Does God Tell Christians to Blindly Follow Him?

Christians may often hear comments that they're blindly following God. Or they may be asked why they blindly follow God. But when we study the Bible, we discover just the opposite. 

God doesn't want us to be ignorant.

Several times in the New Testament epistles we read not to be ignorant (cf. Romans 1:13, 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1, 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 2 Peter 3:8). Ignorance means unenlightened or not knowing something—and God doesn't want that for His people.

He's given us His word to help us know what we need in this life. He's even told us what to expect in the future. The only blindness involved is our own failure to read and study the Bible. 

The only blindness involved is our own failure to read and study the Bible.

The Lord says, “search the Scriptures” (John 5:39).

Jesus told the Jews, many of which wanted kill Him, to search the Scriptures because, He said, the Scriptures speak of Him. 

The Lord wants us to search the Bible to know Him more. There's no suggestion of blindness here—we're invited to follow the Lord with understanding. 

In Isaiah 1:18, God invites us to reason with Him about our sinful state. That means He welcomes questions and is in the enlightening business.

God tells us to “study” (2 Timothy 2:15).

We're told to study to show ourselves approved of God, so we don't have to be ashamed and to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth. That doesn't sound like God asking His people to follow Him blindly. 

Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father to us (John 1:18, Matthew 11:27, Colossians 1:15, ...).

The most telling evidence against blindly following God is Jesus Christ Himself. 

The most telling evidence against blindly following God is Jesus Christ Himself. 

Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us so that we would not be left in the dark (Luke 4:18). That doesn't sound like God who wanting people to blindly follow Him.

He walked the earth, taught, healed people, suffered and died on a cross, then rose the third day—all so people could see the path to God through Him (John 14:6). 

Final Thoughts

There is no need for Christians to blindly follow God—He's revealed Himself to us through His word; revealed His plans and purposes, the future, and our condition. He even sent His Son to reveal Himself and reconcile us to God. 

God doesn't even mind if we ask questions—God encourages them, so we do not have to be in the dark. We may tend to forget that God is a big God and He can take it because in the end, all truth points to Him (cf. John 17:17, Titus 1:2).

Rather than follow God blindly, Christians are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, study the Bible, and walk according to Proverbs 3:5 when things don't make sense.

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature Image: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/PhotosBazaar-India

Open Bible Image Source: Open source

Is Acts 1:8 A Command or Forthtelling?

Basing their actions on Matthew 28:19–20, many Christians and churches today are busy making disciples. While that may be implied from the passage, it doesn't say "make disciples" in the King James Bible. Jesus told the disciples to go, teach, baptize, and teach again.

Matthew 28:19–20

The idea conveyed here is to first be busy about the Father's business (go). Then tell people about God our Creator, our fallen condition, and about Jesus Christ—the Gospel (teach).

When someone has responded to the Gospel in saving faith, they're to be baptized (baptize). After a person is baptized, that brother or sister is to be built up in the faith (teaching them).

A person who has met the Savior will be ready to tell others about Christ. They'll witness to others about their personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Andrew is an example of this in John 1:40–42. Though his faith was not yet mature, he instinctively wanted to bring his brother, Peter, to see Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:8

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus told the disciples:

... ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Eager Christians often see this as a second command to go and make disciples. But is that really what the Lord was saying here?

What did Jesus Say in Acts 1:8?

In Matthew, Jesus said, go. It was an imperative statement; an order that His disciples proceed forth and teach others the Gospel.

In Acts however, there's no imperative. There's only a declarative statement: "ye shall be witnesses." When examining the language of "shall be," the Greek word, esomai, we can see that it can mean, shall come to pass, but it is not an imperative statement.

The word witness comes from the Greek word, martus, a legal term that infers testifying in court (e.g. giving his testimony) or non-legal term for retelling a personal encounter (e.g. sharing his experience).

John bore witness about what he'd heard, seen, and touched during his experience with Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1–3). He declared Christ with the readers of 1 John.

Peter wrote similar words when he expressed his eye-witness account of what he'd seen and heard during his time with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:6).

Paul witnessed of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6–9 and 26:12–15).

Command or Forthtelling?

The words Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8 have often been interpreted as a command to witness to the uttermost part of the earth, but that is not what we see here.

