Back to the Basics, becoming more Like Him is the focus of the Bible study. We’ll be examining the times we live in, how we can easily be be gripped with fear if we don’t have the Lord. Back to the basics helps us to center ourselves on the promises of God and works of our Lord Jesus on the cross. Jesus says “I Am With You Always, Even To The End Of The Age”. Our Savior, the King of Kings and our Lord encourages us through this definitive statement to stand strong and remain bold in the faith. The circumstances do not matter and this statement along should be the encouragement we need to carry on the fight and stay the course.
As evil overtakes our society, forcing many to cower before it’s ugly presence, should we, Christians, make an about-face and counter all principles of the Kingdom of Heaven for the sake of “surviving”? We certainly see an overwhelming majority of churches buckle to this evil and pander to an immoral culture. Every day, “Christians” seem to increasingly adapt to the ways of the world, and practically are no different than the unsaved. I want us to return to the basics and reexamine the Beatitudes and the Fruit of Spirit.
Shall we abandon God to “save” ourselves, and have a place in society, or remain dedicated to our Lord and see through the transformation that is done through the Holy Spirit. Paul the Apostle’s statements in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 help us to remain rooted in the faith and to continue running in this race of the faith. He says “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize”.
Paul’s words can be summarized as follows: Deliberate, Disciplined and Determined. We must submit to the Holy Spirit so that He may transform us into the being that God wants us to be, not how the world wants us to be. So, let’s see what Christ has to say in His infamous Sermon on the Mount:
Let’s read Matthew 5:3-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
If we were to dissect Christ’s Code of Ethics, it would be the following:
- The principles of this world are counter to the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven
- Those that conform to the code of ethics of the Kingdom, will suffer on earth, but will be rewarded
- For every sacrifice, there is covenant, a fulfillment by the Lord to those wholly committed to Him.
Moreover, we see Christ’s statements fully supported by Paul the Apostle in Galatians 5:22-23. He speaks about the Fruit of the Spirit, which is presented in the singular. The significance of a singular vs. plural explanation is that the Spirit produces one outcome. Let’s see what Paul has to say: “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Our ultimate goal is to mirror ourselves to Christ and not to morph into the image of this world or to Satan. Back to the basics is a refresher and reminder of the works that Christ has done for us and encouragement to remain focused on Him. I want us to comprehend that such traits as explained in the Beatitudes and Galatians is only attainable through submission to Christ, and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. We must also acknowledge that we will be hated, persecuted and all evil will be unleashed on us, as is mentioned by Christ in Matthew 5 verse 11. The attitude to this persecution is the following verse, to rejoice and be glad. Therefore, let’s go back to the basics, remain committed to the Lord, continue through with the transformation and not allow for the world to pressure us to abandon God. Stay strong in the Lord.
If you haven’t already received the Lord and want to give your heart to Christ, prayer this prayer: Lord Jesus I know that I am sinner and I ask you forgive me of my sins. I believe that you were crucified for my sins and through your blood I have redemption and salvation. Please come into my heart and I receive you as my God. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
