Posted on 04/19/2013 10:21:32 PM PDT by DouglasKC
Many people believe God will accept them just as they are. But Scripture nowhere supports this idea. God expects His true followers to grow, mature and bear fruit. What kind of fruit does God expect? And how do we produce it?
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection" (Hebrews 6:1).
Correctly understanding the scriptural truth that the Holy Spirit is God's power that can transform our lives helps us better understand His purpose and will for us. Paul wrote that "we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15, NRSV). He also said, "Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature" (1 Corinthians 14:20 ).
This growth process involves overpowering the pulls of the flesh, replacing them with the character of Jesus Christ. Where do we begin?
John tells us: "Those who are God's children do not continue sinning, because the new life from God remains in them. They are not able to go on sinning, because they have become children of God" (1 John 3:9, New Century Version). The converted Christian does not habitually practice sin. He has, after all, determined to turn away from sin.
The sense here is not that, as a Christian, we will never sin (1 John 1:8), because we remain human and imperfect and can still be influenced by our nature and the degenerate world around us. Instead, the sense is that a Christian will not make it his practice to sin.
Note this paraphrase translation of 1 John 3:9 : "People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin" (The Message).
A truly converted Christian will stumble and sin at times, but his or her life will be one of striving mightily to avoid sin. This will involve learning not only to resist temptation, but to flee circumstances where one might be tempted into wrongdoing (1 Corinthians 6:18).
In Ephesians 4 Paul presents an easy-to-understand formula for overcoming sin. He illustrates the method with several examples so we may readily comprehend what is involved. When we examine these verses we notice three steps we need to take to shift from a sinful life to one that properly represents God's working with us and in us. Paul's instruction regarding overcoming our inclination to sin is this: "to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV).
Out with the old
The first step, says Paul, is to "put off your old self." To do this we must realize that the old person is our carnal, selfish nature, which is hostile to God (Romans 8:7).
The "old self" to whom Paul referred is both our unconverted mind and the individual thoughts and acts of sin that spring from it. As discussed earlier, our former self must be put to a symbolic death through the waters of baptism (Romans 6:1-4).
Over time God can work miracles in changing the worst of us through the transforming power of His Spirit. He can free us from the many sins that imprison us—sins that we may think we can never overcome. We can be released from the bonds that have ensnared us and held us captive. With God's help we are progressively liberated from a wrong way of life that Paul described as slavery (Romans 6:16). To break free of enslavement Paul tells us to "put to death . . . whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5, NIV).
As we study God's Word, even after we are baptized and converted, we continue to see details of our human nature revealed to us. The Scriptures help us identify changes we still need to make. The Word of God, if we let it, powerfully cuts and penetrates to the core of our being "and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
God's Word helps us identify our wrong practices and thoughts (see "Why Bible Study Is Necessary for Spiritual Growth" on page 51). We can then turn away from them and think godly thoughts and do godly works. But we cannot do them alone!
We need to stir up the gift of God's Spirit within us (2 Timothy 1:6). That Spirit can renew us every day and will empower our new nature for the successful fight against sin (2 Corinthians 4:16). With the help of His Spirit we can "put to death the deeds of the body" (Romans 8:13 ).
Some stumble in their fight against sin when they attempt to overcome it by their own strength rather than relying on the power God makes available through His Spirit. Paul acknowledges this human deficiency. He knew full well the impact of human nature on our conduct. "Evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good," he wrote (Romans 7:21). This scripture describes the struggle of Paul—and every Christian—between his human nature and his new godly nature.
It is through Jesus dwelling in us that we can live a new, godly life (Galatians 2:20). We can be redeemed "from every lawless deed" and purified as "His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14 ). With God's help we can overcome.
In with the new
If we strive only to put off the old self, the process of overcoming is incomplete. Now comes the most challenging part. We must, with God's help, build into our character the positive traits that are the opposite of the flaws we have identified. As Paul explained, we must "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) with all its godly attributes. We must focus our attention and effort on the godly behavior we desire to practice.
We must concentrate on the positive to eliminate the negative. This is where the examples Paul uses are so instructive and helpful: "Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor'" (verse 25).
