Running the Race as an Illustration in Scripture – Part 2
In a previous post in this series, I explained that while running recently I was reminded of several passages related to running a race and athletes. Since I started running as exercise a few months ago, I decided to look into those passages a little more closely to see if my experiences helped me to understand them.
In this post, I’m going to look at two short illustrations in Paul’s letter to the believers in the cities of the region of Galatia. Here is the first passage:
I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. (Galatians 2:2 ESV)
Before this passage, Paul had explained that he did not receive his gospel through human intermediaries, but instead received it directly from God. (Galatians 1:15-17) But, Paul did go up to Jerusalem later to meet with the apostles in order to compare what he understood about the good news of Jesus Christ with the gospel that the apostles were proclaiming.
In this illustration, Paul is concerned that the two gospels (his and the apostles’) might be different (i.e., one might be a gospel of grace while the other a gospel of works). He says that if he was proclaiming a different gospel than the one that the apostles had heard from Jesus, then it would be like running a race in vain – that is, a race that could not be won or could not be completed.
For the second passage, I’m going to include the wider context:
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. (Galatians 5:1-10 ESV)
There was a time when the Galatians were living according to the gospel of righteousness by grace; but, lately, and apparently through the false teaching of one or more people, some of them were turning back toward righteousness by keeping the law.
He compares following these false teachers to being hindered during a race, which would make the false teachers and the false gospel the hindrances or obstacles.
In both of these examples from Galatians, living according to a false gospel (a gospel that teaches righteousness by works instead of righteousness by the grace of God through faith in him) is like running a race in vain (one that cannot be finished) or running a race filled with obstacles.
Imagine for a moment running a race that has no course and no finish line. Imagine a race that is never finished – never complete. That is the illustration that Paul uses for a life lived by the righteousness of keeping the law.
Imagine a race where every path is blocked by obstacles – every turn leads to a dead end. That is the illustration that Paul uses for a life lived by the righteousness of doing good deeds.
Both of these types of races are impossible to run. In the same way, it is impossible to live in such a way as to be righteous by keeping the law or by doing good works.
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Running the Race as an Illustration in Scripture:
1) Part 1 – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2) Part 2 – Galatians 2:2 and Galatians 5:7
3) Part 3 – Philippians 2:16
4) Part 4 – Hebrews 12:1
5) Part 5 – 2 Timothy 2:5
Running the Race as an Illustration in Scripture – Part 1
If you’ve been reading my blog over the last few months, then you know that I began walking in July for exercise. After a couple of weeks of walking, I started running, short distances at first, then eventually running longer distances. (In fact, yesterday I ran the longest distance I’ve run yet: 7.5 miles.)
One day, as I was running, some different passage of Scripture came to mind in which the authors used running or races or athletes as illustrations or examples. I decided to looking more closely into these passages in order to determine if my recent experiences with running could help me understand them.
Here is one those passages:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)
Just before this passage, in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul had expressed how he gladly gave up his rights for the sake of the gospel. Though free from the law (by the grace of God), he would become as one under the law (a Jew who had not received the gospel) for the sake of sharing the gospel with the Jews. To Gentiles – those who were not under the law – Paul would live as one outside the law so that he could better share the gospel with Gentiles. He would give up everything for the weak or the strong for the sake of the gospel.
Then, Paul gave the illustration above about the the runner (and boxer). The focus of the passage is not on the one who receives the prize (as if living in Christ is a competition with other believers). Instead, the focus is on giving up what is rightfully your for the sake of the gospel in the same way that an athlete gladly and willingly gives up certain foods or activities for the sake of winning that prize.
Back in July, the doctor gave me a sheet that described a diet called the Mediterranean Diet. It’s not so much a way to reduce calories as it is a new way to approach food. So, according to this diet, I should only eat 1-2 servings of red meat each week, plus 1-2 servings of fish (particularly fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids), and several servings of poultry. Most importantly, I should be very careful of the serving sizes, keeping them in the range of 3-5 ounces depending on the type of meat.
Also, according to the diet, I should eat several servings of vegetables (6-8) and fruit (3-4) each day. Plus, I need to make sure that I’m eating true vegetables and not starches such as potatoes and corn or beans and legumes. I can eat those things, but they should not count as vegetables.
Now, I’m free to eat any food that I want. But, if I want my body to be healthier – especially if I want to be able to run longer and longer distances at faster paces – then I must be extremely careful about what I eat. In other words, I must discipline my body and keep it under control.
Paul says that he takes the same approach to the gospel. While he is free to do many things, he gives up those rights for the sake of the gospel (just like an athlete gives up certain foods and activities for the sake of excelling in the sport).
This illustration helps Paul explain what he had already written to the Corinthians concerning “weak” brothers and sisters in chapter 8. He had also used himself as an example in the first part of chapter 9 where he explained to his readers why he refused to take money and instead worked to support himself and those who traveled with him.
In the same way that I’m learning to control what I eat and how I exercise in order to be able to run, I also need to learn to control my desires, my wants, my rights even in order to share the gospel with those around me and helping them mature in Christ.
What would you like to add to this?
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Running the Race as an Illustration in Scripture:
1) Part 1 – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2) Part 2 – Galatians 2:2 and Galatians 5:7
3) Part 3 – Philippians 2:16
4) Part 4 – Hebrews 12:1
5) Part 5 – 2 Timothy 2:5
Replay: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail
Three years ago – and it’s hard to believe that it has been three years – I joined my son, Jeremy, and a friend of mine and his son on a three day hike on part of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. When we returned home, I wrote about several “lessons learned” in a blog series. (The first post was called “Lessons from the Trail 1 – Introduction.”) The introductory post is below, as well as links to the other posts. I really enjoyed our time on the trail, in spite of the problems that I encountered. I hope I’m able to do something like this again soon.
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Lessons from the Trail 1 – Introduction
From Thursday, October 9, through Saturday, October 11, my son, Jeremy, and I joined my friend, Jim, and his son, Jason, on a hiking and camping trip through a very small portion (21 miles) of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. If you are not familiar with the Appalachian Trail, it winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains for over 2100 miles from Maine to Georgia. We started in Pennsylvania where the trail ran near the home of Jim’s father, who dropped us off at our starting point, picked us up at our destination, and offered wonderful hospitality before and after our trip.
Our hike started in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and ended just over 21 trail miles and just over 50 hours later in picturesque Boiling Springs, PA. During the hike, we saw many beautiful sites, almost ran out of water, battled very sore muscles, and learned alot about ourselves. In fact, this series is not going to be about the hike, per se. I am not going to share my trip diary, although I did keep one. Instead, I want to share some “life lessons” that I learned on this trip.
Now, I recognize that 21 miles is not a long way to hike for many people. In fact, we passed some hikers who were walking the entire length of the AT over several months. One man who passed us was running our route in less than one day. However, for two 40 (+) year old men and two teenage boys, it was a long hike.
I was surprised at how much I learned about life during this hike. Some of these lessons I learned through my own quiet meditation (well, mostly quiet… there was some grunting and groaning) during the hike. Other lessons I learned while talking with Jim or the boys. It seemed like every turn in the trail, every ascent or descent, every rocky ridge, every ache and pain offered more lessons, if I was willing to learn. I tried to learn. Perhaps you can help me.
As I share these various life lessons, I encourage you to help me and others learn about life together. Perhaps you have a story to share; then please share it. Perhaps you have another perspective; then share that. Please use my hiking and camping trip as an opportunity to “exhort one another”.
(By the way, if you’re interested, I’ve posted pictures from our trip in a Facebook album.)
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Lessons from the Trail Series:
1. Introduction
2. Preparation
3. Watching
4. Burdens
5. Leaders
Another blogger’s thoughts on teaching and doctrine
This morning, I published a post about terms related to teaching in the New Testament. (See my post “New Testament Terms Related to Teaching.”) I was happy to find that another blogger that I respect greatly has come to some of the same conclusions as me concerning teaching.
Bobby at “Deconstructing Neverland” expressed some of these views in his post “Barking up the wrong tree.”
