Jeremiah 7:4 (NLT) "Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD says: When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they start down the wrong road and discover their mistake, don't they turn back? 5 Then why do these people keep going along their self-destructive path, refusing to turn back, even though I have warned them?
Jeremiah 8:20 (NLT) "The harvest is finished, and the summer is gone," the people cry, "yet we are not saved!" 21 I weep for the hurt of my people. I am stunned and silent, mute with grief.
When I read the book of Jeremiah, I am reminded of the "grace and truth" brought by our Lord Jesus Christ. I am also reminded of how burdened Jeremiah felt in having to daily encounter deceitful and hell-bent human hearts without grace.
God recognized the condition of the people. Jeremiah, with all his righteous passion, was hampered by not being able to present Christ to his generation.
In our generation, hearts are no less deceitful and hell-bent, but our message is different. Jesus can save those who have fallen down, who are going down the wrong road, or those who are on a self-destructive path. Grace is God's favor and provision. Truth is God's Word.
Our message: "Jesus saves!"
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline [sound mind]. 8 So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Christ. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News. 9 It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began – to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.
Verse Seven is a passage that many of us have memorized. We quote it when we feel fearful or under some kind of mental attack. The way we use this text highlights our tendency to apply scriptures primarily to personal needs and challenges. Certainly, the Word of God is intended to help and bless us.
However, when verses seven and eight are read together, the context changes. Verse eight makes it clearer the reason that we don't want a spirit of fear, but rather "power, love and a sound mind," is so that we will be empowered to tell others about Jesus.
Regardless of the adversity that Paul faced, he continued to stay focused on proclaiming the Gospel. He encouraged leaders and believers to adopt a similar focus.
Having power, love, a sound mind, living a holy life, knowing God's plan, receiving God's love and kindness, are provided not only to answer our cry of, "Lord bless me!"
The Scriptures empower us to fulfill the mandate, "Go bless others and boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!"
If you can receive this, say "Amen!"
1 Tim. 4:14, Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.
One of the blessings of pre-arranged daily bible readings is that you must read and consider whatever scriptures that are presented. In this portion of text, Paul reminded Timothy about foundational matters regarding ministry. We all benefit from relationships where a Paul can help develop a Timothy. The old saying is true: "You do not know what you do not know." Many important lessons in life are not learned in isolation. The most challenging trades and professions, including ministry, cannot be learned without the instruction of more experienced practitioners.
When I was a young independent minister, I didn't embrace that principle. As a consequence, I didn't know what I didn't know until frustrations and failures made me consider that there may be a greater knowledge beyond my limited view. In 1983, God brought me into the company of men who introduced me to many foundational factors I didn't know. From that position, I knew what to learn and practice.
Paul reminded Timothy of four foundational factors in his life and ministry that may be instructive for us:
- In addition to spiritual gifts given by God, there are other gifts imparted by church elders (recognized "Ephesian 4" leaders and ministers) by laying on of hands. For ministers, this impartation often occurs during ordination. These gifts should be identified and cultivated.
- Pay attention to details and "lesser things" that become indicators of grace, and qualifiers for ecclesiastical authority. What we do in secret creates more progress than what we do publicly. Anyone can manufacture a persona, but character and expertise cannot be feigned.
- Be gentle with others and ruthless with yourself. Value accuracy in teaching the Word. Be open to adjustment and correction. Always be teachable and ready to be directed or re-directed by God and spiritual overseers.
- When God is at work in us, the Spirit of Christ saves everyone connected with the anointed proclamation of the Word of God. Both the preacher and the hearers are being saved in many ways. We preachers don't do the saving, even when powerful meetings leave us with that impression. Jesus is simultaneously saving the people and saving us from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive[a] the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
The grace of God is everything He has. Your space is everything you need. You have needs, and God has the supply. God has given you grace for your space, and not just a little, but a lot! We need to better understand the grace of God and tap into it in a greater measure.
In this text, what is the grace that Paul is talking about? He is talking about the grace of giving and receiving. We all want to abound in faith, in speech or teaching/preaching, in knowledge, in diligence and in love. That’s all well and good. But the Word says, “See that you abound in THIS GRACE (grace of giving) also.”
2 Corinthians 8 shows us seven blessings of the grace of God in the space of the believers at Macedonia. Realize that God can do the same for you.
- Because of the grace of God, they had an abundance of joy. (v. 2)
- Because of the grace of God, they became more liberal and generous even while experiencing their own season of lack. (v. 2)
- Because of the grace of God, their willingness exceeded their ability, God enabled them to operate beyond their ability. (v.3)
- Because of the grace of God, they literally begged Paul to come and receive their gifts in support of relieving the suffering of other believers. (v.4)
- Because of the grace of God, they exceeded Paul’s expectations. They first gave themselves to the Lord and then to Paul as God’s servant. (v.5)
- Because of the grace of God, their example inspired a larger and wealthier congregation to step up. (v. 6)
- Because of the grace of God, the Macedonians redefined the practical meaning of grace as it related to giving and receiving. (v. 7)
Ask God now to fill every space in your life with His grace!
