ONE of the things I like about what we are currently looking at, well no… there are actually three things. First, the author leans heavily on Scripture, like a string of pearls weaving verses throughout his points to make his points. Second, it is “others” oriented, showing how our Christian walk is really not about us, but about our influence and encouragement to others, you will see this repeated in today’s consideration.
AS a side note, this reminds me of something I learned in my operation management days, reading a work-related book on leadership where it said, “Leaders understand that the purpose of a fruit tree is not necessarily to produce fruit but to produce another tree.” Think about it.
AND then thirdly, the author sets the right priority and focus in service, again observable in today’s reading. One of my favorite, albeit obscure verses in the Bible is Acts 27:23. About to be shipwrecked on his way to Rome, Paul makes known a revelation of what must be done if the crew and passengers are to be saved, in so do saying “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve”. Note, “whose I am”, then “whom I serve”, … Paul, ever the teacher, was always careful to get it right and communicate it right. A little obscure I admit, but consistent and significant with the teaching of Scripture.
SO with that intro, we come with today’s consideration.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 21—Reconciliation and Acceptance – Continued
Our present condition is infinitely inferior to our eternal position, but our Father accepts us—not in ourselves, but in His Son. Our Lord Jesus so completely justified us in His death and resurrection that our Father is absolutely just in eternally reconciling us. His love and life are free to flow. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “…All things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself)” (2 Cor. 5:18, Amp.). Due to His work of justification and reconciliation, there is full acceptance for us.
Acceptance
Here we have one of the most vital positional subjects and yet it is relatively unknown among believers today. All too few are enjoying the benefits of acceptance in their daily walk. The believer who is not aware of his position of acceptance in Christ is caught in the struggle to improve his condition in order to feel acceptable to God. But the believer who abides in the Lord Jesus as his righteousness and acceptance is freed from futile self-effort. Standing in his position, he trusts Christ to manifest Himself increasingly in his life. He is free from the burden of himself and has become burdened on behalf of others. God “hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18).
Condition
First of all, we must consider the area in which we are not accepted by God, nor ever can be. It is only natural for us to feel that our spiritual walk and service make us acceptable to our Father. We imagine that it is our responsibility (with His help) to live and serve so faithfully and fruitfully that He will approve of us, and therefore continually and abundantly bless us. We are making the natural mistake of depending upon condition, instead of position, for our acceptance.
Important as it is, service is often a condition-centered detriment in the lives of many zealous believers. When service is given predominance over fellowship with and growth in the Lord Jesus, doing, instead of being, takes over in the life. Fellowship and growth must ever take precedence over service and activity, otherwise spiritual declension sets in.
In this reversal of God’s order for us, the heart seeks satisfaction and a sense of acceptance through production (law), instead of reception (grace). Bible study and prayer, as well as one’s outlook, become almost exclusively service-centered. Instead of life bringing forth service, service becomes the life. Thus, as long as the service goes well, the servant is happy and feels accepted. But once the service wanes, or fails to produce results, all else falls with it. We are to be sons, not servants. “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son…” (Gal. 4:7).
In time, we begin to realize that there is something very wrong with this entire concept. We become aware that our walk and service are less and less acceptable, even to ourselves. In seeking to do rather than to be, in attempting to give out more than we take in, our condition becomes barren and carnal. We have been depending upon self to do what only Christ our life can do; the farther we move on this tangent, the more active and malignant the self-life appears to be.
What the condition-centered believer does not realize is that God Himself is causing this shattering revelation of self. —- to be continued
