Spiritual Discernment – Part 9

What are the limits of my personal freedom? – Matthew 18:1-14; Romans 14:1-15:13; 1 Corinthians 8; 9:19-23; 10:14-11:1 – Within the Body of Christ there are those who relish their freedom in Christ, ignoring the opinions of other believers; if others are offended by their choices ‘that’s their problem’.  The other extreme is illustrated by the sensitive saint who bends over backward to keep from violating anyone’s convictions.  Both are extreme but there are nevertheless situations and choices that committed believers disagree over.  How can we discern God’s will in these delicate matters?  Jesus speaks to the issue in Matthew 18.

The Gospels relay stories of Jesus and children—in each he is gentile and loving and makes some very strong statements about how they should be treated. (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) He is certainly addressing the compassion and care that must be used when working with children but he is even more explicit in Matthew 18 about how we conduct ourselves around them.  We are not only called to have simple faith like a child but we are called to work and serve among other believers, spiritual ‘children’ may be present (5-14).    When John writes his three epistles he uses this word (teknon) 15 times to characterize the body of Christ.  He uses it to describe new believers and saints—for we are all children in God’s eyes.  Jesus used the same words in speaking to his disciples in John 13:33.  Paul uses this term once in Galatians 4:19 (“My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!”).

The issues today are quite different from the issues in the First Century nevertheless the principles are the same.  In the First Century an important issue was eating meat sacrificed to idols.  This issue was important because many Jews observed Old Testament dietary laws.  Paul speaks to this in Romans (14:1-15:13) and 1 Corinthians (8, 9:19-23; 10:14-11:1).

• Romans 14:1-15:13 – This text has some terminology that should remind us that there are issues in the Christian life that are not “right or wrong; black or white”.  They are matters of conscience.  14:1 – ‘disputable matters’ (NIV) – The Greek phrase (diakriseis dialogismon) means to ‘have an opinion, to discern or distinguish’ between ‘questions, arguments, thoughts or ways of thinking’. 14:2 – ‘one man’s faith’ and ‘another man whose faith is weak’ (NIV) – The central Greek word (asthenon) means ‘weak, sick, ill, an invalid’.

Definition: A weak(er) believer is someone who, because of weak faith, inadequate understanding, a compromised conscience or a soft will can be influenced to sin against their conscience by the example of a stronger/more mature believer.

•  1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 9:19-23; 10:14-11:1 – If Rome was a blended church family made up of Jews and Gentiles; the Corinthian church would likely have had a majority of Gentiles (Acts 18:6-17) as a result of the controversy Paul had with the synagogue leadership in Corinth.   Therefore Paul’s instructions in 8:1-13; 9:19-23 and 10:14-11:1 speak to the controversies that can arise when Christians have opinions that are Biblically neutral (Not defensible from God’s Word).
• 8:1-13 – In this section we discover the nature of ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ in verse 7 – what is weak is the conscience of some, it is ‘defiled’ (molunetai) or ‘stained’.  Paul is speaking to believers about relating to each other.
• 9:19-23 – Paul presents us with his attitude/actions when he encounters people who think and act differently; with people who are unbelievers he conducts himself wisely so that the door to present the gospel remains open.  He is willing to engage in things that are not part of his normal routine so that he can share the gospel and summarizes his freedom in verses 22b-23 (“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”).
•  10:14-11:1 – Paul argues ‘symbol association’ as he completes his response to the ‘freedom issue’ before the Corinthian believers.  Just as the symbols of the Lord’s Supper are sacred so the symbols of Satan’s kingdom mean something.  As believers we should be careful not to ‘participate’ in the things of this world by indulging in those things that symbolize Satan’s kingdom (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Definition: The New Testament use of ‘stumbling block’ as a figurative expression refers to a person tripping up in a moral sense; stumbling into sin or unbelief. A stumbling block is an action by a believer that is permissible but results in another believer sinning against their own conscience.

