Reading: Lesson 7 - Exploring Further (Video Slides)

By Edwin D. Roels

1. Since we are saved by grace and not by our works, what difference does it make how we live?

There are several things that are important to remember in this regard. (a) If we are truly saved, we will want to live in a way that honors and glorifies our Savior. If we are careless about the way we live, we clearly demonstrate that Christ does not really live within us. And if Christ does not live within us, we are not truly saved. (b) God has saved us not only for our own benefit but also so that we may live for his glory and be a blessing to others. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God has prepared good works for us to do, and in gratitude, humility, and thankfulness we will sincerely want to do these works. (c) If we are not living in a way that honors God and blesses others, our lives will have a negative impact rather than a positive one. (d) There will be a judgment day in which God will call us to give an account for all that we have done. Those who have sincerely sought to please him will be richly rewarded for the things they have done in the name and in the power of the Lord. Those who have not honored and served the Lord will find that their works were totally worthless. (Read Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Matthew 12:36; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Peter 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 13:16; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.)

2. If we do not give up everything for Jesus (Mark 8:34-35), does that mean we are not really Christians?

Not necessarily. In some places, Christians do give up everything or almost everything for the sake of Jesus because they live in an area where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Other believers live in areas and under circumstances where the practice of their faith actually results in greater material benefits. People trust them to be honest, hard-working, dependable, and competent and reward them for their integrity. These believers seem to give up very little for the sake of Jesus. Are these people less honorable, less faithful, and less Christian than other believers whose lives are so very difficult?

The key to answering this question would seem to be the willingness of people to give up anything and everything that would stand in the way of living as a believer who honors Christ in everything. All believers should evaluate their lives to make sure that they are using all their gifts and abilities and possessions in the service of Christ without focusing too much on material things or personal benefits. We should all be careful not to judge others too quickly without knowing their hearts and motives. Having riches is not wrong for a Christian, but the “love of money” is clearly a source of many evils in our world. See 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:33; Philippians 3:8; Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 2:5.

3. If others cannot see in our daily walk that we are truly followers of Christ, does that mean that we probably are not true Christians—no matter what we say or believe?

In most situations a true believer will demonstrate his faith by his life. If he doesn’t, there is probably something wrong in his life. There may be times, of course, when believers are very careful about what they say and do since they know others are watching them in order to find grounds for punishing them or persecuting them. These believers do not deny their faith or live a careless or thoughtless life. They simply do not have the freedom that Christians in other lands have to speak about Jesus or the Bible or their faith.

All believers should also remember, however, that there may be some people who are looking at them to see whether their Christian faith really does make a meaningful difference in their lives. If it doesn’t, the non-believers who are watching them may not want to have anything to do with Christianity. However, if believers quietly and consistently demonstrate love, genuine concern for others, patience, holiness, thoughtfulness, consistency, and other positive virtues, people who are carefully watching them may well want to learn more about their faith and the God they worship. We should never be ashamed of our faith, but we should also be wise as we seek to live out our faith in a way that most honors and pleases God and also blesses others. Read the following passages from the New Testament: Luke 9:23-26; Mark 8:38; Matthew 28:19-20; John 15:27; Acts 1:8; 5:20; 22:15; Titus 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 4:16.

4. What does Paul teach about Christian love in 1 Corinthians 13?

Though the Bible discusses Christian love in various places, 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most important passages in the entire Bible on this subject. You can learn much from this chapter by reading it, memorizing it, and meditating on the following questions: (1) Do most Christians exhibit the kind of love described in this chapter? (2) How does a person acquire this kind of love? Is this something we have to work at or do we simply pray and ask God for it? (3) Can we learn from others how to acquire and exhibit Christian love? (4) What should we do if we are members of a church which is definitely not known for its Christian love?  (5) Should Christians show the kind of love discussed in this chapter only to other Christians, or should they show love also to those who are not Christians and may even hate or oppress them?

5. What is meant by “worldliness”? Is it possible to be a “worldly Christian”?

Worldliness can be described as thinking and living according to the standards, goals and desires of people who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior. If that description is correct, then it really is not possible to be a “worldly Christian.” It is regrettably true, however, that some believers seem to live as close to the world as they can without losing their faith. And most believers seem to be tempted at least once in a while to enjoy worldly pleasures instead of doing what is most pleasing to God and most beneficial for their personal and spiritual lives. Sincere Christians should always seek to live as close to Christ as they can, learning and doing what is most pleasing to him and seeking to honor him in all the choices they make. Read the following passages which teach us important things about worldliness. Matthew 16:26; Luke 21:34; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:2; Titus 2:12; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 2:2.

