James 1:22 reminds us to beware of that which seems to me to be far too common place in the lives of those who name Christ as Savior. The warning is simply that we be DOERS of the Word, and not HEARERS only. This warning speaks of the aspects of 1) knowledge, or hearing and 2) application, or doing. How may we avoid this obvious pitfall potential? If we will think the problem through theologically, the Bible gives us great hope for victory! Knowledge is the more easily reached, in that both private Bible reading and public Bible instruction hopefully occur on a regular and repetitive basis. If we give good attention to them, we typically gain knowledge of what God is saying, as well a measure of understanding as to how that should translate into our lives.
A couple of key passages will move us from a place of general knowledge and practical understanding to the desired place of personal application.
The first passage is in Romans 8:28-29, teaching us that God is working to accomplish His singular goal in the lives of His blood-bought children, that of conformity to Christ. The second passage is in 1 Corinthians 11:31, exhorting us to submit ourselves to a regular and careful self-examination. How would one measure himself to the stature of Christlikeness?
If we would define, in each text, how Christ taught us to think, the attitudes to hold, the internal mindset to have, we would have a biblical basis for our external testimony. Further, in defining His steps of action, we might model them; His words for our learning the how, why, and when to utilize the gift of communication. Lots to think about? Well, "Yes" and "No."
Yes, because, in large measure, we tend to generalize those necessary life characteristics, and have failed to actually learn how to bring them into specific focus.
No, because, if we learn and teach others HOW-TO-APPLY by examining ourselves in comparison to Christ in the ultra-simple manner of ABC's.
A. What attitude accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh
out?
B. What behavior accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh out?
C. What communication accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that
flesh out?
May God be glorified as Christ is seen in you today and every day as you study each passage, looking for the ABC's of Christlikeness that you will use personally in specific ways.
(c) 2003 N. A. Collins
Excerpts from TO GLORIFY GOD by Dr. Nell Collins
Copy permission limited to 1 personal file copy
A couple of key passages will move us from a place of general knowledge and practical understanding to the desired place of personal application.
The first passage is in Romans 8:28-29, teaching us that God is working to accomplish His singular goal in the lives of His blood-bought children, that of conformity to Christ. The second passage is in 1 Corinthians 11:31, exhorting us to submit ourselves to a regular and careful self-examination. How would one measure himself to the stature of Christlikeness?
If we would define, in each text, how Christ taught us to think, the attitudes to hold, the internal mindset to have, we would have a biblical basis for our external testimony. Further, in defining His steps of action, we might model them; His words for our learning the how, why, and when to utilize the gift of communication. Lots to think about? Well, "Yes" and "No."
Yes, because, in large measure, we tend to generalize those necessary life characteristics, and have failed to actually learn how to bring them into specific focus.
No, because, if we learn and teach others HOW-TO-APPLY by examining ourselves in comparison to Christ in the ultra-simple manner of ABC's.
A. What attitude accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh
out?
B. What behavior accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh out?
C. What communication accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that
flesh out?
May God be glorified as Christ is seen in you today and every day as you study each passage, looking for the ABC's of Christlikeness that you will use personally in specific ways.
(c) 2003 N. A. Collins
Excerpts from TO GLORIFY GOD by Dr. Nell Collins
Copy permission limited to 1 personal file copy
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