CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY
PART 3: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF
STUDY AND TEACHERS
In
the name of God, Master of the Universe, Ruler of the earth.
Study is also a part of Giving and
Christian Responsibility. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul reminds Timothy that one has
to study the Word of God to establish a relationship with God. Therefore all
Christians have a responsibility to study the Word of God. Study is not just
for Preachers, Deacons and a church leader, study is necessary for everyone
that accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Therefore if you truly study the Word
of God, you will not be fooled by False Prophets. However there are very
intelligent people that follow many of the False Prophets that are often on
Television. How are these people fooled by the Money-Seeking Prosperity
Preachers? The Word says that even the very elect can be fooled by False
Prophets. Thus as one grows in the Word there are instances of inability to
discern Truth. However if you keep your eyes on God instead of Man in a new
suit of clothes, you will see God and Truth. Therefore it is written that those
that seem to have good sense that still follow False Prophets and Devils in
disguise DO NOT KEEP GOD FIRST.
IN JAMES 3: 13-18 JAMES DISTINGUISHES
TWO KINDS OF WISDOM, EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY.
Teaching was a highly valued and
respected profession in Jewish culture. James warned that it is good to aspire
to teach however the teachers responsibility is great because their words
affect others spiritual lives. Teachers should control their desires to say
what they shouldn't. Examples of wrongly using the tongue are: Gossiping,
putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating,
complaining, flattering, and lying.
The Holy Spirit will give us
increasing power to monitor and control what we say. As Christians we are not
sinless, but we should never stop growing.
James 3: 14-18
James 3: 14
Bitter envying denotes a mind that is
resentful toward another person who is fortunate. Lie not against the truth.
Certainly all lies are against the truth. An envious person cannot oppose a
righteous or fortunate one without contradicting the truth involved.
James 3: 15 The Wisdom of The Devil
Bitter envy and selfish ambition is
inspired by the devil. You can be drawn into wrong desires by society and by
well-meaning Christians. Seeking God's wisdom delivers us from the need to
compare ourselves to others and desiring what they have.
James 3: 16
This wisdom brings confusion and
every evil work.
James 3: 17
The preceding verses described wisdom
that does not come from above. The wisdom in this verse does come from above.
Pure means unmixed with anything false. Peaceable indicates that it is not to
be desired unless it is according to truth. Without hypocrisy means that our
expressions of friendless to others will be sincere and not a mere pretense. A
tree is known by its fruit. Thus if man is influenced by the wisdom that is
from above he will be Godly.
James 3: 18
If a man possesses good fruit, he
usually wishes to reproduce it by sowing or planting it. Thus, he will conform
to the rules of peace and be in harmony with pure wisdom.
Let's look at I Timothy 4: 1-4
Here we see Paul giving guidelines
for teaching. In the 1st verse why did Paul say the false teachers taught
doctrines of devils? Satan deceives people by offering a clever imitation of
the real thing. We look beyond a teacher's methods and discipline to his
teaching about Jesus Christ. His attitude toward Christ shows the source of his
message.
4: 4 "For every creature of God
is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with
Thanksgiving."
LOOK AT THE 5TH VERSE
"For it is sanctified by the
word of God and prayer."
Explanation:
Paul in opposition to the false
teachers affirmed that everything that God made is good: See Genesis 1. Thus we
should ask his blessings on his created gifts that give us pleasure and thank
him for them. We are not to abuse what God has made. Being a Christian does not
mean anything goes. It means that legalism, good works, or rules do not
determine our salvation, but by the free gift of God. Christian freedom is
inseparably tied to Christian responsibility.
Related Scripture
Ephesians 2: 8-9
We should thank God constantly for
his gifts. We should respond with Praise and Joy. We become Christians by God's
grace. Not because of any effort, ability, choice or action of service on our
part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift we should show love,
kindness and compassion to other people. We are not just to try to please
ourselves. No service or work can help us obtain salvation. God notes that our
salvation will result in works and service. Thus, we are saved not for our
benefit but to serve God and build up the church.
Cont. Part 4: Cleanliness and Christian Responsibility
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net
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