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How To Have Fruitful and Healthy Debates Online

Chude Obuaya
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How To Have Fruitful and Healthy Debates Online

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Social media appears to be the primary breeding ground for different ideas to be hashed out and It seems as though every week, there is a new debate erupting. Questions usually arise upon the aftermath of an online debate revolving around how Christians should engage with such situations. Often it appears that each time there is a debate, there is often much bemoaning about how Christians have conducted themselves within the debate. In the past, I have been guilty of arguing in such a way that mars the name of Christ. How we as Christians debate online is important; so what can the scriptures teach us about how we should debate?

Should Chritians enagage in debates?

Before we define how to have a fruitful and healthy debate, we must first discover whether we should debate. Debating isn’t inherently evil. Debating can be a helpful tool in the arsenal of the Christian, especially when engaging people who oppose the faith. Before Jesus sent out the 12 apostles, He commanded them to be “wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16). Elsewhere in scriptures, those who are wise are described as those who are able to be persuasive with their speech (Psalm 37:30; Proverbs 16:21,23; 25:11). Debating is necessary when different ideas are being presented, especially those that are critical to the life of a Christian. Debating can be helpful in deciphering through different ideas and deciding which ideas should be accepted and those that should be rejected.

When trying to decipher whether we should argue, it is important to define what isn’t a healthy and fruitful debate. If debating is the exchanging of ideas through various forms of argumentation, then quarrelling is the clashing of ideas mainly through shouting. Debating aims to present opposing arguments with the possibility of persuading the audience and perhaps the opponent. Quarrelling aims to present an argument not through persuasion but through forcefulness. Those who use quarrelling as their form of argumentation aren’t interested in hearing the opposing argument, or even consider that they can be wrong – such people seldom believe they can be wrong. The bible warns against those who choose to quarrel as their form of argumentation. The Bible describes such people as fools (Proverbs 20:3), hot-tempered (Proverbs 15:8), wrathful (Proverbs 29:22) and ungodly (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Furthermore, the bible also warns from even associating with those who are quarrelsome (Romans 16:17), for such behaviour can tempt evil (1 Timothy 6:4).

Are debates worth it?

Social media allows for regular accessibility into the perspectives of different people. In God’s infinite wisdom, He has created humans with different intellects and interests who will have different experiences. Due to sin, humans are susceptible to engage in conflict when there is a difference of opinion; irrespective of its validity. It is important to decipher which topic is worth engaging in and what is better to take to the Lord in prayer. 2 Timothy 2:23-25 states “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,”. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul is admonishing Timothy to commit to the work of Christ, which is to know Him and make Him known, and not waste time arguing over small matters that won’t edify the saints but instead unsettle them (2 Timothy 2:14). Verse 23-25 is critical for the believer when deciding which online debates should be engaged with. Avoid all debates online that are fuelled by controversy. Why? “they breed quarrels”. Those who use controversy as a means to engage in the discussion are not looking to edify the saints and glorify God, instead, their aim is division and confusion (1 Timothy 1:4, 2 Timothy 2:14).

When you want to debate

There will be many opportunities to debate online and how we debate and what we choose debate will be emblematic of why you want to debate. So how can we debate in a healthy and fruitful manner? Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding whether to debate or not.

  1. Why do I want to engage? When you see a topic that whet’s your appetite for argument, ask yourself why? Why do you want to engage in that particular discussion? Is it to build yourself up, to understand further or because you like controversy? If it’s the latter, then it’s best not to engage.
  2. Do I know enough? There can be an insatiable desire to join in every conversation and give your “two pence” but before you do, ask yourself “do I know enough about this topic to give a reasonable contribution?”. Excellent oration doesn’t qualify you to speak at every moment, neither does reading sufficiently in a particular area in such a way that you can parrot the best points. If you don’t know enough, it’s better to simply listen and learn. The desire to speak at every turn can lead to sin (Proverbs 10:19).
  3. Do I want to listen? James 1:19 teaches us to be slow to speak and be quick to listen. If we want to argue in and healthy and fruitful way, we have to commit to listening. Quarrels will certainly occur if we are more concerned with being heard than seeking to hear. By committing to listening, we are more likely to understand an opponent’s position better and respond in such a way that is clear and doesn’t caricature an opposing perspective.
  4. Do I want a brother or an enemy? Hebrews 12:14 teaches us to pursue peace with all men. All men. Why? Because everyone is your neighbour (Luke 10:29, 36-37). When you decide whether this particular debate is appropriate to engage with, ask yourself “do I see my opponent as a potential brother or my enemy?”. This question is more critical to answer if your opponent is a believer. If they are a believer they are a blood-bought, redeemed, co-heir with Christ. No matter how much you disagree, you are eternally bound to this person. So aks yourself, what’s more important to me, my argument or this image-bearer?

