The character of a Leader: how to grow in hopeful confidence

Hopeful leaders stay optimistic about the future and focused on the best in their people says Brad Lomenick.  He adds that these leaders are consumed with making tomorrow better than today. This is THE task of the Christian leader. So how skilled are you at inspiration, encouragement and hope?

Before reflecting on the Biblical example of hopeful Barnabas, look at this short video introduction on how to grow your character in hope (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eOPTU-YPL0)

Scriptures

[Today’s four short portions from the Book of Acts will give a  holistic view of the life of Barnabas]

Acts 4:36-37

36  Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37  sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-28

26  And when Paul had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27  But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28  So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 11:19-26

19  Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20  But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22  The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24  for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25  So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 13:1-3

1  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off [on the first mission to the Gentiles].

 

Observation and reflection questions

Note: Today’s four portions of the Book of Acts we highlight the character and motives of the Apostle Barnabas to better understand his ability to see the best in people in every situation, and encourage people with that.

1. Barnabas was a nickname. How do you thing this leader got the name? (4:36-37)
2. Looking at the five portions of Acts above, summarize what significant events Barnabas “the encourager” had key involvement in. What does that suggest of the need for and importance of hopeful confidence in uncertain and difficult times?
3. Hopeful confidence has to do with what the Lord is doing or preparing, i.e. seeing what the future holds, and encouraging others with that. Where do you recognize this in the life of Barnabas in the Texts above?

Personal reflection and Application

As seen in the life of Barnabas, the Lord entrusts hopeful leaders with critical opportunities and people with key potential, because hopeful leaders have trained their perception to discern “with eyes of light” (Matt 6:22-23) what the Lord is doing, and what good he has placed in people. These leaders encourage and direct followers with hopeful confidence in “good plans the Lord has prepared” (Jer 29:13).  Read more on growing in encouragement here.

1. As a leader…
   • …are you more prone to first note what can/ will go wrong, or what good can / will this lead to? e. are you more directed towards fear or to hope?
   • …are you more prone to first note the flaws or imperfections in people or things, or are you more prone to note the potential in things or people? i.e. are you more inclined to be critical / judgmental or encouraging / uplifting?
   • …is you influence with people more cynical or demotivating, or rather more encouraging and inspirational?
2. Throughout the day look for good progress or potential you spot in people around you. THANK their kindness and contributions, AFFIRM their abilities and worth, APPLAUD their  efforts and success, and REASSURE your belief in their ability and motives.  Strive to do this in every situation, with every person you meet. Note what that does to them – and you!

Prayer

Thank God for all his goodness in your life!  Pray that God may open your eyes to see what he has placed and is doing in those around you; pray that he may fill you with hope and joy and that it may overflow to encourage everyone you encounter; and pray that he may entrust his words of prophesy to you to speak life into the hearts that are heavy, to strengthen hands that hang low and steady knees that wobble under pressure. (

The Character of a Leader: Hopeful Confidence

“I have a dream” said Dr Martin Luther King, and the world was never the same.  Indeed, “leaders are merchants in hope” as Napoleon is famous for saying; they paint a picture of a better future and by it inspire others to make these dreams a reality.

To give a wider contemporary context to our reading of today, look at this short video on inspiring through hope (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbTpqa8Ohsg)

Scripture

Deuteronomy 11:7-12

7  For your eyes have seen all the great work of the LORD that he did.  8  You shall therefore keep the whole commandment that I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land that you are going over to possess, 9  and that you may live long in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10  For the land that you are entering to take possession of it is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated it, like a garden of vegetables. 11  But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, 12  a land that the LORD your God cares for. The eyes of the LORD your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.

Observation and reflection

Context: Moses is addressing the Israelites who were wondering in the Wilderness for 40 years and reminds them of the need for obedience to inherit and enjoy the Promised Land.

