Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #16 Forgive One Another (Colossians 3:13) – PART 1 Colossians 3:13, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. The sin of unforgiveness hurts relationships and fellowships more than just about any other sin. This sin of unforgiveness hurts the one who commits it more than the one who it is committed against. During his revival campaigns across this country, D. L. Moody would often say, “the sin of unforgiveness is the sin that hinders revival more than anything else in the churches of America.” He said when entering into a meeting or into a town, usually the first thing that that had to be dealt with was the sin of unforgiveness in the hearts of Christian people towards each another and others. Christians holding grudges and bitterness in their hearts, and not forgiving people around them is hindering the power of God and the presence of God more than any one thing. In the 1800’s in England, C.H. Spurgeon said concerning this subject, I might get up and preach about being a good husband and only the husbands need it. I might get up and preach about gossiping and only a few people need it. But when I get up and preach about forgiveness and forgiving, everybody needs it. He said on that Sunday he’s on target with everybody. The sin of unforgiveness is a robber and a thief of the Christians victory in life. It robs the church of its power of God. It robs the Christian of our power and effectiveness for Christ. It robs us of our love toward one another. It robs us of the joy of the Lord, the peace of God. It robs us of our health and our happiness. There is a famous poem that is written, “To live above with those we love; well that would be glory. To live below with those we know; well that’s another story.” Out text has a command and an example. The command is to forgive one another. The example is “as Christ forgave you.” The next time someone offends you, remember how you sinned against God, yet, He has forgiven you. The word forgiving means to pardon or forgive unconditionally. Forgiveness means to pardon or to overlook an offense, and to treat the offender as not guilty. Unforgiveness is a sin and if not put in check will trigger the rise of other sins such as revenge, hate, and bitterness. Forgiving one another is a prerequisite for our receiving forgiveness of our sins. Matthew 6:14-15, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” One man’s trespass against us is no comparison to our innumerable sins against God. Yet, God has forgiven us of them all. We should claim and live God’s promise, “forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). When we forgive as the Bible teaches, we graciously let go of our quarrels. We must daily and continually forgive those who offend or hurt us. The Bible gives you and I several reasons why we ought to forgive people. We are to replicate God’s forgiveness. We are to forgive as God forgave us for Christ’s sake (Ephesians 4:32b). How does God forgive us for Christ’s sake? I want to give you three reasons why we ought to forgive people: 1. God Forgives Freely. You didn’t buy it, earn it, merit it. It was all God’s mercy and Gods mercy was free to you. Forgiveness is kindness, favor from God that we didn’t deserve. We forgive others, not because they deserve it, but for Jesus’ sake. Anyone who refuses to forgive doesn't understand the forgiveness that is freely given to us of God. Our forgiveness is free, but it is not cheap because it cost God His only Son. Not only did Jesus die on the cross so we can have our sins forgiven, but so we can forgive those who sin against us. Prayer, Father God, please reveal those I need to forgive. Shine the bright light of Your truth into the dark corners of my heart, where I hide unforgiveness. I choose today to forgive. Because it’s something You commanded me, I know it’s possible. And because it’s something that pleases You, I beg You to help me. Please help me to forgive deeply, from my heart, as You have forgiven me. Wherever possible, and as much as it depends on me, please heal my relationships. In the name of Jesus, who paid the highest price for my forgiveness, amen. Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #16 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #16 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #15 - Teach One Another (Colossians 3:16) – PART 2 Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. I. The Word Abounding in the Life of a Believer The input of the Word into our lives will result in the output of the Word from our lives. Paul says that this will be expressed by teaching and admonishing one another. A. The Participation (Colossians 3:16b) teaching and admonishing one another... Paul reveals we are responsible to actively participate in sharing the truth and wisdom we have learned with others. This is simply taking the truth you have received and sharing it in related situations in the lives of others. Unfortunately, I have noticed a disturbing trend today among professing believers. There is a poverty of Scripture in our churches. They are Biblically illiterate and therefore spiritually fragile (Hosea 6:4). They would rather feel good than be spirit filled. The church's teaching ministry must help its members understand. There is a danger today, as there was in Paul's day, that local churches minimize the Word of God. There seems to be a lack of simple Bible teaching in Sunday School classes and pulpits. It is not enough to have the Word in you, it must be in you in wisdom if you are to make proper application. You cannot inform others about the Word if you do not have the Word richly in you and are not well acquainted with it. You cannot give out what you have not put in. To teach is to instruct, inform, and to communicate knowledge to another. The Lord wants