KEY VERSES:
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(II Corinthians 4: 16-18)
CENTRAL TRUTH:
Be Encouraged...!!
ENCOURAGED...?? Yes, BE ENCOURAGED !
Paul lays out for us Christ-followers the "Real Deal" life we can expect if we fully pursue God's plan for our lives. Paul doesn't "sugar coat" his description of what we will experience during our pilgrimage and relationship with Jesus, living His life through us here on earth.
Listen to these "Encouraging" words he uses earlier in this Chapter:
"Afflicted in every way, but not crushed . . ."
"Perplexed, but not despairing . . ."
"Persecuted, but not forsaken . . ."
"Struck down, but not destroyed . . ."
"Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body . . ."
Jesus himself also talks about "counting the cost," and Paul in another letter says we should consider it joy when we face trials of various kinds for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. OK, Good Tip!! No Problem! I'm good with that! Sign me up! Put me in, Coach!
But seriously, how do we execute these admonishments that Jesus and Paul offer us throughout His word??!!
You asked for it, You got it:
Jesus' Playbook for Encouragement
#1: "Expect" trials & tribulations, and yes, even discipline!
#2: "Pray" for grace, mercy, power, forgiveness, & spiritual toughness!
#3: "Execute" obedience, even when you don't "feel" like it! Trust me, the feeling will follow the obedience. It will blow you away, and you will get a standing ovation from Jesus Himself!
#4: "Encourage" your Christ-following teammates on a daily basis. You will receive what you invest, and most times even more than what you invest.
#5: "Celebrate" your privileged position on the winning team of the Jesus Christ Great Commissioners!! Our motto which needs to be posted in our locker rooms and printed on the back of our jerseys should read: "Champion of Endurance & Excellence for the Sake of Jesus Christ Because "Winning IS Everything!"
#6: "Compete" fiercely with the opponents that God has allowed in our lives so that we may demonstrate, through challenges & difficulties, the incredible power and saving grace of Jesus Christ! You must maintain the mindset that losing and failing are not an option and that we should, "in all things, do for the glory of Jesus Christ!"
As first-string "starters" for Jesus in the game of life, we will become tired, tattered and tried pursuing the victory over Satan, our sinful nature, and the challenges of loving people that are "unlovable." Still, Paul says we should "run the race to win the prize!" I take this as a direct statement of encouragement to "compete" fiercely against our adversaries in life!
One last thing to consider, God has chosen us to play and perform on His team. He wants and expects us to play at the highest level performing acts of amazing love and obedience for the people in the "stands" to witness. God wants the people in the "stands" (the non believers) to get in the game, join the team! How we handle the ups and downs, struggles, and disappointments of a particular "game" will have direct influence with the "people" that come to watch us "play!"
Let's encourage one of our teammates today!
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