Ed Walsh
Puritan Board Senior
Most of you are younger than I, and hopefully much wiser than I have been for most of my 45 years as a believer. So I want to share a few thoughts on the Christian's struggle.
I have discovered, albeit later in my life, both in experience and in the Scriptures that being useful Christian is hard work–the most laborious work you will ever do. I have also found that the work is more than rewarded both in this life and the next.
I think all will agree that the Paul was the most effective of the apostles. Consider Paul's own statement of his life's work in 1 Corinthians 15. After a very self-deprecating comment in vs. 9 where he declares that he was the "least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God," he followed up in verse 10 with a statement that few people could say. "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them (other apostles), though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." Jesus said to his disciples, "...when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10) I could never dream of saying I have done all I was commanded. Could you? But Paul, knowing this verse, and knowing his departure was at hand, could still say these beautiful and enviable words in 2 Timothy 4:6-7 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
1. Know the Bible–all of it - (See all of Proverbs 2) Here's verses 3-5
2. Pray - if not in the Spirit, then, for the Spirit, and don't give up until you have prayed in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26)
3. Beware of the Devil - Maybe we should discuss this? - 1 Peter 5:8
4. Fast - Luke 5:35
5. Love - 1 Peter 4:8 (this last is really the first)
I have discovered, albeit later in my life, both in experience and in the Scriptures that being useful Christian is hard work–the most laborious work you will ever do. I have also found that the work is more than rewarded both in this life and the next.
The Apostle
I think all will agree that the Paul was the most effective of the apostles. Consider Paul's own statement of his life's work in 1 Corinthians 15. After a very self-deprecating comment in vs. 9 where he declares that he was the "least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God," he followed up in verse 10 with a statement that few people could say. "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them (other apostles), though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." Jesus said to his disciples, "...when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10) I could never dream of saying I have done all I was commanded. Could you? But Paul, knowing this verse, and knowing his departure was at hand, could still say these beautiful and enviable words in 2 Timothy 4:6-7 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Some Rules:
(Add some more. This is just a starter list)
(Add some more. This is just a starter list)
1. Know the Bible–all of it - (See all of Proverbs 2) Here's verses 3-5
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;liftest…: Heb. givest thy voice
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
2. Pray - if not in the Spirit, then, for the Spirit, and don't give up until you have prayed in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26)
3. Beware of the Devil - Maybe we should discuss this? - 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
4. Fast - Luke 5:35
But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
5. Love - 1 Peter 4:8 (this last is really the first)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Thoughts.