Jesus Claimed to be God:
Claim of eternal pre-existence as "I AM" (John 8:58)
Claim of living on into eternity future (Matt. 28:20)
Claim to be the Son of God (Mark 14:62; Luke 22:70)
Claim of belonging in the position of authority in heaven (Mark 14:62)
Claim of God being His Father (Luke 24:49; John 8:19)
Claim of being the source of eternal life (John 6:35; 51)
Claim of being able to resurrect people from the dead (John 11:25)
Claim of being the source of light (John 8:12)
Claim of a heavenly origin (John 6:38; 8:23)
Claim of doing the works of God (John 10:36-39)
Claim that "I and the Father are one (neuter "one" indicates same essence) John 10:30
Claim to be Lord (John 13:13)
Claim that God the Father is "in Him" (John 14:10)
Claim of omnipresence (an attribute of God) (Matthew 18:20)
Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
Consider this, if someone claims to be God, either they are telling the truth, so they are, indeed, God; or, they are lying; or, they are crazy. There are no other options.
But, did Jesus show any signs of insanity? If He was insane, His enemies would not have regarded Him as a threat that they needed to kill. There is no evidence of mental imbalance of a deranged person; quite the contrary, we see calmness, serenity, and control He does not show evidence of megalomania; He was humble in spirit.
Did He show evidence of deceitfulness? If He was lying, Pilate could not tell (John 19:4). It is inconsistent to think that someone that no one could accuse of any sin, would commit such a grievous sin as to lie about being God. No on had ever heard Him lie about anything before. If He lied about being God, all His moral teachings are the greatest hypocrisies. If He was lying, He was so convincing that those who were with Him night and day never caught Him in any inconsistency, and they were willing to go to their deaths, which was unlikely for a known lie. Further, if He were lying, what would have been His motive? Personal gain? No, He rejected Satan's offer of the world's riches. Fame? No, He actually withdrew from the crowd that wanted to make Him king by acclamation. Personal worship and adulation? No, what would the benefit be of worship if He knew it was false? If personal adulation was the goal, once the adulation stopped and ridicule and scoffing was what He received, wouldn't He have backed down from the lie, especially if He expected it to result in His death (unless He were insane, which was already addressed above).
Jesus Displayed the Attributes of God
Did Jesus back up His claims by doing works that demonstrated the attributes of God? Here are key verses that demonstrate His divine attributes:
Omnipotence (Matt. 28:18)
Omniscience (John 1:48; John 13:19)
Life giver (John 5:25)
Holiness in word and deed (Matt. 5-7; John 8:46)
Healing miracle by word only over distance (Matt. 8:13)
Power over nature (Matt. 8:23-27)
Power over demons (Matt 8:28-34)
Power over death (Matt. 9:18-25)
Source of Truth (John 14:6)
Source of Forgiveness (Luke 7:48)
Healing power over leprosy (Matt. 8:3)
Healing power over blindness (Matt. 9:28)
Knowledge of the future (Matt. 20:22)
Predicted His own resurrection (Matt 27:63)
Power over His own death through resurrection (Matt. 28:6)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
What Did Jesus Say About Himself?
I have given you a list of key verses to memorize, and outlined some key concepts, such as forgiveness of sin. To be considered a disciple of Christ, or if you are considering following Christ, you should consider very carefully whom you are choosing to follow. Who did He claim to be? It makes a big difference how you regard Him, and how you respond to Him, don't you think? So, let's take a look at what Jesus said about Himself.
Let's take a look at John, chapter 8.
21 Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 25 So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” 27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He [i]has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
The Jews were confused about Jesus' sayings, so He clarified things with two contrasting statements about identity. The Jews were from "below." He said He was from "above." The Jews were "of this world." Jesus said He was "not of this world. What does that mean? Was He claiming to be some kind of space alien, and extra-terrestrial? Perhaps He was alien to this world, in a way. But, all these statements offer is that something about Jesus' nature was not "of this world" and His home or origin was somewhere "above." Who comes from "above"? That's a good question to ask.
The Jews asked "Who are You?" Jesus did not answer directly, but said, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning?" Even from the beginning of His ministry, He had presented Himself as the Messiah. But, more than that, through His words and His works, He had been showing them that He was much more than a prophet or just a man sent from God, like John the Baptist.
I find it fascinating that Jesus said, "I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world." John 5:22 says "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,..." The Jews were facing the one who knew them, who had much He could say about them, and He would judge them someday, but while on this Earth, He came not to judge. That was not His mission. His mission was to save mankind, not to judge it. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17). But, after accomplishing His mission, He would one day fulfill another mission, to judge all things: creation, believers, non-believers, both humans and spirits...all.
I want you to take note of some interesting statements that Jesus made about Himself. For example, in verse 24 it says, "unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. The translator inserted the pronoun, "He," but the Greek text says, "Unless you believe that I am (ego eimi). The Jews missed it this first time, and thought Jesus had forgotten to fill in the blank...who? "Who are you?" they asked. Well, the Jews still didn't get it, so Jesus said in verse 28, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me." Note that curious phrase again, "then you will know that I am....without the object. I am whom? But, the Greek just says, "ego eimi," "I am." Some heard, and understood the words, and believed Him.
But, still some of the Jews did not comprehend the impact of His words. So, Jesus continued.
31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”
39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus *said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. 40 But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do."
Note well here that Jesus does refer to Himself as a man. This great passage highlights the deity of Christ, but He, Himself, also highlighted His humanity also. But, He was a sinless man. Note that in verse 46 He challenged them to convict Him of sin, and He was met by their silence. He spoke the truth, but gave the reason why they did not believe Him, because they were being influenced by the "father of lies," the devil, that fallen archangel, Lucifer, who tried to usurp the throne that belonged to the Son. The unbelieving listeners had chosen sides against the Son, and by doing so, had become "not of God," and their spiritual insight was darkened, so they could not see to Whom they were speaking, nor believe in Him.
