Believe Jesus, less pain, no pain. (1)
Scriptures for this study:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude,
because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2
This is how we arm ourselves to suffer less and enjoy more!
A. Believe Jesus means a life time of increasing the measure of virtues! 2 Peter 1:5-8
1. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, courage, knowledge, self-control,
perseverance, godliness, brotherly love, love for all people! 2 Peter 1:5-7
2. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,
they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8
B. We must put the power of faith into practice!
1, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
2. This is one of my life long favor scriptures!
This is a promise from God to all his believers!
Yes, in all things that happen to me, God works for the good of those who love him!
All we need is love God! But always remember, love God means doing his commands! 1 Jn.5:33.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil.4:13
If you need more assurance do this--> Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes.5:17
C. I am in control of all things, not the world, not others! 1 Cor.6:12
1. Everything is permissible for me"-- but not everything is beneficial.
Everything is permissible for me"-- but I will not be mastered by anything.
2. By the grace of God, I got this quality since I was young!
I love to study, I also love to play many kinds of games, chess, ping pong, climb mountain…
I know many others can’t control themselves in watching games, playing chess… !
I can quit at any time! Please learn this! If you have too! Keep practice it, until you can!
I know this keep me from suffering lots of pains!
Nowadays people love to chat on face book… play all kinds of games…
Playing is only for leisure! You don’t die because of quitting at the middle of a game!
D. Hay, remember it is I let God be in control of me!
1. This is why believe Jesus always come first of other things!
Please read Acts 8:35-38 and count how many times the eunuch said!
a. Yes, the story start with Philip preached Jesus to him! 8:35
b. The eunuch said: Here is water, what hinder me to be baptized? 8:36
c. The eunuch said: I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 8:37
d. The eunuch commanded the chariot to stand still. 8:38
e. The eunuch went into the water and he let Philip the preacher baptized him! 8:38
In his salvation process, from he was willing to listen to Philip’s preaching to he went on his way rejoicing, he was in control all the way!
2. It is I who like to say--> If it is the Lord’ s will, we will live and do this or that! James 4:15
E. Arm yourself before you get marry! 1 Cor.7:32-34
1. I would like you to be free from concern.
An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs-- how he can please the Lord. 7:32
(Concern here can mean problems!)
2. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world-- how he can please his wife--
A married man has one more concern beside the Lord’s affairs!
He has to concern how he can please his wife! 7:33
3. And his interests are divided. 7:34a4. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs:
Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.
But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world-- how she can please her husband.
5. I have seen many brothers in the Lord, after they are married, they retreated from helping doing the Lord’s work!
It does not to be this way! Yes, at least you have 2 half! Two half together you can still be one!
Before married, you are one helping doing the Lord’s work!
After you are married the two of you become one! So the two half of you both can still be one help doing the Lord’s work!
Don’t you know how to count? Li Bing and Rachel is a good example, right now! !
Yes, be free from the love of money is another big one! Heb.13:5 and 1 Tim.6:6-12
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on November 3, 3013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN3TUbMDBh0