E.P.I.C. Word of Truth
Eternal Power In Christ – Relevant Life Changing Truth (John 1:12)
There’s Something About the Risen Life: Part 2
There is a profound and foundational truth we need to grasp as believers in Jesus Christ: When we were saved, something radical happened. We were not just given the way to heaven, no, we were made new. There’s just something about the risen life.
In this morning’s message, we learned that we need to:
- Seek the things above with all your heart.
- Slay the sins that entangle you.
- Stop the old patterns of behavior that belong to your former life.
In this evening’s message we will see how we have:
- Something to Start
- Something to Settle
- Something to Surrender
The Bible says in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In Colossians 3:10, the Apostle Paul declares this transformation clearly: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Paul is not just giving us theology to ponder here; he is laying out a powerful challenge.
You have put on the new man—now start living like it! Start acting like the new creation God has made you to be.
This is where the battle begins, isn’t it? We know we have been made new in Christ, but too often we still live like the old person. We fall back into sinful habits, we let worldly desires dictate our decisions, and we forget that we have been given a new nature, a nature that longs to serve God in righteousness.
It is as if we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ, but we keep trying to put on the dirty rags of our old life.
Paul says, stop all that, and “Put on the new man.” This is a command to start living out the reality of who we are in Christ. Start letting your new nature take dominion in your life.
You are not who you used to be – live like who you are, not who you were. Start walking in righteousness, in holiness, in the power of the Spirit. God did not save you to leave you unchanged:
- He saved you to transform you.
- He saved you to sanctify you.
- He saved you to make you more like His dear Son!
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
The new man is characterized by peace—a peace that comes from surrendering every part of our lives to the Lordship of Christ. It is not just about outward actions; it is about an inward surrender, letting God’s peace reign in our hearts,
- even when life is chaotic,
- even when circumstances are difficult.
It is about trusting Him fully and completely and letting Jesus truly be the Lord of our lives.
Listen to the whole message at https://epicwordoftruth.podbean.com/e/something-about-the-risen-life-part-2-colossians-310-15/
There’s Something About the Risen Life
“If ye then be risen with Christ.” What a staggering reality! Paul is not offering us a suggestion here—he is declaring a truth that changes everything.
- If you are in Christ,
- if you’ve truly been born again, you are not who you used to be.
- You have been raised to new life!
This is not just some metaphorical language or spiritual sentiment. You have, by the power of God, been resurrected with Christ Himself! And now, this new life should govern everything about you.
If we are indeed risen with Christ, then, why do we live as if we are still buried in the old ways? Why do we grope around in the darkness, enslaved to earthly things, when we have been called to walk in newness of life, in the light of His glorious resurrection?
This is not just an abstract theological idea—it is the bedrock of our entire Christian existence. The resurrection of Christ was not just a historical event that we commemorate on Easter. No! The resurrection is a living, breathing reality that should infiltrate and transform every corner of our lives.
When Paul says, “If ye then be risen with Christ,” he is declaring that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in you! How can we possibly remain unchanged by that? Paul follows this with a command: “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
Here is the question: Are you seeking the things that are above? Are your thoughts and affections set on Christ, or are they tangled up in the trivial pursuits of this fading world? Paul is saying, if you have been saved, “You’ve been raised from death to life—now live like it!”
Listen to the full podcast recording for this sermon @ https://epicwordoftruth.podbean.com/e/something-about-the-risen-life-colossians-31-9/
“Is There No Balm in Gilead”
Is There No Balm in Gilead?
Jeremiah 8:22 says, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?”
This verse is part of the prophet Jeremiah’s lament over the spiritual condition of Israel. The “balm in Gilead” was a medicinal ointment known for its healing properties, which was produced in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The balm is a symbol of healing and restoration, and Jeremiah is metaphorically asking why the people of Israel are not healed, spiritually or physically, despite the availability of such a remedy. He is expressing sorrow over the nation’s sin and lack of repentance.
Spiritual Application:
The “balm in Gilead” represents the healing comfort that God offers to His people. While Jeremiah speaks of a physical balm, the deeper meaning points to the spiritual healing that only God can provide. This healing addresses the wounds caused by sin, rebellion, and separation from God.
Just as the physical balm in Gilead was used to treat physical wounds, God’s grace and mercy soothe the spiritual wounds of a broken heart. When we are overwhelmed by guilt, sorrow, or spiritual pain, the healing balm of God’s love through Jesus Christ can restore and comfort us.
Comfort from God:
In a similar way, God’s comfort works in the life of a believer to bring healing to the soul. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate “balm” for our wounded hearts. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the forgiveness of sins that He offers is the soothing remedy for the spiritual illness that all humans suffer from—sin. Jesus Himself says:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
This invitation is a call to experience the comfort and rest that Christ provides to the weary soul. When we turn to Him in repentance, faith, and surrender, He applies the healing balm of His grace and brings peace to our troubled hearts.
The balm in Gilead, then, is symbolic of the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement. No matter how deep the wounds of sin, or how broken we feel, the “physician” (Jesus Christ) is present and able to heal. God, in His infinite mercy, offers comfort and restoration to all who seek Him.
Key Takeaways:
- God is our Healer: Just as the balm of Gilead was a physical healing agent, God offers spiritual healing through His grace and mercy. He heals the wounds of sin and rebellion in our lives.
- Jesus is the Great Physician: The true “Physician” mentioned in Jeremiah 8:22 is fulfilled in Christ, who came to heal and restore sinners. Jesus is the one who provides eternal healing and comfort to those who come to Him.
- God’s Comfort is Always Available: No matter how broken or wounded we feel, God’s comfort is always available. His grace is sufficient, and His love is able to restore the most shattered heart.
