Prayer of the Mediator

I remember in elementary and high school back in the Philippines. On subject, English, we were tasked to write formal and non-formal theme. It's usually more than just one paragraph. The hardest thing to write is always the first sentence. After that, everything is almost automatic.

To Jesus, after long hours of silence, the first words were easy. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34 NIV

Things we can learn from Jesus's first word

 

Live by His Words.

Considering what He taught His disciples long before this moment, Jesus is living by His own words.

On forgiveness.

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 NIV

 

On anger.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, "Raca," is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:22 NIV

 

On reconciliation.

²³“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 NIV

 

On saving.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 NIV

 

Jesus did not let hatred and anger rule His heart, nor did He let it cloud His mission (to save mankind). He stayed on His mission even while suffering. As truthful as He is to His own teachings, His first words during His suffering on the cross were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

He was determined to save the unsaved.

 

Intercede for the unsaved.

Regardless of one's background, status in life, or view of who Jesus is, everyone deserves a chance to salvation. Remember, Jesus came so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Consider the people whom at that time, He was mediating for.

 

The witnesses.

People who witnessed (and perhaps received) miracles done by Jesus. Because of what's at stake, none of them were able to do anything for Jesus. At that time, whoever reacts against what was happening will also be crucified. It's a suicide to go against it.

 

The soldiers.

People who are just doing their job. They have no idea what was happening in respect to salvation.

 

The conspirators.

These are ones who planned to kill Jesus. They have been waiting for this day. When at least they thought, they will finally silence Jesus. (Of course from our point of view, we know what happened)

 

Jesus prayed on behalf of them all, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

To Him, it was clear, "they do not know what they are doing."

As ones who once did not know what they were doing, we must trust the Mediator, Jesus.

 

Trust in the Mediator.

We must not just trust. We must FULLY trust Jesus Christ.

He is the only qualified mediator between God and man.

⁵For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV

Back in heaven, He is interceding for us.

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34 NIV

This is how consistent He is. Whether in the form of a man or of a God, He intercedes on our behalf.

This is our God, our Savior! His name is JESUS!

Jesus has always been and will always be our only way to heaven. He is our redemption.

Our role as His followers is to share to others the Good News that He is THE WAY.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 NIV

He held on to this role even when it was not easy.

He exemplified what He taught us in John 16:33.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

 

Protection From Division

Christ's sufficiency covers even our reason for remaining united. We can express different opinions without tearing each other apart.

 

What binds us (Jesus Christ) should always be stronger than what might divide us (anything other than Jesus Christ).

The Word of the Lord says,

¹⁷I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. ²⁰The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:17-20 NIV

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:4 NIV

If you think about it, there has always been attempts to twist the truthfulness of God's Word.

What can possibly protect us from division?

Fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV

People who love the Lord, but do not fear Him fall into temptation. Those who have experienced backsliding, as they gave in to temptation, they still love the Lord. What they lost was fear of the Lord.

Let us look at this event that happened in the first century.

¹Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ²With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:1-2 NIV

What Ananias and Sapphira lost was not their love for God, but the fear of the Lord. They thought that giving only a portion of what they promised was enough. They must have thought the Lord would not mind. Yet, it was about love of money, which kills one's fear of the Lord.

Consider this. Married men or married women who commit adultery did not necessarily lose their love for their spouse, but the fear of it's effect on their relationship. They may even express their love for their legal spouse, but still commit things that endangers their relationship. That is how love and fear differ in function to a relationship.

Those who rebel against God and His church did not lose their love for God, they even put up their own church as a proof of that love. What they lost is the fear of the Lord whose Word teaches us to keep away from those who cause division.

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Romans 16:18 NIV

Sure, we love the Lord because He first loved us, but that does not mean we should not fear the Lord. Our fear of Him keeps us grounded to Him as the One who deserves reverence and worship, helping us stay away from division, and loving unity with our fellow believers.

As the verse says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Therefore, we need wisdom from the spirit.

Wisdom from the Spirit.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV

The Holy Spirit gives wisdom.

The Apostle Paul instructs the believers in Rome to be wise of what is good.

¹⁹Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:19 NIV

Obedience is good. No doubt about it. God desires it from His people. But be obedient and wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. This means do good things, not evil.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

Identify them but know what to do and what not to.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 NIV

One of the proofs that our wisdom is from the Holy Spirit is that we desire to gain knowledge of the Word.

3. Knowledge of the Word.

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

This we know about the main source of division:

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:17-20 NIV

It is the Bible that tells us that. Spend time studying God's Word.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Ephesians 5:6 NIV

Here is the thing though:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19 NIV

A person who has a genuine knowledge of the Word knows how to live by the Word. It is our guide as we live.

