Seven Stages of Life

Seven Stages of Life

the stages of life all have challenges and triumphs

The stages of life all have challenges and triumphs.

You live, you love, and you die. Perhaps that is oversimplification. Life can be smooth and easy one moment and a combined skydiving, bull ride the next. Getting in and out of this world can even be complex. 7 stages of the human life are explored below. In common terms, the stages are in order: 1) Infancy, 2) Youth; 3) Early adulthood, 4) Midlife adulthood, 5) Seasoned adulthood, 6) Senior adulthood, and ultimately 7) Death. For the purposes of this discussion they will be named in more notable terms. While the stages cannot always be nailed to exact ages, nor are they applicable to every person, there is a large portion of people who slide easily into them.

Stage 1 – Adorability
In the beginning, amidst pain, tears, and hope, a little alien creature who looks like it has been dipped in transmission fluid enters the world. It is naked, surrounded by strangers, and then wacked on the behind. The reaction of the proud parents and lookers on is smiles, oohs and ahs, and joy. This tiny human is a miracle of God. It has adorability! It is also helpless and without understanding. The infant does not have any idea it has two parents on its side who would give anything to make sure it is happy. Yet, its greatest asset is the fact it has been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The child has not come in the world with hate in its heart. It has not come bearing a grudge. The infant has not inherited sin (Ezekiel 18:20). The infant does not know it was created perfect and upright in the sight of God (Ezekiel 28:15, Ecclesiastes 7:29). The infant has no clue the rest of mankind is encouraged to be renewed to a true self which is like the infant – the image of God (Colossians 3:10).

The infant, soon to be a young child, is in a state of adorability. People will hang on every coo, grin, and laugh. They will relish and remember the first steps. They will recall the first words with the same happiness as if the child had found a gold mine. How many pictures have been taken of the child with green peas all over their head? And floor? And wall? And parent? Adorability! The child only needs to grow at this stage. As a Christian grows on the milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2), the child grows on milk and onto other more mature foods. Their minds are great sponges at this time. What they see and are taught, they input in preparation for the future. Historically, Jewish children were taught the written Torah (First 5 books of the Bible and Prophets) at the age of five and by the age of ten the Oral torah (verbal explanation of the laws). Were they adorable? Yes. Treated as if their young brains couldn’t learn? No. Man has a responsibility to prepare their children for life (Proverbs 22:6).

Stage 2 – Accountability
This stage of human life is characterized by an understanding of instruction and consequences. The question has oft been asked about when a child is accountable. Looking back in history again, Jewish children were considered accountable to the law at the ages of 12 for girls and 13 for boys. So is this the God given age to be accountable? Chronicles 34:1-2 speaks of King Josiah, “Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” He was eight. Jesus at the age of 12 understood he was accountable to the Father (Luke 2:49). Children reach the age of accountability at different ages. If they can receive instruction and understand the consequence to it, they have reached that point. When they know they have transgressed instruction and it pains their conscience, they have reached the stage of accountability. They are no longer in the stage of innocent adorability.

The age of accountability is not that of adulthood. Yes, there are some folks that seem to shirk accountability into adulthood (Proverbs 18:2), but that does not mean they are not accountable. The age of accountability begins when the child is still reliant upon others. Their family takes the responsibility for feeding, clothing, educating, and caring for them. They need discipline as well (Proverbs 22:15). There is a need for continual growth in knowing God (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The child is but a novice in a great big world. In the age of accountability the following is said about Jesus: “ And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) Jesus not only grew in physically and in wisdom, but also in His spiritual relationship with God, and social relationship with men. These steps of growth prepared Him to engage the challenges he would meet.

Stage 3 – Acceptability
For the Jewish man, his profession began when he turned 20. For the American, it often begins at 18 or 19. There are similarities in other countries. This is the time of acceptability. The young adult accepts responsibility for themselves and quite frequently within a short time the responsibility of caring for others. The stage of acceptability is characterized by searching for an identity in society. Who are they really? What are their goals? Are they prepared to accept the responsibility most young adults crave? Will they step up or fall into laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Will they forget their father’s instruction (Proverbs 9:6)?

