Lord’s Day, Vol. 8 No. 33

The Renewed Mind

Life’s cares and trials can be a strangle hold upon the believer but it is the purpose of God that His people be freed from its snare and experience daily victory? The Apostle Paul gave this verse for our learning in Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. 

There are three active spiritual disciplines that the believer must cultivate. Firstly, to find joy by taking hold of the Person of God and His promises – rejoicing in hope. Secondly, to cultivate a quiet disposition of waiting upon God in the times of our trials. Thirdly, to cultivate a continual dependence upon God through prayer in problem-solving.

(1) Rejoicing in Hope

What is Christian’s hope? The Christian’s hope is in God. The Christian’s hope is steadfast and sure because his God is dependable. Our God can be counted upon to care for us. He is omnipotent, all power is in Him to aid us. He is omniscient, He knows our need and He is never late to come to our aid. He is omnipresent, He is there with us in all our trials. As such, the Christian rejoices, knowing that his God will not leave nor forsake him. Are we appropriating the truth of who God is to give confidence and strength to our heart? 

Abraham was cited by the Apostle Paul as a man who rejoices in hope in his pilgrimage on earth – Romans 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. God promised Abraham that he will have a child when his wife Sarah was barren and passed the age of child bearing. From the age of 75 when he left Ur, he waited 25 years for this promise to be fulfilled in his life – Romans 4:19-22 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Abraham had faith in God. Likewise, we are  to believe God that our salvation is secured in Christ! – Romans 4:23-25 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 

When we die, we will go straight to heaven escaping the judgment of hell – Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. While we live, we can trust God’s care for us, “this grace”, God’s favour to fulfil His good will in our lives and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. In Luke 16:16-31, Jesus relates the testimony of Lazarus, the beggar, who did not have any material comforts of this life. Life was hard for him, he had to eat the crumps that drop from the rich man’s table. Nevertheless, he trusted God. He was a believer in Christ. When he died, he was brought straight to heaven – Luke 16:22a And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom…What was Lazarus’ hope in his mortal life? That he shall be saved for eternity to the glory of God. To no merits of his own but the hope of eternal life in heaven. 

Last week, on 13 August 2020, a visitation was made to an elderly gentlemen, 92 years of age. When he was given the gospel, the hope of heaven explained, he believed. He confessed that he is a sinner. There was an unspeakable joy that came upon his countenance. He was happy, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. He rejoices to know of the heavenly mansion that Jesus is preparing for him (John 14:1-3). He understood the glory to come in the presence of God as the Scriptures was opened to him. It brought him hope even as his body and mind begin to fail him, there is a continual and rekindling joy that he possessed as he believed in the promises of God.

(2) Patient in Tribulation

The Christian’s hope in his ultimate victory over sin and death gives him strength to live life – Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. 

The word “patient” means “absolutely endure, continue firm, persevere”. There is a persevering character in the heart of the believer that enables him to continually renewing his mind to trust God to see him through every tribulation in life’s pilgrimage. This may be expressed in the chorus “I Know the Lord will Make a Way for Me”.

I know the Lord will make a way for me (2x)

If I look to Him in prayer, darkest night will turn to day

I know the Lord will make a way for me.

Romans 5:4-5 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The believer continually experiences God’s love that the Holy Spirit imparts to him as he waits upon God in every trial. To wait upon God is to trust God and to obey His Word. God never fails to lead us as we seek to walk with Him.

(3) Continuing Instant in Prayer

The believer, through close communion, find strength in God for victory in every trial. Prayer is power. As petitions for help are made,the believer overcomes and have victory through persevering prayer. I just received a call that the gentleman who confessed Jesus Christ is wavering in his faith. A second visitation is scheduled for next week. The Lord be merciful to help as we wait upon Him in prayer. 

Only Jesus, only Jesus

Only He can satisfy,

All my burdens are turned to blessings.

When I know my Lord is nigh.

God’s perfect peace be our portion as our mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee