Pilgrims of the Dispersion 1 Peter 1:1

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Pilgrims Of The Dispersion (1:1)

Throughout the New Testament, various phrases are used to describe those people of God who make up the Lord's church. Individually, they are referred to as disciples, saints, believers, priests, Christians, etc. Collectively, they are called the church, the church of God, churches of Christ, the body of Christ, the temple of God, the family of God, etc. -- Each of these terms describe various relationships maintained by those who are Christians. An interesting phrase not commonly used in reference to the people of God is found in 1 Pe 1:1, where Peter addresses "the pilgrims of the Dispersion" 1 Pe 1:1 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners (pilgrims) of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”

A proper understanding of this phrase can be very beneficial, and give us insight into:

1) What the Christian life is.

2) An important responsibility expected of Christians.

3) Our true home, and goal in this life.

Let's start by defining "Pilgrims of the Dispersion". The word translated "Pilgrim" is interesting. Transliterated from Greek., it is parepidemos {par-ep-id'-ay-mos}which is a combination of three words:

para - "alongside of" epi - "upon"

demos - "used in Biblical Greek of the people of a heathen city" (Wuest)

Here, then, is how Thayer defines the word:

"one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives"

"a stranger"

"sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner"

"in the New Testament metaph. in reference to heaven as the native country, one who sojourns on earth

This is so of Christians (1 Pe 1:1)...of the patriarchs (He 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”)."

Another definition: "One who stays in a place as a stranger or visitor; to describe Christians whose final citizenship is in heaven and who are regarded as temporary dwellers on earth." (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible)

The meaning of the word "Dispersion". The Greek word is diaspora {dee-as-por-ah'}. It is noun form of the verb diaspeiro, which means "to sow, to scatter seed". The term is found in Jn 7:35 (“The Jews therefore said among themselves, Whither will this man go that we shall not find him? will he go unto the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?”), and there it refers to the Jews who were scattered among the Greeks as a result of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. This has caused some to conclude that Peter was writing to Jewish Christians who were living in the regions of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) - 1 Pe 1:1b "in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”. But there is good reason to believe that Peter was writing to ALL the Christians, both Jewish and Gentile, who were scattered throughout Asia Minor. There are several comments made in this epistle that cannot be understood in reference to the original recipients being Jews - for example, 1 Pe 1:14 “as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:”, 18 “knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;”, 20-21 “who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.” More likely, Peter employs terms once limited to the Jews, but now applicable to all who are in Christ:

1) For example, terms like "elect" (1:2), "holy nation" (2:9), "people of God" (2:10)

2) Even as Paul did: "circumcision" (Ph 3:3), "Israel of God" (Ga 6:16)

If this be so, then Peter implies by using the term "pilgrims of the dispersion" that all Christians are:

1) Pilgrims living in a world not their own.

2) Like scattered seed, spread out among those in the world.

With this understanding of the phrase, "pilgrims of the dispersion," we can now draw insights that are implied by it. This phrase reveals what the Christian life rally is. It is but a JOURNEY, begun when we first became Christians, ending only when we reach our true destination. This ought to affect our entire perspective on life for it is not an end in itself. It is only a temporary trip toward our final destination. Our homes, our jobs, etc., take on a different meaning when viewed in this light. This ought to affect our perspective on death. Not the end of life, but the end of our journey! Not the end of life, but the beginning of eternity in our true home! Having defined what Peter means by "pilgrims of the dispersion," will now turn or attention to the journey and look at some responsibilities as pilgrims when we continue this lesson.

Continuing to Grow - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Continuing To Grow - Cont.

Having looked at some hindrances to spiritual growth such as discouragement and the law of interference, we will now look at some ways to overcome these hindrances. In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, here are some suggestions for continuing your spiritual growth. Become active in the work of the congregation. Begin immediately! It is important not to delay (remember the "hindrances"). There is work for everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle. Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing it to please God - Psa 84:10 "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."; Jn 13:12-17 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

Offer your services to the elders! These men will be glad to find work for you to do in keeping with your ability. Sometimes they hesitate to call on people for work if they are not sure the people are

willing. But let them know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8. Look for work needing to be done! The best servant is one who can see things to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take. Most of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:

1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an opportunity to show (not tell) how it should be done.

2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service.

3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"

Start a program of regular private devotions. Spend time each day alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises. Such time consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for spiritual growth. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a "spiritual starvation diet"!

