People often imagine that God is manipulating circumstances in their life to mature, or direct them. God doesn’t use circumstances to create character in the life of believers – He uses the life of His Son in the believer to accomplish this (see Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:1-5; Romans 8:6-11).

Notice in Romans 5 it says “tribulation worketh patience.” It doesn’t necessarily follow that tribulation “produces” patience. Circumstances serve as the catalyst to provoke the character inherent in each of us because of our new identity in Christ, and by His life in us. Patience is an attribute of the believer who is standing in the provision and power of grace and there is no circumstance, however trying, that could produce this element of character.

It could be said, by way of illustration, that circumstantial difficulties are the canvas upon which the glorious palette of grace can be painted. God doesn’t extract the believer from hard times; He has equipped him to conquer them.

(Rom 8:35-37) “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? {36} As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. {37} Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

It is tragic that many believers are driven by the same mindset of the unconverted – they think they can earn God’s acceptance through their works. While many understand that it is “not through works we have done” in regards to positional righteousness, they still believe that their works will impress God in place of practical righteousness. The scripture says that there is no respect of persons with God – but the believer finds His respect by the virtue of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and our identification with Him.

(Eph 1:3-6) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: {4} According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, {6} To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

It is a fact that no man could ever earn God’s acceptance. However, it is essential that believers carefully study the scriptures in order to understand what life choices, and avenues of service, would be pleasing to God. (2 Tim 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The scriptures must be “rightly divided” in order to discover the means and ways a believer can acceptably demonstrate his “approved” status before God.

For example; we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Ephesians 3) and not under the Mosaic Law (Romans 6:14). There is nothing found in the law, applied in this dispensation, that God would ever approve of. The Law is not made for a righteous man (1 Timothy 1:9) and any message that would imply otherwise is an “accursed” gospel (Galatians 1). We are to live our lives rooted in the indwelling life of the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20). It is not our life but His. This truth is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles. He revealed the preaching of Jesus Christ according to “the revelation of the mystery” as opposed to the Hebrew, prophesied Gospel of the Kingdom. Two messages and two programs, both vastly different in content and application, and when they are intermingled produce confusion and defeat.

Let’s purpose to live according to our new identity “in Christ” and demonstrate our “acceptance in the beloved” as we study, and apply, the Word of truth “rightly divided.”

Questioning God

Romans 8:28 ( KJV ) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Often believers find themselves at odds with God because of difficult circumstances in their lives. They experience feelings of abandonment and question God’s purpose for their life as they imagine God’s disapproval and adopt an almost superstitious attitude regarding the details of their life. When things are going smoothly it must be because approves of us, but if times are tough, obviously, God disapproves of us, He is punishing us, or He is trying to teach us something.

As doubt intensifies it begins to have effect in different areas of the believer’s spiritual life. It can damage relationships as we live our lives differently because we sense God’s disapproval. This can produce anger as we struggle under the assumption that God is the author of our suffering. Our prayer life becomes frustrating because the more we ask, even beg, God to change our circumstances the more it seems He has turned a deaf ear. Many believers become trapped in a vicious circle of self-debasement and self-incrimination derived from false notions about Romans 8:28.

God is For Us

Romans 8:31-32 ( KJV ) 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

What many of us miss in this passage is the true regard, even genuine love, which God has for us. He is not some distant deity, looking down from above, who delights in frustrating us, or is indifferent to our struggles. This regard and love, stems from several sources but, in the context, it is something we share because God, the Father, identifies us with His Son.

This is a marvelous truth that many of us miss. This truth is an element of doctrine in which some of us remain shallow, either because we have not been taught, or have not applied ourselves to learning. Doctrine is often perceived as dry and tedious without much practical value but, in actuality, it is the exact opposite. Few things can be more exciting than discovering fine points of doctrine and finding that there is great practical benefit in our daily lives.

