Together # 38
A Together for Spiritual Growth
Examine One Another’s Faith
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Evaluate one another's faith to identify areas of concern and need for spiritual growth or commitment. Seek critique for yourself.
Mark 16:14; 2 Cor 13:5; 1 Tim 4:16
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God asks us in Scripture to examine one another’s faith, both to make sure we are all truly in the faith and to help one another’s life grow in true faith.
The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to examine one another to make certain that all who said they were Christians were really believers with Jesus living in them.
The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to examine one another to make certain that all who said they were Christians were really believers with Jesus living in them.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
2 Cor 13:5
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On another occasion, the Apostle Paul told Pastor Timothy to examine his life in light of his faith.
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Tim 4:16
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Earlier, after He had risen from the dead, Jesus rebuked his disciples for their lack of faith, implying that they should have helped one another believe in faith.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
Mark 16:14
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If we carefully think about these three verses, we see how important it is that Christians examine one another’s faith. God’s people are to honor and glorify Him, and that cannot be done when they are not helping one another grow in the faith.
An individualistic view of biblical faith is wrong and causes us to think that faith is a private thing. Such a view is extremely dangerous. Throughout the pages of the Bible it is clear that the people of God are much more important than the person of God. Just look at the situation where Achan, recorded in Joshua 7, buried some of the plunder from the conquest of Jericho in his tent. Achan’s lack of faith and loyalty to God caused innocent people to die.
An individualistic view of biblical faith is wrong and causes us to think that faith is a private thing. Such a view is extremely dangerous. Throughout the pages of the Bible it is clear that the people of God are much more important than the person of God. Just look at the situation where Achan, recorded in Joshua 7, buried some of the plunder from the conquest of Jericho in his tent. Achan’s lack of faith and loyalty to God caused innocent people to die.
But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.
Joshua 7:1
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We tend to think of examination as judging, but here it is not. Christians are to examine one another’s faith without judgment. It is more like examining an ankle to see if it is sprained, or a scrambled egg to see if it is cooked enough.
All of the Togethers are ways to love one another. Examining one another’s faith must be done out of love. To qualify to examine the faith of those in our Christian Inner Circles, we must rid ourselves of any desire to watch and evaluate the faith of others for any reason other than to lovingly help them improve their faith.
When I was younger and backpacked into the wilderness with others, I watched closely to see if others forgot to pack anything essential. For example, going into the mountains without mosquito repellant was a big mistake that I did not want any family member or friend to commit.
Examining one another’s faith is similar, but far more necessary. Our faith is the best way to handle this difficult life before death. Even more important, the farther we travel into our faith this side of death, the better will be our lives on the other side of death in heaven. To not examine one another’s faith is to hold back love for those in our Christian Inner Circle.
Examining one another’s faith is a prerequisite for three important Togethers. Watching one another’s faith carefully allows us to learn how to help one another with teaching, counseling, which is giving biblical advice, and discipling, which is explaining our own faith and actions for another to follow our example.
We should want everyone’s faith to blossom. If the Togethers are active in the relationships of our Christian Inner Circles, especially teaching, counseling and discipling, another’s growth in the faith will help our faith to grow. Just as flowers pollinate one another, Christians in close relationship to one another cross-fertilize one another’s faith.
Everyone’s faith is far from complete. God understands this and asks us to examine one another in order to help enlarge our faith. Our Lord knows that stronger, more complete faith is what is best for us. Faith is a gift He wants to give us in increasing measure.
Do we wake up every morning as sure that God will watch over us, help us solve any problem that comes up, and provide for our needs as we are so very sure that the sun will rise? Most, if not all of us, do not. We should, however, be more sure of the One who created the sun than the sun itself.
It is extremely important to identify if a person’s faith is shrinking as well as to determine where a person’s faith can next grow. This can only adequately happen in those relationships where there is frequent contact, above average commitment, and interest in one another’s future. Deeper Christian friendships, Christian families and Christian marriages that have adopted a distinct Christian purpose can do this well.
We probably know what people need to do to advance in their careers. And, we probably feel a responsibility to encourage our close friends and family members to learn new skills for their job success and security. So, isn’t it far more important to be just as interested in their spiritual development?
Furthermore, everybody’s faith affects everyone else’s faith either positively or negatively. We are the body of Christ, meaning that we all affect one another and we are interdependent.
All of the Togethers are ways to love one another. Examining one another’s faith must be done out of love. To qualify to examine the faith of those in our Christian Inner Circles, we must rid ourselves of any desire to watch and evaluate the faith of others for any reason other than to lovingly help them improve their faith.
When I was younger and backpacked into the wilderness with others, I watched closely to see if others forgot to pack anything essential. For example, going into the mountains without mosquito repellant was a big mistake that I did not want any family member or friend to commit.
Examining one another’s faith is similar, but far more necessary. Our faith is the best way to handle this difficult life before death. Even more important, the farther we travel into our faith this side of death, the better will be our lives on the other side of death in heaven. To not examine one another’s faith is to hold back love for those in our Christian Inner Circle.
Examining one another’s faith is a prerequisite for three important Togethers. Watching one another’s faith carefully allows us to learn how to help one another with teaching, counseling, which is giving biblical advice, and discipling, which is explaining our own faith and actions for another to follow our example.
