Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9-11,
Reaping Godly Benefits
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
One of the greatest benefits to be had by a Christian is the ability to live a plan that has been set forth by the creator of all. Not only did God provide a plan for us, but he created one that was designed to bring us into peace.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
There is a key action to God’s plan that must be seen through by those seeking to be spiritually fruitful
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Many people are missing out on the benefits of a peaceful existence because they are attempting a relationship with God and yet are outside the parameters of the first commandment:
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
When the heart becomes divided a person finds themselves in a position of conflict and eventually a loss… When family, self-pleasure, and failure to be where God would have a person occurs there is a grave danger for loss of spiritual peace and even spiritual death. Worse case scenario is when one becomes a hearer and not a doer; falling into self-deceit (James 1:22).
Areas where the heart can be divided:
· Family --- Luke 14:26-27
· Self-Pleasure --- Luke 12:19-21
Living within the plan of God requires faith:
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Faith must be had otherwise a person will never hold onto the word, when trying times come:
Matthew 13:20-21
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
A Christian must be able to find joy in the troubled times:
James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Trouble times will surely come… that is a promise from the bible.
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
In times of trouble a Christian’s faith is exercised yielding the incredible quality of patience (James 1:2-4). Yet, in order to be a reaper of the spiritual benefits of God one must make sure that they are subduing fleshly desires and setting their mind on God’s spiritual labors (Galatians 6:8).
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:9-11
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Comments