It appears that the Lord was forthtelling and foretelling—telling the disciples what would come to pass: they shall be witnesses (i.e. the word of God for the present: forthtelling), and as witnesses, they would flow from where they were then, to the uttermost part of the earth (i.e. the future: foretelling).

Do we have it backwards?

As Christians, we may have it all wrong. Could it be that we place more importance on Matthew 28:19–20 than Acts 1:8? From what we read in Scripture, it appears Acts 1:8 is the foundation for Matthew 28:19–20.

Perhaps one reason some people dislike Christians, or perhaps many unbelievers reject God and His Son Jesus Christ is that for so long, Christians have been overbearing and failing to demonstrate Christlike attitudes and behaviors—failing to live the Christian life which we speak of.

Could it be that we haven't nurtured our own relationships with the Lord and haven't shown simple sincerity in our witness to others? Don't people look for sincerity from an evangelist?

But if you look at how the Lord conducted Himself, he wasn't overbearing and He absolutely exhibited righteousness. He walked and talked the Gospel. He shared His relationship with the Father, and now He asks believers to share our relationship with Him, with others—ye shall be my witnesses.

Be ready to answer.

Peter wrote to persecuted Christians that they were to be ready:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

Why were they to be ready to answer? Because as they lived their Christian lives before those who may have despised them, they'd draw some to them who would ask about their steadfast faith and continued good behavior (cf. 1 Peter 3:8–14).

These verses in 1 Peter 3 are not a mandate to debate unbelievers, but a command to be ready to answer questions about our real and living faith (cf. James 2:18).

In Revelation 2:4, the Lord rebuked the Church of Ephesus because they had lost their first love.

In John 17:3, the Lord, praying to the Father, spoke of knowing the Father and the Son as eternal life.

The Lord is interested in relationships.

Clearly, the Lord is interested in relationships with His people. He is referred to as our heavenly Father (e.g. Luke 11:2) and in an intimate way as Abba Father (e.g. Galatians 4:6). Believers are called sons (e.g. Romans 8:14) and that God deals with us as sons (Hebrews 12:7). He said to His people Israel that He walks among them and would be their God, and they His people (Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 23:14).

Christians today are so caught up in making disciples that they neglect their relationships with the Lord (Revelation 2:4). Focus on ministry and soul-winning take the priority over fellowship, prayer, and personal times spent with the Lord.

God's word teaches us that . . .

We're to let our light shine that others may see it and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). What light do unbelievers see in us? It starts at home, then neighbors, then work, then branches out to the world (i.e. Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth).

We're to live peaceful lives (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14). How peaceful are our lives? Are we the rowdy ones on the block? Does our church make the most noise on Sundays? Are the soul-winners aggressive?

We're not to let evil be spoken of about us—nothing evil to say of us (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 3:9,16; 2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). How well do we fall into this description? What is our testimony to the world? 

We're to love God first (Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27). Do unbelievers see the love we have for God? Not a touchy-feely love, but a love that seeks to follow God.

Do people see these things in our lives, do they see only Bible-thumpers, hear harsh words, and get gospel tracts shoved in their faces?

Do they hear the believer's testimony of what Jesus Christ has done for him or only mechanical Bible quotes?

Do people see genuine Christianity and want to know more about it? Before the Lord renewed me in the faith, I wanted to be a Christian because I could see there was something pure and good in them. Do others say that about us?

Soul-winning in Church?

These days, preachers and churches feel obligation to preach the Gospel in church services. But is that what we're supposed to be doing in church?

According to Ephesians 4 (4:11–15) and 1 Corinthians 14 (14:3–5,12,26) that's not what we're supposed to be doing. Believers are to be taught doctrine and God is to be praised in His church. If unsaved people come in, they'll see this and know that they're different, and as Paul says, will fall down and glorify God (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

What were the early disciples doing when they were gathered?

They were . . .

- Continuing daily with one accord.
- Breaking bread from house to house.
- Enjoying fellowship.
- Praising God.
- Having favor with God and man (Acts 2:45–47).

And the result was . . . the Lord added to them such as would be saved (Acts 2:47).
 

Final Thoughts

There must be something different about Christians. People are drawn to the light and will ask about it. We should be using words of grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)—no need to quote chapter and verse. We can just have speech sprinkled with the word of God.