us to learn from Him and to teach others. (See Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 20:5; 27:9.) Teaching is imparting the truth of God’s Word. The more we study the Bible, the better equipped we will be to teach others. We should say as the psalmist, “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me” (Psalm 25:5). Often in the Old Testament, the word “teach” means to point. We should be pointing people to God and to the truth of His Word. God holds us accountable for what we teach others (James 3:1). New believers learn how to live as the children of God when they observe the older saints imitating Christ, coping with the passions of the flesh and reacting spiritually when love is tested. To teach and counsel refers to the whole congregation and their responsibility to teach the Word. We should absorb so much of the Scriptures that we are so spiritually saturated that we may release our studies to those students we are teaching. It will be expressed in sermons and studies: "teaching and admonishing one another." That has to do with our public life. We will constantly minister God's Word to others in a helpful way. We will help others to understand the Scriptures and to apply its truths to their hearts. We will reveal its treasures, resolve its mysteries, and relate its principles to life. Spiritual experience goes hand in hand with spiritual enthusiasm. II Timothy 2:2, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Paul was also a godly mentor to many young preachers. He took a personal interest in the lives of those he led to Christ. Rather than leaving them to learn about Christianity on their own in a day of much religious confusion, Paul took them under his wing and taught them of God and His Word. One of those young men was Timothy. Paul was Timothy's spiritual mentor. He taught him of the faith, showed him how to follow God, and warned him against dangers he might face. If you don't have anyone to mentor, look for someone in your church or in your family who you can help you grow closer to God. A good mentor is someone who is spiritual (has a daily relationship with God), faithful to God's house and someone that can be trusted. A mentor will help keep people accountable and counsel you on matters you face in life. God has allowed us Christians to be influences in the lives of other Christians. If you're a mentor, you know the joys of helping a new convert understand the faith and seeing them grow in faith. Thank God that He has allowed you to have a part in mentoring and that He has provided mentors in your life. A good relationship with a wise mentor is like having personal access to a goldmine. It’s an opportunity anyone would be foolish to not take advantage of! Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels...” God has given us the opportunity to be an influence in the lives of others. In each congregation of Christians, every person is a teacher, and every person a learner. Each of us has something to share out of our personal experiences with God. Each of us has something to learn from brothers and sisters in Christ. Christianity is more than what we don't do. It involves an active life of service, desiring always to please God. As a general rule, teachers teach more by what they are than by what they say. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, teach me more about Jesus, more about Your Truth. Empty me of self that I might learn from You. Lord, reveal more of Your Truth within my heart for I know as the end times approach deception will spread. In Jesus name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #15 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #16 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #15 Teach One Another (Colossians 3:16) - PART 1 Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. All knowledge comes from God. Teaching begins with letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). How can we allow the Word of God to dwell richly among us? We must begin by reading it. According to John 14:26 and 16:13, the Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us in all truth. Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I have always noticed that it is the passages in Scripture which I do understand which trouble me the most. We need to be both comforted and troubled by it, as is appropriate to each of our lives. I. The Word Abiding in the Life of a Believer Paul links the peace of Christ with the Word of Christ. That Word is to dwell in us. May the Word of Christ take up its abode in our hearts. We need to get the Word out of our Bibles and into our hearts. The Word of Christ dwelling in our hearts becomes a vast treasury of wisdom upon which the Holy Spirit can draw as He guides us through the varying circumstances of life. It will fill our minds, control our lives, and become our constant counselor, companion, and guide. Paul has already reminded his readers that in Christ "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge". Colossians 2:2-3, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” We have all kinds of ways in which to get the Word of Christ where it belongs, into our hearts. 1) We can memorize it. 2) We can meditate upon it daily in our quiet time. 3) We can study it using all available aids and helps. 4) We can quote it in conversation, reinforcing its hold upon our hearts. 