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Spiritual Maturity

Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

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Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

Is Jesus the One for the 21st century?

Yes, He is! I say that not based on my feelings or opinion but on what God has said about Who He is and how He operates in this fallen world.  I continue to use the phrase, “fallen world” to direct our attention to the condition that has led us to the pain and suffering we are experiencing in the world.  And that condition is sin.

It is easy to wonder why God isn’t more active in resolving the difficulties we face in our world.  Know this!  God cares and engages in every aspect of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31).  However, man’s “free will” allows him to choose those things that, many times, are outside God’s will and not in the best interest of others (which includes the world).

We often look to God to “zap the bad” and make it disappear.  Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works in a fallen world.  That’s why it is valuable to draw near to God (James 4:8) so that we can better understand His ways and His works.   When we do that, we can begin to understand why Jesus is the One for today.

What are our options?

So what have been our “options” to address the challenges of 21st century living?  We’ve tried to legislate, to mandate, and to regulate, just to name a few.  New beliefs, creeds, and convictions, offer no long-term solution to the various world crises we face.  No person, political platform, nor social movement has moved us closer to “the good life”, harmony or peace.  These are not the right solutions for our sin problem.

Why not choose Jesus?  Choose Him not for solving all the problems we experience during difficult time.  Nor for miracles Jesus can perform to address our human needs.  But choose Jesus because He is the One.  He is the One God has ordained to address the issue of sin and to give us life—life now and life in eternity.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew He was the One.  As He arrived in Nazareth, He entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up to read (Luke 4:16-21).  He read from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that prophesied of the abundant life that would be available to those who would believe and follow the promised Messiah (Isa. 61:1-2).

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to  preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and  recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus concluded His reading with a statement meant to remove any doubt as to who He was (Luke 4:21). “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus was the One.

Recognizing The One

Are we poor in spirit?  Disappointed, distraught, and discouraged? Are we brokenhearted, blinded, and held captive by the world’s promise of a better life?

In our humanity, we are continually looking for someone or something to manage the challenges we face.  In God’s economy, believers understand that Jesus is The One.

  • Who better to guide us and to help us through the challenges that lie ahead than The One who is omniscient! The all-knowing One who can see today, tomorrow and into eternity.
  • Who better to protect us than the one who is omnipotent? All powerful. Not like the impotent idols we think will secure our life: wealth, status, or relationships.  All these and more, we foolishly depend on to make us feel safe and secure.
  • Who better to provide for both our spiritual and physical needs than the One who is omnipresent—”everywhere present”. Where can we go that Jesus is not with us? (Ps. 139:7-10)

Jesus is the great I Am.  Bread of life (John 6:35).  Light (John 8:12).  The Door (John 10:9).  The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).  Resurrection and Life (John 11:25).  The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). The Vine (John 15:1, 5).

Jesus is the One!  He is the One we need right now for the challenges we are facing.  Jesus is the Only One.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: A Heart to See God

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A Heart to See God

Intentional teaching

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  As a little girl, Matthew 5:8 was one of the first memory verses I was taught.  I can’t explain the reason for the choice of this verse.  Perhaps my mother felt it would help tame my mischievous spirit.  She was very intentional when it came to her children.  Little did I realize that my mother’s guidance would lead to a fuller vision of God and His Kingdom.

Jesus was also intentional in His teachings.  The Beatitudes, both in unity and individually, radically flew in the face of how the world defined happiness, satisfaction, and success: poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus’ purposefulness is seen in His presentation of each of the beatitudes, especially with the placement of this sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Today’s beatitude is no exception to this teaching pattern.  It redefines purity and the resulting blessedness of “seeing God.”

Jesus knows what’s needed.

Jesus has to this point shared with His Disciples key behaviors of those who enjoy the “happiness and satisfaction” of living by kingdom rules.

In reading this beatitude today, one might comment on its simplicity in meaning and presentation.  However, in the context of the 1st century, Jesus’ statement was revolutionary.  Jesus presented it to a nation literally obsessed with purification laws and procedures (Leviticus 11-15).

Imagine the shock of hearing Jesus.  “No one, not even Moses, has ever seen Jehovah God!”    “Purity of heart and nothing else?”   This alone was sufficient reason for the scribes and the Pharisees (who benefited from the current religious system) to desire Jesus’ death.

The heart’s role in purity.

