JESUS & Faithful Follower: They Just “Go Together”
Some things just go together. For example, if we consider those people and objects we love, maybe we find that we must say some items in pairs. Consider these combinations:
- Grandma & Grandpa
- Mom & Dad
- His & Hers
- Teacher & Pupil
- Preacher & Congregation
- Song Leader & Melody
- Boyfriend & Girlfriend
- Socks & Shoes
- Salt & Pepper
- Shirt & Pants
- Car & Driver
- Writer & Words
- Hammer & Nail
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Bread & Butter
We could possibly go on for an hour listing the pairs that “go together.” Today, may we allow ourselves the depth to dig in to see as God sees our lives. For example, when people think of us, do these words come to mind:
______ (insert our name) & Christian
______ (insert our name) & Believer in Jesus Christ
______ (insert our name) & Faithful Follower of the Lord
______ (insert our name) & Servant of God
______ (insert our name) & Obedient Witness of what the Lord has done in our lives
______ (insert our name) & Testifier of the Grace & Mercy we have received
______ (insert our name) & One Who FAITHFULLY employs the Spiritual Gift given to us by God
The apostle Peter, a man often known for his rash behavior and quick-witted words should also be remembered for his deep, abiding faith in God, for it is Peter who was led by the Holy Spirit to write—
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirt for the purpose of prayer.”
(1 Peter 4: 7 NASB)
DID WE SEE WHAT TWO ITEMS NATURALLY GO TOGETHER?
- “sound judgment and sober spirt”
- “sound judgment” & we must be serious minded ”for the purpose of prayer.”
Praying for one another is a special privilege, one we should not take lightly.
Prayer is a gift from God.
PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING!
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
(1 Peter 4: 8 NASB)
DID WE SEE WHAT TWO ITEMS NATURALLY GO TOGETHER?
- Fervent love & others.
- Fervent love & the blood of Jesus covering our many sins
FERVENT LOVE!
“Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”
(1 Peter 4: 9 NASB)
DID WE SEE WHAT TWO ITEMS NATURALLY GO TOGETHER?
- “Be hospitable to one another” & no complaining!
- Extending our homes to others & no complaining!
- Opening our hearts to others & no complaining!
- Giving of our time to others & no complaining!
- Sharing our provisions God provides with others & no complaining!
SERVING OTHERS WITHOUT COMPLAINT!
We are reminded in the book of Romans how Christians are to be “the one who gives with generosity; . . .” (Romans 12: 8b NASB)
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.”
(1 Peter 4: 10 NASB)
DID WE SEE WHAT TWO ITEMS NATURALLY GO TOGETHER?
- A special gift from God & Serving God
- A special gift from God & Being a Good Steward to God
- A special gift of the Holy Spirit from—
GOD’S AMAZING GRACE!
“Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God;
(1 Peter 4: 11 NASB)
whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
DID WE SEE WHAT TWO ITEMS NATURALLY GO TOGETHER?
- Our words of comfort spoken—God’s beautiful words of comfort & peace.
- Our service to help another—God’s mighty strength to supply every person’s needs.
- Our actions & God’s Glory.
- Our actions & Jesus’ Glory.
- Our whole self & Jehovah God’s Glory and dominion forever & ever & ever & . . . .
GLORY THAT BELONGS ONLY TO GOD!
JESUS & Faithful Follower: They Just “Go Together”
Truly, some things just go together!
- Spiritual gifts were not given to Christians as special gifts that just help us OR special gifts that just make us look important in the world. NO, most definitely not!
- Spiritual gifts are the Holy Spirit leading us to become the hands and feet of Jesus!
- Spiritual gifts from God are given to Christians to give us opportunities to walk in faithfulness to the one who gave His life on the cross so we could gain life eternal.
- Spiritual gifts are a privilege & a responsibility for every follower of Jesus Christ.
JESUS & Faithful Follower: They Just “Go Together”