When is a liar not a liar? He doesn't cease being a liar just because he keeps his mouth shut. He is still a liar between lies, so to speak. The only way a liar can demonstrate a change in his character is to "speak truth with his neighbor."
He must put off the old by putting on the new. When a former liar consistently begins telling the truth, his old ways of dishonesty and evasion begin to shrivel up and die. This is what happens when, with the help of God's Spirit, we strive to overcome our old ways of living and replace them with God's ways.
Paul lists another example, that of stealing. When is a thief not a thief? Someone who is not at this moment stealing something may be a thief "between jobs." The only demonstrable proof that a thief has changed his ways is if he begins consistently to do the opposite.
Stealing is simply the act of unlawfully taking. The opposite approach to a selfish, thieving attitude is giving. With God's help a thief should learn to work "that he may have something to give him who has need" (verse 28).
Destructive or constructive words?
Paul cites yet another example of the way we communicate. Our tongue is often an accurate indicator of our dominant nature, whether good or bad. Jesus noted that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34 ). James tells us that the unbridled tongue is "a world of iniquity" (James 3:6).
Keeping silent so that no corrupt communication slips out may be a step in the right direction. But keeping our mouth shut is not proof in itself that our nature has changed. After all, "even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace" (Proverbs 17:28). Our nature has fundamentally changed when we begin using our tongue in a positive way. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).
To overcome the wrong use of speech, we need to ask God, through the power of His Spirit, to help us concentrate on encouraging and building up others instead of berating them or tearing them down. Our words should spring from "a well of life" (Proverbs 10:11). Our talk should be as "choice silver" (Proverbs 10:20). We should pray to God that our speech be "always with grace" (Colossians 4:6 ).
We can overcome our base traits by concentrating on upright behavior. Through applying this formula with the help of God's Spirit, change becomes a lasting part of our character.
Which spirit will be with you?
God's Spirit is contrasted with the spirit of "bitterness and wrath" in Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." When we indulge the nature of our old self with all its corrupt practices, we "give the devil a foothold" (verse 27, NIV). When we are kind and forgiving we reflect the Spirit of God.
Perhaps now we can understand why we quench God's Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) if we refuse its leading and indulge in stealing or corrupt communication such as lying. Satan thrives in such an environment.
But, when we put on the new man led by God's Spirit, the opposite results prevail. Satan hates godly behavior and cannot prevail in such a setting. God's Spirit, however, flourishes in a person who strives to live a godly life. All this beautifully illustrates some simple yet profound truths: When we "submit to God" and "resist the devil," he will flee from us (James 4:7). As Paul explained, "Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
The simplest way to remove the air from a cup is by filling it with water. Likewise God can overcome our human nature by filling our minds with His nature and its many wonderful attributes.
As 2 Peter 1:5-8 tells us: "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (NIV).
This does not mean we will never sin again, for as long as we are physical we remain subject to human weakness. However, we need not become discouraged in the face of our sins. Indeed, we should be thankful that we are mindful of them, because awareness is the first step toward their eradication.
Paul shares with us that he never attained perfection in his efforts to eliminate sin from his life. But he gives us this perspective: "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
From the book of Hebrews come these encouraging words: "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession [the faith we profess]. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).
"Therefore . . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart"(Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV, 1984).
Our ultimate transformation
The entire conversion process concerns the wonderful transformation that God—through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit—makes in us. The final and most dramatic aspect of our transformation will occur at the resurrection of the dead when Jesus returns.
The apostle Paul reveals what will happen to the "called, chosen and faithful" disciples of Christ at that time: "What I mean, my friends, is this: flesh and blood can never possess the kingdom of God, the perishable cannot possess the imperishable. Listen! I will unfold a mystery: we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet-call.
"For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise imperishable, and we shall be changed. This perishable body must be clothed with the imperishable, and what is mortal with immortality. And when this perishable body has been clothed with the imperishable and our mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the saying of scripture will come true: ‘Death is swallowed up; victory is won!'" (1 Corinthians 15:50-54, REB).
Daniel 12:2-3 also speaks of this marvelous occurrence: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament [the sky], and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." (To learn more, please request our free booklet What Is Your Destiny? )
Finally, Paul describes the wonderful conclusion to all that God is doing for us: "We eagerly await a Savior from [heaven], the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21, NIV).