In times of distress, sorrow, or guilt, God’s comforting “balm” is readily available to soothe our souls. All we need to do is turn to Him, seek His forgiveness, and trust in His healing power.
Our Attitudes to Our Answers to Prayer
I want to briefly talk about prayer, specifically, focusing on our attitude and expectations when we bring our requests before the Lord. It is not uncommon for us to approach God with preconceived notions of how we expect Him to answer our prayers. However, the Scriptures teach us to trust in His wisdom and not impose limitations on His ability to bless us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 again says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
In the context of prayer, these verses remind us of the importance of trusting in the Lord completely. When we bring our requests before Him, we should not rely solely on our own understanding or limited perspective. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom and leading.
Trusting the Lord with all our hearts means:
- surrendering our desires,
- surrendering expectations,
- and surrendering our plans to Him.
It involves acknowledging His sovereignty and believing that He knows what is best for us. This includes trusting the answer He gives us, even if it is different from what we expect or desire.
When we acknowledge God in all our ways, including in our prayers, He promises to direct our paths. This means that as we trust Him with our requests and accept His answers, He will guide us in the right direction.
This guidance may not always be what we anticipate, but we can have confidence that God’s plan is perfect and that He is working for our good (Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose).
So, that is our overview now let’s get some specifics, we must…
LEAN NOT UNTO OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING
Look at Proverbs 3:5 again, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.“
Proverbs 3:5 instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to lean on our own understanding. This is especially crucial in the context of prayer and receiving God’s answers.
When we come to God in prayer, we often have our own ideas and desires about how He should answer. We may think we know what is best for us or have a specific outcome in mind. However, Proverbs warns us against leaning on our limited understanding.
God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). He sees the bigger picture that we cannot comprehend. Therefore, when we pray, we must trust in His wisdom and His perfect timing.
Attempting to impose our preconceived ideas about the answer onto the answer the Lord gives can lead to disappointment and confusion. We must remember that God’s ways are perfect, even when they differ from our own plans.
Instead of leaning on our own understanding, we should submit our desires to God in prayer and trust that He will answer in accordance with His will. This requires humility and a willingness to surrender our own ideas and preferences.
When we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding we open ourselves up to receive God’s best for us. We can rest assured that His answers are always perfect, even if they are not what we expected.
Let us, therefore, approach God in prayer with hearts full of trust and humility, knowing that He is faithful to answer according to His perfect will.
Next, we need to…
LET THE LORD DIRECT OUR PATHS
Now look at Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
This verse teaches us the importance of acknowledging God in all our ways, including in the answers to our prayers. When we come to God in prayer, we must not only seek His guidance but also acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives.
Sometimes, God’s answers to our prayers may lead us down paths that make us uncomfortable. They may require us to step out in faith, leaving behind our familiar surroundings and routines.
However, Proverbs assures us that when we acknowledge God in all our ways, He will direct our paths. That is the key though, we must acknowledge Him in all our ways, including our preferences, our desires, and our personal thoughts on how our prayers should be answered.
Acknowledging God in the answers to our prayers requires humility and trust. It means being willing to let go of our own plans and desires and submit to God’s perfect will.
When we acknowledge God in all our ways, we allow Him to direct our paths according to His perfect plan for our lives. This may involve taking us out of our comfort zones and into unknown territory, or territory we never anticipated going into, but we can trust that God’s direction is always for our good for His glory.
Now we gotta dig just a little deep for a moment, in Proverbs 3:6, the Hebrew word for “acknowledge” is “yada,” which means more than just a simple acknowledgment; it implies a deep, intimate knowledge or relationship. It conveys the idea of knowing someone personally, not just knowing about them.
Proverbs 3:6 again, “In all thy ways acknowledge him[personally know Him deeply], and he shall direct thy paths.”
So “acknowledge” goes beyond mere recognition. It speaks of a deep, intimate knowledge or relationship. When applied to our relationship with God, it implies knowing Him personally, not just knowing about Him.
In the context of prayer, this understanding of “acknowledge” is crucial. It means more than just acknowledging God’s existence or authority; it involves recognizing His presence in every aspect of our lives. It is an invitation to walk in close fellowship with Him, seeking His guidance and direction in all things.
When we acknowledge God in all our ways, we invite Him into every area of our lives, including our prayers. We recognize that He is not just a distant deity but a loving Father who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. This acknowledgment is the foundation of a vibrant prayer life.
In our prayers, let us not just recite words or make requests; let us come before God with hearts open and ready to commune with Him. Let us seek to know Him more deeply and to align our will with His. As we acknowledge God in this way, He promises to direct our paths, guiding us in His perfect will.
Let us, therefore, approach God in prayer with hearts full of trust and humility, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. Let us be willing to follow wherever He leads, even if it makes us uncomfortable, knowing that He will direct our paths and guide us in His perfect will.
GODS WILL MAY NOT BE OUR WILL
Proverbs 3:6 again, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” There is one more point I believe this verse leads us to. And that point actually takes us to the Book of Acts.
In Acts 16:6-7, we find an instance where the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from going to a certain region, “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”
In these verses, we see that the Holy Spirit directed Paul and his companions away from Asia and Bithynia, indicating that it was not the right time or place for their ministry. God had a different place for them for ministry. This demonstrates the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing the early church in its missionary efforts.
The account in Acts 16:6-7 provides us with a powerful lesson in submitting to God’s will, even when it contradicts our own plans or desires.
In these verses, we see that Paul and his companions were prevented by the Holy Spirit from going to certain places to preach the Word. The Lord took them to a different place, a place they did not expect to go.
