Moment With The Master

Moment With The Master

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Path, Root, Foundation

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”  (Colossians 2:6,7)

It was through Epaphras that the gospel came to the city of Colosee. They had received Jesus as the fullness of God, and Savior of their souls. This reception brought great joy.

However, Paul is now urging them to continue in Christ. The Gnostic heresy threatened the souls of these disciples. Paul uses three metaphors to encourage them to progress in their faith.

What path are you on? They were to walk in Christ. They were to walk according to the parameters of Christ’s truth. Every move and every motive was to be found in him.

How deep is your root? They must be rooted in Jesus. On several occasions Paul uses this figure to describe a condition of steadfastness and maturity. (Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:17-19)  From this root springs the fruits of knowledge, love, joy, and good works. The present active tense of the verb implies a continued progress.

How solid is your foundation? They were to be established in faith. This common New Testament theme refers to the need for stability. Whether it is “the faith” (see NKJV) - i.e. steadfastness in doctrine, or “your faith” (see NASB ) - i.e. personal conviction, both are essential.The constant barrage of worldliness, persecution, and false doctrine call for a firm foundation.

These positions in Christ must be accompanied by an overflow of thanksgiving. Enjoying the fullness of Christ will provide a heart full of grace and gratitude. We must constantly strive to do the things that please him.

By George Slover

Neither Poverty nor Wealth

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”  (Proverbs 30:8,9)

Here the wise man reflects on the danger of two extremes: poverty or wealth. I do not wish to sound too political, but It seems that current government officials are determined to remove the middle man from our society. Regardless of their agenda, we must be more concerned with important lessons God offers in this passage of Scripture.

Time and again, the Bible reminds us that wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and forgetting God. From Israel we learn that a land of milk and honey can cause one's heart to be lifted up against God. (Deuteronomy 8:12) Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. (Mark 10:23) Paul instructs us to focus on eternity and not uncertain riches. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

But just as wealth has its challenges, so does poverty. I know very few who have experienced the true pangs of hunger. But, the wise man implies that poverty has a way of distorting one's moral compass. Imagine the emotions of a parent witnessing their starving children. Before long the emotion wears them down and dishonesty and greed set in.

Thus, the wise man prays for the middle ground. By middle ground, I assume he means nothing more than the daily bread. God promises to provide the basic provisions necessary for his children to carry out their mission of pursuing his kingdom. (Matthew 6:33)

Actually, this middle ground  is as much a state of mind as it is a state of economic status. Paul said, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:11,12) It is more of an inward, not an outward sufficiency.

“Dear Lord, let not greed overwhelm us, but let us rejoice and whatever the day brings, knowing that you are our Father, Caretaker, and Provider.”

By George Slover
 

Increasing in Faith

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10)

Paul was concerned about the welfare of these new Christians. Thus, he sent Timothy to report on their condition. (I Thessalonians 3:1-8)  He was comforted to know they were enduring the trials and standing fast.

However, midst Paul’s thanksgiving, there is also a request.  He prays that he will be able to continue the work he has begun.  He wishes to help them complete what is lacking in their faith.  From this passage, we learn several lessons.

First, we learn that their faith was defective.  It has been a while since Paul first taught the gospel in Thessalonica.  There was much to commend in these brethren.  You became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8)  Yet, they were in need of a fuller faith and knowledge.

Second, it was the apostle’s work to help them increase in their faith.  We are not exactly sure what this deficiency was.  Perhaps they were challenged in moral purity (I Thessalonians 4:1-7), or in ignorance concerning Christ’s second coming.  (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)  No matter what the inadequacy, it was Paul’s desire to help them improve.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

Let us keep in mind our own deficiencies, and be always anxious to increase.  At the first faith is weak, and must be developed gradually.  But it can grow if we give it diligent effort.  (II Peter 1:5,6) 

By George Slover

 
 

Confidence for Daily Living

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Living each day for God is often challenged by personal temptations, by people who disappoint us, and by physical trials.  Many opportunities for failure and discouragement are presented to the Christian.

Where can the child of God go for help?  Certainly, one should be able to go to brethren, or friends or family for support.  However, there are times when men fail us, but not God, for He is faithful. Men may disposed to do you wrong but, God will “establish you and guard you from the evil one”. This is the promise of God.

To “establish” is to make stable, to strengthen, to make firm.   In Colossians 2:6,7, Paul commands: “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.”  Believers can be established when they come to God’s word and allow it to influence their lives.  It will be manifested by (II Thessalonians 1:3) a growing faith, ( II Thessalonians 1:3) an abounding love, and (II Thessalonians 1:4)an enduring patience.

It is equally reassuring to know that God will faithfully guard us from the evil one.  Jesus commands us to pray:  “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)  Paul then assures us that God will deliver on our request by providing a way of escape in time of temptation (I Corinthians 10:13).  God, according to Ephesians 6:10-17,  supplies us with the armor necessary to win the battle.  God is faithful!

This is so wonderful to contemplate! What great consolation to the faithful Christian to know that God is always loyal to the “cause” they love.  We have all failed God on several occasions, but He has never failed us!  God wants us to succeed!  He is faithful!

George Slover

False Teachers

Tuesday, February 03, 2015

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”  (Philippians 3:18,19)

The Lords cause was no different in the days of the early church than it is today. It had its elements of false teachers who posed a threat to the security of the saints. Paul wishes for the church at Philippi to know the true character of these individuals.

The object of every false teacher is some kind of personal gain. Thus, they worship their belly rather than God. These “holy hucksters” will pedal their goods to gratify their fleshly appetites. Those who follow them will go down the same path of seeking satisfaction in carnal pleasures that will never satisfy.

Instead of blushing, they are proud of their shameful activity. They turn liberty into license and proudly promote their sensual and carnal ambitions. Self-righteousness, libertine disobedience, and false security are fruits of their doctrine.

The reason for this path is because they focus on earthly things. They promote the philosophy of living for the present - worldly honor, riches, and power. Their ultimate happiness is what they get out of this life, rather than heaven.

Paul is saddened by the destiny of these false teachers. They and their followers are headed toward destruction. When fools mock at sin, true disciples weep because God's word is not exalted, and eternal souls are lost.

These same warnings are needed today. We need to carefully measure the spirit of the churches to the spirit of Christ. To truly convert the world we must be truly converted to him.

By George Slover
 

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