We should want everyone’s faith to blossom. If the Togethers are active in the relationships of our Christian Inner Circles, especially teaching, counseling and discipling, another’s growth in the faith will help our faith to grow. Just as flowers pollinate one another, Christians in close relationship to one another cross-fertilize one another’s faith.
Everyone’s faith is far from complete. God understands this and asks us to examine one another in order to help enlarge our faith. Our Lord knows that stronger, more complete faith is what is best for us. Faith is a gift He wants to give us in increasing measure.
Do we wake up every morning as sure that God will watch over us, help us solve any problem that comes up, and provide for our needs as we are so very sure that the sun will rise? Most, if not all of us, do not. We should, however, be more sure of the One who created the sun than the sun itself.
It is extremely important to identify if a person’s faith is shrinking as well as to determine where a person’s faith can next grow. This can only adequately happen in those relationships where there is frequent contact, above average commitment, and interest in one another’s future. Deeper Christian friendships, Christian families and Christian marriages that have adopted a distinct Christian purpose can do this well.
We probably know what people need to do to advance in their careers. And, we probably feel a responsibility to encourage our close friends and family members to learn new skills for their job success and security. So, isn’t it far more important to be just as interested in their spiritual development?
Furthermore, everybody’s faith affects everyone else’s faith either positively or negatively. We are the body of Christ, meaning that we all affect one another and we are interdependent.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. . . . The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”
1 Cor 12:12 & 21
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Because of this, everyone’s faith is everyone’s business. However, the safest way for examining one another’s faith is within our Christian friendships, our Christian families, and our Christian marriages. It is in these relationships that more carefulness will be taken because we want these relationships to continue for a long time. Such careful, sensitive and loving examination of one another’s faith will create an atmosphere of safety and reduce the fear of judgment.
Occasionally, there is a Christian who is critical and judgmental and examines the faith of others and then confronts harshly. A safe relationship of careful love is absent. When this happens, a person’s Christian Inner Circle must step in and do damage control. Actually, the examination of faith by judgmental Christians and those with ulterior motives should just not be listened to. They are not speaking for God in God’s loving way.
Unfortunately, most Christians stay away from examining the faith of others because they think it is none of their business. But, in saying that we are to examine one another’s faith, God states that the Christian faith of those with whom we are close is our concern. How those in our Christian Inner Circles walk with God is so important that we are examine one another’s faith. God is our primary concern. Lovingly helping others honor God more is, therefore, our concern.
Some Christians may not want to examine one another’s faith because they do not want to judge a person, since that is forbidden. But judgment is not called for. Even if examination begins because the other person has hurt us, judgment is not called for, since the purpose is helping.
Christians can also avoid examining another’s faith because they think interrogation is necessary. But it is not. What is required is getting to know one another more, something that can best be done with close Christian friends, the family members we live with, and our husband or wife. Natural loving, gentle conversation with attentive listening, regularly over time, is what is needed for examination and to help build one another’s faith. Over time, careful listening and observation in Christian friendships, families and marriages is what examination of another’s faith requires.
When expressed beliefs do not match behavior, we want to take notice for the purpose of loving help. It is far too easy in our culture to say the right Christian things, but only those close to us will know if that is just “for show” and care that this is quite dangerous by eternal considerations.
To effectively examine one another’s faith, we need to know about the Christian faith. The more we know, the more we can help one another’s faith. Extensive knowledge from the Bible is great, but not necessary at the beginning. Essential is who God is and what He has done. This usually covers the big areas of faith where we Christians can grow.
For example, take what the Bible says about God’s sovereignty. Probably none of us lives with complete trust that God is in control. If we did so, all we would experience is peace. Nothing would trouble us regarding our well-being or that of those we love. So, by caring enough to pay attention to one another’s faith, we can help one another trust God’s sovereignty increasingly and gain more and more peace in our lives.
Usually when we pay attention and examine the faith of others, they don’t know it until we remind them of some biblical truth. When Christian friends, family members, and spouses agree that examining one another’s faith is okay, then a comfortable openness about faith and life can lead to very important prayer and accountability leading to increased faith.
With our friends, family members and spouses we must settle once and for all that it is okay and expected that we are not perfect. Not only is that true, but it is the reason Jesus died for us. If so, there is no reason to be defensive about our shortcomings and not be open to the examination of our faith. We can then seek examination that will lead to important spiritual growth.
However, there is this very, very important consideration about examining one another’s faith. It should also bring to our minds the strengths of one another’s faith. While uncovering areas of faith that need to grow usually leads to teaching, counseling, and discipling, recognizing strengths in faith leads to other Togethers. To name but a few, there is commending one another, encouraging one another, and spurring one another on to love and good deeds.
Examination that leads only to deficiencies in another’s faith is dangerous and dishonest. Fairness demands that we spend much effort in recognizing one another’s strengths in faith as well.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Occasionally, there is a Christian who is critical and judgmental and examines the faith of others and then confronts harshly. A safe relationship of careful love is absent. When this happens, a person’s Christian Inner Circle must step in and do damage control. Actually, the examination of faith by judgmental Christians and those with ulterior motives should just not be listened to. They are not speaking for God in God’s loving way.
