Episodes
Tuesday Mar 29, 2011
WISE - Christ
Tuesday Mar 29, 2011
Tuesday Mar 29, 2011
Words In Scripture Explored - Christ
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The word Christ is the New Testament word for the Old Testament word, Messiah. So we look to the Old Testament first, in order to understand what the New Testament word Christ means! It certainly means more than just a swear word. It was not Jesus' surname, although it was appended to His name in the New Testament, more as a way of expressing who He was!So how is the word Messiah used in the Old Testament?
The word translated ‘Messiah' is found only twice (Daniel 9:25-26). The New International Version translates the word ‘Messiah' as the ‘Anointed One'. The Old Testament idea of Messiah has five principles attached to it: God's chosen and anointed man; He will bring salvation for God's people; He will judge God's enemies; He is an appointed ruler over nations; He is an active representative of God. Surprisingly, these five principles can be applied to King Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). Cyrus, is an example of a Messiah, the anointed one of God, even though he was not one of God's people, the Israelites. This shows that the word Messiah can have a non-religious meaning behind it. The Messiah, God's Anointed One, is pictured in several ways in the Old Testament. There is the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 40-55); the Conquering Warrior (Isaiah 56-66); the Branch - particularly of David (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8); Son of Man (Daniel 7); and finally Anointed Prince (Daniel 9:25-27). All of the Old Testament Covenants pointed towards this future coming of the Messiah, God's Anointed One! Through all these Covenants we see a God who is willing to interact with His creation and bless it. When first century Christians such as Paul, Peter and John checked all the events surrounding the life of Jesus, they searched their Scriptures, our Old Testament. It was as the Holy Spirit illuminated their minds, that they wrote down and passed on the whole gamut of Old Testament promise which was fulfilled in God's Messiah and the world's hope: Jesus Christ and Him alone. Jesus Christ is all five of those principles referred to in the Old Testament Messiah. Investigate the New Testament for yourself to find how, why and where! For example 2 Samuel 7v12 predicts the birth of Solomon as David's successor to the throne with his role being to establish David's throne forever (2 Samuel 7v13). We see this link to Jesus Christ, though the genealogies to both Joseph: a legal right to David's throne (Matthew 1v1-17) and to Mary: a blood right to David's throne (Luke 3v23-38). Or the Mosaic Covenant, or Law of Moses, was given that they could realize the helplessness of their own efforts, and their need of God's help. Galatians 3v22-24 explains that the Law was only a protective fence, until through the promised Messiah, humanity "could be made right with God through faith." All of history pointed to the coming of this Messiah, this Christ, if you will. This was all part of Paul's reasoning from Scripture with the Jews he came in contact with. Of course for Paul, as for us, the Messiah is Jesus Christ. All of history, points to this Jesus Christ, coming back again. Coming back, not as a baby next time, but as a King in glory!Right mouse click here to download as a MP3 audio file
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Monday Mar 28, 2011
Worldviews
Monday Mar 28, 2011
Monday Mar 28, 2011
Worldviews
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Paul writing in Philippians 2v1-4: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
What was your worldview before you became a Christian? What is your worldview now that you are a Christian? Are there any similarities and differences between the two? What does a Christian worldview consist of and what are some of the thoughts behind opposing worldviews that are prevalent in Western society today?
Contemporary Society
Shock rock group, Slipknot, in one of their songs, describe people as the equivalent of excrement. Reality television programmes love to show the degradation and embarrassment of human participants. The London Zoo has in 2005 exhibited humans and treated them as animals, in order to reflect humanity's "basic nature" and place on earth. The pornographic industry, despite protests from both religious and non-religious groups, shows both men and women in airbrushed degradation, with pictorial and verbal humiliation. All these treat humans as mere, undignified 'glory-less' commodities to be used and degraded, albeit, in the main part willingly. Some treat other people as either their equal or of lesser concern than themselves. This is following what is commonly called the “Golden Rule“, which is “do to others, what you would have them do to you”. Furthermore, there is the thinking that there are no certainties or absolutes in life, just your own perspective. Morality is a private thing and what is right for you, may not be right for me and don't dare tell me that I am wrong in any aspect of my life. My morals are mine and mine alone, and it is my right. As for religion, all religions inevitably lead to some form of god or gods, that is if any exists at all.
