Assurance Not By Works But By Faith
LENT 2022 | DAY 30
Matthew 24:36-51 (NIV)
(Foo Yu Da, Chairperson, Witness & Evangelism)
READ:
Matthew 24:36-51 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The day and hour of the Lord’s return would be unknown and unexpected, and this is a strong reminder emphasised repeatedly (v36, 42, 44, 50). Furthermore, our potential complacency is something that has happened before “As it was in the days of Noah” (v37). It is a strong warning to be ready and to not let history repeat itself. When the Lord returns at a day and hour unknown, and completely unexpected to us, will we be the faithful servant (v45-47) or will we be found to be the wicked and hypocritical servant (v48-51)?
APPLY:
As human beings, we know our human condition as weak and susceptible to making the same mistakes repeatedly (Rom 3:10-18). However, as children of God, we no longer live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit and now have the power to be free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:1-4). This passage is a reminder to me to continue to be rooted in Christ and to grow in relationship with Him and it is the Spirit that transforms me into a faithful servant. It is not by my own works and effort. All I need to do is to keep my eyes on Christ and seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). At the same time, knowing that the Lord would return at any time is a critical reminder to witness and share the Gospel with urgency without delay.
DO:
A reminder to grow in maturity in Christ in all aspects of the head, heart, and hands. Understanding my personal tendency to grow in the head, I need to commit time to spiritual formation in growing my heart towards God, spending alone time with God in reflection and prayer. Also, to continue being sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit in having spiritual conversations whenever and wherever the opportunity arises in the marketplace.
PRAY:
Dear Father in heaven, I thank You for Your grace and Your transformative work in my life through Your Holy Spirit. It is not by my own strength but by Your grace that we will be saved and in that I can rest in You and in You only. I pray that the assurance of Your grace and salvation will continue to grow me into a true disciple that will bear fruit in my witness to those who have yet to come into a personal relationship with You. Amen.