Unfortunately, most Christians stay away from examining the faith of others because they think it is none of their business. But, in saying that we are to examine one another’s faith, God states that the Christian faith of those with whom we are close is our concern. How those in our Christian Inner Circles walk with God is so important that we are examine one another’s faith. God is our primary concern. Lovingly helping others honor God more is, therefore, our concern.
Some Christians may not want to examine one another’s faith because they do not want to judge a person, since that is forbidden. But judgment is not called for. Even if examination begins because the other person has hurt us, judgment is not called for, since the purpose is helping.
Christians can also avoid examining another’s faith because they think interrogation is necessary. But it is not. What is required is getting to know one another more, something that can best be done with close Christian friends, the family members we live with, and our husband or wife. Natural loving, gentle conversation with attentive listening, regularly over time, is what is needed for examination and to help build one another’s faith. Over time, careful listening and observation in Christian friendships, families and marriages is what examination of another’s faith requires.
When expressed beliefs do not match behavior, we want to take notice for the purpose of loving help. It is far too easy in our culture to say the right Christian things, but only those close to us will know if that is just “for show” and care that this is quite dangerous by eternal considerations.
To effectively examine one another’s faith, we need to know about the Christian faith. The more we know, the more we can help one another’s faith. Extensive knowledge from the Bible is great, but not necessary at the beginning. Essential is who God is and what He has done. This usually covers the big areas of faith where we Christians can grow.
For example, take what the Bible says about God’s sovereignty. Probably none of us lives with complete trust that God is in control. If we did so, all we would experience is peace. Nothing would trouble us regarding our well-being or that of those we love. So, by caring enough to pay attention to one another’s faith, we can help one another trust God’s sovereignty increasingly and gain more and more peace in our lives.
Usually when we pay attention and examine the faith of others, they don’t know it until we remind them of some biblical truth. When Christian friends, family members, and spouses agree that examining one another’s faith is okay, then a comfortable openness about faith and life can lead to very important prayer and accountability leading to increased faith.
With our friends, family members and spouses we must settle once and for all that it is okay and expected that we are not perfect. Not only is that true, but it is the reason Jesus died for us. If so, there is no reason to be defensive about our shortcomings and not be open to the examination of our faith. We can then seek examination that will lead to important spiritual growth.
However, there is this very, very important consideration about examining one another’s faith. It should also bring to our minds the strengths of one another’s faith. While uncovering areas of faith that need to grow usually leads to teaching, counseling, and discipling, recognizing strengths in faith leads to other Togethers. To name but a few, there is commending one another, encouraging one another, and spurring one another on to love and good deeds.
Examination that leads only to deficiencies in another’s faith is dangerous and dishonest. Fairness demands that we spend much effort in recognizing one another’s strengths in faith as well.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Jim is a single parent of a daughter 10 years old and a son of 7 years. They live with him every other week. Jim has been divorced for 3 years, ever since his unbelieving wife left him for someone with whom she worked.
Jim realizes that it is up to him to help his children grow in their faith. Avoiding the trap to delegate the spiritual life of his kids to Sunday school and Christian school, Jim shoulders this critical responsibility himself. He fully embraces that he is the head of his home and that his children are a trust to him from the Lord. Therefore, Jim constantly examines the faith of his children by watching their behavior more than their words, and by asking them questions about how they see things. He involves his children in Bible study but realizes that it is only preparation for faith, not faith itself. And, so, Jim watches his kids to see if the Bible answers they give are carried out in life. But, Jim goes one step further. He also asks his son and daughter to point out whenever he does not live true to something they have learned from the Bible. Two things drive Jim to be consistent in the midst of constant distractions. He strongly desires that his children believe what God says in the Bible and act like it is true. But, he also wants to be like Jesus who was all about examining and building the faith of others. |
Jesus examined people’s faith. For example, in talking with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus evaluated her question about where to worship and discerned that she could grow in her understanding.
We have the important opportunity to become like Jesus in this respect. We can love people beyond the comfort zone of “niceness” and examine the faith of those most important to us. We might have to struggle to overcome our own disgust or judgment, but that will be good spiritual growth for us. Also, we might take someone out of their “safe zone” for their own good and the relationship might become a bit uncomfortable. Jesus did that continually, and still does for those of us who will listen to him.
First we will need to establish an atmosphere of extraordinary love for the people we need to help overcome weak areas of their faith. When Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.”, he had previously shown Peter much love. Therefore, we should implement some of the other loving Togethers with our friends and family before pointing out how their faith might improve. They need to know that we have their best interest in mind, and nothing beats a history of loving actions.
This illustrates the necessity of tackling the whole package of the Togethers, little by little, of course, in becoming like Jesus. Some actions, like this one of examining one another’s faith, will go better if other Togethers have gone before.
It is because this Together is a bit risky in our relationships that it is very valuable in taking on the likeness of Jesus Christ. Even if we cannot examine the faith of all of our cherished friends and family, let’s not let that stop us from doing it with those who will take it well. After all, it is for their benefit, and we don’t want some to not grow in their faith because others are not yet strong enough.
