Tag: Discipleship

A Target For Your Life

What is the goal of the transformation of mind and actions? Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” We are looking into a mirror and we see ourselves transforming into Christ. As we look, more of our old man, our old life, fades away and the image of Jesus reflected back to us becomes clearer. We are becoming more like Jesus so that when we see ourselves, we truly see Jesus in thought and action in our lives.

In the next chapter, 2 Corinthians 4:11, Paul continued this thought: “For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” Paul clearly stated this goal: the life of Jesus must be manifested in our lives. Earlier, he compares it to treasure, like gold or jewels, in earthen pottery because “the power may be of God and not of us.” We are constantly trying to live like Jesus but we realize that we will not have complete perfection on this earth.

Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We crucify the old man of sin, bury him at baptism (Romans 6:4-6) and are raised to live a new life—Christ living in us. It is a life of faith, founded on the word of God (Romans 10:17). This demands that we study what Christ did and emulate Him.

Making Mature Decisions

The New Testament does not give many specific “do” and “don’ts” as in the Old Testament.  There are many specific commands, but we must make the majority of our decisions using principles established in the word of God.  We do not have a specific command:  “Thou shalt not cheat on your federal income tax form.”  Nevertheless, we do have the principles of honesty, fairness, and “paying taxes to whom taxes are due” in the scriptures.  The Bible does not outline specifics on our apparel (how long, how tight or loose, etc.) but does command us to be modest, able to blush, not to incite others to lust, and wear clothing that reflects godliness, not worldliness.  Through an honest application of these principles, we can determine what is proper attire.
Some will say, “But the Bible doesn’t say not to” when trying to defend something that may have no specific restriction but is against the very principles of Christianity.  Does the defendant believe in a loophole that will allow his behavior to pass on the Day of Judgment?  There are things that might be good that are forbidden in certain circumstances such as eating meat in 1 Corinthians 8:13.  Eating meat offered to an idol is not wrong unless it would cause my brother to stumble.

As Christians, we must grow to maturity so we can use the word of God to make decisions in our lives.  We must pursue or avoid some things based on general principles of godliness and holiness.  The Bible does not tell us what specific movies to watch, books to read, music to listen to, or TV programs to watch.  We are given principles that must guide our thoughts: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8. 

Some may be frustrated since there are not many “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not’s” in the New Testament (note: The Old Testament had guiding principles as well: Matthew 22:34-40).  However, God is trying to make us better people, not just individuals who can read a checklist and do what is commanded.  God did not create us to check off a list of commands but to transform us into Christ-like creatures that want to be godly, holy, and useful for every good work.  We must guide our mind by principles in addition to following specific commands.
You will find no particular book of the New Testament that lists all of these principles.  The principles are spread throughout the Bible, are seen in the life of Christ, and are the very fabric from which the Christian life is made. By daily study and practice, we can learn the principles and the thought processes that must guide our daily decisions.

Beware What Entertains You!

Although we may not realize it, the things that entertain us can greatly influence us. Their influence is more subtle, like the gradual erosion of a rock by rain, wind, and heat. Yet, gradually the entertainment industry can shape our minds. Many women have poor self-esteem because they cannot look like television stars or models. However, the stars and models do not look perfect either! We see the final product, filtered by editing rooms and touch up artists. There are no perfect looking people and, as the Bible teaches, these transitory features must not be our focus anyway, Proverbs 31:30.

The media culture will try to convince us that we do not have enough.  It teaches that unless we have certain labels on our clothes, certain jobs, elite neighborhoods, and the like, that we will be miserable.  Therefore, we must continue to shop and continue to buy.  Proverbs 27:20 warns us: “Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.”  We must be content, 1 Timothy 6:6.

The entertainment industry often teaches values that are not in harmony with the Scriptures.  The popular culture approves of many things contrary to sound doctrine (Romans 1:18-32; Galatians 5:19-21).  We can desensitize ourselves to the abhorrent nature of these sins by exposing ourselves to it a little at a time.  The gradual assault on our minds can erode our good morals and godly principles.  Sadly, we have opened the door for these influences, sat them down in our houses, and parents have even placed them before their children.

Positive entertainment, when shared by godly friends, can draw people closer together.  We can do many activities as Christians.  Our joy is enhanced when we can do those activities with our fellow brethren and families.  There are some movies and TV shows, though rare, that provide positive lessons and exemplify good principles.  Some songs extol the marriage relationship, the parent-child relationship, and doing the right thing.  We can properly use what is good but must shun evil.

