2018-11-02
Good Morning Dear Ones,
In case you are concerned with the length of this “Christ and Believers” segment of the “Knowing God” messages, this discussion is about our relationship with the Lord Jesus—indeed, an important issue. I’m led to continue presenting supporting Scripture to that of the book of Colossians. Today, I am to deal with the expectations God has for us. When Paul wrote to the recipients of this letter while on house arrest, he wanted them to know the basis on which he preached the Gospel. COL 1: 23, “You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the Gospel. It is of this Gospel that I, Paul, became a servant-this Gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world.” Standing firm in our faith is one of the things God wants us to do. RO 8: 38-39 tells us that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God. PS 9: 9-10, “The Lord is a Refuge for the oppressed, a Place of Safety in times of trouble. Those who know You, Lord, will trust You; You do not abandon anyone who comes to You.” As early as when the Jews were given a new leader, in Joshua, and were about to enter the Promised Land, God let them know they would prevail and that He would not abandon them [DT 31: 4-6]. He is still with us today and always, a true Promise-keeper!
God’s expectation of us holding to our faith was a written reminder Paul writes in response to the urging of the Holy Spirit. This is timely as he wrote, because of the competition to true faith in Christ mounted by the leaders of Gnosticism. We are also reminded not to back-slide, giving in to materialism, greed, or other competing forces in our time. In addition, we are told that we should feel a responsibility to share the Gospel with all potential believers willing to listen. Believe Christ’s words, in MT 28:19-20, “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them My disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always to the end of the age.” John, in JN 14: 21, makes it clear that God wants our obedience. EPH 3: 16-18 is Paul’s prayer for believers in Jesus Christ, uttered from the depths of the heart God has given him.
“I ask God from the wealth of His glory to give you power through His Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and I pray that Christ will make His home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep is Christ’s love.” The minor prophet, Joel, in JL 2: 13b, reminds the people of their need to repent and return to the Lord in the face of backsliding. We are reminded of God’s willingness to keep His promises and of His blessed forgiveness.
DT 29: 29, “There are some things that the Lord, our God, has kept secret; but He has revealed His Law (the Ten Commandments), and we and our descendants, are to obey it forever.” Yes, our God knows exactly when the right time for things to happen or be revealed to maximize “teaching moments” for us. He knows when we are sufficiently ready. That is why He let ancient Jews know what was pleasing to Him and what was not through the Law. He also knew when the right time for Jesus to serve His earthly ministry, be arrested and humiliated, die on the cross, and be resurrected. The Lord revealed, in 2 SAM 7: 13, that a Descendant of David will rule the Kingdom forever. This was for our sake, so that all who believe in Him can be saved, eternally forgiven, and justified. Moreover, He knew exactly when to send the Holy Spirit (at Pentecost) and when to allow Paul’s work to begin the spread of His Gospel, establishing His church. Pentecost is prophesied in JL 2: 28. The church began on the day of Pentecost [AC 2: 2-4], and the truth was revealed by the apostles. God’s greatest mystery revealed so far is Christ in us (believers), opening access to His wisdom [COL 1: 24-27; COL 2: 2-3]. The books of Daniel and Revelation deal with prophecies of future events and the events themselves, about which God wants us to know. Because of God’s great mystery of Christ in us who believe, we are to give glory to Him, standing firm in our faith, and conveying our faith in the Gospel [RO 16: 25-27]. It was told to the Jews only at first, but with Paul’s apostleship, they are made known to Gentiles, as well. We are extraordinarily blessed that He chose to reveal these things, hitherto kept secret!
PRAYER: O Lord, Your expectations for us are outlined clearly in the Ten Commandments. These were set out first for the Jews and later for all believers, whether Jewish or Gentile, to obey. That the truth of the Father’s teaching is for all believers and potential believers, is seen in RO 1: 16-17. To obey and believe, we must get familiar with God’s teaching (OT and NT), profess our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, and be willing to honestly confess our sins. Once this is done, we will be saved to eternal life, deemed acceptable in Your sight, and will be eternally forgiven. These blessings are due to Christ’s Atonement and the unconditional love our You have for us. We acknowledge that love and intend to engage in faith-building activities with people who help that process. We are grateful beyond our own understanding and offer You praise and thanks for Your part in the Covenant of Grace. We also acknowledge that we are sinners, desperately in need of Your presence, guidance, and intervention in our lives. This prayer we say in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: I’m commanded to continue writing about God’s expectations for obedient believers. In considering what the Holy Spirit has given me to write and meditate about today, I can see, both in my past and in my present, His hand in what He has called me to be doing. In the past, I served a very large congregation in their Women of the Word program by teaching many Bible courses. The richness of Esther, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Romans, Hebrews, and Revelation were all books upon which I offered classes. Many of the others not mentioned in this list were subjects in which I took classes. This series of devotions is on Colossians, and I pray God will allow me more of His word in my writing. I give this information, not to boast about my long history with God’s word, but rather about God’s wonderful blessing of my life and sharing of His wisdom. Our God is amazing! Despite my many flaws, He loves me and all of you unconditionally and with gusto. My own life was quite negative and seemed hopeless in my youth. But, from the time Christ entered it, He has blessed me abundantly. There is nothing special about me, except that my Lord caused me to fall deeply in love with Him and His word. He did all the rest. I am forever grateful for the superb friendships He has brought into my life along the way. Four days ago, a dear friend, Pastor Deane Schuessler, went to heaven. He took wonderful care of the spiritual needs of my husband and I for many years. Before that, he served in the mission field in Asia with his wife, Julie. I ask you to pray for Julie and the entire Schuessler family. We will all truly miss this remarkable servant of God who spoke Japanese fluently, memorized entire books of the Bible, and was such a great teacher. But, part of our blessing is that we know, for sure, Pastor Deane is getting his richly-deserved heavenly reward for a life well-lived. Our God is awesome! Praise and thanks to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2018. All Rights Reserved.
<-- Back to Archives