This teaches us that in our prayers, we must be willing to acknowledge and submit to God’s leading, even when it goes against what we think is best. Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Just as Paul and his companions were directed away from Asia and Bithynia, there may be times when God’s answer to our prayers leads us in a direction that seems illogical or goes against our own understanding.
When faced with such situations, we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We must be like Paul, who was willing to submit to God’s leading even when it meant changing his plans and going in a direction that seemed contrary to his own desires or what he thought was best.
Submitting to God’s will in prayer requires humility and faith. It means surrendering our own will and desires to His perfect plan, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
It means living by the principles found in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
As we strive to align our prayers with God’s will, let us remember the example of Paul and his companions. Let us be willing to submit to God’s leading, even when it seems illogical or goes against what we personally think is best. In doing so, we can trust that God will direct our paths and guide us in His perfect will.
IN CONCLUSION
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, especially when it comes to prayer. We should not lean on our own understanding but acknowledge God in all our ways, trusting that He will direct our paths according to His perfect plan.
I want us to keep in mind three points from this devotional this afternoon:
- Don’t Stop God from Blessing You with Self-Imposed Limitations:
In our eagerness for answers, we often limit God by expecting only certain answers or outcomes. We must remember that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Let us not confine God’s blessings to our limited understanding but trust that He knows what is best for us even when it maybe does not quite make sense to us.
- Follow God’s Leading Even if It Makes You Uncomfortable:
Sometimes, God’s answers may require us to step out of our comfort zones.
- Abraham was called to leave his homeland and go to a place God would show him (Genesis 12:1).
- Moses was asked to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
Both faced discomfort and uncertainty but obeyed God’s leading. Are we willing to follow God’s leading even if it challenges us?
- God May Answer Your Prayer in a Way You Never Considered – Are You Willing to Accept That Answer?
We must be open to God’s unexpected answers to our prayers. The Apostle Paul prayed three times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, but God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).
Paul accepted God’s answer, recognizing that God’s plan was greater than his own desires. Are we willing to accept God’s answers, even when they differ from our expectations?
So as we approach God in prayer, let us do so with humility and trust, knowing that He is able to do far more than we can ask or think. Let us not limit Him with our expectations but be open to His leading, even when it challenges us. May we always be willing to accept God’s answers, knowing that His ways are perfect.
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Links:
FaithFoundations.Church
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CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY & DOUBLE-MINDEDNESS
CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY & DOUBLE-MINDEDNESS
In the heart of Christianity lies a profound understanding of holiness and sanctification. As followers of Christ, Christians are called to a life of integrity, marked by:
- honesty,
- righteousness,
- and unwavering commitment.
One essential aspect of living out this calling is keeping one’s word and following through on commitments, even if it comes at a personal cost. In a world where promises are often broken and commitments are easily disregarded, Christians must rise above the tide and exemplify the sanctity of their word. This article explores the significance of honoring commitments, why it is essential for Christians to stand firm in their promises, even if it means sacrificing personal gain and examining a core reason as to why some Christians may not keep their word.
THE BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR KEEPING ONE’S WORD
The Bible underscores the importance of keeping one’s word and the gravity of making commitments. Proverbs 20:25 cautions, “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.” This verse is telling us that it is a trap to dedicate or solidify something rashly and only later to reconsider one’s vows. Similarly, Jesus Himself emphasized the seriousness of making oaths in Matthew 5:37, saying, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Simply put our ‘Yes’s are to be ‘Yes’s and your ‘No’s are to be ‘No’s; anything beyond this, Jesus says, comes from the evil one. In these verses, we see the biblical mandate for truthfulness and steadfastness in our commitments.
Furthermore, the character of God serves as the ultimate example of unwavering faithfulness. The Scriptures repeatedly attest to God’s faithfulness and steadfastness in fulfilling His promises. As God’s children, Christians are called to imitate their Heavenly Father’s attributes, including His faithfulness, in all aspects of their lives.
The Witness of Integrity and Holiness
The world is in desperate need of authentic witnesses of integrity and holiness. In a society where trust is often eroded, the unwavering commitment of Christians to keep their word stands as a shining light. When believers fulfill their commitments even at personal cost, they demonstrate the reality of their faith. This authenticity has the power to draw others to Christ and showcase the transformative power of the Gospel.
One verse that highlights the importance of integrity and leading a life of holiness and submission to God is Proverbs 11:3. It states, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” This verse emphasizes that those who maintain integrity—consistently acting in an honest and morally upright manner—are guided by their integrity.
On the other hand, those who lack integrity through their deceitfulness or double-mindedness face destruction. In leading a life of holiness and submission to God, maintaining integrity becomes crucial as it directs and guides individuals toward righteousness and aligning their actions with God’s will.
Moreover, honoring commitments showcases the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians. It reflects a heart submitted to God’s will and moral standards. Such a demonstration of holiness can impact both individuals and communities, providing a glimpse of what life can be like when God’s principles are upheld.
Growth in Sanctification
Embracing the responsibility to keep one’s word, even when it is detrimental, fosters spiritual growth and sanctification. It calls for self-discipline, self-denial, and a willingness to put others’ needs ahead of personal comfort. This act of sacrificial commitment strengthens the Christian’s character and deepens their relationship with God.
The struggle to fulfill commitments in challenging circumstances can serve as an opportunity to rely on God’s grace and strength. As the apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” In difficult situations, Christians have the chance to experience God’s power at work in their lives, enabling them to stay true to their word despite adversity.
Bearing Witness to Christs’ Love
Keeping one’s word, even to personal detriment, is an act of love towards both God and others. By following through on commitments, Christians show their love for God by obeying His commands and reflecting His character. Simultaneously, they exemplify Christ’s love for their neighbors, demonstrating selflessness and reliability.
