GUIDANCE IN DECISIONS - 2

B – GUIDANCE IN DECISIONS – 2

This lesson assumes that we have taken Christ as our Savior and want to live a life that will be a glory to Him.  How often do we say, “if God wills”.  Do we really mean it when we say it?  And then, what does this statement actually mean?  If we are living our lives to please our Lord, then whatever He wills or wants from us or wants us to do or perhaps tells us to give up—that is our purpose.

God’s will is of supreme importance.  Jam.4:15-17   Those words are so easy to say and many times glibly fall from our lips.  So often we know what God wants, then we don’t do it.  People sometimes say, “I’ll be in church if the Lord wills”.  Do we suppose that He doesn’t want us there?

It is necessary that we understand what the will of the Lord would be in periods of decision.  Eph.5:15-17   As followers of Christ, we have an energizing power that will help us in understanding God’s will as we determine our decisions.  Phil.2:13   God works in us through the Holy Spirit to will His will.  He helps us act or decide what to do according to the good purpose He has for us. 

Jer.31:33   God made us.  He loves us.  He wouldn’t just leave us hanging in midair as we wonder what He would want us to do.  “When you don’t know, read the instruction book”.  How obvious is that!  God has given us His inspired Word to guide us.  This is our instruction book with all we need.  2 Tim.3:16,17   We can be assured that God’s Word will equip us with everything we need to live a life pleasing in His sight.  Heb.13.21  

Even though we live in the Christian dispensation, we can be so inspired by the wise words contained in the O.T. as they realized the need to follow the will of God.  As the ark was brought into the temple upon completion, Solomon spoke to the people.  Some of his words apply to us today.  1 Kgs.8:58   We need to be sure our hearts are turned to God and His Word.  Ps.119:36  

Jesus quotes from the O.T. that we are taught by God.  Jhn.6:45   Over and over we find David giving his desire to follow God and His Word.  Ps.119:11   David was guided in his choices by God’s Word.  That was the light that lit his path.  Ps.119:105   Jesus also mentions the Word as the Light by which we are guided.  Jhn.3:21

Sometimes God has desires for us but leaves us the choice.  He has not made us puppets.  He has given us minds with which to think and reason.  1 Thess.4:3   God wants us to be set apart from the things of the world; however, the choice is ours.  We can either follow God’s will or our own will. 

There have been times when God’s will was carried out in full, regardless of human will.  Acts 2:23   The plan of God was that His Son would be offered for our sins.  That was the only way we could be reconciled to Him so He willed it that way.  Matt.26:39

Many of our choices are spelled out specifically in Scripture.  Should I become a Christian?  God wants all men to be saved.  This is a definite will of God.  1 Tim.2:3,4   Is it necessary that we forgive everyone?  “This is answered in Matt.6:14,15   Not much choice when we realize that our forgiveness is dependent on the manner in which we forgive others.  Love is an important command.  1 Jhn.4:7,8   Many more commands involve specifics of either do or don’t that have consequences according to our choice.

Some choices are very complicated and a specific answer is not given in the Bible.  However, moral principles and Biblical principles must be followed as would be within God’s will.  As women, modest clothing has been addressed.  Being modest is a principle but we must choose wisely to keep within God’s will.  1 Pet.3:3,4   We have mundane choices:  do I wear blue or green today?  As long as we are modest, God has no will for us in this matter.  Modesty involves elaborateness and amount of skin revealed, as well as over-spending within our means.  Also it includes why and for whom are we dressing?  Do we want to please men or God?  Gal.1:10

Our relationships with people can increase or destroy our faith.  We cannot be friends with the world.  Jam.4:4   Scripture does not tell us not to have Fred or Ollie as a friend.  We must follow the principle set forth by God’s Word and make that decision. 

2 Cor.6:14

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  1 Cor.6:19,20   We can destroy our bodies in many ways.  This is an important principle; however, the ways involved change with time and culture.  The principle remains.  Presently, it involves alcohol, nicotine, drugs, over-eating among other things.

Stewardship is taught.  A steward is a manager.  We have been given so many things as children of God.  We have to make that choice of how this is done in each of our individual lives.  Our choice must follow the principles set forth in Scripture.  This involves our finances, talents, abilities, methods of service to others, and even our time.  Jesus gave parables about stewardship that can be applied to our lives.  Lk.12:42,43   As we have been given, so we must give.  1 Pet.4:10

Idolatry was a problem in Bible times.  Today, idolatry is defined in a different way.  It can be anything that is worshipped with time, money, effort that takes the place of the Lord.  The Lord is set aside to be replaced with other interests.  This can happen with those that consider themselves Christians.  They attend services but only if the other interests are not compelling them to do or go otherwise.  Col.3:5   We need to flee those things that take us away from God.  These things may differ according to the individual; however, let us remember—1 Cor.10:12  

Our desire should involve being a glory to God and pleasing in His sight.  We want to honestly and sincerely do the will of God.  His will can be found in our instruction book, the Bible, in command, example, and principle.  It is up to us to determine His will by our study.  2 Tim.2:15; 1 Thess.4:1

GUIDANCE IN DECISIONS - 1

A – GUIDANCE IN DECISIONS – 1

Everybody has decisions to make in their lives.  Some are important, major decisions.  Others are minor decisions and some of our decisions are what we might call mundane decision—decisions that are routine.  We fret and worry over many of these major decisions that could well affect the remainder of our life.  Although the final decision is one that we eventually have to make on our own, yet we need advice and guidance in order to make these decisions wisely.  Although our age would make a difference with the questions we have to decide, the process is very similar.  If we were eighteen years old, it would be most unusual for us to be thinking of a decision to go to a nursing home or assisted living or other options.  However, if we were eighty years of age, we would probably not be considering what college to attend, what profession to enter, or whom to marry. 

The most important decision of our life is whether to follow Jesus and become a Christian and remain faithful our entire life or not.  This important decision will affect and even control many of the remaining decisions of our life.  Let’s consider Matt.16:26.  Some decisions may well take us from the Lord.  No success in financial gain, position advancement, social status, or friendships acquired would be worth loosing our soul.  To even think of tampering with these thoughts briefly might set up a temptation that would please Satan but would endanger our eternity.  Matt.26:41; Lk.21:36

Each decision made, whether major, minor, or mundane, must be made as to pleasing our Lord and being a glory to Him.  Joshua entreated the Israelites to be careful to do according to all the law. Josh.1:7   Jesus nailed that law to the cross Col.2:14   Now we must follow all the teachings given to us in the N.T.  ; Jhn.3:36; 1 Jhn.2:3  

The Scripture often speaks of the glory of God.  This is both external and internal.  His majesty is beyond our human comprehension.  So when we are to be a glory to God, just what does that mean?  Our lives must show worthiness, righteousness, excellence, and even wisdom through Christ Jesus our Lord.  1 Cor.1:31  These traits will shine in our lives as we make decisions.  Acts 4:13   Not that we have physically been with Jesus as the apostles had, but our lives show that we follow Him and belong to Him.

As Paul explains to the Corinthians, we are not our own; therefore we must glorify God in our body.  1 Cor.6:20   This involves our attitudes, our speech, and our deeds.  We must show excellence and wisdom through Christ to glorify God. 

What is our appearance?  Do we look just like the world?  It isn’t that we have to look odd, but just how decorated are we?  How much skin do we allow the world to see?  Are we dressing for God or for the world?  Be honest with yourself.  1 Tim.2:9,10   We really hang on to the ways of the world.  God called the Israelites a stiff-necked people and to show their humility, they had to remove all of their ornaments.  Ex.33:4-6  This isn’t a discussion of the pros and cons of ornaments but when we look at our appearance, it does have to be humble, modest, and give glory to God.  We can’t look like a walking Christmas tree.  Some in the world do.

Our speech has to be to God’s glory.  It must be honorable and in truth.  Matt.12:36   If we are a glory to God, we cannot be talebearers.  Eph.4:29   Our speech tells a lot about us.  The world is not only looking, they are listening.  We must not be ashamed to speak up for Jesus.  Matt.10:32,33

Not only are we a glory to God in our appearance and speech but also in our attitudes and deeds.  We can bring dishonor to God and Christ’s church if we do not follow Christ and the example He set for us.  Satan and the world look for ways in which we dishonor God.  It is victory for them.  Rather, victory is in Christ Jesus.  1 Cor.15:57   Any righteousness we have comes from our Lord.  2 Cor.5:21  

We honor God and glorify Him when we have sincere love for one another.  Jhn.13:35   Anyone who does not do what is right is not a glory or honor to our Lord.  1 Jhn.3:10   Jesus prayed for us to be as one as He and the Father are one.  This would be a complete, perfect unity.  Jhn.17:21  What a picture that would be to the world and what honor and glory that would bring to His name.  We do not realize the power within us through the Holy Spirit with which glory can be brought to Christ and His church.  Eph.3:20,21

We, as Christians, are the church, the body of Christ.  The church is to be presented to Christ at the end of this world.  Christ wants a glorious church.  He wants the church to be presented in all her glory.  What does that mean?  Spotless and without wrinkle.  She is to be holy and blameless.  Eph.5:27   That’s us!   We can be that only through Christ.  It is something for which we must strive.  Rom.12:1

ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN 7

G – ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN – 7

Again we look at an attribute of the heart but one that shows outwardly – steadfastness.  David knew he had sinned and in his repentance he prayed that God would renew a steadfast spirit within him.  Ps.51:10   So what is steadfast and do we need that?  Steadfast is unwavering, immovable, committed, and dedicated.  This would certainly be an important attribute of a Christian.  Prov.11:19

Steadfast describes our Lord..  Heb.13:8   In describing Jesus, the writer of Hebrews summarizes His work and ends with You are the same and Your years will not come to an end.  Heb.1:10-12 (Ps.102:27)  Our Lord is steadfast and will not change.

The O.T. provides examples of steadfastness, as well.  Ruth was a beautiful example of this attribute as she set her mind to go with Naomi, her mother-in-law.  Ruth 1:18   She could not be persuaded to do otherwise.  Her strong determination is stated in Ruth 1:16,17

Steadfastness is shown in the case of the Rechabites.  They were told to do things against the teaching of Jonadab.  They refused to go against what they had been taught.  They remained steadfast in this decision.  Jer.35:8-10  God rewarded them for their steadfastness.  Jer.35:18,19

Daniel was a faithful man of God that remained steadfast throughout all his life from the time of a young man until he became old.  One of the first times was when he refused the dainties of the king’s table.  Dan.1:8  He showed himself to be of great strength in body and spirit because of his decision.  Later in life Daniel remained steadfast in his prayer life in spite of disobeying the king.  God saved Him in a great way.  Dan.6:22   His resolve caused God to be glorified.  Dan.6:26,27

During the lifetime of Jesus he said many times that His hour was not yet come.  However, when that time had come, even though it meant His death eventually, he steadfastly set His face toward Jerusalem.  Lk.9:51

When we become a Christian, just how committed are we to remain steadfast in our Christian walk.  The beginning of the Christian walk may be with enthusiasm to follow Jesus all the way.  Yet that enthusiasm often fades.  We are to hold fast to the confidence we have in Christ who is our hope firm until the end.  This is steadfastness.  Heb.3:5,14

Paul rejoiced in the Colossians in that they remained stable in the faith even though he had not been with them.  Col.2:5   Epaphras had taught them well and they had accepted it.  Now it was bearing fruit in their lives.  Col.1:6   This was constant since the day they heard and accepted the gospel.

A Christian who has stability is solid in Christ-like attitudes and actions.  He is not blown about by every wind of doctrine.  Eph.4:14   Even though the doctrine does not follow the Truth of the Scriptures, some think the people are so nice.  They become our friends and so we go with them.  We cannot follow every “nice” person.  We are to follow Christ and the Truth.  We need stability or steadfastness in our faith.