10 Tips For Understanding The Bible

 Each individual Christian needs to study the truth for himself. We must remember that false doctrines will arise and prosper (2 Peter 2:1-3).  We cannot always trust the preacher to see through the error and teach against it; sometimes preachers introduce errors (2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-4).  Though elders are supposed to protect the church from error, sometimes they lead others astray (Acts 20:28-31).

The remedy for error, whether from false teachers inside or outside of the church, remains the same—the truth.  Some will believe a lie because they do not love the truth but enjoy unrighteousness, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.  Paul warned Timothy about false teachers and told him to hold to the truth of the scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:13-17.  In order to follow false teachers, one must turn away from the truth, 2 Timothy 4:4.  Though Paul warned that some elders would lead some Christians into false doctrines, but God would save those who follow His word, Acts 20:32.

Truth is the antidote to error.  If we are poisoned, the antidote will be useless if it remains in the bottle.  We must ingest the antidote so it can combat the poison.  Likewise, if we do not ingest God’s word, we will not be able to combat error.

How do we learn the truth and make it part of our lives?  We must read and meditate on God’s word daily.  Not only will God’s word insulate us from error, it will enrich our lives for we will grow in our knowledge of God, learn how to better live our lives, become better spouses, parents, and children, and see our heavenly hope vividly.

We should follow the advice of Paul to Timothy in regards to study.  Paul told the young preacher Timothy to “give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine,” 1 Timothy 4:13.

 Reading

We must spend time reading the Bible to learn the stories and to become familiar with the overall Bible message.  Reading helps us learn the narrative and see how the whole Bible story fits together.  Reading is especially important for new Christians.  Often we will find something in our reading that will turn into a more in depth study.

 Exhortation

 Exhortation is encouragement.  We can encourage others with the encouragement that we receive from God’s word, 2 Corinthians 1:4.  We should spend time reading passages that encourage us to continue in what is good.  We can read about Bible characters that did not give up even in the midst of terrible opposition or suffering.  We can also read about bad examples and avoid the decisions they made.  The encouragement that the epistle writers gave to individuals and churches can motivate us to live righteously.  The writers encouraged them to remain faithful and to be busy about God’s work.  Of course, reading about our Savior is exhorting for it reminds us about His wonderful love, profound teaching, and eternal promises.  When God’s word exhorts you, use it to exhort others.

 Doctrine

 Doctrine means the teaching that we must follow.  Doctrine only comes from God’s word, 2 Timothy 3:16.  It requires more study and mental effort than simple reading or reading for exhortation.  We must consider what the entire Bible says about a particular issue—both directly and in principle—and draw valid conclusions.  We must know why we do the things we do in personal service and public worship.  Remember, we cannot leave this study to the preacher or the elders.  We must know the truth so we can discern error.

 In addition to the methods of determining authority from the first series of lessons, there are some additional principles offered here to help us read wisely and learn doctrine as taught in God’s word:

  1. Pray to God for wisdom, James 1:5.
  2. Be diligent, not lazy, 2 Timothy 2:15.
  3. Be patient; some things are difficult to understand and might require a lot of time to learn, 2 Peter 3:16.
  4. Be logical.  God’s word does not oppose logic but embraces it, Acts 26:25.
  5. Use common sense.  Jesus spoke to the people in their common language not some hidden code.  We can understand His word, Ephesians 5:17; 1 John 5:20.
  6. Keep it simple.  Since the Bible was written for the common person, do not look for hidden messages or other mystical meaning.  Look for the plain and simple message.
  7. Read in context.  Words and sentences have meaning within a broader context.  Do not try to force a word or passage to mean something not intended by the author.  Look at surrounding passages for understanding.
  8. Read in historical and cultural context.  The Bible events occurred in history so look at the historical and cultural setting and what impact it might have on interpretation.
  9. Handle illustrations and idioms wisely.  Sometimes writers use figures of speech, metaphors, and similes to illustrate points.  Do not make too much of symbols or apply them in ways in which the author did not intend.
  10. Let scripture interpret scripture.  This is probably the most important reminder.  Use clear passages to illuminate confusing passages.  You will find that the more scriptures you learn, the easier it is to understand unfamiliar passages.

