1 corinthians – Page 4

FAITHFULNESS

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Isn’t this the genuine life-mission of every true follower/disciple of Jesus Christ? The word “faithfulness” appears in both the Old and New Testament biblical texts, primarily addressing two main themes:

The faithfulness of God
The faithfulness of God’s people

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD can simply (perhaps overly simplified) be defined as His determined loyalty to keep His word and fulfill all His covenants. Psalm 25:10 clearly and unmistakably links our God’s faithfulness to the concepts of love and truth … “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies” … for all those in relationship with Him. However, His faithfulness, fully displayed in love and truth, extends far beyond those who believe — to every aspect of His creations! Psalm 57:10 – “For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds.”

Our New Testament scriptures also affirm God’s continued faithfulness which is ultimately, powerfully, permanently, and finally, confirmed in Jesus Christ our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9 declares, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Here, one sees God’s continued determined loyalty to lovingkindness and truth through the continuation of His gracious unalterable covenants. God fully demonstrates His care for all humanity in II Corinthians 1:18-22 –

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us — by me and Silvanus and Timothy — was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

This pledge, of His Holy Spirit, further proves His faithfulness!

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD’S PEOPLE is also prevalent in both the Old and New Testament scriptures! In Numbers 14:24-25 a noticeable and distinct example of faithfulness results in God’s blessings upon all of Caleb’s descendants!

But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.

There are numerous examples of “faithfulness” like this in the biblical text that provide illustrations and patterns of this valuable attribute for our lives as authentic believers. Nonetheless, does our God’s faithfulness somehow demand a response of faithfulness from His people … those redeemed and called by His name? That’s a question one must answer.

See, God’s prophet, Samuel spoke openly with the Lord’s people in I Samuel 12:24 –

Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

The New Testament refers to human faithfulness as a God-granted virtue/asset/quality. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as fruit in one’s life — resulting from the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit! I Timothy 3:11 exhorts godly women be “faithful in all things.” Matthew and Luke both reference the concepts of the faithful servants and faithful stewards (Matthew 24:45; 25:21,23; Luke 12:42; 16:10-12; 19:17). “Faithful” here is very much role-relative; but the point of the parables is not that the Christian should allow role expectations to determine totally his or her behavior, but that one should be faithful to God and give that loyalty precedence over all others.

In I Timothy 1:12, the apostle Paul gives the reason for his appointment as “faithfulness,” according to Christ’s judgment. He also instructed Pastor Timothy to find “faithful men” and to appoint them to the role of teachers in Christ’s Church (II Timothy 2:2). However, in every one of these examples, faithfulness in a particular role meshes inseparably with faithfulness to the Lord, as is seen by the frequent addition of epistemological phrases such as “in Jesus Christ.”

Now, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, please meditate on this one for a few days & nights …

It is a trustworthy statement: If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
II Timothy 2:11, 13

That’s our Lord!

His & Yours, PF

TOLERANCE

Posted on March 8, 2021 by West Oaks Fellowship

The basic goal of tolerance is a noble one— to eliminate hatred towards other people by encouraging respect for differing ideas and opinions. However, over the past few decades, the word has evolved to mean, “Show respect by approving whatever another person chooses to believe or do.” In this way, our culture touts tolerance as one of the greatest of all virtues.

Actually, this is a pagan/worldly/fleshly/carnal attempt to dethrone the very action God cited as highest: love (see I Corinthians 13:13). Instead of simply acknowledging the values of fellow humans, we are now being asked, or even commanded, to accept and embrace them. This type of “tolerance” is based on the false idea that “truth” is whatever anyone decides or determines it to be, making it relative to each individual. In other words, each individual establishes what is right and wrong, good or evil, sinful or righteous for themselves in their own heart. Such a tenet creates an unavoidable chasm between God’s concept of love and our culture’s tolerance, because the actions of biblical love are rooted in absolute truth from His Holy Word, the Bible.

This shift in paradigm represents a dangerous and real trend that puts all of us on the front lines of a major cultural and spiritual battle. Is it a battle worth fighting? The answer is a resounding yes! Tolerance, as currently defined by our culture, will ultimately result in a society devoid of a biblical foundation. When the philosophy of relativism and the practice of absolute tolerance are adopted as the highest virtues by a society, the truth of Jesus Christ can no longer be proclaimed because it may be, and will be viewed as, offensive to some people. Eventually, in total hypocrisy, claims that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is the way and the truth (see John 14:6) will be dismissed as bigotry. Unfortunately, it seems those times are quickly approaching, or perhaps already here!