Peter warns against those that distort the Scriptures.  We have to be on guard lest we are carried away by false teaching which makes us fall from our steadfastness.  2 Pet.3:17,18

It would be better to grow in knowledge of Truth and follow our Lord.  Peter gives another warning in 1 Pet.5:8,9.  It is necessary to stay firm in our faith.  Friendship becomes a strong factor in moving away from our faith.  Jam.4:4   Who do we confide in the most and with whom do we spend the most time?  Do our friends help us grow in Spirit and Truth?  These questions should cause us to seriously consider if we are being led away from our steadfastness by friendship with the world.

Whether it is friends that are not Christians or other entanglements with the world, we can be conquerors through Christ.  Rom.8:37   Paul uses sports as an example.  Just as one who competes must discipline his body, so we must use self-control to remain steadfast to the end to have that eternal wreath.  1 Cor.9:25

The author of Hebrews also uses the idea of a race.  Did you ever attend a track meet where a runner just stopped or changed course?  This is what some Christians do.  They begin well.  Then they stop or change course because of entanglements with the world.  A race requires endurance and fixing the eyes upon the goal.  Heb.12:1,2   Jesus is our example.  During a race, a person sweats and gets tired but they keep going.  What joy there is at the end when the goal is attained.

We need to say with Paul, “Press on.”  Phil.3:14   We have not yet arrived but we keep getting closer.  Only God can see when that goal will come.  Ps.31:15   However, we press on and remain steadfast to the end.  Col.1:23

What keeps a boat secure?  An anchor.  Our hope is our anchor.  Heb.6:19   This anchor of hope will keep us steadfast and we will then have the promise that those of Laodicea had in Rev.3:21   We must be overcomers.  Then we can sing with David.  Ps.57:7

Steadfastness requires effort but what a glorious reward in the end.  1 Cor.15:58

ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN 6

F – ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN – 6

The attributes of a Christian, although seen outwardly by the world, come from within—in the heart and the mind.  We are not born with these attributes, but as a Christian we have a will to develop them and grow more like our Master.

Peace is one of these attributes.  It is more than just an absence of conflict, whether it is between family, friends, neighbors, nations or even our conflict with God in not obeying His will for us.  Conflict within our soul disrupts our life in many ways.  Our peace with God is the most important and can resolve that conflict within our soul.  Ps.122:8

David combines our spiritual peace with righteousness.  Ps.85:10   In order to have peace with God, we have to respect His wishes for us.  In other words—obey.  Ps.85:8   Peace comes from our Lord.  1 Kgs.2:33   As Micah was giving a prophesy concerning Jesus, this fact is stated.  Micah 5:4,5   Jesus was called the “Prince of Peace.”  Isa.9:6  

Isa.32:17 gives us a beautiful picture of peace within—quietness and confidence.  In life there is often that phrase, “if only.”  Isa.48:18 presents an important “if only.”  If we would only listen to our Lord, believe in Him, and follow, we could have that desired peace.  Unrighteous living will not produce peace.  Isa.48:22  

Because of our faith in Jesus, we achieve this peace with God.  Rom.5:1   Conflict and every kind of disorder may raise its ugly head around a Christian, but with the help of Jesus living in us (Eph.3:17), God in us (Eph.3:19), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Eph.3:16) in us, we can still experience a serene peace within.

Some of our desires detract from inner peace.  We want to possess, attract, achieve certain things that might be poor stewardship or might destroy our spiritual life.  Matt.6:19-21   Too often earthly desires drown out our spiritual desires.  Matt.6:33   We possess or achieve and then are not satisfied.  We want more.  1 Jhn.2:15,16   The more we have, the more anxious we become and this destroys our peace.  Phil.4:6,7

Peace with God is of utmost importance and we certainly strive for inner peace.  Our peace-searching does not stop there.  A Christian attribute is peace with everyone.  Rom.12:18   Occasions do arise in which peace seems impossible.  If this is the situation, it must not be because of the Christian.  We must remain peaceful and pray for the one with whom there is conflict.  Matt.5:44  

It seems that those of the world are always at odds with someone.  This attribute of peace differentiates between the world and the Christian.  Mk.9:50   We are to be salt of the earth but if the salt within us is lost, we loose our effect on the world.  First, we need to have the peace within us and then strive to be at peace with everyone.  As an example, think of a person in deep pain or loss.  The outward expression of their life is quite a contrast.  A person of the world might be totally depressed or show a bitter attitude and maybe even curse.  That is not the way of one who is at peace with a hope in eternity.  Rom.3:16-18; Rom.8:6

As we go about our day, we make choices.  Do we make choices that will cause disruption and conflict or choices that give peaceful solutions.  Rom.14:19   As Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians, he exhorts them to live in peace.  2 Cor.13:11   This would not only be true of a congregation but also of families and neighbors.  We are to make peace.  Matt.5:9   How blessed to be called a “son of God.”

