Faith in Action
Called to Be Holy
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13
In our previous message, we ended with the words of Francis of Assisi: "preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”
In the two previous messages, we have talked about listening and speaking. Now we will move into the next phase -- action.
Grace
The sons of Zebedee, the brothers James and John, were among the first followers of Jesus. They wrote about their faith being supported by action.
By all means yes, but it does not mean that their actions were what led to their holiness. In the contrary it was the opposite --their 'holiness' or their 'righteousness' led them to their acts of holiness.
They weren't nicknamed Sons of Thunder for nothing. Without God's righteousness they weren't much use in God's Kingdom at all. They were compulsive and hot headed. It was the same with the overzealous disciple named Peter, who with James and John were the closest followers of Jesus.
Love
But God's grace and God's love changed their hearts, regenerated their spirits and renewed their minds -- this was what made them holy and righteous in God's eyes.
When we receive God's gift of grace and love, our very hearts, minds and spirits become one with Christ and this prepares us to do the good work that we ought to do.
Man of Action
The gospels paint a picture of Christ being a Man of Action. When we read it, we see Jesus, constantly on the move, travelling from town to town. He was healing the sick. He was praying. He was teaching and instructing. He was changing the hearts and minds of those willing to listen. All of which showing His selfless love.
He left a legacy and a roadmap for His first dusciples and future generations of believers to follow.
His last words:
"Don’t leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
"But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”
Power to Act
It will not be our own strength and our own skill which will win the world to Christ.
It will be through the Spirit of God -- the Holy Spirit working within us. God's Spirit, God's grace, God's love and God's Word are the fuel and the source of our actions.
Believers then are able to do what Jesus did. Pray, fast, stay connected to the Father, listen and do His will. Yes, compassionate, slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to forgive and show mercy, love God and love others -- this is the Jesus way.
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13
In our previous message, we ended with the words of Francis of Assisi: "preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”
In the two previous messages, we have talked about listening and speaking. Now we will move into the next phase -- action.
Grace
The sons of Zebedee, the brothers James and John, were among the first followers of Jesus. They wrote about their faith being supported by action.
By all means yes, but it does not mean that their actions were what led to their holiness. In the contrary it was the opposite --their 'holiness' or their 'righteousness' led them to their acts of holiness.
They weren't nicknamed Sons of Thunder for nothing. Without God's righteousness they weren't much use in God's Kingdom at all. They were compulsive and hot headed. It was the same with the overzealous disciple named Peter, who with James and John were the closest followers of Jesus.
Love
But God's grace and God's love changed their hearts, regenerated their spirits and renewed their minds -- this was what made them holy and righteous in God's eyes.
When we receive God's gift of grace and love, our very hearts, minds and spirits become one with Christ and this prepares us to do the good work that we ought to do.
Man of Action
The gospels paint a picture of Christ being a Man of Action. When we read it, we see Jesus, constantly on the move, travelling from town to town. He was healing the sick. He was praying. He was teaching and instructing. He was changing the hearts and minds of those willing to listen. All of which showing His selfless love.
He left a legacy and a roadmap for His first dusciples and future generations of believers to follow.
His last words:
"Don’t leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
"But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”
Power to Act
It will not be our own strength and our own skill which will win the world to Christ.
It will be through the Spirit of God -- the Holy Spirit working within us. God's Spirit, God's grace, God's love and God's Word are the fuel and the source of our actions.
Believers then are able to do what Jesus did. Pray, fast, stay connected to the Father, listen and do His will. Yes, compassionate, slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to forgive and show mercy, love God and love others -- this is the Jesus way.
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