1. How did Moses describe the land these wanderers were about to possess?
2. Notice the rich description of the Promised Land.  How does it compare to the environment which they have known for the past 40 years?
3. Imagine standing in the dessert where you have wandered for 40 years, hearing this speech from Moses about your future.  Briefly note the thoughts and feelings each of these phrases stir in the heart:

• “your eyes have seen all the great work of the LORD”
• “that you may live long in the land”
• “[the land] that the LORD swore to your fathers to give”
• “a land flowing with milk and honey”
• “not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come”
• “drinks water by the rain from heaven”
• “a land that the LORD your God cares for.”
• “The eyes of the LORD your God are always upon it”

Personal reflection and Application

Moses repeatedly encouraged the wandering Israelites by reminding them that God has prepared a rich, good land for them, and that the conquest and conflict they endure is with the effort.  Moses knew that hope inspires effort, gives direction and reason, and impels the hearer to go on.

1. What motivates you in difficult times? What fuels you and directs you as you go on?
2. Think about your personal feats of endurance. Which of channels of hope have in the past pulled you through? And how did it help?
   • Prophesy from God (directly or through a friend)
   • Visions, dreams or pictures
   • A clear goal such as degree, desired weight or completing a project
   • Friends or team members who kept you on track (accountability)
3. Prayerfully consider both your promises from God and godly aspirations in one aspect of your life (medium-term). Envision what you desire to accomplish.
   • Draw a picture that depicts that goal.
   • Write it as a mission statement – use aspirational words that stir your heart!

Paste these up where you will see them daily, and show them to your spouse or best friend.  Ask them to remind you of these!

Prayer

Pray that God would open your eyes to see what he has prepared for you, and that the Holy Spirit may make you a fountain of hope to whoever crosses your path.  And pray that you may know the power and love of God towards you. [Ephesians 1:16-19]

The Love of God 8 – imparted

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the love of God that has been imparted into our hearts.

Scripture

Romans 5:1-8

1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6  For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die– 8  but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Observations and reflection

Context: Paul wrote this glorious letter to the congregations in Roman suffering under mounting persecution of Emperor Nero.

1. What do you understand by “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God”? (verse 2) [hint: what do Christians believe about life after death?]
2. Why does Paul “rejoice in… suffering?” (verse 3) Write it in your own words.
3. Compare verse 5 above with Ephesians 1:13-14.

Ephesians 1:13-14

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

1. What does Paul teach about the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 1:1-14?
2. Comparing Romans 5:5 with Ephesians 1:14 – what do you learn about hope and the Spirit of God in our hearts?

4. In conclusion, how does “hope” and “the Holy Spirit” and “God’s love in our hearts” relate to each other? (Romans 5:5)? Answer in your own words.

Personal reflection and prayer

Paul encouraged the persecuted Romans church that although they suffer temporarily, they should take heart at the glory that awaits them after death, and that they don’t have to doubt that since God’s love for them is evidenced by the his Holy Spirit who now and forever lives in them.

1. When have you felt “far from God”? Why?
   1. Considering the Texts we studied today, what would you say to a Christian who says he feels “far from God”?
   2. Do you feel ‘far from God” today? Pray through Romans 5:5-8 and ask God to reveal his personal, secure love through his Spirit living in you.
2. Hardship or habitual sins tend to make people doubt the love God has for them. Why?
   1. Considering the Texts we studied today, what would you say to a Christian who says he doubts whether God still loves him/her?
   2. Are you struggling under hardship or habitual failure? Then pray through Romans 5:1-8 today and ask God to reveal again his love to you through his Spirit living in you.
   3. Pray for some persecuted church in a country that God has laid on your heart that they may be secure in God’s love amidst hardship.

 

Apologetics 3 – Ready to answer

The aim of this devotional study is to prepared your mind to give an answer for the hope you have in Christ.

Scripture

1 Peter 3:8-20

8  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10  For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

13  Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19  in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20  because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Observation and reflection

Context: at the end of his first letter to a persecuted church Peter exhorts the readers in Rome AD 63 to not be fearful or ashamed at their suffering but to suffer find comfort within their loving community and endure in the way in which Christ did during his suffering. We will only focus on verses 15 and 16 in this devotional study.

