Now Walk in Him

 

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.

—Colossians 2:6 NKJV

 

 

If we genuinely followed this verse, we would avoid many mistakes in our lives. Paul mentions that we ought to live our lives in the same manner we accepted Jesus as our Savior.

 

We received Jesus Christ by fully placing our faith in His grace. We had no holiness to offer Him. We had not fasted, prayed, or read the Word. We came just as we were—sinners in need of His forgiveness and grace.

 

Some believers, after accepting Christ by faith, feel that God's response to them is based on their actions. They think their blessings in this world depend on how well they adhere to His standards. Instead of trusting in the faith and righteousness that Jesus provides, they find themselves striving to prove their worthiness for God's love. This mindset can lead them away from the assurance of their right relationship with Him.

 

We have nothing to prove about our worthiness. Our worth comes solely from Christ. Attempting to demonstrate our worthiness to God is self-righteous and does not reveal the righteousness we have received through Christ. Just as we received Christ by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we should continue to live our lives in the same way. This is the central message Paul communicated to the Galatians when they began to stray from the grace they had discovered in Christ.

 

"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh" (Galatians 3:1-3)?

 

We can never achieve perfection through our own actions. We did not receive Christ through our works. Having begun our journey through faith in Jesus, why do some believe that the value of their love for God lies in what they do for Him? The truth is, it is Christ's love that makes us worthy in God's eyes. However, faith without works is not true faith at all. We perform works for God because of what Christ has done for us, not to feel good about ourselves, looking to find a sense of peace and joy. We walk by faith in His gift of righteousness, knowing that we do not need to prove ourselves to God—Jesus has already demonstrated our worthiness, and He is our peace and joy. Understanding our righteousness in Him empowers us, and His grace fuels our journey. We love because He first loved us.

 

When you came to Christ for salvation, you did not earn it; instead, you placed your faith in what Jesus accomplished and received it as a gift. Colossians 2:6 states that we continue to receive from God in the same way. By putting our faith in Jesus, we continually receive His grace through that faith.

 

If we came to Christ for salvation through faith, why do we sometimes hesitate to approach Him for our other needs? Perhaps it's because we don't feel worthy of His love. Maybe we think that if we pray enough, fast enough, give enough, and do enough, God will respond to us.

 

We cannot do anything "enough" to move God to action. He has already addressed all of our needs through Jesus. We receive from Him through faith when we ask, knowing we will have what we have asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus earned the salvation that we cannot achieve on our own, and this salvation includes the healing, deliverance, and provision that we are unable to obtain. We cannot earn what Christ has already accomplished for us. Instead, we receive from God when we know that in Christ alone we are worthy. Our faith should rest on what He has done, not on anything we do.

 

Why would we ever turn the grace we receive through faith into works to earn God's love? Our attempts may make us feel good about ourselves for a while, but eventually, they will make us feel empty. Only Jesus fills the void. It is the Holy Spirit who produces good works within us. When we have nothing to prove because we know in our hearts that Jesus has made us righteous and that we are worthy in God's eyes, we surrender, trusting in the grace of Jesus. The change within will be manifested in our lives.

 

Just as you have received Jesus Christ, your Lord, now walk in Him.

 

 

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The Message of the Cross

Never lose sight of the true message of the Gospel. It is the message of the cross that frees people from the power of sin and liberates them from the sting of death. This message expresses the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, selflessly poured out for you on the cross.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The cross and resurrection of Jesus are central themes in the book of Acts and throughout the Epistles. Regardless of the topic discussed, every New Testament writer consistently returns to the message of the cross.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

The message of the cross not only redefines our relationship with God but also with the world. Not only were we set free from the power of sin, but we were also separated from the power of evil in this world. We were delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13).

On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished," referring to His fulfillment of the Law. This proclamation also marked the end of our bondage to the corruption of the world. Often, we focus only on the first aspect of this message, but the second is equally important! We are not only crucified to the world; the world is also crucified to us. Just as we consider ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11), we should view ourselves as dead to the evil that the world presents.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”(Romans 10:9).

