The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Philippians 1:15-16,
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel."
Paul mentioned his imprisonment to his Philippian readers. He says what he has gone through "actually served to advance the gospel." Verse 12. In the verses above he pointed out that he was put where he was "for the defense of the gospel." As an apostle, Paul served the Lord in a variety of ways.
Paul is not the only believer who has been given things to do, things to accomplish for the sake of the gospel. The redemption of mankind is God's own declared agenda for himself and he has invited all us believers to share in the work, just like Paul did. So we find a number of places in Scripture that speak to this.
One place is 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." Another is found in Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
The Lord has given us his Spirit who enables us to serve him. All of us believers have been gifted by God for his purposes, in order that we may join in his work of his redemption of mankind. This is how we find meaning, purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction in our lives as believers.
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel."
Paul mentioned his imprisonment to his Philippian readers. He says what he has gone through "actually served to advance the gospel." Verse 12. In the verses above he pointed out that he was put where he was "for the defense of the gospel." As an apostle, Paul served the Lord in a variety of ways.
Paul is not the only believer who has been given things to do, things to accomplish for the sake of the gospel. The redemption of mankind is God's own declared agenda for himself and he has invited all us believers to share in the work, just like Paul did. So we find a number of places in Scripture that speak to this.
One place is 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." Another is found in Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
The Lord has given us his Spirit who enables us to serve him. All of us believers have been gifted by God for his purposes, in order that we may join in his work of his redemption of mankind. This is how we find meaning, purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction in our lives as believers.
How has God gifted me? Where does God want me? What is it he wants me to be doing? How can I participate in his redemption of mankind?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
No comments:
Post a Comment