Christian Living

Part 11 Overcoming

by james rondinone 
11/28/15
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    Learning How to Live Victoriously

œRestoring Such a One

œMaking Godly Decisions Gives Us Victory         

œForgiving One Another    

   It’s unfortunate today that in many churches helping to restore a fellow believer is considered being a busy body. Going to church for many is for the purpose of fulfilling an obligation and socializing. Looking out for one another’s spiritual welfare is considered meddling in their affairs.

   Well I have good news for you. We are to help one another in their spiritual walk with God. The next lesson will teach us how.

Restoring Such a One

Back in the late 1970’s, I was working as an outreach coordinator for a church. The church purchased two houses located on the same plot of land. At one time, both of these houses were owned by the Catholic church, which provided housing for their nuns. In one of the houses was a chapel and office, along with residential rooms. The other house was primarily residential and I lived in one of the rooms in this house. All of the other rooms were also inhabited by church members.

   Sometimes the pastor would ask me to accompany him if he needed to meet with someone for counseling. There was one situation in particular where a member of the church, a single male who was living on the property, just up and left. He was very active in the church and was a close friend to the pastor. The pastor informed me of his departure, and apparently found out where he went. I accompanied him on his way to visit this person.

   When we got to the house, we knocked on the door and were invited in. As we walked in, the young man was present along with a single woman with kids. While there, we spoke to him privately. He told us that he had sexual relations with the woman. She was an acquaintance of his before he came to live at the church facility. He acknowledged and admitted his fault and agreed to return with us to the church facility. Further counseling was provided so that he could begin to address this issue from a Godly perspective. Helping a fellow believer to overcome a fault can hide a multitude of further sins from being committed, and can provide him/ her with the means necessary to not only learn how to become an overcomer in this area of weakness, but to be equipped to be able to help another believer who might be experiencing a problem in this same area.

The Best Dish on the Table — Fellowship with Jesus

   A certain woman named Martha, who had a sister named Mary, was preparing an elaborate meal in anticipation of a visit from Jesus. When Jesus arrived, Mary removed herself from helping her sister in order to hear Jesus’ teaching.

   I get the sense that Martha really didn’t know who Jesus really was. Anticipating his arrival and preparing a meal beforehand seemed to be appropriate. However, once he arrived, even though the meal wasn’t fully prepared, she should have left her occupation with these affairs and, along with her sister, sat at Jesus’ feet to hear His teaching.

   Martha, being upset that Mary had stopped helping her, told Jesus. Jesus responded, “Martha, all of these things are occupying your heart and you have difficulty because of it. “There is only one thing that you need, and your sister has chosen the right thing — the best dish on the table — which is fellowship with me, of hearing my word.”

   Who or what do we become preoccupied with that distracts us from fellowship with Jesus, of hearing His word?

   Are there decisions that you are making that you can change so that you can make hearing the word a priority?

   Choose the right thing, eat the best dish on the table, and you will find rest (refreshment) for your soul.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

   We who are spiritual (one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God) are to help each other to overcome troublesome moral faults or any problems that might befall us by going to a fellow believer, whom we have caught committing sin, for the purpose of restoration by means of correction. This idea of correction, in my opinion means that not only does the believer admit his fault, but is also taught how to think with God in this area of weakness. The goal is that each believer will be able to examine his/her own way of feeling and acting and aims and endeavors, so that he/ she can apply God’s mind (word) to any troublesome areas.

   If any believer thinks they are morally or spiritually superior to their fellow believers and refuses take on the responsibility of restoring a sinning fellow believer, then they are mentally deceived. When we help another believer that is not expressing the form of truth in their thoughts and modes of living to turn to God’s way of thinking and thus acting, then this person will be delivered from the misery of soul arising from sin. We are to take careful note of each other’s spiritual welfare, attentively considering one another’s trials, difficulties, and weaknesses.

   And when we judge a fellow believer, we shouldn’t judge them based on the first impression they make upon our prejudices or from the outward appearance, but rather judge an action according on the basis of what is true or from the tendency or motives of the person.

   How grateful are we for Christian friends, who help us when we stumble in our spiritual walk.

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. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Galatians 6:1-5

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Hebrews 10:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

   What are the decisions that we as believers can make which will cause us to no longer continue in the thoughts, words, and actions of our flesh (sin nature) but in the thoughts, words, actions of a Spirit lead life?