- Scriptural Limits on my Christian Freedom -

1.         Romans 14:5-8; 22-23 – Each man should be fully convinced in his own mind as unto the Lord when he acts. This is not me acting from my personal point of view.  Rather, I have thought about this, prayed about it and I believe I am acting as unto the Lord (22-23).  Paul reminds us that we will have to give an account for these kinds of choices (14:12).

2.         Romans 14:13-14 – Stop being judgmental on issues that fall under Christian freedom (13a) rather commit to not being a stumbling block to other believers (13b).  Paul’s point is no different than Jesus’ point in Matthew 7:1-5—as believers we should spend our time living the Christian life well and be careful about judging other believers.

3.         Romans 14:15-21; 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:9-11 – God always appeals to the ‘strong, mature, understanding’ believer to act for the spiritual benefit of the ‘weak, immature, those with less understanding’ believer.  We will be held accountable for how we conduct ourselves around weak, immature and baby Christians.  (“Do not let what you consider good to be spoken of as evil”, 16)  When we act this way it leads to peace and mutual edification (14:19); it is the foundation of ‘acceptance’ (15:7)

4.      1 Corinthians 8:12-13 – Mature believers willingly and happily limit their Christian freedom because they care more about the spiritual growth of ‘weak, immature and young’ believers than they do about their freedom.

5.      1 Corinthians 9:1-12; 19–23 – Mature believers put up with a lot; they give up true freedom because they care deeply about the advance of the gospel (12b, 15, 19-23) and the salvation of those who are lost.  Eternity is at stake (9:24-27; 10:32-33)!

6.      1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 – Mature believers choose what is ‘beneficial’ for others; what is ‘constructive for the body of Christ’ and the ‘good of others’ (23-24).  Mature believers are okay when another person’s conscience restricts their freedom because they know in so doing God is glorified (27-31).

7.         Galatians 5:13 instructs us that mature believers are prepared to limit their freedom because it can be one of the deepest expressions of Christian love.

Challenge: This topic presents us with two challenges: First, we must learn to distinguish the difference between a Biblical command and a matter of Christian freedom.  When the Bible is explicit we must obey the Word of God; but when it is silent we must leave room for freedom.  Second, we must become people who live by Biblical convictions. The examined life is the best life!

Conclusion: Paul summarizes the heart of a mature believer in Romans 15:2 (“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”), 1 Corinthians 11:1 (“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.) 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (“Put no obstacle in anyone’s way”).  A mature believer makes choices that protect a weak or immature believers’ faith and they live an exemplary life.  The words of Jesus bring us full circle: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!  And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.“ (Matthew 18:5-9).  Outside the Body of Christ we are called to use our best judgment so that others find it easy to come to Christ, but within the Body of Christ care for the young is vital—express your freedom carefully!

Spiritual Discernment – Part 8

What is my life calling/work?  Should I be in ministry? Adam was a gardener; Cain was a gardener and Able was a sheepherder.  Their choices were limited.  However, as the historical record of scripture reveals, other professions came into being. Lamech’s sons became Bedouin ranchers and musicians (Genesis 4:19-21) and one forged metals (Genesis 4:22).  Noah was a carpenter and boat builder (Genesis 6:14-22) as well as keeping vineyards; mankind soon learned the art of hunting, city building (Genesis 10:8-12) and masonry (Genesis 11:1-4).

As cultures diversified and adapted to their surroundings people lived in cities but most lived in open country as herders and farmers.  They stayed near the rivers unless their flocks could find grazing areas in the open country and families stayed together working in similar professions.

The herding of sheep and other animals takes a primary role in the Old Testament story of Israel with Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Esau, Jacob and their 12 sons all being sheep herders.  When Jacob’s clan arrived in Egypt during a famine they were despised shepherds (Genesis 46:34) but permitted to live in Goshen, Egypt’s most fertile farmland.  In time the Egyptians enslaved them (Exodus 1:8-11).  Moses spent time in a rare calling—the court of a world Monarch but eventually took up shepherding for 40 years and then became the leader of Israel’s exodus from Egypt.

