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Philippians Chapter 2
Loving one another as Christ has loved us in my estimation would avoid murmuring, complaining and fault finding over non essential things but still have discernment and not compromise on things that could harm the body of believers thereby hindering the spread of the gospel and teaching the word of God in truth. Being of the same mind and one accord in spirit and in truth will further the gospel but getting into a false unity that allows unrepentant sin or immorality will bring reproach upon not only the gospel but also the church, most of all it brings a bad example in the eyes of those that do not believe. We even bring reproach upon the name of Christ. Things that hinder the work of God within us and in our community is a lack of love for one another, wanting our own way and not being in godly unity. We would not want to hear bad about our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord if we were in a godly unity. If someone falls into sin, we would be grieved to hear it and not want it to be true. Running quickly to tell someone would not be what we desire. We would grieve with them when they go through a trial, we would desire restoration when they fail, and pray for them instead of spreading gossip. Several times in scripture we are exhorted to be of the same mind and one accord. God loves it when we agree as touching anything. When we pray in the same mind and one accord, it is powerful and brings results because God is pleased with such things. He delights to see us love one another. In fact it is a commandment of our Lord Jesus Himself. I will mention again that this does not mean that we compromise with sin and agree to false doctrine of course but we are to be of the same mind and one accord in truth. We are not to fuss and feud over trivial things. Some believe things a little different than others. Let everyone be fully persuaded in their own minds on certain things were we disagree, and learn to seek God for directions instead of just living out a bunch of man made rules. There are many times we have to allow someone to be led of the Spirit and follow God in the way He leads them. It may not necessarily be the way He leads us. In essential doctrines of salvation and biblical doctrines that are clearly taught in scripture, we must agree and be of the same mind. If we are in a place where we can't agree and we absolutely can't overcome the disagreement in love then it would be better agree to disagree and move on. We must try not to cause division and strife, thereby hindering the work of God. Paul and Barnabus once has a serious disagreement. They both went their separate ways each taking a brother with them. Was this evil? Who knows, but good came of it. We now had two missionary journeys instead of just one.
This is just the opposite of today's world where everyone wants to get ahead and outdo everyone else. To seek to exalt ourselves above others rather than be on equal basis or preferring one another in love is the way to go. That is why the Lord showed the example of humility to His disciples when he washed His disciples' feet. He was showing them not to think too highly of themselves but think of themselves as servants. Although we are to respect the pastor of our churches and support them, they are not to be as Lords and exalt themselves higher than their congregations. Someone has to be in charge and be a leader but they must be humble and realize that they too can get into error and are not above failing. They only stand by the grace and power of God and have to answer to God on how they lead the congregation. They are to be respected and loved but not to the point of idolatry and thinking of them as on the same level as God. Had the people who followed Jim Jones, not thought this man on the same level with God, those people would still be living today. True, the bible says "Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm," but this must be taken in the context it is written. This does not mean that we follow blindly a pastor who falls into error and no longer is following God. We follow God period and when the pastor stops following God, we continue following God. This doesn't mean that he can't be wrong about a certain doctrine and just disagree on a few matters, but if a pastor sins in a way that we know from scripture, it is sin, then we must not follow him into that error. The minute old Jim Jones threw down the bible and exalted himself on the same level with God, his congregation should have run to the nearest exit and never returned. Nothing should be done to get glory to ourselves whether this is the pastor or a member of the congregation. Nothing should be done in strife. Strife is contention for superiority. We are not to exalt ourselves and appear to be higher than anyone. Lowliness of mind is encouraged in this epistle. A pastor should not think that since he is called of God, his congregation have no right to question anything he says or does. The congregation needs to remain in a submissive meek spirit but they never should go along with evil in departing from the word of God. The best thing to do is pray always for the one in charge because the brunt of the responsibility is his. They need prayer constantly.
That says it all.
This too is the exact opposite of what we see in today's world. Everyone is out for himself.
Jesus truly is our example. He left His place with God, became a human man and humbled Himself yet carried on the will of the Father by preaching, teaching and healing while He walked the earth.
Jesus did the work His Father called Him to do in humility and love but later was exalted and is the name above all names and now the only way to eternal life giving to all that receive Him. Nothing was more humiliating that being put on a cross for the whole community to see, beaten, whipped and suffered agony until physical death. Yet is brought to us the only way of salvation and everlasting life.
Jesus was obedient until His death on the cross and is now exalted above all and every name. He has supreme authority.
Jesus will to humble Himself and yield to that which He came to earth to accomplish is now above all and is truly a King.
This will truly come to pass. All will recognize and see who the Lord is and every knee shall bow to Jesus Christ, the one who was despised and rejected.
Don't be quick to judge and pick on a brother but work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. In humility of spirit and always seeking God for His will to be done in our lives so that we live holy and lead others in the way of righteousness. The greatest love we can show to someone is to lead them to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This is the will of God that we do good and love one another and avoid evil. It pleases God to see us in the same mind and one accord serving each other in love and unity of good things.
This is our weakness right here. We cannot keep from complaining about something. If we see a fault, first let us take it to God in prayer and diligently search the scriptures on the subject. It may be that we will be glad that we first went to God if He shows us that it is a minor thing that is trivial. Never should we complain to our family and friends things about our pastor without his knowledge. There is a way to disagree yet keep unity. If someone sins there is a scriptural way of correction without resorting to murmuring and complaining.
I like the verse about perfect love casting out all fear. Having more confidence in the power of God to restore a fallen brother or sister can bring better results.
May we set an example by being blameless. The scripture has so much instructions on how our behavior should be both in the church and among unbelievers. Some of our troubles come not because we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ but because of our own mistakes.
The secret of a life that is fruitful is walking continually in the spirit in which we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
This is the difference between and real man of God and one that is only out for gain. A real man of God is interested in what is the will of God. He wants to save the lost, edify the believers and obey God in all things. I went to bible study one time and forgot to turn off my cell phone. My daughter called me, not knowing I was in bible study. I quickly apologized and left the room to answer the phone. The pastor did not react in a manner like, "I'll dare someone interrupt the service." Instead, his attitude was, "That's okay, someone might need you." I loved that attitude. I've noticed that attitude in him many times. His whole reason for having a church is someone might have a need. Someone might need help. Someone needs to find Jesus Christ. I've met lots of pastors and many are fine men of God but I have never seen one like this one. He is a true servant of Jesus Christ and is completely unselfish in all his ways. I pray everyday for him never to change unless of course God does the changing.
Look at this attitude here. Here was a person more concerned with people being worried about his sickness than he was worried about his own sickness. That is just the opposite than wanting people to feel sorry for us when we are suffering in some way.
Some do work so hard at the ministry that they neglect the proper rest. I read that some pioneer preachers who traveled the circuit were that way. One of which was Francis Asbury. Some do not regard their lives but give themselves completely to God's service. These truly are following Jesus Christ and are faithful to the ministry. We should daily pray for them that God would grant them strength physically as well as anoint them with His Spirit as they follow God's calling. |
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