Do you ever grow tired and weary of doing good? In John 4:32-38 Jesus was faint so the disciples went to purchase food. When they returned, they were astonished at the change in Him. He was sitting up, face animated, eyes kindled. He told them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." From this passage with its images, we may discover several laws of spiritual work.
1. Spiritual work is refreshing to the soul and body (vs 34). If we love spiritual work, it will kindle our souls.
2. There are seasons in the spiritual sphere, of sowing and reaping, just as in farming (vs 35).
3. Spiritual work links the workers in unity (vs 36)
4. Spiritual work has rich rewards (vs 36-38).
Conclusion: God will reward all we do, and all we try to do, and all we wish to do. He will be our reward forever and ever.
Based on an outline by John A. Broadus
Do you find this to be true in your life?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Clothing of a Christian
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:12-15
Paul was concerned about the Christian's clothing. Prior to this he discusses what we call the clothing of the ungodly. There are certain desires, dispositions, and distinctions we need to strip off our lives. Then once we remove these things, then what are we to put on? Paul gave some positive suggestions. Col 3:12 says, "clothe yourselves." Following are things that could be classified as the clothing of a Christian. These are things that we are to put on. Note that they are not things that we just naturally add to our lives.
Some desirable personal qualities make up the Christian's clothing (Col. 3:12)
1. Compassion
2. Kindness
3. Humility
4. Meekness
5. Patience
Notice that these qualities all have to do with personal relationships. These are the things that help people relate to people and to get along together.
The practice of forgiveness makes up the Christian's clothing (Col. 3:13)
Forgive as the Lord forgave you...
What is the incentive for forgiveness? The incentive for forgiveness is the forgiveness that we have experienced through Jesus Christ. Having been forgiven, we are to be forgiving.
The inclusiveness of forgiveness. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
The perfection of love makes up the Christian clothing (Col. 3:14)
Love is the binding power that holds the Christian body together.
Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues.
The peace of God makes up the Christian clothing (Col. 3:15)
The peace of God rules in the heart. Interesting enough, the word translated "rule" is a word from the athletic arena, umpire. The peace of God settles disputes and divisions of the heart and soul.
The peace of God brings unity and thankfulness.
These garments can be put on only as we let the word of God dwell in us.
This was taken from a resource book of mine from years ago...Still good stuff.
Paul was concerned about the Christian's clothing. Prior to this he discusses what we call the clothing of the ungodly. There are certain desires, dispositions, and distinctions we need to strip off our lives. Then once we remove these things, then what are we to put on? Paul gave some positive suggestions. Col 3:12 says, "clothe yourselves." Following are things that could be classified as the clothing of a Christian. These are things that we are to put on. Note that they are not things that we just naturally add to our lives.
Some desirable personal qualities make up the Christian's clothing (Col. 3:12)
1. Compassion
2. Kindness
3. Humility
4. Meekness
5. Patience
Notice that these qualities all have to do with personal relationships. These are the things that help people relate to people and to get along together.
The practice of forgiveness makes up the Christian's clothing (Col. 3:13)
Forgive as the Lord forgave you...
What is the incentive for forgiveness? The incentive for forgiveness is the forgiveness that we have experienced through Jesus Christ. Having been forgiven, we are to be forgiving.
The inclusiveness of forgiveness. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
The perfection of love makes up the Christian clothing (Col. 3:14)
Love is the binding power that holds the Christian body together.
Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues.
The peace of God makes up the Christian clothing (Col. 3:15)
The peace of God rules in the heart. Interesting enough, the word translated "rule" is a word from the athletic arena, umpire. The peace of God settles disputes and divisions of the heart and soul.
The peace of God brings unity and thankfulness.
These garments can be put on only as we let the word of God dwell in us.
This was taken from a resource book of mine from years ago...Still good stuff.
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