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Issue No. 044 September 28, 2007 Honorable conduct of a Christian

#1 · September 27, 2007, 5:16 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on September 27, 2007, 5:16 pm
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

An e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification
and encouragement

Issue No. 044     September 28,
2007

To unsubscribe: send any mail to gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org

In this issue

Perspective: Honorable conduct of a Christian

Study
Note:   The Golden Lamp stand

Outline: Believer's Walk

Anecdote: The name of the Good Samaritan

Worth
Quote: Behaviour

Matters for prayer:    Beracha Bible School.

Perspective

Honourable conduct of a Christian

NTK

We are living in a changing world. This rapid transformation is seen every where, particularly in the life style. The over all behaviour, way of life is fast changing. There are some who not only adopt and enjoy this modern life style but look down upon the past generation or people who follow a traditional life style.

In this background what kind of way of life a believer should follow? Can we just adopt the conduct of others around us? Can we blindly follow the trend and fashions promoted through the media? Certainly there could be areas where such change of life style is necessary and useful. Nevertheless a Christian is exhorted to be careful in adapting to the way of this world.

Writing to the scattered saints, Peter begs them to have a conduct honourable among the gentiles. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts with war against the soul, having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles…" 1 Pet. 2:11, 12. Notice how serious he is in connection with the practical life of Christians in this world.

As Christians we can not just live in any manner. Our behaviour and manner should be of high standard- worthy of the Lord and His high calling. Peter gives five reasons why we must have an honourable conduct.

1.   We are sojourners and pilgrims. V.11. though we live in this world we are not of this world. We are just travellers, on the way to glory. Everywhere, aliens have to live very carefully. Their walk and work is restricted. They can not just behave like all others. Cp.
Phil.3:20; Heb.11:13—16; 13:14.
2.   We are in a battlefield. V.11. "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul". A Christian is constantly in warfare. Evil forces with all the armour and resources are against believers. Yes Satan can not take us from the hands of the Lord.
Jn.10:28. But he can definitely trouble us, make us unproductive and thus defeat us in our spiritual efforts. So Peter says, be careful with your conduct.
3.   We are under observation.
V.12. "when they speak against you as evildoers". There is some one who is always scrutinizing our movements so that they can find fault with us and despise the name of the Lord. When they fail to defeat us, their effort will be to insult us. If we don't conform to their style they abuse us. Never give opportunity to them, that's what Peter exhorts them, rather let them see our good works and habits.

It is a sad truth that many believers life today has become a hindrance. The enemy gets easy excuse to insult Christians as a whole and hate the way of the Lord.
4.   There is a day of visitation.
V.11. Our right and honourable conduct will be rewarded one day. The present consequences of having an honourable behaviour may be loss and shame. But the Lord who takes note of our entire life will not forget the sacrifice we made in leading an excellent Christian life.

5.   God' glory. V.12c. Today as well as in future our right life will bring glory to God. The ultimate incentive for an honourable life style for a Christian is this. Our life should exhibit the manifold attributes of God. His goodness, purity and greatness should be evident in our daily life.

Is our behaviour an honourable one? Is God honoured and glorified as a result of practical, outward walk. It is not enough to say, 'God knows my heart and I am right with Him'! If our practical life contradicts our preaching, what is the use? A zeal for ministry and Christian service is good but should be balanced with a conduct worthy of the Lord and honourable.

In the midst of a fast changing world, altering values and shifting trends, let us not forget as Christians our priority is to be loyal to the word of God even for our daily conduct.

Study
Note

The Golden Lamp stand
Charles E.
Wigg

On the left side of the Holy Place, (the south side), stood the beautiful golden lamp stand, (for details see Exodus, 25:31-40), It was made from a solid block of pure gold of a talent weight, it was not cast, but formed out of that block of gold by the process of beating with hammers of different sizes, the personal work of Bezaleel, whom God had called by name, and specially enabled to accomplish this task.

Some expositors regard the lamp stand as speaking of Christ, who said "I am the light of the world", however in these brief notes we are going to look at it as a type of the Church, as it appears before God, the bearer of light and testimony.

Let us remember that He who said "I am the light of the world", also said, "Ye are the light of the world", (Matt. 5:14.) In Revelation chapter one, we see the Lord Jesus in judicial garb, standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks, or lamp stands, those lamp stands represented the seven Churches in Asia. In spite of all their failures, those seven Churches were the bearers of God's light to Asia Minor.

Made of pure gold:
The first thing that we are told is that the lamp stand was to be made of pure gold. We have seen earlier that the pure gold, when it applies to the person of Christ, or the types of Himself, is a reference to His Divine character, His absolute Deity. But here we are looking at an object that is a type of the Church.