5) We can live by it. A.The Pursuit (Colossians 3:16a) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” If we are to live our lives in a way that pleases the Lord and benefits others, we must seek the Word and the wisdom it offers. Through it we find instruction for our lives, comfort for our pain, help in the struggles we face, and correction for our mistakes. Those whose lives reflect the Word of God will make an impact on a skeptical and reluctant society. Christ is pleased to impart wisdom through His Word, but we must seek it and apply that wisdom to our lives. Knowing the Word is good, but that alone isn't enough. We must take it a step further and allow the Word to direct, challenge, and change our lives. If we are to be all that we should be, we must continually pursue godly wisdom. The Word must dwell "richly" in order to be totally effective. It must be highly prized and appreciated. It has to be cordially received, mixed with faith, appropriated in its fullness, and translated into action. A believer must recognize that he is a spiritual pauper apart from it. The work of Christ must be done in the way or manner of Christ. As believers, we are to live and act as those who bear His name and must do nothing that would make us ashamed to say that we are Christians. This is a principle to live by. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed” (Colossians 3:17), whether at home, at work, in the church, or out and about. We are to allow the Word of Christ to set up permanent residence in our lives so that it will control our thinking. In other words, both in our relationships with each other and in our relationship with God, we are to be shaped by the Word of God. Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, teach me more about Jesus, more about Your Truth. Empty me of self that I might learn from You. Lord, reveal more of Your Truth within my heart for I know as the end times approach deception will spread. In Jesus name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #15 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #15. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #14 Forbearing One Another (Colossians 3:13) – PART 2 Colossians 3:13, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. The reason we should “forebear one another” is mentioned in Colossians 3:12. Colossians 3:12, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering...” We are to forebear because we are “the elect of God, holy and beloved”, we should forbear and forgive others. Colossians 3:12 also tells us how this is possible by putting on “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Those who are holy toward God should be lowly and loving toward all men. Forbearance has "an element of leniency, a willingness to suspend a rightful demand out of consideration for the weakness of a fellow believer." Colossians 3:13 specifically outlines how we are to respond to people in our lives who disappoint or upset us. Since life is filled with disappointments, it’s important for us to understand exactly what Paul meant when he wrote these words. Instead of complaining when others are difficult to love, we believers are called to endure and be patient with them. It is hard enough to be consistently pleasant to those we generally get along with. However, God’s Word says that we are to do just that. Bear with those who are unlovable. There are many things about every one of us that just turn some people off. Every one of us does things that irritate some people. People have to forbear or put up with a great deal of things when dealing with us. Every one of us is guilty of some weakness, some unattractive behavior, some wrong behavior, some mistreatments, some neglect, some failure, some bad habit, some irritating behavior. When someone is really annoying you, remember God puts up with a lot in you. That means that if you want God to continue being patient with you, you must be patient with others. Be generous with patience toward others, and God will give you the same measure of patience. We need all of God's patience we can get! Lack of patience is just a sign of immaturity. God has been very patient with us all. Patience puts up with many things. Before becoming a Christian, the apostle Paul was a zealous Pharisee, determined to stamp out Christianity. By holding the coats of the men who stoned the first Christian martyr, Stephen, to death, Paul consented to this evil act. He also had Christians arrested and put in prison. But as Paul journeyed to Damascus to arrest more Christians, the Lord spoke to him and changed him. Paul became the greatest of all the apostles. Later, Paul wrote he “obtained mercy” even though he was “chief” of sinners. I Timothy 1:15-16, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” As believers, we must put on the garment or clothing of forbearing or forbearance. Every day we encounter opportunities to get upset with people about something they did or said. If we let down our guard and indulge in these urges, we will live in a continual state of frustration and strife, and our spiritual lives will suffer dramatically. Sometimes it can be very difficult to convince our minds to overlook a perceived slight, forgive the offender, and move on with our lives. However, the Bible offers us a powerful strategy that can be used to cultivate peace in our relationships: We must learn to extend grace to others and to realize that humans act human. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Father, I repent for allowing myself to become angry, frustrated, and unforgiving. That is wrong and I refuse to yield to selfishness any longer. No matter what has been said or done, I have no right to harbor ill will, especially when You have commanded me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Lord, I deeply apologize. If I had been focused on You instead of myself, I would not have become upset in the first place. Help me to see this person and this situation through Your eyes. I choose to get over this offense right now. I let this drop and I refuse to think on my feelings anymore. Instead, I will seek to honor You in this matter. Holy Spirit, teach me how to love as Jesus loved me. In Jesus name, Amen Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #14 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #15 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #14 Forbearing One Another (Ephesians 4:2) – PART 1 Ephesians 4:2, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; We all have people in our lives with whom we have difficulty getting along; therefore, we need to be patient with one another. We are to be longsuffering, or patient, with one another. The word longsuffering means "long-tempered, long-fused" or "taking a long time to boil." We often refer to lack of patience as having a "short fuse." In other words, we get upset with people quickly. However, when we are patient, we have a long fuse. That's a command—not a suggestion. To obey it, we must do two things. Being patient requires being humble and gentle. Simply put, it is being like Jesus, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” 1. Be humble. Lowliness means not to be high-minded and arrogant. In other words, we should have modest opinions of ourselves. So, we must deal with our pride, which causes us to think we are always right and everyone else is wrong. If we are humble, we put the desires, needs, and opinions of others ahead of our own. 2. Be gentle. Humility always produces meekness, or gentleness. The word meekness means "power or strength under control". It refers to a domesticated animal, such as a horse, that still has its strength but is under control. A meek, or gentle, person is very well-mannered. Have you ever heard someone say, "He is a real gentleman"? That means he is respectful, courteous, and considerate, not harsh, aggressive, or rude. Being gentle requires we understand we are all different; we are each unique, or one of a kind. Even people in the same family are different. Even mature couples like different kinds of music and foods; different hobbies and like different kinds of clothes. If we are not gentle, our differences will create conflict in our relationships. Forbearing means to hold back; to refrain; to put up with; to bear with; to endure; to control. "Forbearing one another" means a person tolerates others when they irritate them. This means putting up with someone’s faults and quirks. Forbearing one another in love means putting up with others; putting up with the things we dislike in others; or to have tolerance of one another in a spirit of love. It is the opposite act of being short tempered with others. It carries the idea of accepting the failures and flaws of others because we love them. This often involves taking the higher road by silencing our mouths and letting go of the offense or disappointment. This is the active part of patience which means continuous action--something we are to do everyday. Forbearing one another in love also means we put up with annoying traits in other people; we make tolerances for their differences and faults. This presupposes that some people, even people we love, will at times, be burdens rather than blessings. Those whom we love dearly will sometimes be a burden you have to bear. None of us are perfect, and we all have peculiar personality traits that must be overlooked. If you are forbearing, you will not let people irritate you as much. When someone annoys us, it is only natural to dislike or resent that person. But we need to remember that most of the time crude and rude people are people who have been hurt. There's a saying: "Hurt people hurt people." We never know a person's past or hurts. When people's words or actions upset us, we should not be judgmental. When people "rub you the wrong way," remember only God knows their hearts and hurts. Other people’s habits, personalities, dispositions, appearance, manners, words, and character can be very irritating. We should treat others with forbearance. We, as Christians, should bear with others in what is disagreeable to us. We need to recognize that being different doesn’t necessarily mean being wrong. Any person can be looked at and have their flaws and weaknesses picked out. However, we should remember that we all have flaws that others have to put up with as well. The believer is to forbear the flaws of others. He or she is to put up with and bear with the weaknesses of other believers. Prayer, Father, I repent for allowing myself to become angry, frustrated, and unforgiving. That is wrong and I refuse to yield to selfishness any longer. No matter what has been said or done, I have no right to harbor ill will, especially when You have commanded me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Lord, I deeply apologize. If I had been focused on You instead of myself, I would not have become upset in the first place. Help me to see this person and this situation through Your eyes. I choose to get over this offense right now. I let this drop and I refuse to think on my feelings anymore. Instead, I will seek to honor You in this matter. Holy Spirit, teach me how to love as Jesus loved me. In Jesus name, Amen Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #14 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #14. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #13 Kind To One Another (Ephesians 4:32) Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. One of the many characteristics of the earthly ministry of Christ was kindness. Everything He did was done through a kind heart that sought to glorify the Lord. In reading the Scriptures, you can't help but notice the Lord's kindness on the poor, weak, sick, and less fortunate people. While some people ridiculed or avoided the poor, Christ reached out to them. When the sick were cast out of the city, Jesus went to them and healed them. His kindness was not only for the scholars, rich, or religious people; He displayed kindness to everyone He met. Jesus was kind and tenderhearted and we are to follow in His steps. The word kind means to be easy, good, pleasant, gracious, gentle, caring, courteous, or giving. Kindness carries the idea of being "disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent." Kindness is any act of benevolence which promotes the happiness or welfare of others. This is speaking of a continuous action. Therefore, we are to be kind to one another every day. God’s “kindness is great toward us” and He wants His children to show that same kindness toward others. It has been said, the greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to His other children. As God shows kindness to the “unthankful and to the evil”, so should we (Luke 6:35). Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. We are living in a world where being nice and well-mannered are becoming more and more rare. However, in this crude, rude world, Christians are to shine the light of kindness by being nice. It actually pays to be kind by being nice. Proverbs 11:17, “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” People usually deal with injustices in one of three ways. 1.Some people Retreat. Have you ever met someone who was hurt by another person and withdrew from social interaction? Perhaps they sought to do right or be kind and were met with an attack. Such actions can easily cause a person to withdraw and refuse to show kindness to others. 2.Some people respond with Retaliation. Let me illustrate: A man walks into a cafe with his cell phone in one hand held to his ear and a magazine in his other hand and tells the waitress, "I want a cup of coffee and a donut, and step on it." The waitress returned with a cup of coffee and a flat donut. These are a few examples of the truth that a cruel man brings trouble on himself. Reacting with restraint shows faith that God will take care of the injustice without our involvement. While checking his bags at the airport, a man became indignant with the employee who handled luggage. For several minutes he belittled the young man and criticized his every move. Surprisingly, the curbside porter didn't seem troubled by this man's verbal abuse. After the angry man entered the airport, a woman approached the luggage handler and asked, "How do you put up with such injustice?" The young man said, "It's easy. That guy's going to San Francisco, but I'm sending his bags to San Juan, Puerto Rico." Human nature often urges us to seek revenge when wronged. Retaliating feels good to our flesh. We we’re wronged, we rationalize it's only fair that the other people feel our pain as well. There's something almost soothing about inflicting pain on those who wrong us. Yet God directly commands us to reject the urge to retaliate and allow Him to handle wrongdoings. 3.Some people respond with Restraint. God's desire for our reaction to injustice is through restraint. Again, reacting with restraint shows a level of faith that God will take care of the injustice without our involvement. God sees the injustices in your life, and even though you may not see retaliation immediately, God will have the final say in the matter. Trust Him to make right the wrongs and choose to respond in restraint. Kindness demonstrates that we have a tender heart, and that we are not absorbed by self-interest but genuinely are motivated by God’s love. The Bible tells us that God wants us to be kind and show kindness toward others. If you look around today, you will easily find people who are desperate for a kind and encouraging word—give it to them. There are people all around you who carry burdens, face difficulties, and need a touch from God. You can be His ambassador in their lives. Ask Him to show you how you can be kind to them today. So many people in our world are faced with times of intense grief and emotion. Do you know someone who's grieving right now? Grief can come in many forms, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a friend. Grief and emotions can hit hard in such times. As Christians, God desires us to reach others through compassion, but perhaps no time is more important than during times of grief. When we treat people with kindness, we often open doors for them to receive a witness of the Gospel. If you know someone who's experiencing grief, take time to minister to them through kindness. Ask God to give you a way to comfort them. Send them a card, give them some flowers, prepare them a meal, offer to watch their children, send them a comforting Bible verse, pray with them, or simply spend time listening to them and grieving with them. Through God's help, seek to be a comfort to someone struggling right now. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to treat others the way Jesus would treat others. In Jesus Name, Amen! Thank you for reading Biblical Building Block #13 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #14 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #11 - Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-2) – PART 2 1.The Character of the Restoration. "… in the spirit of meekness…;" (Galatians 6:1). The attitude of the restorer is not one of arrogance or holier-than-thou demeanor. It is one of meekness, of humility, of graciousness, of patience and kindness. Mature believers are those who know how to use the Bible to restore someone who is overtaken by some sin. They are to restore them in the spirit of meekness. This means we are not to have a condescending attitude or a spirit of superiority. As we try to help up the person and get him or her back on track spiritually, we must obey the command found in Ephesians 4:2a, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love...” C. I. Scofield said: "Oh! What love and longsuffering and gentleness and meekness and goodness and faith the ministry of restoration requires! It is work, indeed, which taxes the utmost resources of grace. For no one is so hard to get on with, no one is so critical, so