Those who have attended our Tuesday morning Bible study in recent months have been partaking in a unique project. I’m reading aloud each of the epistles of Paul from start to finish, without additional comment until the reading is concluded. This approach has developed a great appreciation for the fullness of the arguments contained in each letter. Paul’s flow of thought really comes through when you hear the letter read much as those in the first-century churches would have heard it when it was originally written.
In fact, one of the “benefits” of this style of public reading and study has been the way in which the questions asked by the apostle are, in turn, being asked of us! Which is the actual fact of the matter when it comes to God’s Word, but we often do not take the time to acknowledge that. In any event, the reasonings and inquiries of Paul have taken on a great significance during these midweek mornings, and I am grateful.
While going through Galatians a couple of weeks ago, the Paul’s forthrightness became very much an issue as he challenged those early believers. The query that he put to their hearts is a question that still needs to be considered by many who claim to be disciples of Jesus. He asked,
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? (Galatians 4:9)
This column is does not provide the space for a detailed exposition of the Galatian letter and all that is related to this question. However, I do think it is important to at least consider the heart of what Paul is asking, that is, “How can a Christian turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world?”
Please do not summarily dismiss my words at this point and look for the cartoon on the back page! This is a legitimate question that plagues many, and it is NOT based in the negative. In fact, a right consideration of this question may lead to many benefits that include keeping “oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). Most of us appreciate being kept away from that which stains.
Not only so, but a conscious decision to avoid living according to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world is also a choice that leads to a focus on what is ultimately long-lasting! How can I say that? Well the Apostle John wrote,
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
So the things of this world are passing away, but the things of God will always abide. Given the choice between the two, it ought to be pretty easy for a genuine child of God to choose the eternal over the temporary.
But, of course, there are some negative considerations in this equation as well. Obviously, if a person chooses the world over the things of God, they will be stained and on the side of that which is temporary at best. Not only so, but the fact is that professing disciple will also be changed in ways that are displeasing to God. “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This is illustrated in the physical world quite easily. If a cube of lead is placed on a cube of gold, the two metals slowly but inevitably begin to penetrate each other. In the same manner we tend to acquire the spirit, share the opinions, and partake of the qualities of our intimate associates. And though we may believe that our gold will enrich their lead, the opposite is a far more accurate picture—their lead will devalue our gold and make it impure. That is why the psalmist said, Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God (Psalm 119:115).
Please note that I am not talking about a total withdrawal from society or a “shunning” of non-Christians. Never that! As Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, …you would need to go out of the world (1 Corinthians 5:10). This is not a call to leave the planet! However, it is a caution that we are not to allow the ideas, goals, thought patterns, etc. of this world system become our own. Whether it be our consideration regarding what is ultimately important, or the division of our time and energies, the wise Christian recognizes the truth that he must be different from the folks and forces around him. Or, as James wrote,
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).
This takes caution and preparation. It takes having our minds renewed by God’s Word through the power of His Spirit. Proverbs 14:15-16 reminds us, The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. The bold print is used to make sure that we understand that this proper separation from the world is not a de facto state for believers. It takes work. But the results are important enough to be well worth the sacrifice of preparation and planning.
A group of young people had accepted an invitation to explore a coal mine. One of the girls was wearing a white dress. A friend urged her to borrow some clothes and change before going into the mine. The young lady thought her friend’s warning was nothing but interference, so she turned to the guide who was to lead their tour and asked, “Can’t I wear a white dress to go into the mine? ”
“Yes, ma’am,” was his reply. “There’s nothing to keep you from wearing a white dress down into the mine, but there’ll be plenty to keep you from wearing one back.”
And so it is when the child of God seeks to make unprepared forays into the systems of this world. May we be wise enough to take God at His Word, and stay apart from those thoughts, ideas, attitudes and activities that would raise themselves up against the knowledge of God.
Posted on July 1st, 2008 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen