Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 26   What Is Living, To Me???

“According to my earnest expectation

and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness, as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified

in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.

21 For to me

to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:21

We are called to live by faith, knowing that our faith is in Jesus, not in our own abilities.  It is so easy to build ourselves up in our own minds, forgetting that it is Jesus who is “my strength, and my Redeemer”, not myself, my works, or my “self” esteem! (As the Psalmist calls it, “presumptuous sins”!). Rather it is my confidence in my Lord Jesus, and our Father God Almighty, and the work of HIS Holy Spirit at work in me.  To God be the glory—not me!

“Keep back thy servant also

from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me:

then shall I be upright,

and I shall be innocent

from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:13-14

While we live in a presumptuous world, we must keep our hearts and minds humbled before God, it is the only way to live.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:10

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:5-7

As God reminds us in the letter to the Hebrews:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

And while this article is a bit brief (for me), it leads us to the truth of how we can live in the power of Jesus; one passage from Jesus Himself, and the other a commentary, if you would, from the Apostle Paul, which gives me great encouragement, and I pray that it will lift you up today as well.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

And Paul’s message that answers our question and tells us how to “live” IN Jesus!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20

Who’s influencing your life? Jesus or the world?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test:

“And, behold, I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.”  Rev. 22:12

Amen and Amen!!!