The Quest For Purpose

The Development Of A Useful Believer

by Jordan Blake Michiels

In the last article, Morning Influence, the topic was "influence" and why influence is so important. God wants us as believers to grow, mature, increase, and become more and realize our potential. So often we begin to believe the lie – God can’t use me, I’ve been through to much. But, keep in mind that the trials of this life are meant to test, build, and prove our faith. The sufferings we go through are meant to train us because we have the salvation provided by Christ Jesus (1 Peter 4:12-16). God will take our broken lives and make something beautiful if we are willing to surrender to him and do our part – he will meet us there and prosper our efforts.

In Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (24) And the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

This verse speaks to the heart of the concept that God understands the limitations of our humanity and is willing to meet us where we are, but keep in mind he doesn’t want to simply hang out there. He sincerely desires for us to grow and become more than we were when he found us. He wants us to become successful because we all have a purpose and a destiny he has created us to experience.

However, growing is a process, and more often than not that takes time. Just because you sit in a garage does not make you a car and sitting in a church does not make you a super Christian… That said, Church is very important.

We are commanded to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together (4th Commandment) because consistently presenting yourself to the influence of biblical teaching will help reinforce the principles of the faith and further your education and understanding. God does help those who help themselves and he does provide assistance when we reach a place where it is beyond our ability to reach. Whether it is in understanding or capacity to cope – he is there to help us learn to walk with him.

Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye can not do the things that ye would.

Lust is not simply sexual desire. Lust is also a strong desire, an eagerness, or impatience: great eagerness or enthusiasm for something as in the lust for power. The physical desires to have power or influence over the spiritual and the spiritual desires to have power or influence over the physical.

The struggle is real folks. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is real and that struggle is sometimes difficult. It is not an easy road to be a good person and to do what’s right. Bless those that curse you, pray for those who speak evil against you, turn the other cheek, love thy neighbor as thy self. The physical mindset says that’s crazy… The struggle takes effort and sacrifice and giving up certain things that would be so easy to just give in to temptations or the influences that we experience. So often the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. This is why we need the influence of God every morning and throughout our day.

Galatians 3: 26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

The concept of “put on Christ” - in this verse – the word “put” is the (Greek – Strong’s Concordance 1746) “enduo” - and means (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (lit. or Fig.): array, clothe (with), endue, have or (put) on. This goes back to the Influence concept and putting on the whole armor of God. We wear the influence of Christ and that “Influence” constrains us from behaving in ways that are contrary to the principles of the Spirit. So as we learn to walk in the Spirit – we learn to walk with God and therefore to walk in his favor and blessing on our lives. So we can grow, mature, increase and become more and realize our potential.

It is important to grow and mature as a believer. We live in a world of immediate gratification, microwave popcorn and no one wants to process anything. People want to consume what someone else has processed – Why? - because it is easy.

But, we all like easy – right? Let's be real for a minute – easy is so convenient when the day has been long and man alive we are tired. It’s so easy to say “ain’t nobody got time for that.”. But the fast track spiritually is not the wisest course to pursue. Too many Believers want the fast track and want to know all the short cuts – to have the “gifts of the Spirit” without first producing the “fruit of the Spirit” and they want the fruit without first developing their faith.

It is our duty to provide the Holy Spirit with the best believer we possibly can be. The Holy Spirit is the one who decides who, when, where, and how the spiritual gifts are manifested (1 Corinthians chapter 12) because everything God does is done properly and in order and with purpose.

The education and the reason that comes with age and maturity are necessary to ensure safety. We must learn to exercise the power of being able to think in a logical and rational manner so that our intention, motive, or cause for acting or thinking in a particular way is orderly and with productive purpose.

The path of least resistance is always easier. But character is not purchased or obtained overnight. The same way good credit is not built overnight, but step by step – Good character is forged like steel in a furnace and takes effort and craftsmanship. Yes – craftsmanship, we have to develop our skill sets as a believer.

2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Please take note that it does not say study to impress other people – No, it says study to show thy self approved unto God. He “God” is the only one we need to impress. If the study and the work or actions are from the right intention then genuine growth can be realized and God is pleased. Your sacrifice is honored just like with Cain and Abel. Cain said look what I have done seeking personal glory and Abel’s sacrifice was from a different intent which did not seek its own praise and God – blessed. The difference in the “works” was intent and from the beginning, the example has been provided.

James the brother of Christ said in James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

If faith is alive then it has movement, it has momentum. The Greek word for works here is “ergon (2041, in the Strong’s Concordance) and “Works” means (to work) toil or effort, an act: deed, doing, labor, and yes – again it means – w-o-r-k.