Darwin & Scientific Materialism
Richard Dawkins, the eminent Oxford biologist and atheist, decrees that humans are merely a miniscule section in nature's rich spectrum, and Darwinism explains not only how we got here but that our purpose has evolved just as we have evolved biologically and sexually. Based on this hypothesis, he sees no reason for a creator or any form of intelligent designer, as man evolved by "chance and random variations". Further to this, he views "humanity as just one little twig", amongst the order of primates. He does however admit, that humans have probably evolved as far as they can and further concedes that there is "no definitely accepted account" regarding life's beginnings. This atheistic and naturalistic theory goes on to deny the very existence of a spiritual world and claims that our emotions such as love, fear, hatred and guilt, or our thoughts and feelings, are merely physical or chemical in origin.
A Christian Worldview
Contrast these with a Christian worldview. Atheistic views are entirely theoretical and are based entirely upon presupposed disavowal and disbelief in any form of deity, whether personal or impersonal, and belief that any kind of faith is blind, non-evidential and irrational. Juxtaposed against this thought, Genesis 1 asks us to rejoice in the knowledge of who we are, as the pinnacle of creation. Early Greek Patriarchs likened the creation of humanity to a royal leader being shown his new palace.
Again, contrast those worldviews against Scripture, which says, that humanity, both male and female, is made in the image of God, the imago dei, and is therefore according to one of the church fathers made to "reflect the Divine". Paul when writing to the Thessalonian church said: “May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
When God created humanity, it was in His image that they were created. The Bible indicates that humans are composed of 3 parts - Body, Soul and Spirit. The spirit and soul are only separable in thought and are probably best seen as two separate dimensions of the non-material side of a person - the spirit relating to God, and the soul relating to earth. All three parts, spirit, soul and body have an important role to play in our humanity. The whole person is valuable to God, not just the spirit as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Other philosophies and religions have tried to portray the body as evil or irrelevant, and this has crept into some parts of Christianity, with the tradition of priestly celibacy and asceticism. A break down in any of these areas can cause imbalance in the other areas. For example, research has shown that sometimes, physical sickness can be caused through emotional turmoil. Studies have also revealed that mental illness may occasionally be caused through guilt or unforgiveness. As humans we are created in His image, and as Christian Disciples we were bought at a price when Jesus died on the cross.
A biblical Christian worldview should include the following:
God created humanity, in His own image therefore higher than the animal world. Humanity subsequently rebelled and disobeyed God. God then took the initiative and promised a way out through His chosen Messiah. This Messiah was Jesus Christ, and he had simultaneously both human and divine natures. It was He, who as God, stepped into history and became confined for a short while by time and space. He was born so that when He died on the cross, it was to pay the price so that all of humanity could be freed from slavery to sin and disobedience, if only they chose to accept and believe in Him as God. He rose again physically from the dead, ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Those who don't accept Him as Lord and Saviour wil spend eternity apart from Him. He is the only way to God, and all other paths lead to destruction. That is why Christianity is the only true and permanent hope for the world. As Christians Disciples, living in the 21st century, we are to place God first, others second and ourselves last. That is the path a Christian Disciple is to walk, following and serving both God and others. It is done by taking up our cross, just as Jesus Christ took up His cross (Luke 9v23) and following His life devoted to being a servant of others. As Christian Disciples, we have God in the person of the Holy Spirit, living inside us as a deposit for our future life with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1v13-14). With His help, we are being transformed into the very image of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3v18; Philippians 3v20-21). You may well be able to add other things to this in order to form your own worldview.
