My "True Believer" is a column for those who have already received Christ and are firmly established in God's word. These folks are already living a life in him. And according to God's decrees through the Gospel, "The Good News" of Jesus Christ, they have some understanding, but are thirsty for more, moving to higher levels in him. They already KNOW what Salvation or "being saved", really means. They have that established.
In this column, I also talk about how to "maintain" a strong relationship with God, as opposed to WHY you should have one and how to achieve a life in Christ. Those things I talk about in my B.I.B.L.E. column in that. Because that one is for "new converts", "newbies", or "babes" in Christ and for those who are unsure, but are seeking. So, shall we start, my rooted and already grounded brothers and sisters in Christ?
WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN ARE YOU?
Honestly, are you living a life that is pleasing to God according to Holy scripture?
Honestly, are you living the life of a "true Believer" where others can watch your life and use you as a prime example to what kind of Christian they should strive to become?
Are you really being honest? Remember now, no ones in the room with you, except God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, Jesus, the son of God and the Holy spirit. Oh, the angels are there too, they "record every word we say." So don't feel pressured to tell the truth! (smirk)
Many of us "True Believers" are still in dire need of establishing and maintaining a "true" relationship with Christ. Though many of us are really sincere in our desire to have a relationship with Christ, sometimes our views outside of God's, get in the way. When really our vies should be in agreement with God's! When things are not working out the way we want them to, for example, we don't want to "wait on the Lord" to instruct and guide us. We may start to take matters in our own hands. We do this without realizing the full ramifications of our "getting ahead" or going outside of God.
Another example is when we don't agree with scripture. We'll do everything else scripture says, we'll pay out tithes and give our offerings faithfully, we won't steal, kill, (with our hands or with our tongues), but when it comes to our sex life, we want to for go what God is saying!
In that area of our lives, we are directly forgoing Gods command to satisfy self. We are no longer concerned about satisfying God. We again, do our own thing, but we still want the blessings and approval of God! Somehow, in some ways, we start to think that our way is right! We start to pursue that way of thinking with actions to back it up. Now our lives are out of control and our relationship with Christ is in turmoil.
When we start to ignore or push aside God's commands for us, that is when we should realize we're in trouble! That is when we no longer value or respect God as we should. Needles to say, that is also when we start to get into serious trouble with God and our lives begin to reflect it. This can take us on a downward spiral into a place in our lives, where we find that only God can pull us out!
Though the journey can often get tense, living a devoted life in Christ, we must still press toward the mark. "The race is not given to the swift, but to those that endure". Remember, God is a rewarder! In the end, he has promised to reward his devoted in the ultimate way, with eternal life. But while we are yet here, God can and will shew his blessings for those that are faithful and obedient. Those that keep God ahead in their lives above everything else have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!
Whatever the case may be, know that it is not to late to change and get back on track with God.
Yes! God wants us to keep maturing in him and going from "faith to faith, ". He also knows that we still have a lot to learn, but in Christ, you never, ever stop learning! For now though, "God only expects you to live up to what you already know and live out what you have already learned!" Yet you are still held accountable and no excuses accepted! But just do your best with the knowledge you have and God will strengthen you to maintain your ground in him! Though life gets tough and disappointments are inevitable, but through it all HE won't let you fail, so don't choose to! "Don't vear to the left nor to the right", keep your eyes on Christ. Keep on "pressing toward the Goal."
SCRIPTURE;
For this post, I use a Life Application Study Bible, N.I.V.
(New International Version).
Tyndale House Publications, Inc.
Wheaton, illinois
Philippians 3: 15-21 &
Philippians 4:1
(v.15) All of us who are mature (in Christ) should take such a view of things. And if on some point think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (v.16) Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (v.17) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (v.18)For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
(v.19) Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. (v. 20) But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 21) who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians
(4:1) Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
FOOTNOTES;
Philippians 3, verses 15-21 &
Philippians 4:1
(v.15 &16) Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we can never please God with our lives. Paul used perfect (Phillipians 3:12) to mean mature and complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy spirits Power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ's provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven.
(v.16) Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that you have already received. We can always make excuses that we still have so much to learn. The instruction for us, is to live up to what we already know and live out what we have already learned. We do not have to be sidetracked by and unending search for truth.
(v.17) Paul challenged the Phillipians to pursue Christlikeness by following Paul's own pattern or example. This did not mean of course, that they should copy everything he did; he had just stated that he was not perfect (Philippians 3:12). But as he focused on his life on being like Christ, so should they. The Gospels may not yet have been in circulation, so Paul could not tell them to read the Bible to see what Christ was like. Therefore he urged them to imitate him. That Paul could tell people to follow his example, is a testimony to his character.
Can you do the same?
What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated you?
(vs.17-21) Paul criticized not only the Judaizers, but also the self-indulgent Christians, people who claim to be Christians, but don't live up to Christ's model of Servanthood and self-sacrifice. These people satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish. It means taking every opportunity to serve to become the best person you can be.
(v.19) Paul gets tough with people who live to appease their appetites, who believe so strongly in their greatness that they become slaves to pride. What horrible people these must be--so concerned with earthly trivia that during worship their minds wander; so consumed with work that worship is inconvenient; so busy planning the next party that there is no time for prayer. Paul says they are headed for destruction because all they can think about is this life here on earth.
But then we must ask ourselves: Is too much of our time spent on efforts that will not endure in eternity, seeking earthly pleasures, or satisfying our physical desires? We must set our minds on knowing Christ, not on the pursuits of this world.
(v.20) Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven's interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfers their citizenship to heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Philippians to remember that they are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Have you transferred your citizenship? How are you promoting heaven's interests?
(v.21) The phrase "lowly bodies" does not imply any negative attitude toward the human body. However, the bodies we will receive when we are raised from the dead will be glorious, like Christ's resurrected body! Those who struggle with pain, physical limitations, or disabilities can have wonderful hope in the resurrection. For more detailed discussion of our new bodies, see 1 Corinthians 15:35 ff and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.
(v. 4:1) How do we "stand firm in the Lord"? This refers to what Paul has just taught in Romans 3:20, 21. The way to stand firm is to keep our eyes on Christ, to remember that this world is not our home, and to focus on the fact that Christ will bring everything under his control. Standing firm means steadfastly resisting the negative influences of temptation, false teaching, or persecutions. It requires perseverance when we are challenged or opposed. Don't lose heart or give up. God promises to give us strength of character. With the Holy Spirit's help and with the help of fellow believers, you can stay true to the Lord.
See ya,
Meetta
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