The stage of acceptability is a time not only of accepting full responsibility for self, home, family, work, and spiritual life, but also finding acceptance from society by being productive. Many a young adult has entered this stage rebellious and lazy. They try to throw off accountability, but will find they cannot succeed in doing so. They will also find in not accepting responsibility, wide portions of society will reject them. This is a time of growth and some of the most difficult ups and downs an adult can experience. Mistakes in behavior, relationships, and everyday decisions characterize this stage. Though parents have tried to prepare the young adult for this timeframe, a great deal of pain is often felt during this period – especially if the Bible is not the guiding force in the person’s life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Growth must continue! Preparation for the future is an issue, unfortunately, the now, the moment, is often embraced by the young adult (Proverbs 12:15).

Stage 4 – Adjustability
The midlife crisis or the stage of adjustability is very common. The young adult full of confidence, dreams, and energy hits the point where they realize they are late 30’s / early 40’s and things have not turned out as they expected. Perhaps they don’t have the possessions they thought they would. Perhaps their health is already at a risky stage. It is possible they have ruined relationships, are deep in debt, and have nothing to show for 20 years of self-indulgence and poor decision making. Reality comes into focus at this point for many. They are seeing the effects their decisions have made on their own children. They are lost and perhaps death seems a lot closer to them than ever. The prodigal son comes to mind (Luke 15). He left home thinking he had the world by the tail. After a period of time, he found himself broke, alone, and wanting to eat what the pigs were eating. Things didn’t turn out how he thought they would.

The stage of adjustment is about making a change to better things. Many former drug addicts describe a point of realization about their destructive behavior. They made adjustment to their life and dropped the bad habits. Midlife is in no sense the end. It’s the middle of a race, where you stop to lace up your shoes, take a drink of water, and wipe the sweat off your forehead. It is a time to focus on the prize, not looking behind, but forward to the great possibility of the future (Philippians 3:13-14). This applies spiritually (as in the context of the mentioned verse) and to daily events. This time is really when a person finds the identity they were looking for years before. Reality stares right back at them at asks, “What are you going to do now?” Without hesitation, the best step is cling to God and look for His direction (Matthew 5:3). God has given man the answers (2 Peter 1:3). Most certainly, the solution to the problems at hand is focus on the things above and not below (Colossians 3:2). God is going to take care of the basics of life if man puts Him first (Matthew 6:33). When a focus of priorities is straight, good stewardship, continued work, and service to God will be the adjustment needed. This humbling time is when man often realizes after half a lifetime, he really has room to grow in being a better person. This is also when preparations for the future really come into focus (Luke 14:28-33, Ephesians 6:15)

Stage 5 – Admirability
The stage of admirability is when years of experience, responsibility, and stability are recognized. Fewer mistakes are made at this point in life. The individual is entrusted with greater responsibilities whether at work, within society, or in His Church. This person understands that God knows His sins and his foolish past is an open book (Psalm 69:5). The difference between now and then is he has gained wisdom. He has turned his life around and become a mature man. He has become part of the “and such were some of you” crowd (I Corinthians 6:11). Often the fulfillment of financial blessings becomes evident at this point in life. 30 years of ups and downs have finally brought a sigh of relief. Perhaps the boat, the quads, the travel trailer, and a larger home, have been procured. Having found his identity in the face of crisis, what will be the identity in the face of success? Will he turn from or embrace God further?

The stage of admirability has its challenges and opportunities to be sure. Ego and desire can easily rear their ugly heads (I John 2:16). Due to the fact, this individual has braved the waters of life and survived, folks look to him as an example. If all of the bad habits have not been tossed aside, this can be trouble. The wrong influence can be a great destroyer (Luke 6:29, I Corinthians 8:9-13, I Corinthians 15:33). However, great good can also be done at this time of life. The energy level is still good. The ability to get things done is present. The network of connections has been built. People will be willing to follow, because they admire and believe. The choice of direction is in within the hand of the individual. Romans 12:2: “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. What will happen with this God given opportunity? The wise man will continue to build his relationship with God. He will see himself as nothing without God. He will work to continue growing (2 Peter 3:18). This stage is but a plateau extending to higher peaks. There is still much life left and proper preparation for the future is required.

