Read: James 4-5; 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15
Paul says that the source of our struggles within ourselves and among ourselves is the fact that we are jealous of others blessings. The answer is to ask God for what you want yourself, but ask with the right motives. If it is just to give you pleasure then it is the wrong motive. Jesus is our example and everything he did was to bless others. If our motives are to bless others through what we have then we should ask for those things. If it is to show off our wealth then our motives are wrong. Paul calls this being a friend of the world. You can’t be friends with the world and a friend of God. To become a friend of the world is to become an enemy to God. We become a friend of God when we humble ourselves, repent of any wrong thoughts and obey God. He gave us his laws but they are for those who need discipline. If we follow after the Lord with all our hearts then we will obey them without trying.
God said that it is a sin to know what to do and not do it. We have a fancy name for that called the “law of omission.” It is the easiest to commit because somehow we can justify ignoring it or pretending we don’t see it. When we don’t do what God tells us to do we miss out on a great lesson or a great blessing. If the matter has to do with other people we struggle with getting involved in their lives. That is when we need to ask for God’s wisdom. If God prompts us to speak up then we have to speak up. If God prompts us to help, then we need to help. If we walk in the spirit then we will hear what the Lord tells us to do and do it. We won’t have to worry about sin or disobedience or judgment.
Paul warned against getting into meaningless discussions with people who don’t have the mind of Christ. It is not profitable to try to convince people of the gospel or your viewpoint. It is better to show them with your actions of love and your prayers.
Lord, we desire to worship you with clean hearts and pure devotion. Help us to walk in holiness and love.
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