Several things struck me in a recent study of 1 Corinthians 10:1-14. I’ll highlight two of them here.
For one, the sins Paul lists (idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling) don’t seem to fit in the same category. Grumbling in particular looks out of place next to an “enormous” offense like idolatry. But perhaps seeing things this way reveals how I (we?) have adopted the world’s and not the Bible’s values. Grumbling, at root, is a way of heaping scorn on the power, wisdom, and love of God—it’s a gesture of “unfaith” and rebellion. Speaking words of defiance against the God who made us and reigns over all things is spiritual high treason. So if you’re in the habit of finding fault, don’t say “That’s just the way I am.” Call on the Lord to forgive you and change your heart!
Secondly, let me offer some steps to take to resist sexual temptation:
· First, agree with the Bible that sexual sin is wrong. This is a big step in a culture that has turned sexual stimulation into a form of casual recreation.
· Admit that you are tempted (pretending to be unaffected, to be “above” such things, only makes matters worse; it cuts you off from those who can encourage you when temptation hits).
· Have a few close Christian friends who will meddle in your personal life and ask you if you’re honoring God with your eyes and your sexuality (and do the same for them).
· Stay away from known danger. Be honest with yourself—you know the places and situations where temptations are especially strong. Run from these hazards (10:14).
· Be especially stringent with yourself when you’re alone. Don’t fall for the lie that “no one is watching.” The Lord sees!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
"One Another"
Having close spiritual friendships isn’t just a nice idea: it’s essential for followers of Jesus. We need to give and receive God-focused, faith-building encouragement to avoid being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and to persevere with Christ to the end (Heb 3:12-14). That's a serious need--not like "I need a new tie," but like "I need food and water." Are you in a small fellowship of faithful Christian friends who love and challenge each other on a deep level, so that you can survive and thrive in your faith?
The Bible calls us to a deep, mature body life in which we bless “one another” in many ways:
Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Confront one another (Colossians 3:16)
Stir one another up (Hebrews 10:24)
Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Love one another (Romans 13:8)
Remember, “one another” means reciprocal care—giving and receiving support. And for that believers need small groups!
Summertime Christianity
During summer, a number of temptations come at followers of Christ with added force. I’ll name three.
For one, there’s the unspoken appeal to lower your priority on the body life of the church and mutual encouragement due to summer’s special attractions: away at the shore / the lake / the cabin / the farm, on vacation, gone camping, off to see relatives, etc. Now, of course, it’s good to get a break—we all need it. And it’s good to reconnect with loved ones who live far away. But a reasonable summer break can quickly slide into a vanishing act in which your brothers and sisters in your church family hardly get a glimpse of you. Don’t snub the body of Christ to keep pace with the summer rat-race!
Another trap along the trail has to do with summer apparel. Are you prepared to glorify the Lord by dressing with modesty and discretion? Modesty may not be exactly in fashion, but there are more important things than dressing in the latest skimpy style. Godly people find it a great relief when those around them don’t make their bodies “exhibit A.” Think about how you can encourage others by how you dress. Think about how you can help fellow believers who are struggling to be faithful to Christ with their eyes.
A third pot-hole along the summer road is the disarray that can overrun your devotional life. A fruit of more predictable scheduling in other seasons of the year is the regularity we can find for the spiritual disciplines (e.g., Bible reading, prayer, fasting, meditation)—we’re creatures of habit, and that has its advantages. So, be deliberate, build protected “space” into your summer schedule so that your spiritual life can flourish!
For one, there’s the unspoken appeal to lower your priority on the body life of the church and mutual encouragement due to summer’s special attractions: away at the shore / the lake / the cabin / the farm, on vacation, gone camping, off to see relatives, etc. Now, of course, it’s good to get a break—we all need it. And it’s good to reconnect with loved ones who live far away. But a reasonable summer break can quickly slide into a vanishing act in which your brothers and sisters in your church family hardly get a glimpse of you. Don’t snub the body of Christ to keep pace with the summer rat-race!
Another trap along the trail has to do with summer apparel. Are you prepared to glorify the Lord by dressing with modesty and discretion? Modesty may not be exactly in fashion, but there are more important things than dressing in the latest skimpy style. Godly people find it a great relief when those around them don’t make their bodies “exhibit A.” Think about how you can encourage others by how you dress. Think about how you can help fellow believers who are struggling to be faithful to Christ with their eyes.
A third pot-hole along the summer road is the disarray that can overrun your devotional life. A fruit of more predictable scheduling in other seasons of the year is the regularity we can find for the spiritual disciplines (e.g., Bible reading, prayer, fasting, meditation)—we’re creatures of habit, and that has its advantages. So, be deliberate, build protected “space” into your summer schedule so that your spiritual life can flourish!
Love of Money
Nigerian pastor Michael Okonkwo says God provides for his children to be wealthy here on earth: “When I say wealthy, I mean very, very rich…. Break loose! It is not a sin to desire to be wealthy” (Christianity Today, July 2007, p. 23). Of course, there’s no shortage of prosperity preachers in the USA who say the same thing.When people are telling Christians that longing to be rich is acceptable and good, it’s time to open the Bible.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV): “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
So the Word of God is clear: wanting to get rich is dangerous. It brings you into “temptation” (e.g., the temptation to find joy and security in earthly things), and you fall into a “trap” (e.g., the trap of self-serving materialism from which you can’t escape). What’s more, the longing for wealth ignites other harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Ponder the term “plunge.” Picture a water slide with a steep drop—it feels like a free fall. Then imagine what it would take to stop mid-plunge and turn around! And think about the outcomes, “ruin” and “destruction”—not vague or subtle terms! Setting your heart on wealth leads to “all kinds of evil,” including wandering away from the faith—from authentic faith in Jesus Christ.
MUCH is at stake when it comes to your heart. Deep down, is your longing to gain earthly riches? I plead with you to ignore the prosperity preachers, set your heart on Christ, and be content (6:8)!
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