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2 Peter 1:5-7 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; vs 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; vs 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
In verse 1 the Apostle Peter writes to all who have obtained this precious faith, and in this passage we see a call to…
Note: God has given us all things necessary to fulfill His Will in our life regarding our Character and Spiritual Growth. A man of God once said“we must be diligent in cultivating it. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part.” The Apostle Peter assumes that they already have faith in Christ. So he instructs them to add to their faith, to build-up their faith, to build on their faith. Let us take the time to look at these 7 Graces very briefly. (2 Peter 1:5-7) “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…” Virtue = Moral Excellence, It is to have Spiritual courage. It is to have the strength to stand for what is right in an ungodly world. We do this by putting on the Armor of God. (Ephesians 6:13) “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Note: This Virtue is to be accompanied by Knowledge. (2 Peter 1:5) "… and to virtue knowledge;" Knowledge = It not just any kind of knowledge, it is knowledge that is from above, it is divine instruction in Righteousness, it is knowledge of spiritual truth. CH Spurgeon once said “Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. It is the bank of heaven; you may draw from it as much as you please, without let or hindrance. Come in faith and you are welcome to all covenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word which shall be withheld. In the depths of tribulations let this freedom comfort you; amidst waves of distress let it cheer you; when sorrows surround thee let it be thy solace.” Remember the Hymn Eliza E. Hewitt wrote “More about Jesus” “More about Jesus in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord. Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine.” Note: With Virtue, and Knowledge, God wants us to add Temperance. Temperance = This is to have Self-Control… to be biblically proper, it is to have godly discipline, Someone has defined this as “the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God.” Note: The next thing to add it “Patience” Patience = endurance, perseverance, and constancy Remember that the Hebrews writer states running the race with “Patience” The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a Marathon. We must always remember that the Christian life is a challenge to endure hardness by the Grace of God. Paul said “I finished my course” It is good to start in the faith with a great thunder of glory; we must finish the race with much trials and testing. Someone said “Perseverance is the art of bearing up and pressing on in the face of all that seems to be against us.” (Acts 14:22) “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Godliness = to live godly, to be like God. To be Holy as God is Holy. Vernon Mcgee once said “There is a time in every boy's life when his dad is his hero and sometimes his idol.” We are to have a strong passion to be like our God. Not to be a God, but to be like God in His character. To be like God or to be godly, addresses our way of life or our way of living … We always see in Scripture that to be godly, there must be a rejection of worldliness. (Titus 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Titus 2:12) “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” As you know the world is always fighting against God’s ways. The World wants to redefine the constitutions of God in Marriage, Church, and in moral ethics. Notice what Peter writes in this first epistle setting up the platform for his second letter. (1 Peter 1:14-15) “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: vs 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Brotherly kindness = Love for God’s people Areas of:
(John 13:35) “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Brotherly kindness is the salt that helps make salty Christians. It is a sad thing when you see siblings in the home and Christian’s in the church purposely dodge each other when they see each other. Brotherly Kindness is an area in which God wants us to increase. God wants us to have a growing love one toward another. Not one that is stagnate or stale. (1 Thessalonians 4:9) “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. Vs 9 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;” Last but not least Charity = Unconditional Love, a Super-natural Love, Divine Love, Christ-kind of Love, the laying down of one’s life kind of love. Without this “love” we are nothing and we will mount-up to nothing. 1 Peter 4:8 God’s amazing love shed abroad in our hearts through Christ is the rudder on a ship that controls the large vessel It is the engine on the plane that gives it power to fly It is the wick in the oil that keeps the flame alight It is the greatest among faith and hope It is never character that ever fails Once again the Apostles Peter states this character trait in his first letter. 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Fervent Love = undying, without ceasing, Love In Closing:
and to the courage of David the knowledge of Solomon; and to the knowledge of Solomon the patience of Job; and to the patience of Job the godliness of Daniel; and to the godliness of Daniel the brotherly kindness of Jonathan; and to the brotherly kindness of Jonathan the love of John.”
1 Comment
The following subject headings for the various sections of the Psalm 119 are based primarily on F. W. Grant's notes:
vv. 1-8 The Blessedness of Obeying the Word vv. 9-16 Cleansing By the Word vv. 17-24 Discernment By the Word vv. 25-32 Sense of Personal Insufficiency Through the Word vv. 33-40 The Power of the Word vv. 41-48 Victory Through the Word vv. 49-56 Rest and Comfort Through the Word vv. 57-64 Perseverance in the Word vv. 65-72 The Pricelessness of the Word in Good and Evil Times vv. 73-80 Insights Through the Word vv. 81-88 The Afflicted One Sustained By the Word vv. 89-96 Eternity of the Word vv. 97-104 Wisdom Through the Word vv. 105-112 The Word a Lamp and Light For All Occasions vv. 113-120 The Wicked and the Word vv. 121-128 Separation and Deliverance Through the Word vv. 129-136 Joy and Communion Through the Word vv. 137-144 Zeal For the Word vv. 145-152 Experience Through the Word vv. 153-160 Salvation Through the Word vv. 161-168 Perfection of the Word vv. 169-176 Prayer and Praise Through the Word How can a Christian Spiritually Grow into Christ-likeness
To continue to desire the Word of God To passionately pursue the Knowledge of the Lord To seek to have an eternal Focus To endeavor to live the Mind of Christ 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” It is an amazing thing to have the mind of Christ. As Christians, our minds are renewed by God through His Word and by His Spirit. It is one thing to know the mind of Christ, but it is another thing to Live it. It is one thing to know the Will of God, but it is another to fulfil it. It is one thing to hear the Words of Christ, but it is another thing to observe them. Do you know we can be entertained by the truth of God’s Word by being heavily convicted, but doing nothing about it? As growing Christians we must endeavor to have the mind of Christ and live it. Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” As we have the mind of Christ revealed to us by The Word of God and by His Spirit, we must live it out. By the Way, there are so many blessings that come from submitting to what we know we ought to do as Christ-Followers. Note: When we live the mind Christ:
What kind of life did He live before us that we might follow? TURN TO: Philippians 2:1-8 Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Paul is now going show before the eyes of the Philippians the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:6-7 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:VS 7But made himself of no reputation…” Jesus Christ – God, is the perfect example of someone who was selfless. He had others on His mind. The next verse before us describes what it means when Jesus “…made Himself of no Reputation…” Philippians 2:7 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” 2. SERVING MIND - “…and took upon him the form of a servant.”
4. SUBMISSIVE MIND Philippians 2:8 “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. He obeyed even though it cost Him His life. One of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible is Matthew 7:1.
Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” One of the greatest myths within our modern day Christianity is that the Bible prohibits judging. This teaching “That we ought not to judge” is easily exposed by reading the rest of verses 2-5 of chapter 7. When we read the context and compare scripture with scripture we will soon find out that Mathew 7:1 has been greatly abused. Verse 5 reveals that God is not condemning all judging, but He condemns hypocritical judgment. Note: Hypocritical Judgment is when we point out something in another person’s life but we have no heart to keep to it ourselves. We may tell our children to love, honour and obey us, but at the same time we do not have a true heart to love, honour and obey God. We may tell our children to keep our rules, but forget about the commands in God’s Word. Also, there is a great folly in misjudging others. We are more easily prone to jump to negative conclusions about people than to assume the best about them. When we do this, we attribute to them bad intentions and evil motives that may not be true. Proverbs 6:16 call this “wicked imaginations”. At the same time, we also reveal something about ourselves, for the faults we may see in others could be actually a reflection of our own lives. However, The Bible is full of passages that prompt us to judge or make a judgement. For example, in Matthew 7:15 Jesus uses the word “Beware”. To “beware” means to watch out, be attentive, and to be cautious. A person has to be cautious by judging. In Matthew 7:16 Jesus explains the way in which person can make a judgment. “Ye shall know them by their fruits…” Jesus states that if we look at the fruit that hangs on the tree, we will be able to detect what kind of tree it is. We are to beware of false teachers by judging the doctrine they practice by God’s Word. It is by God’s Word that we will make a righteous judgement. Here are several things from Scripture that we are commanded to Judge righteously.