In the end, there should be a balance between Matthew 28:19–20 (teaching) and Acts 1:8 (witnessing).

To know more about reviving your relationship with Jesus Christ or beginning one, purchase your copy of Where Is the Beauty That We May Desire Him: A Devotional on Isaiah 53 (e-book) on Google Books, Amazon Kindle, or paperback. Your purchases help keep this ministry going.
 
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Written by Jerry Smith
Image source: www.LumoProject.com on FreeBibleimages.org

Why Do Christians Make Graven Images of Jesus?

If no graven image of God is to be made for worship, then why do Christians make images of Jesus?

Why do they do it when God is not worshipped by objects made by human hands (Acts 17:24–25)? Neither is God worshipped by things in nature (cf. Romans 1:21–23).

Perhaps a few reasons:

1. They are failing to READ the word of God.
2. They are failing to HEED the word of God.
3. They are failing to BELIEVE the word of God.

There may be other reasons, but these three, I think get to the core of it.

Whatever the reason may be, it is a fair question. Lord willing, more people would ask this question. The answers are in the Bible. That is why God says, “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we need not be “ashamed.”

The Bible says we are to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24) That means:

(1) Being born again (spirit) by saving faith in Jesus Christ (who died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again); and

(2) In accordance with the word of God (truth).

These two points are where many, many people stray (Isaiah 53:6).

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Written by Jerry Smith (based on his original answer to a question on Quora).
Image source: Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash

How Not to Be Deceived

Paul wrote to Christians, "Let no man deceive you" (2 Thessalonians 2:3, Ephesians 5:6) God's will is that believers are not deceived by false teachers or false doctrine that would lead them into wrong paths, unfruitful lives, or shame when all is said and done (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

But He didn't just leave it there. In His love, God gave us instructions how to prevent such deception. He tells us not to be deceived then tells us how not to be deceived. 

1. Test Everything 

God tells us to prove everything and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). There are two activities at play in this passage that give us a result: 

(1) We are to prove everything; that is, we are supposed to put everything we encounter to the test. 

(2) We are to hold fast to that which is good; if we are supposed to test everything, we must have a baseline. That baseline is the word of God. 

If we are intimately familiar with the Bible, we will immediately notice false teaching. Christians are to be narrow-minded when it comes to the fundamentals of the faith. 

The result: 

(3) If we examine everything through the eyes of the word of God, we will be able to spot false teaching. 

2. Scrutinize Teachers and What They Teach 

We are commanded not to believe everyone who calls themselves a Bible teacher (1 John 4:1). Furthermore, we are commanded to examine everyone who claims to be a Bible teacher so we will know if they are really from God. 

That means we do not simply sit in a pew and listen to someone teaching the Bible on a Sunday morning. We are to be active listeners—checking the verses, checking the speaker's words, and checking the doctrine in them. We are not supposed to just sit and believe everything that is being taught—open your Bible and check! 

The Bereans were an excellent example of this (Acts 17:11). Even though they had the famous Paul the Apostle standing in front of them teaching them, they took the time to search the Scriptures to see if the things Paul taught them were in-line with what was written in the Scriptures—to see if the things Paul said were so. 

3. Know the Word of God

How do we know what to scrutinize teachers about? 

How do we know what right doctrine is? 

God directs us to do what many of us seem to have an aversion to . . . study (2 Timothy 2:15)! 

We are commanded to study for three reasons: 

1. So we will enjoy God's approval. 
2. So we do not need to be ashamed. 
3. So we will correctly handle the word of God. 

Why would God command us to study? The answer is clear: 

• He loves us. 
• He cares about our welfare. 
• He does not want to see us suffer. 
• He does not want us to be ashamed. 

Parting Thoughts 

These days, in our social media, fake news environment, it seems people believe almost everything they hear. But the Lord commands us to search the Scriptures and study the word so we will not be ashamed. 

Paul wrote, let no man deceive you... and God shows us how not to be deceived. It's all there in the word if we look for it. 

So, how not to be deceived? Be rooted and grounded in the word of God, and you will be able to spot false teachers and false teaching a mile away! 

