Yesterday, I suggested that you invest some time in 1 Peter (here @ Bible Gateway); specifically, 1:3 – 4 (here @ Bible Gateway), it really should have been 3 – 6 (here @ Bible Gateway). In there you might have found a couple of thoughts about how to overcome the obstacles we face.
Mauri’s comment on the post yesterday was apt. We face multiple kinds of obstacles. In the world things like financial issues, health, relationships that sour, people that hate us. When we add the reality of the spiritual life, we face the certainty of constant and increasing resistance from the enemy of our Lord whose goal is to devour, destroy us. That resistances increases as we engage in a life that seeks to follow hard after our Lord.
Then as Mauri noted, as we mature, as our understanding of our Lord grows as our time with Him lengthens, we become physically weaker. It is my belief that is intentional. Seemingly, 2 Corinthians 12:9 – 10 (here @ Bible Gateway) validates that thought.
There are those who proclaim that if we follow the Lord, the obstacles will be removed. In fact, some claim that if they are not removed, that we face obstacles such as cancer, financial pressures, etc. it is evidence that we lack faith.
That does not seem to be the message of either Peter or Paul.
Peter, in 1 Peter 1:3 – 6 (here @ Bible Gateway) gives us two things to which we are to hold on tightly as we face “various trials”. They are and imperishable and undefiled inheritance and a salvation. Note, however, when the inheritance and the salvation will be revealed. The inheritance is reserved in heaven and the salvation will be revealed in the last time. They are not promised to be revealed now, or amid the various trials.
No, in fact they are the anchors of our hope. They are the means of our perseverance.
In the midst of all of the difficulty we face as believers in a fallen world, with the certainty that we will, if we wish to live godly, will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 (here @ Bible Gateway), our certain inheritance and our salvation is that to which we cling.
Romans 5:3 – 5 (here @ Bible Gateway) exhorts us to exult in our tribulations, our certain tribulations; Peter shows us how.
Then as Mauri noted, as we mature, as our understanding of our Lord grows as our time with Him lengthens, we become physically weaker. It is my belief that is intentional. Seemingly, 2 Corinthians 12:9 – 10 (here @ Bible Gateway) validates that thought.
There are those who proclaim that if we follow the Lord, the obstacles will be removed. In fact, some claim that if they are not removed, that we face obstacles such as cancer, financial pressures, etc. it is evidence that we lack faith.
That does not seem to be the message of either Peter or Paul.
Peter, in 1 Peter 1:3 – 6 (here @ Bible Gateway) gives us two things to which we are to hold on tightly as we face “various trials”. They are and imperishable and undefiled inheritance and a salvation. Note, however, when the inheritance and the salvation will be revealed. The inheritance is reserved in heaven and the salvation will be revealed in the last time. They are not promised to be revealed now, or amid the various trials.
No, in fact they are the anchors of our hope. They are the means of our perseverance.
In the midst of all of the difficulty we face as believers in a fallen world, with the certainty that we will, if we wish to live godly, will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 (here @ Bible Gateway), our certain inheritance and our salvation is that to which we cling.
Romans 5:3 – 5 (here @ Bible Gateway) exhorts us to exult in our tribulations, our certain tribulations; Peter shows us how.
Great thoughts! Really, who wants an inheritance here - at least until the New Heavens and New Earth are established! To one who has watched a dearly beloved friend or companion suffer and die in this world, the joys of the inheritance laid up in heaven are an unspeakable comfort the thrilling anticipation.
ReplyDeleteYes and as more of our loves ones enter, it becomes more and more attractive. Philippians 1:21 makes more and more sense every day.
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