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.
Showing posts with label Christlike transformation of the church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christlike transformation of the church. Show all posts
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
Friday, April 15, 2011
51. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT - DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( c )
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 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 come to a premature halt?
When my church lacks Christlike leadership... (b)
In the last meditation, we realised that God’s Spirit requires Christlike leaders to lead our churches into Christlike transformation. We recognised that if our churches lack Christlike leadership, true Christlike transformation of our churches might never really take place.
To his co-worker Titus, the apostle Paul explains what Christlike leadership is and what it is not. Because of the way God’s Spirit seeks to change the heart of a church leader, his personality and his conduct should more and more reflect Christ’s personality and conduct:
“An elder must be well thought of for his good life.
He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious.
An elder must live a blameless [Christlike] life because he is God's minister.
He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money.
He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good.
He must live wisely and be fair.
He must live a devout and disciplined life.
He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.” (Titus 1:6-9)
To his co-worker Timothy Paul writes about God’s requirement for elders and deacons in the church to live a Christlike life:
“It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.
For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against [i.e., a Christlike life].
He must be faithful to his wife.
He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.
He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.
He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent.
He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.
He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil's trap and be disgraced.
In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity (i.e., live a Christ-like life).
They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money.
They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience.
Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability.
If they do well, then they may serve as deacons.....
A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
The apostle Paul closes his words on the divine requirements for church leaders with the weighty annotation:
“I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
In the book of Acts we find an early example of a search for Church leaders who were required to live Christlike lives. The apostles instructed the church in Jerusalem to find such men and to give them the task to care for those in need:
“As the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve [apostles] called a meeting of all the believers. "We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the Word of God, not administering a food program," they said.
"Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (i.e., live Christlike lives).
We will put them in charge of this business ... This idea pleased the whole group...” (Acts 6:1-3 and 5a)
One of the seven men was Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). Three verses later he is called: “a man full of God's grace and power...” (Acts 6:8).
As we saw before, the local church family is the ‘Temple of God’s Spirit’ and needs leaders who are directed by God’s Spirit. They should be a living example of a Christlike lifestyle and be able to lead the church into the process towards Christ-likeness.
The apostle John mentions a case of a church leader who is anything but an example of Christ-likeness to the local church.
In his third letter John addresses a cardinal leadership temptation, ‘the enticement of power’. A church leader who surrenders to that seduction actually takes the place of God’s Spirit in the church. John writes:
“... Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, does not acknowledge our authority.
When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the wicked things he is saying about us.
He not only refuses to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.” (3 John 1:9-10)
Jesus Himself shows the difference between a leader who doesn’t live under the authority of God’s Spirit and the Christlike leader who is guided by God’s Spirit.
On the evening before Jesus gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, He told his disciples to adopt His leadership style:
"In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called 'friends of the people.'
But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.
Normally the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant.” (Luke 22:25-27)
By reading God’s Word [the Bible], we come to the conclusion that a Christlike leader has a ‘servant's heart’ and is controlled and directed by God’s Spirit as he leads Christ’s church.
That leads us to the following questions:
-- Does your church have Christlike leaders/elders with ‘servant hearts’ who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit as they lead your church in the process of Christ-likeness?
-- If you are a Church leader/elder, are you a Christlike leader with the heart of a servant?
(to be continued)
The Bible verses are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
So, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process come to a premature halt?
When my church lacks Christlike leadership... (b)
In the last meditation, we realised that God’s Spirit requires Christlike leaders to lead our churches into Christlike transformation. We recognised that if our churches lack Christlike leadership, true Christlike transformation of our churches might never really take place.
To his co-worker Titus, the apostle Paul explains what Christlike leadership is and what it is not. Because of the way God’s Spirit seeks to change the heart of a church leader, his personality and his conduct should more and more reflect Christ’s personality and conduct:
“An elder must be well thought of for his good life.
He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious.
An elder must live a blameless [Christlike] life because he is God's minister.
He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money.
He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good.
He must live wisely and be fair.
He must live a devout and disciplined life.
He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.” (Titus 1:6-9)
To his co-worker Timothy Paul writes about God’s requirement for elders and deacons in the church to live a Christlike life:
“It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.
For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against [i.e., a Christlike life].
He must be faithful to his wife.
He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.
He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.
He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent.
He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.
He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil's trap and be disgraced.
In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity (i.e., live a Christ-like life).
They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money.
They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience.
Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability.
If they do well, then they may serve as deacons.....
A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
The apostle Paul closes his words on the divine requirements for church leaders with the weighty annotation:
“I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
In the book of Acts we find an early example of a search for Church leaders who were required to live Christlike lives. The apostles instructed the church in Jerusalem to find such men and to give them the task to care for those in need:
“As the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve [apostles] called a meeting of all the believers. "We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the Word of God, not administering a food program," they said.
"Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (i.e., live Christlike lives).
We will put them in charge of this business ... This idea pleased the whole group...” (Acts 6:1-3 and 5a)
One of the seven men was Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). Three verses later he is called: “a man full of God's grace and power...” (Acts 6:8).
As we saw before, the local church family is the ‘Temple of God’s Spirit’ and needs leaders who are directed by God’s Spirit. They should be a living example of a Christlike lifestyle and be able to lead the church into the process towards Christ-likeness.
The apostle John mentions a case of a church leader who is anything but an example of Christ-likeness to the local church.
In his third letter John addresses a cardinal leadership temptation, ‘the enticement of power’. A church leader who surrenders to that seduction actually takes the place of God’s Spirit in the church. John writes:
“... Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, does not acknowledge our authority.
When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the wicked things he is saying about us.
He not only refuses to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.” (3 John 1:9-10)
Jesus Himself shows the difference between a leader who doesn’t live under the authority of God’s Spirit and the Christlike leader who is guided by God’s Spirit.
On the evening before Jesus gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, He told his disciples to adopt His leadership style:
"In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called 'friends of the people.'
But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.
Normally the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant.” (Luke 22:25-27)
By reading God’s Word [the Bible], we come to the conclusion that a Christlike leader has a ‘servant's heart’ and is controlled and directed by God’s Spirit as he leads Christ’s church.
That leads us to the following questions:
-- Does your church have Christlike leaders/elders with ‘servant hearts’ who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit as they lead your church in the process of Christ-likeness?
-- If you are a Church leader/elder, are you a Christlike leader with the heart of a servant?
