here are some scriptures to consider as we reflect on Matt's first installment about Post Institutionalism.
PHI 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
GAL 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load.
1JO 2:27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Any thoughts how to interpret these in the our current context? What does it mean for us to work out our salvation? Or bear own own load? Why does John say that we have no need for anyone to teach us? In what way does his anointing teach us al things?
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6 comments:
Truth is universally available to those individuals who have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear." Anytime there is a someone who tells us that we must go "his way" in order to get truth, it is tantamount to an "egomaniac" that wants to be God, no matter if verses and God-talk are part of it. Caveat Emptor.
Jeremiah said that we would find God when we seek Him with all our hearts. He is most proximate and available to those who hunger for TRUTH.
"What does it mean to work out your own salvation?" I think it is our side of sanctification... bearing the cross. Allowing God to bring manifestations of the flesh to the surface so that they can be permanently broken. The result is we are diminished and Christ increased. Our part is the willingness to be broken. It is the subjective side or experiential side of the objective fact that we are righteous and holy in Christ. It is the coming about of these things. Why? So that Christ can be manifest among men. So that His Kingdom comes and His will is done.
Bearing our own load reminds me of "bear the cross". The cross is not self "inflictable", but God has to lay it on us. We are to bear it. Most of us shuck it off and seek comfort and safety. Some say that middle class America is addicted to safety and allergic to their cross, the death of their way through God's circumstantial providence. The fruit of which is Christ's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness... Glory and Holiness manifest literally.
John, I believe, is making a very bold statement similar to Nee's "Normal Christian Life". It is normal, the minimum, that you abide literally in the Spirit and learn from Him. Each believer can have eyes to see the mysteries of God. It does not require a degree or special training. Head knowledge that leads to dogma is NOT normal and NOT useful... at all. It didn't help the pharisees. There is NO substitute for seeking revelation from the Spirit. Yes it can come through the brothers, but we are not to live at the breast of our elders forever. We also know that John boldly stated that if we don't have love we don't know God. Very simple sword to split light from dark.
I agree with Sam that truth is available to those who ask for it with sincere hearts ...James, if any man needs wisdom, let him ask of God...who gives to ALL people generaously.
I am not sure what Caveat Emptor means....
As far as "bear your own burden" here is a less spiritual example: Most parents expect the church or the Sunday School teacher to carry the burden of educating their children religiously... God places the burden on the parents. Outside the institution, the burden must be born by the parents themselves.
Joseph,
"Caveat Emptor" means "let the buyer beware."
I think that the idea of personal responsibility for one's relationship with God is VERY important. It seems, as dad pointed out to me, that is happening in our "community". Because there are no Pastors, elders, or anyone of title, people are being forced to take responsibility for their own walks with God. We can't blame the pastor if the word wasn't good on Sunday. And If we have a problem with someone in our "community", we have to pretty much deal with it on our own. It's interesting to see how it's working itself out in our group...
I agree Sarah =) good to see you on here!
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