The heart is key in sustaining a faithful walk with God.  Its condition (pure or unpure) affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions.   In the Old Testament, the Lord described the heart, the seat of man’s affection, as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  David understood the importance of purity of heart as he pleaded with God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10).

Who are the “pure in heart”?

  • Those who mourn the impurity of their hearts to the extent that they do what is needed to cleanse and purify it (Matthew 4:17; 1 John 1:9).  When standing in the presence of Holy God, we understand our personal depravity and the need for forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
  • Those who accept God’s lordship in their lives. They place Jesus as the center of their life.  The pure in heart “see” God spiritually.  They operate in His presence, under His authority, and to His honor and glory (Coram Deo).

“Seeing God” in this beatitude allows us to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereign acts of mercy and grace in this fallen world we live in (Matthew 5:45).  We are able to see “His Hand” both physically (Acts 17:28) and spiritually (Romans 6:6-9).

Our 21st century challenge

Seeing God is a challenge for people living in the 21st century.  Nonbelievers are blinded by Satan who keeps them from seeing the possibilities that Christ offers (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).    Beatitude living is at enmity with a world that neither recognizes nor accepts the authority of God, the lordship of Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, we believers aren’t always the best witnesses for Beatitude living.  Satan convinces many of us that purity of the heart is impossible.  Again, a trick by Satan to frustrate and discourage our efforts to live holy. We fail to understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to purity.  God is not seeking perfection but progress:  a sincere effort to grow and love others.

As children of God, we have everything we need to live pure and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2-3).  Our pursuit of purity can become “second nature”.    How?   By spending more time with God:  reading His Word, meditating, and prayer.  The more we do this, the more we will see God.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature]

are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],

for they will see God.” (Amplified)

 

Advent/Christmas

New Year. New Beginnings?

 

New Year. New Beginnings?

The New Year

The new year has arrived with festive gatherings and events.  Some of us have, as is our habit, made “traditional” New Year’s resolutions (which will be quickly abandoned in 30 days or less).

It is my prayer as we prepare for 2025 with new beginnings, that we also evaluate our spiritual growth and progress.  Are we growing closer to God or are we subtly drifting away?

In 2024, where did we spend our time and our resources?  Did we invest in things eternal (Matthew 6: 19-20) or put our hope in things that reflect the values of this world: power, influence, and material wealth?

As we move into this new year, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Let’s let go of those “old things”.  Let’s rediscover and embrace our identity in Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Christ’s work of redemption presents us with the opportunity to experience a new beginning with God. No longer separated by sin, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy peace with our fellowman (Romans 5:1). To experience this new beginning, we must first possess a clear understanding of our new identity in Christ (1 John 5:4).

Identity is the condition of being a specific person or thing. Our personal identity is the result of the people, places, and things we connect or associate with. This is also true of our spiritual identity. What is feeding our identity in the 21st century?

While personal identity looks at outward influences, spiritual identity, however, looks at two things: (1) the Person of Jesus Christ and (2) the Place of the Cross.

“Old things have passed away.”

Jesus Christ took on our physical identity (in his fleshly body) so that we can become partakers of his spiritual identity (Hebrew 12:14-15). This divine incarnation resulted in the perfect sacrifice required to satisfy the penalty for sin.  In exchange, we have eternal life and are now children of God (Romans 8:16).

In the shadow of the Cross, we leave our old nature and become crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We die to sin and its hold upon our life (Romans 6:11). It is in His resurrection, that we received new life for our new beginning.

 “Behold, all things have become new.”

Let’s flip the switch in 2025 and consider what God has invested in us.  Our responsibility is to daily live out the new identity Christ has provided. Once we fully grasp that, we are positioned to receive “all the fullness of God” (John 1:16).

Our hope and assurance rests fully on the completed work of Jesus Christ.  HE IS our New Beginning (Colossians 1:18).

Spiritual Maturity

Psalms for Thanksgiving 2024

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Thanksgiving 2024

On Thursday,  we will celebrate Thanksgiving—again.  As we prepare to join with friends and family during this time of gratitude and appreciation, my question is “what are we thankful for this year?”

For an answer, the Holy Spirit guided me to the Psalms.  The Psalms are recognized for their ability to capture the feelings and emotions of people “doing life”.  With that in mind, I’d like to share three psalms, Psalms 105-107, in gratitude for Thanksgiving 2024.

