COME TO JESUS DAILY (DEVOTIONAL)
CONTENTS
- Come to Jesus Daily devotional
- Monday – Christians will continue to believe
- Tuesday – Doesn’t the bible teach that we can fall away?
- Wednesday – You are in His mighty hand
- Thursday – No condemnation now nor ever
- Friday – God completes the work He begins
- Community Group/Family Study - This week, is based on our vision/goals rather than our text from Colossians
- Outline of the ‘Come to Jesus Daily’ devotional method
1. COME TO JESUS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
These daily devotionals follow the ‘Come to Jesus daily’ devotional method (See the last page of this for a fuller outline) This week in our Colossians series (Treasure) we are looking at Paul’s teaching in Colossians 1:23, and forms the theme of this devotional. Colossians 1:23 throws up an immediate question: can one lose their salvation? If you don’t ‘continue in your faith…’ will you be lost? Is our salvation insecure, being dependent upon our performance? From the outset, of course, we deny that anyone who has genuinely received Jesus as Saviour can be lost! But, if so, how are we to understand texts like this?
The Perseverance of the Saints.
This relates to what is called the Perseverance of the Saints. In essence this means that those who persevere (continue in faith) are Christians, whilst those who don’t, reveal they they are not, and have never been, true Christians – saving faith is continuing faith; as Jesus said, “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
During this week’s devotions we will give more thought and prayer to the security that all Christians have, and should be enjoying.
MONDAY – CHRISTIANS WILL CONTINUE TO BELIEVE
Colossians 1:23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
The immediate question that jumps to mind as one reads this is, can one lose their salvation? If you don’t ‘continue in your faith…’ will you be lost? Is our salvation insecure, being dependent upon our performance? From the outset, of course, I deny that anyone who has genuinely received Jesus as Saviour can be lost! But, if so, how are we to understand texts like this?
The Perseverance of the Saints.
This relates to what is often called the doctrine (teaching) of the Perseverance of the Saints. In essence this means that those who persevere (continue in faith) are Christians, whilst those who don’t, reveal they they are not, and have never been, true Christians.
The Parable of the Soils (Matt. 13:1-23) is a good illustration of the truth expressed in this text; some appear to be Christians but fall away, but the ‘good soil’ (true Christians) persevere and bear fruit.
Meditation on Colossians 1:23
- GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
This text is urging me to remain faithful, but, within it, is the simple message that my salvation is by faith alone. I am being urged to ‘continue in my faith’ in Christ who died for me. The previous verse clarifies what I’m to persevere in believing,
Colossians 1:22 He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
I’m not being urged to try harder and do better in order to be sure of salvation, no! I’m being urged to ‘not move from the hope held out in the gospel.’
I praise you Father, for such a hope that is freely available through faith in Jesus’ work on my behalf.
- UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
This text reveals God’s amazing grace to me. Through the gospel, He offers me a guaranteed, glorious ‘hope’ (heaven and future resurrection 1:5). My Father doesn’t want me insecure about His love or my future. He urges me to continue in my faith so that I’m protected from the damage that comes from unfaithfulness.
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
Do we have friends or family who have failed to persevere in faith? It’s not our place to judge them as saved or unsaved. None of us knows these secret things. But it’s our place to encourage and urge them to come back to faith, or, if this is not possible, to pray and set them an example in our lives.
Is there anyone that you could pray for - those who are struggling or have turned away from Jesus?
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
Paul says that we ‘heard the gospel’. The gospel is a message about what God has done, through Christ, to save us. It a message that has power to save because it’s God’s message. Paul says of this message,
Colossians 1:6 The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Let’s study and prepare so as to be clear and ready to share the gospel. Secondly, seek to share it in ways that are understood. Thirdly, pray for opportunities and for your non-believing friends.
TUESDAY – DOESN’T THE BIBLE TEACH WE CAN FALL AWAY?
When we read of people like Judas, and passages like Hebrews 6, we can, if we are not careful, mistakenly believe that true Christians, if they are not faithful, can be lost and go to hell. If we add to this the experiences we may have had of losing our own faith, or seeing others do so, It’s easy to see how one could come to this conclusion. We read in Hebrews 6,
Hebrews 6:4-6 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Let’s study this example, very briefly, before our scripture meditation.