When we get to the wilderness experience we discover some interesting language related to professions and life callings.  Exodus 31:1-11 reveals the names of two men who directed the construction and craftsmanship of the Tabernacle.  (Exodus 31:3 – “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship”; 35:30-36:2)  They trained others who were willing and they did the work together.  Besides these gifted men the only profession that was predetermined was that of the Priesthood.  The selection process had nothing to do with willingness or natural ability.  They were born to be in the priesthood and their usefulness was determined by how presentable they were (Leviticus 8:5-13; 21:1-16).  We learn that the Levites had special responsibilities divided amongst the three families (Gershon, Merari and Kohath) and the Lord assigned specific jobs around the tabernacle.  The High Priest was passed through Aaron’s family from the oldest son to the next (Exodus 6:23; 28; 29; Leviticus 8; Numbers 3:2; 25:10-13; 35:25).

Joshua followed in Moses’ footsteps; he was selected for his leadership role and led Israel across the Jordan into the land of Canaan.  Once he died Israel was ruled by foreign powers that were ‘cast off’ by Judges that God raised up to rescue His people.

The remainder of Israel’s history provides us with an increasing number of professions but only two more ‘callings’; prophets and monarchs.  Once the Monarchy was established and the three great kings led the nation of Israel for its first 120 years the kingdom divided and God continued to establish the kings that led Judah and Israel.  With there idolatry came God’s prophets—men who spoke for God to Israel as well as an occasional effort to speak to foreign nations (Isaiah 34; Obadiah; Nahum; Jonah) and pagan cities.  Isaiah and Jeremiah both speak of their specific calling as being set apart by God (Isaiah 61:1-2; Jeremiah 1:5).

Nothing really changes in the New Testament—Jesus was a carpenter and John the Baptist a prophet following in the footsteps of their fathers.  Jesus’ disciples came from professions where their fathers taught them the family business (Peter, James & John) and Jesus gave parables about farmers and vinedressers.  Jesus was considered a ‘rabbi—teacher’ and had a following and likely some patrons who provided essential needs.  It appears from the New Testament text that there is little movement from the jobs of the lower class to the jobs associated with the wealthier classes.  Paul legitimizes the efforts necessary to get out of slavery (1 Corinthians 7:21) but there is nothing said of choosing a life work.

There are a couple of Biblical narratives that speak of a calling that ‘is of the Lord’.  The Old Testament prophet was ‘chosen/called by God’ and that idea carries over into the New Testament.  Paul speaks of “desiring the office of a bishop” (1 Timothy 3:1) but then instructs Titus to ‘appoint’ them based upon their character and reputation (Titus 1:5).  James speaks to those who ‘presume to be teachers’ (James 3:1).  The Greek words translated “desire” (oregetai – aspire, strive, eager, desire) and “presume” (ginesthe – accomplish, become, happen, be made) identify attitudes and personal pursuits rather than callings and official appointments.   In Paul’s instructions to Timothy he speaks of the ‘endorsement’ or ‘hastiness in the laying on of hands’ (1 Timothy 5:22) likely in reflection upon his own endorsement from the leadership in Antioch (Acts 13:3).   John admonished his readers to ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:1) because there are false prophets.

