4) The ‘contaminated’ church of Sardis
The commercial city of Sardis was known for its dye and wool industries and for its immorality. It was a city with a rich history but it had sunk into oblivion. It seems that the church in Sardis had gone down the same path.
This active church still made a positive impression on outsiders. Yet, in the opinion of Jesus Messiah, the Son of God, it was ‘dead’. It seemed to have lost its love for God and the members for each other. It seems that it had forsaken the governing presence of God’s Spirit. Consequently, the church had contaminated itself with the impious ways of its pagan surroundings.
The Lord warns this church:
“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive-- but you are dead. Now wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is at the point of death. Your deeds are far from right in the sight of God” (Revelation 3:1-2).
The Lord calls this church to repentance and threatens it with judgment:
“Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again. Unless you do, I will come upon you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.” (Revelation 3:3).
Nevertheless, also in the church in Sardis there were individuals who still loved the Lord and lived to please and obey Him:
“Yet even in Sardis there are some who have not soiled their garments with evil deeds.” (Revelation 3:4).
To those followers of Jesus in Sardis who lived a godly life in the midst of that ‘spiritually decaying church’, the Lord promised His care and keeping:
“They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” (Revelation 3:4-5)
5) The wealthy and materialistic church of Laodicea
The city of Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven cities mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. It was an important commercial and banking centre. It manufactured wool and there was a medical school that produced eye salve. Although an aqueduct brought water from hot springs to the city, it was lukewarm when it finally arrived there.
In the church of Laodicea one would find the same attitude as in the entire city. This church had grown into a wealthy, hardened and self-sufficient community. Here you would find ‘cultural Christians’ who displayed in their lifestyle the complacency that seemingly ruled the entire city. They did not face persecution and enjoyed peace and wealth.
The Lord Jesus severely rebukes this worst of the ‘seven churches’ because of its proud, half-hearted, in-name-only piety:
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!
You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
I advise you to buy gold from me-- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.
And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:15-18).
The Lord Jesus still loves this indifferent church and urges it to repent and return to Him. Evidently, the Lord (and His Spirit!) stands outside this church and knocks at its door.
He addresses every believer in this church personally and says:
“I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends”
(Revelation 3:19-20).
Even in this church there were people who faithfully followed the Lord in the midst of all the indifference towards the Lord and His love. The Lord encourages them by saying:
“I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
The church of Laodicea was not ensnared by ‘the culture trap’. Neither was it in danger of compromising its Christian standards or condoning pagan attitudes or teachings like other churches in Revelation 2 and 3.
On the contrary, it proudly displayed its self-sufficiency in an affluent society. It might not even have noticed that the Lord and His Spirit stood outside its doors. The transformation into the likeness of Christ was not even a matter for consideration!
This church had lost its glowing start with the Lord, His Spirit and His Word. Oh yes, it might still have been formally Christian, but it had lost its passionate love for the Lord and the members for each other. It was in urgent need of repentance and spiritual renewal. It desperately needed to find its way back to the Lord of life.
Is your church on the slippery slope of the churches of Sardis or Laodicea? Is the Lord standing outside, knocking at your door or at the door of your church? Thankfully, there is always a way back to the heart of our heavenly Father!
Since meditation 49 we have spoken a lot about the danger of bringing sorrow to God’s Spirit or even of stifling Him in our personal lives and in our church communities.
Yet, although this danger is always present because of our rebellious heart, the Good News [Gospel] of Jesus Christ is a positive message full of hope! It is the message of God’s love for sinners and His offer of forgiveness, eternal life and Christlike transformation!
Next week we will start our journey in search of the characteristics of Christlike transformation. Questions abound: what are the distinctive features of a Christlike life? How do my church and I obtain such transformation? How will its qualities grow strong and mature within me and within my church?
I hope you will join me on that journey...
All Bible verses are quotes from the New Living Translation.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
54. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT --- DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( f )
In the last two meditations on this theme, we will finish our search for answers to questions like “How could a local church bring sorrow to God’s Spirit?” and “How could a local church even stifle Him in His work of Christlike transformation?”
Since meditation 49 we have asked ourselves, why God’s Spirit might be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt? Today we start our last topic:
When my church resembles the churches in the book of Revelation....
In the last book of the Bible, the apostle John gives us a picture of the life style of some of the churches in the region of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). One of them (or even some of them) might reflect the way my church works.