Stage 6 – Advisability
The highest physical stage met in life is that of a senior. Yet, it may also be characterized by fragility of body. The aches and pains have increased, movement is slower, and strength will never be what it was. Sometimes the thoughts won’t come back to memory as quick as desired. Many look upon this as a time of futility or even senility. What a terrible misconception! A lifetime of experiences and a wealth of knowledge dwells within the senior adult. The ability to direct and advise others to avoid the pitfalls of life is at its peak. A life properly led gives the senior adult the highest of qualifications to lead. God has stated in times past: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly.” (Leviticus 19:32) Job a faithful man of God declared in Job 12:12, “Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding.”

One of the biggest challenges for the senior is not giving up on life. Many societies look to a weaker body and gray hair as a sign of uselessness. This is the foolish wisdom of men. Not only does the senior have the responsibility to guide society, but their sphere of influence ranges from the senior to the young mind of their grandchildren. It is quite possible the senior no longer works a secular job. Rather than sit and do nothing with the time, neglected tasks of the past can be accomplished. For the spiritually minded individual, this is a time to be very active in teaching and studying with others. It will be found the greatest joy at this stage in helping others. The senior should not worry about dynamics. Dynamics is not what God desires, he desires the truth be spread (I Corinthians 2:1-2). For the one who has neglected God, his whole life, it is time to wake up (Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 2:2-3). Is the senior sure he is fine in the eyes of God? Paul told the Corinthian people, “Let he who thinks he stands, beware, lest he fall.” (I Corinthians 10:12) A senior adult can be a great joy and blessing to all around them. They can inspire, encourage, and comfort. The senior is a light which should not be covered, but shone brightly for all (Luke 11:33). In these moments, the senior should continue to grow in their relationship with God and men. The preparation for the stage of admissibility should not be delayed.

Stage 7 – Admissibility
In reflection upon all of the stages, it will be noted this last stage is quite different. It is greater than simply the unique ending “ibility” vs. the other six stages of “ability”. Though, the other stages have been influenced by one’s abilities and the abilities of others. The stage of admissibility is man before God. Will man be admissible into the kingdom of heaven? The judgment will be a direct reflection of the decisions a man has made in his lifetime. There will be no more time to change. There will be no second chances.

Matthew 16:27 – For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Romans 2:6-9 …[God] will render to every man according to his works: to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil…

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – …and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

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Apollos

Apollos

apollos desired to know and share the truth

Apollos desired to know and share the Truth.

Apollos is not one of the major characters of the New Testament. What we are told about his work is recorded in six verses in Acts 18:24- 19:1. Paul does mention his name five times in First Corinthians, because he was one of the ones, along with Paul and Cephas, whose names some brethren had attached to certain factions in the church at Corinth. Moreover, Paul also mentions him in Titus 3:13 where Paul admonishes Titus to assist “Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey.” Yet, what we know about Apollos himself we learn from those few verses in Acts already mentioned.

Apollos had a great knowledge of the scriptures. Luke introduces us to him in the following fashion: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” (Acts 18:24). He was not an inspired man, at least when we first meet him, yet he was “mighty in the scriptures.” Knowledge in any field comes only at great cost, but such is also true concerning knowledge in the word of God (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15). Many people would like to have greater knowledge of the Bible. They can have it, but they will have to pay the price. Apollos had paid the price.

Nevertheless, though Apollos had a great knowledge of the scriptures, his knowledge was incomplete and insufficient, indicating the fact that he was still wrong: “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25, emp. SW). If he preached on the wonders of God’s creation, the Ten Commandments, loving one’s neighbor or living a good moral life, he would preach the truth. He was mighty in the Old Testament scriptures, but the New Testament scriptures had not yet been written. In fact, he even had knowledge about Jesus, and his preaching about Jesus was accurate: “…he spake and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25 ASV). However, what would happen if he preached on baptism? I believe we can ascertain the answer to this by studying Acts 19:1-5. Thus, one might know a great deal about the scriptures, and yet not know the very things he needs to know to tell people how to be saved. We hear it said sometimes concerning a preacher of error, “He preaches from the Bible.” Yes, but so did Apollos. Billy Graham, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell all know a great deal about the Bible. Nevertheless, they have not learned the truth on the church, on baptism or on worship. Many today preach accurately about God, Christ, divine love, mercy, grace, faith, and such like, but when it comes to the plan of salvation, the church, scriptural worship and such like, they are wrong.