41 You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
48 The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.
Although, Jesus has used the phrase "ego eimi," "I am," twice before, the context might have been unclear to the Jews what He was saying, that He was claiming to be divine, identified with the "I AM" of the Pentateuch. But, in the context of talking about Abraham, He could not have made it any clearer. "Before Abraham was born, I am." The grammar is a bit odd here, as "I am" is present tense, but to be consistent with the first phrase, Jesus could have said, "Before Abraham was born, I was born," but, it doesn't say that. This time He clearly implied that before Abraham was born, He already existed. The Jews understood His grammatical play on words, and took up stones to try to kill Him, because in their minds He had committed blasphemy, making Himself equal with the great "I AM," whose name they would not even speak.
As a side note, Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced to "see His day." It is likely that this refers to the appearance of the appearance of the "Angel of the Lord," the pre-incarnate Christ. The word "angel" means messenger. Some of the "messengers" sent by God in Genesis 18 "appeared" to be men. But, to one of the three, Abraham referred to Him as "Lord." In Gen. 18:22 it says that Abraham stood before "the Lord."
So, what have we learned? Jesus, Himself, referred to Himself as a man. But, He also identified Himself as "I AM." Jesus Christ has two natures, a human nature, but also divine. His human nature was fixed in time, beginning at conception. But, His divine nature had no beginning, an eternal "present tense" of being as the Son, distinct from the Father, yet having the same divine nature as the Father. Believing that Jesus is God, the "I AM," is essential to being born again unto eternal life. And those who continue believing, who allow His word to permeate their being, will be freed from the power and the penalty of sin, becoming "free indeed."
We have skipped a few stones off this very deep pond. I hope you will continue your study. We will continue the study of Jesus' claims about Himself with a study of Matthew 28:20, regarding His claim of living eternally into the future.
Let's take a look at John, chapter 8.
21 Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 25 So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” 27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He [i]has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
The Jews were confused about Jesus' sayings, so He clarified things with two contrasting statements about identity. The Jews were from "below." He said He was from "above." The Jews were "of this world." Jesus said He was "not of this world. What does that mean? Was He claiming to be some kind of space alien, and extra-terrestrial? Perhaps He was alien to this world, in a way. But, all these statements offer is that something about Jesus' nature was not "of this world" and His home or origin was somewhere "above." Who comes from "above"? That's a good question to ask.
The Jews asked "Who are You?" Jesus did not answer directly, but said, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning?" Even from the beginning of His ministry, He had presented Himself as the Messiah. But, more than that, through His words and His works, He had been showing them that He was much more than a prophet or just a man sent from God, like John the Baptist.
I find it fascinating that Jesus said, "I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world." John 5:22 says "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,..." The Jews were facing the one who knew them, who had much He could say about them, and He would judge them someday, but while on this Earth, He came not to judge. That was not His mission. His mission was to save mankind, not to judge it. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17). But, after accomplishing His mission, He would one day fulfill another mission, to judge all things: creation, believers, non-believers, both humans and spirits...all.
I want you to take note of some interesting statements that Jesus made about Himself. For example, in verse 24 it says, "unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. The translator inserted the pronoun, "He," but the Greek text says, "Unless you believe that I am (ego eimi). The Jews missed it this first time, and thought Jesus had forgotten to fill in the blank...who? "Who are you?" they asked. Well, the Jews still didn't get it, so Jesus said in verse 28, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me." Note that curious phrase again, "then you will know that I am....without the object. I am whom? But, the Greek just says, "ego eimi," "I am." Some heard, and understood the words, and believed Him.
But, still some of the Jews did not comprehend the impact of His words. So, Jesus continued.
31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”
39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus *said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. 40 But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do."
Note well here that Jesus does refer to Himself as a man. This great passage highlights the deity of Christ, but He, Himself, also highlighted His humanity also. But, He was a sinless man. Note that in verse 46 He challenged them to convict Him of sin, and He was met by their silence. He spoke the truth, but gave the reason why they did not believe Him, because they were being influenced by the "father of lies," the devil, that fallen archangel, Lucifer, who tried to usurp the throne that belonged to the Son. The unbelieving listeners had chosen sides against the Son, and by doing so, had become "not of God," and their spiritual insight was darkened, so they could not see to Whom they were speaking, nor believe in Him.
41 You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
48 The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.
Although, Jesus has used the phrase "ego eimi," "I am," twice before, the context might have been unclear to the Jews what He was saying, that He was claiming to be divine, identified with the "I AM" of the Pentateuch. But, in the context of talking about Abraham, He could not have made it any clearer. "Before Abraham was born, I am." The grammar is a bit odd here, as "I am" is present tense, but to be consistent with the first phrase, Jesus could have said, "Before Abraham was born, I was born," but, it doesn't say that. This time He clearly implied that before Abraham was born, He already existed. The Jews understood His grammatical play on words, and took up stones to try to kill Him, because in their minds He had committed blasphemy, making Himself equal with the great "I AM," whose name they would not even speak.
As a side note, Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced to "see His day." It is likely that this refers to the appearance of the appearance of the "Angel of the Lord," the pre-incarnate Christ. The word "angel" means messenger. Some of the "messengers" sent by God in Genesis 18 "appeared" to be men. But, to one of the three, Abraham referred to Him as "Lord." In Gen. 18:22 it says that Abraham stood before "the Lord."
So, what have we learned? Jesus, Himself, referred to Himself as a man. But, He also identified Himself as "I AM." Jesus Christ has two natures, a human nature, but also divine. His human nature was fixed in time, beginning at conception. But, His divine nature had no beginning, an eternal "present tense" of being as the Son, distinct from the Father, yet having the same divine nature as the Father. Believing that Jesus is God, the "I AM," is essential to being born again unto eternal life. And those who continue believing, who allow His word to permeate their being, will be freed from the power and the penalty of sin, becoming "free indeed."
We have skipped a few stones off this very deep pond. I hope you will continue your study. We will continue the study of Jesus' claims about Himself with a study of Matthew 28:20, regarding His claim of living eternally into the future.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Devoted to Fellowship
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42 NIV)
One of the pairs of verses from the "Seeds of Maturity" list is Acts 2:42 and Heb. 10:24-25. Since we have been discussing the concept of fellowship, bringing these two verses up now seems appropriate. Why don't you use the memory process on both these verses now. Then come back and let's discuss them, along with the other verses used for "koinonia."
