Following Our Lord's Lead

1THESS. 1:6-9

Subject: Discipleship

Theme: Authentic conversion result in altered lifestyles of grace as we decidedly follow our Lord’s lead.  

Introduction:

Just as the Lord Jesus invited His very first disciples to follow His lead, He still today summons us to a journey of a lifetime. The fact is we all will follow someone’s lead—permit another to influence the course we choose. Sometimes we are fully aware and make conscious decisions respective to a certain bit of advice, a necessary change of trajectory, a new more appealing career path, or to a prestigious university. Other times we follow another’s lead rather unaware…. Fashion trends, catch phrases, buzzwords, popular hair styles and the like are adopted without any idea of their origins. Yeah, following the crowd is alive and well.

In contrast, the Thessalonian believers had been gloriously saved and are consciously following the example of Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ. They know who is shaping their dreams, honing their values, fashioning their plans, and charting their course! While mere men will always follow mere men, Christ calls us to follow Him as the Lord of our existence and purpose. Beloved, our lives take on fuller and richer meaning when we are walking in Christ’s steps! Since we all will follow somebody, are you willing to follow Him?

It was Dr. Wiersbe who said, “From the very inception of this church, Paul looked to them with joy and gratitude as Christians worthy of the name. They were examples in several areas of their lives.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

So then…what can we learn from their example? How can we follow the Lord today?

Lesson:

A.     BY FOLLOWING HIS WAY (VS. 6)

1.      This Involves His Preachers (vs. 6) “followers of us”

a. Clearly this is the normal Christian experience. They became imitators of their spiritual parents, the missionaries.

b.Certainly Paul was careful to live a pure, real, and devoted life to Christ.

1.      1 Cor 11:1,   Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2.      1 Cor 4:14-17, I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15, For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. [Bear spiritual children as soul winners] 17, For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

3.      The first introduction to the Lord Jesus for many lost people will be through your life as a Christian. It is sobering to think that people are supposed to be able to see Christ in us. We should be able to say with Paul, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

4.      Clearly Paul encouraged believers to become his imitators in his tireless love and service for his fellow believers also.

c. Preachers and Christian leaders have a responsibility to be wholesome example for other believers to follow. Unfortunately many reject Christ because of a preacher or Christian worker with a poor testimony.

1.      1 Tim 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word [expressions and communications], in conversation [lifestyle, behavior], in charity [volitional love, acts of love by choice], in spirit [mental disposition or excited attitude], in faith [belief & fidelity]  in purity.[chastity and cleanness]

2.      1 Pet 5:3, Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

d.One reason sinners avoid churches is the hypocrisy of Christians (See Matt 23).  The Church may have a bad reputation in the community.

1.      Example & Experiences in Schweinfurt

2.      As witnessing believers we must guard our lives against hypocrisy and make sure that we are living for Christ sincerely.  WHY? Because others are watching and following us—some child, some adult, some neighbor, some friend, some co-worker.  Therefore it behooves us to follow Christ as devotedly as possible.

2.      This Involves His Person (vs. 6) “followers…of the Lord”

a. They also went on to imitate the Lord. This too is natural, and the order is true to all our experiences. A new Christian first looks to other believers as his pattern, but then as he matures he realizes that Jesus Christ is his best “model” (1 Peter 2:21).

b.Jesus is the believer’s true leader in life!  It is Christ we must live to imitate ultimately! Christ still commands us to “follow” him. 

c. The primary goal is always to help people walk with the Lord personally and intimately. 

B.     BY RECEIVING HIS WORD (VS. 6-7) (Salvation—Regeneration)

1.      The Word was key to their Pardon (vs. 6) “having received the Word”

a. The Gospel came to them through the ministry of Paul and his associates.  The Holy Spirit used the Word in great power, and the Thessalonians responded by receiving both the message and the messengers.

b.In spite of the persecution in Philippi, Paul and Silas had been “bold... to speak... the Gospel” (1 Thes. 2:2); and the people believed and were saved. They never lost that eagerness for the Word of God (1 Thes. 2:13).

c. We must believe and receive the Word to be saved (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 10:8; Jas. 1:18; 1Pet. 1:23; Jn. 1:13)

2.      The Word was their Priority (vs. 6) “in much affliction”

a. They received the word in spite of affliction.1Thes 1:6,  …having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1.      There was great trouble in the city because of Paul’s witness and the unbelieving Jews of Acts 17. 

2.      Persecution was heavy and hard on these new Christians and the threat was real to those who were contemplating salvation.  But they believed anyway!  

b.Despite severe suffering the Thessalonians welcomed the message.

1.      The Jews among them must have felt the hatred of their unbelieving brothers who were especially antagonistic to the gospel in that city.

2.      The Gentile converts must have had to swim against the swift current of paganism that flowed like a torrent through the conduit of commercial Thessalonica.

3.      The city’s chief men’s wives, who had become Christians, had to go home to unbelieving husbands who would not have appreciated their newly sensitized consciences.

4.      But still they trusted Christ; God had arrested their souls through the gospel!

c. Persecution has always been a friend of Christianity, not an enemy. 

1.      It insured that those professing Christians were true converts.

2.      The Martyrs testified to the reality and supremacy of Christ, therefore winning others through their testimony and blood!

d.What place does the Word occupy in your priorities? Don’t allow the response of others to discourage you from coming to Christ.

3.      The Word was their Pleasure (vs. 6) “joy in the Holy Ghost”

a. They received the word with joy.  

