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Motivation and Encouragement
Motivation and Encouragement
Do you remember when you obeyed the Gospel, and how wonderful you felt after coming up out of the water of baptism? If you felt like I did, you will surely remember the time. As the Eunuch in Acts 8 did, he went on his way rejoicing!! (Acts 8:39) Isn't it wonderful to know God's Gospel still has the same power today!
Throughout the book of Acts we find many examples of that Word effecting the lives of thousands of folks, just like it will do today. The key to others hearing and obeying is in our hands -- the hands and feet of God's people today. Each of us has that responsibility. There are many ways to teach others, even by the example we show each day and week. However, let us notice a couple more things we need to be doing to fulfill our duty as His people, Christians serving Him each day.
By referring to the last words of Peter's 2nd letter we find this written: "..but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)
The Lord knows it will take time and effort for each of His people to grow towards maturity in their spiritual life and work. But we need to understand this is not an option - it's actually a COMMAND. If you refer to the previous verse (v17) it becomes obvious why the Apostle provides this exhortation. We all are vulnerable to the influence around us, especially that of worldly and sinful activity at every turn. We all need to be motivated to follow Jesus' example, and not that of the world.
One thing we need to grow in is to LIVE AND WORK to reach others who need salvation just as we do. By reading the first few verses of 2nd Peter chapter 3, you will note Peter reminding those Christians to remember "the words spoken beforehand" by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and by the Apostles. (v2) There will be those who doubt His promise of the coming of the day of the Lord (v10), and all that will take place at that time.(v7-10) Many folks around us today are still some of the "doubters". Many have tried to determine the "day of the Lord" before. However, that time is known by only the Father in heaven. (Matthew 24:36) But THE DAY WILL COME.
So, we need to go about using our time and efforts each day to take His Gospel to as many as possible. There are many ways to accomplish this but each of us has some talent; whether it is to teach a class or to bring others to those who will. Remember the parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-30)
Another part of our spiritual growth is TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE CHURCH AND OUR ASSEMBLIES. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Notice early in this reading, the writer (Holy Spirit) mentions A NEW AND LIVING WAY, inaugurated for us by Jesus Himself. (v20). This ought to help us be motivated in our efforts to serve and work for Him, some of which can be done together as members of a congregation of His people. We are reminded in verse 22 who we are, and how blessed we are now to serve. In verse 23 and 24 we are reminded of what makes our hope so great -- knowing He is faithful to fulfill His promise if we "hold fast" our commitment.
"Let us HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE, without wavering; for He who promised is faithful; and LET US CONSIDER HOW TO STIMULATE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS. not forsaking our own assembling together, as it the habit of some, but ENCOURAGEING ONE ANOTHER; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25)
The Hebrew writer puts emphasize on several important needs in this few verses. Notice WE ARE TO STIMULATE TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS, and also TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. Can this be done if we neglect the assemblies? I think you know the answer. These are good reasons to be together and to be active in our work . Unless we do, we cannot live up to our potential, both personally and as a congregation -- to grow and serve the Master who has saved us.
I hope these few thoughts today can be some motivation and encouragement to those who read this short message. It has been for me, and I hope it will be for you also. God be with us and help us all grow IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Ross