The NIV translation of Acts 2:42 is listed above. Once you start memorizing, you should stick with the same version. You can always consult other versions, to get a different perspective, but the verse will stick better if you learn it in a single translation. Similarly, when you select a study Bible, I suggest you get a quality, bound version, and always use the same one when conducting your studies. The reason is you will become so accustomed to certain familiar passages, that you will be able to visualize them. You will see them on the left or right-hand side of the page, and you will know where certain verses are. I have also made notes in my Bible, and made "chain" references, so if I can remember one key verse for a theological topic, then the arrow up will be toward a reference that comes before this reference, and an arrow down will be to another reference that comes after. I have used this when talking with someone about an important Bible theme or theological issue, letting my Bible guide me forward or back to the key references, since I cannot always remember every key verse on every major theme.
Heb. 10:24-25 says, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Acts 2:42 and Heb. 10:24-25 reveal some important themes about "fellowship." In Acts 2, Christ fulfilled His promise to send the "Helper," the Holy Spirit, who indwelt all the believers in a new and powerful way, spiritually uniting them as the "Body of Christ." Because of this, they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to "fellowship," and to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Fellowship, in this context, refers to the sharing that was taking place, both of the expression of their new spiritual gifts, the sharing of the hospitality of the houses of the people who lived in Jerusalem with the many visitors for the feast of Pentecost, and the sharing of even their material possessions, or the proceeds of the sale of those possessions, in order to meet the needs of any visitors who had not planned to stay so long, but who wanted to continue receiving teaching from Peter and the other disciples.
The Prerequisites for Fellowship
Since the time of Pentecost, those who have put their faith in Christ share a common fellowship. True fellowship in Christ has some prerequisites.
A Common Gospel - 1 Jn. 11:3
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
A Common Calling - 1 Cor. 1:9
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Common faith - Philemon 6
"and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake."
A Common Spirit - Phil. 2:1-2
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
A Common Path in the Light - 1 John 1:6-7
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."
A Common Future - 1 Thess. 4:14-18
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
The Prohibitions to Fellowship
Avoid Darkness
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;" We see from the context that this does not mean that Christians will never sin. In fact, 1 John 1:9 exhorts believers to confess their sins so that they may restore fellowship with God and one another. The point of 1 John 1:6 is if a person lives continually in manner that embraces false doctrine, worldliness, immorality, or allegiance to spirits that are opposed to the Son of God, then they will not have fellowship with the Son or His followers.
Avoid False teachers
" If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." As discussed previously, this passage talks about not extending the fellowship of the church, which, at the time of the writing, met in people's houses, to false teachers. A "greeting" was likely far more than merely saying "hello," but was an expression of welcome or approval, in a sense, having the leaders of the church tacitly approve of the teachings of the false teacher.
Avoid Binding Agreements with Non-Believers
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?" A "bound" situation could be anything from a marriage to a business partnership, or an alliance between a church and a non-believing organization or individual.
The Practice of Fellowship
Partakers in communion (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16)
Partners in giving (Rom. 12:13; 15:26-27; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9: 1; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 1: 5; 4:15; Heb. 13:16
Partners in the work of ministry (Matt. 23:30; Luke 5:10; 1 cor. 10:18; 2 Cor. 8:23; Phile. 17;
Gal. 2:9
Partakers in suffering (1 pet. 4:13; Phil. 3:10; 2 Cor. 1:7; Heb. 10:33
The Prerequisites for Fellowship
Since the time of Pentecost, those who have put their faith in Christ share a common fellowship. True fellowship in Christ has some prerequisites.
A Common Gospel - 1 Jn. 11:3
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
A Common Calling - 1 Cor. 1:9
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Common faith - Philemon 6
"and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake."
A Common Spirit - Phil. 2:1-2
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
A Common Path in the Light - 1 John 1:6-7
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."
A Common Future - 1 Thess. 4:14-18
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
The Prohibitions to Fellowship
Avoid Darkness
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;" We see from the context that this does not mean that Christians will never sin. In fact, 1 John 1:9 exhorts believers to confess their sins so that they may restore fellowship with God and one another. The point of 1 John 1:6 is if a person lives continually in manner that embraces false doctrine, worldliness, immorality, or allegiance to spirits that are opposed to the Son of God, then they will not have fellowship with the Son or His followers.
Avoid False teachers
" If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." As discussed previously, this passage talks about not extending the fellowship of the church, which, at the time of the writing, met in people's houses, to false teachers. A "greeting" was likely far more than merely saying "hello," but was an expression of welcome or approval, in a sense, having the leaders of the church tacitly approve of the teachings of the false teacher.
Avoid Binding Agreements with Non-Believers
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?" A "bound" situation could be anything from a marriage to a business partnership, or an alliance between a church and a non-believing organization or individual.
The Practice of Fellowship
Partakers in communion (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16)
Partners in giving (Rom. 12:13; 15:26-27; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9: 1; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 1: 5; 4:15; Heb. 13:16
Partners in the work of ministry (Matt. 23:30; Luke 5:10; 1 cor. 10:18; 2 Cor. 8:23; Phile. 17;
Gal. 2:9
Partakers in suffering (1 pet. 4:13; Phil. 3:10; 2 Cor. 1:7; Heb. 10:33
Monday, July 1, 2013
A Different Light on Fellowship
"God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:9
In Christian circles, the word "fellowship" is tossed about freely, but with little specificity. Someone who is unaware of church "culture" might think that when the word, "fellowship," is used it means that there is sure to be food. But, surely, the verse above from 1 Corinthians means something more than just having a meal. So, what does this word mean? Well, in fact, there are three related words used for fellowship, all sharing the same root. One is the Greek verb, "koinoneo," which means to "share." Then there is the noun, "koinonia," which is translated as "fellowship." Then there is the noun, "koinonos," which is translated as "partner(s)" or "sharer(s)."
