Modern Day Sadducees

In Jesus’ day there were two main factions in the Jewish religion.   Acts 23:8 describes the basic differences between them.  “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”  The Pharisees accepted the scriptures at face value, believing they were a factual account of how the nation came to exist, and were to be followed implicitly.  The Sadducees viewed the scriptures as a mythological tradition that defined their culture.   For them, following the law was just about keeping their traditions alive. 

In II Timothy 3, Paul warned that in the last days, mankind would become increasingly ungodly, with little or no moral standards.  II Timothy 3:5 says many would be like the Sadducees, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…”  While they maintain their religious traditions, that is all it is to them.  They don’t believe in a resurrection or eternal judgement, or that God’s commands are set in stone.  Public opinion and convenience are considered more important than God’s laws. 

II Timothy 3:5b-7 warns. “… from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  Because they don’t believe in an absolute standard, they are in a constant state of flux, never able to make a firm commitment despite the academic degrees they obtain.  Unfortunately, foolish and ignorant people are often deceived by their degrees and claims of superior knowledge, and many have become famous theologians.    

As Paul points out in I Corinthians 15:12-19, to claim to be a Christian teacher when one doesn’t believe the scriptures are true is deliberate fraud.  “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”  Christianity is based on the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  If those are not true, Christianity is just one big fraud.   An honest man would not claim to be a Christian if he did not believe those things were true.  Only a con artist would deliberately involve himself he doesn’t believe is true. 

Fortunately, as I Corinthians 15:1-8 points out there is plenty of proof of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, giving a solid basis for believing what Christianity teaches, as I Corinthians 15:20-26 describes.  “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.  Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?  And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.”

If Christianity is just a myth, then it makes no sense for anyone to claim to be a Christian or to risk their life for taking such a stand.  If Christ was not resurrected, he is just another dead man, like millions of others, and being baptized in his name means no more than being baptized an anybody else’s name.  The various martyrs wasted their time, and Paul wasted his time standing for the Gospel and being forced to fight for his life at Ephesus.  He would have been better off just to enjoy his life as much as he could knowing that as the saying goes, “we only go around once.” 

Fortunately, as Paul says, he knew the death, burial and resurrection were true, and so he was not afraid to stand for the gospel, but as he warns, associating with those who reject the truth may cause us to turn away.  I Corinthians 15:33-34 warns, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”  It is a shame when those who claim to be Christians don’t even know what it means to be a Christian. 

Don’t let Pride Destroy Your Relationship With God

Many of the Jews did not accept Christ as savior because of their pride, As Romans 10:1-4 explains.  “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”    Many people today do not get saved because they are too proud to admit they are sinners.

Unfortunately, even many who get saved still have large amounts of pride and are unwilling to recognize they are just as sinful as any criminal.  The wages of sin is death, whether one is a murderer or just told “a little white lie.”   Jesus had to give his life on the cross to pay for either sin.  While we can never repay him, we can at least show our appreciation for his sacrifice, as Paul describes in Romans 12:1-2.  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 

By submitting ourselves completely to Christ and allowing him to change our attitudes and ways of thinking, we demonstrate what is acceptable and pleasing to God.  When we think we can serve him with our own abilities, we ignore our own sinful nature and begin to think we are better than others and that they need to be like us.  Romans 12:3 warns, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  We need to get over our pride and realize that as Jesus said in John 15:5, “…for without me ye can do nothing.”  As Isaiah 64:6 tells us, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;”  Even the things we are proudest of are worthless to God. 

The Apostle Paul started a great many churches, and opened a number of countries to the gospel.  He also wrote most of the New Testament, had also experienced extreme persecution, as described in I Corinthians 11.   In spite of all he had been through, In Philippians 3:12-14, He said, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul had no sense that he was greater than others because of his attainments, or that he could serve God in his own power.  Instead, he focused on following Christ day by day in the belief that by sticking to the basics he would accomplish what God intended.  It doesn’t matter how many special strategies and plays a basketball team knows, if they can’t dribble, pass and shoot the ball, they will not win, and it doesn’t matter how many games they have won in the past.    In the same way if we do not practice the basics, we cannot accomplish God’s purpose, regardless of past successes or failures. 

Because he understood this, in Phillippians 3:15-16, Paul said, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”   We need to forget about how good we are or what we have done in the past and focus on doing those basic things we learned from Christ today. 