When Paul states that confessing Jesus and believing that God raised Him from the dead will lead to our salvation, he is not only referring to being saved from the power of sin in the flesh or the constraints of the Law. He is also emphasizing salvation from the corruption found in the world.

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

This physical world will eventually be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-12), and all the things we have desired will cease to exist (1 John 2:16). However, those who follow the will of the Lord will live forever. This is why Paul encourages us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5).

To overcome this world, we must believe in our hearts that we are not only saved from the power of sin but also from the power of evil in this world.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, you have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God! Not only have you died to sin, but this world has also died to you. You have been delivered from all sin, sickness, and everything born of darkness that comes against Jesus, the Word, in you. The evil of this world has no power over you, except what you allow. Let the message of salvation redefine and transform you. Allow the resurrection power of the cross to completely free you from everything in this world that steals, kills, and destroys! Focus solely on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.

*******

“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward you who believe. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places, far above all principality, power, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (paraphrase of Ephesians 1:17-21).

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Are You Spiritually Healthy?

How do we know if we are spiritually healthy? 

When we understand that our born-again spirit has been made alive to God (Romans 6:11), is one with Him (1 Corinthians 6:7), and is the source of His love, peace, joy, and faith (Galatians 5:22-23), we gain the right perspective on life and demonstrate spiritual health.

Many Christians continue to live their lives based on their feelings, emotions, reasoning, and experiences. Do you draw your life from your born-again spirit or your soul (your mind, will, and emotions)? These two distinct options set the direction of our lives. One is of the Spirit and the other is of the flesh.

How can you know if you are truly walking with God in the Spirit?

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11).

A person experiencing fullness of joy and pleasures is dwelling in the presence of the Lord (Isaiah 26:3). They are truly walking in the Spirit. 

The Lord never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, He is always with us. However, we are not always aware of or focused on His presence. But when we continually direct our hearts toward the Lord’s presence, the fullness of joy and everlasting pleasures of Psalm 16:11 become real to our minds, wills, and emotions. God’s presence transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).

When Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11 in Acts 2:25-28, he placed Psalm 16:11 in the past tense. He said, “You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence” (Acts 2:28). Jesus has shown us the Father and revealed the truths of our relationship with God. He has fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore for us. Being in God’s presence means being at His right hand, where He reveals to us the fullness of all He has accomplished on our behalf. 

Now that His presence is within us, it can become our new reality.  Believers should be joyful and have God’s peace. Believers should be able to walk in love and forgiveness. These are signs of spiritual health. But when we continue to live from our feelings and emotions instead of drawing upon the presence of God, we hinder God’s grace from giving us His abundant life.

How you “see” all that you have—your resources, abilities, family, and relationship with God—will determine what it will be. The spiritually healthy see God’s increase and blessing in their lives. Those who see lack will have the lack they see.

Jesus saw five loaves and two fish, but He didn’t grumble about what was lacking. He chose to see more than enough to feed thousands. And Jesus is certainly spiritually healthy! When your heart focuses on lack, lack increases in strength. When your heart is healthy and focused on God’s grace and provision, His blessings find you.

Spiritually healthy believers possess peace, not a peace that relies on circumstances, but the peace of God, which enables them to navigate difficult situations without falling apart. Spiritually healthy believers can forgive others. They recognize the destructive work of bitterness and keep their hearts in the love of God. 

Spiritual health is available to you. If you are born again, it resides within you. Be renewed in your mind by God’s eternal truths (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23), actively draw upon God’s presence from within, and allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in you (Ephesians 4:24). The life of Jesus will manifest in you—spirit, soul, and body.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

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What You "See"

The storms of life occur. Some struggles and hardships may arise from past failures, while others are consequences of living in a sinful world. Health problems, deprivation, and trials can originate from various sources, but Jesus has addressed all on the cross. No matter what you are facing right now, your circumstances can change.

“. . . while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The answer to the storm you are facing lies in what you focus on. If you concentrate solely on your experiences, you become trapped in your emotions and are at the mercy of what they perceive and feel. However, all Christians have the capacity for spiritual vision. Paul implores us to concentrate on the eternal things that are “not seen” with our senses. 

To grow in our potential to “see” spiritually, we must learn to focus on the words of God, which are spirit and life (John 6:63). It is our choice to allow our senses to determine the direction of our lives or to choose God's promises.

