How to walk in God's household
|
"God's household, ...which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great."
(1Tim 3:15-16 NIV)
|
"Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way."
(Eph 1:23)
|
"I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present you the word of God in its fullness...so
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
(Col 1:24-29, 2Cor 5:17-21)
|
1. We are God's family
|
"Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners
to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus
you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." (Eph 2:12-13)
|
"Consequently, we are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's
household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are
being built together to become a dwelling in which God loves by his Spirit." (Eph 2:19-22)
|
2. Defending against the invasion of heresy
|
"The spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits
and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars." (1 Tim 4:1-2)
|
"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus
Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in
controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions. ...
who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." (1Tim 6:3-8)
|
Recently other churches have been frequently contacting us. At first, they contacted us to gather
data and information for research. However, once they became familiar with us; they invited us to
take part in their fellowships, activities and worship. Paul reminded the churches:
"I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you. Now I commit
you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all
those who are sanctified." (Act 20:29-32)
|
3. Divine workers should set an example
|
For this we labour and strive in the hope of being saved. God has committed these things to us: to teach people, as if the
Lord has released the sheep, the shepherd must walk in front and show the flock where to go. That is what Paul did,
"Imitate me as I imitate Christ". Therefore, "...set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and
in purity. " (1Tim 4:10-12)
|
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your
life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
(1Tim 4:15-16)
|
4. Honor parents to repay their grace
|
An old saying, "To honor one's parents is the first of all goodness"
To honor one's parents is also the first commandment with a promised blessing. (Eph 6:1-3)
|
The Lord taught "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments....such as honor your father
and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mt 19:16-19)
|
"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father
and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!" (Prov 23:24-25)
|
"Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and you may live to see your children's children. Peace be upon us."
(Ps 128:4-6)
|
5. Make use of talents, each fulfill his duties
|
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the
same Lord. There are different kinds of serivce, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God
works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... All
these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
(1Cor 12:4-11)
|
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. We should fulfill our duties diligently and willingly
for the edification of other. God will reward each according to his service." (1Cor 3:8-9; Rom 12:6-8)
|
"The church being held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love." (Eph 4:11-16)
|
6. Train yourself in godliness
|
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for
both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. "
(1Tim 4:8-9)
|
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with
people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written,
'It is mine to revenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
(Rom 12:9-21)
|
Brothers and sisters: This kind of spiritual cultivation is difficult, but in God's household, it must be undertaken.
If we resolve to rely on the Holy Spirit and work hard, there will be satisfying results to offer to God.
|
7. Do everything to glorify God
|
Paul encouraged us: "...even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good
but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (1Cor 10:23-24, 32-33)
(That means not seeking your own good, or causing others to fall, or insulting God, or harming the name of the church.)
When the time comes, judgment will begin with the family of God. (1Pet 4:17)
"The Son of man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything
that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there
will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom
of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."(Mt 13:41-43)
Praise
|
| |
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!" (Ps 84:1)
"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the House of Lord'. " (Ps 122:1)
"Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem." (2)
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure'." (6)
"May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." (7)
"For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'" (8)
"For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity." (9)
|
|
|
Blessing
|
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (2 Thess 3:16)
|
|
Encouragement
|
"Finally, brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2Cor 13:11)
|
Elder Hsing-Hsiung Lin
|
