Thursday, December 1, 2016

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

 

DANIEL 8:1–27

1 JOHN 2:1–17

PSALM 120:1–7

PROVERBS 28:25,26

“But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5,6)

In a Life Transformation Group, made up of five guys who meet monthly to share life and pray together, we are currently reading 7 Men by Eric Metaxas. The book features biographies of seven famous men and looks into what make them “great.” My colleague read the rear cover of the book and the rhetorical question found there: “What makes great men great?”

We talked about that subject a bit, and I offered that, based on this text, great men demonstrate self-sacrifice and humility. In the story of William Wilberforce, Metaxas indicates that the great English politician and abolitionist determine to live beyond himself, seeking a “Great Cause” to follow. Metaxas also points out that the seven great men in his book had trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, placing their lives into His sovereign hands for guidance and direction.

Today’s passage from 1 John 2 argues that we must obey God’s Word and “walk as Jesus did.” In this manner, “God’s love is truly made complete in” us. We might be tempted to settle for a cheap alternative: a modicum of God’s presence on Sundays and tough weekdays, but little interaction with Him on other days. Yet, the Scriptures consistently highlight that God has intended that we become complete in Christ.

Our obedience to God’s commands (1) brings us into deeper fellowship and intimacy; (2) provides us freedom from the ravages of sin; and (3) prepares us for a deeper revelation of His love, character, and truth in our lives. God desires to pour His Spirit into clean, prepared vessels. By confessing our sin, He cleanses us and purifies us from all unrighteousness. We then commit to follow Him, trusting Him for His presence. We find our greatest joy and wholeness in becoming more like Christ.

This passage caused to reexamine some of my sinful attitudes this morning. In short, I find that, as the week wears on, fatigue causes me to become less vigilant and less focused on knowing God. The distractions of this world become more pronounced. I desperately need God’s presence and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit to retain the focus that will bring this deeper fellowship and intimacy, freedom, and a deeper revelation.

How can we help one another to walk as Jesus did? How have the Scriptures spoken to you recently about honoring God with your obedience? How may you turn your heart more completely over to Him? (I am asking myself these questions too so that I may see real growth and support you, my friends in Christ.)

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Lord God, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for the consistent teaching of Your Word and that You bring deeper intimacy, freedom, and revelation as we follow You. Overcome our weakness by the strength of Your Spirit. Cleanse our hearts of every manner of wickedness. Help us to hunger and thirst for You more than the sorry substitutes in the world. We love You and desperately need You. In Jesus’s Name, amen.