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By Jerry Smith

Feature image source: nicole-honeywill-703542-unsplash 

Open Bible image source: kelly-sikkema-275193-unsplash 

Open Bible listening image source: Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash 

Open Bible highlighting image source: rod-long-425679-unsplash 

What Is Waiting on the Lord?

When writing Psalm 37, David was troubled on every side, yet he had the faith to understand that when things are troubling all around, when things are run by evil people, when it looks like the enemy is bringing you down, wait on the Lord and keep his way.

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it... (Psalm 37:34).

Wait does not stand alone in this verse. It does not mean simply sitting around expecting the Lord to do something to change your situation. This is a command to be active while awaiting God's deliverance. 

David wrote wait on the Lord and keep His way. The two ideas are bound together. I am to patiently await the Lord, but to also be active in my observance of His word. 

To wait on the Lord and keep His way in the practical sense is to have the mindset that while I await God's answer to my prayers and supplications, by God's grace I'm going to...

Continue to pray 

Continue to read the Bible 

Continue to meditate on the word 

Continue to study the Bible 

Continue to share the Lord with others 

Continue to be open to His leading 

Continue to be open to His will 

Continue to yield to the Spirit 

Continue to be led by the Spirit 

Continue to die to self and live unto God 

Continue to minister to others 

Continue to desire God above all else. 

Waiting on God does not mean Christians should sit down but they are to keep the faith even in difficult times. And, as the rest of the verse says, God will make things right: He will deliver in His time. 

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature image source: ben-white-292680-unsplash 

Open Bible with blue pen image source: rod-long-425679-unsplash

What Does the Bible Say About Women Being Pastors?

The Lord tells us in His word how He wants His church governed. Yet there are those who question or outright defy God's will for HIS church. And it is His church, bought with His blood (Acts 20:28). 

As such, He has the right to give instructions about what He wants for the body of Christ (1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Corinthians 14:37). Unfortunately, there are some who wish to impose their opinions, preferences, or political correctness onto the church by rejecting the word of God.

One of the most hotly rejected New Testament mandates is the subject of women not being permitted to be pastors, ministers, or other spiritual leaders of the church. 

Before going into an outline of the biblical bases for women not being permitted to lead churches, the following represent a few of the arguments proponents use for it and brief responses. 

Some people argue from Old Testament examples.

They forget that those were Old Testament examples. They were also exceptions to the norm. But the New Testament has no such traditions. 

Some people focus on the New Testament example of Aquila and Priscilla.

People like to talk about Aquila and Priscilla instructing Apollos (Acts 18:26). However, they forget that it was done privately and Aquila (a man) was also a part of it. 

In addition, there were no female apostles. They were men (e.g. Acts 1:21-23). No apostle was a woman.

Some argue about the culture of the New Testament times. 

Those who reject the word of God say these commands were cultural and that it is different now. However, they forget that these commands were given to the church. 

The commands to the church are extra-cultural. Paul did not qualify his remarks as being cultural. When people say that, they are attempting to twist word of God to suit their personal preferences. 

So is the word of God simply relative for all of us, can we attribute everything we do not like about the New Testament to "the culture of that day"? Can we just pick and choose what we will accept? If so, we make the word of God of no effect.

The word of God clearly states and clarifies with argument that women are subordinate to the authority of the man in the church (1 Timothy 2:11), that women are not to usurp authority of men in the church (1 Timothy 2:12), and that a man is to be a pastor (or bishop; 1 Timothy 3:1-2), i.e. lead the church. Those who teach otherwise are in disagreement with God's plainly revealed will for His church.

Outline

The following is an outline that provides scriptural bases for restricting women from the role of pastors or other spiritual leader of the Christian church. 

The assumption is that one would take the time to read the passages as they are written, clearly and plainly, and consider the point raised. The outline is based on Paul's own arguments for this restriction as written in the epistles. 

The conclusions tie it all together. If one approaches the word of God without preconceived notions, letting the word of God speak for itself, the points are valid as the will of God for the governance of His church. 

The Facts

1. Man and woman made equal in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 3:28).

2. Man and woman were made equal in humanity but not in order (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:13).