(to be continued)
The Bible verses are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
Monday, April 11, 2011
50. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT --- DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( b )
In meditation 47 we saw that God - Father, Son and Spirit - prepares Christ’s universal church for the glorious end-time, wedding celebration of the Lamb. We also noticed that God does that preparation on a minute scale: one local church at a time within its own geographical and cultural setting!
We understood that not only the universal Body of Christ, but also every true local community of Jesus’ followers is birthed by God’s Spirit.
Furthermore, we realised that God’s Spirit Himself directs the ongoing transformation process into Christ-likeness, so that Christ’s entire Body, spanning all ages, will be prepared for that glorious celebration of the Lamb’s wedding.
Today we will start dealing with issues 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?”
Here are some questions to ponder:
-- What are some of the reasons why God’s Spirit might be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church?
-- What are some of the causes why this transformation process might come to a premature halt?
But before giving further thought to these questions, we need firstly to remind ourselves of two pivotal aspects of church life as far as God’s Word [the Bible] is concerned:
a. God’s Spirit is meant to rule every local church:
You might remember that the apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth: “Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple [residence] of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16)
b. Every local church is meant to grow together into Christ-likeness:
Paul taught the church in Ephesus (modern Turkey): “Their responsibility [pastors and teachers, etc.] 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. ... We will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ...”
(Ephesians 4:12.13.15)
So, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing this Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process come to a premature halt?
When Christlike community transformation never really starts...
For the same reasons that personal Christlike transformation might not really start, community transformation might not come into being as well.
It is possible that my local church firmly teaches the importance of personal conversion and rebirth, based on faith in Christ’s sacrifice and the indwelling of God’s Spirit. The teaching of our church might faithfully focus on ‘Christ alone’, ‘grace alone’ and ‘faith alone’ and even have a distinct ‘doctrine of the Holy Spirit’. Yet, without a clear biblical vision on the work of God’s Spirit in our church family, the process of Christlike community transformation might never really start.
The apostle Paul states that it is normal for individual reborn children of God, as well as for local churches, to be directed by God’s Holy Spirit. He declares to the Christians in Rome: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14).
A little earlier in Romans he wrote: “... those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
(Romans 8:5)
The early church did not lack teaching on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of church life. As we have seen, the apostolic teaching was unambiguous on the fact that God’s Spirit not only resided in every individual follower of Jesus, but also lived and operated in the local Christian community.
This leads us to ask some cardinal questions:
-- What does my church know about ‘communal guidance’ by God’s Spirit?
-- Has my church received a vision and strategy from God’s Spirit to know how He wants to transform our church family into the likeness of Christ?
I think again of Paul’s passionate sorrowing which I mentioned in meditation 47: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you...” (Galatians 4:19)
As our culture emphasises individualism and independence, we tend to understand that in texts like Galatians 4:19, Paul addresses only individual Christians. Yet, the biblical understanding of such texts comprises individual believers as well as the entire church family.
The Bible teaches clearly that the Holy Spirit wants to start the process of Christlike transformation of our local church right from the start of its birth!
When my church lacks Christlike leadership... (a)
No church is able to function well without good leadership. Yet, for the Holy Spirit to start the process of Christlike transformation in our church, it needs Christlike leaders who are called and trained by Him.
Reminding them of the Spirit’s calling to leadership, the apostle said to the elders of the church in Miletus (modern Turkey): "Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock-- his church, purchased with his blood-- over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” (Acts 20:28)
Paul taught the Christians in Ephesus that Christlike leaders are Jesus’ own gift to the church: “He [Christ] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11)
The apostle carries on by saying that among other things it is their God-given task to lead the church into Christ-likeness: “Their responsibility is ... to ... 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.” (Ephesians 4:12-13)
It is therefore obvious that God’s Spirit requires Christlike leaders to lead our churches into Christlike transformation.
If our churches lack Christlike leadership, true Christlike transformation of our churches might never really take place.
Of course, that does not mean that God does not bless our churches. Neither does it mean that our church leaders could not be a blessing to our churches, nor that our churches could not be a blessing to their local communities and the wider world.
Yet, for aiming at “being mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ” there is more needed than good leadership.....
Finally some crucial questions to conclude this meditation:
-- Is ‘Christ-likeness’ a criterion for choosing leaders/elders in your church?
-- Did the leadership of your church receive a vision and strategy from God’s Spirit for transforming your church family into the likeness of Christ?
-- If you are a leader/elder in your church, do others assess you as a Christlike leader/elder?
In future meditations we will investigate how to ‘measure’ Christlike leadership according to biblical criteria.
(to be continued)
The Bible verse Galatians 4:19 is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
We understood that not only the universal Body of Christ, but also every true local community of Jesus’ followers is birthed by God’s Spirit.
Furthermore, we realised that God’s Spirit Himself directs the ongoing transformation process into Christ-likeness, so that Christ’s entire Body, spanning all ages, will be prepared for that glorious celebration of the Lamb’s wedding.
Today we will start dealing with issues 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?”
Here are some questions to ponder:
-- What are some of the reasons why God’s Spirit might be hindered in starting or continuing the Christlike transformation of a local church?
-- What are some of the causes why this transformation process might come to a premature halt?
But before giving further thought to these questions, we need firstly to remind ourselves of two pivotal aspects of church life as far as God’s Word [the Bible] is concerned:
a. God’s Spirit is meant to rule every local church:
You might remember that the apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth: “Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple [residence] of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16)
b. Every local church is meant to grow together into Christ-likeness:
Paul taught the church in Ephesus (modern Turkey): “Their responsibility [pastors and teachers, etc.] 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. ... We will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ...”
(Ephesians 4:12.13.15)
So, why might God’s Spirit be hindered in starting or continuing this Christlike transformation of a local church? Why might this transformation process come to a premature halt?
When Christlike community transformation never really starts...
For the same reasons that personal Christlike transformation might not really start, community transformation might not come into being as well.
It is possible that my local church firmly teaches the importance of personal conversion and rebirth, based on faith in Christ’s sacrifice and the indwelling of God’s Spirit. The teaching of our church might faithfully focus on ‘Christ alone’, ‘grace alone’ and ‘faith alone’ and even have a distinct ‘doctrine of the Holy Spirit’. Yet, without a clear biblical vision on the work of God’s Spirit in our church family, the process of Christlike community transformation might never really start.
The apostle Paul states that it is normal for individual reborn children of God, as well as for local churches, to be directed by God’s Holy Spirit. He declares to the Christians in Rome: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14).
