It seems that one of the most frequent problems we have concerns the issue of how to accomplish biblical change. If we look at 2 Timothy 3:16, it is clear that the profitability of the inspired Word of God is to give us direction in doctrine, refproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Therefore, from Scripture, we learn what is right and wrong, that we are to respond in repentance with turning from unrighteousness, then follow through with the instruction in righteousness which is given. Many times, it seems, we struggle with the question of how-to-do what we know to do. Let's look at the biblical construction of that spiritual exercise unto godliness about which 1 Timothy 4:7 teaches.
If we struggle with hurt, perceived or real rejection, lack of appreciation or acknowledgement for efforts, being misunderstood, or mistreated, we are counseled from Scripture to take a fresh look at the Person of Christ. Our standard of measurement and comparison must be His character and nature. His thoughts and ways are above ours, and our thoughts (which are the source of our ways) are to be brought captive to His mind.
If we battle with control issues, find ourselves having unrealistic expectations, or being impatient and inflexible, critical, harsh and discontented, we must see God as He is and see ourselves as He sees us. In both scenarios, the steps to biblical change certainly demand our knowledge and understanding of Scripture, as well as obedient application.
Initially, we must remember that Romans 14:12 teaches us that each one of us is individually responsible to God. Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance is not ours, but God's. We must be sure to leave things solely in the hands of our Sovereign Lord. Additionally, it is imperative to recognize that our personal responsibility is to fill that emptied out spot of unrighteousness with righteousness. (Remember in Luke 11:24-26, how the swept out place became re-inhabited with wickedness, simply because righteousness had not replaced the original sweepings?)
We have clear instruction in Ephesians 4:22-24 with regard to not only putting off old ways of sin, but having our mind renewed by the Word of God, and then to put on new ways of righteousness. In that same passage, there are three very clear illustrations. In verse 25, we are to override lying with truth; in verse 28, we are to work and give in opposition to the former practice of stealing; in verse 29, we are to restructure our speech so that edifying words of grace take the place of the former patterns of evil speaking. In each case, wickedness is displaced by righteousness.
In the final analysis, we are to be like Jesus, since in Romans 8:28-29, we have confidence in that bring the directed goal of God for our lives in ALL things. In Philippians 2:5-8, we know the life characteristics exemplified by Christ were those of sacrificial submission and sacrificial service. Those same qualities are exactly the ones described by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, as well. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, in ch 6, he re-affirmed these very thoughts, when he taught us that if we walk in the Spirit (live righteously), we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh ( live unrighteously). May God help us today to both know and do His will, according to Hs Word.
(c) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
If we struggle with hurt, perceived or real rejection, lack of appreciation or acknowledgement for efforts, being misunderstood, or mistreated, we are counseled from Scripture to take a fresh look at the Person of Christ. Our standard of measurement and comparison must be His character and nature. His thoughts and ways are above ours, and our thoughts (which are the source of our ways) are to be brought captive to His mind.
If we battle with control issues, find ourselves having unrealistic expectations, or being impatient and inflexible, critical, harsh and discontented, we must see God as He is and see ourselves as He sees us. In both scenarios, the steps to biblical change certainly demand our knowledge and understanding of Scripture, as well as obedient application.
Initially, we must remember that Romans 14:12 teaches us that each one of us is individually responsible to God. Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance is not ours, but God's. We must be sure to leave things solely in the hands of our Sovereign Lord. Additionally, it is imperative to recognize that our personal responsibility is to fill that emptied out spot of unrighteousness with righteousness. (Remember in Luke 11:24-26, how the swept out place became re-inhabited with wickedness, simply because righteousness had not replaced the original sweepings?)
We have clear instruction in Ephesians 4:22-24 with regard to not only putting off old ways of sin, but having our mind renewed by the Word of God, and then to put on new ways of righteousness. In that same passage, there are three very clear illustrations. In verse 25, we are to override lying with truth; in verse 28, we are to work and give in opposition to the former practice of stealing; in verse 29, we are to restructure our speech so that edifying words of grace take the place of the former patterns of evil speaking. In each case, wickedness is displaced by righteousness.
In the final analysis, we are to be like Jesus, since in Romans 8:28-29, we have confidence in that bring the directed goal of God for our lives in ALL things. In Philippians 2:5-8, we know the life characteristics exemplified by Christ were those of sacrificial submission and sacrificial service. Those same qualities are exactly the ones described by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, as well. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, in ch 6, he re-affirmed these very thoughts, when he taught us that if we walk in the Spirit (live righteously), we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh ( live unrighteously). May God help us today to both know and do His will, according to Hs Word.
(c) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
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