For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:29 {NIV}
To be conformed (molded) into the image and inward likeness of Jesus.Jesus lived the Torah. I had to do some looking because I had no clue what the Torah was. It's a term in Judaism but it is also referred to as the 5 books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers & Deuteronomy. We need to realize that if we are going to follow Jesus and live as He lived, it will be a Torah-based lifestyle that is empowered by the Holy Spirit! The word Torah means basically "teaching" whether it is the wise man instructing his son or God instructing Israel. The wise give insight into all aspects of life so that the young may know how to conduct
themselves and to live a long blessed life. So too God, motivated by love, reveals to man basic insight into how to live with each other and how to approach God. Through the law God shows his interest in all aspects of mans life which is to be lived under his direction and care. Law of God stands parallel to word of the Lord to signify that law is the revelation of Gods will. More accurately, we could translate the word "Torah" to mean "teaching or instruction from God" rather than "Law." God provided this instruction because He loved man and wanted him to know how to live and be blessed. Wouldnt it sound ridiculous for believers to run around and tell everyone that they are not under the loving instruction of God, but only His grace? In most
cases, that is exactly what we have done. Much of Gods instruction is still applicable for the Believer today. If we are going to live like Jesus lived, we must re-examine the Torah and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us to live according to His divine instruction. I was trying to explain this to a friend the other night but he insisted that the OT was merely for learning and not for doing. He claims there is no way we can keep those laws. However, I find a great deal in the OT that is
applicable to my life. So, I do what I can manage.
"21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and
praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove
upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well
pleased."
Luke 3:21-22
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary
place, and there prayed."
Mark 1:35 {KJV}
Jesus was a man of prayer. He would get up before his disciples so that he had the time to center his mind and heart upon his heavenly Father before he started his day. Are we being conformed into this image? This is an area that I need to work on. My studies this morning speak of the fact that in order for us to mature into healthy adult christians, we need approval from our heavenly Father. Paul was a man of prayer. He knew the hand of God was upon him. Even in the midst of
controversy & tribulation he pressed forward. Why? Because his heart had been strengthened by the approval he got from the Lord.
Ministry
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."
John 4:34
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
John 6: 38
Often when people do ministry work they are more concerned with what their audience wants to hear. What will keep them happy. What will get me and my message or my ministry noticed. What will keep folks reaching into their pockets to give. Give, give, give. How often do we hear so much message about pray, pray, pray? Jesus was only interested in doing the Father's will and allowing the Father to meet his needs. Perfect obedience to Him brings perfect provision from His hand. Without His abiding affirmation and approval, we step out in ministry with these "worldly" feelers out. We need approval and provision. Because we have not been trained on how to receive it from our Heavenly Father before and while venturing out into ministry, we are by default forced to receive both from men. The sad part is that if we learn to please people, it can be a road to success . . . at least in the short term. It will also lead to compromise, receiving our rewards from men rather than God and eventually stumbling spiritually. Paul was ever conscious of this. He expressed his desire to void running and ministering in vain. There is nothing worse than feeling like you're doing God's work in vain. Remember this important lesson: If I respond to the many without direction from God, He will allow me to do it . . . in my own strength. If I respond to Him and do only those things He has instructed me to do that day, it is done by His power and anointing. I will not be "burned out" in ministry, but rather empowered by His working through me and enriched by fellowship with Him. The times that we are living in demand that we be more "real" with ourselves than ever before. Only HIS BOND SERVANTS will be able to stand and thrive in the days to come.