RESTING IN ACCEPTANCE (4 OF 9)
by Eddie Snipes
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-9
This content is part of a series.
Resting in Acceptance (4 of 9)
Series: Stop Trying to Fix Yourself
Eddie Snipes
1 Timothy 1:8-9a
Human acceptance is conditional, and because we have been conditioned to think on the level of human nature, we impose that view into our relationship with God. With people, we can hide our shortcomings, but we know God sees every action and attitude, whether good or bad. For this reason, if our understanding of acceptance is flawed, our faith will be undermined by our own sense of self-worth. When we've done enough things right, we'll feel accepted. When we mess up or fail to perform, we'll feel rejected.
This view of God is flawed to the point of disaster. It's one of the main reasons Christians live under feelings of fear and condemnation. It is also the reason spiritual maturity is suppressed. Until I feel accepted by God, my growth will be crippled.
Part of the reason Christians are trapped in the performance mindset is because of the misapplication of the Old Testament. The Bible says the law is good IF it is used legitimately. If it isn't properly applied, then it becomes corrupt. Look at 1 Timothy 1:8-9a:
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners,
According to the Bible, we are the righteousness of God in Christ. When we have faith, we are imputed with God's righteousness. God accounts us as righteous, but the law is not for the righteous person. So why are we putting ourselves under a condemnation system that was not intended for the saints?
The word 'lawfully' in the above passage means: legitimately or properly. The truth is that the law is designed with three main purposes. One: It was given because of transgressions. It was intended to keep people in check until Christ came. Two: It was given to reveal to mankind that we are sinners that cannot rise to the level of true righte ...
Series: Stop Trying to Fix Yourself
Eddie Snipes
1 Timothy 1:8-9a
Human acceptance is conditional, and because we have been conditioned to think on the level of human nature, we impose that view into our relationship with God. With people, we can hide our shortcomings, but we know God sees every action and attitude, whether good or bad. For this reason, if our understanding of acceptance is flawed, our faith will be undermined by our own sense of self-worth. When we've done enough things right, we'll feel accepted. When we mess up or fail to perform, we'll feel rejected.
This view of God is flawed to the point of disaster. It's one of the main reasons Christians live under feelings of fear and condemnation. It is also the reason spiritual maturity is suppressed. Until I feel accepted by God, my growth will be crippled.
Part of the reason Christians are trapped in the performance mindset is because of the misapplication of the Old Testament. The Bible says the law is good IF it is used legitimately. If it isn't properly applied, then it becomes corrupt. Look at 1 Timothy 1:8-9a:
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners,
According to the Bible, we are the righteousness of God in Christ. When we have faith, we are imputed with God's righteousness. God accounts us as righteous, but the law is not for the righteous person. So why are we putting ourselves under a condemnation system that was not intended for the saints?
The word 'lawfully' in the above passage means: legitimately or properly. The truth is that the law is designed with three main purposes. One: It was given because of transgressions. It was intended to keep people in check until Christ came. Two: It was given to reveal to mankind that we are sinners that cannot rise to the level of true righte ...
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