If you think that "fellowship" is just having a potluck dinner, you might be surprised by some of the uses of this word, particularly the verb, "koinoneo." For example, in Rom. 12:13, it says, "Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." In this context, sharing one's potluck meal with someone who is hungry and has nothing, indeed, fits this definition. But, it is more than that. This concept of "fellowship," or "sharing," extends to a broader practice of giving to meet the needs of others in particular difficulty, especially fellow believers. It extends to the sharing of one's household and resources in hospitality. The early church depended on the willingness of wealthy believers, like Lydia, the seller of purple in Thyatira, who opened her heart to Jesus in Acts 16:14, and opened her house to believers in Acts 16:40.
There are other places where "sharing," or "koinoneo," refers to the sharing of monetary support, such as in Romans 15:27. "They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings." At that time, there was a terrible drought in Israel, and persecution was severe. So, believers from other regions sent money to support the church in Jerusalem with what they had. Paul, himself, was involved in raising funds and sending couriers to the "mother" church, of mostly Hebrew believers, back from the "gentile" churches around Asia Minor.
As a teacher, I like this verse from Galatians 6:6. "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." (But, you don't have to send your cards and letters ...I have a good job). In this sense, if someone devotes full-time efforts to studying, preparing, and teaching, in order to build up those receiving instruction, the recipients of the instruction should also share freely from the fruits of their labors also so the teacher can continue their work. We see this principle put into practice by the church at Philippi, as they supported the Apostle Paul's work. "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;" Isn't it amazing that only one church, of all the churches that Paul started, felt it necessary to provide support for Paul?
There are some other remarkable types of "sharing," or "koinoneo," and they are not pleasant at all. For example, 1 Timothy 5:22 says, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." This is one form of "fellowship" in which you do not want to partake. The situation in this verse involves a church that "lays on hands" hastily. The laying on of hands implies the bestowal of authority, as in a commission, to take on a leadership role in ministry. Those leaders who appoint a novice to a role of leadership will "share" in the consequences of the foolish or immature acts of their appointee, so this is the reason for the warning.
Negative consequences that are shared by an entire fellowship because of foolish or hasty decisions is further illustrated in a somewhat obscure verse in 2 John. "7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work." Even early in church history, there were false teachers who sprang up like weeds. As discussed above, most churches met in the homes of believers. In this passage, it warns believers not to "take them into your house or welcome them," otherwise they will "share in their wicked work." I do not believe this is saying that Christians should never have non-Christians in their homes, which would certainly be an extreme mistranslation, particularly in light of the context of 2 John, where John says, " It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." It would be pretty hard to "walk in love," if someone acted hatefully toward non-believers. Far more likely, this passage refers to not welcoming false teachers into their house churches if they are going to continue teaching false doctrine. Otherwise, like the passage in 1 Timothy implies, those who "welcomed them," or extended the right hand of fellowship, will also "share" in the consequences of their false teaching.
Another form of "fellowship" that has nothing to do with eating a potluck dinner is "sharing" in the sufferings of Christ. In 2 Peter 4 it says, 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (2 Pet. 4:12-17 NIV). Becoming a Christian certainly does not relieve someone of the burden of adversity. It saddens me when I hear or read some so-called teachers and preachers promote a "gospel" of prosperity and blessing. They teach that if you are right with God and are doing everything you should be doing, then God wants to "bless" you with prosperity. Oh, dear souls, if that were true, then he would have "blessed" the widow who gave "two mites" with riches beyond compare. But, that was not the case. If that were true, then the great saints who walked with Jesus would have been loaded up with gold by the time they left this Earth. But, that was far from the case. Could anyone claim that Peter, James, and Paul were not right with God and pillars of the faith? Yet, we know that Peter was crucified upside down, and James and John were both slain for their faith. Jesus, Himself, was not rich, by the standards of this world. He suffered and died on the cross. Are the servants greater than their Master? If He was hated, His followers may also be hated. If He suffered, his followers may also suffer. Some may even die for their faith. Even today, I know followers of Jesus, who live in Pakistan, who are poor, and cannot find good jobs because the country is dominated by Islam. They have been beaten for their faith, and some have died. But, they may not "enjoy" being persecuted, but they should rejoice in knowing that they are participating, or "fellowshipping," in the sufferings of Christ. For, if they are persecuted, it is because of Christ in them, the hope of Glory, and when Christ returns and is revealed to the world, their righteous suffering will become crowns of glory to them, and they will have special places of honor in His kingdom.
Tomorrow we will discuss the word, "koinonia," which is the noun for "fellowship." We "share" in far more ways, as believers, than just getting together once a week for "church." I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
The Seeds List of Verses
Yesterday, I asked you to memorize 1 John 4:8 and John 3:16. Here are the rest of the "Seeds" verses. It will take you some time to memorize and meditate on these. But, take your time and work through the list. We will work on some of them together.