Jesus faced this choice in His confrontation with the devil in the desert, where His senses were tested. After forty days without food, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Corinthians 2:16) were all used by the devil to tempt Jesus. Yet, even in a severely weakened state, Jesus quoted the Word of God, declaring three times, “It is written.” Jesus chose to “see” that what was written within Him was more formidable than His exhausting circumstances and the temptations of the enemy.

“Seeing” the “unseen” of God’s Word is just “seeing” God's promises as more real than your circumstances. The Word of God is eternal, while your situation is temporary. Your circumstances can change when your heart believes in God’s truth and you speak it. Jesus believed and spoke it. This is exactly how He defeated the enemy. 

You have God’s Word written on your heart, not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God (2 Corinthians 3:3). Do you allow His Word, His Spirit, and His Life to challenge what you “see?” When you believe and declare the Word, storms dispel, sicknesses heal, and circumstances submit to God’s truth. A calm, peaceful storm depends on what you “see” in your heart. 

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Jesus is the Author of Your Faith

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

—James 1:12-13; 4:7).

James 1:12 addresses the topic of temptation and the benefits of enduring through it. Some believers interpret this verse to suggest that God presents temptations and trials to lead us to redemption. However, James 1:13 clarifies that God is not the source of the temptations that may lead us to stray from Him. God is love and the creator of all that is good, while Satan is the author of everything evil. Satan uses temptation and trials to entice us into making choices that can ultimately lead to our destruction.

Temptations and trials will always arise, and there is incredible benefit in enduring them in a godly manner. However, these temptations and trials do not come from God. Believing that God sends evil to strengthen our faith may lead us to submit to these trials instead of resisting them (James 4:7). While we can grow stronger from the trials we face (James 1:2-3), it is essential to remember that our loving Abba Father is not the source of these hardships.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James wrote, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).

James 1:2-3 emphasizes that we should rejoice in our trials. However, these verses are often misinterpreted to suggest that God is the source of our trials. James 1:13-14 clarifies this misunderstanding. God never tempts us, nor does He abandon us. He is faithful and carries us through our temptations and trials. Therefore, we can rejoice in the midst of our challenges, trusting that God will bring us safely through them. Our belief in His inherent goodness strengthens us. As we stand firm in our faith, the valuable quality of patience develops within us.

The testing of our faith through temptation and trials produces patience within us. This concept is similar to what Paul expressed in Romans 5:3-4: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 

Paul indicates that tribulations produce patience, and James shows that patience comes from the Word. So, does patience emerge from our trials or the Word?

Patience is a type of faith that endures over time and is rooted in the Word (Romans 5:4, 10:17). However, patience must also grow and mature. Just as individuals learn a trade in school and refine their skills through practical experience, our faith and patience begin with the Word but are developed as we encounter life’s challenges.

Many Christians believe that God, their Abba Father, sends trials into their lives to help them grow and become more perfect. As a result, they often choose to accept these trials rather than resist them. While these challenges may tempt us to turn away from God, praising Him during our difficulties demonstrates our faith in His faithfulness. This perseverance allows us to rely on Him and develop greater patience.

It is crucial to our faith to understand the difference between the source of our temptations and trials and the source of our blessings (John 10:10). God does not tempt us (James 1:13). Instead, we must choose to submit to God and resist the enemy (James 4:7).

You can endure when you know you have God's power to resist. Look unto Jesus, the one who initiates your faith; He will ensure its faithful completion in your life (Hebrews 12:2). Submit to God, and the devil will flee. Your faith will flourish when you believe and trust in God's inherent goodness. In God's power, you shall overcome the devil’s temptations and trials that come against you in this fallen world.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

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Set Your Mind

 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.

—John 14:3-4

 

In the Upper Room the night before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke these words about heaven to comfort the disciples’ troubled hearts regarding what was to come. He was also sharing how He found encouragement during the darkest time of His own life. Jesus maintained His focus on the joy that lay before Him (Hebrews 12:2-3). Keeping our focus on eternity helps us place what happens in our lives into its proper perspective. 

