Thoughts on Christ

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Spiritual Endeavor

2 Corinthians 5:9 - Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

  • Our spiritual endeavor towards God is to be well-pleasing

  • When we reach eternity, we will have to give an account for all that we have done whether good or bad before Christ.  Not only will we be judged for what we have done, but also for the motives behind it.  Therefore, our goal should be to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

  • Our spiritual endeavor towards the local assembly is to maintain unity

  • We should have a humble, forgiving attitude towards one another to fulfill unity amongst the brethren.  God has created this unity because we are all members of the same body of Christ.  But it is our duty to keep this unity alive.  

1 Thessalonians 2:17 - But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 

  • Our spiritual endeavor towards the brethren is to enjoy fellowship 

  • Although the church in Thessalonica appreciated the comfort that Paul gave through his letter, they were concerned that he hadn’t come in person.  They desired that face-to-face fellowship.  Paul desired to be with the believers but was hindered.  We should have this same desire for fellowship between our fellow believers.

Acts 16:10 - Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

  • Our spiritual endeavor toward the lost is to share the Gospel

  • Paul didn’t hesitate to answer the call of the Macedonian man.  Those with him also didn’t hesitate to follow Paul.  As Paul and his team did, we should also have the zeal and desire to bring the Gospel to lost souls.