A little earlier in Romans he wrote: “... those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
(Romans 8:5)
The early church did not lack teaching on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of church life. As we have seen, the apostolic teaching was unambiguous on the fact that God’s Spirit not only resided in every individual follower of Jesus, but also lived and operated in the local Christian community.
This leads us to ask some cardinal questions:
-- What does my church know about ‘communal guidance’ by God’s Spirit?
-- Has my church received a vision and strategy from God’s Spirit to know how He wants to transform our church family into the likeness of Christ?
I think again of Paul’s passionate sorrowing which I mentioned in meditation 47: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you...” (Galatians 4:19)
As our culture emphasises individualism and independence, we tend to understand that in texts like Galatians 4:19, Paul addresses only individual Christians. Yet, the biblical understanding of such texts comprises individual believers as well as the entire church family.
The Bible teaches clearly that the Holy Spirit wants to start the process of Christlike transformation of our local church right from the start of its birth!
When my church lacks Christlike leadership... (a)
No church is able to function well without good leadership. Yet, for the Holy Spirit to start the process of Christlike transformation in our church, it needs Christlike leaders who are called and trained by Him.
Reminding them of the Spirit’s calling to leadership, the apostle said to the elders of the church in Miletus (modern Turkey): "Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock-- his church, purchased with his blood-- over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” (Acts 20:28)
Paul taught the Christians in Ephesus that Christlike leaders are Jesus’ own gift to the church: “He [Christ] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11)
The apostle carries on by saying that among other things it is their God-given task to lead the church into Christ-likeness: “Their responsibility is ... to ... 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.” (Ephesians 4:12-13)
It is therefore obvious that God’s Spirit requires Christlike leaders to lead our churches into Christlike transformation.
If our churches lack Christlike leadership, true Christlike transformation of our churches might never really take place.
Of course, that does not mean that God does not bless our churches. Neither does it mean that our church leaders could not be a blessing to our churches, nor that our churches could not be a blessing to their local communities and the wider world.
Yet, for aiming at “being mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ” there is more needed than good leadership.....
Finally some crucial questions to conclude this meditation:
-- Is ‘Christ-likeness’ a criterion for choosing leaders/elders in your church?
-- Did the leadership of your church receive a vision and strategy from God’s Spirit for transforming your church family into the likeness of Christ?
-- If you are a leader/elder in your church, do others assess you as a Christlike leader/elder?
In future meditations we will investigate how to ‘measure’ Christlike leadership according to biblical criteria.
(to be continued)
The Bible verse Galatians 4:19 is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are all quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, March 25, 2011
49. DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD’S SPIRIT --- DO NOT STIFLE GOD’S SPIRIT ( a )
In meditations 30, 34 and 45, we saw that God’s Spirit directs the transformation process into Christ-likeness in all God’s reborn children during their walk on earth.
Yet, there are many reasons why God’s Spirit might be hindered in continuing this Christlike transformation in people’s lives. It is even possible that this transformation to Christ-likeness never even starts in some people who have been born again. It is also possible that it stops prematurely.
When Christlike transformation never really starts...
It is possible that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord and know that I am God’s child, yet at the same time have no knowledge about being born again by God’s Spirit.
This might be caused by the kind of teaching that I have received. It is possible that the church’s teaching focuses on 'God’s grace' and 'salvation by faith in Jesus’ sacrifice' without ever underlining the work of God’s Spirit in leading a person to rebirth.
Surely, in this case, I am a genuine child of God since saving faith itself is a work of God’s Spirit (see the ‘salvation pictures’ in meditations 38 to 43). However, through a lack of biblical knowledge regarding the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives, the process of Christlike transformation might never really start...
The apostle Paul shows the link between saving faith and the reception of God’s Spirit when he writes to the Ephesian Christians: “You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...”
(Ephesians 1:13)
Jesus himself teaches that a real conviction of sin is the work of God’s Spirit in someone’s heart: “When he [God’s Spirit, the Comforter] comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgement.” (John 16:7)
The apostle Paul is clear about the fact that being God’s child means having God’s Spirit. He writes to the Christians in Rome:
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:9)
Actually, the early church might not have known this problem. As we read the New Testament, it is clear that the followers of Jesus had all received God’s Spirit and knew about His work in their lives. In the same way, God wants us to know about the person of the Holy Spirit and his work in us. The Bible teaches clearly that the Holy Spirit wants to start this Christlike transformation in our hearts right from the day of our salvation!
When the seed of Christlike transformation never really germinates...
We just mentioned that this transformation process is hardly possible if I am not taught about the presence of God’s Spirit in my life from the start of my faith in Christ.
However, it is also possible that I have experienced rebirth by God’s Spirit without ever being taught about the prospect of Christlike transformation.
I might have been taught about the work of God’s Holy Spirit and his gifts to the church. I might have an immense knowledge about all kinds of biblical facts and figures. I might even be a pastor or a Bible teacher. And yet, I might also lack a clear vision about God’s desire to change my life by his Spirit into the likeness of his Son.
In that case a true and genuine transformation into Christ-likeness might hardly germinate. As we mentioned before, the early church in the book of Acts and the letters of the apostles was thoroughly aware about God’s intention to change them into the likeness of Christ. They might not have had this kind of problem.
When Christlike transformation only develops partially...
If I know about 'life through God’s Spirit', but focus on 'spiritual gifts' and 'spiritual experience', I might be in danger of only partially growing into the likeness of Christ.
‘Spiritual pretension’ about what I am and what I possess 'through God’s Spirit' might hinder a genuine transformation into Christ-likeness. I think that this was one of the problems of the church in Corinth.
Speaking about 'the wisdom of God’s Spirit', the apostle Paul says to the christians in Corinth:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians.
I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.
I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food, because you couldn't handle anything stronger.
And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your own sinful desires.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3a)
Growing into Christ-likeness initially has to do with character building rather than spiritual gifting and experience.
When Christlike transformation is obstructed by disobedience...
I might have started a life with Christ and have enjoyed the Spirit’s work in my heart. I might even have experienced the process of transformation we have spoken about so often – until the moment I opened my heart to sin and gave in to temptation.
The apostle Paul warns the christians in Corinth of such a danger when he writes:
"All these events (of Israel’s history) happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.
If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.
And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.
When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)
The sorrow I have brought to God’s Spirit by my disobedience will be taken away when I acknowledge my waywardness and commit myself again to being led by God’s Spirit.
The apostle John comforts us by saying: “If we confess our sins to him [God], he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” (1 John 1:9)
When Christlike transformation is frustrated...