2. We are to Judge sin in our own life – 1 Corinthians 11:311 Corinthians 11:31 “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 3. We are to Judge issues between the Brethren – 1 Corinthians 6:5 1 Corinthians 6:5 “I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?” 4. We are to Judge false preachers – 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Vs 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” 5. We are to Judge evil works – Ephesians 5:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Ephesians 5:10-11 "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. vs 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." 6. We are to Judge spirits – 1 John 4:1 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." We are to Judge all things – 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. vs 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears"
The Apostle Paul warns Timothy that there will come a time when people will not tolerate sound, divine teaching; but because of their lustful desire will follow after teachers that will tickle ears by preaching and teaching things that justify lustful, selfish living. They will even twist the Word of God to do it. The most popular verses and messages people love to hear are those relating to personal blessings and possessions. But the unpopular verses and messages are those relating to separation, sacrifice, and surrender. People love to hear about the love of God, but when it comes to the Holiness of God and the righteousness of God they shy away. People love to hear about what God has sacrificed for them, but when it comes to sacrificing something for God it is hard to the ears. You will notice the loudest Amen’s are when we pray giving thanks for our food, but when a message is given on fasting it is usually shot down as a religious tradition that is only practiced by legalistic religious people. The Christ-like life is all about Sacrifice and Surrender to the will of God. The whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation is all about living to submit to the ways of God and striving to be like God. Proverbs 6:23 “… and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” We are living in that “time” – the time when fewer and fewer people want to hear convicting and challenging messages, and instead labeling them as negative preaching. They are more comfortable in hearing positive messages that only appeals to fleshy and carnal nature. However, God gives us a reason why people turn away their ears from sound divine teachings. 2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts…” They give in to their lustful ways. Instead of fearing God, obeying the Scriptures, and changing their ways, they would rather listen to a teacher that changes the Word of God to fit their comfortable, unholy lifestyle. They love themselves too much; so therefore they despise preaching that challenges them to live fully and wholeheartedly for God. They are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Paul is encouraging Timothy and every preacher not to change the message to fit-in with people’s lifestyle, but rather to PREACH THE WORD as it is. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Someone once said “We preach the Bible as it is; to men and women as they are.” “In season, out season…” At all times, and in every season, just PREACH THE WORD! whether people want to hear or don’t, whether you feel like it or don’t, JUST PREACH THE WORD as it is; and we as listeners that are disciples and students of the Word must endure sound, divine teachings that are the whole counsel of God’s HOLY Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 “Quench not the Spirit. Vs 20 Despise not prophesyings.” Philippians 3:18-21 "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: vs 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) vs 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: vs 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: vs 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Charles H Spurgeon once said,”If our faith be worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt is afraid of fire, but gold is not: the paste gem dreads to be touched by the diamond, but the true jewel fears no test. It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord’s faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father’s countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him,” is heaven-born faith.” Do not pray away trials that God allows in your life. The wilderness is a good place when God leads you there. Many lessons are learnt in the desert. However, we must remember that when God leads us to a place He will supply His sufficient Grace. God will supply water in the desert, and He will lead us out in His good timing. George Mueller once said, "God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God’s hand as a means. I say—and say it deliberately—trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith…We should take them out of His hands as evidences of His love and care for us in developing more and more that faith which He is seeking to strengthen in us.” Paul cried out three times to the Lord to take away the thorn in his flesh, but he soon realized that God "works all things together for good to them that love God" and then Paul gloried in his trials. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. vs 9 And he said unto me, 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." 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (Psalms 65:11) “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.”
As I read this verse it reminds me of the hymn “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.” With every year that passes, we are reminded of several blessings, and the conclusion of them all is that God is always Good. Here are a few things to remember as we enter into the new year: A. A Time to Remember our Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1) “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” It’s spiritually healthy to remember that God is the source of our life; without the Creator God we would not have life at all. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created…” To forget our Creator is to forget the God that is over us. (Psalms 100:2-3) “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Vs3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” B. A Time to Reflect on the Works and Wonders of God (Psalms 77:11-12) “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. Vs 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” God has been too good, and we cannot thank Him enough. Notice the goodness of God. 1. God has redeemed us from the bondage of sin which brings death and Hell. Revelation 1:18 2. God has attributed His righteousness to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 3. God has made us privileged people by putting us into the ministry to serve Him. 1 Timothy 1:12 4. God is preparing a place for us. John 14:1-4 We can go on and on about God’s works to us. Let us reflect on God’s goodness, not on our expectations, and we won’t be disappointed. C. A Time to be Reassured that our Time on Earth is Short. Time is short, especially when we compare it to eternity. (Psalms 89:47) “Remember how short my time is:” God’s people are encouraged by the Word of God to focus our desire on things above. Colossians 3:1-3 (Psalms 90:12) “”So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Wisdom is to live with Eternity in view. Wisdom is to live for God’s glory. Wisdom is to live by God’s power, and Wisdom is to live in the Will of God. Amen! (James 4:14-15) “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Vs 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” D. A Time to be Refreshed to Press Forward by God’s Power (Philippians 3:13-15) “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, vs 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. vs 16 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” We are admonished to have the same mind that God renewed in the Apostle Paul. It is a mind to keep on keeping on, to keep growing in Christ, having our eyes/hearts fixed upon Him. It is a danger to come to a point where we think we have arrived. Our faith in Christ must always be stretched by God’s power to do God’s Work in a Christ-like way. God help us from going through the motions. God help us from going backwards. God help us press forward by His power. God is able. There is a lot of confusion today regarding miracles having a place in Christian ministry. The questions are often asked, “Is divine healing for today?” “Are there Prophets and Apostles today?”