You might be asking what does that mean? I have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, I go to church. What more do you want? OK – so you have been born again and you have a support group – that’s great!! James 2:19 Thou believest that there is a God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

If all we do is go to church and absorb the teaching we are doing well, but the minimum expected. Our “Faith” becomes useful to God when it helps others. Faith becomes useful when it is not self-centered and our vision is beyond our own needs. When our focus includes the well being of those around us – along with our own – and it becomes balanced.

The point is that a legacy is not something we obtain and suddenly bequeath in our old age. A legacy is something we build every day by the life we live and by the person, we are becoming. When we leave this world the only thing we take with us is the person we have become. The real question is – what are we leaving behind and what are we taking with us? Please allow me to make this more personal – The real question is – what are you leaving behind and what are you taking with you?

1st Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The keyword in this verse is “carry”…we can carry nothing physically out of this life. Only our soul will make that final journey. 2nd Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…

James 2:18 Ye a man may say, Thou has faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. In other words, let me express my faith by putting my effort into where my heart is…Does this mean that we should boast and advertise our works? No, not at all. But our actions bear witness to the truth of our intentions. Our actions or behaviors are the evidence of our faith and what we do facilitates our purpose in this life. If someone is always seeking recognition for everything they do then they have their reward.

1st Thessalonians 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we have commanded you; (12) That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing.

So then how should we go about becoming a fruitful or useful believer? What are the steps? What is "the strategy" we should use? I would like to draw your attention to the Apostle Peter. The Apostle Peter is the one I identify with the most because he was a regular guy that God took and changed his character through and through. The fisherman who cursed like a sailor went from being a sword toting zealot, denying Christ 3 times to explaining in simple but elegant terms what we are about to discuss. Peter was real people folks, authentic, and made the mistakes most of us would make if we were in his shoes. This passage shows the incredible growth the Holly Spirit took Peter through and that encourages me - that I might do the same.

In 2nd Peter chapter one verses 1-12, we have here what I believe is the greatest passage of scripture for believers who are serious about growing their faith. Believers who don’t want to simply be saved so as by fire entering heaven only by the grace of God and the skin of their teeth…1st Corinthians 3:15. This is how we perform the works the apostles speak of in the New Testament.

So, Let's read...

Verse 1. Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Here we see this is written to those who have obtained like precious faith. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord – the salvation you have received – is – precious – because Christ died having shed his blood and suffered the crucifixion. This is written to you – child of God – and it is written to me.

Verse 2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

Please notice in his greeting there is an instruction that grace and peace be multiplied – through the knowledge- not just any knowledge – but through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Verse 3. According to his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

God by His divine power has given to us ALL things that pertain to life – speaking of eternal life – our salvation is complete - (for by grace are ye saved, not of works lest any man should boast) - and godliness or faithfulness- through the knowledge of him – the Holy Spirit- that has called us to glory or the honor, respect brought by achievement and then virtue. What is meant by glory and virtue? Well, we have all witnessed those who become arrogant after getting acknowledged for some good performance. Integrity or virtue provides the structure for humility in the presence of receiving the honor.

Verse 4. whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Exceeding great and precious promises – the “Word” has given his word – In the beginning, was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God… (John 1:1) meaning Jesus Christ and because he gave his word we have the opportunity to be partakers in the divine nature of God.

Verse 5. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; Verse 6. and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; Verse 7. and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.

Giving all diligence – diligence means persistent effort: persistent and hardworking effort in doing something. If you are going into neurosurgery or heart surgery do you want that doctor to give an ok effort? - maybe answer his cell phone to do a survey about his experience at a trade show? Or order take out for when surgery is over? NO! you want him or her to give all diligence to the task at hand.

If you are in a car accident and you are stuck and bleeding out do you want the firefighter or rescue team to have a - when we get around to it attitude? NO! You want them to get the jaws of life and act like your life means something! You want them to give all diligence to the task at hand and be competent about it! For Pete's sake! Right? In the same manner, the concept is that we give our best effort to adding – to our faith…

(Faith + Virtue + knowledge + temperance + patience + godliness + brotherly kindness + charity (agape love) = spiritual fruit

Let’s talk definitions for a moment – in these three verses Peter gives us 7 elements to add to our faith and to each other. Each element influences or cross-pollinates the others creating a Synergy effect. So in the working together of two or more of these things the result is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities. So as a means of understanding the concept lets look at the elements one by one and let's consider each as a thread in a garment of mesh tightly interwoven or interlinked. This also goes back to the concept of “wearing” the influence of God or having put on Christ as mentioned before.

Faith: is a belief or trust: belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something; Set of beliefs: a strongly held set of beliefs or principles. Loyalty: allegiance or loyalty to somebody or something. Scripture says faith is the substance of things hoped for – the evidence of things not seen. Faith is the foundation – Faith is proof. The Strong’s Concordance list Faith as 4102 the Greek word – Pistis -meaning persuasion, credence, the conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation and constancy in such profession, i.e. - truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. From 3982 Peitho – convince or confidence.

