What would you do if real persecution were to happen here? How would you respond when you suffer because of your faith?

 

READ: 1 Peter 4:12-19

 

1 Peter 4:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (NIV)

 

• “Do not be surprised” – You should expect suffering
• “Painful trial you are suffering” – trials and suffering for Jesus is painful
• “As though something strange were happening to you” – Being a believer does not exclude us from trials and suffering. In fact it almost guarantees it.
• If you suffer for His name you are blessed – V. 14
• Do not be ashamed, but praise God because you bear His name – V. 16
• Do not suffer as a criminal – V. 15
• If we suffer – remain faithful and do good – V. 19

APPLICATION:

• Expect suffering
• Don’t question God’s love or His plan
• Don’t complain or whine when you suffer for doing good.
• Remain faithful and continue to do good!

 

Kayla Mueller of Prescott, Arizona was a humanitarian worker in Jordan. Kayla had volunteered with a group called Support to Life and quickly went to southern Turkey to aid Syrian refugees. The months that followed would bring her to Hatay, the southernmost province in Turkey. Then finally away from her assignment across the border. In August 2013, with a friend, she crossed into Syria itself, where she was soon snatched by kidnappers. She spent months in captivity as her family in Arizona and American officials struggled to find a way to free her.[i] Kayla didn’t expect that her faith would be tried and ultimately strengthened through an ordeal of capture, torture, and ultimate death. Held by an ISIS leader, she sheltered two other girls from additional harm. When a chance for escape came she decided to stay for fear of endangering the others who had escaped. About 18 months after the kidnapping, in February 2015, her captors would announce that she had died.[ii]

 

Men and women all across the globe are still suffering for their faith. This is not something that only happened in the dark ages, but it is occurring even today. You can find story after story of those who are being imprisoned or martyred for their faith in the news, and it seems to be increasing. In 2017 Open Doors ministry released a report that nearly 215 million Christians are experiencing “a high level of persecution”.[iii]

 

But yet, we in America are profoundly shocked whenever we suffer even the slightest for our faith. Someone questions our faith or mocks us because of our beliefs and we question God and we wonder “why me?”. A Western pastor asked a harassed Sri Lankan pastor, “Why are so many Christians persecuted for their faith today?”. With a twinkle in his eye, the pastor replied, “So that the rest of you will remember what real Christianity looks like.”[iv]

 

Paul said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He was later beheaded for his faith in Rome. In fact, all of the disciples were violently killed for their faith, except for John. Still the message spread, and martyrdom has never stopped. Today 322 Christians are killed for their faith every month.[v]

 

Here in 1 Peter 4 we find Peter warning his readers about the coming of more intense persecution. He stresses the need for mental readiness: “Do not be surprised (amazed) at the painful trial you are suffering.”

 

Later in verse 13 we see him instructing them to “rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.” One commentary says this, “Suffering for Christ’s sake should cause rejoicing because through suffering Christians further identify with Christ.” The author goes on to say, “The New Testament is clear that those who take part in the suffering of Christ also will take part in His glory, when it is revealed (apokalypsei; cf. 1 Peter 1:7; 5:1). Peter presented this truth as a cause for future hope and present rejoicing while enduring persecution.”[vi]

 

What does this mean for us here in America? First, we need to pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith in other countries. Second, we need to be prepared for when we do suffer for our faith. And lastly, we need to find a way to “consider ourselves blessed” whenever someone insults us for the name of Christ.

 

Ask God to give you a heart for those who are being persecuted. Ask Him to prepare your heart for suffering for His name, because it will come. And pray for the faith and the strength to be able to “consider it all joy”.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

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[i] The Republic, AZ Central.com; Aug. 13, 2016

[ii] Share Faith Magazing; 20 Christian Women Who Died as Martyrs; 1.20.2016

[iii] Billy Graham.org / A Global Picture of Faith and Suffering / May 10, 2017

[iv] Billy Graham.org / A Global Picture of Faith and Suffering / May 10, 2017

[v] Share Faith Magazing; 20 Christian Women Who Died as Martyrs; 1.20.2016

[vi] Raymer, R. M. (1985). 1 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 854). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

Do you read God’s Word with an open mind? Are you teachable and mold-able towards His Spirit?