Participate in an informal Bible study group. Meet weekly with other Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together. This provides opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more knowledge and spiritual growth.

Become involved in leading people to Christ. Begin implementing the suggestions in the lesson on increasing opportunities to share the gospel. Even if you don't do the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to Christ! - Jn 1:40-46. Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop growing in Christ themselves!

Practice constant self-examination. The Scriptures call us to examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2 Co 13:5 "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:

Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?

Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?

Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?

Am I enjoying life as a child of God?

Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?

Do I set a good example for other Christians?

Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?

Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is impossible without it!

Though we have come to the end of this series of studies, if we implement the suggestions in this lesson and those preceding, we will successfully embark on a spiritual journey with Christ that will last through eternity! It is sad that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable; but their life is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." It is my prayer that these lessons may be useful in helping you to truly experience the abundant life that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." (1 Th 5:23-24)

This material is from an outline series from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style.

To God Be The Glory! This series of lessons has been presented in textual format from these outlines with little to no changes in content. Any changes made were done to make the text read smoothly. (JMN)

Continuing to Grow

A Closer Walk With God

Continuing To Grow

Growth is necessary in all areas of life: business, science, industry, etc. This is especially true in our lives as Christians - Ep 4:14-15 "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"; 1 Pe 2:2 "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation--"; 2 Pe 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."; 2 Th 1:3 "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." But spiritual growth must be well-rounded, balanced growth... The Christian must grow in knowledge, in zeal, in faith, in Christ-like character, in good works. The Christian must not be full of knowledge while his disposition remains un-Christlike. This final lesson is intended to help us continue growing ever closer to God and more productive in our service to Jesus Christ.

It is beneficial to be aware of those things which act as hindrances to growth. One of those hindrances is lack of effort. Growing in Christ is not automatic. One may still be a "babe" after many years - He 5:13 "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."; 1 Co 3:1,2 "But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,". Growth requires effort, but those who are spiritually lazy will simply follow the course of least resistance; such will forever remain "babes" , if they do not fall away altogether.

Another hindrance is discouragement. Some people make a good beginning, but get discouraged and quit. Reasons may vary: church troubles, personal problems, lack of encouragement from others, etc. But consider the example of the apostle Paul: few of us would ever have the problems he had - 2 Co 11:24-29 "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?" Yet he did not "lose heart" (become discouraged) - 2 Co 4:8-9 "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;" Why? Because he knew his labor was not in vain - 2 Co 4:16-5:1 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." And so he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."; 1 Co 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

The law of disuse hinders our growth. A knife stays bright when used, but unused it becomes rusty. So it is with Christians, we lose what knowledge, ability, and opportunity we have when we do not use them! To use another metaphor, unless we are earnest in our endeavor, we will simply "drift away" from the Lord - He 2:1 "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."

There is also the law of interference. Crops, trees and flowers do not grow well when crowded. So our spiritual growth will be hindered if we allow others to crowd out our spiritual life. Businessmen may become to busy to attend to God's business. A woman may get so occupied with housekeeping that she has little time for God. Young people may be so busy with school activities that prayer, worship, good works and Bible study are crowded out. Preachers might get so tied down with meetings, administrative duties, etc., that they too do not have time to spend alone with God. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - Mk 4:18-19 "And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, When we continue this lesson we will offer some suggestions for continuing your spiritual growth, overcoming the aforementioned hindrances.

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel - Cont.

We continue this lesson in a second part. Having looked at a couple of things to do with our list of souls we would like to see saved we will look at some additional action steps we will need to take.

Do the things which demonstrates your love for them. The importance of this suggestions is that "People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared! - 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Some "action" steps we can take is to invite them into your home for a dinner or snack. Visit them, especially in times of trial or sickness. Do things with them on a social level.

Invite those on your list to attend services. Some reasons we wanr them to attend services is that they will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression. They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ (more on this, shortly).

As you prepare to invite these souls, be sure to pray, asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner. Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend. Whether invited by you, someone else, or are walk-ins greet them, let them know they are welcome. Invite them home or out for a dinner or snack. Call or visit them, after they have attended - He 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."; Ro 12:13b "and seek to show hospitality." In doing this, you are preparing their hearts for the gospel. For by demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians they will be more likely to believe in the love of God demonstrated in the life of Christ! - 1 Pe 2:11-12 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

See that they have an opportunity to hear the gospel. Ideally, this will come after witnessing a demonstration of the gospel "in our lives" by our love, hospitality, etc. Both as individuals and as a congregation. If you feel confident in teaching others, then approach them yourself and suggest a home Bible study with them (using aids like video tapes, charts, or simply an open Bible). Or that they study on their own with the aid of a Bible correspondence course. If you do not feel you are capable to approach them concerning a study, or in conducting the study yourself bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing to teach. Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from there.