The Jews and Gentiles in the early church had conflicts.  Paul reminds them that they are now a new creation so the conflicts should cease.  Gal.6:16   As we became a Christian, we also became a new creation.  Eph.4:23,24   We received the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit.  Part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace.  Gal.5:22

Because of this gift from which we grow the fruit of peace, we are filled with joy and peace.  Joy can overflow if we have peace.  Without the hope that we have in Christ, joy and peace would both be absent.  Rom.15:13   The peace of God is beyond understanding, but it is our guard for our hearts and minds.  Phil.4:7   This is the core of our peace which was mentioned at the beginning of this lesson.  Not only does the peace of God guard our hearts but the peace of Christ rules our hearts.  Col.3:15   Our hearts and minds need to be guarded against disruptions of peace for to be Christ-like we need to have that peace.  Our desire should be so strong to be a glory to our Lord that the peace of Christ would have power over us and rule our hearts.  This peace of God is so strong in guarding our hearts that Satan will be crushed as he attempts to disturb our peace.  Rom.16:20

James likens the Christian life to a crop.  What do we sow?  We need to be like the mustard seed.  It may be small but with proper care and by the grace of God, it can grow into something large and useful.  Jam.3:18   We want a harvest of righteousness but it must be sown in peace.  This harvest comes with effort just as in raising a crop.  Heb.12:14   A peaceful attitude will be very visible to the world and glorify our Lord. 

1 Pet.3:9-11   To attain our hope of heaven, we need to be found in peace.  2 Pet.3:13,14

Jesus knew there would be tribulation on earth.  His Word teaches us what our reaction should be.  Jhn.16:33   Our peace is in Christ.  Our focus must remain steadfastly on Him.  Isa.26:3

ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN 5

E – ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN – 5

“Lord, give me patience and give it right now.”  Probably you have heard this statement in jest and yet, so often we mean it.  Patience is something we all need.  We may have a small amount until we cannot stand it any longer and poof—what do we do.  Scripture gives us examples and exhortation regarding patience.  Many problems of life in this world come from a lack of patience.

Patience includes suffering, enduring, or waiting.  As in the case of other attributes, patience comes with a determination of the will.  It is an attribute for which a Christian works and grows.  It definitely is a contrast and visible to the world. 

We are told to wait for the Lord.  Ps.40:1   This psalm gives the results when David waited on the Lord.  Sometimes we pray and can’t understand why our request is not answered when we think it should be.  God knows when and how it is best for us.  Wait patiently and develop our trust as we know He will do what is best.  Ps.37:7  .The lack of patience of often associated with anger and pride.  Eccl.7:8   One translation is “long of spirit.”

Our culture is so fast-paced.  The market is filled with items that are “instant.”  We “don’t have time.”  “I can’t bother with that.”  “Hurry up.”  Other phrases could also indicate our lack of patience.  Many outcomes of this lack occur today.  Some would be “road rage,” anger causing divorce, child abuse, murder, loss of job, relationships.  Anger is a great outcome of impatience and causes many atrocities.  Our tongue can be controlled with patience.  A consideration of the above makes patience of extreme importance.

Some word translations may give a clearer picture of all that is involved in patience.  Jam.5:10,11   James reminds us first of the patience of the prophets.  They prophesied by the inspiration of God of things they never did get to see come to pass and yet they endured suffering because of their prophecies.  Job is given as another example of one who endured much suffering, yet was faithful and blessed because of it.  Job was willing to learn in spite of suffering.  Job.34:32 (stated by Elihu)  After all was taken from Job, his response was Job 1;21,22   God blessed Job after his endurance and longsuffering.  Job 42:10   Job is synonymous of patience.