The Way of Wisdom – There is limited Biblical instruction and comment about our callings and the professions that we pursue.  I would submit the following lessons learned:

• There is much in God’s Word about the quality and honesty of our work and very little if anything about the work/profession that God has chosen for us (Ecclesiastes 9:10 Colossians 3:22-23 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13).  Parents, as you rear your children spend most of your time working on their character so that their work ethic is a good testimony.  My work objective is to assist my employer in reaching his goals by working hard and doing my job to the best of my ability.
• All people have gifts from God that can assist and benefit them in their life work.  (Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 22:6) It is wise to see those gifts as possible areas where you can find meaningful life work.  Parents—help your child(ren) discover these gifts and encourage them to develop them for God’s glory.  Help them discern the difference between their life work and a life hobby.   If we rear our children to be content the likelihood that they will ‘chase a job for the money they can earn’ will decrease.  Parents—you should discern where your child fits: working with people or working with things and work hard to develop them in the area in which they struggle so that when they get into the work world they can bless people.  Parents, observe the natural qualities and tendencies of your children and pray with them about where they can find meaningful work that serves people.  Be careful with the discontentment in your own life and work—it could become a part of your child’s view of things.  Entitlement is not a Biblical idea.
• Scripture challenges us to use our God-given gifts to serve and benefit others—we should resist using them to get wealthy, move up the social ladder or gain power.  Jesus identified his life work as service in Luke 22:24-27 and calls us to aspire to servant hood in Matthew 20:24-28 (John 13:16; 15:15, 20) and Paul celebrates it in Philippians 2:7. All work is where we serve God and people benefit and it is where we serve people as unto the Lord.  If we practice this and teach it to our children we will get along with others better and enjoy life.
•  We should think of our work world as a part of life where we are called to be a missionary; a public testimony to the grace of God in my life.  Solomon identifies a woman in Proverbs 31 and Paul identifies a man in 1 Timothy 3 and where their testimony and character leads their witness in their work world.  My work is where I serve God with the result that people are benefited.   Where we work is the stage from which we proclaim Christ.  This makes the construction site a mission field as much as the youth rally or Vacation Bible School.  Repairing a sane net with a fellow worker can be a divine appointment just as much as a jailor running in after an earthquake asking, ‘what must I do to be saved’ (Acts 16:30).
• There seems to be a specific call or setting apart for ministry that was common for Prophets and specially gifted men for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13; Romans 1:1, 5; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1, 15; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1).  Their qualifications are centered on character and they must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and faithful to care for the spiritual needs of the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).  When a young person believes that God is calling them for ministry they would be wise to reveal it soon and wait for the affirmation of spiritual leadership within the Body of Christ who know them and their character.  (Parents: pray with your children about any desire they may have for ministry!) Scripture speaks specifically about God’s call to serve him in some ministry setting (1 Samuel 3; Jeremiah 1; Daniel 7-12; Luke 1:11-17; Acts 9; Ephesians 4:11-13).  The Church leadership confirms the importance of this role in the New Testament Church after a period of careful observation (Acts 13:2b-3).  The qualifications are first character and an aptitude for teaching.  By application we learn that our parents and others who know us well should assist us in discerning where we fit in the world of work and in our service to the Body of Christ.
• Scripture states: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more“ (Luke 12:48).  This should be understood that to whom much has been given much more is required in their service to mankind.  Using ones talents and gifts for personal advancement and self-aggrandizement are counter to the Gospel.  It is more important what we do with our calling than the calling that we pursue.  The call to ministry is a call to sacrificial living.  The fishbowl in which one lives and the spotlight under which one is observed in ministry can be difficult but there is no greater expending of life if this is God’s desire for you.  Any other choice is a step down when this is God’s call.

The Way of Wisdom – Work is ordained by God—sin has made it difficult—nonetheless we are called to work and serve our families but also the Church.  Just as our calling in life is designed to fill our hearts with satisfaction, likewise what we choose to do for God ministering is ordained to fill our hearts with satisfaction and bless the Body of Christ.  The Church is the ‘Family of God, God’s household, the Body of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:1-6; Ephesians 2:19-3:6) and it has three essential work environments.  We each have a natural fit in one of these three service areas.  Acts 2:42-47 identifies the three service areas.

