How Do You Use Your Worldly Goods?

Scripture: Luke 12: 19, 46

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.(19) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.(46)

Scripture Commentary: We should work to make sure our worldly goods benefit more than ourselves

I have worked all my life to acquire worldly goods for myself and for my family. This is true for most of us. God gives us the ability to do many things, and we use his gifts to survive. But we cannot use the gifts he gives us solely for our own progression. We must use them for the glory of God.

When you accept Jesus Christ in your life, you become a servant to God. God tells us not to worry because he has provided for us and for our foul, cattle, and fields. We do not have to be anxious about tomorrow.

Our faith in Christ sets us free from the anxiety of our worldly life. Do not be the rich man, and die before you use your gifts for the work of God. Jesus challenges us to use our gifts, not for earthbound goals, but for God’s kingdom.

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Luke Chapter 12

Jesus Is the One and Only

Scripture: John 8: 19, 21, 24

Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me, or my father,” Jesus replied. “If you know me, you would know my Father also.”(19) Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”(21) I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.(24)

Scripture Commentary: Jesus is the one true light

Jesus is “the one.” He is who he claimed to be. Rejecting him is rejecting our only salvation. Christ died for our sins and recognizing that, and living by that, is what saves us from our sins. People live by the values of this world and ignore the gift Christ gave us.

Where is your focus; on the values of this world or on the priceless gift of an eternal life with God? Jesus is the truth that sets us free, and rejecting him means lying to yourself. He is the standard for what is right and he is a model for how we should try to live.

The truth can free you from the consequence of your sin. He is the truth that will break down your self deception, and deception by Satan. You have a choice to know the truth or lie to yourself. Do not leave here without Jesus Christ in your life.

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John Chapter 8

One Day Is as a Thousand Years

Scripture: 2 Peter 3: 8-9

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some men count slowness; but is longsuffering to toward you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Scripture Commentary: Live one day at a time doing your best for God

When we decide to put our struggles in God’s hands, there is often an expectation that he will help us in the near future. People often desire instant gratification, but what is one day to us, is as a thousand years to God.

Have you ever found yourself in a troubling situation and considered how you got there? Often, we (ourselves) are the cause of our own struggling. If God cleared up our obstacles immediately, then we wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn something and grow stronger.

God seems slow, but he is not; God is on a different time table

Jesus is waiting for more sinners to repent and turn to him before he returns. We cannot sit around and wait for Jesus to return. We must live with the realization that our earthly time is short, and there is important work to be done for the Kingdom of God on earth.

Live in eager expectation of the coming of the Lord, and know that God has provided you with all that you need to survive.

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2 Peter Chapter 3

Value Others As You Do Yourself

Scripture: Philippians 2: 1-3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Scripture Commentary: Humility involves having a true perspective about ourselves

Selfish ambition can ruin a person and a church but genuine humility can build both. Many people, even christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. Self ambition and/or vain conceit brings discord. We are to value others above ourselves.

Paul stressed spiritual unity, asking that everyone love one another and be of one spirit and purpose with Our Lord Jesus Christ. If we work together, caring for each other’s problems as if they were our own, then we are living by Jesus’ example of putting others first.

This doesn’t mean that we’re putting ourselves down. This just means that we work to move out of our selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

You can approach life expecting to be served or you can be a server for God

We are all sinners before God, saved by His grace. Because He saved us, we have great worth in His kingdom.

Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights to obey God and serve us. We are to serve out of love, not guilt or fear.

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Philippians Chapter 2

Ask God and Believe He Will Answer You

Scripture: James 1: 5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Scripture Commentary: If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God

Do you ask God for guidance in your life or for things in your life? Everyone has needs, but what of other people’s needs?

Do you go out and seek to help others? If you follow Jesus, you know He will take care of you. By studying the Word, God will give you the wisdom. And wisdom is practical discernment that begins with respect for God which leads to living right. The result is an increased ability to discern right from wrong.

If your mind wavers between earthly things and God, then you’re on the wrong path. To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to God. He will put you on solid ground.

True wealth lies in developing your spiritual life, not your financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (your soul), not in what is temporary (money or possessions).

Strive to treat people as God treats you.

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James 1

Don’t Stew in Bitterness, Rage and Anger

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 29-32

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Scripture Commentary: Bitterness, rage and anger are the path that leads to Satan

God, in His grace and mercy, has forgiven us for our past and for our sins. He has given us new life. If we are His, then we can forgive others as He has forgiven us. If we can’t say anything good about a person, then we are to say nothing. We are to go to God and let the Holy Spirit that is in us work in us, then we will see and feel the bitterness, rage and anger peel away.

The Bible doesn’t tell us that we shouldn’t feel angry, but we shouldn’t hold onto that negative emotion. Anger will destroy and give Satan a hold on us. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships.

God forgave us! We shouldn’t let a day end without working to mend our relationships. We are to mirror God’s love to others.

God acted in love by sending His only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He was raised from the grave on the third day to give us a way to be with Him and His Father for eternity.

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Ephesians 4

Salvation Is a Gift of God That Cannot Be Earned

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Scripture Commentary: God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the gift of salvation

How do we respond to this gift? We should respond to the gift of salvation with gratitude, praise and joy.

We became christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part.

If we are grateful for this free gift, we will naturally seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness. We won’t work to merely please ourselves. No action or work we do can helps us obtain salvation. God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.

We are not saved merely for our own benefit but in order to serve Christ and build up His church.

Go out and encourage others who are struggling. Show, through action, the love of Jesus Christ.

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Ephesians Chapter 2

Forgiveness Means No Payment Is Needed

Scripture: Ephesians 1: 7-8

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

Scripture Commentary: Forgiveness wipes the slate clean

When we forgive a debt or offense, we don’t require a payment or settlement. If we did, that would be the opposite of forgiveness. If repayment is made for what we lost, there’s no need for forgiveness. We have our due.

Forgiveness assumes grace

If you hurt me, grace lets it go. I don’t sue you; I forgive you.

Grace gives what you don’t deserve. That’s why forgiveness has the word ‘give’ in it. It’s not about getting even; it gives away the right to get even.

When we repent, not only does God forgive, He forgets. This is what God gives us when we trust Him. This is why Christ suffered and died.

Forgiveness costs us nothing

Our obedience is the fruit, not the root of being forgiven. This is why it’s His grace. This grace cost Jesus His life.

How precious is the news that God doesn’t hold our sins against us. Christ’s death on the cross made it right for God to forgive our sins.

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Ephesians 1

Yea Lord, You Know I Love You

Scripture: John 21: 15-17

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Scripture Commentary: It’s one thing to save you love Jesus, it’s a different thing to show it

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep. When you tell Jesus you love Him, what do you do to show it? It’s one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is your willingness to serve Him.

Jesus led Peter through an experience that removed his denial. Peter had disowned Jesus three times. How many times have you disowned Jesus? Each time you knowingly do wrong, you are denying Jesus.

How would you characterize your relationship with Jesus?

Peter repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Peter’s occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to rock; and his relationship to Jesus changed.

Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him.

How would you respond if Jesus asked you?

Do you really love Jesus? Are you really His friend?

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John Chapter 21

Now About Food Sacrificed to Idols

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8: 1-9

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Scripture Commentary:

In this scripture, Paul addressed believers who weren’t bothered by eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Although idols were phony, and the pagan ritual of sacrificing to them was meaningless, eating such meat offended Christians with more sensitive consciences.

Therefore, Paul said that if a weaker or less mature believer misunderstood their actions, they should, out of consideration, avoid eating meat offered to idols. We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christian or, by our example, cause them to sin.

When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.

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1 Corinthians 8