Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
1 John 4:17 – New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
The preceding verses (15 & 16) of the theme say, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” The Christian faith is centred around love for GOD and love for humanity (Matthew 22:34-40). For God so loved this world, and that is why HE sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world from sin and death (John 3:16). To be a Christian is to be Christ -like and to have the SPIRIT of the FATHER (HOLY SPIRIT) dwelling in and with you. The HOLY SPIRIT in us gives us the ability and power to love as Christ loves and to save those that are perishing by being ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
A Christian, is one who goes around doing good. A Christian, is one who has been sent to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). The Scriptures in Acts 10:38 say, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” It is important for every child of GOD not to neglect the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT. Christ Jesus commanded us to receive the HOLY SPIRIT because that will guarantee our ability to go about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. A common misconception among some Christians is the belief that only ministers (Pastors, Evangelists, Apostles, Prophets & Teachers) of the household of GOD have the responsibility for being Christ-like. Christ-like is our very nature; that is why our heavenly Father gave us HIS Spirit so that we become partakers of HIS divine nature (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 1:22). The Scriptures in Psalms 82:6 say, “I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.” This makes every child of GOD to be blessed with divine abilities. Christ Jesus in John 14:13 says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” HE was not referring to ministers or pastors only, but to all believers in the world.
Let us therefore lay aside every distraction and focus on the will of the Lord our GOD: doing good; healing those oppressed of the devil and making disciples of every nation. Let us take our place as kings and priests unto the Lord, reigning on this earth through our character and actions. We have been given the responsibility of the Great Commission by the Lord Jesus Christ. We have nothing to worry about, for Christ Jesus promised He is with us to the end as we carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20). The bible tells us in Hebrews 10:36 – For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Our FATHER is not unjust to forget the labour of our love for HIM and mankind (the most important commandment). As we continue in our labour of love for GOD and humanity, we are assured of a glorious life here on earth and eternal life (Luke 18:30). Praise GOD!
Scripture meditation
Psalms 67:1-2 (TLB); Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 2:5; & John 17:22.
Prayer
Glorious FATHER, thank you for the birth, death and resurrection of your Son, Christ Jesus. In Him I have your righteousness and your Spirit. Grant me the grace and the ability to live like Him and to fulfil your will and purpose on this earth. In JESUS’ NAME.
Confession
I am born of GOD; as Christ Jesus is, so am I in this world.