By Robert Hooley
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of its inheritance in the saints.”
Ephesians 1:18
All Christians are commissioned by AImighty God to be his witnesses (lights) in a spiritually-darkened world. Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works glorify your father which is in heaven.” In Ephesians 1:22-23 the Apostle Paul depicts the New Testament church as one united body. Jesus Christ is the head and believers are the various members of the body. It is obvious that some people are divinely called to full- or part-time job descriptions within the church structure or body. Others deeply desire such career involvement, but struggle in finding an open door for service. The following words are specially directed to this searching spiritually hungry group.
FAITHFULNESS IN THE
VERY LITTLE THINGS
Jesus proclaimed in Luke 16: 10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Here is a supremely important truth relative to promotion in the Kingdom of God. In the famous parable of the pounds (Luke 19) believers are exhorted to occupy; take advantage of life’s opportunities during this present church age. In Luke 19: 17 Jesus links the giving of authority in God’s kingdom to a person’s faithfulness in the seemingly little things in life. This puts a daily focus upon one’s personal, mental, moral, and spiritual uprightness; the testimony of a marriage; family relationships; one’s home; and personal appearance. Is there honesty and integrity in a job situation, in finances, and business dealings? Proverbs 25:28 says, ”He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.” This sorrowful reality is vividly portrayed in. Proverbs.24:30-34, “I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man who is void of understanding; and, lo, it was grown over with thorns, nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well. I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth (as a person being robbed) . . . ” Through Jesus Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit better things are expexted of God’s people. A walk of obedience and faithfulness will then see a fulfillment of Luke 16:11, a release of the true riches of God’s kingdom. Our Lord fully comprehends the pressures and degree of satanic attack against the lives of his servants. The timing and type of an open door is sovereignly in his hands.
FOUNDED IN GOD’S WORD
Psalm 138:2 declares that Almighty God magnifies his Word above His name. This statement reveals the truth dignity, and preeminence God puts upon the holy scriptures. Isaiah 40:8 declares “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Jesus declared or proclaimed in Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Psalm 119 teaches us to love and cherish God’s precepts, judgments, testimonies, and commandments. In defeating Satan’s personal attack, Jesus· spoke these words in Matthew 4:4, “. . . man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Here was Job’s testimony, “. . . I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12). Our Lord promises in Psalm 25 to reveal his ways and teach the secrets of his covenant to those who fear and reverence him. It is absolutely essential to be properly founded in God’s Word. First Timothy 3:.6 warns that a novice will be taken advantage of by Satan. Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” There are many good programs of study available to hungry hearts. In II Timothy 3:1 6-17 the Apostle Paul declares his great confidence in biblical truth “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Proverbs 13:13 makes this summary statement, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed; but he that ferrets the commandment shall be rewarded.“
HUMILITY
King Solomon stated an immensely important truth in Proverbs 18:12 “ . . . before honour is humility.” Humiiity involves a lowliness of spirit, the opposite of self exalting, satanic inspired haughtiness and pride. Humility is a· quality of spirit essential to true servanthood. Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model. Philippians Chapter 2 says he was equal with God yet he made himself of no reputation: He took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man. Then as a man he humbled himself and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. It was from this place of lowliness and submission that God raised him from the dead. He has now highly exalted Jesus and given him a name above all others in heaven or earth or under the earth. Ephesians 1:21 tells us this is true in this world and in the eternity to come. Philippians 2:5 exhorts all believers, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” In James 4:10 the Bible says, ”Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” First Peter 5:6 promises to those who walk in humility that God will exalt them in due time . . . IN HIS TIME. Amen.
WAITING UPON THE LORD
The scriptures reveal that waiting upon the Lord requires the godly attribute of patience. The Apostle Paul states in Romans 15:5 that believers serve a God of patience. He writes in II Corinthians 6:4, “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers (servants) of, in MUCH patience.” God prepared Moses in the wilderness for many years prior to his leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4 stress the great importance of believers coming into a similar place of confidence and rest in God: This certainly includes the learning or developing of patience. Scripture speaks of overcoming or crucifying the flesh. Victory must be gained over this selfish, presumptuous ways of one’s sinful fallen, adamic nature. Romans 5:3 states that it is tribulation in one’s life which worketh patience. This isn’t always pleasant, but God’s ways are higher than our ways. James 1:3,4 says, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have, her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Waiting upon the Lord certainly involves being led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of of God.” This is beautifully depicted in Isaiah 40:31, “But they wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.“
Other Publications:
An Annointing
Turning the Battle to the Gate
A Startling Discovery
Lifting Up of Hands
Published By
Bethel Biblical Foundation
P.O. 440684
Aurora, Colorado 80044
{Copies available on request)