Tag Archives: discipleship

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:13-14, NIV)

To be clothed “with the Lord Jesus Christ” is as much of a choice for each of us as deciding what to wear each morning.

The “flesh,” represents all of the things that influence our choices: What to eat, what to drink, what to wear, where to live, what to drive, what to do to make a living. 

None of these things are bad, per se. In fact, Jesus acknowledged the necessity of food, water, clothing, and shelter in His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 6:25-34). 

Yet, each day we have the freedom to choose whether we will be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, choosing to have God feed both body and spirit; or, instead, devoting all of our attention to addressing our physical cravings, while neglecting the hunger of spirit that food cannot satisfy, that possessions cannot touch, and that money cannot buy.

Jesus said that we “do not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). Are our daily choices evidence of our belief in these words and the Person who uttered them — or in something (or someone) else?  – Luther

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“I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, ‘The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.”  (Ezra 8:22-23; 31, NIV)

As disciples of Jesus and children of the Most High God, do we “walk the talk”?

Today’s scripture text is a vivid reminder that the life of faith is a life of risk. 

By risk, I do not mean the kind of behavior where we put God to the test, as the devil tempted Jesus to test God during our Lord’s 40 days in the wilderness.  (Please click here for the biblical text.)  The disciple’s profession of faith in God is tested for its authenticity in a multitude of practical ways.  We should never test God; and we should never shirk opportunities for a front-row seat to see God’s acts measure-up to God’s promises.

Had the king offered Ezra an armed escort before Ezra had testified to his God’s faithfulness, it would have been reasonable for him to accept the king’s escort as Providence.  Yet, if we testify to God’s provision when we’re flush with cash or the picture of health; will we also stand-by our testimony when we have “more month than money,” or when our bodies are afflicted?  – Luther

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“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

God’s love for all of us is unconditional — particularly those who have no use for God.

The noted German pastor, Martin Niemoller (1982-1984) said: “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of my enemies. He is not even the enemy of His enemies.” The enemies of Niemoller’s reference were the Nazis. While he had good reason to hate Hitler and his ilk, Niemoller knew that for Christ’s sake, he had no excuse.

We must take to heart that if God chooses reconciliation with His enemies, we, too, must choose reconciliation with both our enemies and the enemies of God. 

Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians is a pointed reminder of God’s love for all persons; and our obligation to follow our heavenly Father’s example.  – Luther

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