1.      Yet in spite of trials without, the Thessalonian believers possessed joy within, the joy of sins forgiven. It is interesting that Christians who have tribulations in their daily walks often seem to have greater joy in the Lord than those who live in more comfortable spiritual climates. A Christian’s joy should be determined not by his circumstances but by his relationship with Christ. This was true of the Thessalonians. The source of their joy was the indwelling Holy Spirit. –The Bible Knowledge Commentary

2.      Joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God (Ps.71:14-16; 21:1; 71:23; 31:7; 33:1-6). God's characteristics and actions are the cause for rejoicing.

3.      The Lord also affords joy through His Word.  The Word imparts faith (Rom. 10:17) and brings joy (Acts 8:8, 39; Jer. 15:16).

b.The joy we need is:

1.      Produced by the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:22).

2.      Looks beyond the present to our future (Rom. 5:2; 8:18; 1Pet. 1:4, 6).

3.      Looks to our sovereign God, who works out all things for our ultimate good, which is Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-30).

c. This kind of joy is different from mere happiness. It is possible, even in the midst of sorrow (2 Cor. 6:10; 7:4).

4.      The Word was their Practice (vs. 7) “ye were examples to all”

a. They made good impressions on others locally and abroad; Christ could be seen in their lives.  Matt. 5:14-16—this is vitally important!

b.Their faithfulness to follow Christ made them a model for others.  As an evangelist I am to model real Christianity; also as a parent, as a citizen, as a friend, as a husband, as a church member, as an employee I am charged by Christ to be the correct kind of example for others.

C.     BY SHARING HIS WITNESS (VS. 8-9)

1.      They Spread the Word Thoroughly (vs. 8) “you sounded out the world of the Lord”

a. They “Sounded Out” the Gospel—they preached Christ or sounded the Gospel Trumpet and it had a rippling effect throughout all Greece and beyond.  Like the ripples in a pool the word of the Lord spread out in ever-widening circles: first in Macedonia and Achaia and then every place else.

1.      “Every Place” points to Thessalonica as not only the capitol of Macedonia but also a great commercial center where tradesmen and businessmen visited from all over the world. 

2.      Secondly, the city of Thessalonica was situated on the Egnatian Highway which was a major Roman highway connecting east and west.  (Aegean and Adriatic Coasts)

3.      Because the church took advantage of its natural opportunities, they were successful in getting the gospel out to much of what would become modern Greece. 

4.      But what about us?  I can recall serving the Lord for years as a pastor to military families and European nationals. In a military work we had the opportunity to touch every church the members transitioned into from there.  We took the gospel to regions where missionaries cannot go via Uncle Sam.  We ministered to the refugees and European nationals there who went back to their home lands to reach the people there with the Gospel.  We need to seriously think about the opportunities God affords us individually and collectively!

b.They were known for their zealous mission work (Vs 8)   “but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad...” (See also 2Cor 8:1-3). What kind of reputation do we have in our home, city, community, or region?  Is there a zeal for spreading the gospel to the world?

2.      They Served God Exclusively (vs. 9) “turned to God from idols”

a. They were changed radically by the gospel (Vs 9)

b.They had turned to God from idols

1.      The church was comprised of both Jews and Greeks (Acts 17:2-4). Some were complete heathens, idol worshipers, and pagans, but now they have been saved and are living for God.

2.      This proves that no one is beyond the grace of God and salvation.

3.      Thessalonica was a wealthy city and it attracted it share of sensual pagan religions (1 Thess. 4:3-5) and other vices.  The population was about 200,000 people. 

4.      Cultured, affluent, impoverished, pedigree, idolatry, religious, educated, or corrupted…it does not matter if the sinner will repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Weather it is a professor at Harvard University or a savage head hunter in the South American jungles.  They are not beyond the grace of God! God can save the hard cases!

c. They exercised faith in Christ first with the result that their idols were forsaken.

1.      It was not mere reformation but genuine regeneration—repentance and faith!  They didn’t clean up their lives to get saved! They simply were saved and God cleaned up their lives afterwards!

2.      This change also means that they were so satisfied with Jesus that they dropped their idols! It wasn’t that they became fed up with their idols and then decided to give God a chance.  No they turn to God and found HIM so satisfying that they dropped their idols. 

3.      If you are not satisfied with Jesus, it is because you are looking for him in the wrong place! Christ satisfies (Jn. 4:14; 6:35)!

d.They Now Served The Living and True God. (Vs 3 and vs 8)

1.      Now they were Sunday school teachers, discipleship workers, deacons, pastors, missionaries and evangelist! They became godly moms, dads, teens, and youths…and so can we.   

2.      They have turned from idols to serve the living and true God!

3.      They Served God Encouragingly.

a. Their steadfastness in the Lord was a real source of encouragement for Paul

1.      Persecution and difficulty will discourage your average person.  But not these infant Christians!

2.      No doubt Paul could recall the excitement he had when God first called him to Macedonia.  (Act 16:6-10)

3.      I’m sure he was a little discouraged because of the opposition and difficulties which came so frequently, thereby hindering and frustrating his work.   

b.But now his heart explodes into words of praise and thanksgiving for what God did in these precious lives.

1.      He rejoiced for the steadfastness of the people of God in the midst of their persecutions!  There is no greater encouragement then seeing your church and new converts progressing in the Lord.

2.      God provided his servant with the encouragement he needed at the very moment he needed it. 

3.      Ultimately, child of God, we are not called to be terminals for blessings but channels through which God’s blessings can flow.  God wants to shine in our lives so that His light can shine through us unto others.  “Who is it that God wants you to be a channel of blessing to?”

