We are each responsible...
Illustration
Object:
We are each responsible for building on the foundation in Christ. Is the pastor the one who should lay that foundation for all the people to build on? All the people are still required to build carefully on that foundation. All the pastor can do is show the people where Christ has laid that foundation. In this confusing age that may not be easy. There are too many foundations and some look more promising and filled with greater financial rewards! Everyone needs guidance! Don't just look in yourself but be open to the guidance of God's Spirit.
It is hard to think of ourselves as a temple where God's Spirit lives. We must always refer to the foundation, which is Christ. And then we must make sure God's Spirit is living in us. Sometimes we need the advice of our pastor and Christian brothers and sisters to know if we are right.
It looks like we have much protection. If anyone tries to hurt us, they will suffer grave consequences. With that kind of responsibility, we want to make sure we are on that solid foundation and have used the right construction materials! We don't want our family or loved ones to pay a price if we have messed up!
As a former police chaplain, I know of some who faced execution who came to know the Lord and were converted at the last minute (genuinely!). That makes them a temple of the Lord, and how dare we destroy them! How can one Christian kill another, even in war?
If we are to teach and be an example to others, then we must make sure the message we give is sound doctrine! In other words, the moment you realize that Christ is in you, be careful that you wait until you have received his full message -- which you will get from the Bible and from other Christians who have studied longer. You can't do that without having a strong attachment to your church and using every opportunity it offers to grow in your faith. Even if you are on the right foundation, you must make sure you are getting the right training. That is not always easy! You will need both spiritual and human assistance.
If a farmer plants a tree and never waters it or trims it, or what if he does not cultivate the ground or allows weeds to spring up? It is not enough to just plant the seed of the gospel! In other words, after we have laid the foundation in our life it takes constant attention so that it grows in the right direction. Don't be deceived! Test everything in God's word by his apostles! It means we must always be on our toes and not just think that once we are baptized and have joined a church that we have completed our task.
It is hard to think of ourselves as a temple where God's Spirit lives. We must always refer to the foundation, which is Christ. And then we must make sure God's Spirit is living in us. Sometimes we need the advice of our pastor and Christian brothers and sisters to know if we are right.
It looks like we have much protection. If anyone tries to hurt us, they will suffer grave consequences. With that kind of responsibility, we want to make sure we are on that solid foundation and have used the right construction materials! We don't want our family or loved ones to pay a price if we have messed up!
As a former police chaplain, I know of some who faced execution who came to know the Lord and were converted at the last minute (genuinely!). That makes them a temple of the Lord, and how dare we destroy them! How can one Christian kill another, even in war?
If we are to teach and be an example to others, then we must make sure the message we give is sound doctrine! In other words, the moment you realize that Christ is in you, be careful that you wait until you have received his full message -- which you will get from the Bible and from other Christians who have studied longer. You can't do that without having a strong attachment to your church and using every opportunity it offers to grow in your faith. Even if you are on the right foundation, you must make sure you are getting the right training. That is not always easy! You will need both spiritual and human assistance.
If a farmer plants a tree and never waters it or trims it, or what if he does not cultivate the ground or allows weeds to spring up? It is not enough to just plant the seed of the gospel! In other words, after we have laid the foundation in our life it takes constant attention so that it grows in the right direction. Don't be deceived! Test everything in God's word by his apostles! It means we must always be on our toes and not just think that once we are baptized and have joined a church that we have completed our task.
