It Starts Small

Maybe it’s just me, but when I really dig in and try to understand God’s Word through the spirit, I seem to make it more complicated than it really is, or perhaps it’s a confession to Jesus of I’m not entirely sure I understand. It’s probably a combination of both.

We need to put on the full armor of God. Every piece of armor is putting the fullness of Christ on. We have victory through Christ, we are no longer a natural man, but a new creation. Our understanding doesn’t come automatic. Part of our purpose is to seek God’s truth and understanding. If we are to be over comers and live for God, we need to really grasp this idea of living in Victory. That victory in Jesus.

18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. Matthew 12:18

God is pleased with his Son. Do you seek that? Do you seek to please your Heavenly Father? I know everyday I had poured over scripture trying to understand how to please my Heavenly Father just as he spoke of Jesus. I knew if I wanted to draw closer to God, I needed to look to Jesus.

The verse above tells us God was interested in Jesus. When we offer up our praise and worship to Jesus, we warm God’s heart up.

God says: Behold my servant: Jesus Christ.

God has called us to victory and Jesus is leading the way and setting the ultimate example.

In every generation, it seems like sin is getting the victory. Sin that used to slink down the back ally and in dark hidden places, now struts down Main Street. Sin is glamorized, promoted, and made normal and acceptable. This is why God says put the full armor of God on so that we can stand and withstand the wiles of the devil. Put all of Jesus on and see his example of living a victorious life.

#1 Purpose of Jesus’ Life

Jesus was God’s servant. Our purpose is no different than Jesus’ purpose: be a servant to God. Christ came to save sinners. He is our redemption. The purpose of my life is seek and speak the gospel to the lost just as it was Christ’s purpose.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

Jesus chose us! We didn’t choose him first. Jesus is our commander and chief and he sends us, just as God sent him. Ordinary Christians think it’s everyone else’s job to soul win. It’s all our calling. We are nothing but a bunch of sleeping giants. Very few Christians are actually awake with a fire in their spirit that stirs. The command of God is not a request.

He isn’t giving advice or mer suggestion. He commanded His Son and in return Jesus commands us to seek and speak.

#2 The Praise of His Father

…my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased:… Matthew 12:18

Is the Lord pleased with me? Can you imagine being called “beloved” by your Heavenly Father. This is more than just a term of endearment. One of the hardest things for us humans is to accept unconditional love. Our world is completely void of it. The golden worldly rule is you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch your back. Sadly, a lot of marriage run with this main idea. You love me, then I’ll love you. I’ll only love you based on what you give me.

This is not what the Bible means when it says beloved. The Biblical dictionary I used defined beloved as: esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. This word, beloved, is an action on the part of the one doing the loving. The God of the universe, the same God who painted this mornings sunrise, raised the mountains surrounding me, has chosen to love me. He loves me not because of who I am, he loves me because of who he is.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:29

Jesus, in all his thoughts, actions, and speaking did what pleased God. We spend too much time doing things that do not please God. Most of what we are doing don’t matter and we spend so much energy, not for the things of God, but for the things of our own selfish desires and wants.

Am I pleasing God in all I do? Are my thoughts pleasing to God? Are my desires of my heart pleasing to God? Do I treat people or speak to people in a way that is pleasing to God?

#3 The Power of Jesus’ Ministry

….I will put my spirit upon him… Matthew 12:18

The Spirit of God dwelled in Jesus! Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit! Jesus’ power came from the Holy Spirit and our power comes from the Holy Spirit. He dwells within us. Will we ever truly comprehend that? ALL of God dwells within us! We CAN NOT do “things” in our own strength. We can fight in this battle without the power of the Holy Spirit.

Where God guides, he provides!

This is not a feeling in our emotions. It’s the mighty dynamite of the power of God in us! A great question to ask ourselves, is what in my life can not be explained? For me:

My Love. I can’t explain my love or compassion for the hurting, the lost, the suffering in this world. To not look upon others with disgust and condemnation. My love to look beyond those in my life and seen not what is wrong, but to see The Who.

My Forgiveness. Many of my closest friends can not understand my forgiveness and it’s ok. My forgiveness comes from a power within me, to pay the debts owed to me from a deeper love that dwells within me. To say you’re forgiven knowing that the power that has forgiven me is power to forgive others.

My joy and peace. I did not conjure up the pure peace and joy I have. It’s unexplainable because right in this moment is darkness all around. In this very moment evil’s oppression is at an all time high. I don’t fear because He that is in me is greater than the oppression and hate. He has spoken truth and that truth will prevail. I smile to the future knowing one day the morning will come. The joy, is unexplainable. I should be elbow deep in alcohol and crying my tears in a beer. I should be full of hate and revenge. I should strive to get back at those who have hurt me…. But instead I’m full of praise and worship. I and full of joy knowing all things work for good to those who Love God. This joy, comes from the power of who resides in me.

Never giving up. I’ve sadly seen so many give up. Give up on marriages. Give up on loved ones. Give up on hope. Give up on God. Give up living. There’s days I feel defeated. There’s days I feel like all hope is lost, but something inside me keeps grabbing my hand and standing me up everyday. Something keeps filling my heart with courage, boldness, and strength. I can not stand on my own. The last 30 years is evident of that. This power inside of me, picks me up every morning and gives me that courage, boldness, and strength.

All of this, to me is unexplainable. It’s completely separated from any feeling or emotion. It’s not positive thinking. It’s not my own drive or determination. There’s a power inside me and that is all of God’s glory and His power in me.

What can’t be explained in your life?

#4 The passion of Jesus’ Witness

Jesus was not a fanatic or religious nut. He was not ranting on the street corners. He was not pulling people into the middle of the town square and making example out of them. He was quiet and as gentle as a dove. He did not need to yell and scream at people. He simple, tenderly spoke truth. The truth the Holy Spirit revealed to him. He didn’t preach on hill tops by jumping around and being a fanatic. He spoke with tenderness and it was the truth and power behind his words that changed lives, healed, cast out demons, and led people. He was always calm and composed.

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 1 Timothy 2:2-3

Jesus led by example. He was gentle, patient, and kind. He did not argue with those who questioned his authority or existence. Jesus was approachable, calm, composed, loving, and welcoming.

Decades ago a new saying came out: WWJD? What would Jesus do? It’s got a bit of merit, but when we find ourselves asking this question, we need to rephrase it: what IS Jesus doing? Jesus is not dead or gone away. His Spirit dwells within us. When we put the helmet of salvation on, we are putting the mind of Christ on.

To posses victory in our lives we need to really study the life of Christ. He encountered every human situation you have encountered. He experienced every single human emotion and toil that you and I encounter. Victory, putting on all of Jesus is knowing through him how to be victorious.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit! Be filled with ALL of God’s Word. Study the life of Jesus and learn from him. Then you will never have to ask, WWJD?