 

READ: James 1:19-27

 

James 1:23-24

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (NIV)

 

• “Anyone who listens to the Word and does not do what it says…” – sermons, etc.
• Is like a person who looks in the mirror and see their flaws (hair, make-up, etc.) and walks away without doing anything about it
• It is foolish
• Just like the Israelites hearing the prophets calling them to repent and warning them over and over.

APPLICATION:

• We need to apply scripture to our lives
• We need to stop making excuses
• We need to wake up (Rev. 3:2)
• We need to repent and obey His Word.

Many years ago, I had the great privilege to work with a good pastor friend of mine. We served together for many years, and he became very close to me. John had served over the years in several struggling churches. He was famous in southern California for going into a struggling church and turning it around. When we met, he was working at a church in northwest Phoenix. He asked me to come join him and to start a youth ministry in this growing urban community. John was an incredible teacher. He could have easily taught at any seminary, but this was his calling. During our seven years together, I watched him work patiently with the congregation. The church grew, and many young families joined and became a part of the ministry. We both preached and taught on the need for change, and the importance of reaching the lost. We realized that if we were going to experience a revival in our town that it was going to have to start with us. Many of the young parents and teens that we worked with responded to the gospel and to the need to repent. But the establishment resisted. The message was for someone else. And week after week, the word was preached, and the people stiffened their necks. I was always amazed at John’s strength and fortitude. Nevertheless, after many years and too many battles I finally witnessed him beginning to struggle. Over time, he began to walk slightly bent over – from the weight of discouragement, and heartache. He began to talk more of retirement and of just getting through the next few years. Unfortunately, he never made it. I saw him a year later laying in a hospital bed. He had just come out of surgery the day before. He had a brain tumor, and the prognosis was not good. They did all that they could, but a year later John died.

 

This same kind of struggle goes on in churches all across America. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, and small group leaders share God’s word to far too many deaf ears. Warren Wiersbe explains what it looks like: This is the main purpose for owning a mirror, to be able to see yourself and make yourself look as clean and neat as possible. As we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we see ourselves as we really are. James mentions several mistakes people make as they look into God’s mirror.[i]

 

Wiersbe goes on to explain the mistakes that we make as Christians when it comes to hearing God’s Word: 1) They merely glance at themselves. A cursory look at the Bible is not the same as examining the Word and reflecting on how we should apply it; 2) They forget what they see. If we were to look deeply into our own lives, what we would see would be unforgettable! We would go running to the altar in repentance; 3) They fail to obey what the Word tells them to do. We tend to think that hearing is the same as doing. We listen to sermons, pod casts, and we go to conferences on evangelism and church growth. We spend all kinds of money on books and courses, but our hearts never change.

 

We look in the mirror of God’s Word and we see the blemishes, and the stain of unfaithfulness. We listened intently, and we even told the pastor that it was a great message, but did we change? We hear the call to get involved in ministry, and our heart tugs at the overwhelming needs of our church and community, but did we move?

 

God spent hundreds of years crying out to His nation through prophets and kings, and they made their covenants. But their words were empty and they were stripped from the Promise Land. America, God has been preaching through His pastors and teachers for 200 years. The message has never changed. We need to repent and we need to stand. We need to take action in our lives, and we need to come alongside others to get them moving as well.

 

Will you join me? Will you join other pastors who have a passion for ministry and for the lost? Will you take your place on the battle lines against the establishment? Will you come alongside your pastor, whomever he may be, and encourage him by more than just words? Encourage him with action!

 

Ask God to work in your life, and to stir you to action. What things do you need to clean up in your life? Where is He calling you to get involved? Be a part of the solution, and not the problem.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

 

 

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[i] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 347). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

What do you long for? What is it in this life that holds you back from so much more?

 

READ: Hebrews 11

 

Hebrews 11:16

Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (NIV)

 

• “They” = old testament saints
• They all longed for something more – a heavenly place
• “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (v. 1)
• “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (V. 6)
• They were all commended for their faith (V. 39)
• Yet none of them received what they were promised during their life time (V. 39)
• Together with us they were made perfect (V. 40)
• “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (V. 16)
• He has prepared a great city for them and us (Rev. 21)

APPLICATION:

• We should all be longing for heaven
• We should all share this kind of faith
• He has prepared a city for all who have faith in Him.

