Peter . Luke 22:31-32 ( NIV ) reads , “ Simon , Simon , Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat . But I have prayed for you , Simon , that your faith may not fail . And when you have turned back , strengthen your brothers .” Notice Peter already was a believer , and called a disciple of Christ . Jesus was challenging Peter to a new level of relationship with Him . According to Jesus , His friend , Peter , who was walking with Him for almost three years , was not converted yet . Believers and disciples have their focus for the most part on themselves . But when you rise to the level of convert , your focus and concern turns towards others . True converts of Christ want to help others become strong in their relationship with Christ . When your attention gets off self and on to others that is an indication that you are progressing in your relationship with Jesus . Let us progress to biblical conversion and begin to strengthen others . “ Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others ” ( Philippians 2:4 , NIV ).
As we progress in relationship with Christ , from a believer , to a disciple , to a convert , we are now ready to step into stewardship . A steward is one who has been entrusted by God to oversee and lead people , places or things . A steward is responsible and accountable to God and those whom God sets over them . Stewards who oversee and lead God ’ s entrusted people , places and things treat them as their very own , yet remain aware they have been entrusted with them by God . 1 Corinthians 4:2 ( NIV ) says , “ Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful .” Believers believe , disciples follow , converts strengthen others and stewards are faithful overseers to whom and what they have been charged with . Stewards are individuals who are selfless , sacrificial people deep in their relationship with the Lord . God feels comfortable entrusting and empowering them with His precious commodities . Can God trust you with such precious cargo ? Are you faithful in the small so that God can trust you with more ?
I believe God wants to bring us to a final revelation of relationship with Him , to the point of the understanding becoming co-heirs . Romans 8:17 ( NIV ) says , “ Now if we are children , then we are heirs — heirs of God and coheirs with Christ , if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory .” When we walk in that kind of relationship , knowing we are co-heirs with Jesus , we become more Kingdomminded , more Holy Spirit directed , more soul-saving conscious , and more Godpleasing . Jesus came to do the will of His Father and to please Him ( John 8:29 ). If we are co-heirs , we also are co-laborers with Christ ( 1 Corinthians 3:9 ; 2 Corinthians 6:1 ).
Our relationship with the Father should be such that when we wake up in the morning , we are very aware of the fact that we are sons and daughters of God , and even greater , that we are co-heirs with Jesus Christ . As Jesus was determined to say what the Father wanted Him to say , go where the Father wanted Him to go , and do what the Father wanted Him to do , we too would have that kind of desire , determination and dedication to do the will of the Father and all of Heaven ’ s requests . May we all progress to that level of revelation of relationship that we are about our Father ’ s business ( Luke 2:49 ) and seek through our obedience to please Him by doing His will daily ( John 4:34 ).
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Joe Arminio is the Senior Pastor and founder of Abundant Life Whippany in New Jersey , Executive Director and Overseer of Renovation House ( drug / alcohol rehab for men ), Executive Director of Renovation House for Women , Chancellor of Abundant Life Christian School ( K4-12th Grade ), Founder of Abundant Life Bible Institute Ministry Training Center , Founder and CEO of ROC ( Recreational Outreach Center ) Gym , Founder and CEO of Kings Kids Day Care Center ( infant to PreK3 ), Executive Overseer of Abundant Life Ministries International , church planter , author , husband , father and grandfather . Learn more at abundantlifewhippany . com .
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