Introduction:
Good morning, everyone. Today, we journey through God's word, exploring our vital role as believers in these transformative times, often called "the Last Days." The scriptures are clear: God has initiated a great work in each of us—a work of maturation, refinement, and perfecting, grounded in His unending love and purpose. Today's key texts are from Romans, Corinthians, Philippians, James, and Colossians, each highlighting God's active role and our responsive duties in this spiritual growth.
Part 1: God's Work in Us
In Romans 8:28-29, we're reminded that "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Not just some things but all things. This divine promise is intricately tied to God's purpose to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This transformation is not momentary but a lifelong journey, as affirmed in Philippians 1:6, where Paul confidently states that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Similarly, in James 1:2-4, we learn to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." These trials are not without purpose—they are God's tools, shaping, perfecting, and preparing us for what lies ahead.
Part 2: Our Responsibility
While God is at work within us, we are not passive recipients of His Grace. Romans 12:1-2 urges us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." This act of offering isn't a one-time event; it's a daily, moment-by-moment lifestyle, a continuous choice to reject worldly patterns and embrace godly transformations.
Ephesians 4:1-3 calls us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, being completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This isn't merely a suggestion—it's a directive for maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This directive is coupled with Paul's words in Philippians 2:12-13, where he instructs us to "work out your Salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Part 3: Living in Grace and Growth
So, what does all this mean for us today, especially as we consider the concept of head coverings discussed earlier and, more broadly, our conduct as Christians? This means that in these last days, our focus should be on the substance of our faith and our growth in Christ rather than on external forms of religiosity.
Colossians 2:6-7 teaches us, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Our lives should be a testament to the work God is doing within us, demonstrating not just adherence to tradition for tradition's sake but a heart fully surrendered to God's transformative work.
Conclusion:
As we navigate these Last Days, let us embrace both the Grace that Saves us and the Grace that Sanctifies us. Let us be agents of Grace, living out our Faith with a focus on Spiritual maturity and unity in the body of Christ.
Our call is clear: to cooperate with God's ongoing work within us, walking faithfully in His ways and growing into the full stature of Christ.
May we leave here today committed to this high calling, equipped and encouraged by the knowledge that the one who calls us is faithful, and He will do it.
Amen.