Opportunity to Worship God
We have the important opportunity to become like Jesus in this respect. We can love people beyond the comfort zone of “niceness” and examine the faith of those most important to us. We might have to struggle to overcome our own disgust or judgment, but that will be good spiritual growth for us. Also, we might take someone out of their “safe zone” for their own good and the relationship might become a bit uncomfortable. Jesus did that continually, and still does for those of us who will listen to him.
First we will need to establish an atmosphere of extraordinary love for the people we need to help overcome weak areas of their faith. When Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.”, he had previously shown Peter much love. Therefore, we should implement some of the other loving Togethers with our friends and family before pointing out how their faith might improve. They need to know that we have their best interest in mind, and nothing beats a history of loving actions.
This illustrates the necessity of tackling the whole package of the Togethers, little by little, of course, in becoming like Jesus. Some actions, like this one of examining one another’s faith, will go better if other Togethers have gone before.
It is because this Together is a bit risky in our relationships that it is very valuable in taking on the likeness of Jesus Christ. Even if we cannot examine the faith of all of our cherished friends and family, let’s not let that stop us from doing it with those who will take it well. After all, it is for their benefit, and we don’t want some to not grow in their faith because others are not yet strong enough.
Opportunity to Worship God
Liz has begun paying attention to the faith of her husband. As a result, Liz has been troubled by Daniel’s struggle over his career.
Daniel and Liz attend a church strong in the teaching of basic doctrine and say they understand and believe God’s sovereignty (that He is in control) and providence (that He directs our paths). They have been taught about Joseph who was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt and eventually ended up in the highest of government positions. Liz knows that it is wrong to act like all is well just because they can spout off Christian truths without a life that shows they really believe those truths. She knows this is not at all like Jesus and does not reflect back to God worship. In fact, she has come to realize that acting differently than expressed beliefs is quite the opposite of worship. In the least such inconsistency disbelieves God and at worst calls Him a liar. To believe God only in words but not action is degrading to God, and certainly not worship. Liz wants to talk this over with Daniel, but knows him to be very defensive. He will throw up that he is a deacon in the church. He will turn it on her and challenge her faith to desperately keep from looking at his own faith honestly. There will be conflict and discomfort in the relationship for a number of days. And, if she doesn’t back off and say she is wrong, it could go on much longer. Yet, Liz knows that Jesus did not back off from helping people see that their faith could go further. At times, He even gave firm warnings. Liz wants to help her husband believe that his career’s future is planned out by God. And she wants to be like Jesus because it reflects to God his own character and is worship. In this case – costly worship. Liz determines to do it. She will pray diligently for direction on how to bring this to Daniel. She will find the softest, most loving way and then she will depend upon her secure relationship with the Lord to endure whatever Daniel throws at her. She will worship by helping Daniel with his faith! She will reflect godliness to God. |
There is probably little recorded in the Bible of what Jesus said in his 3 years of ministry that was not the result of his examination of the faith of his listeners. Most everything Jesus said and preached was to build up the faith of those who came to really listen. So, he must have evaluated where their faith was and then decided what to say.
Throughout the Bible, God speaks to us. And it is obvious that He has evaluated, or examined, the faith of His people. God the Father was constantly examining the faith of Israel in the pages of the Old Testament. Such behavior on our parts is like both the Father and the Son, and is, therefore, worship.
When we talk with our close Christian friends and when we talk with our Christian family members or spouse, we want to examine their faith and knowledge of the Bible by silently listening and thoughtfully examining what has happened and been said in the relationship. There is no reason to hurry this process, because after the fairly silent examining of their faith, there is praying to find the most loving way to bring up that their faith could be strengthened. In fact, often that will not be necessary because we will just go into three of the other Togethers, namely teaching, counseling and discipling.
Imagine how special will be this worship to God the Father. So seldom does He see Christians going out on a limb in their relationships, examining and caring about the faith of others as He does. But when they do, they reflect both His own behavior as shown in the Bible and the behavior of His Son as revealed in the New Testament.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit who is our Counselor, continually examines our faith and prods us on to more faithful living. So, examining one another’s faith is tremendous worship, also reflecting to God the nature of the Holy Spirit.
What an opportunity! First it is rare worship. And, second, it is worship of the whole Trinity.
God has given to us insight and safety in biblically obedient relationships to examine the faith of those with whom we are closest. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him his own righteous and tender examination for the purpose of making us ever more like His Son Jesus.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Throughout the Bible, God speaks to us. And it is obvious that He has evaluated, or examined, the faith of His people. God the Father was constantly examining the faith of Israel in the pages of the Old Testament. Such behavior on our parts is like both the Father and the Son, and is, therefore, worship.
When we talk with our close Christian friends and when we talk with our Christian family members or spouse, we want to examine their faith and knowledge of the Bible by silently listening and thoughtfully examining what has happened and been said in the relationship. There is no reason to hurry this process, because after the fairly silent examining of their faith, there is praying to find the most loving way to bring up that their faith could be strengthened. In fact, often that will not be necessary because we will just go into three of the other Togethers, namely teaching, counseling and discipling.
Imagine how special will be this worship to God the Father. So seldom does He see Christians going out on a limb in their relationships, examining and caring about the faith of others as He does. But when they do, they reflect both His own behavior as shown in the Bible and the behavior of His Son as revealed in the New Testament.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit who is our Counselor, continually examines our faith and prods us on to more faithful living. So, examining one another’s faith is tremendous worship, also reflecting to God the nature of the Holy Spirit.
