Living in God's Plans of Grace by Pastor Dave

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6: 11-12
 
Ephesians 5: 15-21
 
     On Monday we considered the wonderful plans God has for us in His Grace; His desire to prosper and bless us. As we live in the tumult of this world and with our desires that are often contrary to God’s will it is easy to miss these plans and misunderstand what they might be. We grow as His children as we grow into Him becoming like Christ. There is however a daily battle against our old nature, the world (as in all things opposed to God) and Satan (Ephesians 6: 11-12), to prevent ourselves from being taken away God and His blessings. How do we guard against this so that we live in His presence and blessing? We quoted the prophet Jeremiah on Monday and his guidance stands; we must seek God with all our heart. Jesus echoes this truth when He calls us to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6: 33). Our Scriptures today help us see how we do this:

• We are to make a conscious decision to ‘flee’ from that which is opposed to God; it is an act of our will and an exercising of our faith (1 Tim. 6: 11a)
• We need to be careful how we live, understanding our times, circumstances, and God’s will. We need to take hold of every opportunity and also avoid that which takes us away from God (Eph. 5: 15-18)
• Instead we are to pursue being right with God by His Grace through our faith in Him (righteousness). Ours goals are to endure and chase after love, gentleness and godliness. Again this is an active decision of our will (1 Tim. 6: 11b). Being together as a Church and praising God from our hearts is of vital importance in this quest as a source of joy and strength (Eph. 5: 19-20); we are not meant to be solo Christians

 
     If all this sounds too hard and demanding then we need to recognise the truth; it is! We need now to remember all of our focus on God and how He enables us in His power, through His Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; the truth of Grace. It is why we are focusing on the Holy Spirit for this year – we need His abiding presence for the work of sanctification in us (in effect being made like Christ). We are in a battle of faith in this life (1 Tim 6: 12). We also need each other, the Church. It is why we are encouraged to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5: 21). So may we know the Grace filled plans God has for us and in His strength and His way make every effort to live within them; in doing so we will take hold of the eternal life we have been called to (1 Tim. 6: 12).  
 
To Ponder: In prayer, dwell on the goals of our faith pursuit: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. What do each mean, how do we live them out in our lives; what do we need to flee and disregard in order to possess these qualities?
 
Pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy Kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.   Amen
 
Praise: Seek ye first
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7spyhVBrA4
How can it be
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5X91ciE6Y&list=PLU-3tkJcoSn2ufw8rccl-62axQuxpxUX2