Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
Anyone (Everyone) who goes too far (goes on ahead) and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
2 John 8-11 NASB
🌹God of refuge and strength I pray for Your refuge and strength in a time when tribulation like we have never seen comes upon us. I pray I will watch myself and hold to Your truth learned through Your word and godly mentors in my life. I pray I will plant and water and have confidence to receive the full reward according to my labors. Guide me Lord and keep me from going ahead of You, by abiding in Your Word, Jesus, and in You, Father.
I ask protection and discernment, God, to recognize and keep away from those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to Your teaching and to turn away from them. Keep me free from sin Lord, giving me the ability to show mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Keep me, as You commanded, from every brother and sister who leads an unruly life so as not to be swayed to that lifestyle and thus find myself participating in their evil deeds. Help me to avoid the unfruitful deeds of darkness and expose those deeds. May Your mercy fall on me. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Mark 13:19/1 Corinthians 3:8/Hebrews 10:35/Romans 16:17/2 Thessalonians 3:6/Ephesians 5:11/1 Timothy 5:22/Jude 1:23 NASB
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon
Tag Archive | teaching
Whose Glory Do You Seek?
The Jews then were astonished, saying, “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” So Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
John 7:15-18 NASB
If you are willing to do God’s will then you will know of God’s teaching. Being God’s child you have received the wonderful gift of God’s Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB
For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Matthew 10:20 NASB
for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Luke 12:12 NASB
🌹Be in the word of God. Fill your mind, your heart, your soul with His holy word. And trust the Holy Spirit to speak through you for His will to be done. To God be the glory!
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon
The Church
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3-4, 12 NASB
Prophesy: to speak as a mediator between God and humankind or in God’s stead.
But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 NASB
What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26 NASB
🌹 The Church: Body of believers gathered to love, edify, advise, discuss with one another.
Results: The conviction and salvation of the unbeliever through the unity of the body’s prophesy. Edification of the church as we share with one another a psalm, a teaching, a revelation.
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:31, 33 NASB
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon
The Church
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NASB
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:43-47 NASB
[ ] They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
[ ] And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
[ ] sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
[ ] Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple,
[ ] breaking bread from house to house,
[ ] they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
[ ] praising God
[ ] having favor with all the people.
🌹 Is this what the church looks like today? Are we the Family of God? Are we one body, the Body of Christ? Is this why salvation of souls is diminishing?
And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 NASB
🌹 How can you make a difference?
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon
Read And Listen
“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:25-26 NASB
Here is Jesus speaking to His disciples while abiding with them, teaching, assuring, leading. But Jesus was about to be crucified so He would no longer be abiding with them. But out of His great love and purpose the Father would not desert them. He sent the Holy Spirit to abide in them.
Jesus spoke the word to the disciples. Disciples today have those words in the Bible. As the disciples had to walk and listen to Jesus, we have to walk with God and listen when we read the Bible. Ever wonder why you don’t hear God? Are you reading His word?
And the greatest part of reading and listening to God’s word is that when we need discernment, or to share the gospel the Holy Spirit will bring it to mind what to say because He abides in us. Hallelujah!!!
🌹 Read and listen. Trust and obey. God will use you.
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon
Listen. . .
“Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: — Acts 13:16b
Listen:
to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
to pay attention; heed; obey
God is calling, speaking, commanding, warning, teaching, counseling, etc. Are you listening?
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Has Salvation Changed You?
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. — Acts 2:38-47
The Lord was adding to their number — those who were being saved. We need to realize that it is the Lord who saves.
What factors were involved in many being saved? Repentance, forgiveness and receiving of the Holy Spirit. Lives changed.
Transformation happened: they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This brought about awe as they witnessed the movement of God amongst themselves and the world. Many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Being one with Christ they had all things in common, cared for one another by meeting needs, were like minded, fellowshipped together and praised God together.
Could this be why God was adding saved ones to their numbers day by day?
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
The Bible — Word of God
Just how important is the Bible — the Word of God? To mankind as a whole? How important is it to you? Is it a priority in your life? Do you consider it the sustenance that keeps your spiritual life alive and well? Are you well fed?
The Bible says the Word of God is:
“the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” — Romans 1:16
“faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17
“you have been born again through the living and enduring word of God.” — 1 Peter 1:23
The Word blesses those who read and obey:
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” — Joshua 1:8
The Word of God brings light to the darkness, understanding:
“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” — 2 Peter 1:19
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” — Psalm 119:130
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life” — Proverbs 6:23
The Word of God is used for convicting, discipline, teaching:
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” — 2 Timothy 3:15-16
The Word of God is food for growth:
“like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,” — 1 Peter 2:2
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” — Acts 20:32
The Word of God tells of Jesus!!!:
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;” — John 5:39
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. — James 1:21-25
My hope is that you are feasting richly on God’s wonderful Word.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Compare
I have had the honor and privilege to teach Bible Studies to an array of different women and children. From school age to women well into their 80’s. It has become my passion but it didn’t start out to be.
Being involved in church found me wanting to serve and after all the church was in need of Sunday School teachers so it was only obvious that I should step up and serve in this way. Three year-olds, five year-olds, fifth and sixth graders. I’ll have to admit I did it without fervor or passion, just commitment. I decided it was not my calling. I would of course still substitute now and then.
Well, God had other plans. As I studied the Bible the more excited I became about its contents. The more excited I became, the more I wanted to tell others and Jesus opened the doors to do just that. I am truly honored that God would mold me into a teacher — not of my will — but of His, which makes it that much more important that I teach to honor God.
One of the things I stress to everyone I have the privilege to teach is for them to “open your Bible”. I am merely an imperfect human and although I have been given the gift of teaching and I try very hard to not dishonor God’s Word I can make mistakes. I would prefer someone to call me on it than to take my teaching as truth.
As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. — Galatians 1:9-10
How can we know if the truth is being preached or taught correctly if we don’t check it against the Word of God (Bible)? If I am taking the word of another without testing it against the Word of God, is that not just the same as seeking the favor of man? If I accept whatever that person says as fact, can that be construed as striving to please man? If I am willing to accept man’s word as truth then I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Those words are very convicting.
The truth of the gospel must be taught with truth but it is our responsibility to know if the truth is being spoken. Open the Bible and compare what you hear to what is written in the Word of God.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Salvation, Then What?
So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:41-42
Hallelujah for every soul who is saved. That is reason for celebration! But is there more to this salvation thing? For many years it seems salvation was the focus — get people saved. Many who made decisions to accept Jesus as Savior, repenting of sin, were left there.
There is more to salvation. So much more — wonderful, fulfilling, exciting, challenging, adventurous, faith growing, surrender, dependence — a relationship with the Savior. This takes continual devotion to the teachings of Christ. Being mentored by a mature Christian. Fellowship of the saints is necessary because iron sharpens iron, gleaning fruit from the mature tree, receiving encouragement in the faith and learning from others.
Gathering of the saints to break bread together and pray is a time of drawing closer to God, one another and learning how to do that.
This devotion is for the new babe in Christ to encourage them to be in the Word — joining a Bible Study group — to gather with the saints and learn — gather fruit — from them. Learn to pray by watching and learning from godly people. Step out in faith so your faith will grow.
This devotion is also for the seasoned person in Christ to encourage you to take someone under your wing by inviting them to join you in Bible Study, pray with them, and allow them to gather the fruit of your walk with Jesus.
We must not settle for just salvation when there is so much more!
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. John 4:36
Continually Seeking Him 