The time for following Jesus is now. Those who have accepted him should turn from their former idols and not be a stumbling block for those who are young in the faith or don't know God. In verses 3-10 Paul gives a roll call on what Christian character is, how we should express Jesus in every aspect of our life from the significant things to the minor.
The highlight of this chapter was Paul's empathise on holiness. He uses Isaiah 52:11 to back up the reality that as sanctified people we should be seperate. In the context of this Book he was referring to the idiocy of having fellowship with false teachers. We should seperate ourselves from false religion such as legalistic and progressive teaching etc. As far as I know Paul was warning the Church agains't those who encouraged two types of false teaching; legalism and syncretism. This has always been relevant throughout Church history as Gnosticism was quite popular during the first 3 centuries of the early church. Today's most widespread heresies I believe is the prosperity gospel (material rewards) and progressive theology (Jesus loves the sinner, hates the sin. God is love love love etc). The biggest defence again't heresy is the study of theology. John 14:15 "if you love Me, you will keep My commandments". I do also think this has certain relevance to my life rn as I happen to spend most of my time in Cheil with carnal people. I don't think I'm leading them as well as I should be, often finding myself being a stumbling block (hence why I stopped bringing durries to Church since Daniel requests on the hourly). It's frustrating, a retarded dropkick like myself is supposed to represent Christ to carnal people???? I can't fight these battles by myself and should labour with my christian brethren. Of course theology is immeasurably important but I want to also keep myself accountable through other people, mature Christians. I should reach out to them more and stop being insecure.
My bible reading has been slacking a bit, sorry Matt and Jayne...and God. Tafe commitments have been taking priority and my conscience isn't clean as I find myself most likely to rebel when I don't read scripture. However Thursday night I was convicted and decided to recommit myself to pick up scripture before I start academics. God has been very good to me today, as he always is. Today I receive news that my Physics assessment has been extended a week forward. Thank you God, even though I don't deserve this blessing I can now reflect and indulge in scripture without have background stress and distractions. Thank you thank you thank you.
Prayer/response:
- Reach out for spiritual support from mature Christians
- Help Gloria, let her not feel too burdened by personal missional responsibility and rely on you. Same goes for entire vision team
- Keep myself and other Christians accountable to trust in God and look after Cheil while vision team is overseas
- May Cape Town be ready to receive you
- Help Kev wang to grow much more in love with you and your people. Thank you for saving him
- Lead Andrews heart and mind to lead well in lifegroup
- Thank you Jesus for the blessings, big and small. Amen
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