The Church does not partake of Deity; however each individual member of that Church has been made partaker of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1; 3. We are not sinless, but what God is doing in us is sinless, it is His own work, it is in that sense divine.

When we look at the Church publicly, (as it appears before men), we see division, confusion, much that is evil, both in doctrine and in practice, we see many tares amongst the wheat, and like the grain of mustard seed, it has become great, it involves a large percentage of this worlds population, and as the Lord Jesus told, the birds of the air have come to lodge in its branches.

Thus we have the Roman Catholic Church. Whose membership is estimated to be more than one billion, one fifth of the world's population. But we must add to that the members of the Eastern Authodox Churches, The Protestant denominations, including the many varieties of Pentecostals. Also those who claim to be un-denominational, or non-denominational, are part of the public Church, then add to these the false cults, Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons, Christodelphians, and Christian Science.

Now while this is how the Church appears publicly, yet this is not the true Church which the Lord Jesus loved and gave himself for. Scattered amongst the great mass of the public Church, there are millions of true believers, those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit of God, and through the word of God, and are now indwelt by that Holy Spirit, and mystically united together by that same Holy Spirit, and baptized by Him into the Body of Christ.

Each member of that body is far from perfect, and is certainly not sinless, yet there is in them because of God's gracious and sovereign work, that which is sinless, which is His pure work alone. When the Church is at last raptured to meet her Lord and to be with Him forever, only what God has done will remain, thus the Lord Jesus will present the Church to Himself, "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing".

Now it is this aspect of the Church, in all its glory and perfection that is brought before us in the Golden Lamp stand. Zechariah was given a vision of a lamp stand, "All of Gold", chapter 4;2, this was to remind him that in spite of the outward weakness, the divided state, and the disobedience of the remnant of Israel that had returned from exile in Babylon, yet God had not given up, but was continuing His testimony. Likewise it is confirming, and re-assuring to us in these days of decline and confusion, to be able to enter into the Holy place, and to see the beauty and glory of that Lamp stand, all of Gold.

Outline

Believer's Walk
NTK

1.    Dignified walk.    Eph. 4.1, Phl. 1.27, Col. 1.10. 1 Th. 2.12.
2.    Separated walk     Eph. 4.17. 1Pet. 1.14 ; Rom. 12.2; 2 Cor. 6.17,18 Rev.18.4
3.    Spirit filled walk. Gal.
5.16; Col. 2.6.
4.    Adorned walk.     1 Tim. 2.9
5.     Walk in newness of life. Rom.6:4
6.     Walk by faith. 2Cor.5:7
7.     Walk in love. Eph.5:2
8.     Wise Walk. Eph.5:15
9.     Walk in light.
1Jn.1:7; Rom.13:13; Eph.5:8.
10.     Walk in truth. 2Jn.v.4; 3Jn.3
11.     Walk in progress. Phil.3:16
12.     Walk as Christ walked. 1Jn.2:6

Anecdote

The name of the Good Samaritan

Jean Frederick Oberlin, a minister in 18th century Germany, was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way in the blowing snow and feared he would freeze to death. In despair he sat down, not knowing which way to turn. Jus then, a man came along in a wagon and rescued Oberlin. He took him to the next village and made sure he would be cared for.

As the man prepared to journey on, Oberlin said, "Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God." The man, who by now had recognized Oberlin, replied, "You are minister. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan." Oberlin said, "I can not do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures." He benefactor responded, "Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine."

Worthy Quote

Behaviour

"If you do not shun small defects, bit by bit you will fall into greater ones."
          ----Thomas Kempis.

"Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give up the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act."

       ----Thomas Jefferson

Matters for prayer:               Beracha Bible School. Andrapradesh, India.

One week special bible studies will be held at the Beracha compound, at Nidadavol
A.P from October 1—6.   Classes will be taken by the Lord's servants Bro. Lewis Samraj, Bangalore and Nelson Thomas Mumbai.

The brethren there conduct this course once in two months for the last more that 20 years. It is a time for the believers, elders and evangelists of the Godavari area for a week long systematic study of the word of God.

Pray that the circumstances, the climate etc may be favorable and the believers may be edified as a result of this series of classes.
More details of this ministry can be had from: - Bro.B.G.Stevenson, Berachah, Canal Road, Nidadavole. 534 301 Andrapradesh.
Phone.08813—221386(off) 223411 (res)
____________________________________________________________________________

'Grace
& Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out on alternate weeks,

aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Please
feel free to forward it to potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe
directly
by

sending a blank message to:
gracepeace-join@welovegod.org

In case of difficulty, please send a mail
to: gracepeaceu@yahoo.com

You may unsubscribe (to be removed from the
mailing list) at any time by
sending

a blank email to:
gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org
Edited and posted by Nelson Thomas Kumaramparampil for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

An e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification
and encouragement

Issue No. 044 September 28,
2007

To unsubscribe: send any mail to gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org

In this issue

Perspective: Honorable conduct of a Christian

Study
Note: The Golden Lamp stand

Outline: Believer's Walk

Anecdote: The name of the Good Samaritan

Worth
Quote: Behaviour

Matters for prayer: Beracha Bible School.