God's Word teaches us to be united, not divided.

As believers of Jesus, we choose to remain united through His Word, abhorring division.

²²I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23 NIV

³⁴“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

 

Delight in the Lord

 

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV

 While the Bible teaches, the heart is the most deceptive of all,

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

God will give its desires IF we "take delight in Him."

 There is no way we can fake delighting in Him because He knows all things - even those that are hidden from anyone's sight. He looks at our hearts.

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2 NIV

¹²For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

So when we say,

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 NIV

we can safely say that if we give God what we have, He can turn it into something great!

Imagine, even the most deceitful of all things, our heart can receive its desires IF we delight in the Lord!

God can make miracles with what we have IF we give it to Him.

 

Things we can learn from delighting in the Lord:

 

God's capable hands make the impossible possible.

Do not be afraid of having just a little because nothing is too small in the hands of God.

In John 6:1-13, Jesus fed the five thousand from a boy's 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and had some left over.

¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. ¹² When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” ¹³ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:11-13 NIV

God's hands are not only capable. They are powerful!

 

God's powerful hands turn the ordinary extraordinary.

Honor God with what you have and what you have will become something you never even thought possible. He says,

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

In 2 Kings 4:1-7, an ordinary small jar of olive oil turned into something extraordinary with God. It provided the widow and her two sons money to pay for their debts and to have budget for their entire lives.

She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” 2 Kings 4:7 NIV

Yes, God's hands are capable and powerful, but more importantly, they are loving.

God's loving hands keep the obedient blessed.

Receiving the desires of one's heart requires delighting in the Lord. Those whose delight is in the Lord obeys with all their hearts.

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Deuteronomy 28:1 NIV

 Partial obedience is disobedience. One must FULLY obey God. To the one who understands how much God loves him/her, obedience is not a problem.

In John 2:1-10, Jesus’ first miracle required the obedience of the servants. He gave the instructions, and they obeyed.

⁶Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. ⁷Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. ⁸Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so John 2:6-8 NIV

He did not only turn 6 stone jars of water into wine, He also saved the couple who just got married and their families from embarrassment.

How many times have the Lord did this for us? He saved us from embarrassment and from unnecessary pains.

This is what I believe - When we are serving God faithfully, obeying His commands, searching His will, yet we do not receive what we ask for in prayers, the Lord is protecting us.

When I was newly married, my wife had to go on a mission trip, her and the team she was with missed their bus. They had no choice but to call the team who will meet with them to let them know they will be late. They were able to catch the next bus. On their way, they saw the bus they missed, and it was burning. Had they ridden it, they would have injured themselves. The Lord protected them. It seemed negative when they missed it, but because of what they witnessed, they understand it was a blessing.

Under God's wings, Christ's sufficiency is the answer. Problem begins when we consciously step out of God's protection and still DEMAND that He bless us as if we are obedient to Him.

 

The truth is, Christ is the answer! He knows best even when we think we know ourselves more.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

Even seemingly odd situation is a blessing to those whose hearts delight in the Lord.

 

Fulfillment in Jesus

 Whether we realize it or not, one of human’s most serious problems is envy - we resentfully desire what we do not have, triggered by someone else's possession.

Our happiness and/or sadness should not depend on what others have compared to ours. When we do, we let ourselves in an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. Our happiness should depend on Jesus Christ.

¹⁰I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 NIV

In this passage, the Apostle Paul teaches us some very important lessons about contentment.

"Satisfaction over someone having less than what we have leads to pride."

Principles like, “I should be thankful because others don't have what I have.” or, “I will eat because in some parts of the world, there are people who have nothing to eat.” sound good on the surface. But notice how it depends entirely on others. I mean, what if you don’t have what they have, or if everyone in the world has something to eat? Will that forfeit your own happiness? The following passage is an epic example of finding your worth based on what other people don’t have.

¹¹The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” ¹³But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ¹⁴I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:11-14 NIV

 The antidote to this attitude is gratefulness for what the Lord has done, not what you had on your own.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Philippians 4:10 NIV

When we are grateful, there is no room for pride.

 

"Dissatisfaction over someone having more than what we have leads to anger."

This may be illustrated by how we feel about friends' social media post where you are not a part of.

Or when you have something to eat, but you still find a way to be upset by saying, “They have better food.” Or having a car but say, “My car is smaller than theirs.”

This type of attitude towards what others have can lead to anger and depression.

Remember the prodigal son? He had a brother. This is how he reacted when his father celebrated his younger son's return.

