Title: Living on a Battleground
Text:
1 Corinthians 4:9-13 (ESV)
9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,
12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
Observation:
When I read the above passage written by the Apostle Paul it causes me to pause; to realize that life in this world is lived on a battleground and not a playground. I am reminded of the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples then, and to us now.
John 16:33 (ESV)
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Notice that included in this word of warning there is a word of hope; Jesus has overcome the world. In our Christian life many of the battles are not ours; they are battles that belong to the Lord.
When you think you are having a rough time in this world; that the deck is stacked against you; consider what the Apostles faced.
How then shall we live in this world? Living on a battleground is not for cowards. However, the good news is that Jesus has overcome the world. In this world we never have to walk alone. The Lord is our forever companion. Remember the words of Jesus, "In me you may have peace".
With this knowledge, in faith, I am able to be courageous; that is my one word focus for today. I'm praying that I will live with courage every day; every hour, by the power of the triune God living in me. When I get weary, I sing songs like this one to encourage and give me hope, courage and confidence.
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
◦ Refrain:
◦ And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
◦ And He tells me I am His own;
◦ And the joy we share as we tarry there,
◦ None other has ever known.
Prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that whatever I have to face in this world that I never have to face it alone; that in Jesus I can have peace. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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