Trail Life Raven Rock Devotional #3

Devotional #3

Ephesians 4:1-6, 14-16

1. Introduction

We all know and (sometimes) yell the Trail Life motto “Walk Worthy”!!!

I want to go deeper with you on this scripture.

We have talked about what to do when tempted and what to do when we sin.

How do we reconcile walking worthy as a Christian when it seems that all our life is filled with temptation, sin and repentance?

2. An attention-getter.

1. Thoughts

The Bishop Of Smyrna

Polycarp was killed sometime between the year 155- 168 CE. According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp, he was betrayed by members of his own household, captured, and taken to the colosseum, where the local proconsul attempted to coax him into offering sacrifices to Caesar.

So the proconsul said to Polycarp, ‘Take the oath. I will let you go. Just revile Christ.’

Polycarp answered, ‘For eighty and six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. And how can I now blaspheme my king who saved me?’”

The proconsul proceeded to threaten the elderly man with lions and fire. In response to these torments, Polycarp replied.

“You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour at most; you must not know about the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. Why are you wasting time? Kill me in whatever way you see fit.”

Realizing he could not be persuaded, the proconsul sentenced Polycarp to death by fire. The soldiers tied him to a stake and covered him in oil. But, just before the executioner ignited his funeral pyre, Polycarp uttered his last words as a prayer, praising God.

Polycarp’s Last Words

“O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of You, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before you, I give thanks that You have counted me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Thy martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption imparted by the Holy Ghost. Among whom may I be accepted this day before You as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, just as You, the ever-truthful God, hast fore-ordained, by reveling it beforehand to me, and now fulfilling. Because of this I also praise You for all things, I bless You, I glorify Thee, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, with whom, to You, and the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and to all coming ages. Amen.”

3. Point #1 The World Will Push You to Deny Jesus

1. Introduce your point and explain what the Bible text says regarding that point.

2. Use an illustration to further clarify it.

3. Provide an application-—“Here’s how this idea relates to our lives.”

4. Point 2 Walking Worthy May Cost Your Life

1. Explanation

2. Illustration

3. Application

5. Point 3 (e.g. “God is love”)

1. Explanation

2. Illustration

3. Application

6. Point 4 (e.g. “God is concerned with the condition of our hearts.”)

1. Explanation

2. Illustration

3. Application

7. Conclusion

1. Summarize what you’ve taught.

2. Present a call to action—what should your congregation do, now that they’ve learned these truths from God’s Word?