WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 8TH JUNE, 2016
TOPIC: AS A LIVING EPISTLE
TEXT: 2 Cor. 3: 2-3. Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not in ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.
Definitions:
Living: State of being alive, having life or being in existence.
Epistle: A literally composition, to write, to communicate in a letter by writing. I Cor. 5:9
Introduction:
Living epistle simply means daily reflexion of Christ in me, writing literally composition or letter that portrays life or explains state of existence at a particular time. In the past, epistle or letter were used to communicate as proof that something or somebody existed. All for our learning. Romans 15:4
Epistle or letter of recommendation was a common practice among the first century Christians. Salutation was given to many for deeds that portrayed faithfulness, great passion, diligence, sincerity and devotion to God. Acts 18:24-28, Romans 16:1-2, I Cor. 16:10-11. Their works were acknowledged and sent as letters to edify others. This was however, abused as hireling teachers (someone who does a job purely for money, rather than act of interest in the work itself) took it as an advantage over Corinthian disciples.
Discussion:
“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” is key to today’s discuss on the topic “As a Living Epistle”. Obedience to God’s commandment is also key to our Christian life as people tend to read and interpret us differently. The existence of the Corinthian brethren was a testimony that Paul had come to them with the gospel of Christ. Their very existence was his recommendation, I Cor. 9:2. Not the letters of recommendation as seen in time past. We do not need any recommendation to tell them (world) of who we are. Matt. 7:15-20
Contrast between Table in the Heart and Table of Stone
People of the old, in the Old Testament had the law written in the table of stone. Exodus 24:12, 31:18, 32:15-16, 34:1. There was no prior commitment before one came into a covenant relationship with God. This is in sharp contrast to the law in the new covenant that is written on the responsive hearts of men. Heb. 8:7-13.
Under this new covenant, God’s laws are made known unto us even before we become Christians. But at baptism, one joins the covenant relationship with God. John 3:3-5. It is at this point, that one’s character is expected to reflect the new man having putting off the old man. Romans 6:3-6, II Cor. 5:17. God has given to us all that pertains to life and godliness. I Peter 1:3. This “new man” attracts a careful watch by friends, relatives and others to see a change in life style, behaviour, speech etc. The journey as “Epistle” starts to be now read by all men.
It is expected of us today as Christian to profess faith, behaviour, appearance etc. in a manner that will be glorifying to God since we are now known and read by all men as worthy ambassadors of Christ. Matt. 5:14-16, I Cor. 14:25, John 15:8, I Peter 2:12. Christians with their godly characters are supposed to preserve or prevent the society from moral decay. When the Christians lose their preservative influence of godly examples, they become useless before God and it becomes very difficult to correct the decay of the society. II Cor. 6:14-18, Romans 12:1-2.
The world is watching you! They will not hesitate to judge, make outright condemnation or mockery if they see you live a life not worthy as Christians. I Cor. 10:29-31, Col. 3:17, I Peter 4:11. Christ must NOT be mocked by your actions, life styles words and conversations. Instead, let people account for us as ministers and stewards of God. I Cor. 4:1-2.
Conclusion:
We shall all appear before the judgement seat to give account of our deeds to God. Romans 14:12, II Cor. 5:10. So do the things that are of good reports and pleasing to God.
May God help us to live in His standard and a life worthy of emulation as living epistle in Jesus Name, Amen!