Christians should not seek to keep their word solely to receive praise or recognition. Instead, they do it out of love for God and a desire to serve others. In this way, their actions bear witness to the transformative love of Christ, a love that goes beyond personal gain and seeks the welfare of others.
In a world that often treats commitments as disposable and truth as relative, Christians are called to a higher standard. Upholding the sanctity of one’s word, even at personal cost, is a powerful testament to the holiness and sanctification that Christ calls us to embody. By honoring commitments with integrity and faithfulness, Christians become authentic witnesses of Christs’ love and character.
Let us, as followers of Christ, embrace the sacred covenant of keeping our word and following through on commitments. In doing so, we reflect the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father and become beacons of hope in a world yearning and starving for integrity and holiness. Psalm 89:34 says, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.”
This verse highlights God’s unchanging and unwavering character in always keeping His promises. It implies that just as God remains faithful to His word, we should also strive to:
- remain faithful to our word,
- uphold our commitments,
- be true to our promises,
- and live by what Psalm 89:34 says, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.”
THE IMPACT OF A LACK OF INTEGRITY ON THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
Integrity is the foundation of any belief system, and it holds particular significance within Christianity. As followers of Christ, Christians are called to exemplify integrity in their words, actions, and commitments. However, when individuals or organizations within the Christian community fall short in this area, it not only damages their credibility but also casts a shadow on the cause of Christ as a whole. The lack of integrity, unkept commitments, and double-mindedness among Christians and Christian organizations can be detrimental to the spreading of the Gospel and the reputation of Christianity.
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
These verses emphasize the importance of Christians living a life of integrity and conducting themselves in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Christ. By displaying integrity in their actions, words, commitments, and teachings, believers can positively influence others and prevent any opportunities for criticism or reproach. Conversely, a lack of integrity can damage the reputation of Christ and His followers, hindering the spread of the Gospel and making it harder for others to embrace the message of salvation.
The Importance of Integrity in Christianity
Integrity is at the heart of Christian values, as it reflects the character of Christ Himself. The Bible emphasizes the significance of honesty, truthfulness, and consistency in one’s actions. In Proverbs 10:9, it states, “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” This verse reminds us that living with integrity not only honors God but also builds trust and credibility among those we interact with. Once trust is lost in your word, and your commitments, it is almost impossible to earn back.
A Lack of Personal or Corporate Integrity Can be Damaging to the Reputation of Christ
When Christians or Christian organizations lack integrity, their actions reflect poorly on Christ and His teachings. Non-believers and even fellow Christians may be disillusioned and question the authenticity of the faith they profess. An absence of integrity can foster skepticism, hinder evangelism efforts, and create a stumbling block for those seeking spiritual truth. When we repeatedly demonstrate a lack of integrity, and that lack of integrity negatively affects others – this will disillusion those affected and those that witness and have knowledge of it. This brings us to our next point.
A Lack of Integrity Undermines Trust and Credibility
Proverbs 20:7 states, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and how it can positively impact one’s life and even extend to future generations. The implication is that integrity builds trust and credibility, and the lack thereof can undermine them.
One of the essential components of a fruitful Christian life is to build strong relationships based on trust. When commitments are not kept, promises are broken, and words do not align with actions, trust erodes, and credibility suffers. This is especially detrimental in areas like missions, outreach, and any type of ministry involving children or young people. Where trust and credibility are vital to the success of the cause of Christ.
A Lack of Integrity Hinders the Spread of the Gospel
The Gospel message is powerful, but its impact can be compromised when proclaimed by those lacking integrity. People often assess the validity of a belief system not only by its teachings but also by the lives of its adherents. Hypocrisy and double-mindedness among Christians can repel potential converts and leave them skeptical about the transformative power of Christ’s message.
A Lack of Integrity Will Have a Big Impact on Christian Unity
One verse from the Bible that teaches the impact lack of integrity can have on Christian unity is Ephesians 4:25, which states, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in interactions with fellow believers, highlighting that as members of the body of Christ, Christians are interconnected. When people lack integrity and engage in dishonesty or deceit, it can undermine trust and unity within the entire Christian community as a whole.
A lack of integrity will breed division within the Christian community. When Christians or Christian organizations fail to uphold their commitments, conflicts, and misunderstandings may arise, hindering efforts to work together for common goals. This disunity not only weakens the Church’s collective impact but also contradicts the call for unity and love among believers.
A CORE CAUSE OF A LACK OF INTEGRITY – DOUBLE-MINDEDNESS
In the pursuit of a steadfast and unshakable faith, the Bible warns against the peril of double-mindedness. James 1:8, a profound scripture, sheds light on the detrimental consequences of wavering beliefs and divided hearts. Double-mindedness not only harms individuals but also damages the testimony of the Church and undermines the cause of Christ.
James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
Understanding Double-Mindedness
The term “double minded” is derived from the Greek word “dipsuchos,” meaning “two-souled” or “divided in mind.” It describes a state of inner conflict where a person wavers between two opposing beliefs, desires, or purposes. The Bible presents this condition as a grave concern, as it undermines the foundation of faith and leaves individuals vulnerable to various destructive outcomes.
The Warning of James 1:8
James 1:8 states, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways ” This concise verse powerfully illustrates the core issue with double-mindedness: instability. Just as a house built on shifting sands cannot withstand the storms, a faith divided within itself cannot withstand the trials of life. Double-mindedness leads to indecision, doubt, and an inability to commit fully to God’s will, resulting in severe consequences.
