ICEA – “Church at Study”

I Timothy 3:6-7 reads:

And not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.  And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

These are the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy concerning qualifications for ordaining Bishops in the church. Similar qualifications trickle down to other church leaders, as well. The church needs leaders who are above reproach, but the devil, our adversary, constantly seeks to discredit the reputation of those who shepherd and lead God’s people. Likewise…everyone who serves God should strive to have a good reputation. Why? Because everyone is subject to disgrace and coming under the trap of the devil. We see the first account in Genesis 3:9-10. God asks Adam, “where are you?” Many people know the context surrounding Genesis, chapter 3. Both Adam and Eve have transgressed God’s commandment. So…In answer to God’s question, Adam says, “I was AFRAID…I was NAKED…and I HID MYSELF!” Imagine a man who had uninterrupted fellowship with God — How blessed he and Eve must have been! Now Adam and Eve are faced with intense feelings they had never experienced before. These feelings are so intense that the ones who once enjoyed God’s fellowship are trying to flee from His presence. Oh the shame they must have felt! Thank God, there is a remedy for our shame! Jesus Christ has experienced the separation and rejection that is the result of sin (Heb. 12:2) and He knows shame first-hand. According to the scriptures: “He who knew no sin has become sin for us!” This may be hard to explain, but simply stated: He knows our deepest feelings of rejection! The shame of our past can absolutely cripple our efforts in going forward. Millions have experienced shame and guilt and are in such vulnerable conditions today. Isaiah, chapter 42:3 reads (with the focus being on vs. 3): “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. ² “He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. ³ “A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.

Our Lord has nurtured even the most fragile out of the millions who have faith and believe in Him. From the most exposed plant stem to the smallest flickering fire, Jesus will restore bruised things back to health, and cause the flicker to burst into flames!

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