His post primarily revolves around considering this question: “What is most beneficial in helping someone mature as a follower of Jesus Christ?” He concludes that what is typically called “doctrinal teaching” is not very helpful at helping a brother or sister mature in Christ… yes, even good doctrinal teaching.
Here is a small part of Bobby’s excellent post:
Maturity comes through experiencing the Life of Christ in us as we walk in the Spirit not through endless preaching and teaching of historical creeds and confessions. If we want to mature we must have relationships with others who are more mature than us and imitate their way of life. If we want to help others mature we must walk through life with them and live a life worth imitating. But first we gotta stop barking up the wrong tree and decide instead to hike our leg on it and move on.
But, in fact, what Bobby talks about IS what Scripture calls “doctrine.” The idea that teaching/doctrine is speaking or lecturing about Scripture is not found in the New Testament. Certainly, this type of activity can be part of teaching, but it is a small part. Teaching in the New Testament is primarily one of observation (i.e., watching how another believer lives) and imitation (i.e., living in a similar manner).
The fact that the church has replaced demonstration/observation/imitation with lecture is one of the reasons (I think) that so many believers remain immature today.
So, read the remainder of Bobby’s post, and comment there. Then, tell us here what you think about his post and my response above.
New Testament Terms Related to Teaching
I’m putting together a workshop (or series of lessons) on the subject of teaching in the New Testament. I hope to lead our church through this study sometime early next year, perhaps in January. I’m excited to discover new things about this topic, both from my own study and from the church as we guide each other through the Scriptures.
To begin the study, I thought I would put together a list of terms found in the New Testament related to teaching. I’m not saying that these terms are synonymous (although they sometimes seem to be used that way). However, I think that if we want to understand teaching from the New Testament perspective, we also need to understand these related terms.
While each of these terms is a translation/gloss of a Greek word, I do not plan to list the Greek terms. If you have any question about which Greek term I’m using, feel free to ask in the comments. However, I will list a few relevant passages in which the term is used.
Teach/Instruct (verb)
The primary verb primarily denoting some type of instruction which includes both verbal and nonverbal communication. (Acts 20:20, Colossians 3:16, 1 John 2:27)
Teacher (noun)
The person who is carrying out the instruction. (1 Corinthians 12:20, Hebrews 5:12, James 3:1)
Teaching/Instructing/Instruction/Lesson/Doctrine (noun)
The activity or process or content of teaching or instructing. (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 John 1:10) (There are two different Greek terms that have a similar range of meanings.)
Admonish/Warn/Instruct (verb)
A form of instruction that seems to be related to possible problems ahead. (Acts 20:31, Romans 15:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Rebuke (verb)
A form of instruction related to pointing out existing problems. (2 Timothy 3:16, see also Psalm 38:12)
Correct (verb)
A form of instruction related to both pointing out and also changing problems. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Encourage/Exhort/Implore/Urge (verb)
Help (both verbal and nonverbal) to move in a certain direction (depending on the context, could be spiritually, emotionally, mentally, intellectually, etc.). (Colossians 2:1-2, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 5:12)
Encouragement/Exhortation (noun)
The content or process of helping someone moving in a certain direction. (Acts 15:31, 1 Corinthians 14:3, Hebrews 12:5)
Edify/Build Up/Strengthen (verb)
To make someone stronger (depending on the context, could be spiritually, emotionally, mentally, intellectually, etc.). (Acts 9:31, 1 Corinthians 14:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Edification (noun)
The content or process of making someone stronger. (Romans 15:2, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 4:12)
Disciple (verb)
To help someone be a follower. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 14:21)
I’m also thinking about including the terms “proclaim/preach/announce” and “evangelize/preach/proclaim the good news.” Do you think there are other important terms to consider when studying teaching in the New Testament?
How low can you go?
This post is part of an October synchroblog called “Down We Go.” (Click that link for more information about this synchroblog and synchroblogs in general.) Several bloggers are publishing posts on this topic today. (Whenever I get updates, I’ll add a list of links to the other bloggers at the bottom of this post.)
So, what is “Down We Go” all about? Well, from what I understand, it was inspired by Kathy Escobar’s book by the same title. Unfortunately, I have not read her book yet. However, we were told that we did not have to write about or interact with the book. Instead, we were asked to write about the same theme.
What theme? Well, here’s a description:
Independence. Success. Upward Mobility. Security. Comfort. In subtle and direct ways, many of have been sent a message by the world (and sometimes by the faith systems we have been part of) that life is about moving up–away from pain and suffering and toward comfort, stability, and put-togetherness. This kind of living is much different than the kind of life Jesus calls us to in the gospels. Jesus consistently modeled going down into the low and messy places of people’s experiences–intersecting with the lepers, the lonely, the outcasts, the marginalized. He calls us to a life of humility, love, and interdependence.
The way of life to which we are exhorted in the New Testament (and way of life mentioned in the description above) is perhaps best described as a life of humility. By “humility,” I mean a modest view of one’s own importance. This type of life is exemplified and exhorted in many passages of Scripture. One of my favorite examples is found in Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV)
A life of humility finds encouragement, comfort, affection, and sympathy in Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship (participation) in the Holy Spirit. (These are in direct opposition to the type of life that finds encouragement in that person’s own accomplishments or abilities.) Similarly, the life of humility responds through harmony with others, love, and unity without rivalry or conceit. Perhaps most importantly, a person of lives in humility considers the desires, thoughts, opinions, and interests of others as more important than his/her own. The last statement is very important. A humble person is actively engaged in the pursuit of interests that are important to others just as much as the pursuit of that person’s interests even if those interests (of the other people) are not important to that person.
This is a life of humility. A life that is demonstrates by our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul exhorts his readers (in Philippi) with the example of Christ’s life:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)
According to Paul, Jesus Christ was not only “in the form of God” but was equal with God. However, he did not hold on to this equality with God choosing instead to lower himself to our level, and, even more, taking the humbling position of a servant and then allowing himself to face a humiliating death. Jesus gave up what was rightfully his for the benefit of others. This is humility.
While Jesus Christ was much more than a good example to follow, he was and is an example. (This passage among many others present Christ to us as an example to emulate.) Obviously, it is impossible to “have this mind among yourselves” without with the new life that we have in Christ and without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, for those of us in Christ, we are exhorted to live a life of humility. In fact, we should be asking ourselves, “How low can we go?”
Even more, humility is a characteristic that should be even more apparent among more mature believers. It may be demonstrated in acts of service, offers of hospitality, willingness to follow and submit to others, desire to support others in their interests and concerns, and, finally, the laying aside of one’s own interests. Unfortunately, among the church today (as among society), “leaders” are usually expected to demonstrate the opposite of these characteristics, demanding that others follow the leaders’ advice and opinions.
When Paul penned his letter to the church in Philippi, he specifically included in his address those who are “overseers” (bishops) and “deacons.” His commands to humble yourselves by considering the interests of others as more important are given to these leaders as much as (and perhaps more than) others among the church.
“How low can you go?” This is a question of humility that all of live in Christ should be asking themselves. And, if someone is not exemplifying this kind of life of humility, this person should not be followed, because this person is not leading others to follow Christ.
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Here is a list of others who are blogging on the topic “Down We Go”:
- Alan Knox – How Low Can You Go
- Jeremy Myers – Seeking The Next Demotion
- Glenn Hager – Pretty People
- David Derbershire – Reaching The Inner City
- Tammy Carter – Flight Plan
- Leah Randall – Jacked Up
- Leah Randall (her other voice) – How Low Can We Go
- Liz Dyer – Beautiful Mess
- Maria Anderson – Down
- Christine Sine – There Is No Failure In The Kingdom of God
- Leah Sophia – Down We Go
- Hugh Hollowell – Downward
- Kathy Escobar – We May Look Like Losers – Redux
- Anthony Ehrhardt – Slumming It For Jesus
- Sonja Andrews – Diversion and Distraction
- Marta Layton – Down The Up Staircase
- Wendy McCaig – A Material Girl
Teaching them to OBSERVE all that I have commanded you
You probably recognize the title of this post as part of the Great Commission. The Great Commission is a name given to one of the statements that Jesus made after his resurrection and just before he ascended into heaven.
