Monday, February 21, 2022

The Secret of Life

 



What is the secret to life?  If I could offer you long life, wealth, and honor, would that tick most of the boxes for you?  Let’s look at what the Book of Wisdom has to say is the combination to unlock access to these most desirable things.

 

Proverbs 21:21 – He who pursues righteousness and love will find life, prosperity, and honor.

 

Things to think about:

·       Righteousness + Love = Life, Prosperity, and Honor

o   We could spend five weeks exploring these five words!

·       Righteousness is right standing before God.

o   Unfortunately, we can’t achieve this on our own.  Does that mean it’s over before we even start?

§  Romans 3:11 - “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.”

o   Thankfully, there’s more to the story

§  Rom. 3:21-22 – “…the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

§  So the first step is actually been offered freely to us!

·       This righteousness needs to be put into action and that action is called Love

o   Ephesians 4:31-32 - “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

·       So when we are in right stead with God, and loving others as God loves us, it unleashes some powerful benefits

o   Life

§  Eternal life - John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

§  Abundant life - John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”

o   Prosperity

§  Eternal riches – Matt. 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

§  Today’s needs - Phil. 4:19 - “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

o   Honor

§  Honored by men - Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

§  Honored by God - John 12:26 – “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

 

·       And so, the secret isn’t so secret after all!

o   Matt.22-37-40 - Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

o   The entire Bible is the passcode to the Secret of Life

§  Go share it with someone today!


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