September 9

1 Timothy 4:10-16 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that ALL MAY SEE YOUR PROGRESS. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (ESV)

Everyone can see your life... esp. the youth today through the social media... when they see your life, what do you think they will see...
They will see if you have been better or worst than you were.

As a Christian, a follower of Christ... people should see our progress in Christlikeness.

See my progress!

What is progress?
Yes it is moving forward, improving...  but is important
To note that it is such because it has a goal or an objective or direction, place.
Its like a measuring... kung wlay paingnan I don't think there will ever be progress.

Christianity is not a perfection, nobody is perfect... it is a direction. You are to be in the Way, walk in the Way, live in the Way. Jesus is the Way.

That's the goal, the objective... we are citizen's of heaven and if that is the case for us, then it is given that our living should be heavenly, godly. Though you can say you're a child of God but is is your works, your living that speaks so much of who you are.

How do they see your progress?

1. By your FAITH
What we know that we came to trust will dictate how we live our lives.

Our faith in God sets us to work and fight for every struggle for the glory of God
Faith has to have works to be alive... as breathing is to the body that is what our works is in our faith.
This is more than knowledge of God this is more of experience God through our living faith. You labor and fight in this life for the Lord in the Lord's grace... you work hard on it! Faith without works is dead.

2. By your SERVICE
Serve God by using your gifts... you are wired by God inside with His grace by His Spirit in you that was sealed in you the moment you have embraced the gospel and this grace will empower you to serve God by serving others.

First, connect yourself to Christ Jesus, then connect yourself to the Church and its leader.
God is watching your acts of love for Him. And as He is so are you. The son of man came to serve not to be served and you being redeemed by Him came alive in Him to serve not to be serve. Our ministry is our faith in works. It is a sign of maturity in God and of progress... this also solidifies your salvation. It gives you security at some point in your standing with God but note you are not doing this to be saved... rather by your service, you are declaring you are saved.

3. By your your LIVING

Watch and examine yourself... your way of life... Where do you spend your time and money and strength? Reflect on your life so far... Are you confident that you are truly save?
You know your own standing in your faith. Is there a progress or did you remain or stopped or retreated... you know our whole point in this life.

Why is your living so important, your godly living? Why?

Because you will teach others through your living. You share the things you live. And people learn more on what you have applied in your life.

What you have lived for, is what you have stood for in this life, your principles in life... that is your faith... after this life that is what you will get in the end.
We live for an audience of one... we are in for His glory and kingdom come... let the people see your progress... that you will be saved and those who have seen and heard you will be too.

Have a prosperous way in your journey to our heavenly home... that is the only was home. We are to workout our own salvation in fear and trembling. PROGRESS, Church! Progress.

To God be the glory!