness. Putting all our care and trust and hope into this world is like investing all we have in BRE-X. We are either children of God or children of the Devil (1Jn3:10). The end of the road for the devil and his children is hell. We need to become part of another family.
1 Kings 18:16-211 Kings 18:16-21
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 It happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, Is it you, you troubler of Israel?
18 He answered, I have not troubled Israel; but you, and your father’s house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Yahweh, and you have followed the Baals.
19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, who eat at Jezebel’s table.
20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel.
21 Elijah came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you waver between the two sides? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people answered him not a word.
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Elijah and the prophets of Baal
(17) Is that you, you troubler…?
(18) You have abandoned the Lord…
Intentions are not good enough
You are called upon today to take sides
(21) “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
“The people said nothing.”
That’s not good enough
We’re called upon today, be a follower
We need to be part of a new family because the world’s family is without hope and payday’s a comin’. Who can deny that we may have to pay our dues today.
2. What has God done to bring us into His family?
(a) He invites us to be born again. (Nicodemus, Jn.3:3)…leading up to 3:16
He revives a dead spirit.
(b) Adoption. (Eph. 1:5Eph. 1:5
English: World English Bible - WEB
5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,
WP-Bible plugin…predestined to be adopted as His sons, through Jesus Christ)
Rebirth brings new spiritual life.
Adoption brings new spiritual relationship.
In our adoption story, there are no victims, no heartbreak stories. God is our creator, we were lost because of sin, adopted back into the family where we belong. When the adoption is complete, all heaven rejoices because you’ve come home!
Images are burned deeply into our memory — babies & young children sitting in cribs is a stark, ill-equipped Romanian orphanage. Nicolae Ceausescu (1989), fallen, but conditions were awful. Malnutrition, disease, and death. Compassion from around the world was lavished upon these people: food, money, medicine. But the most dramatic effort of love was made by those who struggled through the red tape to adopt the orphans. Instead of being children of a ruthless government, they became children of parents who longed to love them and provide for them a life with hope and a future.
I AM MY FATHER’S CHILD
1 John 3:11 John 3:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
3
1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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“Behold” (oida) “wow”
John is ready to describe a most incredible experience. After 80 years on this earth, this finds its way to the apex of John’s thoughts, rising above all the rest. A discovery that overshadows all the rest. The thought he wants to hang on to, motivating all he is.
In this one word, he summarizes the firsts words of 1 John 1:11 John 1:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
John’s First Letter
1
1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life
WP-Bible plugin. This is reality.
“what manner” (potaros) This is not your ordinary discovery. It boggles his mind just to think about it. When he discovered it, he just wanted to linger.
You’ve had this experience… A couple weeks ago, at the beach, late in the night went & laid on the dock, looked at the stars…milky way, shooting stars, satellites, Mars, Venus, Big & Little Dipper. Wow. Out of this world.
John’s discovery goes beyond that type of discovery. It’s a discovery about God.
Matthew 8:27Matthew 8:27
English: World English Bible - WEB
27 The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
WP-Bible plugin “But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
Think of John’s Spiritual Highlights:
First day He meets Jesus
The day he recognizes Jesus as Messiah
Walking on the water…stilling storm
Feeding 4000
Last Supper
Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension
As incredible as all these discoveries were, the greatest is that God loves me…& you.
“lavished” = extravagance, excessive, wasteful, openhanded.
Romans 8:38Romans 8:38
English: World English Bible - WEB
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
WP-Bible plugin “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 5:8Romans 5:8
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
WP-Bible plugin “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 3:16John 3:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
WP-Bible plugin “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
1. It’s for me. You are the focus of His love.
Wait a minute, God doesn’t love me…there’s no evidence for it… Story of 2 farmers. God does not settle all His accounts in October.
2. It’s by grace alone (lavished {didomai})
We have diluted the love of God, replacing grace with a works related love relationship.
It is not by our righteousness that we earn God’s love in salvation, why then after salvation? God loves you.
3. It’s depth is amazing (called children God)
John 1:12John 1:12
English: World English Bible - WEB
12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
WP-Bible plugin “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
4. It precedes all I will become in Christ
John 15:5John 15:5
English: World English Bible - WEB
5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
WP-Bible plugin “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life.
