“For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.” -Colossians 1:29
No “summary” today. This is what your Pastor has titled a “Supplemental Sermon.”
“So, how might we know when God is energetically and powerfully working in us? If, when you are slandered, you respond by entreating (I Corinthians 4:13), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you. If, when you are reviled, you bless instead of curse (I Corinthians 4:12), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you. If, when you are persecuted, you endure (I Corinthians 4:12), you can rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you. If, when you are afflicted but not crushed, are perplexed but do not yield to despair, are struck down but not destroyed, you may rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). If, when you are sorrowful and still rejoice, possess nothing yet are rich, you may rest assured that divine energy is working mightily in you (2 Corinthians 6:10). If, when you are in poverty and give generously and joyfully (2 Corinthians 8:1ff), you may rest assrued that divine energy is working mightily in you.
You probably won’t feel anything. There’s no guarantee that your body will vibrate or your appearance will change. But if you find yourself responding and thinking as Jesus would, if you find yourself acting and choosing contrary to every fleshly and sinful impulse, you may rest assured that divine energy is mightily at work in you. Only in this way can we, like Paul, continue to serve and love and minister and not lose heart.”
[From “The Hope of Glory” by Sam Storms pg. 138-139]
New Life Baptist Church 