In what ways can we work for "the food that endures to eternal life"? “Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal.” Understanding the Call • Jesus contrasts two pursuits: perishable food vs. enduring food. • The “food that endures” is everything that feeds and strengthens our life in Christ—ultimately Christ Himself, “the bread of life” (John 6:35). • He invites active participation: we “work” by engaging the means God has provided while resting in the gift He supplies. The First Work: Believe in Jesus • “This is the work of God, that you believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:29) • Faith is not passive; it looks, trusts, and keeps on trusting. • Practical responses: – Confess Jesus openly (Romans 10:9-10). – Guard against drifting into self-reliance (Galatians 3:3). – Daily declare dependence on His finished work (Hebrews 12:2). Feed Daily on God’s Word • “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) • Scripture is spiritual nourishment that builds us up and gives “an inheritance among all who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). • Ways to take it in: – Read consistently: aim for quality over quantity. – Memorize and meditate (Psalm 119:11, Joshua 1:8). – Apply what you learn; obedience unlocks deeper understanding (John 7:17). Stay Connected through Prayer and Worship • Abiding in Christ yields fruit that lasts (John 15:4-5). • Prayer keeps the relationship living and vibrant (Philippians 4:6-7). • Personal habits that help: – Set regular, unhurried times with the Lord. – Intertwine praise, confession, thanksgiving, and petition (Psalm 145). – Incorporate fasting to sharpen spiritual appetite (Matthew 6:16-18). Walk in Loving Obedience • “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) • Obedience is faith in action, proving genuine love and storing up eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-20). • Everyday expressions: – Integrity at work and school (Colossians 3:23-24). – Sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). – Financial stewardship—giving, saving, spending wisely (Proverbs 3:9-10, 1 Timothy 6:18-19). Serve and Share the Gospel • Labor done “in the Lord” is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Eternal investments include: – Making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). – Using spiritual gifts to build up the body (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Acts of mercy and justice that reflect Christ’s heart (Matthew 25:34-40). Persevere with Eternal Perspective • “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • Keep eyes fixed on the promised reward—eternal life in the presence of Christ (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Daily mindset shifts: – Evaluate choices by their eternal payoff. – Welcome trials as faith-refining opportunities (James 1:2-4). – Encourage one another to stay the course (Hebrews 10:24-25). Putting It All Together • Believe, feed, abide, obey, serve, and persevere—these are not separate compartments but interwoven rhythms of life with Jesus. • The Son of Man gives the enduring food; we reach out with willing hands and hungry hearts. • As we do, He satisfies us now and secures our place at the eternal feast to come (Revelation 19:9). |
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