Ephesians 1:3-6 ( KJV ) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

When we believe the Gospel of Grace, trusting in Christ and His Cross work for us, there are a number of things that happen to us as believers. One of the things is an operation of God where He identifies us with His Son, our Savior, and from that point on we share His identity. This is true because the believer is placed into Christ by God, the Holy Spirit, (1 Cor. 12:12-13) and then is sealed by the same Spirit in this new identity (Eph 1:12-14; 4:30). Because we are now “accepted in the beloved” we no longer need fear God’s disapproval, nor do we worry that God will become angry with us. Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. God deals with us now on the basis of His love, and His grace, but never in anger.

We Are Complete

Colossians 2:9-13 ( KJV ) “9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”

Recognizing our new identity in Christ is a liberating event and it produces freedom for the believer as we realize the work that God has done in each of us. To be complete means to “have nothing lacking”.

The following story is told of A.J. Gordon, a convert of J.N. Darby. I find it noteworthy in that in that time it was the dispensationalist who proclaimed salvation by faith alone. Many of the, so-called, evangelists of the day freely mixed commitment with faith, presenting a gospel mixing faith with human effort for justification. I am convinced that many of the revivals in that era were more about conformation rather than transformation. A. Ray Stanford has often said that “the issue is ALWAYS faith verses works.” How true this is!

A. J. Gordon while traveling on a train fell into debate with a fellow passenger on the subject of justification by faith. Said the man to Dr. Gordon: “I tell you, God deals with men, not with a little bit of theological scrip called faith; and when the Almighty admits one to Heaven he makes rigid inquiry about his character, and not about his faith.” Presently the conductor came along and examined the tickets. When he had passed, Dr. Gordon said, “Did you ever notice how the conductor always looks at the ticket, and takes no pains at all to inspect the passenger? A railway ticket, if genuine, shows that the person presenting it has complied with the company’s conditions and is entitled to transportation. Faith entitles a man to that saving grace that is alone able to produce a character well-pleasing to God. God cares about character; but ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’ ”

Paul, in his prayers for the saints expressed this desire; (Eph 3:16-19) “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; {17} That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, {18} May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; {19} And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

“That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” is a phrase that is difficult to wrap one’s brain around, but it is something that can be a reality in our life. It’s so sad that many believers have settled for the busy-ness of religion or self-established agenda rather than yielding to the life of Christ and the completeness that brings to our weakness. It was this realization that enabled Paul to say that he would “rather glory in his infirmities.” He discovered that nothing else matters much when “the power of Christ rests upon me.”

(2 Cor 4:15-18) “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. {16} For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

As we live in light of our identity in Christ we are motivated to see things from His perspective and to rely on the resource of His righteousness and grace. How much better, simpler, and logical it would be to do this than trying to impress God with our feeble attempts to please Him in our own strength.

In Christ we find everything that is pleasing to God the Father. Perhaps, after we’ve fallen down enough we will acknowledge the truth.

(1 Cor 1:27-31) “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should glory in his presence. {30} But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: {31} That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

(Col 3:1) “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

It is interesting that this verse begins with “if”. If is a word that speaks to conditionality; it is not a word that only deals with a question. Here in Colossians there is no question of the believer being “risen” with the Lord Jesus Christ. This question has already been addressed by the apostle in the previous chapter where he tells believers that being “risen” is part of our identification “in Christ”; it is an “operation of God” and helps to make us “complete in Him.”

(Col 2:10-12) “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

In this sense “if” is used as ‘since’ we are risen with Christ. The question then becomes one of appropriation of benefit rather than just our identification with Christ. Some would express this as a correlation between our standing and our state. Being identified with the risen Lord Jesus Christ should affect those things that we seek.

(Col 3:2) “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Where have we set our affection? Are our goals and priorities established on the horizontal basis of this temporal world, or are we looking at the heavenly agenda?

(Col 3:3) “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

As believers we are dead to this world. However, we are not so much dead to this world itself, but to the agenda, philosophy, and priorities of this world. Our life is not centered here; our life is centered in the person of Jesus Christ. His life is our life (Galatians 2:20) and our life is not our own (1 Cor 6:19).

