Greetings and may the God Who upholds all things by the word of His Power, the Lord Jesus Christ, grant you grace for each day He grants you life.
The above scripture are the words of the apostle Paul and are best understood in the context of chapter 1 and keep reading. Please take a few minutes and read to understand why Paul was determined to know nothing among the Corinthian believers but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
I want to share about "resolve " or "determination " and the relationship between resolve , the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and intercessory prayer. We are all commanded to pray. All prayer along with the Word of God are the only offensive weapons mentioned in Ephesians chapter 6:10-20.
We will look at 3 people: Moses , Jesus the eternal Son of God and Paul. We will also look at some scripture about the first century believers.
This year I encourage you to study afresh the life of these people in the Bible.
Moses , Jesus and Paul were specially prepared to take a part in the plan of the Father from the beginning - the plan to display the glory of God among His creation through the redemption of human insurrectionists ( terrorists) against the creator God - humans such as myself and you, my reader.
I noticed these things in common among these three men.
They were humbled ( Moses and Paul) or humbled themselves ( Jesus who has always been submitted to the will of the Father );
They suffered persecution both from the ones they were sent to help and the enemies of the cross ;
They were focused on the reputation of God among the nations and not their own will or ways ( they submitted themselves fully to the Father even unto death);
They were steadfast and persevered in all kinds of adversity.
They lived separated from the world's enticements.
They turned down fame and fortune for what Paul says is " reality " - the things not seen. ( 2 Corinthians 4:18).
What fueled this resolve or determination? What can we learn for ourselves?
First , realize that life is not centered around ourselves. Creation exists for the glory of God . The gospel of Jesus Christ will be the theme song at the marriage feast of the Lamb.
Here are a few key scriptures that give us a glimpse into what forges the character of determination.
Jesus example :
Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Notice: JOY set before Him ? Bringing honor to the Father by becoming a willing sacrifice for sinners and thereby bring many sons to glory is what Jesus kept focused on doing.
What brings you joy ?
Luke 9:53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem."
Going through Samaria Jesus encounters some hateful people but Jesus was set to go to Jerusalem to first weep for those who rejected Him and then die for sinners. How about us? Are we faithful to continue proclaiming the gospel?
Paul's example :
Philippians 1:19-26 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
How can we effectively continue to work with young converts to assure their progress and joy in the faith?
Here are some ideas I hope to do this year :
Purpose to ask others what they are struggling with.
Encourage others to memorize and meditate on scripture and be available to practice the verses aloud with each other.
Encourage others to make praise in song (such as Colossians 3 describes) part of every day- this is with other believers even if only those who live in your home. If you live alone find out who wants to sing along!
Volunteer to do something practical for a brother or sister- keep aware of what kindness you can demonstrate.
Please write me YOUR ideas on this matter.
Moses example:
Deuteronomy 9:14 Let me alone, that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.’
Please read all of chapter 9.
Exodus 32:31-34 So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.”
Please read all of chapter 32. This is just one of many accounts of Moses making intercession for the apostasy of the Jewish people.
There seems to be worldwide confusion about Who is God and how does Jesus show us the way to God. Much intercession is needed and bible based teaching among new converts. The old man must be put to death and the new man in Christ Jesus put on.
Is there any old man still in control of your life? I know my old man often tries to boss me around.
Accountability to others is essential to show us the areas we may not know are rooted in the old sinful nature.
Let's turn to the example of first century believers and how they showed resolve and determination.
The beginning of the church happened at the time of the feast of Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ and ten days after His going back to heaven.
We read in the Acts of the Apostles:
Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. "
The expression "with one accord " is very meaningful: from a concordance the Greek word means :
with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.
Here are some other ways we see the early church, their prayer life and the effect on the spread of the gospel:
Acts 2:42-47 tells the story of the early converts from many different places who were in Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost. We can learn much from the joy and self sacrifice of these people. They were studying the teachings of the apostles and praying together. Some may have settled to live in Jerusalem but perhaps many returned to their own country.
Another time the Apostle James was arrested and beheaded and since this pleased the people, Peter was also imprisoned and was to be executed the next day. We read about an incredible prayer meeting in Acts 12.
Please take time to read the Acts of the apostles and write down ideas you have about how to be a bold witness and how to pray for others who are wiling to suffer persecution.
Applications
What are some things you need to resolve this year ?
What things are getting in the way of you fulfilling the plan of God to use you to fulfill the great commission? (Matthew 28:18-30)?
What is your plan to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?(2Peter3:18).
To be both discipled and to help disciple others?
Are you in need of accountability to another person in order to stay on course ?
Do you have a prayer partner ?
Have you lost your first love for Jesus?
I'd love to hear from you. I'm a fellow pilgrim on my way to the celestial city.
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