Getting The Message Across!

There may be many varying motives behind the sharing of God’s Word. Some pure, some impure, and some of which we may never become aware. As Paul was in prison, he was encouraged that there were others continuing to proclaim the message of Jesus. However, some of those appear to have been seeking to draw a following to themselves in the process and perhaps away from Paul.

Note where Paul’s focus rested in light of this.
“(15) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. (16) The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. (17) The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. (18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED, AND IN THAT I REJOICE.” ( Philippians 1:15-18 ESV)

Since this happened during the first century of the church, why should we be surprised at it happening today? Hopefully every glimpse of truth -- regardless of the motive behind the sharing -- causes others to seek further truth even more diligently. Paul rejoiced that Christ was being preached because he knew the focus needed to be on Christ rather than on himself. Even so, Paul was not content with merely preaching the truth, he also recognized the need to live it. That CONSISTENCY provided powerful validity to the genuineness of the life changing message he taught.

As we acknowledge the truth of the Scriptures, to help others recognize the authority of God’s Word is good. Helping others begin to develop their faith based upon what is contained in the Bible rather than merely on statements we or others have made is a noble thing. ( Acts 17:11) However, how can we expect people to accept something the Scriptures say if they don’t see us doing it ourselves? Even if we point others to specific passages to read, how can we expect to convince them it is what they ought to do if they don’t see us taking it seriously? Such was a charge Paul made to Jewish converts in Rome. They apparently viewed themselves as possessing knowledge and thus qualified to be guides, instructors, and teachers. ( Romans 2:17-20) However, they were falling short of the CONSISTENCY that should have marked their life.

Paul wrote…
“(21) YOU THEN WHO TEACH OTHERS, DO YOU NOT TEACH YOURSELF? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? (22) You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” ( Romans 2:21-22 ESV)

What was lacking was a CONSISTENCY between what they knew, taught, and how they lived, and because of that Paul would say (quoting from the latter part of Isaiah 52:5), “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” ( Romans 2:24 ESV) People will be watching to see how honest we are and how much we truly believe what we claim to believe. How can we possibly convince others they need to not only maintain a right relationship with Christ, but also one with His Body, the church (i.e. Hebrews 10:25; 1 John 1:7) if they don’t see us having one? Or how can we convince others regarding the authority of Scripture if we appear to pick and choose which parts we want to apply to our life?

We may know the Scriptures, but are we living them as well? As we share with others are we also teaching ourselves? Do the daily actions of our life reveal we have accepted and surrendered to the authority of God’s Word? Living life that reveals how much what God has stated means to us can help others realize how much it needs to mean to them. May we strive for a CONSISTENCY that helps the genuineness of our faith to be clearly evident.

Have a great day TALKING AND WALKING THE SAME PATH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Consistency