1. The Body of Christ is an army (Ephesians 6:10-20).  This is the work of evangelism—engaging the enemy; rescuing the perishing and carrying the good news (Acts 1:8) as witnesses of Jesus Christ.  This work is taught in the Church but done primarily in the world.
2. The Body of Christ is a school (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5).  This is the work of discipleship—teaching and training believers to live like Christ; it is instruction in righteousness and is essential in the work of sanctification.  This work is done in the Church and its success is witnessed by the world.
3. The Body of Christ is a hospital (Acts 2:44; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-8, 8:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; James 5:13-16).  This is the work of caring for people who need help—reconciliation and restoration.  It is physical, emotional, relational and social but always restorative.  Jesus heals and the Church is a place where that healing can take place.  This work is done within the family so that the injured and hurting can eventually serve others in and outside of the Body of Christ for the glory of God.

While we seek to discover our work in life it is just as important that we find our place of service in the Body of Christ.  When we find where we naturally fit we should make the effort to grow and mature in the areas in which we do not naturally fit—and become like Christ.  If working to take care of our families is required (1 Timothy 5:8) then working to take care of our spiritual family must be an increasing part of our calling in life as members of the Body of Christ (Galatians 6:7-10).

Spiritual Discernment – Part 7

Principle #10 – The Way of Wisdom – The importance of wise leadership is revealed when decisions have to be made, when endorsements are sought.  Godly leadership has lived under the Word of God so long that they know the way of wisdom and apply it carefully in the local Church.

It should be noted that the early description of the Church at Antioch and Paul’s first missionary journey speak of Godly leaders (13:1), Godly concern (13:2-3); ungodly opposition (13:6-8) and the highs and lows of serving God (13:9-14:28) as the Church engages the world.  It is in this environment that we are called to exercise spiritual discernment and follow the way of wisdom.

How do we apply these principles of Spiritual Discernment to the big decisions in life? Should I marry? Who should I marry? What is my life calling/work?  What are the boundaries for my personal freedom?  These questions expose our ideas about God’s will and our commitment to His Word.  In this blog I will briefly consider the first two questions and deal with the third and fourth in the next blog.

What do we believe about the first two issues?  Is there only one person that is God’s will for me?  If I don’t find them am I out of God’s will if I remain single; or if I marry someone else?  What if the person I am supposed to marry marries someone else am I destined to be single or unhappy?  On the other hand if we believe that God has a certain kind of person that we should marry then these issues diminish dramatically and direct us to understand what kind of person God wants us to marry if we marry.  I believe that God’s will in these matters is not a specific person but a specific kind of person.

Should I marry? – Genesis 1:27-28 tells us that God instructed the first man and woman to be “fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it”.  Mankind carries out those instructions faithfully.  Men and women marry have children and families grow.  The history of mankind is a history of marriage.  Both Jesus and Paul address the issue of whether to marry.

Jesus – Matthew 19:1-12 – In a question about breaking the marriage vow Jesus speaks to the issue of singleness (10-12).   Jesus speaks of three kinds of single people: eunuchs born that way; eunuchs made that way by men; and those who renounce marriage for the kingdom of heaven.

• Choosing not to marry for the sake of God’s kingdom

Paul – 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 – Paul reinforces Jesus’ limited statements and then walks the way of wisdom with his inspired instruction and advice.

• General Principle – 7:1-7 – Singleness increases ministry availability and opportunities; but it is a gift from God
• Unmarried & widowed – 7:8-9 – Singleness is good unless you burn in the flesh – then marry
• Married issues – 7:10-11 – Divorce condemned; reconciliation enjoined
• Married to unbeliever – 7:12-16 – Special efforts by believers who are married to unbelievers (17-24 application of this principle
• Unmarried people – 7:25-38 – Comparing the advantages for ministry as a single person versus a married person
• General Principle – 7:39-40 – Marriage is for life; ministry is easiest when you are single.

Conclusion: Marry if you are sure that God will get more glory from your life as a married person than He would get from your life as a single person.