As Christians, we can fight and win this battle. We must ask ourselves, “Am I afraid of being labeled “intolerant,” or do I care enough to take a real interest in others and share Christ?” While Christians are exhorted to hate evil (see Amos 5:15), we are nonetheless commanded to love our enemies as well as our neighbors (see Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:44). For all true disciples of Jesus Christ, this directive relates to all humanity without respect to their gender, race, nationality, heritage, position in life, fame, fortune, looks (good or bad), abilities (great or limited), idiosyncrasies, beliefs, etc. We, as believers, have no business being condescending under any circumstances. Arrogance on our part not only builds a wall between us and others, but it also shows a complete lack of understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and our dependence upon Him.

I Corinthians 13:4 states, “Love does not brag and is not arrogant.” In other words, rather than criticizing harshly, we should gently minister to people whose morality differs from our own biblical principles. Furthermore, displaying true love requires placing a priority on the needs of those around us. Otherwise, it becomes evident that we are not acting out of genuine love for others, but instead are only concerned with ourselves.

Additionally, I Corinthians 13:6 says, “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.” That means, we should not at all agree with everything/anything! True love means supporting absolute biblical truth. In order to do so, we must know the truth, God’s Word, or else we will have nothing left to stand upon except our own ideas and opinions, similar to those who do not know the truth or its Author. Now, I Corinthians 13:7 teaches, “Love bears all things and endures all things.” However, that doesn’t mean, “Tolerates all things.” No, it actually means that when we take a stand, do what’s right, and/or “speak/share the truth in love,” whether in personal interactions or in the public arena, some people will hate and despise us.

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to pray for those who persecute us. It is a fact, that no matter how kind we are, we will be persecuted for proclaiming God’s absolute truth. But, if we are genuinely demonstrating His love, we will be motivated to lift our antagonist in prayer, bearing and enduring whatever insults and persecution they deliver. In so doing, your constant prayer for those who insult and persecute you will become a great and powerful weapon to pry open their spiritual eyes and penetrate their stone cold heart!

We must remember that Jesus Christ Himself was not tolerant of all ideas and philosophies. He allowed those He encountered the right to hold and adhere to ridiculous opinions and erroneous philosophical ideas (see Matthew 10:13-14; 12:30). However, our Lord effectively tailored His replies and comments to each individual’s level of spiritual understanding. By so doing, He challenged and expanded their thinking in a God-ward direction (see John 3:3-12; 4:7-29). We might call this approach, “loving the sinner while hating the sin.” It would be extremely wise for us to become “intolerant” exactly in this same way; the way Jesus Himself was. We must become counter-cultural by learning to act out of, and pro-actively respond through, the powerful and holy combination of true biblical love and absolute truth! Jesus was the world’s best at this, but I’m confident He has not failed to equip us with this exact same ability!

Today, there is a desperate need in our church, our families, our diverse culture(s), and in our society to see God’s glory revealed by the application of this divine formula — absolute truth + matchless love (see I Corinthians 13:8). Remember, this fight is not against the intellect of a particular man/woman, against our peers, or others from perhaps different cultures (see Ephesians 6:12). In fact, it is a battle for our friends, loved ones, and all of humanity, which must boldly stand in direct opposition to the wiles and schemes of a tolerant contemporary culture, promoted by Satan himself. Not everyone is going to like us — some will not tolerate us! Yet, as you and I practice love, and develop the right kind, the Jesus kind, of “intolerance,” may you find strength and courage from God’s Holy Spirit and the words of our Lord in John 16:33, “In this world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” YES! In Him we can/will know and experience the victory!

Just think about it – Pastor Frank

EXPEDIENT

Posted on February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, the Apostle Paul declares, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable (expedient). All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” The Greek root word “sumphero” used here, translated as expedient, might also be profitable or useful in your biblical text, depending on the version/translation.

We understand that in the principle/Truth of spiritual freedom and liberty, our activities are not regulated by religious law, but by one’s desire to please the Lord (see Ephesians 5:7-10). Obviously, “pleasing the Lord” is of great benefit in our lives, thus making it a profitable (expedient) venture. However, the verse goes on to include engagement with other individuals, as the focus of the verse emphasizes things that edify. This is actually a very constructive concept if fully grasped … implying that as believers, we have some obligation to involve ourselves … actively engaging (intentionally) in that which promotes the building up (Gk root – oikodomeo; edification; emboldenment) of others (in context, believers in the body of Christ, but not exclusive of other humans)!

In addition, things that are not profitable and not good for edification should actually be avoided! Paul acted … apparently living his life for the welfare and benefit of Christ’s church. His object was to save individuals, make disciples, and assist in the establishment of Christ’s Church in various areas as the selected vehicle to accomplish the Great Commission of our Lord. (see Matthew 28:19-20). Anything that would promote that objective was proper; anything which would hinder it, though in itself it might not be strictly classified as sinful or unlawful, was in his view … to be avoided/evaded.

