This is the second step in fulfilling the Great Commission or conforming to the work of the Spirit WITHIN and that is the uncontested Lordship of Jesus Christ.
We cover this in detail today – what it DOES means, what it does NOT mean and their implications.
Continue reading
Like many of the Psalms in Book V, these address the need to praise the Lord! They sing about God’s faithfulness to His word and covenant. How mindful He is of the poor and the barren – they are NOT invisible to Him, and He acts on their behalf. He is”merciful, fair and compassionate’.
God is unlike any other “god” in that the thoughts, concepts and even physicalk materials they are made of came from Him. He is THE Creator and Owner of this world. He is the manager of Heaven, but He has place the stewardship of the earth under mankind.
In the end the appropriate response to all of this is priase… public praise and celebration over the deliverance He gives.
Continue reading
Paul’s ending command ti Timothy was to live the Gospel and preach it whether convenient or not because that the days were coming when neither the world nor many in the church will endure or even tolerate sound doctrine. Instead they will have fanciful desires for something new and unique. In short, the truth would no longer suit them!
Nevertheless he was to encourage, rebuke, exhort with extreme patience and teaching.
Last week we began looking at this from the perspective of the Great commission which is the work of the Kingdom of God.
This week we began with the FIRST of those obligations which is to live out the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things.
The Spirit of God WITHIN, does a progressive work which produces in the child of God a heart change from interests in the affairs of this life to those of the Kingdom. We begin to “SEEK FIRST” the kingdom of God rather than selfish, earthly pursuits.
It is not hard to see how this first principle of Kingdom life, runs contrary to the modern interests of many Christians and certainly the world. This is because we are part of the generation Paul warned Timothy about. A generation who would not endure sound doctrine but who having desires to hear something new, would find teachers to fill their ears with what they want to hear.
Continue reading
Much is covered in these chapters but what stands out the most is a statement quoted no less than 8 times in the New Testament. One of those times was when Jesus posed it as a riddle to the religious leaders who opposed Him.
This quote clarifies some pivotal truths which should greatly impact our grasp of Creation, the fall, redemption and mankind’s relation to God in His Kingdom.
Jesus is ruling the kingdom of the Father until all enemies have been brought to subjection. Then Jesus will turn the kingdom over to the Father Who will reign forever!
Continue reading
This week we wrap up Paul’s second letter of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, his son in the faith.
As we examine Paul’s closing statements we are moved to take a fresh look at the Great Commission our Lord spoke to those first disciples, who in turn charged all future believers to obey as well.
Continue reading