And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Summary: Ultimately, God is in charge. There is a great deal of comfort in that.
Some time ago, a man was leading a small study group at his church. In the course of preparing for the study, he wrestled with a Biblical passage that dealt with the nature of sin.
Now, if you have read the Bible, or even part of the Bible, you have most likely run across the word “sin.” Most churches talk about it, and most Christians have an opinion on what “sin” is.
During the course of the study, he had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the topic. As it turned out, his thoughts were “different” than the church leaders, and what seemed like a small thing to the man became a big thing to the church.
All of this happened because on some points people think differently.
Paul has lots of experience with people preaching or teaching the wrong things. He often warns about people who teach others to rely on something besides the pure Gospel of faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, in this letter to the Philippians, Paul seems to take a different tone. He asks, “But what does it matter?,” and then goes on to note that the important thing is that “Christ is preached.”
In the passage above, he echoes this tone. He says, “And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.”
Who is in charge of the church?
God.
Who is the ultimate authority?
Again, it is God.
Who is able to make things clear?
Once again, the answer is God.
The mature believer in Christ is one who is yoked to Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Like Jesus, they are gentle and humble of heart. When people who are gentle and humble of heart get together, differences in thinking are not a threat; they are an opportunity.
Application: Keep our eyes on Jesus.
Food for Thought: How does God make things clear to us?
For me, God makes things clear through the consistency of Scripture on a topic or issue. Of course, there is the fellowship of believers in which, as iron sharpens iron, we sharpen one another. And there is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who illuminates God’s word (John 14: 26; John 16: 13 – 15). But God’s word has proven to be a light to my path over and over again.
Psalm 119: 105: Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Rich,
I couldn’t agree more! Unfortunately for me, God’s thoughts are higher than mind! 🙂 Trying to filter thoughts through God’s Word can be a challenging task!
Yes, but you do so every day on a blog 😊.
🙂
Thank you Rich.
How does God make things clear to us?
As believers we have received Jesus Christ who by the power of the Holy Spirit, resides in our hearts. God, our Father, will provide clarity to each of His children in times of confusion as we turn to Him and ask. He is always near with His arms held open to receive all who call on Him.
Psalm 32:8, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 34:18, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
1 John 5:14, This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Thank you, Ron!
Thank God for his Holy Spirit! Even when we don’t understand, he is there to take us by the hand and lead us through whatever we are dealing with.
How does God make things clear to us?
I believe the clarity that God gives is like this:
Isaiah 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Now I know that seems a bit “mystical”, but when we prepare our hearts to receive the clarity that God gives, we stove to apply His Word to our lives, and we walk with Him, then we recognize the gentle and peaceful voice of the Holy Spirit.
So, we prepare our hearts to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit by…
Reading the Word, and not just reading, but meditating, cross referencing, studying…digging deep into it and looking for God’s intent and application. Also, we bind the Word to our heart so that God’s truth is abundant in our heart. Out of that abundance we will see clear answers to our questions.
Nehemiah 8:8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Apply the Word to our life. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment in our decisions and then follow the path of righteousness. Allow His Word to transform our mind. In following God’s Word, we will find a peaceful contentment, where circumstance and emotion do not cloud our mind, and that contentment is partnered with clarity.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all contentment in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Talk and pray to the Lord throughout the day; never allow ourselves to think that He is not present with us, and so strive to be present with Him.
Psalm 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
Thank you, Chris!
Nicely said. Lots of good, practical advice in your words today!