grace baptist church in marshfield wi
What keeps you motivated? Is it peer-to-peer comparison or financial gain? Is it recognition or praise? Is it fear or embarrassment? Our motivations often vary depending on the task at hand. Let me ask a more pointed question: what keeps your walk with Jesus motivated? You will find that the answer to this question is not accidental or happenstance, but it is more so, purposeful.
Belief is understanding, agreeing, AND depending (James 2:19). Many will say they believe the Bible, they believe in heaven and hell, or that they believe in God. However, many are still feverishly attempting to work their way to heaven – even though the Bible (that they say they believe) states clearly that we are “saved by grace through faith…not by works (Eph. 2:8-9).”
When the people thought that Jesus was come to deliver them as their earthly king, they shouted great praise in the streets. Joy filled their hearts to believe they would soon be free from their Roman bondage. They were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He was very much worthy of such praise, but not for the reasons the people believed. Jesus had something far greater planned!
There have been many times I have sat with older believers while they have expressed the struggle of still “hanging on” in their diseased-ridden body. They longed for heaven, and they could not understand why they were still here. What does God still want us to do before He calls us home to heaven? There are so many possible answers to that question, but let’s look at 9 possibilities.
So, instead of making sure everyone knows your side of the story first, choose to follow how God wants you to handle the division. Division is a spiritual need! Spiritual needs cannot be fulfilled with fleshly means. So, anger, yelling, gossip, bitterness, and slander are not the pathway to resolve spiritual needs. These things only complicate the issue further!
We must stay clear on who God is. In our study of Acts 13-14 we have seen that God is sovereign, love, longsuffering, merciful, all-powerful, and all-knowing. No matter what your circumstances seem to tell you, you know from God’s own word that He is these things. You know that sometimes your circumstances do not tell you the whole story about God, but that you must choose to trust God!
Notice how Paul addressed his audience with their background in mind. So, instead of beginning with Jesus as the Messiah, which would have the Jews in a defensive position at the start, he provides a review of their history. Since they are not defensive, they are listening to understand what he says.
You are not the only one who struggles with a specific temptation. You cannot find victory on your own. God will enable you to be victorious, as you call on Him for strength, and make the hard decisions to obey God in the small choices of life. You can choose to be thankful that God is working IN you and FOR you even during times of temptation.
