The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, alms giving, atonement and self-denial. It is a time to come closer to THE LORD *GOD*, and to take deeper what HE offers, and gives, through self-examination, reflection, spiritual, and self-disciplines, as well as, taking in, through sacrifices of our own, the understanding of doing so, and why it enhances our relationship with HIM, and affixes us more, and more to our CORNERSTONE!!!
ALL of what *GOD* IS, DOES, and INTENDS IS brought forth of LOVE, and IF we LOVE HIM, we, in this LOVE, naturally, albeit with difficulty, align to HIS WILL, and adhere to HIS WAYS!!!
LOVE SEES us LEARNING what will please HIM, and draw us nearer to HIM, and so, the whole of the Easter season IS a perfect time to dig in with a healthy appetite for what HE might give us, via HIS WORD, HIS WILL, and HIS HOLY WAYS!!!
CHRIST JESUS IS THE EXEMPLAR ROLE MODEL WHOM we aim to FOLLOW, and to become as much like as is feasible, with HIS guidance, and provisions! THROUGH HIM we LEARN HOW to LOVE, and IN that LOVE, the diverse, and various components which comprise, maintain, and prove it!!!
Today, before this remarkable season begins, let us consider HIS EXAMPLE, and our role in HIS WILL, that we can begin with an openness TO HIM, and HIS WILL, with knowledge as the mortar which has placed us as 'living stones' upon the CORNERSTONE, sets to a degree that it is EVER secure...
1+++Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2+++fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3+++For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The persevering obedience of faith in Christ, was the race set before the Hebrews, wherein they must either win the crown of glory, or have everlasting misery for their portion; and it is set before us.
By the sin that does so easily beset us, understand that sin to which we are most prone, or to which we are most exposed, from habit, age, or circumstances. This is a most important exhortation; for while a man's darling sin, be it what it will, remains unsubdued, it will hinder him from running the Christian race, as it takes from him every motive for running, and gives power to every discouragement.
When weary and faint in their minds, let them recollect that the holy Jesus suffered, to save them from eternal misery. By steadfastly looking to Jesus, their thoughts would strengthen holy affections, and keep under their carnal desires. Let us then frequently consider him. What are our little trials to his agonies, or even to our deserts? What are they to the sufferings of many others? There is a proneness in believers to grow weary, and to faint under trials and afflictions; this is from the imperfection of grace and the remains of corruption. Christians should not faint under their trials.
1+++Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2+++so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3+++For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
4+++In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
5+++but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6+++For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin.
Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent.
One sin draws on another. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. But being quickened to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.
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