Who are you to judge someone else's servant

Paul says in Romans chapter 14 that we are not to judge someone else's servant. (Romans 14:4) There is a lot of this going on these days. What is Paul saying?

To understand this, we must understand how the Scripture uses the word judge. It is used in two senses, one to condemn (passed sentence), the other is judging between two things. We are not to do it in the first sense, because it is only Christ who has the right to condemn or pass sentence on another. Yet, God calls us to make judgements in the second sense. (I Corinthians 5:12-13; I Corinthians 6:1-2) We are called to judge what is right and wrong based on the truths in God word and tangible (seen) evidence (actions). Yet, it is only God who is able to judge the motives of the heart.(I Corinthians 4:5)

So what is Paul saying when he says that we are not to judge someone else's servant?
He is saying that we are not to condemn or pass sentence on another. We are not to judge other people's heart or motives.

Paul here was opposed to the idea of passing judgment on disputable matters. The disputable matters he was addressing in this chapter were: eating meat or not eating meat, there are holy days or all days are alike and clean or unclean food. We are not to condemn a person who chooses to do one over the other. They are both a matter of conscience and faith. As long as it is done in faith, they are not condemned by God and should not be condemned by you, because not one is wrong or right. It is not a matter of sin. It is not a sin if you do it nor a sin if you do not do it. Along as the Bible doesn't clearly say it is disobedience or not disobedience, we are not able to pass judgement on the person for doing it or not. It is a matter of preference or what they believe is right. Yet, if Scripture clearly shows or states that it is sin or disobedience to God, we have every right to say the person is in the wrong or sinning against God. Yet in matters that are not clear in the Bible, we must act according to our conscience or faith (belief). In these disputable matters, God will be the judge and we are not to judge.

Let us bring this to everyday life examples. If someone is not telling the truth, stealing, committing adultery or any other sin that is clearly stated in the Bible, we have the obligation to speak out against this and tell the person they are in the wrong or sinning against God. (Ezekiel 3:18-20) We even have the right to discipline them if we are in authority over them. In these cases we are not condemning the person, but seeking to keep them from condemnation because if they don't repent they will be judged by God. When we bring a person who has wandered from the path of truth and life, we are doing good and God is pleased with this as long as it is done in love and a spirit of reconciliation.

So what are some disputable matters that we may face in the church today where we need to be gracious towards that person and not pass judgement on them.

One of these would be how a person dresses. The Bible does not clearly state how one should or should not dress.

I Timothy 2:9 - "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

This is the most cited Scripture when it comes to how a Christian should dress. Yet, it is one of those disputable matters because modesty, and decency are all subjective. It is the society whether Christian or secular who determines this. It is very culturally determined. The Bible does not describe any of these words. Paul takes it for granted that Timothy knows what he is referring too. We can be assured that what the church or society of that day called modest and decent are much different than what it is today. This does not say that their view of these things were necessarily better than ours. An example of a great difference, the women wore a veil that covered their face in Paul's day. Therefore, in their view, a woman who does not do this is not modest or decent while most Christians today, even the most conservative, would not agree with Paul's view.

Even propriety is some what cultural. Propriety being one who has proper manners and behaviors. Although their are Scriptures that clearly state what is proper manners and behaviors, much is not clearly stated or even spoken of in the Bible.

Another disputable area that bring much controversy is hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothes. There are many churches who are opposed to these things and believe whoever has an elaborate hairstyle, wears jewelry or expensive clothes is not obeying God's Word. Yet, what is considered elaborate as far as hairstyles, jewelry and clothes is somewhat subjective. Also, people often ignore the underlying principle which is not seeking to bring attention to oneself and prideful spirit. The sin of trying to show others that you are better than them.

There are many other disputable matters such as: how to raise ones family; use of alcohol; veil or no veil; holy day or all days are the same; food allowed or not allowed; how to dress for church, orphanages are good or bad; amount of money & things one is allowed; what kind of movies to watch or music to listen to and we could go on an on.