Often, believers live with a temporal mindset having a concept that worldly issues are what matters. The truth is this; we live in a temporal construct but we don’t have to be confined by it. Our lives can be defined by a much larger scheme that is substantive and eternal. We can live a life that is much larger than ourselves but one that is only perceived as we look into ourselves rather than at the world around us. (2 Cor 4:16-18) “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

(Col 3:4) “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Too many are concerned with the glory that belongs in this world. Whether it is wealth, fame, position, affection, security, health or any other worldly element, they are all fleeting and temporary. The lot of the believer is to suffer in this life, and afterward comes the glory; the only glory worth having, being identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 8:18-19) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. {19} For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”

As saints what questions are we asking ourselves? Hopefully, they center around the truths of Colossians three. What are we seeking? Where have we placed our affection? Whose glory is it that we seek? May we all realize that our heavenly citizenship is much more vital to our happiness in this world than our common heritage in the Adamic race.

The Organic Union

We live in an age when individual rights, self-reliance and independence is greatly valued (at least in word if not always in substance). People everywhere are “doing their own thing.”

This attitude is also pervasive in the Church, the Body of Christ and manifests itself in many forms. One form that many of us might recognize goes something like this; “I have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit and I don’t need anyone else.” As you read this you might even think “I don’t feel this way” and this might be true in some sense, but in another sense many of us practice this autonomous philosophy in a reverse sort of way. In word we may deny this attitude yet subscribing to it by practicing it in reverse.

To explain, we might recognize our dependence and need of other believers but we fail to acknowledge that others are equally dependent on us.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

There is a truth in the Scriptures that concerns the organic unity of the Body of Christ. In organic, by definition, we mean “being made of parts that exist together in a seemingly natural relationship that makes for organized efficiency.” The text above lends itself to this definition as it employs the illustration of the human body; a marvelously intricate and coordinated organism. One might ask the question concerning the human form; “is it a single organism, or is it a composite?” The answer is “yes”.

To deny the practical implications of this doctrine damages our relationships with other believers and deprives us of the true joy, and privilege, of enhancing joy in others. Our denial also serves to blind us to our true identity “in Christ” and the significance of being “members” of His body. The truth of the matter is that not only do we become members of Christ through the “operation of God” (Colossians 2) we also become members “one of another” (Romans 12).

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {26} That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {28} So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. {29} For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: {30} For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. {31} For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. {32} This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:25-32)

Ephesians five is often cited as one of the greatest texts concerning marriage, and this is, indeed, true. However, to view this as a marriage passage only is to miss the intended duality of the author. Paul writes of the marriage union, and of all the mystery associated with it, but pointedly says “I speak of Christ and the church.” What we discover here is that our union with Christ is like the union of man and wife. Two becoming “one flesh” is a joining that results in a shared identity that speaks to mutual esteem, provision and protection. This is true of marriage or our union in Christ. There is much to be learned of spiritual union with God by examining our physical union in marriage.

The Organic Design

“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; {22} And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. {23} And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:21-23)

In the first marriage we see God’s design for this union. When God created Adam He did so with a purpose. (Genesis 2:15) “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Adam was to serve as an adornment testifying of God’s creative power and he was to “keep” (protect or preserve) that portion of Eden relegated to him. It is in this context that God said of Adam; (Genesis 2:18) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” God purposed that Adam should not serve alone in his responsibility and made provision in the form of Eve, his wife. This first family unit was a key element in God’s design to fill the earth and “subdue” (take back) the earth; reclaiming that which had suffered from the rebellion of Lucifer, and they were to do it together.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {10} For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. {11} Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? {12} And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

It is true that the first family failed miserably in their duty, but this was not because of a flaw in God’s design. Mankind was not created as a solitary being. Ecclesiastes four speaks to the fruitfulness, assistance, comfort, and defense that are the product of the combined efforts of two people, and that the addition of a third party is better still. The principle of community is established on a sound Biblical base.

