Job Done Right

 If you want the job done right…

How do you complete that sentence?  The wisdom of the world says “Do it yourself.”  But Jesus shows the way of God which is to teach others.  “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” His plan was to teach and demonstrate Kingdom living and then entrust the work to His disciples, with the promise to equip and guide them by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t do it without His help and He has chosen to allow us to be His body whom He sends and equips to complete the task.

We see Paul follow the same principle in dealing with Timothy.  “The things you heard from me, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. 

A more important question is teach and do what?  Christian parents and Christian schools spent great effort to educate and train their children. However, often the goal is to be able to get a good job and have a successful and comfortable life, perhaps realistically defined as a well paying job, a lovely spouse and good family, a nice house and car with all the comforts this world can give. 

What is the distortion of this objective?  Is that really the goal that God has given?  What about “Seek first the kingdom of God.” or “He who loses his life for My sake will find life.”? Rather than being a worldly success, we must teach and be an example of living for the Lord.  James gives a stronger warning, saying if we love the world, love of the Father is not in us.

The heart of our purpose is to love and serve God, and love our neighbor.   Jesus obviously came to take care of sin and to establish the Kingdom of God on earth  Each of us who know God have the assignment to share that love and truth in our sphere of influence.  In the words of Jesus, you are the light of the world.

Following the pattern of Jesus who demonstrated and taught the ways of God, thus making disciples who could continue His mission, we are told to make disciples.  

So if you want the job done right, make godly disciples.

School is Out!

 Yes, classes may be out for the kids, but the real school for all of us is never out.  The Holy Spirit continues to faithfully teach us and show us all things.  His priority, of course, is to reveal Jesus and His Word so that we know Him.  Jesus points out in John 17 that eternal life is knowing God and His Son whom He has sent, which may be why the early church catechism declares the purpose of life is to know and serve Him.  In the days ahead this will be even more vital as Daniel 11:32 points out, that in the end-times, "those who know their God will be strong and do great exploits."  

In Psalm 16, the truth of inheriting a relationship with and knowing God is stated in verse 5, "O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup" followed by David's understanding and description of this special gift, "Yes, I have a good inheritance."  This revelation that God has given us Himself as our portion reminds us of the Levites, who were not given any land in Israel.  Instead, Joshua 18 states, "The Lord is their inheritance."  As Jesus has made us priests and kings, knowing Him is our true inheritance. 

Men on the earth strive for riches, fame, and selfish gain, but everyone knows that heaven and earth will pass away and no man will be able to keep what he has acquired.  Jim Elliot's powerful saying states this truth well, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.  Jesus also warned that treasures on the earth were subject to moth and rust and thieves, so our goal must be to rather "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."  The greatest treasure is a strong relationship with your creator and the maker of the universe, with the One who willing gave His all for you, so you can enjoy the amazing fellowship with the Father and Jesus that has been purchased for us. 

Psalm 16 summarizes the fruit of this lasting, ultimate relationship.  "Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, my flesh also will rest in hope." and finally, "In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 

School is not out, but God does have various seasons.  One may be in a time of classes, a time of rest, a time of transition, however, the Holy Spirit is committed to be the master teacher, and all He needs is a willing, teachable student.  Your time in school with the Holy Spirit to learn the ways of the Lord and to come to know Him is now.  Hear Him. 

Faithful

God is faithful.  He keeps His promises. He never changes.  Psalm 36 declares "Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."  And Psalm 89 begins with "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations."  Jesus elaborates on the absolute surety of God's Word and His faithfulness to carry it out.  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will by no means pass away."  In the wisdom of Solomon, "Not one word has failed of all His good promises."  

This assurance is particularly good to know when we are overwhelmed with problems.  1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."  Notice how God is faithful is the rock to stand on during trials and the promise that you will overcome it.  His faithfulness is a very real help in practical daily troubles.       

The purpose of life is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).   By identifying with Jesus' death and resurrection we receive the gift of a new nature, and then as the Holy Spirit transforms our mind with the Word of God, we change from glory to glory.  As a man thinks, so is he.  God is faithful to lead us into all truth, and in His presence, we are changed.  

However, part of this process is our participation and obedience.  Notice the admonition in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2,  "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."  God commands us to be faithful to the Lord Jesus and in our obedience to His Word.    

Clearly, God calls us to be faithful,  Jesus asked, "Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom His master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?"  He also instructed us to be faithful in little so He could entrust us with the much.  And His final welcome into glory will be, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  

The good news is that we don't have to do this by our own effort.  Jesus promised not to leave us orphans, but that He would send the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit helps us in our weakness, make us His witnesses, and guides us in the way we should go.  His life-giving power transforms our minds, hearts, and will to delight to do His will.  In short, the Spirit helps us to be faithful.  He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.    

Increasing in the Knowledge of Jesus

 Everyone knows that Christmas celebrates God's sending His Son to earth, and Jesus' death and resurrection opens the door to bring men to God, but what is God's plan or purpose for those who have received His "goodwill and peace to men."  Certainly God is not mocked and His revealed purpose will not be thwarted.  "My Word shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) 

God has much more for believers than to just endure the challenges of life and finally go to heaven. Notice the instruction in Colossians 1, "that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."  What an amazing description of what our lives are meant to be! 