We often, for the sake of keeping a program:
guilt trip people into joining.
bypass need of the person loving God.
5. It’s the basis of evangelism
(the reason the world does not know him)
Rather than judging, love them like Jesus
Embrace God’s love for you
Radiate God’s love to others
Worship Him
1John 2:18-27John 2:18-27
English: World English Bible - WEB
18 The Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?”
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 The Jews therefore said, “Forty-six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days?”
21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.
22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did.
24 But Jesus didn’t trust himself to them, because he knew everyone,
25 and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
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I’ll Walk Into Reality (1:1-4…Wake Up)
I’ll Walk Into the Light (1:5-10…Get Up / Fess Up)
I’ll Walk Like Jesus (2:1-6…Give up)
I’ll Walk With My Brother (2:7-11…Love Others)
A Walk of All Ages (2:12-14…Show Others)
A Walk on the Inside (2:15-17…Open Closets)
I Won’t Walk Alone (2:18–27…
A difficult task…someone comes with you…better?
Walking the Christian life is like cozying up to a perpetual sheet of sandpaper. Not easy. Eph.6:10
1. We’re walking in the last hour.
God’s clock is ticking. It is the last hour of the last days. We need to pull the stops and get doing what we’re supposed to be doing because Jesus is coming again. 2 Tim.3:1; 2 Peter 3:32 Peter 3:3
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts,
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2. The spirit of anti-christ is present. (cf.4:3)
Everyone that equates themselves with or elevates themselves above Jesus is living the spirit of anti-christ. John heard many say, “I am Christ” …
a. Theudas (magician) 45AD, Acts 5:36Acts 5:36
English: World English Bible - WEB
36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.
WP-Bible plugin.
“I’ll part the waters” They killed him & many of his followers. 400 followers
b. Rabbi Manachem Mendel Schneerson (1994)
1992, 90 years old. “I’m coming with the Messiah.” 100’s of neon signs on cars, billboards.
Is it possible to claim faith in Jehovah while denying Christ as God? 1 John 2:22,231 John 2:22,23
English: World English Bible - WEB
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
23 Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
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3. The Anti-christ is coming. 2 Thess. 2.
Following the Rapture of the Church the anti-Christ will be revealed.
4. Impostors are among us.
Being in a Church does not make you a Christian.
Many call themselves Christian for less than the best reasons…part of the Church for less than the best reasons.
a. A Christian is a person that has acknowledged Jesus as Lord, Adonai, Master of your life. You’ve acknowledged that by way of repentence of the sin of living your life separate from him. A turn from sin and surrendering to God through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the only way to salvation.
b. The Church is the body of Christ. Locally we are the army of God commissioned to do the work of Jesus in this community. Make disciples. We assemble to equip ourselves to go from this place. We are a consecrated people, set apart to God. We acknowledge him as our only Master and we worship Him. We love one another and build each other up in order to carry out the Great Commission. Jesus will accomplish his work in Westsyde. The amazing thing is that He will do it His way. Our only task is to yield thoroughly unto Him. Mark every day with obedience to Christ.
As we narrow our focus as to why we exist, those that were with us but did not really belong to us will reveal themselves. Draw near to God.
We can be overwhelmed by the grind…leave you defeated. You can yield yourself to God, give the battle to the Lord, and walk along, anointed walk.
3 ways a skier can get to the top.
1. Walk 2. pulled while holding rope 3. chair lift
3 ways you can try living victorious Christian life.
1. Own strength
2. Combined effort with God. Some degree of dependence upon God.
3. Only way to true victory is total dependence upon God through the Holy Spirit.
Anointing was the practice throughout history. It was the inaugural ceremony of:
1. Priests (Exodus 28:41Exodus 28:41
English: World English Bible - WEB
41 You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office.
WP-Bible plugin) “After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”
2. Kings (1 Sam. 10:11 Sam. 10:1
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10
1 Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, Isn’t it that Yahweh has anointed you to be prince over his inheritance?
WP-Bible plugin) “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?”
3. Prophets (1 Kings 19:161 Kings 19:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 and Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room.