These suggestions are offered with a firm conviction that if they will be carried out, opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly increased! With the hope that you will accept the challenge to implement these suggestions. This approach is not only the most successful in saving and keeping souls, it is also one of the most natural and easiest ways to reach the lost for Christ! Remember the survey by The Institute For American Church Growth? One does not even have to be able to teach to be effective in leading others to Christ! One simply has to be a friend to Christians and to the lost! And even if we do not convert a single soul we will have fulfilled our obligation to share Christ with others. We will have done it in such a way as to become better Christians, a better congregation, better friends, better neighbors, better coworkers, etc.!

Here are some suggestions for implementation by a congregation or a feww interested individuals.

Have those interested in being involved meet together on a weekly basis.

Encourage one another to set goals for the coming week. Share ideas for goals; for example...

1) Having over or visiting one person or family from the congregation.

2) Making a list of souls for which to begin praying.

3) What you plan to do to demonstrate your love and concern for those on your list.

4) Who you will invite to services.

5) What visitors you will call, visit, etc.

6) Who you will offer to have a study, or put in contact with someone who will follow-up with a study.

Write the goals for the coming week down. Pray about them, together and on your own throughout the week.

At each weekly meeting share and discuss how the goals are being met. Set new goals for the coming week. Write them down, pray about them.

This simple program should easily increase opportunities to share the gospel and bring many souls to Christ!

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

A Closer Walk With God

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with the lost cannot be overemphasized... Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation - Mk 16:15-16 "And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." The gospel is God's power to salvation to all who believe it - Ro 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."' -- But what is the most effective way to reach people today? The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?" Their replies were . . .

I had a special need - 3%

I just walked in - 3%

I liked the minister - 6%

I visited there - 1%

I liked the Bible classes - 5%

I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%

I liked the programs - 3%

A friend or relative invited me - 79%

What do we learn from a survey like this? If churches are to grow, it will be through the efforts of individual members. Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they will only maintain the size of the congregation. Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, for they can reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact. The greatest potential lies with those who have some contact with members of the local congregation. Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the gospel of Christ. In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse" (via television, radio, mail), we need to utilize the contacts made through the members (in other words, provide a "two-pronged" approach to evangelism). Two things are needed to utilize the contacts made through individual members. A concern for the lost by those members - Mt 9:36-38 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."' ; Ro 9:1-3 "I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit-- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh."; 10:1 "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." A knowledge of how we can increase our opportunities to share the gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact with, assuming that the concern is there. In this lesson I wish to share suggestions on how anyone who is a Christian can increase their opportunities to share the gospel...

Do things which make for a caring congregation. Our love of others will help prove that we are who we claim. In other words, that we are truly the disciples of Christ - Jn 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."' Correct doctrine, organization, worship, etc., is important, but it will be our love for one another that will convince the world that we are truly the disciples of Christ!

Our love makes us useful to the Lord. The Lord knows the true condition of His churches! - Re 3:7-8 '"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. "'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." If we are a congregation that can be used by Him to reach others with the gospel, to assimilate them into the Family of God, to nurture them in their spiritual growth, then He will "open doors" for us!

But suppose that we are not a place where new Christians can grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love...? Then here are some "action steps" to take. Make it a point to get to know all the members by name. Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces. Try to learn someone new at each service until you know them all. Practice "hospitality" towards the members - 1 Pe 4:8-9 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of one new family or member per month). Visit other Christians frequently (esp. the sick, shut-ins, new members, absent members).

Make a list of souls you would like to see saved. This may not seem important, bu it is! It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful in all walks of life (in other words, having a "things to do" list). For us, it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord, and not neglect them. In making up this list start with those who are close to you and work outwardly. Family, relatives, your own and of fellow church members, friends, regular visitors to the services of the church, coworkers, casual acquaintances (mailman, store clerk, etc.) and last but not least, neighbors. Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively). Give priority to those who are the "unchurched". In other words, those who are not active members of any denomination or particular religion. Active members of a denomination or religion are often very satisfied with their human traditions and are not as receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ. Husbands and wives might best just have one list (as the suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation). Keep this list where you will see it daily so you will be constantly reminded of these people; so you will be more likely to do the things mentioned next . . .

