The shortest Lesson Title I can remember, two little words … but only one in Greek, “houtos!”
“Even as!”
But “even as” what?
Or “even as” whom?
1 John 2:5-6 answers, read it all please. “But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, EVEN AS He walked.”
If I understand this rightly … “keeping” (Greek, “tereo” meaning “to attend to carefully”) God’s “Word” could (or should) enable a man or woman to “walk” (live, behave, conduct oneself) “EVEN AS” He (Jesus) “walked!”
Wow!
Maye that’s why we are called “Christians,” being that Christ-like. Astounding, isn’t it?
“Abiding” in Him, in Jesus and His Word … John’s Term for consciously existing “in” Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, ever “aware” of Him … such obedience leads to “living” EVEN AS He lived!
Listen to Jesus, shortly before He went back to Heaven to be with His dear Father … “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12, where in a way “greater works” might even surpass “even as!”
How can this be?
Me living “even as” Jesus did?
Only through our Lord’s present High Priestly Ministry, through Jesus praying for us hour by hour! Precisely, praying John Chapter 17 for us I suspect! What a prayer list!
And … only through the Ministry of God the Holy Spirit in our lives! Paul, tell us please: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (a form of self control).”
“Even as … “
I’ll have to ponder those two little words throughout the day.
“Even as,” quick to type but clearly loaded with tons of meaning!
Think with me please.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
One quaint author preached that we should live “even as” Jesus … for three reasons. For “our own sakes” … to live more purely! For “the sake of others” … to be better witnesses for Christ, to keep people out of Hell! Then (most importantly of all) “for Jesus’ Sake” … to better adore and worship Him Who is so vey worthy!
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