When we hear the phrase 'weak in faith,' all kinds of different thoughts may run through our head, depending on past and current Bible teaching. Some of what may be assumed is that the weak in faith are lesser Christians or some sort of second-class believers. Some might mistakenly consider this as accusatory or insulting language from Paul.
In context, Paul was referencing those who feel the need to be more outward focused which could involve things like ceremonial requirements, avoiding certain foods, esteeming one day to be observed above other days, etc., whereas someone who has grown further into the freedom and grace found in Christ is potentially more focused on trusting in the blood of Jesus and the redemptive work He performed, once for all.
Paul exhorted them not to judge but to receive one another in the same way God shows us peace and patience.
The religious accusation of being "friends with the world" will mean many different things to different people ... but it is generally rooted in a law-based mindset. We've had such accusations hurled at us both personally and through the podcast. And we've been a part of that haughty hangout in the past. It's not a place of grace and love.
Those who somehow think they have graduated to a higher spiritual level through their works and behavior will pounce on others with their self-righteousness. They see themselves as a better doer and more dedicated or sanctified through what they consider to be works of righteousness while avoiding what they deem to be taboo by their religious standard or point of view. Ironically, such accusations lead to judging others ... the very thing the same passage tells the readers not to do.
While pointing the finger that being friends with the world makes you an enemy of God, it's worth noting that "God loves the world" so much that he gave His only begotten Son. Quoting Bible verses and using them as talking points apart from an understanding of the gospel of grace will lead people to inconsistency as they get tangled within the tittles without even realizing it.
Listeners have written to us to express their inner battle with being able to love themselves. The lifeless seeds plated by others left them feeling barren and unsure of themselves ... and lacking confidence in God's love for them. They often have to deal with well-meaning but judgmental types who will wag their finger at them for doing things they enjoy but may be considered taboo to those snared in their own religious bondage. They'll quote Bible verses as though they are 'demands' from God instead of exhortations from apostles who were attempting to exhort and encourage those to whom they were writing.
The victims wallow and wade in the murky swamp of guilt and condemnation, sometimes leading to more problems, including depression. It leaves them feeling distant from God, living in a place of fear and uncertainty. We may not have all the specific answers for overcoming these struggles that are unique to each person. But we do know God doesn't want this for any of His creation. Allowing Him to reveal His love to each heart will not only lift us to heavenly places, it will establish grace and self-esteem, assurance ... and empower us to love others - as well as ourselves - in the same way.
The old way of a useless law under the first covenant was centered on people working and striving at loving God with everything they had. 'Do it or else.' In a better covenant established by Jesus, it has never been about our effort at trying to love God but rather coming to realize God first loved us. Get this backwards ... and we'll keep missing the blessings God freely gives.
"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).
It's unfortunate so many have wrestled with low self-esteem. There could be many reasons individuals experience this ... including misguided Bible teaching. God wants us to see the high value He has bestowed upon us as His creation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us and although we don't hear it preached very often, He has crowned us with glory and honor.
Think about it! We are identified as royalty—children of the King. Jesus said the glory God gave to Him would be given to us by Him. It's awesome and humbling. Learning to love yourself is by beginning to realize God's unlimited and never-changing love for you.
The subject we planned on discussing for this week was unexpectedly tossed out as our intro within the podcast evolved. Our conversation became about growing in grace and our understanding of the gospel. Of course, this isn't referring to finding ways to get more grace because God has already abundantly provided all of us with more than enough. But there is always a journey involving our understanding of it.
Some will struggle with growing because it may mean having a change of mind about something they considered as the truth from what they considered a 'biblical' perspective which they embraced as a significant part of their belief system. Some will double down and cling to previous assumptions, unwilling to receive what may help them in their walk with God. And what about the people we read of in the Bible? Did they not also grow in their understanding? Why would we think these humans knew everything or that they were any different from us? Eternity will be an exciting journey, always learning while being enlightened with a greater knowledge of the truth of God and the mystery of eternal things.
Truth isn't meant to be based on being persuaded by Bible doctrines that we embrace or reject. One can't help but wonder the number of people who attend a church building regularly who struggle with where they stand with God. They may sometimes feel worse coming out than when they went in. Why? Most likely because the good news was missing from the sermon which contained a number of Bible verses quoted and was denominationally certified as 'biblical.'
The writer of Hebrews reflected on an eternal redemption that came through the blood of Jesus. God's Spirit speaks to our (new) hearts with reassurance and inwardly appeals for us to trust in what Jesus did through a finished work while avoiding the religious trap to include the 'fruit of our labor' as added insurance. It was known as the ministry of "thou shall and thou shall not." It lands people onto a dead-end street.
Imagine never having to worry about whether you are doing enough to satisfy God or whether He will cut you off. Imagine God's desires becoming your own and your heart desiring to express them. You can stop imagining.
"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28). Yeah. He's that good. Trust Him. He is truth. He is the guarantee of an eternal covenant.
Even the works that religion is so zealous to emphasize is by grace through faith and not of ourselves. We boast in nothing. What we do (or avoid) is not meant to be 'spiritual exercise' to strengthen or secure our position with God. Doing good works will not wipe out the struggle with condemnation. It will not make faith perfect. This is the job of Jesus and it's finished. It will not be the proof that faith is alive. Grace, faith, and works are not synonymous.
Walking by faith is not a "look at me" proposition. With that said, works can become an important part of our lives in Christ. God desires for us to focus on Jesus and the Spirit who lives within. He is our life and certainly wants to flow through us. The fruit of the Spirit is not a to-do list or a program for gradual self-improvement ... and it's not even our fruit. He is the vine who produces the fruit, we are branches humbly allowed to bear it. It's an exciting path. But it does not determine who God has made us to be as children who have been ensured and guaranteed with an eternal inheritance.