For more to think about please do read for yourself: Philippians 2v1-18. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.
Q1. How has and is my worldview being developed and transformed into a worldview similar to that of Jesus Christ?
Q2. How has my life been transformed in the last year and in what way can I continue to be transformed into the very image of Jesus Christ?
Q3. In what way do the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed help and reinforce my understanding of a Christian worldview?
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Saturday Mar 19, 2011
Peace
Saturday Mar 19, 2011
Saturday Mar 19, 2011
Peace!
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G'day & shalom!! Paul writing to the church of Philippi :"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4v5-9 The world we live in, wants peace! We hear it all the time! Politicians want peace and they are prepared to go to war to get it! New Age folk want peace! Atheists, humanists, Muslims and Hindus want peace! The world is unified around the concept of peace! Almost all want and dream of it! However, the peace the world wants requires the manipulation of circumstances. On the other hand, God's peace comes regardless of circumstances. So what does the Bible have to say about peace between God and humanity and peace within humanity itself? What does the Bible mean by "peace"? Just how can I as a Christian disciple maintain an inner peace? Peace Definition: 'Shalom' was the Hebrew word used in the Old Testament. It means a wholeness of well-being & mind; the total absence of conflict and turmoil evidenced by an untroubled mind and a heart that does not fear! It is a total harmony with God, man, circumstances & self. The end of peace was when Adam sinned and fellowship was broken with God and between humans (Genesis 1:3). We know that the God we serve is a God of peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We also know that the Kingdom of God is about peace in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9v6) and Zechariah prophecised in Luke 1v79 that Jesus would "guide our feet into the way of peace." As Christian disciples, we have peace with God through the death and resurrection of our Jesus Christ our Master! But as you know, we are still fallible humans and we all have to some degree and at different times, inner turmoil caused by all sorts of things like asserting our rights, attitudes of unforgiveness towards others and guilty consciences reminding us of things past. What does peace with God mean? How does peace with those around me work? Why do I need to be at peace with those who do not like me? How can I maintain peace within me at all times?Peace with God.
As Christian disciples we are justified by faith and have peace with God. This peace gives us access into grace and God's blessings (Romans 5:1-2). Our Master Jesus Christ is our peace between God & humanity; also within humanity and the hostility has been removed (Romans 2:13-18).Peace with Others
Paul commands us in Romans 12vv17-20, to live at peace with everyone and not to be proud or vengeful. We are to do what is right in eyes of other people and exhibit positive goodness in the face of insult & assault. He goes on in Romans 14vv13-19 saying that we are to make every effort to do what leads to peace & mutual edification. We are not place stumbling blocks in front of others! Mutual encouragement and edification is more important than personal rights. By being peacemakers we will according to James 3v18 show real wisdom which reaps a harvest of righteousness.Peace within
As Christian disciples we have the gift of peace with God from the God of peace (Philippians 4:4-9) given to us by Jesus! (John 14v27). Being peacemakers and having internal peace shows the fruit of the Spirit. And according to John 16v33, we have peace in troubled times & world through an untroubled, unfearful heart & mind.How do we maintain peace within?
By living a life in obedience to Jesus we bear the fruit of righteousness, which is peace, quietness and confidence (Isaiah 32:17). A mind controlled by the Holy Spirit of peace gives us life and peace and total trust in God! (Isaiah 26v3; Romans 8v6). Lastly by being content whatever the situation enables the peace of God to guard your heart & mind. (Philippians 4v11-12) For more to think about please do read James 4vv1-11. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.- What areas of your life do you need peace in right now?
- Are there situations where you need peace to rule?
- When was the last time you asked the Spirit of peace to rule over a situation or relationship?