Conclusion: 

Simply stated, a few believers went into a heathen city with the word of the Lord Jesus.  They preached in the power of the Spirit and people were saved—regenerated!  Men and Women became so enraptured with the Savior that they abandoned their idols. As a result we see an assembly of believers praising God, living lives of holiness, bravely enduring persecution, and winning others to Christ.  True the Lord’s service is the prince of callings!

No matter how hideous and wicked our society is, the miracle of regeneration will still make a difference.  We can still live for God if we really want to!  Daniel is a beautiful illustration of one who lived for God in spite of his surrounding wicked culture! You can still progress in the faith if you really want to!

If you labor in spiritual things you can be reassured that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. We need not be threatened by the wickedness of our day, but be concerned with the sounding out of the Gospel.  As we do, we have God’s promise that it will not return to Him void.   Isa 55:11, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Don’t give up on the ‘hard cases’ whether they are harden sinners or religious lost people.  Keep praying and witnessing as the Lord affords opportunity, and he will save these also. Beloved, this is how we decidedly follow our Lord’s lead. 

Let Us Press On to Maturity!

Christian maturity…though we who have believed on Christ are Christians, we still have some difficulty grasping what a fully mature Believer is. It is true, God is not interested in giving us pacifiers forever! He would have us advance in our faith and grow-up in the Lord Jesus. Maturity is His design and desire for all of His beloved children in Christ. Sometimes the Scriptures use the term “perfection” to refer to spiritual maturity.  It is important to note that “perfection” (Heb. 6:1) is not sinless perfection or completely flawless living; it is progressing in spiritual development—growing up in Christ (Phil. 3:12-15; Col. 1:28; 4:12). Like any good parents, God does not want us to be spiritual babies forever; His will is for us to grow up strong and tall in our Lord. Furthermore, every believer in appreciation of our salvation and as a demonstration of genuine love for Christ should strive to become a fully functional disciple of Jesus Christ. Let us press on to maturity!

“Perfection” (Heb. 6:1) is not some notion that we can become sinless or that we cease to violate God’s perfect moral standards. As Christians we still have a fallen carnal nature that desires dominance of our being. Though we can walk in the Spirit refusing to give in to the desires of a fleshly life, we still will have occasions when we have failed the Lord, our love ones, and ourselves. Though we yearn for the day when we will no longer sin, which is after the Rapture, for now we battle the flesh to deny it any expression as much as possible. “Perfection,” according to Hebrews 6:1, should be understood as pointing to a fully developed disciple of Christ (Phil. 3:12-15; Col. 1:28; 4:12). No Believer has ever achieved ‘sinless perfection’ or has ceased to sin. Some have claimed to, but these are less then genuine claims! All great Christians endeavor to live holy, pure, righteous lives to the glory of God, but no biblical person ever claimed to become sinless during their trek here on earth. Even the Apostle Paul was painstakingly clear that he had not arrived, but He was still in full pursuit of God’s high calling in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:8-21). So it is with you and me; we must press on to perfection. Yes, onward, upward, and ever higher in our Lord and God by His grace and the power of His blessed Spirit—maturing. Becoming more like the Lord Jesus from the inside out is the goal!

Hebrews 5:14, teaches us the mature Believers have grown in the Word, and use it with notable profit in daily life. First, we note how solid spiritual food is for the full-grown, the perfect or mature Believer (Matt. 5:48; Eph. 5:1; Js. 3:2). This is like contrasting a bottle of milk with a T-Bone steak; steaks are not for babies! By obeying the light we have received from God’s Word, mature saints are able to formulate spiritual judgments and save themselves from moral and doctrinal dangers. Secondly, we note how mature Believers habitually and vigorously use or exercise their perceptive faculties/senses (Heb. 5:14). This results in the ability to discriminate between good and evil teachings, values, and actions.  Therefore, the mature Believer is well-informed, decisive, perceptive, sensitive, and while settled in their principles are still growing.

Again the ability to exercise our spiritual senses is a mark of maturity. As we apply the Word, we exercise our “spiritual senses” and develop spiritual discernment. It is a characteristic of little children that they lack discernment. A baby will put anything into its mouth. An immature Believer will listen to any preacher on the radio, television, or internet and not be able to identify whether or not he is true to the Scriptures. Likewise they may be a student in college, but because of spiritual immaturity they are unable to recognize principles and values that are diametrically opposed to the Christian Faith. Just as our physical bodies have senses without which we could not function, so our inner “spiritual man” has “spiritual senses” (Wiersbe, W.). For example: “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). “But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear” (Matt. 13:16). As we feed on the Word of God and apply it in daily situations, our inner “spiritual senses” get their exercise and become strong and keen. We taste, hear, and see spiritual realities in richer and deeper significance. This in turn influences our motives, aspirations, and behavior patterns. Paul called this process exercising ourselves unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7–8). Atrophy sets in when we fail to get enough exercise!

In addition, the mission of each New Testament Church is articulated by the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection and just before His ascension to Heaven.  He communicates the Great Commission in passages like Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8. One of the primary intentions of these passages is to make and mature disciples in Christ. Churches were established to execute this God-given objective. This involves reaching lost people (evangelize) and moving them along a continuum towards maturity (edify). Maturity is just as important as evangelizing. Though the Bible uses different terms there is great stress on the objective of growing believers to full development (Eph. 4:13, 15; Phil. 3:12, 15; Heb. 6:1; Gal. 4:19; Col. 1:28; Matt. 5:48; Rom. 6:19, 22).

