The Bible Column 2018 01 20
“ Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17
“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:10-11
“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Please consider the contrast between the first verse above and the last two. In the first verse, the rights of the people, their false confidence, and their actual wretched condition are seen. Their goals are self-centered and pleasure seeking. Their words and sayings focus on the fact they need nothing. Please imagine with me for a moment, the consideration of anyone who is so self-confident that they would actually say, “I have need of nothing”.
By contrast, the content of the second and third verses above speak of humbleness and a yieldness to the Lord and His way in our lives. For those who really know the Lord Jesus as personal Saviour, the thought and desire of seeking to return our heart and life to Him is the least that we could possibly do, given all that Christ has done for us.
Dear friend, as you read today, please consider which verse represents your thought and life. Does the verse in Revelation 3:17 picture you? Or are you rather typified by Philippians 1:10-11 and Galatians 2:20? I trust that your character and actions are the latter. If not, they can be today! True Bible salvation begins that process for every person! “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
