PERSONAL BUILDING ACCORSING TO THE PATTERN
I wrote a blog last Friday from Phil.1:1 regarding local church leadership and suggested that we see the Biblical pattern in this verse, and thus if we want God’s blessing upon our churches we need “to build according to the pattern”. In the Old Testament when this principle was introduced the result was when the children of Israel obeyed, and “built according to the pattern” the Glory of God came.
I concluded by saying that my next blog would be also about “building according to the pattern” but this time in the personal life of the believer. In Phil. 1:6 we read
“Being confident of this very thing, that he has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. NKJV
“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears MESSAGE
Paul pioneered the church at Philippi and had returned at least once to visit and he knew these believers intimately, and knew their desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He declares in this verse an aspect of the glorious inheritance for believer.
DOES THIS AUTOMATICALLY RELATE TO EVERY BELIEVER?
Sadly, many Charismatic preachers have suggested that this will automatically happen whether the believer co-operates with the Holy Spirit or not.
I want to encourage you to be pro-active and co-operate with the Lord to see this happen in our lives. We all agree we are a “work in progress” what do we need to do to see this completion take place. Here are the things i am doing (I am not suggesting the list is complete) you may suggest some other things we can do.
We need to daily re-affirm Christ’s Lordship over our lives Rom.12:1 and spend quality time alone in His presence.
WE need to spend time in the Word of God reading and meditating on it. and LET THE WORD WORK IN OUR LIVES
Every time we go to church and sit under the preaching of the Word, again LET THE WORD WORK IN OUR LIVES
There will be times when a brother or sister will share a Scripture with you LET THE WORD WORK IN OUR LIVES
Learn to hear the “still small voice” of God in your Spirit, whatever He says will ALWAYS agree with the written Word. LET THE WORD WORK IN OUR LIVES
If you have been blessed with a prayer language use it DAILY Paul says 1 Cor. 14:4 He that speaks in tongues edifies himself.
What will be the result of the above?
Your love will abound still more and more in knowledge and discernment, that you may prove the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ. v 8-9 NKJV
So this is my prayer, that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well, learn to love appropriately, you need to use your head and test your feelings, so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Love a Lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary a life Jesus will b e proud of. MESSAGE
Paul then highlights ONE MORE EXCITING THING
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God v.11 NKJV
Bountiful in fruits from the soul making Jesus Christ attractive to all getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God MESSAGE
So, if we will build our lives “according to the pattern” WE ARE GUARANTEED THESE RESULTS IN OUR LIVES.
Let’s do it ok?
