Therefore We Speak
“But having the same
spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, therefore did I
speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak.”
2 Corinthians 4:13
Paul wrote the truth: We speak
what we believe. If we fail to speak, it is because our faith is weak. Too
often we have been fearful
of
displeasing others and remained silent.
It is pride, that produces fear
(as it did in the garden), that keeps us
silent. Becoming lowly
in
heart, we become courageous to speak,
carried along by the Spirit. It is through the contrast of conflict, that truth
is separated from untruth, and separation is the root idea of holiness.
“You
offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of
the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” – Matthew 12:34
As we
read the Lord’s word, it will fill us
and drive out the babble of this world. Having a living word within us, we will
be provoked by the presence of evil, find ourselves speaking, surprised
how easily the words come, sometimes realizing we are speaking things we have
not thought of. This is not surprising in view of Luke 12:11-12. Too often, a
spirit of fear has quenched the Spirit, and silenced us.
Unlike
most Western churches today, the early Christians spoke back and forth in their
assemblies. Today, the majority of those assembled are expected to listen, but
not speak. This expectation, to not speak,
slows the development of our faith. The format of our assemblies can be changed
so that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:35) When incorrect
ideas are spoken, they can be corrected through the scriptures. The mind of
Christ can be spoken through the lowly in heart, for he was.
Acts 20:7 says
Paul dialogued
with them until midnight. Romans 15:14 declares they were able to admonish one
another. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 says if all prophesy, they will convict
unbelievers, who will fall down on their face declaring God is with them indeed. Galatians 2:11-ff relates
Paul speaking against Peter
to his face at Antioch. (This did not occur “after services”.) 1
Thessalonians 5:14 says, “we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage
the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.” 1
Timothy 5:20
reads, “Them that sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest may
fear.” (This was written of elders, and applies to all.) “Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be
healed.”- James 5:16a
These
scriptures indicate their assemblies included dialogue.
Is there any danger in this? Certainly. But the Spirit of truth will prevail in
revealing what is true, from what is not. Hear Paul, “For there must also be
factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:19 Hear John, “You are of God, little children, and have
overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the
world.”- 1 John 4:4
Paul wrote that deceitful
mouths must be stopped. (Titus 1:10-11)
Those
who have been in 12 step meetings and heard others open their heart, baring
their pain, to help someone else,
in the midst of bewildering pain -- have witnessed self-emptying like
Jesus. This has occurred countless times, and marks those meetings as authentic.
Speaking to heal and correct can occur among us today. But absence of dialogue
often leaves sin un-rebuked, and its wounds unhealed. Faith
will apply scripture to people and actions, and speak, to heal or rebuke. Sin not rebuked, will puff up
a church. (1 Corinthians 5:2)
Speaking
our faith bonds us to the upward calling of God in Christ, for speaking
strengthens and clarifies faith. See
John 9:24-34.
Confessing Jesus as Lord, is part of out initial surrender to him. Will we grow
up into his likeness without speaking pointedly, as he did?
Some
churchmen want others to remain silent to maintain control – as though they are
Lord. Disciples have one Lord.
“We also believe, and
therefore also we speak.”
“Humble yourselves in the
sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.” – James 4:10
September 1 st, 2004
#40