Fervent in Spirit
“and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5.15) The Gospel is easy. Salvation is a free gift from God. We might offer reminders about how much Jesus paid for that gift, or the value of it in our lives. However, because of salvation we are supposed to be different.
Obeying God should be life changing. What changed in your life? How do you show Jesus living in you? Acts is a book of actions (hence the name) in which disciples prayed for boldness to let their difference shine to others. What book is not in the Bible: “Subtleness”.
Gentility is a fruit of the Spirit, and nuance absolutely matters. Do we allow inaction to masquerade as gentility? Do we allow fear to hide behind subtlety? The warning is to those who want to be different- as long as no one knows they are different.
Salvation is not a private matter. Even when Jesus tried to get people to be quiet about what He did in their lives they had to tell others! Do we? This past week I discussed Jesus ___ times with an unbeliever. If the name of the Savior is precious to you…will you not tell it today? {Sacred Selections, 89}
“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord”. (Romans 12:11) This chapter starts with “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship”. How do we worship God in Spirit and in truth? By presenting ourselves with great zeal!
While the armor of God, listed in Ephesians 6 only has one offensive weapon we are not told be defensive in our battles. Jesus has attained the victory, so, as the song says- “…press the battle, [even if] the night shall veil the glowing skies, against the foe in vales below let all our strength be hurled. Faith is the victory we know, that overcomes the world” {Sacred Selections, 231}
Press the battle. God’s power is the stronger power. Press the battle. Show your true colors. Live for Him, who for our sake died and was raised.