This Life’s Journey
I like hiking, getting out in the woods, in nature, God’s nature. I wish I had more time to do it, but when I can get out there, I feel a great sense of peace, an awe in God’s handiwork.
When I go hiking, I make sure to take certain things with me to help me along the way. A good staff for balance (and clearing creepy spider webs). A backpack specifically designed for the hike. I like to wear a full-brimmed hat for shade. A strong pair of hiking shoes. And a great importance, snacks and water enough for the hike.
Life’s a lot like hiking (at least from the perspective of someone who really enjoys hiking); a journey on a rugged trail. A hike that has a destination in mind but enjoys the path, also. And much like hiking, it’s important to have the right gear so the path of life doesn’t overwhelm us.
For us who have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we’re offered the right gear needed for the path He’s called us to. And each moment walking the path with Christ is a moment He builds us up, equips us for the trail, & strengthens our march. This is the essence of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the ancient Philippian church.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Philippians 1:3-7 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul penned these words to a specific group of people. Those who were partners in the Gospel, who opened themselves to God to begin a good work; partakers of grace. He’s speaking to legit Christians, not in name only but in practice of faith; those actively walking the path with Jesus.
Being in “partnership of the gospel” is to have stepped onto a path of good work, yielding to the will of God. A good work both to the world around but also a work happening within the believer!
This is a work that develops within us and through us to bring the good work to completion, on the day of Christ’s return. And our Good Father has gifted those who trust in Jesus with what is needed for the journey. Such a life, in partnership with Jesus Christ, is a journey designed, if we submit to it, to transform, equip, and strengthen us.
Transformed (Through the Holy Spirit)
The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to us who would submit our lives to the Father; to trust AND obey Him. Note how the Apostle Paul directs his disciple, Titus in this.
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:3-7 (NLT)
Each of us came from some other path of life. One of darkness and pain, no doubt. Even those birthed and raised in a Christian home had to deal with their sin-nature. But as we submit to the plan of redemption through Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit begins a good work in us. A new birth and a new life.
Without this regenerative work, we would be left stumbling through life, no different than those still lost. But because of God’s grace, He saw fit to pour out His Spirit into our lives, through Jesus Christ. And so, by trusting in Christ, we are transformed, we are made new, we are made right in His sight!
We are set up to partner with Jesus in the good work God planned for us long ago. But the Holy Spirit compels us to be equipped for such good work.
Equipped (Through The Word)
Much like the Holy Spirit, God’s gift of His Holy Word is one that transforms. While Holy Spirit works to transform the heart, God’s Word works to transform the mind. His Word equips us with the tools we need to fight the great battles of our day.
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT)
It’s the Scriptures that God established as one of the great pieces of gear we need to walk this trail with Christ. The Scriptures help us to understand God’s character and His redemption plan for creation. It’s through His Scriptures that we understand the errors of our ways. But it doesn’t just say what’s wrong, it points us to what’s right.
The faithful study of God’s holy words to us will prepare us for the greatest battles ahead. For in those words we read of the love of God, how He adores His children, and how He fights for us as we cling to Him.
As much as we’re people of the Spirit, we also must be people of the Word. God’s Spirit works to transform and His Word seeks to sharpen the mind. And it’s in the Word we are called to be strengthened by His Body.
Strengthened (Through The Body)
The Holy Spirit and God’s Holy Word are powerful and wonderful gifts to the children of the True King. But where we find these at their peak abilities is as they work in and through the collective community of believers.
There are no loners in God’s redemption plan! The Church has been THE ordained vehicle God has chosen to advance the Kingdom. Each congregation is a part of the larger community, working together to defeat that lying serpent and his minions. And it does so in an unexpected, yet beautiful way, by being a community in love with their fellow believers
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)
Folks, if you don’t know this yet, let me be the one to tell you; the day of Jesus’s return is drawing near! Each day we live on this earth is one day closer. It’s not time to give up! It’s not time to retire! It’s not time to “let someone else step up”!
It’s time for the Body of Christ, the pure Bride of the Lamb, the Church to stand up! Let’s keep meeting together, let’s encourage each other. Let’s dream together of where God has us going. Let’s come up with innovated ideas that give way to the “giftings” among us.
Let’s be about the partnership of the gospel, the good works of God. The battle for souls is at hand and it’s time to engage in that battle!
CONCLUSION
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:9-14 (NLT)
God didn’t call us to this path for the sake of the path. He called us to this path to work His good plan. So, we must be transformed by His Holy Spirit, equipped by the ardent study of His Word, and locked arms with our brothers and sisters, the Saints of God, in Jesus Christ. This is the great journey we’re all on together!
