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Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-2
This passage has been a challenge to many in the church – including myself. Jesus seems to begin with an emphatic statement, only to follow it with a process for doing the very thing He said not to do (vv. 3-5, and our subject for next time). Many have harmed themselves (and the church) by misinterpreting Matthew 7:1 to mean that we are prohibited from identifying the sin in our sister or brother and helping them remove it.
Serious students of the Bible learn that singular verses must be interpreted in the full counsel of Scripture. A more careful reading of this and related passages reveals that Christians are responsible – and obligated by love – to actively weed out sin in our sisters and brothers, and in the church (Ezekiel 3:16-21, Matthew 18:15-17, 1Corinthians 5:1-5, Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20).
There is a second important thing not being said in this passage (but assumed by many). This passage is not saying – it cannot be saying – that we will not be judged. In the end, many will be surprised to find themselves judged before the White Throne (Revelation 20:11-12), and every Christian will stand before the judgment set of Jesus Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10).
Indeed, we discover in Hebrews 6:1-2 that God’s judgment is eternal (meaning, it has no beginning or end). Read the rest of this entry »
An important reminder: The elementary principles are for the followers of Jesus Christ. They are not for the edification or conviction of non-believers. This is particularly important to keep in mind as we continue to explore the principle of eternal judgment.
In Part 1, we learned two foundational truths about eternal judgment: First, all will be judged, one way or another. Second, while there are two judgment events associated with eternal judgment, eternal judgment is, well, eternal. It has no beginning, nor end.
The Peril of Not Progressing
This is the heading given to Hebrews 6, in the New King James Version. Several other translations title this section “The Peril of Falling Away”. Regardless of your position on Eternal Security (I am intentionally avoiding that debate*), it is clear, from the verses following the elementary principles, that something perilous is at stake.
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection… And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. Hebrew 6:1-6
Like the elementary principles, this warning is for the followers of Jesus Christ. “And this we will do if God permits.” Permission implies judgment. Clearly there is judgment here; and it is not judgment that waits until a future event. Make no mistake about it:
God is judging our response to the elementary principles.
At this point, it might help to remember that there are two types of judgment. There is judgment that includes condemnation; and there is judgment that something doesn’t belong or is missing (e.g., sin and faith, respectively). Here – particular to our progressing – we are dealing with the latter. Read the rest of this entry »
Foundations are important in the kingdom of God; and they are important in the workplace. Christian leaders have been given position and influence in the workplace for God’s kingdom. Therefore, it can be said that foundations are doubly important for Workplace Leaders.
This matter of foundations is a concept of leadership that will help you connect with the Workplace Leaders in your spheres of influence. But first, it is important to speak from what you yourself know, believe and walk out in faith.
To that end, here are three foundational considerations; first for your own organization, and then for the leaders you are discipling.
Strong Foundations Take Time
Therefore thus says the Lord God
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will not act hastily.” Isaiah 38:16
Foundation building should not be done hastily. Progress for progress sake can be disastrous. Don’t start on the superstructure until you are sure the foundation has been laid firmly on the Cornerstone. Inspect the foundation regularly. Read the rest of this entry »
The elementary principles are foundations; and nothing is more foundational to Christianity than faith toward God. Of the six elementary principles, faith toward God is probably the most commonly taught. Consequently, you may be tempted to take a pass on this one.
So, before you decide to do that, let me suggest that foundation inspections are always good. The worse thing that can happen is you find out you have at least one principle covered. On the other hand, there may be something here that connects a couple of dots for you. Or, you may find a new way to explain this principle to those you are discipling. That is my hope and prayer.
The way the writer of Hebrews phrased this principle is interesting to me. Why not “faith in God”? Make no mistake about it, the Holy Spirit inspired the use of the word “toward”. I suspect this will be key to our gaining a full understanding of the principle. Before we go there, let’s make sure we understand the meaning of “faith”.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
This is one of the richest verses in all of Scripture – the definition of faith. In order to understand it fully, we must consider the words God chose to define and describe faith. As we do so, let’s remember that this principle is elementary. It is easy to understand; it is easy to consume. Read the rest of this entry »
In Part One, we explored the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and our participation with Him in it. We discovered that, without His resurrection, our faith is futile (1Corinthians 15:16-17). Why? Because it is by His life, not His death, that we shall be saved (Romans 5:10).