WP-Bible plugin) “Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”
4. Things (Exodus 40:9Exodus 40:9
English: World English Bible - WEB
9 You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tent, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy.
WP-Bible plugin) ”Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.”
5. You are anointed. (2 Cor.1:21-22) “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
In the Old Testament there was the visible sign of oil being poured, for all public to see. They recognized anointing for a special purpose. Consecrated, set apart for duty.
You have been anointed, by the Holy One, at the very point of salvation, for all public to see. By their fruit you shall know them…fruit of the spirit. We have been anointed by God to carry out the work of God is Westsyde…make disciples.
Our anointing commissions us. The Holy Spirit indwelled in you guides you, teaches you, equips you, helps you stand. We yield our lives to him.
John says,“You know the truth, now yield & stand”
A man was walking…saw in the distant a person pumping furiously at a hand pump. He continued at a tremendous, absolutely tireless rate. Remarkable sight. As he got closer, saw it was not a man, but a wooden figure painted like a man. The hand pumping was hinged at elbow to a handle. The water was pouring forth, but not because the figure was pumping it. You see, it was an artesian well, & the water was pumping the man.
You are anointed by the Holy One. Hinge your heart to him and watch him work through you.
There was a crisis at New Life Mission. Work was going to stop…Churches were to pray. Monday a man walked in & asked about financial need. 100, 300 & 800,000 need. I’ll take it all (interest free). Here’s an extra 150…
Yield to God. Pray. He’ll accomplish his purpose in your life, family and city. We will become a Disciple Making Church.
1 John 2:12-141 John 2:12-14
English: World English Bible - WEB
12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
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This brief portion is somewhat like a parenthesis in the passage. As though John is taking a little time to encourage, set things in perspective.
(6x in this portion; 11x in book)
1. 1:4 “We write this to make our joy complete”
JOY IN LIVING. God’s Word brings it.
2. 2:1 “I write so that you will not sin”
VICTORY IN LIVING. God’s Word brings it.
3. 5:12 “We write so that you will know…”
CONFIDENCE IN LIVING. God’s Word…
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2Tim.3:16
1. Who are they?
a. (12) (teknia) => Infant>someone new in faith
b. (13c) (paidia)=> Immature>need discipleship
Who are they?
All believers. We are the children of God. None of us can stand and say we’ve arrived in the faith. When we put our face in God’s Word, measure ourselves aside Christ, We’re immature, in need of discipleship.
New Believers.
Immature Believers. Struggling in the faith
2. What wisdom or encouragement is offered?
a. You’re forgiven. (12) To the immature in the faith, God says you’re forgiven. How can you be so sure? Because it’s on God’s account, not yours or mine. My accounts empty. Grace alone.
(3:23) => believe in the name of his Son, Jesus
(5:13) => who believe in the name of the Son
(5:1) => who believes that Jesus is the Christ…
(1:7) => the blood of Jesus…purifies…
Your forgiven. The payment came from God’s account. By grace alone.
b. You’ve known the Father from beginning (13)
Because of forgiveness, you can have fellowship. Do you want to know God, have a relationship? It begins with conversion…sin confessed & forgiven.
1. Who are they? They have been born again; Word of God lives in them and they’re experiencing victory over the devil through God’s Word & a life of faith. They are full of strength, ready and eager to do the work that God has before them. The Mission of God is important.
2. What wisdom or encouragement is offered?
a. Victory is your experience when under Christ’s leadership. Claim victory in Christ.
b. You will overcome the evil one.
John 16:33John 16:33
English: World English Bible - WEB
33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
WP-Bible plugin “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Rom 8:31Rom 8:31
English: World English Bible - WEB
31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
WP-Bible plugin If God is for us, who can be against us?
1. Who are they?
They are not recognized for their age, duty or position. Rather, it is a recognition of honor placed upon them by others because of their spiritual maturity. They model godliness.
Gal.5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.”
1 Timothy 3:11 Timothy 3:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
3
1 This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer Or, bishop, he desires a good work.
WP-Bible plugin “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. (2) Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, (3) not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (4) He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (5) (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) (6) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
(7) He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”
2. What wisdom or encouragement is offered?
Live your faith. You’ve known Christ from the beginning, show it in your life. Be an example in your godliness. Equip the younger through the love of Christ.
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