Lexzie in Christ

Often times, we search Scripture for instruction on how to fight our own battles. We seek first “the answers to our problems” rather than the Kingdom of God. We set our sight on our circumstance rather than on Christ.

But once you truly understand the Gospel, you realize that Jesus is our our Savior, our redeemer, our shepherd AND our defender. 

And it is all so freeing!

Once you understand the Gospel, you realize the magnitude of Jesus’ role in our lives. Jesus is the hero of our story in every facet of our life. In Jesus we find our salvation and, it is only through Him that we have a relationship with the Father. Jesus is also the One who fights for us in our daily lives.

THIS type of understanding is what makes the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ ministry that much more meaningful. 

THIS type of understanding would then naturally stir us to question: Well, if Jesus is the one delivering me from my battles (both eternal and present), then what is MY role in all of this?

THAT question is what sets a Believer to search the New Testament scripture for understanding about the spirit-led life we’re called to lead.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of the truth of the Gospel and of our purpose (which is to spread the Gospel). God’s word teaches us about the ongoing process of sanctification, the true meaning of love, joy, repentance, discipleship and everything we need to know.

There’s so much to seek. And, when you get excited about THAT… that’s when you know that you’re on fire for Jesus. 

As we’re studying, we’re to do so: with purpose; without negating the practical steps we need to implement; and always in humility, so that we don’t become self-righteous.

Point the Old Testament toward the Gospel and you’ll have hope in Jesus.

Point the New Testament lessons straight back to the Gospel and you’ll have humility in Jesus.

Point the accounts of Jesus’ life + ministry to the Gospel and you’ll have both.

Once you grasp the weight of the Gospel and the need for Jesus… you have to make sure that the Gospel remains the focal point of everything, because:

If your personal studies, or the teachings you consume, don’t consistently point to the Gospel, then (over time) you may more easily fall victim to some or all of these…:

1. You run the risk of having a deep love and healthy fear of God, but a rather surface understanding of the importance of the Gospel and your need for Jesus, specifically. 

You may have a shallow understanding of how we’re called to grow + walk, spiritually.

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2. You run the risk of developing a mindset which subtly or blatantly opposes Scripture. 

(Our perspective on things, and the application of how to manage our daily lives will always be nuanced – and in some ways, tailored to us – but they should always align with Scripture.)

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3. If your studies don’t point to the Gospel…

You can start to become self-reliant, even if you’re completely unaware that you’re doing so. You may find yourself saying that you’re dependent on God, but you end up consistently shouldering the weight of a lot of your battles. It is traumatizing and confusing to try to “submit” to God while also trying to muster up the courage for a larger-than-life fight.

We think we’re supposed to be the hero of our story – the “David” in David & Goliath – when really: That role is reserved for Jesus.

God does not want His children to live in fear. He is not here to terrorize, traumatize or abuse you! There is peace in Jesus Christ.

God is not arming you for battle the way you think He is. The “armor of God” is ALL spiritual and it’s meant to strengthen us internally for what we’re set to face externally. 

And while we can’t predict how heavy those trials will be, spiritual obedience keeps us alert and focused enough to walk out and remain in our faith.

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Another note: When you’re self-reliant, you also end up unknowingly attributing your wins to your growth as a person.

Spiritual obedience enables + sustains practical obedience. So if your discipline is rooted in Christ and in our faith – you will absolutely experience maturity. But we need to know that straying will eventually cause us to revert right back to a weak-minded and fickle version of ourselves. We are kept strong and stable in Him.

Point to the Gospel and you will be more inclined to remember where your help comes from.

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4. And finally… 

When teachings don’t consistently point back to the Gospel, then over time: 

You run the risk of falling into massive deception. 

Someone wrote on a forum [paraphrased]: “If a new or non-Christian heard you share the word or deliver a teaching, would they know that you’re a Christian? If you’re a pastor, would they know that they were sitting in a church?” 

Christianity is not the only religion that speaks of (a) God or of Jesus. So if you don’t point passages/stories/messaging back to the Gospel, it is not a guarantee that anyone will come to know or understand Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith. You can so easily fall victim to subtle manipulation of the word, which can lead you to start mixing ideologies (from other religions, practices or forms of worship) which directly oppose Christianity and the God we serve. 

(The devil is a crafty imitator and that is what he wants.)

So, a recap:

Void-of-Gospel Bible teachings can potentially lead to a lack of understanding, stagnation, self-reliance, self-righteousness or deception for both new and longtime Christians.

And look… 

We are all flawed. None of us are God. There’s always opportunity to misinterpret Scripture. Even the most well-intentioned person or pastor could deliver a message in error. 

God knows our heart and wants us to seek Him earnestly; and He already knows we will innocently get stuff wrong. He knows that those around us will innocently get things wrong too.

And He can still use, shield, correct and allow us to discern.

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That said… 

Deception permeates so much of this world. And intentional mishandling of Scripture is REAL. 

So the point of all this is to say: Point everything to the Gospel and vet EVERYTHING. 

Pray over the words spoken to you – including everything I’ve just posted – and hold everything up against the Word to ensure that what you’re hearing is actually of the Word.