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Category Archives: Spiritual Walk

Joy In Trials

I’m continuing my posts through Peter’s first letter. He’s been writing about the hope that we have in Christ. In my last article we saw how this hope shields us through faith in Christ. Peter continues that thought.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

This truth is seen all through the Bible. It’s one of those teachings that we don’t want to hear. The fact of the matter is that we will all face trials and challenges.

Yet in spite of all this we can walk in the joy of the Lord. It’s also good to know that in those trials our faith being perfected.

In all of this, Peter understands that there’s a problem we face.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

The problem is that we don’t see the Lord. Because we can’t see Him, we must operate by faith. We have to trust in His Word to us.

Of course, faith always has a goal. Our goal is to see God’s life-changing power at work in us. Because we look to this goal by faith, it inspires hope – expectation – in our hearts.

As we continue to walk with Christ, we learn more about His ways. This causes us to love Him more and more.

So actually, the trials of life are foundational to our spiritual growth. They produce faith, hope and love in us as we continue to look to the Lord. These are the three essentials that we can’t live without if we want to live a life pleasing to God.

Of all the apostles, Peter had the best handle on this. When it came to persevering under trials, there was no one else like him. When Paul and Silas were in jail they had to start singing to keep their spirits up. When Peter was in prison, chained between two guards, he actually fell asleep!

The question is; how can I rejoice in trials? That question brings us back to where Peter started with this subject. The secret is back in verse 3.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

We’ve been given a living hope, an expectation of what God’s going to accomplish in and through us. It’s this living hope that causes rejoicing in the trials. The prophet Jeremiah understood this truth.

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.

Jeremiah 17:13 NIV

He knew that the hope of Israel was the Lord, as the spring of living water. Israel missed it. I don’t want to miss it. It’s clear from the above verse that the Lord’s mercy gives birth to a Living Hope. Our hope and joy are birthed in His mercy.

Question: How has placing your hope in Christ changed your outlook?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 19, 2025 in Faith, Spiritual Walk

Tags: faith, hope, joy, power of God, shield of faith, testing, trials

The Hope of Our Inheritance

17 Feb

I’ve been posting from First Peter about the living hope we have in Christ. In my last post I talked about how the Lord’s mercy brings about hope in us through the resurrection of Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you…

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

So far we’ve seen that this hope is birthed by mercy through the resurrection of Christ. But we also need to see that this living hope brings us into an inheritance.

The fact is that this hope points to an inheritance that we didn’t deserve. There was nothing we could have done to lay hold of it. It was all a work of Jesus Christ for us.

In the above verse there are three “nots” associated with this inheritance.

First of all, it does not perish or decay. Praise God! That means that my inheritance in Christ is not affected by inflation.

It also says that it will not spoil. That means that it will not become soiled or dirty. It will always remain pure and new to us.

Finally, our inheritance will never fade. That means that it will never be used up or become worthless over time. Nothing on this earth meets those criteria. That’s why our hope, our treasure, is in Christ alone. I can always look forward to His blessing in my life.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

It’s because of this hope of the inheritance that we can work for God with all our heart. But there’s more. The above verse from Peter doesn’t end there. He says that this inheritance is kept in heaven for us…

…who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:5 NIV

Yes, we are birthed by mercy, through the resurrection, into an inheritance; but this living hope shields us by God’s power. I don’t need to remind you about the shield of faith. It keeps us secure in times of trial.

But it’s fed by the living expectation that’s fresh and new every morning. Paul puts it this way…

…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time…

Titus 1:2 NIV

Paul mentions both faith and knowledge in this verse. Faith is our trust in God’s Word; while knowledge is what we have once our faith has been proven. It’s through these that we can rest on the hope of eternal life.

…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

It’s this hope of eternal life that gives us joy in the trials that we face. This is because we know that the Lord is going to show up and work on our behalf. Never give up your hope; it will be richly rewarded.

Question: How has God proven Himself in your life?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 17, 2025 in Power of God, Spiritual Walk

Tags: Christ, Heaven, hope, inheritance, Jesus, resurrection, spiritual heirs, spiritual reward

Born Into a Living Hope

14 Feb

In my last few posts, I talked about Peter’s introduction to his first letter. He started by telling us as leaders, who we are in the world. We’re strangers, scattered, and chosen. Now he begins his message to us.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

He starts by offering up praise to the Lord. The reason he gives is because we’ve been given birth into a living hope. That’s an incredible gift.

