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Christian
Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy
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Press On With Obedient
Faith
Phi 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
What does it mean to press toward the mark? Remember, Jesus said, He was coming
for faithfulness. To press toward the mark is to keep faith operating no matter
what circumstances smack you in the face.
Jesus says faith comes to each believer as a seed. What are you supposed to do
with a seed? Mk. 4:26 says, “The Kingdom of God is like a man casting seed into
the ground.” When we are saved, each of us is allotted a measure of faith
(Rom.12:3). Only when we cast it forth and cultivate it, can it grow. How does
it grow?
Luke 17:7-9 “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will
say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
(8) And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird
thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt
eat and drink? (9) Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that
were commanded him? I trow not.”
This is not a formula to increase faith. This is a way of life called
“obedience.” “things that were commanded.” (vrs.9) The Lord puts it back on us.
The servant who is obedient to his master is likened to the man who is obedient
to God. This comparison reveals a direct connection between faith and obedience.
Faith will increase only when we do what we are commanded to do. And it takes a
humble spirit in offenses and trespasses to get us through.
The greatest faith that Jesus encountered in His ministry was that of one who
understood and walked in submission to authority (Mat. 8:5-10) In other words,
the method to having great faith is directly proportional to our submission to
authority. Now link this back to the Apostles who desired an increase in faith:
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this …tree, ‘Be pulled up
and cast into the sea,’ and it would obey you.” Jesus said, “All you have to do
is “Speak the word and the tree will obey you.” Whom does the tree obey? The one
who does what is commanded him (vrs.9).
Faith and obedience are likened to the body and spirit of a man (Jms.2:17-26).
One without the other is death. Once the body dies, the spirit goes; and if the
spirit goes, the body dies. This is the same with faith and works – one without
the other is dead. Faith without obedience is dead. Obedient faith produces
life. Faith is not true faith apart from obedience. Scripture is clear, “by
obedient actions is faith made perfect.”
The Apostles said, “Lord increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5) Even as lawlessness
increases, we must be obedient. Faith comes by hearing, but obedience to what we
hear is what brings forth the results.
Along with obedience we must bring forth humility. In Luke 17:10 Jesus says, “We
are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” This is
an attitude that keeps us humble. For then the Master tells us “those who humble
themselves will be exalted in due time” (Jms.4:10). We are not to pride
ourselves in obedience, we are simply to obey. You see, the more you obey the
more humble you will become. Humility produces kindness. Kindness is the spirit
of Christ in all that is a part of our life. Pride says, “I can do what I want.”
Humility says, “I will do what is required and I will do it in kindness.” This
attitude releases the mercy of God for us to become less and less
self-sufficient but more and more dependant on the Lord. Here it is: “Brethren,
I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the price of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
This is humility. I haven’t arrived, but what I have achieved I let go of
because nothing compares to the knowing Christ. Remember, God reveals Himself to
the humble. The greatest hindrance to “Pressing On” is pride! Pride seeks its
own, but humility seeks the welfare of others. Pride despises obedience, but
humility serves.
In this time of great turmoil we must have a servant’s heart. People need help –
spiritual help. And we are the ones to provide it. The greatest service we can
provide for others is prayer. Some of the kinds of prayer we are going to
include:
PRAYERS:
Powerful prayers: prevenient, keep asking
Identifying prayers: finding where you fit in
Edifying prayers: Holy Spirit
Prayers of Fasting: to be changed
T.A.S.K. oriented prayers
The TASK oriented prayers are short and to the point. And you keep speaking them
until something happens. Each time, something begins to happen in the spirit
realm. You never know how long it is going to take But if you keep at it, it
will eventually be fulfilled:
· Depression go in Jesus name
· Cancer go in Jesus name
· Hatred go in Jesus name
· Back-pain go in Jesus name
You can get as many people praying TASK oriented prayers as you need, and God
will come through in His time and in His way.
T he
A lmighty
S hows
K indness
THAT IS WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO “PRESS ON” And many will be affected and delivered.
“Lord increase our faith.”
-Pr. Steve
May Newsletter 2007 |
Press On with Obedient Faith |
Restoration part 1 of 2
Pastor's Journal May 2007 |
Flesh or Spirit
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Biblical
Counseling for Leaders
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