I might have known the Spirit’s transforming work in my life but then might return to a lifestyle of self-righteousness in trying to obey God’s laws in my own strength. In that case I will frustrate the transforming work of God’s Spirit.
Paul alerts the Galatian christians of such a heresy:
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?
Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
Are you so foolish?
After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Galatians 3:1-3)
In this case I could stifle the work of God’s Spirit in my heart and return to a life of self-reliance and self-righteousness. I would need to learn anew what Christlike transformation is all about and how only God’s Spirit is able to accomplish this.
When Christlike transformation comes to a halt...
If I have known God’s work in my life, but then return to a worldly lifestyle, give up the faith and/or follow false teachings, then I bring the work of God’s Spirit in my heart to a halt. The Bible warns us earnestly about such a ruinous attitude.
Paul writes to his co-worker Timothy: “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica...”
(2 Timothy 4:10)
The apostle John warns us for such conduct when he writes: “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.
For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world.
And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
The apostle Paul instructs Timothy: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
We bring joy to God - Father, Son and Spirit – when we entrust ourselves to being led by the Holy Spirit.
As I am God’s reborn child, He wants me to understand that my body is a vehicle [temple] of His Spirit in this world.
The apostle Paul reminds the followers of Jesus in Corinth of the importance of their bodies in the transforming work of God’s Spirit: “Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Paul urges the christians in Ephesus: “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.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Paul cautions God’s reborn children in Thessalonica not to obstruct the leading of His Spirit in their hearts by taking the reins of life in their own hands again: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Finally, to the christians in Rome Paul writes: “Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-- the kind he will accept.
When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new [Christlike] person by changing the way you think.
Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”
(Romans 12:1-2)
Christlike transformation might be prevented or stifled in people’s private lives. However, it also might be hindered or halted in the life of entire churches or other Christian communities. That will be the theme of our next meditation.
The Bible verses Ephesians 1:13, Romans 8:9, Galatians 3:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:10 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
Yet, there are many reasons why God’s Spirit might be hindered in continuing this Christlike transformation in people’s lives. It is even possible that this transformation to Christ-likeness never even starts in some people who have been born again. It is also possible that it stops prematurely.
When Christlike transformation never really starts...
It is possible that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord and know that I am God’s child, yet at the same time have no knowledge about being born again by God’s Spirit.
This might be caused by the kind of teaching that I have received. It is possible that the church’s teaching focuses on 'God’s grace' and 'salvation by faith in Jesus’ sacrifice' without ever underlining the work of God’s Spirit in leading a person to rebirth.
Surely, in this case, I am a genuine child of God since saving faith itself is a work of God’s Spirit (see the ‘salvation pictures’ in meditations 38 to 43). However, through a lack of biblical knowledge regarding the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives, the process of Christlike transformation might never really start...
The apostle Paul shows the link between saving faith and the reception of God’s Spirit when he writes to the Ephesian Christians: “You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...”
(Ephesians 1:13)
Jesus himself teaches that a real conviction of sin is the work of God’s Spirit in someone’s heart: “When he [God’s Spirit, the Comforter] comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgement.” (John 16:7)
The apostle Paul is clear about the fact that being God’s child means having God’s Spirit. He writes to the Christians in Rome:
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:9)
Actually, the early church might not have known this problem. As we read the New Testament, it is clear that the followers of Jesus had all received God’s Spirit and knew about His work in their lives. In the same way, God wants us to know about the person of the Holy Spirit and his work in us. The Bible teaches clearly that the Holy Spirit wants to start this Christlike transformation in our hearts right from the day of our salvation!
When the seed of Christlike transformation never really germinates...
We just mentioned that this transformation process is hardly possible if I am not taught about the presence of God’s Spirit in my life from the start of my faith in Christ.
However, it is also possible that I have experienced rebirth by God’s Spirit without ever being taught about the prospect of Christlike transformation.
I might have been taught about the work of God’s Holy Spirit and his gifts to the church. I might have an immense knowledge about all kinds of biblical facts and figures. I might even be a pastor or a Bible teacher. And yet, I might also lack a clear vision about God’s desire to change my life by his Spirit into the likeness of his Son.
In that case a true and genuine transformation into Christ-likeness might hardly germinate. As we mentioned before, the early church in the book of Acts and the letters of the apostles was thoroughly aware about God’s intention to change them into the likeness of Christ. They might not have had this kind of problem.
When Christlike transformation only develops partially...
If I know about 'life through God’s Spirit', but focus on 'spiritual gifts' and 'spiritual experience', I might be in danger of only partially growing into the likeness of Christ.
‘Spiritual pretension’ about what I am and what I possess 'through God’s Spirit' might hinder a genuine transformation into Christ-likeness. I think that this was one of the problems of the church in Corinth.
Speaking about 'the wisdom of God’s Spirit', the apostle Paul says to the christians in Corinth:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians.
I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.
I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food, because you couldn't handle anything stronger.
And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your own sinful desires.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3a)
Growing into Christ-likeness initially has to do with character building rather than spiritual gifting and experience.
When Christlike transformation is obstructed by disobedience...
I might have started a life with Christ and have enjoyed the Spirit’s work in my heart. I might even have experienced the process of transformation we have spoken about so often – until the moment I opened my heart to sin and gave in to temptation.
The apostle Paul warns the christians in Corinth of such a danger when he writes:
"All these events (of Israel’s history) happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.
If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.
And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.
When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)
The sorrow I have brought to God’s Spirit by my disobedience will be taken away when I acknowledge my waywardness and commit myself again to being led by God’s Spirit.
The apostle John comforts us by saying: “If we confess our sins to him [God], he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” (1 John 1:9)
When Christlike transformation is frustrated...
I might have known the Spirit’s transforming work in my life but then might return to a lifestyle of self-righteousness in trying to obey God’s laws in my own strength. In that case I will frustrate the transforming work of God’s Spirit.
Paul alerts the Galatian christians of such a heresy:
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?
Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
Are you so foolish?
After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Galatians 3:1-3)
In this case I could stifle the work of God’s Spirit in my heart and return to a life of self-reliance and self-righteousness. I would need to learn anew what Christlike transformation is all about and how only God’s Spirit is able to accomplish this.
When Christlike transformation comes to a halt...
If I have known God’s work in my life, but then return to a worldly lifestyle, give up the faith and/or follow false teachings, then I bring the work of God’s Spirit in my heart to a halt. The Bible warns us earnestly about such a ruinous attitude.
Paul writes to his co-worker Timothy: “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica...”