Therefore, Paul writes in Titus 2:12-14, by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
Thanks, Jim.
A) When has greetings_puny_humans ever claimed to be, or ever used the term "fundamentalist"?
B) What (Catholic?) seminarians have come onto FR before today, pretending to be fundamentalists? What were their FReeper handles?
C) How are you yourself using the term fundamentalist?
The term [Fundamentalism] was born when conservative Protestants in early-20th-century America committed themselves to defend the five "fundamentals" of their faith -- the inerrancy of the Bible, virgin birth and deity of Jesus, doctrine of atonement, bodily resurrection of Jesus, and His imminent return.
-- from the thread The many forms of fundamentalism
Fundamentalist: A term created during the turn-of-the-20th-century Protestant church splits to define those who held to the “fundamentals” of Christianity—the inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth of Jesus and his literal resurrection from the dead. The term is now considered pejorative. (Wheaton College philosophy professor Alvin Plantinga famously observed, “The full meaning of the term...can be given by something like ‘stupid sumbitch whose theological opinions are considerably to the right of mine.’”)
-- from the thread New Kids In The Flock
Well, my goodness. That doesn’t seem to have worked out so very well for you.
There are quite a few churches claiming to be the one, true Church. The true Church is the body of believers, however. They are to be found in a variety of different Christian churches with a variety of differing beliefs and practices, but they do not vary in belief regarding core, salvific matters, the good news, the Gospel. I’ve not witnessed the FReeper in question err about this.
Therefore I’ll continue to maintain that these apsersions are very unfair, even if I don’t necessarily agree with all that his apparent church teaches.
Begging your pardon, but in general I don’t snap to it for noobs with an apparent Napoleonic Complex, and as I’ve repeatedly stated, I’ve been defending an individual.
If one wishes to argue with an adherent of a particular set of beliefs distinctive to a particular denomination, Might I suggest that one might want to find someone who adheres to them?
Seems clear enough to me. But, there seems to be some difficulty in this regard occurring on the opposite end of this exchange.
I suggest prayer.
“I’ve been defending an individual.”
Who is pimping for the UCG by posting their articles and arguments.
“distinctive to a particular denomination,”
And here you are defending the UCG by calling them a denomination of Christianity.
“I suggest prayer.”
That’s certainly what’s needed here, as I can’t seem to get you to read a few sentences or do a bit of checking of your own claims by any human power.
Is this presumed “pimping” of a particular church really at issue here? There have been other threads posted during your brief time on FR that could be described in such a manner, yet I don’t recall seeing you there.
One thing that should be clear by now, is that I am not even remotely “pimping” a particular denomination or sect. There are some with which I agree more than others. Some veer far enough away that I’ll go so far as to say that they’re no longer Christian.
I am not going to say that the OP is not Christian because I’ve never witnessed him erring upon core salvific matters, regardless of the denomination to which he presumably belongs. Upon this you and I differ, clearly.
If you wish to argue finer points of a particular denomination I strongly suggest you find someone who belongs to it. I can’t say it any more plainly.
Now, you have a good evening. This has gone on quite long enough.
“Is this presumed “pimping” of a particular church really at issue here?”
Looks like we’ve finally come full circle, so I’ll just repeat my original response to the complaints that I said anything:
“People have a right to know who it is that is offering them “edification” so as to be wary of subtle errors of groups they consider non-Christian. It’s not being rude. It’s called a disclaimer.”
There we go.
“For education and edification”
Ladies and gentlemen, take with great caution any “education and edification” offered by members of the United Church of God. They are a polytheistic religious group who believe that the “works” that are “expected” by God include holding to the Jewish festival days and dietary laws, as well as receiving the Holy Spirit from the laying on of hands by right believing UCG-believers. (You don’t have the Holy Spirit until someone from their church gives “it” to you. They also disbelieve that the Holy Spirit is God, and argue that He is a mere force as well.)
The following anti-Trinitarian thread has more information on the UCG in response to the OP, documenting their polytheistic position.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3008736/posts
Because of your chosen "Handle" are we supposed to think you are some type of "wanna be" deity.....or something. I followed some of your postings on a few of Douglas' threads and this seems to come across somewhat......a general disdain for "puny humans".....of all stripes.
