September 12, 2014 MOTIVATION FOR PURITY
The early believers were instructed to live their lives in purity in order that they would have no shame when Jesus returned. Expecting, anticipating and looking forward to the Lord’s return affects how we live life daily. The key is that we do indeed eagerly await for His return. 1 John:2:28-29 and 3:2-3: “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We often use the word “believe” in a not so sincere fashion. We may say that we believe it is going to rain today but we do not take the umbrella, etc. However, “belief” is powerful and it directs our thoughts and actions. To say we believe something and yet not live it out is a contradiction. If we believe that the Lord will return at any time, it’s only natural to be ready for His return. If I knew that a famous person that I admired was coming to my house tomorrow, I assure you that I would have a clean house! Also, our main focus should be that of looking forward to His return and the idea of His appearing should bring a sense of excitement and anticipation. Because Jesus may come tomorrow, it’s only natural to live today in such a way that it pleases the Lord, and to be pure in motive and action. I had rather be able to say “yes” to the Lord’s appearing than to say “oh no, I’m not ready, I’m ashamed.” Also, we see in the verses above that abiding in Him results in confidence and it eliminates shame at His return. We have every reason to look forward to His return, to welcome Him as His return ushers in such a fantastic life that we can’t fully comprehend what it will be like. When the Father signifies that the time is right, Jesus will come for His bride, the church. When Jesus came the first time, He came in meekness but this time He is coming triumphantly in glory and power and all of His enemies will be defeated. Truth and justice will reign at last! Jesus has made atonement for all of our sins and He gave us new heats and new minds whereby we can live life today in such a way that it honors Him. As in my last blog, if we do sin, we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ and forgiveness is extended when we confess our sin to the Father. May each of us adjust our lives as needed in order that we may be ready for His return and let us be found looking for His soon return.
Blessings,
Buddy
The early believers were instructed to live their lives in purity in order that they would have no shame when Jesus returned. Expecting, anticipating and looking forward to the Lord’s return affects how we live life daily. The key is that we do indeed eagerly await for His return. 1 John:2:28-29 and 3:2-3: “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We often use the word “believe” in a not so sincere fashion. We may say that we believe it is going to rain today but we do not take the umbrella, etc. However, “belief” is powerful and it directs our thoughts and actions. To say we believe something and yet not live it out is a contradiction. If we believe that the Lord will return at any time, it’s only natural to be ready for His return. If I knew that a famous person that I admired was coming to my house tomorrow, I assure you that I would have a clean house! Also, our main focus should be that of looking forward to His return and the idea of His appearing should bring a sense of excitement and anticipation. Because Jesus may come tomorrow, it’s only natural to live today in such a way that it pleases the Lord, and to be pure in motive and action. I had rather be able to say “yes” to the Lord’s appearing than to say “oh no, I’m not ready, I’m ashamed.” Also, we see in the verses above that abiding in Him results in confidence and it eliminates shame at His return. We have every reason to look forward to His return, to welcome Him as His return ushers in such a fantastic life that we can’t fully comprehend what it will be like. When the Father signifies that the time is right, Jesus will come for His bride, the church. When Jesus came the first time, He came in meekness but this time He is coming triumphantly in glory and power and all of His enemies will be defeated. Truth and justice will reign at last! Jesus has made atonement for all of our sins and He gave us new heats and new minds whereby we can live life today in such a way that it honors Him. As in my last blog, if we do sin, we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ and forgiveness is extended when we confess our sin to the Father. May each of us adjust our lives as needed in order that we may be ready for His return and let us be found looking for His soon return.
Blessings,
Buddy
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