GAINING MASTERY OVER RELATIONSHIPS: GOD AND ALL MEN

RELATING WITH GOD WITH BOLDNESS

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In Luke 18:9-14, the Lord Jesus gave a parable of the Pharisee who was obsessed by his own virtue, and “religiosity,” contrary to a tax collector who humbly asked God for mercy.

The Pharisee, priding himself in his self-righteousness, said to God, “…I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess…” (Luke 18:11-13).

However, the Publican, feeling unqualified to even stand before God, said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” In the words of the Master, the Publican went away justified, while the Pharisee was condemned in his pride. But who was Jesus teaching this to? It was the Jews; He was teaching them not to trust in their self-righteousness; He was teaching them humility in prayer.

Today, there’re Christians who, in reference to this parable, would pray with a beggarly attitude, condemning themselves before the Father. But God doesn’t want that. The Publican prayed that way because he lived under the Old Testament; Jesus hadn’t yet consummated the works of salvation. Now that He has, we’re bold and confident before our heavenly Father. His vicarious sacrifice in our behalf gave us righteousness; thus, we’re bold and unashamed before Him in love.

Therefore, don’t pray, “Please Father, I know I don’t qualify for the blessings I’m asking for, but have mercy on me, Lord.” No! He already had mercy on you and blessed you with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). One of those blessings is righteousness, which gives you the ability to stand before God without guilt, fear, condemnation or inferiority. You can talk to God directly and fellowship with Him in love because He’s your loving, gracious, heavenly Father. Hallelujah!

The Lord Jesus is our ability to stand in God’s presence without fear, for He’s our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He gave us the right to be bold in God’s presence; so, don’t pray as one who isn’t qualified to be in His presence. Be bold.

Notice that the scripture says to “obtain mercy,” not “ask for mercy”; which means, grab it!

Whatever you desire, His mercy already made it available; therefore, boldly reach out and take it! Glory to God!

RELATING WITH FELLOW MEN BASED ON THREE FACTORS: PRINCIPLES, RELATIONSHIP AND ACTIONS

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way, which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye

(Psalm 32:8).

The human spirit or person is influenced by three important factors: principles, relationships, and actions. These three control your plans, purposes, and pursuits in life. A principle is a moral rule, belief or an assumption that controls, influences or explains personal conduct or the behaviour of a society. It explains how or why something works or happens the way it does. It’s also a basic theory or truth; an idea that forms the basis for anything.

Individuals, families, and even societies can have their own principles, which they created consciously or unconsciously for themselves. These are principles they formed through certain beliefs, ideas, and assumptions in their heads.

There are certain people who, for example, say that they don’t believe in God; they’re living according to a particular principle or thought; an idea in their minds. Now, whether that idea is right or wrong isn’t what we’re dealing with, but the fact that that principle is what orders, controls and influences their lives.

The second factor is relationships. There are different kinds of relationships: biological, geographical, emotional, spiritual. These forms of relationships have something to do with your life. The family you come from, your neighbours, friends, and colleagues; your interaction with them every day has some influence on your life. Your friends—those that make you happy or sad—have an influence on your life. Then your spiritual relationships: your relationship with God, the devil, demons, angels, fellow Christians, and even with those who don’t know God; they all exercise certain spiritual influence on your life, positively or negatively.

The third is your actions. Every action has consequences, and many don’t realize this. The important thing about your actions isn’t about now; it’s about the ripple effect they’ll have on the rest of your life. Your present actions, most certainly, have already affected your tomorrow, whether or not you realize it.

Have a good understanding of these three factors, and channel them in the right direction for your benefit, so that you’ll live by the right principles, have the right relationships, take the right actions, and become all that God wants you to be. Hallelujah!

Learn to choose friends you can't just go around with everybody and expect to be successful in life. Not everyone should be your friend.

You may go to school together, you may study books together, do experiments together, you may be business partners; yeah that's cool but you should know where you stand. You should define that relationship. There must be limits to relationships. Learn to define your relationships.

RELATING WITH GOD WITH BOLDNESS

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In Luke 18:9-14, the Lord Jesus gave a parable of the Pharisee who was obsessed by his own virtue, and “religiosity,” contrary to a tax collector who humbly asked God for mercy.

The Pharisee, priding himself in his self-righteousness, said to God, “…I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess…” (Luke 18:11-13).

However, the Publican, feeling unqualified to even stand before God, said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” In the words of the Master, the Publican went away justified, while the Pharisee was condemned in his pride. But who was Jesus teaching this to? It was the Jews; He was teaching them not to trust in their self-righteousness; He was teaching them humility in prayer.

Today, there’re Christians who, in reference to this parable, would pray with a beggarly attitude, condemning themselves before the Father. But God doesn’t want that. The Publican prayed that way because he lived under the Old Testament; Jesus hadn’t yet consummated the works of salvation. Now that He has, we’re bold and confident before our heavenly Father. His vicarious sacrifice in our behalf gave us righteousness; thus, we’re bold and unashamed before Him in love.

Therefore, don’t pray, “Please Father, I know I don’t qualify for the blessings I’m asking for, but have mercy on me, Lord.” No! He already had mercy on you and blessed you with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). One of those blessings is righteousness, which gives you the ability to stand before God without guilt, fear, condemnation or inferiority. You can talk to God directly and fellowship with Him in love because He’s your loving, gracious, heavenly Father. Hallelujah!

The Lord Jesus is our ability to stand in God’s presence without fear, for He’s our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He gave us the right to be bold in God’s presence; so, don’t pray as one who isn’t qualified to be in His presence. Be bold.

Notice our opening verse again; it says to “obtain mercy,” not “ask for mercy”; which means, grab it! Whatever you desire, His mercy already made it available; therefore, boldly reach out and take it! Glory to God!