Author: Matthew Miller

Searching for Peace – By Matt Miller

Often times, we find life embroiled with struggle.  A younger person once asked me if it ever gets better and by that, I suppose they are really asking if it gets easier.  We long for better don’t we?  We desire easier.  As young people, we look forward to a time of rest and ease, maybe working diligently to store up for ourselves what we commonly call retirement; a time to retire from labors and cease from working for our livelihood.  Does that bring peace though?  I know a number of retired people.  Sit with them for a bit and they often will describe to you alone-ness and boredom.  God didn’t make us to must sit and just be.  He made us to serve and to labor.  We often become bored with our time and dissatisfied with things in our lives.  So I suppose that in whatever season we find ourselves in life, we need labors – outlets for our energy and efforts, and we likewise long for peace and rest. 

Peace is that quality that is without strife, contending, and fighting. In fact, “peace. noun. : a state of tranquility or quiet: as. a. : a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Peace is something then that we also long for to accompany our rest. The Apostle Paul conveyed his wish for the Philippians this way, [Phl 4:6-7 NKJV] 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

As I contemplated a response to the younger man, it occurred to me that no, it doesn’t get easier, better, just different.  You see our lives here are always marked by some problem, some contention, some strife.  That is the way it has been since the expulsion of man from the Garden of Eden.  It is the quality of the curse upon the earth and upon man and woman.  We will strive in this life for something that is beyond our reach and outside of this existence.

Earthly peace is a temporary condition and largely dependent on a number of factors which include our necessities.  People need to know that their meals are provided for.  People need security – safety from harm. People further need physical, mental, and emotional health to be truly at peace.  All of these are factors after which our strivings seek to improve; yet for all of this, we find that all is fleeting. This is the contemplation of Solomon in Ecclesiastes.  Notice, “[Ecc 1:14 NKJV] 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all [is] vanity and grasping for the wind.” Afterward, he concludes, “[Ecc 12:13 NKJV] 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” Even when you have peace, it seldom has any staying power.  Peace today can be ripped from you by the smallest of changes in circumstance.

While men’s peace on this earth may be fleeting, just as our lives, we are assured of a lasting and sustained peace after this life is over when we re in Jesus Christ. That is the peace that Paul is talking about in Philippians 4:7. Peace that is lasting is a peace with God.  It has a divine origin.  Peace with God has this eternal quality and, in this life, a forward-looking aspect that searches for what is promised in eternity.  It is a peace founded in hope (Hebrews 11:1).

In our Bible’s, we find men who are apparently at peace in the way described above.  Men like Daniel as he spent the night in the lion’s den.  Now I don’t know about Daniel, certainly as they lowered him into the pit, he must have felt some internal struggle and trepidation about what he was about to face, yet recall that King Darius gave Daniel a word of re-assurance for his faith, “[Dan 6:16 NKJV] 16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast [him] into the den of lions. [But] the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Certainly Darius had a faith that Daniel would be delivered physically, but I think that Daniel understood it the way that his friends had understood it at another time, when they faced a certain death in a fiery furnace.  Recall they told the king, “[Dan 3:17-18 NKJV] 17 “If that [is the case], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver [us] from your hand, O king. 18 “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Such men are men who’s peace is not here. It is not a quality of this life or this existence, but one of an eternal enduring and lasting nature. 
Where are we at peace? What peace are we seeking? Are we making our peace with God in an eternal way so that even when the devil and life throw all manner of struggles in our way here, we can rest in an assurance of His eternal refuge and rest?  Let us make our peace with our Creator, or Redeemer, and our God and have that which surpasses man’s reasoning and rationalizations. 

