Stay Sharp

IF we do not intentionally move towards Christ-like formation, life circumstances, stresses and the world around us forms and shapes us.
In this way, if we are called to be ‘sharp’ life and the world’s way of living makes us ‘dull.’ Whether we are active or inactive.
If we are to be formed, sharpened and fulfilling our assignment in the season of life we are in, we must stay sharp. What can we learn from the bible specifically, the Proverbs and the way Jesus calls us to live about staying sharp?

 

We are formed in the gathering

We are redeemed by the work of Jesus, but our formation is something that we see modelled by Jesus and the early church, in the gathering.

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Acts 13: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting..

We are sharpened in close proximity

As it says in Proverbs we are to be sharpened by iron. What does this look like in the modern church? Proximity, friction and angle.
Proverbs 27:17: Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (ESV), or As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (NLT)
John 13: Jesus washes the disciples feet and teaches them

We are sharpened for purpose

We are not formed and sharpened to be ‘put on display’ but for a purpose.
Harvest. Battle. Building.
Matthew 9:37. Ephesians 6:17. Matt 16:18 : Jesus says ‘I will build my church’, but that we contribute, we are the living stones 1 Peter 2:4-5

So what now? 

Commit to the Church

Commit to Small Groups
Commit to humility and wise vulnerability

Ask:

Where have I started treating the gathered Church as optional instead of formative?

Who is close enough to sharpen me — and am I close enough to sharpen someone else?

Where do I need to practise humility and wise vulnerability instead of defensiveness, hiding, or isolation?