Follow The Plan

Good Morning,

Many people have the idea that every Christian can see, understand, and anticipate the same circumstances as others.  There is no area in life that is that way, so why should it be so with believers?  One Christian attends church faithfully, pays close attention to the preaching, reads their Bible privately, prays for wisdom and understanding, and in their daily life, seeks to honor God and gain His presence in their activities.  Another Christian attends church rarely, seldom reads their Bible, and lives day-to-day just as any other person.  Do people actually think the second person will have the same perception and insight into life and the work of God as the first?

Notice what Peter says:

2 Peter 1:9 "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

We can “lack” things that will cause us to be blind and not see “afar off,” even to the extent of forgetting we are saved. The child of God who diligently applies the truth to their life will see the opposite result.

2 Peter 1:8 “ For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

God offers eight elements to diligently apply to our lives that will give us a fruitful Christian life, clear vision, and guidance for the future: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.  These are byproducts of gaining the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:2-3)

Through these things, we are able to escape the “corruption that is in the world through lust.”  (2 Peter 1:4)

Do not think the casual Christian will discover equal victory with the diligent believer. This is no more true than a casual guest at the gym obtaining the same result as one who follows a rigid workout plan.  God gives us the plan, but it is our choice to follow.

Pastor