Waverly Church of Christ

I would like for us to consider how we can sometimes discourage our fellow Christians in their efforts to finish their own course. At the same time, if you are on the receiving end of that discouragement, I want to help you stay the course and receive the crown. As we begin, I would like for each of us to recognize the pressure put upon Paul by his own brethren to turn from God’s will. I think all of us would agree that the words, “Your will be done,” are easier said than obeyed. Jesus spoke these words knowing the result would be cruel torture and death. Paul’s friends spoke these words after they failed in their attempt to keep him out of Jerusalem. They would watch from a distance as God’s will carried Paul to Rome where he would eventually lose His life for the sake of the gospel. However, this was not before he was able to communicate the gospel to the soldiers who guarded him and even members of Caesar’s own household “my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” (Philippians 1:13, NASB95) "All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:22, NASB95)  Where will God’s will take you? What sacrifices will it require of you? Are you willing to say in your own life, “the Lord’s will be done?”