This is part 2 of 2 of Lesson 11: More Lessons In Discipleship. Click here to go back to the introduction to this lesson.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)
I’m no expert on living “fear-free”, however in line with our study this week, I think that to gain the peace that Jesus offers, we need to do the following:
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Be spending regular time with Christ in study, prayer and fellowship such that we know Him and the essence of His character.
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Then we will know that Jesus will always act in our best interest. Remember from last week:
“…the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
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Believe that Jesus has ultimate power and has conquered all that we have to fear.
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Surrender our self-centred tendencies. Forsake our cherished sins, ask for forgiveness, and rely on Jesus’ provision.
We need to call upon Him – not battle against the waves ourselves. We need to remember Him in our time of need.
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Not to dwell unhealthily on our doubts and fears:We are not encouraged by our Saviour to cherish doubts and fears and distressing forebodings; these bring no relief to the soul and should be rebuked rather than praised. We may have joy unspeakable and full of glory. –MS 6, 1888. (Ev 180.)
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Focus on the way God has led us in the past and dwell on God’s promises for us in the present and future.
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Understand that trials will come even for believers in Jesus – so we are not taken by surprise when they arrive.
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We need to put into action what God has told us to do. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. The Spirit will also guide us into the right course of action, which we need to follow promptly. By doing this, we avoid spiritual stagnation and allow Satan to have a foothold into our lives.
No doubt there are other important principles, but there’s a few there to start us thinking this week. Don’t know about you, but I’ve learnt a few things through this study about fear that has already been useful in having a more trustful approach to life.
All the best for the rest of the week until next time.
1 Comment
March 15, 2008 at 12:44 am
John 14:27 is one of my favourite verses. Another one that I have always felt comforting is: Lamentations 3:19-23
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I had this on my computer desktop when I lived in PNG. Every morning when I turned on my computer I would read it and remember “my affliction and my wandering” – either past or present. Then the last verses would give me hope and I would take a deep breath and move into the day.
Thanks for reminding me of this. I think I need to do the same thing here!
Have a great week and I look forward to next week.