“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
“Have you ever desired the things of the world? Everybody has; that’s part of our nature. It’s okay to want stuff here in this world. The important thing is to not desire the things more than pleasing God and to do what is right, according to God’s Word. Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? Of course not. Should you want what “everybody” else has? Not if it doesn’t please God. Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live. But we have to be content with what God gives us and not make things our primary focus. What is to be our focus? We should have our eyes set upon Jesus. We must be careful not to allow the desire for the world (see Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?) to keep us from serving and pleasing God. We will see how King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes …
“…No matter what possessions we acquire while we live on this earth, one day everyone will die, and we can’t take any of those possessions with us. Solomon, with all of his wealth and fame, came to this realization. As he looked back over his life realizing everything gained in this life was worthless, he wanted to share with everyone what he had discovered. He recognized his sin in turning his heart from God to the things of this world. Solomon learned to be careful what he promised, for God would hold him accountable, and he finally realized that man cannot understand God, but the “ … fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). By learning to fear Him, Solomon could know Him …”
[Excerpt from Year One Quarter Four Lesson 10, Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man, now available through Rock Island Books (www.rockislandbooks).]
“16. For the Lord himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of
God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17. Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
What amazing
words! Jesus promised Christians that He would one day descend from heaven,
where we will be caught up together, meeting Him in the air! And we will be
with Him forever! The next verse tells us: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians
4:18). We are to remember that Jesus has not forgotten us, He is coming for us,
and we should strongly encourage one another with these words.
When will this
happen? “1. But of the times and the
seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2. For yourselves
know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night”
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). No one knows. But if we pay attention, we will be able
to tell when that day is getting closer! As long as we are cognizant as to what
is happening in the world and in the church, that day should not take us by
surprise. Even though a thief does not call ahead to warn you when he will
break into a home or business, we know the most opportune times for a thief to
break into a place. And we prepare. We watch. We make sure that we will not be
caught off guard. We take precautions to keep us from an unexpected break-in. Just
in the same manner, we should live our lives prepared. We know that day will
come suddenly, as a surprise. We need to watch. As Christians, we should be
living as if that day could be today. The day the Lord will come, and each
Christian will stand before Him to give an accounting of his or her life, and
what that person has done with that life to please the Lord. It is important to
keep in the forefront of our minds that we represent Jesus in this world — for
we are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Remember the warning Paul gave to
us. “For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his
body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2
Corinthians 5:10).
Throughout the New Testament Paul encouraged Christians in what they were to do. Each Christian needs to remember that we are to become more like Jesus everyday. We must be aware of the temptations that surround us, that try to prevent us from living right. We must make a conscious effort to live a faithful Christian life, pleasing Jesus all day every day, never becoming tired of the Christian life. We are always to be on guard, awake, and ready for Jesus to come again at any moment! And we are to encourage others with this message! Remember the words of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Watch!
Be prepared!
Don’t be weary in well doing, remembering that Jesus could come today!
Each Christian needs to know, and even memorize, these scriptures in order to tell someone else how to be saved. Tell someone today!
Lostness: Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Penalty: Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Price: Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Response: Romans 10:9-10: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Security: Romans 8:38-39: “38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
New Life: Romans 12:1-2: “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15)
Have you ever been discouraged in
your Christian walk?
Do you feel like you are standing
for the truths of God’s Word on your own?
Have you shared the Gospel message
with someone only to have them reject the offering of Salvation?
Does that mean it is pointless to
continue living a life pleasing to the Lord?
No! This world is a dark place (and
becoming darker by the day!), but we are to be a light in this world. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6: “5. Ye are all the children of light, and
the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6. Therefore
let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” The
first thing to remember is that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).
Because I trusted in Jesus, I am now one of the “children of light.” The darker
the world gets, the brighter my light should shine. To watch and be sober are
key words here. To watch means “a
mindfulness of threatening dangers which, with conscious earnestness and an
alert mind, keeps it from slackening in the energy of faith and conduct.” To
fully understand this, we must remember what faith means. Faith means “to appropriate what God in Christ has for man
resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; a firm
belief in Jesus and His Gospel.” Sober
in this verse means “to be watchful.” In other words, we are to be alert and
watch out for threatening dangers in this world that will keep me from allowing
my life and character to be transformed revealing Jesus in my life. Notice the
confirmation to be watchful (remember sober in this verse means to be watchful).
I must be diligent in my awareness of things that will come into my life that
will keep me from becoming more like Christ. I am instructed to not allow those
things into my life. Instead, I am to be
ready always to give an answer to anyone when they have a question as to why I
live my life as I do. The Gospel message of Jesus should always be near to my
heart and mouth, sharing with this lost world how they, too, can become a Christian.
Telling someone how to become a Christian should be an easy thing. Remember the following:
One must first recognize they are Lost (having committed sin – disobedience to any of God’s commands): Lostness: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
One must then understand the consequences, Penalty, for that sin (punishment / or eternal life by Jesus): Penalty: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23),
What is the Price for this eternal life? Price: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
What Response should be made? Response: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
What Security do I have of eternal life if I ever commit another sin? Security: “38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
How do I live this New Life, free from sin? New Life: “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Don’t live like the world lives anymore. Read God’s Word and you will learn how to please God.
Each Christian has a hope that the
lost world does not have: Jesus promised to come back and take us home in
heaven to be with Him for eternity. “Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our
Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)
This world is not my permanent
home, and I am only passing through. But in the meantime, I must be a “light”
warning this world, so that they can have the same hope I have. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh
you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter
3:15)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“Have you ever
tried to play a game with someone
without reading the instructions? Was there arguing over unknown rules? Was it
a peaceful game or was there much disagreement? Was it any fun?
How about putting something together without
instructions? Or making a trip without consulting directions? Living a
Christian life without reading the “rules” is impossible to do. The rules are
God’s Word. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy
3:16). Understand it better by using the following definitions:
inspiration
of God: breathed by God; divinely inspired
profitable:
helpful; useful; advantageous
doctrine:
instruction; not only the teaching but also the authority of the teacher
reproof:
conviction; manifestation of the truth and the results
correction:
set right again; correct
instruction:
teaching that includes chastening
Notice that 2
Timothy 3:16 builds upon itself in its instruction. They are interdependent
(mutually dependant) upon each other. First we see it is a doctrine (used for
instruction or warning), then as truth (knowing the truth, convincing us of
error), correction (morally correcting), and instruction (we see discipline to
lead us to righteousness).” (Excerpt
from Y1Q4 – Lesson 6)
As Christians
read the Bible, they can understand the importance of seeking God with their
whole heart and to not wander (stray) from God’s commands. It is good to hide
God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). It would be good to read all of
Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and
please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This Psalm was written by
one who truly loved God and did not find His Word laborious. Reading the Bible
to know God better must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and
a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) We should be happy to walk according
to God’s Word. “Thy word is very
pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140).
Christians must
read the Bible to remember what God has done, which leads to understanding the value
of God’s Word. It is at this point we begin to recognize the importance of
walking with God, obeying God’s Words, to live a life pleasing to and blessed
by God.
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42)
In some of Jesus’
final teachings to His disciples, He gave them a specific warning that we must
heed today.“37. But as the days of Noe
(Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38. For as
in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, 39.
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the
coming of the Son of man be. … 42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour
your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:37-39, 42).
Remember back
for a minute to Noah. You can read the events in Genesis 6-8. “God saw that the wickedness of man was
great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was
only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). God said He would destroy man and
beast. “But Noah found grace in the eyes
of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). We can read that God described him as just, and
Noah walked with God. God told Noah to build an ark for his family and two of
every animal. Noah obeyed. It took him 100 years to build that ark. That means
that everyone around saw what he was doing. See what we can read in 2 Peter 2:5:
“And spared not the old world, but saved
Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the
flood upon the world of the ungodly.” This means that while he was building
that ark, he was warning people (preaching) of what was coming. Notice that in
Genesis, God revealed that “the
wickedness of man was great in the earth … only evil continually.” Jesus
helps us understand that in this wickedness “they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage”
until the day that Noah entered into the ark. They were just living their normal
lives. But God told us that they were living wickedly. And they had no idea
that a flood was coming to destroy them and the whole earth. But Noah knew. And
while he was building that ark, he warned people.
