FAMILIARITY, AN ENEMY OF THE GOSPEL



There are times when we let ourselves get carried away by the issues of life to the extent that we develop some sort of familiarity with the people and things that matter the most to us. There are so many important things and people in our lives that we should never allow ourselves to be familiar with for example the Word of Godand our families. Many believers have become so familiar with the Word of God that nothing about it thrills or excites them. It’s all so much like a déjà vu (John 1:1)! What now thrills or excites them are words of prophecy and Knowledge because they want to know that what is ahead is quite promising(i'm not against words of prophecy or knowledge). Apostle Paul lays a lot of emphasis on our identity in Christ more than anything else and to get awareness of who we are is only through fellowship. In fellowship you break the barrier of familiarity because everyday through the study of the Word and prayer, more of the might of God is revealed to you. Fellowship is more of worship, adoration, praise etc lifting the name of Jesus high and exalting Him. I used to be familiar with the bible, I told myself several times I have already read the entire New Testament which was my main focus. I missed out on a lot because I forgot that God’s Word is alive forever, it’s eternal! Considering you already read it is implying that there is nothing for you to learn and thus it needs a new edition. When you allow yourself to be familiar with something or somebody, you underestimate their value. Put it this way, because you have allowed yourself to be familiar with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Grace no longer means much to you. And when Grace becomes of less worth to you, you will give less heed to the things of God and thus walking in misguided expectation. Misguided expectation because your focus has shifted to what He can do for you and not who He is to you.

The Word of God is as eternal as God Himself. You can never be familiar with it because it is spirit and life and sharper than any double edged sword (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 40:8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit in you is teaching you every time you have an encounter with the Word of God. The Grace available for each day is as new as the Day itself. Know for a fact that every time you have an encounter with the Word of God you will get a deeper insight on Who God is, what He has done in His Son Jesus Christ and who we are in Him because He is His Word too.

Be intentional about pursuing intimacy with God, fix your eyes on Jesus and other things that you pursue will take their rightful place in your life. Burn with passion for the things of God giving them first place in your life and the life of Jesus in you will shine for everyone to see (Colosians 3:3-4, Psalms 119:105). He created everything we’re pursuing and so pursuing Him will cause those things you desire and seek to pursue you. What Jesus did for mankind is eternal and it takes the revelation of the mystery of our union with Him to understand who we are in Him and what He had done for us. 

  You're Blessed!!

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