The End

A Walk in the Spirit

What would your walk look like if you absolutely without doubt knew that in two weeks the Lord would be returning to gather the Saints? James speaking to the wealthy that have taken advantage of others and cheated them out of what was due to them.

James 5:5–11 ESV

5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you. 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

The Greek is literally, “groan” (grumble) : a half-suppressed murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered aloud or freely.

Having exhorted them to patience in bearing wrongs from the wicked, he now exhorts them to a forbearing spirit as to the offenses given by brethren.

Christians, who bear the former patiently, sometimes are impatient at the latter, though much less grievous.

Thus meaning we are often time more patient with a heathen than we are with a brother in Christ! Even when the sins against us are lesser coming from a fellow Saint.

After all they “should know better!”

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 5

We are to live in a continued state of expectancy of the Lord’s coming, as an event that is going happen! . Nothing can more “establish the heart” amidst present troubles than the realized expectation of His speedy coming.

When I remind myself of how I want to be at His appearing, it “Keeps” me in a state where I am always mindful of who I am representing.

Philippians 2:12–18 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

As a side note here Paul is telling the Church I may not be around to help in your walk with God but understand this, it is not me that is doing the work, it is God himself.

There are always those that put their salvation in the hands of other men not understanding it is God who does the work of salvation in us!

Paul wanted the church comforted by this while also given a strong warning on division!

We are to be blameless and HARMLESS.

And ALWAYS mindful of who we are representing!

1 Peter 4:7–12 ESV

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

The Greek is literally, “groan” (grumble) : a half-suppressed murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered aloud or freely.

1 Peter 4:13–19 ESV

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

So in closing I want to ask if you really for absolutely certain knew that Christ was coming back in two weeks would it change how you represent?

Now my question is : if so why?

Are we not called to live (representing Him) at all times. For none us know when but we all know it He is coming back!

As I have teaching we should stay dressed!