unreasonable, as a saint out of communion. But thank God, love can do it." 2.The Caution in the Restoration. "…considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1). Consider yourself, for you, too, can be tempted and overtaken by sin. There is a real possibility that we may be overtaken by sin, therefore, we are to love and help our fallen brothers just like we would want to be loved and helped. The restorer must realize he, too, can be guilty of the same sin. We must take extreme caution when we deal with erring brethren. Every one of us are inclined to the snags and snares of sin. Sometimes we help people, and they don’t appreciate it. Sometimes they even discard or disregard our help. Sometimes they do this and come back to us again later for more help. Burden bearing is hard, and in our flesh, we sometimes get tired of doing it. When I think, however, of the most-impactful burden-bearers in my life, these have been Christians who have loved and cared and served over the decades. These are people who keep bearing burdens—not just for a moment, but for as long as God gives them strength. Ask the Lord to help you today to see the needs and burdens that those around you are carrying and to, in His strength and by His Spirit, bear one another’s burdens. The word bear carries the idea of giving or lending a helping hand to someone carrying a weighty or heavy load. The word for "burden" here is a word that means a heavy weight or a crushing load. The word bear means to "support or carry." Everyone will have burdens to carry, and some are very heavy to bear. As Christians, we should help lift each other’s load. Believers must bear all kinds of burdens. Carrying each other's burdens is love in action and the fulfillment of Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Mark 12:30-31, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” The word burden in Galatians 6:5 refers to a backpack every foot soldier was to carry on his own. It is the word Jesus used when He said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus will never overburden us. The greatest example of carrying one another's burdens is when Jesus carried the burden of our sins to Calvary (Isaiah 53:5). Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Matthew 28:20, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Many times, people have burdens that are simply too much for them to bear alone. There is an old saying that goes, “Many hands make light work”. That is true of carrying burdens. Burdens can cause Christians to slow down, get discouraged, and sometimes even quit. We can help lift people’s burdens by kind words and works. Another person’s burden today could be our very own tomorrow. How we take up another’s load will be how another helps us with our own. You will find that if you share your brethren’s burden, both of you will walk a little straighter. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You know how broken this fallen world is. With all of those who are broken that You send my way, help give me the wisdom and grace to restore them the way Jesus would. In Jesus Name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #12 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #13 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #12 - Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-2) – PART 1 Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. The ministry of restoration is to restore the fallen. Have you ever known a Christian who seemed to just naturally be a burden-bearer? I’ve known a few burden-bearing Christians. But I’ve discovered that, while some people may do this initially because of their natural temperament, Christians who do this over the decades do so because of growth in grace. No one is perfect. We all fail. Some have some great failures. Our attitude towards them is to help them back up, not to let them remain down. The word “brethren” is found over 200 x’s in the New Testament. It refers to those who are born into the family of God. Notice, the phrase “if a man". This means a person who is just like the rest of us. Therefore, he or she faces the very same temptations we do, for all temptation is common to all men (I Corinthians 10:13). 1.The Case for the Restoration. "… be overtaken in a fault…" (Galatians 6:1). Here we see that it is possible for a Christian to be overtaken in a fault. This refers to a fellow Christian who has failed in his or her Christian walk and fallen into sin. No believer is a 100% fall proof. The word overtaken means caught by, to be taken by surprise, or unexpectedly. The word overtaken carries the idea of someone running from sin, but the sin is faster, so it overtakes the person. Let us not forget that our God is the God of the second chance and he wants erring Christians restored. None of us, no matter how spiritual we may seem, are above being overtaken by some sin. That's why I Corinthians 10:12 gives us what warning? I Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” As an example, a person may lose his temper and strike someone before he realizes what he is doing. When that happens, we must remember the words of Jesus in Luke 6:31. Luke 6:31, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” This means you should ask yourself, "How would I like to be treated if I were overtaken by some sin?" 2.The Chosen for the Restoration. "… ye which are spiritual…" (Galatians 6:1). This work of restoration is not to be taken on by the weak or novice in the faith, but by those who are spiritual. What does it mean to be spiritual? 1) We are walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). 2) We are not practicing the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). 3) The fruit of the Spirit is evident in our life (Galatians 5:22-23). The point is, we cannot restore someone to a Spiritual walk if we are not walking in the Spirit. 