The temptation to flex your argumentative muscle online can be appealing, however, we must remember our allegiance is not winning arguments but to love. Jesus commands us to love God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37-40) and thus love should be the ethic that fuels how and why we argue. If we view debates as a means to “destroy” people, then we will ultimately lose the people we want to win. However, if we see debates as a means by which we can persuade people to the glory of Christ and all His beauty, we will end up having many healthy and fruitful debates online.

Three Points on Modesty You Should Know

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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Three Points on Modesty You Should Know

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The issue of modesty is a prevailing topic amongst young Christians today. I have always struggled with the conversations surrounding modesty when only directed at women. Men equally need to be included in discussions on modesty. However, the conversations are always tailored to speak to how a woman should dress. The policing of our clothing by “well-meaning” Christians has at times come across as degrading, rude and insulting, leaving many with a negative association of the word. There are very strong opposing views on this issue. So, what exactly is modesty?

Modesty is for men and women

We read of “brotherly love and affection” (Romans 12:10) and “correcting our brethren” in the faith (Galatians 6:10); however, at times, we do not execute the correction with the gentleness and compassion required. On many occasions, words have been used to hurt, belittle and shame women in the church. A lack of understanding of what it means to be modest has translated into an un-Christ-like rejection of members in the body, based on appearance. It appears that we are always speaking solely to women on this issue, in regards to what they wear. If our focus is to not cause the other to stumble, modesty applies to both genders as each are equally at risk of lust. Nonetheless, the topic of modesty is greater than the effects that our outfits have on another person.

Modesty is a call to a higher standard of living that draws the attention away from self. To be modest is to be humble enough to understand that the attention does not have to be ourselves. Every Christian should be modest, as Christ was modest.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross

Philippians 2:8

Our greatest example is Jesus Christ. No example is greater than His. Jesus was modest in appearance (Isa. 53:2), character (Phil. 2:7), speech (Jn. 12:49) and conduct (Jn. 6:38). All Christians, male and female, should aspire in our daily lives to becoming modest like Christ.

Modesty is about more than what you wear

We seem to have the opinion that modesty is only about clothing. Clothing contributes to our display of modesty but so does our behaviour around people too. The outflow of a modest person will be reflected in their appearance as with their character, love and grace to others.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”

Colossians 3:14

The conversation on modesty is often focused on females and clothing. Although what we wear should be driven by a heart that seeks to please God above all else, our outfit should not be the main focus. And this applies to all, men and women alike. Our boast should be in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 10:17). Our lives as Christians are to be examples displaying the personhood of Christ, first and foremost.

Modesty is a heart issue

The issue of modesty stems from the heart. We know that God sees the heart more than the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The true depth of a modest heart is one of surrender. What is more important to God than a heart in complete surrender of self and in complete obedience to Him. To surrender self for Christ, deny self-desires for obedience to God’s will.

Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me”

Mark 8:34

We need to adopt an attitude where all we do, think, say and wear is to the glory of God, not self, nor the attention or applause of others. Forms of boasting, grandiose attire and pride are at opposing spectrums to modesty which is driven out of humility. If we are more concerned with the external, earthly possessions – food, clothing, money, jewellery, or anything else, we have lost focus. We should desire a life of modesty that declares, “what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:7).

