Making every effort, to make the most of every opportunity (Eph 5:1-21), cultivating our souls (Phil 2; 2Pet 1), calibrating our heart’s - ears, eyes , hands and feet (Ps 119:18; Is 6; 29:18; 52:7; 58; Mat 7:4; 25; Ro 10:15; Eph 6:15; 2Tim 2:20-21; 1Jo 3:17; Rev 3:18) - we are now rising above the corruption of this world and participating in the divine nature…
Corruption: Moral decay, that which is perishable or ruined
Participating in the divine…
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
The work and fruit of cultivating, planting, reaping, and pruning…
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:43-45)
And with that, being a messenger of hope who’s life reflects more and more God’s grace…
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Rom 10:15; Is 53:7)
Too much salt - growing in discernment - when to do what, when to say what.
Noah’s 100 year build - work of righteousness (Gen 5-8; 1Peter 3)
Matthew 5:16 (John 15:8; Titus 2:7; Eph 5; Phil 1:27; 1Pet 2:12
Jesus lived and loved in a way to be asked...
1Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” (John 3:1-2)
We too, ought then to live and love in such a way as to be asked...
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats b ; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:14-16)
We are to go… as representatives of Jesus’ work in us... Cultivating, planting, reaping: You may not see the fruit until the end (Mark 4:12; Ez 2:7)
Luke 8 One of the first “Go’s” Jesus sent the man in where He could not go or might not be received…. Jesus is asked to leave, so He sends in the man/woman (John 4)… We are that man/woman… We may not be received, but that does not mean the work has not been done, the seat has not been planted… (see: Jonah vs. Jeremiah)
Are there those for whom the seeds of the gospel are a waste? Or on whom the declaration of, the seeds of, the gospel are wasted? It is hard to discern whether one is contemptuous enough that is not (yet) good to share the actual gospel. But instead, to live a life of righteousness before them, and take the potential abuse of their present unfriendly response. (Prov 9:8; 11:22; 23:9; Matt 5:11-12; 7:6; 10:25; 24:9; 1Pet 4:14)
So, we ought to live our lives quietly before them, reflecting the good nature and works of Jesus we are being created (in Christ Jesus) to do (Phil 1:27-29; 1Peter 2-3)
From L. B. we are always cultivating and planting seeds, whether we realize it or not.
We can help plant something that grows without us knowing. Are you speaking Jesus' heart for others to see. Let them glean!
Are we living our lives so that people can glean from us even though we don’t know it?
Planting the seeds for others to grow.
If you think you are not seen you are nuts. We are always seen, nothing is hidden.
We are planting seeds whether we know it or not. With however we are living. Galatians 6 you sow righteousness you reap righteousness you sow to your flesh reap to or of your flesh.
Whatever you do you are under the microscope!
Do you trust God enough to give?