Perspective

Honourable conduct of a Christian

NTK

We are living in a changing world. This rapid transformation is seen every where, particularly in the life style. The over all behaviour, way of life is fast changing. There are some who not only adopt and enjoy this modern life style but look down upon the past generation or people who follow a traditional life style.

In this background what kind of way of life a believer should follow? Can we just adopt the conduct of others around us? Can we blindly follow the trend and fashions promoted through the media? Certainly there could be areas where such change of life style is necessary and useful. Nevertheless a Christian is exhorted to be careful in adapting to the way of this world.

Writing to the scattered saints, Peter begs them to have a conduct honourable among the gentiles. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts with war against the soul, having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles…" 1 Pet. 2:11, 12. Notice how serious he is in connection with the practical life of Christians in this world.

As Christians we can not just live in any manner. Our behaviour and manner should be of high standard- worthy of the Lord and His high calling. Peter gives five reasons why we must have an honourable conduct.

1.   We are sojourners and pilgrims. V.11. though we live in this world we are not of this world. We are just travellers, on the way to glory. Everywhere, aliens have to live very carefully. Their walk and work is restricted. They can not just behave like all others. Cp.
Phil.3:20; Heb.11:13—16; 13:14.
2.   We are in a battlefield. V.11. "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul". A Christian is constantly in warfare. Evil forces with all the armour and resources are against believers. Yes Satan can not take us from the hands of the Lord.
Jn.10:28. But he can definitely trouble us, make us unproductive and thus defeat us in our spiritual efforts. So Peter says, be careful with your conduct.
3.   We are under observation.
V.12. "when they speak against you as evildoers". There is some one who is always scrutinizing our movements so that they can find fault with us and despise the name of the Lord. When they fail to defeat us, their effort will be to insult us. If we don't conform to their style they abuse us. Never give opportunity to them, that's what Peter exhorts them, rather let them see our good works and habits.

It is a sad truth that many believers life today has become a hindrance. The enemy gets easy excuse to insult Christians as a whole and hate the way of the Lord.
4. There is a day of visitation.
V.11. Our right and honourable conduct will be rewarded one day. The present consequences of having an honourable behaviour may be loss and shame. But the Lord who takes note of our entire life will not forget the sacrifice we made in leading an excellent Christian life.

5. God' glory. V.12c. Today as well as in future our right life will bring glory to God. The ultimate incentive for an honourable life style for a Christian is this. Our life should exhibit the manifold attributes of God. His goodness, purity and greatness should be evident in our daily life.

Is our behaviour an honourable one? Is God honoured and glorified as a result of practical, outward walk. It is not enough to say, 'God knows my heart and I am right with Him'! If our practical life contradicts our preaching, what is the use? A zeal for ministry and Christian service is good but should be balanced with a conduct worthy of the Lord and honourable.

In the midst of a fast changing world, altering values and shifting trends, let us not forget as Christians our priority is to be loyal to the word of God even for our daily conduct.

Study
Note

The Golden Lamp stand
Charles E.
Wigg

On the left side of the Holy Place, (the south side), stood the beautiful golden lamp stand, (for details see Exodus, 25:31-40), It was made from a solid block of pure gold of a talent weight, it was not cast, but formed out of that block of gold by the process of beating with hammers of different sizes, the personal work of Bezaleel, whom God had called by name, and specially enabled to accomplish this task.

Some expositors regard the lamp stand as speaking of Christ, who said "I am the light of the world", however in these brief notes we are going to look at it as a type of the Church, as it appears before God, the bearer of light and testimony.

Let us remember that He who said "I am the light of the world", also said, "Ye are the light of the world", (Matt. 5:14.) In Revelation chapter one, we see the Lord Jesus in judicial garb, standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks, or lamp stands, those lamp stands represented the seven Churches in Asia. In spite of all their failures, those seven Churches were the bearers of God's light to Asia Minor.

Made of pure gold:
The first thing that we are told is that the lamp stand was to be made of pure gold. We have seen earlier that the pure gold, when it applies to the person of Christ, or the types of Himself, is a reference to His Divine character, His absolute Deity. But here we are looking at an object that is a type of the Church.