   The following teaching will assist us in this avenue.

Making Godly Decisions

Gives Us Victory

After we have become born again (anew), we need to learn how to think, speak, and act according to the new creation (creature) we have become. This newness of thought, speech, and action can become our modus operandi if we will follow these guidelines:

1. Attend the Assembling of Believers on a Regular Basis

   We are not to forsake the habit of meeting together for reading, exhortation, and worship. Faithfulness in church attendance encourages others and provokes them to love and good works.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

2. Attend an Assembly of Believers that Teaches How to Allow God’s Influence on our Souls, Instead of Allowing Passionate Desires that Have the Character of this Present Age

   Disciplining in grace teaches us to refuse ungodliness (denying God’s influence on our soul) and worldly lusts (passionate desires having the character of this present age), and instead to live soberly (with a sound mind), righteously (injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property), and godly (to allow God’s influence on our soul) in this world.

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:12

3. Attend an Assembly of Believers that Teaches How to Think the Way Christ Did

   We are to make the Lord Jesus our model. We are to exemplify the attitude that Christ exhibited, which consists of a spirit of humility, self-abnegation, and an interest in the affairs of others. Do not put on the form, fashion, or appearance of this world, but be transformed (appear as new persons with new habits) by having the entire bent of your mind changed by means of spending time meditating on God’s word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

4. Confess Known Sin to God the Father and/or to Those Against Whom We Have Committed an Offense

   If we confess or admit ourselves guilty to God the Father, the result of inward conviction, along with confessing to our fellow man of offences committed against them, then God the Father is faithful to forgive (signifies the remission of the punishment in time due to sinful conduct; deliverance from the penalty, and involves the complete removal of the cause of the offense; not to remember sin; remove the misery of soul through reaping what we sow; remove lost fellowship with God in time; and remove discipline from God) us of our sins, along with freeing us from the guilt of them.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

5. Appropriate (Memorize) Scriptures that Allow Us to Think the Way God Would Like Us to Think

   In times past, when trials came, I erred mentally and stopped following the way God wanted me to go. But now I have learned to treasure up in memory or memorize his word that I might not sin against him.

   When different trials come, God will provide the appropriate way to endure or bear the test patiently.

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psalms 119:67

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

6. Meditate on Memorized Scripture Throughout the Day So that We Will Prosper in all Areas of Life

   How I love his word — it is my object of study or reflection all the day long!

   Every motive of our hearts should be towards thinking about, understanding, and reflecting upon the word of God. If we do this, then we will be like an alive, beautiful, fruitful, useful, and enduring tree that is set out in a favorable place and cultivated with care, because it receives its nourishment from a river that runs through it. As a result, we will prosper in all areas of life, not only spiritual but also financial and physical.

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Psalms 119:97

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:2-3

7. Keep Company (Habitually and Continuously) with Fellow Believers Who Have Godly Wisdom

   He that habitually and continuously keeps company with people who have wisdom shall be wise, but he who has intercourse and companionship with those who act stupidly or foolishly will suffer moral ruin.

   For though you have myriads of instructors who keep you in the first rudiments of teaching, whose purpose is to keep you in bonds under their authority, yet have you not many spiritual fathers. Therefore, be followers of those in leadership, who exhibit humility, self-denial, and faithfulness.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 

8. Pray that the Holy Spirit Will Guard our Hearts

    Pray that our Love May Abound in Knowledge and Judgment

   I pray that God’s love, which is produced in the heart of the yielded believer by the Holy Spirit, will overflow more and more within the guiding limitations of knowledge (a better understanding of God’s Word as translated into their experience) and judgment (spiritual perceptiveness; depth of insight into God’s ways). When God’s love is overflowing within the guidelines of knowledge and judgment, one of the areas that inhibits us in prayer, known as worrying, will be addressed. This will allow us to make our requests to God in an attitude of remembering His goodness in the past and in the realization of his blessings in the present.

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Philippians 1:1

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; Philippians 1:9

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

9. By Love, Serve and Help One Another

   Let nothing be done through always wanting things for yourself and through pride. First make sure that your utter dependence is on God.

   Take careful note of each other’s spiritual welfare, stirring up each other’s religious affections and ministries, in order that love and assistance may be shown toward fellow Christians and others.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Hebrews 10:24

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:13-16

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4   

   So what does it really mean to forgive one another? Does it mean to forget an offense, in the sense of not addressing it? Does it mean to tell everyone else about what someone has done to us so that we can receive comfort?