Pray for souls on your list daily that God will work together with you. To give you "opportunities" to do good for them - Co 4:3 "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--"; 2 Th 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,". To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those opportunities - Ep 6:19-20 "and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

Pray that those on your list will have the opportunity to hear the truth; have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth. Remember, it is God who gives the increase. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings - 1 Co 3:5-7 "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us pray as though it all depends upon God!

We will continue this lesson in a second part. Having looked at a couple of things to do with our list of souls we would like to see saved we will look at some additional action steps we will need to take.

The Church and You - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

The Church And You - Cont.

Having looked at the primary work of the church and the work through leadership, we will now look at how we can contribute. We should contribute regularly to the work of the church. The work of the church can be divided into three areas:

Evangelism - Mt 28:19-20"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."; 1 Ti 3:15"if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.; 1 Pe 2:9-10"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Edification - Ep 4:11-16"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Benevolence - 1 Ti 5:16"If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows."

How the local church can raise funds to do its work is illustrated in 1 Co 16:1-2 "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." Principles governing such collections were discussed in Lesson #2, "Our Public Assemblies". The financial support provided by the local church enables it to do much of the work God designed it to do.

We should do our part in the work of the church. We cannot "pay" to have our part of the church's work done for us. A strong, successful congregation is one where every member does their part - Ep 4:15-16 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." There are different kinds of functions we might perform - Ro 12:3-8 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." What is essential is that we each do what we can with the same zeal and enthusiasm - 1 Pe 4:10-11 "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

We should help keep the church united. Unity among believers is very important to Jesus - Jn 17:20-21 ""I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."; Ep 2:14-16 "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Division is condemned in the Scriptures - 1 Co 1:10-13 "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"; 3:3-4 "for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?" To maintain our unity in Christ requires certain attitudes and diligent effort - Ep 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Here are some things we can do to avoid division(s). Be peacemakers when brethren have disagreements - Mt 5:9 '"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Avoid gossip - 1 Ti 5:13 "Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.", 19 "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses." Avoid discussion of speculative questions - 1 Ti 6:3-5 "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."; 2 Ti 2:23 "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels." Avoid partiality - 1 Ti 5:21 "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality."

We should live a life that speaks well of the church. Be an example to others - 1 Ti 4:12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."; Ti 2:7-8 "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Some people delight in finding Christians who are not living right and use them as an example to attack the church. We are to avoid giving them opportunities to do so - Ti 2:8 "and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."; 1 Ti 5:14 "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."; 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Christians are not perfect, but should strive to be an example of what we ought to be!

More could be said on this subject, but this should suffice to make the point that with the blessings

of fellowship within the body of Christ come various responsibilities. God did not intend for us to be "islands unto ourselves", but joined together in Christ where we can encourage one another in an atmosphere of righteousness, joy, and peace - Ro 14:17-19 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

The following are some questions to stimulate your thinking,

Have you let a local church know that you wish to be identified as an accepted, working member of their group?

Do you know the elders, deacons and other members of the church where you attend?

Do you have a sense of what function you provide in the body of Christ, and are you fulfilling it?

If every member of the church were as faithful and active as you in your service to the Lord, what kind of church would it be?

The Church and You

A Closer Walk With God

The Church And You

As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, as we continue in our service and walk with God, we do not do so alone. A wonderful blessing we have in Christ is being members of His body, the church. When we properly understand what the church is, both in its universal and local sense and what our responsibilities are toward the church -- then we can better utilize this blessing to help us remain faithful in our lives as disciples of Christ.

What is the church? The word "church" refers to people who have been saved. As we are saved, the Lord in heaven Himself "adds" us to His church - Ac 2:47 "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." As His "church" (a word meaning "assembly" or "congregation"), we are members of God's "household" or "family" - 1 Ti 3:15 "if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth."

The word "church" is used primarily in two senses. The universal sense: all the saved throughout the world. It is used in this way in passages like Mt 16:18 "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."; Ep 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior."; Co 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." In the "universal" sense there is only ONE church - Ep 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--"; compare with Ep 1:22-23 "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Christ is the head; individual Christians are members of His body - 1 Co 12:27 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." There is no earthly organization; what organization there may be is spiritual in nature - Ep 2:19-20 "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,". The universal church never meets as such; it has no "officers" except Jesus Christ and the original apostles and prophets.

