Un-Clear Instructions

Up-Dated - Thursday, July 14, 2011

Sometimes we receive instructions which are perfectly clear to the speaker, but not so clear to the listener.

Illustration
Joe drives a truck and is was broke with a load of 500 penguins.  John drives, too and stops to help.  Joe asks if John could take the pilgrims to the next town to the zoo.  John agrees and Joe gives him a sum of money to cover expenses.

Finally Joe gets the truck repaired and heads down the highway.  He arrives in the next town and sees John and 500 penguins crossing the street.  He stops and inquires.  John tells him they have been to the zoo and are now on their way to see a movie.

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Make it clear.
Many are told that now that they are saved follow the Lord.  Without much more explanation the new converts will probably falter.

Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

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Why just go through the Trials and Tribulations?
Suffering by itself does nothing for us.

1. Suffering for Christ brings us closer to Him

Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

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2. Suffering for Christ assures us we belong to Him

1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

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3. Suffering for Christ brings knowledge of future rewards

Rom 8:17 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.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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4. Suffering for Christ results in others coming to Him

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

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5. Suffering for Christ frustrates satan.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Pastor James Leinneweber
Heritage Baptist Church
Bulverde, TX
www.HBCWorship.com

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