Just as basketball player who thinks he knows how to win without listening to the coach can cause the team to lose, a Christian who thinks he knows how to accomplish God’s work can interfere with God’s plan.  Philippians 3:17-19 warns, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”  Their focus on earthly things makes them literally God’s enemies, regardless how much they may be held up as Christian leaders.  James 4:4 warns, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”  If people put man’s ideas ahead of God’s word they are helping Satan’s team, even when they purport to be Christians.

Abiding In Christ

Romans 8:1-2 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”   Every Christian has received the Spirit of life and forgiveness of sin.  If we learn to walk, to live our daily lives according to that Spirit, we will not be living in sin as Galatians 5:16 tells us.  “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”  The result will be, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” according to Romans 8:4. 

Unfortunately, today, there are some who believe that as Christians, we no longer have to worry about the consequences of sin in our lives.  They have forgotten what Hebrews 12:6-8 says.  “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”  If we are truly God’s children, we will be corrected and punished as needed when we do wrong.  If a person can sin with impunity, it indicates he is not truly God’s child.  It is important to understand that God’s chastening is intended to keep us from facing the same eternal judgment as the unsaved, according to I Corinthians 11:32.  “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”  Hebrews 12:11 warns, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

If we wish to avoid that chastening, Galatians 5:25 advises, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit,” so that we are not controlled by our fleshly lusts.  But how can we walk in the Spirit?  In John 15:4-8, Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

A branch on a fruit tree or vine is incapable of producing fruit unless it remains connected to the main tree or branch, and Christians are incapable of walking in the Spirit or producing spiritual fruit unless they remain firmly connected to Christ.   When they wholly submit to him, trusting him to support them and supply every need, then they will be living and walking in the Spirit, and producing as much spiritual fruit s they are capable of doing. 

Insects or parasitic plants may divert or prevent the flow of sap, leaving the branch unhealthy and unable to produce fruit.  It is critical the branch maintains the proper connection and not allow outside influences to interfere.  The same is true for the Christian if he is to fulfil his purpose before God.   

not getting distracted by different kinds of sin or trying to do things in their own power.  When completely dependent on the tree for sustenance, the branch brings forth as much fruit as it is capable of bearing, but when insects or restrictions divert the sap and nutrients the tree supplies, it stops producing fruit, and may die. 

Repentance

One of the controversies in the modern church is about the importance of repentance in salvation.  Matthew 3:7-10 addressed this issue.  “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.   And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

Many of the Pharisees and Sadducees were coming to Jesus to be baptized because they hoped it would enable them to escape the judgment to come, just as many today make a profession of salvation to avoid having to go through the Tribulation, or ending up in hell.  The Pharisees were very moral and devoted religious people, while the Sadducees just followed the Old Testament law as a part of their culture, but didn’t really believe the teachings.   John refused to baptize either group until they showed some evidence of repentance, of a changed attitude.  They needed to realize just being descendants of Abraham or keeping the old traditions was not enough.    If they did not show signs of a real change in their attitude toward God, they would be cast into hell just like those who didn’t bother, because as Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:10 explains, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”  They were just as sinful as the publicans and Gentiles they looked down on. 

I John 1:8-10 warns, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”  If we refuse to admit we have done wrong, we are fooling ourselves, and in effect saying God lied when he said all have sinned.  If we honestly believe we have done wrong, there should be a desire to do better and make things right, an attitude of repentance.  Mark 1:4 tells us, “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

 John was baptizing the people as a sign they were repentant, and if they were not, the baptism meant nothing.   They would be judged just the same as everyone else, as we see in Luke 13:2-5.  “And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

It is the recognition of our sin and repentance of it that leads us to accept Christ as Savior, as we see in I Corinthians 7:10.  “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”  The sense of guilt either causes us to repent and come to Christ, or makes us angry and resentful.  Until we admit we have sinned, we see no need for a savior, as Jesus said in Mark 2:17.  “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  If there is no sense of repentance, there will be no salvation. 

At the same time we need to realize that repentance is an ongoing process, and salvation is only a beginning step.  While the Holy Spirit gives a new attitude, the person still has the same old habits they have learned, and it may take quite a while to eliminate them.   As a result, in Luke 17:3-4, Jesus said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”   While repentance is an integral part of salvation, it will only be completed as the Holy Spirit works in the person’s life.   Judging whether they have repented properly is God’s business, not ours.    Problems arise because people tend to carry things too far. 

