Thursday, May 26, 2016

Luke 6:27-45 -- Obedience And Ministry

“Jesus assumed that anybody who lived for eternal values would get into trouble with the world’s crowd … Sinners show their hatred by avoiding us or rejecting us, insulting us, physically abusing us, and suing us.  This is something we must expect … We must love the, do them good, and pray for them.  Hatred only breeds more hatred, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”

“We must treat others as we would want to be treated … and we must imitate our Father in heaven and be merciful.  The important thing is not that we are vindicated before our enemies but that we become more like God in our character.”

Verses 39-45 teach us much about ministry, my commentary said.  “If we see ourselves as excellent guides, but do not realize our blindness, we will only lead people into the ditch… We cannot lead others where we have not been ourselves … The more we strive to be like Him, the more we realize how short we fall.  This is a warning against pride, for nothing blinds a person like pride.”

“We have to be honest with ourselves and not become hypocrites.  It’s easy to try to help a brother with his faults, just so we can cover up our own sins!”

“Fruit is always true to character … a good person produces good fruit, not evil.  Believers do sin, but the witness of their words and works is consistently good to the glory of God.”

“What comes out of the lips depends on what is inside the heart … We must be honest with ourselves and admit the blind spots in our lives, the obstacles that blur our vision, and the areas within that must be corrected.  Then we can be used of the Lord to minister to others and not lead them astray … We may have our faults and failures, but the steady witness of our lives will point to Christ and honor Him.”

Father, thank You for these ministry reminders.  Keep me keenly aware that You hold those who teach to a higher standard.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford

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