The Personal Impact of Double-Mindedness
Double-mindedness can severely harm an individual’s spiritual growth and emotional well-being. When we lack conviction and commitment to our faith, we struggle to mature in Christ, often remaining stagnant in our relationship with God. This lack of spiritual growth robs us of the peace and contentment that come from walking steadfastly with the Lord.
Additionally, double-mindedness can hinder personal relationships and lead to confusion in decision-making. A wavering heart may struggle to maintain healthy connections with others, as trust and reliability become questionable traits. This instability can cause rifts within families, friendships, and communities, ultimately hurting not only ourselves but also those around us.
The Impact on the Church
The detrimental effects of double-mindedness extend beyond individuals and can infect the entire body of Christ – the Church. A congregation marred by double-mindedness may struggle to present a unified testimony of God’s love and grace. When believers fail to demonstrate consistent and unwavering faith, it hinders the Church’s ability to be a beacon of hope and truth in a troubled world.
Moreover, double-mindedness can lead to division within the Church. Divergent opinions and beliefs can cause conflicts that weaken the bonds of fellowship and disrupt the collective mission to advance the cause of Christ. It is essential for the Church to stand united, guided by a firm and unwavering faith, to effectively impact the lives of others positively.
The Effect on the Cause of Christ
The ultimate tragedy of double-mindedness lies in the damage it inflicts on the cause of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of His love and truth. However, when our faith is inconsistent and unsure, our witness becomes compromised. Non-believers may see our wavering and perceive Christianity as a flawed and unreliable belief system.
A powerful testimony comes from a life dedicated to Christ without compromise. When believers exemplify unwavering faith, the world takes notice and is drawn to the authentic transformation that Christ brings. However, double-mindedness undermines this transformative power and hinders the growth of God’s Kingdom on Earth.
CONCLUSION
James 1:8 serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of double-mindedness. It warns us of the dire consequences it brings upon ourselves, others, the Church, and the cause of Christ. As believers, let us strive to cultivate a steadfast and undivided heart, anchored in God’s Word and committed to following His will. By doing so, we can live out a powerful witness to the world, drawing others to the life-changing truth found in Christ alone.
Integrity is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and its absence among Christians and Christian organizations can have far-reaching consequences. A failure to uphold commitments, double-mindedness, and a lack of integrity tarnish the reputation of Christ and His followers, hinder the spread of the Gospel, and undermine the unity of the Church. It is crucial for believers to remember that their actions and words carry weight and influence, impacting the perception of Christianity locally and around the world.
As individuals and as a community, Christians must strive to be consistent in their words and actions, honoring their commitments, and living with integrity. By doing so, they can become authentic representatives of Christ’s love, grace, and transformative power, ultimately strengthening the cause of Christ and glorifying God in all aspects of life.
If this blog post was an encouragement to you, please consider visiting our other site: Faithfoundations.church – a place for doctrinal teaching with audio messages and full notes of teachings. Also please consider our two podcast ministries: EPIC Word of Truth and Faith & Life Together.
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New Beginnngs in Christ
II Corinthians 5:17-18 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”
This passage means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! We can all have new beginnings through Christ!
New Beginnings Are Gifts from God
All of the new beginnings people have in Christ are gifts from God, who brought us back to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son. God has given us this ministry of reconciling people to Him. A ministry of reaching people with the gospel, of pointing them to Christ, of helping them navigate life’s crisis points and leading them to a healing relationship with God’s Son (II Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.) We are to be growing as Christians. We are to be helping others grow also. We are to be growing in our knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ. We are to be giving Him the glory for now in the present, we are to be giving Him the glory for the blessings of the past, and we are to be giving Him the glory on into eternity. God is worthy of our praise.
He is the one that can give us those new beginnings. He can help us in those crisis points in life. He can lead us to a new beginning of salvation through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Our salvation, knowing our soul is eternally secure, is the greatest need anyone has. If you have not had that new beginning of salvation with Christ as your Savior, I ask you to click on this link (Eternal Salvation Our Ultimate New Beginning with Christ) and read more about how you can know for sure you are on your way to Heaven when you die.
Old Things Pass Away
Paul is testifying to us here in these verses that old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. Before Paul had lived for himself, now he is living for Christ. Before he had lived in the flesh, now he’s living in the spirit. Before he had viewed things or looked at life from a carnal way or humanistic point of view, but now he sees them in light of the cross.
New Outlook on Life
He is saying now that he has been saved, he views life and things that happen in light of the cross. He has become a new creature. He has been born again. All the old habits, the old attitudes, the old values, the old way of thinking was in the process of fading away and his new life in Christ was sprouting forth. Like a vibrant new stalk in the spring pushes up beside the dead brown plant of last season, new life in Christ is a transformation from the inside out as all things become new.
New Beginning in Christ
New life in Christ is a new beginning in Christ. New life in Christ is a new beginning, a new spiritual beginning, a new beginning in life and a new beginning being used by Christ and being used by God. Since salvation, we are a new creature, old things are passing away and all things are becoming new. This would be what we would think of as the sanctification process.
All Things are New, but also All Things are of God
In verse eighteen Paul says all things are of God. All things are become new, but also all things are of God. All of this new beginning, all of this new chance on life, all of this second chance, all of this is from God!
Reconciled by Christ – Our New Beginnings are Made Possible by Christ
Paul goes on to say in verse eighteen, that God has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ. God’s work, this new beginning, His second chances that are given to us, this new creature, this ability to start our life anew is from God; but it is a work He has accomplished in and through Christ. Before we were alienated by God by our own sins, we were alienated by our wickedness. The Bible tells us we were dead in trespasses and sins yet in Christ Jesus He reconciled us to Himself.
