by Theodore Wright.
What should we do when we see a brother in Christ who is down?
KNOCK HIM OUT with the old JAMES ONE-TWO!
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
– James 1:2 (NKJV)
Do we count it “all joy” for just any reason?
No.
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
– James 1:3 (NKJV)
So what do perservering trials and becoming patient do for us?
Perfects your character.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
– James 1:4 (NKJV)
Trials in life that you face as a Christian make you mature, complete in the will of God.
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
-1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
And what happens after we become mature and complete?
You end up putting strong trusting faith in Jesus Christ, looking for the expected hope of the eternal life waiting for us.
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
-1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
-1 Peter 1:3-9 (NKJV)
So, if you see a brother in Christ who is down,
KNOCK HIM OUT with the old JAMES ONE-TWO!
In memory of José “Joe” Marcelino of Bethlehem, PA
who would kindly knock me out when I was down.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version.
Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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