The last devotional was heavy, but really important. There is a huge difference in trajectory for a person who tries to do good things to be acceptable to God, and those who have been touched by God’s grace and having been touched, experience internal transformation. The outcome is doing good things because of a heart of gratitude and servitude.
Gratefulness is a key component inside of the heart that engages being equipped.
Our desire to learn and grow in Christ should not be motivated by fear. Nope, it should be a response of gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.
I want to be further equipped so that in the next situation I am ready, more ready than the last situation I was in. Paul caught this quite well. He was a PhD in his day and was considered one of the more learned individuals in his day. Here is what he said about being equipped.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
This is really beautiful. Here is a great leader of the early church saying he is willing to become relevant to those he is ministering and he does not assume that he is because of all of his schooling.
He completely embraces the idea of being equipped to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul is a learner. Even though he has wisdom, understanding and knowledge, he pursues more so that he can share in the blessings of love and gratitude toward God with others.
To him, the amount of knowledge isn’t important, being a learner is. He said to Timothy his student…
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Paul wants his student to keep learning so that Timothy can be prepared for whatever situation he finds himself in.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Yes, there is internal transformation which generates the desire to keep learning about the message of Jesus. This learning gives fuel to worship and praise. This learning gives expression to others of the power of God to transform the inside of us.
Truly, learning is motivated by gratitude.
I am grateful for everything. Everything that God has done is good. Everything He has done in me and you is good. Every expression of Himself in you and me is good. And He will give you more if you want it. God will never stop equipping you, if you are open to it.
Paul again says- “…no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9
Oh friend, this is the motivation for us to learn. Inward first, and then outward as an expression of gratitude. Learn more of what God has done for you through Jesus.
Father, I confess to You today my need for equipping. You know what I am going to face and You are so good that You preemptively train and equip me for what is coming. Please do not let me miss one of my lessons as You guide me into all truth. Hold my hand as You promise to do and don’t let me run on ahead of You. Please keep me still with You so I can hear. Praise Your name Lord Jesus! You have made all this possible through Your great sacrifice!
Blessings,
Pastor D
