Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? - FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

When Peter looked at the storm and started to sink, he could have tried to make it back to the boat on his own.  He was an able swimmer, so this  might even have been his natural response.  (John 21:7)  Yet, instead of relying on himself, he refocused on Jesus and accepted Jesus' help.  If we sense that our faith is weakening, we should imitate Peter's example.  But how can we do that?

Just as Peter refocused on Jesus, we too must "look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. (Read Hebrews 12:2, 3.) of course, we cannot literally see Jesus as Peter did. Instead, we  "look intently at Jesus by examining his teachings and actions and then following these closely.  Consider some steps we can take based on the model Jesus set.  If we put these into practice, we will receive the help we need to make our faith firm.

Strengthen your confidence in the Bible.  Jesus was convinced that the Bible is God's Word, which provides the best guidance in life.  (John 17:17) Following Jesus' example, we must read the Bible daily, study it, and meditate on what we learn.  Along with general Bible study, dig into topics about which you may have questions.  To illustrate, you might increase  your conviction that the end of the system of things really is near by studying in detail the Scriptural  proof that we live in the last days.  Strengthen your trust in the Bible's promises for the  future by investigating its many prophecies that have already come true. Develop your confidence in the practical value of the Bible by considering examples of how the Bible improves people's lives. 

Focus on the blessings Jehovah has promised.    By fixing his sights on "the joy that was set before him," Jesus was able to remain faithful  despite extreme tests.  (Hebrews 12:2)  He was never distracted by what the world could offer.  (Matthew 4:8-10)  You can imitate Jesus by meditating  on the wonderful promises Jehovah has made to you.  Put yourself in the picture by writing down or making a drawing of what you  hope to do once God has removed this wicked system.  Make a list of  people whom you look forward to meeting when  they are resurrected and what you would like to discuss with them.  See these as God's promises not just to mankind in general but to you personally. 

Next time:  Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? -Conclusion of FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH 

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