I absolutely love the Word of God and believe it contains all the answers to life’s major questions. You might think that’s a bit far-fetched, but it’s not hard for me to believe that an omnipotent and omniscient God has all the answers. Now I will omit there are shades of gray at times in life. The Bible isn’t always “black and white” as we would like it to be on a particular subject, but it certainly provides us with enough guidelines to answer any questions we may have about a doubtful practice.
When seeking answers that aren't always so clear, scripturally speaking, we need to ask a series of questions for more clarification. These questions fall under three major questions which are:
Under question number one ask these questions:
When seeking answers that aren't always so clear, scripturally speaking, we need to ask a series of questions for more clarification. These questions fall under three major questions which are:
- What is the possible effect it could have on me?
- What is the possible effect it can have on others?
- What is the possible effect it can have on the cause of Christ?
Under question number one ask these questions:
- Could this thing I desire to do harm me physically? (1 Corinthians 6:19 – 20)
- Could this thing I desire to do cause me to have impure thoughts? (Matthew 5:27 – 28; Philippians 4:8)
- Could this thing I desire to do cause me to form bad habits? (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Does this thing I desire feed my old sinful nature or my new nature as a Christian? (Colossians 3:9 – 10; Romans 6:6)
- Would I care if I were caught doing this thing when Christ returns? (Titus 2:12 – 14)
Under question number two ask these questions:
- Could this cause me to be a stumbling block or hindrance to another person? (Romans 14:12 – 13, 20 – 21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-10)
- Does it have the appearance of evil? (1 Timothy 4:12)
- Would I care if my parents, family, friends, and pastors knew about this thing I do? (2 Samuel 12:1 – 7)
- Will this affect my testimony in a negative way? (Philippians 2:15)
- Would Jesus do it? (John 13:15)
Under question number three ask these questions:
- Does this thing I desire to do or be please God? (2 Timothy 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1)
- Can I truly thank God for this habit, act, or deed in my life? (Colossians 3:17)
- Will this practice honor Christ or be a waste of God’s investment in me? (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Many of these questions, or the premises behind them, were derived in a seminary class under the direction of David LeGrand at Piedmont Bible College. LeGrand was one of the best professors I ever had the privilege of sitting under because of his knowledge and passion for the Word of God. I hope the things shared in this blog will cause you to think more deeply about the Word of God and the actions you take in your daily walk.
Men, with Father’s Day approaching I leave you with a quote and a question. Thomas Carlyle once said “Show me the man you honor and I will know what kind of man you are.” My question to you is: Does your life honor Christ in such a way that others are drawn to Him because of your example? When others look our way may they see Christ in our words and deeds.
Blessings,
Rod