The Letter to the Hebrews writer’s entire thesis seems to be that of the superiority of Christianity over even that true religion of their forefathers – Judaism. The Jews had their national identity, and some even based their religious identity on their being descendants of Abraham.  In this, they were partakers in an ancient covenant made by God to their ancestor (Genesis 12:1-3).  In these promises was that of a land that was to be theirs forever.  As God gave the children of Israel then the Law of Moses and all the instructions for how they were to live and what they were receiving, He cautioned them to obey His commandments with a warning that failure to do so would bring all the plagues which they had been told about (Deuteronomy 28:58-68). By the time that we get to the First Century then, we find the entirety of the Jewish nation subjected to Roman governmental rule and having been dominated by other nations and cultures for over 600 years by the time of the writing of our New Testaments.  It is from this place then we find the Hebrews writer describe the better promise than that which the Jews were looking toward.  Notice Hebrews 12:28, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had long before been shaken to the ground.  The Temple built by Solomon had been utterly destroyed.  The Temple rebuilt by Cyrus (Persian King who commissioned the return to Jerusalem and rebuilding of the Temple in about 586 BC) was in the process of being expanded and made more opulent by King Herod beginning in about 37 BC was still being worked on in the days of Jesus.  The one key takeaway from these physical and political things is that everything on this earth has no real staying power. Earthly things, even the grandest are fleeting and passing away.  I read this week that a great pyramid in South America had a whole side collapse.  Even the Great Pyramid in Egypt is lacking its original splendor today, and someday if enough time has passed, it will be eroded down to the simple dust which bound together in stone now makes it up.

We who are in Christ, are partakers of a better covenant than these (Heb 8:6) and we might note that there is a sort of bookends as it relates to the idea of this kingdom which those in Christ are receiving; namely Hebrews 1:1 “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…”(NASB95).  The kingdom which was established forevermore and shall not be defeated or destroyed is that heavenly realm and is that to which each of us become citizens in when we obey the Gospel.  It is a certainty then.

The world around us is not certain.  It is as changing and as ranging as the weather in Oklahoma.  Turn your television on, pick up a newspaper, log into a news website and you will see that the one constant in this world is discord, trouble, and destruction.  The world has been such since the institution of the curse in Genesis Chapter 3.  This should cause our breast to be filled with a longing for something more, something better, something lasting.  That yearning in our hearts then is a groping to find God.  Paul describes this in his sermon to the Athenians (Acts 17:27), and I think the Holy Spirit prompted him to declare, “[Rom 1:18-20 NKJV] 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown [it] to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible [attributes] are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,”.

All the uncertainty in the world compels man to evaluate his existence in view of something more and something better than the struggles here. Only through Jesus Christ who is King over all can we look forward to that heavenly kingdom. He is the way (John 14:6), and by Him we enter into that citizenship.  So our assurance is in God’s word and promise which never fails. Our assurance is founded in the person of God’s own Son who was faithful.  So much so that Paul expounds on the humility of Jesus the Son, humbling Himself in the flesh and being obedient to the point of sacrificing His own blood for the remission of our sins (Philippians 2:8).  In His faithfulness, we are called to also be faithful in submitting to Him and to God’s will.

We live faithfully by knowing what God would have us be and do in this life.  Truth is not some subjective thing that we can take or leave at our whims.  We must look into God’s word and understand His will for us.  We learn these things by giving heed to the Apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 4:13-16).  We must give up ourselves so that we like Paul can declare, “it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20-21).” So let us put on Christ and look forward to that eternal home in the heavenly city.  It is a place to which men of faith throughout the ages are looking forward to and that to which they are going (Hebrews 11).

As our calendar has now turned to August, the season of fall is approaching. We are, it seems in the depths of summer heat (the first half of August is always miserable throughout the South it seems), and yet as you look on the page of your calendar, summer is soon to end and cooler weather will come along with the falling of the leaves. School is starting up (for some, it already has), and with it some of our beloved pastimes such as football. We would do well to recognize that all around us, there is a religion of sport. It is that which men hold up high, they erect high places (palaces even) where the competition and its glories are worshiped by thousands of adoring fans praising their respective teams and the struggle. We whip ourselves into fanatical frenzies. Sport is serious business, yet like so many things that we take seriously, sometimes we allow these serious things to eclipse and obscure where our true focus should be.

Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).” First, foremost, above everything else we faun after, we must put God and the kingdom of God before all others. Let us consider a few things related to this thought.

Does this description of a sports fan include you? Are you among those worshiping at the altar of sport either in person or on your television set? Men pour out their funding for such spectacles. We find deep pleasure and pride in our team and their triumphs. We wouldn’t dare miss the observance of our traditions – the cookouts, the comradery with our friends, the way all of it makes us feel.

Do we have this same kind of careful observance and devotion to serving God? If you study your Bible, then you are familiar with the concept of putting nothing before God. After all, God has described Himself as a jealous God (Exodus 20: 3, 5-6). It is said that our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29). Jesus simplifies it as he is challenged with determining the greatest of God’s commandments: [Mat 22:36-40 NKJV] 36 “Teacher, which [is] the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is [the] first and great commandment. 39 “And [the] second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Loving God with all of our being and with all of our conviction should by necessity make us raving fans of serving God.

