ISSUES THAT MEN FACE no.2 -part 2.

Continuing our exploration of Identity we read Luke 4.1-13- Jesus tempted by the devil in the wilderness.
*This epic battle is centred on the identity of Jesus.
*No sooner has God said “This is my son” to Jesus, then the devil attempts to undermine his identity.
*Satan wants to attack our identity and destroy our calling.
*Every time we do something significant for God someone will say “Who do you think you are?”
*Most of the battles in the bible centre on identity- for example, Peter denying Jesus by denying his own identity.
*God’s plan was that Jesus should face up to identity in Him and be strong in it.
*His plan for us is exactly the same.
We discussed a number of questions together about identity in Christ, and one of the questions we spent considerable time on was 'How would we measure success in our relationship with God?'-
Some of the answers the guys gave:
Knowing peace inside
Being able to be at rest
Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit
The quality of our service to Him
Other people's response towards me.
Then Mark Lee led us to this verse:
Is. 30:15 The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says, “Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Comments

[BJ]

If we truly believe that we are walking with God, then our sense of "success" is one that humbles and is also cause for praise.
I am reminded often of how dear I am to the Lord through the Psalms (especially 139).
In the face of our enemies, our successes can be thrown back at us in the guise of “Who do you think you are?”, as you say, Nigel.
In addition to the verse Mark led each of you to, I'd like to add Psalm 143
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
AND
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.

... peace to each of you and never doubt that the ground you walk on, in obedience to our good Spirit, IS level.
BJ Risi

[kenndy wakwaya]

the issue of identity affects many men in these latter days especially since we men often lack mentors who are close to us to for daily consultation and advice we look for role models from famous people who seem to know all the answers that are affecting us yet tend to forget that just as we many of them are also faced with the same issues. it must be said that the present society does not clearly ddfine the role of many as we are provided for inthe bible

[kenndy wakwaya]

the issue of identity affects many men in these latter days especially since we men often lack mentors who are close to us to for daily consultation and advice we look for role models from famous people who seem to know all the answers that are affecting us yet tend to forget that just as we many of them are also faced with the same issues. it must be said that the present society does not clearly ddfine the role of many as we are provided for inthe bible

[kenndy wakwaya]

How do i know about Jesus? from the bible? true yet i would like to see jesus in person.Impossible? not really Jesus was a man while he was on earth.we would like to see jesus in all the men that live and claim to be of God.what was jesus like? mean,aggressive,rude,out of touch with others,have my way all the time kind of guy? As a man being gentle is considered a weakness, a patient man must be weak an honest man does not have the balls to face life.Paul said "when iam weak then i am strong"one has got to be bold to face the truth, one has got to be strong when not intimidated or annoyed by waiting, one has got to be stong when he or she is able to show his or her weaknesses and not be afraid of rejection. jesus shows the way let us follow, the road is hard let us go anyway,It has many pitfalls but we should never be moved.In every step God is with us.