Look Deeper To Avoid Being Mislead

Given what it needs to be healthy, a fruit tree will naturally produce fruit.  By examining the fruit it is easy to tell what kind of a tree it is.  Throughout the scriptures there are warnings about false prophets, and in Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus tells us another way to identify them.  “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Jesus warned that superficially, the false prophets or teachers look like sheep, or servants of God, but in reality, they are wolves looking for opportunities to destroy  the sheep.   Paul gives a similar warning in II Corinthians 11:13-15.  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  False teachers go out of their way to appear as the very best and most spiritual Christians, as the very apostles of God.  If we only look at the outward appearance, the great sermons they preach or large churches and charitable efforts, we may well be deceived by their accomplishments. 

Jesus said we need to look more closely and see what is really there.  One of the ways of doing that is to look at the fruit they produce.  While all trees produce leaves and grow branches and roots, these things often look much the same from one kind of tree to another, but their fruit is much more distinctive.  It is fairly easy to tell a peach from an apple or an orange, or even a cherry.  While the false prophet may present a sermon or build a church that seems much what other pastors or teachers do, their underlying attitudes are very different.  False teachers usually have to incorporate some truths to fool people, so their message may resemble the teachings of those who teach the truth. 

Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Jesus said these things are the result of the heart attitude, in Matthew 15:19-20.  “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

The Holy Spirit produces a very different set of attitudes as Galatians 5:22 and 23 says.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” If these attitudes are not present, it indicates the Holy Spirit is not present, or that he is not being allowed to produce fruit, and as Romans 8:9 tells us, “…if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”  Based on the attitudes that are portrayed, Matthew 12:33 can judge whether the prophet or teacher is inspired by God or not.  “olyH

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.”  Often problems show up in the attitudes long before they show up in the teachings, but sooner or later they will affect the teachings as well, which is why I John 4:1 commands, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

With the various warnings and tests in the scriptures, it is our own fault if we get mislead, even though the false teachers may be very persuasive, as we see in Matthew 24:24.  “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”  We have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, if we will allow him to do so. 

Walking In The Spirit

The New Testament says quite a bit about being filled with or walking in the Spirit.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion about what this means.  Some have defined being filled as being able to speak in tongues, while others define it as following a particular moral code, being in a particular emotional state or witnessing to others.   The biggest reason for the confusion is that we approach being Spiritual from a carnal standpoint based on our natural understanding.  I Corinthians 2:14 warns, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  In our natural state, we are not even capable of understanding what it means to be spiritual. 

Not understanding what it means, people attempt to make themselves spiritual, working very hard at whatever their definition calls for, not realizing that all their efforts are in fact dependent on the flesh and will never produce spiritual results, as Galatians 6:7-8 tells us.  “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  No matter how hard we work at accomplishing spiritual things in the flesh, they only hinder our spiritual life because as John 3:6 tells us, the flesh can only produce carnal or fleshly things.   “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  Only the Holy Spirit can produce Spiritual things. 

Since the natural person is incapable of understanding spiritual things, it is crucial that he be converted or changed from his natural state.  II Corinthians 5:17-18 tells what is needed.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”   Perhaps an illustration will help our understanding.

In order to swim, a person must surrender himself completely to the water, depending on it to support him.  Swimming requires completely different motions than one learned to walk.  Instead of balancing oneself on one leg while moving the other leg, one must move the legs in a way to use the water’s resistance to propel himself.  It requires a whole new way of thinking, based on the nature of the water, rather than the way we are used to moving on land. 

Being in Christ is much like being in the water.  God teaches us a whole new way of thinking, a new attitude or spirit.  Being filled with, or walking and living in the spirit is much like swimming.   Our efforts have to be based on spiritual matters rather than on those old carnal ways we used to live.  Unfortunately, many Christians are like the person who clings to the edge of the pool or insists on keeping one foot on the bottom.  As long as they cling to the old familiar things they will never become proficient.

As one becomes comfortable trusting the water to support him and used to thinking in terms of swimming, the more enjoyment one gets from the swimming.  Similarly, learning to depend on the Holy Spirit and let him direct our actions develops a spiritual attitude in us.  Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Instead of struggling to act like a Christian, it becomes natural for us as the Holy Spirit changes our attitude.  Too often we try to take a shortcut to get these things in our life, not realizing they are the natural byproduct of learning to just rest in the Lord and yield to him.   

When we learn to rest completely in God, we experience his love for us, and we begin to love others like he loves us.  We enjoy our life, even when it isn’t perfect, and are at peace, not angry or upset, even when things do not straighten out right away.  We begin to think about how our actions affect others, making a point not to cause unnecessary hurt, with a good and obedient attitude, trusting God to do what is right, being able to control ourselves so that we do not blow up or panic when things go wrong.  When these things are not present, we are not walking in the Spirit. 