Our first question is: Who speaks here to the churches in Asia Minor? All seven letters start with the introduction “This is the message from...” (Revelation 2:1.8.12.18. and 3:1.7.14).
It is clear from what follows that in all cases it is Jesus the Messiah [the Christ], the Son of God, who lectures His churches.
Yet, from all seven letters it is also clear, that the Lord of the Church, who is enthroned in heaven, delivers His messages through His Spirit. It is He who represents Jesus to the local churches.
It is God’s Spirit through whom Jesus Christ wants to prepare every local church for the glorious end-time wedding celebration (See meditations 45-47).
Therefore, every letter to the churches in Asia Minor closes with the words: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Revelation 2:7.11.17.29 and 3:13.22).
Our second question is: In what way did these churches bring sorrow to God’s Spirit or even stifle Him in His ministry of transforming them into the likeness of Christ?
Let us see how the Lord lectures those churches through His Spirit:
1) The zealous church of Ephesus:
The Lord tenderly affirms the zeal of this dynamic church in Ephesus, the largest city of Asia Minor and the centre of the Roman administration in that province:
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people.
You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting” (Revelation 2:2-3).
Yet, their arduous work and nit-picking attitude did not stop the Lord to reprimand them for having lost their passionate love for Him and for each other:
“But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love!
Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches" (Revelation 2:4-5).
The Lord closes His letter to the Ephesian church with a threatening remark: “If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches” (Revelation 2:5).
‘The removing of the lampstand’ might be an expression that announces the end of the Spirit’s involvement in the church’s transformation into the likeness of Christ.
When passionate love for the Lord and for each other dies in a church, the church’s business may continue as usual, but the governing and transforming presence of God’s Spirit is stifled and gone.
Yet, the Lord also comforts those Christians within a dead or dying church who swim against the stream and continue to love Him and their Christian brothers and sisters passionately.
He encourages them by saying: “Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
2) The permissive church of Pergamum:
The city of Pergamum was the centre of idolatry and Emperor worship in Asia Minor.
The Lord starts His message to the church there by showing appreciation for their faithfulness to Him in the midst of fierce persecution:
“I know that you live in the city where that great throne of Satan is located, and yet you have remained loyal to me. And you refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you by Satan's followers” (Revelation 2:13).
Yet, the Lord also rebukes them as He objects to the way they tolerate ungodly behaviour and false teaching in their church:
“And yet I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you who are like Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.
He taught them to worship idols by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin.
In the same way, you have some Nicolaitans among you-- people who follow the same teaching and commit the same sins” (Revelation 2:14-15).
It might be easier for a church to stand strong in times of persecution then in times of subtle seduction by an anti-godly culture. The Lord’s reproach to this church is: “you tolerate...”
The church in Pergamum as a whole needs to show regret and get their act together again: “Repent, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Otherwise, the Lord will do what the church should all the way have done.
Again, like with the church in Ephesus, the Lord encourages the individual church members in Pergamum to remain faithful even when the church as a whole strays.
He promises them a royal entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom: “Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven.
And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
In the West we also live in a permissive society. In how far has a liberal attitude to ungodly morals and values influenced your way of thinking? And your church’s way of thinking?
3) The compromising church of Thyatira:
Thyatira was an industrial city with many trade guilds (to be compared with our modern trade unions). To do business in town meant to be a member of one of those guilds and partake in their festivities, which often lead to licentiousness and debauchery.
Those members of the church in Thyatira who were involved in the town’s commercial activities, were expected to take part in those festivities and in danger to compromise their loyalty to the Lord.
The Lord praises all the honourable activities of the church:
“I know all the things you do-- your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things” (Revelation 2:19).
However, the Lord severely condemns the church in Thyatira for condoning those who preach, practise and promote libertinism and debauchery:
“But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman-- that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet-- to lead my servants astray. She is encouraging them to worship idols, eat food offered to idols, and commit sexual sin.
I gave her time to repent, but she would not turn away from her immorality. Therefore, I will throw her upon a sickbed, and she will suffer greatly with all who commit adultery with her, unless they turn away from all their evil deeds.
I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve” (Revelation 2:20-23).
Again, the Lord reassures those in the church who remain faithful to Him and to His Word:
“But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching ('deeper truths,' as they call them-- depths of Satan, really).
