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"So - Is there any difference?"
lareli:
--- Quote from: Loc on November 22, 2015, 05:46:58 PM ---
As Dennis said in another thread, "Trust God but wear your seatbelt." Wearing a literal seatbelt doesn't mean you don't trust God to protect you in a car accident, it's just being smart. John mentioned in a recent thread (http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,16319.msg147475.html#msg147475), Paul used his Roman citizenship to avoid a beating. He didn't just sit there and take it. He was smart and said "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?" (Acts 22:25)
--- End quote ---
Paul claimed his roman citizenship to avoid physical pain. The bible tells us that this happened but it doesn't tell us whether or not it was right or wrong in Gods eyes for Paul to do this.
We read of Moses that he elected to suffer alongside the people of God rather than to enjoy the benefits of his royal citizenship. We are told that Gods people are citizens of the coming kingdom and not this kingdom. Christ said His kingdom was not of this world. We read that those who belong to God are wanderers and strangers, aliens to this world. Ray himself said that if we think we are ambassadors of Christ then we shouldn't even vote. Ambassadors do not vote in a host nation.
I don't think that Paul was giving us an example to follow when he claimed worldly citizenship to avoid a beating. I see it as possibly being a moment of weakness. Maybe not.
Dave in Tenn:
What happened to him after he claimed his citizenship?
Act 26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
A moment of weakness? No. A moment of brilliance.
lareli:
Ah yes Dave... He appealed to Cesar which led him on a long journey and God used it all.. Scratch that.. God CAUSED it all for His own purposes and His own glory..
But God also caused/used Joseph's brothers to sell Joseph into slavery which God used for good.. We wouldn't say that was a moment of brilliance on the part of Joseph's brothers even though it turned out to benefit them later in life..
Perhaps Paul was trying to earn a ticket to see Cesar? If so then yes. I'd say brilliant in deed. Can we tell from scripture whether or not Paul was trying to avoid a beating vs securing a trip to see Cesar?
judy:
kat, my instincts were honed from childhood, still a problem with me. The flight or fight response , well, usually until lately the fight response would win. At this time my mouth is gaining control but if there is danger my whole body goes on alert and it is strong. I know i couldn't stand by so I will pray that the rest of my life God will not allow any situation where i would have to fight be eliminated. God knows me through and through so I will trust Him for this. Defense mechanisms are hard to break. Thanks everybody, will do my best with this new thought. Not promising anything though. judy
Dave in Tenn:
God INTENDED the evil that Joseph's brothers did for good. It was 'good' for Joseph first, and because of that it was 'good' for the brothers. That's the Gospel of the Kingdom, in shadow.
No, I don't think you can say that it was a moment of brilliance in the minds of the brothers. But it was a moment of brilliance in the Mind of God to purpose this and to have it recorded in Scripture. Paul had the mind of Christ...the brothers were wicked and ignorant. You could also say Joseph gained Wisdom. Jesus is Lord, however. Whether we are dialed into wisdom or washed along by our own carnality, it is within the plan and purpose of God for Good.
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