Let God Make You Perfect

Many times in children’s sports programs, competition is so intense only the best are allowed to play, even in practice sessions.  As a result those with the greatest skills get the most help and practice while those who need help the most get the least, sand eventually give up hope.  Those who make the team live under constant pressure to outperform the others in order to keep their place on the team.  Sadly, the same philosophy is common in the church.  There are a great many Christians who live in constant fear of or losing their salvation or doing something that will make God angry.  They feel they must do everything perfectly every time, and if they fail, they may give up. 

Paul had started several churches in the region known as Galatia.  Later, false teachers had come in, teaching that as Christians, they had to live by the Old Testament laws if they were to keep their salvation or receive his blessings.  In Galatians 3:1-3, Paul points out the error of such a belief.  “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”   If keeping the law could not save a person, how could it keep him saved?   Living under the law no one could please God as he explains in Galatians 3:11-12.  “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.”

The Jews had followed the law for centuries, yet many of them missed out on both salvation and God’s blessings. As Paul explains in Romans 9:30-10:4.  “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  In many ways the Jews were like a skilled player who is trying so hard to show off his skills he won’t follow the coach’s instructions or play with the team.  His efforts may well cause the team to lose, which is the primary reason why none of the NFL teams have been willing to hire Colin Kaepernick despite his very high level of skill. 

In Ecclesiastes 7:16 Solomon warned about the danger of trying prove we are perfect.  “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”  Just as Colin Kaepernick has destroyed his football career by trying to prove he is better than other players, we can destroy our spiritual relationship trying to be better than other people instead of trusting God.   We don’t need to worry about losing our salvation or rewards, even though things don’t go exactly as we wanted.   I Peter 1:5-7 tells us we “…are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

At the same time, as Solomon warned, we mustn’t give up and turn to sin because we aren’t perfect.   Ecclesiastes 7:17 warns, “Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?”  While a person will not lose his salvation if he is truly saved, Hebrews 12:6 warns, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”  I John 5:16 warns that it is possible to sin to a point that results in death.  “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.”

We need to quit worrying making ourselves perfect and let God do it. 

Don’t Get Too Busy

Many of the old fairy tales ended with, “and they lived happily ever after.   Fairy tales and fables were often used to teach certain moral principles, and as a result people came to believe in the idea of living happily ever after.  Unfortunately, those fairy tales and fables leave the impression that once you reach a certain point everything just automatically goes good from then on, and when something goes wrong, people feel like their whole world has disintegrated and they have no idea what to do about it.   Their children often receive the impression that if something goes wrong the only thing you can do is throw up your hands and walk away.  These factors are especially apparent in marriages today with half of all marriages ending in divorce, and a great many younger people just not bothering to get married. 

Unfortunately, most6 people treat their relationship with God in the same way they treat their marriage relationship, just assuming it will automatically be satisfactory.  Just as building a satisfactory marriage relationship requires work on our part, building a proper relationship with God requires considerable effort.  Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation about building both kinds of relationships.   We can become so distracted by doing things for our family such as earning a good living or cleaning house that we neglect the marriage.  When our mate stops showing interest in us we become angry, not realizing that by being so busy we have effectively told them they don’t matter.  What they need is our attention, not more money or a cleaner house, but we are so busy with what we are doing we don’t realize they are dying of emotional starvation.  They could do for themselves if they needed to.  They need and want an emotional connection.  Sometimes people don’t even realize how dissatisfied their mate is until they receive the divorce papers. 

The same thing happens in our relationship with God.  We can get so caught up in going to church, winning souls, reading the Bible or praying for hours that we don’t realize we no longer have a meaningful relationship with God.  God is far more interested in your love than in all the things you do for him.  As Acts 17:24-25 tells us, there is nothing we can do for him that he can’t do for himself.  “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things…”

The emotional connection in a marriage depends on spending time to together, with both parties freely talking, sharing their opinions, feelings, and desires, with the assurance their mate will understand and give what they said serious consideration.   In the same way, we need to spend the time with God, sharing our opinions and thinking seriously about what he said.   We need to take time to talk to him informally throughout the day, not just for a designated period when we “have our devotions,” just as we would with a husband or wife we loved.   

