We are HIS workmanship
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
> poíēma; — Something made (as by the hands of a master craftsman) — a work, workpiece, workmanship
> Like a master craftsman, God is working His image back into us
Heb 10:35-36 you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
> hupomonḗs — to persevere, — A bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances.
> In a quick-fix culture, patience and endurance are rare qualities
Heb 6:11-12 imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Faith = acting on something believed
FAITH MEANS WE ACT ON THE THINGS WE BELIEVE. WE DEMONSTRATE THAT WE HAVE FAITH BY WHAT WE DO. PATIENCE MEANS WE CONTINUE IN FAITH NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES TO SEE THE FRUIT OF WHAT WE HOPE FOR.
Patience = makrothuméō — to be long-suffering. Forbearance and self-restraint before proceeding to action. Specifically when it comes to people
> Oftentimes, the one we need the most patience with is ourselves!
Phil 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
> In this exhortation also comes the solution – allow God to continue to work with you at HIS pace!
IN CHRIST WE HAVE THE HIGHEST WAY OF LIFE REVEALED TO US, AND MADE POSSIBLE FOR US. WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW THAT NEW STANDARD TO BRING JUDGMENT AND CONDEMNATION TO US.
1 John 3:19-21 … assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
> Who needs the devil when you have your own heart?
> The only thing keeping us from coming honestly before God is US
1 Corinthians 4:2-4 … to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
> We don’t judge ourselves!!! WHAT DOES THE LORD SEE WHEN HE EXAMINES YOU?
Romans 8:31-35 (Passion) So what does this all mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us His greatest treasure — the gift of His Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly will not withhold from us anything else He has to give. Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be His? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them – not guilty! Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave His life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and He is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at His right hand. So how could He possibly condemn us, since he is continually praying for our triumph? Who could ever separate us from the Endless Love of God’s anointed one? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and Heavens love.
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