Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

The Lordship Of Christ

Encouragement

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬

Paul uses the threefold title, “Lord Jesus Christ,” to emphasize the Lordship of Christ. He did so to prove a point that making Him Lord over our lives helps us overcome the temptation to sin. When we “put on” Christ temptation loses much of its power. This doesn’t mean that we avoid temptation, but it does mean we have the power to overcome it. 

Temptation is an issue for everyone who draws a breath. Even Jesus was tempted just like we are. Satan tries to use temptation to make us stumble in our walk with God. When we submit to temptation and commit sin a sinful act, we break fellowship with God. Hence the importance of forgiveness of sin. We need to be forgiven so we can have a good relationship with our Lord. 

The only way to fight against fleshly desires is to seek Jesus daily. When we put Jesus first we can fight the battle of temptation much easier. Everyone’s temptation is different. But know that the devil knows what you’re tempted with and will do whatever it takes to make you slip and fall and give in to sin. So beware of the devil, because he prowls like a lion seeking to destroy you. But have confidence that as a Believer you have the power of God to fight against the flesh and say no to sin.

It’s a daily battle and that is why Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and don’t allow your fleshly desires to have a part of making decisions. When we seek Jesus with all of our heart, mind and soul, we become a fierce battle for the devil. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ today and make Satan wish he never messed with one of God’s children. 

Pray

Lord, I seek you today to be my first desire. Give me power to say no to temptations that I will face today. Thank you for giving me the power to overcome sin. 

In Great Distress

Encouragement

And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord , for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”
II Samuel 24:14

What do you think was David’s greatest sin? The first that comes to mind may be when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. But what about murdering her husband, Uriah. Both were terrible sins but those may not be the greatest of his sins. 

When David chose to number the people of Israel great consequences followed. Seventy thousand people died. God allowed pain, sorrow, and death to make David hurt deeply. David confessed his sin and repented.

God, in His grace and mercy, forgave David of his sin. God in His mercy doesn’t give us what we deserve, in His grace He gives us what we don’t deserve. God’s grace is forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t cheap; it cost Jesus his life.

We must never doubt the promises of God, no matter how we feel when God disciplines us. There may be painful consequences to our sins, but these sorrows don’t mean we are not forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We must claim this truth in faith.

What sin is holding you captive? Confess it and receive God’s grace of forgiveness.

Pray

Lord, I confess my sin of… I need Your grace of forgiveness even though I don’t deserve it. Your mercies are great!

A Great Multitude

Encouragement

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:9‬

Can you imagine a crowd of people so large that couldn’t be numbered? When Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000 men there may have been a larger crowd of about 20,000 people including the women and children. The Scripture says they sat in groups of 50. 

The multitude that John saw in his vision around the throne of God was not able to be counted by man. However don’t forget that God knows how many stars are in the sky and the hair on our heads are numbered. 

What makes today’s verse so special is the correlation of Gods promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”‭‭ 

And later when Abraham was seeking God for a son the Bible says, “And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.“” Genesis‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

That great promise of God is fulfilled in Revelation 7:9. John sees the great multitude of saints around the throne of God. What a great sight to behold!

It should excite us to know that one day soon we will be standing around the throne of God. We will be clothed in white robes and singing praises to Jesus. Read verses 9-12 and try to imagine what a glorious day that will be when Jesus we shall see. God is faithful and true to keep His promises.

Pray

Lord, we thank you for promising us an eternity in Heaven with You. Give us the vision and mindset of Heaven so we can take our eyes off this world.