One marriage counsellor advised that a married couple set aside thirty minutes every day to talk.  In my experience, couples found it frustrating to try to spend thirty minutes talking, even though they might carry on a conversation intermittently all day.   They needed time to think about what their mate said before they responded.  The same thing is true in building our relationship with God.  In Joshua 1:8 God commanded, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”  Until we take the time to think about or study on what God has said, we don’t really understand, and thus cannot respond intelligently or take effective action to show our love for him. 

Please understand that those who are caught up in doing things for him seldom realize what they are missing in all their activity, as Illustrated in the story in Luke 10:38-42.  “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.   And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  The things Martha was doing for the Lord were preventing her from developing her relationship with him.   Mary had chosen to build her relationship, which was far more important. 

To Experience God’s Love

 Several years ago, a young couple came for counselling.  The wife was angry that her husband didn’t take her out to nice places to eat like he did when they were dating.  As we talked to them, we learned that while she didn’t have a job, she refused to cook or do house work because it was her husband’s place to take care of her.  She didn’t like his cooking and insisted they go out to eat every meal.  Eating out that often, all he could afford was the value menu at places like MacDonald’s and she wanted something nicer.   It never occurred to her that her refusal to cook or help with the housework made it impossible for him to take her to nicer places.  Her selfishness was destroying their relationship.   While most people do not go to that extreme, that same selfish attitude is at the root of every divorce. 

Unfortunately, many Christians have a similar selfish attitude toward God, making no effort to please him or build their relationship.  Eventually they become very dissatisfied with the relationship and many turn away, feeling God has not kept his promise.   They do not recognize that the failure is theirs, nor do they understand what they are missing by their selfish attitude. 

 John 14:15-20 promises, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

When we fall in love with God, we begin to do what he wants, to obey is commands because we want to, rather than because we feel like we have to.  Our own goals and desires become less important than what the Lord wants, just as they do in a loving relationship.  Just as the woman in the story above was preventing her husband from being able to do the things she wanted, when we are resentful of pleasing God, we may prevent him from showing his love for us.  When we begin to want to please him, we free him to demonstrate his love freely. 

When we are grouchy and resentful, our mates tend to emotionally withdraw because nothing they do pleases us, but when we are happy and loving, they want to spend time with us.  In the same way, when we are complaining and resentful toward God, the Holy Spirit withdraws into a corner and we do not feel his presence, even though he is still there.  When we are happy and loving toward him, he draws close to us in ways other never experience. 

The disciples struggled with this concept just as we do.  In John 14:22, “Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”  Judas was concerned as to how their relationship to God would be different from that of the rest of the world.  It was much like a person wanting to know their relationship to their husband or wife will be closer than the mate’s relationship to other people.  Jesus responded in John 14:23.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” 

If we love him we will want to do what pleases him.  God loves us immensely, and when we love him enough to obey, he can show that love in a way that we can enjoy.  When we are disobedient, he is forced to show that love in ways that seem less loving, just as a parent who loves his children may be forced to show his love by punishing them for doing things they shouldn’t.  If we want to have the richest possible Christian life, it will be necessary for us to learn to love him enough to put him ahead of our own plans and desires. 

Learning What God Wants

In 1969. Frank Sinatra introduced the song, “I Did It My Way.”  Today doing it my way seems to be the main philosophy of American people.  As a result, people are becoming increasingly selfish and less considerate about what other people need or want.  Our political system is deeply divided because no one wants to consider the concerns of those who have different needs or desires.  Divorce is rampant for the same reason.  Today the divorce rate is declining because so many are so selfish they are not willing to even make the commitment to get married.  The same attitude has been carried over into the church. with people looking for false teachers who will preach what they want to hear, instead of what God wants, as Paul warned in II Timothy 4:3-4.  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 

Many of these people will tell how much they love the lord, but John 14:24 tells us, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”  People who insist on doing things their own way are just as unloving toward God as the person who insists on doing everything their own way in a marriage is to their mate.  In order to make a marriage work properly, it is crucial to learn what one’s mate wants or needs and work so that both people can have their emotional and physical needs met.  If we don’t care enough to find out what they need, we will never be able to meet those needs consistently, leaving them dissatisfied. 

Similarly, if we want to have a proper relationship with the Lord, we must find out what he needs and wants, and act accordingly, as John 14:21 tells us.  “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”   To learn what he wants will require making the effort to study the scriptures, as II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  To understand the scriptures properly( rightly divide them), it is crucial that we read then carefully and think about or study what they are saying. 

