Rest and Work (II)

by

2021 07 25

Principles of Faith

Judgment therefore grace

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

John 12:31-32 (NKJV) 31  Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32  And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

  • Peoples/Men vs Judgment
  • All appointed judgment

Seeds & Weeds

Matthew 8:1-3 (NKJV) 1  When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2  And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3  Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

  • OT Unclean had power over clean
  • NT Darkness cannot overcome light

John 1:5 (NKJV)  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

  • Comprehend = Overcome
  • NT Clean has power over unclean
  • Impart blessings
  • In a garden, there are seeds and weeds.
  • All that the water and sunshine does is make it grow.
  • Not uncleanness or impurity that is imparted,
  • Holiness stirs up the dormant/demons in you.

Our Work

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV)  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Inward – childlike faith

James 1:21 (NKJV)  Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

John 15:5-6 (NKJV) 5  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

  1. The Communion
  2. The Blessing of Abraham
  3. The Promise of the Holy Spirit

The Communion

About the holy communion, going through the motions of eating the bread and drinking the cup without a relationship with Jesus Christ does not work.

You can’t just “try it and see”. There is nothing magical about it.

If you have no revelation of the significance of the Communion, and no sense of His love in your heart, the holy communion becomes empty.

Unlike diets and fitness plans, which work irrespective of your relationship with the author, which work if you follow the prescribed rules, the power of the holy communion is based on a revelation of the redemptive work of Christ and faith in His finished work.

Matzah Bread
Crunchy

John 6:56 (NKJV)  He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

  • The Greek word for eats is “trogo”, which means to gnaw or crunch.
  • It is striped, pierced with holes and burnt.
Striped

1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.

  • It is by the stripes that Jesus bore when the soldiers scourged Him that we are healed
Pierced

John 19:2 (NKJV)  And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.
John 19:18 (NKJV)  where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
John 19:34 (NKJV)  But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

  • His brow was pierced by the crown of thorns
  • His hands and feet were pierced by the nails
  • His side was pierced by the soldier’s spear
Burnt

Isaiah 53:4 (NKJV)  Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

  • The fire of God’s judgment fell upon Jesus when He carried our sins
  • Jesus saves us from this judgment because the fire of God, the anger of God fell upon Him

The blessing of Abraham

Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV) 13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14  that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law
  1. that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus,
  2. that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The promise of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 15:13 (NKJV)  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

  1. Work in us
  2. by grace
  3. through faith in Jesus

Outward – violent faith

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) 18  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Romans 10:13-15 (NKJV) 13  For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 14  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15  And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Go, preach

Be a witness

  • Of what Christ is doing in you
  • Despite who you are

Behavior

Before I knew God’s grace

  • Our position determines our behavior
  • I was trying my best to make heaven my eternal home
    • trying to be good, by self-effort.
    • Performance based religion is Sin
  • The contentment I once felt at being righteous with God, had turned into frustration,

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • When we fail at being right with God, we get loaded with
    • Guilt
    • Shame
    • Condemnation
  • I thought then that I needed to put more will power into it
    • But I fail again, and guilt/shame/condemnation comes in again
    • Pretty soon I’m in a spiraling hole, ever digging deeper into sin.
  • It was not until I had a vision of God’s amazing grace,
    • That this circle of sin was broken
  • That all this available to me only through Jesus Christ.
    • It was too good to be true, except for the Jesus bit.
    • Gospel: too good to be true,
  • I had to put my faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
  • I did not have to worry about tipping the scales favourably through adherence to rules and regulations for me to enter Heaven when I die,
  • I did not have to depend on any rituals, deeds or sacrifices,
    • Jesus had been there and done that.
  • All I had to do was believe in my Father’s love for me that put Jesus on the cross to save me from my sins.
    • This is grace.
  • I then felt a hand reach into my heart and tear out something dark and burdensome.
    • I instantly felt the compassion that Abba Father had for me.
    • For the first time in my life, I became aware of my heavenly Father’s presence
    • The love of God through the cross of Jesus.

Helplessness

  • God helps those who need help, who seek Him for help

Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)  God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

  • Boldness to approach Him, to come to Him
    • In our time of need
    • Irrespective of our performance, of what we’ve done
    • Throne of grace

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

  • You’ve got to come to terms with yourself.
  • Your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats,
  • Be honest, seek the Lord. You need Him.