This week I had the incredible privilege to go and stay in Sedona with my wife for a few days. It is one of our favorite places to go and visit. We love the sights of all of the red rock formations. We are always amazed at God’s creation when hiking and exploring the trails and back roads of Sedona. Many marvel at man’s creations, whether they be skyscrapers or fast cars, but I am far more amazed at God’s creation.

 

The one place that God has created that will be far more beautiful and magnificent is his heaven. Heaven is described for us in Revelation 20-21: A river, clear as crystal, will flow from the throne of God and of the Lamb [Jesus] down the middle of the city. On each side of the river there will be a tree of life, yielding twelve kinds of fruit every month. The streets will be pure gold, like transparent glass. The walls of the city will be adorned with every kind of jewel, emerald, onyx, amethyst, topaz, etc. There will be no need for a sun or moon, and no need for a temple or church. The presence of the Lord will be its light.[i] Nothing that we can see or experience will compare with it.

 

The Old Testament saints looked forward to it, and anticipated being able to see it. Hebrews 11 commemorates them for their faith. Their faith longed for what they could not see, but still believed in its existence.

 

Warren Wiersbe describes faith for us:

True Bible faith is not blind optimism or a manufactured “hope-so” feeling. Neither is it an intellectual assent to a doctrine. It is certainly not believing in spite of evidence! That would be superstition. True Bible faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences.[ii]

 

This is the kind of faith that we should all strive for. We should long for His appearing and for this heavenly place that God has prepared for us. Jesus Himself said that He was going to prepare a place for us (Jn. 14:1-4). Anything that this world has to offer is nothing in comparison. All the Father asks for is our faith in what we can not see, and that we would demonstrate our faith by our obedience to His word.

 

Don’t get me wrong. I love to visit Sedona, Zion National Park, Yosemite, and many other places. But they are nothing compared to what God has in store for us!

 

What are you longing for? Streets of gold then or bags of gold now?

 

Ask God to help you to be content with what you have, and not to long for earthly things. Pray that He would give you the faith that you need for this life, and a longing for the one to come.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

 

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[i] Taken from www.everystudent.com/forum/heaven2

[ii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 317). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

 

 

Who do you belong to? What were you set free from?

 

READ: Hebrews 2:10-13

 

Hebrews 2:11

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (NIV)

 

 

• Jesus makes us holy
• We are of the same family as Jesus
• Jesus calls us His brothers
• One day we (the church) will be His bride (Rev. 21)

APPLICATION:

• We are His brothers and sisters
• Therefore we are no longer slaves
• We are adopted into His family
• We can choose to be bond servants but we are not slaves
• We were once slaves to sin and death, but we have been set free.

 

Back in the 1800s, a young Englishman traveled to California in search of gold. After several months of prospecting, he struck it rich. On his way home, he stopped in New Orleans. He came upon a crowd of people all looking in the same direction. Approaching the crowd, he recognized that they had gathered for a slave auction. He heard “Sold!” just as he joined the crowd. A middle-aged black man was taken away. Next a beautiful young black girl was pushed up onto the platform and made to walk around so everyone could see her. The bidding began. The miner stood silent as anger welled up inside of him. Finally, one man bid a price that was beyond the reach of the other. The auctioneer called out, “Going once! Going twice!” Just before the final call, the miner yelled out a price that was exactly twice the previous bid. The crowd laughed, thinking that the miner was only joking. The auctioneer motioned to the miner to come and show his money. The miner opened up the bag of gold he had brought for the trip. The auctioneer shook his head in disbelief as he waved the girl over to him. The girl walked down the steps of the platform until she was eye-to-eye with the miner. She spat straight in his face and said through clenched teeth, “I hate you!” The miner, without a word, wiped his face, paid the auctioneer, took the girl by the hand, and walked away from the still-laughing crowd.