It’s clear to see that this living hope is given through the resurrection. Our hope could never be alive if not for the resurrection. If God could raise Christ, then I can be raised as well.

Peter also declares to us that the living hope we receive is birthed in God’s mercy. But we need to really understand this.

The problem I find is that many believers have no concept of what God’s mercy is. In our society we think of it as a “free pass” for something wrong that we’ve done. God can’t operate like that.

Every sin has to be paid for. That’s why Jesus had to go to the cross. Every sin, no matter how small it seemed, had to be laid upon Him.

Mercy is a whole different matter. If you do a word study of how mercy is used in Scripture, you’ll find a rich truth.

In actuality, mercy is the favor God shows to His obedient children. I’ve taught on this in the past. For the detailed teaching on the mercy of God, click here.

This truth was brought out in the book of Hebrews.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

If I’ve been disobeying the Lord, then I definitely don’t have confidence in approaching His throne. But as I obey Him, He births in me a living hope. It will never die and never go stale. According to the Old Testament, His mercies are new every morning. This is something that helped the apostle Paul face his many trials.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV

In Christ we have a hope that’s birthed, brand new, each day. Why does God have to give us fresh hope each day? It’s important because…

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12 NIV

This verse literally says that old hope wears out your heart. So God keeps His hope alive and fresh each day if you’re walking obediently before Him.

That’s good news. Not only did Jesus take my sin with Him to the cross, but He rose from the dead as well. That proves that He has the power to accomplish His will in my life. This should inspire a fresh hope in us each day, as we spend time in His presence – before His throne.

Question: How does the Lord’s mercy and hope affect you?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 14, 2025 in Encouragement, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

Tags: Christ, Jesus, living hope, mercy, mercy of God, resurrection

Chosen for a Purpose

12 Feb

We’re now studying the book of 1 Peter. For the last couple of posts I’ve been talking about Peter’s opening remarks. They are very eye-opening.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV

I’ve talked about the fact that he is writing to the elect; aliens, scattered throughout the world. Today I want to emphasize that we are chosen. That word chosen means selected, hand-picked, or favorite.

Why has God chosen us? The answer is simply because we responded to His call.

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:14 NIV

We are all invited – called – but chosen means that you responded and put yourself in the position of being selected. I talked about that in my first post of this series. Now we’ll take it a step further.

The Apostle Peter described this truth in the verse we looked at above. He said that we were chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father. Then we were sanctified by the working of the Holy Spirit in us.

That, in and of itself, is great news. But he didn’t stop there. He had to put in that tough little word – “for”. That changes everything. That means that there was a reason for all that He did. It can be summed up in one word – purpose.

It turns out that we are strangers, scattered and chosen for a purpose. What is that purpose? According to Peter, the purpose is obedience to Christ.

That word obedience literally means to hear under. You could also call it attentive listening. If I’m an alien, then I must listen to MY King. Being scattered in the world I have to listen for the Lord’s special instructions for me.

If I’m chosen, then I need to listen to the one who chose me. We must listen carefully and follow His instructions. If we don’t, then things will start to go wrong.

The problem is that listening requires time in the Lord’s presence. We live in a fast paced world. We look for the quick fixes. How can I get it done immediately?

The truth is that there’s no technology that can speed up the development of relationship. The only way is by spending time. Whether it’s with another human, or the Holy Spirit, I have to take the time necessary to get to know them. This fact will never change.

I am a stranger, an alien, to this world. I am scattered to be salt. I am chosen by God to obey Him. Therefore, I must listen attentively.

We need these attitudes if we’re going to be effective for Christ. Only then will we see a difference in the world around us. The world is desperately waiting for a church that knows who they are in Christ.

Question: How have you made a difference for Christ in the lives of those around you?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 12, 2025 in Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

Tags: chosen by God, hearing from God, Holy Spirit, listening, obedience, purpose

Resident Aliens

07 Feb

In my last post I started a new series in 1 Peter. We are now continuing through this book.

Peter wrote to the churches that he was in relationship with. His desire was that they experience God’s grace and peace in abundance. As I said in my last post, the desire of the Holy Spirit was to use these writings to raise up godly leadership in the church.