Finally, I want to implore us to open our minds to a new understanding of this topic. We tend to quote the Scriptures as the main arguments on modesty and direct it at women only. The topic of modesty is for all Christians. Although certain verses are gender specific, the conversation should be tackled holistically. The Bible makes it clear that;

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16

We need an understanding of the appropriate way to approach the Scripture in regards to modesty. An understanding that allows us to both teach and correct in grace and truth, as well as display modesty in how we express our opinions about the topic.

Why you need to forgive the person who hurt you

D. W. Brown
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Why you need to forgive the person who hurt you
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Forgiveness is a key element of the Christian faith for a number of reasons, and it’s something that I’m sure most of us understand. However, I also think it’s one of those things that is easier said than done. We’re instructed in multiple places in scripture to forgive one another (Matthew 6:15, Luke 6:37, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, to name a few) but when we feel someone has harmed, grieved or persecuted us, forgiveness doesn’t come naturally. I always find that it feels much easier and more natural to harbour a grudge against the person I feel has wronged me, at least for a while. That’s because I’m a fallen man, saved but still stained by sin. I’d like to make a few short points in this piece, to remind us of both the necessity and the beauty of forgiving one another.

The bitterness of holding on

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another” – Ephesians 4:31-32

From experience, in the past when I’ve felt someone has wronged me, and I’ve held a grudge against them or responded by wronging them, it has never made me feel better. It might give me some sort of twisted, momentary satisfaction, the sense that I’m giving this person what I feel they deserve, but in reality, I am just allowing bitterness to control my thoughts and actions. When that bitterness sits a while, it eats away at me, and has knock on effects on everything I do. Can you relate at all to what I’m describing?

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, identifies this bitterness as a real problem to warn the church about. In the verse quoted above, he identifies kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness as the opposites, the antidotes to bitterness, wrath, anger and slander.

It depends on the offence against us, but we normally find it much easier to forgive someone if they have apologised for their words or actions and asked us to forgive them. But what about those who haven’t apologised or showed any remorse for their actions against us? Can we forgive them?

Forgiving the unrepentant

Speaking personally, it took me a long time to realise that you can forgive someone even if they have not asked for forgiveness. Forgiveness is not some sort of mathematical transaction, as if you can only grant forgiveness once the request for forgiveness has been received, rather it is an attitude of the heart. Of course, this is easier said than done, but as Christians forgiveness should be our automatic response to any wrongdoing against us.

Let me show you the ultimate example of this sort of forgiveness. Here are words that Jesus prayed, as he was being crucified.

 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” – Luke 23:24

Those who were beating, mocking, torturing and eventually murdering Jesus were showing no remorse or repentance whatsoever, yet remarkably he displayed an attitude of forgiveness towards them. This was so challenging to me when it first hit home. At the time I was harbouring a grudge against someone for words they had said to me months earlier and hadn’t apologised for, but seeing in this passage the contrast of Jesus’ attitude as he was being brutally murdered, compared to my attitude over something so comparatively insignificant, made me realise how arrogant and petty I was being. But there is a more important link to Christ here. Our necessity to forgive others stems from the fact that we have been forgiven for much greater offences.

Forgive, just as you have been forgiven

Earlier in this piece, I quoted Ephesians 4:32, as a scriptural example of a command to forgive. However, you may have noticed that I left out the end of the verse. Here is the full verse:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32

The foundation of our forgiveness is our state of being forgiven. We have committed far greater offences in our rebellion against God, than any other people on this earth could ever commit against us – yet we stand forgiven. That’s a mind-blowing, heart-stirring truth. When you let it sink in that because of Christ you are totally forgiven for your wrongdoing against God, the wrongdoings of others against you suddenly don’t feel as difficult to forgive. Alistair Begg put it this way in a sermon last year:

“When I fail to forgive you it’s because I’ve exaggerated the offense against me, and I have minimised my offense against God.”

Someone may have legitimately harmed you, and this piece is not intended to minimise that, but I hope that you’re able to consider afresh that if you’re in Christ you have been forgiven for far more serious offences.