What an opportunity! First it is rare worship. And, second, it is worship of the whole Trinity.
God has given to us insight and safety in biblically obedient relationships to examine the faith of those with whom we are closest. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him his own righteous and tender examination for the purpose of making us ever more like His Son Jesus.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Sonya and Valeria have been friends a long time. Over the years they have each faced many difficult situations. Hundreds of times they have reassured one another that God was watching out for them. This has always been very helpful.
But recently, as they have matured in their faith, they have questioned why they both still need reassurance for something they know and God has proven to them so many times. They have commented how wonderful it would be if they believed the Lord would watch out for them from deep inside their spirits. Then they could bypass so much stress and anxiety. From this examination of each other’s faith, Valeria and Sonya are going to further internalize their trust in God. Unknowingly, they are going to thwart Satan. These two friends are taking it one step further. Sonya and Valeria have committed to find other areas where one or both of them say they believe something from the Bible but only know about it. They now understand that to say they know something, it has to be automatic in practice. |
War is not easy. This Together is a strong assault against the devil and the gates of hell. Therefore, to enter into war with God’s enemies in the spirit world by examining one another’s faith is not easy. But, some of the time in our closest Christian relationships we need to be less casual and more purposeful. Examining one another’s faith is freeing those in our Christian Inner Circle from the bondage of Satan.
If the devil and his demons cannot get us to let go of our faith, then he will do all he can to stunt the growth of our faith. First Satan can convince us that we do not want to risk discomfort in our close relationships, not even by examining one another’s faith lovingly. Second, the devil can encourage Christians to cherish their own comfort more than God and resist doing even the most sensitive examination of one another’s faith.
Our old self loves security in relationships. Our old self that is not committed to God and His purposes cares little about the deeper spiritual journey of others. Therefore, it is all too natural to not want to bring up shortcomings of faith, no matter how gently that might be done. We can think that Christian friends and Christian family members will avoid us if we examine their faith.
Our old selves also resist understanding that it is safe for the others in our Christian Inner Circles to look at our shortcomings and faults. Foolishly, our old selves do not want to understand the good news that we can’t be perfect – but that Jesus covers it with his own righteousness. That old part of us does not fully embrace that Jesus died for us because we are not perfect. Satan uses this resistance to the redeeming work of Jesus to keep us from acknowledging our lack of faith and seeking the examination and help of those close to us.
These strategies of the devil can be fought by love which has the potential to be supernatural as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Through this unusual self-denying love we can silently evaluate one another’s faith. At the same time as this silent examination proceeds, we can openly invite our friends and family members to evaluate our own faith and show that examination of faith is safe and helpful. After hearing requests from us like, “Where do you see my trust in God’s love lacking?”, those in our Christian Inner Circles can see the advantage of examining one another’s faith by the standard of God’s kingdom. Eventually, we can ask the others how comfortable they would be if we suggested improvements in their faith. If they are not certain, we can ask out of curiosity why they would not want helpful suggestions to build their faith. In time, a comfort with examining faith will be established that can then last a lifetime because it is being done lovingly in long-lasting relationships.
It takes extraordinary love to observe another’s faith and ponder the most appropriate way of encouraging spiritual growth. The hardest work might be in observing over time a seeming lack of faith until we understand what is holding our friend or family member back in fully believing God and trusting the truth about Him.
Right out telling that we see such a shortcoming can easily be seen as an attack, when nothing further could have been in our minds. So, it might be more effective to ask if our friend or relative experiences a lack of faith in the specific that we have observed. Asking brings them into the process. Or it points out that they are still too insecure in the relationship to look at themselves publicly. In the latter case, we can disciple them by asking for their examination of our faith. This will be living proof that the relationship is safe and that admitting shortcomings of faith is extremely valuable.
Remember that examining also means affirming a person’s strong faith. To ignore and not compliment strong faith gives the impression that it is not valuable. Therefore, to point out to a person how strong their faith is in some respect strengthens them for battle and encourages them to develop even more faith.
Although it is hard to just jump right into examining one another’s faith, it must be done for one another’s good. In Scripture, God commands us to do this because it is so necessary for our developing relationship with Himself and our witness of consistent faith to those outside of the faith who watch us. Plus, it defeats the devil.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
If the devil and his demons cannot get us to let go of our faith, then he will do all he can to stunt the growth of our faith. First Satan can convince us that we do not want to risk discomfort in our close relationships, not even by examining one another’s faith lovingly. Second, the devil can encourage Christians to cherish their own comfort more than God and resist doing even the most sensitive examination of one another’s faith.
Our old self loves security in relationships. Our old self that is not committed to God and His purposes cares little about the deeper spiritual journey of others. Therefore, it is all too natural to not want to bring up shortcomings of faith, no matter how gently that might be done. We can think that Christian friends and Christian family members will avoid us if we examine their faith.
Our old selves also resist understanding that it is safe for the others in our Christian Inner Circles to look at our shortcomings and faults. Foolishly, our old selves do not want to understand the good news that we can’t be perfect – but that Jesus covers it with his own righteousness. That old part of us does not fully embrace that Jesus died for us because we are not perfect. Satan uses this resistance to the redeeming work of Jesus to keep us from acknowledging our lack of faith and seeking the examination and help of those close to us.