The scriptures tell us everything we need to know in order to pleas God, according to II Timothy 3:16-17.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  If we will spend the time studying the scriptures, John 16:13 promises, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”  This protects us from following false teachers, because as I John 2:27 tells us, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  We no longer need special teachers to tell us what the scriptures mean, and since the scriptures provide everything we need to be completely prepared to serve God, we don’t need prophets to bring us new revelations.    

Identifying False Prophets

One source of false doctrine in the church comes from people who claim to have some special revelation from God.  These special revelations are often referred to as prophecies, and frequently refer to events in the future.  In order to understand the biblical concept of prophecy it is helpful to understand the difference between the Greek words for prophecy and the Hebrew words.  The Greek words relate to foretelling the future, while the Hebrew words refer to speaking by inspiration, telling people what God has directed.  The New Testament was nearly all written by Hebrew speakers, who used the Greek word as the best approximation for the Hebrew words. 

Today, many eagerly seize on these special revelations as the latest word in how Christians are to conduct themselves, with those who claim to be prophesying considered among the most spiritual Christians.  In I Corinthians 14:29-33, Paul gives some special instructions about prophets.  “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 

The first thing Paul says is that even as the prophet is speaking, those who hear him are to be checking out his message.  They are not to blindly accept it at face value, but are to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who “…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”   Before the message is accepted as being from God, we need to compare it to the scriptures because we know that they are from God, and any new revelation he gives will not contradict them.   I Corinthians 13:9-10 tells us, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”   Any legitimate prophecy will fill in gaps in our understanding, and will not contradict what the scriptures teach. 

A second thing to look for is found in Deuteronomy 18:22.  “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”  Many prophecy teachers have set dates for Christ’s return for example.  Every time one of them was wrong, it proved they were a false teacher and should not be taken seriously.   If they prophesy that a person will recover from some disease and he doesn’t it proves they are false prophets.   The Jews were commanded to execute false prophets. 

A second thing we notice is that God doesn’t just use certain people to share his word.  As Paul says, sometimes the main preacher needs to shut up and let others tell what God has shown them.  The goal is that everyone in the church, including the pastor learns and grows.  If the speaker is not able to control themselves or follow the prescribed procedure, it indicates he is directed by something other than the Holy Spirit.  In fact part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is temperance, or self-control, As Galatians 5:22-23 tells us.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  The Holy Spirit does not force people to do things, and does not cause conflict in the church. Instead, he produces peace, patience, kindness, and humility.   If these are not present, it implies the teacher is not inspired by God. 

Overcoming False Teaching

In the last few posts we have looked at the problem Paul pointed out in Titus 1:10-11.  “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”  Iyt was such a problem in Paul’s day that he found it necessary to leave Titus in Crete to try to correct some of the false doctrines, according to Titus 1:5.  “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”

The problems with false teachers was especially obvious on Crete because their culture encouraged certain attitudes the false teachers could play on, as Paul states in Titus 1:12.  “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”  In modern America, such a comment is considered racist, but in fact is is just statement of fact.  The problems were not caused by their race, but by the culture they had developed.  Since lying, slothfulness, and violence were accepted in their culture, the people of Crete saw no reason to change. 

A racist attitude assumes that because some people from a particular race have a certain attitude everyone from that race has it and are incapable of changing.  Ro example, because some Native Americans become drunks, a racist assumes they all are drunks.  Because some black people use drugs and steal to get them, a racist assumes all black people are thieves and drug addicts.  Because some white people are racist, racists from other cultures assume all white people are racist. 

Paul recognized that the problem was not a result of their race, but of the culture they had developed.   The problems resulting from their culture could be overcome by taking the time to teach a godly attitude and lifestyle.  The first step would be to make them understand their traditional attitudes and beliefs were not acceptable for Christians, as Titus 1:13-14 points out.  “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”   Too often the church has simply tried to get people to exchange one set of traditions for another.   Changing to follow Jewish culture instead of Cretian culture would only cause other problems and drive them farther from the truth. 

People with a proper attitude toward God, do not struggle with whether what they are doing is right, as Titus 1:15 tells us.  “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”  Those who do not have that proper attitude toward God are constantly concerned about having done something wrong, pecause ther very standard of right and wrong is messed up.  Their religious activities demonstrate their lack of spiritual understanding, as Titus 1:16 says.  “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” 

Realizing the problem, many times people begin to attack the false teachings or unacceptable practices.  This approach frequently fails because, as one of Louis LaMour’s characters says, after hearing all the preaching about how bad sin was, he decided to try it to find out why people didn’t quit if it was so bad.  It is impossible to guess how many have been driven into things that were not right by the attacks on them.  Instead of attacking the false teachings, Paul says we need to focus on the things that are right, in Titus 2.   