1. In your own words explain what you understand Peter appeals of the suffering believers in verses 15 and 16:
   1. “always be prepared”
   2. “make a defense”
   3. “to anyone who asks”
   4. “for a reason”
   5. “for the hope in that is in you”
   6. “do it with gentleness”
   7. “do it with respect”
   8. “having a good conscience”
2. In around 701 BC Isaiah encouraged the Jews in Jerusalem to not fear the invading Assyrian army but said “The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy. Let Him be your fear….” (Isaiah 8:13) – in other words “He is the Mighty One! Don’t fear the Assyrians!”  Peter starts his appeal here by rephrasing these comforting words as “the Lord Christ is the one you are to regard as holy”.
   1. What was the obvious similarities between the besieged Jews in 701 BC and the persecuted believers in Rome AD 63?
   2. Why would this phrase bring them comfort?

Personal reflection and Prayer

1. Are you anxious or fearful if people ask you questions about your faith?  Why?
   1. Ask the Lord for courage to answer any question truthfully when it comes.
2. What is the hope you have in Christ? In other words, what do you hope to gain (in this life and the next) by trusting and obeying Jesus Christ?
   1. The readers of 1 Peter were suffering under Roman persecution when they received this letter. During prolonged hard times, what certain hope will give you reason to keep believing and obeying Jesus your Lord?
   2. If someone asks you today “for a reason for the hope that is in you” – what will you tell them? Why do you have this hope (confident expectation)?
   3. Pray Paul’s prayer “that you may know the hope to which you were called, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
3. How does one answer someone with gentleness and respect?
   1. Whom have you answered rudely or with disrespect recently? As for forgiveness for not representing Christ well, then send that person a message to apologize, asking if you can talk about it. (Do it now!)
4. Consider you conscience with regard to your interaction with non-believers; is there any shame or regret in terms for how you represent Jesus to them? Ask the Lord for forgiveness and for grace to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” today (Colossians 1:10).

Healing the brokenhearted 8 – No more tears

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the hope a God’s New Creation where there will be no more sorrow or sadness.

Scripture

Revelation 21:1-5

1  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5  And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Observations

1. In this Revelation which John recorded, what does it reveal about God? [hint: read through verses 1-5 and record what it reveals about God’s actions and character]
2. What do these verses reveal about humanity’s future state in “the new Jerusalem”? [hint: read through verses 2-5 and record what it reveals about the new state of humanity]
3. What will be the emotional state of the citizens in the new Jerusalem? And why?

Personal reflection

1. Describe the general state of people you interact with daily (at home, at work, in the shopping centers etc).
   1. Why are they like that?
   2. In which ways are you similar to them?
   3. In which ways are you different from them?
2. Take a moment and reflect on your general emotional state of late. Record your emotions (using more than 5 descriptive words):
   1. towards yourself
   2. towards the three people closets to you
   3. towards God
   4. regarding your future
   5. regarding your past

Prayer

God is in the process of “making all things new.” Take some time and pray about what you want God to make new in your heart, relationships and life in general (concerning your reflections above).

Motivational Gifts 5 – the encourager

The aim of the devotional bible study is to grow in the understanding and appreciation of motivational gift of the encourager (or exhorter).

If you have 5 minutes look at this good example of an encourager at work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sUKoKQlEC4

Scriptures

[Today we need five short portions from the Book of Acts to have a view of the life of Barnabas the encourager]

Acts 4:36-37

36  Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37  sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-28

26  And when Paul had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27  But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28  So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 11:19-26

19  Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20  But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22  The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24  for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

25  So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 13:1-3

1  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off [on the first mission to the Gentiles].

Acts 15:36-40

36  And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37  Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  38  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  39  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40  but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Observations

Note: in the reading of today’s Text we will focus on the character and motives of the Apostle Barnabas to better understand the motivational gifts of the encourager / exhorter. This is one of the seven motivational gifts (also called “the gifts of the Father” according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6) that each person is born with which drives his/her actions throughout his/her life.

1. Encourager / exhorter motivated people generally have the following characteristics. How can you identify them in these portions highlighting the life of the Apostle Barnabas?  Comment and give references from the Scripture above.
   1. They accept people without prejudice and judgment.
   2. They see potential in people, and tend to be very loving and forgiving.
   3. They discern easily when someone is going through hardship.
   4. They view hardships as opportunities for growth and encourage people to press on, prescribing practical steps.
   5. They tend to be spiritual cheer-leaders and are good communicators.
   6. They are optimistic about life and inspire hope in people.
2. Looking at the four portions of Scripture above, summarize what significant events Barnabas “the encourager” had key involvement in. What does that suggest of the need for and importance of encouragement during uncertain and difficult times?

