(Read Matthew 16:21-23)
This morning continue our overarching series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study brought us to Matthew chapter 16. For a few days now we have been walking our way through verses 21-23. Let’s go back to it this morning.
The Bible says,
“From that time Jesus began telling his followers that he must go to Jerusalem. He explained that the older Jewish leaders, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law would make him suffer many things. And he told his followers that he must be killed. Then, on the third day, he would be raised from death. Peter took Jesus away from the other followers to talk to him alone. He began to criticize him. He said, “God save you from those sufferings, Lord! That will never happen to you!” Then Jesus said to Peter, “Get away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the same things God does. You care only about things that people think are important.”
Today I will once again focus in on the words, “Get away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the same things God does. You care only about things that people think are important.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Jesus was not selfish or self-centered in any way and He is our ultimate example.
a) Jesus offered every aspect of His life as a sacrifice to the Father and His will.
b) Jesus said, “I came down from heaven to do what God wants, not what I want.” (John 6:38).
c) Jesus said, “My food is to do what the one who sent me wants me to do. My food is to finish the work that he gave me to do.” (John 4:34).
d) Jesus said, “I can do nothing alone. I judge only the way I am told. And my judgment is right, because I am not trying to please myself. I want only to please the one who sent me.” (John 5:30).
*** Take a moment to compare these statements to the way you live your life. If your focus in life does not look like the way Jesus lived His, then it is time to make some changes.
2. God did not birth you to live your life in pursuit of selfish desires.
a) Jesus said, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me.” (Mat 16:24).
b) God has never required any less than ALL of you.
c) There is still a cross associated with following Jesus and that cross requires death to self and selfishness.
3. To live a life pleasing in God’s sight you must learn to care about the things He cares about.
a) When Jesus called Simon “satan”, He followed it with these words, “You don’t care about the same things God does. You care only about things that people think are important.” What do you care about? What is truly important to you?
b) You will experience success when what you care about is based solely on what God cares about.
*** Sharing my heart: I am at the point in my life where I have already experienced a certain level of earthly success. Like Paul I can say, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” (Phil 4:12). There was a point in my life when I was motivated by the pursuit of things. Things no longer motivate me. At this point I am only motivated by purpose. I only want to do what God has called me to do. I only want to be the person God called me to be. I keep a very busy schedule, but it is one full of things I believe the Father wants me to do; so I do them. My only fear in life is to miss God’s will. My only fear is to get before God and find out that I did NOT do what He birthed me to do. I only care about Him and His purpose for my life. I don’t share this for kudos. I don’t seek the approval of men. Even sharing this is something I believe the Father wants me to do. It is my prayer that Today’s Word helps you discover your purpose. My prayer for you is that you FIND, FOLLOW and FINISH your divine assignment before you die, because that is the ONLY way God measures success.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I know I am supposed to live by faith and I will. But I now better understand how there can be no faith where there is no grace. I only have faith for the things You have already given me by grace. I only care about the things You do. I only seek to perform Your will in the earth. I am here for no other reason. My life has no other purpose. I am Your child, called by Your name, living for Your purpose, with Your power, and for Your glory. I die to sin, self and selfishness. I live my life IN You, WITH You, and FOR You, because my life is ALL ABOUT YOU! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