It is all of God. It is all by God. It is His mercy and grace that enabled us to have this new life, to be this new creature. But we must keep in mind it is all done through Christ. It is all done through His finished work on Calvary for us. It is God who has reconciled us to Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. He did all of this for one simple reason that is so perfectly described to us in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
We Have a Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul goes on to say we have been given a ministry of reconciliation. Though the great principle of sinful man being reconciled to God, is rooted in Him and His great love to us whereby He saved us; Nevertheless, He has delegated to us the ministry of reconciling others to Him. We have a great responsibility that is! A great ministry has been given to us.
- We have the ministry and responsibility of reconciling others to Christ.
- We have the ministry and responsibility of helping others get that new beginning in Christ.
- We have the ministry and the responsibility of helping others become new creatures in and through Christ by the power and grace of God.
Conclusion
He has given us the charge of bringing others to Christ – bringing them to Christ in and through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. By bringing them to Christ, we are in a sense bringing them to God Himself. This new work, this new ministry He has given us is called evangelism, it’s called witnessing, it’s called preaching, it’s called teaching His word, it’s called soul winning, it’s called inviting our friends and family to church. We all have that great responsibility to bring others to Christ and His gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-4 – Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures).
The greatest need the world has today is Christ. We have been given the ministry and responsibility of bringing others to Christ, of helping find the answer to their greatest need. Let’s determine to fulfil that responsibility, let’s go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that the house of the Lord may be filled.
If this blog post was an encouragement to you, please consider visiting our other site: Faithfoundations.church – a place for doctrinal teaching with audio messages and full notes of teachings. Also please consider our two podcast ministries: EPIC Word of Truth and Faith & Life Together.
Links:
Having compassion, meeting a need, compelling to come
In the past couple of weeks, I have been slowly reading through the book of Matthew. Normally when I read the Bible I have a certain amount of chapters I like to read each day so I can read through the Bible in a certain amount of time, but every once in a while, I like to slow down and just read a chapter or two a day spending the same amount of time I would normally, but just read one or two chapters. Just slowly soak up the Word of God, chew on it, meditate on it, think on it. I love the word of God and sometimes I just need to take a slow journey through it. I love when I can spend extra time in His Word just meditating on it, praying and talking to the Lord about each verse and sometimes each phrase or word.
This is what I was doing when I came to chapter nine of the book of Matthew, and the Lord really impressed upon me the below four verses. I guess I had never really thought about the process that happened in these verses in my previous readings of them. It just struck me, that many times in order for us to truly see the need or truly realize the need, we need to be willing to first go. Once we then truly see the need, or truly realize the need it should motivate us to do something about the need. We should be “moved with compassion” just like our Savior, we should seek to minister to the needs of people and introduce them to the One who can meet and satisfy all their needs.
Matthew 9:35-38 “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
There are several actions taken by our Savior Jesus that I want to point out for us notice, to examine ourselves in light of, and to ponder or mediate on His example to us in this passage:
First, is just simply that – Jesus Went (v.35) – Notice the Bible says in verse thirty-five; Jesus went. He went. If we would just simply go – we do not need to be polished or practiced – but we do need to go. Jesus went to where the people were. He went to where the people needed His witness, where they needed His Word, where they needed His love and care in their life. He went, and by going, He then was able to see their need. Of course Jesus knew their need before, He knows all things, but this passage is in the Word of God in part to teach us that we first need to be willing to go, so we can then see. We need to go.
Jesus Shared the Gospel (v.35) – Do we go and share the gospel? Do we pass out tracts? Do we let others know about Jesus? Do we tell others of our testimony? Do we tell them of their only hope for Heaven? Do we invite others to our church? Are we faithful in telling others of the God that “… so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)?
Jesus Met Physical Needs (v.35) – Jesus not only shared the gospel with others, He did so while also ministering to their needs. How often do we seek to meet a need and use that as an opportunity to share the gospel with others? We need to be looking for needs to be met and use the meeting of those needs as opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ. A great way to do evangelism is to seek to meet a need, be a witness of the love of Christ in deed as you are a witness of the love of Christ in words.
Jesus Saw (v.36) – He saw something that affected Him emotionally. He went, and He saw the multitudes. He saw multitudes of people in need of saving. He saw multitudes of people in need of a Savior. He saw multitudes of people who needed someone to come alongside of them and minister to them, reach out to them, pray for them, demonstrate the love of God to them, and try to win them to the Lord.
We too need to go, we too need to see, and we too, like Jesus did, need to let our seeing affect our heart so that we may do something about the needs we see in the multitudes (their greatest need of course being the gospel and their eternal salvation). The prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament gave a testimony very similar to what we see here with Jesus in Matthew chapter nine when Jeremiah wrote, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city” (Lamentations 3:51). We need to allow our eyes to affect our heart. We need to go, we need to see the need, then we need to allow our hearts to be affected by that need. We need to seek to meet those needs and use that as opportunities to share the gospel message.
Jesus Was Moved with Compassion (v.36) – Notice in verse thirty-six of our passage that it says Jesus “was moved with compassion.” He first went, He then saw, and seeing the multitudes and their many needs of a Savior, He was moved with compassion for them. We need to have soft hearts like our Lord. When we see the multitudes, most of whom are dying and going to a Christless eternity, we need to get moved with compassion.
If we are not being moved with compassion, we need to ask the Lord to fix our “mover”, to soften our hearts, we need a heart that is soft enough that our eyes can affect it to move it with compassion for all those in need of Jesus in their life. For all those that need someone to come alongside them in their time of need and encourage them with the love of God, encourage them with the Word of the Lord, to witness to them about Jesus, to show them the only and true source of joy in this world; which is a personal relationship with the Savior of the world – Jesus Christ – the Son of the only true and living God.
