Sunday, May 06, 2018

We are Not the Same

1 Peter 4:1-11 NKJV
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

We seek after the mind of Christ; to no longer think as we once thought. We no longer desire the things of the flesh. We want to do the will of the Father; to see where He is working and to go there.

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

The only time we should entertain thoughts of what we used to be involved in is as we thank the Father for our freedom and as we testify to what the Lord has done for us.

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

Our old friends do not understand. We look the same but we all of a sudden became different. We are a new creature alien to the ways of our past.

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The unsaved will be judged for all their deeds. The saved will enter into glory praised for who they are in Christ.

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins".

Love all of God's children; the saved and the unsaved. Without love how will the later ever get to know Jesus?

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Just because we are born again we are not all the same. We each are unique in Christ. Together we make up the body of Christ. We need each other in our walk. In Christ there are no lone rangers.

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We are to be the best we can be and always give all praise to Jesus. Go forth hand in hand with other believers doing the work the Father has begun. That is how we glorify the Father.

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