Our fanaticism should be more demonstrable in our lives concerning our relationship with God and with the church than it is in our sport teams. This thought then should beg the question in all of us, am I more devoted to God than I am to my hobbies, my pleasures (recreation), my sport? If the answer is no, then maybe we would do well to recognize our modern idols which are just as deadly and destructive today as the idols of ancient Israel and that of their neighbors.

Paul says that as Christians, we are to be “living sacrifices” (Rom 12:1-2). How does this draw our minds to the kind of seriousness that we should offer in our religious service before God? Recall the seriousness with which Abraham’s faith compelled him to offer his son Isaac on the altar as God had commanded him (Genesis 22:1-14). Abraham was offering his all, even his son, his inheritance, all offered in belief that God would fulfill His promises. Are we giving our ALL? Our 􀆟me, energy, resources? Are we truly serious and
dedicated to serving God with all of our being? In Christ, we are called to bear daily our cross (Luke 14:27-28) and follow after Him. What are we sacrificing and what perspectives do we have on eternity? Let us understand that eternity is something that requires our serious consideration and a seriousness of our efforts. We strive after eternal life through Jesus Christ, not because we seek to earn that homeland, but because by faith we are compelled to put Him first, compelled to seek His way, and have then assurance of eternal life through the very Son of God.
Let us live with an eye on eternity like that of the Psalmist – [Psa 84:10 NKJV] 10 For a day in Your courts [is] be􀆩er than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in
the tents of wickedness. [Phl 3:7-11,14 NKJV] 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which [is] from the law, but that which [is] through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. … 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Olympic games being in progress the past week has provided a number of events in which the idea of greatness and physical prowess have been on display. People who have devoted their entire lives to this point to the craft of their sport. They have mastered techniques, and some have become so dominant and innovative in their respective skills that they have developed new skills uniquely named then after themselves as author of these techniques. In all of this, words like “greatest” have been used a lot. All of these pursuits, and the countless hours and dedication are for but a small glimmer of glory from men. While they may be remembered for years, it likely won’t matter in a century who won the gold medal in any event of the 33rd Olympiad.

I bring these considerations up, because we find Jesus disciples were concerned with greatness in the 1st Century. We find them asking Him about being the greatest in Matthew 18: 1-2. By way of answering them, he replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew
18:3-4).”
In order to be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, we have to be converted like little children. This is a description of humility and meekness. Jesus didn’t want His disciples seeking glory over one another, nor did He lay these things out as a competition. He rather describes the need to be changed from who we have been. We have previously been seeking our own. We have previously been desiring of glory and admiration from others, things that are selfish by their very nature.

So then how can we be converted? Paul describes it, I believe as being a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). That is in the obeying of the Gospel, and seeking but entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven, we must die to sin and live for God through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11). This is of course a process which begins at our obedience to the good news of salvation in Jesus involving our repentance and the remission of sins through baptism into Jesus Christ(Acts 2:38, 3:19). So this isn’t something that suddenly and miraculously changes us, but is the birth of a new creature that is being constantly transformed and growing in the likeness of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In this new creature is found then the humility of a child to take our minds back to the original text (Matthew 18:3-4). James described in his letter the need to be humbled that we might be lifted up (James 4:10). This is again part of our conversion. When we are converted like little children, we will put others ahead of ourself.
We will start to change our behavior which begins by changing our thinking. (Philippians 2:3-4). Children are used as an example of this. Children are not self-reliant. They are in fact in full need of care from others and a reliance on that care – God’s care as our Father. This is the relationship that we enter through Jesus Christ.

Being born of Him, and puttng on reliance of the Father, being humbled, we must have a converted heart. Our heart which has that childlike faith, trust, and reliance is one that exhibits such by our faith. Children believe in their parents. Just ask a little boy and he will tell you how his mom or dad is the greatest of all. They can fix anything, heal any wound, protect from any harm. This is what children should observe and believe of their parents, yet as we grow older and learn more about life, we start to see in a different light that our parents don’t really have all the power that we thought about them when we were little children. Here’s the thing about God as our Father – He really does have all of those qualities that we might have thought about our own parents as children. He provides for all of those things in this life, and in eternity. So we should obey Him. We should follow His teaching, instruction, and correction (1 Peter 1:14-15; Hebrews 12:1-5).