Jesus was moved with compassion – are you moved with compassion when you look at the multitudes around you in need of a Savior? We need to pray that our eyes will always affect our hearts, we need to pray we do not grow callous to the worlds need of Jesus. We need to go, we need to see, we need to be moved with compassion!
Jesus Commands Us to Pray for Laborers (v.38) – Jesus does not just tell us, or suggest to us in verse thirty-eight to pray for laborers for His harvest; He commands us to pray for laborers for His harvest. The construct of this sentence is an imperative, it is a command – Jesus is giving us a command to pray for laborers for His harvest. This should be something that is on our prayer list. This need should be on our hearts. This need should be a burden us. We should pray for laborers for the Lords harvest, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” We are to pray for laborers, we are to pray the Lord “will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
In this passage – Jesus Tells Us to Go (v.19) – We are not only commanded to pray for laborers for the Lords harvest, here in Matthew 28:19-20 we are personally commanded to go. We are to go. Just like Jesus went, we are to go. We are to pray for laborers, then we are to be one of those laborers.
Are you being a laborer to help bring in the harvest of our Lord? Are you going? Are you allowing yourself to see the need, to be moved with compassion by the need? Are you going? Are you telling others about the Savior of the world? Are you going? This going does not just start in foreign lands, this going starts right where you are. It starts in your town or city. We are to “Go” to all nations, but that going starts right where you are in your nation, in your state, in your town. Yes, the Lord may call you to leave where you are one day and go someplace else, but the going starts right where you are. Are you willing to go?
Luke 14:22-23 “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
Jesus Also Said to “Compel them to come in” – Compel means more than just to suggest, it means more than just to mention your church, it means to constrain them to come, to necessitate them to come. We are to strive; we are to work hard at inviting people to church. We are to keep at it. We are to “compel them” to come to Jesus, “compel them” to accept Christ as Savior, we are to “compel them” to Jesus.
Conclusion
We have seen in this brief study that we are simply to go, to allow ourselves to see the need, to have a soft and pliable heart that can and should be moved with compassion for the needs of the multitudes for Jesus. We are to work to meet those needs, to witness, to share the gospel. We are to pray for laborers for the harvest of the Lord. We are to also go as laborers ourselves into that harvest and compel those in need of Jesus to come to Him, to accept Him as their Savior. Are we doing this? Are you doing this? Are you willing to do this? Will you surrender to do this? Are you, like our Lord was, being “moved with compassion” for the multitudes, and is that compassion moving you to share the gospel with them? Is that compassion moving you to demonstrate the love of Christ with deeds and words, and is that compassion moving you to compel them to come in to Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation?
We are to be willing to go, so we might see the overwhelming need of the world – and that is the need of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world. We are to have hearts of compassion, and that compassion should cause us to have a burden for the lost, a burden for the hurting, and it should in turn motivate us to do something, to take action like our Lord did. We should be moved with compassion, then that compassion should be moving us to ministry.
If this blog post was an encouragement to you, please consider visiting our other site: Faithfoundations.church – a place for doctrinal teaching with audio messages and full notes of teachings. Also please consider our two podcast ministries: EPIC Word of Truth and Faith & Life Together.
Links:
What kind of servant are you?
Luke 19:11-27 (Parable of the Ten Pounds)
Background
In Luke chapter nineteen Jesus was getting close to Jerusalem and there were people with Him who thought the Kingdom of God was going to soon appear (19:11). So, Jesus told them this parable about seizing the opportunity to accept what the Lord invests in us of His resources and to diligently work at using those resources for His profit to the best of our ability.
Introduction
In verse twelve of Luke chapter nineteen is the simple outline of God’s plan about the kingdom, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return” (19:12).
- Jesus is gone to Heaven.
- There at the right hand of the Father, in due time, He will receive the kingdom and return.
- So the kingdom in its public manifestation and completion awaits the personal, bodily return of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Leaving His Servants
A man leaves his servants in charge of a portion of His wealth while he leaves to go to a distant country to be appointed King and then he would return. He calls his ten servants and gives them ten pounds. He tells them to put this money to work for me, “Occupy till I come” (19:13).
The Charge: “Occupy Till I Come”
Their Master leaves them and now they have great work to do. When he parted he gave them each a pound, not to use for personal enrichment, not to hoard away, not to hide and never use for the Master’s profit, no he told them to “Occupy till I come” – all Christians have business to do for Christ in this world.
Personal Responsibility
It is not difficult for us to draw parallels between this parable and Jesus Himself. Jesus was the one who would leave in order to become a king. We are the servants in the parable who are vested with what belongs to Him and for which we have responsibility and accountability.
We, as Christians, are sent forth to spread the gospel, to share the gospel, to live out the gospel, to preach the gospel, to set up churches for Christ, to bring nations to the obedience of faith, to build up and disciple new believers, we are called to be busy occupying till He comes. For those He gives resources, gifts, and blessings to, He expects service from.
Until He comes, we have the responsibility to put to use the resources He has entrusted us with. We who now live in this New Testament age are like the ten servants occupying for the Nobleman, our Master, while He has gone to Heaven, occupying until He shall return.
Personal Accountability
The amount and nature of those resources the Master gives will vary from person to person, but when He returns we will be accountable for what we have done with what we have had, regardless of the amount or type of resource.
The amount that was given to each servant is not the important part of this parable, but what was done with what was given to them is. Everything we have, including life itself, is a gift from God that is given to us to be used for godly purposes and not to be squandered or squirreled away.