The question is; how do we walk in this? In this verse Peter shows us the foundation. It’s how we view our walk with God. The first thing he mentions is that we are strangers in this world. The word strangers literally means aliens alongside, resident foreigners. There’s a verse in the book of Hebrews that said almost the same thing.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
Hebrews 11:13 NIV

These saints confessed that they were aliens in this world. We need to pick up this same mindset. I do not belong to this world. I live by a different set of rules. I live on a different level.

You may not know this about me, but I’m a Sci-Fi geek. I love TV shows and movies with a Science Fiction theme. One of the major types of shows revolves around aliens.

There are two kinds. The first involves aliens that try to take over by force. That’s not what I’m talking about. The second is the group of aliens that infiltrate society and look just like the humans around them. They hold down a job, go to school, and act like all the humans they come in contact with.

But there’s more to their story. They have a different agenda. They have a goal that’s bigger than society around them. Their goals were set by a government that’s not of our world. Why am I talking about all this Science Fiction stuff?

The answer is simple. As Christians we’re supposed to be living it. We belong to a government – a kingdom – that’s not a part of this world. We have an agenda that’s so much bigger than just getting the highest paying job that we can. It’s more than getting degrees and fame.

We’re to be preparing society for the biggest takeover that could ever be imagined. Jesus Christ is returning to establish His kingdom. It’s up to us to get everything ready for that day.

Our priorities should be different than the rest of the world. Who’s in power, the economy, the weather; all these things interest me and I need to understand them, but they don’t determine what I do. It’s the Holy Spirit that I ultimately answer to.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4 NIV

Scripture makes it clear that our loyalties are above. We are to live as aliens and strangers to this world system. Only then will we see the grace and peace of God working abundantly in our lives.

Question: In what ways have you experienced an “alien lifestyle”?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 7, 2025 in Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

Tags: lifestyle, the world, walk with God

Usefulness

29 Jan

We’re continuing our walk through Paul’s letter to Philemon. As we saw in my last post, Paul is making an appeal to Philemon on behalf of his former slave, Onesimus.

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Philemon 10-11 NIV

Onesimus was saved under Paul’s ministry. As he grew and matured, he began to work with Paul.

At this point we can see how the apostle uses the language in a very creative way. First of all, you need to know that the name, Onesimus, literally means useful. It comes from a root word that means to gratify or derive an advantage from.

Obviously, owning a slave gives you an advantage. You get free labor at some else’s expense.

Then Paul said he was useless but now has become useful. The apostle found Onesimus useful in the ministry. Not as a slave, but as a partner in the Lord’s work.

This is a different word for useful. It’s a compound word; good and employed. Onesimus was profitable to Paul in his ministry.

But, more than that, Paul says that Onesimus is not just profitable to him. He has also become profitable to Philemon. How could that be the case?

I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.

Philemon 12-13 NIV

Paul makes it clear that he views Onesimus as taking Philemon’s place in the ministry. But he also makes something clear that we don’t see very well in our English translation. I believe that the Berean Literal Bible is closer to the original in this section of Scripture.

…whom I was wishing to keep with myself, so that on behalf of you he might serve me in the chains of the gospel.

Philemon 13 BLB

If you remember, twice Paul has called himself a prisoner of Christ in this letter. Now he’s saying that Onesimus only traded one slaver for another. A more profitable one. He is now a fellow prisoner of Christ with Paul. They are both in the chains of the Gospel.

Think back to Paul’s quote in my last post.

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

1 Corinthians 7:22 NIV

Under Paul’s ministry, Onesimus willingly placed himself back into slavery to Christ. More than anyone else, he knew what that meant. He had to have an unquestioning loyalty for the Lord’s plan for his life.

That brings me to a question I have to ask myself regularly. You need to ask it as well. Have I taken upon myself the attitude of a slave toward Christ?

Too often I’ve heard prayers that sound like God is the slave and we are the masters. Be careful not to fall into that trap.

It is beyond question the benefits of serving Christ are incredible. He does over and above all we could ask or think. But we have to remember that He is Lord, and we are not.

Question: How well do you see yourself as a servant of Christ?

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Posted by Revzacc on January 29, 2025 in Spiritual Walk

Tags: Christ, Jesus, master, servant, slave

Working for Christ

09 Feb

We’re continuing through the book of Colossians. Paul is winding down to his conclusion. He has talked about relationships in the home. Now he goes to the workplace.

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Colossians 3:22 NKJV

First of all, let me say a word about slavery. There are those who wrongly accuse the Scripture of condoning slavery. This is not an accurate view.