I've also noted that you refer quite often to things....."Jewish". You are aware, of course....that the Festivals, Sabbaths and Dietary regulations were given to all of Israel.....not just the Jews? Maybe you aren't.........that seems more likely.
I think it is somewhat silly that you have appointed yourself to be the custodian and regulator of what FReepers discuss on a theological basis at all. What I seem to gather from your rantings is the "same ole same ole" that the Main Stream Church has been palming off as Christianity for over 1700 years now. It is nothing but Regurgitated Paganism that seeks a home between the pages of scripture and continues to be.......quite unsuccessful.
When you find passages in scripture that inform us that the other eleven tribes of Israel did not receive the instructions for the Sabbaths, Festivals and Dietary regulations as well......you'll be sure and let us all know?
“I think it is somewhat silly that you have appointed yourself to be the custodian and regulator of what FReepers discuss on a theological basis at all.”
Who says I was regulating it? We have a guy pimping a bunch of articles from a flaky religious cult ranging from issues of the Trinity down to threads on “counterfeit Christianity” (you and me). I posted a warning on this thread that it was from the UCG. In fact, it’s (a warning placed) been done in virtually every thread he’s started, and not all by me. I just did it on 3 threads. Other people have cited his United Church of God membership in the others.
“What I seem to gather from your rantings is the “same ole same ole” that the Main Stream Church has been palming off as Christianity for over 1700 years now. It is nothing but Regurgitated Paganism that seeks a home between the pages of scripture and continues to be.......quite unsuccessful.”
Oh, 1700 years? So you’re also anti-Trinitarian. Good to know.
“When you find passages in scripture that inform us that the other eleven tribes of Israel did not receive the instructions for the Sabbaths, Festivals and Dietary regulations as well......you’ll be sure and let us all know?”
Is this a reference to British Israelism that Armstrong promotes? I quoted Romans 14, and a few other passages, that don’t seem all that concerned about dietary regulations or festival days.
I do! Sending out "All Points" bulletins on a FReeper's postings..... who has been around from almost the beginning, considered to be a genuinely nice person, a conservative in thought and practice and someone who you should be glad to call your friend.....but constantly ridicule because of his beliefs? This is not an attempt to regulate what some folks should...and should not read? Shame on you!
Good grief. If you don't agree with him or his theology....then debate him. But stop the childishness. It makes you look silly!
Oh, 1700 years? So you’re also anti-Trinitarian. Good to know.
Yes...........I think the idea of a Trinitarian God Head is pagan! Especially since scripture tells us [Deuteronomy 6:4] exactly what He is. He is further defined by [John 4:24]. How some folks think Christianity began by copying the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, the Babylonians and other ancient religions.....arriving at a Trinity.............is just ignoring the facts!
Is this a reference to British Israelism that Armstrong promotes?
I don't know. Because scripture shows the Jews (the ones who started Judaism) as only one of twelve tribes given the Torah.......is this a justification for Armstrong? I think not....and I also think British Israelism is somewhat off kilter.
I quoted Romans 14, and a few other passages, that don’t seem all that concerned about dietary regulations or festival days.
Your interpretation of Romans 14 is just the "Same ole....same ole".....especially the purposely mistranslated Greek..... so delicately inserted by the biased interpreters to bring it in line with the paganism of the Main Stream Church.
......and then that puny little ruse, attempting to draw Mr. Robinson into the fray..........just silly.
“Do NOT follow another Freeper around from thread to thread posting warnings about him.”
I was NOT following him. I just happened to see it and posted the “watch out” so people knew what they were getting into before they started. If I was following him, you’d see me in the dozen other threads he’s been posting with his religion. It’s not personal. If I saw an LDS thread, or Jehovah’s Witness, I’d have probably put my two-cents in too.
On "open" Religion Forum threads, the main guideline is to "discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal."
Click here for more on the Religion Forum guidelines.
It's best summed up in these verses:
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
Heb 6:6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
The unpardonable sin is rejecting the salvation one has through the holy spirit of the Lord.
Luk 12:10 "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
Anyone who has gone so far as to reject the salvation of the Lord once it has been given will get to the point where they blaspheme against the same life giving spirit.
So would a person who once was a member and has left the church have committed the unpardonable sin? Would they be disfellowshipped and/or marked?
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