He seemed to be looking for something until he finally stopped in front of some sort of store. She waited outside as the dirty-faced miner went inside and started talking to an elderly man. Peering in, she saw the miner pull out his bag of gold and pour what was left of it on the table. The clerk with a look of disgust picked up the gold and went in a back room. He came out with a piece of paper, and both he and the miner signed it. The young girl looked away as the miner came out the door. Stretching out his hand, he said to the girl, “Here are your manumission papers. You are free.” The girl did not look up. He tried again. “Here. These are papers that say you are free. Take them.” “I hate you!” the girl said, refusing to look up. “Why do you make fun of me!” “No, listen,” he pleaded. “These are your freedom papers. You are a free person.” The girl looked at the papers, and then looked at him. “You just bought me…and now, you’re setting me free?” “That’s why I bought you. I bought you to set you free.” The beautiful young girl fell to her knees in front of the miner, tears streaming down her face. “You bought me to set me free! You bought me to set me free!”. The miner said nothing. Clutching his muddy boots, the girl looked up at the miner and said, “All I want to do is to serve you—because you bought me to set me free!”[i]

 

At one time we were all slaves to sin and death. But Christ came to redeem us—to pay for our freedom. He bought us with his own blood, that we might be free. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Jesus not only set us free from the penalty of sin, but He made it possible for us to become the children of God!

 

We were once slaves to the devil himself (V. 14). But we have been given freedom. We were once enslaved to a life of sin, but now we have been given the freedom not to sin. But here is the kicker! God didn’t stop there. He took the next step and adopted us. We are His heirs in Christ Jesus. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17a).

 

The question for today is whom do you belong to? Another way of saying this might be, “Who is your daddy?” We are “of the same family”. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and God almighty is our Daddy. I don’t know about you, but I want my Daddy to be proud of me. How about you?

 

Pray that you would fully understand your adoption in Christ. Pray that you would be able to live a life worthy of that adoption starting this week.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

[i] Youth Specialties Hot Illustrations; Bought to be Freed

 

What has God shown you? What great thing has He equipped you for?

 

SCRIPTURE:

READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

 

• “All Scripture is God-breathed”
  • All of it is the inspired Word of God
• It is all useful – every bit of it can be used to make disciples
• We were given the Word so that we would have everything we need to be able to do the works that He has called us to do.
  • 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

APPLICATION:

• Trust all of scripture to be the Word of God.
• Don’t skip over any of it
• The Word is there to equip us to do the work that God has called us to do
• We need to spend time in His Word every day. This will further equip us.

 

As I am writing this, I am sitting in a bunkhouse at Camp Blessing Texas. We are here with a group of other volunteers and summer staff that are here to serve special needs campers. All week long I have witnessed young people serving and taking care of the needs of others. Say what you want about the young people of today, what I have witnessed this week, and many summers, is that there are a whole lot of young Christians out there who are more than ready to place others above themselves. Today, I witnessed a fourteen year old girl who was helping with the horse riding be more patient than most adults. We were trying to get this young man to get onto a horse, and he was very much afraid. He sat on the platform debating whether or not to get on the horse. This whole time there was a team of cabin leaders, counselors, and volunteers trying to coax him onto the horse. It took more than twenty minutes for them to succeed. Meanwhile Amy was standing there patiently holding the horse in place between the loading ramp and the steps. She said encouraging words, and smiled the whole time. I was amazed at this young woman’s fortitude and patience. Afterwards, I had the privilege to watch her share from the scriptures and to talk to the campers about how we can trust God to hold us just like their horse did. This kind of patience is rare and can only be attributed to the Spirit of God working in someone’s life. Amy is doing a work this summer that God has called her to do, and so are many others.

 

This week’s passage is a reminder that God has given us His words, they have been written down, and they are useful. Our scriptures were given to men, and as they were inspired by His Spirit, they recorded them down. One author explains inspiration this way, “Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed (theopneustos, “inspired”), that is, God’s words were given through men superintended by the Holy Spirit so that their writings are without error.”[i] Warren Wiersbe helps us to understand even further this way, “The Holy Spirit of God used men of God to write the Word of God (2 Peter 1:20–21). The Spirit did not erase the natural characteristics of the writers. In fact, God in His providence prepared the writers for the task of writing the Scriptures. Each writer has his own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances. In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and in His working through the Spirit, God brought about the miracle of the Scriptures.”[ii]

 

God gave us His word so that we may be “thoroughly equipped for ever good work.” When I look around Camp Blessing I see young men and women who have been equipped to do God’s work. They have grown up in churches all across Texas, Tennessee, and yes, even Arizona; where they have been discipled and have been taught God’s Word. They are taking what they have learned and are putting it into practice in ways that would make any parent proud! It has been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside them.

