Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

A Father’s Example

Faith, Trust

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9

The best way to lead is by example. Dads have a major responsibility with leading their family but the most important teaching that should come from a dad is how to worship God. And what better way than by example.

As spiritual leaders it is a privilege and responsibility to be an example to others. Paul encouraged others to follow his life as an example. It’s one thing to just learn what the Bible teaches but it’s a whole different issue to live it out.

We are instructed to be obedient to what the Bible teaches and to obey each command. Paul knew the reward for such obedience is the blessing of God’s peace.

Like Paul, we’ve got to live in such a way that we can say, “Learn what I teach – by my example!” What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? Is it an example of love and compassion? Is it an example of fearing and honoring God as sovereign Lord? Is it an example of leading others to Christ? Your life is a testimony to others.

People need to witness Christ-like examples of Christian living. Our children need to witness what it means to live holy and righteous. Our world needs to witness examples of God’s grace and forgiveness. Our churches need men who set an example of what it means to be faithful and true. The challenge is before us to practice the things which we have learned.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving us Christian men and women who have been great examples of how we should live our lives. Help me to pass on to others what I have learned so that someone may witness who You are in me.

The Power To Overcome

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“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.

Faith Leads To Action

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew‬ ‭16:16‬

What we choose to do and say today proves what we believe to be true about Jesus. Our faith in Jesus speaks louder than words. If our faith is weak, our life choices reflect it.

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:13‬) He wasn’t asking this question because He didn’t know the answer, instead He was asking to make the disciples think.

So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?””‭‭ (vs.14-15‬) Then Peter responded with the most profound statement of his life. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!”

Jesus asked this question while in the distance behind him was a landscape of false gods and idol worship. Caesarea Philippi was a region that was said to be the birthplace of the god Pan, the god of nature. There was also a temple built of white marble to the godhead of Caesar.

It was if Jesus intentionally sat against the background of various religions and demanded the disciples to declare Him as the One True God. And that is exactly what Peter did.

We have the same opportunity today. In your backdrop of life is a mixture of idols and false gods that compete with Jesus Christ. And it is as if Jesus is demanding for you to proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You may not say the words but your actions prove what you believe.

We can look at our bank account ledger and notice what we believe to be most important in our life. The way we spend money and what we spend money on prove to be a major factor of what is most important.

We can say with words that Jesus is the One True God but the way we live out our faith is what matters most. Are you living our your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you trust Him to be your One True God? Do you serve Christ in a way that points others to Him? Let’s be like Peter and declare that Jesus is the Son of the Living God.

Pray

Lord, I believe in You as the One True God. Remove any and all idols that stand in the way of serving you only. I trust You and know you are in control of all things.