"Chosen", Marc Jarchow, 7th December 2018

We all like to be part of something. Some clubs are exclusive. Hard to get in to.

 

Biggest privilege of all is to be part of the kingdom - “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”” (Matthew 4:17 NIV11)

 

Led by our king: “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15–16 NIV11)

 

Can become disconnected from the awesome nature of our king. Do we see who he really is? Look at the descriptive words in the passage above? Do we notice

 

What do we get out of being in this ‘club’?  “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV11). We receive everything we need for the life we have been given and called to. 

 

How do we get there? Through our knowledge of him. It’s a process. As we deepen our relationship with God we receive more of what we need for a godly life. The fact we have a relationship with God does not automatically lead to maturity. We have God, and it is our privilege to get to know him better and better.

 

Life challenges our confidence of God’s provision for us. We doubt whether he will meet our needs. That’s when we need to read and meditate on Psalm 139.

 

What is the cost?

 

Generosity of heart and actions: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10–11 NIV11)

 

Is being generous really a cost? Not when we see the blessings that come from living a generous life. 

 

Another cost - let the old life go. 

 

What do we do? “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37–38 NIV11-GK)

1. Love God
2. Love others

 

What does that look like?

 

    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42–47 NIV11)

 

We do life together.

 

How do I get in?

 

By being chosen. We don’t choose, God chooses.

 

Deut 7.6; Acts 2.39; 1 Cor 1.26; 1 Peter 2.9.

 

Chosen for a purpose, not just ‘membership’ or attendance. We, as royal priests, are called to be special. 

 

We need not fear because we have been given all we need. 

 

One more benefit: we have a home to go to. 

 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Chosen, Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,