We should also then, having been born again be pure. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 5:8). This conversion is by its very definition then a transformation from the old man who followed sin and the cares of this world, this life, to that of new attitudes, behaviors, and priorities. Being transformed to be like little children then is seeking that of the kingdom of heaven above seeking power, glory, and honor in the kingdoms of men (Matthew 25:34).

In order to receive the heavenly glory, we will serve others and put them before ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). We will have a priority for God in our lives above that of ourselves (Matthew 6:33). We will lose ourselves in Him, and in the doing, we will find the self that is created in His image (Matthew 10:39), we will seek to look like our Father, act like our Father, have interests which align with Him (Ephesians 5:1-2), and we will receive from Him that which has been promised (2 Peter 1:4). We have been adopted as sons through Christ Jesus and so receive in Him the promise of eternal life (Romans 8:15-17).

The journey of humans upon this earth which we commonly consider as living is one that is filled with challenges. This is certainly true for everyone, but especially for those who are seeking spiritual relationships and connections to the Divine creator. Sometimes, our emotions begin to control us and lead us, on occasion to paths which we would do well to avoid.

Consider that many conflicts in our relationships damage or even destroy those relationships. Our emotions certainly conversely be a positive thing in our lives, they draw us closer to one another, they
make relationships grow into that which is special and makes impactful marks from one life to another.

It’s by our emotions that we relate so often to one another. In times of sympathy, and empathetic embrace, we are consoled from our troubles. Yet the wide range of these feelings can lead us to rage, hurt and hatred. As Christians, we must not let these powerful feelings lead us in paths of sin, so as we consider these things, let us see how scripture would instruct us to manage these feelings.

Firstly, we must recognize the breadth and width of emotions and accept that they are powerful in influencing us. They can cause our decisions to be different, they can control our actions. They can directly lead us to sin. O􀅌en we become confused by desires because we have this emotional response. How many a young person in feelings of desire properly determined as lust, become clouded in their
judgement, considering it to be the emo􀆟on of love and so going down a path of sin? I think we see this in a not so young king David (2 Samuel 11-12) as he in lust sinned with Bathsheba. That sin led to other sins because of guilt maybe as he was complicit to the murder of Uriah. We see the Apostle Peter in control of fear denying the Lord and any association with Him, even to the point of cursing and swearing (Matt 26:69-75). In these examples we see that emotions can get the best even of the best of us.

Maybe it is in such trials that the Proverb writer was contemplated as he instructs the reader, “[Pro 4:23 NKJV] 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it [spring] the issues of life.” Certainly James
addresses that of controlling emotions when he wrote, “[Jas 1:19-20 NKJV] 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not
produce the righteousness of God.”

There are certain of our range of emotions which just do not lead us to fruitful productive places. So then we should take care to recognize how our emotions are moving us. This requires frequent reflection
and self-awareness. We need to learn those things which cause our emotions to negatively control us and ways that they damage our relationships. As we learn these things, we can then develop recognition that our emo􀆟ons are taking over and then take measures to better control these feelings and not let them lead us to sin.

This means that we need to be in control by spiritually being in control. Certainly emotions are part of our spiritual man, as we see that the divine also expresses emotions. We see this in God’s anger (Deut 9:22; Rom 1:18), compassion (Deut 32:36), grief/regret (Gen 6:6), love (1 Jo 4:8; Jhn 3:16), hate (Prov 6:16; Psa 5:5). God has emotions, yet God cannot and does not sin in these emotions. So we must be led by His word to control our emotions.

Paul described that prayer and thanksgiving are good at combating our anxiety and the emotions which so often trouble us (Phil 4:6-7).

So by careful attention to God’s word, committing it to our heart, and being calmed by being at peace with God, we then have all of our relationships influenced and changed. So put God’s word in our heat
and find in it life. The Psalmist writes, “[Psa 119:11 NKJV] 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
Make prayer and meditation then our watchful care over our emotions, letting God’s word influence us. Peace with God changes everything else in our lives.