In the local sense: the saved in one particular locality. It is used in this way in passages like 1 Co 1:2 "To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:"; Re 1:11 "saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."'; Ro 16:16 "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you." In the "local" sense there are MANY churches - see for example Ga 1:2 "and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:" There is to be an earthly organization within each local church. Ideally, each church has elders (also know as bishops, pastors) and deacons - Ph 1:1 (described more fully later in this lesson) "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:" But churches may exist temporarily until such men can be appointed - as in Ac 14:21-23 "When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." Local churches meet regularly; and Christians have responsibilities in connection with their brethren in the local church.

Let's now look at some of the responsibilities in the local church. We should "join ourselves" to a local church. Only Christ "adds" one to the church universal; but one can and should "join" themselves to a local church - Ac 9:26-28 "And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord." This enables you to benefit by the association of other Christians, and provides you an opportunity to be of service to them - He 3:12-14 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end." ; 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." There are some responsibilities Christ has given you that you cannot fulfill on your own; for example, the Lord's Supper - Ac 20:7 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." So we need to find and join a local faithful congregation of the Lord (a careful study of the New Testament can help you to identify such today; perhaps a subject for future study?)

We should cooperate with the leaders. In a fully developed local church, there will be elders to oversee the people of God. The terms "elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, overseer" are often used interchangeably, referring to the same position - Ac 20:17 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.", 28 "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."; Ti 1:5-7 "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you-- if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."; 1 Pe 5:1-2 "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;" . Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9. Our responsibilities to them are as follows:

1) To recognize and respect them - 1 Th 5:12-13 "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."; 1 Ti 5:17-20 "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."

2) To obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally - He 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."; 1 Pe 5:2-3 "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Think of them as your "spiritual advisors", as "shepherds"; they are mature, experienced Christian men who are charged by God to "watch out for your souls"!

In a fully developed local church, there will also be deacons to serve the people of God. These are "servants" who assist the elders in the work of the church. Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:8-13. The work they do is a very noble one - 1 Ti 3:13 "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." There may also be those who serve as evangelists and teachers - Ep 4:11 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,". The "evangelists" concentrate their attention on teaching the gospel to the lost. "Teachers" concentrate attention upon edifying the members. Those commonly referred to as "preachers" or "ministers" may do both the work of evangelist and teacher. But whether they serve as evangelist, teacher, preacher, or minister, within the local church they likewise submit to the leadership of the elders.

We should contribute regularly to the work of the church. When we continue this lesson we will look at some ways we can contribute to it's work.

The Christian and Good Works

A Closer Walk With God

The Christian And Good Works

In a previous lesson we discussed the matter of devotion or worship to God, especially in our public assemblies. One objective of such activities is to stir us up to "good works" - He 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." In this short but important lesson, we shall examine the matter of "good works" which Christians are to do...

Christians are to do good works. Do not misunderstand the purpose of good works. They are not done to "buy" or "earn" our way into heaven. God saves us by His grace, not by our works - Ep 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."; Ti 3:3-7 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Yet, as God's People, we have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works! - Ep 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."; Ti 2:11-14 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.; 3:1 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,", 8 "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.", 14 "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful."

Why, then are we to do good works? They bring glory to God! - Mt 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."; 1 Pe 2:11-12 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." They can prepare unbelievers to be more receptive to the gospel - 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."; 3:1-2 "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct." They demonstrate the living nature of our faith - Ja 2:14-17 "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." They are necessary if we are to be like Jesus - see for example Lk 6:46 with Ac 10:38.