Interpreting the Bible and Personal Feelings

“The Bible means different things to different people,” we often hear.  Some adopt this approach because they believe it is unkind to tell someone that their beliefs are wrong.  Others feel like no one can understand the Bible and since many Biblical scholars have different opinions about what a passage means, then it must mean different things to each reader.  In addition to being unscriptural, those who adopt such an approach fail to see the dangerous implications of the statement.

The Bible tells us that we can understand it, Ephesians 5:17.  God did not give us the Bible in a mysterious code that some may interpret different ways.  The Bible was written in the language of the common person.  The English translations we use are easy to read and comprehend.  The Bible often uses everyday objects like seed, fishing, and the body, to illustrate spiritual concepts.  We cannot blame misunderstanding on the text itself for we can understand it.

If each reader can interpret the Bible differently, then the message is irrelevant for there would be no inherent truth—no objective standard—by which we could shape our lives and worship. Error and falsehood is known as opposition to truth.  Instead, the Bible becomes like clay that we can mold into whatever shape pleases us.  The Bible then becomes no different from any other book.  If this view is true, the Bible cannot be authoritative for no two people will understand the law correctly.  Of course, Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:17 opposes this.

The confusion comes when individuals interpret a scripture differently.  Peter acknowledged that some of Paul’s writings were hard to understand but he did not say that it was impossible, 2 Peter 3:15-18.  In fact, Peter said that by growing in the knowledge of God we could recognize and avoid the error of those who twist the truth.

The Bible exhorts believers to “be of the same mind,” 1 Corinthians 1:10.  Worldly approaches to the Bible lead to division, 1 Corinthians 10:11-13; 3:3-4.  Taking a view that is concerned with physical concerns more than spiritual needs will lead us astray, 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Timothy 1:5-7; 6:20-21.  This carnal/spiritual conflict will cause religious division.  Paul recognized that such an approach always leads to arguments over scripture because some are misusing God’s word, 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-9.  These people usually lead others into their error.

Some will quote “no Scripture is of private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20) to prove that we cannot understand the Bible, at least not without aid.  However, Peter really says, “no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.”  Peter wrote that the prophetic word was made more sure because they saw it fulfilled in Jesus and the church.  Most translations make a marginal note that interpretation can also be translated origin.  Prophecy did not come by human wisdom or analysis, but God gave the prophets the message, v.21.  This verse has nothing to do with an individual interpretation of Scripture.

Some will acknowledge what the Scripture says but feel that they do not have to obey it or that it really does not matter what they do.  Jeremiah 17:9 warns of the danger of relying on one’s feelings; they can be deceitful.  How can a man decide what God does or does not want?  Even David, a man after God’s own heart, was rebuked for presuming to do something for God in service to Him that He did not command.  In 2 Samuel 7:1-7, David wanted to build a wonderful temple for God and the prophet Nathan told him to do it “for the Lord is with you.”  But God rebuked Nathan and told him to tell David that He did not ask for a temple to be built and prohibited David from doing so!  David and Nathan had a good idea but they acted presumptuously; only God knew what He wanted.  When we set aside God’s will for worship for our own desires, we also act presumptuously.

I studied with a religious group once that told me to pray about what they were teaching; if I had good feelings, what they said was true.  I pointed out an inherent flaw in their approach:  I have often had good feelings about bad things and bad feelings about good things.  I can remember when I have had to tell a good friend and fellow Christian that some friends saw her buying alcohol and were talking about it.  It was good and right for me to talk with her about the bad example she had set, but I had bad feelings of nervousness and sorrow that I had to confront her.  I also had a good feeling when I told off a person that was being a jerk, but I realized later that I handled the situation incorrectly.  Though I felt good about it at the time, I did the wrong thing.  Our basis for evaluating truth must lie outside of ourselves, James 1:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Many things seem good to us but do not please God, Proverbs 14:12.  It is presumptuous for us to put what we want to do above what God has commanded.  Paul wrote that there were many things he thought he ought to do for God, but he was wrong, Acts 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-13.  Jesus warned of religious people who would be lost for disobedience, Matthew 7:21-23.  They did what seemed to be wonderful things, but they did not please God.  We must not think that just because we are religious God will be pleased.  God wants obedience to His law, not our desires.