Furthermore, in Part Two, we learned that our resurrection begins when we are born again, through faith in Jesus’ resurrection.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… 1Peter 1:3
Paul encourages us to press on to the perfection found in the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:8-11); the exchange of our life for that of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Moving on to our conclusion, we consider the words of Watchman Nee: “We thank God that the church has actually experienced this resurrection power.”
This truly begs the question: Have you and I? Read the rest of this entry »
In Part One, we explored the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and our participation with Him in it. We discovered that, without His resurrection, our faith is futile (1Corinthians 15:16-17). Why? Because it is by His life, not His death, that we shall be saved (Romans 5:10).
Our participation in Jesus’ resurrection is an elementary principle; easy to understand and believe for those with ears to hear. However, it is not enough to acknowledge and believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. “Faith without works is dead” applies as much to the resurrection as any other faith we claim. We must live out of that resurrected life.
The Resurrected Life
Jesus’ death would have been worthless without His resurrection. The same is true for His disciples. We died with Him. If we are not also resurrected with Him, then we are just dead. By grace, through faith, this is not the case.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by [the] faith [of] the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
In the particular context of this passage, our participation in the crucifixion of Christ accomplished two very important things: It killed our old man; and positioned us to receive the life of Christ. Read the rest of this entry »
The elementary principles are for building a spiritual foundation for the spiritual man. Read that again. Now consider that Jesus Christ is making disciples and building His church. Being the wise maker and builder that He is, we can assume that He would not make or build anything on a poor foundation.
Lest we get discouraged, let’s look at this from a more positive perspective. These principles are elementary. They are not deeply mysterious. They are easily understood (for a child’s mind) and consumed (as milk). Furthermore, they are the word of God: Alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12); and they will accomplish that for which they are intended (Isaiah 55:11).
Our Father is loving and good. Even though we may be more immature than babes, there is hope for our understanding and belief. We have been given a Teacher.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1Corinthians 2:12
Keep this in mind, as we search out the principle of the resurrection of the dead. Allow the Holy Spirit to demonstrate Himself and the power of God, in the word of God, in regards to this elementary and foundational truth. Read the rest of this entry »
To the beloved, whom I love in truth: I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers; just as you walk in the truth.
The Lord Jesus Christ is making disciples and building His church. Being the wise maker and builder that He is, foundations are important to Him. He will not make or build on one that is incomplete, weak or broken.
Furthermore, the house that stands in the coming storm is the house that is built on a firm foundation (Luke 6:48). As we participate with Jesus in making and building, it is imperative that we consider the foundation we are attempting to build on. In this edition, I want to encourage you with a particular impression of that reality.
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2
The writer of Hebrews challenged His readers to move on from the elementary principles, calling them “foundation”. Clearly, his assumption was that they understood, believed and were living out of these principles.
Recently, my desire for a house that stands in the storm led me to search out the meaning of each principle. I immediately recognized that there were two or three that I did not understand at all. I had not been instructed in them as a babe in Christ.
I suspect this is the story for many in the Body of Christ. As one who cares about the strength of your house, I must ask you: In light of these elementary principles, how strong is your foundation?
I have also discovered that these principles, though elementary, are also doors into the deeper mysteries of God – the solid food which we are encouraged to begin eating. In fact, it has been difficult to stay in the shallow water of each principle. There is a strong current in the truth of God that draws us ever deeper into His kingdom.
To experience what I mean, check out one of these articles on the elementary principles.
Take your time searching these out. Allow the word of God to find its place of faith in your heart. Ask the Lord to give you opportunity to work out that new found faith; that it would become alive.
NOTE: The remaining elementary principle articles will be posted over the next couple of weeks – as a part of the Foundation series. Check back here for their availability.
Partnering with inLight Consulting
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Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
inLight Adventure 