(2 Timothy 4:10)
The apostle John warns us for such conduct when he writes: “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.
For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world.
And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
The apostle Paul instructs Timothy: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
We bring joy to God - Father, Son and Spirit – when we entrust ourselves to being led by the Holy Spirit.
As I am God’s reborn child, He wants me to understand that my body is a vehicle [temple] of His Spirit in this world.
The apostle Paul reminds the followers of Jesus in Corinth of the importance of their bodies in the transforming work of God’s Spirit: “Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Paul urges the christians in Ephesus: “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.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Paul cautions God’s reborn children in Thessalonica not to obstruct the leading of His Spirit in their hearts by taking the reins of life in their own hands again: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Finally, to the christians in Rome Paul writes: “Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-- the kind he will accept.
When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new [Christlike] person by changing the way you think.
Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”
(Romans 12:1-2)
Christlike transformation might be prevented or stifled in people’s private lives. However, it also might be hindered or halted in the life of entire churches or other Christian communities. That will be the theme of our next meditation.
The Bible verses Ephesians 1:13, Romans 8:9, Galatians 3:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:10 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, March 18, 2011
48. GOD’S MAJOR PROJECT : TRANSFORMING ME AND MY CHURCH INTO THE LIKENESS OF CHRIST ( d )
Here in the West we live in a culture that we could characterise by individualism, hedonism and materialism. Ours is a culture that focuses among other things on experience, well-being and health. It’s a culture of self-improvement with a post-Christian outlook on life. It is a culture that rejects divine authority and is critical to human authority.
Traits of these cultural phenomena have not passed by the doors of our churches and individualism reigns supreme in many of our Christian circles. We see the effect in the way people easily change churches for the latest teaching or experience. We see it in the lack of commitment to church life, especially ‘when the going gets tough’. We see it in the consumer mentality when people expect an ‘inner circle’ in church to do all the work. We see it when Christians abandon churches and spiritual leadership for independence and private piety, etc.
How far-removed this spirit of western culture is from the way God expects his people to live!
God’s church is not like a shopping centre where you take what you like. Nor are God’s people like spectators at a rock concert who only happen to find themselves at the same place because of their common interest.
The apostle Peter writes about commitment when he reminds the followers of Jesus: “God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
How different are bricks carefully cemented together in a building from bricks laying uselessly around the place!
The apostle Paul writes about the same theme to God’s reborn children in Corinth: “God's temple is holy, and you Christians are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)
Also to the messianic community in Ephesus (modern Turkey) Paul writes about the fellowship of believers in Jesus as God’s temple:
“We are his [God’s] house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
Through him [Jesus] you ... are also joined together as part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22)
To the Christians in Rome, Paul shows that God sees his church as a living organism, not as a loose organisation:
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's Body.
We are all parts of his one Body, and each of us has different work to do.
And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
If you ever made the gruesome discovery of finding a human body part, you would probably immediately ask whose body the part belongs to? Separate body parts simply do not walk around! And this is the same with Christ’s local Body: all reborn children of God belong together in one living and loving organism.
In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul explains that there is no place for rigid individualism in the Body of Christ:
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the Body of Christ.
Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles [non-Jews], some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's Body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.
If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body.
And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body?
Suppose the whole body were an eye-- then how would you hear?
Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?
But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it.
What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part!
Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.
The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.
And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.
So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while other parts do not require this special care.
So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.
This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally.
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
Now all of you together are Christ's Body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-25)
Not only does God want Jesus’ followers to devotedly live together and love each other. In meditation 47 we saw that God’s Spirit also wants every local church to grow into the likeness of Christ.
In that way God the Father answers the prayer of his Son:
“... that they may be one (in the same way) as we are one: I in them and you in me.” (John 17:22b-23a)
And in that way God the Spirit wants to prepare every local expression of Christ’s universal Body for the wedding celebration of the Lamb at the end of the ages.
Meanwhile the apostle Paul urges the church in Philippi and our churches to live Christ’s way in the midst of our God-less society:
“You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people.
Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the Word of life (i.e. the Bible)...” (Philippians 2:15-16a)
All this leaves us with some heart-searching questions concerning our local congregations:
-- Are the members of my church lovingly committed to each other?
-- Is my church conscious of the fact that it is a ‘vehicle’ [temple] of God’s Spirit in our self-centred and God-less society?
-- Does my church hunger for Christlike transformation?
-- In what way do I see God’s Spirit transforming my local congregation into the likeness of Christ?
-- In what ways does my church differ from modern society?
-- In what way does my church reflect modern society?
-- Is my church aware of the fact that God’s Spirit prepares it for the celebration of the wedding feast of the Lamb?
The Bible text John 17:22b-23a is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
The next meditation will be published on Friday 25 March 2011.
Traits of these cultural phenomena have not passed by the doors of our churches and individualism reigns supreme in many of our Christian circles. We see the effect in the way people easily change churches for the latest teaching or experience. We see it in the lack of commitment to church life, especially ‘when the going gets tough’. We see it in the consumer mentality when people expect an ‘inner circle’ in church to do all the work. We see it when Christians abandon churches and spiritual leadership for independence and private piety, etc.
How far-removed this spirit of western culture is from the way God expects his people to live!
God’s church is not like a shopping centre where you take what you like. Nor are God’s people like spectators at a rock concert who only happen to find themselves at the same place because of their common interest.
The apostle Peter writes about commitment when he reminds the followers of Jesus: “God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
How different are bricks carefully cemented together in a building from bricks laying uselessly around the place!
The apostle Paul writes about the same theme to God’s reborn children in Corinth: “God's temple is holy, and you Christians are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)
Also to the messianic community in Ephesus (modern Turkey) Paul writes about the fellowship of believers in Jesus as God’s temple:
“We are his [God’s] house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
Through him [Jesus] you ... are also joined together as part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22)
To the Christians in Rome, Paul shows that God sees his church as a living organism, not as a loose organisation:
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's Body.
We are all parts of his one Body, and each of us has different work to do.
And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
If you ever made the gruesome discovery of finding a human body part, you would probably immediately ask whose body the part belongs to? Separate body parts simply do not walk around! And this is the same with Christ’s local Body: all reborn children of God belong together in one living and loving organism.
In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul explains that there is no place for rigid individualism in the Body of Christ:
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the Body of Christ.
Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles [non-Jews], some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's Body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.
If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body.
And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body?
Suppose the whole body were an eye-- then how would you hear?
Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?
But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it.
What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part!
Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.