Who should I marry? – Genesis 2:22-23 – Adam only had a single choice; the rest of us have choices!  Genesis 24:12-14 – Is how I meet my future spouse important?  Can God bring people together in unique ways?  Notice Isaac’s response (62-67).  In this story we see God work to keep his promise to Abraham yet there is no normative teaching on how to find a wife, however, there is direction (acting wisely) that is confirmed by Israel’s history (Deuteronomy 7:1-6; Joshua 23:6-12; 1 Kings 11:1-8; Nehemiah 13:23-27; Malachi 2:15-16) by Paul’s wisdom in 1 Corinthians 7, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Peter’s instructions in 1 Peter 3.

In selecting a spouse scripture provides the following objective guidelines: they must be a believer (Genesis 24; 2 Corinthians 6) and they must give evidence of maturity in faith and relationships.  (Does he have a high view of God’s word, is he preparing to be a Godly husband and ready to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood?  Does she have a high view of God’s word, is she preparing to be a Godly wife and ready to accept the responsibilities of motherhood?)   Is the man ready for spiritual leadership and is the woman ready to be her husband’s closest Godly influence.

Besides these two objective guidelines there are several subjective guidelines that help in the process of finding the right kind of spouse.  First, you should be attracted to the person; second, there should be intellectual connectedness and third, you should enjoy each other’s company, is there chemistry.

Once we understand the principles of God’s Word we are challenged to walk the way of wisdom as we seek to know God’s will in these two questions.  The following are some of my thoughts in regards to these two questions.

1.  Singleness is standing alone faithfully; marriage is standing beside someone faithfully till death parts you and if God gives children rearing them to stand alone faithfully

2.  The best preparation for marriage is to grow up in a safe loving Christian home with parents who instruct you in the ways of the Lord and serve God in the local Church

3.  Never underestimate cultural differences

4.  Do not cut out or ignore the insights and wisdom of parents

5.  Men pursue women who dress modestly and attractively (1 Peter 3:1-4)

6.  Guys pay attention to the relationship a girl has with her dad; girls pay attention to the relationship a guy has with his mom

7.  Choose someone who loves God more than they love you; choose someone who will care more about you than they do their job, their hobby or their freedom

8.  Choose someone who is more focused on pleasing God than they are on pleasing others (Galatians 1:10)

9.  Women choose to be pursued by men who are self-controlled; self-control is the character of all mature believers in pre-marriage and male/female relationships (Titus 2:1-8)

10.  Where a person has been is not as important as where that person is headed

11.  Women be careful about considering marriage to a man who is spiritually immature (behind you spiritually)

12.  Use your middle teen years to develop the skills of friendship and leave intimate relationships for later

13.  Pass on someone who is insecure; a nominal Christian or has a weak/nonexistent relationship to the Church

14.  When you fall in love you have begun the blind stage; if at all possible save falling in love for after you discover all the important things about the other person

15.  Young men should counsel with their dads and seek the permission of the girls’ father before pursuing the girl

16.  A young man should speak to the girls’ father every time his intentions change

17.  Stay away from men with wandering eyes and girls who are flirtatious – pursue loyal people

18.  Girls, reveal your feelings after he shares his, not before

19.  The first step in a relationship is spiritual; then mental and social; and if an emotional connection starts to take root establish accountability – the physical is not far away

20.  Girls, you are not safe if a young man has lower standards than you have

21.  Young men take responsibility and control the speed of the relationship

22.  Girls avoid guys who are too dependent on their moms; guys – avoid girls who are not ready to leave the spiritual leadership of other men and stand under yours

23.  The most naïve person is the one who has spent their pre-married life violating God’s precepts for single people

24.  A chaste life before marriage enhances the mystery of marriage

25.  Choose someone who understands the Biblical roles in marriage: Loving Male Leadership – John 10:11-18; Ephesians 5:25-33; 1 Peter 5:1-6.  Gracious Female Influence – Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 2:13-3:13

Conclusion: Marry someone who will assist you in bringing glory to God; choose someone who will challenge you to be like Christ