READY

If you have knowledge of something, know how to do something that will benefit every single one of your friends, do you tell them or do you simply write it in a journal and leave it to them in your will?

There once was a teacher who was instructing his students. He explained to them that their knowledge was like light…it illuminated the darkness of ignorance. He told them that they had a duty, an obligation, to share that with others. That teacher’s name was Jesus. Here’s what he said…

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

His example is clearly meant for us as well. We are to gather knowledge from the Word of God and show forth the light of that knowledge by following it’s instruction, by living the way it outlines for us and sharing that knowledge with others around us.

Of course, the way we share that knowledge verbally is also outlined in God’s Word. He tells us

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)

Emphasis on the gentleness and reverence. “In your face”, “holier-than-thou” type thinking and acting will not cause someone to want to follow Christ.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

READY
We are finishing our eleventh week of operating The SPRING Student Center. Of the 380+ kids, only about 10% have any relationship with Jesus or the church. Just this week kids have started asking questions about what the Bible says about certain topics. You see, they know we that are operating the place are Christian. We have to be ready for their questions.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

All of us need to study God’s Word and pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is telling us as we go about our daily lives. We all need to be ready to answer the questions about our faith in Jesus Christ.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

READY...

When I used to play the French horn in a symphony, I had to practice. A lot! I was the section leader (first horn) and had a responsibility to make sure the horn section was ready. As a young leader, I made many mistakes by insisting that everyone be “as good as me.” As I grew older, I learned that the relationship with them was more important. I learned that getting along as people actually caused us to want to play better as a team. That took tact, respect, humility and patience.

We in the church are to “be a team” as the Body of Christ. We need to learn some of these same lessons of relationship, with God and with each other. When we do, we will find that unity “happens” and the Body of Christ functions as intended. Is it any wonder that Jesus said the two most important commandments were to love God and to love each other?!

1 Peter 3:15 (NASB) but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

SET APART Christ as Lord – Let it be plain to all that He holds this position. Let there be nothing and no one else vying for that place in your life. Only Christ paid the price to claim the throne, has the ability to carry it out and has our best interest in mind to qualify for the position of Lord!

ALWAYS – every day, every minute – be ready. This shows the importance of studying God’s word, so that we can give adequate answers. We are not simply to respond, “Because I feel this way or that”. We are to respond as Jesus did when tempted by Satan, with the Word of God.

YET – and while we are to be ready we must do it with gentleness and reverence. We need to exercise love. Not all believers are going to be at the same stage of development that you are or that I am. The Spirit of God brings each of us along as He reveals truths to us through the Word.

Our job is to explain why we believe what we believe…why we have the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus…so that others will want to accept Him as well.

With gentleness, humility and patience…

2 Timothy 4:1 - 2 (NASB) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

Build each other up…

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Aim for harmony…

Romans 14:19 (NLT) So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…