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.  

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:1-15)

Another Level of False Doctrine

The false teachings in the church at Pergamos were the result of Teachers like Balaam, whose focus on how much money he could make, or like the Nocolaitanes, whose focus was on improving their religious or political standing.   The church at Thyatira was accepting a different kind of false teaching, as described in Revelation 2:18-23.  “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.  Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.  

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.  Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

The false teachers in Pergamos were still concerned about what God had said and their traditional beliefs, although they adapted them to benefit themselves. They maintained at least an appearance of following God’s commands Jezebel had a completely different agenda, deliberately replacing the original beliefs with completely different beliefs and encouraging the people to worship different Gods, as we see in I Kings 18, and destroying anyone who did not accept her teachings.   Teachers like Jezebel openly defy and reject biblical teachings, replacing them completely.

I Timothy 4:1-5 describes the kind of teaching they do.  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

They place one’s feelings and special revelations ahead of the word of God, and often encourage the use of various practices from the occult, including hypnosis, speaking in tongues and certain styles of music to heighten the religious experience.  Please note that if people are responding the same way to a religious concert as the unsaved respond to a Country music or Rock or Rap concert, it is not the result of the Holy Spirit acting.     I Corinthians 14:27-28 gives guidelines for speaking in tongues.   “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”    I Corinthians 14:37-38 tells us that if a person is really led by the Holy Spirit he will recognize these are God’s rules.  “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”  If he will not accept them he is clearly ignorant as to the Holy Spirit’s working. 

Some of the false teachers knowingly lie about what scriptures teach with no concern for God at all.  Many times their false teaching show up in their teachings about marriage, such as setting different standards as to who can marry.  Others make new rules as to what people are to eat, as for example forbidding them to eat pork or demanding they be vegetarian, when God said everything can be acceptable, if eaten with a proper attitude of appreciation.   Genesis 9:3 states, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”  The only restrictions God gave about diet were specifically for Israel as a sign of their faith in him. 

In addition to some of the popular teaching mentioned above, many churches have become more concerned with what is considered politically correct, or with psychological theories than with Biblical principles or God’s commands.  We need to remember the warning God gave to Thyatira in Revelation 2: 21-23.  “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.  Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

Churches which espouse such doctrines will not receive God’s blessings, but will go through severe trials, and because they are religious but have no understanding of God, the children of people who accept those teachings will end up in hell.    

Don’t Follow Christian Fads

In Revelation 2 and 3, we find letters to seven representative churches.   Thirty years after Paul’s death, five of the seven had drifted away from the basic doctrines and practices they started with.  Revelation 2:13-16 tells us about the church at Pergamos.   “I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” 

The church had remained faithful to Christ, even though they were persecuted for their beliefs.  Unfortunately, false teachers were undermining their doctrinal and moral standards.  Balaam believed God’s command could be changed so that he could get the rewards and approval of Balaam.  As a result, he inadvertently told Balak how to cause Israel to lose God’s blessings by getting them to ignore God’s command.   The church at Pergamos was dropping God’s commands in order to appeal to a larger audience.  The Nicolaitanes were focused on improving their reputation and prestige than with teaching their people.  Though it was still a good church, God warned that continuing on their present path would result in his turning away from them and destroying what they were doing. 

II Peter 2:1-3 warns that there are false teachers in every group.  “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”  Their adapt their teaching to attain their own goals, whether to make themselves wealthy, or to advance their positions in the political or religious world, with some even going to so far as to deny the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as atonement for sin.  Peter warns that many will adopt their teachings, and the biblical standards such as the prohibitions against abortion or homosexuality will be condemned.   Today we see Peter’s warning being fulfilled. 

As pastor of the church at Ephesus, one of Timothy’s most important jobs was to prevent the spread of false teaching in the church, according to Paul’s statement in I Timothy 1:3-7.   “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” 

God’s teachings are for the purpose of enabling us to stand before God with a pure heart, a clear conscience, with real deep rooted faith and love for both God and other people.  The teachings that are brought in from the world, whether they be based on tradition, or modern science and psychology, only cause confusion and doubt as to the truth of God’s word, and should be avoided.  Many of the popular teachers have little or no real understanding of the things of God, or of the results of their teaching.  People follow them because their teaching appeals to the old sinful nature, but for spiritual purposes, it is just distracting noise.  Ultimately, those Christian fads actually hinder Spiritual growth.

