Paul in Timothy talked about one group of people in the LAST DAYS, that they would be self-centred. 2 Timothy 3:1-5(NIV) “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
You can see the whole characters of the above group revolve around self. Paul too explained his own flesh revolving around self in Romans 7:21-25(NIV) A dozen(12) times the mention of I, ME, MYSELF have come in this passage. End result was, v. 24 “WHAT A WRETCHED MAN I AM.” Yes if you are selfish you feel wretched all the time!
How can we come out of SELF- CONSCIOUS, is by becoming JESUS-CONSCIOUS.
In v. 25 the anti-dot to this also Paul gives ….”THANKS BE TO GOD! THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD WHO DELIVERS ME…..from MYSELF!!” Take your attention from Self and put it on Jesus Christ who fulfilled God’s Law for our behalf. Depend totally on Him.
The continuation to this contest is in the next chapter- Life Through the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4(NIV) Be Jesus – conscious to feel free and full of life. IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS and His life and finished work. We should concentrate on Jesus and live for Him alone. Only then you will be powerful!
JESUS lived a human life like us yet was without sin.
He did not use His godly power when He was here on earth. JESUS took 1. Water baptism 2. Baptised by HOLY SPIRIT like a man and set a model of how we can be too that is why He said in John 14:12(NIV) we can do like Him and do greater works also because He went to heaven and praying for us to God and give a firm back up. You can say,
- Jesus walked on the water, even Peter walked along with him as far his attention on Jesus. Matthew 14:25-33(NIV) Here itself an example of how you should be JESUS-CONSCIOUS. As far as Peter’s eyes were on Jesus he walked on the water. But once he started seeing himself he started sinking.
- When disciples could not deliver the boy who had fits, Mark 9:17-27(NIV) JESUS said 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” meaning ‘YOU CAN DO IT.’
- When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus to crucify Him Matthew 26:51-53(NIV) Jesus was humble enough to heal the ear of the servant saying he could ask God for 12 legions of angels to help yet he was not going to do. THIS IS HUMILITY. We should learn. You have the power to overthrow someone with words and deeds yet you stop yourself. Matthew 11:28-30(NIV) Philippians 2:1-5(NIV)
How to live JESUS-CONSCIOUS all the time?
Whenever you have things to do, check yourself whether you are doing in such a way that is pleasing to Jesus. Ask the help of the Holy Spirit to speak for you and allow Him to do things through you. Walk in spirit not in flesh. Your flesh will lead you in the way of the world which is always opposite to God’s way. Romans 8:6-8(NIV)
Do everything without grumbling and arguing as blameless children of God shining like stars. Don’t allow corrupt words out of your mouth but only those that would build someone. And this way do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God in you. Philippians 2:12-15(NIV), Ephesians 4:29-30(NIV)
There’s one more group of people in the LAST DAYS too. Who are fully filled with Holy Spirit and walking in the Spirit glorying God in their lives. ““ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18(NIV)
Just as we read in the last days there are two groups contrasting each other fighting to dominate. Which of the two groups do you want to be in? Decide. Away from self & look unto the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18(NIV)