I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. "To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, I will give authority over all the nations.
They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.
They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star!” (Revelation 2:24-28).
How tempting it is sometimes to compromise our Christian standards when we are in business or make a career. How tempting it is sometimes for a church to condone humanistic practices in order to be respected by secular society.
Indeed, we constantly need to choose between the ways of the world or the ways of God’s Spirit.
The apostle Paul warns every local church and each of Jesus' followers:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.
They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:16-17).
(to be continued)
The Bible verse Galatians 5:16-17 is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
Since meditation 49 we have asked ourselves, why God’s Spirit might be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt? Today we start our last topic:
When my church resembles the churches in the book of Revelation....
In the last book of the Bible, the apostle John gives us a picture of the life style of some of the churches in the region of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). One of them (or even some of them) might reflect the way my church works.
Our first question is: Who speaks here to the churches in Asia Minor? All seven letters start with the introduction “This is the message from...” (Revelation 2:1.8.12.18. and 3:1.7.14).
It is clear from what follows that in all cases it is Jesus the Messiah [the Christ], the Son of God, who lectures His churches.
Yet, from all seven letters it is also clear, that the Lord of the Church, who is enthroned in heaven, delivers His messages through His Spirit. It is He who represents Jesus to the local churches.
It is God’s Spirit through whom Jesus Christ wants to prepare every local church for the glorious end-time wedding celebration (See meditations 45-47).
Therefore, every letter to the churches in Asia Minor closes with the words: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Revelation 2:7.11.17.29 and 3:13.22).
Our second question is: In what way did these churches bring sorrow to God’s Spirit or even stifle Him in His ministry of transforming them into the likeness of Christ?
Let us see how the Lord lectures those churches through His Spirit:
1) The zealous church of Ephesus:
The Lord tenderly affirms the zeal of this dynamic church in Ephesus, the largest city of Asia Minor and the centre of the Roman administration in that province:
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people.
You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting” (Revelation 2:2-3).
Yet, their arduous work and nit-picking attitude did not stop the Lord to reprimand them for having lost their passionate love for Him and for each other:
“But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love!
Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches" (Revelation 2:4-5).
The Lord closes His letter to the Ephesian church with a threatening remark: “If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches” (Revelation 2:5).
‘The removing of the lampstand’ might be an expression that announces the end of the Spirit’s involvement in the church’s transformation into the likeness of Christ.
When passionate love for the Lord and for each other dies in a church, the church’s business may continue as usual, but the governing and transforming presence of God’s Spirit is stifled and gone.
Yet, the Lord also comforts those Christians within a dead or dying church who swim against the stream and continue to love Him and their Christian brothers and sisters passionately.
He encourages them by saying: “Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
2) The permissive church of Pergamum:
The city of Pergamum was the centre of idolatry and Emperor worship in Asia Minor.
The Lord starts His message to the church there by showing appreciation for their faithfulness to Him in the midst of fierce persecution:
“I know that you live in the city where that great throne of Satan is located, and yet you have remained loyal to me. And you refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you by Satan's followers” (Revelation 2:13).
Yet, the Lord also rebukes them as He objects to the way they tolerate ungodly behaviour and false teaching in their church:
“And yet I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you who are like Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.
He taught them to worship idols by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin.
In the same way, you have some Nicolaitans among you-- people who follow the same teaching and commit the same sins” (Revelation 2:14-15).
It might be easier for a church to stand strong in times of persecution then in times of subtle seduction by an anti-godly culture. The Lord’s reproach to this church is: “you tolerate...”
The church in Pergamum as a whole needs to show regret and get their act together again: “Repent, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Otherwise, the Lord will do what the church should all the way have done.
Again, like with the church in Ephesus, the Lord encourages the individual church members in Pergamum to remain faithful even when the church as a whole strays.
He promises them a royal entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom: “Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven.
And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
In the West we also live in a permissive society. In how far has a liberal attitude to ungodly morals and values influenced your way of thinking? And your church’s way of thinking?
3) The compromising church of Thyatira:
Thyatira was an industrial city with many trade guilds (to be compared with our modern trade unions). To do business in town meant to be a member of one of those guilds and partake in their festivities, which often lead to licentiousness and debauchery.
Those members of the church in Thyatira who were involved in the town’s commercial activities, were expected to take part in those festivities and in danger to compromise their loyalty to the Lord.