²⁹But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” ³¹“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:29-32 NIV

It's as if the father is saying, “This celebration was not meant to hurt you, but to celebrate the enlightenment of your younger brother.” Because that’s just what it is. It has nothing to do with him as a better or worse son. When we make things about us, it might lead to disappointment.

 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 NIV

When there is satisfaction in Christ, there is contentment.

 

"Contentment over Jesus giving more than what we deserve leads to fulfillment."

The secret to a fulfilled life is contentment.

Be content with what you are given.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 NIV

Enjoy the blessings - thank God for it.

Be patient in times of need - pray to God.

Let everything begin and end with God!

It is not wrong to work so you’ll earn money, just make sure you put God on top of your priority list.

Remember, the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 NIV

¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

If you depend on God for happiness, then you will always be content.

When we are complete in Jesus Christ, we become unaffected by what others have or do not have, and we become fully empowered by His grace and mercy.

Only then will we be able to declare,

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV

 

 

No Gray Area in Christ's Love

Most of the times, God's love is not the same as how the world defines love. In this generation where the meaning of the word, "love" has been perverted, we ought to always go back to the truth.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

 Because of God's love, Jesus Christ came for our salvation. The message of the cross is clear - if we repent from our sins and believe that Jesus Christ is the way so that we receive Him as Lord and Savior, we will be saved. In short, the believers are saved, the unbelievers are not. For some, this might sound inconsiderate and harsh, but that's just the truth. There is no gray area.

 

Outside Christ's Love

We are outside Christ's love when we do not even know about it.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 NIV

We are without strength, ungodly, unable to move, unable to help ourselves.

Even if we have all the courage, but without strength, one still CANNOT DO anything for his own salvation. But praise be to God,

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 NIV

Jesus Christ wants us to remain in His love. This is not possible IF we are outside His love.

Outside Christ's love, we are doomed to eternal death, but praise be to God who made a way for us.

 

Beside Christ's love

The closest we can get is only beside Christ's love if we do not acknowledge that it is the answer. The thing is, no matter how close "beside" is, it is still outside, not inside.

Whether we like it or not, Christ's love involves His death, which saved us from eternal death.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV

We were STILL sinners, but His death provided us a way out of our sinful lives.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV

 Notice the word, "while we were still sinners". This means there is a way out of being sinners.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

Jesus Christ is our way to eternal life. Without Him, there is no way out. There is no gray area.

His death served as our atonement so we may enter in His Kingdom.

Inside Christ's love

If we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we will be saved from eternal damnation. Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled with God the Father.

¹²Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 NIV

 Why did God the Father send Jesus Christ to save us? Because of His LOVE.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:10 NIV

Just Believe

It is impossible for one to come to Jesus and pray with faith, if one does not believe in Him.

• Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 NIV

³⁵While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” ³⁶Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” ³⁷He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴²Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:35-43 NIV

In this passage, there were unbelievers, there were believers (His disciples), and there were those ready and willing to believe (the parents). Notice how only those who believe saw the miracle right before their eyes. Those who did not believe Jesus' Word and those who laughed were sent outside.

If you desire unprecedented breakthrough, miracles, or even answered prayers, just believe.

Only those who believe enjoy what they witness.

• And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Matthew 13:58 NIV

 

Although the term, Believe might mean different to different people, the Bible got us covered.

 

Believe now.

“Believe now” is for unbelievers.

• Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12 NIV (emphasis added)
• ⁹If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 NIV (emphasis added)
• ²²“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” ²³“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” ²⁴Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” ²⁵When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” ²⁶The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. Mark 9:22-27 NIV (emphasis added)

The father immediately turned around and believed that Jesus can after Jesus pointed him to the right direction. In a way, Jesus told him to “believe now.”

Unprecedented breakthrough is possible to those who believe. To God, everyone has an equal opportunity to decide.

 

Believe still. 

Believe still is for believers who sometimes still doubt. It is for those who just simply accepted that maybe it is not God's will for them to receive what they prayed for. It is for those who thought they already know it all and there is no need to keep on growing in the knowledge of God.

⁵When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁷Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:5, 7 NIV

• Jesus taught Philip and His disciples to always come to Him for all things. In a way, He reminded them to “believe still” even on (or specially on) things that seem impossible, such as feeding five thousand with 5 loaves of bread and two fish.

 

⁸Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” ⁹Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. ¹¹Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:8-11 NIV

• Jesus reminded Philip of the things He already taught him and all His disciples – that He and the Father are one. He reminded him that it does not change, that he must believe still.

