An Example of the Believers
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:11, 12.
There is a great work for us to do if we would inherit eternal life. We are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live a life of righteousness. . . . There is no salvation for us except in Jesus, for it is through faith in Him that we receive power to become the sons of God. But it is not merely a passing faith, it is faith that works the works of Christ. . . . Living faith makes itself manifest by exhibiting a spirit of sacrifice and devotion toward the cause of God. Those who possess it stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel and wage a successful warfare against the powers of darkness. They stand ready to do whatsoever their Captain commands. Each one is exhorted to be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12), for we are to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” in this present evil world, representing the character of Christ, and manifesting His spirit. . . .
Those who are connected with Jesus are in union with the Maker and Upholder of all things. They have a power that the world cannot give nor take away. But while great and exalted privileges are given to them, they are not simply to rejoice in their blessings. As stewards of the manifold grace of God they are to become a blessing to others. They are entrusted with great truth, and “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). There are weighty responsibilities resting upon all who have received the message for this time. They are to exert an influence that will draw others to the light of God’s Word. . . . We are our brother’s keeper. . . .
If we are true believers in Jesus we shall be gathering rays from glory, and we shall shed light on the darkened pathway of those around us. We shall reveal the gracious character of our Redeemer, and many will be drawn by our influence to “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
That I May Know Him p. 316
““““““““““““““““““““`
Prayer Requests
—– My son Krivs left his girlfriend, went back to his wife and his son Marko (4, 5) and now he is also trying to be a better husband. Both Krivs and Sanda are going to the Bible studies with an elder of the church. God is doing more than we can ask Him! Now I’m on the finish line for leading out the Women’s ministry seminar next week from 9-14.XII in our local sda Church. I definitely need prayers of my sisters and brothers, because without His help I’m nothing. Vineta
“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
Dear Friends,
Ron’s grandpa was an excellent gunsmith. Because he was such a fine craftsman, he had customers from all over the state. One day he was telling us a story of a man who had asked him to make a very powerful rifle for him. Grandpa Taylor was glad for the business and told that man that he would call him when the gun was ready.
The man agreed to wait. Unfortunately, the man couldn’t wait. The more he thought about that gun, the more he wanted to shoot it. He decided to visit Grandpa Taylor’s workshop and see how it was coming. When he arrived, he was told that the gun was not quite ready. It had not yet been tested. Grandpa Taylor, himself, would be the first one to shoot it. After that, adjustments would be made until it was perfect. Under no circumstances was he to touch that not-quite-finished gun.
The man seemed to understand; but as he looked at that rifle, he began to rationalize. The gun looked perfect. “Surely it is done,” he thought, “Mr. Taylor is just too fussy. I can test it as well as he can.” When Grandpa Taylor’s back was turned, the man quickly picked up the rifle, and sighted down the barrel. Everything looked fine. He aimed toward the indoor target and fired the powerful rifle. In his hurry to shoot it before Grandpa Taylor could stop him, the man did not have it sitting quite right on his shoulder. Grandpa Taylor told us that as a result of his rash action, the man lost his arm.
How often we are like that man. We think that we know best. We think that we can disobey our Great Creator’s direct commands without any consequences. We seem to think that He does not mean just what He says, that He is too loving to allow us to suffer the consequences of our sin. Yet, the life of David is an example of cause and effect. When he sinned in the matter of Bathsheba, there were very great consequences. Nathan told him, “Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” 1 Sam 12:9-12 Although, David was forgiven, he and all Israel bore the consequences. As a direct result of his sin, their baby died. vs. 15-19 Moreover, David lost the respect of his subjects, lost the ability to rebuke them and his children when he saw them taking the wrong path. As a result, his son Absalom killed his half-brother Amnon for an incestuous relationship with his sister. Beyond this, Absalom attempted to take over the kingdom causing David and those loyal to him to have to flee for their lives. In the ensuing battle, Absalom lost his life. (chaptera 13-18) From that point on, there was war and bloodshed, troubles and trials, and a great weakening of the kingdom.
Jesus, Himself, obeyed. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Heb 5:8,9 Paul urges us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Phil 2:5-13
When our Great Redeemer shall return in the clouds of glory with his all His mighty angels, He will take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel. (2 Th 1:7,8) How important, then, that we do as He has commanded us. Paul continues, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Rom 6:18 John adds, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:2-4
Our Loving Saviour pleads with us today as He did so long ago, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 Let us obey His Voice. Let us be “doers of the word” from a heart filled with love for our Dear Saviour. James 1:22 Let us purify our “souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit.” 1 Peter 1:22 Let us “walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” is my prayer. Eph 5:8-11
Rose