Apollos was a very zealous man: “…being fer­vent in the spirit” (Acts 18:25). McCord’s translation says, “…zealous in spirit.” The term is from the Greek zeo, which means literally “to boil.” Paul uses a form of this word in Galatians 1:14: “And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradi­tions of my fathers” (emp. SW). The Bible teaches us to be fervent in spirit or zealous (Rom. 12:11; Titus 2:14; Rev. 3:19). Although he was passionately zeal­ous, it does not change the fact that he was still wrong. There was nothing wrong with his zeal, but the error lied with his knowledge (cf. Rom. 10:1-2). As that of many religious people today, his zeal was commend­able, but unless he was instructed properly, he would continue to lead people into error.

Apollos was sincere; he was no hypocrite. Genu­ine sincerity is an admirable trait. No doubt, there are many religious pretenders. Repeatedly in Matthew 23:13-33, Jesus scathingly rebuked certain ones for their hypocrisy. Yet, sincerity and good intentions will not suffice. If they would, then Aquila and Priscilla wasted their time. How do I know Apollos was sincere and had good intentions? I know by the fact that he changed when he learned that he was wrong. One who is sincere will change when he learns he is wrong. We could say the same thing about some of the converts in Acts 19:1-6. Will God ignore the requirements of the gospel just because one is sincere (Matt. 7:21-23)?

The preaching and practice of Apollos was right at one time. Concerning the baptism of John, Jesus insinuated that it was from heaven (Matt. 21:23-27). In fact, those who refused the baptism of John “rejected the counsel of God against themselves” (Luke 7:30). However, at the time of which we read in Acts 18, it was no longer valid. It had served its purpose and the baptism of the Great Commission had superseded it. This reinforces a valuable lesson for us—some things that were once right under the old covenant are not right anymore in the new covenant: animal sacrifices, mechanical instruments of music in worship, miracles, speaking in tongues and such like. The fact a thing was right at one time does not mean it is right now. Moral law does not change; religious law has changed.

Apollos was not content to be wrong on any point. He was right with reference to the subjects of God, the scriptures and Jesus Christ, but he was wrong on baptism. Of course, none of us will ever have perfect knowledge, and none of us will ever live perfect lives, but God expects us to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matt. 5:6). No person can have divine approval while he willingly engages in religious error or in immorality (Gal. 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:22-23). Jesus pro­claimed, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Conversely, many people in our time are perfectly content to be wrong on certain matters. They validate such by stating, “Just so long as we are right on the major things.” How does one determine what is major and what is minor? Was Apollos right on the major things? He sure was, but when taught properly, he changed accordingly. All man-made churches believe and teach the truth on many subjects. Some of them teach the truth on most subjects, like Apollos, but we should try to teach and obey the truth on all subjects.

Apollos knew that one way is not as good as an­other is. Luke certainly portrays him as “an eloquent man” and was “instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:24-25). The Greek lexicographer J. H. Thayer says that the Greek word for “eloquent” means “learned, a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts; es­pecially versed in history and antiquities.” He says it also indicates that he was “skilled in speech.” Yet, he did not know the truth he needed to know about baptism. Please note that Aquila and Priscilla were not being arrogant in pointing out his error. They did not insist he do things their way. They “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). As a result, he did not insist that one way is as good as another is. Apollos knew better than to argue that one baptism is as good as another is. Have we learned the same lesson? What about one church being as good as another is (Matt. 16:18; 15:13)? What about one way of worship being as good as another is (Matt. 15:8-9; John 4:24)? What about one faith being as good as another is (Eph. 4:4-6)?

Apollos believed that those in error should change. We may know this because he changed when he learned that he was in error. Note that he did not change his attitude toward God or the scriptures, neither did he change his zeal or his eloquence; these did not need changing. Rather, he changed what he taught and practiced with reference to baptism. He did not argue that it makes no difference. He did not rationalize, “Baptism is valid just so long as the person being baptized knows he is doing so to obey God.” He did not argue that since he had been sincerely teaching what he had been teaching, that it would be all right to continue teaching the same thing. He did not say he had led too many people to be baptized with John’s baptism to change now. Think about this question: “What if, when he was shown the way of God more perfectly, he had continued to teach the same thing he had been teaching?” A person may be in error and be honest. However, he cannot be honest and continue in error after he learns the truth.

