“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” II Peter 3:4
The more humble we walk before God, the greater the value of our life is to Him.
“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” II kings 5:13
One of the most valuable things about belonging to a loving fellowship of believers, is that there are those there who will encourage you when you have moments of doubt. If Naaman’s servant could convince him to trust what the prophet said, how much more should we be encouraged by the brethren who exhort us to trust God?
“So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.” II Kings 4:5
If you want the oil to flow you must shut the door on this world and shut yourself in with God.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2
Let me paraphrase what is being said here. “Don’t you think it is about time you grow up?”
“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43
Those who want the praise of men and not the praise of God, want what men give and not what God gives.
“And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” I Cor. 8:2-3
The real men and women of God are recognized, not so much by what they know about God, but by their love for God.
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” Jn. 20:17
Did you get what Jesus is saying here? His Father is our Father, His God is our God. Jesus is saying we have the same connection and privilege to the Father as He does. How awesome is that? Be encouraged today my brethren.
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Mt. 16:21-23
No doubt that Peter loved Jesus. I am sure you love Jesus too. However, we must love the will of God, just as much as we love God.
“Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.” II Ki. 5:14-15
Too often the church decides if the final outcome of something is good only if people are blessed by it. However, there is no greater outcome of a matter than when God is glorified and when men will say, “now I know there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel” (the church). Naaman did get healed, but God received the glory.
“Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” Jn. 19:5
If we the church are ever going to impact our generation, we cannot present Jesus as a man, although He was fully man as well as fully God, but we must demonstrate that He is the Almighty God that saves. BEHOLD THE SON OF GOD!
