2 Peter 1:5-9 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Commentary:
Through the many trials of being a Christian, it is not unusual to feel lacking in your faith. However, the Apostle Paul has given us an excellent “strategic plan” for the Christian life. Many of us are often envious of the love and compassion of dedicated Christians. How do they do it under such adversity? Notice that in Paul’s plan, love only comes after a long road of self-improvement. Starting with our faith in Christ, it includes, among other things, knowledge (of the Word), perseverance, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the assumption of Christ-like qualities (e.g., a changed life).
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Commentary:
There are four steps you can follow to become a Christian. These are:
- your belief;
- your recognition;
- your faith; and
- your acceptance.
Your belief is founded upon the promise that God loves you (John 3:16) and has an plan for your life (John 10:10). You must recognize that man is sinful (Romans 3:23) and separated from God (Romans 6:23). This separation keeps man from knowing God’s plan. God’s only provision to reach Him is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8) and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:36) in order that we may live in communion with God. In order to know and experience God’s love and plan for us, we must accept Christ (John 1:12), personally (Revelation 3:20) and by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we do, we are reborn into the eternal kingdom of God (John 3:1-8).
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.
Commentary:
There appears to be no such thing as Christian luck. God works in our lives so that all things are for His purpose and therefore, are good things.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with then in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Commentary:
This is one of God’s basic assurances and the foundation of a Christian’s hope. The key words are “those who have fallen asleep in him.” It is our faith in Christ that is the passport to eternal life. What a joy to reflect over.
Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
Commentary:
Solomon tells us that death is better than life. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that in death, there is something better. Hence, the reward for those of hope and faith.
2 Samuel 2:1-2 In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah? he asked. The Lord said, Go up. David asked, Where shall I go? To Hebron, the Lord answered.
Commentary:
David used God as a basis for his key decisions. While we may not receive such direct and literal answers as it appears David did, asking God through prayer and seeking His answers through the Word can bring similar results for us today.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Commentary:
When all other avenues have been exhausted and you are brought to a pure decision based on your faith, God tells us that there is no wrong direction. Our God stands behind us to confirm that any path walked in faith is His path.
Isaiah 46:3-4 Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Commentary:
We are part of God’s plan and His all of our lives. God assures us that just because we grow old, God does not forget us. Aging and loss of memory are restricted to a human trait. God assures each of us that he sustains us through the trials of old age and his rescue is our deliverance into eternal life.
Exodus 18:20-21 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.
Commentary:
Even Moses could not handle the load (Exodus 18:13-19). Burn out can occur with a Christian or any other person who tries to do too much. In response to this overload, Moses took the advice of someone else who was qualified to comment. The advice gives us a guide in how to delegate:
- teach them how you want it done. Don’t assume they will pick it up through experience;
- show them how it is done. Walk your talk. Don’t delegate what you are unwilling to do yourself;
- select capable people;
- pick people who fear God. If you analyze this attribute of humanity, God-fearing people are always motivated and constrained by the knowledge that they are accountable to God; and
- pick people who hate dishonesty. The word “hate” is critical here. Political people, agreeable people, dishonest people will follow their own agenda. One who hates dishonesty will tell you the truth even in spite of personal consequences. Delegation needs this honest feedback to work effectively.
John 6:65 He went on to say, “this is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
Commentary:
Mankind can take no credit for his salvation. We come to Christ through the generosity and love of our God.