The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.
And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.
So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while other parts do not require this special care.
So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.
This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally.
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
Now all of you together are Christ's Body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-25)
Not only does God want Jesus’ followers to devotedly live together and love each other. In meditation 47 we saw that God’s Spirit also wants every local church to grow into the likeness of Christ.
In that way God the Father answers the prayer of his Son:
“... that they may be one (in the same way) as we are one: I in them and you in me.” (John 17:22b-23a)
And in that way God the Spirit wants to prepare every local expression of Christ’s universal Body for the wedding celebration of the Lamb at the end of the ages.
Meanwhile the apostle Paul urges the church in Philippi and our churches to live Christ’s way in the midst of our God-less society:
“You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people.
Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the Word of life (i.e. the Bible)...” (Philippians 2:15-16a)
All this leaves us with some heart-searching questions concerning our local congregations:
-- Are the members of my church lovingly committed to each other?
-- Is my church conscious of the fact that it is a ‘vehicle’ [temple] of God’s Spirit in our self-centred and God-less society?
-- Does my church hunger for Christlike transformation?
-- In what way do I see God’s Spirit transforming my local congregation into the likeness of Christ?
-- In what ways does my church differ from modern society?
-- In what way does my church reflect modern society?
-- Is my church aware of the fact that God’s Spirit prepares it for the celebration of the wedding feast of the Lamb?
The Bible text John 17:22b-23a is a quote of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
The next meditation will be published on Friday 25 March 2011.
Friday, March 11, 2011
47. GOD’S MAJOR PROJECT: TRANSFORMING ME AND MY CHURCH INTO THE LIKENESS OF CHRIST ( c )
In meditation 46 we discovered that God aims at preparing Christ’s Body for ‘the wedding feast of the Lamb’ and for being with Jesus forever.
That raises the question: how will God prepare Christ’s universal Body for that divine wedding celebration at the end of the ages?
In the following texts we will see that God - Father, Son and Spirit - prepares Christ’s universal church for that glorious end-of-time wedding celebration of the Lamb. We will note that He does that on a minute scale: one local church at a time within its own geographical and cultural setting!
That is truly, breathtakingly divine!
God has an eye for universal perspectives as well as for the local situation of the smallest church at any time and in any geographical situation. Jesus even said: "Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20)
The apostle Paul writes to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey) that Jesus Messiah wants to transform their local Christian community into his likeness to prepare it for the future universal wedding celebration of the Lamb:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word (i.e. the Bible), and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
(Ephesians 5:25-27)
To the messianic community in Corinth (Greece) Paul discloses the reason for his commitment to their church. He wants to prepare them for that future wedding celebration of the Lamb:
“I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride to one husband, Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 11:2)
The apostle Paul shows the churches in Galatia (modern Turkey) that his passion to see them transformed into Christ-likeness actually drives him, as he labours for their well-being:
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you...” (Galatians 4:19)
Paul commits a crucial part of his letter to the Christians in Ephesus to the theme of local communal transformation into Christ-likeness.
In chapter 4 he mentions the task Jesus himself gives to the (Christlike) leaders of the churches whom he himself appoints:
“He [Jesus Christ] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his [God's] work...” (Ephesians 4:11-12a)
In the following verses Paul explains what this work consists of: “... to 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.” (Ephesians 4:12b-13)
The apostle continues to explain this transformation process in Christ-likeness:
“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 4:15-16)
Furthermore, Paul makes clear from what kind of traits a church breaks free when it grows in Christ-likeness:
“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.” (Ephesians 4:14)
Earlier in the same letter, the apostle shows how God’s Spirit directs the process of Christlike transformation within the messianic community, i.e. the local Body of Christ:
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he [God the Father] will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.
And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.
Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)
By now we understand that not only the universal Body of Christ, but also every local community of Jesus’ followers, is birthed by God’s Spirit.
It is also God’s Spirit who directs the ongoing transformation process into Christlikeness, so that Christ’s entire Body, spanning all ages, will be prepared for the glorious celebration of the wedding of the Lamb.
In meditations 45 to 47, we saw that God’s Spirit aims at changing our individual lives as well as our communal life into Christ-likeness.
As ‘maturing in Christ-likeness’ is the theme of our meditations, we need to focus in the future on both tracks: our individual lives as followers of Jesus and our communal life as the local Body of Christ.
So, join me as we start to follow both tracks.
The Bible verses Ephesians 5:25-27 and Galatians 4:19 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
That raises the question: how will God prepare Christ’s universal Body for that divine wedding celebration at the end of the ages?
In the following texts we will see that God - Father, Son and Spirit - prepares Christ’s universal church for that glorious end-of-time wedding celebration of the Lamb. We will note that He does that on a minute scale: one local church at a time within its own geographical and cultural setting!
That is truly, breathtakingly divine!
God has an eye for universal perspectives as well as for the local situation of the smallest church at any time and in any geographical situation. Jesus even said: "Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20)
The apostle Paul writes to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey) that Jesus Messiah wants to transform their local Christian community into his likeness to prepare it for the future universal wedding celebration of the Lamb:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word (i.e. the Bible), and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
(Ephesians 5:25-27)
To the messianic community in Corinth (Greece) Paul discloses the reason for his commitment to their church. He wants to prepare them for that future wedding celebration of the Lamb:
“I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride to one husband, Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 11:2)
The apostle Paul shows the churches in Galatia (modern Turkey) that his passion to see them transformed into Christ-likeness actually drives him, as he labours for their well-being:
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you...” (Galatians 4:19)
Paul commits a crucial part of his letter to the Christians in Ephesus to the theme of local communal transformation into Christ-likeness.
In chapter 4 he mentions the task Jesus himself gives to the (Christlike) leaders of the churches whom he himself appoints:
“He [Jesus Christ] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his [God's] work...” (Ephesians 4:11-12a)
In the following verses Paul explains what this work consists of: “... to 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.” (Ephesians 4:12b-13)
The apostle continues to explain this transformation process in Christ-likeness:
“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 4:15-16)
Furthermore, Paul makes clear from what kind of traits a church breaks free when it grows in Christ-likeness:
“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.” (Ephesians 4:14)
Earlier in the same letter, the apostle shows how God’s Spirit directs the process of Christlike transformation within the messianic community, i.e. the local Body of Christ:
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he [God the Father] will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.
And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.
Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)
By now we understand that not only the universal Body of Christ, but also every local community of Jesus’ followers, is birthed by God’s Spirit.