The same principle is a component in God’s design, and purpose, for the Body of Christ. Please note the following scriptures;

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: {16} From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. {19} And if they were all one member, where were the body? {20} But now are they many members, yet but one body. {21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {22} Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: {23} And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. {24} For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: {25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-27)

It is said that the world’s largest single organism is a stand of Aspen trees. Each tree appears to stand alone and yet each is a member in an intricate symbiotic web of life organically bound at the roots. So, similarly, is the Body of Christ. Each believer is one member of a complex organism with a corporate life that emanates from its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. In our union in Christ we find nourishment, fruitfulness, aide, comfort and safety.

The Organic Effect

There are consequences when we live in light of our shared identity in Christ and in accordance with God’s design for the Body of Christ.

There is balance and unity. Ephesians Four speaks of our being “fitly joined together” and this founded in the seven unities (the ingredients of balance) found early in the chapter. Our union should be manifested as a unity in purpose, attitude and truth (Philippians 1:27; 2:1-2). The apostle Paul was intensely interested in the organic effect as demonstrated when he said; “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

There is edification. Our text in Ephesians Four also notes that the Body of Christ is “compacted together by that which every joint supplieth” which refers to the mutual support and fruitfulness that results from the participation of each member. Throughout the Pauline Epistles we find exhortations to edification.

• We are to seek to excel at edification – 1 Corinthians 14:12
• We are to pursue the things that edify – Romans 14:19
• We are to recognize that edification is more important than personal agendas – Romans 15:1-2
• We are to comprehend that edification is more vital than our personal liberty – 1 Corinthians 10:23
• We are to follow God’s design for edification – Ephesians 4:11-16

The Application

On the basis of Romans 12:9-10 we should come to the place where we live in the context of “it’s not me that counts, but we.” This means that we never reject others because of our differences, or their shortcomings, but are accepting. Paul writes; “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7) This doesn’t imply that we approve of bad behavior but it does signify that we value people in the same way God receives us. How does God receive us? He receives us just as we are and on the basis of the gift of His Son for us.

It is a valuable exercise to become familiar with the “one another” citations in the Pauline Epistles. There are many, and they come in both positive and negative connotations. Paul exhorts believers to be kindly affectioned one toward another, to prefer one another, to love one another, to edify one another, to be like-minded as God in patience and consolation toward one another, to receive one another, to admonish one another, to tarry for one another, to have the same care one for another, to serve one another, to forgive one another, to submit to one another, to teach one another, to comfort one another, to forbear (be patient) for one another, and to restore one another. Unquestioningly, Paul stresses the need for us to be mindful of one another, and how vital this is in our life together in Christ Jesus.

Interestingly, our apostle also creates panoply “do not” admonitions as well. He says do not judge one another anymore, do not be puffed up for one against another (to take up someone else’s offence), do not go to law with one another, do not bite and devour one another (to backbite), do not lie to one another, and do not show partiality one toward another. These admonitions and exhortations are all founded in our shared identity in Christ and in the fact that we are members “one of another”. He makes these warnings that our relationships, and our lives, would not be consumed in petty self-interests and constant turmoil.

The Conclusion

“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? {13} Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. {14} If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. {15} For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. {16} Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. {17} If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:12-17)

The apostle Paul often described himself as a servant to God and men. In this he followed the example of the Savior, who taught that true happiness is only discovered when we esteem the needs of others above our own. The thought of the Creator kneeling on a floor to wash feet is a humbling one, and it boggles the mind that in doing so,He finds happiness. If believers would follow these examples of service one to another they might find the joy that seems to elude so many.

In thinking about Galatians 2:20-21 I found the following quote to be particularly relevant and insightful.

“The expression of Christian character is not good doing, but God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not good human characteristics. God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian is that the supernatural is made natural in him by the grace of God, and the experience of this works out in the practical details of life, not in times of communion with God.” Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)