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Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:15-17

The command we find in these verses is stark and easy to understand. The Christian is to love the Lord and not the things of the world. Love for God should be supreme in the lives of Believers.

The binary given here is this—God’s people cannot love God and the ways of the world at the same time. We must choose one or the other.  Actually, we will choose one or the other. Are we going to live for Christ or are we going to strive for the temporary fads of this world?

The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes will fade into obscurity. The pride of life will eventually pass away. Worldly possessions, pleasures, and practices are only temporary and will ultimately be brought to nothing. 

By contrast, the Christian has eternal life. The Believer is led to do God’s will and will be with Christ forever. Great joy and peace is promised to those who trust in Jesus.

Who will you love most of all? Will you seek contentment in the things of the world or in a relationship with Christ Jesus? Place your faith in Jesus today for the forgiveness of your sins. Believe that He died and rose again for your eternal life. Trust in Christ and He will save you and grant everlasting life to you. Life in Christ is far, far better.

Tony French

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Living for Jesus is a great and awesome privilege. Believers should live for Christ out of the abundance that Jesus has provided for them. Let us examine three practical reasons to live for Jesus each day.

Simply put, Believers have been commanded to obey the Savior. Christ said, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) The Lord’s people are implored to follow Christ because we love Him and desire to serve Him. Following Jesus is not optional for the true, born-again Christian.

God’s people also pursue the Savior because failing to do so has consequences. Believers are either following Jesus or they are following self. Living for self leads us to sin which carries its consequence. While Believers are secure in Christ, our sin still has repercussions for our fellowship with God, for our closeness in prayer, and for our witness and testimony. Therefore, true Believers seek to follow the Lord so they can enjoy the blessings of God and 

avoid the fallout from sin.

All genuine Christians desire to be a witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8) Telling others about Jesus flows more freely from a life that is surrendered to the Savior. If God’s people are following Him (through the Scriptures, prayer, the church, etc.), they are much more likely to see that fate of the lost and tell them about the salvation that Jesus offers.  Living for Christ increases our evangelistic efforts and makes us a more effective witness to the truth that is needed by those who are far from God.

Follow Jesus, Child of God. You will not regret it!

Tony French

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Following Jesus is difficult. At times, it is excruciatingly painful to be a disciple of Christ. The temptation to give up and live for self is palpable. Hardship should be expected for the true follower of the Savior.

The Apostle Paul endured many hardships as he was led by the Holy Spirit. He endured beatings, false imprisonments, prison, and shipwreck. Ultimately, according to church history, Paul gave His life for Jesus.

Yet, Paul never gave up on Jesus. He was constantly pressing forward and He continually kept his eyes on the prize. Paul did not quit on Jesus because he remembered his calling from the Lord. Historians believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the church at Philippi. Even inequity and unfairness did not deter Paul’s desire to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s example is worthy of emulation. Let us, as present-day followers Christ, have the same attitude as the apostle. We cannot give up or give in to Satan’s schemes to discourage us. Let us commit to following Jesus as long as there is breath in our body.

Christian, keep pressing forward and focus your eyes on the prize. Your future is bright and God is at work around you and within you. Don’t give up on Jesus!

Tony French

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

Christians have been set free. God’s people have been freed from those things that would bind them. “Free indeed” describes the state of the redeemed in no uncertain terms.

Believers are set free from the penalty of sin. Jesus paid the debt so that we could go free. (Ephesians 1:7) Liberty is the lot of those who know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

God’s people are liberated from the guilt of sin. We are forgiven eternally in Christ Jesus and the condemnation has been removed. (John 3:17, Romans 8:1) Our Savior is mighty and wonderful!

Christians are loosed from the power of sin. The same power that raised up Christ from the dead lives within us and gives us fortitude to overcome sin (Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 10:13) The Saints have the strength they need to flee sin and run to Jesus!