3.The Conduct of the Restoration. "… restore such an one…" (Galatians 6:1). The word restore means to repair or mend. Restoration is not the toleration of sin. It involves stopping the sin, correcting the sinner, and forgiving the sinner. Depending on the seriousness of the sin, it may also involve some justified discipline. The word restore carries the idea of "repairing, mending and returning to a former state; setting a broken arm or leg or for mending nets." The setting of a broken bone requires much wisdom and work. Those nets have failed the fisherman. They had become worn, and as a result broke, and were unable to hold fish. They were unable to be used in the work because of the condition they were in. They weren't being mended so that they could be put on a shelf. Rather, the fisherman was going to put the mended nets back into service. When someone has fallen, they should never give up, but make things right so they can get back in the service for the LORD. With this in mind, Christians must help wayward believers to mend and heal spiritually by guiding them in their desire and efforts to turn from their own defiant ways, to surrender to Christ’s control and to renew their full devotion to Jesus Christ. How we approach a fallen brother is of utmost importance. It is a very delicate matter. The brother will be very sensitive and perhaps embarrassed and easily shamed. He could become so ashamed that he would be too embarrassed to return to the fellowship of believers. He could also feel that he would be unwelcome for what he has done is just not acceptable among believers. Therefore, unless he is approached in the right spirit, he could feel he could never be used again for service. This, of course, means that the ministry of restoration is of paramount importance for the life of a dear brother is at stake. It is the ministry to which God has called us. We are to walk restoring men to the service of the Lord and the fellowship of His church. Believers are to help the brother, help cut the sin out, set him right, mend him, restore him, and lead him back to the Lord for service. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You know how broken this fallen world is. With all who are broken that You send my way, give me the wisdom and grace to restore them the way Jesus would. In Jesus Name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #12 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #12 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #11 - Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13) – PART 2 Galatians 5:13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. The word love here is “agape” and speaks of sacrificial benevolence. The word "serve" means to do service; to give oneself up. To serve describes an attitude of helping others in such a way that what we do for others would be to their advantage. Jesus was the greatest example of being a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He exemplified when, as the Son of God and Son of Man, He lived on earth as the Servant of God and the Servant of man. Even He, who was God, gave us an example of serving one another by washing His Disciples feet (John 13:15). Jesus reminded the disciples, “whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:44). No one gets too old or is ever too good to be a servant. The one who serves others is happier than the one who is being served (John 13:17). Biblical love is the decision to seek the well-being of another compassionately, righteously, and sacrificially. We also advance our vertical fellowship with God when we show love in our horizontal relationship with fellow believers. The grace of God is your greatest motivation to service. Two missionaries in China were standing by a clogged up sewer, arguing about why they shouldn't have to clean it out. The first missionary said, "I've been here longer, I shouldn't have to do this." The other one replied, "But I have more education. I didn't spend all that money on schooling to be cleaning out sewers." While they were arguing back and forth, famous missionary Hudson Taylor walked past them, opened the sewer, went down into it, cleared it out, and took care of the problem. While the missionaries were arguing, Hudson Taylor simply did the job that needed to be done. Love takes the selfishness out of self and helps that one focus on others. While some would use grace to live life the way the flesh wants, we should use grace to live life how the Spirit of God wants. Since we have God's grace in our lives and because HE wants to love others through us, we should be motivated to serve one another. The Bible does not show us that grace will bring less service but will cause us to lead a more dedicated life to God. Christian freedom is not about living how we want, but living how God wants us to live. The salvation given by Jesus is due to an imparting of His nature into us. We are to exemplify the character and conduct of Jesus. When Christ incarnates Himself in believers, He imparts them with the same nature of servanthood. Although the flesh has not been eradicated at salvation; it is the love of Christ that delivers us from the power of the flesh. Although we have a flesh nature which motivates us to serve self, we also possess the Holy Spirit, which motivates us to serve others, even at the cost of great sacrifice to self. Resistance of the flesh will keep us from focusing on self. We were not saved to live a self-centered life. Christ loved us, served, and gave Himself for us, therefore, we love Christ with all our heart and life. Christ wants us please Him and to do all we can to serve Him. Our service for one another should be motivated because our love for the Lord and for others. The 2nd Greatest Commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. A person who loves does not act like a lord over people; he or she... 1)serves and helps 2)shows kindness and gentleness to 3)expresses concern and care for 4)demonstrates sympathy and empathy for Like the earlier example with Hudson Taylor, the person who truly loves identifies with a person, gets down where they are, even below where they are, and ministers to them. Love serves and always reaches out to do whatever it can for the other person. Service can never become slavery to the one who serves in love! It never withdraws from the other person, feeling that he or she... 1)does not deserve the effort or help. 2)is not worth the effort or help. 3)is less than what he should be. 4)is too derelict, immoral, uneducated, unrecognized, below others. Why I Love Serving the Lord. 1.I love seeing souls saved. 