Living For Jesus (Part 2)

1. The Practice of Honesty

2. The Practice of Order in the Home

3. The Practice of Resolving Conflict Spiritually

4. The Practice of Peacefulness

The Christian is called to a life of {peace}    through the practice of non-resistance.

A. Love Your Enemies

i. How are we to behave toward those who insist on being our enemies?

Romans 12:17–21 NASB95

17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This statement of affirmation of belief regarding the Doctrine of Non-resistance was adopted by the College of Pastors of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches, International, on July 8th, 1998. We acknowledge the difficulty encountered in applying the doctrine of non-resistance in every personal situation of life. We believe that the following affirmations embody the essence of this doctrine as presented in our Statement of Faith.

4. We affirm that the practice of non-resistance is an implicit trust in Christ (1 Pet. 2:23), and is a fervent commitment to glorify God in every situation (1 Cor. 10:31).

1 Peter 2:23 NASB95

23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB95

31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

{seek peace with all men; never take revenge; return good for evil; trust God. Yet this must be kept in balance with Rom. 13:1-5; obey Government til it conflicts w/ God}

Romans 13:1–5 NASB95

1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

1. We affirm that, in the face of persecution as a Christian, the Biblical response is always non- resistance (1 Peter 4:12-16, 19).

1 Peter 4:12–16 NASB95

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

1 Peter 4:19 NASB95

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

B. Don’t Resist Physically

ii.  Jesus taught the doctrine of non-resistance:

Matthew 5:39–41 NASB95

39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41 “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

{Do not use physical force to resist evil} (1) Matt. 5:39-41 {contrast w/National law of v38; v39a to you is Pl; v39b-41 you is Sg indicating private conduct, not national; Point: no retaliation. When a Christian suffers bodily injury (v39), loss of property (v40), loss of liberty (v41), we  bear the hardships patiently without fighting back physically or vengefully.}

This statement of affirmation of belief regarding the Doctrine of Non-resistance was adopted by the College of Pastors of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches, International, on July 8th, 1998. We acknowledge the difficulty encountered in applying the doctrine of non-resistance in every personal situation of life. We believe that the following affirmations embody the essence of this doctrine as presented in our Statement of Faith.

3. We affirm that the heart of non-resistance is seeking a peaceful resolution in every situation (Rom. 12:18) rather than resorting to physical or verbal violence (1 Pet. 2:19-23).

Luke 6 27-29

Luke 6:27–29 NASB95

27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 “Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

(2) Luke 6:27-29 {We’re to treat others as we’d like to be treated (v31); we love, do good, bless, and pray for our enemies (then shoot them!?). Are brethren cowards? It takes great courage to face all the dangers on a battlefield unarmed!}

C. Use Spiritual Weapons

iii. Historically, the Brethren have been opposed to “ {bearing}    carnal weapons of men” and have chosen to take non-combatant roles in the military (e.g. assisting in medical and administrative areas {e.g. Chaplains; contractors; frontline medics}).

This statement of affirmation of belief regarding the Doctrine of Non-resistance was adopted by the College of Pastors of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches, International, on July 8th, 1998. We acknowledge the difficulty encountered in applying the doctrine of non-resistance in every personal situation of life. We believe that the following affirmations embody the essence of this doctrine as presented in our Statement of Faith. 2. We affirm that a Christian, in war, should seek a role in which he is able to submit to governing authorities (Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14), and yet is able to keep Christ’s commands to love his enemy, do good to him, bless, and pray for him (Luke 6:27-28).

This is not pacifism, which misapplies Jesus’ teachings to all, including the unsaved and nations.

John 18:36 NASB95

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

(3) John 18:36 {Jesus’ kingdom is NOT of this world (not yet); His servant are not to fight carnally according to the worlds methods (cf 2 Cor. 10:3-6)}