In summary, what is the apostle Paul saying? He is saying there are things that are disputable, unclear, and a matter of opinion. We should not look badly on others or condemn them because they don't believe the same way we do or live their life the same way. In these kind of things let each person act according to their faith and conscience. Also, be careful that your beliefs and actions don't cause others to stumble in their faith or walk in the Lord. Don't let these disputable matters bring division among us as believers. What is most important in these grey areas is that that each person is to be convinced in their own minds and do the thing as unto the Lord in faith that it is not displeasing to God. (Romans 14:5-6)

Let us be more gracious and forgiving of others who don't have the same opinion as ours. Let us ask God to help us not have a critical spirit, but a spirit of kindness, love and unity.

HOW CAN I HEAR GOD SPEAKING TO ME?

Turning to the right channel
Like turning to the right channel, God speaks to individuals who are ready and prepared to listen. A friend once put it this way: A Christ follower who builds the following four habits in his life will be in a good place to hear from God.

First, Christians should build relationships with other Christians. This doesn’t mean excluding those who are not of the same faith from your circle of friends. Rather, a believer in Christ who makes close friends out of those with the same priorities finds it easier to live a faith filled lifestyle.

A Christ follower should spend daily time reading the Bible, mulling over the message, and praying for ways to make scripture’s lessons into a lifestyle. Setting aside time for reading and reflection immerses a Christ follower in God’s purposes and nature.

By adding prayer for others and himself to this daily quiet time, the Christian will find it easier to turn away from their own self-focused desires, and advance God’s priorities to first place. 

The fourth discipline is the most challenging. Christians should actively seek opportunities to tell others about what they are learning from and about God. By sharing your thoughts about God, the internal becomes external, and the lessons learned in private become part of an outward lifestyle that is changing toward God’s purposes.

If you do these 4 things every day, you will be in a good place to hear from God. You will have turned to the right channel, so to speak. God can speak to anyone, at any time or place. Yet God will not often speak with a person who is not ready to hear.

Reading the Channel guide.
In the Bible, God used talking animals, a flaming bush, angels, visions, and a “still small voice” to speak to his people. God can use anything to communicate to a person who is ready to hear. Nonetheless, here are a few methods which God often uses.
God will often speak to you from another friend or leader. Often we need only see a situation from another set of eyes in order to hear God’s will. A good friend whom you trust as a committed and consistent Christ follower can bring God’s voice to you.
The Bible has examples of most of life’s problems, pitfalls and priorities printed throughout its pages. These words from God tell of God’s general plan, and often will spell out the advice you need to find God’s will for a specific situation.
The Bible describes God speaking in a ‘still small voice.’ God often speaks directly into your mind if you will set aside the time to pray, and wait for his answer. This practice should not be confused with some kind of cosmic vending machine. God is under no obligation to give you the answer you seek after you deposit the “coins” of an hour or two of prayer. Yet God promises that he will answer if you will pray and wait. His still small voice can be a thought in your mind, a clear and simple response to your prayers.
Tuning Out the Static
Hearing from God is primarily a heart issue. You will hear from God when you decide to hold his will as your most important priority. More than being disciplined or practicing religious habits, a disciple willing to let go of his own desires that are counter to God’s expressed purpose shows single minded, pure hearted devotion. This person will hear God’s voice, not because he’s good enough, but because God promises to speak to the pure of heart.
If you want to hear from God, you must tune out the static from your receiver. God promises that if you are a person who deliberately, willfully, and repeatedly puts your own will ahead of his, He will not likely speak to you. Period. Deliberate, repeated and habitual disobedience will silence God’s voice. He will often not speak again until you put his priorities back into first place in your heart and life. (Bible references related to this article:2 Timothy 2.20-21, Acts 2.46-47, Philemon)
We Hear God by His Word
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
There’s a strong emphasis at the beginning of these verses with the word “All.” Every little bit of Scripture is breathed out by God…as in…God talking to us. God Himself tells us that His Word is breathed out by Him, and is profitable for everything, so that His Children may be made complete and equipped for every good work.
Let’s not miss the point that God tells us Himself how He speaks to us…through His Word. And the fact that we, as followers of Jesus, need His Word to make us complete. That means we are lacking without it and won’t be equipped if we don’t listen to God as He speaks to us from the Bible.
The Bible is living and active and if you want to hear from God and know what He is saying for sure, open up the book and read it. The very words you’ll read are the very words of God and you can confidently know that you are hearing from God as you read it.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
We Hear God by Following Jesus
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
The other primary way we hear from God is through Jesus Christ. As followers of Him, we’ll know His voice when He is speaking to us. One of the best ways we’ll know this is because we can look to the Bible to see who Jesus is and how He lived.

