In This Issue

The Example of Christ, by Ira Mikell
The Christian and the World, by Ethan R. Longhenry

The Example of Christ

Ira Mikell

The life of Christ is the greatest example which every person should follow. Peter says,

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1 Peter 2:21-24).

Let us examine three important truths about the example of Christ.

An example for children. As a child, Jesus was obedient to his parents, Joseph and Mary. The Scripture says that he was "subject to them," (Luke 2:51). There are many children in the world today, who, as Paul says, are "disobedient to parents," (2 Timothy 3:2). Children need to be taught the importance of being in subjection to their parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 says,
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
An example for those becoming a Christian. Jesus was not a sinner, and consequently, did not need to be baptized for the remission of sins. However, his baptism was performed in order "to fulfil all righteousness," (Matthew 3:15). Through his example, Jesus established the method of baptism by which a person becomes a Christian which is immersion in water.
An example for those living the Christian life. The only person who lived a perfect life was Christ. It is important that all Christians everywhere should strive to live as righteously as Jesus, even though it is impossible for us to live without sin (Romans 3:23). In Matthew 5:48, we read,
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
We are instructed by Jesus to live a holy and righteous life. This command can never be accomplished unless we love Christ and keep his commandments (John 14:15).

Whether we are children, a person becoming a Christian, or those living the Christian life, let us strive to follow the example of Christ in everything according to the Scriptures.

Ira Mikell
ira@thechristianexaminer.com

The Christian and the World

Ethan R. Longhenry

When we examine the world around us today, there is much to be desired. Fornication is rampant, violence is commonplace in our various forms of entertainment, the level of immorality and decadence keeps rising, with movies and music becoming more and more explicit and grotesque, and there seems to be no knowledge of God in any place. Yet it is in a condition like this where the Christian sees the truths of Scripture: the man of God is set against the things of the world.

The world has reached a level of decadence and immorality that makes it very easy to see the difference between it and the things of God. As John says,

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. Also, the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).

The world and God have been set at odds for as long as the world may last. This has always been the case; our modern society just makes it easier to discern the difference. Has any society or time been less worldly in the eyes of God than others? Perhaps so, yet John's statement has meaning for every society and nation which has ever existed. Furthermore, John's language is clear: you cannot love the world and the Father; you must choose. There is no fencesitting. You must do the will of the Father or succumb to the lusts of the world.

How, then, does the Christian do the will of the Father? Paul makes this clear in Romans 12:2:

And do not be conformed to this world, yet be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is acceptable and good and perfect.

Let us notice three things about this verse:

"do not be conformed to this world." We are to live in the world, and to help save the lost (Matthew 28:18-20). To live in the world does not mean to be like the world, however, and we must strive to not be shaped or moved in any way by the world around us.
"but be transformed." Transformed here is the same Greek word as "transfigured" in Matthew 17, and we get the English word "metamorphosis" from it. The most common usage of the term metamorphosis is the caterpillar: it makes a cocoon for itself, and emerges as a butterfly. It undergoes a significant transformation; so we, as Christians, must emerge from the world, transforming ourselves into new creatures in Christ.
"by the renewing of your mind." This is the "how" statement of the verse: how do we not be conformed by the world yet be transformed? By the renewing of our minds! As Paul says in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
If we dwell on those things which are good, then we have no opportunity for sinful thoughts or evil things. Paul teaches us that mental training will allow us to transform ourselves into acceptable vessels of God.

Our world today is sinful and immoral, perhaps more so than many societies before us. While our lives as Christians are made more difficult due to its temptations, it also makes discerning the Father from the world much easier. It is always hard to avoid being conformed by the world; in our times, however, it is simple to discern that which the world produces. It is up to each individual Christian, however, to be transformed, and to live as God would have him live.

Ethan R. Longhenry
ethan@thechristianexaminer.com
www.deusvitae.com

For Further Discussion

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