Category Archives: GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Which counts the most—how you start or how you finish?

Which counts the most—how you start, or how you finish?

WHICH COUNTS THE MOST—HOW YOU START, OR HOW YOU FINISH?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:9-11).

In these verses, we see two saints—profitable and unfaithful, and unfaithful and profitable.

Second Timothy chapter 4 is Paul beginning to conclude his farewell epistle. Guilty of preaching an “illegal religion,” the aged Apostle awaits his beheading. Sitting in a cruel dungeon in Rome, he writes to Timothy one last time, urging the young man to come to the prison as quickly as possible. Why? Paul explains that “only Luke” remains with him. His other ministry companions are travelling, possibly visiting local grace assemblies on his behalf. In 2 Timothy 4:9-11, two contrasting names are set in bold relief.

First appearing in Paul and Barnabas’ apostolic ministry at the very end of Acts chapter 12, John Mark is Barnabas’ nephew (Colossians 4:10). He travels with Paul and Barnabas during their first apostolic journey (Acts chapters 13-14). By the start of their second apostolic journey, Barnabas wants to take John Mark with them but Paul refuses because John Mark had previously abandoned them around Acts 14:24. Barnabas and Paul, due to this momentous disagreement, go their separate ways at Acts 15:36-41.

Just over 10 years later, in Acts chapter 28, Demas appears in Paul’s ministry. Paul greets the Colossian believers on behalf of Demas (4:14). In Philemon 24, the companion epistle, Paul calls Demas a “fellow-labourer.” Most definitely, Demas was very useful to Paul’s ministry. Oh, but what a tragedy! A few years later, Paul writes 2 Timothy 4:10: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world….” Demas’ precise motives are unknown.

Friends, just think! The actions of John Mark and Demas are written down forever in God’s Word! John Mark, once unfaithful, returned to Paul’s ministry at the very end. Demas, once faithful, abandoned Paul’s ministry at the very end. Brethren, just think! Those you expect to stay with the truth, they may not! Those you expect to never embrace the truth, they just may!

Also see:
» How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?
» Once Christians fall into gross sin, will God use them again?
» Why do some Christians persistently behave like lost people?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, BIBLE VERSIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS, Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?, Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?, Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?, Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?, GOD, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING

Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN 1 TIMOTHY 3:16?

by Shawn Brasseaux

People have confused 1 Timothy 3:16 for many, many years—centuries, actually. Just what makes it so controversial? Read it to see why: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” What is this talking about? There has been so much discussion about it but very little light has been shed. In this Bible study, we purpose to make the truths of God’s Word as plain and simple as humanly possible concerning 1 Timothy 3:16. To the Scriptures!

I. FIRST TIMOTHY 3:16 AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

First Timothy 3:16 is one of the major problem verses in the modern English versions and their underlying manuscripts. Our King James Bible says, “God was manifest in the flesh….” Most modern English versions, however, have a general reading of “He” or “He who” or “Who” where our KJV has “God.” (With no Greek authority, some modern versions read “Christ!”) Why do modern English versions read differently here? The answer is two-fold.

The first and foremost factor is a textual issue. It is not that the new-version translators are unskilled in translating. The problem is they are translating a depraved (corrupt) Greek text. The King James Bible’s underlying Greek text, the Textus Receptus, reads “theos” (rendered “God”). However, the modern English version manuscripts, the Alexandrian text, read “os” (“which” or “who”—which is syntactical nonsense). Modern English versions that read “Christ” are interpreting the passage without manuscript support. The scribes/copyists of the modern-version Alexandrian manuscripts altered (probably intentionally) the correct Greek word, theos, into os. Notice how this extremely subtle change involved nothing more than dropping the first three letters (“the-”). With the omission of these few Greek letters, the Bible text was greatly damaged. (And these perverted manuscripts are heralded as “better” texts!!)

Secondly, there is a copyright issue. Modern English versions must read differently from each other in order to have their unique copyrights. Verses must be reworded if the text is to be considered distinct from other modern English versions. Modern English translators are forced to change the wording of 1 Timothy 3:16 so as to keep their respective works separate. This is why some versions have “He who,” others have “He,” some have “Who,” and others have “Christ.” The New King James Version, surprisingly, actually agrees with the King James Bible by retaining “God.”

People who do not like to recognize Jesus Christ’s deity prefer the reading of 1 Timothy 3:16 in the modern English versions. Only unbelievers and heretics would be comfortable with removing “God” and replacing it with “He,” “He who,” or “Who.” Now we understand why the Jehovah’s Witness New World Translation does not use the King James Bible Greek text! The Jehovah’s Witnesses see no problem calling Christ Jesus “He” or “He who” or “Who”—they just refuse to call Him “God!” (Anyone who dismisses this textual problem as “minor” has a heart problem. They do not have the sense to understand their Bible should not have mistakes in the first place!)

II. FIRST TIMOTHY 3:16, IN CONTEXT

Like so many, I once assumed 1 Timothy 3:16 referred to Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. Friend, this is probably how you have often heard this verse taught. If you read study Bible notes, commentaries, and listen to preachers and teachers, invariably, you will see they approach 1 Timothy 3:16 in this manner. However, if you look at the context, there is nothing about Christ’s earthly ministry. What is the context of 1 Timothy chapter 3? Or, better yet, what is the context of the whole book of 1 Timothy? The context of the epistle is the organization and administration of the local church assembly. Chapter 3 begins with the office of the bishop, then discusses the office of the deacon, and finally mentions the assembly (collectively).

Our first step in understanding 1 Timothy 3:16 is to read and believe the two previous verses: “[14] These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly. [15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” If you get nothing else out of this article, friend, please remember not to isolate verse 16 from verses 14 and 15!

What is “the house of God?” What is “the church of the living God?” Church tradition causes most people to say “the house of God” is a physical building. However, the Bible says God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24). Rather than speculating, we will let the Bible define for us this term “the house of God.”

Ephesians 2:19-22 says: “[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

We are the temple of the Holy Ghost, as 1 Corinthians chapter 6 says: “[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Also, 1 Corinthians chapter 3: “[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

According to the Bible text, the “house of God” of 1 Timothy 3:15 is individual Christians. It is also the local assembly of these Christians gathering in fellowship. We Christian believers, we are the house of God, the temple of God. Friend, do not let religion rob you of this truth by encouraging you to refer to some manmade structure today as “the house [or temple] of God!”

When we come to verse 16, we simply carry the thought over from verse 15 (most Bible readers fail to do this and thus misinterpret the verse). Verse 16 is still talking about the local group of Christians, or you could even say all of the Church the Body of Christ. If you look closely, the order of events of verse 16 does not match the order of Christ’s earthly life and ministry. However, that order of events perfectly matches our life and earthly ministry as members of the Body of Christ. We now dissect 1 Timothy 3:16: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

III. FIRST TIMOTHY 3:16, EXPOUNDED

A. “AND WITHOUT CONTROVERSY…”

“And.” Let me remind you again the opening “and” links verse 16 to verse 15. Verses 14 and 15 again: “[14] These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly. [15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. [16] And [a continuation of verse 15] without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Verse 16 continues the thought mentioned in verse 15. The truth 1 Timothy 3:16 sets forth concerns the Church the Body of Christ of verse 15!

“Without controversy.” The Apostle Paul will reveal, profess, and proclaim, what is undoubtedly one of the most awesome teachings in the whole Bible. (Although, as we already pointed out, this verse has been highly “controversial” because people refuse to believe it as it exists in the proper Greek and English Bible texts! Regardless of their great efforts to deface the Word of God, these people cannot change what the original Bible says.)

B. “GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH…”

Any Bible student knows that Jesus Christ being God was no mystery (secret). Various “Old Testament” prophetic verses all predicted—hundreds of years in advance—that Messiah would be God in human flesh. We will briefly survey some examples.

Isaiah 9:6-7, written 700 B.C.: “[6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Messiah holds the titles of “The Mighty God” and “The Everlasting Father.” Could Messiah’s equality with Father God be any clearer?)

Isaiah 35:4, written 700 B.C.: “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” (In light of verses 5-6, this is a reference to Messiah’s earthly ministry. Messiah is called “God” here.)

Micah 5:2, written 750 B.C.: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (This is a verse about Messiah Jesus, according to Matthew 2:4-6. Micah 5:2 is perverted in modern in English versions, with “everlasting” [a reference to Messiah’s deity] is changed to “ancient times.”)

Malachi 3:1, written 400 B.C.: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” (The “me” here is JEHOVAH, and really it is Jesus Christ whom John the Baptist preceded—see Mark 1:1-3. Mark 1:2 is perverted in modern English versions.)

The above verses indicate Messiah’s deity was not a secret. BUT, 1 Timothy 3:16 says “God manifest in human flesh” WAS a secret. “And without controversy great is the mystery [secret] of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh….” In other words, God being manifested in the flesh in this verse, the truth of 1 Timothy 3:16, was hidden from the “Old Testament” prophets. There is only one logical conclusion—1 Timothy 3:16 discusses something other than Messiah Jesus’ earthly ministry. Perhaps this startles you, but rest assured, it will become clearer as we progress. What type of fleshly manifestation of God is Paul mentioning here? (Hint: Recall the theme of the chapter, or the theme of the book!) “God manifest in human flesh” is a description of us, the Church the Body of Christ! We, corporately, are “godliness” (“God-likeness”). After all, it is God’s life in us! This is the “mystery of godliness.”

Second Corinthians chapter 4: “[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” In the lives of Christians, the “life of Jesus” is manifested for all to see! By the working of the Holy Spirit who indwells us, the life of Jesus Christ (who is God manifested in human flesh) is revealed, or made known, in our lives. The Holy Spirit produces the life of Jesus Christ in the lives of the members of the Church the Body of Christ.

Galatians 2:20 tells us: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” And, Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Finally, Colossians 3:4: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Recall that the group of believers we know of as the Church the Body of Christ was kept secret from the “Old Testament” prophets. God manifesting His life in and through a group of believing Jews and Gentiles in one Body of Christ, that was most definitely a secret (mystery) not revealed until Paul’s apostleship and ministry. Read about “the mystery of [the Body of] Christ” in Ephesians 3:1-9. We do not learn this secret until the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon.

