Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
- We know that life is not a bed of roses
- And all things that happen are not good
- Evil is so visible all around us
- But God can turn it around for our long-range good
- God is not working to fulfill his purposes
- Not to make us happy
We are called according to His purpose when we accept Jesus into our lives
- Then we have a new mind-set
- We look to the Lord during our times of trouble, pain, and setbacks
- We that know that Lord must keep our eyes on Jesus
- Please keep doing what you know to do
- Keep in the Word of God
- And stay focused on the Lord
- Or Satan can get a hold of your mind
- And negativity, worry, doubt, and fear will take over
- When this happens, we can’t be effective for the Lord
The Bible says God is Faithful, and he will strengthen us
1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship His Son Jesus Christ our Lord
- God is faithful to His Word if He spoke it in His Word He can perform it
- We need to stay in connection with His Son Jesus Christ
- And find strength also with His people
- We can’t do it all alone -That is a lie from the pit
- We need each other
- People of like faith have some of the same problems and struggles that we do.
THE LORD SAID HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- If we look and focus on the things of this world
- Or the chaos and problems that are going on this world
- We can get disturbed and shaken up
- And our peace can get stolen from us
- Jesus said there will be times of trouble and suffering
- But He said : These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace
- Jesus has spoken His Word to us so that we can have peace in times of suffering
WE MUST BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE
1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD LIVING INSIDE OF US
WE HAVE THE FATHER-SON AND HOLY SPIRIT LIVING IN US
We looked at that before in John chapter 14: 16-17 and verse 23 TURN TO THAT SCRIPTURE
ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD FOR THOSE THAT LOVE THE LORD , FOLLOW HIS WORD AND STAY CLOSE TO HIM
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
James 1:12: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
1 Peter 1:7-8: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Believers are to become Christlike
1 Co 11:1; Php 2:5
Also see: Jn 13:15; Ro 8:29; Eph 4:11–13; Php 3:8–11; Php 3:20–21; 1 Jn 2:6
The Holy Spirit makes believers Christlike
2 Co 3:18
Also see: Ro 8:5–9; Ga 5:22–23; 1 Th 1:6
Christlikeness is the aim of discipleship
Mt 10:25
Also see: Lk 6:40; 1 Jn 2:6
Christlikeness is based on total commitment to Jesus Christ
Lk 9:57–62
Also see: Mt 9:9; Mt 19:21; Jn 1:43; Jn 10:27; Jn 12:26; Jn 15:10; 2 Jn 9
The demonstration of Christlikeness
In costly sacrifice
Mk 8:34–35; 1 Pe 2:21–23
Also see: Mt 10:38; Lk 14:26–27; Jn 12:26; Jn 21:19; Php 3:10; 1 Pe 4:1
In humility and service
Mt 20:26–28
Also see: Mt 11:29; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:24–26; Jn 13:14–15; Php 2:4–5
In love for other believers
Jn 15:12; 1 Jn 3:16
Also see: Jn 13:34; Jn 15:17; Eph 5:2; Eph 5:25
In a readiness to forgive others
Col 3:13
Also see: Mt 6:12
In sharing Jesus Christ’s mission to the world
Mt 4:19
Also see: Jn 20:21
By following godly examples that imitate Jesus Christ
1 Co 11:1
Also see: Eph 5:1; 1 Th 1:5–6; 1 Th 2:14; Heb 6:12; Heb 13:7–8; 3 Jn 11
Christlikeness is part of God’s re-creation
Ge 1:26–27; 2 Co 4:4; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10
The process of becoming Christlike
It is the purpose for which believers are saved
Ro 8:28–29
Also see: Eph 2:10; 2 Pe 1:4
It continues in the experience of believers
2 Co 3:18
It will be complete when believers finally share Jesus Christ’s glory
1 Jn 3:2–3
Also see: Ps 17:15; Jn 17:24; 1 Co 15:49–53; Ga 4:19; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; 1 Jn 4:17
Father in heaven,
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me of all of my sins, come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.