Begin with the end in mind

The opening lines of Psalms 105-107, “Oh give thanks to the LORD,” links together this trilogy of songs which praise God for His goodness and mercy to Israel.  Psalm 105 and 106, possibly originated by command of David to Asaph on the occasion when the ark of the covenant was first brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19); Psalm 107 most likely were written during the post-Exilic period, that timeframe after the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity.

As I read these psalms today, it is evident that their strength and intensity lie in their ability to present events of the past clearly and unabridged.  By communicating them to future generations, the nation of Israel would make sure that they would never forget what God had done for them and would result in unending praise to Him.

Psalm 105 remembered and praised God for His eternal faithfulness.

“He remembers His covenant forever, The Word which He commanded, for a thousand generations” (Psalm 105:8).  Israel’s covenant relationship with God gave them “favor” as the seed of Abraham and children of Jacob.  That covenant guaranteed God would both protect and provide for His own people.  It began in time past and is still promised to the nation of Israel in the 21st century.  God is “not a man that He should lie…as He spoken it, He will make it good” (Num. 23:19).

God’s faithfulness is extended to believers today through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).  He will do everything He promised and more (Ep. 3:20).

Psalm 106 remembered and praised God for His certain forgiveness.

“We have sinned…committed iniquity…done wickedly.  Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake…” (Psalm 106:6-8)   Israel’s history is replete with accounts of their disobedience and turning away from Jehovah God.  Sometimes it took the form of idolatry; other times it was willful wickedness and rebellion.  Wherever they found themselves, the nation of Israel quickly forgot God and adopted the sinful patterns of their neighbors (v. 13).But God always extended mercy to them.

Believers today are blessed that we can ask God for forgiveness of our sins and He will faithfully and instantaneously forgive (1 John 1:9).  There is no need for the blood of bulls and goals or heifers (Hebrews 9:13-14).  Jesus paid it all that we might freely receive forgiveness.

Psalm 107 remembered and praised God for His great works of deliverance.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…and He delivered them out of their distresses.  And He led them forth by the right way…” (Psalm 107:2-7).

In God’s faithfulness and because of His forgiveness, He would continually show Himself strong on behalf of His people (2 Chronicles 16:9).  His works of deliverance would save them from their enemies (vv. 1-3), their sinful consequences (vv. 4-22) and the other storms in their national life (vv. 23-29).  And with that deliverance, came unmerited blessings—“wildernesses would be turned to pools of water and dry land into watersprings.”

Today, God continues to be our strength and very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1).  He has delivered us, does deliver us, and we trust will still deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).

Your Thanksgiving Psalm

This Thanksgiving, create your own psalm in honor of God’s love and provision.  Know that He loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

Sing praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His love for us.  Even while we were in sin, He died for us that we might have everlasting life (Rom. 5:8).    Praise the Lord and give thanks!

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

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Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

A Return n to the Familiar.

Last week we shared our thoughts on peacemaking.  We used the Sermon on the Mount, more specifically, The Beatitudes, that are found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12).   Why did we choose them for our teaching?

While the behaviors outlined in the Beatitudes may not conform to the current “worldview”, they are none the less valid and profitable.  The Beatitudes are foundational truths for righteous living that transcend time.

21st century living through the lens of the Beatitudes is a challenge, to say the least.  They are counterculture, counter-intuitive, and just plain hard.  While living the “Beatitude life” may appear difficult, it is worth the effort in the end.

The key to living the Beatitude Life is in our understanding their benefits.   For the next few weeks, we will examine the Beatitudes and the “blessings” available to us right now.

“Nothing new under the sun.”

We believe the teachings contained in the Beatitudes are relevant and desirable for 21st century believers.  The behaviors described in the Beatitudes represent what life “in Christ” looks like in relationship to God and with our fellowman.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon stated that “there was nothing new under the sun”.  He was not referring to the normal changes that occur over time in society.  We are continually learning and integrating new technology and innovation into our world.

What has not changed is the heart of man (Jeremiah17:9).  The influence of the world, of sin and the pulling of our flesh continues (1 John 2:16-17).  Time has not lessened the need for God’s plan of salvation.  Justification, regeneration, and sanctification—are needed as much in AD 2024 as they were needed in 1 AD.  The need will continue until Christ returns.

Supernatural power needed.