Throughout the years, different groups of Christians have emphasized this passage. Until recently, those who emphasized this command (such as some of the Anabaptists) were persecuted and even tortured for attempting to do what Jesus told his disciples to do.
Just to put this post in perspective, here’s the entire statement:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
While this passage has been examined and studied and subjected to every kind of analysis known to man, there is one part of it that I rarely see or hear addressed: “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Oh, I’ve heard the “teaching” part emphasized and even the “all” part. But, what about “to observe”…
Think about the difference between these two statements:
- Teaching them all that I have commanded you…
- Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…
The difference is obvious, right. Jesus did not tell his disciples to teach people WHAT he had taught them, but instead to teach them TO OBSERVE (i.e., keep or obey) what he had taught them. That’s a huge difference.
But, how does this difference play into our understanding of “the Great Commission” and how does it affect what we do about helping others become followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ?
Here are a few points to consider:
- Our goal is not giving people information or even understanding.
- Our goal is for people to obey to Jesus Christ (not us).
- We cannot make someone obey Jesus Christ.
- We cannot help someone obey by simply telling them information.
- We must show them what it means to obey Jesus Christ.
Again, this has HUGE implications to what it means to help someone follow Jesus Christ. Giving information – even good and true information – is, at best, a miniscule part of the Great Commission.
Would you be willing to help me and my readers think through what it means to “teach them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded”? How has someone helped you obey Jesus? How has God used you to help others observe Jesus’ commands? How do we help others obey without trampling on the work of the Spirit or the grace of God?
And you will be my witnesses
After his resurrection and just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told the eleven remaining apostles (and perhaps others, such as the 120?), “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) Jesus made similar statements at other times and to other people before his ascension. At one, according to Paul, Jesus spent time with over 500 people. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
In this post, I want to consider Jesus’ statement, “You will be my witnesses…” While people often focus on the geographical statements of “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth,” I would like to examine the idea of being Jesus’ witnesses.
While the word translated “witness” eventually came to mean “martyr” (i.e., someone who is killed because of their beliefs), it didn’t not have this meaning when Luke wrote the book of Acts. Instead, a “witness” is someone who attests to something. It is similar to a courtroom “witness” today, but the legal implications are not necessary.
There two questions that I would like to consider:
First, does Jesus’ statement (really, a command), “You will be my witnesses,” only apply to those who heard him, or does it apply to disciples of Jesus today?
If we look at the examples and incidences in the Book of Acts and in other writings of the New Testament, it seems that others (besides the original eleven, 120, or even 500) understood themselves to be “witnesses” of Jesus Christ.
For example, consider this passage from the Book of Acts:
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly [to Jews in Antioch of Pisidia], saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. (Acts 13:46-49 ESV)
As a result of the Gentiles “rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord,” the word of the Lord began spreading throughout the region around Antioch in Pisidia. The work of all disciples as witnesses to Jesus Christ is made even more apparent by Paul in his letter to the church in Thessaloniki:
And you [the believers in Thessaloniki] became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 ESV)
Again, we see that both the word of the Lord and the faith of the Thessalonians had “sounded forth” through the region around their city. So, at least from these two passages, it seems that other believers (beyond the original eleven, 120, or even 500) considered their role to include being witnesses of Jesus Christ.
The second question is this: what does it mean to be a “witness” of Jesus Christ today?
In Scripture, we see several different examples of disciples of Jesus Christ being his witnesses. The different people “witness” about Jesus Christ in different ways. I think we should expect differences today as well.
But, what are some of those different ways that followers of Jesus Christ can be his witness today? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that question. (And, if you want to discuss the first question, feel free to do that as well.)
Where there is no vision, the people perish
The title of this post comes from the KJV translation of Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” The KJV translators included a note that “perish” literally means “to be made naked.”
Other translations render the verse a little differently: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV)
The LXX translators (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) made an interesting interpretation for this verse: “In no way should there be an interpreter for a lawless nation, but the one (nation?) who keeps the law is blessed.”
