The name 'Christ' refers to the Messiah. He was the risen one! Christ rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God. In the corporate world, this would be equivalent to the 'top of the ladder' and the 'cornerstone office with a view'. Seated in his elevated position he is the head of the body of believers to which we belong. We have awesome rights because of his position and he didn't get there by clawing his way up, quite the contrary. He did it God's way.
The Greek word for 'lowliness' is tapeinophrosune. It is used 7 times in the NewTestament. In Colossians there are a couple of uses that are very interesting:
Colossans 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen , vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
'Will worship' comes from man when man decides that he can go far beyond what God expects and focuses on his own self-righteousness as a result. It is ultimately the source of man-made religions. It negates grace and refocuses on the works of man.
Our worship should come from a heart for God and respect for His son. We worship God by that which is spiritually true. We have his Word and we have holy spirit. We are completely outfitted for all that we need to do.
In Ephesians 4:3, 'lowliness' is the first and foremost step in keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. It' is really a humbleness of mind that is built on the integrity and accuracy of God's Word. Nothing worthwhile happens without it.
Even in a worldly corporation where everyone is not jockeying for place but focused on doing their own part, the result is an organization that excels and exceeds expectations. Everyone is honored. Even more so in the body of Christ, accomplishing God's business is beyond expectations because of God's wonderful power. Everyone gets a great corner window view cause we're seated in the heavenlies with the Head.
In Ephesians 4:3, 'lowliness' is the first and foremost step in keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. It' is really a humbleness of mind that is built on the integrity and accuracy of God's Word. Nothing worthwhile happens without it.
Even in a worldly corporation where everyone is not jockeying for place but focused on doing their own part, the result is an organization that excels and exceeds expectations. Everyone is honored. Even more so in the body of Christ, accomplishing God's business is beyond expectations because of God's wonderful power. Everyone gets a great corner window view cause we're seated in the heavenlies with the Head.
I enjoyed your reaserch, And as always there is wisdom in the word of God. The part specially touched my heart is the last part, where it says to focus on your part at work since everybody seems to be so nosy in others peoples business, and disire to have your part in the job. We dare to be different and shine as lights in this dark and crooked world. We strive to show that wonderful body of Christ where each one of us is unique and honored. "
ReplyDeleteLove that dare to be different!
DeleteI John 1:5-7 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
ReplyDeleteSometimes there is friction between believers, the key is light because it is God who makes the unity. and it's based on truth. A personality conflict is where two people can't get along because they both walk in darkness. When one of the people is in darkness and the other is in light then the problem then is not to have fellowship with the works of darkness, you speak the truth in love and move on. If both are in the light it is easily resolved. It is really very simple. Believers should function together in a beautiful harmonious relationship that augments and is fruitful for every good work.
Excellent - I love it when you speak/teach God's Word. The visuals are all ways so clear.
ReplyDelete