Once we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we no longer are expected to live by the world’s dictates.  Instead, we are to pursue a righteous lifestyle like that demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

The behaviors chronicled in the Beatitudes, however, are not developed in the flesh.  They are supernaturally enabled.  Some believe the Beatitudes are behaviors we should strive to achieve.  No amount of striving can accomplish each of these controversial behaviors.  They are only possible through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes make no sense, especially to the unredeemed world.  It is this third person of the Godhead that is responsible for the transforming work needed to live out the behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Philippians 2:13).

Stormie Omartian clarifies our response to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Know that once we have received Jesus, we can’t continue to live our old sinful lifestyle. Now that we have His Holy Spirit living in us, guiding us, and transforming us, we have no excuse.

Beatitude living is “supernatural living” that flows from a life lived in obedience to and trust in God.  Our behavior is reframed to see God and others with the eyes of Christ.

We’re not home yet.

The Beatitudes remind us that this world is not our final place of residency.   The kingdom of heaven is the reward that Jesus wants us to focus on.  In an age of instant gratification, rewards that come later are not usually sought after.

Knowing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, we must turn our attention to things that have eternal value (Colossians 3:1-2).  Therefore, we live in this world with different expectations on how life is to be lived.  Unfortunately, many believers, like unbelievers, focus on “life in this time” rather than “eternity with God”.

The Beatitudes are “rules of engagement” for followers of Christ. They are intimidating and antagonistic to accepted practices and beliefs of the world. True satisfaction and peace are only possible through Jesus Christ.  It is through Christ’s “blessedness” that true satisfaction and peace can be experienced—both now and through eternity.

Our Faith Walk

Although and Yet: A Prayer of Faith

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Although and Yet: A prayer of Faith

Wickedness leads to judgment

The Prophet Habakkuk lived and prophesized in the reign of king Manasseh, when wickedness abound.  Destruction by the Chaldeans was imminent.  God would use them as an instrument of His judgment.

If God were to assess the moral condition of our nation, would we be prepared to receive His punishment? The “sins of Judah” resulted in its fall.  Disobedience is a slippery slide that leads to a continuum of sins (James 1:13-15).  Where are we as a nation on that slide?

What’s in a name?

Before being taken into captivity, Judah would experience the loss of all its material wealth and property.  All the blessings of God (Deut. 28:1-14) would be eliminated because of the wickedness and rebellion of Judah (Deut. 28:15-68).

How was Habakkuk to respond to God’s pending punishment on the nation of Judah? Habakkuk is an unusual name which means “to embrace or cling”. In the final chapter of this book, his name becomes apparent as Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

Although and yet.  These two conjunctions reflect how devoted Habakkuk was to his God and the trust he would need to navigate through the dark days that lie ahead.

Habakkuk’s declaration

In the final chapter of the book, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God’s dealing with Judah (Hab. 3:17-18).

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

May I digress and spend a moment on the grammar Habakkuk used in this prayer.  Though is a conjunction meaning “in spite of the fact that”.   When used at the beginning a phrase, clause, or sentence, it offers a contrast to the main sentence.   Yet is also conjunction that means, in this context, “nevertheless.”  What are you saying, Habakkuk?  Put it in 21st century language we can understand!

In spite of rising costs and inflation,

And drought burned crops and dying cattle in the fields,

In spite of fires, floods, and ravaging storms,

And our shrinking GNP and personal investment accounts,

In spite of doing more with less

And receiving little in return

Nevertheless, I will rejoice in my Lord!

I will be joyful and trust in God.

He is my salvation!

That is the kind of faith we need today. Our world continues to shift from the familiar to the unrecognizable.  These lead to uncertainty and fear.  How will we respond?  Take a moment and write your own declaration of faith.  What is your “in spite of” and your “nevertheless”?

Habakkuk’s faith

Habakkuk concludes his prayer by living up to his name.  He praises God’s wisdom even though he doesn’t fully understand God’s way.  Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

That faith and trust is captured in his closing statement (Hab. 3:19, NLT):

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

In the King James version of this verse, two different words are used for “make”.

  • “He will make my feet like hinds’ feet” or “to transform into”.
  • “He will make me to walk upon my high places” or “tread, bend, or march”.

The deer in this verse was not the domesticated goat we see on farms today but was a wild mountain goat that was equipped the move through the rugged terrain of the mountains.  Narrow openings and ledges, crooks, and jagged rocks.  This is where the deer lived, yet they moved confidently knowing they were created for that world.

