ESOCS Devotional 18 January 2021
TEXT: 2 JOHN 1-13
MEMORY VERSE: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9 NKJV
The doctrine of Christ is the word of God. It is different from the doctrine of men, which is the ways of the world; and has nothing to do with the principles of the kingdom of God. People who live by them are in great error. Christians who practise them are far away from God, and the kingdom of heaven. There is no compromise in this matter. Such people do not have God. They are lost and wretched, and spiritually dead because they are completely detached and separated from God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit does not commune with them. They are all alone in this wicked and evil infested world. They do not have any reckoning or recognition before God; and they would not partake in the banquet hall of the Lord at the end of the world (Rev. 19:9, 17); for heaven would reject them. Our Lord would deny them before the Father (Matt. 10:33). They would be thrust away and be thrown into everlasting darkness.
Having Christ as our Lord and Saviour is the greatest possession we could own. In Him and through Him, we were reconciled to our heavenly Father (2 Cor. 5:19), and have all things. In Him, we have abundant kingdom life with tremendous benefits. We have eternal life through Him. We are connected to God through Him alone. There is no other bridge. God gives us spiritual and material blessings through Him. He is the way, door, and the gate to heaven. When we have Him, we have the Father and the Holy Spirit too.
We abide in the doctrine of Christ when we obey and live by the teachings of the word of God, holding onto it with commitment and devotion. It enriches the believer with the knowledge of heaven’s tradition and code of conduct. It refines and purifies the believer until he shines like the bright morning star, and becomes a saint of God. There is no corruption in those who adhere to it. They are exceptionally clean in the sight of God, spiritually. They take in themselves the nature of Christ.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
We could attain such status if we incline our heart to cleave to the doctrine or word of God. There is no greater treasure. We must reject the provisions of the world, search for the deep things of God, and hold onto them and not let go. We should allow the doctrine of Christ saturate our heart, mind, and life. Let us open up our heart to it, embrace and bury it in our heart. Let it enter into our bone marrow, veins, and our whole being. Let us strive to possess it in us until we are fully filled with it, and could say boldly and convincingly that for us, it is the word of God or nothing in all things.
God is searching for people who are willing to fill themselves with this doctrine. To such people He would come in the fullness of His glory; and He would never let them lack any good thing. He would open the windows and door of heaven to them. He will fill their lives with good things, and they would be joyful evermore. If you desire to be in that number, all you need to do is to believe in the doctrine of Christ, and allow it enter into your whole being. You would experience its refreshing power, and it would renew your life every morning.
CHALLENGES
Make out special times to study and fill your heart with God’s word. It would enrich your life.
PRAYER POINT
Lord, help me to build in me the hunger for your word, and hide it in my heart.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 7:10-17; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 1:26-38
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ESOCS Devotional 18 January 2021
