Realization 1: Because we are both sinner and saint, because there is still a struggle with the flesh even as we live in the Spirit, a bunch of people forming a relationship with each other governed by principles, forming an institution, can use God's truth as a means of self- promotion and self-righteousness. This happens without being aware that it has happened. Revelation 2.4!
Realization 2: The True Truth of the Word of the Lord, because we are always sinner/saint can be used as “capital” for promoting the organization rather than for serving persons with the living water, the Holy Spirit presenting Jesus, by Word and Sacrament, in order that they receive from Him actual holiness as well as imputed righteousness. Freedom from practicing sin as well as freedom from alienation from the Holy Trinity because of sin.
Realization 3: “You can't preach any more Christ than is in you,” I think is an important Spirit-wrought attitude that comes as the Spirit convicts us by Law and moves us by the Love of God. I appreciate the purpose for your use of the concept to rightfully condemn professional preaching when Jesus’s intention for each and all of us isn’t ONLY right belief but right living as well.
I can tell you when I began to review this to answer that question, in my mind were things like “programs” and “modernizing” services, and when rereading it this was the first sentence to strike me…”began in the Spirit but sought to be perfected by the flesh.”
What about my current congregation made that stick out? Me. I could say well so and so does this or that or whatever.
But closer to the truth, just this morning I had some time for self reflection and laughed about how an error (in my mind)was taught in a bible study that was lay led, and then the thought of how many times I had practiced that same error in my personal life. The error. Teaching sanctification as a work apart from justification. My work. Ridding myself of these sins that so easily beset me. Only to fail. Realize that I am a slave to them. The harder I try to be free the tighter my chains have gotten. Sometimes to the point of mind despite. Thankfully driven to the foot of the cross over and over where the gospel does its work. Creates faith. A confidence that is able to thank God, Jesus Christ, for forgiving me dispite who and what I am. Those sins do not have any power seen in the light of Gods gospel.
I’m an AA member. Former drunk, drug addict, drug dealer, whore monger porn addict etc etc. quite literally pulled from a life of total depravity. But I didn’t pull myself up by my bootstraps. I was pulled out. It wasn’t my work that pulled me out and it isn’t my work to keep me out. Just like in our step work, it isn’t my job to rid myself of my character defects. Sins. Habitual sins. That is the work of God. As Isaiah says, quit struggling or your chains will get tighter. I am a leopard who cannot change his spots. But God can.
Bringing this back to began in the Spirit but sought to be perfected by the flesh.
Programs can be good. But not as a means to attract new members. A praise band can be good, but not in the worship service. Or as a gimmick to attempt to look and sound like the world to bring in new members. We should never give in to culture as a means to bring in new members. It will always end badly. The last thing we should strive for is to look like or sound like the world.
You want to increase your membership? Have more children. And more importantly teach them by example how to live a life of faith vs a life of birth control career and a mansion with two luxury cars as a priority. Stop telling your sons that being a carpenter plumber or laborer is a bad thing. Etc etc. don’t allow the school and cell phones or tv to raise your children.
began in the Spirit and seek not to be perfected by the flesh.
This is expressed so well. You articulated important, essential realizations for our era.
Thank you. I am curious: what realization stood out the most?
Realization 1: Because we are both sinner and saint, because there is still a struggle with the flesh even as we live in the Spirit, a bunch of people forming a relationship with each other governed by principles, forming an institution, can use God's truth as a means of self- promotion and self-righteousness. This happens without being aware that it has happened. Revelation 2.4!
Realization 2: The True Truth of the Word of the Lord, because we are always sinner/saint can be used as “capital” for promoting the organization rather than for serving persons with the living water, the Holy Spirit presenting Jesus, by Word and Sacrament, in order that they receive from Him actual holiness as well as imputed righteousness. Freedom from practicing sin as well as freedom from alienation from the Holy Trinity because of sin.
Realization 3: “You can't preach any more Christ than is in you,” I think is an important Spirit-wrought attitude that comes as the Spirit convicts us by Law and moves us by the Love of God. I appreciate the purpose for your use of the concept to rightfully condemn professional preaching when Jesus’s intention for each and all of us isn’t ONLY right belief but right living as well.
I hope this is helpful.
I can tell you when I began to review this to answer that question, in my mind were things like “programs” and “modernizing” services, and when rereading it this was the first sentence to strike me…”began in the Spirit but sought to be perfected by the flesh.”
What about my current congregation made that stick out? Me. I could say well so and so does this or that or whatever.
But closer to the truth, just this morning I had some time for self reflection and laughed about how an error (in my mind)was taught in a bible study that was lay led, and then the thought of how many times I had practiced that same error in my personal life. The error. Teaching sanctification as a work apart from justification. My work. Ridding myself of these sins that so easily beset me. Only to fail. Realize that I am a slave to them. The harder I try to be free the tighter my chains have gotten. Sometimes to the point of mind despite. Thankfully driven to the foot of the cross over and over where the gospel does its work. Creates faith. A confidence that is able to thank God, Jesus Christ, for forgiving me dispite who and what I am. Those sins do not have any power seen in the light of Gods gospel.
I’m an AA member. Former drunk, drug addict, drug dealer, whore monger porn addict etc etc. quite literally pulled from a life of total depravity. But I didn’t pull myself up by my bootstraps. I was pulled out. It wasn’t my work that pulled me out and it isn’t my work to keep me out. Just like in our step work, it isn’t my job to rid myself of my character defects. Sins. Habitual sins. That is the work of God. As Isaiah says, quit struggling or your chains will get tighter. I am a leopard who cannot change his spots. But God can.
Bringing this back to began in the Spirit but sought to be perfected by the flesh.
Programs can be good. But not as a means to attract new members. A praise band can be good, but not in the worship service. Or as a gimmick to attempt to look and sound like the world to bring in new members. We should never give in to culture as a means to bring in new members. It will always end badly. The last thing we should strive for is to look like or sound like the world.
You want to increase your membership? Have more children. And more importantly teach them by example how to live a life of faith vs a life of birth control career and a mansion with two luxury cars as a priority. Stop telling your sons that being a carpenter plumber or laborer is a bad thing. Etc etc. don’t allow the school and cell phones or tv to raise your children.
began in the Spirit and seek not to be perfected by the flesh.