He is…one man…who cannot and will not turn his back on trouble, especially if there are innocents in peril.”
–Lou Bradshaw (Blue)
“The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.”
–Romans 8:16(Amplified)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We known that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NASB)
It has been a while since we have looked at our current situation and how to live as a child of God in the chaotic world. I would suggest that you reread 1 John 3:1-4 before starting today’s devotion.
Remember who you are! That cannot be emphasized enough. Remember who you are!
“It is because we do not see ourselves as the children of God and going through this life and world in the way that this text [1 John 3:3-4] indicates; that is why our unhappiness tends to get us down. We do not relate it to the whole; we do not put it in its context; we live too much with the things that are immediately in front of us instead of putting everything into the context of our standing and of our destiny.”
–D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Whose name do you carry? Christ…ian. There are those in the church who contend that the term Christian is archaic, outdated, and should not be used in this progressive culture. But it is the name of Christ, and it defines who we are. We are to be Christ-like, that is the reason we do right, that is the reason we seek to live a holy and righteous life. One thing to realize, as you read the New Testament, is that it is not interested in the conduct of those who are not Christians. The Epistles were written to the Church. There is no comfort of encouragement offered in the Bible to anybody except those who are children of God. Forget Universalism, forget Globalism.
I would bring forth the words of the pagan, Socrates–“Know thyself!” Know thyself in the light of Christ and God’s Word. Know that we are children of God. Know, be persuaded, to certain, have an assurance that you are a child of God. Be aware of your new life and realize the old sinful nature. Have a heart and desire for God and the things of God, not that of the world. Know also that we are destined for glory for we shall be like Him.
“I can therefore rest my confidence of glorification upon the promises of God, and the promises of God are based upon the character of God. God cannot, because He is God, break His promises, and He has also given an oath, so we have a double assurance. The promises are there with His purposes and His character at the back of them.”
–D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Friends, no matter how much the world may scoff and mock, the Second Coming is a fact! One day we shall see Him as He is. Even now, while we are on earth, the Holy Spirit is working on us and ridding us of sin. We have to be like Him. To be like Him is to overcome the world. To be like Him, one day, will cause us to be changed into glory.
“Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Him
Lost in wonder, love and praise.”
–Charles Wesley
As I think of becoming like Christ, I think of the frustrations in trying to live a righteous life and failing. Yet, God, says that we are to seek righteousness, and as we seek it the Holy Spirit works on us. However, one day–yes, day we shall be like Him when we see Him face to face.
“Some day, till then I’ll watch and wait,
My lamp all trimmed and burning bright,
That when my Savior opes the gate,
My soul to Him may take its flight.
And I shall see Him face to face
And tell the story–Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story–Saved by grace.”
–Fanny Crosby