We let the Holy Spirit tell us in Ephesians chapter 9: “[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) [5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; [6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: [7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ….”

C. “JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT…”

“Justified in the Spirit” would make no sense referring to Jesus Christ. He needed no justification because He was God. Remember, the context is the Body of Christ.

We are justified, declared righteous in God’s sight, by the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary (Romans 3:25-26). The moment we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit puts us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). We thus share Christ’s identity, His righteousness. We are surrounded by the power of the Holy Spirit because He makes Christ’s life real in our lives. Romans 8:9 says: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rather than being “in the flesh,” we are “in the Spirit.” That means the Spirit of God lives in us—remember, we are His “temple.” That is our identity. He has applied the righteous nature of Jesus Christ to our account, in contrast to the sin nature we have in Adam. That new nature in Christ produces God’s life, enabling God’s life to be manifested in ours. Again, “God manifest in the flesh.”

Galatians 3:3: “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” And, Galatians 5:16: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:25 also: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” We can also look at Colossians 1:8: “Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.” Again, “in the Spirit” is our position, and when we walk in that sanctified position, God’s life is manifested (practical, daily living). God’s life is not manifested in our lives when we walk in our resources, our own strength (legalism instead of grace living). When we walk apart from our identity in Christ, sin will dominate our lives.

D. “SEEN OF ANGELS…”

While angels watched Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry, this is not a reference to His earthly ministry because, as we have said already, the context does not support it. Remember, angels watch us as well. First Corinthians 4:9: “For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” And, 1 Corinthians 11:10: “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” Also, Ephesians 3:10: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,” Finally, 1 Timothy 5:21: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”

When we realize that angels are watching us in our daily activities, then that will surely change our behavior. Think of the millions of angels above observing us down here. Are they seeing the life of God in human flesh on display in our lives? Are they witnessing the grace of God transforming lives? Or, are they seeing sinful people misbehaving while also claiming to value and follow God’s Word? Something to think about, my friend, something major to think about!

E. “PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES…”

The message of “God manifest in the flesh” (the Body of Christ) being preached to Gentiles would certainly not be true until we come to the Apostle Paul’s ministry. If you are familiar with the Bible rightly divided, then you know Paul’s ministry was to Gentiles, all the nations, not just to Israel.

Paul wrote in Romans 11:13: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office….” Also, the ascended Jesus Christ told Paul in Acts 26:17-18: “[17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” And, Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:5-7: “[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

We can also refer to Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men….” “All men” is a reference to Paul preaching to all nations. Also, the Holy Spirit led Paul to write in Romans 15:15-16: “[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, [16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Another reference is Ephesians 3:9: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ….” Finally, Paul penned in 2 Timothy 4:17: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

In stark contrast to Paul’s ministry, Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was not to Gentiles—it was only to Jews. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said to the 12 apostles in Matthew 10:5-7, for example: “[5] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He told a Gentile woman in Matthew 15:24: “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” And, we can also look at John 4:22: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” Finally, Romans 15:8 affirms: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision [Israel] for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers….”

F. “BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD…”

Again, this would not be true of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. “God manifest in the flesh” (the Body of Christ) was not believed on in the world until Jesus Christ was preached “in the world.” As briefly noted earlier, Paul’s ministry goal was to reach “all nations.” Romans 1:5 highlights his ministry: “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” And, Romans 16:26 serves as confirmation: “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

The Holy Spirit led Paul to write in Colossians, chapter 1: “[4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, [5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; [6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth….” Not only was Paul, through the power of the Holy Spirit, preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God to “all the world,” that Gospel message was “bring[ing] forth fruit” in all the world. That is, people believed it, trusted it, and thus gained a hope in heaven because of Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork.

G. “RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY…”

While commonly assumed to be a reference to Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven in Acts chapter 1, this is actually in reference to the Rapture, when the Church the Body of Christ finishes its earthly tasks (previous clauses of the verse) and is taken into heaven to serve Father God there. You may read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Ephesians 2:6-7, Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, et cetera). The life that God manifested in our mortal flesh here on earth will be brought to fruition in the heavenly places. His life, as lived on earth through us, will be put on display throughout the universe through us.

Unfortunately, time and space do not permit us to quote and expound Romans 8:18-25, Ephesians 1:20-23, 1 Corinthians 15:34-58, Colossians 3:1-4, and 2 Timothy 2:10-13. These are some of the main passages that highlight God using us (the Church the Body of Christ) in the ages to come to reflect His life in the heavenly places. Please read and study them on your own time. They will help you immensely in answering the question concerning what we will do in heaven for eternity.

IV. CONCLUSION

Some believe that 1 Timothy 3:16 was an “early Christian hymn.” This speculation does not concern us. What concerns us is that we properly identify the person or people in the verse. It is not the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ Himself. Rather, it applies to the earthly ministry of the Body of Christ.

Christ ascended, then He was preached unto Gentiles, and then He was believed on in the world. First Timothy 3:16 has that order reversed—preaching unto Gentiles, believing on in the world, and then ascending into heaven. Could it be clearer, dear friends? The verse is describing the life of the Body of Christ (today’s program) and not Jesus Christ in the books of Matthew through John. The context of 1 Timothy chapter 3, the theme of 1 Timothy itself, and verses 14 and 15—they all demand 1 Timothy 3:16 apply to the Church the Body of Christ. First Timothy 3:16 is a succinct summary of everything about the Body of Christ, from its earthly formation to its heavenly destiny.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Also see:
» Why do some Christians persistently behave like lost people?
» Is grace a “license to sin?”
» Are all Christians “ambassadors,” or just Paul and his ministry companions?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Why are there Christians who persistently live like lost people?

Why are there Christians who persistently live like lost people?

WHY ARE THERE CHRISTIANS WHO PERSISTENTLY LIVE LIKE LOST PEOPLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“How can a person who claims to be saved live a lifestyle that is against God’s teaching and call himself saved? I mean, there are Scriptures that you have mentioned and others that I have read that show how a righteous person should live. Despite the fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, doesn’t give people the right to live any way they choose.”

Thank you for bringing these points to our attention. We can all learn some valuable insight concerning “loose living” in the lives of Christians. Unquestionably, there is much inconsistent living among many Christians—some more so than others, but inconsistent living nonetheless. We talk about “grace,” but we are not always gracious. We speak of “holiness,” but we do not always separate ourselves unto God’s Word and will. We talk about “Jesus Christ,” but we often exhibit the actions of Adam. We speak of “truth,” but we often behave according to error. The world has seen the lives of many so-called “Christians” and scoffs, “Look at all those hypocrites in the church! I want no part of that ‘Jesus Christ’ they serve!” A dear friend in the ministry once expressed it this way: “The Devil does not have to bash the name of Jesus Christ—‘Christians’ do that already!” Beloved, it is a sad commentary indeed. We need to turn to the Scriptures and let God’s Word enable us to correct our thinking and modify our behavior.

SAVED UNTO GOOD WORKS, NOT SAVED TO CONTINUE IN SIN

Years ago, a Bible commentator quoted some anonymous person: “I looked for the church, and found it in the world; I looked for the world, and found it in the church!” If that was true a half-century ago, how much more today?

Whenever there is “loose living” any professing Christian’s life, one of two things is always true: (1) he or she has never understood that he or she was saved unto good works, or (2) he or she has forgotten that he or she was saved unto good works.

Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us: “[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” He or she needs to study the Bible to learn about the Christian life God gave him or her in Christ. Titus 2:13-14 says, “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Certainly, we Christians should have good works. We should be passionate about good works. Our new nature in Christ produces good works if we let it. See Philippians 1:9-11. All three chapters of the book of Titus talk about Christian good works. But, and it is sad to say it again, some Christians do not have a life of good works. They are saved and on their way to heaven, no doubt about it, but you would never know it by looking at their lifestyles. Just look at the Corinthians! I know many Christians like that. I am sure that you do, too. They parade their sin for all the world to see. They post graphic pictures, foul language, and obscene jokes on social media for everyone to behold their “Christian” testimony. They have a free will, and they have chosen not to access their Christian identity by faith. Paul preached to the Corinthians for 18 months, and did they appropriate that doctrine by faith? Most of them did not! The professing “church” today is just as guilty of carelessness, of “loose living.” We need not wonder why lost people do not want to hear what we have to say about Jesus Christ and His Word.

1. WORLDLY LIVING EASIER THAN CHRISTIAN LIVING.

It is much, much, much easier to walk in the default position—to be fleshly, to sin, to walk in the nature we inherited from Adam. To walk in the Spirit is only accomplished once we study and believe Bible verses, and many Christians just find Bible study too burdensome, too inconvenient, and/or too confusing. They are too busy for God. They do not study the Bible, and thus, they have no verses to guide them. If they do study the Bible, they cannot understand what they read, and so it is as if they had no Bible at all. Dispensational Bible study will greatly help these people make sense of the Bible. It will cause them to see that Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, are God’s complete will for them. The answer is not religion. The answer is grace! Grace! GRACE!

Christians who live like the world, they have compromised. They will not jeopardize their social life for Jesus Christ. They want to spare themselves the ridicule for being an “odd Christian.” So, to please men, they serve men instead of serving Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:10). John 12:42-43 says this is nothing new: “[42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” Our goal as dispensational Bible believers is not to have men’s approval, but “God’s approval” (2 Timothy 2:15). After all, we are to seek the approval of the Person whose opinion alone counts forever.

Other times, Christians know certain activities are wrong, and they do them anyway. This is not ignorance. This is just willful disobedience. It is deliberate sin. Even as Christians, we lie, cheat, use foul language, feel pride, envy, lust, et cetera. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul admonished the Thessalonians, “Quench not the Spirit.” To “quench” is defined as “to put out or extinguish” or “to subdue or destroy; overcome; quell.” The Holy Spirit has a firm desire to work in His people, but He will not force Himself on them if they want to live in their own resources and do their own thing. They will be miserable Christians, I can assure you, but they will still be Christians, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, not saved by their performance. Although going to heaven, they will have no joy of the Holy Ghost in believing, because they have not believed the grace doctrines that produce joy and peace (Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22).

Personally, I know “grace believers” who consistently live worse than denominational people. They are such a hindrance to God’s ministry and such a poor exhibition of God’s grace. I am talking about some pastors and common grace people. They live as though grace is a license to sin (giving our critics ample “ammunition”). They act like children when they should be thinking like full-grown (adult) Christians! See, some Christians will quench the Spirit more than other Christians. But, whether a little or a lot, we should not be hindering the Holy Spirit from working in our lives. To stop the Holy Spirit from living Jesus Christ’s life in and through us, is for us to live completely contrary to the eternal life that we have been given in Jesus Christ.

Mature Christians will not continually quench the Holy Spirit. Those who have a solid footing in the Holy Scriptures rightly divided, they will not constantly quench Him. Yes, we all make mistakes, and we all sin. But, to persistently live a “gutter lifestyle” is not what a Christian should be doing. Christians who do not have a firm understanding of God’s Word to them, they will not have God’s power in their lives, and so they will not have stability in their inner man. Again, if there are no sound Bible verses, there will be no godly living and no righteous living. If they are being educated in the world (college, television, internet, workplace, denominational churches, et cetera), and not educated in the Holy Bible rightly divided, they have not got a prayer of victorious Christian living. I know because I experienced it myself in my own Christian life. Perhaps you have had your own experiences with these things.

2. BIBLE IGNORANCE MAKES THE CHRISTIAN LIFE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Sometimes, Christians just need to be taught that certain activities are wrong. They are not always aware of what is Christian behavior and what is not. I have dealt with people like that as well. Maybe they had poor role models who claimed to be Christians, and they are simply behaving in a way that they think is “Christian-like.” I have dealt with people like that also. How can these dear people save themselves from such bad thinking? They need to go read and believe Romans chapter 12, Ephesians chapter 4, and Colossians chapter 3. Much wisdom can be found in these chapters. They can also read the two books of Thessalonians. The Thessalonian saints were model and mature Christians—although they were not sinless, remember!

Once, a Christian man emailed me to express his utter confusion and spiritual fatigue. He had been so “beaten up spiritually” in local churches that he did not know what to believe anymore. The preachers would always rant and rave against sin but they would never tell their congregations how to do right. They wanted their people to quit sinning but they never told their people how to do it. They placed more emphasis on what those people were doing than on what Jesus Christ did to do away with their sin. No wonder Christians are so depressed and defeated today! They are too focused on garbage teaching than on grace teaching!

God gave the ministry of pastors and teachers to help Christians grow in their knowledge of His Word (Ephesians 4:11-14). Church leaders and common Christians are to “teach every man in all wisdom” (Colossians 1:28). Colossians 2:6-7 says that our Christian life will function properly only if we are “taught.” These precious Christian souls who live like the world, they have to be taught what the Bible says about Christian living specificities. Oftentimes, people are not being taught Christian doctrine in churches today. They are being entertained, they are singing and dancing, they are learning denominational clichés and creeds, they are reading “Christian bestsellers,” but they are not hearing, studying, and believing the Holy Bible. Unless they know the Bible, the Holy Spirit will not be able to work in them. He needs verses to work in Christians.

Faith will only come once we hear or read God’s Word (Romans 10:17), so if we are not reading or hearing God’s Word, there can be no faith, and without faith, the Word of God cannot work in us. 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

3. USING THE BIBLE NON-DISPENSATIONALLY DESTROYS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

Romans chapter 7 discusses how whenever Paul would attempt to live the Christian life in his own strength and resources—that is, laboring under the demands of the Mosaic Law system—he would fail miserably. Many Christians do not know the Word of God’s grace, they do not know God’s Word rightly divided, and so they place themselves under the law system. They use the Bible but they do not rightly divide the Bible. They use God’s Word to destroy themselves. They make shipwreck of their Christian lives. Satan could not be happier. They do not know that God’s grace teaches us how to live today. Too many Christians today are trying to make themselves holy. They are using the Bible—the Law system—to walk contrary to the doctrine that God speaks to us today in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. Oh, what a travesty!

They are not walking by faith in their identity in Christ. We are already holy in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:31). The key to overcoming sin is Jesus Christ, not us. We died to sin by virtue of Calvary. Romans chapter 6 covers that topic extensively. If you want to live a life of defeat and misery, we should follow chapter 7. Romans chapter 7 is the result of not following chapter 6 by faith. Chapter 8 is the result of following chapter 6 by faith.

We will read Romans chapter 8, the first 15 verses, here: “[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. [12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

In verses 5-9, Romans chapter 8 talks about two types of Christians—those who are carnal and those who are spiritual. Take the Christians who are “carnally minded.” These are the Corinthians—people who were “carnal,” fleshly, worldly (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). If we are “carnally minded” we will have functionally dead Christian lives. In other words, we will live like the Devil and act like the lost world! On the other hand, Christians who are “spiritually minded” will have lives that agree with sound Bible doctrine. These are the Thessalonians. This is the life of Jesus Christ manifested for all to see! This is the grace life described in the Apostle Paul’s epistles! This is the victory over sin that God gives us through Jesus Christ! This is Christian living!

These verses present the two diametrically opposed lives from which we Christians can choose—live like the world or let Jesus Christ live in and through us. We can let the Holy Spirit teach us His Word and then walk by faith in an intelligent understanding of that Word, or we can just walk in our flesh and resources and get literally nowhere in the Christian life. People who are living in their own strength—whether saved or lost—cannot please God. Our flesh, even as saved people, can offer nothing to God. We are spiritually weak. But, the Holy Spirit activates the Word of God in our lives when we believe the Word of God rightly divided. The Holy Ghost makes the life of Jesus Christ become a reality in our lives.

FREE TO CHOOSE—RIGHTEOUS LIVING AND SINFUL LIVING

The Bible talks about two types of Christians in 2 Timothy 2:20-26—those who are “vessels to honour” and “vessels to dishonour.” Some Christians’ lives bring honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Other Christians’ lives bring utter shame to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was like that in Paul’s day 2,000 years ago, and it is true even today. Some people just want to “oppose themselves”—they prefer to live contrary to who they really are. They do not act in accordance with their Christian identity. Again, that does not make it right, but that is how it is. God has given them (and us) liberty to choose right and wrong. Grace is not obligatory or mandatory. It is a “free gift,” with no strings attached (Romans 3:24; Romans 5:15-18). We should take the gift and appreciate it. But, again, we are not required.

Because we are under grace, God does not force us to behave right. The Law of Moses, however, that was a strict system—“Do good or you will be punished!” Just look at Deuteronomy chapter 28 and Leviticus chapter 26. It was during this type of system that Jesus emphasized good works to Israel. The same is true with James chapter 2. Often, I think there is a lot of “loose living” even in the religious world because people are struggling under some law system. They keep striving to stop sin in their own strength and their flesh is just too weak. According to Romans 6:14-15, sin will dominate our lives when we make our performance the issue: “[14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” People struggling in their power to control sin need the power of Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork in their lives! Our answers are not found in Israel’s program or Israel’s law system. Our answers are found in our program, Romans through Philemon. We need to be led by the Spirit of God as He teaches us the doctrines of God’s grace.

Again, today, in the Dispensation of Grace, as members of the Church the Body of Christ, we are under grace not law. The choice is ours—walk in our Christian identity or walk as though we were still in Adam. God did not make Adam and Eve as robots, and we are not robots. We can tell the Holy Spirit “no” and refuse to let Him work in us. The Corinthians and the Galatians were doing this. The Thessalonians, however, were model examples of Christian living, and Paul encourage them to continue in their godly testimonies (see 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). He did not want them to slide away from the truth and hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He wanted them to remain with the doctrines of grace. We can learn much about Christian living today by comparing and contrasting the Thessalonians (grace-oriented), the Galatians (law-oriented), and the Corinthians (man-oriented).

CONCLUSION

Grace does not force us to serve Father God. We should serve Him out of a grateful heart, yes, so if a Christian does not have a life filled with the works of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, that person is not really grateful to God. He or she has not studied His Word to learn about Christian living, and he or she does not know what Christian living is all about. Or, he or she does know what Christian living is all about, and is simply living in open rebellion against God’s Word. This may be done to please others. Religion, and/or the Bible non-rightly divided (Law of Moses), can be used to give people a false hope that they can manage their sins. Dispensational Bible study is the key to saving yourself from spiritual ruin concerning daily living.

If we know of any Christians, especially family members or friends, who fit this description of “loose living,” we need to approach them in meekness and love and warn them of the damage they are doing to their Christian testimony. We should certainly not look down on these people, for those who think they stand will fall eventually. Galatians 6:1 says we need to approach these wayward brothers or sisters in Christ in meekness and love. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Try to be as gentle with them as possible. If the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ means anything to them, they will think about what they are doing and make the changes they need to make. If they argue with you, and refuse to reform, the Bible says we should not have social relations with them (see 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15).

Years ago, I remember one Christian emailing me to tell me he was confused by professing Christians who lived like they were not Christians at all. Dear friends, just imagine how lost people see it—they are even more confused. We cannot read their hearts, but it is very possible that those “Christians” may not even be saved. They may be merely “nominal Christians,” in name only! Or, maybe they are saved and have not grown in God’s Word rightly divided. There can be many reasons why professing Christians act like lost people. It can be a lack of teaching, or a lack of faith in sound Bible doctrine. It can be willful rebellion or just people who have been taught wrongly about how Christians should live. It may be using parts of the Bible (Moses) that are not written specifically to or about us.

Regardless of the cause, that loose lifestyle makes our Christian testimony so ineffective. That is why people call us hypocrites, and that makes the name of Jesus Christ extremely reproachful. That is one reason why lost people do not want to hear from Christians. Look at the Corinthians. One believer in Corinth was having a sexual relationship with his father’s wife! According to 1 Corinthians 5:1, not even the lost (pagan) Gentiles were guilty of that!!! The Corinthians sued one another over minor matters (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). They fought with each other like animals (1 Corinthians 3:3). The Corinthians’ problem was that they were “carnal” and “babes” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They never let God’s Word transform them. They were so spiritually immature, they acted so devilish/fleshly, and yet they were saved! Shocked?! Sure, we should be.

So, for those who are saved and who act worldly/lost, it could be one of two reasons: (1) they are not hearing any sound Bible doctrine where they go to church—which describes most of them, or (2) if they are hearing any sound doctrine, they are not allowing it to change them. Sometimes, a believer’s heart can grow callous, hardened to change. That is the quenching of the Holy Spirit. God allows that person to exercise free will, so He lets them remain in their rebellious state because they want to stay like that. Second Timothy 2:25-26 talks about Christians (and even lost people) “taken captive by the devil at his will.”

ATTENTION: The 2016 Slidell Grace Bible Conference will be held December 2-4, just north of New Orleans. Guest speakers are: Richard Jordan, John Smith, and I (Shawn Brasseaux). We would love to have you in attendance! Please see this flyer for more info: https://arcministries.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/2016-slidell-gbc.pdf.

Also see:
» Is grace a license to sin?
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?
» What advice can be given to homosexual Christians?

Can you explain 1 Corinthians chapter 8?, Can you explain 1 Corinthians chapter 8?, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST

Can you explain 1 Corinthians chapter 8?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 8?

by Shawn Brasseaux

I would be glad to do so, my friend! Before proceeding to exposition, we will read the chapter in its entirety. (Do not worry. It is but 13 verses!)

“[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. [2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. [3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him. [4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. [5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

“[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. [8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. [9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; [11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

Chapter 8 opens a section of the Book of 1 Corinthians that deals with Christians associating with pagan idolatry and false religion. That section ends with the last verse of chapter 11. Friend, in your own personal study, you may read, as one unit, chapters 8-11 of 1 Corinthians, in order to get the full impact of what we will soon discuss. (You may also refer to our study linked at the end of this article, concerning the Lord’s Supper—chapters 10 and 11). With that said, we will study and explain 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verse-by-verse.

Verse 1: “[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.”

Regarding things offered to idols, the Apostle Paul expected the Corinthians to have some knowledge. After all, he had been with them for 18 months, teaching them the Word of God (Acts 18:11). Furthermore, Romans chapter 14 had already dealt with how to handle matters involving the special diets of other Christians. The Corinthians should have had a grasp of the basic doctrine of Romans, but, as we will see, they did not. There was head knowledge but not heart faith! Notice the statement, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” Being aware of a lot of information can often lead to pride (“puffeth up” is “inflateth like a balloon”). It is not uncommon to find in various realms—sadly, even in “Christian” circles—people bragging about how much they know. They have been educated here, they have received advanced degrees from there, and so on. Without charity, the knowledge a person has will not benefit others. A lack of charity often means knowledge will be used to damage others.

Charity was greatly lacking in the Corinthian assembly—see chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians. The word charity means, “love in action.” Love is the attitude while charity is the behavior that the attitude of love produces. Charity is seeking another person’s benefit—charity is the opposite of selfishness. The Corinthians had learned a lot of doctrine from Paul, but they had not applied it to life by faith and were still not applying it to life by faith. In fact, not only was this destroying their own Christian lives, but all the other Christians’ lives around them. Since charity was absent, none of the Christians impacted were being “edified” (built up). Let us continue reading and expounding the chapter to see this fleshed out.

Verse 2: “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”

This is a reference back to verse 1 about “knowledge puffeth up.” Someone who feels superior to others simply because of his knowledge, he does not really know what he needs to know. In other words, he is not as knowledgeable as he estimates. With that knowledge, he should also know he should have charity. Charity ensures he will use his knowledge to edify his brethren instead of using that knowledge to destroy their edification process. Again, a lack of charity often means knowledge will be used to damage others. Never forget that, my friend!

Verse 3: “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

While commonly assumed to be referring to God knowing the man who loves Him, verse 4 causes me to conclude the pronoun “him” refers to the man rather than to God. That is, instead of reading the verse as “if any man love God, the same [man] is known of him [God],” read it as “if any man love God, the same [God] is known of him [the man who loves God].” A man who loves God will know of God. In other words, the man who loves God is going to know God is not some dead idol. A man who knows God knows God is living. As verse 4 says, “…we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”

Verse 4: “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”

During heathen festivals and other religious ceremonies, the pagan priests offered portions of animal sacrifices to the idols. Was it okay for Christians to eat that food offered to idols? The Corinthians had divided opinions. Thus, they asked Paul about it, prompting him to write this present chapter (see 1 Corinthians 8:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Corinthians 16:1).

One Bible commentator provides some insight into the culture of the day: “The difficulty concerning idols, and sacrifices offered to idols, was twofold: First, to take any part in social life in the city of Corinth necessarily involved eating in public, in what was known as ‘common meals.’ These feasts were usually held in the temple, and on occasions it was a gala feast with more ceremony, which related to the worship of a pagan god. In the second place, a great percentage of the meat sold in the marketplace had been offered to idols. Thus, two difficulties arose for believers.”

Let us read verse 4 again: “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.” The idol is powerless to contaminate the food. There is nothing wrong with the food. It is just ordinary food. It is neither magical nor special. Had it been offered to the one true God, it would have been special—recall the sacrifices to JEHOVAH God in the Book of Leviticus, for example. Since the idols were dead and incapable of affecting anything, the foods were still regular foods. In the mind of a mature Christian, in God’s mind, there is nothing wrong with that food. It will not defile us. We will not go to hell for eating it. That food will not instill evil within us. Consuming that food is not equivalent to worshipping the idol to which it had been offered.

Verses 5-6: “[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

These two verses are explanatory information for verse 4. In this world of thousands of various religions, tens of thousands of denominations, there are numerous deities. Those deities are all worshipped in their respective groups as though they were legitimate supreme beings. People of the world religions believe in countless gods. However, we Christian believers know there is really one God. He is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, not those idols of world religions, is the source of all things. They are not Him and He is not them!

Acts 17:24-29 is Paul’s sermon to idol worshippers at Athens: “[24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; [26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. [29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” We are to live for His glory and seek His will; we are not to be allegiant to false gods and goddesses.

As they believe in various gods, so the people of the world religions believe in various lords (masters). However, we Christian believers know there is really one Lord. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. By Him, God the Father created all things. Ephesians 3:9 says in our King James Bible: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been in hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” (That phrase “by Jesus Christ” is omitted from modern English versions!) And, Hebrews 1:1-2 affirms: “God… Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom [His Son] also he made the worlds….” Our focus should be on Father God (the one God), and His Son Jesus Christ (the one Lord). We should not be sidetracked by Satan’s counterfeits (many gods and many lords). Ephesians 4:4-6 tells us: “[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Verse 7: “Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.”

This is in stark contrast to the first six verses. While we understand the difference between a powerless idol and the one true God, while we should understand the difference between a helpless idol and the living God, some believers do not yet have that knowledge. They are eating things offered to idols without knowing that the idols have not defiled the food. They eat the food as a thing offered unto an idol. In their minds, eating the food offered is the same as worshiping the idol itself. Consequently, their weak conscience is defiled. The meat did not defile them; the eating without faith defiled them. As Romans 14:23 says: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Let us talk a little about the conscience. The “conscience” is our personal system of standards and norms that define our individual behavior. We use our conscience to evaluate what is “acceptable” in our eyes and what is “unacceptable” in our eyes. Someone who thinks the food is contaminated by idols, someone who thinks eating the food is the very act of idol worship, and they eat the food, they are going against their conscience. Sound Bible doctrine has not yet given them a strong conscience. They have not reached the point of spiritual maturity as the Christians who think according to verses 1-6. These weaker brethren still believe those idols have power to defile the food, and that the food defiles them spiritually if they consume it. The Bible says their conscience is damaged or “wounded” (verse 12). So, the natural question is, “If someone believes that food is contaminated by a false religious system, why is he or she eating that food in the first place?” The answer will be provided in verses 9-13. We will look at those verses shortly.

Verse 8: “But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.”

Paul wrote this verse for the benefit of the weaker brethren, those who have a weak conscience and lack the spiritual knowledge of the opening six verses. Father God accepts us on the basis of faith in Christ. “We are accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). God does not accept us on the basis of whether or not we eat food offered to idols. The weaker Christian thinks this way because he has not yet come to a firm understanding of sound Bible doctrine. A Christian with a weak conscience will assume he should avoid the food, lest God reject him for being “defiled,” “idolatrous,” or “unclean.” Weaker Christians should come to see the matter the way God sees it and the way mature Christians see it. “But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.” “Commendeth” means, “set forth for approval.” God does not think less of Christians who eat meat offered to idols. He does not think more of Christians who refrain from eating such meat. God is looking for a right heart attitude. Was it done by faith in His Word, or without faith and under peer pressure? Father God is looking for faith and not doubt. Romans 14:23: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Verse 9: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”

Notice, this is a warning given to Christians who have knowledge about idols being nothing in the world and things offered to idols not being contaminated. While verse 8 is true (“But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.”), the weaker brother has yet to grasp it. Consequently, the stronger brother is to take heed, beware, that he uses his knowledge charitably (verse 1). The stronger brother is aware of his liberty to eat things offered to idols without being polluted internally. He knows eating the meat offered to idols is separate and distinct from worshipping the idol. The idols are nothing; the food is still edible, unaffected. However, if he does not use his freedom wisely, he will become a stumblingblock to his weaker brother. The stronger brother is to live in order to edify others (particularly weaker Christians). Instead of tearing them down, he is to build them up spiritually. If the stronger brother does not act charitably, exercising knowledge in a way that will benefit those around him, the weaker brethren will stumble. The stronger brother, although claiming to know so much, although having such a high opinion of himself concerning knowledge of things offered to idols, had no idea how much damage he would inflict upon his weaker Christian brother for behaving foolishly concerning things offered to idols (verse 2). This will be explained in the next few verses.

Verses 10-11: “[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; [11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?”