Take away: Faith is a belief, trust, or confidence.

Virtue: is a moral rightness, integrity, goodness: the quality of being morally good or righteous; also- effective force: the power or efficacy that something has within to do something or accomplish a task. One might think of moral fiber or moral fortitude. Virtue provides us with the ethics to understand the difference between what we have a “right to do” and “what is the right thing to do”. If we have power and abuse that power it becomes an immoral act. Virtue creates a sense of moral ethics which in turn creates safety in understanding that with power comes responsibility and liability. Those who have a position of authority and lack understanding will not exercise good judgment or wisdom in their duties.

Virtue prevents a person from being morally irresponsible. God speaking to Satan – said of Job that he was perfect and an upright man because he would not give up his integrity – Job 2:3. The moral of the story in the book of Job is that if a man loses everything and retains his integrity he still has something to start over with. However, if a man loses his integrity he has nothing anyway. So, we are to add to our set of beliefs – Integrity.

Take away: Virtue is Integrity.

Knowledge: is the Greek word “gnosis” (1108 in the Strong’s) and means knowledge or science. All the information, facts, truths, and principles learned throughout time. However, this is not simply explicit knowledge or that which can be written down and presented in books, documents, and databases. But also means tacit knowledge which is much more difficult to measure because tacit knowledge is always in a fluid state because it is in our head. However, tacit knowledge is essential to providing context so that concepts can be understood. The melding of senses, perceptions, facts, and memories or the advent of understanding.

King Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The word fear here is better translated as “reverence” or due respect. (Strong’s 3374) “yir’ah” and it does mean fear, but also in the sense of – reverence. How can you respect something or someone unless you understand their story? With knowledge comes understanding and with understanding wisdom and gentleness. For example, a “gentle giant” is careful because he has become aware of his size or the opposite example with a “bull in a china shop” as a metaphor for being oblivious to the need for care.

Knowledge is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 3:18 speaking of wisdom Solomon states – She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Proverbs 3:19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. (20) By his knowledge, the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

There can be no wisdom without understanding how to use knowledge. So those who embrace the process of obtaining knowledge and learning to understand so they can exercise wisdom discover the secrets to the mysteries of the spiritual tree of life. Thy word have I hid in my heart so that I might not sin against God…Knowledge is meant to include understanding for the purpose of exercising wisdom in conjunction with the other elements.

Take away: Knowledge provides an understanding of how to exercise wisdom.

Temperance: is self-control. Self-restraint in the face of temptation or desire that is not appropriate or uplifting. Control means to restrain, limit, or manage. We are to manage our behavior. We can’t just go sock somebody in the nose because we feel like it or think they deserve it. We can’t be violent toward others because we feel we have a right to or because we do not value them as we should.

We are to walk humbly and justly before God and man. Romans 14: 11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. We are to manage our behavior in a way that when we stand before God we have an account in good standing. If we live our lives as though we owe God everything we will understand we are not responsible for what others do and we will be less likely to judge them and more likely to be concerned and pray for them. Please keep this in mind – We are to practice – self-control – not to control others. Nowhere are we commanded or even suggested that we should seek to control others. If a person’s free will is important to God – then it should be important to us.

Take away: Temperance is self-control.

Patience: is long-suffering – capacity for waiting: the ability to endure waiting or delay without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties; ability to tolerate trying circumstances: the ability to tolerate being hurt, provoked, or annoyed without complaint or loss of temper. It takes self-control to be patient, but remember patience is crafted by having ours tried. To build strength there must be resistance. If you are familiar with training in martial arts you understand this concept. If you train in athletics you understand this concept. All high skilled training requires the student to learn patience. If you are constantly having your patience tried – then God is building up yours. Be thankful because this too shall pass and joy comes in the morning.

Take away: Patience is endurance or long-suffering.

Godliness: is devoutness: devoted to or worshiping God, religious. Fit for God or having godlike qualities in reference to the character. To be like Christ Jesus. Being religious has gotten a bad rap even in religious circles. Most people think “oh you are religious?” And think “judgmental, closed-minded, critical and intolerant”, but religious actually means following the practices or abiding by principles of a system of belief or faith. Abiding means enduring: permanent or long-lasting. Devout =Dedicated = committed = faithfulness.

Take away: Godliness is faithfulness.

Brotherly kindness: is “love of the Brethren” or other children of God. The Greek word is (5360 Strong’s) “Philadelphia” or fraternal affection. This is where the city of Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA gets its name and where we get the idea for the college Greek fraternities. We could think of fellow Christians as members of a fraternity and our duty to do good to those who share the creed. If they are of like precious faith we are to be good to them, honorable and forthright showing kindness and mercy. Romans 14:13 Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. (Romans 14:16) Let not then your good be evil spoken off: (18) For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Take away: Brotherly kindness is kindness to others.