There should be continuous training through-out the Believer’s life as well. Such continuing training can be respectively likened unto high school, college, and then productive entry into the marketplace as a contributing member of society (Hemphil, K.). Such discipleship development would consist of the following features:

i.          Understanding that ongoing doctrinal training is essential to maturation (Hebrews 6:1-2)

ii.          Recognizing that Christian character is forged in the crucible of relationships (Ephesians 3:18-19)

iii.         Embracing skills development as essential to productive service (1 Timothy 4:12-15)

iv.         Calling believers to make deep commitments to Christ, and holding them accountable (Mark 8:34-38)

v.         Unleashing mature Believers into reproductive service (2 Timothy 2:2) (Hemphil, K.: The Antioch Effect)

So then, what does a fully mature and functional disciple of Jesus Christ look like? That is a fair question and the answer, though simple, is not as obvious anymore. We must identify these characteristics because they serve as sign posts on our journey to Christ-likeness. Without them we lose our way in the confusion of traditions, poor models, mystery, misconceptions, and pure nonsense! The importance of this can never be overstated; direction is afforded and motivation is fueled when we know where we are headed.  These mature characteristics are the objectives we are to aim for. We must not only identify these, but also fix our minds and hearts upon them with the hope of maturing.

A survey of the Scriptures reveal these features in mature disciples: they worship (Rom. 12:1-2), pray (1 Thess. 5:17), evangelize (Col. 4:3), know and apply Scripture to their lives (2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-6:3), serve the church body (Eph. 4:11-13), partake of communion (1 Cor. 11:23-26), display the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), give of their finances (2 Cor. 9:6-15), love others (1 John 4:7), and bear spiritual fruit (John 15:5) (Malphurs, Hemphill, & Chappell). These are the primary traits we must concentrate on in cooperation with the Spirit of grace. This is not merely a list of dos and don’ts; it is a portrait of genuine maturity and requires real faith in God's grace to realize. Along with these specific traits, I would further suggest that mature Believers embrace higher motives and are stimulated by roundly biblical values. They are stirred to glorify God above all, express compassion for the unsaved, love God supremely and their fellowman as their own person. While they are not ‘perfect,’ they do routinely evidence the chief graces of faith, hope, and charity (love) (1 Cor. 13:13).

Each of us, with the help of the Spirit, should demonstrate these priorities from the heart in devotion to Christ. As we do so, we will grow. Feed the heart and spirit with the Word of God and exercise yourself in the truths God is teaching...and you will grow (1 Pet. 2:2). Also younger Believers will understand better what to aim for in their own growth journeys as they witness us pioneering new territory in Christ (1 Tim. 4:15). Common sense tells us the likelihood of arriving at the proper destination (2 Cor. 3:17, 18) depends greatly upon knowing what the destination is at the beginning of the journey!

Pressing onward and upward in Christ as Paul did in Philippians 3 should be our focus. Ever steadfastly looking to God for grace and then making full diligent use of that grace to become more like our Lord Jesus. Becoming more like Him in devotion, commitment, sacrifice, generosity, power, peace, sufferings, and joy is what we take careful aim at. This is the very thing that Peter prescribed for all Believers in 2 Peter 2 requiring that we diligently add to our faith many more Christian virtues. Much like a newborn baby craves milk for its incredible hunger; let us desire the pure Word of God that we may grow to full maturity (1 Pet. 2:2). So there you have it; a snap shot of biblical maturity free of any mystery, misconceptions, and false traditions. Let us set a goal of growth in the Lord. Choose the area the Spirit of God indicates He desires to work on in you. Concentrate on Christ in the Word as He models that quality, and trust the Spirit to develop it in you. I will be doing the same for myself. I know our Lord is pleased as we see this through by His grace. Now then, Beloved, let us press on to perfection! 

Run the Race with Patience

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

One way to guard against quitting a race is to familiarize ourselves with the race course. By doing so, we can prevent the kind of shock that leads to discouragement while simultaneously stimulating adequate preparation and determination to complete it. Such knowledge also helps us as runners to pace ourselves along the course to ensure we endure and finish well. This article is a continuation of a previous post entitled, “My Soul, It is Another Exodus!” In that article we explored the astounding tendency of youths and young adults to leave churches and the practice of Christianity in general. Among several solutions, we mentioned the need to familiarize our young people with the real nature of Christian living. This article seeks to disclose some of the challenging realities of Christianity in the Twenty-first Century while prescribing just one biblical answer. In order to continue and not quit our faith, we must understand the nature of our Christian race. This should motivate us to adequately prepare and determine to reach the finish line.   

Demanding Discipleship 

Before I explore our race course with you, I believe it would be helpful to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to potential disciples. Three times in Luke 14:25-35, the Lord Jesus stipulates that discipleship is predicated upon complete and entire devotion to Him. He literally stated that without such commitment, a person could not be His disciple. No matter how enthusiastic, talented, well-trained, broadly experienced, or highly accredited they may be; without whole-life commitment to Jesus Christ, one “cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). The truth is it costs greatly to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. It may cost us family, friends, employment opportunities, a certain standard of living, and the respect of our peers. At times and through the course of life, we all will have opportunities to examine and reexamine our loyalty to Christ and resolve to finish the course He has set before us as His followers. I can personally testify to this unavoidable reality along with thousands of other runners (2 Tim. 3:12). While this article heavily emphasizes Believers' obligations and responsibilities, it in no way disregards the grace and power of God at work deep within each believer (Phil. 2:12, 13). Attempting to live up to God's high expectations in the wisdom and energy of our carnal and fallen nature is utter futility (Rom.7:14-25). Therefore, with the demands of discipleship in mind, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12:1).