Finally, let us seek support one for another in our Christian fellowship and the relationship in the family of Christ. Wherever we journey in this life, if there are other Christians, we have a family support network
right there. I was reminded of that this past week as I met new Christians who I was not familiar with. In just a few moments of discussion, by our common interest and bond through Christ, we became quick friends as though we had known one another for years. We have this support right at hand. And so we have been instructed by Paul by way of the Galatian letter, “[Gal 6:2 NKJV] 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We are able then by God’s word to provide comfort to one another in times of distress (1 Thes 5:11). In these things we are building and being built up by our family in the household of faith.

Let us be in control of our emotions, rather than letting them control us toward sin. Let us be discerning or our emotions and not confuse them with fleshly desires. Let us encourage, comfort, and grow closer
in our emotions rather than letting them take over and damage our relationships with one another. God’s word is the salve for all such concerns, pains, and discomforts. He will lead us to Life and abundance.

Brethren, I have a confession. Maybe it’s just me, maybe it’s a sign of immaturity, but I frequently will hear about something that “churches” are involved in or are doing. Some way that they are changing what they do, how they do, and my gut, knee-jerk reaction is, “they shoudn’t/can’t do that”. I would guess that for most of us who have gotten very comfortable with where we are, who we are, and how we are fall into a place where this becomes our default response.

Change is hard. Traditions are comfortable. Don’t rock the proverbial boat because this is our boat and we are all in it together, and no one wants to go for a swim. Some time ago, I had heard that conservative brethren to our south in Texas were engaging in Vacation Bible School/Study (depends on who you talk to). My initial reaction was, “the world does that, not a conservative church of Christ”. We must take care, lest, [Mar 7:7 NKJV] 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.’

Disbelief should give way to better concerns and questions. Is that scriptural? Is it edifying? Is it something that the church should be engaged in? Do they have authority from God’s word for
such things?

We were challenged with change and “different” back when COVID-19 hit and we were forced to change some elements of our worship service. How we performed them for the sake of one another’s health. As the men considered ways to protect each one and be more hygienic, we came to where we are today observing the Lord’s supper from pre-packaged containers. When some locally expressed difficulty with driving at night, we considered them and their needs and determined that we would change our meeting
time on Sunday night. These things represent change and represent those things which were weighed according to scripture and changed to suit the needs of the local congregation. Yet for many of us, these changes were initially difficult and even uncomfortable.

I raise these because I think it is easy maybe for us to dismiss a lot of things and say, “denominations do this or act like this”. Now, I’m not losing my mind, and I’m in no way advocating that we should adopt anything that the world around us is doing which is not scriptural and which might violate the good principles of authority. That well established by command, example or necessary inference.

One area in which we might struggle and have confusion then is that of “church camps” and “VBS”. Even the idea of “Sunday School” has been criticized locally in the past. Some have tried to charge that our age-appropriate Bible studies which we call “Bible Class” are not authorized. The church has a very important mission to preach and teach the Word of God (Ma􀆩 28:18-20). Does the New Testament then contain that which gives us authority to perform such studies and classes as the local church?

In short, there is no scriptural authority for one to build and maintain campgrounds, have staff and/or support Bible camps. The church doesn’t have authority to be involved in providing recreations and retreats, etc. Certainly we should recognize that this type of thing is not the work of a local church, nor should it be. You would find as much authority for the church to open a retail store, movie theater, or discount grocery club.

But is it wrong for Christians to send kids to camp? If individuals are staffing and maintaining and performing such a camp, there is nothing wrong with it. It exists in the realm of our liberty. As a
young person, I knew and experienced many Chris􀆟an families camping for several days at Ft. Cobb lake where they would enjoy each other and the great outdoors, then the men would lead a singing and bring a word from the Bible in the evenings. This wasn’t a formal camp, but that which individuals took on. It was great fun and a HUGE encouragement for a young Christian.

What about VBS? Maybe instead of calling it “school” we would call it “study”, but at the end of the day, are we authorized? We should consider what we might do as part of such an effort. We are, after all, to be the “pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:15). We must make sure that such efforts are not simply daycare, and that we aren’t just entertaining or enjoying recreation.

There are a few ways to use the term “School” of a distinct organization, but we can also use it as a verb meaning to “train or discipline (someone) in a particular skill or activity” (New Oxford Dictionary).

In as much as we have authority for gospel meetings and Bible classes, we have authority to train the young by focusing on their spiritual training and making time for such. Consider (1 Cor 14:26 2 Tim 2:2). Weigh everything by the measure of God’s Word. One must be discerning and establish all things by the Word of God.

