Power to Obey

Posted 2/21/2009 2:54:07 PM

God spends a lot of the Bible telling us what we need to do in order to have successful lives by His standards. It easily becomes overwhelming to think of the perfect standard we are expected to compare ourselves to, and to remember all the laws we have to obey. How in the world are we supposed to get even close to doing all that correctly? And then, we have to struggle all the time with selfish natures that don't even want to obey Go d in the first place. How can this work?

God again comes to the rescue, for "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1Cor 10:6-13 Remember how

• He led the Israelites out of Egypt against all odds Ex 3:17,
• spared Daniel from the lions Dan 6:22, and
• his friends from the fire Dan 3:17
• Jesus has promised that no one can take us away from God the Father John 10:29, and
• that all things work together for good for those that love God Rom 8:28.
• Who can be against us, if God is for us? Rom 8:31-39
• Nothing can separate us from Christ Rom 8:35
• God's grace is enough to carry us through anything, especially where we are weakest 2Cor 12:9-10
• God will rescue us from evil deeds 2Ti 4:18; 2Pe 2:9

Remember the start of the church, after Jesus ascended into heaven? He just finished telling them they will receive power, and then be His witnesses all over the world. Several days later God sent the Holy Spirit to live in them, and then they had all the promised power. They could speak beyond their education Act 2:7, they had boldness where once they had been afraid John 20:19.

The difference is power. Power from God, the power to do right, is the only way life can be successful.

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