BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 4.7-11; 1 Corinthians 15.58; 1 Thessalonians 5.15-22; Titus 3.4-8; John 6.26-29

The New Testament calls us to work, and our bible reading this week is a snapshot of this calling:

• “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” (1 Peter 4.10)
• “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15.58)
• “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3.8)

God, through Christ has called us to himself and given us abundantly what we need for life and godliness so that we can work for him. Through his generosity, there is not a single person in Christ who lacks what they need. Therefore, our focus should not be on my perceived value or the difficulty in front of me, but his grace to me and making the most of what I’ve been given. That’s the parable of the talents (Matthew 25.14-30) and that’s the motivation for why we MUST work in our faith. We are called and equipped for service in every good work.

So, we must appreciate that in the body there is work that we all can do. This is a critical thought for all of us because there is such a vast spectrum of people composing the body of Christ. Some have very evident roles while others may never be seen. Some people are naturally confident, while others are more reserved. Some struggle with pride as they practice their faith while others insufficiency. These factors affect how we view others, ourselves, and the body as a whole. But what makes the body thrive is when each member is aware that 1) their function is given to them by grace and 2) has an attitude that ‘I MUST use my gift to serve the body.’

To do this, we must settle our attention on the right things. We must see people and their needs. We must see opportunities matching our abilities. We must open our hearts to the tug of God’s calling even when we are afraid or feel lacking. We must believe in Jesus, recognizing his grace is sufficient in every circumstance to allow us to serve him for the glory of his name. We may feel inadequate or limited but it is not my power that secures his promise. It is my faith in his completed work, trust in his direction and determination to follow Jesus that settles my spirit in obedience to do the work he has planned for me.

We must not get caught up in simply meeting our needs in the present. As Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat… drink… wear… is not life more than food and clothing? Besides that, your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6.25-34). We must set our minds on things above (Colossians 3.1) and realize that true fulfillment comes from believing Jesus and doing the work of God has planned for us (John 6.26-29).

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15.56-58)

BIBLE READING: Galatians 5.25; Ephesians 2.8-10; Ephesians 5.1-21; 1 John 1.5-2.6; 3 John 1.2-4

Several weeks ago, I took my girls to see “Mary Poppins” at the Opera House in town. It was a favorite of mine growing up and my kids have recently come to love the music. The girls were thoroughly impressed by the actress who played Mary Poppins; but it was the actor who played Bert that impressed me the most. If you’re familiar with the movie, Bert is peculiar but likable. From the thick British street accent and animated facial expressions to his lanky dance style, the original character is utterly unique. And yet somehow this actor managed to capture the essence of Bert. It was obvious he had put in hours of practice to perfectly emulate the iconic character in the way that he walked. I specifically remember one scene when he strutted across the stage with his chimney sweeper in tow, and hand in his pocket where I did a double take to see if that was actually Dick Van Dyke. This man had become his character and it gave the story vibrance and life.

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; but as a believer, I would suggest that it is the sincerest form of faith. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children…” (Ephesians 5.1). We are on a journey to not only learn from Christ but to become like him, even adopting the way he walked (1 John 2.5-6). In the context of 1 John 2, he tells us what that looks like: Exposing and repenting of sin (1 John 1.5-10) and practicing obedience to the commandments of Jesus (1 John 2.3-4). It is understanding that Jesus was utterly obedient to the Father’s will his entire life and has called us to do likewise (1 Peter 2.21-23).

We must remember that faith is not defined by single event. We crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5.24); but then we continue to take deliberate action day by day (Romans 12.1-2; Galatians 2.20). “If we live by the Spirit, we must also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5.25). Our walk is more than just our witness to faith in Jesus. It is what determines the outcome of our life. The way that seems right to us will not work (Proverbs 14.12; Ephesians 2.1-3). So, we must daily be directed by the word of God, the example of Jesus and the encouragement of the Spirit to walk the path to God.

Imitating Christ is not an addition to our lives, but an endeavor that will shape who people see when they look at us. We must observe our lives and ask the question: Will people know Christ by the way I walk? Do I promote him through my speech? Do I participate in the things he did? Does my pattern of life reflect where he went, whom he was with, what was important to him? Would others do a double-take because my life looks so much like Jesus?

“…whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2.6)

BIBLE READING: Galatians 2.20; 5.24; Ephesians 4.17-24; Romans 6.3-14; Colossians 3.1-10; Mark 8.34-38

The cross is so flippantly portrayed in ‘Christian culture’ that we can forget it was a torture device. Those subjected to the cross were typically the worst of society, whom the Romans deemed ‘worthy’ of suffering and humiliation. As documented in gospels regarding Jesus, the process meticulously stripped away dignity and flesh little by little. He was mocked and abused, stripped and flogged to the point his human form was unrecognizable (Mark 15.16-20; Isaiah 52.14). In this weakened state, many were forced to carry the cross to the place they would die. Jesus did so with help, only to be nailed to the cross and hung up as a spectacle for everyone to see.

Crucifixion gave no mercy to the condemned. The process ensured that death was excruciating, humiliating and total. This is the kind of death Christ suffered for us. But not only that; he calls us to put ourselves to death in the same way:

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8.35).
• “…those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5.24)
• “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” (Romans 6.6)
• “Put to death what is earthly in you…” (Colossians 3.5)

We must not take lightly the intentional use of this metaphor. Jesus doesn’t tell us to work on ourselves and rest on his grace as we struggle with sin. He calls us to crucify our passions and desires. We must take an active and deliberate role to totally eradicate our former life from existence. To do so…

• Our activities must be meticulous. We must evaluate our behavior, take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10.5) and make the best use of the time (Ephesians 5.15-17). Remember: the works of the flesh are evident (Galatians 5.19). We must deal with them when they are exposed and submit to Jesus’ will for us. There can be no shred of life allowed from our old self in the way we behave.
• Our attitude must be intent. We cannot be satisfied with losing. We are empowered to do all things through Christ and must not allow our flesh to rule in us any longer. Our attitude must be, “I can, and I must.” That’s how Jesus felt despite his weakness in the flesh (Luke 22.42)… how could we do anything less?
• Our commitment must be total. Dead things don’t come back to life apart from Jesus. If the works of the flesh are evident in my life, it is because I haven’t made the choice to eradicate them. This is an on-going and daily process (Colossians 3.5-10; Romans 12.1-2), that we must not concede to apathy.

