Saved for what, stay in sin and condemnation or to walk like Jesus?

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Our walk as believers should be

  • Like the world

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Like pious people

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Like moral people

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • Like Jesus

    Votes: 7 87.5%
  • Just stay as we are

    Votes: 1 12.5%
  • Do our best

    Votes: 3 37.5%
  • Be righteous

    Votes: 5 62.5%
  • Be loving

    Votes: 5 62.5%

  • Total voters
    8

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#1
What is our goal?

Goal depict heroes, an ideal we are not yet but would like to achieve.

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27

It struck me some have a spiritual language that makes a lot of scripture blind to them.
They read the words but nothing get through.

John says this

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:6

This sounds impossible, idealistic, beyond our description as Jesus is our Lord and saviour,
far beyond our reach. This though is what we describe heathen religions as doing, and Christ
has brought God to our hearts so we have a personal relationship with Him.

But what is Jesus's way of walking.

Poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.
Their treasure is in heaven, they are not angry, but bless, they do not lust after sexual desire, they love their
enemies, they do their acts of righteousness in private not for show, they pray meaningful prayers expecting
the Lord hears and will answer, they forgive from the heart, they do not worry about wealth but the Lords ways,
they do not judge but desire to help and encourage others.
Matt 5 - 7

So to me this is our goal, to walk like Jesus, one step at a time.
Jesus was a behaviourist, we learn by doing, we are changed by obedience, it is in trying we discover the
blocks in the way. Without obeying we stay as we are, whatever that state it is.
 
Feb 24, 2019
256
167
43
#2
What is our goal?

Goal depict heroes, an ideal we are not yet but would like to achieve.

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27

It struck me some have a spiritual language that makes a lot of scripture blind to them.
They read the words but nothing get through.

John says this

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:6

This sounds impossible, idealistic, beyond our description as Jesus is our Lord and saviour,
far beyond our reach. This though is what we describe heathen religions as doing, and Christ
has brought God to our hearts so we have a personal relationship with Him.

But what is Jesus's way of walking.

Poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.
Their treasure is in heaven, they are not angry, but bless, they do not lust after sexual desire, they love their
enemies, they do their acts of righteousness in private not for show, they pray meaningful prayers expecting
the Lord hears and will answer, they forgive from the heart, they do not worry about wealth but the Lords ways,
they do not judge but desire to help and encourage others.
Matt 5 - 7

So to me this is our goal, to walk like Jesus, one step at a time.
Jesus was a behaviourist, we learn by doing, we are changed by obedience, it is in trying we discover the
blocks in the way. Without obeying we stay as we are, whatever that state it is.
And Jesus tells us how...

Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”
Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28&29)

"So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever PRACTICES and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 5:19)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)

The Seed of the Word of God on good-ground, GROWS!!!
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#3
And Jesus tells us how...

Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”
Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28&29)

"So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever PRACTICES and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 5:19)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)

The Seed of the Word of God on good-ground, GROWS!!!
Amen

The issue is NOT obedience, the issue is HOW sre we saved. HOW are we empowered to be obedient. And HOW are we made like chist.

Sadly, to many want to focus on the end result, and twist it to make it the means by which one gains it (salvation) or maintains it (salvation)

John makes it clear. Whoever practices sin has never seen or known God. Whoever has been born of God can not practice sin.

So if they are not practicing sin, what are they practicing? Is it not obedience?
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#4
And Jesus tells us how...

Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”
Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28&29)

"So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever PRACTICES and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 5:19)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)

The Seed of the Word of God on good-ground, GROWS!!!
Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”
Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28&29)

A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."
Luke 9:35

Belief in Jesus means to know He will provide the ability to transform us into His likeness.

Some appear to disown and devalue obedience, as if this is not our calling.
If our goal is to be like Jesus, to not be like Jesus, is to fail in ones goal.
 

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
113
#5
In your choices, you left out the answer.

In fellowship with Him.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#6
Amen
The issue is NOT obedience, the issue is HOW sre we saved. HOW are we empowered to be obedient. And HOW are we made like chist.
Sadly, to many want to focus on the end result, and twist it to make it the means by which one gains it (salvation) or maintains it (salvation)
John makes it clear. Whoever practices sin has never seen or known God. Whoever has been born of God can not practice sin.
So if they are not practicing sin, what are they practicing? Is it not obedience?
Are you suggesting you are not sinning?
Amen that you are walking in Christs ways.

And I agree if people have a true encounter with Jesus, obedience is a reflection of the work
of Christ is doing in their heart, rather than an attempt at self justification by trying to be good.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#8
If we say we have no sin, we decieve ourselves and the truth is not in us.

What will it take to get people to hear the word of God? And stop being decieved?
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#10
If we say we have no sin, we decieve ourselves and the truth is not in us.
What will it take to get people to hear the word of God? And stop being decieved?
What deception are you talking about?
It could be you do not see others as Christ sees them.

The pharisees thought Jesus was demon possessed and could not see His righteousness.
Hard hearted people always feel others are attacking them when it is just their own conscience
which is causing the problem. Either we humble ourselves before God or lash out at those
we believe who are causing the problem.