3. Man was given headship over the woman.

A. God gave the command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17).

B. Woman made from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22).

C. Woman was made a help meet for man (Genesis 2:18,20). 

D. Woman was made for the man (1 Corinthians 11:9). 

E. Adam called her woman (i.e. Adam named her, Genesis 2:23; cf. Genesis 2:19).

F. God called for Adam in the Garden not Eve (Genesis 3:9).

G. God held Adam responsible for Eve’s action (Genesis 3:17, Romans 5:12).

i. However, Eve was held personally accountable (Genesis 3:16).

ii. Nevertheless, Adam failed to lead Eve in this matter.

a. A consequence of the fall: man would rule over the woman (cf. rule over, exercise lordship over, exercise authority over, Mark 10:42; Genesis 3:16; these appear to be more decrees or judgments, than curses.) That is, there would be conflict in the now fallen union (Ryrie 1994). But the fallen union can be restored in Christ by observing Ephesians 5:22, 25; cf. Mark 10:43-45).

H. In Christ, the man is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23).

4. The woman was deceived, not the man (Genesis 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 2:14).

5. The woman is called the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7).

A. Eve was beguiled by the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3).

B. Why did the serpent go to the woman and not the man (Genesis 3:1-5)?

C. Carried away by teachings (i.e. changeable minds, prone to accept new teaching, swayed by impulses [Ryrie 1994], 2 Timothy 3:6-7).

The Church

1. Women in the church (prescriptive not descriptive, cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37).

A. Commanded to be silent (i.e. hold their peace, 1 Corinthians 14:34; i.e. be still and quiet, 1 Timothy 2:11-12).

i. A possible reference to prophesying or questioning (i.e. challenging) male speakers in 1 Corinthians 14:34, but it is clear in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 that women are to be silent in the church. Paul would not contradict himself.

B. Women are not permitted to speak (i.e. preach, rant, prolonged discourse; 1 Corinthians 14:34).

C. Women are not to teach men (1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Supported by order (Adam first, 1 Timothy 2:13; Ryrie 1994).

ii. Supported by transgression (Eve deceived, 1 Timothy 2:14; Ryrie 1994).

D. Women are not to usurp authority over a man (i.e. take authority from man, 1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Eve usurped Adam’s headship in Genesis 3:6 when she made the choice to eat the fruit instead of yielding to Adam’s authority and bringing it to his attention.

ii. Commanded to yield (submit) to the authority of her husband (1 Peter 3:1; See also: Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, Genesis 2:18).

a. Implies disobedient, less mature, or even unsaved husbands (cf. 1 Peter 3:1).

b. By implication the minister of the word (cf. not to question the teacher, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

c. Should also be understood in the context of being obedient and submissive to pastors (cf. Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17)

d. Men should practice Ephesians 5:1-21 and 25-33 to avoid ruling over their wives (Genesis 3:16) and ease the burden for the woman.

F. Women may teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

i. May include male children up to a certain age (puberty).

ii. May teach men outside of the church (in the presence of her husband, cf. Acts 18:26).

G. Women are commanded to focus on the home and developing one another (Titus 2:3-5, cf. Proverbs 31:27).

Conclusions

1. Men should be encouraged to lead (in the church and at home).

2. Men should be given opportunities to lead (in the church and at home).

3. Men should be trained to lead in all areas (in the church and at home).

4. Men should govern their wives to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

5. Women in the church are not to teach men, question (publicly challenge) teachers; nor given authority over men.

6. Women ought to encourage the man in his leadership role (cf. Ephesians 5:33).

7. Women should yield opportunities for the man to lead (cf. Ephesians 5:22).

8. Women should learn to submit to the leadership of their own husbands to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

9. Women are to focus on the home and on developing one another.

Final Thoughts

Women are not second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. To the contrary, God says there is neither male nor female in Christ (Galatians 3:28). But that does not negate the order of creation nor His mandate for the governance of His church. 

Women can counsel others from the Bible, they can teach the Bible, and even speak to men about the truth of God's word, but these things are to be done in the proper context (i.e. informal settings, in homes, in social gatherings, in designated women's or children's classes within the church). 

However, the Bible is clear: when the church gathers, women are not to lead. They are to yield to the will of God, yield to the authority of the man, and humbly encourage men to be the leaders God made them to be. That means they must remain silent at times. 

