Sinful Census When asked the question, Are you a faithful Christian? One might be tempted to compare oneself to a false standard For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves amongst themselves, are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12). What does it mean to be faithful? What is the level of dedication that He expects? Sinful Census Abraham Christians are expected to walk in the same faith that Abraham manifested centuries ago Romans 4:12 but who also follow the steps of the faith of our father Abraham; 4:16; Hebrews 11:6 Without faith is it impossible to please Him; Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested offered up Isaac. Sinful Census The faith that is necessary to please God in Hebrews chapter 11 is exactly the same type of faith that Abraham displayed when commanded to offer up Isaac. God expected Abraham to place Him ahead of Isaac, and God expects the same dedication that places Him ahead of family today Matthew 10:37 He who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me Sinful Census Lessons from Genesis 22 When God commanded something of Abraham, everything stopped for Abraham. Fulfilling the command, even a command that was extremely difficult, was given the top priority (Matthew 6:33; Genesis 22:3). Do we make the commands that God has given us to perform a priority? In Abraham we learn that being a good provider, a smart businessman, a good neighbor, a moral person, and a loving husband and father is not the sum total of what it means to be faithful. Sinful Census Many people as they read the account describing Gods command for Abraham to sacrifice his only son are shocked and offended that God would even test a person with such a command. But why are we shocked? Because of mans rebellion, sin entered the world (Romans 5:12), and because God loves mankind so much He sets in motion a plan that will cost Him dearly so that man can be saved (John 3:16). The eternal destiny of human souls is on the line (as they are today), and He needs a man that will trust Him completely (Genesis 22:12,16-17). Sinful Census In order to grow spiritually one needs times of testing (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-8). This chapter also exists for all believers who have lived since the time of Abraham and is given as an encouragement for Christians (Hebrews 11:17-19). Luke 14:26 If any man cometh unto me This is not an optional matter, but rather is a basic condition for being a Christian. This is the level of faithfulness, dedication, and loyalty that God expects. Are we faithful? I also ask myself the question, Am I strong enough spiritually to really be tested? (Proverbs 24:10 If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited). Sinful Census Job is also set before Christians as an example to follow (James 5:10-11). Perhaps the most intense example of undeserved suffering (besides that of Christ) is recorded in the book of Job. Job, a wealthy and godly man, lost all his material possessions, all his children, and his health. Then, adding anguish upon anguish, his friends accused him rather than consoled him. Furthermore, God, from all appearances, was intentionally absenting Himself from Jobs problems, refusing to hear and rise to his cause (Job, Roy Zuck, p. 5). Job Sinful Census Even Job needs additional spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:14). There is something that cannot be replaced, that is, ones soul if one dies in a lost condition. Ones relationship with God must take priority over all other considerations. Everything that Job endured will be worth the growth that is seen at the end of the book (42:1-6). Unquestioning loyalty, a faith that will not bend or break, absolute confidence in Gods governing of this world, absolute trust in the wisdom of His word, and a love that serves God even if one receives absolutely no earthly reward for such service, is the love that God desires. Sinful Census Would God even dare present us before Satan as an example of faithfulness? Are we dependable? Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face (Job 1:9-11). Why are we Christians? Satan did not question Jobs outward dutiful life, but he did question Jobs motivation. Have You Considered My Servant Job? 1:8 Sinful Census Will Job be seen as one who will serve God even if he gets nothing in return? Will anyone serve God for no personal gain? Is worship a coin that buys us a heavenly reward? Does man serve God to get blessings, fearing that failure to worship will bring punishment? Is piety part of a contract by which to gain wealth and ward off trouble? (Zuck p. 15). Sinful Census How many believers today would react as Job did if they encountered the blows he experienced? How many would follow adversity with adoration, woe with worship? How many would, like Job, maintain their moral integrity, refusing to bend to bitterness? How many, suffering inequitably, would refuse to blame God of wrongdoing? (Zuck p. 17). Job is a tremendous example of how strong a human being can be when they have genuine faith. This is the faith that is needed to overcome the world (1 John 5:4). Job 1:22 Nor Did He Blame God Sinful Census Conclusion In view of these examples, I stand amazed when professed Christians cannot seem to find the motivation to study their Bibles, pray regularly, depart from sin, share the gospel with others, worship God with enthusiasm, take time out to help and assist others, or sadly even make it to worship services, which is a direct command (Hebrews 10:24-25). Remember, everyone is tested (Acts 14:22; James 1:2-4). At the time of the test, it will be too late to make any preparations, the test will find you and deal with you just as you are. Sinful Census Faith includes an unquestioning devotion and belief that God is holy and is always doing what is in our best interest. Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.