2 Mar 2024

The intellectuals in the evangelical world constantly present themselves as critical, argumentative and rigid Christians; they even think that they are champions of orthodoxy – but unfortunately, there is little warmth about them and they seek to win the battle for mental correctness with smug and self-confidence. From this mould comes forth the legalists, the liberal theologians and those with seminary degrees and training (who may be equipped intellectually, but are remote from God and true knowledge of godly living).

It is with this in mind that the Apostle Paul wrote the following to Timothy:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity…..Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them,because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:12,16).
It is noteworthy to see that Paul highlighted godly living as most important; it is not the physical chronological age, but the spiritual ‘age’ and ‘experience’ that matter before God for those who serve Him. It is the example and reality in one’s life that would make an impact for God in His kingdom.

Religion claims the affections as well as well as the intellect; it is essentially “heart work”. The Bible tells us to keep our hearts right before God; the Holy Spirit transforms from the “inside”; the Lord Jesus tells us that it is from the heart that the words are formed and spoken, and these reflect the true condition of the heart.

Secondly, theological truth is for practice; it is for living blessedly before God forever. Thirdly, knowledge “kills” if one does not move on from knowing notions to knowing the realities to which they refer – from knowing about God to a relationship with God Himself.
In this light, it is also significant to ensure that the knowledge we assimilate is correct and true knowledge from God, and not from speculations – even from those who claim to be godly and have ‘attractive’ personalities and charisma. This speaks of the importance of knowing and studying the Scripture and checking what is communicated with the Scriptures (like the Berean Jews), and looking to the Holy Spirit who is the Author and illuminator of God’s Word and revelation.

Fourth, faith and repentance, issuing in a life of love and holiness – of gratitude expressed in goodwill and good works – are explicitly called for in the gospel. Fifth, the Holy Spirit is given to lead us into close companionship with others in Christ; and here we need to highlight one major problem and weakness among believers that is often manipulated by the evil one – the problem of jealousy, envy and pride (all three often coming together or even one at a time) – and this has caused much setback and damage to God’s work in His church.
It was the fear of losing their positions in the religious community that caused the Pharisees to persecute the Lord Jesus; they completely ignored the godly behaviour and deeds of Jesus, but instead concentrated on how popular He had become and how everyone was going to Him.
Is it not true that even today, many Christians leaders also seek to ‘build their own kingdoms’ and are prepared to ‘rise to the top by stepping down on others who are a threat to them’? Are we servants of the living God or power-seeking covetous individuals? It is basically pride in its intellectual form that leads men to create parties and splits, when Christ is the only head of His church. Godly living implies that the discipline of discursive meditations in the Scripture and before God is truly essential to keep Christians ardent and adoring in their love for God.
One cannot embark on godly living without allowing God the time and the teachings He seeks to impart.

We need to remember this: the truly godly are humble-minded and warmhearted as they are clearheaded; fully oriented to people as they are to Scripture; passionate for peace as they are for truth; having a zeal for God and a zeal to uphold and protect the truth and revelation God has communicated to His people.