Another emphasis why Paul instruct the Philippians church to be more obedient and to work out their salvation despite his absence in their midst is because of the possibility they may become like the Corinthian Church. As what Paul heard in that church, there is a division going on among them, one group say they are of Paul and the other group says they are of Apollos. On that matter, Paul beseech them to stop competing each other and avoid any envy and strife that will ruin their fellowship and their being one in Christ. And no doubt, many believers in this church committed adultery, sexual immorality and tell lies (2 Cor 12:20-21).
If this would be the case in many churches, similar to what occurring in the Corinthian church where it could be likely we can resemble with that kind of church? It would be just like in many workplace where if the boss or the manager or the supervisor is going to be absence for a long time, for sure quarrels, backbiting, and all sort of misconduct will build up. And in the church, there are accounts where the leaders themselves who are supposed to render good example is the one who became personally involve in such unethical and unrighteous acts. Sexual immorality, money and doctrines are the most common issues besetting the many churches until today.
And if a professing Christian will be just the same as of those members of the Corinthian church what would be the big difference with that believer from unbelievers who did murder, committed adultery, steal and tell lies?
Adding more depth, the bible said anger (grudges, thought of hatred, feeling of bitterness) is the same as murder, lustful look the same as adultery (being carnal and worldly is also adultery Jam 4:4). Others with it, such as stealing (robbing God) and lying (exaggeration is also lying) and the rest of the Ten commandment that commands us what to do and not to do are grossly violated by the believers and unbelievers alike.
In Luk 6:32-35 Christ teach the believers about on how they should treat that is pleasing and acceptable to God, the neighbor especially enemies which should be far beyond from the ability of the unbelievers on how they treat their neighbor and their enemies. From that context we can draw a very biblical strong point on how to become the saved person be different from the unsaved. The Apostle John gave a clear stands, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1Jn 3:8-10)
Note what had said, “whosoever is born of God does not sin”. It means, those who claimed they are truly saved or “once saved always saved” must sin no more on the sin they know it is sin and evil. If he knew that murder, adultery, stealing and lie is sin and evil but then if he harbor anger, look with a lust, steal something even small of value, rob God (through tithes and offering)and talk with exaggeration, the claimed he is claiming is questionable because he still continually doing the same evil things do by the unbelievers. Therefore he is not different from them and Apostle John said, “He that committed sin is of the devil”.
In view of this matter, it is very expedient that a saved person, those who claimed they are of God, or say they are true Christian must take time to look on the mirror of the Law which is the Ten Commandments (the Law Jesus said, “Now I tell you”). Closely face themselves on that mirror so that they may see clearly their whole body if there are dirt (sin dwelling on the members of the body). One by one begin to see first the eye and then to the hands, tongue and all the way inside of the heart and in particular the head where the mind is inside. If they didn’t see any dirt there is a problem with their eye, they are spiritually blind!
The instruction of Apostle Paul applies to all Christian churches and to all individual believers. Corporately and individually all must “work out” their salvation (completely saved from the sting of death) by surpassing the Law-Ten Commandments. It literally means, each and everyone must bring out into reality what had been already “work in” in the spiritual realm. The Word put in the written form must become a living Word.
No comments:
Post a Comment