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash

Why Giving Your Testimony When Evangelizing Is Biblical

The term testimony in a legal sense is a statement made under oath—one person, a witness, attesting to firsthand knowledge of that which is in question.

Testimony in the common sense is assertion of what a witness has seen, heard, handled, or experienced firsthand.

The Apostle John, in 1 John 1:1–4, gives readers a testimony to what he witnessed:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you...

The Apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 1:16–18, also gives testimony to what he witnessed:

...but were eyewitnesses of his majesty

The Lord, in Acts 1:8, gave a forth-telling of what would happen after He ascended:

...ye shall be witnesses unto me

Paul gave testimony of his encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus on at least two occasions as we read in the book of Acts (Acts 22:3–16, Acts 26:9–18). The Lord told Paul what He would do with Paul:

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” (22:15).

...for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen... (26:16).

It was a life-changing moment for Paul when he personally met the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Lord said that He would use Paul and Paul’s testimony to deliver the Gentiles from their sins (Acts 26:18).

The idea of giving a testimony has its roots in Acts 1:8 and continued with the apostles, and until now, people give their testimonies—their firsthand accounts of what Jesus Christ has done for them; how Jesus Christ saved them from their sins and made them whole.

Apparently, the Lord is pleased to use Christian testimonies in turning people from their sins to faith in Him.

Sadly, many Christians today vehemently focus only on Matthew 28:19–20 and neglect Acts 1:8. They are too busy making (or forcing) disciples, instead of nurturing their own relationships with the Lord. That appears to be part of the idea in Revelation 2:4 when the Lord rebuked the church of Ephesus.

This is why there must be a balance between teaching and sharing. People absolutely need the Word of God (cf. Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23), but they also want to hear what the Lord has done in our lives.

These days, too many Christians talk a good talk but lack the witness of Jesus Christ in their lives—and the world sees it, and the name of God, His Son Jesus Christ, and Christianity are shamed by such contradictions (cf. Romans 2:24).

So, to answer you question more directly, the theological roots for giving one’s testimony are found with the Author and Finisher of our faith—the Lord Jesus Christ who shared His relationship with the Father. In turn, believers today testify of Christ in their lives, in spirit and in truth.

[END]

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/nhungstudio

Jesus Knew No Sin

The term knew in this context carries the idea of experiential knowledge. It is used in the Bible to refer to a personal knowledge of sin rather than simply understanding what sin is or observing it.

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:21 in the King James Bible:

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

We know that God sees all things (e.g. Psalm 69:5, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Hebrews 4:13). He knows the depths of wickedness of our hearts (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9–10) and minds (Psalm 94:11), and He sees the wicked deeds of mankind (Genesis 6:5). So God does indeed understand what sin is and is faced with it continually. He knows what sin is.

But when we read that Christ knew no sin, it means He never sinned (1 Peter 2:22), and reinforces a foundational truth of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ came to earth in the likeness of man (Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:7) and was tempted in every way yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15, John 8:46)—He was the spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19, Isaiah 53:7, 1 John 3:5).

Jesus was like us but separate from us (Hebrews 7:26) because He knew no sin (i.e. he never sinned).

We, as a corrupt race of humans on the other hand, are not only guilty of sinning, but are well-acquainted with sin (cf. Isaiah 53:3–5, Romans 3:10–18, Isaiah 1:1–6). Paul gives a list of sins in Galatians 5 to remind us of the variety of ways that mankind lives in sin (Galatians 5:19–21).

Jesus Christ committed no sin, but was made sin for us, that we might become righteous in the eyes of God. Through faith in Christ, we become sinless in Christ—that is, God sees us in Christ as He sees His own Son (cf. 1 John 3:6 and 1 John 4:17).

So how can we emulate Christ in not knowing sin—the answer is that we allow ourselves to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Galatians 2:20 tells us that we are crucified with Christ and our new life is in Christ who now lives in every believer. We are told that we are new creatures in Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:17. We read in Galatians 5:16 that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Finally, Romans 8:29 tells us God’s plan is that we be molded into the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

When we yield to the leading of the Lord and humbly follow His path, His Spirit lead us into righteous thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. We can recognize the leading of the Lord through studying His word. As we yield to the word of God, the Spirit of Christ leads us into the mind of Christ (cf. Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:5, Colossians 3:16). For more reading, Ephesians 5:1–20 and Colossians 3:1–17 provide practical guidance on how believers walk in the Spirit. We can even view these passages as evidences of walking in the Spirit.

