So, we'll use Paul's writing to examine some of his inspiring, energizing statements about the Lord's church. Some of these spread across a number of his letters, and I'll try to reference them all. I'll even look at compares to Jesus' teaching and the writers of other NT letters. That should give is a clear mental picture of God's vision for the church. We don't want to let that vision just be a dream, though. We have to put some action with it. However, with a clear mental picture we can better see how to apply the instructions in His word.
The Name of Our Lord Jesus Glorified because of the Way We Live
This is actually one of the first verses I thought of in conceptualizing this class. Second Thessalonians is a very encouraging book, anyway, and this passage really kicks it off and lets us know there is an expectation from God. I took a couple of key phrases from this to form the vision statement. The first part you’ll actually see in verse 12, and it’s pretty straight-forward. The second part of the statement actually comes from the verse above. It’s not so obvious from the wording here, and I actually got the thought from looking at other translations. To explain, take a look at 1 Th 1.11-13 in Hebrews. That phrase “count you worthy of his calling is translated a little differently and shows more of the idea that God has called us to live a certain way, he’ll help us do it, and He expects good things to come from it. So, this gives us the main idea, but let's look at some similar statements. In Romans 15.2 we get the idea of doing good things in order to build up, edify, those around us. Similarly, Paul conveys the idea in 1 Co 9.19 of being a servant, much like Jesus did in washing the disciples feet. But Paul carries it a bit further by giving us some purpose – win more. And here in 2 Co 2.15, he tells us we should be like a fine perfume to those who are looking to be saved.
In Ro 16.19, Paul let’s us know that God doesn’t expect blind obedience that is not knowledgeable of the world around us. We actually need to be aware of evil so we can be prepared for it. That makes us better able to teach those around us. Christ had a similar instruction for His disciples when He sent them out in Mt 10.16. This shows us more clearly the purpose in being wise – to be sent out. But, He did not want them to use that wisdom to bring anything harmful or unkind onto anyone.
What Jesus Said about It
And since we’ve moved into Jesus’s thoughts on this vision, let’s take a look at how He expressed this same type of vision– a passage I know you’re all familiar with - Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Our light shining is the way we live that is seen by the world. When the unfaithful look at us, they should see the joys of faith that come from serving a loving, just, and merciful God.
The Trouble with This Vision Is the Way We Are Perceived
We do seem to have a problem casting the right kind of vision to others, though. We’re not seen the way we want to be seen, and we’re not sure what to do about it. This video that I’ve linked here, may be a little difficult also to comprehend. Bear with me, though, and don’t take it personally. It only last about 3 minutes, and there’s a significant point at the end.
http://punctumedia.org/nothing-like-jesus/
We have to ‘shatter’ those perceptions the world has about us with the love of God. That’s how we want to be know.
Let’s look at this another way. When the world thinks of the church, many have this kind of an image in mind. It tells them that we are the people of “Thou shalt not” They seem to forget about all the “thou shall”s. Of course they also tend to focus on the, “and if you do….” This sets up a case for a lot of fear and trembling, and people just say, “I’ve got enough of that in my life.” Hebrews 12:18-24 tells us it’s not so for us. It may have been that way at one time for the Jews, but Christ has freed us from that.
We do have to remember, though, that there is a consequence for those who choose not to follow. Remember that sweet perfume I talked about in connections with 2 Co 2.15? There’s a thing about perfume, isn’t there. It’s meant to smell good, but everyone is different, and something that smells good to one person may be a rotten stench to another. And to someone who has chosen not to follow, all of our efforts will seem to them as something terrible and stinking. While it is our duty to take the word to everyone, and we should try to do it in a way that reflects the beauty of Jesus’ gift, there will come a time, as Jesus said to ‘shake off the dust from our feet.
And we should be ready to open it to them with love (Matt 22:39), and without condemnation (John 8:11).
What We Need to Do.
So, now, let’s get into some of the ways we need to do this.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12.3 to be humble. It is a great and marvelous gift that we seek to share with others , and we need to be fully aware that it is God’s gift. We are the messengers and not the creator of the gift. Therefore, humbleness on our part is paramount. Reading this verse in connection with James 4:10 gave me a new appreciation for it. It’s the message of God’s gift that we take to others that should be lifted up. If we take in humbleness, God with lift us up as we take it.
Many of Paul’s writings talk about love. I know we’re all familiar with 1st Corinthians 13 that tells us what love is, and this passage in Rom 12.9-13 is very similar to verses 4-6 of 1 Co 13, but it goes even further telling us how to do it in a way that is real. It tells us all of the ways that love is persistent, alert, expectant, helpful, and inventive – finding ways to do good for others. I like the thought of love being “inventive”. We can’t always do the same thing in the same old way. We’re all faced with challenges every day, and while many are familiar, they are all unique to the person experiencing them and for those who in love are trying to help with them.
The worldly way is to use strength for our own good. In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus showed how that was not wise. Our strength comes from the knowledge and faith in our salvation, and Rom 15.1-6 tells us we would be foolish not to share that in a way that brings comfort to others.
Both Eph 4:32 and Col 3:12-13 emphasize those traits of kindness, compassion, humility should be second-nature to us. They are also both very strong about forgiveness. Jesus came to offer us forgiveness in a way that is uniquely merciful and loving. We should offer forgiveness to each other and those who are seeking in the same way.
Paul told the young preacher, Timothy, in 1 Ti 6.6-10, to instruct the church about contentment and not being greedy. The way we use the things we have or the things we try to gain for ourselves or the way we use our building here reflects on the way we glorify Christ. The things we have and the things we try to gain should all be with the aim of being used to glorify Him.
And in his second letter to him (2Ti 2:14,24-25), he talked about acting with gentleness with one another and not the let quarrels overcome us. If others look at us and always see us trying to get the upper hand in an argument or bickering over silly things, they’ll see anything but Jesus in that.
Paul is telling the young preacher Titus in chap 2:1-6 that when people think of him and the church where he works, they should associate them with solid doctrine that withstands the test of time.
