I just read again my little book on how to overcome the flesh. And, while the Biblical information I outline and explain is important, I also realize how inadequate the mediums of speaking and writing can be.
I believe that the Spirit of God can and does use the word of God to build the life of Jesus in us. Even more so, when we learn to navigate it on our own: to practice our own priesthood.
Four historical evangelical practices have made all of this more challenging. First, too many people like to talk (preach). It has become abundantly clear that as important as it still is to have regular voices of biblical orthodoxy consistently expounding scripture, it has, on the whole, not formed righteousness in God’s people. This after all should be the ultimate measuring rod!
Second, too many like to hear someone talk. In most cases, many in leadership have learned the disciplines of talking a message. In a few cases, some are so good at it that it attracts people. The most predominant characteristic of both is that people like to hear someone else talk about God and His Bible.
Third, too many of us love to write how to books and articles and “solve” our problems. More often than not, the books are simply superficial thoughts on how to be “successful!” Put more people in our chairs.
Fourth, the hard, and less “flamboyant” work of actually forming believers into righteous and holy living has been relegated to less “important” people in the leadership structure and less important gatherings.
The results: 1. Out of control nominalism. 2. Declining Gospel interest in the greater population, because it cannot be clearly seen in those who confess to be followers of Jesus. 3. Decline in the restraining legal and sociological force of righteousness that comes through God’s people.
What it will take to actually form righteousness in the people of Jesus?
It will take more and different work than our present concept of church will permit.
It will take time, intensive time. It will have to be relational, mature on maturing. It will be so much smaller that the “fame” that comes from it will inspire few. It will need to become the predominant culture of the people of Jesus.
If we don’t take up this more important decentralized strategy, but continue to “talk,”we will see: 1. Greater nominalism. 2. Increasing disinterest in the Gospel. 3. Greater loss of the restraint of societal evil by God’s people. 4. More of our children struggle, some abandoning the faith.