For what God calls, He also provides.  So He has also given us the wherewithal to accomplish this level of life.  The verse continues, "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."  In His light we become light.

The more we grow in knowing God, His purpose, and His provision, the more we will be able to please Him and bear fruit.  There is a deep desire in every man's heart to do something with our lives that matters, in other words, be fruitful.  The key to actually having this kind of life is "increasing in the knowledge of God."

Notice in 2 Peter 1:3 how incredibly much is already given to us through knowing God: "All things that pertain to life and godliness have been given through the knowledge of Him."  No wonder Paul's heart cry was "to know Him and the power of the resurrection."  Likewise, the prayer found in Ephesians 1, asking God to give "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God" is the key to hope, to realizing our eternal inheritance, and to having the power of God in our lives. 

Yet many believers don't seem to have these promises as a reality in their lives.  Why?  Hosea 4:6 suggests "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."  2 Peter 1:4 states that through the "exceedingly great and precious promises" we can escape the corruption that is in the world and "become partakers of the divine nature."  Do you sense the heart of God who desires us to be whole and to enjoy His fulness of life, as we come to know how great He is? 

The obvious question is how do we get this knowledge of Him?  Number one, Romans 1:19-20 points out that His eternal power and Godhead can be clearly seen through creation and all He has made.  However, His personality, love, and plan can only be revealed through His Word.  Jesus is the Word of God, and since He is the exact "image of the invisible God," He came to manifest or show what God is really like.  

Jesus, in a discussion with the Pharisees (John 5:39-40), declared that the Scriptures "bear witness to Me," but require that we "come to Me that you may have life."  God desires to reveal Himself to those who humbly hunger to know Him.  Furthermore, Jesus and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Jesus, to renew our minds by leading us into all truth, and to transform our hearts to know God as "Abba Father."  2 Peter 1:21 points out that all Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit.  So go to the author, the Spirit, and ask Him to open up the Word to reveal Jesus and the nature of God.  If you continue in the Word, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  Jesus is the truth. 

One more challenge: what book of the bible specifically claims to be the revelation of Jesus Christ?  Yes, the Gospels are His life on earth and the epistles give practical instruction in knowing Him and living out the Christian life, but the answer to the question is Revelation.  Most people mistakenly think this book is about what is going to happen in the end-times, but that is not what God says it is.  Since this book claims to be the revelation of Jesus Christ that God Himself wants the church to have (Revelation 1:1-2), my intention in coming posts is to look specifically at what God has revealed.  

The bottom line is that the one whose life pleases God and bears fruit, is the life that is ever increasing in the knowledge of God.  Invite the Holy Spirit to give you a deep hunger to know Jesus.  Be willing to seek and to wait on Him that He may "open your eyes that you may behold wondrous things out of His Word." He who calls you to be "increasing in the knowledge of Jesus" is Faithful, and He will do it.

   

 

Purpose of your Life?

  Recently, at the passing of a dear friend who seemingly died before her time, the comment was made that a full life isn't how many years you live, but rather whether you accomplished your mission, your purpose.  Someone joked that he was so far behind in completing his mission that he would have to live past 90 just to get everything done. 

Yet finding one's purpose and fulfilling our calling is not a laughing matter or something that always seems well-defined.  Most of us just go through life simply doing the necessary practical things, making a living, handling the demands of family and work, while our emotional needs may be satisfied with common pleasures of body appetites and whatever the sports and entertainment venues can provide. However, there is little serious consideration of the real meaning or purpose of our lives.  Once in a awhile, on various occasions such as a death or birth, we may stop and reflect on what life really is and why we are here.  Usually these passing thoughts only cause temporary change of direction, much like the New Year's resolutions that are so easy to make and break. 

  May I ask "What will be said about you at your funeral?"  What would you like to have said and for what would you like to be remembered?  Clearly more important, what does God see and what will He say to you.  Before we can answer this, we may need to consider God's perspective. 

  From the beginning God wanted to walk with man and be his close friend.  He has given each of us certain unique qualities and specific abilities to accomplish the "good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)  God knows our calling and purpose and is more than able to accomplish in us and through us what He desires to do.  Life is designed to be a partnership, a walking together, and depending on Him until He is "all in all" to accomplish this assignment.  Have you imagined what it would be like if today Jesus simply walked with you, in your basic relationships, in your time at work, in the basic decisions you make with your time and energy, and in the thoughts of your heart?

  It is never too late to open up more to Jesus, or to let His shed blood clean you up and make you "new."  God's love supersedes everything that you have ever done or that has ever happened to you.  Isaiah declares He is waiting to show mercy to you.  The big things such as life calling and purpose only unfold when the small steps of inviting the Lord to permeate your mind and heart in the little things happens. Then the light will dawn and get brighter and brighter.

  You can't change what you have done or what has occurred, but you can be with the Lord Jesus right now.  He is "I Am."  You can obey the next thing that you perceive His Spirit is impressing on you to do.  You can sense that He is not only with you but also that He is pleased with you.  You can pour out your heart and concerns to Him and let Him be the motivation and strength to do the difficult thing.  The primary purpose of your life is to be with Him and to let Him "own or rule" you.  From this relationship the overall mission or purpose will be clear and unfold easily.

Then when the time comes to go home, you will have accomplished your mission.  Your mind and heart will rest as Paul did, declaring "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."