2.I love seeing lives changed. 3.I love seeing fruit that remains. 4.I love serving God’s people. 5.I love equipping others to serve. 6.I love the next generation. 7.I love entering into the labor of those who have gone before. 8.I love fulfilling God’s calling on my life. 9.I love the Word of God. 10. I love God Himself. PRAYER: LORD, thank You for leaving us Your precious Word and Your Holy Spirit to lead us in the truth. Help me to serve others the way Your Son would serve others. In Jesus Name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #11 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #12 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #11 - Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13) – PART 1 Galatians 5:13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Spiritual freedom is not the absence of boundaries. Let me explain. A football coach teaches his boys to play by certain rules. That is neither mean nor terrible. He makes them play within the boundary lines. He makes them obey the rules of the game. Isn't that awful? No. If the coach teaches the boys to play by the rules then he liberates them to enjoy the game. Suppose a football player catches the ball and wants to play the game without restrictions. He proceeds to run out of bounds and into the stands to avoid being tackled. Eventually, he re-enters the stadium and crosses into the end zone from the opposite direction. He’s no longer playing football but creating chaos. Football can only be football, in fact, when played within the boundaries of sidelines. “Liberty” can be a slippery word. Many people think it means having the freedom to do whatever you want. But “Biblical liberty” is liberty from bondage so that you can enjoy the responsibilities of a new relationship with God and fulfill your God ordained purpose. So Paul says, "Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty . . ." Don't allow license to pervert your calling. Don't fall into the trap of license and, in so doing, lose that very liberty which you claim you are expressing. License makes the mistake of using your liberty as an excuse to sin. The word "occasion" was a military word used as a base of operations from which to launch an attack. So Paul was saying, "You are free in Jesus, but don't let that freedom become a base of operation from which that old flesh can launch an attack on your life or other people." Did you notice he uses the word "flesh" here? Flesh refers to that old nature or that old man. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh is what got everyone of us into our messes in the first place! The Galatians (and we today) are not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. To be a slave of sin is to be chained to your own selfish desires. Christ came to free us from this. Paul is simply saying here, "Put yourself in bondage to the Lord Jesus Christ and to other people. Become a servant to Jesus, a servant to others." Some had abused the principle of Christian liberty turning it into license. We have been set free from the bondage of sin and are expected to use that liberty as an occasion to be used of God. We have received liberty freely through redemption and it requires responsibility on the part of the Christian. Liberty is not a license to sin, it is an opportunity to help those in need. The real goal of spiritual liberty is to "serve one another." He has become a servant under the law of love. He is now free to love God, others, and self without sinful restrictions. Rather than using liberty as a license to sin, it must be used as an opportunity to serve. Rather than a desire to satisfy the flesh, there should be an overwhelming desire to serve the Lord and others. One of the greatest hotel chains in America is the Ritz-Carlton. It is known for one thing—its service. The company prides itself on the fact that from the time a customer drives up and gets out of their car until it is time for the customer to check out and drive away, that customer will be served like no other hotel in the country. Most people recognize good service, and they want to be the beneficiary of good service. We recognize that service is important. It makes the difference between what product or service we consider just OK, and that which we think is great. God says that in the kingdom greatness is measured by your heart of service. The best thing you can do is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ! 1. Love Him. 2. Live for Him. 3. Be Loyal to Him. 4. Long for His presence. 5. Look to Him for direction. 6. Lead others to Him. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: LORD, thank You for leaving us Your precious Word and Your Holy Spirit to lead us in the truth. Help me to serve others the way Your Son would serve others. In Jesus Name, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #11 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #11 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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