Paul uses himself as an example of God’s patience.  He calls this patience unlimited as Paul continued persecuting Christians.  Yet in God’s unlimited patience, Paul was finally converted to serve the Lord.  1 Tim.1:16   How unlimited has God’s patience been with our past and perhaps even now.

Abraham was given a promise by God.  Abraham waited with patience for years before that promise was fulfilled.  He never lost faith during that time but that God would do what He said.  Heb.6:13-15  

As Christians do we expect to receive a reward immediately for what we do for the Lord?  Our hope is built with patience for we wait for a greater reward than could ever be achieved on this earth.  Heb.6:10-12   A farmer is used by James to illustrate patience.  He plants the seed but then he must wait with patience to reap what he sowed.  Jam.5:7   The slave that owed his master a large sum of money pleaded with him to have patience to be paid.  In other words—wait.  Matt.18:26

Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to be patient with everyone.  This is more of a long-suffering rather than a waiting for them.1 Thess.5:14   In dealing with people in various relationships we need to be longsuffering as we realize that many times they need to be longsuffering with us.  Patience with people involves several other Christian virtues.

Don’t we have more patience with those we love?  The “royal law” quoted by Jesus includes loving your neighbor as yourself.  As we have a sincere love for every person, we are able to have more patience with them. Rom.12:9; Lk.6:32; 1 Pet.1:22

  Compassion is another virtue important in patience.  If we can feel for that person in their situation, then we can have more patience with them.  Col.3:12; Phil.2:1,2   The Lord shows great compassion on us and does not deal with us as we deserve. Ps.103:8-10   This is the attribute we need to show. 

We will also have more patience with someone we get to know better.  This will help us understand their problems and personality and perhaps give us a clue as to the problem that cause the need of patience with them.  Prov.14:29

A Christian needs to have patience with everyone.  Eph.4:2   Tolerance for one another will help our patience grow.  This is indicative of forbearance.  One of our goals should be to walk worthy of the Lord.     The above are times that we must have patience as we have relationships with others

What about the times we need patience with those that are dealing with us?  There are times when Christians do suffer wrong.  Patience with prayer needs to be extended to and for them.  1 Pet.2:20,21; Matt.5:44   Christ was our example in this.  If you are praying for someone, it is much easier to have patience with them.  Prophets of old are also an example of patience in suffering.  How strong is our endurance and forbearance for our Lord in times of wrong against us.  Many times this is by way of mouth but many other ways are also used.  Remember our Lord.  Days of trouble may be ahead.

Sometimes we wrongly think, “I can’t help it” when we loose patience.  Do we realize the help a Christian is given to maintain patience.  Col.1:11   So with our former examples of faithful men of old with our Savior being in the forefront of examples, let us follow the admonition in Col.3:12,13

ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN 4

D – ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN – 4

So far, the attributes of a Christian have included a hunger for God’s Word and a desire to talk to God in prayer.  Another attribute has been being with other Christians as they meet together for we are a family—the family of God.  Assembling together is important.

Love is an attribute never to be neglected.  In fact to accomplish the above attributes, love would be necessary.  Lk.10:27 is a familiar verse to us.  How deeply does this “all” sink into our minds, hearts, and consequently our lives.  Everything about us, our speech and actions, including our habits, will show how much or how little we love our Lord.  Ps.97:10   Some considerations follow.

God loved us first.  1 Jhn.4:10   Paul wanted us to know this love that God has for us that would cause Him to send His Son for our salvation.  Eph.3:18,19   The key to our abiding in God and He in us is love for that is what God is.  1 Jhn.4:16   We cannot love God without loving His Son.  1 Jhn.5:1  

Perhaps love should be defined.  Many definitions are available in the world.  Just as many degrees of love can be found.  Whether marital, love of family, love of friends, or love of our Lord, the following should be true:  “Love is an earnest and anxious desire for an active and beneficial interest in the well-being of one loved.” (Quote – William Evans)

