Urban Reformation

I have began to read through a book called “Practical Christianity” by A.W. Pink. I have not really read much of Pink other than some sermons and articles online but he’s been recommended by several people. I am only at the beginning but as the “Super Bowl” begins I have been wrestling with the affections of people it garners.

Let me begin by saying I received a good warning, ” I think we have to be careful with our piety. This can become a contest and an idol, just as anything else can.”

I don’t disagree, so many things when we elevate “ourselves” to look down upon others, it’s no better than the Pharisee in Luke 18 who says, “at least I’m not like him.” This leads to self-righteousness verses the tax collector who says “woah is me a sinner.”

So with all of that said and as the super bowl approaches I find it interesting how people are sensitive to know that our “culture” worships the game in general.  This is cause for conviction in some or the feeling of guilt for watching the game, and in others it causes them no grief.

Some people come from backgrounds where “legalism” or man made rules were the case and so often these people’s pendulum has swung the opposite way.

I personally come from a place where I saw much “license” the words of God were taken lightly so my pendulum so to speak is a leaning toward my convictions toward obedience.  This again can be perceived as personal piety which can lead to pharisee-ism.

Both tensions are on dangerous ground, if my heart begins to look down on others for their Christian Liberty then I have become a white washed tomb putting on my own rules for men to follow and elevating myself, but if on the other hand someone else does not know their own heart and it is captured by the affections it has toward say the super bowl then they are in danger of idolatry.  On either side there is a long long fall.

People that are not watching the game are quick to point out the idolatry involved, and those who are watching the game are quick to point out our Christian Liberty to enjoy the things God’s given us.  Whether we like it or not, there is a tension between the affections of the world and that which is eternal, and a further tension between the laws or traditions of man, and liberty or license of the believer.

Pink gave me the ultimate answer in his book, to which I agree whole heartedly.  There is a sense in which I still personally struggle with being in the stream flowing out into the world of popular entertainment and the glorification of the abilities of men, however this is a personal conviction and as Pink has drawn me to a deeper understanding in Romans 14, this must come from ones own relationship with Christ and ones own conviction via the Holy Spirit from the word of God.  This makes me no more righteous than my brother in fact I have none of my own.    This is my part in me working out my own salvation.  Each person must do this for himself, seriously seeking God, in obedience.

Accordingly Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit so to counsel them as to give forth at the same time teaching which is most valuable, essential and pertinent to similar cases in all generations. This he did by laying down broad and general principles which it behooves all Christians to be regulated by; nay, we cannot disregard them without sinning, since they are clothed with Divine authority. While human nature remains as it is, and while differently constituted minds do not view things uniformly, if Christian charity is to be exercised and harmony prevail among God’s people, it is most necessary that they understand and practice those principles.

First, we are exhorted, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him” (Rom. 14:3). Therein both parties are forbidden to give place unto unbrotherly thoughts and sentiments. Second, they were asked, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own Master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.’ (verse 4). This is tantamount to saying that it is the height of arrogance for any Christian to ascend the tribunal of judgment and pass sentence of condemnation upon a brother in Christ. Third, it is admitted that “one man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike,” and then follows, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (verse 5). There is the charter of Christian liberty: let none allow himself to be deprived of it. Those words cannot mean less than that every Christian has the God-given right to think for himself, to form his own opinion of what Scripture teaches, and to decide what he considers is most pleasing and honoring unto God. – “Practical Christianity” by A.W. Pink

This I know to be true, ultimately this is the answer, but this each man deciding on their own has a consequence if they are deciding based upon anything other than the truth.    Therefore still wrestling with this a little bit I found this message on line called “Discernment in Christian Liberty.”  There is a desire for Holiness and a desire to see an unblemished bride.  We can not say that about the church today, however these are some guidelines which help guide given by John McCarthur on matters that are considred to be ” in the grey.”   Click on the link and have a listen to the sermon!

“Discernment in Christian Liberty“: John MacArthur

Expedience – will it be to my spiritual advantage?
Edification – will it build me up?
Excess – will it slow me down in the race?
Enslavement – will it bring me to bondage?
Equivocation – will it be covering for my sin?
Encroachment – will it go against what i understand to be the lordship of Christ?
Example – will it set a helpful pattern for others to follow?
Evangelism – will it lead others to Christ?
Emulation – will it be like Christ?
Exaltation – will it glorify God?

I would love to hear your own thoughts!  Please feel free to share them!

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