Though believers should not be worldly in a negative sense, Christians should definitely be concerned about demonstrating the Lordship of Jesus in every area of their lives. They should not focus only on so-called “spiritual things,” but they should also seek to show the importance of their Christian faith in the world of business, government, work, recreation, leisure, industry, the arts and every other area of human activity. The Bible speaks of “the world” in two very different senses. (1) Positively, sometimes “the world” means God’s beloved earth. (2) Negatively, sometimes “the world” means anti-God culture and society dominated by non-Christian powers. Christians should seek to claim for Christ every element of the world (understood positively as various aspects of life on God’s beloved earth) without being contaminated by the world (understood negatively as anti-God culture expressed in those practices and activities that dishonor the One who is truly Lord of All.)

6. Will the Lord continue to forgive us even if we commit the same sins over and over again?

Thankfully, YES! God’s mercy and grace are far greater than our failures and sins (Psalm 103:2-3, 8-14, 17; Micah 7:18-19; Isaiah 1:18; Ephesians1:7; Matthew 6:14; 1 John 1:9). However, we should never take our sins lightly or think that it doesn’t matter very much whether we keep sinning or not. God is grieved by our sins (Ephesians 4:30; Genesis 6:6; Isaiah 63:10), and our sins also diminish the effectiveness of our witness and reduce the joy of our salvation. If there are certain sins or weaknesses that continually gain a victory over us, we should not only pray earnestly to the Lord for deliverance, but we should also seek the help of mature Christians to help us gain a victory over them. Many believers find that it is very helpful to have one or more mature Christians to whom they are regularly accountable for how they are living—particularly in those areas where they are spiritually and morally weak.

7. What does 1 Peter 3:8-9 teach us about living a Christian life?

Peter urges us to live in harmony with other believers and to love them as brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be sensitive to the needs of others, and compassionate and humble as we deal with them. We should also be careful not to repay evil for evil but to bless those who curse us or insult us or treat us unkindly. Living as God wants us to live will not only bring a blessing to others but will also result in blessing for ourselves.

It is certainly easier to write these things, however, than to practice them. Peter, at one stage in his life, didn’t follow these teachings himself. When he was in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before Jesus went to the cross, Peter impetuously took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the men who had come to arrest Jesus. (And he may have tried to do more than just cut off his ear!) All of us have to make a very special effort to be patient and compassionate and humble as we deal with others. Peter wisely points to Jesus rather than himself when looking for a good example. In 1 Peter 2:20-23 we read: If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. . . .When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. In 1 Peter 2:12 he wrote: Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

8. What are some of the things the Bible teaches about money and possessions?

God knows that we all need certain things—such as food, water, clothing and shelter—in order to live a normal life (Matthew 6:31-32). In his kindness, he provides rain from heaven, crops in their season, food, water and many other things to fill our hearts with joy (Acts 14:17). In addition, God often makes it possible for some people to acquire possessions far beyond what they need for daily living. Already in the Old Testament, for example, many of God’s faithful followers were blessed with great wealth: Abraham (Genesis 13:2), Isaac (Genesis 26:13-14), Jacob (Genesis 30:43), Job (Job 1:3), David (1 Chronicles 29:28), and Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:15). The problem is not having great possessions but how we look upon them and how we use them. Some people feel that their personal worth is determined by the money or possessions they have. Others begin to take their blessings for granted. They may feel that they deserve their wealth because of their personal skills or all the hard work they have done. Still others feel that they may spend their money as they please (unless it clearly and directly violates one of God’s explicit commands).

The Bible therefore clearly and frequently warns against the dangers of putting too much emphasis on material possessions. It also warns against greed, covetousness, selfishness, and pride. See the texts in the Lesson (Luke 12:15; Psalm 62:10; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:10; Luke 16:14; Matthew 19:23; and Matthew 6:31-33). See also such passages as Deuteronomy 8:10-14 and 8:17-18; Mark 4:19; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Psalm 39:6; Psalm 52:7; Luke 12:19-20; James 4:17; and many others.