Charity: here is speaking of Agape’ love, wide-open love, love without judgment, love with acceptance. Not only are we to love the brethren, but also those who are without faith. It is easy to love what we find attractive and acceptable. It is not so easy to love those who are not so beautiful or pleasant.

The Apostle Paul explains that if we have all the gifts and other elements and don’t have love - what is the point? 1st Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understanding and all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Take away: Charity is real authentic love.

So, we are to add to our Faith or set of beliefs – Integrity and knowledge, then self-control, long-suffering, faithfulness, fraternal love, and agape love.

Here is the why: verse 8

Verse 8. For if these things are in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If these things are a part of your faith – or part of your character and abound – Now, abound means – Superabundance, be plentiful: to be present in large numbers or quantities – they make you – did you catch that? They make you… by nature of the process – that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful... The Greek word here for barren is 692 Argos in the Strong’s Concordance and means inactive, unemployed, lazy, useless: - barren, idle, or slow.

This is the only time in the entire Bible this word is used and I think for me the word that hit me the hardest is useless! Not that lazy, unemployed, and inactive aren’t bad enough- but useless? I don’t want to step into eternity and have to look my Savior in the eyes and know that I was useless to him as a believer. After everything, he has done for me? That would be hell in heaven for me. Even if only for a moment, I don’t want to be a workman that is ashamed. I don’t want that kind of experience…

Verse 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Have you ever wondered why some Christians do things that are so ungodly and unkind? I can tell you that growing up as a preacher’s kid the people who have hurt me the most have been Christians. I used to ask God – why did they do that? Don’t they know? They are supposed to love me – because you first love them!

Well, this verse explains why some “Christians” act like they don’t even know God. It is because they are spiritually blind and in their ignorance of the word of God they have become arrogant and self-righteous forgetting the sins they were forgiven of themselves. Their perception of spiritual truth is skewed or even blocked in a carnal way because of their carnal mindset or way of thinking.

You see when a believer truly grasps how precious the grace of God is there is an understanding, when they take hold of the concept of what Christ did for them there is a reverence, there is respect, there is a humility and gratitude for what has been done for them that creates compassion for others. There is an awareness that judgmental attitudes will only result in their own judgment and there is a sweetness that only the Holy Spirit can produce.

Verse 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

The word calling here is the Greek word klesis (Strong’s 2821) and means “invitation”, i.e. offer of something: an offer to come or go somewhere especially one promising pleasure or hospitality, or the making of such an offer, or encouragement: encouragement to do something. He who has an ear let him hear the good news…

The word election is ekloge (Strong’s 1589) and means “selection” or the act of choosing: an act of choosing somebody or something from a wide variety of others.

The word sure is the Greek (Strong’s 949) bebaios and means stable, firm, of force, steadfast, sure. Stable – not readily undergoing change: not subject to changes.

Firm – trustworthy: reliable and able to be trusted

Of Force – In physics, it is the influence that moves something: a physical influence that tends to change the position of an object with mass, equal to the rate of change in momentum of the object. Faith without works is dead or without momentum.

Steadfast -firm: firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve, fixed: firmly fixed or constant. The word fall is (Strong’s 4417) ptaio (pronounced - ptah-yo) and means to trip, to err, sin, fail, fall, offend, stumble.

So the verse could read- my translation – Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your encouragement and your choosing the faith stable or steadfast: for if ye do these things, ye shall never trip or stumble. This verse is talking about our choice to walk with God. Have you ever doubted your salvation? Felt like maybe it didn’t take? Maybe it was just a momentary emotional experience? I have, but I also know John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Can a person be unborn? No, they can die physically, but the spirit is eternal which can not die. Think about that for a moment…I know that in the times when I could not hear the Holy Spirit it was because I was distracted or had moved far enough away that I could not hear his voice. It was only when I became aware that I could not hear – that I turned and went seeking again to renew that connection. Like a child who gets lost at the store or a park – once the child is found the connection and security of mind is renewed. If you ever doubt your salvation by all means seek the Lord and renew that connection.

1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

If the work is from the wrong intention it will be consumed by fire but if the work is pure it shall abide or endure and be rewarded.

Back to 2nd Peter 1 -

Verse 11. for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

If we sow to the Spirit then we will reap in the Spirit and there will be treasure, spiritual treasure you can’t even imagine it’s volume or magnitude. In adding to our faith with all diligence virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity – they make you – by nature – you will be fruitful. By nature a living tree produces the fruit it was designed to produce. Our purpose and our destiny are realized through the effort we add to our faith in how we live our lives – In our walk with God as we remain occupied until he comes again.

Verse 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

The following chart shows the connection of these 7 elements of faith and the 9 fruits of the spirit along with the 9 spiritual gifts. 

Click the link below for the follow-up article What Is The Meaning Of Life?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/what-meaning-life-jordan-blake-michiels/

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