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Saturday Mar 12, 2011
WISE - Resurrection
Saturday Mar 12, 2011
Saturday Mar 12, 2011
Resurrection
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Resurrection means rising or raising up. It certainly means more than coming back to life as some people think. Jesus raised three people from the dead, but that was more a resuscitation than a resurrection - those three people would die again! So lets start by looking at Jesus' resurrection.Jesus' Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the central theme for the sermons and teaching in the early church (Acts 1v22; Acts 4v33, Acts 17v18). But what significance is there in Jesus' resurrection? Jesus' resurrection proves and vindicates all of His teaching. It certifies His claims to be the suffering Servant, just as it attests to His being fully God and the last Judge of all mankind (Isaiah 53v10-12; Acts 2v36; Acts 3v13-15; Romans 1v4). God's approval of Jesus obedient service and the fulfilment of all the Old Testament promises is declared through the resurrection. The result of which, is forgiveness of sins and salvation being only found in and through Jesus Christ. In the early church this was the prime motive for evangelism (Acts 2v32, Romans 4v24-25) As the resurrected King, Jesus now intercedes for us. More than that, He has perfected the redemption of all those who choose to follow Him (Romans 5v10; Hebrews 6v20, 1 Peter 1v21). These facts remain for Jesus' resurrection, despite what some people say including Islam and other detractors of historical Christianity. The changed attitude of the disciples after seeing the risen Jesus. The disciples changed from defeated, cowardly people into victorious, brave and bold people. Nobody who could have produced the dead body of Jesus did so. This led to the survival and inordinate growth and impact of the early church. If there was no bodily resurrection of Jesus' would people really have risked persecution and death for a known lie? Finally, there were multiple appearances of Jesus! These appearances were to various numbers of individuals and groups of people, at various times of the day and in differing circumstances. Jesus' resurrection is a sign of the bodily resurrection for all those who believe and trust in Him during their earthly life! This should give you a new attitude to death and the transforming of hopes (1 Corinthians 15v12-58, Romans 8v10, 2 Corinthians 4v14; 1 Peter 1v3 & 21)Believers Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of the dead, those who are saved and those who are unsaved, is clearly taught in Bible (John 5v28-29; Acts 24v15). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15v20-22) Christian Disciples resurrected body will be:- Like Christ's glorious body (1 Corinthians 15v49; Philippians 3v21; 1 John 3v2)
- Not flesh and blood (1 Corinthians 15v50ff)
- Not partly spiritual (Luke 24v39; 1 Corinthians 15v42, 53)
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Saturday Mar 05, 2011
Salvation2
Saturday Mar 05, 2011
Saturday Mar 05, 2011
Salvation 2
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Romans 10v9-10 “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Salvation – Who decides the saved has been a question asked for centuries!! There are two extremist views in regards to salvation – there is “hyper-Calvinism” that says God has decided all things and there is nothing we can do about it. Then there is the opposite end, “universalism”, which says that God will grant salvation to all, regardless of creed, race or religion. But we need to see these two “isms” in the balance of Scripture. Firstly God does choose individuals to fulfil His purposes (Romans 9) and He chooses those who are, or will be, saved (John 15v16). These chosen ones are called the elect. However, it is also His will that all people should be saved (1 Timothy 2v3-4) and that nobody should perish (2 Peter 3v9).
So in reading those two statements, it is imperative that we accept both these Scriptural statements as equally and absolutely true. When we use words about God with a time element such as 'chose', 'elect', we need to use these taking into God's infinite time framework (timelessness), and not in our human finite time framework. So God offers salvation to all, and leaves the responsibility to take up the offer with humans.
As a Christian disciple you have taken up God’s offer of salvation! But now what? What happens after the decision to become a Christian has been made?
Philippians 2v12-13: “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
This “working hard to show the results of your salvation” involves four things: Repentance, Faith, Perseverance and Discipline.