Remembering Why We Are Doing What We Are Doing

I have recently felt led to pick up the book, “Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson. The title comes from the Bible verse, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” (Eccl 3:11) In his book, Richardson gives accounts of numerous secluded, remote peoples who were just waiting for someone to come to them with the Good News. I remember what Luke wrote in his Gospel, “[Jesus] sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1) He send us to the place where He Himself wants to go.

In the midst of this, we often find ourselves in circumstances and situations where we just might forget the mission that we are on, and see things only as a trial to be endured. We continue on doing what we do, but somehow we might forget why we are doing it. This can, and usually does, result in resentment, anger or even (God forbid!) bitterness that can be expressed to those we serve, those we serve with, or those serving us (office.) This not only can make for a miserable time for others, it doesn’t make a person in that state very content either.

Some of the hymns we used to sing are full of reflections upon difficult times endured by the author. But the hymns see the difficulties in the light of the mission on which we have been sent. We might sing, “It is well with my soul,” or “through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.” There is a lot under the surface of those words.

It’s not that difficult to remember the mission, but forget the purpose. We can stay in the work, but lose sight of why we are there. In Revelation, Jesus reminds the Ephesian church to return to their first love. This was not a “sinful” church, but apparently, a church with all programs working, things happening, busy doing the “work of God.” He said of them, “I know your works, your labor, your patience…Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Rev 2:2, 4) He told them to repent, or their lampstand would be removed.

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he writes, “…remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Thess. 1:3) Paul commends the church for their work, because it is work being done in faith, he commends them for their labor, because it is labor being done in love, and he commends them for patience, because their endurance is rooted in hope. The exact same three things that the Ephesian were doing, but they were only laboring, not laboring in love. They were working, but not in faith. They were exercising patience, but had lost a sense of hope and purpose. We can be so involved in the things of God, that we forget that it is God who has placed us.

Isn’t it exciting to know that He is sending you to the very place that He Himself is wanting to go? Isn’t it exciting to know that God has placed eternity into the very hearts of those to whom He intends to visit? You can work in faith, or just work. It’s your choice. You can labor in love, or just labor. You can endure, or you can endure with a vision of God’s eternal glory being revealed in the people to whom you are sent. These are our choices. May the Lord help each of us as we serve Him in faith, in love and in hope!

USE IT OR LOSE IT

Mark 4:24-25 - “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

I believe what Jesus is saying here is that as God reveals truth to us that we need to apply it to our lives. As we apply it to our lives, Jesus will give us more and greater truth. Yet, if we squander the truth He has imparted to us. Even the truth that has been revealed will die. Also, He is saying that we need to share the truth given to us and in turn He will impart more of His truths.

A pond with out an access point of entrance and outlet, the water will become stagnate, and in a drought dry up. The same way it is with our life. We need to be continually receiving from the Lord and giving out from the Lord. A believer who is constantly receiving, but not putting into practice what he knows as true is like a lake with out an outlet. A believer who knows the truth, but doesn't share the truth will become stagnate as well.

This principle of using it or losing it applies as well to all the promises and gifts God has given us. If we do not use them, we will lose them or more specifically they become as null and useless. Yet, when we use what God has given us, He will give us more: more gifts, more power, and more responsibility.

