May give my view on this...
Submitted by Compassion on January 24 2000 at 15:19:33
In reply to Re: You're at the right place Submitted by Tim on January 23 2000 at 22:19:50
|
Tim. By the way Mark I want to say thanks for being so open, and courageous in helping others to speak out about our deep feelings. May I interrupt here to say welcome Tim {{{{{{hugs}}}}} and same for you Mark {{{{{hugs}}}}}, with Christian love. I do not want to create waves nor do I want to discourage any in their walk with the Lord. Also I want to say that in both of you by your comments I sense a love for the Lord, so I do not doubt your salvation. What I want to address is Romans 7. Some say this passage is before Paul was saved, but the great majority of Theologians would agree this is Paul after salvation and his struggle with doing what he knows is right. First I should say Tim I yet do not know how to make links to previous discussions I have had [maybe Mark you can help me there], but please go back to those. Clearly I see that our condition is a result of what I believe scripture teaches in Matthew 19:12, "For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." Some of us were born not to be espoused to have a wife, and God has a purpose in that we can minister to those who are least. See Luke 18:16, "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." But also balance this verse with Luke 17:1,2, "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." So on one hand we need to meet the needs of the young, then on the other we need to be careful on offending one of them. Second, I strongly believe where our strength lies, there also lies are weakness. This makes sense when we see such passages as Matthew 7:1-5. Here if we are dealing with a brother's problem and we have the same. Those who see problems clearly in others is usually a sign they are dealing with a similar problem. That is why it is so clear! Also consider Galatians 6:1,2, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Consider the fact that Jesus used Judas as the treasurer even though he knew he was a lover of money. Why?, because there lied his strength. May interject to say that I wonder if Andrew was a BL, as you see his compassion for those who are the cast outs [such as the lad with the fish, the Greeks]. Third, in the light of the previous two, we come to Romans 7 where Paul says he does which he does not want to do, and does not do what he ought to do. Now we should not rely on excuseology. That is saying I did that because I was weak and I can continue in it. However, in all meekness I know that to be true in my life. Any believer has to admit to that. That is where we can thank God for passages such as I John 1. May we be strong in the Lord, with the strength of his might. This only happens as we read through the bible more. Then God can use that area of weakness to His glory as we see boys desire to follow after God. Love in Christ, and I do love you brothers, Compassion.....:=) |