Last week: ““And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.””
First, that Jesus’ life won’t be absent hardship and suffering.
And second, we should know that believing and following in the way of Jesus doesn’t make life simple and easy.
Jordan Peterson frames the reality of life: “Life is suffering. The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to find something that sustains you in spite of suffering.”
John 16:33
Luke 3:1-20
First, our Christian faith is not a mystery religion with mythical, fantastical stories.
The second beautiful truth is that those holding the reins of power are delusional if they think they determine the course of history.
History is directed by God leading to an appointment under the authority of His sovereign will.
Third, while tyrants gonna tyrant, God calls and equips His people in a different way.
Matthew 26:52
Ephesians 6:17
1 Corinthians 1:25
The fourth beautiful truth reveals the collision of methods of ruling in the world.
Luke 9:51-56
Luke 22:47-51
THE CHURCH SHOULD NOT SEEK TO ACHIEVE ITS SPIRITUAL GOALS THROUGH POLITICAL POWER OR VIOLENCE.
Eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ is more important than anything this world has to offer.
WE TURN FROM IDOLS TO THE ONE TRUE GOD.
Shane Pruitt puts it: “There is no version of Christianity that permits you to continue sinning just because of God’s love for you. TRUE LOVE INSPIRES TRUE OBEDIENCE.”
LET’S ALL WORK TOGETHER ON THAT LIFESTYLE WHICH SIGNALS TO THE WORLD THAT OUR TREASURE IS IN HEAVEN.