- The teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints (that all true Christians will persevere in believing) means that those who fall away (in the eyes of God - only He truly knows!) must never have been truly ‘born again'.
- If the previous statement is true, then it must be possible to be ’enlightened…taste the heavenly gift…share in the Holy Spirit…taste the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age’ and yet not be a true Christian. For example, Judas experienced all of these things; many of the disciples who later rejected Christ experienced His teaching, miracles, miraculous food etc. Clearly, there must by a point, known only to God, when someone who has had powerful revelation of Jesus, rejects Jesus finally and unchangeably.
- This kind of teaching (like Hebrews 6) is not designed to shake our faith and cause us to ask if we are rejected by Jesus. It is written to warn believers who are being tempted to reject Christ, who, if they do, reveal that, they are not, and never were, Christians.
- Following this warning, Paul reiterates the truth that true Christians will not reject Christ in this way,
Hebrews 6:9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.
Meditation on Hebrews 6:4-6 & 6:9
Hebrews 6:4-6 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6:9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.
- GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
(Please ensure you’ve read the introductory notes first)
I thank you Lord that my desire to follow you and my honouring you and your cross are evidence that I do not belong to Hebrews 6:4-6 but, rather, to Hebrews 6:9!
I thank you that you went to ‘public disgrace’ for me, may I publicly honour your work and name.
I do feel the temptation to hide my love for you and the message of the gospel. I repent. May I, like Paul, declare,
Romans 1:6 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
- UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
The Father declared regarding Jesus,
Mark 9:7 “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
May I, like the Father, and the Spirit, delight in Jesus. I have ‘been enlightened…tasted the heavenly gift…shared in the Holy Spirit…tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age…’ and may all my knowledge and experience overflow in worship.
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
The warning of texts like Hebrews 6:4-6 remain relevant for any ‘believer’ who is deciding to reject Christ and His cross. If you know someone in that position, begin by praying for them. If you have opportunity, you should also warn them, gently, and in love. None of us knows who has gone to the ‘point of no-repentance’. It’s not our place to judge in that regard. But we can warn people that in rejecting Jesus they are rejecting the Son of God and the only way of salvation.
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
It’s possible for us to give people Christian experiences, so as to ’enlighten…taste the heavenly gift…share in the Holy Spirit…taste the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age’.
However it’s also vital that, as Christians, and as a church, we make sharing the gospel the principal aim of our evangelism. It’s also vital that we ‘disciple people’ (teach them) about God and His ways. It’s dangerous to leave people hanging between life and death.
Who do you know to be on the fringes of church life, that you could help to get deeper into the community and growth?
WEDNESDAY – YOU ARE IN HIS ALMIGHTY HAND
We continue considering the doctrine of The Perseverance of the Saints (those who are true Christians will continue in faith). Today we will see that our salvation and perseverance are guaranteed because they are dependent upon God and not us.
Some of us think of faith like swimming: staying afloat being dependent upon ones ability to keep their head above water! However, salvation is more like an unconscious man being plucked from the sea and placed on dry land - Our sinking has become impossible because our foundation has completely changed - “on Christ the solid rock I stand”!
Meditation on John 10:27-30
John 10:27-30 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
- GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
I became a Christian because I heard Jesus’ voice. Through the circumstances and people involved in my coming to Christ, Jesus was speaking. He took the initiative to speak into my heart.
I was a lost sheep. I was His by grace. He chose me. Although lost, I belonged to Him and He called me home. He said of me,
John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
You say of me, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” My salvation can never be lost because it is dependent upon the strength of your omnipotent hand!
- UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
You are very great, Father, you are ‘greater than all’; your strength is incontestable. Your hand of power cannot be prised open against your will.
Isaiah 40:10-12 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Help me to increasingly trust in both your sovereign power and tender love. If such a God as you is for me, and has saved me, how can I be lost!
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
This text has at least two implications for the church community.
Firstly, there is the implication, that, as His sheep we are to listen, and keep listening, to His voice particularly in regard to the gospel; as we are urged by Paul to “continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.” (Col. 1:23)
Secondly, here Jesus is reassuring us that once saved by God, we will never be rejected or lost to God. This is a great text to memorise and use to encourage any brother or sister who is insecure about their salvation.