These strategies of the devil can be fought by love which has the potential to be supernatural as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Through this unusual self-denying love we can silently evaluate one another’s faith. At the same time as this silent examination proceeds, we can openly invite our friends and family members to evaluate our own faith and show that examination of faith is safe and helpful. After hearing requests from us like, “Where do you see my trust in God’s love lacking?”, those in our Christian Inner Circles can see the advantage of examining one another’s faith by the standard of God’s kingdom. Eventually, we can ask the others how comfortable they would be if we suggested improvements in their faith. If they are not certain, we can ask out of curiosity why they would not want helpful suggestions to build their faith. In time, a comfort with examining faith will be established that can then last a lifetime because it is being done lovingly in long-lasting relationships.
It takes extraordinary love to observe another’s faith and ponder the most appropriate way of encouraging spiritual growth. The hardest work might be in observing over time a seeming lack of faith until we understand what is holding our friend or family member back in fully believing God and trusting the truth about Him.
Right out telling that we see such a shortcoming can easily be seen as an attack, when nothing further could have been in our minds. So, it might be more effective to ask if our friend or relative experiences a lack of faith in the specific that we have observed. Asking brings them into the process. Or it points out that they are still too insecure in the relationship to look at themselves publicly. In the latter case, we can disciple them by asking for their examination of our faith. This will be living proof that the relationship is safe and that admitting shortcomings of faith is extremely valuable.
Remember that examining also means affirming a person’s strong faith. To ignore and not compliment strong faith gives the impression that it is not valuable. Therefore, to point out to a person how strong their faith is in some respect strengthens them for battle and encourages them to develop even more faith.
Although it is hard to just jump right into examining one another’s faith, it must be done for one another’s good. In Scripture, God commands us to do this because it is so necessary for our developing relationship with Himself and our witness of consistent faith to those outside of the faith who watch us. Plus, it defeats the devil.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
DeeAnn and Grace are friends in their 60's. Grace’s mother just passed away at age 84 and this prompted these two friends to become more concerned about heaven. At the end of their careers and freed from thinking about how to advance, they decided to help one another get ready for life after death.
Because DeeAnn and Grace have been friends for a long time, they no longer need to impress each other and are transparent in their relationship. So, they have decided to improve their faith as fast as they can with each other’s help and that of the Holy Spirit. They have agreed to finally talk about all of the ways they have seen each other rattle off Christian doctrine but not always live it. They decided to spend Saturday mornings relating to each other the areas of faith that they have seen in each other that need more consistent belief. They are sure this will improve their future never-ending experience in heaven. Soon the Holy Spirit will reveal to DeeAnn and Grace that there is another benefit. Each of them after death is going to qualify as guides into heaven’s treasures. They will be able to help those who took a passive approach to sanctification in spite of the Bible’s admonition to put some effort into developing their faith (Phil 2:12). For all eternity, they will be able to pass on their dedication to growing faith. |
Those Christians who regularly examine one another’s faith are allowing God to develop their spirits to explore the treasures of heaven. Their growing willingness to discover the strengths and weaknesses in one another’s faith will make them more open in heaven to expanded ways for their faith to develop.
Heaven will present endless opportunities to broaden our faith and appreciate God. Since God has designed His people to be a kingdom, He delights when we help one another grow in our faith. There is little reason to believe that faith cannot expand in heaven. We will always be challenged to know more about our infinite God. Therefore, we will still be examining one another’s faith for potential spiritual growth for all eternity. It will come naturally because sin, the old selves, and the devil will not impede it.
Right now we want to let God show us what needs to be changed. We know He is waiting for us to ask Him to examine us.
Heaven will present endless opportunities to broaden our faith and appreciate God. Since God has designed His people to be a kingdom, He delights when we help one another grow in our faith. There is little reason to believe that faith cannot expand in heaven. We will always be challenged to know more about our infinite God. Therefore, we will still be examining one another’s faith for potential spiritual growth for all eternity. It will come naturally because sin, the old selves, and the devil will not impede it.
Right now we want to let God show us what needs to be changed. We know He is waiting for us to ask Him to examine us.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23,24
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23,24
God will often examine and help us through others who know us well. Consider that King David was shown by God his wickedness through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel, Chapter 12). Therefore, the more we welcome the guidance of God through examination of our faith by those with whom we feel safe, the more we will be open to being helped in heaven to find all the endless treasures of faith available there. God wants to show them to us.
Consider the joy of knowing more about Jesus. Now, before death, we can read over and over again about Jesus during His three years of ministry from his first meeting with John the Baptist to His death and resurrection. But, in heaven we may be able to learn about Jesus before He took on the form of a man. Think of all that time Jesus was involved in creation, how He related to the good angels, and how He was involved in banishing Satan and his fallen angels from heaven. Won’t it be fascinating to learn all about that? It will take at least a thousand years to learn all about those things – if we enter heaven with spirits prone to look closely at faith. And that will be developed in our ministry to one another of examining one another’s faith.