Verse 10 is an explanation of verse 9, although verse 10 here is a unique case involving a pagan temple. Heathen feasts were held in the idol’s temple, and stronger Christians believed they could eat the meat being offered. This could be disadvantageous. If a weak Christian saw the stronger Christian eating food in the idol’s temple, the weaker brother would be “emboldened” (encouraged, pressured) into eating things offered to idols. Again, it would be a breach of conscience (verse 7). Thus, we see the people in verse 7, those eating things offered to idols even though they thought that food defiled them, they are eating because of peer pressure. The stronger brethren have not exercised charity!!! They have not edified the weaker brethren. Through the knowledge of the stronger brother, the weaker brother perished. “Perish” here does not mean to die physically, or to lose soul salvation and go to hell. It means the weaker Christian’s life will die—it will cease to function properly. His edification process has been interrupted, and may never resume! Hence, the Bible says be careful how you use your Christian liberty!

Friends, we would do well to pause here and remind our brethren in Christ never to use their liberty for an occasion to the flesh. The Bible says in Galatians 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Although God’s Word exhorts us to “serve one another,” to “[look] every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4), this is often not done. With a heavy heart, I write this. There is far, FAR, too much selfish living among Christians today. Some preachers have stood behind pulpits in church buildings, wearing T-shirts that advertise bars and nightclubs!! Christians, even so-called “ministers,” use vulgar language on social media!! They do not think twice about posting indecent pictures on the internet for all to see and share!! (If you comment against it, they will say YOU are the one with the problem!!!) Cain’s egocentric question is echoed, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).

We read 1 Corinthians 8:11 again: “And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?” Christ died for the stronger brother and weaker brother alike. He does not think less of the weaker brother and He does not think more of the stronger brother. However, if the stronger brother behaves uncharitably toward the weaker brother, the stronger brother thinks less of the weaker brother. That stronger brother did not simply mistreat some stranger, but another member of God’s family! Verse 12 goes into greater detail about this.

Verse 12: “But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.”

Dear brethren, if our Christian lives are not filled with charity, then we will sin against our brothers and sisters in Christ (go back to our opening comments about verse 1!!). We will wound their weak conscience. We will sin against Jesus Christ Himself! Think about it. Whatever you do to your weaker brother in Christ, friend, that is what you would do to Jesus Himself if He stood before you!

Verse 13: “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

This knowledge is lacking in the brother mentioned in verse 2. Paul is a mature believer who is going to make personal application in his own life (and on into chapter 9). In light of the potential damage to other Christians in verses 7-12, especially verse 12, Paul said, if it caused a brother to stumble, he would not eat another bite of that meat offered to idols. As long as this world system was operating, the Apostle would always carefully use his liberty in Christ. Paul did not want to sin against his brethren. He did not want to wound their weak conscience. He did not want to sin against Christ. If only more believers had the mindset of verse 13. Many a stumbled Christians would have not stumbled! Many a Christians who tossed out the Bible and went back into the world, would have stayed in God’s Word! Unfortunately, the Christians around them lived loosely and selfishly. Some of their brethren paid for it dearly!

IS THIS CHAPTER REALLY APPLICABLE TO US TODAY?

Eating meat offered to idols is not a very common practice today as it was in the New Testament times. Still, it does happen. For example, even here in the United States of America, with whole neighborhoods guided by world religions, eating meat offered to idols is possible. The application of 1 Corinthians chapter 8 goes beyond the issue of idols and food offered to them. It can apply to any behavior in life. Brother or sister in Christ, it is extremely problematic if you start living at the expense of other Christians. If you are under the impression that God’s forgiveness entitles you to do anything and everything you want, then you do not know what you ought to know. Knowledge without charity is spiritually dangerous. How many poor Christians have stumbled in their lives because other Christians around them pressured them into doing things they were not comfortable in doing? Sad! How many dear Christians have completely tossed out the Bible because other Christians around them habitually lived in open and gross sin? Again, how sad!

We close by citing two self-explanatory, supplemental passages.

Romans 14:15-23: “[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. [16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of: [17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. [22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (You may see verses 1-14 as well.)

First Corinthians 10:23-24: “[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. [24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”

Enjoy our Bible Q&A articles? You may always donate to us securely at: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Please remember that we have a wide variety of Bible Q&A booklets for sale as well.

Also see:
» Are Christian women required to wear head coverings?
» Should Christians participate in yoga?
» Should we observe The Lord’s Supper?

CREATION AND EARLY MAN, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, SATAN AND HIS POLICY OF EVIL, SIN, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?

Why do we suffer?

WHY DO WE SUFFER?

by Shawn Brasseaux

According to the Bible, there are three reasons why we suffer.

1. LIVING IN A SIN-CURSED WORLD

We live in a sin-cursed world, a fallen creation. We suffer the effects of sin. This includes bodily aches, pains, and illnesses. If the Lord tarries, we all will experience physical death as well! Lost and saved people alike suffer the effects of sin. No modern-day “miracle healing” will rescue us from sickness, old age, and death. This does not mean that we do not do the best we can with what we have. We should visit doctors and take medication, but our main concern is the renewal of the inner man (soul). We need to be constantly reminding ourselves of God’s truth by reading and studying God’s Word, the Bible, rightly divided, on a daily basis.

Let us consult Romans 8:18-25: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

The only way we have “hope” of being rescued from these frail, limited, deteriorating bodies is to be reminded of the above Scriptures. One day, we will be physically redeemed from the effects of sin. What happened to our soul when we trusted Christ will also happen to these physical bodies! Our physical bodies will be redeemed from sin one day. Let us wait patiently for the Lord at the Rapture, to take us out of this present evil world (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 3:20-21)!

2. LIVING THROUGH THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISTAKES

We also suffer because we make mistakes and others around us make mistakes. Some of these mistakes are unintentional; others are committed deliberately. Again, lost and saved people alike suffer because of mistakes. The Bible says we reap what we sow. God will not prevent us from reaping the consequences of our actions, both good and bad. If we are make poor decisions, we will suffer those terrible results. If we are make good choices, we will experience good results. The same applies to those around us. Whatever we do will affect them, and whatever they do will affect us.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:7-9: “[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” And, Job 4:8: “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” Finally, Romans 8:13: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

3. LIVING AS CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDST OF UNBELIEVERS

We Christians suffer because we live in this present evil world. Satan’s policy of evil and its associates aim to persecute God’s people in various ways. Corrupt human governments can pass legislation against Christians to scare them into silence. These Christians can be threatened with imprisonment, fines, torture, and/or death. In the United States of America, we are fortunate that we still have religious liberty. People in other countries are being imprisoned, tortured, and/or put to death for Jesus Christ. Satan can use others to threaten us and ridicule us. Furthermore, he can use our loved ones (family members and friends) to cause us grief and hinder our testimony (cf. Matthew 10:14-39, Jesus’ words to His 12 apostles).

Second Timothy 2:3 says: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” And, Acts 14:22: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Finally, 2 Timothy 3:10-12: “[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

The Lord Jesus said in John chapter 15: “[17] These things I command you, that ye love one another. [18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. [20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. [23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also. [24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.” First John chapter 3 warns Israel’s believing remnant in light of Jesus’ words: “[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. [12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. [13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”

Second Corinthians chapter 12 says that, no matter we suffer, no matter how much hatred the world spews at us, brethren, God’s grace has fully equipped us in Christ to handle all of life’s situations, good and bad: “[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Finally, Philippians 4:11-13: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

In closing…. If we must suffer, dear saints, let it be because of Christian living and not because of foolish living! 🙂

Also see:
» Was God “unfair” to punish us for Adam’s sin?
» Is God chastening me?
» Why do the wicked prosper?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, Should Bible questions be discouraged?, Should Bible questions be discouraged?

Should Bible questions be discouraged?

SHOULD BIBLE QUESTIONS BE DISCOURAGED?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23). Bible questions are okay, provided they are neither “foolish” nor “unlearned.”

TO THE STUDENT

Sadly, in so many religious circles, Bible questions are largely forbidden. For instance, read this: “When I contacted ____ he was very nasty to me and said I was wasting his time with my questions.” Someone wrote this to me a few years ago, after a so-called “grace” Bible teacher rudely discouraged Bible questions that his teachings generated. Why was that teacher so uninterested in questions that I was glad to answer for the dear man? Call me crazy, but I think that teacher refused to be “cross-examined,” or, frankly, “challenged.”

Many years ago, a seminarian training to be a priest was curious about his church’s true teachings. Well, as he put it, “The more questions I asked, the cleaner the seminary became!” His professors, unwilling to “suffer” “tough” questions (they had no answers for him), gave him “work-detail.” He had 32 hours straight of cleaning the seminary, including scrubbing floors with toothbrushes, before having to return to class hungry and tired. Oh, I forgot. With 152 acres of trees located behind the seminary, each student was also given an acre of leaves to rake. A truck would then carry the leaves over to the same place. After the leaves were re-spread, they had to be re-raked! (With this cycle of repetitious duties, there would be no time for “wandering minds” and “silly questions” to challenge the religious institution.)

Oh, but you see, dear friends, the Bible never discouraged questions. Second Timothy prohibits “foolish and unlearned questions.” Questions help us to learn; God wants us to learn His Word. The Bible never says, “But questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” It says “foolish [moros, as in ‘moron’] and unlearned questions.” These are pointless, absurd questions that cause people to bicker, with more time arguing than answering. Spiritual maturity allows you to “rate” questions asked of you. You spend your time doing it long enough, and you can you most definitely identify the “foolish and unlearned questions.” Avoid them, but, by all means, use the Bible to answer the rest!

FROM THE TEACHER

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23). The servant of the Lord must carefully choose questions about the Bible.

As a Bible teacher, it is exciting for me to hear from Bible students who are so engaged in Scripture that they ask questions. Some questions are so very easy they can be answered quite quickly. Others require a great deal of study—yes, months or years in some cases!

Bible questions allow me to assess where others are in their Scriptural understanding. It also enables me to see where I am in my own understanding, and where I could use improvement and enlightenment. Oftentimes, when people ask me questions, I research the answers and come away from the Bible with a greater understanding myself. However, sometimes, like them, I have more questions than answers, so I reply, “Before I comment, I will study more!”

