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As shared by pastor-evangelist, Rev. Don Schink,
© 2005
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Sonlight Ministries of New Mexico
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge
you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make
every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There
is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were
called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and
Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
As a prisoner, Paul experienced first-hand that a Christian can
live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in spite of outward
circumstances. No matter what happens
to a believer on the outside, he or she certainly can stand firm and faithful,
living worthily in line with God’s Word and His will, internally.
The believer’s calling is a truly high calling. It is a heavenly calling. It brings eternal results. Paul issues a call to humility, gentleness
and patience. All that we are and all
that we have in talents or possessions come from the Lord. We have nothing to brag about. All that we are is simply because of Who
Jesus is in our hearts and lives. So we
find the inner fortitude, driven by the love of our precious Savior and Lord in
the fullness of His Spirit, to bear with one another lovingly.
Paul stressed his concern for a continued spirit of unity. He went on to emphasize that there is one
body, one Spirit one hope, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all.
He is in charge. He loves
us. He cares for our deepest
concerns. We are one in the bond
of love.
So no matter what may be
happening in our own lives, today, God is greater. Are you imprisoned? Are
you held back by a handicap? Do you
feel captured by daily responsibilities that seem to prevent you from doing
other things that you’d like to be doing?
Outward circumstances
shouldn’t be allowed to dampen our inward spiritual condition. As one in the bond of Christ’s love, we need
to realize that we truly have a high calling, as Christians. Our mission is monumental, with eternal
results. We’re never alone! We’re one in Him. We’re one with one another in the body of Christ.
So as you continue to walk,
walk faithfully and confidently in the Lord.
Paul, in Philippians 1:5-6 stated our confidence is “5because
of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
This is true in our own hearts and lives. It is also true in those to whom we lovingly reach out to.
As we pray today:
1.
What
central truths stand out to you from today’s Scripture?
2.
Formulate
a basic plan to utilize these truths most effectively.
3.
Share
how these truths can enable you to share more effectively in your loving
outreach to others around you.
Please note:
You are welcome to share this Bible study in your local churches, but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!
With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,
Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist
Sonlight Ministries
Tijeras, NM
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