The Bible teaches us that ALL things ultimately belong to God and that we are simply temporary stewards of the possessions we have. In Old Testament times, God’s people were commanded to give at least one-tenth of all their possessions to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21; Malachi 3:10) and often were required to give more. In the New Testament believers are not explicitly commanded to give one tenth of their earnings to the Lord, but they are clearly taught that they should give generously, thoughtfully, and freely. Believers may certainly enjoy the blessings God gives them, but they should also recognize that everything they have comes from the Lord and is to be used in ways that most please and honor him and which also bless others in his name. When people give generously and freely and joyfully to others (especially to fellow believers, Galatians 6:10), not only are others blessed, but God is also glorified. See such passages as 2 Corinthians 8:1-23 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Since our spiritual blessings are much greater after the coming of Christ than they were in Old Testament times, our giving should also be greater (when possible). According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, God loves a cheerful giver. Believers, therefore, should be known for their generous, joyful, thoughtful giving and should never be satisfied with giving as little as they can. Among passages to be read and studied in this connection are the following: Leviticus 25:35; Proverbs 3:9; 11:25; 21:13; 28:27; Deuteronomy 15:4, 7; 16:17; 1 Chronicles 29:9; Isaiah 58:10; Matthew 5:42; Matthew 6:3; Luke 6:38; Luke 12:23; Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 4:2; and 1 Peter 4:10.

9. Why should we witness to others about our faith? What should we do in situations where friends or family members absolutely do not want to hear about Jesus?

We should witness to others about our faith because Jesus wants us to and even commands us to do so (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8; Acts 22:15; Titus 2:15; Romans 10:14). However, we should also witness because we want to. If we do not have a desire to share our faith with others, that may indicate (1) that we do not highly value our faith or (2) that we believe others do not need to hear about Jesus or (3) that we believe our testimony will have little or no positive results, or (4) that we are afraid of the reactions of those with whom we share our faith. None of these four possibilities should keep us from witnessing to others, though there may be specific times or situations when it is not wise or desirable to talk to others about Jesus. For example, a new convert should be wise in choosing the best time and situation in which to witness to family members, friends, or others who might be shocked, grieved or angry when they learn that a trusted friend or loved one has left the cherished faith of the family. Jesus told his followers not to throw their “pearls before pigs” lest “they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:6).

When faced with uncertainty about the best time and way to witness to someone else about Jesus, it is important to pray earnestly that God will open up the right opportunity for us to share our faith when our testimony is most likely to have a positive rather than a negative impact. When giving our testimony, we should also be very careful not to unnecessarily say negative things about other faiths or about persons who hold those faiths. Rather, humbly but clearly we should testify about the things which God has done for us and the joy we have found in loving and serving him. We should, of course, also always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). But, as Peter writes, we should do this with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3: 15-16).

10. How would you respond to someone who believes that Christianity takes all the fun and joy out of life?

Sometimes becoming a Christian does involve giving up some things people formerly enjoyed. They must give up things that are sinful and against God’s will. Also, they might miss some of the “good times” they had with friends before they were converted. (The reference here is to genuinely good times which a person gave up because he or she no longer wanted to be identified with a certain group of people.) Some may lose good jobs because their conscience no longer permits them to do some of the things they were required to do in their work situations. Others might lose the loving relationship which they used to have with their families and friends. Still others might spend more time in studying the Bible, helping others, and pursuing other good things related to their new faith and therefore don’t have the time they used to have to pursue some of the fun things they enjoyed doing.

However, those who have genuinely experienced the love and grace of God in new and wonderful ways will be able to testify that what they have given up does not begin to compare with the things they have gained. They have found genuine joy, inner peace, and contentment in the present and hope for the future which they never had before. Because they have been born anew by the Holy Spirit and have been washed clean in the blood of Christ, they are new persons who have something more wonderful and more valuable than anything they have given up. In New Testament times, some believers were persecuted because of their faith but counted it a privilege to suffer for the One who gave his life for their salvation. The apostle Paul considered all the “valuable” things of his previous life to be “rubbish” compared with the new life he found in Jesus (Philippians 3:8). When people truly find new joy and peace in serving Christ, others will soon notice that, so it should not be too difficult for them to demonstrate (even without many words) that their new life provides far more genuine joy and delight than anything they experienced in their life without Christ.

It is also important, however, for believers to be honest and realistic in their testimonies. Jesus urged people to count the cost of following him. Paul clearly suffered much more after he became a Christian than he did before he became a Christian, and he definitely did not minimize the hardships or difficulties he experienced (2 Corinthians 11:16-29). However, anyone who knew Paul knew that his new life, in spite of these hardships, was definitely a grateful life of joy, peace, thanksgiving, and praise (Philippians 4:8-9, 11-13; see also Acts 5:41; Hebrews 10:34; and1 Peter 1:8).