In 2 Pete 1, we find a list of qualities that are to be added to our faith. These qualities are such that like faith, we cannot go to the store and buy more, yet we need to increase in them, so that our faith is growing, so that we are maturing, and so that we can become bearers of fruit as Peter concludes the thought. Notice our text today:
[2Pe 1:5-10 NKJV] 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to
godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, [you] will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

Faith is that central piece of our call and election being sure. It is that which has always been expected throughout the dispensations, and it is that which has been built on man’s relationship with an eternal God and Creator who has by His creation, care, and revealed word provided the basis for our faith and the growth of it to something that is fully formed. It is this kind of progression which we observe throughout the Old Testament with Characters such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets.

God provided His goodness which speaks to us of Him and certainly should be enough for us to begin to have faith. Paul describes this seed as making all men without excuse (Rom 1:20). It is from learning these truths that we build trust, then we find revealed in His word a series of promises which in our present age we have the ability to see and observe the wonderful ways in which over generations, and centuries, God has completed all of these. Yet there remains a promise yet to be fulfilled – that of our eternal life through Christ Jesus at His return. Faith then is that belief and trust in what God has said He will do and is foundational for our relationships.
Even in our relationships with other people, we can see that trust between the parties of the relationship, as well as faith are the building blocks of respect with is developed between individuals. So then it is that which causes or compels us to be obedient to God. Faith is that thing which God wants from us who grope for and seek for Him (Heb 11:6).

So it is to that which Peter says we must add to it so that it will grow. The first thing he describes then is virtue. If we examine how the Greek word has been translated, we will find a few different ways in which this has been expressed. The NET describes it as excellence, and the NASB20 has translated it as moral
excellence. W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says, “intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue”. So this thing that we are building on our faith with is supplying moral character and goodness which is essential in qualities that we must possess and develop for our faith to grow. So it is that which becomes desirable and pure in our actions, in our words, and in our thoughts. It becomes purity, godliness and love.

If we continue to follow Peter’s description of things which we should be adding as building blocks upon our faith, we see that these things go together and lead us on a journey of growth with a focus on eternity.

We see that this godliness goes hand-in-hand with brotherly kindness (our relationships to one another), and also that of love which is that fondness and familiarity that grows within us and makes us comfortable in the relationship. This is that culminating quality which as it increases causes that of longsuffering and sacrifice wherein we find God has loved us so much that He sent His own Son a sacrifice for our sin (Jhn 3:16-17) and so commands that we love one another (John 15:12).

These virtues represent then things which help us to have that assurance of our salvation (2 Pete 2:10). They are things which I think could be encompassed in Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “…exercise yourself toward godliness.”. This growth of faith and development of Chris􀆟an Character then is that which is profitable for us both in this life and that which is to come (1 Tim 4:7-8). We must then be growing and increasing in our faith and in giving diligent efforts to adding these characteristics which are found in 2 Peter 1:5-8 so that we can insure a productive walk in Christ and be assured of our relationship and reward.

Faith is founded on the promises of God. He promised a permanent solution for mankind’s sins. He delivered on that promise. He has promised eternal life; we can trust and believe that He will deliver on that promise. So our faith should compel our obedience because He has also promised that a judgement and eternal destruction is coming for all who reject Christ. (Jhn 12:48). What are you doing with this knowledge?

In the previous discussion of fellowship, we called to mind the word from which it is typically translated, and what that describes according to scholars. We also discussed that there are a number of misconceptions surrounding this term in our modern age and among those that we commonly deal with in our community here at El Reno. Using the Bible to define Biblical terms helps us to have a more perfect understanding, and so it is right for us to constrain terms such as fellowship to a strict contextual understanding and discussion as we continue to think about this term and applying it in our lives.
Contextually, this term is always used in the New Testament to describe a deep spiritual unity between man and God as man collectively serves God, worships God, and arranges him/her-self toward God. Fundamental to our concept of fellowship in the modern age, should be an understanding of this central idea: [1Jo 1:3, 6-7 NKJV] 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. … 6 If
we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not prac􀆟ce the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

I recognize that there are more broad ways in which “koinonia” is used, and generally translators have done a masterful job with this word and its definition into English. We commonly see Paul use this word to describe this spiritual connectedness and relationship that Christians enjoy because of their relationship through Christ.
Notice these verses, and the use of words like “communion” or “fellowship”:

• 1 Corinthians 1:9
• 1 Corinthians 10:16
• 2 Corinthians 13:14
• Galatians 2:9
• Philippians 1:5
• Philippians 2:1
• Philippians 3:10

These coupled with John’s discussion of fellowship as being a relationship with God, and the exclusivity of our connectedness with His light and His perfection should center our minds then on a spiritual ideal which we are seeking to be and do in this life. We do this because of our relationship and desire to draw near to the source of that light.