At the time this was written, slavery was a normal part of society. It existed either by forced slavery, or with some, a voluntary slavery to pay off a debt.

The Scripture acknowledges the existence of slavery. Here, Paul writes to show the attitude needed to serve Christ if someone found themselves in that position.

The teaching against this institution is found in the letter to Philemon. But I’ll get to that in some future posts.

For now, we can apply this teaching to the employer-employee relationship. In most cases, workers are under a contractual obligation to work certain hours for a certain amount of money. Like it or not, that’s a form of voluntary servitude.

If you notice, I didn’t use my normal translation for the above verse. That’s because it leaves out an important phrase that’s in the original.

That phrase is, according to the flesh. There’s a qualification to us obeying those over us in all things. If I’m ordered to do something that’s against my spiritual nature, I don’t have to obey.

That being said, there’s more to it than simply being disobedient. I should first try and reason with my boss about an alternative way to accomplish their goals. It’s all about attitudes.

That’s especially true as Paul talks about not just doing good work while I’m being watched. I need to understand that I represent Christ. I’m under the Lord’s watchful eye all the time.

Colossians 3:23-25 NIV

We live with the knowledge that ultimately, our rewards (or lack thereof) come from the Lord. Christ is the One that we’re truly working for.

There may be some things that I can get away with here on earth. My natural supervisor only sees so much.

But my heavenly Supervisor is on a whole different level. I know that He’s with me at all times, in all things. Christ is the person who I’m really trying to please. That knowledge should spur me on to my best work.

Of course, employers don’t get a free pass.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 NIV

We all need to bring this understanding with us into the workplace. We are Christians not just at home or in church. We represent Christ in every environment or position we find ourselves in.

Question: How well do you represent Christ in your workplace?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 9, 2024 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk

Tags: employee, employer, obedience, working for Christ, workplace

In the Name of Jesus

05 Feb

We’re continuing through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He about to wrap up a section where he talked about our corporate walk as the body of Christ on earth.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Think about what Paul says in this short statement. Do everything in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t matter if it’s speaking, doing the dishes or driving the car. We must do it all in His name.

Many believers don’t know what this means. When we talk about “in Jesus’ name”, it’s usually in regards to prayer. Most of us use the formula of tacking on “…in Jesus’ name, amen.” at the end of our prayers.

Actually, doing things “in Jesus’ name” is part of a lifestyle of service to God. We need to see it as more than just a last line for a prayer. It means living our lives as if Jesus Himself were living through us.

We sometimes get the idea that Jesus only wants to be involved in the religious parts of our lives. That kind of thinking couldn’t be more wrong. We are, by nature, spiritual beings. We carry the spiritual with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

The challenging part is learning to cultivate the spirit no matter what the activity. That’s the goal of these posts. I want us to see our daily activities in a new light. We are representatives of Jesus Christ.

But, we also need to realize that it’s not always an easy assignment. The name of Jesus Christ is becoming more and more hated throughout society. You can talk about anything else, but not the Lord.

We need to come to the realization that it’s not us that the hatred is aimed at. It’s the name of Jesus that’s the target. We just happen to be the bearers of that precious name.

There’s a reason why this is the case. The ruler of this present age hates that name. He knows that his time is short and that soon the King will come to take His rightful place.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

This is the reason that society hates that name. They may not know why this is so. There’s just an underlying move to do away with its impact on the lives of individuals. This even includes using this name as a swear word to try and water down its power.

The good news is that the name of Jesus Christ will never be defeated. It’s the name that’s above all other names. For us, it’s all that we need.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

The same name that’s so hated in society is our greatest victory. If we will hold fast to that name, we’ll have the power we need to stand strong in the faith.

I don’t have to fear what’s ahead. The future may be uncertain, but I know the One who has already been there. If I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, then I have nothing to fear, and everything to gain.

The more time you spend in the Lord’s presence, the more power you’ll receive to walk in the fullness of that name. Then you’ll be a clear representative of Christ to the world around you.

Question: How has the name of Jesus changed your life?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 5, 2024 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

Tags: Christ, Jesus, name of Jesus, power of attourney, power of God, representing Christ, spiritual victory

Singing Together

02 Feb

As we’ve been going through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, we see that he’s talking about our spiritual relationships. The Apostle is exhorting us to be led by the Holy Spirit in our dealings with each other.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

As we allow the Spirit to engraft God’s Word in us, it begins to overflow and brings glory to God in our meetings. Singing is one of the greatest ways to praise the Lord. It shows our gratefulness to Him.