The Lord praises all the honourable activities of the church:
“I know all the things you do-- your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things” (Revelation 2:19).
However, the Lord severely condemns the church in Thyatira for condoning those who preach, practise and promote libertinism and debauchery:
“But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman-- that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet-- to lead my servants astray. She is encouraging them to worship idols, eat food offered to idols, and commit sexual sin.
I gave her time to repent, but she would not turn away from her immorality. Therefore, I will throw her upon a sickbed, and she will suffer greatly with all who commit adultery with her, unless they turn away from all their evil deeds.
I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve” (Revelation 2:20-23).
Again, the Lord reassures those in the church who remain faithful to Him and to His Word:
“But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching ('deeper truths,' as they call them-- depths of Satan, really).
I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. "To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, I will give authority over all the nations.
They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.
They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star!” (Revelation 2:24-28).
How tempting it is sometimes to compromise our Christian standards when we are in business or make a career. How tempting it is sometimes for a church to condone humanistic practices in order to be respected by secular society.
Indeed, we constantly need to choose between the ways of the world or the ways of God’s Spirit.
The apostle Paul warns every local church and each of Jesus' followers:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.
They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:16-17).
(to be continued)
The Bible verse Galatians 5:16-17 is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, June 10, 2011
53. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT --- DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( e )
We want to continue our search for answers to questions like “How could a local church bring sorrow to God’s Spirit?” and “How could a local church even stifle Him in His work of Christlike transformation?”
We asked ourselves earlier, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt?
When manifestations of God’s Spirit are ‘extinguished’ in my church.....
Over the centuries there have been many theological arguments and historical developments that have snuffed out various manifestations of God’s Spirit within local churches.
The apostle Paul on the other hand encourages the local churches “to please the Spirit” (Galatians 6:8) and “not to bring sorrow to Him” (Ephesians 4:30) or “stifle Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
The Greek term Paul uses for the Christlike transformation of the local church is often translated in our Bibles by “to build up (in the Lord)”.
In the following texts you’ll find the way this term is used in the New Testament in connection with the local church:
-- “And now I [Paul] entrust you [the Ephesian Elders] to God and the word of his grace-- his message that is able to build you up...” (Acts 20:32)
-- “... try to build each other up. Don't tear apart the work of God...” (Romans 14:19-20)
-- “We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.” (Romans 15:2)
-- “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
-- “But one who prophesies is helping others grow [litt. building others up] in the Lord, encouraging and comforting them. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens [litt. builds up] the entire church.” (1 Corinthians 14:3-4)
-- “Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to [litt. build up] the whole church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)
-- “Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
-- “I [Paul] may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. And I will not be put to shame by having my work among you destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 10:8)
-- “Everything we do, dear friends, is for your benefit [litt. for building you up].” (2 Corinthians 12:19)
-- “Their [the church leaders’] responsibility is to equip God's people to do his [God’s] work and build up the church, the Body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.
Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16)
The New International Version translates Ephesians 4:16: “From Him[Jesus Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
-- “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful (NIV for building others up), so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
-- “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
-- “And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
From the texts we just mentioned, some verses are of special importance to our meditation:
-- “...love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
-- “...his message [God’s Word] is able to build you up...” ( Acts 20:32)
-- “...to do his [God’s] work and build up the church, the Body of Christ, until ... we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, ... becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his Body, the church..” (Ephesians 4:12-15)
-- “From Him[Jesus Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)
-- “... ask God for those [spiritual gifts] that will be of real help to [litt. build up] the whole church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)
Indeed, “building each other up in the Lord” has first of all to do with “loving each other intensely with all your hearts” (1 Peter 1:22).
In the context of that mutual love, the gifts [manifestations] of God's Spirit are not given for spiritual superstar qualification. On the contrary, they are given to encourage and strengthen Christlike love in the Christian community. (1 Corinthians 14:12).
From all we wrote in this meditation, it is clear that according to the Word of God [the Bible], this “building each other up in the Lord” is one of the main characteristics of a healthy and Christlike church.
It is also clear that a local church cannot produce such Christlike life by its own efforts. It is a transformation process directed by God’s Holy Spirit.
As we said already, in this process the gifts of the Spirit, when used in a Christlike way, have an important ‘booster function’ to grow Christlike love.