Today, why not express your gratitude to God for his mercy in granting you that glorious forgiveness – and think about how you should respond to others in light of being a recipient of that forgiveness.

To find out more about the topic of forgiveness, have a listen to the latest episode of The #onthetable Podcast!

How To Have A Healthy View On Ambition

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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How To Have A Healthy View On Ambition

In our society we are encouraged to be ambitious and chase after success. There is talk on “levelling up”, “getting in your bag”, “being where the money resides”; just to name a few examples of popular terms used. We deem a person successful when they have reached a certain level in life which can look like wealth, material possessions and status. Being successful is being defined externally by the culture. But as Christians, what does our view of success look like and how can we strive for a healthy view on ambition?

Healthy Ambition

There is nothing wrong with striving to achieve more from our careers, to learn more skills, to study more through education and improve our already God given talents. Being an ambitious person is admirable, we should aspire to become better. However, if our goal is tailored only to worldly attributes (accomplishments), and the heart of our pursuit is merely to gain money, followers or materials items, then we are, as Solomon describes, chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

We should check our hearts on the reason for our ambition to ensure we do not become like the rich young ruler who was not ready to give up the possessions for something greater. In Luke 18:18, Jesus offers the chance for the young man to have eternal life (to follow him), however he had many possessions and was not ready to part ways with them (Luke 18:23). He valued the things of the earth over the Saviour of the world. And sometimes we can be like that too.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you

Matthew 6:33

God knows what we need more than we do. The financial and careers goals we desire can be achieved through God. The birds of the air and the plants do nothing yet God provides for them, how much more as His children will He provide for us (Matt. 6:26). God knows what we need before we ever say a word.

black smartphone showing icons with icons

Learning to be content

We are blessed with gifts, talents, and skills. We must learn to be content with what we have whether they elevate us to positions in the spotlight or not. God receives the glory when, with everything we do, we work to the best of our ability (Colossians 3:23). Everything we have is a blessing for the glory of God. Nothing is insignificant in the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 12:22-23). The famous parable in Matthew 25:14-30, expresses this sentiment.

Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master

Matthew 25:21

The master went on a journey and gave three servants “talents” (other translations refer to this as gold) according to their abilities (vs 15). When the master returned, he looked at what each had done. He was not comparing based on the quantity, rather it was specific to each person. Only one looked at their gift as insignificant in comparison to the others and did nothing (vs. 18). The master was disappointed that the talent given was not used (vs. 27). We have to realise what God has given us, whether a special talent, a gift, or unique personality trait can and should be used for His glory.

When we remember we are here to do the will of the Father, we will seek to glorify God in all that we do. As this becomes our focus, we learn to surrender the applause and the validation knowing that our reward is elsewhere. At the end, the measure will not be how famous we became, it will be what we did with what we were given.

A Right View of Christian Influencers

Ayo Stephen
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A Right View of Christian Influencers
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Idolatry of Christian influencers is becoming more apparent in the Church. It is a culture that did not just begin recently but has already been occurring since biblical times. Christian influencers are people called by God for a designated public role such as teaching or shepherding, introducing biblical influence into the world. However, nowadays, popular Christian influencers are sometimes held to unrealistic standards, almost as if they were on par with the Creator. Therefore how can we have a healthier view of influencers?

The main problems

The idolatry of Christian influencers poses two main problems:

  • When influencers fall, it may cause others to question the validity of the bible and the power of the saving Gospel. Imagine you have been walking with a man, trusting him and his teaching wholeheartedly and all of a sudden, he falls. You begin to question the validity of his morals and values. This problem arises when we form a relationship with man but not the Author who created man.
  • It lessens the work of lesser known influencers. The culture currently growing elevates influencers who have a bigger church, a larger following or perhaps, more views on platforms such as Youtube. Bigger influencers are thus stereotyped to always speak the truth in contrast to smaller influencers. However, it is important for us to remember that the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It is easier to misconstrue the word of God to entice the public than it is to speak the true Word of God and be hated.

