Jesus’ resolution is, “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” (John 15:8) The Bible gives clear instructions on how to live a life that is surrendered to the enabling of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)
Here are God’s instructions for Christians as they live in a sin cursed world, these are to be lived out by the enabling of the Holy Spirit of Christ while He indwells them through faith in Jesus. All the instructions above given through the writer of the Book of Romans, are to be sought and all lived out in spiritual fervor. The world should see a zeal in the lives of Christians as they endeavor to minister to the Lord, to their families and their friends. They are to be joyful, patient, prayerful, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, humble, able to overcome evil with goodness, letting God deal with their enemies and strive, as long as it is up to them, live in harmony.
The heart of the Psalmist is the guide for seeking God’s ways, praying, “Teach me knowledge and good judgment…” Saying, “I will keep your precepts, with all my heart… I delight in your [word].” “Blessed are those who keep His statutes..” Acknowledging, “You have laid down precepts which are to fully obeyed, [so] I will not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.” (Psalm 119: 66;69;2;6)
The Lord’s Resolutions are to be taken seriously, applied in contrast from those who live in this world, forsaking their New Year Resolutions before years end. Live out the instructions given by the Lord, as you live in a sin cursed world! There is no better guide to live by, than God’s instructions.
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