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
Implied in Jesus’ words is the truth that there are lost sheep around us who will listen and respond to Jesus’ voice as we share the gospel. Let’s allow Jesus to restore our confidence in God’s ability to save through us.
Confess your trust, and pray that the Father would lead you to those whom He is wanting to rescue.
THURSDAY – NO CONDEMNATION NOW NOR EVER
We continue with our meditations stemming from Colossians 1:23 and it’s teaching that a Christian, once saved, is always saved.
Romans, and Romans 8 in particular, is a rich treasure in regard to eternal security. Today we will be focussing on one, the first, verse of this amazing chapter that ends with a rousing proclamation of the security of our salvation, and may we have such conviction,
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Meditation on Romans 8:1
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…
- GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
I am not and will never face condemnation from You Lord. Condemnation has been forever swallowed up on the cross. Jesus, you were condemned in my place, taking, not some, but all of my transgressions upon yourself.
This is true because I’m ‘in Christ Jesus’. I’m in Him because I put my faith in Him; Paul writes of this in Romans 5,
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
When I put my faith in Jesus’ death for me, I ‘gained access by faith into this grace’. I’m in Christ! Therefore I cannot be condemned! I ‘boast (rejoice) in the hope of the glory of God’.
- UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
You are a perfect judge. Your condemnation is fully justified because your ways and judgements are good. As Habakkuk wrote, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.” (Hab. 1:13). Your beauty and worth are such that none can please you by their own efforts; Isaiah speaks for all of us in the light of your purity, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
May I never think that I can be saved or lost by my righteousness! May I never think that I can be that good, or that you would be so compromising, as to accept me in any other way than in Christ!
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
This has application to at least two different types of people in our church community.
Firstly, the one who is self-righteous and thinks that he is justified by works to a greater or lesser degree. They are strong in their own eyes. They feel they are better than others. They are easily offended by the weakness of others and talk much in terms of self-discipline.
Secondly, the one who is self-righteous but thinks, because of his feelings or failures, that they are condemned to a greater or lesser degree. They allow their weakness to nullify Jesus’ strength. They feel worse than others. They will not challenge others to stop sinning because they know their own failings.
To both groups, Jesus would urge them to ‘continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.’ (Colossians 1:23) The gospel moves hope from self to Christ for righteousness. The gospel moves hope from self to Christ for the removal of condemnation. The gospel levels us all to sinners in need of the Saviour. It speaks much of Him, and speaks much to Him, for forgiveness and strength. Let’s encourage one-another to 'bring ourselves to Jesus’!
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
All who are outside of Christ are condemned. But, anyone who will reach out to Him will be forgiven (justified). Without Christ, all of our friends and family face God’s good and perfect justice.
Pray for your non-believing friends that they would come to see their need, and turn to Christ.
FRIDAY – HE COMPLETES THE WORK HE BEGINS
Meditation on Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
- GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Father, you began this good work in me. The day that I received the gospel was a work of your grace in me.
Acts 16 describes how the Spirit led to the founding of this church. It describes how we all, if under different circumstances, become Christians,
Acts 16:13-14 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
It’s a ‘good work’ that you’ve started. In Christ I’m perfect in your sight, but you are also continuing to change me into your likeness. You want me to be,
Philippians 1:10-11 Pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
The gospel is a message that speaks, firstly, of my justification in Christ; but is also promises that, by the indwelling power of the Spirit, I am growing in holiness – You have begun a good work in me!
It’s a work that you’ve started, that you continue, that you will complete. I know that, by your grace, I will remain faithful until the ‘day of Christ ‘ – your return.
- UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
I can be confident in my perseverance and final glorification because of you, Lord. Because it’s you that has started and will complete the work, I know that it will be done. I fail to keep my New Year’s resolutions, let alone anything else! Of me the bible says,
Psalm 103: 14-16 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more…
But of you Lord, it says,
Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?
You say that you will complete your good work in me, and this promise is as reliable as you are faithful and strong!
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
Today’s text in it’s fuller context reads,
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
He is writing a letter of encouragement to this church in which He expresses His love, prayers and confidence in God’s grace toward them. It’s easy to speak, write, tweet, when we are angry or want to bring correction; but let’s be ready to encourage our brothers and sisters with words that build faith.