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:20

I love you brother as you love Christ, Praise the Lord for His work in our hearts as He transforms
us into His likeness, from one state of glory to the next.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit
2 Cor 3:18
 
Feb 24, 2019
256
167
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#11
Luckily our "Work" is definitely 'doable', its not about clever or will-power, etc.
We can make sure we do the things we need in order to believe (I posted mine in the Miscellaneous forum yesterday).
And if we do that work to keep our eyes on Jesus then our conscience should be clear and we should not have to be neurotic about looking for sin in our lives.

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#12
Luckily our "Work" is definitely 'doable', its not about clever or will-power, etc.
We can make sure we do the things we need in order to believe (I posted mine in the Miscellaneous forum yesterday).
And if we do that work to keep our eyes on Jesus then our conscience should be clear and we should not have to be neurotic about looking for sin in our lives.

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)
Amen

Our focus should not be on how good we are, Or am I sinning, It should be on who needs me to serve them.

God will let us know when we get off track.
 
Feb 24, 2019
256
167
43
#13
Amen

Our focus should not be on how good we are, Or am I sinning, It should be on who needs me to serve them.

God will let us know when we get off track.
I would say our focus needs to be on Jesus, and then everything else will naturally follow, including the service of others.
Therefore find and do the things that cement Jesus into the reality of your day. The more you do the more you will be able to cast all your cares upon Him and relax. And then trust that the Spirit will lead you through your day, teaching you and helping you grow into the likeness of Christ through the events of the day (patience, humility, and all other virtue).
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#15
I would say our focus needs to be on Jesus, and then everything else will naturally follow, including the service of others.
Therefore find and do the things that cement Jesus into the reality of your day. The more you do the more you will be able to cast all your cares upon Him and relax. And then trust that the Spirit will lead you through your day, teaching you and helping you grow into the likeness of Christ through the events of the day (patience, humility, and all other virtue).
Seek after things of the spirit. I think people do not understand what this means..
 

gb9

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2011
11,641
6,276
113
#16
just some info-

the person who started this thread linked to got questions . org to get the definition of sin

not by works, that thread, earlier today.

in case some are interested , ( I know the o.p. does not care, got questions . org for theology says that loud and clear.)

the greek word for sin is hamartia, occurs 176 times in the N.T.

in a nutshell, it means missing the mark, an error, falling short of a standard, knowing to do good and not doing so.
 
Feb 24, 2019
256
167
43
#17
Seek after things of the spirit. I think people do not understand what this means..
In my personal experience, which I think is quite limited compared to many, being lead by the Spirit is allowing yourself to be lead by a sort of 'knowing' or 'seeing' or 'feeling' or 'sensing' of what is right and what is love.
And the less I 'think' the easier this becomes.
For instance, if someone needs some help at work I always feel 'lead' to help them if I can, regardless of whether they helped me when I needed help the day before or whether its "their own fault", etc. No 'thinking', just love.
And as you mentioned earlier, God will let us know when we get off track (Philippians 3:12-16), so I trust if I am in error in these things He will bring it to my attention.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#18
In my personal experience, which I think is quite limited compared to many, being lead by the Spirit is allowing yourself to be lead by a sort of 'knowing' or 'seeing' or 'feeling' or 'sensing' of what is right and what is love.
And the less I 'think' the easier this becomes.
For instance, if someone needs some help at work I always feel 'lead' to help them if I can, regardless of whether they helped me when I needed help the day before or whether its "their own fault", etc. No 'thinking', just love.
And as you mentioned earlier, God will let us know when we get off track (Philippians 3:12-16), so I trust if I am in error in these things He will bring it to my attention.
Amen

We should always be looking and seeking for the needs of people around us. What way can I serve them? and amen, You stated a major point, It does not matter if they ever did a thing for us or not..
 
Feb 24, 2019
256
167
43
#19
just some info-

the person who started this thread linked to got questions . org to get the definition of sin

not by works, that thread, earlier today.

in case some are interested , ( I know the o.p. does not care, got questions . org for theology says that loud and clear.)

the greek word for sin is hamartia, occurs 176 times in the N.T.

in a nutshell, it means missing the mark, an error, falling short of a standard, knowing to do good and not doing so.
Thanks for sharing that definition. I find it really illuminating. I think I have been working with a definition like "sin is just plain wickedness", but this shows it more as a weakness and helplessness almost...

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24&25)
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#20
Thanks for sharing that definition. I find it really illuminating. I think I have been working with a definition like "sin is just plain wickedness", but this shows it more as a weakness and helplessness almost...

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24&25)
Sadly I think some people think of sin as overt acts such as murder and sexual sin, Steeling etc etc. And do not realise sin is much deeper than this. That it is an attitude and the bible says so deep. That even knowing that you should do something, yet don;t do it. It is called sin.
The penalty of sin (even that sin) of course being death.


So people better be looking to Jesus and his grace.. Because not only have all sinned, But if we even say we have no sin, we are decieved, and there is no truth in us.

For the legalist though. They can’t do this. It would contradict the root of their gospel. That they are saved because they are righteous people. Not because God saved them.