Discarding Impediments 

As we run our specific Christian race, we must remove everything that would impede our progress. God specified that we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1). Among these impediments are gross misconceptions about practicing our Christian faith and life as a member of a church. While we are quick to identify what offends us about church and Christianity, it would prove more prudent to recognize what is required of each Christian runner. Newell (1995, p. 400) in Hebrews: Verse by Verse said, “runners strip themselves of every weight possible, wearing the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes! Many a weight carrier who eventually get to Heaven, will be passed on the way by those who have laid weights aside.” “Weights” may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder spiritual progress says MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 2202). Accordingly, they further observed, a Christian’s weights could include a yearning for even more material belongings, unreasonable loyalty to family, an apparently unquenchable thirst for luxurious living, an unequivocal deference to conveniences, and a defiant unwillingness to listen to God’s call to a more transient or itinerant lifestyle for the sake of advancing the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, our society elevates materialistic values for all Americans, and not for humanitarian reasons, but for business and sales—the bottom line. There are even elements in our national government who view gross materialism as “rights;” therefore, they demand them for everyone at the expense of the tax payer. Our young people are hearing these messages through every media form known to humanity in this technologically driven age. As a result, some of the things they should “lay aside” because they hinder their spiritual progress, they are clinging to reasoning that “God does not care about this.” They capitulate to immediate gratification, most convenient methods, whatever affords any emotion exhilaration, and they prefer quick fixes without even thinking through their options. Few possess the discipline of a competitive runner anticipating a day in the winners’ circle. God cannot advance such runners in the Christian race; if it hinders our spiritual progress, then it is a weight to us. Evaluate yourself in the light of Bible-truth, be honest about your experience, ask the Spirit of grace for the courage to lay some things aside, and follow through on that decision with accountability.  

Furthermore, in the Olympics, triathlons, Ironman competitions, and Pan American races, there are no rules against wearing over coats, packing extra changes of clothing, snow boots, several pieces of luggage, and a backpack with a variety of energy bars and drinks, but such runners can never traverse these challenging race courses to the finish in this manner. As Hebrews 12:1 prescribes, we must “lay aside every weight.” Start by evaluating and off-loading those endeavors, activities, plans, aspirations, associations, and dreams that interfere with the completion of the course Christ has set before us. Again it is not whether these considerations are bad, wrong, or sinful in themselves; they are however, hindrances to completing the course. Take courage and make the tough decisions; be decisive in this all important matter. Christians desiring to continue with the greatest loyalty to Christ must run their race light with the fewest distractions or impediments. We need all of our faculties and energies concentrated on the race that is set before us in order to endure to the finish line.

Dealing with Doubts

Christians must also take off and cast away sin (Heb. 12:1) because it readily ensnares and trips us in our faith marathon. Certainly this could refer to any form of sin, but the emphasis in this context is faith; therefore, this sin must specifically be a form of unbelief. Our sinful nature works in us through “unbelief.” Unbelief, doubts, and skepticism aggravate and obstruct our race of faith (Heb. 11) resulting in our failure to persevere. It is near impossible to persist in an arduous enduring task with zero confidence our efforts are of any value. In contrast, we can succeed in the most difficult tasks if we believe it is worthwhile in the end. At times we all are sorely tempted to forsake the Living God in some degree or particular (Heb. 3:12). As the hymnist Robert Robinson transparently quipped, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” expresses well what we all sense deep within the precincts of our own souls on occasions. But like him we too must present our heart of hearts to God, “Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” 
Beloved, we continue because we trust God’s wise prescriptions for life and eternity even when they contradict every other source of information available to us. It does not matter if the tempting lie that engenders Bible doubts is highly attested by the most distinguished scholars in that field; it remains unacceptable if it diminish God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. While scholars can be helpful, they tend to exalt their intellectual prowess above inspired truth from God. This is the nature of the Christian race of faith! Christians are called upon to believe God regardless; to follow Christ no longer toying around with the ideas of compromise, doubting His Word, quitting, or walking away from Christianity in frustration. We must have unwavering belief in the promises of God, total confidence that the race of faith is worth running, and certainty that living by faith (Heb. 11:6) is the way to please God (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995, p. 2202). This is an absolute imperative.

Discarding Misconceptions

Along with weights, and sins, we must lay aside misconceptions about Christianity. Believers must strenuously resist the misconception that the Christian marathon race-obstacle course is easily navigated. It is helpful to have a working grasp of the nature of the race Christ has set before us. Our race is not a quick sprint to the finish line. The idea that enduring to the finish line will be easy, nice, always cordial, uncomplicated, and free of failures, hurt, or opposition must evaporate in the sunlight of this often painful reality. Genuine Christian living is no plush experience—such notions are akin to fairy tales. This is the nature of the faith race; it is a marathon with multiple obstacle courses along the way! It demands faith-toughness and perseverance! Christ would have genuine believers make necessary adjustments, and prepare well to press on with resolute and unwavering commitment through whatever challenges we must face. If living the Christian life was easy, everyone would presume to do so. 

Yes, there are difficult elements in churches, and Christian people do let you down. There is no excuse for this, but God does prescribe what course of action should be taken to correct this. Yes, one may be hurt badly in a Christian context—in relationships among the brethren. God answers this situation repeatedly throughout the Bible. Yes, there are problems of shallowness, pettiness, hypocrisy, and gross failures among Christian leaders. Genuine Spirit-filled discipleship ministry is a desperate need on most levels of the average ministry. In addition, discipleship should be focused more on developing Christian skills like Bible study, walking in the Spirit's power, obedience, grace living, prayer, witnessing, 360 degree stewardship, and service. Unfortunately many churches focus on information, lessons, and creeds; some do not even have a viable character shaping and spiritual skills developing ministry at all. Yes, the entire emphasis is corrupted in some movements. While all this may be true and inexcusable, God never prescribed in the Bible quitting on Christ, Christianity, or a relatively good church. Not one Bible passage even slightly or remotely endorses such a notion. Certainly, the answer for some Believers may be transferring to a solid church home. If this is the course of action one must take, then look for a church that exalts Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaims the Bible as the final authority, nurtures authentic spiritual discipleship for the glory of God, and sends out missionaries to reach the entire human race with the Gospel of Christ. Spiritual revival and refocusing are viable options for Christian individuals and institution while quitting is not. Also keep this uppermost in mind, no church is even slightly perfect and no Christian has arrived. This statement is not intended as an excuse for lazy Christianity; however, it is incumbent upon each of us not to expect either!

