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Legalism

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Scrybe:
I agree with all of you about keeping oneself pure.  It is all an outward flowing of Christ's grace in our lives, and He speaks to us as He changes us.  But I want to know about mentoring others.  God has used countless people in my life to bring me to where I am today.  For instance, my dad taught me about Revelations as love letter full of symbols with deeper spiritual truth.  Without that foundation I would have choked on the meat that Ray has written regarding the book.  My ex-wife taught me about thinking of others so as not to make them stumble.  (I used to be all about offending people… for God!)  My current wife has been the greatest instrument of God's grace in my life ever.  All of these people at some point brought me revelation that impacted on my behavior and helped me hear what that 'still, small voice' had been saying to me. 

So when I see a brother stumble, how do I come along side him and say, "Hey, these sins are keeping you from God." If I don't have a moral code from which to explain it.  Of course that's easy if he is stealing or committing adultery.  It's easy to show how that is violating Christ's command to love your neighbor as yourself.  But what about the shaded areas?  What about the guy who in engaged and having pre-marital sex with his fiancé? 

I'm guessing the answer lies in following the prompting of God.  If the person is not wanting to hear God it really doesn't matter what you say to them.  Maybe I just answered my own question. 

hillsbororiver:
Scrybe,

Why do you feel the need to confront others (unbelievers) about their sins? This is the advice Peter gives us for setting an example;

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

This is a far more effective way to truly witness, I may be missing something but I am not aware of Jesus or the apostles admonishing anyone other than believers or (church) leaders about their shortcomings.

I am always open to scriptural witnesses,

Joe 

Scrybe:

--- Quote from: hillsbororiver on July 12, 2006, 10:52:52 PM ---Scrybe,

Why do you feel the need to confront others (unbelievers) about their sins? This is the advice Peter gives us for setting an example;[/color]


--- End quote ---

I guess I wasn't clear enough.  I'm talking of mentoring a brother in Christ.  Not hounding unbelievers.  I ask because I have been sought out on several occasions for advice, and it was clear to me that sin was a big factor in their problems.

hillsbororiver:
Hello again Scrybe,

Sorry for misunderstanding your question, I believe Paul speaks to this directly;

1Th 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do.
 
1Th 5:12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you;
 
1Th 5:13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
 
1Th 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.

I hope this helps a little,

Joe

mongoose:
Great points Bobby and Joe


--- Quote from: bobbys43 on July 13, 2006, 01:53:07 PM ---What was it that Christ did when these people would come to Him,Mary washing the Saviors feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair,the woman taken in adultry,the soldier who's servant was dying. He showed them compassion.When we show that compassion to those that do not beleive just imagine what the Spirit can do in and through us to those that do beleive.

--- End quote ---

This reminded me of a scripture passage that I love.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"  The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10: 21-27

Jesus knew that this man would not follow Him, was not one of those who would right then.  Perhaps I'm wrong but I think that He knew that before the man ever said a thing.  And yet.....Jesus looked at him and loved him.  He loved the man despite the fact that He knew that the man would not do as he said.  He loved him first...and continued to love him.  It blows me away......such a powerful scripture.  He never had anything but love for the poor, lost, hurting sinners He encountered.  With them, He was so gentle and loving and taught them with such patience, even when He knew it was not yet their time.  We are commanded to walk as He walked.  I'm a simple person with a very simple understanding of God.  But of one thing I am almost always certain:  Love really is what it is all about.

mongoose

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