As we conform to the image of Christ, we will naturally emulate Christ. We do not have to try to be like Christ—that is human effort—but we can let Christ live through us (e.g. Philippians 2:5, 2 Corinthians 7:1,10:17; Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 4:26–29,31 ...). The more we let Christ live through us, the more we become like Christ. Nevertheless, while we are in this world, we will always struggle with sin (Romans 7:17,21; Romans 8:23). But remember, it is not through effort on our part, but in denying self that we can emulate Christ; otherwise, it becomes a work.

[END]

Written by Jerry Smith
Image source: www.LumoProject.com on FreeBibleimages.org

What Does the Leaven of the Pharisees Mean for Christians Today?

What is the meaning of Jesus' words, beware of the yeast of the pharisees found in Matthew 16:6 and verses 11-12. What does it mean for Christians today? 

Leaven, or yeast as we call it today, is used to make bread rise when baked. It gives the the bread fluff from the carbon dioxide bubbles it creates. Contrast that with pizza-crust-thin unleavened bread, and you get the idea.

The Lord spoke of leaven on several occasions in the Gospels (e.g. Luke 12:1, Matthew 16:12, and Mark 8:15), and taught a parable relating to leaven and the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:33). He warned of the leaven of the Pharisees, the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the leaven of Herod (or the Herodians).

Each time the Lord spoke about leaven it was in a negative light. The Jews in Jesus’ time understood that leaven was symbolic of evil; it indicated the entrance of evil, or the entrance of sin. 

Leaven permeates the whole loaf, like corruption subtly permeates a church. It leads to a weak, ineffective, and fruitless condition, both individually and corporately. 

From these Gospel passages, we can glean the idea the Lord was conveying about the leaven of the Pharisees. 

1. The leaven of the Pharisees is hypocrisy—projecting an image yet having a different attitude inwardly.

In ancient times, the Greek word hypokrites was a reference to actors—pretenders that played a part when others were watching but were another way when they were not on stage.

As Christians, we become hypocrites when we act one way in church—when the pastor and brethren are watching—but act a different way at home (work or school).

We forget that our family members see us. The leaven of the Pharisees leads to a poor testimony and defames the name of Christ. 

2. The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees is disbelief of God's Word and believing false doctrine.

The Pharisees and Sadducees put on a pretty good show, but inwardly did not believe the Scriptures.

Had they believed, they would have recognized Christ and would have been more merciful in their dealings with others.

Had they believed, they would not have taught their traditions as God's law.

Christians can be influenced by the leaven of disbelief and false doctrine by holding more to their traditions than to what God says—I will have mercy over sacrifice.

Are you holding brethren to a higher standard than God does? Perhaps the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees has gotten to you. 

3. The leaven of Herod, or as some say, the Herodians, is faithlessness, forgetfulness, failure to trust God, and or unbelief.

The Herodians were Jews who had become Hellenistic—they loved Greek culture. In so doing, they cleaved to philosophy over the word of God. As a result, they became faithless, forgot God's promises, and trusted their own thinking more than the words of God.

Today, Christians can be tainted with this yeast by holding on to the culture of the world instead of Christian culture; by holding to the philosophy of man over the doctrines of the faith, and by trusting science falsely so-called, over the word God has given us.

Christians today are heavily influenced by modern psychology which tells us man is good inside and sin is just a condition to be treated with medicine or therapy to make him better.

Christians include the world's type of music and entertainment in their worship services. Rather than seek the Lord, we seek our feelings about the Lord.

Rather than trust God and the clear and plain reading of His word, Christians over-theorize, adjust our teaching, and hold to the belief that the world evolved because evolutionary science tell us it has.

The Lord warned the disciples then and warns us today that if we let leaven into our lives, it will affect us. As a natural course, it will be transferred to other brethren, and eventually the whole church to the point that we become diluted and ineffective for the Master's use.

We have all seen or have heard how hypocrisy hurts the credibility of the church and even separates members; how false doctrine takes people down the wrong path, and how faithlessness leads to a failure to trust God and keep His ways, i.e. fruitlessness.