God loves us even when we do not deserve it.  Rom.5:8   God doesn’t give us what we want but what we need.  Many times man’s love is fickle.  This is not true of God’s love.  Rom.8:38,39

How can we ever return such a love as that?  1 Jhn.2:5,6   Is it too much to ask when God has given us so much and will continue to do so if we abide in Him.  1 Jhn.5:3   As we realize what His love has done for us, we are caused to have a great desire to walk with our Lord.  2 Cor.5:14,15   We are not forced.  It is our choice, but our love for Him compels us to go all the way with Him.  1 Jhn.2:6

Is this love of God going to be a recognizable attribute of a Christian?  What will the world see in us?  This lesson began with the greatest commandment.  The second greatest commandment is and your neighbor as yourself.  This is what the world will see and experience through us. 

The attitude and actions of the world are far different in many circumstances of life.  One difference is in dealing with relationships.  Those of the world have a tendency to hate someone who has wronged them.  The Christian attribute is opposite.  1 Jhn.2:9,11   The one in darkness looses a sense of right and wrong.  Ill-feeling and even vengeance becomes an issue to satisfy self.  Rom.12:19   We were also once in darkness.  Tit.3:3   We are different now and should realize their predicament and pray seriously for them.  Lk.6:28   We were unlovely when Christ died for us and yet He loved us.  Can our love be large enough to engulf the unlovely?  This attribute will show the world a difference.

So what is the source of this love that we need to exemplify?  1 Jhn.4:7,8   We cannot obtain this love on our own.  1 Jhn.4:19   As we became a Christian, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Love is part of that gift.  Gal.5:22; Rom.5:5  

Love of one another as the family of God is important to Jesus.  Jhn.13:34,35; 2 Jhn.5   John reasons in this fashion.  1 Jhn.3:10   A Christian is known if he obeys the commandments of the Lord; but he is also known if he loves his brother.  We see our brother but we don’t “see” God.  If we say we love God, we lie.  1 Jhn.4:20,21  We have no option.  We “must” love our brother. (vs.21)

A description of this love is given in Rom.13:10.  Paul relays the importance of love to the Corinthians.  If we think we are good or important for any reason and don’t have love, we are absolutely nothing.  Then Paul continues with another description of this love Christians are to possess toward their fellowman.  1 Cor.13:4-7

• Patient – 2 Cor.6:6
• Kind – Eph.4:32
• No Jealousy – Gal.5:26
• Doesn’t Brag – Gal.6:3
• Not proud – Rom.12:16
• Not unbecoming for a Christian – (rude), 1 Cor.10:24
• Beareth all things – Rom.15:1; Col.3:13
• Believeth all things – Rom.3:22; Heb. 11:6
• Hopeth all things – Rom.5:5
• Endureth all things – 2 Tim.2:3

Taken from “The Message” by Eugene Peterson:

Love never gives up, love cares more for others than for self, love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have, love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always,, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.

A sincere love (Rom.12:9) is the fulfillment of the royal law.  Jam.2:8   Love binds the other virtues together and therefore is above the rest.  Col.3:14   Without love it would be improbable that the other virtues would be accomplished.  God has loved us, so let us love our brother, as well.  1 Jhn.4:11

CHRISTIAN ATTRIBUTES - 3

C – ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN – 3

What could be a better sight as a person enters a meeting of Christians than to see smiles bursting from happy faces.  Joy is an important attribute of a Christian and it must come from within.  Two songs come to mind – “The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength” (Neh.8:10) and “I’ve Got Real Joy, Wonderful Joy”.  The world offers happiness—but only for a season.  Worldly friends might offer fun and excitement only to end in grief.  The only real joy is in Jesus.  Prov.12:20; Jer.15:16  True joy comes from the heart.  Ps.4:7   Everlasting joy is promised in Isa.51:11.