Now, think of
today. We know that when Jesus went back into heaven after His resurrection, we
have the promise that He would return in like manner (Acts 1:11). Right before
that promise, Jesus told those that had trusted and believed in Him to be
witnesses. Christians are to proclaim the Gospel message (that Jesus lived a
sinless life, died for sinful man, rose from the dead, and will one day take us
to heaven with Him) to a lost world. A world full of people that eat, drink,
are married and given in marriage — just living normal lives. But a life
without Jesus is a life that God sees as one who is wicked, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of the hearts are only evil continually (remember
Genesis 6:5).
What did Jesus
tell us (Christians — those who belong to Jesus) to do?
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). Watch means to “keep awake; be vigilant; awaken; figuratively to rouse from inactivity.” From what are we to awaken? From what inactivity are we to rouse? In what are we to be vigilant? We must do just as Noah did. Wake up and become preachers of righteousness! How do we do that? A preacher in this context is just one who delivers a message. All we need to do is warn people of their eternal separation from God by sharing with them the Gospel message of Jesus. For we hold the truth that Jesus is the only Way to heaven! “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 16:6).
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he
hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Excerpt from “The
Biblical Path of Life, Year Three Quarter Three” Lesson 5:
“Read Paul’s
conflict of continuing to work for the Lord here on earth, many times in
tribulation, desiring to be in heaven. “6.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home
in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by
sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from
the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9. Wherefore we labour, that,
whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10. For we must all
appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the
things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it
be good or bad. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade
men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in
your consciences.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-11) Terror means “the fear of God as in a deep and reverential sense of
accountability to God or Christ.” Paul’s conflict was resolved when he
understood that God had much work for Christians to do here on earth: teaching
Jesus. And that each Christian would stand before the Lord one day to give an
accounting of their faithfulness in their Christian walk, “whether it be good or bad.” As we understand
that, remember something important that we have already learned. God knows
everything, even the things done in secret (see Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God shall bring every work into
judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it
be evil”). We are to understand that each Christian will stand before
God and be accountable for what they have done with his or her life. What are
we to do? We are to “persuade men.” Not only tell about Jesus, but to live for Him,
faithfully.
Why live for Christ? “14. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:14-17). Jesus died on the cross for man’s sin. Once He gave His life, He gave the ability for any who would believe in Him to have life instead of death. Once a Christian receives that gift of life, he must understand that he is now “in Christ, he is a new creature.” No longer what he once was, a sinner doomed for eternal separation from God. Now, all things are become new. There is a new life to live in Christ; for Christ. “20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Because God took man’s sin, placed it upon Jesus (“made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin”), it made those who believe able to stand righteous before God. Each Christian must understand that he represents Christ here in this world. According to the dictionary, ambassador means “a minister of the highest rank, representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. They are ordinary when they reside permanently at a foreign court, but extraordinary when they are sent on a special occasion.” Christians must be considered extraordinary for they do not permanently reside on the earth, but were sent especially by Jesus to represent Him, living right and telling others about Him, until He returns.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10)
Excerpt from “The
Biblical Path of Life, Year Three Quarter Three” Lesson 8:
“Paul again reminded them of the life Jesus gave, comparing it to the life they had before Christ. “1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Ephesians 2:1-3). Remember that Paul was writing to the saints which means “the sanctified ones who were called out into the service of the Lord and were morally pure.” But it was important to remember from whence they came. Why? How does the old saying go: “Those who do not remember their history are doomed to repeat it.” Christians were, and still are, to remember the old life from which Jesus saved them, one of death and promised destruction. By remembering, one would never take for granted the life given by God, Himself. “4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). In this verse, Quickened us together means “to make alive as being raised from death to life with Christ.”
