Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after He had washed their feet. In order that they not forget the example of humility that He had given them, the disciples were told that happiness is not found in merely knowing these things but in doing them.
Let us look at four things Believers can do to ensure having a happier new year.
I. BELIEVE
A powerful, active faith will enable us to defeat discouragement and give us the strength to live victoriously in Christ Jesus. Our faith in His power to supply every need that we will have in this New Year will give us every reason to rejoice. Let us rejoice in the following evidences of His power to bless His children.
His power to save: “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:25
His power to strengthen: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
His power to protect:
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
His power to provide:
31 “So
don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink?
What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly
Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live
righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-34
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” Psalms 23:1
“And this same God who takes care of me will
supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
II. BEHAVE
II. BEHAVE
Someone once said: "What we do speaks so loud that others cannot hear what we say." And another true saying is “we may be the only Bible a person ever “sees”. For this reason, the Word of God places great emphasis on the believer living a Godly and Holy life. Our behavior should demonstrate Christ in the following areas.
In our daily life:
2 Don’t
copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a
new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s
will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
In our
witness before the world:
“…let
your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your
heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:16
In our church fellowship:
“so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Timothy 3:15
III. BEWARE
To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. The Word of God gives us ample warning to beware of certain and real dangers that confront us in our daily Christian life.
In our church fellowship:
“so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Timothy 3:15
III. BEWARE
To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. The Word of God gives us ample warning to beware of certain and real dangers that confront us in our daily Christian life.
(See
recent lesson: Spiritual Deceivers and Other Biblical Truths)
Of the
deception of men:
“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” Colossians 2:8-10
Of the trap of the devil:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Of our own self:
“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” Colossians 2:8-10
Of the trap of the devil:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Of our own self:
"Then
he (Jesus) said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of
greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15
IV. BELONG
It is impossible for anyone to be genuinely happy without a sense of "belonging". It has been said that "a man is not an island unto himself."
Every child of God can rejoice in the blessing of belonging to Christ and His church.
To Christ/God:
IV. BELONG
It is impossible for anyone to be genuinely happy without a sense of "belonging". It has been said that "a man is not an island unto himself."
Every child of God can rejoice in the blessing of belonging to Christ and His church.
To Christ/God:
“because
you belong to Christ…” Mark 9:41
“God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
And
maybe the greatest thing the Bible tells us about “belonging”: “….we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then
heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with
him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:16-18
To the
church:
“20 Together,
we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And
the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We
are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
22 Through
him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by
his Spirit”. Ephesians 2:20-22
“46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
And
finally do as Paul tells us: “16 Always be
joyful. 17 Never
stop praying. 18 Be
thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to
Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