 

We too have been called to use all that we have learned, and studied. Studying doctrine, going to Sunday school, and mid-week Bible studies are important, but studying just for the sake of knowledge falls short of God’s purpose. Wiersbe comments on this passage further: “The purpose of Bible study is not just to understand doctrines or to be able to defend the faith, as important as these things are. The ultimate purpose is the equipping of the believers who read it. It is the Word of God that equips God’s people to do the work of God.”[iii]

 

Church is like any other organization. There is always more work to do. There are always diapers to change, walls to paint, and folks that need a listening ear. Find a place to plug in and do what God has been equipping you to do! Find your place, get involved, and see what God can do with you, and those around you. Just like at Camp Blessing, God can do amazing things through us, if we are just willing.

 

 

PRAYER:

Pray that God will show you your place here at Grace or wherever it is that you go to church. What is it that God has equipped you to do? Ask Him and He would be more than happy to show you!

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

[i] Litfin, A. D. (1985). 2 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 757). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

[ii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 252). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

[iii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 253). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

 

 

What were you like before Christ? How has God demonstrated His love and forgiveness in your life?

 

READ: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

 

1 Timothy 1:16

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (NIV)

 

 

• “But for that very reason” – Paul was a horrible sinner before coming to Christ
• God used Paul’s conversion to demonstrate His patience, love, and mercy.
• God used Paul’s testimony to bring others to Himself

 

APPLICATION:

• God saves us for a purpose
• God uses us to demonstrate His love and forgiveness
• God wants to use our testimony to win others
• God has a purpose in our conversion

 

 

I am always amazed by God’s grace and the stories of people’s lives that are changed by it. I have met men and women who were imprisoned because of crimes that they committed, and have witnessed God use their testimony in amazing ways. I have known young people over the years, who had the worst possible home life, and God lifted them out and changed their future. God has even used my own story of redemption to reach young and old alike. I am always amazed when God uses our stories to reach into the hearts of other people, and to bring life where there was none.

 

We see in this passage in First Timothy that Paul was also amazed that God had chosen him, the “worst” of sinners, to reach others for Christ. Paul’s confession in verse 13, “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief”, is further proof of his offense against God and His people. But God chose Him anyway.

 

One author explains verse 13 in this way, “The reason this was so striking to the apostle was that he knew so well the pit from which he had been dug. When he said he was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, he was not exaggerating for the sake of effect.”[i] Paul is a reminder that God can use us no matter how far we have traveled or how deep the pit was that we were lifted from. God has a habit of using people’s stories and their testimonies to bring Himself glory and to reach others.

 

This same author went on to say, “As the worst of sinners (cf. Paul’s other descriptions of himself in 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8), Paul represents the extreme example. If God was patient and gracious enough to save Paul, He is patient and gracious enough to save anyone.”[ii] We all have someone in our lives that from all appearances, seem to be beyond God’s reach. As we can see from Paul, and many others throughout history, this is simply not true.

 

God has given you a story, and a purpose. He has placed you in situations and has involved you in the lives of others that only you can reach. He wants to use the story of His grace in your life to reach them. Who are these people? Ask God to show you who they might be, and begin to pray fervently for them. Then wait for the opportunity, the divine appointment, and then share your story.

 

If you would like help with this there are many tools available today. One of them is a book called Tell Someone, by Greg Laurie. In there you will learn The Power of Your Personal Story. Read others testimonies, and learn from them how to share yours. Then, simply ask God to give you the chance, and wait and watch to see what He does!

 

 

Pray that God would show you your story, and help you to think it through. Write it down. Then pray for the opportunity to share it with someone this week.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

[i] Litfin, A. D. (1985). 1 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 732). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

[ii] Litfin, A. D. (1985). 1 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 733). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

 

 

What is the biggest hurdle in your relationships with others? Your marriage? Church?