The fruit of the Spirit only grows in hearts cultivated with these choices. If you want to benefit from and bear fruit of the Spirit, you must crucify the flesh with its passions and desires and allow God’s word to take root in your heart. This is our identity, and this is our calling. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2.20)

BIBLE READING: Acts 24.24-25

The Jews wanted to destroy Paul, but he had mercifully come into Roman custody during their last aggression (Acts 21.30-33). As a Roman citizen, Paul was able to manipulate the situation in his favor and was transported to the governor Felix for a proper hearing (Acts 23.16-24).  The Jewish authorities employed a professional spokesperson who buttered up the governor and bullied Paul with false accusations (Acts 24.1-9). But Paul was unphased. He boldly explained his teaching “according to the Way” and reasonably challenged their accusations (Acts 24.10-21).

It appears both the topic and the interaction piqued Felix’s interest. Perhaps Felix was intrigued by Paul’s boldness and self-control in this moment. No doubt, Paul behavior in this circumstance was an unusual sight. But we’re also told Felix was familiar with “the Way” and wanted to hear more; so, he put the Jews off (Acts 24.22).

After some days, he listened to Paul teach about faith in Christ Jesus. “And as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed…” (Acts 24.25). His demeanor immediately changed with such invasive teaching. Despite Felix’s accurate knowledge of “the Way” (24.22), the applications regarding righteousness and self-control were shocking. “…and [he] said, “Go away for the present…” (24.25b).

Felix’s response should draw our attention. In nearly every age, self-control is counter cultural. Sure, it is noble and necessary [sometimes], but culture’s inherent selfishness will never tolerate it. Perhaps this was too personal for Felix. Perhaps he had vices he was unwilling to let go. Perhaps the influences of a carnal culture and political aspirations glowed too brightly. Perhaps he simply didn’t want to accept the changes Paul had explained so clearly. I suppose this could be true for us all. We war with the desires of the flesh which are clear and pressing (Galatians 5.17). We would rather indulge than make hard changes that God calls us to make. But when it comes down to it, faith in Christ rests on our willingness to bear fruit of self-control.

I believe this virtue completes the list of fruits of the Spirit on purpose. Just as life in the Spirit is initiated by love observed and practiced (1 John 3.1), it is sustained and secured through daily dying to self (Romans 12.1-2) and learning to control the desires of the flesh (Romans 8.13). In a word, to walk by the Spirit we must have self-control.

This admonition is critical and practical. “A [person] without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25.28). In other words, self-control is the basic defense against influences around us. It keeps us from getting swept up in the emotion of the moment or the persuasion of others. It helps us to see our own selfish for what it is and what we must do about it. Those around us may scoff at our restraint (1 Peter 4.3-5), but we must “discipline ourselves for godliness” (1 Timothy 4.7-8). “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” (Titus 2.11-12).

You may feel inconsistent and challenged to engage in daily discipline and self-control. But the truth is this: Good fruit comes from good roots. When Jesus’ teaching and example are rooted in your heart, you will bear the fruit of self-control.

BIBLE READING: Galatians 6.1

Think about things we handle gently:

• Delicate items like fine china or old pictures.
• Objects that can break easily like eggs or mirrors.
• Things that are fragile and helpless like a wounded animal or a newborn child.

To properly handle these things requires a thoughtful approach, a practiced touch and maturity. We are not born with an inclination towards gentleness. If you don’t believe me, watch children play with anything. There’s a reason they get plasticware and not fine china. Watch them interact with others who are hurt. They look dumbfounded. But with experience and maturity they learn to handle objects and circumstances with gentleness. Such is true in our spiritual walk. It requires maturity and learning to deal with fragile people and their circumstances.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6.1).

You can’t handle this kind of person with a heavy hand. It’s like when animals are caught in a trap. They tend to respond from fear rather than gratitude. They react in self-defense even to those who want to help. Those who approach them must not only be aware of their condition but of the effects it has had on them. So, it is with people overtaken with sin. Their spirits have been damaged by the lies of the devil, their own failure to overcome, and hurts from unmet expectations. They are afraid and often lash out against those who are trying to help them.

As we walk by the Spirit, we must develop a spirit of gentleness in our approach to others. We must understand that sin causes damage and distress, and requires both patience and gentleness. Of course, this quality is learned from Jesus. In contrast to the staunch and unapproachable Pharisees, Jesus would go to the needy, helpless and suffering with an offering of hope. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). He would deal gently even with the misguided Pharisees and his disciples along the way (ex. John 9.40-41 and Matthew 16.5-12). Even in his perfect understanding, Jesus gently cared for the spirits of people with a thoughtful approach and practiced touch.

Gentleness is a defining quality of the spiritual person and is paramount in our relationships with one another (Galatians 6.1). In fact, it is a primary means through which we develop and foster unity, (Ephesians 4.2), and is something spiritual people should be eager to maintain (Ephesians 4.3). As Paul would say, our practice of gentleness is a worthy and proper response to the calling of Jesus (Ephesians 4.1). So, let us “be gentle, and… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3.2).