Though sinful problems among churches and Christian leaders have exacerbated the frustrations of young people, the New Testament documents and address these evils among First Century churches (1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians). God sternly warns, admonishes, challenges, and counsels churches to make the necessary corrections throughout the New Testament epistles. These ugly challenges can be corrected and worked through; they are not legitimate reasons for abandoning Christianity. Just as believers were historically exhorted to continue in Christian fellowship in spite of difficulties, we must be faithful today (Rev. 2 & 3). Christians in the Western world seem to give up far too easily and for the pettiest reasons imaginable. Beloved, God cannot possibly be pleased with this trend. Walking away from commitment to Christ and the Christian Faith entirely is a thorny path of terrible consequences. It is far better to search out a better church home; one that is alive with the truth and Spirit of grace. Quitting is not a legitimate option. Additionally, let us not fool ourselves. Those who quit good churches anticipating continuing for the Lord Jesus on their own will likely become great spiritual tragedies in the end. Christ gave Christians the institution of the New Testament Church for crucial reasons and not as a bonus.

Defying the Odds

 Finally, about 30% of the youth in American Protestant churches defy the trend and continue to attend church (Grossman, 2007). Grossman (2007) also reported that sixty-five percent of these young folks view church attendance as “vital” to their “relationship with God” and fifty-eight percent felt their church helps them with daily decisions. Fifty percent believes involvement with church helps them, “become a better person” (Grossman, 2007). It is important to also recognize this trend among youths and young adults in America. If these young people are continuing to be true to Christ and the Christian Faith in some measure, then others can do so as well. They are solid evidence that young people can be deeply committed to Jesus Christ today! With good churches and solid Christian leaders running the Christian race, more young people can be retained instead of lost. This is especially my desire for Independent Baptist Churches. Since we all are running a strenuous race while hurdling violent obstacles, we will need fresh energy, power, and strength to continue for a lifetime. Revival is the greatest need among Christians today. We desperately need a Heaven-sent, white-hot Spirit-filled, Christ-exalting, Bible-based, soul-cleansing, and cross-saturated revival in the United States of America. This is the hope of our youths and the future of Christianity in our country. Trust God to do a cleansing, renewing, and reviving work beginning with me and you.

Once again the developments surrounding young people and youths forsaking churches, Christ, and Christianity can be impeded, stopped, and even reversed. Nothing at all is too hard for God! We must trust Him with the smallest and greatest issues for His glory and our national welfare. I hope for a day when the trend is reversed and our churches are filling up with young people. I long for the day when our youth will be more like Daniel and Samuel, the both of which served God their entire lives and glorified Him in all their ways. American youths and young adults must come to grips with the reality that the Christian race is a marathon riddled with multi-layered complex obstacle courses along the way! There will be many opportunities to stubble, fall, and even refuse to get back up to continue the race. I say unto you in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High God: Do not give up! Get back up and continue your race! Rise above the mediocrity of others, the apathy of some leaders, the distractions of too many, and the liturgy of the rest. Reach for higher plains in the Lord God Almighty and go beyond what anyone every anticipated for you in Christ. Break the cycle of quitters in your generation and determine to be a finisher! You can do this in Christ Jesus your Lord. You can indeed do anything He calls upon you to do if you trust Him for power and do it for His glory (Phil. 4:13).

What is needful in America may be needful in other places on the planet as well. The answer in all instances is Jesus Christ and revival by The Spirit of Grace. Churches can avoid these same developments if they communicate the challenging nature of the life of faith (Heb. 11), and help young people remain focused on Christ, the Author and Finisher (Heb. 12:2). By running our race, we help our youth remain focused on Him and in the race until they complete theirs to the glory of God.

Experiencing and Responding to Christ

The wonderful news is that every Believer can experience the ministry of Christ our High Priest. Comprehending this truth, like so many others, is extremely compelling though. We must now respond to Him accordingly, faithfully, and deeply. When we do so by faith, peace, help, grace, and mercy are communicated into our spiritual experiences. With Christ we can venture on to explore all His designs for us to the glory of God. Are you ready?

Experiencing Christ’s Priestly Ministry

Now that the spiritual needs of Believers have been explored, and the greatness of our High Priest is better understood, our ability to access Christ’s aid must now be considered. First there is the realization and secondly, the appropriation of the realities of Christ’s Priesthood. Just as we can know intellectually that drinking water is refreshing and quenches our thirst, we can only experience that refreshment by actually drinking the water. Understanding this truth regarding Christ’s priesthood is good, but living in the sunlight of this reality is far better! The longing, anxious, peace-deprived, and besieged soul needs “rest” (Heb. 4:8-16). This “rest” is internal tranquility and calm repose based on Christ’s finished work at Calvary and His fully effective work as High Priest. By faith (Heb. 4:3) believers experience the inner peace that comes with a conscious trust in Christ as our fully capable high priest. Regardless of our inadequacies, the magnitude of our challenges, or the lure of temptations, He is able to help and aid as the needs arise. Faith in Him is essential; when we trust our Priest for aid, He in return floods the soul with a calm repose deep within freeing us from anxiety and cutting the sharpness of our stress significantly. While God exercises sovereignty regarding the alteration of our outward circumstances, the trusting soul is certain to realize this inner peace and assurance.