At the outset (initially), this seems to be a relatively simple guideline for believers, and we would probably all agree to its importance. However, within the realities of life, particularly in 2020/2021 and COVID-19, this becomes a difficult proposition.

At the forefront of most of our thinking and activities, we ultimately, if given the opportunity, pursue what makes us feel good, happy, fulfilled, etc.

However, if an individual truly has their mind/heart set upon the conversion of others and their spiritual development, when and where do our personal desires, wants, etc. take a back seat? How do we regulate our conduct in reference to many things concerning life to which there may be no exact biblical directive?

Certainly, we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, already do much to regulate our lifestyles – dress, methods/types of entertainment; modes/styles of speech, expenses, values, and behavior as we fellowship with believers and interact with others in our world. However, at times (perhaps due to our culture or pure selfishness) it is quite difficult to say that this or that article of clothing is improper; that this or that piece of furniture is absolutely forbidden because it’s just too expensive; or that this or that activity is improper, because it interferes with life’s objective of accomplishing that which is “expedient” (profitable) from our Lord’s perspective! Nonetheless, such a Holy Spirit-directed, Truth-guided purpose for living is a much better controller than any and all legalistic concepts of religion’s law!

Therefore, that which is actually spiritually “expedient” (profitable) in this life is only birthed and refined to maturity through a genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The more one knows Him, and interacts with Him, the more one is apt to become like Him!

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
1 John 3:2

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.… Not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31, 33b

Help me (us) Lord! HIS & yours, Pastor Frank

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on January 11, 2021 by West Oaks Fellowship

War, killing, and the shedding of blood (guilty and/or innocent) appear throughout humanity’s history. From the entrance of sin into the human race (Genesis 3), mankind has successfully devised ways to inflict pain and/or eliminate one another. The first messianic prophecy (Genesis 3:15) even announces hostility between the offspring (seed) of Eve (all mankind and ultimately the second Adam, Jesus Christ) and the seed of the serpent (Satan/Devil/demons/evil spirits/etc.). This great war of spiritual dimension is concluded when Jesus Christ overthrows Satan’s dominance on earth (Revelation 6-19), removing the regime, control, and power of all God’s enemies! Christ triumphantly and gloriously returns “King of kings & Lord of lords,” establishing His rule of truth, justice, and righteousness throughout the entire earth. During His reign (The Millennium, 1000 years) peace will be enjoyed, yet one final combat still must occur. Then, in irrevocable defeat, our Lord’s enemy, Satan, along with all his followers (those that reject Jesus Christ) face second death, and are cast into the “Lake Of Fire” (Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10).

In the light of this spiritual/biblical struggle of good -v- evil, Christ -v- Antichrist, God -v- Satan, it is not at all surprising that wars would be prominent in the Scripture, as well as throughout all mankind’s history. Humans without Christ simply wage war. Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us, “There is a time for every purpose under heaven,” which includes, “a time for war.” Some wars are just and holy, others political, and some totally absurd and sinful — based in greed, pride, dominance, etc. War too often illustrates the malignity of the wicked (Psalm 55:21). However, Jehovah (Lord God) is declared to be “a warrior” (literally — a man of war, Exodus 15:3-19) as One who knows how to wage war successfully and possesses the ordnance necessary to destroy His enemies! Thus the concept of a “Holy War” (Exodus 17:16; Numbers 31:3) emerges, where every warrior/soldier considers himself a servant of God, consecrated to the Lord (Isaiah 13:3) and willing to totally abstained from certain activities in order to sanctify (set apart/purify) themselves (Judges 20:26; II Samuel 11:11) for His Holy purpose and service. I’m not sure mankind can actually declare a “Holy War,” however we can declare “just war” if asked to stand against the lies and evil of Satan.

The devaluation of human life, slavery, forms of oppression and persecution certainly fall into this category. Figuratively, in a spiritual sense, and literally, each person is at war with sin and ultimately the consequences of sin – physical and spiritual death (Romans 7:23-24). However, this conflict is not ours to fight alone. God recognizes that no matter how hard we try, or how good we are, everyone eventually succumbs to sin and surrenders the war in humiliating defeat and death.

However, a mighty Warrior was dispatched to conquer sin and death, literally handing us (believers) a great victory (I Corinthians 15:56-57), even in the midst of our own capitulation (Romans 6:23). As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, a holy war raged in His flesh and spirit. He ultimately surrendered, becoming sin (II Corinthians 5:21) and a casualty of this war as all other humans. However, Sunday was on its way, indeed the war was not over, but a short pause occurred in the conflict while preparation was made for one final assault. Then,

“Up from the grave He arose (Acts 10:40-41), with a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain (of sin and death) and He lives for every with His saints to reign! He arose, He arose, Halleluiah Christ arose!”

Just Think About It! — Pastor Frank