To become increasingly more like Jesus and prepare ourselves for heaven, let us have deep, heart-felt concern about the faith of every one of our close Christian friends, family members and spouses. Let’s spend time in prayer asking the Lord to reveal their strong areas of faith that we might affirm them as well as aspects of their faith that are under-developed that we might help them to grow their faith.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
Consider the joy of knowing more about Jesus. Now, before death, we can read over and over again about Jesus during His three years of ministry from his first meeting with John the Baptist to His death and resurrection. But, in heaven we may be able to learn about Jesus before He took on the form of a man. Think of all that time Jesus was involved in creation, how He related to the good angels, and how He was involved in banishing Satan and his fallen angels from heaven. Won’t it be fascinating to learn all about that? It will take at least a thousand years to learn all about those things – if we enter heaven with spirits prone to look closely at faith. And that will be developed in our ministry to one another of examining one another’s faith.
To become increasingly more like Jesus and prepare ourselves for heaven, let us have deep, heart-felt concern about the faith of every one of our close Christian friends, family members and spouses. Let’s spend time in prayer asking the Lord to reveal their strong areas of faith that we might affirm them as well as aspects of their faith that are under-developed that we might help them to grow their faith.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
William came to heaven after a life of examining the faith of his friends and relatives for the purpose of opening their eyes to how nature’s realities are consistent with faith. Now in heaven he has been assigned as an instructor at one of the branches of the Institute of God’s Creativity.
Thus it is William’s reward to continue serving God in heaven by helping others whose life circumstances severely limited their focus on the Creator’s handiwork. His present class is made up of people who grew up in urban areas and were too poor to escape the city lights and look at the stars. William loves his life in heaven. |
In heaven’s infinity there will be never-ending discoveries of faith – and that will be very exciting to those who are prepared to yearn for more faith. By examining our own faith with the help of others to discover new advantages of faith and new areas to be conformed to the spirit of Jesus, we prepare ourselves for the new wonders of heaven.
As mentioned, in heaven with purified spirits and the absence of hindering sin of any kind, we will be able to explore deeply into the nature of God. We will be fascinated by understanding the Trinity of our One God so much more than we can now. We will learn so much more about God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. It will be incredibly exciting.
We will learn so much more about God’s creation. We will get the definitive answer to how everything came to be, the variety of animals and plants, the stars and other aspects of space, and who knows what else that we don’t even know anything at all about now.
All of this will be available to learn about for every citizen of heaven. However, those who were tremendously dedicated to growing in their faith, who sought the examination of their faith by God and those in their Christian Inner Circles, and who examined the faith of others in order for them to find the joy and power of faith they did not yet possess will enter heaven ready to explore. Those who took faith lightly and did not participate in examining one another’s faith will enter heaven handicapped and less likely to explore deeply the more complete understanding of faith and the rewards of its adoption.
Think of how when we discover something wonderful, we can’t wait to show it to those we really care about. If we find a wonderful art museum or a beautiful thing of nature, even a really good movie, we often rush to tell about it. Now consider how our excitement in revealing something wonderful diminishes if the other person is unreceptive. For those of us who examine faith and are more tuned in to it, each new discovery of faith urges us to pass it on for those who do not yet experience it. Some will want their faith expanded and become excited. Others will be less responsive, if they respond at all. However, if we will not let that discourage us, we will be going to heaven to discover all kinds of wonders.
If God is The Creator and infinitely creative, how can we possibly think that His creativity is limited to earth? Why would we think that God is not still creating in heaven? How many artists stop painting? How many song writers stop writing lyrics and musical scores? How many inventors stop thinking of new ideas and new ways of doing things? It is not the nature of those who create to stop.
Have you considered all of the differently patterned butterflies we have on earth? We can be sure that there are butterflies in heaven – or something better! Even if we let our imaginations go wild, we cannot scratch the surface of the possible wonders in life after death.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Eternity
As mentioned, in heaven with purified spirits and the absence of hindering sin of any kind, we will be able to explore deeply into the nature of God. We will be fascinated by understanding the Trinity of our One God so much more than we can now. We will learn so much more about God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. It will be incredibly exciting.
We will learn so much more about God’s creation. We will get the definitive answer to how everything came to be, the variety of animals and plants, the stars and other aspects of space, and who knows what else that we don’t even know anything at all about now.
All of this will be available to learn about for every citizen of heaven. However, those who were tremendously dedicated to growing in their faith, who sought the examination of their faith by God and those in their Christian Inner Circles, and who examined the faith of others in order for them to find the joy and power of faith they did not yet possess will enter heaven ready to explore. Those who took faith lightly and did not participate in examining one another’s faith will enter heaven handicapped and less likely to explore deeply the more complete understanding of faith and the rewards of its adoption.
Think of how when we discover something wonderful, we can’t wait to show it to those we really care about. If we find a wonderful art museum or a beautiful thing of nature, even a really good movie, we often rush to tell about it. Now consider how our excitement in revealing something wonderful diminishes if the other person is unreceptive. For those of us who examine faith and are more tuned in to it, each new discovery of faith urges us to pass it on for those who do not yet experience it. Some will want their faith expanded and become excited. Others will be less responsive, if they respond at all. However, if we will not let that discourage us, we will be going to heaven to discover all kinds of wonders.
If God is The Creator and infinitely creative, how can we possibly think that His creativity is limited to earth? Why would we think that God is not still creating in heaven? How many artists stop painting? How many song writers stop writing lyrics and musical scores? How many inventors stop thinking of new ideas and new ways of doing things? It is not the nature of those who create to stop.