It is a fact that we are scarcely aware of the magnitude of our spiritual need even as Christians. In addition, we are somewhat ignorant of the satisfaction our Priest Jesus can provide. As a result, we take Him for granted and leave His priesthood virtually unexplored. Furthermore Christ is robbed of the honor, adoration, praise, love and appreciation from His people because of His direct contributions to our spiritual welfare.

As previously mentioned, Jesus’ priesthood is scarcely understood by many of us. We seem predisposed to adopt other things to help us cope with sinful failures, deficiencies, inadequacies, fears, and doubts related to life. We do not doubt Christ’s ability to meet our spiritual needs outright…we subconsciously compartmentalize our interests and categorically rule Christ out. We simply supplement our faith with ‘Christian add-ons’ thereby categorically ignoring Him by default. We prop ourselves up with sensationalism, rituals, political causes, formalism, strict adherence to lists, philosophy, creeds, psychology and the list seems endless. The truth is we have been doing this for so long that the supplements are a normal part of the ‘Christian culture.’ Meanwhile the realities and provisions of Christ remain unknown, unexplored, and tragically most are unproven. Only with an intellectual accent do we approve these truths about Christ’s priesthood as fundamental and orthodox theology, but we have little or zero experience of their significance to daily Christian living. The result is a faithless, anxious, anemic, impoverished, particularly ignorant, unfaithful, self-centered, insecure, and weakened brand of Christianity that only remotely resembles the real thing in only a few particulars. I know this sounds harsh, but it is an honest analysis. Praise the Lord there are wonderful exceptions, but far too precious few. My interest here is to be accurate and not sensational or polemic. This does painfully and accurately describe our modern brand of Christianity in some measure.

Because of this weakened state, Christian worship has been reduced to “programs,” “special meetings,” “fellowships,” “a song service,” “sound doctrine,” “a lesson,” “a sermon,” and a few “decisions.” All of these are good, but God intended far more! Christianity has been stripped down to a list of dos and don’ts limping along quite devoid of it essence and potency. Having strong morality is good, but it is not full robust spirituality! The Gospel is still powerful and life changing. Precious few actually expect anything from God and even fewer witness the Presence and power of God in any of their church meetings. Dead (formal, orthodox, or sophisticated) describes far too many ‘worship services.’ The idea of actually entering into the very Presence of God to worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) has almost been lost. The thought of genuine passionate intimacy with God has become rather foreign and even regarded as a relic of revival meetings. Even then this privilege is supposedly reserved for certain ‘ultra-spiritual’ (actually soulish or sensational) persons who are afforded unique audience with God. Therefore, these are regarded as being ‘on fire for God.’ But, emotional heat is not synonymous with white-hot Spirit filled-passion for the Most High God!

The truth is God invites every believer to worship ‘within the veil’ in the holy of holies—at the throne of His Majesty in Heaven. Christ affords us access to God! Allow yourself to think about the magnitude of such gracious privilege granted to every child of God. You and I can be with God at any time! We are also encouraged to come into the very Presence of God to secure the help and assistance we need as we need it. Access is by faith, enjoyment is through faith, and spiritual peace is perceived and obtained through faith. There remains a rest for God’s people! It is amazing that believers can go through an entire “worship service” and never worship God at all! There is little or no endeavor to approach God in an unrestrained manner because of soaring confidence in our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. There are precious few that draw near to God with full assurance of hope. Not enough of us experience God’s grace (unmerited favor, strength, help, blessing, and wherewithal) as it is needed and as God promised. How impoverished we are when we live in general ignorance of our Great High Priest Jesus. Again my aim is not to infuriate, but to encourage you to live in the light of Christ’s priesthood. I want the very best God offers for you, not some humanly engineered facsimile.

Responding to Christ as High Priest

With regards to experiencing Christ’s priesthood, we must act on what we believe about Christ as High Priest. Since He is superior to any other priests, two important responsibilities compel believers to act upon them.

The first directive involves holding firmly to our profession of faith in Christ (Heb. 4:14). The word “profession” basically means “confession.” Dr. Wiersbe observed that these Hebrew Christians were tempted to give up their confession of faith in Christ and their confidence in Him (see Heb. 3:6, 14). It was not a matter of giving up their salvation, since salvation through Christ is eternal (Heb. 5:9). It was a matter of their public confession of faith. If Christ is the superior priest, and He abides in the presence of God poised to aid His people, then it makes no sense at all to give up and quit. He can afford every spiritual enablement available to fit us for our challenges and to live in genuine Christian realities. Press on. Do not quit. Do not give up! You can live higher, holier, and more Spirit-filled because of Christ! Hold on to Him because he is holding on to you. Certainly the testing and trials are vicious at times, but our high priest is more than able to provide help. The Lord Jesus can work in your life—no matter how useless it may seem to you—it is not too late for Him. Look to Christ Jesus; place your confidence in Him. The Old Testament system had nothing so comprehensive to offer them, but Christ is offering everything necessary to us under the New Testament. Go on and believe God with every fiber of your being. Difficulties are not ‘good excuses’ to quit on Christ, but opportunities to demonstrate and define the strength of our faith and confidence in Him as the “true and living way.” Do not be ashamed of Christ; confess Him to family, friends, co-workers, constituents, and church family.