Idolatry of man

Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:13

Although it is highlighted that we should honour those who work for the Lord (1 Thes 5:12), it is also equally highlighted that no-one must be exalted above God because all have fallen short (Rom 3:23). We can see this in the book of Corinthians where the people of Corinth were quarreling over who to follow. Paul’s reply highlights the idea that man is not perfect, and a mere man cannot offer salvation. It is important to understand that despite how good a Christian influencer is; we shouldn’t exalt them above the One who gave His life for us. This is not to say we shouldn’t acknowledge their work for the Lord, but we should be careful not to idolise them or elevate them above Christ.

Check with the original source

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Matthew 7:15

It is important to check every influencer’s word you look up to with that of Scripture. All Scripture is “inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true” (2 Timothy 3:16). Furthermore, Jesus said that “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Scriptures are affirmed many times to be the only authoritative word, second to none. Therefore, every word spoken by an influencer of Christ should be tested against the blueprint and not blindly followed. This is not a call to criticise influencers as everyone is prone to make mistakes, however it is a call to prevent young Christians from following what sounds biblical, but to be biblical in their lives. 

An example of this includes Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness. Satan twisted scripture to entice Jesus, however because Jesus knew the true Word, Satan was unsuccessful. This is how important it is for us to check everything with the Word. Anything can sound ‘biblical,’ anything can sound sweet to the ears, but not everything is biblical.

Mistake or Heresy?

As aforementioned, everyone may make a mistake from time to time, perhaps in the wording of Scripture or a confusing explanation. It is important for us to understand that a mistake doesn’t necessarily warrant the title of a ‘false preacher’ or ‘heretic’. We should therefore be careful with the words we use to label people, especially those who work for the Lord.

Those in the public eye, although it may not be apparent, are under pressure to deliver the message of the Lord to the public. Inevitably, any call to strike them down in the process may affect them in the long run. A similar story occurs in 1 Kings 19, where Elijah flees from his town due to fear, pleading for death from the Lord. Although the reason for this example may be more extreme, the concept still remains. At the end of the day, even influencers are human and we should be careful in the way we treat them.

The Word of God should be like the air that we breathe, something we cannot live without. We need to understand that someone called to influence the public has been specifically chosen by God. This shouldn’t take away from the fact that we should read our bibles, develop our relationships with the Lord and spread the Gospel to whom we can spread to. The presence of an influencer should not diminish the work that Jesus gave to all who believe.

Christians in Sport event

On Mission
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Christians in Sport event

On Thursday the 18th, live on our instagram page we held an interactive interview series which special guests disucssing all things faith, football and the Gospel. Our special guests took some questions, shared some helpful advice and also gave insights into their personal journey in the world of sport. ⠀⠀

Our guests included the likes of:

Jason Mcarthy from Wycombe Wonderers

Ira Jackson Jr from Grimbsy Town

Brendan Kieran Harrogate Town

Johnny Wilson from PNSI FC

During the event, on a question about faith and football, Johnny Wilson remarkably said:

In the world of football, you are all loved if you are relevant. You are only loved if you are performing well and are fit and contributing to the team. Mangers will love you, the players love you and the fans love you. But suddenly as soon as you are injured or have a bad game, you become yesterday’s news and everyone has forgotten about you. Things are always changing which takes a toll on you mentally and emotionally. And in these moments I have to remind myself to take a step out of that environment and remember that Jesus loves me no matter what. He is the only constant in my life, never changes, he is always the same. He loves me with a love that can never fail and that is the thing that gets me through the ups and downs of football. My faith and hope in Christ and Christ alone.

It was greatly encouraging to see people from such high positions and large spheres of influence demonstrate a strong willingness to share the gospel within the world of sport.

Watch the full event here

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A Message to Young Leaders

Shumi Mararike
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A Message to Young Leaders

Are you considering going into public ministry? If so, what are your motives? Power? Fame? The acclaim of men and women on a local or global scale? Generally speaking, these factors aren’t the primary reason. But overtime, they may draw one away from the focus of sharing Christ. Perhaps you have no desire for public ministry at all, but you do know someone who is. This is what you or they need to know.