 

“If our hope in Christ is only for this life,” Paul wrote, “we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world” (I Corinthians 15:19, NLT). 

 

This world is not our end. As Christians, we have heaven to look forward to. Heaven and its benefits will far outweigh all the worries we face here on earth (Romans 8:18). To keep the positive faith Jesus had and that He commands us to have, we must be heavenly-minded. 

 

“If then you were raised with Christ,” Paul wrote, “seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

 

How often are we consumed with what is happening now, rather than the joy of heaven that is to come? We must set our minds on things above! Jesus knew where He was going! His mind was set on heaven, so He could endure what was coming.

 

In John 14:4, Jesus told the disciples that they knew where He was going and how to get there. Thomas contradicted Him, saying, “We don’t know where You are going, and if we don’t know that, how can we know the way to where You are going?” 

 

Who was right, Jesus or Thomas? In John 14:6, Jesus explained to the disciples that He was going to His Father and that He was the only way for them to come to the Father. Jesus had previously told His disciples these things; they just failed to recognize the connection. If they had focused on what Jesus had already told them, they would have seen it. Similarly, we may not fully grasp something the Lord has said in His Word, but we should never contradict it, as Thomas did. It is perfectly fine to seek clarification, but we should never place our own understanding above God’s Word (Proverbs 3:5). Jesus is always right.

 

We cannot set our minds on something we question. Questioning the truths of God’s Word will certainly hinder our ability to overcome the struggles of this earthly life. We must focus on the Holy Spirit’s revelation of God’s Word rather than relying on our own understanding. While we live on this earth, heaven is our ultimate promise. Focusing on the joy that is to come can happen only through the Word sustaining us right now. 

 

If you set your mind on the things of this world, you will live according to its worries. But if you set your mind on the things of the Spirit, you will live according to heaven’s promise (Romans 8:6). Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be (Matthew 6:20-21).

  

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The Comforting Promise of Heaven

 

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

—John 14:2

Knowing that the disciples were about to face the worst catastrophe of their lives, Jesus told them, in John 14:1, not to let their hearts be troubled. He also explained how to prevent their hearts from being anxious by having faith in God. In John 14:2, Jesus provided them with further guidance on maintaining peace of mind. He immediately began to speak to them about heaven. 

How can heaven keep our hearts at peace?

Even if everything in this life is awful, as Christians, we always have the promise of ultimate victory in heaven. Whenever we think we see our hope in this world coming true, only to discover it’s yet another dead end, we can reflect on the great reward that awaits us in heaven. Contemplating heaven helps guard our hearts against being troubled. 

Jesus’s crucifixion was imminent. Although they were unaware, the disciples were about to face the most significant test of their faith. In John 16:1, part of the same teaching, Jesus explained to his disciples that he spoke these words to prevent them from being upset. He was preparing them for what lay ahead. 

Why did Jesus specifically speak of preparing a place for them in heaven? 

The reason is that Jesus sought to console his disciples and help them gain perspective. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, Paul encourages us to comfort one another with words about the Lord's coming to gather all His children to heaven. In Romans 8:18, Paul also states, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” 

Reflecting on the glory we will one day experience in heaven can provide great comfort now and make our trials feel less significant. Contemplating eternal life with the Lord also helps us gain proper perspective. When we face our problems, if we do not guard our hearts, we may succumb to fear and hopelessness. However, those of us who are born again—even in the direst circumstances—can still hold onto the promise of no more sorrow, crying, or pain, and that Jesus is preparing a home for us where death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). The promise of heaven inspires us and strengthens our faith.

John 14:2 assures us that in heaven, there are many places to dwell, and Jesus is preparing a specific one for us. While the use of the word “mansions” suggests that we will be extravagantly cared for, this verse does not specify what they will be like. Our understanding is currently limited, akin to looking through darkened glass (Corinthians 13:12). Yet, we can believe that what Jesus has prepared for us will be more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

No matter the incredibly difficult challenges you may face in this life, the promise of heaven awaits you. When you struggle to keep your heart at peace, placing your faith in the promise of heaven can bring you comfort. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you, and He is waiting for you. This promise should give you the strength and power to walk in victory in this life.  

 

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