In conclusion, although Apollos learned the truth and made the necessary changes, there were still those in error that he had taught. At least Paul later taught some of them the truth and they obeyed the gospel (Acts 19:1-6). We hope any others he had taught error also later learned the truth. We can see the continued faithfulness of Apollos in the mention made of him in the verses cited by the introduction. Let us all seek to imitate his admirable qualities.

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Guide for Growth

Guide for Growth

god had given man tools for growth

God has given man tools for growth.

I’ve heard a lot about spiritual growth lately from Christians who both claim to be growing spiritually and some who have expressed concern over the lack of it in their lives. What amazes me is how many Christians place the blame for their lack of it, or the credit for their spiritual development, squarely on the shoulders of others (i.e. the church, the elders, the preacher). Now, I am certainly not discounting the importance of others to our growth in Christ. I have been blessed beyond measure with faithful, godly individuals (family members, friends, mentors) who have contributed profoundly to my edification in the faith.

However, it seems that our societal propensity to skirt personal responsibility and to desire plausible deniability has polluted the church and infected our personal spiritual lives. If we fail spiritually we want to pass the buck and blame someone else. At the same time we want to be blessed by God and to be spiritually minded but we seem to want someone else to do it for us. Fundamentally it should be clear that the tools God has placed all around us (church fellowship, sound preaching and teaching, godly leadership) are just that — tools!

But personal spiritual growth demands personal spiritual effort. Personal responsibility in…

Regular Worship: One caveat here is that where you worship is essential to proper spiritual growth. If you worship with a church that does not preach or practice the truth you will NOT receive the proper spiritual growth you need to be pleasing to God. But having a faithful church family will not ensure spiritual growth if you neglect the regular worship assemblies of the body (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 6:33). It has been my experience that some of the weakest members of the church, and often those who complain about a lack of spiritual growth (or who simply display spiritual immaturity), are those who are the most irregular in their attendance.

Regular Bible Study : It is beyond the reach of this article to address the general ignorance of irreligious people concerning what the Bible actually says. Yet it is a sad commentary on the state of the church today that far too few Christians spend any real quality time with God’s Word. Consider that Paul wrote, “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17). If one hopes to stand before God justified in Judgment then he would be wise to know what it really says (John 12:48). Both regular private and group study is essential and often those who study in a vacuum don’t really grow spiritually, while they are deceived into thinking otherwise.

Regular Prayer : The Spirit inspired the apostle’s pen to command the Christian to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:12). Speaking with God regularly will help one to be more aware of his blessings, more thankful, less self – involved and humble and more concerned for others. The less time one spends communicating with God the less spiritual he will be.

Regularly Fellowship With Positive Christian Influences : Mankind is a creature that does not do well isolated from others. We are social creatures who need regular engagement with others. We are also highly influenced by those with whom we engage. For proper spiritual growth one would be wise to avoid not only evil company (1 Corinthians 15:33) but also those who are negative and disruptive to harmony and unity.

If we really want to live a good life, grow in our knowledge and relationship with God, and spend eternity in heaven when this life is over it is imperative that we take personal responsibility for our spirituality. Each one will give an answer for himself in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ezekiel 18:19; Ecclesiastes 12:13 – 14). But caution should be exercised less we over – valuate ourselves. While we need to take personal responsibility for our salvation, without the Lord, and without other faithful brethren, we ourselves are nothing. Be faithful

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Another Opportunity to Seed

Thank God, I Have Another Opportunity

god needs sowers not scouts

God needs sowers, not scouts.

The title of this article, “Thank God, I Have Another Opportunity,” comes from the heart of a new Christian I knew in New Zealand more than fifty years ago. Like almost every new Christian, she could not wait to tell her friends of the great treasure she had found in Christ. Like almost every joyful Christian, she told her friends over and over again. They seemingly were not interested in what she had to say.

