I toured one night at around 9pm last week an illegal Bible schoolin the heart of East Asia. Here the students have to commit themselves to training in God’s Word for one year. They do life and live together, but at the end of the year they either plant a house church or start a career as a missionary to North Korea. My desire for ministry fails in comparison to that kind of sacrifice. But this was a reminder of the sacrifices of many who still make for the Gospel. May it be that I can live such a life. So, if you prove to be zealous for what is good, what is the driving purpose for such a life? Peter mentions Christ’s suffering. “Because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lust of men, but for the will of God.” (vv.1b-2) For many of those in the church has already lived out their sin and they will give an account “to He who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (v.5) Therefore, be of sound judgment, sober spirit in prayer, be fervent in love to one another, and be hospitable. This is so that Christ may be glorified in all things. (vv.6-11) The passage gives us a command to live completely sold out for God’s glory. “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because of the Spirit of god and of God rests on you.” (v.14) Peter encourages them of the power of the Gospel; for it leads to judgment or obedience. Prayerfully, our lives should reflect the latter. (vv.15-19) How are you living your life? Are you living your life completely sold out for the Gospel? The Lord encourages us and even moreso to command us to live with “fervent love” and sober spirit in prayer. But how much of that has become mainstream “Christianity”; not so much a passionate push to live courageously for Christ—but just a catchphrase. I challenge you, make this something more than you just “say”, make it an action—a part of your life. #godlylegacy “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live, taking the form of a readiness to die.” –GK Chesterton
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 14:26:17 +0000
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