God's Love
1 John 4:8
John 3:16
God's Standard
Psalm 145:17
Matthew 5:48
All Have Sinned
Romans 3:23
Isaiah 53:6
Sin's Penalty
Heb. 9:27
Rom. 6:23
Christ Fully God
John 1:1
Heb. 1:8
Christ Fully Man
John 1:14
Gal. 4:4-5
Christ Paid the Penalty
Isaiah 53:4-5
Rom. 5:8
Salvation Not by Works
Tit. 3:5
Eph. 2:8-9
Salvation by Faith
John 1:12, 13
Rom. 10:9-10
Assurance of Salvation
John 5:24
1 John 5:11-13
Assurance of Security
John 10:28
Eph. 4:30
Assurance of Relationship
Eph. 1:4-5
Rom. 8: 15-16
Assurance of New Life
2 Cor. 5:17
Gal. 2:20
Assurance of Victory
Rom. 8:35-37
Jude 24-25
Indwelt by the Spirit
1 Cor. 6:19
1 Cor. 12:13
Yielded to the Spirit
Rom. 6:12-13
Rom. 12:1
Be Filled by the Spirit
Eph. 5:18
Acts 13:52
Walk by the Spirit
1 John 1:7
Gal. 5:16
Fruit of the Spirit
Gal. 5:22-23
2 Pet. 1:5-7
Grieve Not the Spirit
Eph. 4:30
Quench Not the Spirit
1 Thess. 5:19-22
Spiritual Cleansing
1 John 1:9
2 Cor. 7:1
Obedience to Christ
1 John 2:3-5
John 14:21
Baptism
Matthew 28:19
Acts 10:47, 48a
Communion
Acts 2:42
1 Cor. 11:26
Scripture Reveals the Way
2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Ps. 119:9-11
Meditate on Scripture
Josh. 1-8
Col. 3:16
Pray for Grace
Phil. 4:6-7
Heb. 4:16
Pray Scripturally
John 15-7
1 John 5:14-15
Pray with Faith
Matthew 21:22
John 16:23-24
Assemble with Believers
Acts 2:42
Heb. 10:24-25
Be United in Love
1 Cor. 1:10
Phil. 2:2
Serve One Another
Matthew 20:26-28
Gal. 5:13
Everything is God's
Ps. 24:1
1 Cor. 6:19-20
Stewardship Evaluated
Rom. 14:12
1 Cor. 4-5
Give Selflessly
Matthew 6:19-20
Acts 20:35
Give Privately
Matt. 6:3-4
Give Cheerfully
2 Cor. 9:6-7
Give Regularly
Prov. 3:9-10
1 Cor. 16:1-2
Give Generously
Prov. 11:25
Luke 6:38
Serve One Another
Mark 10:45
2 Cor. 4-5
Serve with Gladness
Psalm 100:2
Phil. 2:14
Serve with Enthusiasm
1 Pet. 1:22
Col. 3:23-24
Witnesses Commissioned
Matt. 4:19
Matt. 28:19-20
Witnesses Empowered
Acts 1:8
1 Pet. 3:15
Witnesses Observed
Matt. 5:16
John 13:34-35
God's Love
1 John 4:8
John 3:16
God's Standard
Psalm 145:17
Matthew 5:48
All Have Sinned
Romans 3:23
Isaiah 53:6
Sin's Penalty
Heb. 9:27
Rom. 6:23
Christ Fully God
John 1:1
Heb. 1:8
Christ Fully Man
John 1:14
Gal. 4:4-5
Christ Paid the Penalty
Isaiah 53:4-5
Rom. 5:8
Salvation Not by Works
Tit. 3:5
Eph. 2:8-9
Salvation by Faith
John 1:12, 13
Rom. 10:9-10
Assurance of Salvation
John 5:24
1 John 5:11-13
Assurance of Security
John 10:28
Eph. 4:30
Assurance of Relationship
Eph. 1:4-5
Rom. 8: 15-16
Assurance of New Life
2 Cor. 5:17
Gal. 2:20
Assurance of Victory
Rom. 8:35-37
Jude 24-25
Indwelt by the Spirit
1 Cor. 6:19
1 Cor. 12:13
Yielded to the Spirit
Rom. 6:12-13
Rom. 12:1
Be Filled by the Spirit
Eph. 5:18
Acts 13:52
Walk by the Spirit
1 John 1:7
Gal. 5:16
Fruit of the Spirit
Gal. 5:22-23
2 Pet. 1:5-7
Grieve Not the Spirit
Eph. 4:30
Quench Not the Spirit
1 Thess. 5:19-22
Spiritual Cleansing
1 John 1:9
2 Cor. 7:1
Obedience to Christ
1 John 2:3-5
John 14:21
Baptism
Matthew 28:19
Acts 10:47, 48a
Communion
Acts 2:42
1 Cor. 11:26
Scripture Reveals the Way
2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Ps. 119:9-11
Meditate on Scripture
Josh. 1-8
Col. 3:16
Pray for Grace
Phil. 4:6-7
Heb. 4:16
Pray Scripturally
John 15-7
1 John 5:14-15
Pray with Faith
Matthew 21:22
John 16:23-24
Assemble with Believers
Acts 2:42
Heb. 10:24-25
Be United in Love
1 Cor. 1:10
Phil. 2:2
Serve One Another
Matthew 20:26-28
Gal. 5:13
Everything is God's
Ps. 24:1
1 Cor. 6:19-20
Stewardship Evaluated
Rom. 14:12
1 Cor. 4-5
Give Selflessly
Matthew 6:19-20
Acts 20:35
Give Privately
Matt. 6:3-4
Give Cheerfully
2 Cor. 9:6-7
Give Regularly
Prov. 3:9-10
1 Cor. 16:1-2
Give Generously
Prov. 11:25
Luke 6:38
Serve One Another
Mark 10:45
2 Cor. 4-5
Serve with Gladness
Psalm 100:2
Phil. 2:14
Serve with Enthusiasm
1 Pet. 1:22
Col. 3:23-24
Witnesses Commissioned
Matt. 4:19
Matt. 28:19-20
Witnesses Empowered
Acts 1:8
1 Pet. 3:15
Witnesses Observed
Matt. 5:16
John 13:34-35
Friday, June 28, 2013
The Seeds of Maturity
The Seeds of Maturity
Sustenance for the Soul
A baby cannot grow without food. A seed will not grow without water. The spiritual growth process depends on feeding our souls with the knowledge and wisdom of the word of God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to quench our souls with "living water." But, the word of God needs to be more than something you read once, like you would a novel. You need to eat and drink it so it becomes part of you. As Paul says, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...." (Col. 3:16) The book of Joshua describes this relationship with the word of God like this, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success" (Josh. 1:8 NASB).
This is not to say that we are not to do our work or take care of our daily responsibilities, preferring rather to have our nose in the book all day long. Meditation is an iterative concept, where, like a cow, camel, or other ruminative animal, we are always chewing on something from the word of God. To do that, we first must memorize the most fundamental passages that give us a framework for our faith walk. Then, we begin the ruminative process on each verse, "chewing" on the meaning of the words, the grammar, and the historical, grammatical, and literary context of the verse(s). Then, to incorporate the verse, we must think of all the potential applications to our lives, how it affects all our relationships if we obeyed its principle(s), how it changes our way of thinking and beliefs, our attitudes and outlook on life. If there are specific actions we should take, we must step out in faith and take them. There are some passages that defy understanding until faith-filled obedience is applied to them. But, rest assured, the memorization and meditation upon scripture is not a vain exercise. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy these words, "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NASB). The Spirit of God uses the word of God to guide you in the steps of God. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. Thy word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:9, 11 NASB).