What good works can we do? Some good works are spiritual in nature. Such as telling others of God's grace - 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." We may not all be "teachers" in a formal sense - 1 Co 12:27-31 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."; Ja 3:1-2 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body". But all of us can share with others the wonderful grace of God available in Christ Jesus! Another good work is encouraging other Christians - He 3:12-13 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." We can be a "Philemon" or a "Stephanus" - Phile 7 "For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you."; 1 Co 16:15-18 "Now I urge you, brothers--you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints-- be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men." For example...through cards, calls, visits, Bible studies, etc. we can be an encouragement to others. We can do a very good work by restoring and encouraging weak brethren - Ga 6:1-2 "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We can be a "Barnabas" (who helped John Mark). The importance of this work is seen in light of Ja 5:19-20 "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

Other good works are more physical in nature. Jesus did not limit His good works to things spiritual - Lk 7:22 "And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them." Nor did He expect His disciples to so limit their good works... Note for example the "Limited Commission" - Mt 10:7-8 "And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay." Another example is the "judgment scene" - Mt 25:34-40. Just as some may be gifted in talent and opportunities to "teach", so others are gifted to "serve" in areas of physical service - Ro 12:3-8, such as "giving" and such as "showing mercy". Women can be especially fruitful in this area for they often have a more flexible use of their time. Why not be a "Dorcas"? - Ac 9:36-39.

No matter how we may serve the Lord, "good works" are a mark of pure religion - Ja 1:27 "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." It is also a key to spiritual blessedness (happiness) - Ja 1:25 "But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."; Ac 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"' So let's be sure to keep in mind the admonition of Paul to Titus... "Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works." - Ti 3:8

The following are questions to stimulate your thinking.

What kind of "spiritual" good works are you doing, or are preparing yourself to do?

What kind of "physical" good works are you doing, or hope one day to do?

Who should get the glory when you are praised for good works?

Discerning Between Good and Evil

A Closer Walk With God

Discerning Between Good And Evil

In the previous lesson we talked about overcoming sin by understanding the development of sin and utilizing the help of God to:

1) Change our desires.

2) Limit our opportunities to sin.

3) Exercise self-control.

4) Seek forgiveness.

Assumed in all of this, is that we know or can discern the difference between what is good and evil. Knowing the difference does not come automatically upon conversion. It is an ability that comes with time and "exercise" - He 5:12-14 "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, or everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." This lesson is designed to help us develop this ability to discern, so that we might truly have "a closer walk with God".

Deciding what is right and what is wrong is really very simple. It involves asking a few questions about the matter at hand... Such as "is it clearly condemned in the Bible? Many things are specifically mentioned as being wrong. One list of such things is found in Ga 5:19-21 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." A similar list is found in Ep 5:3-6 "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." For such things, that settles the matter. At least as far as Christians are concerned. There is no room for debate when the Scriptures clearly condemn some practice.

But not all sins are mentioned by name, for the Bible would be endless if that were true! So another question needs to be asked, "is it similar to those condemned in the Bible"? In Gal, 5:19-21, note the phrase "and the like". When we are uncertain about some matter, we should ask whether it is like sins specifically mentioned. For example, what about smoking marijuana? Is it not like "drunkenness"? You might compare something in question with the good things mentioned, noting those things in Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Is the matter in question more like the "fruit of the Spirit" (that which is good) or the "works of the flesh" (that which is evil)?

Another question to consider, does it hurt your conscience? Note the importance of a good conscience in light of the following Scriptures - 1 Ti 1:5 "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.", 18-19 "This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,"; 3:9 "They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." Violating our conscience to the degree it no longer bothers us is a sure sign of apostasy! - 1 Ti 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,"

This may help us to appreciate Romans 14:23 "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." . Doing something when you doubt its rightfulness is to violate your conscience. That, declares Paul, is sin! So an act may be good in of itself, but if you think it is wrong (because of incorrect knowledge) or have doubts about its rightfulness, then don't do it!

Another help is to ask, "what do mature Christians say about it? Of course, this is not the ultimate determining factor for mature Christians can be wrong, as they would be the first to admit. But, Heb 5:14 does say that those who by "reason of use" are in a position to discern. "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." This is why the advice of mature Christians can be helpful - Ph 3:17 "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." The example of Rehoboam's failure to listen to the advice of older, mature men should teach us something - (1 Kin 12:6-20). Paul instructed Titus that the younger should look to those older - Ti 2:2-5 "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

Then a question that is often overlooked is does it hinder our influence. By both example and word, Paul stressed the importance of being concerned about our influence on others. Notice his concern for how his influence affected the salvation of others - 1 Co 9:19-23 "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." He then commands to do likewise, in which we are simply imitating the example of Christ! - 1 Co 10:31-11:1 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

Peter taught the value of a good example in helping a wife win her husband to the Lord - 1 Pe 3:1-2 "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct." What is said of a wife's example would also be true of a Christian's example. So we should be concerned as to whether a practice under question helps or hinders our influence for the Lord!