The second obligation is to tirelessly come boldly to the “throne of grace” for the help we need. We do not have to quit because we can come confidently into the Presence of God for the required assistance (Heb. 4:16).  We are impressed to come directly into the throne room of God, the real holy of holies, freely and unreservedly expressing ourselves to Him like someone who belongs in His Presence. This is because we actually do belong there! Not because we feels we deserves an audience with God based on personal merit or performance, but because we believe the greatness of our High Priest secures this privilege to us. Even when we have failed miserably, and our hearts condemn us thoroughly, God still insists that we “come.” When our soul is aggravated and flooded with piercing shame because of multiple failures to behave in a godly manner, still the invitation stands. God in affect is saying, “Come on in, you are welcome here in my Presence, because of your High Priest Jesus Christ!” It is always about the credentials of our High Priest, not our performance or failures.

Finally, each of us Believers must decidedly regard the Lord Jesus as our Great High Priest and rely on Him to provide grace, understanding, empathy, and assistance as needed. We must turn to Christ when failing, sinning, and straying. Go to the throne of grace for mercy when we feel guilty and ashamed because of failures. Though He has been gravely disrespected and offended, our holy God still restores believers who have wandered away from Him. Yes, the promise is still true that when we confess our sins, our rottenness and omissions, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and He will even cleanse us from all manner of unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). When we feel inadequate for the challenges before us, know that it is time to approach the “throne for grace” to secure the help we all need. Remember, it is the greatness of our Great High Priest that makes all this possible! Therefore, love Christ, cherish Him as our Great High Priest, and trust Him to minister to you at every point of spiritual need.

Jesus Christ is the Ultimate High Priest!

Dear Believer in Christ Jesus,

Are you still having a hard time living up to God’s expectations? Maybe you have wandered away recently…. Feeling overwhelmed with guilt? Yes, sin is some pretty nasty stuff.... I have a suggestion though. Many Believers have discovered how High Priest Jesus Christ is able to provide aid as well as ‘first aid’ for Christian living. Turn to Christ; I am certain you have been on His mind.
God said, “Seeing then that we have a GREAT High Priest....” This is a referral to and description of the Lord Jesus in light of His Person, position, purpose, and propositions (Heb. 4:14-5:10). God has obviously set forth Jesus Christ—Our Great High Priest—as the key communication of vital spiritual aid for Christian living in desperate times.  Accordingly, Hebrews 4:14, 15 affirm that Jesus is able to sympathize with us in our frailties and weaknesses and it is crucial for us to realize this deeply within. We cannot live like Christians without Him and His important ministry to us. Therefore, He resides in the very presence of Almighty God representing us and interceding for each of us as we journey on. Through Him God fully accepts us; however, we remain quite flawed and imperfect in our adherence to God’s will. His service as High Priest bridges the great chasm between our being declared righteous and our actually living righteously. Jesus’ role as High Priest is fundamentally vital for me and you as we navigate through this world! How then should we respond to this extraordinary divine provision?

First, accept the Lord Jesus as your “great High Priest” (Heb. 4:14) and rely on Him to provide grace, understanding, empathy, mercy, and assistance as you require these for your spiritual journey. Unfortunately, people, even well-meaning Christian people, will let you down or disappoint you at times. If all the truth is told, so will you. In the interest of complete transparency, we have let ourselves down far more than another person could possibly do so. In contrast, our ultimate high priest never will fail us by any margin; in fact, He cannot fail us when we genuinely trust His promises. Our Lord is conspicuously postured to wisely dispense to His people in real-time whatever spiritual resources (Eph. 1:3, 4) we need to live up to His expectations in our respective ventures. Wherever His incredible will guide us, He obligates Himself to provide accordingly. Therefore, turn to Christ when you sense you are failing while resisting evil, when your conscience repeatedly thunders with soul-quaking guilt, when your mounting shame compels you to retreat and hide forever. Even when we resort to hiding behind a smile, friends, activities that salve our conscience, denominational titles, church positions, new outfits, cars, or a new address; there is no hiding from the God who knows all and still loves us. Still the shame in our soul has a way of finding, haunting, and pushing us to the very edge of insanity if we fail to acknowledge our ultimate high priest. It is past time to throw off our ‘fig leaves’ kneeling transparently before a holy God with honesty in our hearts and on our lips.  No excuses please--we cannot hoodwink God (Gen. 3). As God made provision for a fallen and guilt-ridden Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21), He has already made provision for me and you.

Secondly, look, therefore, to High Priest Jesus when you feel too small, weak,  inadequate, inexperienced, untalented, insignificant or far beyond your comfort zone. Run to Christ even as the very last fibers of your strength are taring away; it is not too late for Jesus to make a difference. Return to Him if you have been wallowing and wandering around in the darkness away from the Father's house for an embarrassingly long time. Believe this unmistakable biblical truth: it is the astronomical credentials of Christ, your ultimate priest, that affords you access to a holy God. Never your own! God will strengthen you to continue and overcome the temptation to quit or sin. In addition, He will restore you to fellowship with Himself based on who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He is doing (1 John 1:1-2:2). Yes, you must live for a season with the consequences of your choices, but God can supply grace to help you with this as you rely on Him. Neither the journey onward, nor the journey back to genuine discipleship will be easy. Yet, they are still worth the struggle, energy, time, and pains. Besides this sin destroys everything it gets its clutches into. Most importantly, God is extremely worthy of the glory for orchestrating your triumph through Christ. Because of the countless failures behind us, and for the numerous challenges before us there is real spiritual help available in Jesus Christ. Never ever, ever, forget, “we have a GREAT High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14–5:10).