A. What are the main teachings about miracles? 1. The miracles of Jesus Christ and the Apostles had a special, temporary purpose, and are not models for the entire church age. 2. God does not always heal, but He often does heal in answer to prayer. 3. Jesus warned against seeking after miracles. – Matthew 12:38-39The Bible warns about false signs and wonders at the end of the church age. – Matthew 24:24 (Matthew 24:24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. B. Why did Jesus and the Apostles perform miracles? 1. Jesus performed miracles to prove that He was the Messiah a. The Scriptures make it very clear why Jesus performed miracles.
Note: The only exceptions were a few men who were working closely with the Apostles, and the Apostles had laid hands upon them. 2. The vast majority of Bible-believing Christians in the early churches were not able to perform the sign miracles.Example: Tabitha being healed – Acts 9:36-41
Part 2 – Next Week THE INFLUENCE OF MUSIC
Colossians 3:15-17 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. v16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. v17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” There are many people who claim that the music they listen to does not affect them. It would be hard to convince the Kuntz family of this. Fifteen year old Richard Kuntz was listening to a Manson album when he committed suicide by shooting himself. His father says Richard was a major Manson fan and his favorite song contained calls to commit suicide. Music does influence. The Bible teaches that the music educates us. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” God’s purpose in music is to have His peace rule in our hearts as we sing to Him. Music affects our hearts for good or bad. Godly music that brings glory to God is good; that kind of music will build us up. Johann Sebastian Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.” He headed all of his compositions: “J. J.,” the initials for, ”Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus help me.” He ended them “S.D.G.,” the initials for, “Soli Dei Gloria” which means “To God alone be the glory.” Notice the style of music God wants us to use while singing the Word of God with grace in our hearts. Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Note, all of these three mentioned go hand in hand. 1. Psalms There are 150 canonical psalms found in the Bible. The psalms were designed to encourage believers but also for the purpose to be sung. The Psalms are filled with truth, testimonies of God’s goodness, and instruction. They are good, godly meat for the Soul. The modem Christian writers are straying away from rich-filled scripture, and are repeating seven words eleven times, ‘…for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) 2. Hymns The word “hymn” comes from the root of a word meaning “to celebrate.” Most probably the passages of Scripture other than the Psalms where God is praised. For example the “Song of Moses” Exodus 15:1-19. Notice how the song begins. Exodus 15:1-2 “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Vs 2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.” This hymn/song is a song of deliverance/salvation and the victory that God gave them. They are singing of God power and goodness. As a matter of fact this song is sung in Heaven. Revelation 15:3 “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” 3. Spiritual Songs This is a non-carnal piece of music written by Godly men and women. These are songs of the Spirit of God that are in line with the Scriptures. “Throughout history philosophers, great men of God, musicians and musical experts have believed that music is a powerful force/language that has great influence for good or evil. The music itself – not just the words to a song – communicates something. Music is often denoted to a language of the emotions. Looking back to about 35 to 40 years however the idea that music is neutral has been progressive. Ironically, it is not unsaved people who have taken this position. Mostly it is being supported by Christians within the CCM movement with the purpose to justify the use of any musical style to present their so-called Christian message.” Spiritual music is what pleases God and in return we can have true peace. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” James 4:13-15 “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: vs 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Vs 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
The Bible likens life to a vapour. A vapour is the mist or fog that you see in the morning that disappears soon after. Life is just for a moment. Here are some reasons why life is but for a moment: 1. Death is Certain a. Old age If any of us lived to see a hundred years that would still be a very short time. When you view life in the light of eternity, life is only a vapour. b. Sudden death No one is guaranteed that they will live to their full age. The news is full of tragedies such as car accidents, murders, and heath issues (Cancer); and all these things can come upon us like a thief in the night. 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” c. God can cut our life short if He chooses Luke 12:20 “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” We must remember that God gives life and God can take it away at any time. If God decides to cut our life short, then that is totally up to Him. That is why it is important that we live surrendered lives to Christ. 2. Coming of Christ is soon James 5:8 “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Death is not only certain, but the coming of Christ is very soon. Many things around us are happening that the Word of God predicts that prove the end time is near. Life is a vapour because Jesus is coming very soon. Because life is only for a moment the Bible instructs us to live according to the will of God. It a sad thing when a Christian chooses to live life as if they are going to live forever on earth. James 4:16 “But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.” We have a limited time on earth, but the flesh continues to fight against God’s will and desires to live for self. Notice what the Word of God states. Ephesians 5:15-18 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, vs 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Vs 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Vs 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” a. Do not be foolish but walk with wisdom. b. Do not waste time but make every opportunity count for God’s glory. c. Strive to know and to do what God wills and do not seek to do what you want to do. d. Be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and do not be overcome with the lust of your flesh. In other words, do not just live for yourself. We must live with eternity in view. Someone once said, “For a little reward men make a long journey; for eternal matters many will scarce lift a foot once from the ground.” Notice what Moses said. Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” |
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