Inward and Outward
A question has come up concerning spiritual gifts, as referred to in Romans 12:6-8. So far, we have not talked about this in the Bible study group. I believe that it is important to lay a firm foundation in the ways of God before getting caught up in who has what gifting. That will come. But the danger of putting the gifts before having a deep inward rich spiritual life with God is that one might end up like the Corinthian Church. Full of gifts, yet carnal. We end up as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:1
"I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
Laying the foundation of love for God, and love for each other is crucial. We all have heard of people who have been turned off by "Christians" like that - who appear to be hypocrites to others because they lack humility and sincerity. It is obvious when someone does not have their inner life grounded by the inward working of the Holy Spirit's graces. Not only does it do harm to the witness of God in their life, but it also robs them of their heavenly rewards. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus tells us,
"Don't lay up for yourself treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts and thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moths nor rust corrupts and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The fact that God is more concerned with our inward state (which then becomes outwardly manifest in our behavior) than He is with our "gifting" in and of itself is, evident in multitudes of
Scriptures. The one Scripture that I am reminded of that speaks strongly about this is in Matthew 7:23
Not every one that says to me , Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied in your name? and in you name haven't we cast out devils? and in you name haven't we done many wonderful works? And then I will say unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you that work iniquity.
Every time I read that Scripture it is sobering to me. Imagine the Lord saying, "I never knew you." Apparently these people were doing outward works, and proclaiming His Name. But they did not have that inward foundation. That is the true riches of a deeply intimate relationship with our Father. This is where the foundation comes from that enables us to do the works that are acceptable to Him. As Jesus said, when you pray, go into your inner chamber and pray in secret. When you give alms, give in secret. Without the inner spiritual riches, we will be to others as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. As Jesus told us, the kingdom of God is within you. Turn your attention inward today to see that there is peace with God and a deep inward witness. Is there joy within? Let the Spirit of God water your spirit today. Be refreshed by His indwelling Presence. Let Him be "enough" for you today.
"I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
Laying the foundation of love for God, and love for each other is crucial. We all have heard of people who have been turned off by "Christians" like that - who appear to be hypocrites to others because they lack humility and sincerity. It is obvious when someone does not have their inner life grounded by the inward working of the Holy Spirit's graces. Not only does it do harm to the witness of God in their life, but it also robs them of their heavenly rewards. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus tells us,
"Don't lay up for yourself treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts and thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moths nor rust corrupts and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The fact that God is more concerned with our inward state (which then becomes outwardly manifest in our behavior) than He is with our "gifting" in and of itself is, evident in multitudes of
Scriptures. The one Scripture that I am reminded of that speaks strongly about this is in Matthew 7:23
Not every one that says to me , Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied in your name? and in you name haven't we cast out devils? and in you name haven't we done many wonderful works? And then I will say unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you that work iniquity.
Every time I read that Scripture it is sobering to me. Imagine the Lord saying, "I never knew you." Apparently these people were doing outward works, and proclaiming His Name. But they did not have that inward foundation. That is the true riches of a deeply intimate relationship with our Father. This is where the foundation comes from that enables us to do the works that are acceptable to Him. As Jesus said, when you pray, go into your inner chamber and pray in secret. When you give alms, give in secret. Without the inner spiritual riches, we will be to others as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. As Jesus told us, the kingdom of God is within you. Turn your attention inward today to see that there is peace with God and a deep inward witness. Is there joy within? Let the Spirit of God water your spirit today. Be refreshed by His indwelling Presence. Let Him be "enough" for you today.
posted by Laurie T at
9:52 AM
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