A good friend of mine wrote this devotion back in 2005. The personal message and accountability makes it necessary to hear again!
The apostle Paul said these words to the churches of Corinth, Rome, and Philippi.
Sure, we would all like to walk in victory as much as the self-proclaimed chief of sinners; but how much of Paul's victory was really there? Paul walked in Christ because he reached/sought for Christ. His victory was not of Paul but of Christ; Paul only reaped the beni's just by depending on Christ and seeking him as a panting deer seeks for water. Paul, in all of God's strength, gained enough confidence to boldly tell Christians that they should follow him [Paul]; of course, as he followed Christ! Paul also went further to proclaim, specifically, who the Christians should not follow. This was not Paul's own confidence, it was in Christ! Please understand that Paul's relationship with Christ made him say to believers, "Follow me!" Christ compelled Paul to seek men!
I am amazed at this confidence! Paul was willing to take on the responsibility in building other men's walk with Christ. In essence, Paul told other imperfect people that he would lead them to a closer walk with Christ if they would just hang out with him and pattern their life after the example he [Paul] lived out before them. What a concept! I think the appropriate term for this is "discipleship" and it is very uncommon in our american churches!
Let's make this a little more personal.... Are YOU comfortable enough to put your arm around another believer and say "watch me", or "spend time with me" and then promise them that they will have opportunity to know Christ better by watching you? Are you willing to give your time to them and take responsibility for their growth in Christ; sitting for a couple of hours a week talking, praying, and studying God's Word with another brother? All of this cannot be replaced! It is absolutely necessary! The down side to this is that you could lead them in the wrong path and God will hold us accountable either way.
Can you say to a fellow Christian, "Follow me!" ????
The apostle Paul said these words to the churches of Corinth, Rome, and Philippi.
Sure, we would all like to walk in victory as much as the self-proclaimed chief of sinners; but how much of Paul's victory was really there? Paul walked in Christ because he reached/sought for Christ. His victory was not of Paul but of Christ; Paul only reaped the beni's just by depending on Christ and seeking him as a panting deer seeks for water. Paul, in all of God's strength, gained enough confidence to boldly tell Christians that they should follow him [Paul]; of course, as he followed Christ! Paul also went further to proclaim, specifically, who the Christians should not follow. This was not Paul's own confidence, it was in Christ! Please understand that Paul's relationship with Christ made him say to believers, "Follow me!" Christ compelled Paul to seek men!
I am amazed at this confidence! Paul was willing to take on the responsibility in building other men's walk with Christ. In essence, Paul told other imperfect people that he would lead them to a closer walk with Christ if they would just hang out with him and pattern their life after the example he [Paul] lived out before them. What a concept! I think the appropriate term for this is "discipleship" and it is very uncommon in our american churches!
Let's make this a little more personal.... Are YOU comfortable enough to put your arm around another believer and say "watch me", or "spend time with me" and then promise them that they will have opportunity to know Christ better by watching you? Are you willing to give your time to them and take responsibility for their growth in Christ; sitting for a couple of hours a week talking, praying, and studying God's Word with another brother? All of this cannot be replaced! It is absolutely necessary! The down side to this is that you could lead them in the wrong path and God will hold us accountable either way.
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