Results 1 - 2 of 2
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Selfish or Self-interest? | Phil 1:23 | Reformer Joe | 4550 | ||
I'd like to bite a piece off this discussion, if I may. I would like to take the last verse first. The "loving ourselves" is not the command. It is human nature to love ourselves. What is not automatic is loving others in the same way. This is altruistic in nature, and reflects much the same message as Philippians 2, where we are told to not look out merely for our own interests, but also the interests of others. Again, it is not a command to look after our own interests (that goes without saying); the command is to humble ourselves and serve others. John 3:16 makes a declarative statement about who will have eternal life. From my Calvinist perspective, this is not an enticement to follow Christ, since we are morally incapable of choosing that route without the Holy Spirit's regeneration. Therefore, this is merely a commentary on the eternal destiny of those who believe. Matthew 11:28 is right in the middle of a discourse which supports the Reformed position of divine election. In any case, this verse has to do with personal peace in knowing Him ("rest for your souls") and not a comfortable lifestyle, as Jesus makes it very clear throughout the Gospels that following him will bring hardship, suffering, and often death. In Matthew 19, Jesus is not making an offer to humanity, but rather declaring God's plan for those whom He has called. While there is without a doubt eternal reward for following Christ, eternal life hinges on what God has done for us. All of the verses you cited describe the final outsome of the elect, but Romans 3:10-18 makes it pretty clear that it is not a path we would ever choose on our own. Therefore, self-interest is the pattern that the unregenerate follow wholeheartedly, not those who are being saved. In Philippians, Paul desires to be with Christ. He longs for his eternal home, which for him is far better. Any Christian who would not rather be in Heaven than on earth really doesn't have a very good grasp of what Heaven will be like. However, as you say, Paul sees that God has more in store for him here on earth, and that his continued presence will be beneficial to the church in Philippi. Paul understands that to be with Christ is to be like Christ (i.e. glorified, with one's sin nature utterly destroyed forever) and to worship the Lord joyfully for all eternity. I long for that day as well, but I also realize that as long as the Lord leaves me on this planet, I have a part in God's redemptive purpose (2 Cor. 5:20, 1 Peter 2:9,10, Ephesians 2:10), which I also joyfully undertake, knowing that my sovereign God's plan is best and that the glory belongs to him. One more thing regarding Philippians. Take note that Paul was by no means in a state of misery. For him it wasn't a choice between Heaven or "Hell on earth." Despite the fact that he was in prison, he is joyful because of the ministry of the church, the preaching of the Gospel, and the opportunity to serve and be served by his brothers and sisters in Christ, all of which glorify God. Does this seem rambling to you? It was somewhat hard to be both brief (if indeed one could consider this brief!) and also cover most of the bases you brought up in your questions. Perhaps looking at just one or two aspects of the question at a time would be more beneficial. Anyhow, thanks for your patience in reading my reflections! --Joe! |
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2 | Selfish or Self-interest? | Phil 1:23 | Lionstrong | 4657 | ||
Thanks, Joe, for your response. Challenging my understanding of God's word will, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, help me to know the mind of God better. I understand the soveriegnty of God in salvation, but our inability to obey God does not stop Him from commanding us OR giving us an interest (motivation, or reason) to obey, hense, the fifth command is given with a promise. Jn 3:16 - believing in Christ is not only the right thing to do, but it has its benefits. Not believing has its consequence also. Even though you can't believe apart from God's grace, would you WANT to believe if God promised eternal misery? Mattl 11:28 - would you want to come to Christ if He promise eternal unrest for your soul? Matt 19 - again, the disciple asked, what's in it for us? we've left everything to follow you. Jesus said there are benefits even in this life, with persecution. Matt 22 - yes, self-love is not a command. It is given as a standard for loving our neighbor. Therefore self-love is not a sin. (Later, Jesus gives a higher standard for loving each other - love as He has loved us.) I quote, "While there is without a doubt eternal reward for following Christ," which is my point. These rewards are personal incentives. The Bible does not teach total selflessness. Thanks again, Joe. Lionstrong |
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