Paul said that it was vital that a pastor be doctrinally sound, in his listing of the qualifications for a pastor in Titus 1:9-11, to prevent the spread of false doctrine.  “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”  If his beliefs are not solidly rooted in the scriptures, he will not be able to correct and silence those who are adapting their teaching to please the people and gain wealth and prestige. 

Practicing Walking In The Spirit

There is an old saying that “Birds of a feather flock together.”  We tend to adopt the attitudes and standards of those we associate with, and at the same time, we tend to be drawn to those with similar attitudes.  The more closely we associate and the longer we associate with them the more in-grained those attitudes become.  As we saw in the previous post, many of the popular attitudes today place us in opposition to God. 

When we get saved, God gives us a whole new outlook, as II Corinthians 5:17-18 tells us.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God…”   Galatians 5:22-23 describes the new attitudes the Holy Spirit produces in us.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Unfortunately, we have practiced the old attitudes and behaviors until they become automatic, and we do them without thinking. 

In order to change old habits, it necessary to deliberately do the desired thing until it becomes automatic, and even then to make conscious choices in order to keep from lapsing back into those old habits.  While the Holy Spirit gives us a new attitude, we still have to practice maintaining it and acting accordingly for it to become an integral part of our lives.  Peter addresses this need in II Peter 1:5-11.  “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Breaking old habits is hard.  While we were saved through faith, and we through Christ’s sacrifice, our sin has been taken away, we need to develop a lifestyle of virtue or good behavior.  We need to spend time personally with Christ, getting to know him and becoming increasingly like him as a result of that association, as II Corinthians 3:18 promises.  “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”   As we see Christ’s example more fully, we can practice temperance or self-control more effectively, and the increased self-control makes patience easier.  As our patience develops and we get less upset by things around us, it becomes easier to maintain a godly attitude and treat other people kindly.  As we learn to treat others kindly, and they respond positively, we can begin to develop a genuine love for them, but practice will be required at each step for it to become second nature to us. 

Developing the fruit of the Spirit will give a deep sense of peace and satisfaction and confidence toward god, and ultimately result in his blessings and eternal rewards.  The failure to develop these traits will hinder our spiritual growth and indicates we do not understand how sinful we were and why we needed a savior to take our place, raising questions as to whether we are truly saved.  In such a case, we need to go back and make sure of our salvation so that we can experience the blessings he has promised his children, both here on earth and in eternity. 

Choosing Your Associates

Today, many no longer cling to the traditional moral standards of the church, considering them outdated.  In an effort to get along better with those around them, many have adopted the moral standards of the people around them, not realizing the results of that focus.  James 4:4 warns, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” 

While we have a duty to reach out to the unsaved, it is critical we not get too closely involved with them.  II Corinthians 6:14-18 commands, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 

Ephesians 5:14-16 tells us to pay attention to what we are doing so that we don’t become too involved with the things of the world.   “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  If we do not pay attention we may waste our time and energy doing things that interfere with our spiritual life, because we live in time when evil is widely accepted, and encouraged. 

II Timothy 3:1-7 warns of the dangers and attitudes we need to avoid.   “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul warned that people would be totally self-centered, with the result they would be very materialistic, constantly wanting more or fancier things, bragging about even minor accomplishments, thinking they are better than other people and deliberately running them down and calling them names such as racist or whore, etc.  They have little or no respect for their parents or those in authority, and do not appreciate what others have done for them, constantly griping about things.  Nothing is sacred or taboo to them, and they have no natural affection.  As a result they do not hesitate to abort their own children, walk out on their families, or get involved in various forms of sexual perversion.  They don’t hesitate to break their word or lie about others, blaming them for their own actions.  They have no self-control, abusing others both physically and emotionally and hating those who try to do right.  They turn on their friends and have arrogant and superior attitudes.   They are more concerned about the social benefits or the emotional pleasure they get from the church activities, music, and teaching than they are with God’s word.  They may put on a very religious facade, but it doesn’t really affect how they live day by day.

People tend to adopt the attitudes and moral standards of those they associate with, and those who are not alert to the danger are easily led into sin by these kinds of people.   They may seem to be growing, learning and doing new and exciting things, but they never come to a point of being satisfied with their life or having a good relationship with God.  To avoid falling into the same pattern, we need to avoid people with these attitudes, and especially those who claim to be Christians, as I Corinthians 5: 11-13 tells us,   “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”