So, when my church lacks the manifold gifts [manifestations] of God’s Spirit to increase mutual love, it brings sorrow to the Holy Spirit and might even stifle His work of Christlike transformation.
What might remain is a church with clear biblical teaching regarding God’s Spirit, with inspiring sermons, rousing songs, an impressive liturgy and a well-oiled organisation... Yet, it would be a church without the all-out directive of God’s Spirit as the One who uses His gifts in the process to lead the church to Christlike love and maturity.
We are left with some important questions:
-- Does God’s Spirit encourage and strengthen mutual Christlike love in my church?
-- Does my church sincerely ask God to provide those gifts [manifestations] of His Spirit in my church that will be of real help to grow towards Christlike maturity?
-- Are the gifts of God’s Spirit serving the Christlike transformation progress of my church? Or, are those gifts used for self-glorification of some individuals or to authenticate my church as a‘charismatic community’?
-- Is my church actively seeking how to please God’s Spirit?
-- Is my church in a real danger to bring sorrow to God’s Spirit or even to stifle Him in doing His ministry of Christlike transformation? What would my church need to do to stem that tide?
(to be continued)
The Bible verses 1 Corinthians 8:1 and Ephesians 4:16 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
We asked ourselves earlier, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt?
When manifestations of God’s Spirit are ‘extinguished’ in my church.....
Over the centuries there have been many theological arguments and historical developments that have snuffed out various manifestations of God’s Spirit within local churches.
The apostle Paul on the other hand encourages the local churches “to please the Spirit” (Galatians 6:8) and “not to bring sorrow to Him” (Ephesians 4:30) or “stifle Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
The Greek term Paul uses for the Christlike transformation of the local church is often translated in our Bibles by “to build up (in the Lord)”.
In the following texts you’ll find the way this term is used in the New Testament in connection with the local church:
-- “And now I [Paul] entrust you [the Ephesian Elders] to God and the word of his grace-- his message that is able to build you up...” (Acts 20:32)
-- “... try to build each other up. Don't tear apart the work of God...” (Romans 14:19-20)
-- “We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.” (Romans 15:2)
-- “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
-- “But one who prophesies is helping others grow [litt. building others up] in the Lord, encouraging and comforting them. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens [litt. builds up] the entire church.” (1 Corinthians 14:3-4)
-- “Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to [litt. build up] the whole church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)
-- “Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
-- “I [Paul] may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. And I will not be put to shame by having my work among you destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 10:8)
-- “Everything we do, dear friends, is for your benefit [litt. for building you up].” (2 Corinthians 12:19)
-- “Their [the church leaders’] responsibility is to equip God's people to do his [God’s] work and build up the church, the Body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.
Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16)
The New International Version translates Ephesians 4:16: “From Him[Jesus Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
-- “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful (NIV for building others up), so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
-- “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
-- “And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
From the texts we just mentioned, some verses are of special importance to our meditation:
-- “...love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
-- “...his message [God’s Word] is able to build you up...” ( Acts 20:32)
-- “...to do his [God’s] work and build up the church, the Body of Christ, until ... we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, ... becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his Body, the church..” (Ephesians 4:12-15)
-- “From Him[Jesus Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)
-- “... ask God for those [spiritual gifts] that will be of real help to [litt. build up] the whole church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)
Indeed, “building each other up in the Lord” has first of all to do with “loving each other intensely with all your hearts” (1 Peter 1:22).
In the context of that mutual love, the gifts [manifestations] of God's Spirit are not given for spiritual superstar qualification. On the contrary, they are given to encourage and strengthen Christlike love in the Christian community. (1 Corinthians 14:12).
From all we wrote in this meditation, it is clear that according to the Word of God [the Bible], this “building each other up in the Lord” is one of the main characteristics of a healthy and Christlike church.
It is also clear that a local church cannot produce such Christlike life by its own efforts. It is a transformation process directed by God’s Holy Spirit.
As we said already, in this process the gifts of the Spirit, when used in a Christlike way, have an important ‘booster function’ to grow Christlike love.
So, when my church lacks the manifold gifts [manifestations] of God’s Spirit to increase mutual love, it brings sorrow to the Holy Spirit and might even stifle His work of Christlike transformation.
What might remain is a church with clear biblical teaching regarding God’s Spirit, with inspiring sermons, rousing songs, an impressive liturgy and a well-oiled organisation... Yet, it would be a church without the all-out directive of God’s Spirit as the One who uses His gifts in the process to lead the church to Christlike love and maturity.