Giftedness and character

It is often emphasised that pastors and elders must be able to teach. Evangelists are required to accurately, boldly and clearly present the Gospel to all people. Apologists must be able to build coherent and persuasive arguments to defend the faith. However, giftedness must not be esteemed above character. One is not more important than the other; they must co-exist.

Although 1 Timothy 3:1-7 refers to pastors and 8-13 deacons, there are some vital characteristics which are relevant for the other areas of ministry.

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:1-3

Necessary considerations for public ministry

  • Remembering that you have a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). It is a commendable work; a privilege that ought not to be taken lightly. Thus, your character must align with the weight of your task and the glory of the God who you serve through it.
  • You must be above reproach and blameless (1 Timothy 3:2; 10). Are you somebody against whom no charge can be made against your character? This speaks of integrity, never being found to be walk in a manner inconsistent with your faith both in public or private.
  • You must be loyal to one spouse (1 Timothy 3:2). This not an obligatory requirement to be married, but where so, you must be faithfully devoted to them and them alone; not leaving any room for that loyalty to be compromised or unnecessarily tested.
  • You must not be a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3). Take care not to fall prey to the lure of materialism, money or an elevated socio-economic status. Public ministry is not a means to your gain (as characterised by the false teachers Paul warns Timothy about (1 Timothy 6:3-7). Be deeply passionate about God’s own glory and pointing others not to yourself, but to Christ through your work.

Be accountable to others

The standard of giftedness and godliness required in leadership is immense. This means that accountability is vital. Firstly, spending time with fellow ministers, especially those who are more seasoned and older than yourself, will help you to improve at your craft. You’ll be sharpened by loving criticism of those who are in our area of ministry through their experience and skill.

Accountability also helps to live with integrity before God. You may be gifted, you may be of noble character,  but you’re also human. You are not exempt from temptation, nor are you immune from sin. Humble yourself and acknowledge your weaknesses,  make every effort to guard against sin at all costs by creating the necessary barriers for yourself and fleeing from positions of vulnerability. You are responsible, but you don’t have to go about alone. When plugged into the life of a local church other forms of fellowship, others can share your burdens. Confess your sin privately to God (1 John 1:9). With discretion and wisdom, confess in the presence of fellow believers, thus breaking the power of secret sin whilst having others support you in prayer (James 5:16).

As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Public ministry in any capacity is not a light task. Giftedness and character are paramount.  These may be further cultivated when making yourself accountable to others. Their aid may also help to guard against sin and rightly respond should you fall, but the responsibility is ultimately yours. Without divine enablement through the Spirit of God and the grace of God, you are in great jeopardy. So keep watch, be steadfast in prayer and remain dependent on God rather than yourself or others.

God’s Great Grace

On Mission
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God’s Great Grace

Joke: Q. What animal could Noah not trust? A. Cheetah

God’s grace permeated Paul’s thinking. One scholar writes, “Paul could not think of Christian truth and conduct apart from God’s grace” (D. Edmond Hiebert, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. by Frank Gaebelein [Zondervan], 11:439).

Another writes, “The expression, the grace of God, may fairly be said to be the keyword of Paul’s theology…. He cannot think of Christian salvation apart from the grace of God…” (Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries [Eerdmans], p. 198, italics his).

The classic definition is the best: God’s grace is His unmerited favour. Grace means that God showered favour and blessing on those who did not in any way deserve or earn it. They deserved His judgment and wrath. But He showed them favour.

God’s pure grace gets polluted from two sides. On the one side, grace runs counter to the way the world works, so it’s difficult for us to grasp it and get used to it. The world works on the merit system. If you do well in school, you get good grades and win awards. If you do well in sports, you make the team and get a lot of applause. If you get into college, the merit system continues to reward excellence. This carries over into the business world after college. Exceptional performance earns promotions and raises. Sloppy performance will get you fired.

Discussion

  • How do you think about Gods grace?
  • How does God’s grace show up in your life?