1. Repentance is a voluntary change in mind, in which the person turns from a life of sin to living a life of righteousness. This is done in three spheres:
a) Mind (Intellect) - recognition of personal sinfulness and guilt before God (Psalm 51v3; Romans 3v20)
b) Emotional (Heart) - genuine sorrow for sin - Godly sorrow... leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7v8-10)
c) Will - decision to turn from sin, self-pleasing and self-centredness to God.
The importance of repentance was central to the teaching of:
Jesus (Matthew 4v17; Mark 1v15); John the Baptist (Matthew 3v1-2); The Apostles (Acts 2v38; 20v21);
Commanded by God (Acts 17v30); God’s will that all people repent (2 Peter 3v9; 1 Timothy 2v4)
2. Faith is a confidence in the faithfulness of God which leads to reliance and trust in God and obedience to Him (Hebrews 11v6). In salvation, faith is a voluntary change of mind and heart in the sinner in which the person turns to God, relying on and accepting His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. -
FAITH = BELIEF + TRUST + ACTION.
a) Mind - recognition of our need of salvation. Acknowledging Christ’s death on our behalf and our need of forgiveness.
b) Emotional (Heart) - personal assent to the gospel - What must I do to be saved? Agree to make salvation a part of life.
c) Will - Personal trust.
- · Surrender of the life to the Lordship of Christ (John 8v12; Romans 10v9)
- · Reception and appropriation of Jesus into the life. (John 1v12; Revelation 3v20)
- · Accepting His death on our behalf, and the forgiveness He offers.
3. Perseverance is the continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine grace that is begun in the heart is continued and brought to completion.
- · They will never perish, no-one can snatch them out of my hand (John 10v27-29)
- · They have eternal life and will not be condemned, passed from death to life. (John 5v24)
- · He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1v6)
- · Shielded by God’s power. (1 Peter 1v15)
- · Nothing can separate us from God/Christ’s love. (Romans 8v38-39)
- · The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2v19)
- · That you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5v12-13)
- · Eternal life never depends on our feeble grip on Christ, but rather on His firm grip on us.
4. Godly Discipline Christian disciples are sometimes entangled by sin (Hebrews 12v1). God disciplines His children and “It is painful.” (Hebrews 12v11) Therefore if we are Christians, and we sin (remaining unrepentant and habitual), God will discipline (Hebrews 12v10). If we sin and are not disciplined, we are not His children (Hebrews 12v8).
The Practice of Sin - Habitual Sin - The Christian disciple cannot continue to sin habitually, willingly maintaining a sinful practice or attitude. That is why we are warned against falling away.
- · We share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end. (Hebrews 3v13-14)
- · It is possible to experience much of what God offers and not be a Christian e.g. The Pharisees (Hebrews 6v4-6)
- · Deliberate sinning after receiving the truth reveals a rejection of truth. However, God is merciful and will forgive if repentance is asked for!
Living as a Christian disciple is to be a life that brings glory to Jesus Christ. Part of that is a life of repentance, faith, perseverance and discipline. In doing these four things, the Christian disciple inevitably carries their own cross daily, so that Jesus the Master is honoured and glorified.
For more to think about please do read Philippians 2v1-16. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.
Q1. How am I working out my salvation?
Q2. How is God working in me so that He is glorified?
Q3. What am I doing to hold firmly to the word of life?
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Friday Mar 04, 2011
Salvation1
Friday Mar 04, 2011
Friday Mar 04, 2011
Salvation 1
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From the Book of Acts 16v29-34 – “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family. “
Salvation has two sides to it. There is God’s side, which may seem obvious. But there is also the human side of salvation. God provides the salvation but it is the human’s responsibility to take it. So for the next two discussions, hopefully that is going to be the topic: salvation..
Salvation includes several parts. Initially there is conversion, or as Jesus put it Matthew 18v3: “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” That means a voluntary change of turning from sin to God. That is the concept behind repentance. From there that point of beginning the life of a Christian disciple, it is a dynamic life and not to be passive. But what does this entail in regards to salvation?