We might question is it poor stewardship? That we are "stewards" of our time, money, and bodies is evident from the Lord's Parable of the Talents - Mt 25:14-30. Also from Paul's instruction concerning our bodies - 1 Co 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." From his directions for those rich in this world - 1 Ti 6:17-19 "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

Some activities may be harmless in themselves, but require so much time and energy there is none left for the Lord! This can be true of vocations, hobbies, etc. We should bear in mind that time is limited and therefore priorities must be set and kept - Ep 5:16 "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."; Mt 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Finally, we can ask would Jesus do it? Remember the goal of discipleship as found in Lk 6:40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." In other words, to be like Jesus! "Would Jesus do it?" is therefore an appropriate question. If you think He would not, it is probably wrong! This makes the study of Jesus of prime importance. Studying His life, His examples, His Word. So that we can have the "mind of Christ" - Ph 2:5 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,".

I hope that these seven questions can help in identifying what is good and what is evil. The importance of properly discerning between good and evil is seen in such passages like 2 Co 6:16-7:1 "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." We are reminded of how blessed we are to be the people of God and the responsibility to act accordingly, if we wish to have a closer walk with God!

Here are some questions to stimulate your thinking.

Do you have some older Christian to whom you feel free to go to for advice?

Do you feel that you usually give enough thought to the effect of your actions on other people?

Are you trying to keep a good conscience in all that you do?

Will you ask, when in doubt, "What would Jesus do?"

Overcoming Sin - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Overcoming Sin - Cont.

Having introduced the problem and two ways to help in overcoming sin we will continue by looking at two additional ways to help in our problem. We will start with a third, exercise "self-control". Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to action in fulfilling our sinful desires. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin! How does the Christian exercise self-control? Self-control is but one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" - Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives - Ac 2:38 "And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."; 5:32 "And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."' The Spirit is God's instrumental agent by which He imparts strength to us - Ep 3:16 "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,". Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to "put to death the deeds of the body" - Ro 8: 12-13 "So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." As Paul said: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Ph 4:13. It is through faith in God's Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help - Ep 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,". It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians - Ep 3:16 "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,". But equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God's will - Ph 2:12-13 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." As an exercise commercial once said: Just do it! The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1 Co 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." But there may be times when we don't take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?

Fourth, if necessary, obtain "forgiveness". Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! - 1 Jn 2:1-2 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins! By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in baptism - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Re 1:5. By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we repent, pray, and confess our sins to God - Ac 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!

Here are some observations about overcoming sin. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!

God helps us to "control our desires" by providing His Word to renew our minds.

God helps us to "limit the opportunities" through His Providence as we pray for such.

God helps us to "exercise self-control" over our actions through His Spirit strengthening the inner man.

God helps us to "obtain forgiveness" through His Son's blood as we repent and pray.

-- Isn't the grace of God wonderful? - 2 Th 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one."; 1 Co 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

In this discussion we have concentrated on "sins of commission". That is, sins we commit by overt action on our part. There are also "sins of omission". Sins which come from failing to do what is right - Ja 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." Overcoming these sins is similar... Change our desires so we want to do what is right. Exercise self-control so we act as we should when we have the opportunity. When guilty of sins of omission, obtain forgiveness in the same way.

In learning the four points at which we may overcome sin, don't think that we can simply wait until we reach the fourth point to act... That is, to just go ahead and sin, then ask God for forgiveness. There are several reasons why we should not do this:

1) In baptism, we were freed from the power of sin, and should now present ourselves to God as servants of righteousness - see Ro 6:1-23.

2) Though we can receive forgiveness for sin, we might still suffer the "temporal" consequences of sins - Ga 6:7-9 "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

3) If we allow sin to deceive us so as to become "hardened", we may get to the point of sinning "willfully" and lose our salvation! - He 3:12-14 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."; 10:26-31 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." So don't take the grace of God lightly and attempt to abuse it!

How much better it would be to praise God for His grace, and use it to overcome sin in our lives! May the promise found in Ja 1:12 help motivate us to do so:

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Some questions to stimulate your thinking.

Are you engaged in a daily Bible study program which will help you develop the proper kind of desires?

Do you "watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation"?

Do you avoid circumstances and companions that you know would entice you to sin?

Do you pray that God will strengthen you "by His Spirit in the inner man"?

Do you ask God daily to forgive your sins, and to help you overcome sin in your life?