If, therefore, you are ready to walk this path, let us walk it together, memorizing and meditating on a series of verses, selected to give you a framework for your faith, your walk with God, and your relationships and service to others. The path is long, but the rewards are great.
The Meditation Process
The first step is to select verses that will give you a framework for your faith. After years of study, I have selected a list of key verses that provide a theological and practical framework for your walk with Christ. But, this is merely a start. You are more than welcome, and encouraged, to add your own selections, and use the process, that will be described hereafter, to incorporate your verse selections into your life. My goal will to be to add a verse each day, discussing the meaning and context of the verse. Your task, and mine, will be to memorize the verse, and begin the process of meditation.
How do you memorize verses? I suggest that anyone can memorize scripture. For selected verses, I suggest using a topical method. The Navigators first taught me how to do this, memorizing both the topic, then the verse reference, the verse, and then the verse reference again ('fore and aft), because the reference is the most difficult to remember. We do not think in verses, we think in topics. When one is in a situation where a given topic comes up, in conversation or in your thoughts, at least two verses will be associated with that topic, because that is how you memorized them.
To put the words in your brain the first time, I suggest that you use three methods: 1) write the verse out, topic first, then reference, then the first phrase, then the reference again; 2) re-write the same thing, but add another phrase; 3) repeat this process of writing out the topic, reference, and verse, adding a phrase of the verse at a time, until you can write out the whole verse without looking at your Bible. The next phase is to do the same thing, but do it out loud, covering up the phrases you have already memorized, and adding on as you go. Be sure to say the topic, then the reference, then add on phrases of the verse, then the reference again, until you can do the whole thing out loud without looking. The last way of cementing it in your memory is to do something creative with it...use a paint brush and paint all the words out, or make up a little song, using the words. Or, act out the words in pantomime. You do not need to do the progressive phrase add-ons this time. Just say, paint, or act out while verbalizing the whole thing. After using all three "cementing" methods, it should be pretty solidly "dwelling" within you.
Let's try it on the first verse in my list.
The topic is "God's Love." The reference is 1 John 4:8. The verse says, "The one who does not love does not know God; for God is love." So, here is how I would memorize it.
God's Love
1 John 4:8
The one who does not love
1 John 4:8
God's Love
1 John 4:8
The one who does not love does not know God
1 John 4:8
God's Love
1 John 4:8
The one who does not love does not know God; for God is love.
1 John 4:8
I think you get the idea. Now you try it.
Ok, now that you have written it out, now say it out loud, using the same "add-on" method. Don't forget to say the topic and the reference, "'fore and aft."
Ok, now that you have written it out, and said it aloud. You should have it down pretty well. Now, switch to your right brain and get creative with it.
You have now memorized this verse 3 different ways. Great job! But......what does it mean? Let's chew on it for a bit, shall we?
First, I would like you to read the verse in its context. So, read 1 John, chapter 4. Come back when you are finished with that. If you prefer, or you do not have a Bible, here is a source you can use, called "Bible Gateway." I use the New American Standard version, but if you prefer to study and memorize another one, pick a translation that you like and stick with it. The NIV is also an excellent translation. Bible Gateway has a number of versions and translations. Make sure it is a translation, not a paraphrase.
Wow, that chapter has a lot in it, doesn't it? Get yourself a piece of paper, or if you like, you can do this on your computer.
Now, I want you to bombard the text with questions? For example, "The one who does not love..." Who is that? Does the context talk about a group of people who are not expressing love? "Does not know God..." What does it mean to "know God." Who or what god is this talking about? Is there more than one God, or only one? What is God's name? What is God like? "for God is love..." Hm...does that mean love is God, or is God bigger than a character quality? What kind of love is this? If I love, can I be like God? Do you see what we are doing? We are filling our mind with questions. When we start digging, to get the answers to our questions, we will begin to understand the meaning of this verse.
Here's a key concept, always study the chapter and book for the context of the meaning of the words. Yes, the "original" languages and grammar can be helpful for properly understanding a verse, but, you can get a lot out of the verse without ever consulting a lexicon (dictionary), grammar, or commentary. Let God teach you. But, you are going to have to dig for it a bit. Gold is precious, but it is not lying around on the ground, you have to dig, crush, sift, wash, and smelt it to get it out of the ground. Similarly, to get the purified truths from the word of God, you have to digest it in context.
Ok, that's enough for now. Let me give you an assignment. I want you to start this process on another, perhaps familiar, verse, John 3:16. The topic is also "God's Love." God's love is the starting point for everything. So, that's where we will start also.
I hope you have a great day.
Your friend in Christ,
BB
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Press On to Maturity in Christ
New Things Have Come
To be forgiven, and to forgive others as we have been forgiven, changes everything. A person who has trusted in Christ, expressing their faith in His sacrifice at Calvary as a substitute payment for their own sins, experiences a new beginning. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the person is redeemed, "bought," as it were, out of slavery to sin. The person is sanctified, (i.e., "made holy), and justified, (i.e., declared righteous, in a legal sense). They also are indwelt, or "baptized" in the Spirit, thoroughly identified with the Spirit of God in every aspect of their lives. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves of free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." It is this "baptism" that unites all true believers, creating a spiritual bond between all believers. They are also adopted into Christ's "family." "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!" That word, "Abba," is the familiar address for "father," as intimate as "Daddy." Believers still have great reverence for God, but their union with the Spirit, and resulting adoption, creates an intimate relationship with God. This is the start, the beginning of their walk with God by grace through faith, empowered by the Spirit, day by day. But, as wonderful and mysterious as this is, it is only the beginning.