Reflections:

1. Looking at Barnabas as an example of an encourager gifted person – what should a person with this motivational gift be cautious of in engaging other people? [hint: consider the conflict with arose between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark – is it possible Paul had good reason to not take Mark with him on the trip?]
2. Considering the characteristics listed in Observation question 1 above, why do we consider encourager motivated people as “gifts from God the Father”? i.e. how do they benefit me, you and the world around us?

Application and Prayer

Note: If you have not completed the free online motivational gift test, do so now: www.gifttest.org

1. Are you a strong encourager motivated person? Considering this example of Barnabas:
   1. What are you grateful for about your gift, which you must cherish?
   2. What must you be cautious about in your interactions with others? [hint: although we seek the good in all, we must not be blind to the character flaws…]
   3. Thank God for how he made you, and pray that he may open your eyes to see what he has placed and is doing in those around you; pray that he may fill you with hope and joy and that it may overflow to encourage everyone you encounter; and pray that he may entrust his words of prophesy to you to speak life into the hearts that are heavy, to strengthen hands that hang low and steady knees that wobble under pressure.
2. Who do you know that are strongly encourager motivated?
   1. Thank them for their good influence in your life – for the encouragement and joy they bring, as well as their life of hopeful trust in God and seeing the good in everyone, including yourself.
   2. Thank God for them and their good influence in your life. Pray by name that God will bless them with even greater joy and hope, and that God would grant them greater skill to encourage and strengthen people who cross their pass, fixing the eyes of everyone on God and his faithfulness, as well as the good plans he has prepared for all who love him.

Ministry of Encouragement 2

The aim of this devotional study is to discover how to encourage a discouraged believer from the Scriptures.

Scripture

Romans 15:1-7

1  We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  2  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  3  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

4  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,  6  that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Observations

Context: The first few verses of this chapter continue with tension due to matters of moral indifference (food and rituals that have no moral implications, and how different people regard it).

1. Briefly summarize the following sections in your own words:
   1. Verses 1-3
   2. Verse 4
   3. Verses 5-7
2. What “Scriptures” were Paul referring to here? (verse 4)
3. According to Paul, why were the Scriptures written down? (verse 4)
4. What title does Paul attribute to God? (verse 5)  What does he mean when he says that? And how does that statement link to the previous verse? (verse 4)  [Look until you see the beautiful link between these two verses].

Application

1. Paul says that the Scriptures were written “for our instruction”; think of one specific Old Testament History account or character (such as a part of David or Abraham’s life) and apply Romans 15:4 to it:
   1. What “instruction” or life lesson can you learn from this specific account? What do you learn about humanity, about God, about faith, prayer or relationships?
   2. What do you learn about “endurance” – patience, faithfulness or perseverance?
   3. In which way does this Biblical account “encourage” you?
   4. In which way does this Biblical account give you greater “hope” – i.e. what is the inherent promise in this story to you?
2. Think of a person in your life that leans towards discouragement or hopelessness as they go through a difficult time. Which Biblical account is similar in some way from which he/she can learn of God’s faithfulness?  Reflect on that Biblical story and encourage him/her and stir his/her hope!

Prayer

Spend some time praising the “God of endurance and encouragement”, thanking him for strength and encouragement in the past.   Then boldly ask God to encourage you/ a friend and give you strength to endure.

The ministry of Encouragement 1

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the importance and necessity of encouragement.

Scripture

Hebrews 10:19-25

19  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20  by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22  let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

24  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Observation and reflection

Context: The main aim of the letter of Hebrews is to show that Jesus is superior to all and therefore the only qualified savior of the human race, thereby discouraging fearful Christians from turning to various other “mediators” between man and God amidst the rising persecution.  Today’s text is the turning point in the letter to the Hebrews, moving from right thinking (orthodoxy) to right practice (orthopraxis) or the logical consequence from the right thinking.