Then, the church planned its gospel meeting, and she now had a new approach to use. Her words to me, “I am so thankful when we have a gospel meeting. It is the best week of the year because it gives me one more chance to invite others to learn about Jesus.” She never saw inviting others as an unpleasant “chore.” Instead, it was a time of joy to do all she could to teach others.

Somehow we have failed to understand the parable of the sower. This kingdom parable shows Christians as a sower who goes out into the world to spread the seed. That seed of the kingdom is the word of God (Luke 8:11). The responsibility of the sower is very simple. As he walks through the field, he simply spreads the seed. He does not go out to find only the good soil and then to spread the seed there. His task is to spread the seed everywhere.

The seed when it is sown almost always does NOT produce an abundant harvest. Meditate on this parable. Sowers do not always produce fruit! The seed seems to be “wasted” on three out of the four kinds of soils. Somehow, we have overlooked this and think that our task is to baptize everyone. We were sent to teach, not to baptize (1 Cor. 1:17). It may seem strange, but He will not ask us, “Did you ever lead someone to Christ?” Think about what question He will ask us!

The Lord does not need scouts, He needs sowers. We have misunderstood our work. He never sent us into the world to be His scouts just looking out for receptive people. How can we really know the hearts of others? We can only look at the outward appearance, and only the Lord can know the hearts of those around us. We must forever remove from our vocabulary the phrase, “I cannot find anyone to teach,” which means that we cannot find anyone who we think might respond favorably to our approach. It is far better to see all hearts as soils worthy of the gospel. We can never say, “I cannot find anyone in whose lives I can sow the seed.” They are all around us! Hearts like wayside soil, stony ground and thorny ground are all around us!

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Must We Confess Publicly?

Does Any Sin Merit A Public Confession?

what must we confess publicly

What must we confess publicly?

The scriptures tell that we are to confess our sins to whomever we have sinned against (Matt. 18:15). We know that the scriptures speak that any sin always involves God and if it is only known by God, then we should confess only to him. For, Matt. 18:15-20 teaches us that we are to keep these issues (sin) as confined as possible. However, once the church knows, it becomes different. When one has brought reproach upon the church, there becomes a need to publicly repent and make a correction because we are to “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” (1 Cor. 10:32). But how do we know which sin becomes deemed as public knowledge?

All should know that each Christian is responsible for his brother or sister and the entire church is responsible for each member. An example of the kind of sin that becomes public knowledge is as follows: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Eph. 5:3-5) This means that those that fall as a Christian is not living up to the demands of a Christian life and would need to be corrected.

The Christian life is an open book for when one sins against another, who have they told and who has the other person told? Whom have those that the two have involved told? In the case of fornication and preaching false doctrine (there are other examples, etc.) there are doctors, friends, and family that are involved and the list continues to grow. This makes these types of sin well known and public. Therefore, if sin separates one from God then it can also separate a Christian from the church unless repented of and mended. This is needed because those that are guilty of sin are guilty of sinful conduct, but if that person is brought to repentance, there will be no punishment from either the church or God concerning this matter.

One sin that comes to mind on this issue is that of fornication. When one becomes impregnated by another, it can never be contained between two people. Everyone with eyes to see become witnesses of the pregnancy and to what has happened (even though they may not know all the specific details). Therefore, if one does not come forward and ask not only God, but the church in which reproach is brought upon, rebuking publically is necessary because the sin has been committed in either a public setting or is known publically. This causes a great problem for the purity of the church.

One who has sinned must be willing to see how a public sin can affect the church. While we may be individual Christians leading individual lives, Christians share a unique joy to be interconnected with every other Christian. So when one is joyous, others are joyous and when one hurts because of sin other Christians hurt with them. Therefore, if a public sin is not repented of and that individual continues not to be sorrowful in a public manner, this brings shame upon the church and the Lord who purchased the church with his own blood. Furthermore, it sends an added message to others indicating to others that their actions are tolerable or favorable in the church and that the purity of the Bride of Christ can be tainted. But, this is not so.

In Acts 5, we read of the public practice of discipline upon Ananias and Saphphira. They thought that things were done secretly, but the congregation knew and since they were deceptive with their sin, judgment was cast upon them by God. As a result, “great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. (Acts 5:11) Discipline is not easy, but the individual Christian cannot think about only himself in these matters. Instead, he or she must be willing to think of the church as a whole. Therefore, the purity of the church must continue to remain pure. For, discipline (only according to the Holy Scriptures) helps the weaker members to be strong lest they too should follow in the same course of shame and ignore the beautiful Bride of Christ.