Brethren, when it comes to Bible questions, remember the following. On one hand, it is easy to start asking various questions the Bible never definitively answers. We begin to focus too much on subjects the Scriptures rarely—if ever—mention. On the other hand, the Bible is very clear and quite dogmatic about certain issues. We need not overlook those defined ideas and facts by stressing the topics of uncertainty.

Second Timothy 2:23 encourages us to answer Bible questions, provided they are neither “foolish” nor “unlearned.” Such inquiries generate “strife” (fighting, trouble, et cetera). Rather than actually leading to a definite point where something is learned and the inquirer is benefited, these questions are just meant to “go around in circles.” The Bible never clearly comments on them so all you are left with is idle speculations of yourself or others. People then try to prove themselves right and they start arguing with others who also may want to be right. Minds spinning, emotions running, people raise their fists and circle the room!

Before we ask Bible questions ourselves, or answer questions from others, let us be mindful of 2 Timothy 2:23. In doing so, we will spare ourselves of Satan’s “devices” meant to discourage Bible discussion altogether!

If our 300 Bible Q&A studies have been a help to you, please remember that you can always donate to us securely at: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Email me at arcministries@gmail.com for mailing info if you wish to send a donation using (regular) “snail mail.” Thanks!

Also see:
» How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?
» Why do people get angry when we share right division with them?
» If God knows who will serve Him and who won’t, why witness?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?

How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?

HOW DOES ONE KNOW IF HE OR SHE IS MATURING IN THE WORD OF GOD?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Recently, a Christian asked me how she could discern if she was growing in the Word of God. In this Bible article, I provide you with the highlights of the information I shared with her. Remember, this concerns Christians. This is not written to non-Christians. Non-Christians reading this should stop now and trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour. Christ died for their sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). God wants to see lost people trust His Son right now, exclusively. They cannot grow in the Bible if they are not first saved in Christ Jesus! Once they trust Christ, then they can proceed to the counsel contained herein. For those of us who are Christians, we continue!

Friend, wherever you are in your Christian life right now—whether you trusted Christ a few seconds, days, or weeks ago, or you trusted Christ several decades ago—you have much more learning to do in the Bible. Furthermore, just because someone has been a Christian for 50 years does not necessarily mean they are mature in Scripture. Just because they have read the Bible for 50 years does not necessarily mean they are mature in Scripture. In fact, if much or all of that time was spent in denominationalism, it is extremely unlikely that he or she is mature in the Bible. Why? Denominations do not encourage spiritual growth in the Bible. Rather, they encourage indoctrination with the theology that the denominational hierarchy approves. This is a select group of verses combined with church tradition (regardless of denomination). Such erroneous information is useless in the purpose and program of God. It profits the Christian nothing.

Having dealt firsthand with people regarding the Scriptures for over 10 years now, I can honestly say there are so many Christians who are simply not mature in the Bible. Maybe they have grown in Scripture, but not much. Precious few are growing steadily. Some have not grown at all. How have I reached these conclusions? On what basis did I form these evaluations? I will show the standards by which you can evaluate yourself and others with whom you come in contact. It is surely to be enlightening!

Before we begin, think about a simple illustration. Consider the maturity process in the physical world. For example, very young children find noisy vehicles zooming by fascinating. So, they will innocently approach busy streets to “have fun” investigating. Of course, they are unaware of the dangers. Supervising adults must warn these children to stay away from those hectic streets. However, these children will eventually gain enough knowledge about such dangers. As they mature, they will reach a point where they no longer need to be told about unsafe roadways. A child is maturing when he or she begins to think on his or her own. They will know by themselves to stay away from them. They have learned by experience (enough warnings, and/or injuries) to avoid busy roads. Eventually, they no longer need people to tell them what else is right and what else is wrong, and what else is dangerous and what else is safe. They have matured concerning a wide range of situations. Rather than relying on others to guide them, they will become more independent. Finally, they will have children of their own, and they can teach their children all about hazards. The cycle continues with new generations. Bring this illustration into the spiritual world.

First, consider Hebrews 5:11-14: “[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

A “babe” in Scripture is someone who cannot teach the Bible to others. Unable to function on their own spiritually, they have to first be taught Bible basics. Indeed, they cannot handle deeper Bible truths. They are “unskilful in the word of righteousness.” The contrast is a mature person, one of “full age,” an individual who has progressed from “milk” (liquid) to “strong meat” (solid food). That person is described as “by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Unlike the baby, the adult has the ability to judge what is good and what is evil. The adult has not only been instructed, but has also had firsthand experience. As the writer of Hebrews lamented, the nation Israel found themselves, not as spiritual adults, but as spiritual babies. They could not teach the Gentiles the Word of God, for they (Israel) could not even understand the simple things of God. May we learn from Israel’s mistake!

In my own Christian life and ministry, I have become increasingly aware of what is right and what is wrong. Through careful study of the Scriptures, and personal application of them in my life, I can evaluate situations and doctrines I once did not and could not understand. When I trusted Jesus Christ as my Saviour 21 years ago, I only knew the Gospel of Grace. Today, I know much more about prayer, Bible versions, heaven versus earth, salvation in Christ, the Holy Spirit, Satan’s policy evil, angels, the nation Israel, Jesus Christ, Father God, mankind, sin, the Church the Body of Christ, creation, Paul’s special ministry to us Gentiles, et cetera. There was a drastic increase in my understanding of the Scriptures nine years ago, when I was introduced to dispensational Bible study. With every passing year, I have grown more comfortable with Bible passages with which I used to struggle. I can better explain Bible topics of which I knew little to nothing years ago.

When you find yourself teaching others, and they understand, that is a sign that you have matured in the Word of God. Not only have you learned the doctrine (one major point in maturity), you can teach it to others (another major point of maturity). Once they learn the doctrine and teach others, they have matured too. Every time you read a particular verse, or research a particular Bible theme, you “connect-the-dots” just a little more in your mind. You believe them in your heart and your soul is strengthened. You notice truths in “familiar” verses you never noticed before. You begin to connect those truths with other verses you read elsewhere. The “big picture” may come together. You begin to “network” all sorts of verses. What took you five minutes to explain is now 10 minutes. You can provide additional details for people you yourself did not know before. If you take Bible study notes, you can look at them days, weeks, months, or years later and say, “Hey, I know so much more about that topic that I could write double that now!” (I find myself saying that!)

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Here are 12 indicators that you can use to evaluate your Christian life:

  1. You have a better understanding of Jesus Christ crucified than you did when you first trusted Him. Now you know that Gospel by its Scriptural titles—“Paul’s Gospel” (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8) and “the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Not only do you know that Jesus Christ saved you from hell, but now you understand that He saved you for a purpose. You have become a member of the Church the Body of Christ, able to function in the heavenly places in the ages to come for His glory.
  2. You can explain/teach the above Gospel of Grace to others in a clear manner. You can share that Good News with lost people that they may be saved unto eternal life. You can also share that Good News with other Christians that they may understand why they were saved unto eternal life. As time passes, these experiences will cause you to better explain the Gospel every time.
  3. Mysterious or problematic Bible verses have become clearer, although not entirely clear yet. You at least begin to see how Israel’s verses and the Body of Christ’s verses are different and must remain separate. (More study is required.)
  4. You can explain/teach those mysterious or problematic Bible verses to others, although not necessarily fully. (More study is required).
  5. Mysterious or problematic Bible verses are now quite easy to understand. You no longer have any difficulty with them. You may now find them enjoyable and eventually consider them “familiar friends.” (Though more study will not hurt. More study may make those verses even easier.)
  6. You can easily explain/teach those mysterious or problematic Bible verses to others in an understandable manner. (Though more study will not hurt. More study may make those verses even easier to teach.)
  7. Your prayer-life and behavior will be drastically different. Rightly-divided Bible verses applicable to various life situations will come to you on a daily basis. The more verses that come to mind, the more mature you have become. The more verses you apply by faith, the more mature you have become!
  8. You have stopped committing certain sins (given up bad habits, for example). Please understand that you will never stop sinning in this life. Sinlessness is impossible while we live in these bodies of fallen flesh. We will be sinless in heaven! Still, God’s grace should change how we live, that we better reflect Jesus Christ!
  9. Actions you never thought of as sins will suddenly grab your attention. You have a greater awareness exactly what actions of yours are sins.
  10. Once living for “self,” you find yourself seeking the benefits of others—especially your brothers and sisters in Christ! You particularly will cease behaving in ways that make you a “stumbling-block” to other Christians. Never, EVER pursue your own selfish desires if it means destroying the edification of a fellow believer!
  11. You find yourself preaching to lost people—no longer in hate or contentiousness, but because you know they are going to hell and you love them too much not to warn them! You find yourself teaching other Christians—no longer in hate or contentiousness, but because you know they are trapped in Satan’s snare of false doctrine and you love them too much not to warn them!
  12. Finally, if the Word of God grips your heart mightily enough, and you yield to it by faith, you may go on to become a Bible teacher or a bishop or deacon (men only). Women can serve other women, of course, as well as children. NOTE: Becoming a church leader is not always a sign of maturity. I know plenty of “ministers” who are just as ignorant of Scripture and who live just as sinful as (or worse than) church members sitting in the pew. True spiritual maturity is when one becomes a church leader who is able to lead others to spiritual maturity. Immature church leaders are incapable of this; they need to be taught before they can teach others, sadly.

SOME CLOSING REMARKS

Even though we are mature in the Scriptures, that does not mean we stop maturing. No one can ever say they have “learned all there is to know in the Bible.” In the physical life, a young adult can be considered mature (adult) but yet his or her body will continually strengthen and his or her mind will continually grow. As Paul the Apostle himself confessed in Philippians 3:12-16, there is always more room for learning.

