WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DOING THINGS GOD’S WAY
CURRENT MOVEMENTS: “Doing things ‘GOD’S WAY’”
Importance of doing things God’s way
Submission to the authority of Scripture:
“The Bible is our final authority for faith and practice.”
2 Tim. 3:16-17
Day of tolerance: “If it works for you, it’s none of my business.”
Some truth to that.
Danger of that:
There IS a final authority! God HAS spoken!
Some things the Bible clearly teaches about God’s way:
Salvation by faith alone
Walk by faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit
–NOT by rules, by a list of “do’s” and “don’ts”
Surrender our rights for the good of others
Danger of making OUR way of doing things
equal GOD’S way of doing things!
Some places where people have made people’s way equal “God’s way.”
Often contain significant elements of God’s truth–perhaps the majority.
But allow the system to take over the truth contained in it.
Parenting philosophies:
God’s way calls for strict structure.
“Teach your children discipline by feeding on a strict schedule.”
“Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he won’t depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
“Don’t allow your children to interrupt you; they must submit to your schedule.”
“Protect them from consequences of rebellion; don’t allow them to disobey. Then they’ll learn to always obey and respect God and His established authority.”
God’s way is a way of love and grace.
“As a father has compassion on (pitieth)his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Ps. 103:13
“If God deals with us in grace, shouldn’t we imitate His love?”
“Feed your children when they’re hungry.”
“If your children need your attention, give it to them,
even if it interrupts what you’re doing!”
“God invites us to call on Him whenever we need Him!”
“God allows His children to disobey, so He can teach us lessons about the consequences of sin, His love and forgiveness.”
My point here isn’t to criticize either of these philosophies.
Which of these two views is true?
The fact of the matter is both of these perspectives is valid from a biblical point of view.
God’s parenting style combines love and discipline.
There’s some room for both in the way God deals with us!
But to make either of these into “God’s way” exalts whatever philosophy I happen to buy into!
My choice becomes “God’s way!”
Another parenting issue:
“God’s way is to have children every two years!”
They wanted to put US on a schedule.
“God’s way is to breast feed your baby!”
“God’s way is not to use any contraceptive methods!”
Outside parenting: “God’s way is . . .
. . .To sing traditional hymns out of the hymn book and never use certain kinds of chords or rhythms.
. . . Not to wear make up.
. . . Not to drink.
. . . Women never wear pants to church.
. . . Never borrow money.
HOW CAN WE KEEP A BALANCE?
Be careful to distinguish between what God has said and MY/OUR ideas.
“Where stands it written?”
My interpretation of Scripture.
My idea of how things should be done.
Our culture’s idea of how things should be done (Evangelical culture).
1 CORINTHIANS 8-10 (Rom. 14-15)
Basic principle: The danger of thinking we have the last word 8:1-3
The problem at Corinth:
The church that had everything, except love.
They’re criticizing each other about eating meat previously offered to idols.
Those not able to eat based their arguments on law:
God’s way is not to be part of the world system.
By eating meat offered to idols, we identify with the system.
When we do that, we are acting like pagan idolaters.
If we do this, we’re being carnal and worldly.
Those able to eat had good arguments, based on our liberty in Christ.
There are no other gods, therefore, eating meat offered to something that doesn’t exist can’t hurt us.
God has cleansed the old, unclean meats.
God’s way is opposed to legalism and immaturity, and to enjoy our freedom in Christ.
Stop being legalistic and immature. Enjoy your liberty.
The Issue Defined
Things the Bible clearly says are wrong. Don’t do them!
Prov. 6:16-19; Col. 3:5-9; Gal. 5:19-21
Things the Bible clearly says are right. Do them!
Gal. 5:22-23; 1 John. 1:6-7; 1 John. 4:9-11; Phil. 4:8
Things the Bible clearly says make no difference to God.
1 Cor. 8-10; Rom. 14-15
Things the Bible does not clearly define.
It says nothing about some issues.
These are the issues that we use our own criteria to affirm “God’s way.”
Principle Explained 8:1-13
Five Foundational Principles
1) Determine which biblical category the issue belongs to.
2) Love supersedes knowledge. 8:1-3
3) In Christ we have liberty. 8:4-6
4) We shouldn't use liberty in such a way that we cause others to fall. 8:7-12
5) We should surrender our liberty for the benefit of others. 8:13
BASIC PRINCIPLE: LOVE SUPERSEDES LIBERTY (KNOWLEDGE).
Principle Illustrated 9:1-27
Paul surrenders his rights for the benefit of others.
Privileges as an apostle 9:1-14
As an apostle, Paul was entitled to certain rights:
To eat and drink as he wants.
To take a wife along with him.
To be supported financially by the churches.
Surrender of privileges 9:15-23
Paul gave up his rights. 15-18
Paul made himself a slave to everyone. 19-23
Determination not to offend 9:24-27
Paul disciplined himself so he might win the prize.
He who wants to win the race has to pay the price!
We accept certain standards for ourselves, without imposing those standards on others, so that we can serve them effectively.
Three Alternatives:
1) Don’t enter the race
2) Enter the race; don’t pay the price. => Lose the race.
3) Enter the race; pay the price. => It will cost you plenty. You win!