1. "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial." (1 Cor. 6:12)
Question 1: Is it helpful - physically, spiritually, and mentally?
2. "Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." (1 Cor 6:12)
Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?
3. "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." (1 Cor. 8:13)
Question 3: Does it hurt others or cause them to fall in their spiritual journey?
4. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31)
Question 4: Does it glorify God?
"Am I willing to develop convictions from the Scriptures and live by those convictions?"
-Jerry Bridges
-Jerry Bridges
5 comments:
Hi Scott,
I am not much on formula's, either. However, Paul lays out a formula in Romans, chapters 5 and 6.
Here is something I wrote in one of the chapters in my manuscript.
"So, we have a relationship with God made available to us by accepting Jesus as Christ. And then we go on to do good works to be considered holy, Right? Not exactly. We need to be certain that we understand exactly what the formula is for having a relationship with God.
First, love God.
Second, to demonstrate our love for God, we must love Jesus.
Third, our relationship with Jesus is greatly dependant on our relationships with one another. Why? The answer is in understanding “holiness”."
If you would like to understand my perspective on this and what I wrote, Click on this link to take you to Chapter Four: Righteousness Unto Holiness
Thanks Jim for your thoughts. I read the post recommended by you in the comments. I found it interesting, but there were a couple of explanations you presented that I am a little unsure of.
You said that the purpose of God creating man, was so we could be his family. I would say that the purpose for God creating man was so he could be glorified. We are created in his image (yet we are not perfect)to be image bearers reflecting back to him and to others His glory, not ours.
Second was the statement that their were certain things that Jesus couldn't atone for, like how we treat others. I believe that when we are saved he forgives us from past, present and future sins (including how we treat people). This is the essence of grace. Does this give us license to treat people how we please? Surely not. We are to love people as Jesus loved us.
I would argue however, that we need to be in full pursuit of holiness. We need to be obedient to the whole of scripture, and not parts. I am not saying this is what you were proposing (because I am sure its not).
God is the only righteous and holy being in the universe. Jesus become our righteousness in the presence of God. Through the inner workings of the Holy Spirit, we are given the strength and power to obedient to all that is required of us in our pursuit. However, we have a responsibility to choose to be obedient and sit passively by blaming God for our shortcomings.
Thanks for the interaction, Scott. I won't make a long comment. My dog was not in the yard when I came home from work today. But, in my seven chapters, I discuss how it is revealed that God created us to be his family. Mainly in chapter one. The rest of the project expounds on this.
Also, if love is a requirement, jesus can only fulfill this requirement for Himself. We have an obligation to love one another.
I am not for formula very much if any. I think your words are wonderful and would you recommend this book to others? Did you find it very benifital for ministry or Christian living?
Jim, thanks for the follow-up. I agree that we have a responsibility to love others and God, it is the greatest commandment.However, I still hold to the point that we were created by God for His glory and great pleasure.
Kenny, thanks for stopping by. How are things going? I am sorry for not commenting on your latest post...life has been extremely busy. No excuse though. Please know that i am praying for you, and I am sorry that I can't help financially. God is the great provider, and I am sure He will be faithful during this time of need.
As for the book, I would highly recommend it to everyone. It is probably one of the greatest books I have read, and I have read several. I would say that it is of great help in getting perspective on the importance of our pursuit of God. This will not only help us in ministry but more importantly it will help us in our daily journey with God as Christ-followers.
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