Application for us.  Our sovereign God has created us for such a time as this.  He is transforming us and bending us so that we will be able to not only survive but thrive.  But our ability to walk upon “our high places” is dependent on our faith and trust in God—even if we don’t understand His ways.  We must live by faith (Hab. 2:4).  If we do, then we too will be able to walk on our high places (Hab. 3:19).

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Cultivating Watchfulness

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Watchfulness recap

Today we conclude our study on watchfulness.  Our first definition of watchfulness, to attend or to serve. was illustrated in the Parable of the Ten Virgins.  Five failed “to serve” because of their lack of preparation.  As believers we are warned to remain watchful and serve as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Next, watchfulness was defined as being on guard against temptation. Vigilance is synonymous with watchfulness.   It adds the thought of “careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties”.  In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned His disciples to “watch and pray’‘.  Jesus’ admonition is appropriate for 21st century disciples so that we might standfast in our faith.

Our final definition of watchfulness deals with our prayer life. Because of the effectiveness of prayer, it is important that we be alert as to when and where prayer is needed. Each day we are engaged in spiritual battle against the powers of darkness which seek to deceive, distract, and destroy us (Eph. 6:12).   It is critical that we be watchful and faithful in our prayers.

Watchfulness always begins with prayer!

How exactly do we cultivate watchfulness?

The first and most critical way to cultivate watchfulness is to prayerfully depend on the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 tells us that we do not know how to pray, BUT the Spirit helps us in our weakness. No amount of trying to watch will safeguard our lives or the lives of others if we lack the sustaining preserving influence of God’s Spirit.

In Jude 20-21, we are told to pray “in the Holy Spirit and keep ourselves in the love of God’”.  The manner or means by which we keep ourselves is by praying in the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:18).

Use what God has given us

Secondarily, we cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by cherishing the grace we have received.  By cherishing, I mean that we live our life acknowledging and acting on the extraordinary power and gifts that are given to us as disciples of Jesus Christ.  That power is seen as we mature and grow in the knowledge of the Lord.

The Apostle Peter speaks of this growth in his letter to those believers scattered abroad because of their faith.  Peter knew they were suffering.  He wrote to encourage and remind them of what they possessed within them (2 Pet. 1:3,8, Amplified).

 For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through [a]true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence…For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Word.  Our Walk.

We cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by persevering in the Word.  Reading God’s Word is not just a matter of routine.  It is a “spiritual necessity” if we are to understand God’s will and His way.  It is through the Word that the Holy Spirit imparts the grace and knowledge of God (1 Cor. 2:12).  Without it, we cannot hear!  Without it, we will not know!  (1 Cor. 2:14, 15)

Finally, we cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by developing a daily rhythm for walking with God.  There are varying thoughts on how believers do this. It ranges from following a daily routine of early morning devotion, to those who practice the presence of the Lord throughout the day.

It of course includes daily prayers: prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession (1 Tim. 2:1). It might include praise and worship, studying of the Word, which includes both meditation and memorization.  We may conclude our day in solitude and reflection.

Whatever “rhythm” we choose, the most important thing to remember is this:  God is the focus.  Developing a daily rhythm of walking with God is not about a “religious routine”.  It’s all about deepening our relationship with the Lord.

Watchfulness is important to us today. Even more than in the 1st century.  Look around and what do we see?  The world has failed to make good on the promise of a “better life” in the 21st century. But God, who never changes and is faithful, makes good on all His promises.  That’s why it is important to follow His leadership through the Holy Spirit.  This includes Jesus’ admonition to “watch and pray”.

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Vigilant

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Be Vigilant

Watchfulness and vigilance

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul gives us his view of what watchfulness looks like in our daily life.  The Amplified version reads:

Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound].  Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.   

This reads more like a recruitment post for the armed services.  However, we as believers, must always remember that we are in a spiritual battle.  We are required to be prepared and alert, as we learned in Jesus’ parable of the 10 Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). We are also required to be vigilant!

Vigilance defined

Vigilance is synonymous with watchfulness in that it deals with being prepared and keeping careful watch for possible danger and difficulties.

In our earlier lessons on watchfulness (Be aware and Be prepared), we focused on our preparation for the Lord’s return. We used the parable of the 10 virgins to better understand the first area of watchfulness in our personal Christian walk.  “We are to prepare for the imminent return of Christ.”