The Church does not partake of Deity; however each individual member of that Church has been made partaker of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1; 3. We are not sinless, but what God is doing in us is sinless, it is His own work, it is in that sense divine.

When we look at the Church publicly, (as it appears before men), we see division, confusion, much that is evil, both in doctrine and in practice, we see many tares amongst the wheat, and like the grain of mustard seed, it has become great, it involves a large percentage of this worlds population, and as the Lord Jesus told, the birds of the air have come to lodge in its branches.

Thus we have the Roman Catholic Church. Whose membership is estimated to be more than one billion, one fifth of the world's population. But we must add to that the members of the Eastern Authodox Churches, The Protestant denominations, including the many varieties of Pentecostals. Also those who claim to be un-denominational, or non-denominational, are part of the public Church, then add to these the false cults, Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons, Christodelphians, and Christian Science.

Now while this is how the Church appears publicly, yet this is not the true Church which the Lord Jesus loved and gave himself for. Scattered amongst the great mass of the public Church, there are millions of true believers, those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit of God, and through the word of God, and are now indwelt by that Holy Spirit, and mystically united together by that same Holy Spirit, and baptized by Him into the Body of Christ.

Each member of that body is far from perfect, and is certainly not sinless, yet there is in them because of God's gracious and sovereign work, that which is sinless, which is His pure work alone. When the Church is at last raptured to meet her Lord and to be with Him forever, only what God has done will remain, thus the Lord Jesus will present the Church to Himself, "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing".

Now it is this aspect of the Church, in all its glory and perfection that is brought before us in the Golden Lamp stand. Zechariah was given a vision of a lamp stand, "All of Gold", chapter 4;2, this was to remind him that in spite of the outward weakness, the divided state, and the disobedience of the remnant of Israel that had returned from exile in Babylon, yet God had not given up, but was continuing His testimony. Likewise it is confirming, and re-assuring to us in these days of decline and confusion, to be able to enter into the Holy place, and to see the beauty and glory of that Lamp stand, all of Gold.

Outline

Believer's Walk
NTK

1.    Dignified walk.    Eph. 4.1, Phl. 1.27, Col. 1.10. 1 Th. 2.12.
2.    Separated walk     Eph. 4.17. 1Pet. 1.14 ; Rom. 12.2; 2 Cor. 6.17,18 Rev.18.4
3.    Spirit filled walk. Gal.
5.16; Col. 2.6.
4.    Adorned walk.     1 Tim. 2.9
5.     Walk in newness of life. Rom.6:4
6.     Walk by faith. 2Cor.5:7
7.     Walk in love. Eph.5:2
8.     Wise Walk. Eph.5:15
9.     Walk in light.
1Jn.1:7; Rom.13:13; Eph.5:8.
10.     Walk in truth. 2Jn.v.4; 3Jn.3
11.     Walk in progress. Phil.3:16
12.     Walk as Christ walked. 1Jn.2:6

Anecdote

The name of the Good Samaritan

Jean Frederick Oberlin, a minister in 18th century Germany, was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way in the blowing snow and feared he would freeze to death. In despair he sat down, not knowing which way to turn. Jus then, a man came along in a wagon and rescued Oberlin. He took him to the next village and made sure he would be cared for.

As the man prepared to journey on, Oberlin said, "Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God." The man, who by now had recognized Oberlin, replied, "You are minister. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan." Oberlin said, "I can not do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures." He benefactor responded, "Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine."

Worthy Quote

Behaviour

"If you do not shun small defects, bit by bit you will fall into greater ones."
----Thomas Kempis.

"Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give up the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act."

----Thomas Jefferson

Matters for prayer: Beracha Bible School. Andrapradesh, India.

One week special bible studies will be held at the Beracha compound, at Nidadavol
A.P from October 1—6. Classes will be taken by the Lord's servants Bro. Lewis Samraj, Bangalore and Nelson Thomas Mumbai.

The brethren there conduct this course once in two months for the last more that 20 years. It is a time for the believers, elders and evangelists of the Godavari area for a week long systematic study of the word of God.

Pray that the circumstances, the climate etc may be favorable and the believers may be edified as a result of this series of classes.
More details of this ministry can be had from: - Bro.B.G.Stevenson, Berachah, Canal Road, Nidadavole. 534 301 Andrapradesh.
Phone.08813—221386(off) 223411 (res)
____________________________________________________________________________

'Grace
& Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out on alternate weeks,

aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Please
feel free to forward it to potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe
directly
by

sending a blank message to:
gracepeace-join@welovegod.org

In case of difficulty, please send a mail
to: gracepeaceu@yahoo.com

You may unsubscribe (to be removed from the
mailing list) at any time by
sending

a blank email to:
gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org
Edited and posted by Nelson Thomas Kumaramparampil for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________