Have you considered all of the differently patterned butterflies we have on earth? We can be sure that there are butterflies in heaven – or something better! Even if we let our imaginations go wild, we cannot scratch the surface of the possible wonders in life after death.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Eternity
In heaven, Naomi laughs with delight whenever she sees what God is doing in someone’s life. She is able to discern why the person is being led to experience a particular aspect of God’s grace at a particular time and place. That is because before death she examined the faith of her daughter-in-law Ruth and encouraged her to grow in that faith. You can read Naomi’s story in the Bible (Ruth, Chapter 3).
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If we are like God in examining the faith of others out of loving concern and in helping the spiritual growth of others, we will have more empathy and connection with God in heaven. We will “see where God is going” when a friend in heaven is wondering what some happening means, what aspect of faith is being built in their lives. We will more readily know that God is at work and be able to imagine God’s heart and intention. This will surely lead us to feel very close to God when we can see and understand His work by examination of the other’s faith and what the next step is in God’s mind.
Often today we sometimes say that we see a person’s mother or father in them. Their behavior or their words or their way of handling life reflects the ways remembered of the parent. Often, we feel close to that parent, even though the father or mother may not be there or already died.
In heaven, when we look carefully at one another’s faith, we will see all three personalities of our One God in them. We will be reminded of God. We will feel close to Him.
Think how good heaven will be if we examine one another’s faith.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Sovereign Lord who has a path for my spiritual growth, help me to invite those in my Christian Inner Circle to examine my faith, especially to show me where my faith can grow. I have only a rudimentary faith, especially when it comes to living what I know deep inside is true from study of the Bible and listening to the Holy Spirit. Please help my spirit to grow in faith. Please move my friends and family to urge me to higher faith. Lord, You know I need all the help I can get. I accept Your method of using others in the development of my faith.
Loving God Who examines our faith and our hearts, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow in our spirits to be able to examine one another’ faith without judgment. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we examine one another’s faith to make sure we are all really in the faith and also to help grow in true faith.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and love people beyond the comfort zone of “niceness” and examine the faith of those most important to us. Empower those of us in my Christian Inner Circle to give one another permission to take us out of our “safe zone” and point out areas where faith can be strengthened.
May our lives worship You more because we care enough to point out weak areas of faith and invite more surrender to You and the power of Your Holy Spirit – just like You do with Your people. Let us be like You as recorded in Isaiah 1:18 when You examined the faith of Your people and said, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Aid us in helping one another to be cleansed by the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that our faith can grow. Having left judgment behind, may we help those in our Christian Inner Circles through loving examination of everyone’s faith.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by examining one another’s faith and freeing ourselves from the ways that Satan has harmed us or held back our faith. Give us extraordinary love to observe one another’s faith and ponder the most appropriate way of encouraging spiritual growth.
Help us all to prepare for heaven and get ready to explore the endless treasures awaiting us there. We want to be able to examine one another’s faith and see how we can help faith expand in one another now for preparation to do so in heaven where it will be so much easier without the hindrance of sin and the opposition of the devil.
Often today we sometimes say that we see a person’s mother or father in them. Their behavior or their words or their way of handling life reflects the ways remembered of the parent. Often, we feel close to that parent, even though the father or mother may not be there or already died.
In heaven, when we look carefully at one another’s faith, we will see all three personalities of our One God in them. We will be reminded of God. We will feel close to Him.
Think how good heaven will be if we examine one another’s faith.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Sovereign Lord who has a path for my spiritual growth, help me to invite those in my Christian Inner Circle to examine my faith, especially to show me where my faith can grow. I have only a rudimentary faith, especially when it comes to living what I know deep inside is true from study of the Bible and listening to the Holy Spirit. Please help my spirit to grow in faith. Please move my friends and family to urge me to higher faith. Lord, You know I need all the help I can get. I accept Your method of using others in the development of my faith.
Loving God Who examines our faith and our hearts, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow in our spirits to be able to examine one another’ faith without judgment. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we examine one another’s faith to make sure we are all really in the faith and also to help grow in true faith.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and love people beyond the comfort zone of “niceness” and examine the faith of those most important to us. Empower those of us in my Christian Inner Circle to give one another permission to take us out of our “safe zone” and point out areas where faith can be strengthened.
May our lives worship You more because we care enough to point out weak areas of faith and invite more surrender to You and the power of Your Holy Spirit – just like You do with Your people. Let us be like You as recorded in Isaiah 1:18 when You examined the faith of Your people and said, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Aid us in helping one another to be cleansed by the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that our faith can grow. Having left judgment behind, may we help those in our Christian Inner Circles through loving examination of everyone’s faith.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by examining one another’s faith and freeing ourselves from the ways that Satan has harmed us or held back our faith. Give us extraordinary love to observe one another’s faith and ponder the most appropriate way of encouraging spiritual growth.
Help us all to prepare for heaven and get ready to explore the endless treasures awaiting us there. We want to be able to examine one another’s faith and see how we can help faith expand in one another now for preparation to do so in heaven where it will be so much easier without the hindrance of sin and the opposition of the devil.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.