Our text today deals with the second watchfulness emphasis in the New Testament: “Being on guard against temptation.”    Temptation occurs when we identify with this fallen world and are drawn away from God: away from His service, His purpose, and His plans.

Vigilance and temptation

Vigilant watchfulness for the Lord’s return enabled the disciples to battle temptation. The synoptic gospels picture Jesus struggled in Gethsemane is similar to what the church would struggle with during end times.  Jesus serves as a model of how to stand against temptation as illustrated in Matthew 4:1-11 in His battle in the wilderness.  The petition in the Lord’s prayer to be able to stand against temptation points not only to end times in the future but to the daily enablement needed by believers.[1]

In today’s scripture, the apostle Paul is giving us both a command and an imperative. There are 4 imperatives in this one verse: (1) watch, (2) stand fast in the faith, (3) be courageous, and finally, (4) be strong.

To be vigilant means keeping an eye on the world around us. More importantly, it’s paying attention to our spiritual condition and our spiritual life. Vigilance requires us to stand fast in the faith, persevering, and committed to our beliefs. It requires that we daily engage in activities that renew our mind, strengthen our spirit, and boldly proclaim our faith.

Paul’s view

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul gives this general advice on watchfulness and vigilance.

  • Christians are always in danger, and therefore should always be on the watch (1 Peter 5:8). Danger is greater at some times and under certain circumstances.  The Corinthians were in manifest danger.  Arguments ran high, with major differences of opinion.  There were deceivers among them who endeavor to corrupt the faith. For a Christian to be secure, we must be vigilant and on guard.
  • We are to stand fast in our faith. We do that by adhering to God’s Word and through the revelations shared with us through His Holy Spirit.  As Christians, we are to be fixed on the faith of the gospel, and never desert nor renounce it.  It is by this faith alone that we will be able to stand our ground during moments of temptation. By stand firm in the faith of the gospel, we can overcome the world (1 John 5:4).
  • Paul advises us to act like men and be strong. Christians should be firm when challenged by our enemies, defending our faith, and maintaining our integrity. We can, confidently, point to the One in whom we place our faith: Jesus the Christ (2 Tim. 1:14).
What does it mean to us?
  1. What are the areas of our life which hold the greatest danger to our faith walk?
  2. Do we need to draw closer to the revelation of God: the Bible and the Holy Spirit?
  3. Where are we drawing our influence and wisdom from?
  4. Are we comfortable defending our faith?

[1] Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Elwell.

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Aware

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Preparing Watchfulness: Be Aware

Watchfulness recap

Last week we acknowledged the fact that we, as humans, are always watching.  But are we watchful?  We defined watchfulness as preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy. It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

The question that hopefully will be answered in this series is, “Are we watchful of the right things?”  We introduced this topic of watchfulness with Jesus’ parable of the foolish and wise virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). The parable cautions us to be “alert and vigilant” less we miss God’s opportunities. We must be aware!

Aware and prepared

Awareness involves concern and informed interest in a particular situation or development.  This added knowledge increases our ability to persevere and remain encouraged (1 Cor. 16:13).  We are able to see beyond what is in front of us even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.  We live life both aware and prepared.

In Jesus’ parable, unfortunately, five of the ten virgins were both unaware and unprepared.  The result was their inability to enter the wedding feast.  Today we’ll dig in a little deeper into this parable and how it applies to us today.

Who were the Ten Virgins?

Jesus gave ample warning in His teaching concerning the last days and the need for spiritual preparation.  He realized that His church would need spiritual focus while waiting for His return.

Jesus makes the purpose of this parable clear in its last verse. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (verse 13). He warns that failure to be aware and prepared for His return would have “eternal and irreversible consequences”.

Ten virgins:  The same yet different

While the two groups of virgins have some interesting similarities outwardly, their concealed attitudes revealed how they really felt about their role in the wedding.  These attitudes eventually affected their ability to be aware and prepared.

Both groups were in the same place.  They were going to meet the bridegroom (verse 1).  How does that compare to 21st century believers?

The spiritually unprepared Christian may sit right beside the spiritually prepared Christian in Sunday service.  They both seem interested in the same things and seem to have the same character. Both may diligently give tithes and offerings and serve their brethren. It may only be in a crisis that the real differences show up, and then attendance may begin to wane, and their monetary support of the church may slow or even stop.