We are left with some important questions:
-- Does God’s Spirit encourage and strengthen mutual Christlike love in my church?
-- Does my church sincerely ask God to provide those gifts [manifestations] of His Spirit in my church that will be of real help to grow towards Christlike maturity?
-- Are the gifts of God’s Spirit serving the Christlike transformation progress of my church? Or, are those gifts used for self-glorification of some individuals or to authenticate my church as a‘charismatic community’?
-- Is my church actively seeking how to please God’s Spirit?
-- Is my church in a real danger to bring sorrow to God’s Spirit or even to stifle Him in doing His ministry of Christlike transformation? What would my church need to do to stem that tide?
(to be continued)
The Bible verses 1 Corinthians 8:1 and Ephesians 4:16 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, June 3, 2011
52. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT --- DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( d )
Today we want to continue our search for answers to questions like “How could a local church bring sorrow to God’s Spirit?” and “How could a local church even stifle Him in His work of Christlike transformation?”
So, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt?
When mutual love and genuine care withers in my church.....
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey), the apostle Paul encourages the church to throw off their former selfish way of life and practise living a Christlike life in their Christian community. Paul writes:
“With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.
Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him.
They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways.
Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ.
Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.
Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-- righteous, holy, and true.
So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other (NIV: for we are all members of one body).
And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need.
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children Christ has forgiven you.
Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-- these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.
Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him.
Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.
It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.
Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.
Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 4:17-5:21)
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus is first of all a letter about ‘church life and growth in a Christlike way’. Therefore, in the text we just read he encourages the members of the church, saying:
-- Live no longer as the ungodly do (Ephesians 4:17)
-- Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life (Ephesians 4:22)
-- There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:23)
-- You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness (Ephesians 4:24)
-- Do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. (Ephesians 4:30)
-- Follow God's example in everything you do (Ephesians 5:1)
-- Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2)
From the entire letter it is clear, that Paul doesn’t subject the Ephesian Christians here to a new law to obey. No human being could live up to such godly standards by his own efforts. On the contrary, they should submit themselves to God’s Spirit who lives in and among them. He wants to produce this new, Christlike life in the Ephesian church family.
In the same way Paul urges the followers of Jesus in Galatia (modern Turkey) ‘to follow the way of the Spirit’. It is Him who produces Jesus’ life in the church:
“So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.
But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the Law.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." (Galatians 5:16-22)
From both examples in the New Testament it is clear, that when my church is not controlled by God’s Spirit, or even does not know the Holy Spirit of God, He will be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of my church.
(to be continued)
The Bible verses are quoted from the New Living Translation.
NIV = New International Version
So, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process even come to a premature halt?
When mutual love and genuine care withers in my church.....
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey), the apostle Paul encourages the church to throw off their former selfish way of life and practise living a Christlike life in their Christian community. Paul writes:
“With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.
Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him.
They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways.
Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ.
Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.
Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-- righteous, holy, and true.
So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other (NIV: for we are all members of one body).
And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need.
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children Christ has forgiven you.
Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-- these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.
Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him.
Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.
It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.
Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.
Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 4:17-5:21)
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus is first of all a letter about ‘church life and growth in a Christlike way’. Therefore, in the text we just read he encourages the members of the church, saying:
-- Live no longer as the ungodly do (Ephesians 4:17)
-- Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life (Ephesians 4:22)
-- There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:23)
-- You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness (Ephesians 4:24)
-- Do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. (Ephesians 4:30)
-- Follow God's example in everything you do (Ephesians 5:1)
-- Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2)
From the entire letter it is clear, that Paul doesn’t subject the Ephesian Christians here to a new law to obey. No human being could live up to such godly standards by his own efforts. On the contrary, they should submit themselves to God’s Spirit who lives in and among them. He wants to produce this new, Christlike life in the Ephesian church family.
In the same way Paul urges the followers of Jesus in Galatia (modern Turkey) ‘to follow the way of the Spirit’. It is Him who produces Jesus’ life in the church:
“So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.
But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the Law.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." (Galatians 5:16-22)
From both examples in the New Testament it is clear, that when my church is not controlled by God’s Spirit, or even does not know the Holy Spirit of God, He will be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of my church.
(to be continued)
The Bible verses are quoted from the New Living Translation.
NIV = New International Version
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