1. The author summarizes the main message in his letter at the beginning of his exhortation. Say it in your own words (v19-21).
2. The author then motivates three responses to this belief about Jesus – what does he motivate the readers to do? (hint: “Let us…”)
3. What appears to be a main reason why the author encouraged the believers to meet together (in spite of the fear of being exposed as a Christian believer!)? (v23-25)
4. In light of the context, what would the recipients of this letter “encourage one another” to do?
5. Why would the author refer to “the Day drawing near” in the context of this letter? (hint: “the Day” refers to the day when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead)

Application

Note: The New Testament are full of references of people who started their walk of faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord but because of fear of persecution or love for earthly pleasures turned away from Jesus.  You possibly know of a few people who do not serve God the way they used to, and also a few people who are disillusioned about their faith in God for various reasons.

1. In a few sentences review your faith in God through Jesus. (hint: What did Jesus come to do for us? Why did he become man and why did he die?)
2. In a few sentences review your hope in Christ. (hint: What does God eternally promise us in Christ Jesus?)
3. Having read these verses above, what could you say to someone who is about to “give up one Christianity” or who asks you “what is the point”? How would you encourage them to hold on to faith and hope in Christ?
4. Having read these verses above, how you motivate someone who is slack on attending Christian fellowship? From these verses, why would you say is it important to “not neglect coming together”?

Prayer

Pray for a friend who is going through a rough time and send him an encouraging message – perhaps a word the Lord drops in your spirit.

Salvation and the Spirit 4

The aim of this devotional study is to understand and appreciate the Spirit’s participation in our continuing salvation.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:7-14

7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

13  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Observations

1. It is very helpful to replace key words or phrases with appropriate synonyms to better understand the fullness of a Text. Re-read the text out loud and replace the words in bold with synonyms (similar phrases).
2. According to this text, what is a function of the Holy Spirit pertaining our salvation?
3. What is meant with the phrase “sealed with the …Holy Spirit”?
4. What do you understand is “our inheritance” that is kept for us?
5. What does Paul mean when he says the Holy Spirit in us “is the guarantee” of our inheritance?
6. What does Paul refer to when he says “until we acquire possession” of our inheritance?

Application

Paul writes that we are “sealed” or “marked as God’s property” through the Holy Spirit.  He adds that we have the Spirit as our “guarantee” or “engagement ring” – the promise that we will forever be united as through marriage.  Thus the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer brings security that He is united with God in Christ through the indwelling of His Spirit, and therefore his eternal salvation is certain – he is now and forever one with God, the Source of Life.

1. How do you know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
2. How do others know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
3. How confident are you that your salvation in God is certain and secure?

Prayer

If you have the gift of praying in tongues, spend significant time praying in the Holy Spirit and asking God for interpretation now, otherwise ask God to fill you with His Spirit and ask Him for spiritual gifts you desire from Him.

Biblical Faith 4

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding and appreciation of Biblical Faith, and to gain greater eternal perspective of our faith and suffering.

Scripture

1 Peter 1:3-9

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8  whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9  receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls.

Observations

1. These verses are loaded with descriptive terms. In two short sentences give the summary of this text.
2. Write the characteristics of the hope we are born into as Peter describes it here – and what does it mean? In short, what is this hope?
3. Write the characteristics of our faith as Peter describes it here, and what does it mean.
4. What is the relation between hope and faith here?
5. What is the relation between suffering and faith here?
6. What is meant by the phrase “that the genuineness of your faith… through tested by fire”?
7. What is meant by the phrase “receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”

Application

1. It frequently happens that people who suffer (while being righteous) gets shaken in their faith, or disillusioned in their hope. Recall the last time you went through a hard patch – what did that do for your faith or hope?
2. How would Peter’s text here (written to a suffering, persecuted church) be meaningful for people undergoing suffering today? Send a message similar to Peter’s encouragement to someone you know who needs encouragement.
3. How does the hope that Peter writes to you make you feel? How do you relate to it?  Do you long for it?  Why / why not?

Prayer

In prayer mediate and talk to God about the “living hope” and “salvation ready to be revealed in the last day”.  Also talk to God about the “testing” and “genuineness of your faith”.

And then pray for someone who is going through a tough time along these lines as well.