The Need for Maturity
Some people find faith, but stall before pressing on to maturity in Christ. The writer of Hebrews, (probably Apollos), exhorted believers who were stuck in immaturity. "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment" (Heb. 6:1-2). To the writer of Hebrews, the basics include concepts like understanding the nature of Christ, repentance from unbelief and self-made works salvation, baptism, the authority of elders, the resurrection, and even eschatological issues, such as future judgment of the world. These are the "basics." He exhorted them to press on to maturity. Even those who feel they are "mature" may have far more development ahead of them than they realize. Even the apostle Paul said, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect (the word 'teleios,' implies having reached a 'goal' or a desired 'end result'), but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).
Stages in the Development of Maturity
The stages of growth in the natural world may give some insight into the stages of growth in the spiritual life. An apple tree begins as a seed, then becomes a seedling, then a sapling that might begin to flower, and finally a fruit-bearing tree that increases its fruit harvest each year until it ages or is troubled by disease, drought, or storms. The book of Mark says, "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head" (Mark 4:28). The physical stages of human development also provide a metaphor for the developmental stages in the spiritual life. After birth, a baby is totally dependent on his or her mother and father for everything, but they still have all the potential in their genes, and all the legal and familial rights as a member of the family. Soon, the baby becomes a child, expressing themselves and exercising their abilities, although they need a lot of discipline by mom and dad to learn about life and how to behave appropriately. As an adolescent, they begin to learn more about human relationships and learn things to prepare for adult life. Then, as a maturing adult, they must take on greater responsibilities and learn from the trials and difficulties of being a responsible adult.
The Bible recognizes four stages of spiritual development, infancy, dependent childhood, maturing-adulthood, and mature adulthood.
Spiritual Infancy
Of infancy, Peter says, "Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). Spiritual "milk" is the scriptural basics that are clear and easy to digest, such as scriptures about the love of God, assurances of salvation, the importance of the scriptures, the practice of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, and the need for fellowship, and privilege of sharing one's faith. It is a good time to recount stories that focus on Jesus and concrete examples of heroes of the faith
Dependent Childhood
At this stage, a young believer needs "solid food," but they have yet to put much of what they have learned into practice. Application of the principles of the Bible, in time, develops experience and discernment in the ways of God and how to avoid foolish or evil ways. "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Heb. 5:11-14).
Peter sets forth a process through which the promises of God, the revealed word, may be used to transform a young believer into a strong, maturing adult. "4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:4-8).
Maturing Adulthood
These young disciples can handle solid food. They have acquired the skills to feed themselves, such as inductive Bible study and hermeneutics. They know how to put things in biblical and theological context, and to discern and apply the principles of the word of God. But, they still need coaching, and they often work in supportive roles, following other leaders with more experience. We see these relationships in examples like Timothy and Paul or Mark and Peter.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." Paul uses metaphors for young adults, such as soldiers, athletes, and hardworking farmers" (2 Tim. 2:1-7, NIV)
Mature Adulthood
This level of maturity is achieved through years study, meditation, and prayerful exercise of spiritual gifts of service, enduring many trials and tests that happen in the course of life and service, with the objective of becoming more like Christ. James, the brother of Jesus, and pastor of the church of Jerusalem, wrote, "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). The instructions to Titus by Paul for the appointing of elders gives some insight into the qualities of a mature believer to which all should strive. "7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."
The mature believer operates, not by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God and they share the mind of Christ, functioning, as it were, as ambassadors for the King of kings on Earth.
3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my [b]message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not [c]rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written,
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20). As ambassadors for God, they carry on the work of Christ, reconciling the world to God. As such, those who are mature, who serve as ambassadors, often are marked by suffering. But, their circumstances only serve as the setting for magnifying the power of God and the message that they bring. "19 And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Eph. 6:19-20).
Signs of Immaturity
We all have weaknesses. But, these issues may be signs of spiritual immaturity:
Every maturing believer is a work in process. These characteristics indicate progress in maturity.
To be forgiven, and to forgive others as we have been forgiven, changes everything. A person who has trusted in Christ, expressing their faith in His sacrifice at Calvary as a substitute payment for their own sins, experiences a new beginning. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the person is redeemed, "bought," as it were, out of slavery to sin. The person is sanctified, (i.e., "made holy), and justified, (i.e., declared righteous, in a legal sense). They also are indwelt, or "baptized" in the Spirit, thoroughly identified with the Spirit of God in every aspect of their lives. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves of free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." It is this "baptism" that unites all true believers, creating a spiritual bond between all believers. They are also adopted into Christ's "family." "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!" That word, "Abba," is the familiar address for "father," as intimate as "Daddy." Believers still have great reverence for God, but their union with the Spirit, and resulting adoption, creates an intimate relationship with God. This is the start, the beginning of their walk with God by grace through faith, empowered by the Spirit, day by day. But, as wonderful and mysterious as this is, it is only the beginning.
The Need for Maturity
Some people find faith, but stall before pressing on to maturity in Christ. The writer of Hebrews, (probably Apollos), exhorted believers who were stuck in immaturity. "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment" (Heb. 6:1-2). To the writer of Hebrews, the basics include concepts like understanding the nature of Christ, repentance from unbelief and self-made works salvation, baptism, the authority of elders, the resurrection, and even eschatological issues, such as future judgment of the world. These are the "basics." He exhorted them to press on to maturity. Even those who feel they are "mature" may have far more development ahead of them than they realize. Even the apostle Paul said, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect (the word 'teleios,' implies having reached a 'goal' or a desired 'end result'), but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).
Stages in the Development of Maturity
The stages of growth in the natural world may give some insight into the stages of growth in the spiritual life. An apple tree begins as a seed, then becomes a seedling, then a sapling that might begin to flower, and finally a fruit-bearing tree that increases its fruit harvest each year until it ages or is troubled by disease, drought, or storms. The book of Mark says, "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head" (Mark 4:28). The physical stages of human development also provide a metaphor for the developmental stages in the spiritual life. After birth, a baby is totally dependent on his or her mother and father for everything, but they still have all the potential in their genes, and all the legal and familial rights as a member of the family. Soon, the baby becomes a child, expressing themselves and exercising their abilities, although they need a lot of discipline by mom and dad to learn about life and how to behave appropriately. As an adolescent, they begin to learn more about human relationships and learn things to prepare for adult life. Then, as a maturing adult, they must take on greater responsibilities and learn from the trials and difficulties of being a responsible adult.