Both groups were carrying lamps (verse 1), so these vessels are not a sign of who had prepared.

Similarly, a person carrying a Bible to church does not show that that person has prepared by study and prayer during the previous week to overcome sin and produce spiritual fruit. Neither does it show that the Holy Spirit exists within a person.

Both groups slumbered and slept (verse 5).  The word “slumbered” means to nod, a transient act, whereas “slept” should be sleeping, a continuous act.  We see in the wording of the virgins act the progression of lethargy. First, the virgins nodded their heads as if napping, and later, they slept continuously and deeply.

Even the most dedicated and sincere saints may temporarily become spiritually lethargic. Initial weariness is the first step to further spiritual decay. It is vital to catch temporary apathy early to prevent permanent disillusionment.

“Watch therefore…”

Are we aware and prepared?  What is our attitude and commitment as we wait?  Here are a few questions to help us as we prepare to become more watchful.   Remember the end of Jesus’ parable as you answer these questions.  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

  1. Do we really believe Christ will return?
  2. How are we currently addressing sin in our life?
  3. Does our lifestyle reflect a personal relationship with Christ or a religious routine?
  4. What’s our attitude concerning the things of God?
  5. Are we careless with the assignments given us by God and the Church?
  6. Are we preparing for Christs’ return, our personal sin, and fostering a faithful prayer life?
Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

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Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Everybody’s watching something.

Is it easier access to information or a heightened sense of alert that has us watching what’s happening around us?  We rise early and sleep late to hear what’s happening nationally and internationally.  Is the cost of living rising or falling?

With the upcoming elections, we are watchful to see what will happen politically as potential candidates jockey for leadership.  We are eagerly waiting to see who emerges in the key positions on our favorite sports team.

Watchfulness is something that we all do, but the question is, are we watching the right things? Today we will begin a new series entitled, “Practicing Watchfulness”.

What is watchfulness?

Watchfulness is defined as to attend or to observe someone or something closely; being alert and vigilant.  Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy.  It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

Scripture offers great insight into watchfulness.  In Proverbs 8:34 it says, “Blessed is the man who listens for me watching daily at my gate waiting at the post of my door.”  In Nehemiah 4:9 it is written that “Nevertheless we made our prayers to our God and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”

In the New Testament, three basic emphases on watchfulness are found.  The first is in being prepared for the Lord’s return (Mark 13:32-37).  The second is in our guarding against temptation (Eph. 5:15-16).  And finally, watchfulness in our prayers (Eph. 6:18).

A lesson on watchfulness.

To introduce this study on watchfulness, we will share the familiar parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.  The lesson on watchfulness is found in verse 10.

 But while they [the foolish Virgins] were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. (Amplified)

Jesus taught this parable to His disciples knowing they might lose heart after He left them.  They would need the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18).   His future Church would also need encouragement as they watched for His Second Coming (Matt. 24:42-44).

In 2024, we too, need encouragement as we go through these extremely perilous times.  As we look around, there are serious issues in the world around us.  We may become fearful and feel hopeless.  But Jesus wants us to be encouraged.  We are never alone.  As we watch, He stands with us (John 15:4).

Undesired consequences.

In Jesus’ parable, 10 virgins awaited the bridegroom’s return.  Unfortunately, only half of them were prepared.  They were watchful even in light of the bridegroom’s delay.

Jesus’ parable gives us ample warning about watchfulness and the need for spiritual preparation.  Anyone found lacking in either of these, risks eternal consequences.

F. B. Meyer, noted theologian and teacher, shares five (5) mistakes the foolish virgins made. Let us not do the same!

    1. They made no preparation for the continuation of their light. How do we keep our spiritual lamps burning?   Are we reading God’s Word, praying, and in fellowship with other Christians?
    1. They slept. Are we awake and alert today?  Are we watchful and ready to serve?
    1. They thought they could procure oil from the wise virgins. Are we personally prepared to serve and maintain our relationship with Jesus? Are we depending on others to make the connection for us?
    1. They thought that they could get in. Do we think our past actions or positions will guarantee us entrance into eternity?  What is our current relationship with Jesus?
    1. They thought the bridegroom would recognize them. When He returns, will Jesus recognize us (John 10:14)?

Watchfulness is important to us today.  Even more than in the 1st century.  “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matt. 24:42).  More to come next week on Practicing Watchfulness.