“[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. [16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

If you want to see the drastic difference between immature Christians and mature Christians, read the two books of Corinthians and then read the two books of Thessalonians. The Corinthians were the most carnal (fleshly, worldly) Christians in all the Bible. Their lives were such a reproach to Jesus Christ! In stark contrast, the Thessalonians were the most spiritual (Holy-Spirit-led) Christians in all the Bible. They were faithful in the edification process—willingly studying Scripture and applying the grace doctrines by faith. Dear saint, where are you? A Corinthian? Or, a Thessalonian? Only you can answer that. Take time to evaluate your Christian life. Consider the 12 points presented earlier. It is your choice to let Jesus Christ have more reign in your life.

Also see:
» Once Christians fall into gross sin, will God use them again?
» What is the Lord’s will for my Christian life?
» If dispensational Bible study is true, how come so few believe it?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Once Christians fall into gross sin will God ever use them again?

Once Christians fall into gross sin, will God ever use them again?

ONCE CHRISTIANS FALL INTO GROSS SIN, WILL GOD EVER USE THEM AGAIN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

A believer in Christ recently asked me, “What about Christians who drift away from God, who go out and live like the world, and who then reform? Will God still use them?” After being in denominational churches for years, like so many others, she had been instructed to believe that, even if “worldly” Christians change their ways, God will never use them again. Is that so? Beloved, let us consult the Holy Scriptures for enlightenment. I am sure many of our readers wonder about this same issue.

Friends, in case you have not noticed, religion is very strict. Remember, if it were not rigorous, it would not be religion! Religion is demanding, very demanding. It involves people striving to make God happy with them. Friend, you know good and well that you are wicked, nowhere near where God’s holiness demands you be, but religion causes you to slave away in “hopes” of pleasing Him somehow. You are instructed to pray a certain number of times a day, to do your best to keep the Ten Commandments, to confess your sins as often as you can, to bring in the “tithes and offerings” every Sunday, to read your holy books so many times a week, to observe the feast days and other holydays, on and on. This is true not only in Roman Catholicism. Sadly, these ideas have crept into Protestant churches. One slip-up and, my, you have to pay one way or another—prayers, “generous donations,” excommunication, shunning, name-calling, guilt, shame, fear, et cetera!

For example, if you grew up in a strict Protestant church like me, you heard something to the effect of, “A man who has been divorced can neither be pastor nor deacon of our assembly!” (Meanwhile, some non-divorced apostate polluted at seminary is welcomed to the pulpit with open arms and loving smiles!) In these strict systems, a divorced and remarried man is barred forever from serving in a church leadership role. I will come out and say it, knowing full well that I will shock some of you. God prefers a divorced man leading a local assembly than a still-married man who does not believe the Bible he claims to believe and love! It may shock many to read this, but divorce can be forgiven, friends. And, an apostate leader will do greater damage than a divorced leader ever will! Just a few things for us to keep in mind.

CHRISTIANS WHO DRIFT AWAY FROM GOD

Dear friends, be very careful to notice the above title. Christians drift from God; God never abandons Christians. Let me explain to you how it happens.

First, one brief introductory comment must be made. You have probably heard of so-called “backslidden Christians.” While I understand what people are trying to say, the Pauline epistles do not use the word “backslidden” when discussing members of the Body of Christ. It was a term God used to describe wayward Israel. Thus, it would be best not to use terminology that described Israel’s relationship with God in time past, to describe our relationship with God today. If you want a Scriptural term for wayward Christians today, you could say they are “ensnared Christians” or “captive Christians” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Friend, stop and think about what exactly happened to a Christian to make him or her “go out in the world.” No matter the particular sins, all Christians who fell into worldly behavior had the same basic experience. There came a specific point in life when they quit reading their Bible. Perhaps they put it off a day or two, but, little by little, they weaned themselves from God’s Word. Some have not opened a Bible for themselves in months or years. The Bible provides life (John 6:63), light (Psalm 119:130), and power (1 Thessalonians 2:13) to those who are willing to hear and believe it. So, you take away the Bible, and you have functional death, darkness, and inability. In other words, the Christian robbed himself or herself of God’s power and God’s life, and the world influenced him or her with their way of thinking and living. The only way to get that life, light, and power back is to return to what he or she left—God’s Word! Again, God never abandoned the Christian. The Christian abandoned God and His Word. Let us develop this further, while correcting some common misconceptions.

No matter what, to be “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17) is for Father God to accept you forever. Yes, that is a literal “forever”—never-ending, unconditional acceptance. Recall that He never accepted you on the basis of what you did. You are “accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). That is, God accepted you because of what His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, did at Calvary to bridge the gap between you the sinner and Him a holy, righteous God. Romans 8:32 declares: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” If God “delivered up” His Son for us, what else is there for Him to give us? Nothing! Not a thing! He gave us His Son, and in His Son, we have everything we will ever need from God. Furthermore, everything that God has purposed us to do, He already equipped us to do it.

First and foremost, this “complete package from God” contains the complete and eternal salvation and fellowship with Him. But, there is more. It also contains the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to get that work of God accomplished. But, one thing must be present in your life if the Holy Spirit will work in your life. God’s complete and eternal Book, the Holy Bible, which you need to read in order to gain the information God wants to share with you. Note the classic verses, 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Christian friend, unless your mind is renewed daily with verses that you read in your Bible, you are not going to be “minding [thinking about] the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5-9). Rather, you are going to be “minding the things of the flesh [sin].” This is how Christians “go out in the world.” They did not lose their salvation. They did not lose the Holy Spirit. Rather, they ignored God’s Word, thereby “quenching” (preventing/hindering) the Holy Spirit from working in them (1 Thessalonians 5:19). In short, they reverted back to the old way of thinking and living. They are not behaving like the saints of God they are, because they are not thinking like the saints of God they are!

Romans 12:1-2 instructs us: “[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Friend, unless you know God’s Word, you do not know God’s will! You must renew your mind with God’s Word daily, or you will most definitely lapse into your old mentality and your old lifestyle at some point. The grace God means God gives you the choice, never forcing you to do anything. If you want to be “conformed to this world” rather than be “transformed by the renewing of your mind,” God will not stand in your way. (You will reap the consequences, whatever you decide.)

Colossians 3:16 admonishes us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians chapter 5, the companion passage, amplifies: “[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. [18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Do you see how Colossians and Ephesians connect “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” with “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is?” And, did you notice how, once you know the Lord’s will, you can be “filled with the Spirit?” Once you have a steady intake of sound Bible doctrine (rightly divided Scripture), you will learn God’s will for your life. Once you know God’s will for your life, then the indwelling Holy Spirit can take those verses and make God’s will for your life become a reality. Once the Holy Spirit controls your life, your life will literally become the life described by the verses!

What God wants accomplished, He already gave us information and detailed instructions in His written Word, especially in the Pauline epistles of Romans through Philemon. When we consider the above verses, it becomes abundantly clear. If your Christian life is in shambles, it is because you have not been reading, believing, and applying those Pauline verses of grace to your life! You have been living in your flesh, your own resources, your own energy, and you are now realizing those failures. It is time for you to get back to reality and start behaving like the person in Christ you really are!

CHRISTIANS WHO LIVE LIKE THE WORLD

Please understand. Christians who “live like the world” would not simply be bar-hoppers, gamblers, drunkards, cigarette-smokers, fornicators, thieves, murderers, profanity users, et cetera. It could also apply to believers caught up in religion—ceremonies, rites, rituals, denominational adherence, works-religion, and so on. Contrary to popular belief, the evil world system is not merely confined to sins of the flesh. It also involves sins of the spirit (works-religion). Grace living in Jesus Christ is not loose living. Grace living in Jesus Christ is not religion, either!

Second Timothy chapter 2 highlights the two types of lifestyles we Christians can pursue: “[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. [20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. [21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. [22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

One, we can be a “common Christian” of “wood and earth.” We can lead just a normal life that blends in with everyone else’s. They will not be able to tell us from lost people. Or, we can be an “exceptional Christian” of “gold and silver.” We can allow God’s life to live in us so mightily that we will stick out and people will definitely see us practice what we preach! In other words, we can be “a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Again, brother or sister, it is your choice. Your choice—honour or dishonour. If I could decide for you, I would. Since I cannot, I can only encourage you to make the right decision. You know the right choice.

The assembly at Corinth was the epitome of “garbage-can Christianity.” How it broke the Apostle Paul’s heart to hear and read of the absolute spiritual mayhem in the church at Corinth! While I am sure a few faithful Christians were there, much of the assembly was composed of Christians who behaved the worst in Scripture. Even after the Apostle Paul himself had spent 18 months teaching them, they were still such confused, deceived, carnal babes in Christ! Friend, go read those two Bible books known as “Corinthians.” You will not help but see today’s professing church described in those chapters. The same old silly problems that Satan used 20 centuries ago to befuddle Christians in Corinth, he uses them today to hinder millions upon millions Christians worldwide!

At this point, I can hear someone saying, “Oh, brother, the problem in Corinth was that they just needed the Law of Moses to help them manage their sin!” Really? The churches in Galatia had wholly embraced the Mosaic Law. Read the six chapters of Galatians. The Apostle Paul rebuked them harshly for getting entangled again with works-religion. He asked them in chapter 4, verse 15, “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of?” After Paul had left Galatia, false teachers had slipped in and led these grace saints back under the Law. The Galatians, once excited and happy about being delivered from pagan religion and hellfire, were now depressed and defeated. They were laboring once more using a system in which they knew they could never measure up. Writing to them, Paul asked them, “Where is the joy that God’s grace brought you?” They were just as miserable as he was when he put himself under the Law in Romans chapter 7. Despite their “religious” practices that appeared nice, those Galatians were “biting and devouring” one another, arguing, fussing, and fighting with each other (Galatians 5:15). Sound familiar? The Law was not the answer. Grace was the answer!

CHRISTIANS WHO REFORM

Perhaps, dear saint, something in this Bible study applies to you or some Christian you know. In the quietness of your own heart, you have identified the problem. You know there is a difficulty, some type of worldliness present in some Christian’s life somewhere (either yours or someone else’s). What is the answer? How do you (or they) go about reforming? You have to be reoriented toward God’s grace!

Firstly, you need to understand that God has already forgiven you. You need not wonder if He will forgive you. You need not grovel on the floor and beg His forgiveness. His Word says He has already forgiven you because of Jesus Christ’s sake.