SALVATION
What must I do to be saved is a question often asked in the book of Acts “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” is the reply according to Acts 16v30-31. To believe does not mean just head knowledge; but believing in the heart (Romans 10v9), relying on the finished work of Christ for salvation. That is the human response to God’s offer of salvation. But what is God’s part of the deal?
God’s side of conversion
Firstly there is regeneration. Regeneration is the new birth, being born again, becoming a new creation. A regenerated person does not receive a new spirit or personality but the Holy Spirit recreates the moral basis of our character, setting it free to act according to God’s will giving the desire and ability to seek and follow God.
- Being born again (John 3v3-6)
- Washed by rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3v5)
- New creation (2 Corinthians 5v17)
- New person created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness - being renewed in the image of the creator. (Ephesians 4v24; Colossians 5v17)
- Made truly alive (Ephesians 2v5)
Then there is Justification - our position before God. Justification is an act by which the sinner is acquitted and declared righteous in God’s sight (declared free from the penalty of sin). It is remission of sin and its penalty equals forgiveness.
- Nailed the list of the Christian disciples sins to the cross (Colossians 2v13-14)
- Clothed in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61v10)
- Righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 1v7; Acts 13v38-39)
- We receive the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5v17)
- Righteousness from God through faith in Christ (Philippians 3v9)
Justification therefore is the result of being in Jesus Christ. The basis of this justification is Romans 3v26, whereby Jesus Christ is both Just and the Justifier. Because God is holy, sin must be dealt with, He cannot arbitrarily forgive sin. The judgment and penalty of sin, which is death, was poured out on Jesus Christ who is our substitute. Therefore justice has been done, because God is just. By faith in Christ we are declared righteous as free gift, and Christian disciples are therefore justified.
Then there is Sanctification or cleansed! We have been sanctified (Hebrews 10v10); washed clean (1 Corinthians 6v11) and have perfect holiness (2 Corinthians 7v1) and are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3v18) and conformed to His likeness (Romans 8v28-29). We are to be living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12v1-2). This holiness is the pursuit of moral excellence, not just obeying the law, and is by necessity a high standard (1 Thessalonians 4v3)
Our condition before God is now
- Set apart - separated from sin
- The attainment of moral holiness.
In principal, we are saints, and God has already declared all Christian disciples sanctified
- We have been made holy (Hebrews 10v10)
- We are washed and sanctified (1 Corinthians 6v11)
In practice, as growing Christians, we should be
- Perfecting holiness, freed from the contamination of sin (2 Corinthians 7v1)
- Process of becoming Christ-like (Romans 8v29; 2 Corinthians 3:v18)
- Transforming of character by renewal of our minds (Romans 12v1-2)
The standard all Christian disciples are to attain and maintain is “Be holy, as I am holy” (1 Peter 1v16; 1 Thessalonians 4v3)
The Process by which this is achieved is by the Christian disciple devoting them self to righteousness (Romans 6v19) with a desire and choosing to be holy, submitted and consecrated to God. Christian Disciples are to put off the old nature - crucify the passions and desires (Ephesians 4v22; Galatians 5v24) and put on the new nature created to be like God (Ephesians 4v24) This is done by a work of God (1 Thessalonians. 5v23, Philippians 2v13). Being indwelt by God the Holy Spirit from the moment of conversions, Christian disciples are to ‘walk in the spirit’ (Galatians 5v16).
This is done by:
- Desiring holiness, feed the new nature with God’s Word in order to renew our mind.
- Communicating with God. Talk to Him!! By doing this sin will be starved.
- Confess known sin immediately, consciously allowing Christ total control in all circumstances
For more to think about please do read Galatians 5vv16-25. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.
Q1. As a Christian disciple, how has my life changed since I started the Christian journey?
Q2. If I am now sanctified before God, how do I show I wear the robe of righteousness?
Q3. Do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit to those who are not Christian disciples?