There is nothing more enjoyable than witnessing a Christian “Walking in Truth”. John expressed this “greater joy” in III John 4, when a man he personally led to Christ (Gaius) was simply doing what the Bible says.
The Bible may be full of a bunch of do’s and don’ts. But let me remind you that do’s and don’ts do not equal bondage and suffering, but rather freedom and joy! Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? You see, we either serve Sin or serve the Savior. I like this quote, “There are two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self”. Christ’s Truths have been proven and are always righteous, my feelings and preferences have failed me too many times! I don’t know about you but I want to serve Christ and place all my trust in His Truths! What about you?
I preached our theme verse on Sunday January 1st 2012.
Text: III John 4
I. A Determination (Walk)
1Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
A. It is a Choice
B. It is a Chore
2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
C. it is a Custom – Habit!
II. A Direction (In)
Note: You can walk, but walk in the wrong direction!
A. Directed in Christ
Hebrews 12:1 ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith!
B. Directed in the Commandments
Psalms 119:47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Psalms 119:172 ¶ My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. They are proven.
III. A Destination (Truth)
A. The Rewards
Note: Notice Gaius had a prosperous soul!
Psalms 112:1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
B. The Reality
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Gospel!
I pray that 2012 will be a year of much fruit and Christians “Walking in Truth”.
#1 by Matt McMorris on January 3, 2012 - 12:57 am
Glad to see you entering the blogging world!
#2 by Cody Kuehl on January 3, 2012 - 8:32 am
Thanks Matt! My goal is 1 a week!
#3 by Terry Reeb on January 3, 2012 - 7:58 am
Very uplifting and encouraging! Even though we know the scriptures, we need to bring them to remembrance and hid them in our hearts! Thanks for your leadership! From an old friend of the family.
#4 by Cody Kuehl on January 3, 2012 - 8:33 am
Very True Terry! We have to be faithful with what we know already!
#5 by Joshua Irmler on January 4, 2012 - 2:21 am
I was very impressed by the outline – It was also a blessing as well!
Keep it up the great work, my friend!
#6 by Cody Kuehl on January 4, 2012 - 1:14 pm
Thanks Josh. I love getting updates about your church.
#7 by Kevin Belanger on January 4, 2012 - 1:01 pm
Beautifully simple.
The sum of our choices in the end is what defines us while we are here on this earth…..but our eternal truth is defined by one choice- believe in Christ and walk in his truth.
Keep up the good work!
#8 by Cody Kuehl on January 4, 2012 - 1:06 pm
Well said Uncle Kevin! Miss you!
#9 by Neilhocker on January 5, 2012 - 3:52 pm
I live what you say about freedom and joy….
#10 by Lita Bonsignori on January 9, 2012 - 4:32 pm
Not only was this post encouraging, but whetted my appetite for your upcoming visit in March! Looking forward to future blogs…and the blogs of TNPW