Psalm 51:6 (NKJV)  Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

  • In your weakness, come to Him. God is strong

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • Grace is sufficient, adequate, more than enough.

In Christ Jesus you are…

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NKJV)  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

  1. wisdom from God and

1 Corinthians 1:24 (NKJV)  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

  1. righteousness and

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  1. sanctification and

John 17:17 (NKJV)  Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)  Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

  • Same word in Greek: “hagiasmos” is used in 1 Corinthians 1:30 for sanctification
  • Pursue peace

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)  For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

  1. Redemption

Mark 10:45 (NKJV)  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Faith in Jesus Christ

  • Faith is a positive response to what Jesus has already done.
  • Do not try to do what has already been done by Jesus Christ
  • We do not always do right by God, but that does not change who we are in Christ
    • Jesus has made me right with God
    • Jesus has redeemed me
    • Jesus has made me Holy
  • If I hold on to my new identity,
  • eventually it will take root in me
  • and then, we will see the fruit being produced.
  • and then you begin to see the fruit in your behavior

Romans 2:4 (NKJV)  Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Luke 7:47 (NKJV)  Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

  • Repentance is the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts
    • convicting us of our sin and
    • pointing us to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Reason for Sabbath

Mark 2:27 (NKJV)  And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Hebrews 4:11-12 (NKJV) 11  Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jesus

  1. Sabbath day is now a man in the New Covenant
  2. We must be diligent to enter that rest
  3. Do not try to do what has already been done by Jesus Christ
  4. Inward – childlike faith
  5. Helplessness
  6. Outward – violent faith
  7. Confession/declaration of faith

Rest & work

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) 8  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9  not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • We operate from the position that Christ has gotten for us

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

  • Our position determines our behavior

John 12:31-32 (NKJV) 31  Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32  And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself.”

  • All judgment
  • To understand our position in Christ,

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

  • To know our identity in Christ

Romans 8:29 (NKJV)  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

  • We have to renew our mind

Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) 1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

  • Confess our faith

Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Daily Declaration of Faith

  • both Audio & Text, daily
  • Our responsibility

 

  1. 2 Cor. 5:7 I declare that I walk by faith and not by sight
  2. 5:16 I declare that I enjoy my work and make the most of my time,
  3. Ps 25:21 I declare that I am a person of excellence & integrity
  4. James 1:5 I declare that I have supernatural wisdom & discernment
  5. 1:17 I declare that I walk in revelation knowledge
  6. Col 3:13 I declare that I am a person who forgives easily & loves all people
  7. 1 Cor. 12:8-10 I declare that the gifts of the Spirit operate in my life
  8. 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19 I declare that I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me.
  9. 1 Cor. 6:17 I declare that I am joined united to the Lord and am one Spirit with Him
  10. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 I declare that I have been bought with a price. I am not my own. I belong to God.
  11. 2 Cor. 1:21 I declare that I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God in Christ and I have been redeemed see Eph.. 1:13, 14
  12. 2 Cor. 2:14 I declare that I always triumph in Christ
  13. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 I declare that Since I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Jesus Christ
  14. 2 Cor. 5:17 I declare that I am a new creation
  15. 2 Cor. 5: 18-19 I declare that I am reconciled to God, and I am a minister of Reconciliation
  16. 2 Cor 5:20 I declare that I am an ambassador for Christ
  17. 2 Cor. 5:21 I declare that I have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
  18. Gal 2:20 I declare that I have been crucified with Christ & it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
  19. Gal 3:26-28 I declare that I am a son of God and one in Christ
  20. 4:6, 7 I declare that I am an heir of God since I am a son of God
  21. 1:1 I declare that I am a saint see 1 Cor 1:2, Phil 1:1, and Col 1:2
  22. Psalm 1:3 I declare that whatsoever I do shall prosper for I am like a tree planted by rivers of water.
  23. 1:4 I declare that Jesus has delivered me from the evils of this world, for it is His will.
  24. Psalm 91:10 I declare that no evil shall befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling.
  25. Psalm 91:11 I declare that God has given His angels charge over me, and they keep me in all my ways.
  26. Psalm 37:4 I declare that I delight myself in the Lord and He gives me the desires of my heart.
  27. 3:5 I declare that I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding

 

Summary

Jesus the Christ is our rest

This is grace

We must be diligent to enter into that rest

By faith

Then do the work as led by the Spirit of God

 

Leave a Comment