And one must remember that salvation did not come from anything one could do, for it was a free gift. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). Workmanship means “the result, what is produced, in contrast to the act of making – the doing itself and not that which is made.” Created means “renewal; regeneration; to create and form in a spiritual sense.” God did what man cannot do – produce a regenerated, spiritual, creature, created by God, Himself. After that, God provided a path that He expects these saints to walk in. In this verse, before ordained means “God’s foreordaining for good, as in good works.”
God has a plan for each and every Christian’s life.”
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
(2 Timothy 2:15)
Timothy was a great
Christian and Paul’s faithful friend. Although Timothy’s mother and grandmother
had taught him about Jesus, Paul had led Timothy to Jesus (taught him how to be
saved) and watched him grow in his Christian faith.
Paul wrote a letter
of encouragement to Timothy. After reminding him of his salvation, he
encouraged him to step up to the task God had placed before him. Timothy was to
not
be ashamed of the Gospel message, but to be willing to stand up faithfully and
teach the truths of that Gospel. And to even be proud if he suffered
“afflictions of the gospel” (see 2 Timothy 1:8-10).
Paul had taught him
the importance of sound doctrine. “13.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and
love which is in Christ Jesus. 14. That good thing which was committed unto
thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). See
the following definitions to help you understand what Paul was telling Timothy:
Form: “a sketch, or concise, representation or form”
Paul wanted Timothy
to understand the importance of holding on to the sound doctrine – true, pure,
uncorrupted – that he had been taught (that is now recorded in God’s Word for
us to read). Paul followed this with a warning that there would be some who
would turn away from him when he stood for the truths in God’s Word – for Paul had already seen a departure from the
faith, leaving him to stand alone in Asia (see 2 Timothy 1:15). Paul had
already warned him this would happen (see 1 Timothy 4:1). But Paul also encouraged
Timothy that he could endure this because the Holy Spirit dwells in us – He
won’t leave!
But how do you
prepare for a life pleasing to God? “Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Christians must study
and know
God’s Word. They must be able to discern between the truth of God’s Word and
false teaching. This is just the first step in knowing how to live a Christian
life. But it is a very important one.
There is a child’s
song that I am reminded of…
“Read your Bible,
pray every day, and you will grow, grow, grow!
Don’t read your
Bible, or pray every day, and you will shrink, shrink, shrink!”
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6)
We live in a world where it isn’t very popular to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
What does that even mean?
Have you ever been hungry? Everyone
understands the feeling of hunger, and the satisfaction of eating a good meal
to satisfy that hunger.
Have you ever been thirsty? There
is nothing quite like a cool drink of water after working in the heat. It refreshes
you to continue in that work.
Just as our physical bodies desire
food and drink to sustain life, so too does the spiritual body. Only it is very
easy to ignore that spiritual need.
What is this righteousness of which
we are to hunger and thirst?
Righteousness means “by implication innocent, holy; just, right; specifically (Christian) justification.” No one can be considered righteous on their own. See what the Bible teaches: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That verse is referring to Jesus who knew no sin. He became sin for me, taking my sin and the penalty of that sin from me. If I believe that, I am made righteous before God.
It is here that I would like to point out a warning that is found in God’s Word. “3. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:3-4). No one can do it on their own. Jesus is the only way anyone can stand before God as righteous. This shows us that we must put our faith and trust in Jesus to make us “innocent, just, or right” before God.
But there is much more to it than that. After Jesus is in one’s heart, there is a continual hunger and thirst to become more like Him. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). And as you grow in your Christian walk you should also grow in your appetite. “13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Are you unskillful in your
Christian walk, still needing the simple milk?
Or are you of full age, able to
enjoy the meat of God’s Word?
Remember the verse with which we started: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