   Let’s find out. 

Forgiving One Another 

Anger

A stong feeling of anger and belligerence aroused by a wrong61.

After leaving my position at the Christian day school under somewhat adverse circumstances, God provided me a job at the Block Island School. I have been teaching there for 25 years, and this year, 2011, I will retire. We have been able to buy a house and own a taxi business. God has blessed us.

   I have no resentment (the feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc., regarded as causing injury or insult) toward the pastor who changed the financial conditions of my employment. My approach was prayer to God, sending out resumes, and believing that God would come through in his way and in his time.

Peace be Unto You

Suggested Reading: Matthew 26:31-75; John 20:19

   God knows everything about us — our successes and failures, our natural weaknesses and strengths, our decisions that are for him and those that are not, as well as our spiritual growth or lack thereof.

   Peter had a natural desire to stand up for his Lord, Jesus Christ; however, relying upon his own strength caused him to fall short.

   Jesus told Peter that, before the cock crowed twice, he would deny him three times. The rooster is accustomed to crow once at midnight, and once in the morning at the break of day. Peter followed Jesus, who was brought to the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas. On three different occasions, Peter was approached by different people who implied that he was with Christ, which he denied on each occasion. His last denial involved him cursing and swearing that he was not with Christ. Curse means to affirm one’s innocence. If calamities did not follow, then he would be assumed innocent. Swearing probably means to swear by the name of God. After his third denial, he remembered Christ’s words, and went on his way weeping bitterly.

   Jesus was crucified, and I’m sure that many thought that this was the end of the road. They planned to go back home and resume the life they lived before they met Christ. After three days, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared before the disciples as they were assembled together and said unto them, “Peace be unto you.”

   Jesus didn’t say anything like, “I can’t believe that all of you deserted me when I needed you the most.” Jesus was aware of his Father’s plan, that he would go to the cross and die, paying the penalty for the sins of the whole world. His pre-occupation with his Father’s plan, along with his reliance on the Father to help him fulfill his plan, allowed him to patiently bear the various trials and testings that occurred along the way.

   Like the disciples, we will fail. But the main idea is that when we fail, will we get back up and return to relying on God’s word and subsequent power? Or will we blame others for not responding to us in the manner that we think they should?

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

What should my attitude be toward a brother who has offended me?

   Don’t rush into overreacting to situations where you have been offended or lost face. We are to put off from ourselves any mental condition, speech, or actions which refuses reconciliation such as: anger (habitual anger that includes in its scope the purpose of revenge); wrath (sudden violent anger; strong resentment and anger because of what someone else has done); malice (the eagerness to harm our neighbor); blasphemy (speech against someone by telling lies or otherwise insulting him); talk that is abusive and filthy; self-bitterness (an embittered and resentful spirit); and clamor (angry shouting), together with every hateful feeling.

   Rather, focus on the person we now are in Christ, in whom a new character is being formed by means of knowledge (knowing our self in the light of God) so that in our soul we reflect — like a mirror — the wisdom, righteousness, and goodness of God64. Therefore, put on: bowels of mercies (a feeling of sympathy for the needs and sufferings of others); kindness (a ready disposition to listen and respond to others; to do good for others); humbleness of mind (to have a humble opinion of oneself; claiming nothing from ourselves); meekness (that temper of spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting); longsuffering (putting up with people for a long time); patience (under the ill treatment of others); forbearance (having patience with someone as to present offenses); tenderheartedness (to show kindness to the faults of erring brethren; denoting an especially compassionate feeling, such as may arise from the thought of the infirmities, griefs, and miseries to which more or less all are subject) and forgiveness (to forget [not to bring it up again] an offense whenever any of you has a complaint against another believer).

   Don’t let something that has occurred against you, something unjust or insulting, persist with you all day long. You should quickly recognize the wrong mental attitude you are harboring, confess it, and put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him who created you.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:8-13

   I hope that you have benefitted from these three lessons. In the next teaching we will look at two more topics that will help us to become an overcomer in Christ.

   The first topic talks about how to be thankful to God regardless of the circumstances that befall us. Many of us desire for this to be the case in our walk with God. But how does this truly become a reality in our life?

   The second topic has to do with reminding ourselves when we are having a bad day of God’s memorials so that we will be reminded of his care for us. What are God’s memorials?