Patterns

We've been going through the Bible in our Sunday morning Bible study.  It's been a great journey, filled with learning, fellowship, laughter and growth.  Everything a good Bible study should be!  As we studied Paul's short epistles to the cities of that time, I started to notice something.  It was as if Paul was fleshing out what the Christian life should look like, and conversely what it should not look like.   I think it is because we have been taking these books as a whole, one right after the other instead of looking so much at individual verses or sections, that my mind put it all together.  Not only was Paul set on correcting doctrinal issues or problems that had arisen in the early churches, he wanted to leave them (and by extension us) a strong picture of our Christian walk.  This of course is all a work of the Holy Spirit through the apostle called out of time. 

In 2 Timothy 2:13 Paul told this young man, "Hold onto the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me--a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus."   Our lives should reflect values and characteristics that come from faith and love in Jesus.   It's always amazed me how I can read the same verses time and time again and see something bright and new so many times.  God's Word is so deep, we can never stop finding treasure in it. 

Love your neighbor, live by the Spirit, do a good job and mind your own business.  (Galatians 5 and 6).  Use helpful words, be generous, tenderhearted, forgiving.  (Ephesians 4).   Think on things of heaven, clothe yourself in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, be patient with others.  (Colossians 3).  Believe and stand firm on the truth of the Gospel (Colossians1).  Do things without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2). 

If you want to know what the Christian life looks like...read these books!  Now, I know I will not always live up to what's written on these pages.  I am a fallen human being...sinful and fallible.  But I am also forgiven through Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.   Philippians 1:6  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue HIS work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.  

So continue to work with the Holy Spirit to become like Christ.  Let's pend the time in His Word, and in His Presence to grow and change.  We pray, we encourage and be encouraged by other Christians.  And as we do this, over time, we will see the traits and characteristics of Jesus evident in our own lives.

Father, thank You that we are not left guessing what You want from us.  As we study Your Word we see what our lives are meant to be.  We see where You want us to go.  Lord, thank You for forgiveness when we fail, but remind us to celebrate the victories also, even the smallest of ones.  Keep us focused on Jesus as we walk through our days.  Increase our faith, let Your love flow through our hearts....I know we all really want to shine for You.  I hate when I fail, but I know even failure can be meant for Your purpose.  Thank you for the Bible Father.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Spend some time in the epistles.   And remember, Philippians 2:13  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.