 

READ: Philippians 2:1-11

 

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (NIV)

 

 

• Don’t be selfish or self-centered (selfish ambition)
• “Vain conceit” – worried about your appearance
  • Don’t be stuck up!
• “But in humility” – put others first!
• 1 Cor. 6:1-11 Put others first. Willing to be wronged for the sake of unity

 

APPLICATION:

• Don’t be selfish or self-centered
• Don’t be overly concerned about your looks or how you dress
• Don’t think too highly of yourself!
• Be humble
  • Not false humility
  • Not a doormat
• Put others above yourself
• Love your wife as you do yourself (Eph. 5:33)
• Submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)
• “I’m third!”

 

 

It was after nine in the morning of June 7, 1958, and the Air National Guard’s jet precision team, the “Minute Men” were flying at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, just outside Dayton, Ohio. For the Minute Men this was just another show, and they were happy the skies were clear, the air was morning-smooth, and thousands of viewers would see the show. Former Kanakuk Kamper, Captain John Ferrier flew an F-86 for this Denver-based jet team. And after a routine maneuver, Ferrier’s plane was rolling out of control, and he was in trouble. Seeing him headed right for a neighborhood, Colonel Williams gave the command over the microphone. “Bail out, Johnny, bail out!” From the Feature Section of the Denver Post: “There was still plenty of time, still plenty of room for him to bail out. The Colonel even issued the command twice more. Each time he was answered by a blip of smoke. He grasped the sense of it immediately. John Ferrier couldn’t reach the mike button on the throttle because he had both hands tugging on a control stick that was locked full-throw right. But the smoke button was on the stick, and he was answering the only way he could–squeezing it to tell Williams he thought he could pull out…that he couldn’t let his airplane go into the houses of the neighborhood. Captain Ferrier’s Sabre jet hit the ground equidistant from four houses. There was hardly any place other than that one backyard garden where he could have hit without killing people.” We met and knew Johnny when he was a Kamper and an honor Kamper. We knew him as a junior counselor and as a young counselor. He learned the I’m Third way of life and one of his years as a Kamper he was given an I’m Third card that he carried in his wallet wherever he went. God First, Others Second, I’m Third. [i]

 

Even to this day campers at Kanakuk Kamps learn the concept of “I’m Third”; It is one of their root foundations that has carried on from generation to generation.

 

This is the same concept that is found in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”. I’m third! It is taken from Matthew 22:37-39 where Jesus answers the question from the expert in law on what is the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer can be summed up in this order: 1) Love God; 2) Love others; and 3) Love yourself. In other words, I’m third!

 

Most of the problems found in relationships, marriages, and in church begin with selfishness or self-centeredness. “I want it my way!” The same was true in Paul’s day. Like most churches there were problems in the church in Philippi. There was false teaching coming from outside the church, and there was disunity inside the church.

 

When it comes to the “selfish ambition” found in Philippians 2, one author had this to say: “Nothing was to be done out of selfish ambition (v. 3). The same word (eritheian) appears in 1:17 to describe the attitude of those who opposed Paul. Without question such behavior is of the flesh and not the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:20, which uses the same word). Vain conceit, meaning “empty glory,” was probably the root cause of their selfish ambition.”[ii] When we are acting selfishly, the flesh and not the Spirit is controlling us.

 

When the Spirit is controlling us, then we respond with humility. Warren Wiersbe explains humility like this: “It is important that we understand what the Bible means by ‘humility.’ The humble person is not one who thinks meanly of himself; he simply does not think of himself at all!”[iii] The person who says, “I am the most humble person I know”, isn’t!

 

“Others” is the main idea in this chapter. We should not be focused on what we want and ourselves, but on the needs of others. If more of us could take on the motto of “I’m third” we could turn this town upside down. We could truly Transform Chino!

 

Pray that God would show you where you have any “selfish ambition” in your life. Where do you need humility?

 

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see me for a copy.

www.lifejournal.cc

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

[i] Camp Kanakuk’s website: www.kanakuk.com; Article: I’m third: A Way of Life

[ii] Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 653). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[iii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 73). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

 

Did God choose you or did you choose Him?