The Lord wants us to live abundant and fruitful lives; so, He tells us to be on guard against the subtle worldly influences all around us.

Conclusion

Please take time and review the Bible passages shared in this post (I personally prefer the King James Bible) and mediate on the word of God about this.

Look for the leaven in your life and confess it to God and become more unleavened.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post or comment here. 

By Jerry Smith

Feature Image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/Savany

Pharisees image source: www.LumoProject.com licensed to FreeBibleimages.org for free distribution 

How Can Christians Learn to Respond Instead of React?

The Lord and His disciples provide excellent examples of the contrast between reacting and responding. In Luke 9:51-56 the disciples were angered about an insult to the Lord, but Jesus handled things differently. 

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Jesus' time had come; Christ's earthly ministry had drawn to a close and He was now ready to be offered as a sheep to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). 

The people of Samaria did not like the Jews very much due to some problems between them in the past. Nevertheless, the Lord sent messengers to prepare a place for Him in the Samaritan village. 

However, when they learned that He was just passing through on the way to Jerusalem, that bothered them even more, so they refused His request for accommodation. 

How did the disciples behave toward the Samaritan insult? 

The disciples acted according to how they were treated—they wanted the Lord to call down fire and destroy them for this insult. They reacted to how they were treated. Reacting means to fight fire with fire; it is an act against or opposition to some perceived insult. 

The disciples reacted to the behavior of the Samaritans by wanting to harm them: bad for bad, tit-for-tat. The disciples were with the Lord for three years but forgot His teaching on mercy (Luke 6:36). 

But what did Jesus have to say about this attitude? He rebuked them, saying that they did not have a right spirit. 

How did the Lord behave toward the insult of the Samaritans? 

Jesus responded to the bad behavior of the Samaritans in meekness. Meekness means that the Lord had power to destroy them for their poor behavior but did not. He gave us an example to follow (Matthew 11:29, Titus 3:2, 2 Timothy 2:25). 

Jesus responded to the poor behavior of the Samaritans in mercy. Mercy means that the Lord had authority and the right to condemn the Samaritans for their poor behavior but He did not (Psalm 116:5). 

Instead of destroying the Samaritans, Jesus responded in love (Luke 6:27). 

God has shown us how to respond since the beginning. 

Far too often when in these situations, we forget how the Lord responded to US and all of our shortcomings, bad behaviors, and wickedness. 

In Genesis 3:6, Adam and Eve sinned. They disobeyed God’s command and should have been punished. But God made them coats of skins (Genesis 3:21) and promised them a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). 

According to Romans 3:23, you and I sin. We daily disobey God’s commands and should be punished. But God sent us a Savior. The Lord responded to us rather than reacted by sending His only begotten Son : 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:56).

If the Lord had reacted, we would all be in dire straits. 

And if you have not already, understand from the heart that you are a sinner. Confess your sinful self and turn from your sinful ways. Acknowledge that you need a Savior or you will perish. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Trust Him and walk in newness of life. 

How about us—how do we behave when we feel wronged? 

When God doesn’t behave as we think He should, do we react and shake our fist at Him, or do we respond to Him in love? 

When others behave poorly toward us, do we fight fire with fire? Do we seek to call down fire upon them? Do we show meekness, mercy, and love? 

How can we learn to respond instead of react? 

Remember the Lord’s words...

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...(Philippians 2:5). 

We need the mind of Christ. How can we have the mind of Christ? 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... (Colossians 3:16). 

Get into the Word of Christ—not just a little, but richly. Only then will we be able to know and follow His holy example (1 Peter 2:21). 

Conclusion 

We see from this passage in Matthew that the disciples were no different than us. When someone does wrong, often our first inclination is to retaliate, to react. But Jesus brought us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20). 

When a person is in Christ, they have been given the power—the Holy Spirit—to respond rather than react. Only by getting into the word of God and yielding to it can we develop the same mind or attitudes as Christ by the Holy Spirit's leading. 

Christ suffered beyond measure at our hands, yet what did He say at the end, “Father forgive them…”  

May the Lord grant us grace to respond rather than react, so that our heavenly Father might be glorified by Christ in us. 

By Jerry Smith 

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Feature image: Photo by Sebastien Gabriel on Unsplash