 

On second coming of Jesus

• "I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29 NIV

Jesus reminds His disciples to keep on believing that He will come back the second time.

¹⁴When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:13-17 NIV (emphasis added)

• He led them to professing His divinity. We need this as believers – to never stop believing that Jesus is God.

Few moments later, He is calling Peter, Satan!

• ²¹From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. ²²Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” ²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” ²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:21-24 NIV (emphasis mine)

Even us, believers must be reminded to believe. To trust that no matter what the situation is, if it is part of God’s plan, we must hold on and believe that He is at work. We must trust God above our own instinct, wisdom, knowledge and capability. Acting otherwise makes us more like Satan, not Christ.

This is why we read the Bible even if we have read it before.

• If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 NIV

We must make sure we strengthen our faith through God’s Word. We must make sure we remain in Jesus and that He remains in us.

 

Believe again.

Believe again is for backsliders, for those who stopped believing God because of other Christians, and for those who slipped away without even noticing it.

• “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God." Jeremiah 3:22 NIV

The prodigal son had to experience what it is like living without the covering of his father. This led him to go back. To be clear, the parable is a picture of what God does when one of His people backslides – He waits for their return.

• ¹⁷“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 NIV

He ran towards him, so that the son did not have to say the lines he rehearsed. He was accepted back without questions. What a great picture of what God desires when His child/ren backslides!

 

To those who may have lost hope.

• ⁴When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” ⁵Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” ⁶When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:4-6 NIV

Peter and his companion had to try again, but this time, at the word of Jesus (the creator and owner of the sea and the fish), and they did have the catch. All they did was try again at His Word.

 

God does not change.

• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV

His calling for us remains.

• for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NIV 

Whether we believe Him or not, He remains who He is.

If we cease to believe, He is who He is.

If we choose to go back to Him, He is still who He is.

 

Believe again.

Experience Him again.

 

To receive unprecedented breakthrough, one must believe.

 

“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes. Mark 9:23 NIV

 

Moving Forward

In life, we don't just start right. We move forward.

What does “not moving forward” look like? For believers, it is turning back to sin, using freedom for sin, and even getting oneself unoccupied.

Only walking by the Spirit can make us move forward.

·        ¹⁶So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

 

How do we walk by the Spirit?

Be consistent with God

When we are inconsistent with our relationship with God, it becomes easier for the enemy to take us out. At times, this is more obvious to others than from oneself. We call it backsliding.

Believers recognize when someone is turning away from the truth.

• As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Proverbs 26:11 NIV

How do we guard ourselves from backsliding?

Have a regular moment with the Holy Spirit. Meditate His Word.

• All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

Remember, God gave us freedom from sin.

• It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV

When we are intimate with God, the Holy Spirit does what He does best. He teaches us, He reminds us, He guides  us.

• But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV

 

Be steadfast with Jesus.

Using our freedom so that we may sin is just the same as turning back to sin. It happens when we believe we still glorify God even when we live in sin.

Sadly, this is just the same as justifying sin.

• You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 NIV

 If we  keep justifying our sins, there will come a time when we cannot control sinning itself anymore.

• For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18 NIV

How can we fight it?

Remain in God. There is no way you will be right with God if you are far from Him.

• If   you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 NIV

Seek His will. Remember, going in the direction of His will is the best thing. He is the God who does even the impossible. He  makes a way even when there seems to  be no way.

• your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 NIV

Love His people.  How others act is sometimes used as a reason to stop doing what we do for God. Loving them can stop this, and can keep us on track, moving forward.

• ³⁴“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

 

 

Be persistent with the Holy Spirit.

Being unoccupied is just the same as not moving forward. It is also the devil’s device to keep us from doing anything that glorifies God.

Laziness is a devil’s device.

• ⁴³“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. ⁴⁴Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. ⁴⁵Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45 NIV

When our lives are UNOCCUPIED, the evil spirit that left when God saved us will try to go back in with more spirits.

 

What do we do so that our lives are occupied by the Holy Spirit?

Be persistent. Do what satisfies the Spirit, not the flesh.

• ¹⁶So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NIV

Meet with God regularly. Pray, fast,  share Jesus, enjoy His presence.

• Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 NIV

Meet His people. Meeting with God’s people has its benefits for the believers, plus it is biblical.

• As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV
• not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV

 

While it is true that it will not always be easy to follow Jesus, it is also true that the Holy Spirit takes care of us as along as we remain in Jesus, and His Word remains in us.

 

When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in us. Therefore, it is best to continue serving Jesus by walking in the Spirit. It’s the only way to move forward and not turn back to our old nature.