We are going to consider two different definitions

  1. The unmerited favor, mercy, compassion, acceptance, kindness, graciousness, goodwill, and divine assistance of God.
  2. The divine life, power, and ability of God flowing and operating through us in order to give us the supernatural power and ability for ministry and sanctification

1. The unmerited favour, mercy, compassion, acceptance, kindness, graciousness, goodwill, and divine assistance of God.

Here is how grace is specifically defined by some of the different Bible Dictionaries:

The unmerited favor, mercy, compassion, acceptance, kindness, graciousness, goodwill, and divine assistance of God.

Grace is the opposite of karma, which is all about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Justin Holcomb

God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them because God so loved the world.

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

This classic passage gives us the clearest statement of the grace of God in the New Testament. What is the grace of God? It has been defined as ‘the favour of God shown to the undeserving.’ The late Dr W. H. Griffith Thomas pointed out that grace may be viewed from three standpoints: 

What grace is in God, what grace is in Christ, and what grace is in the believer.


‘Grace in God is God’s mercy pitying, God’s wisdom planning, God’s power preparing and God’s love providing. God’s grace thus stretches from Eden to Calvary. Grace in Christ is saving grace suggested by Jesus, sanctifying grace suggested by Christ, sovereign grace implied by Lord, and satisfying grace by the little word our. Paul was able to say that he was what he was ““by the grace of God”” (1 Corinthians 15:10).’’

Summary of God’s Grace

The gospel is all about God’s grace through Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul calls it “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24) and “the word of his grace” (Acts 14:3).
The gospel of the grace of God is the message everyone needs. The word of grace is proclaimed from every page of the Bible and ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. The last verse of the Bible summarizes the message from Genesis to Revelation: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21). Through Jesus “we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16)—the gratuitous and undomesticated grace of God.

Pause for reflection:

What is similar in all these different definitions of grace?

2. Grace is the Power and Ability of God Operating Through Us

As you will see in these next set of Scripture verses, the grace of God is also the power and ability of God operating through us so that we can effectively work in whatever He will be calling us to do for Him in this life. This same divine power is also needed for us to be able to be properly sanctified in the Lord, along with helping us overcome different types of sins, addictions, and temptations.

In other words, we need the power of God flowing and operating through us if we are going to achieve any real success in the Lord with whatever He will be calling us to do for Him in this life.

Without God’s divine power and ability operating through us, we will never make it to the tops of mountains that He is calling us to climb for Him. We will never be able to reach the goals, the aspirations, and the finish lines that God has in store for us unless we have the power of His Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

Too many Christians are trying to reach all of their goals and aspirations operating out of their own strength.

Instead of relying on God’s power and leadings to get them to where they are supposed to be going with Him, they are relying on their own wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and strength.

In fact, God’s grace grounds and empowers everything in the Christian life.

The Biblical Context of Grace

Grace is the basis for:

  • Our Christian identity: “By the grace of God I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
  • Our standing before God: “this grace in which we stand.” (Romans 5:2)
  • Our behaviour: “We behaved in the world … by the grace of God.” (2 Corinthians 2:12)
  • Our living: those who receive “the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ,”(Romans 5:17) by the “grace of life.” (1 Peter 1:7)
  • Our holiness: God“called us to a holy calling … because of his own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 2:9)
  • Our strength for living: “Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:1) for “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.” (Hebrews 13:9)
  • Our way of speaking: “Let your speech always be gracious.” (Colossians 4:6)
  • Our serving: “serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 1:10)
  • Our sufficiency: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:9) “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 2:8)
  • Our response to difficulty and suffering: We get “grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16) and when “you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace…will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 1:10)
  • Our participation in God’s mission: As recipients of grace we are privileged to serve as agents of grace. Believers receive grace (Acts 11:23), are encouraged to continue in grace (Acts 13:43), and are called to testify to the grace of God (Acts 20:24). Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you” (John 20:21). God’s mission is to the entire world.
  • Our future: God, and his grace, is everlasting. “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)
  • Our hope beyond death: “grace [reigns] through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21)

Discuss

  • Have any of us experienced this?
  • How does this show up in our lives?

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