Pastor Bob DuPar
October 27, 2008
Journal Entry
Scripture
Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17
Observation
“And you…must be an example…by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then, those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:7-8
“We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” Titus 2:12-13
“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.”
Application
My actions should reflect the integrity and seriousness of my teaching. They should be consistent with the truth of Scripture. If I do this, people will have nothing negative to say about Christ, His followers or me.
Prayer
“Lord, once again help me to live with anticipation and eagerness as I look forward to Your return. And, may the hope and assurance of this blessed reality transform my thoughts and actions.”
posted by Bob DuPar @ 12:01 AM
1 Comments
1 Comments:
You entry reminded me of my studies on obedience and brought to mind Luke 6:46-49...
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? ..."
There are so many thoughts we entertain; behaviors we engage in that are wholly incompatible with the word of God. For many in Christ, the pinnacle of the "Jesus" experience is realized in an evangelical decision and consummated thereafter in baptism. Our walk with Christ in subsequent years shows little "true" conformity to the holy image of Christ.
Perhaps we believe our profession of faith automatically guarantees that we are conformed to the image of Christ. This is indeed true, but only from a positional standpoint, not from an experiential one. And sadly, a lot of us will live out our entire Christian lives never grasping the difference between the two.
Scripture tells us, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken better than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. 15:22). Here it's clear that had we obeyed there would have been no need for sacrifice. Had we demonstrated a correct heart, a correct mind, and a diligence in seeking His will for our lives, there would have been no need for sacrifice.
"Obedience" is unpopular in America. And we aren't truly a Christian nation. We are secular, individualistic, overly competitive, and self-centered. And we certainly don't want some God telling us what to do!
But I for one am grateful for His love. He protects; instructs; forgives; is ever patient; could care less if I'm popular or fat; never judges a bad hair day; and never stops hoping. Indeed, God bears all.
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