Joy is expressed as events happen in our lives.  The Magi were very joyful as they saw the star.  Matt. 2:10   Jesus told parables of lost things being found and this produced joy.  The first was a lost sheep.  Lk.15:5   This parable was used to show how a lost sinner produces joy in heaven when he repents.  Another parable is told of a lost coin that illustrates the same.  Lk.15:9   The parable of the Prodigal Son also shows the joy of the lost being found.  Lk.15:32   The ultimate joy is found in heaven when a sinner is saved from the clutches of sin.  Lk.15:10

Deep inner joy is found with thanksgiving and peace.  If we can find the many things for which to be thankful in every circumstance, then we will have joy.  Peace and contentment also comes with inner joy and thanksgiving.  Rom.14:17   Paul and Barnabas endured great persecution on the first missionary journey and yet, with what were the disciples filled?  They were filled with joy.  Acts 13:52   The gospel was being proclaimed and people were giving their lives to Jesus.  This was true in Acts 15:3.

When joy is centered in self and things of this world, it will be shallow and due for loss.  1 Jhn.2:15-17   If we center our lives around Jesus and the spiritual things of life, then and only then can lasting joy be produced.  Joy is part of the fruit that blossoms from the Spirit.  Gal.5:22  

Does worry bring joy?  Matt.6:31-34   Paul told the Philippians to rejoice.  Phil.4:4   Then very quickly he had another admonition for them.  Phil.4:6,7   When we worry, what is it generally about?  Things of this world.  It is very true that a Christian needs to take care of his obligations in this world to show an honest example before all.  Jesus taught this in Lk.20:25.  

We go beyond our obligations and want style, surplus, and “toys” like our neighbors.  Is debt a joy?  No!  Paul learned contentment in every possible circumstance.  Phil.4:11   It seems that some are never satisfied.  The saying goes, “The grass is greener on the other side.”  Paul explains contentment to Timothy in 1 Tim.6:6-8   The same idea was expressed by Job so well.  Job 1:21

Usually money is necessary to satisfy many of our discontents.  This leads to problems with our spiritual life.  1 Tim.6:9,10; Heb.13:5   The love of money becomes a destructive character trait.  It leads us to a lack of trust and also a lack of joy.

Joy is often associated with thanksgiving.  If we are thankful, then we can take joy in whatever it may be.  It might be something we received or perhaps an event that took place.  Whatever it might have been, when we are thankful, then we take joy in the occasion.  The following two Scriptures give great joy as well as thankfulness. 2Cor.9:15

1 Cor.15:57

Another cause of joy for a Christian is hope.  A Christian’s hope is in the Lord.  Ps.39:7; 1Pet.1:21   A non-Christian has hope in things of this world.  Those things will pass away.  A Christian’s hope goes beyond that.  Eph.2:12   This lack of hope is evident at the time of death.  1Thess.4:13   There is fear rather than hope.  Our hope is called a living hope.  1 Pet.1:3   This gives a Christian great joy.  Rom.15:13   An explanation of this hope is given in Tit.1:2.  Tit.2:13

1 Thess.5:16,18  Even in trials?  Rom.5:3   When we can achieve a victory over a trial or temptation, it gives us strength for the next one.  If we never had a trial, our strength would be in atrophy as in a muscle that was never used.  Use strengthens.  So we are strengthened in our ability to stand strong for our Lord.  Jam.1:2,3   Jesus gave this instruction in the Sermon on the Mount.  Matt.5:11,12   Notice: rejoice and be glad even when people are speaking evil against us. 

When Jesus was explaining to the apostles that He was going away, He gave them a greater joy.  They were glad to have Jesus with them but there was to be a greater joy coming.  Jhn.16:24   Now when they prayed, they would be able to pray in His name that their joy would be made full.  Jhn.15:11   Jesus wanted them to experience His joy.  Jhn.17:13   When Jesus left they would suffer grief, but then they would have joy that no one could take from them.  Jhn.16:22

As Christians, we need to show joy in our lives.  The first place the world will see our joy is on our face—smile!  Joy brings a friendliness that invites people.  Joy also shows hope.  People in the world have enough sadness to want to come to a place that shows gloom.  Joy is an encourager.  Happiness uplifts.  It not only helps the world—it helps us!

We keep on rejoicing even to the point of rejoicing with exultation (delight).  Nothing could be worse than what our Lord suffered for us and yet He did it with joy.  Heb.12:2

Let joy be an attribute of our Christian life.  1 Pet.1:8