Do you seek great things for yourself?

Old Testament Reading: Daniel 7:13-14

New Testament Reading: John 13:30-35

Message: You will do even more... – Philemon 21-22

[21] Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

You are a Christian. You have received Jesus Christ, the crucified, as your Savior. It is now your privilege to walk in Him as your resurrection Lord.

What can you be confident of?

You can be confident that Jesus has a life already in reserve for you in the heavens that is beyond anything that you can ask for or even imagine. What can you be confident of in terms of present material blessings or answered prayers for you and your loved ones, or any other matters that have to do with this present passing age?

Nothing. And if you have food and clothing, you should be very thankful for that.

What else can you be confident of for this life? If you really desire, above all that this world pretends to promise you, the gift of obedience from the Lord's blessed storehouse of sanctification from heaven, this shall be given to you. Great news for those who want to obey! As Paul was confident of Philemon's obedience, Jesus is confident of your obedience, dear saint, and I will believe that for you and for me. But if you are a double-minded man or woman and you are playing at obedience while your heart really yearns for just one last look at the beauty of Sodom, I don't think it will go well for you. The world will break your heart, and it will seem like God does not care about you either.

But if you really love the wisdom of true obedience, if you ask for that, I think it will be given to you, and even more than you expected could every be given will be given to you right now in this life!

[22] At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.And with that great gift flowing from heaven and from heaven's King, who did not get much for Himself here below but had the perfection of full obedience to the Father, will come the blessing of communion with others who also long for His appearing.

You do not have any promise of health, wealth, or ease in this troubled world, particularly at this late date. Jerusalem is falling. Do you seek great things for yourself while God's church is being decimated? Seek them not, Baruch (Jeremiah 45). Better to do what Jesus the victorious King has commanded. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. You will get that if you want it. And then watch and see if God does not send the joy of a Christian friend to bless you around your table.

And in everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.