It is also God’s Spirit who directs the ongoing transformation process into Christlikeness, so that Christ’s entire Body, spanning all ages, will be prepared for the glorious celebration of the wedding of the Lamb.
In meditations 45 to 47, we saw that God’s Spirit aims at changing our individual lives as well as our communal life into Christ-likeness.
As ‘maturing in Christ-likeness’ is the theme of our meditations, we need to focus in the future on both tracks: our individual lives as followers of Jesus and our communal life as the local Body of Christ.
So, join me as we start to follow both tracks.
The Bible verses Ephesians 5:25-27 and Galatians 4:19 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, February 25, 2011
46. GOD’S MAJOR PROJECT: TRANSFORMING ME AND MY CHURCH INTO THE LIKENESS OF CHRIST ( b )
In the last meditation we saw that the Holy Spirit not only causes our rebirth, but also directs our transformation process into Christ-, or God-likeness during our walk on earth. We also discovered that this transformation process finds its completion when we will be with Christ forever.
Today we want to ask ourselves: does God’s transformation process only deal with his reborn children individually, or does God also aim at transforming his entire church into the likeness of Christ?
In meditation 29 we read that with our rebirth by the Spirit of God, he incorporates us into the messianic community, the Body of Christ.
The apostle Paul reminds the reborn children of God in Corinth of the start of their Christian life and of their incorporation into the messianic community: “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's Body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey), Paul explains that Christ-likeness is the distinctive character of the messianic community: “God placed all things under his [Jesus’] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his Body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1: 22-23)
From the book of Acts we know that the Body of Christ was born of the (Christlike) Spirit of God. Luke writes about that sensational beginning of the messianic community in Acts 2.
Yet, God’s major project did not stop with the birth of the Body of Christ on that day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago. That was only the minute start of a miraculous and universal ‘divine enterprise’.
However crucial it is, this divine, multi-century project is not only about increasing the numbers of people saved by Christ’s sacrifice; God equally aims at growing the Body of Christ into his likeness!
In the last book of the Bible, the apostle John paints in colourful pictures what God’s final objective is for the universal church, the Body of the Messiah. He describes her as ‘a holy city’, as ‘the new Jerusalem’, as ‘a beautiful bride’ and as ‘God's people’:
“I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:2-3)
John continues to portray the church as ‘the wife of the Lamb’ [Jesus the Messiah], filled with the glory of God:
"Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, 'Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.'
So he took me in spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It was filled with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper." (Revelation 21:9-11)
In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, the apostle Paul uses the expressions ‘the glory of Christ’, ‘the glory of God’ and ‘the likeness of Christ’ as synonyms:
"Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. ... For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:4.6)
Furthermore, the apostle John adds image to image when he speaks about the God- or Christ-likeness of the finished Body of Christ at the end of the ages:
“No temple could be seen in the city [the new Jerusalem], for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light...
Nothing evil will be allowed to enter-- no one who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty-- but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Revelation 21: 22.23.27)
In Revelation 19:7-8 John speaks about the process of Christ-like transformation when he points out that the universal Body of Christ has prepared itself over the centuries as a bride for the messianic wedding feast. Then she will be with Jesus Messiah for ever:
"Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him [God]. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen. (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)" (Revelation 19:7-8)
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey) the apostle Paul compares the consummation of love between bride groom and bride with Jesus Messiah and his people, the Body of Christ:
"After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24). This is a profound mystery-- but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:29-32)
In a final picture the apostle John depicts the bride of God’s Son as ‘priests’, ransomed by his blood from their rebellious and God-less way of life:
“... you [Jesus] were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
(Revelation 5: 9-10)
In this meditation we saw that God aims at preparing the universal Body of Christ for being with Jesus forever. That will be the eagerly anticipated ‘celebration of the wedding feast of the Lamb’ at the end of the ages!
Yet, how does the church’s preparation for that glorious, divine wedding celebration take place in everyday life?
That will be the theme of the next meditation.
The Bible verses Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 5:29-32 and Revelation 5:9-10 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
Today we want to ask ourselves: does God’s transformation process only deal with his reborn children individually, or does God also aim at transforming his entire church into the likeness of Christ?
In meditation 29 we read that with our rebirth by the Spirit of God, he incorporates us into the messianic community, the Body of Christ.
The apostle Paul reminds the reborn children of God in Corinth of the start of their Christian life and of their incorporation into the messianic community: “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's Body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey), Paul explains that Christ-likeness is the distinctive character of the messianic community: “God placed all things under his [Jesus’] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his Body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1: 22-23)
From the book of Acts we know that the Body of Christ was born of the (Christlike) Spirit of God. Luke writes about that sensational beginning of the messianic community in Acts 2.
Yet, God’s major project did not stop with the birth of the Body of Christ on that day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago. That was only the minute start of a miraculous and universal ‘divine enterprise’.
However crucial it is, this divine, multi-century project is not only about increasing the numbers of people saved by Christ’s sacrifice; God equally aims at growing the Body of Christ into his likeness!
In the last book of the Bible, the apostle John paints in colourful pictures what God’s final objective is for the universal church, the Body of the Messiah. He describes her as ‘a holy city’, as ‘the new Jerusalem’, as ‘a beautiful bride’ and as ‘God's people’:
“I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:2-3)
John continues to portray the church as ‘the wife of the Lamb’ [Jesus the Messiah], filled with the glory of God:
"Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, 'Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.'
So he took me in spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It was filled with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper." (Revelation 21:9-11)
In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, the apostle Paul uses the expressions ‘the glory of Christ’, ‘the glory of God’ and ‘the likeness of Christ’ as synonyms:
"Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. ... For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:4.6)
Furthermore, the apostle John adds image to image when he speaks about the God- or Christ-likeness of the finished Body of Christ at the end of the ages:
“No temple could be seen in the city [the new Jerusalem], for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light...
Nothing evil will be allowed to enter-- no one who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty-- but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Revelation 21: 22.23.27)
In Revelation 19:7-8 John speaks about the process of Christ-like transformation when he points out that the universal Body of Christ has prepared itself over the centuries as a bride for the messianic wedding feast. Then she will be with Jesus Messiah for ever:
"Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him [God]. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen. (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)" (Revelation 19:7-8)
In his letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (modern Turkey) the apostle Paul compares the consummation of love between bride groom and bride with Jesus Messiah and his people, the Body of Christ:
"After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24). This is a profound mystery-- but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:29-32)
In a final picture the apostle John depicts the bride of God’s Son as ‘priests’, ransomed by his blood from their rebellious and God-less way of life:
“... you [Jesus] were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
(Revelation 5: 9-10)
In this meditation we saw that God aims at preparing the universal Body of Christ for being with Jesus forever. That will be the eagerly anticipated ‘celebration of the wedding feast of the Lamb’ at the end of the ages!
