RPG Adults
AGREEMENT IN CHRIST
LORD’S DAY, AUGUST 21
1 Peter 3:8
Psalm 133
“…I will meditate in thy statutes.”
AGREEMENT IN CHRIST
It has been noted that the New Testament uses the word “brother” over 200 times to designate those who have personally accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour. Scripture now gives us instructions concerning living with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We are to be of “one mind,” literally, to think alike about things. This unity of thought comes to us through knowing and obeying God’s Word. Scripture has been given in order that we may be instructed in every area of life. These instructions enable us to live in obedience to God and give believers a unity of purpose which can become visible to the world.
We are to have “compassion one of another” (1 Pet 3:8). That is our feelings must be in tune with our fellow believers. We must cry with those in sorrow and rejoice with those experiencing blessing. This feeling of oneness and concern allows no jealousy at another’s success nor feeling of superiority when another fails. This is the honest action of one whose mind is really one with the Lord and other believers. There is a challenge to love our brothers and sisters in the Lord and be tender-hearted toward them. We must be “open hearted,” that is, be easily approachable to those in need of spiritual help.
Finally, we must be “courteous” (1 Pet 3:8), that is to say humble. It was the sin of pride that led to man’s downfall, and this continues to be man’s greatest area of weakness. So, there is a need to constantly humble ourselves (1 Pet 5:6). When we allow God’s Word to search our hearts and minds, we will see our own unworthiness before a holy and righteous God. We will then be filled with a spirit of humility, not only before God, but before our fellow men as well.
Perhaps the greatest summary of this subject is found in the tremendous challenge in the Epistle to the Philippians. There we are called upon to follow Jesus’ example. He who was God walked in lowliness, humility and obedience, in order that we might have eternal life (Phil 2:5-8). Let us so walk as believers that the world might see our Saviour’s love.
THOUGHT: Am I living in Christian humility before others?
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to walk in humility as my Lord walked.