Ephesians 1:7: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Colossians 1:14: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Colossians 2:13: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” Colossians 3:13: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Just accept God’s forgiveness, learn from your mistake, and move on! Friend, let go of the burdens of guilt and shame. Jesus Christ suffered and died to pay for your sins, so send it all to Calvary where it belongs and get on with your life in Christ!

Secondly, please seek some sound spiritual counsel from another Christian, preferably face-to-face contact. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” If you have a trusted Christian friend (especially a pastor or Bible teacher), this individual can help advise you in the Scriptures concerning your specific issue. Please consider discussing your matter with that person. There is no need to be embarrassed because we all sin; we all have our failures and we all have maturing to do. And, remember, those who arrogantly snub their nose at you may wind up committing the same sin (read the end of Galatians 6:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). If that person is truly Christ’s servant, motivated by God’s grace, he or she will be sympathetic to you and try to teach you sound grace Bible doctrine so you can recover yourself out of the dilemma.

Notice what Paul told Timothy in the closing verses of 2 Timothy chapter 2: “[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” The way people escape their Satanic oppression—their entrapment in sin, false teaching, and so on—is for them to hear or read God’s Word rightly divided. Timothy was instructed to teach that Word, that he may recover others from Satan’s grip. (This loops back to Galatians 6:1 above.)

Friend, no one can recover you. You must recover yourself, the verse says. The Bible says, if you are taken captive by Satan, you are living contrary to your identity in Jesus Christ. Sin is not who you are. Religion is not who you are. You “oppose yourself.” You are behaving like someone you are not. Satan has ensnared you and you are doing his will by not accomplishing God’s will. The answer is simple. You have to return to the truth. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Brother or sister, return to Paul’s epistles! Get back to learning about your identity in Christ! Refocus your mind on sound Bible doctrine, the Word of God’s Grace.

In closing, we read Titus 2:11-15: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Go read the book of Romans five times. Romans is an introduction to the grace life. Then, read Romans through Philemon five times, the full curriculum of the grace life. Note the verses that help you address your problems and apply them by faith. Those verses are what the Holy Spirit will use to bring the life of Jesus Christ into your life. Friend, there is hope if you submit to the Holy Spirit’s will!

WILL GOD STILL USE THEM?

Why not? Despite the works that they did as lost people, Father God saved them and used them for good works. Then, as believers, they fell into gross sin. How is that, if they are saved and now willing to do right, will He not once again use them? When I think about His grace, it seems pretty logical to me He will! 🙂

Also see:
» Can Christians lose their salvation?
» Does God chasten us when we sin?
» Must we maintain fellowship with God?
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?

Can you explain Colossians 3:3-4?, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING

Can you explain Colossians 3:3-4?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN COLOSSIANS 3:3-4?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible says in Colossians 3:3-4: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” That “hidden life” portion is particularly enigmatic; what is it talking about? We just have to note the context and compare some verses, and all will be clear. To the Scriptures we go!

Reading Colossians 3:1-4 to get the thought-flow of the verses: “[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Note verses 1 and 2, “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” These verses carry the idea of heaven (“above,” “where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God,” “above… not on the earth”). Colossians 3:3-4 is talking about the resurrection life that we will experience in heaven. Remember, chapter 1 already talked about our destiny and future role in the heavenly places (see verses 5 and 16-20). Because we are already citizens of heaven (Ephesians 2:19; Ephesians 3:15), already destined to rule in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 2:6-7; Colossians 1:16-20), our lives on earth should reflect our heavenly connection (note Colossians 3:5ff.). As Philippians 3:20 says: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” We are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20)—we are outposts of the third heaven here in foreign territory (planet earth).

Colossians 3:3: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” We have been crucified with Christ, and we have been raised again with Christ (Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 2:1-5). Colossians 3:4 says, “Christ, who is our life” (present tense). Although we have eternal life in Jesus Christ right now on earth, these bodies of flesh and blood are fallen and cannot adequately reflect that glory. In that sense, our life is hid with Christ in God. We only see a hint of the eternal life we have now. Only God really knows that life in its full capacity; only God knows what eternal life in heaven is like. What little we know about it now we see through the eyes of faith, what we read in His Word. Physically, that life in heaven cannot be seen… yet. When we receive our glorified bodies at the Rapture, our resurrection, the redemption of our body, those new bodies will better reflect God’s life in us.

As Romans 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” It is here at the Rapture and onward, God will display His glory in us for all of creation to see. Continuing in the chapter: “[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

Think about the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew chapter 17). The Lord Jesus looked like an ordinary human but then He suddenly shone brighter than the noonday sun! He had divine life in Him but His physical body had hindered it from being displayed to its fullest extent. The glory that the apostles saw on the Mount of Transfiguration, that is the glory that He will receive and display when He is crowned King of heaven and earth. We will participate in this. God the Father will glorify us in order for us to glorify His Son Jesus Christ (go back to Romans chapter 8, quoted above). The eternal life that we enjoy today is masked by the current vile bodies we have. We do not yet have bodies like Jesus Christ’s resurrected body. That will change, as Philippians 3:21 says: “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Jesus Christ will “subdue all things unto himself” in heaven when we are installed in the heavenly places (go back to our previous comments about Ephesians chapter 1, Ephesians chapter 2, and Colossians chapter 1).

First Corinthians chapter 15 provides additional information about this, our resurrection unto eternal life in heaven: “[49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” We “shall” (will) bear the image of the heavenly. This is future tense. We have the physical image of Adam now, physical bodies that cannot adequately express the divine life inside of us Christians. That will change when we are glorified at the event we call the Rapture. The Bible calls it “the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). You can also read 1 Corinthians 15:49-58 in full, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 in full.

We will one day have bodies like unto Jesus Christ’s resurrected body (remember Philippians 3:20-21). Then, that (resurrection) life will no longer be hid in God. It will be shown for all of creation (angels included) to see. We will no longer see it through the eyes of faith, but physically as well. Our physical bodies will be redeemed one day, Romans chapter 8 says, and they will be enhanced to resemble Jesus Christ’s post-resurrection body. He could travel through walls, He could disappear and reappear, travel to the Father in heaven and back to earth in a short period of time, and so on. (For more information, see our study linked below.)

Also see:
» Could you describe Jesus’ resurrected body?
» When will the Old Testament saints be resurrected?
» What does “at the last trump” mean in 1 Corinthians 15:52?

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Is John 20:29 applicable to us today?, Is John 20:29 applicable to us today?

Is John 20:29 applicable to us today?

IS JOHN 20:29 APPLICABLE TO US TODAY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“‘Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ In John 20:29, who is Jesus referring to when He used the word ‘they?’ Is He referring *only* to Jews saved *after* Calvary and *before* Paul’s ministry? Or, is this a transdispensational verse including believers like us today in this the Age of Grace?”

Yes, John 20:29 would be a “transdispensational verse.” That is, it could apply to people of any time and in any dispensation.

What Jesus was saying in “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed,” is actually that it is better to believe God’s Word without having tangible, literal facts to validate it. The Word is true, no matter our situations or circumstances. For sake of our readers unfamiliar with the story of “doubting Thomas,” it is better we “get the flow” of the passage before we comment on verse 29.

Let us read John chapter 20, beginning at verse 19: “[19] Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. [20] And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. [21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

Now, we go into the immediate context of the verse in question: “[24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. [26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. [27] Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. [28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. [29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Doubting Thomas refused to believe Jesus had resurrected until he could touch Him, until he could see and put his finger into the scars of Christ. Thomas disbelieved God’s Word. People doubting God’s Word without seeing validation, is true of any dispensation. That is why we commented on the fact that verse 29 is “transdispensational.” As Jesus Himself said, Israel was particularly guilty of “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe” (John 4:48). They always wanted to see miraculous events and yet they would often miss what those events meant (Bible doctrine being communicated in those miracles). Even today, the Charismatics go around saying, “We can see God working. Just look at this experience, look at that experience. A ‘healing,’ a ‘vision,’ a ‘tongues’ meeting, an ‘exorcism,’ an ‘angelic appearance,’…” on and on they go. They are just like doubting Thomas, or unbelieving Israel who always wanted “signs” (John 4:48; 1 Corinthians 1:22). They will not believe God the Holy Spirit is working unless they can “feel” Him in their flesh, until they “see” Him at work with their physical eyes, and so on. The “intellectuals” and “scientific” minds of our day echo that complaint. “Oh, if only you Christians could ‘prove’ God exists, then we would believe. If only we could ‘prove’ the Bible miracles to be true, then we would convert.” (No they would not. Look at how many “converted” in Christ’s earthly ministry with all those miracles!)

Saddest of all, like the Jews of New Testament times, the Charismatics, the “intellectuals,” the “scientists” of our day, they also miss why God the Spirit did those miracles in Israel’s midst. It was to demonstrate the powers of His earthly kingdom, (Hebrews 2:3-5), to confirm the Gospel of the Kingdom being preached—that kingdom will have no sickness or disease (Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 35:4-6) and no evil spirits (Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 20:2). Please see our related studies linked at the end of this article.

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” is the same as, “Happy are you if just believe God’s Word, despite, regardless of, what you see with your physical eyes and touch with your physical hands.” Remember, 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” (This is how I also know John 20:29 to be a “transdispensational verse.”) We do not see our glorified bodies literally here today. But, we know they are coming because the previous verses (God’s Word) tell us they are coming one day at the Resurrection/Rapture. You can also see 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, especially verse 18, also talking about our glorified bodies: “[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith allows us to see with our spiritual eyes what we cannot see with our physical eyes. It is better to go by the written Word that lasts forever (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:23-25), than by our current (visible) circumstances because our circumstances will (and do) change. We cannot see Heaven with our physical eyes now, but we know we will go there one day and receive glorified bodies there because the written Word says so (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). Unlike the intellectuals, the Charismatics, et cetera, we walk by faith, not sight. Faith, according to Romans 10:17, is believing the verse (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Also see:
» Is prophecy being fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?
» What about modern-day “faith healing?”
» What is “that which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10?