Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Body of Christ

    The Body of Christ and our relation to it is compared to a mystery ( Eph. 5:32). Sacrifice and devotion to someone else that has become part of ourselves with a marriage is somewhat of a similarity to our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Probably the most apt analogy is that when we are busy in fellowship with one another that we forget the importance of our own needs and they really don't seem that vital anymore. It should be noted however that within the fellowship of the saints there is the best means to find answers through the wisdom of the Spirit and other gifts working in the saints. What is best for us could also be described as similar to that of a parent to a child in such surroundings; people that are tightly knit look out for one another and are able to help us to keep boundaries and hopefully accountability in our lives. This; of course is a two way street; we shouldn't expect a hypocritical standard where the leadership can live in open rebellion while expecting everyone else to have a legalistic standard. Numbers 32:23 indicates that our "sins shall find us out."

    Trust of course is an important element whether in human relationships or those in fellowship corporately. Much has been said of tactfulness and sensitivity; and for those who are open to rebuke and have a "broken and contrite spirit" ( Psalm 51) that surely is effective. When it comes to more difficult people or situations then there needs to be a track record which the saints can trust leadership to handle things effectively. That is also similar to the vows and marriage covenant in that there is accountability and standards agreed to which has something to do with our doctrinal statement of faith; but is directly tied into our commitment to Christ. That is obviously beyond just a verbal assent to believe in Christ; but when we become church members such vows normally are made with consequences spelled out for rebellious action.
  • Ryan W - In Reply - 1 year ago
    For the most part, this is well said. You are almost there with the first thing you said, that we being members being compared to a mystery.

    The Body of Christ is THE mystery Eph 3:1-9! It is not just an illustration. It is also a spiritual truth and spiritual doctrine. Remember 1 Cor 12:13
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hi Richard.

    You've said a mouth full, especially when you said;

    Quoting you;

    A-.. "people that are tightly knit look out for one another and are able to help us to keep boundaries and hopefully accountability in our lives.

    I believe when we are tightly knit together we should be consider Galatians 6:1-4. when we have this brother that seems to be out of line in conduct.

    ( If we love him we would help him! )

    "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, RESTORE SUCH AN ONE IN THE SPIRIT OF MEEKNESS; CONSIDERING THYSELF, LEST THOU ALSO BE TEMPTED.

    Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

    For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

    But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."

    Continuing Quoting you;

    B-.. This; of course is a two way street; we shouldn't expect a hypocritical standard where the leadership can live in open rebellion while expecting everyone else to have a legalistic standard."

    This is where Galatians 6:1 says "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." comes into effect.

    Today we prefer not restore or help someone, or maybe there is no fault to be found.

    We shun that person without any attempt to reason.

    These differences and confusion may be found in

    1 Corinthians 12:13-23

    It's the Spirit that harmonize us without partiality or hypocrisy.

    This is where fleshly discernment has its flaws in partiality and hypocrisy.

    The Spirit of truth should harmonize both parties and we trust and submit to that.

    There's a side to truth that isn't pleasant in a culture where we rather lie and present ourselves as pleasant. Because a rebuke is not often taken well, and even when done meekly it's not cultural so it is deemed as unpleasant.

    If a "BROTHERN" needs help you help him, you don't shun him.

    This is why we examine ourselves.

    God bless.



This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.

Note: Comment threads older than a month are automatically locked.
 

Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Please Sign In or Register to post comments...