Complete in Christ: Biblical Encouragement for Overcoming the Spirit of Entitlement
Biblical Encouragement for Overcoming the Spirit of Entitlement
Today, I want to share a powerful message on being "Complete in Christ." In our world today, there is a pervasive spirit of entitlement. From a young age, children often feel they deserve everything they want, leading to a mindset that everything should go their way. This entitlement is contrary to the Kingdom of God, where we must empty ourselves and say, "God, I want it Your way."
Understanding Completeness in Christ
The Apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:4, 8-10 about being deceived by enticing words, philosophies, and traditions of men that lead us away from Christ. He reminds us that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and we are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. This is a key aspect of encouragement from a biblical perspective.
Overcoming Voices of the Past
In today's message, we explore how to overcome the voices of our past and the spirit of entitlement that tries to separate us from the love and purpose of God. The enemy knows his time is short and continually accuses us of our past sins and failures. However, Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. This assurance provides strong encouragement for believers rooted in Scripture.
The Power of Faith and Trust in Christ
Paul's declaration in Romans 8:38-39, that nothing—neither death nor life, angels nor demons, the present nor the future—can separate us from God's love is a powerful reminder. However, he notably omits the past. Our past, with its echoes of sin and failure, often haunts us with half-truths that highlight our inadequacies. These accusations are valid only when we are outside of Christ. This is where encouragement from the Bible helps us stay focused on our faith.
Living In Christ Versus Outside of Christ
Being "in Christ" means having faith, trust, and pursuit directed toward Him. Outside of Christ, we are indeed incomplete. But in Christ, we find our wholeness and completeness. Our past may have moments of weakness, failure, and sin, but in Christ, we are new creations. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such transformation is a cornerstone of spiritual encouragement.
Lessons from the Israelites
In the wilderness, the Israelites faced a similar challenge. They were delivered from Egypt, yet many could not enter the Promised Land due to unbelief and a failure to encourage one another. Paul highlights this in Hebrews 3:12-14, urging us to exhort one another daily to avoid the deceitfulness of sin. This mutual encouragement is vital for sustaining our faith journey.
The Danger of Longing for the Past
The mixed multitude that left Egypt with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt, leading the Israelites to complain and lose sight of God's promises. This complaining and longing for the past led to their downfall. They forgot the miracles and provisions of God and focused on their immediate cravings. Avoiding such pitfalls requires constant encouragement from a biblical perspective.
The Power of Exhortation
God commands us to put to death the voices that draw us away from Him, whether they come from within us or from those around us. In Deuteronomy 13:6-11, God instructs the Israelites to eliminate any influence that entices them to worship other gods. This principle applies spiritually today; we must silence the negative voices that discourage us from following Christ. Through encouragement rooted in the Bible, we can stay true to our faith.
Speaking Life Over One Another
The power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Encouraging one another daily is crucial to overcoming the deceitfulness of sin and staying steadfast in our faith. Encouragement involves speaking life over one another, as taught in the Scriptures.
Baptism and New Life in Christ
When we are baptized in Jesus' name, we put on Christ. In Him, our sins are washed away, and we become new creations. At judgment, God sees the righteousness of Christ covering us, not our past sins. This is why Paul declares that we are complete in Christ. The new life we gain through baptism is a powerful aspect of encouragement from a biblical standpoint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us encourage one another daily, reminding each other of God's promises and the completeness we have in Christ. When we face the voices of our past or the spirit of entitlement, let us remember that in Christ, we are whole, healed, and empowered to fulfill His purpose for our lives. Through Christ, we can overcome any obstacle and live a victorious life. This daily practice of encouragement is at the heart of our faith.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Your Word and the encouragement it brings. Help us to silence the voices of our past and the spirit of entitlement that try to separate us from You. Remind us daily that we are complete in Christ, and in Him, we have everything we need. Strengthen us to encourage one another and to walk in faith, knowing that in You, we are whole and victorious. In Jesus' name, Amen.