The Bible recognizes four stages of spiritual development, infancy, dependent childhood, maturing-adulthood, and mature adulthood.
Spiritual Infancy
Of infancy, Peter says, "Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). Spiritual "milk" is the scriptural basics that are clear and easy to digest, such as scriptures about the love of God, assurances of salvation, the importance of the scriptures, the practice of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, and the need for fellowship, and privilege of sharing one's faith. It is a good time to recount stories that focus on Jesus and concrete examples of heroes of the faith
Dependent Childhood
At this stage, a young believer needs "solid food," but they have yet to put much of what they have learned into practice. Application of the principles of the Bible, in time, develops experience and discernment in the ways of God and how to avoid foolish or evil ways. "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Heb. 5:11-14).
Peter sets forth a process through which the promises of God, the revealed word, may be used to transform a young believer into a strong, maturing adult. "4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:4-8).
Maturing Adulthood
These young disciples can handle solid food. They have acquired the skills to feed themselves, such as inductive Bible study and hermeneutics. They know how to put things in biblical and theological context, and to discern and apply the principles of the word of God. But, they still need coaching, and they often work in supportive roles, following other leaders with more experience. We see these relationships in examples like Timothy and Paul or Mark and Peter.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." Paul uses metaphors for young adults, such as soldiers, athletes, and hardworking farmers" (2 Tim. 2:1-7, NIV)
Mature Adulthood
This level of maturity is achieved through years study, meditation, and prayerful exercise of spiritual gifts of service, enduring many trials and tests that happen in the course of life and service, with the objective of becoming more like Christ. James, the brother of Jesus, and pastor of the church of Jerusalem, wrote, "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). The instructions to Titus by Paul for the appointing of elders gives some insight into the qualities of a mature believer to which all should strive. "7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."
The mature believer operates, not by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God and they share the mind of Christ, functioning, as it were, as ambassadors for the King of kings on Earth.
3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my [b]message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not [c]rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written,
“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 [d]For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, [e]combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But [f]a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually [g]appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:3-16)"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20). As ambassadors for God, they carry on the work of Christ, reconciling the world to God. As such, those who are mature, who serve as ambassadors, often are marked by suffering. But, their circumstances only serve as the setting for magnifying the power of God and the message that they bring. "19 And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Eph. 6:19-20).
Signs of Immaturity
We all have weaknesses. But, these issues may be signs of spiritual immaturity:
- Arrested growth (Heb. 5:12)
- Insensitivity to evil (Heb. 5:14)
- Worldly-mindedness (1 Cor. 3:4)
- Emotional instability, particularly regarding sound doctrine (Eph. 4:14)
- Pride (1 Cor. 3:6)
- Self-centeredness (Luke 9:23)
- Lack of love for the other believers (1 Jn. 2:10, 11)
- Discontentedness (1 Tim. 6:4-8)
- Avarice (Tit. 1:10-11)
- Deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19, 21)
- Contentiousness (1 Cor. 3:3)
- Destructive criticism (2 Cor. 12:19, 20)
Every maturing believer is a work in process. These characteristics indicate progress in maturity.
- Focus of life is the securing of the glory of God (Jn. 17:4; 1 Cor. 6:20)
- Growing love for God and others (Jn. 13:34-35; 2 Thess. 1:3; Rom. 5:5)
- Growing personal and experiential knowledge of God (Ex. 33:13; Phil. 3:10)
- The pursuit of holiness is more attractive than the pursuit of happiness (Jn. 15:11; Heb 1:9)
- A growing walk by faith, rather than by sight (2 Cor. 5:7; Jn. 20:29b; Heb. 11:10, 27)
- A life characterized by prayer
- pervasively practiced (1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 6:4; Phil. 4:6-7)
- Privately devotional (Matt. 6:5-15; Lu. 5:16)
- Persistently importunate (Matt. 7:7; Lu. 18:1-8)
- Powerfully intercessory (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 1:9-12; Jam. 5:16; 2 Thess 3:1; Col. 4:12)
- Purely unhindered (1 Tim. 1:8; Prov. 15:8; 1 Pet. 3:7)
- Publicly appropriate (1 Cor. 11:1-16; 1 Cor. 14-19; Matt. 6:5, 7)
- Dissatisfied with the "milk" of the word and craving "solid food" (Heb. 5:13a-14)
- Teachable, welcoming experiences that develop the mind, heart, and spirit (2 Pet. 3:16-18; Prov. 4:7)
- Abiding perseverance in obedience to the truth (Jn. 3:31-32; 15:5)
- Trust, acceptance, and contentment, rather than anxiety, resentment, or rebellion against the disciplines or circumstances that God, in His wisdom, allows (Heb. 12:11; Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:10-13; 2 Cor. 12:9)
- Growing discernment that enables discriminating between truth and error; good and evil (Heb. 5:14)
- Humility and a preference for serving others over serving self (Mark 10:45; Lu. 22:27c; Phil. 2:3-4)
- Focus on giving, rather than receiving (Mark 10:45; Phil 4:14-18)
- Acceptance of responsibility in the work of the kingdom (2 Tim. 2:1-7; 4:5)
- Harmonious unity with the Christian community (Eph. 4:13; Phil. 2:2)
- Respect for God-ordained authorities (Rom. 13:1-7)
- Fruitfulness, not barrenness (Jn. 15:5, 16)
- In character (Gal. 5:22-23)
- In service (Jn. 4:36; Rom. 1:13)
- Tested righteousness
- Endurance and joy from a tested faith (Ja. 1:2-5)
- Resistance to temptation (1 Cor. 10:13)
- Blessedness for righteous suffering (Matt. 5:10-12; Jn. 15:20; 1 Pet. 2:19-24, 3:14-18; Phil. 1:29)
- Enthusiastic zeal (Jn. 2:17; Phil. 3:14; Col. 4:12-13; Tit. 2:14)
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