imported_rachel
08-24-2006, 11:06 AM
Why are so many "believers" content to live a life of mediocrity in
Christ - a life partially devoted to following God and partially
devoted to following the ways of the world? Without question, some
have only put on the face of a Christian and have never given their
heart to God through a saving faith in Jesus. But others are true
believers in desperate need of a Spiritual kick in the pants!
Paul's letters comprise much of the New Testament. They were written
to give instruction on the Christian faith and to encourage
perseverance through times of testing. Paul often wrote of the
simplicity of the gospel message; "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God" (Ephesians 2:8). But he also wrote to encourage those who truly
put their faith in Jesus, to live a life of service, holiness, and
unity.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we begin a new
life. We are set free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22) and are
called to follow Christ as we are conformed to His image (Romans
8:29). But Paul saw many believers sitting on the sidelines of the
Christian life; "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received" (Ephesians 4:1).
Paul gives encouragement by "urging" a life worthy of Salvation. This
has nothing to do with earning our way to Heaven; rather, it's a life
lived in holy thankfulness for the gift we have received. The word
Paul used for urge can also be translated as beseech, beg, implore,
exhort, or challenge. He's not giving a gentle pat on the back which
says, "You're doing well, keep running a good race." Rather, Paul is
presenting a firm challenge to draw nearer to God and give our lives
more fully to Him. Paul used the same word in his letter to the
Romans.
Romans 12:1
"Therefore, I urge {beg, implore, exhort, and even challenge} you,
brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of
worship."
We have been set free and made new! We are a new creation and CANNOT
continue to walk with one foot on God's path and the other being
allowed to tiptoe along worldly temptations and desires. These simply
have no place in the life of a worshipper of the One True God!
Today, we are being challenged to trust God more; to talk with Him more
and seek His presence more diligently; to not get pulled away by the
lies of the world! We are being challenged to love Him with ALL our
heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). As we face this day with
its multitude of struggles, let's live a life worthy of the calling we
have received and forevermore answer the challenge!
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
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Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm
Christ - a life partially devoted to following God and partially
devoted to following the ways of the world? Without question, some
have only put on the face of a Christian and have never given their
heart to God through a saving faith in Jesus. But others are true
believers in desperate need of a Spiritual kick in the pants!
Paul's letters comprise much of the New Testament. They were written
to give instruction on the Christian faith and to encourage
perseverance through times of testing. Paul often wrote of the
simplicity of the gospel message; "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God" (Ephesians 2:8). But he also wrote to encourage those who truly
put their faith in Jesus, to live a life of service, holiness, and
unity.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we begin a new
life. We are set free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22) and are
called to follow Christ as we are conformed to His image (Romans
8:29). But Paul saw many believers sitting on the sidelines of the
Christian life; "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received" (Ephesians 4:1).
Paul gives encouragement by "urging" a life worthy of Salvation. This
has nothing to do with earning our way to Heaven; rather, it's a life
lived in holy thankfulness for the gift we have received. The word
Paul used for urge can also be translated as beseech, beg, implore,
exhort, or challenge. He's not giving a gentle pat on the back which
says, "You're doing well, keep running a good race." Rather, Paul is
presenting a firm challenge to draw nearer to God and give our lives
more fully to Him. Paul used the same word in his letter to the
Romans.
Romans 12:1
"Therefore, I urge {beg, implore, exhort, and even challenge} you,
brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of
worship."
We have been set free and made new! We are a new creation and CANNOT
continue to walk with one foot on God's path and the other being
allowed to tiptoe along worldly temptations and desires. These simply
have no place in the life of a worshipper of the One True God!
Today, we are being challenged to trust God more; to talk with Him more
and seek His presence more diligently; to not get pulled away by the
lies of the world! We are being challenged to love Him with ALL our
heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). As we face this day with
its multitude of struggles, let's live a life worthy of the calling we
have received and forevermore answer the challenge!
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to devotions@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm