GODLINESS: FASHION OR FACT

GODLINESS: FASHION OR FACT

Friday, July 29, 2016

1Corinthians [MKJV] 2:9-16 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of man within him? So also no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, so that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:4 Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others. For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  In our practice of godliness we may do so according to religious fashion, even that which uses God’s Word in part or whole as guidance. This form involves learning Scripture and putting it into practice; a very good thing. There is however the utmost best way: To live godly not only according to His guidance but by having the mind of Christ.

  Confusing? No doubt as it is for it is outside of and beyond common religious manner.

  To illustrate:

·         As a matter of form we may be read and take to heart The Great Commission (Mk.16:15), a paramount work directive given by Christ while He walked and ministered as God Incarnate (Jn.1:1, 14). Believing in eternity (Eccl.3:11), “condemned already” (Jn.3:18), redemption through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Act.4:12), we share the gospel with family, friend, coworkers, enemies et al.

·         As the matter of the mind of Christ in us we believe all of the above and think I am not willing that any should perish (2Pet.3:9) and so-moved from within share the gospel with family, friend, coworkers, enemies et al.

  Put another way: There may be a vast difference between that which we do and who we are when it comes to faith and practice.

EBB4