Another important aspect of church community is how we use money. Later on in the letter, in chapter 4:15-16, Paul explains how their ‘partnership in the gospel’ (1:5) is expressed through their giving money. Part of the ‘good work’ which God begins in us in to make us increasingly responsible and generous in our giving. Pray for God to lead you in this regard.
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
Paul says that He has begun a good work in them; in the previous verse he describes, in part, what this ‘good work’ looks like in their lives: Paul says that they now have a ‘partnership in the gospel’. All Christians are now partners in the gospel. This means that we believe it, and work together to ‘bring non-believers to Jesus’.
Pray for your church, your Community Group, and for Newfrontiers (the family of churches to which we belong) to become excellent partners in the gospel.
2. COMMUNITY GROUP/FAMILY STUDY
This week, following our recent vision series, we will talk about our involvement in the vision and goals together. It’s so important that we work together, in order to do the things that we feel that God is calling us to together.
Vision and goals recap and discussion
We have a vision at CCP of “Bringing people to Jesus”.
- Discuss: A key texts that has shaped our vision is John 7:37-38. What does this text teach us about the results of our coming to Jesus each day in pray and worship?
‘Rivers of living water flowing from within us’ initially refers to our salvation; but it also speaks of our daily coming to Him in prayer and worship out of the bible, and, as we do so, the Spirit’s work will flow from us in building the church, reaching non-believers, and blessing the world in many ways.
How do we bring people to Jesus?
‘Bringing people to Jesus’ involves three different relationships:
1. Myself – I bring myself to Jesus. We have 1 goal for this:
- I set aside quality time each day in prayer and worship out of the bible (20 minutes, using the ‘coming to Jesus daily’ blog is a good start)
Share: How are each of us doing in this? It’s helpful to write down when and where you will do this each day. (If you are leading the discussion, it might be good to show and explain about the ‘come to Jesus daily’ studies and blogs)
2. One another – We seek to love the local church. We have 2 goals to help us make this a reality,
- Every member devoted to an amazing Community Group.
- Joyfully pay for the building project together.
Share: Why is devotion to a Community Group important and what does it mean to be devoted?
Share: Giving money is a delicate subject precisely because it is so important. We encourage every member of the church to tithe (give a tenth of there income) to the church. This is an act of worship, but it’s also practical in that it enables us to do more together. As a church we have also recently completed our building project, and we still need to pay for this. Read Romans 13:8 and discuss why it’s important that we all get involved in paying for our building.
3. Non-believers – We love to ‘invest and invite’ in our non-believing friends. We have 2 goals in this regard:
- Hospitality Week – on the first week of each month (Sometimes this might change), we will not meet in CGs. We encourage the church to ‘invest and invite’ – invest in friendships and invite them into our lives, church community and closer to Jesus.
Share: The first ‘hospitality week’ runs from 4th March. What are the sorts of things that you might do individually or as a group, to show hospitality to our non-believing friends?
- Pray daily – Pray for our non-believing friends every day (aim for 5).
Share: How are you doing on this? Have you written a list and are you praying every day? It would be good to write down when and where you will do this each day.
3. THE ‘COME TO JESUS DAILY’ DEVOTIONAL METHOD
This structure can be used for your devotions. Begin by thanking God for salvation/the gospel (GC); Worship Him (UP); Pray for your Christian friends (IN); Pray for your non-believing friends (OUT). As you go along, God will remind you of bible texts; turn to these, and pray/worship out of them.
This structure can also be used (as in this study) for bible meditation. As you read, pray that God would speak. As He highlights something in the text, use the following questions to help you meditate, worship and pray out of the bible:
- GC (Gospel Centred) What does the text say about Jesus?
- What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him, and how will you now worship and pray in response?
- UP – What does it say about God?
- What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…how will you worship and pray in response?
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
- What does it teach about God’s people – how He thinks of them, how we are to treat them?
- Is there anyone that you particularly want to pray for?
- This is a great time to pray for your Community Group and church.
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers?
- What does it say about non-believers and God’s mission?
- What does this inspire you to pray or do in response for non-believers or problems in the world more generally?
- In this section make a commitment to pray through a lists of non-believing friends that God has put into your life.
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