Divine Riches

~ Riches in Jesus Christ ~

 

 

Riches of His Mercy  ~ “God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:4-10).

Riches of His Grace  ~  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.  In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:7-12).

Riches of His Goodness  ~  “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). 

Riches of His Glory  ~  “Indeed I have all and abound.  I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen” (Philippians 4:18-20). 

Riches of His Knowledge & Wisdom  ~  “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).  

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What Are You Doing Here

In the last several messages we have considered the prophet Elijah as he was used by God to miraculously confront the 450 prophets of Baal, but then sank into a deep despair when threatened by Queen Jezebel; “I have had enough Lord, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). We saw how God demonstrated His compassion, sent Elijah on a forty day journey through the desert, and revealed His presence in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). But after all this, God had a very serious question for Elijah.
1 Kings 19:13
“Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”
Obviously, the question was not in reference to Elijah’s physical location. Elijah was standing on the mountain because God had called him to that exact location. Though God already knew the answer, His question was asking Elijah what had brought him to this spiritually defeated condition. Elijah had been given the opportunity to talk with God, witness His power, and actually stand in His presence; yet he was filled with doubt and felt terribly alone; “I am the only one left” (1 Kings 19:14).
Once again God could have lectured Elijah on his lack of faith. Instead, in His mercy, God gave Elijah the reassurance he needed to continue; “I reserve seven thousand in Israel – all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal” (1 Kings 19:18). God encouraged Elijah that there were many others fighting this same battle. He also gave Elijah a companion who would walk with him for the remainder of His ministry; “Anoint Elisha to succeed you as prophet” (1 Kings 19:17).
Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for our sin so we could be restored to a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. This relationship saves us from an eternal death in the fiery pit of hell; but it also allows us to be saved from the despair, fear, loneliness, and lack of purpose which surrounds us in the world today.
We are eternally saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But as we walk, we must trust God to daily save us from the effects of a fallen world and our own weak and sinful nature. We must never be afraid or ashamed to tell God exactly how we feel: “I’m weak and lonely, frustrated and discouraged. Lord, I need You! … Sometimes I wonder if You hear me cry, please hold me!!” Nothing we say will ever surprise God or cause Him to let us go.
Our Heavenly Father has called us to examine our heart, confess our condition, and trust Him for the solution – He has called us to be saved! Our strength in the Lord will often depend on recognizing and admitting our weakness. Let’s strive to live each day in His presence; but let’s also be prepared to respond honestly and without fear when God asks: “What are you doing here?”

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Lifestyle Choice

~ Choose Your Lifestyle ~

 

 

The Word of God describes our former lifestyle—without Christ.

In God’s Eyes Our Former Lifestyle Was Corrupt and Deceitful  ~  “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:20-24). 

In God’s Eyes It Was Deteriorating  ~  “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).  

In God’s Eyes It Was Filthy  ~  “Oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” (2 Peter 2:7b).

Fortunately, the Word of God also describes our new lifestyle—with Christ as our Savior.

It Is a Changed Lifestyle  ~  “The purity and reverence of your lives” (1 Peter 3:2b). 

It Consists Of Honest Dealings With Others  ~  “Conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). 

It Produces a Good Reputation and Witness In The World  ~  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:15-17).

God’s Eyes and Ears Are Directed Our Way As We Live Our New Life  ~  “Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3:11-12a).  

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