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Chariot
January 2008 -
Norm Wakefield
To those of you
who have emailed or called to encourage me about this series on The
Curse of the Standard Bearers, thank you. I'm also grateful for those
of you who have expressed questions. Please remember that this is a
series. If this is the first article you have read, please read parts one
and two at www.spiritofelijah.com/chariot.
Thus far I've only begun to discuss the differences between the
Standard Bearer and the True
Image Bearer. Obviously, I can't address every situation or answer all
the questions associated with this topic in one article. In this article I will present some similarities and
contrasts between the Standard
Bearers and the True Image
Bearers. There's a fine line to be drawn when we consider people who
set standards in their lives. There are similarities as well as
differences between the Standard and True Image
Bearers. Both may appear intolerant and be unflinching on certain
issues, yet appear tolerant to others. The differences lie in the
motivation of their hearts, the nearness of the relationship, the source
of their standards, and the fruit of their lives.
Similarities of a Standard
Bearer and a True Image Bearer A Standard Bearer and a True
Image Bearer may have many beliefs and characteristics in common. The
Scribes and Pharisees, of whom we read in the gospels, were
extremely dedicated people. Had you asked a person of that day who
was the most spiritual person he knew, he probably would have named a Pharisee. Pose
the same question today and there should be no surprise if someone names a
Standard Bearer. They have many
good qualities which reveal an admirable dedication and knowledge of God.
They are sterling examples of commitment in their churches. They
often become leaders in their churches because of their commitment and
obedience. · Believe in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture ·
Say they believe salvation is by
grace alone and by faith alone ·
Be committed to the
advancement of the kingdom of God ·
Be concerned for lost souls ·
Be generous in their giving ·
Say they love the truth ·
Say loving God and others is the
greatest commandment of God ·
Practice daily prayer and Bible
study ·
Hold a very high value on
sanctification ·
Have standards or practices on
various issues of lifestyle they believe to be an expression of godliness There could be
many other similarities of doctrine and agreement on Bible facts. One
might think people with this many commonalities would really
click. They might at first, but eventually their differences surface.
Jesus' attitude and life constantly irked the Pharisees and vice
versa. The same thing happens today. Contrasts between a
Standard Bearer and a True Image Bearer
Although the True
Image Bearers have many similar beliefs, commitments, and standards
with the Standard Bearers, often their
attitude and the way they live out their faith isn't the same. Just like Jesus and the Pharisees held to the inerrancy of
Scripture, the resurrection of the dead, and the vital importance of
sanctification, the primary difference was the way they lived them out.
The Scribes and Pharisees (the Standard
Bearers of Jesus' day) elevated their interpretations
of Scripture to the same level as the inerrant Word of God.
For instance, they felt compelled to correct others for not keeping their
interpretations. One example of this would be their reproof of Jesus for
not observing the ceremonial washing of hands (Luke 11:38). They
considered those who didn't live like they did to be heretics. That's why
the Standard Bearers rejected
and crucified Jesus. You'll notice many similarities between the Pharisees
of Jesus' day and the Standard
Bearers of our day.
Here are a few distinctions between the Standard
Bearer and the True Image Bearer.
Please keep in mind that these are generalizations and there may be some
exceptions.
God judges what He
sees by situational tests
God knows the
intentions and motives of the heart (Heb. 4:12-13). We're the ones who don't
see ourselves clearly. That's why God often uses situations to reveal what
He sees. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I hear that divisions
exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions
among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you" (1
Cor. 11:18-19). From these verses and their context, we can deduce that
one of the reasons God does not bring people to see issues or interpret
Scripture the same in a family, church, or community is for the purpose of
making it evident who is a Standard
Bearer and who is a True Image
Bearer. God could easily bring everyone to the same mind on issues if
He wished. The divisive issue in the Corinthian church was head coverings
for women. Paul's point was this: the division is necessary to reveal who
is motivated by love, the glory of God, and the benefit of others rather
than selfish gain (1 Cor. 10:31-33). How can one tell who has been
accepted by God? It isn't by where one stands on a given issue. You can tell by their
fruit
Jesus said you
could tell an impostor or the genuine believer by his fruit (Matt.
7:16-20). The discernable differences between the Standard
Bearer and the True Image Bearer
is in the fruit of their lives. Again, a chart may be helpful to
communicate these differences.
I hope the two charts above have been helpful. I realize questions
may arise in your minds. In future Chariots, we will further
address specific dynamics between husbands and wives, between parents and
minor children at home, between parents and their adult children (whether
married or unmarried), and between members in the body of Christ. Until
then, I suggest using the above charts for family discussions. Here are
some starter questions. 1.
Do you think
people in your church feel afraid or unable to meet up to your standards?
Why? How do you respond when people don't have the same interpretation on
issues? 2. Are there people in your church with whom you feel safe and accepted? What makes you feel that way? 3. Make a list of some standards which you think are clearly stated in the Bible, and then a list of standards which you think are based on interpretations of Scripture, but not clearly stated. Place a star by the ones with which you think others might disagree. How do you respond to them? 4. Evaluate yourself by the charts above. Then ask someone else in your family to evaluate you. (I advise you not to defend yourself if their evaluation differs from your own. Humble yourself and ask God to teach you.) What do you think God sees? 5. What divisions is God using in your family, church, or community to give you opportunities to love? Upcoming Father/Son Weekends - Make Reservations Now! April 11-13 October
3-5 October
30-Nov. 2 Would
you like to be on the Elijah Ministries Prayer Team? The backbone of Elijah Ministries is the prayer team who pray diligently for God to turn the hearts of men to Himself, their wives, and their children. Before I leave to speak, I send out a prayer team invitation to those who will intercede for God to work for His glory in us as a team for the Kingdom. Not only is it a blessing to those whom I speak and myself; but it is also a reminder to the team about the direction of their own hearts. If you would like to enter into the labor together with me, you may go to my website and click on "Prayer Team". The Chariot is now available as a podcast. You can automatically receive the Chariot each month in iTunes by subscribing here. (An RSS capable browser such as Internet Explorer 7 or Safari is required.) Also, if you would like to consider supporting the work and ministry of Elijah Ministries, you can donate online to support the ministry at http://www.spiritofelijah.com/shop.
If you haven't visited our website, www.spiritofelijah.com,
please stop by sometime. You'll find: * Resources to equip you and your family * Previous Chariot articles * Norm's speaking schedule *
Free MP3 downloads * Subscribe to the Chariot Podcast here. * Various pages translated and available in Spanish * An online store to purchase resources and make tax-free contributions by credit card
I invite you to be a part of the
moving of the Spirit of Elijah in your church, community, and the world.
How? 1.
Send this article to other men or families that you know would
benefit from it. You might inform them of the previous articles
available on-line at our website. 2.
Share resources from the Spirit of Elijah Ministries with others.
If Equipping Men or Rising to the
Call have been a blessing to you, then you know it will be
beneficial to others. Either share your resources, tell them about the
resources, or purchase a set or two as an investment in their lives. 3. Share with others what you have learned and put into practice in turning your heart to God, your wife, and your children. If God has done this in you, then He wants to affect others through you. 4.
Join the Elijah Ministries email prayer team and make
intercession for others that their hearts would be turned in revival to
the Lord, their wives, and their children. This can be done on-line at www.spiritofelijah.com.
Norm
Wakefield 01.08 To unsubscribe, click here. Do not change the subject of the email that launches when you click above. Just press send. Or send an email with the subject Unsubscribe Chariot to chariot@spiritofelijah.com.
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