Christians are free indeed. Jesus has set us at liberty and torn away our bondage. Remember this fact, Child of God. Live in this truth each and every day.

Tony French

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Following Jesus is difficult. At times, it is excruciatingly painful to be a disciple of Christ. The temptation to give up and live for self is palpable. Hardship should be expected for the true follower of the Savior.

The Apostle Paul endured many hardships as he was led by the Holy Spirit. He endured beatings, false imprisonments, prison, and shipwreck. Ultimately, according to church history, Paul gave His life for Jesus.

Yet, Paul never gave up on Jesus. He was constantly pressing forward and He continually kept his eyes on the prize. Paul did not quit on Jesus because he remembered his calling from the Lord. Historians believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the church at Philippi. Even inequity and unfairness did not deter Paul’s desire to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s example is worthy of emulation. Let us, as present-day followers Christ, have the same attitude as the apostle. We cannot give up or give in to Satan’s schemes to discourage us. Let us commit to following Jesus as long as there is breath in our body.

Christian, keep pressing forward and focus your eyes on the prize. Your future is bright and God is at work around you and within you. Don’t give up on Jesus!

Tony 

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6

God does not change. In His nature and essential being, the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8) Everything on this planet changes each day and sometimes at dizzying speed. Yet, Yahweh remains faithful, secure, and immutable in His being and person.

God’s immutability (unchanging nature) is a source of great comfort. The unalterable nature of the Lord means that we can trust Him in all times and seasons. This doctrine encourages us to remain in the eternal word He has given us and to obey Christ no matter the situation.

Our God works in many ways and He definitely delights in variety. Yet, the Lord’s eternal character is constant and strong. He never wavers and He never falters.

Because of these facts, Christians can trust and obey in every circumstance whether sweet or sorrowful. Child of God, trust in the immutable, unchanging Savior who gave His life for you. He will never fail you and He will always be true to His promises.

Tony French

As Christians, let us consider these thoughts about our Savior this week………………

To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

Jesus is our hope. The hope of heaven, the hope of glory, and the hope of resurrection all rest in the finished work of Jesus upon the cross. He is our only hope and our lasting hope. Through Christ, our hope is steadfast, sure, and forever secure. Jesus is our only lasting hope.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10

Jesus is our strength. Paul commands Believers to be strong in the Lord and in His power. Jesus gives us the strength we need to serve Him, obey Him, and live our lives for His glory. The Lord strengthens us in all times, seasons, and circumstances. Christ fortifies His people forever by His power and might. Jesus is our ultimate strength.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.  

Ephesians 1:7

Jesus is our redemption. He has set us free from the bondage of sin by the shedding His blood as our sacrifice. Jesus was condemned that we might be released. Through His marvelous grace, our sins are forgiven and we are given new life. Jesus is the redemption for all who will believe.

Thanks be to God for His mighty works! Let us make every effort to live in light of these truths.

Tony French

But they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:5

The Apostle Peter emphasizes the doctrine of Divine judgement in 1 Peter 4. His teaching is an important reminder that everyone will stand before God one day. While there may be differences of opinion about all of the details, Christians believe the Last Day will come and we will all give an account for our thoughts, actions, and even our words. (Matthew 12:36)

In that day of judgement, those who have trusted in Jesus will be safe. Why? Because Believers have trusted in Christ as Savior. Jesus was judged in our place and He took upon Himself our guilt. The Lord suffered and died for us so that we might be set free. Believers will give an account for how we have used our lives for the Lord. (Romans 14:10) But, Heaven will be our final home and we are secure in Christ forevermore. (Romans 8:38-39)

Friend, trust in Jesus and be saved today. Those who are not trusting in Jesus will be judged, found guilty, and punished for their sins for all of eternity. Believe in Christ who died and rose again for you. He paid your debt, He was punished in your place, and He suffered guilt that you might be cleared of your sinfulness. Believe in Him today. He will do everything He has promised. Of that you can be sure!

Tony French