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NASB95

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

Colossians 3:1–2 NASB95

1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

The Forty Wrestlers

In the days of Nero, the Emperor of Rome, there was a band of elite soldiers known as the “The Emperor’s Wrestlers.” These 40 men were the best athletes in the Roman Amphitheater, and the bravest soldiers in all of the Roman army. They wrestled for the Emperor against all who challenged them. Before each contest they would stand before the Emperor’s throne and cry out, “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O Emperor, to win for thee the victory and from thee the victor’s crown.” One year, in mid-winter, there was a rebellion waged in Gaul (modern-day France), the Emperor sent for his wrestlers and told them to go to Gaul to end the war that was raging on. This brave group of 40 wrestlers left Rome under the command of Vespasian. While in Gaul rumors spread to Rome that many of the Emperor’s Wrestlers had become Christians. When news of this reached Nero, the Emperor, he sent a message to Vespasian, and made this decree; “If there be any among your soldiers who cling to the faith of the Christian, they must die!” It was in the dead of winter that Vespasian received the message while his soldiers were camped beside a frozen lake in Gaul. Vespasian assembled his troops and asked, “Are there any among you who cling to the faith of the Christians? If so, let him step forward. I must tell you, all that step forward will be put to death and I have heard it said, a Christian will not deny being so!” Instantly, all 40 stepped forward two paces, saluted and stood at attention and said, “We believe in Jesus Christ as He IS the Messiah and we will worship Him!” Vespasian was stunned! He had not expected any to step forward. Vespasian then said to all of them, “Until sundown I shall give you time to recant and to deny your faith.” At sundown the soldiers were again assembled together, and Vespasian asked: “Who still clings to the Christian faith, even if it means death?” Again, 40 soldiers stepped forward and stood at attention and said the same thing. Vespasian pleaded with them to deny their faith, but not one soldier would deny Christ. Vespasian did not want these men he loved, respected, and who fought side-by-side together, to die by the blade of the sword, so he built a large fire by the lake and had them strip naked. Vespasian reluctantly said, “The decree of the Emperor must be obeyed, so you shall stand out on the frozen lake, exposed to the elements until you freeze to death. Should you recant and deny Christ, the fire will remain burning on shore, and by returning to the shelter of the fire, you will be denouncing Christ and you shall live.” The forty soldiers stripped off their clothing, fell into four columns of ten each, and marched towards the center of the frozen lake to their death. But as they marched onto the ice, they chanted; “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee the victor’s crown.” All night long Vespasian stood by his campfire and watched those forty brave wrestlers out on the ice as they slowly succumbed to the elements. As they grew weaker and weaker, their chanting grew fainter and fainter; “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee O Christ, to win of thee the victory and from thee the victor’s crown.” As morning drew near, one wrestler, no longer able to stand the freezing cold, walked off the ice and came to the edge of the fire, renouncing Christ and his faith. Thinking he was gaining victory over them he though, “Ah-ha, more will come. I know these warriors!” As he waited, standing pompously by the lake, no more came. Then Vespasian heard once again, very faintly from the frozen lake, “Thirty-nine wrestlers, wrestling for thee O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee the victor’s crown.” Vespasian, standing by the fire all night, was thinking. As he stood there, God touched his heart. Vespasian slowly removed his cloak, helmet and armor and calmly walked down upon the frozen lake to join his men, and as he walked, he chanted; “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee the victor’s crown.” These wrestlers, by their faith, by their actions and by their dedication to Jesus Christ, were able to turn the great commander’s heart to Jesus! What is your life portraying to others?! (Author Unknown)

5. The Practice of Bearing Holy Fruit

e.   The Christian is to bear the {fruit}    of the Spirit in his daily walk. Gal. 5:22-23

i.   This list gives nine collective {elements}    of the one fruit of the Spirit.

{karpo.j is Sg; When we’re filled with the Spirit this fruit cluster is produced in us}

ii.  We are {responsible}    to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph. 5:18-21

{‘be filled’ = impv; the result is singing, thanksgiving, submission, and the ‘fruit’ elements}

iii. These godly characteristics are {produced}    through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. {they’re not produced by our self-efforts; but by faith & reliance on God; Do people see the fruit of the Spirit in you?}

Conclusion: We believe that the Christians life is manifested by exhibiting the fruit of the

Spirit.

6. The Practice of Prayer

f. The Christian life is to be characterized by continued {prayer}    and dependance upon Christ.

i.   Faithful prayer is {vital}    to the separated life. {our communication w/God}

(1) Eph. 6:18 {How often should we pray? ‘Always’ (1 Th 5:17 ‘without ceasing’); How should we pray? ‘In the spirit’ & with spiritual alertness, i.e. according to & in harmony with God’s will (1 Jn 5:14-15); For what should we pray? ‘All the saints’}

(2) Phil. 4:6 {Don’t worry: Why worry when you can pray!  Everything is worthy of prayer; pray with a grateful attitude and a joyful heart (v4-5)}

(3) What is God’s    {promise}    to us in response to a consistent prayer life?

Phil. 4:7

ii.  The prayer of faith is {central}    to the Anointing Service. James 5:13-18

(1) Who initiates the Anointing Service? {the one who is sick (v14)}

(2) What do the Elders do for the sick person? {listen to confessed sins; and confess their own (v16); they pray, anoint, and believe (v14)}

(3) What activates God’s healing? {confession of sin together w/ the prayer of faith

(v15-16): example is the prayer life of Elijah: he believed God’s word (v17-18)} (4) Why should an Anointing Service take place? {If a sickness is the direct result of

a specific sin, then no medical treatment will work. Through the anointing service, God has graciously provided a means to deal with a physical sickness that has

been caused by unconfessed sin.}

Conclusion: We believe that the Christians life is manifested by maintaining a life of prayer (Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6), including the privilege, when sick, of calling for the elders of the church to pray and to anoint with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18).

3.   In what specific areas of your life do you need to grow more in holiness of character?