The Believer and his associations
2Tim. 3:15-16;
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The scriptures are for explanation. Scriptures are not meant to be simply quoted, the only way they can profit the Christian is when they are properly explained. In its explanation, we find reproof, that is, we are convinced about our faith. Thus, the bible strengthens our convictions. Much more, it brings corrections – it set things right in our minds. The Christian must never be afraid to unlearn and relearn; his opinions and experiences must not weigh above what God’s word says.
The Christian must know how to listen for corrections. It’s a significant part of our growth as believers.
Col. 4:17;
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Paul tells the church to say to Archippus to ‘take heed’; This means that we can watch our backs in the local church. We can watch ourselves. We can have warnings from the word of God. Again, the believer must watch out for corrections and instructions in the word.
See Paul’s stern warning to the Corinthians:
2Cor. 6:14-15;
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what [d]fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
Note that, Paul isn’t saying the believer shouldn’t associate with unbelievers at all. He’s also not saying don’t hire unbelievers. Jesus obviously associated with sinners. More so, in 1Cor. 7:12-13, Paul cautions the believing spouse not to divorce his/her unbelieving partner. Rather, Paul is saying he shouldn’t have fellowship with an unbeliever in his sin. That is, you don’t get so serious with an unbeliever such that the person now influences your core philosophies or beliefs.
See Samson’s example: His parents warned him yet he did not heed corrections. The believer must learn to heed corrections.
Eph. 5:8-11;
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Paul says to ‘have no fellowship’. Paul is referring to your close associations – he teaches the believer how to stay untouched from the world.
Let’s see ‘yoke’ as a background in Moses’ writings;
Deut. 22:10;
10 “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.
Moses is simply saying don’t be unequally yoked.
Same as when he cautions not wearing different clothing materials. He is simply talking about associations, influences.
As the believer grows spiritually, he must learn to watch his core relationships/associations. Let go of those relationships that affect your spiritual growth. That is, don’t let them be too close to affect your beliefs, your convictions. The believer’s relationships ought to make sense.
Don’t keep what you don’t want around you because whatever stays around for a while will eventually get into you. Truth is, the more focused you are, the smaller your circle will be.
Much more, it goes beyond people to things that cut you back. Whatever hinders your devotion to God, let go of it. In your service to the Lord, the relationship you keep matters. There’s no one greater than the people around him.
There are no neutral influences. It’s either something or someone is helping you serve God or not. So, determine the things that get to you. Not everything or person should easily get your attention, learn to control yourself.
The word of God is for correction.
Watch your spiritual health – guard your heart. Don’t go for things that will lessen your boldness in the supernatural.
No man is bereft of influence. Get a worthy yoke. There’s a rubbing of that comes on you when you’re with the right people. Have a company that’s not of the world. Surround yourself with people that talk about what God’s doing.
Learn to make decisions that influence and affect your spiritual growth for good, and look for supernatural company. And be one too.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Gen. 26-28
TEACHING OF THE WEEK
https://www.ghcmedia.org/following-gods-plan-for-your-life/