Post by TheFirebrand on May 13, 2013 13:31:32 GMT -6
Yesterday on Facebook I posted a question regarding addictions and habitual sinful behavior ...
There were some responses but no one (that I caught) went to the Bible.
2 Corinthians 12:7 "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure."
Even Paul, whom we all seem to put on a pedestal at times, had to live with affliction in his faith in order to be kept humble. Paul's writings also indicate the ability to use both his wide Biblical knowledge and to argue logically and clearly for the truth in which he believed.
Today's preachers will many times be in way over their heads and tend to grow more arrogant. They don't seem to have any problems or "thorns in the flesh" to keep them humble. Nor do they seem to portray much logic in their teachings.
When I go to churches now I see many women running "the show" as it seems like anymore rather than a church service. I hear many women running their mouths during the message as well and they usually talk to me like they own the place and tell me what to do or that I need to be there every service ...
What I do not see are the men standing up and leading. I do not hear the Pastor enforcing Biblical standards in either behavior or appearance anymore ...
Appearance was never about looking all spruced up with fancy garments and well done hair ... see message "Daughters Of Zion Indeed" firebrandministries.boards.net/thread/241/daughters-zion ...
What is my point? How is this related to Paul's affliction? Its not, that is the point. People today are more interested in self serving methods of "serving God" and many are clueless that anything is wrong. When a person has problems or run into issues of addiction, sure they pray and some get the Holy Ghost (we assume) but they use tools of the world more than they look to God and the Bible. Everything from self help books to TV talk shows to even medications.
So "thorns in the flesh" are more easily suppressed and not realized as God's way of keeping us humbled in His light. Or His truth. We have become a society of "Appearing" as Christians, but we live it up just as the world does. We are no longer separate ...
Those few of us who are "separate" are literally exactly that. Because we have been essentially cast out, ignored, invisible in our quest for truth and seeking God's face. Our afflictions have not been suppressed or wisped away by some worldly concoction or mental health label.
The Christian community even more than much of the world has become a club. A hangout. A place to be entertained and get free food. Games and fun have replaced Bible teaching and rebuke. A "Life is good" mentality in the face of economic collapse and tyranny has distracted us from God's anguish and the pain of His heart as the world drags itself straight to Hell.
Yes we are to be content in His grace and to praise Him even in turmoil, but NOT at the expense of our souls! Who still spends time daily in their own prayer closets to listen for Gods voice? To hear your own sobbing and crying because you feel His agony? When was the last time you genuinely God's will and not your own?
That should be everyone thorn in their flesh ...
There were some responses but no one (that I caught) went to the Bible.
2 Corinthians 12:7 "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure."
Even Paul, whom we all seem to put on a pedestal at times, had to live with affliction in his faith in order to be kept humble. Paul's writings also indicate the ability to use both his wide Biblical knowledge and to argue logically and clearly for the truth in which he believed.
Today's preachers will many times be in way over their heads and tend to grow more arrogant. They don't seem to have any problems or "thorns in the flesh" to keep them humble. Nor do they seem to portray much logic in their teachings.
When I go to churches now I see many women running "the show" as it seems like anymore rather than a church service. I hear many women running their mouths during the message as well and they usually talk to me like they own the place and tell me what to do or that I need to be there every service ...
What I do not see are the men standing up and leading. I do not hear the Pastor enforcing Biblical standards in either behavior or appearance anymore ...
Appearance was never about looking all spruced up with fancy garments and well done hair ... see message "Daughters Of Zion Indeed" firebrandministries.boards.net/thread/241/daughters-zion ...
What is my point? How is this related to Paul's affliction? Its not, that is the point. People today are more interested in self serving methods of "serving God" and many are clueless that anything is wrong. When a person has problems or run into issues of addiction, sure they pray and some get the Holy Ghost (we assume) but they use tools of the world more than they look to God and the Bible. Everything from self help books to TV talk shows to even medications.
So "thorns in the flesh" are more easily suppressed and not realized as God's way of keeping us humbled in His light. Or His truth. We have become a society of "Appearing" as Christians, but we live it up just as the world does. We are no longer separate ...
Those few of us who are "separate" are literally exactly that. Because we have been essentially cast out, ignored, invisible in our quest for truth and seeking God's face. Our afflictions have not been suppressed or wisped away by some worldly concoction or mental health label.
The Christian community even more than much of the world has become a club. A hangout. A place to be entertained and get free food. Games and fun have replaced Bible teaching and rebuke. A "Life is good" mentality in the face of economic collapse and tyranny has distracted us from God's anguish and the pain of His heart as the world drags itself straight to Hell.
Yes we are to be content in His grace and to praise Him even in turmoil, but NOT at the expense of our souls! Who still spends time daily in their own prayer closets to listen for Gods voice? To hear your own sobbing and crying because you feel His agony? When was the last time you genuinely God's will and not your own?
That should be everyone thorn in their flesh ...