JESUS WAS SELF-DISCIPLINED AND SACRIFICIAL by Pastor Abel Oyewale Nigeria, West Africa
A. HIS DISCIPLINED LIFE (JOHN 4:27-42 )
Indiscipline is not the character of GOD. It has cut many lives and ministries short. Jesus is the perfect image of GOD. He came to reveal GOD’S manners by leading a life of self-discipline.
Your level of discipline will determine your chances of overcoming temptation. Jesus was subjected to series of tests in the devil’s hands. He overcame by the word and through self-discipline. Unlike Adam, Eve and Esau, He did not spoil Himself with what the devil offered. He prioritised the spiritual food above the physical food, and He warned along that line .
Though food is very essential to life, yet that would never make Jesus to misbehave or lose concentration on His life’s mission. Today, people are so anxious about what to eat, drink and wear that they lose focus of the real things – souls -winning and GOD’S kingdom.
How many, Christians inclusive, are not being controlled by their bellies, today? Jesus never allowed anything to dominate or control His life. What controls your life? (Romans 6:16)
B. HIS SACRIFICIAL LIFE
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
The life of sacrifice is not feasible without self-discipline. Sacrifice is about giving up one’s life and rights, and other benefits for others. Jesus followed this path for GOD’S glory and the benefits of mankind. We must resemble Jesus in this regard also.
Jesus talked extensively on shepherding, and declared Himself as the Good Shepherd. What qualified Him as such was His sacrificial life and living. He gave up His life for the sheep. What have you sacrificed for Christ’s sake?
No one in heaven or on earth could do what Jesus did for us. Hireling describes the fake shepherds, who prefer to flee to safety, rather than dare to die to safeguard the sheep. Jesus was never like any of these. He laid down His life for the sheep. He came to unify them and present them to Himself and Father. This life of sacrifice is a must for every believer.
God recognised the sacrifice of Jesus. He loved Him, and as a result, exalted Him above all else. God always recognises our sacrifices; our labours of love would not go unrewarded.
Jesus lived a life of self-discipline; He was not under the control of anything that could truncate His destiny. The sacrifices of Jesus were recognised and appreciated by both Heaven and earth.
May our good God of Israel bless you as you are reading this message.
Shalom,
Abba Father’s International Fellowship – Nigeria
For your prayer request: souls4christ2005@yahoo.com
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