Yet, how does the church’s preparation for that glorious, divine wedding celebration take place in everyday life?
That will be the theme of the next meditation.
The Bible verses Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 5:29-32 and Revelation 5:9-10 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
Friday, February 18, 2011
45. GOD’S MAJOR PROJECT: TRANSFORMING ME AND MY CHURCH INTO THE LIKENESS OF CHRIST ( a )
In the last meditation, we saw that we become children of God through ‘rebirth’ by God’s Spirit.
Today we want to pause to consider what are God’s further purposes for us after we have received his Spirit?
Actually, it is God’s plan to transform his reborn children into the likeness of Christ. We saw before, that Paul stresses this point in various letters:
To the Christians in Rome he writes: “God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29)
To the followers of Jesus in Corinth (Greece) he assures: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his [Jesus Christ’] likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
He reminds God’s reborn children in Ephesus (modern Turkey) that “we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Naturally, the apostle Paul interchanges the notion ‘Christlikeness’ and ‘God-likeness’ as Jesus Christ is the exact likeness of God: “They [those who don’t believe] don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Therefore, we read in his letter to the Ephesian Christians:
“You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-- righteous, holy, and true.”
(Ephesians 4:24)
To the followers of Jesus in Colosse (modern Turkey), Paul writes: “...(you) have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:10)
Actually, as God’s Spirit transforms me into the likeness of Christ, he restores my rebellious heart into the (Christlike) image of God. Did not Genesis 1:26-27 tell us that God made man originally in his likeness?
“Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness ... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:26-27)
The apostle Paul explains to the Christians in Corinth that God will fully restore ‘his image’ in us which was broken by the rebellion of Adam, the first man (see Genesis 3).
In his first letter to the followers of Jesus in Corinth, Paul points out that God will achieve that restoration by transforming us into the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ:
“...The first man [Adam] was of the dust of the earth, the second man [Jesus] from heaven.
As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth [mankind]; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven [God’s reborn children].
And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.”
(1 Corinthians 15:47-49)
As we have seen, that process of restoration into God’s or Christ’s likeness starts with our rebirth as God’s children on the day we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord (see meditations 26, 27, 30, 34-37 and 44).
Yet, when will that transformation into Christ-, or God-likeness, be completed?
The apostle John answers that question as he writes to the followers of Jesus: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he [Jesus Christ] appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
The apostle Paul says the same thing when he urges on God’s reborn children in Colosse: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
By now we realise that the Holy Spirit causes not only our rebirth, but also directs the transformation process into Christ-, or God-likeness during our walk on earth.
And as we just saw, the apostles John and Paul want us to know that this transformation process finds its completion when we will be with Christ forever.
Many questions remain to ponder in the coming meditations:
--- How does this transformation process take place?
--- Don’t all God’s reborn children have the option to sin as long as they live on this earth?
--- By sinning, don’t they obstruct the process of transformation into Christlikeness?
--- Does God’s transformation process only deal with his reborn children individually or does God also aim at transforming the entire local church [i.e. the local messianic community or the local Body of Christ] into the likeness of Christ?
We will reflect upon that last question next time.
The Bible verses 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:10, Genesis 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 15:47-49, 1 John 3:2, Colossians 3:1-4 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
For further study on Christ-, or God-likeness see meditations 13, 18, 29, 30, 34 and 37.
Today we want to pause to consider what are God’s further purposes for us after we have received his Spirit?
Actually, it is God’s plan to transform his reborn children into the likeness of Christ. We saw before, that Paul stresses this point in various letters:
To the Christians in Rome he writes: “God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29)
To the followers of Jesus in Corinth (Greece) he assures: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his [Jesus Christ’] likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
He reminds God’s reborn children in Ephesus (modern Turkey) that “we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Naturally, the apostle Paul interchanges the notion ‘Christlikeness’ and ‘God-likeness’ as Jesus Christ is the exact likeness of God: “They [those who don’t believe] don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Therefore, we read in his letter to the Ephesian Christians:
“You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-- righteous, holy, and true.”
(Ephesians 4:24)
To the followers of Jesus in Colosse (modern Turkey), Paul writes: “...(you) have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:10)
Actually, as God’s Spirit transforms me into the likeness of Christ, he restores my rebellious heart into the (Christlike) image of God. Did not Genesis 1:26-27 tell us that God made man originally in his likeness?
“Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness ... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:26-27)
The apostle Paul explains to the Christians in Corinth that God will fully restore ‘his image’ in us which was broken by the rebellion of Adam, the first man (see Genesis 3).
In his first letter to the followers of Jesus in Corinth, Paul points out that God will achieve that restoration by transforming us into the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ:
“...The first man [Adam] was of the dust of the earth, the second man [Jesus] from heaven.
As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth [mankind]; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven [God’s reborn children].
And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.”
(1 Corinthians 15:47-49)
As we have seen, that process of restoration into God’s or Christ’s likeness starts with our rebirth as God’s children on the day we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord (see meditations 26, 27, 30, 34-37 and 44).
Yet, when will that transformation into Christ-, or God-likeness, be completed?
The apostle John answers that question as he writes to the followers of Jesus: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he [Jesus Christ] appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
The apostle Paul says the same thing when he urges on God’s reborn children in Colosse: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
By now we realise that the Holy Spirit causes not only our rebirth, but also directs the transformation process into Christ-, or God-likeness during our walk on earth.
And as we just saw, the apostles John and Paul want us to know that this transformation process finds its completion when we will be with Christ forever.
Many questions remain to ponder in the coming meditations:
--- How does this transformation process take place?
--- Don’t all God’s reborn children have the option to sin as long as they live on this earth?
--- By sinning, don’t they obstruct the process of transformation into Christlikeness?
--- Does God’s transformation process only deal with his reborn children individually or does God also aim at transforming the entire local church [i.e. the local messianic community or the local Body of Christ] into the likeness of Christ?
We will reflect upon that last question next time.
The Bible verses 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:10, Genesis 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 15:47-49, 1 John 3:2, Colossians 3:1-4 are quotes of the New International Version. The other texts are quoted from the New Living Translation.
For further study on Christ-, or God-likeness see meditations 13, 18, 29, 30, 34 and 37.
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