Not Robbed

Not Robbed

2 John 1: ⁷ Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ. ⁸ Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full.

 

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“Why is he being so nice to me?” was the thought running through my mind. Usually this thug would bully me and this conversation was unexpected. It was cold outside and I had on my snorkel coat. I looked around and saw his goons giggling. Turns out, they were practicing picking my coat pocket.

 

• I was distracted by the conversation.
• I was being robbed because I was distracted.
• I was a prime target because I wasn’t paying attention.

 

John gets right down to business in this very short letter. He wanted to address deception that had become plentiful. People were not acknowledging that JESUS came as a human to be murdered by HIS creation and be raised from the dead. A person who speaks against this is a deceiver.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be as wise as the serpent like worldly people, but as harmless as a dove.
• Believers will receive a full reward, simply by believing that JESUS died and rose from the dead.
• The reward for my belief is an eternity of peace, no problems and no pain.

 

Being deceived can rob me. I mean, in the past when I have been deceived, it wasted time, money and effort. “I could have done things differently” is usually the regretful thought I have had after realizing I have been deceived. It’s a bad feeling.

 

GOD does not want me to have regrets. HE wants me to choose HIM versus being forced to love HIM. When I choose to believe in HIS love, I experience HIS amazing grace. I am glad I receive HIS reward in full, simply by believing in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer say is a deceiver?
• Have you ever been deceived?
• Will you “be on your guard” by believing that JESUS is GOD and HE became a human to save you and me, and HE was murdered by humans to be raised from the dead to pay for your sins and mine today?

What to Say

What to Say

Acts 8: ³² The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

³⁴ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

³⁷ Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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Sitting in the lunchroom a friend brought strangers to our table. Our usual game time was interrupted by a question. “Does JESUS exist?” I had not encountered that question before. I could not quote any scripture because I had not read the Bible yet. I stammered over the first words but came up with my answer. “Yes! And I believe HE died for my sins and is alive?”

• There were times when I did not know much about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not read about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not have an eloquent, elaborate answer, but I knew JESUS.

The Ethiopian eunuch read from the words of the prophet Isaiah that spoke about JESUS. Philip explained who JESUS was and is. The eunuch got so excited that he requested to be baptized. Philip explained the criteria. “Believe with all your heart.” The eunuch believe in JESUS.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS, the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to be ready to share my belief in JESUS who died for me and is no alive.
• GOD wants me to help others understand that JESUS became a human, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead.

Speaking the words of life means talking about JESUS. Philip did not give the eunuch money or rake his lawn or fix his chariot. He shared JESUS with him. GOD wants a simple message to come from me.

Believe in the LORD JESUS, who is GOD, who became a human to die for our sins, and was raised from the dead. By believing in JESUS and what HE did, you will have everlasting life. I believe in JESUS.

• What is stopping you from believing in JESUS?
• Are you more concerned with current situations than what will happen to you after you die?
• Will you believe in JESUS today?

Status

Status

John 19: ⁷ The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

⁸ Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, ⁹ and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

¹⁰ Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

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“Would you like an upgrade?” was the question posed to me. Then they said, “You have enough points so the upgrade would be free.” I said “Of course.” I was hungry and they gave me a meal instead of a bag of peanuts. “I like this!” I said to myself.

In a small way, I had status.

In a tiny way I thought I was in a better position.

In a miniscule way I believed I needed to keep my “status” so I could fly first class over and over again.

Pilate believed HE had the status to interrogate and sentence JESUS. But when he found out JESUS was GOD, he became very nervous. He asked JESUS “Where are YOU from?” JESUS gave no answer. Pilate tried to use his status on JESUS to get HIM to answer. JESUS replied about the status of sin saying Judas and the church leaders had committed the greater.

• JESUS wants me to place HIM as the highest.
• JESUS wants me to bow down to HIS power instead of seeking a higher status amongst humans.
• JESUS wants me to understand HE is the Most High and has the power to forgive sin.

There is no status on earth that can come close to that of JESUS. HE rules every facet of life. Unfortunately, humans seek status and want to feel elevated over others. BUT GOD forgives this behavior in me when I seek HIS face. I elevate HIM above work or family titles.

JESUS is above everything. There is no situation, secret or solution that does not come from HIM. GOD is involved with growing hairs on my head, certainly HE is involved with things that seem like they are in “my” control. I acknowledge JESUS as GOD and LORD of my life.

• Do you seek status and not know it?
• Are you trying to get power over people by trying to control them?
• Will you give the power you seek to JESUS and watch HIM solve all situations, HIS way?