There are two main ways that we can focus our singing. The first is probably the most obvious.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalms 96:1-2 NIV

Our music can be directed toward God in the praise of His glory. This is an important part of our relationship with the Lord. Singing His praises transports us into His presence.

I get so upset when believers view the praise and worship time as merely the “warm-up act” for the pastor’s preaching. Nothing could be further from the truth. As we sing praise and thanksgiving to God, we’re brought into a deeper spiritual place. We become more open to the move of the Holy Spirit.

Praising God in song is an important part of a spiritual walk.

The second aim of music may surprise some of you.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…

Ephesians 5:19 NIV

Our music can be directed toward each other. There are many people (and I used to be one of them) that dislike the use of songs that are not directed toward God. This verse clearly shows the necessity of both types of music.

There are times when we need to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another. Why is that so important? Look back at the verse we started with.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

It’s through music that the Word of Christ can live richly in you. Singing music that’s directed at each other is a form of teaching and admonishing. As we sing, we learn.

This is an incredible truth. When my children were small, they learned all the states and their capitals because they were put to music. How much more important is it to get the Word into our hearts?

Through music, the Word of Christ can enter our lives and stay with us. That’s why I’m so adamant about not singing songs that contain bad doctrine. Too many Christians believe error because they learned it in their music.

We give praise to our God. We teach and admonish each other. Both of these can and should be done through the music of God’s people.

Question: Is there a song that opened up your eyes to a spiritual truth?

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Posted by Revzacc on February 2, 2024 in Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church, Word of God, Worship

Tags: hymns, psalms, singing together, spiritual songs, Word of Christ, word of God, worship

The Peace of Christ

31 Jan

We’re continuing through the book of Colossians. For the last few posts, I was talking about our spiritual clothing if we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in us. Now Paul is bringing this section to a conclusion.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Let me start out with a disclaimer. I’ve heard many teaching about this verse. The majority of which deal with decision making. They say that if you have a major decision to make, just go with the choice that you’re at peace with.

I know that this sounds good, but it’s based upon the way word meanings have changed throughout church history. However, one thing that doesn’t change is the context of Scripture. So, at the risk of getting some people upset at me, I’m going with the context.

The first thing we need to understand is this word, peace. The problem is that the Greek language has a couple of different words that are translated as peace in English. I’ve heard people teach that it’s calm, quietness – like when Jesus said, “Peace. Be still”; and He calmed the storm. This isn’t that Greek word.

The word used for peace in this verse means harmony between two parties. In other words, it’s the opposite of war. This is something that can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit.

Again, we need to look at the context in which we find this verse. Paul has just gone through a list of virtues that affect our relationships. It’s how we treat one another and live in a spirit of unity.

Even in this very verse the Apostle tells us that as members of one body, we are called to have harmony between us. That’s not even taking into account the fact that he just talked about forgiveness, love, compassion, and patience.

The other word we need to look at is the word, rule. I’ve heard it taught that if you follow where your heart has peace, you’ll always make the right decision. Is that true?

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not always peaceful about God’s will for my life. He sometimes calls me to do things I’m not comfortable with. I don’t think Jonah had peace concerning going to Nineveh.

Understanding this word, rule, is important. It comes from a Greek word that literally means the umpire of a contest, who awards the prize. That brings a whole new light to this verse.

In the context of how we treat one another in the body of Christ, peace is the umpire. I allow the Holy Spirit to work His will in me with all of these virtues. Then, when I see the peace of God active in me – a harmony between me and other believers – that’s the proof that I’m qualified for the prize.

That brings me to the final sentence of this verse. Paul didn’t just add a random comment to the end of this. The word “and” should tell you that this is all one sentence in the original.

That word, grateful, has a primary meaning of being well-favored. If we follow through on Paul’s exhortation in verses 12-15, then we will be well-favored. Not only by God, but by our brothers and sisters around us.

So, as I’ve said before, context is everything. I hope you’ve had an open mind while reading this post. And I hope that it’s a blessing to you. My prayer is that by receiving it, you’ll be well-favored.

Question: How well do you allow the Holy Spirit to work His peace in your relationships?

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Posted by Revzacc on January 31, 2024 in Fellowship, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

Tags: grateful, peace of Christ, peace of God, rule your heart, unity, well favored

The Spirit and the Word

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Joy In Trials

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The Peace of Christ

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