I typically hear this verse brandished whenever a church leader (usually the senior pastor or head elder) is attempting to make certain decisions or plans for the church. The leader will present his or her plan as “God’s vision,” and the church is expected to adopt the plan and carry out the plan, usually by volunteering to serve in various positions.
But, is this the point of Proverbs 29:18? I don’t think so.
First, we need to consider the purpose of the Proverbs. Proverbs are general principles for life. They are examples of wise living in general, but they are not always absolute. This is clear when we consider Proverbs 26:4-5 and other similar proverbs.
Second, this verse seems to make a distinction between those nations/people without God’s law and those nations/people with God’s law. The “vision” in this case is revelation from God. The people who do not have God’s law (revelation from God) are “naked” or “without encouragement” (as some translate it) or “without restraint.” On the other hand, the nation that has and observes God’s law is blessed (presumably by the restraint that comes from keeping the law). In general, then, those people who have and obey God’s law will have a better life than those people who do not know or follow God’s law.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the idea that God presents his vision for a group’s service through a single individual (i.e., a pastor) is not found in the New Testament. There is no indication by the NT writers that a pastor or elder or other leader is responsible for telling a group of people how to serve God and others.
Even when Paul presented his own life and service to the gospel as an example to others, he did not tell them exactly how to serve God for themselves. Instead, Paul clearly tells his readers that through God’s grace each of his readers are given gifts, opportunities, and ability to serve God through serving one another and others in different ways. As Paul followed the Holy Spirit in serving others, he expected others to follow the Spirit as well.
Instead, those who are more mature in trusting God and following Jesus Christ should help others seek how God wants them to serve him and others. This does not mean that the mature tell others what to do, but helps them discover this for themselves.
This plan may not help someone fill positions in their church programs, but I believe it will help build up the church toward maturity in Christ and expand the kingdom of God.
Life in Christ and the Spirit in Us
In this pseudo-series, I’ve said that life in Christ is synonymous with life in the Spirit (which is the same as being given the Spirit, being indwelled by the Spirit, or being baptized by the Spirit). (See my post “Life in Christ is Life in the Spirit.”) Next, I said that a person who is indwelled by the Spirit can be filled with the Spirit or can grieve or quench the work of the Spirit. (See my post “Life in Christ and Filled with the Spirit.”)
While the Spirit indwells and fills an individual, the Spirit also works through a group of people who are all in Christ (in the Spirit). We see this dual (individual and community) aspect of the work of the Spirit in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where he recognizes the individual as the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit and the community as the temple of the Holy Spirit:
Do you [plural] not know that you [plural] are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you [plural]? (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)
Or do you [singular] not know that your [singular] body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you [singular], whom you [singular] have from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV)
In each case (both the singular “you” and the plural “you”) there is only one “temple.” The Holy Spirit somehow makes his one home in the individual believer and the gathered community of believers.
We have already seen that the Spirit works within the individual believer to help that person live in Christ. But, we can also see many examples of how the Spirit works through the community to help members of that community to live in Christ. The point, though, is not for someone (or group) within the community to tell others what the Spirit is doing, but for the community to help one another listen to and learn from the Spirit who dwells within each of them.
The work of the Spirit through the community is especially important in situations where an individual is grieving or quenching the Spirit living within. It’s at this time that the community (in the Spirit) can help the brother or sister turn back toward God in order to understand what he is doing in and through them.
We see this kind of interaction of the Spirit through the community in passages such as this one:
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. (Galatians 6:1 ESV)
While that particular passage points toward a brother or sister who has moved toward sin (transgression), problems also occur when a brother or sister is not actively following the Spirit. That’s the kind of community (in the Spirit) involvement that we find in this passage:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)
So, we’ve seen that the Spirit indwells us to bring us into the life of Christ. The individual who has been given the Spirit can either be filled with the Spirit (yielding to the Spirit’s work) or can quench or grieve the Spirit (refusing to yield to the Spirit’s work). Now, we see that the Spirit can also work through the community to help an individual (who is also indwelled by the Spirit) to turn back toward the work of God in his/her life through the Spirit.