Today we continue our series, “As Jesus Is”, under the banner of the overall series for the year, “Supernatural Manifestation.” We have been looking at 1 John 4:16,17 for a couple of months now. I have been adding other passages to it. Right now we are looking at 1 John 4:16,17 and Philippians 2. Let’s get to it.
The Apostle John said:
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
(1 John 4:16, 17 KJV)
The Apostle Paul said:
“Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.
In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form.
During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.”
(Philippians 2:1-9 ERV)
Today I will focus in on this statement, “Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- To this point in the series I have been focusing on who you are in Christ, and what seeing yourself “As Jesus is, in this world,” does for your self-esteem and self-image. But in Philippians 2, as we seek to learn about the importance of putting on the mind of Christ, we will see what this means for our ability to interact with others. Not only should we see ourselves like Jesus, we should also treat others the way Jesus did. This is how we truly RE-Present Him on this planet.
- Paul said, “Think about what we have in Christ.” That’s a great exercise. Think about all the Father made Jesus and then think about the fact that Jesus is IN you. All Jesus is, is IN you! Everything He made Jesus, is yours, because is IN you. The goal then is to LET HIM OUT! As you interact with people, God’s desire is for you to let His presence IN you, be known. When people come in contact with you, they should see, feel and experience Jesus. If they do, they will never be the same!
- Paul told us to think about the encouragement Christ Jesus has brought us. The fact that Christ is IN you and that you are IN Him, should bring you great encouragement! It’s hard to be discouraged when God Himself is living inside of you, and you know it! You are only discouraged, and you run the risk of being depressed, when you don’t know who you are or whose you are!
- Paul taught us that God’s love brings comfort. The fact that God loves you with an unconditional love — that He actually loves you NO LESS than He loves His own Son, Jesus the Christ — should bring you tremendous comfort, especially in troubling times. And when you are comforted by God, you are in position to allow that very same comfort to flow THROUGH you, TO others.
- Paul taught us that we get to share in His Spirit. The same Spirit that was in Christ Jesus, lives IN you! You have the same Holy Spirit. This means you have access to the same power, the same love, and the same comfort that Jesus did. The question is, what are you going to do with it?
- Paul taught us that when we know we are in Christ and Christ is in us, we are more cognizant of the mercy and kindness of God towards us. And when we acknowledge God’s mercy and kindness towards us, we can then show that same mercy and kindness towards others. This is how we live “As Jesus is, in this world!”
I will stop here for today.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. Everything Jesus is, is who I am. I am, because He is. You love me NO LESS than You loved Jesus, You son, my Savior. You gave me the same Spirit You gave Jesus. The more I embrace all Jesus is, the more I can become a conduit of all Jesus is, in this world. When the world comes in contact with me, they also come in contact with Jesus. The world will experience love, comfort, peace, power, mercy and kindness through me. Because as Jesus is, so am I, in this world! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
