Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Fall 2001                                                            Volume 2, Issue 4

Hearing Of
Their Faith
Are We Better Than They? No!
Romans 3:9

In Romans 1:8 Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” No doubt, Paul told them that in order to provoke them to continue to live up to their reputation of faith and also to encourage them with praise. Indeed, it is important that we recognize the contributions that individual Christians and churches make to the cause of Christ. The generosity of the poor Macedonian Christians inspired many to give to the necessity of the saints. The church at Corinth also had provoked many unto benevolence through their zeal (2 Cor 9:2). Paul wrote in Phil 4:21, “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.” However, we must also take care that such praise does not become a stumbling block that may thwart the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Church Competition

Christian unity is destroyed when churches compete with one another. Jesus declared that, “If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). If a particular congregation has a successful lectureship, VBS program, or meetings, we should not try to compete with them, but support them. One-up-manship should never become the motivation or strategy by which we build church programs. The brethren in Macedonia who had heard of the work of Paul did not try to top him, but asked for his help (Acts 16:9). Paul instructed the brethren in Corinth to help the house of Stephanas in the ministry of the saints (1 Cor 16:15-16); and the brethren in Philippi were told to help, “those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers...” (Phil 4:3). John also directed that we should help those that preach the Word (3 John 1:8). It was only through cooperation, not competition, that the Gospel was spread around the world and souls were saved!

Church Corruption

Though praise is often an effective motivator, it can also be a catalyst by which those with insincere hearts corrupt the work of the church. In Acts 5:1-11, we read the account of Ananias and Sapphira. This couple sold a piece of land and brought the money to the apostles, but kept back part of the money. Certainly there was no sin in keeping back part of the money (v.4), but they wanted the praise that Barnabas had received (Acts 4:36-37) in selling his land and giving all the money to the apostles. So, they lied about it and claimed to have given all the proceeds of the sale to the apostles. For their sin, both were killed by God.

Other examples of people corrupted by praise include Simon, whom the people of Samaria considered “the great power of God” because of his sorceries. His desire to retain that distinction caused him to try and buy the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24). The apostle John rebuked Diotrephes who “loveth to have the preeminence” (3 John 9-11). His insatiable desire to be “number one” caused him to speak and act disgracefully against the apostles and brethren. Jesus said, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26). In Matt 20:20-28, we read about the conflict between the apostles concerning who would be the greatest. Jesus told them, “...whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister...” (v.27-28).   (to be continued next issue....)

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Inside...
Page 1 - The Fruits Of The Spirit | Page 2 - Vengeance
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - How Can I Tell If I Am Strong
Page 6 - Mission News | Page 7 - Christian Evidences | Page 8 - Hearing Of Their Faith
Page 9 - The Christian Home | Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page
Page 12 - Announcements

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