In the parable of the ten minas or coins that the master left his servants to care for while away (Luke 19:24-26) take it even a step further. The servant who is not faithful with what he has been given will be taken from him and given to the one who is faithful. This seems to fly in the face of Romans 11:29 that says God's gifts and calling is irrevocable. Yet, in context He is speaking of salvation.

God is not so concerned with what you know, how much you have, or your great abilities. He is seeking those who will use these things for His kingdom. He seeking those who will trust and obey.

Despising our Birthright

Genesis 25:29-34 - "Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. ³⁰ He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom^.) ³¹ Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”³² “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright."

The oldest son's birthright made him priest of the home when his father passed away and would receive a double portion of the inheritance as the first son.

How many of us as children of God do the exact same thing?
What do we forfeit in Christ in order to take hold of some worldly gain?

As son's of God we have certain rights, privileges and a rich inheritance in Christ. 

Galatians 4:4-7 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. ⁶ Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Romans 8:17 - " Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

The birthright was not only future, but present. As first born son, he was given certain rights & privileges as the oldest son. After his father, he was head of the household.  Even while his father was alive, he enjoyed the riches and pleasures that his father offered. Although, his father's wealth was  not officially his, they were at hes disposal.

Even so, we as God's children have certain rights & privileges even now. God's riches, promises and blessings are at our disposal even now. We don't have to wait for heaven to enjoy the benefits of being His sons and daughters. Yet, their will be that day when we receive the full inheritance as co-heirs with Christ.

What rights do we have even now?
We have the right to call on the name of the Lord and be heard.
We have the right to son-ship.
We have the right to rule with Christ even now over the principalities and powers of darkness in this world and the spiritual realm.
We have the right to eternal life with Christ.
We have the right to every spiritual blessing (gifts) in the heavenly places.
We have the right to every need being met.

How do we give up our birthright(s)?

Romans 4:13 - " It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."

We give up our birthright(s) through lack of faith. God has given us many glorious promises in His Word. It is through faith that we are able to take hold of these promises, both present and future promises.

Hebrews 12:16 - " See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son."

We give up our birthright(s) through disobedience when we do not understand and/or value God's inheritance.

What are you trading in for your God given birthright?
Are you trading it in for power and glory?
Are you trading it in for money or things?
Are you trading it in for sexual pleasures?
Are you trading it in for immediate gratification?
Are you trading it for your good desires and well intention? (your will, not His will)

I will never forget after the earthquake in Haiti, when we were distributing water in a tent city that when we got down to the last bottle an older girl knocked over a younger girl and grabbed her by the throat to get the last bottle of water from her.

Often it is the little things in life that creep into our lives and rob us of the rights we have as sons and daughters of God.

Esteemed by the World

Genesis 23:5-6 - "The Hittites replied to Abraham, ⁶ “Listen to us, lord. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in our finest burial place. None of us will withhold from you his burial place for burying your dead.” (HCSB)

Abraham was in a foreign land, the land of Canaan. He lived among the Hittites who were idol worshipers and served pagan God's. Yet, they held Abraham in high regard. The saw the hand of God on Abraham. Abraham stood out among the people as a righteous man and blessed by God. The considered it a privilege to have him among them. He was considered as one of the their princes.

How do people look at us in our work place, and in our community? Do they see the God in us and His mighty hand upon us? Are we held in high esteem?

Thoughts by Bob Sorge from the book of Job #1

The book of Job serves as a pattern to show us how God uses painful circumstances in the lives of His chosen ones - who have qualified for spiritual advancement because of their obedience and blamelessness - in order to bring them to a higher dimension of spiritual reality.  (See Hebrews 12:23)

Psalms 34:19 says that many are the afflictions of the but the Lord delivers them from them all.

Job had the hand of God on him, the hand of Satan on him and the hand of man on him and he couldn't distinguish between the two. Job is in the battle of his life, warring with God's sovereign purposes, Satan's evil enticements, peoples carnal approaches, and the imperfect realities of this world.

Job thought God was treating him like an enemy (19:11), but in fact God was counting Job as one of His friends. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." (Proverbs 27:6)