In our Weakness

(4-3-05)

Romans 8:22-27

 

          It is contrary to our culture in America to praise and delight in our weakness never the less as Christians we are called by Holy Scripture to do so. Why? God is opposed to the proud. He wants us to rely upon Him and not our self.

          Paul says that if he must boast, he will boast of things that show his weakness? Why would Paul think this is good and right to do? The reason is that the Lord told him that His power was made perfect (complete) in weakness. (2Cor.11:30, 12:6, 9) Paul came to a humble understanding that he needed to submit to Jesus’ will in order for his life to bring God glory.

          To what are we called by God to do? Submit to His Lordship over our lives! When someone is in deep need or struggle, who do you think should come to their aid, Mike in the power of Mike or Jesus through the submitted life of Mike? Which Mike do you think will get the job done? Which will glorify God and our Lord Jesus Christ? Each of you who have come to Jesus for the saving of your souls has come to so much more. (Heb.12:22-24) “…to the spirits of righteous men made perfect…”  (A thought worth pondering – What if the only glimpse of Jesus somebody gets is you!)

          I have challenged the Prayer Team to be seeking understanding from our Lord concerning this churches growth. They are prayerfully concerned, as I suspect most of you are. This we know from Scripture -  “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” (Psl.127:1a) and  “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. ⁷ So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1Cor.3”6-7)

          What does Jesus require of us? Jesus’ standards have not diminished over the years and neither has the power of His shed blood! Would any of you want only partial forgiveness? ‘Come my step children, twice removed, come and receive ½ your sins forgiven. Come, pray to me and I will hear part of your prayer and think about answering you. Come look at heaven from that side of this deep, impassable chasm, look at what you can’t quite reach. Sorry, but my blood is not strong enough to save you anymore.’  

          Why should anyone expect full-service at self serve prices? Only in America. What is written in the Holy Word of God is written not only for the benefit of the original recipients but for all of us who are far removed. (See 1Cor.10:1-13) Jesus call mankind into a relationship with himself and the Father of Glory but not without demands. We would be wise to not loose sight of the fact that God is still God and will always be and Jesus who is His Son now holds the Fathers place of authority and rule. Jesus is Lord.

          Jesus has not called any of you top be religious, He has called you to be holy. Jesus calls us to be His representatives in a world driven mad by sin, wickedness, and wanton desire. Jesus calls us to show this lost and dying world who He is by being His. Like Paul we too must show how incredible Jesus is and how powerful He still is. How is that to be done? By submitting our will to His will over our lives.

          In 1Cor.3:10 Paul warns that each should be careful how they build. Jesus called you into His Kingdom. He took away your sins and He made you a holy vessel for the dwelling place of the His Spirit. What are you building?