 

READ: Ephesians 1:3-14

 

Ephesians 1:11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (NIV)

 

• We were chosen
• Having been predestined – predetermined
• According to His plan – His sovereignty
• He works, through all things to cause His will to happen
• But we still must place our faith in Him (John 6:37; Acts 16:31)

MOTIVATION:

Many years ago, I was working with a brand new believer named Penny. She had joined a new church and was growing by leaps and bounds. She came to work one morning so excited to share with me what she had learned at church that weekend. She began to explain to me this whole concept of predestination, and how God chose us, we didn’t chose Him. I gently tried to correct her, and reminded her that we chose God, and “where would the free will be in that?” After all, I chose God, and it was my choice! Right? I went home that night and looked up some of the scriptures that she had shared with me. I was very confused, and even pridefully taken aback. But after some careful examination, I had to go back the next morning and explain to this new believer that she was right and that I was at least half wrong. Since then, I have had very similar conversations with other brothers and sisters in Christ. My instruction to each of them is to examine the scriptures, and to let it speak for itself.

We could argue this topic until the end of the millennium, and we would not be any closer to fully understanding it. But we will attempt to come to a better understanding of this important topic as best as we can in this limited space.

First, our election took place before the creation of the world (Vs.4). “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless…” Warren Wiersbe in one of his writings said, “Note that God chose us even before He created the universe, so that our salvation is wholly of His grace and not on the basis of anything we ourselves have done.”[i]

Secondly, “election is God’s sovereign work of choosing some to believe. Salvation is God’s doing, not mans (Eph. 2:8-9).”[ii] One dictionary describes election in this way: “Scripture affirms that God chooses a people as his own, not on account of their numerical strength or moral merits, but on account of his love for them. Election is on the basis of divine grace, not human merit.”[iii] God in His loving mercy and grace chose to pull us free from our bondage of sin and death. We were spiritually dead and God chose to breathe life into us.

One other important thing to note is that God did not “predestine” others to go to hell. This is a leap that many often try to make. Wiersbe explains it this way: “Nowhere in the Bible are we taught that people are predestined to hell, because this word refers only to God’s people. The word simply means ‘to ordain beforehand, to predetermine.’”[iv] In fact scripture teaches us that God’s desire is that no one would perish, and that everyone would come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).

Lastly, we can not ignore God’s teaching when it comes to our part in our salvation. Ephesians 1:13 says, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit”. Here we have the indication that we made a choice to believe. Then there is John 6:37 “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

One author explains the debate well, “Does the sinner respond to God’s grace against his own will? No, he responds because God’s grace makes him willing to respond. The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility will never be solved in this life. Both are taught in the Bible (John 6:37). Both are true, and both are essential.”[v]

None of this frees me from the responsibility of sharing my faith or from sending missionaries. Scripture is very clear about this. (See Acts. 1:8; Romans 10:14; and Matt. 28:18-20)

Did God choose us or did we choose Him? The answer is yes! But more importantly is why? The ultimate goal of our election is that we would bring Him praise. Since salvation is all of God’s grace, Christians should most certainly praise Him for it! That is why we were chosen: to give Him praise!

APPLICATION:

• If you are a follower of Christ, then you were chosen by God in eternity past (Eph. 1:4)
• God does not “predestine” others to go to hell!
  • It is God’s desire that all come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9)
• God has a plan and He is in control
• I am still responsible to share the gospel (Rom. 10:14; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18)

PRAYER:

Pray that God would make you secure in your election and your adoption. Pray that He would give you opportunities to share what Christ has done for you with others that desperately need Him.

 

Each week’s Monday Motivation is taken from the reading schedule found in the Life Journal. If you are ready for the next step in your discipleship, then order yours today or see contact us for a copy. (go to www.lifejournal.cc)

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

Other passages to consider:

• Acts 15:17-18
• Romans 8:28-30
• Romans 9:15-16 (the whole chapter)
• Romans 11:5-7
• 2 Thess. 2:13
• 1 Pet. 1:2

 

 

[i] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 11). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[ii] Hoehner, H. W. (1985). Ephesians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 617). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[iii] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

[iv] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 11). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[v] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 11). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.