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Title: FOR JESUS’ SAKE Post by: Ambassador4Christ on June 22, 2004, 04:47:52 PM "Delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake" (II Cor. 4:11).
There is much that we all do for our own sake, for the sake of our children, our loved ones or others, but the real test of the be-liever’s love for the Lord is what he does "for Jesus’ sake." Under the dispensation of Law our Lord told His disciples that to be forgiven they must forgive: "Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven" (Luke 6:37), "but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:15). But now, under the dispensation of grace, He exhorts us to forgive one another "even as God for Christ’s sake HATH forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32). The difference is striking. Before the cross: If you would be forgiven, forgive. Now, in the light of the cross: You have been graciously forgiven for Christ’s sake. In the light of this be tenderhearted and forgiving toward others. And we are to go farther than this: Not only are we to forgive our brethren in Christ, but we are to be prepared to show this attitude toward the world as well. St. Paul said: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all" (I Cor. 9:19), and referring to his persecutions by unbelievers, he said: "We... are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake" (II Cor. 4:11). How many unbelievers would be won to Christ; how many of our Christian friends would be strengthened and helped, if we adopted this attitude toward others! As to suffering itself, the Apostle also gladly bore this "for Jesus’ sake." In writing to the Corinthians, he said: "I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Cor. 12:10). He had learned that in weakness he leaned the harder, prayed more, and was brought closer to His Lord, and herein lay his spiritual strength. By CR. Stam Title: FOR JESUS’ SAKE Post by: Brother Love on July 11, 2004, 12:08:05 AM "...for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Cor. 12:10).
<:)))>< Title: Re:FOR JESUS’ SAKE Post by: workinprogress on July 28, 2004, 11:00:45 PM How very true, what we will do for our own sake and for the sake of our children.
I believe this is what our Lord has in mind as to his sake. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:35 By this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. John 13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. If we were faced with that very same event today, how many of us would be as Peter ? I pray that if ever faced with such a event that I do just what our Lord Jesus has all ready set in motion before the beganning of time God Bless Dave |