Recognizing this, we also see this word used to describe that of more general “sharing”, but as we look at these verses, notice that where it is translated such, there is still a connection to service to God. The connection is in benevolence, not in a general way to our fellow man, but rather in a specific and spiritual context as it relates to sharing with those who were ministering in the Gospel, sharing in fulfilling the needs of Saints who were lacking physical provisions. In this way, no􀆟ce the context around the word
“share”, “sharing”, and contribution in these passages:

• Romans 15:26
• 2 Corinthians 9:13
• Philemon 1:6
• Galatians 2:9

Some may look at these verses and conclude liberally, that sharing of physical things is a form of fellowship and certainly there is a sense of general do-gooding associated with being a Christian. We
get that from applying stories such as the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), or applying fully Paul’s encouragement to the Galatians “[Gal 6:10 NKJV] 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do
good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
If there is any confusion though, about the spiritual nature of the use of koinonia”, contemplate for a bit on the context of “share” in Hebrews 13.
[Heb 13:14-20 NKJV] 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of [our] lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge [you] to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

This word is connected then with sacrifice and worship before God even in the extending of physical things. We may serve our neighbor by extending physical needs and meeting them where they are, but fellowship is a drawing near to God kind of thing which we would do well to make the connections about. Let us remember that our fellowship then must be in His light, and not in the darkness of this present age.

The world around us looks at the word “fellowship” with a very liberal concept. So much so that in their practice, it means anyone with whom you shared anything is one whom you have fellowship with. I suppose that this comes from Thayer’s description of the Greek word “koinonia” which is translated as “fellowship” where Thayer gives the following definitions:
koinōnia
1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
1a) the share which one has in anything, participation
1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship.

Generally, other Lexicons agree with all of the statements which Thayer makes on this and so I suppose that we could loosely use the word fellowship in this way today.
But is that really what Luke is describing in his use of the word?
[Act 2:42 NKJV] 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

If we are striving to be the church that is found in Acts 2 after so many had obeyed the gospel, we would do well to not only continue in the teaching of the Apostles (the apostles’ doctrine), but also continue in fellowship as these two are connected and parallel in the structure of the sentence so that if you are doing one, you must also do the other (connected here by the word “and”). The idea of this sentence then is that they were paying close attention to what the Apostles were teaching, putting it into practical application in their lives, and sharing with one another in a very connected and communal way.

We, however, do a disservice to the text when we don’t consider the context around it. Notice what Luke is discussing and how.
[Act 2:42-47 NKJV] 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders
and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

So, in verse 42, we have their worship described – “the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers”. Many will try to take fellowship here and apply it to social engagements, generally sharing meals together, etc. Let’s be clear that “fellowship” is not referring to sharing meals here and hanging out at the lake. The context tells us that this verse is isolated to that of worship.

Continuing down the page then, we do find that they had social dealings with one another (note that I didn’t exclude that Luke describes this part of their lives as well). In verse 44, they shared all things in common, verse 45 the wealthy shared with the poor to provide for their needs, and in verse 46 we find their one-ness their common meals shared together, and the simplicity with which they lived together in community.
Let me ask though, is this a description of Christians dealing with people outside the church? What we have are Christians living a life that is filled up with being around and near other Christians. Worshiping together and sharing in community. This is why it was so important as described by the Hebrew writer.
[Heb 10:24-25 NKJV] 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Fellowship is not a general being together, but a connectedness in an intimate and close way sharing in things of a spiritual nature. It is what we do as we join in worship to God together. It’s performed further as we commune with each other and the Lord in the remembrance feast that honors His sacrifice, His atonement for us, His resurrection and the promise that it is in our lives as children of God. Fellowship should be in our minds as John describes it in His epistle: [1Jo 1:7 NKJV] 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.