The mere fact that we are taking care of something that belongs to another is the recognition that we have nothing in and of ourselves, everything we have is given to us. We are therefore stewards and not owners, we are caretakers of the Masters gifts. What have you done with the gifts the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon you? Can you say as Paul stated in Acts 20:20 “I kept back nothing…” or are you keeping back parts of your life, are you not using the gifts the Lord has given you profitably for His service? Are you a profitable servant or are you hiding your gifts from the world, are you helping to advance His kingdom, or are you on the sidelines just watching the other servants trying to do their part and your part? What kind of servant are you?
Reckoning and Rewards
There were those in the parable who did not like the idea of the man returning to be their king (19:14). But when he did return as king, he called the servants in order to find out what they had gained (19:15) with the pounds he had given them. One had gained ten more (19:16), and another had gained five more (19:18). To each of them, the king gave a corresponding number of cities for them to take charge of.
The First Servant
One servant had so used the money given him that he had gained ten pounds and the nobleman who had now become king said, “Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities” (19:17), that is the daily handling of some money for his lord would pale in comparison to the privilege he would now have of ruling ten cities. What we do now for the Lord, what service we do, what trials we endure, what ridicule we face, all will be nothing compared to the rewards we will get in glory for our faithful service today.
The Second Servant
The second servant’s pound gained five pounds and the nobleman, now king, said, “Be thou also over five cities” (19:19). Now we must emphasize a principle we were just taught in this parable and that is eternal blessedness and usefulness of a Christian in Heaven will depend somewhat on his service on earth. Salvation is free and all alike are saved by the blood of Christ without works by grace alone, but after He saves us, God will reward us for our service also.
The Third Servant
The third servant returned the pound that was originally given to him, having squandered all opportunity to do anything with it. He told the king he kept it hidden away, no one ever saw it, it was never used in any way to bring profit to the king (19:20). He said he did so because he was afraid of the king, “because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow” (19:21). Does not the nobleman, now king, have a right to expect some return on his investment in his servant though?
Has God given you certain talents and abilities and are you using them for Him? Or are you perhaps too scared, or too nervous, or too shy, or too (fill in the blank) to use them for Him? Are you keeping them back from Him and from service for Him? Be a Paul and determine to say with a clear conscience “I kept back nothing”!
The response of the King was to take the pound from the third servant and give it to the one that was given ten pounds. The king said, “That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him” (19:26). Jesus reinforced the principle expressed earlier that if you are trustworthy with a few things, you will be considered trustworthy with more. Further, to do nothing with what you have been given is unacceptable. To do nothing with what you have been given is sinful, and not only that but it is tragic to waste your God-given potential for the Lord and His service. Are you wasting in anyway what the Lord has given you?
What Kind of Servant Are You?
Are you earning rewards today? Are you using what the Master has given you wisely for Him? Will you receive ten cities or will what you have been given be taken from you and given to another? What kind of servant are you right now? Will you make a decision to be a ten city servant today? Will you make a decision to be a “keep back nothing” kind of servant?
The Citizens That Hated Him
This nobleman had an estate and servants. But citizens of the country “hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us” (19:14). Now the parable speaks not of Christians but of those who rejected Christ, and the end promised to Christ-rejecters is tragic. This parable ends with a very sad and tragic pronouncement, “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (19:27). Those who will not have Christ to reign over them will be dealt with as His enemies. Whoever will not be ruled by the grace of Christ through salvation in Him, will inevitably be judged for their sins and have to face the wrath of Christ, instead of rejoicing forever more in His love (John 3:17-18 – For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)
Judgment
How you choose to use what you have been given will result in a judgment of accountability and reward. Your relationship toward the King, however, will result in a judgment of eternal consequence. The Bible teaches that there will be two judgments. There will be the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers will be held accountable for the works, or lack thereof, that they have done for Christ. This judgment will be based on the quality of their life’s labors for the Lord (I Corinthians 3:12-15). And there will be the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), where unbelievers will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever, those that rejected the King and did not want Him to come back, and did not want Him to rule over them.
Personal Assessment
God has placed things in our hands, and we have opportunity to invest them in ways that will increase to His benefit and our blessing. Whether we think we are gifted with much or little, we are to put what we have been given to use for Him. The opportunity to do something for the Lord with what we have been given by Him needs to be seized and diligently put to good use, or that gift, or that opportunity to use that gift will be taken away.
- Have you seized every opportunity the Lord has given you to be profitable servants for Him?
- Or have you rejected Christ and His lordship of your life? – Don’t be like the third servant and squander away all your gifts and opportunities to serve the Master
- Are you “occupying til He comes”?
- Are you using your gifts and resources to their fullest for Christ?
- Can you think of something you are keeping back from the Lord? Are you keeping back time, are you keeping back treasure, are you keeping back talent?
- Are you surrendered to what the Lord has gifted you to do and called you to do?
Our time on this earth is but a vapor the Bible tells us. Consider this challenge, consider the questions that were just asked and if you need to surrender anything to the Lord – jot that down right now and put today’s date on it, and pray right now to the Lord and surrender that to Him. It may be your gift you have kept hidden away and never used for Him, it may be treasure, it may be a talent, whatever the Holy Spirit may have brought to mind seek to be a profitable servant for your Master, seek to hear a well done when you see your Savior face to face. Make a commitment today that you will no longer keep anything back from God. Surrender all to Him, commit all to Him. Keep back nothing from Him!
If this blog post was an encouragement to you, please consider visiting our other site: Faithfoundations.church – a place for doctrinal teaching with audio messages and full notes of teachings. Also please consider our two podcast ministries: EPIC Word of Truth and Faith & Life Together.
Links:
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