MATTHEW 11:1-15

INTRODUCTION:

The world is a beautiful place and has always kept its aesthetic beauty since its creation. Although, it is alive and strong, it still has matters that are of worthy concern. The concern being the Earth’s inhabitants, the humans. The humans over their existence on this planet have descended into carefree, lascivious behavior. This behavior prompted God to implement a plan that would allow humans to escape condemnation because of the depts of unrighteousness. This is the plan of salvation which begats who the bible calls a Christian. A sworn, obedient follower of Jesus Christ, The Savior.

Generations later, Christ is on the scene and the throws of society are peaking for an Empire controlled world. Social Standards are set by the wealthy and the powerful. Many normalized behaviors that fit into categories that God has deemed as dangerous and spiritually restrictive in nature. Jesus brings this out when he vents about his cousin, John, who is unfairly imprisoned because he spoke the truth. How would this understanding, impact your view of youtself as a Christian in your society?

 

LESSON THOUGHT: CHECKING THE SITUATION

Further inquiry:

What should we know/understand about society?

·         The descending morality in the world will possibly get lower…and eventually start to cave in on itself. Anyone in any social structure will be affected by the downfall.

·         This includes Christians. We have to understand what we stand for and be ready for any time we may have to be firm in our stance.

·         We should know and understand that laws that affect our livelihood as Christians are present and more are coming.

What WE Christians must focus on is self-empowerment through the scriptures. Not self-empowerment that propels us higher into social constructs. Christian empowerment is advancing one’s confidence, courage, knowledge, and practice of our faith – through scriptural learning then active obedience. This must be a daily endeavor so that we can be pleasing to God. What can the Christian do to empower themselves in God.

There are certain actions we can take for empowerment, plus different understandings to get. Christians should be motivated to strengthen ourselves spiritually, emotionally, psychologically for our journey. I have provided a quick read manual for you to take some instant gems for yourself on a daily basis.

Key instructions in the manual:

1.      Daily Self Maintenance

2.      Authentic Presentation

3.      Strong Conviction

 

Self-Maintenance

·         Study - Read the bible every day.

·         Prayer regiment - Pray for yourself every day. And others

·         Support - Choose a Christian you can talk to and confide in about deep concerning issues.

·         Inventory - Repent each day and strive for corrective progress.

·         Education - Learn God’s word, trust it, obey it, and share it.

 

The Christian Presentation

·         Conduct yourself as a Christian to protect Christ’s legacy.

·         Living a wholesome life and giving no one any reason to see us any different.

·         Be authentic and transparent – do not "fake it til you make it". Instead - "Be Real Until".

·         Careful consideration and caution with our presence and participation.

·         Be bonded/sworn to only the righteous. Not any esoteric groups like fraternities, sororities, masons, etc.

·         Make it a practice that you present yourself as THE Person who is willing to do ONLY what is right and Godly. Never compromise morality or spirituality.

 

A Soldier for Jesus

·         Hold your head up and be proud – while others are proud to sin….you be proud to live righteously.

·         Be bold because you are a servant of Christ. While others love to mimic the devil….you show them the experience of being around someone who is like Christ.

·         Do not be feeble or fearful about things sinners do….instead let them see you unbothered….with that peace that defies all understanding!

·         Exercise your rights as a citizen to protect your rights to be spiritual and peaceful.

·         Do not look away from danger….be brave and fear no one or no thing when you must act on what is right.

 

Christians can do well at being a Christian. Christians can excel at obeying God, too. We can be well in our confidence as Christians. When we make the intentional efforts to please God, we will naturally get better at living a righteous life and certainly grow more spiritually.

Let’s show our God that we are willing…and He will show us that He is able.