Another example can be read about in Acts 8:12-24. Simon, then a recent convert offered the apostles money to receive the power of granting spiritual gifts to others. But, we can see that this notion was rejected and Simon was told to repent which he did in front of those who were there.   Again in 1 Corinthians 5:1ff, there was a fornicator among them whom Paul had heard about (which happens when a sin is public knowledge: it spreads). Paul told the church to deliver this person from the grasps of Satan. Furthermore, he told the church at Corinth not to keep company (associate) with those that fornicate because they are considered wicked people unless they repent. So, when sin has become public, forgiveness must be asked for publically. Therefore, when one does come and ask for forgiveness, Christians are then able to forgive him and encourage his faith. (2 Cor. 2:5-10).

This makes it imperative that the one who commits such sins comes forward making things right not only with God, but with the church which has become shamed and attacked by this event. And if the impenitent sinner continues in a course of public sin or has not asked to be forgiven by those whom he or she has sinned against, the unfortunate time will come when he or she needs to be rebuked before all. For, “them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Tim. 5:20) Therefore, since not only the sin is public, but the rebuke is also made public, the confession & correction must be in public as well to purify the sadness and shame of sin within the church.

The church in Colossae, in regards to making corrections to those in the Lord’s church was told to, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Col. 3:5). To mortify means to separate or to make dead those who do these things mentioned. Therefore, if one has sinned publically in a manner such as this or in other public ways which are not according to the words of God, they have not only sinned “against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.” (1 Cor. 8:12) Therefore, the church is to warn or rebuke the unruly (1 Thess. 5:14) and reprove the ones who are doing evil work (Eph. 5:11). For the apostle Paul told the church at Ephesus, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” (Eph. 5:11, 12) Now, how did the church or the apostle Paul ever hear about the things that were thought to be done in secret? It is because certain sins such as those mentioned above cannot be contained. For example, idolatry cannot be hidden because of the practices of idolatry. Again, covetousness cannot be hidden because it is seen in work ethics and a greedy drive from within oneself. Therefore, these things cannot be hidden and must be repented of as well as any other sins which would be done in a public manner and brings disgrace upon the church.

Therefore, repentance is not just sorrow alone nor is it from the thoughts that makes one feel bad just because he or she was caught and the the sin has now presented itself to others. When sin is recognized, it cannot just be stopped and never again performed. It must be repented of sincerely “For the wages of sin is death;” (Rom. 6:23). This means that sin condemns the soul. Therefore, true repentance involves acknowledging that you have sinned (2 Sam. 12:13). It is by saying that you are sincerely sorry (2 Cor. 7:10). It means that you are willing to put off that sin and are now determined to live right (Acts. 26:20) and that you make a request to be forgiven. (Psa. 51:1-3)

Repentance is all motivated because of the goodness of God (Rom. 2:4), the willingness to humble yourself before God, and the fear of everlasting punishment (Lk. 13:1-5). Therefore, by repenting you are saying that you are turning from sinful actions (Matt. 12:41), that you are putting off the old man of sin (Col. 3:5-9), that you are putting on the new godly man (Col. 3:10) and that you are ready to continue to walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:7, 8) so one day you will inherit all the joys of Heaven (Lk. 15:9).

Sin is part of life, but it can be overcome. It is tragic to think of the publicity that sin brings with it, but it does not have to overwhelm anyone. However, people who publically sin and do not or will not repent publically, must sadly be rebuked to desire the results to: save that one soul eternally by converting that person who errs from the truth (Jam. 5:19, 20). But this is to not be done out of hatred toward that person. Those who are rebuking are to show love toward the one who stumbled. (Rev. 3:19). Therefore, the one that sinned can easily hear them and change from evil (Matt. 18:15-17) and to snatch that person from the everlasting fire of sadness and torment (Jude 23).

Paul admonished the church to withdraw its fellowship from every brother who sins or walks in a disorderly fashion (2 Thess. 3:6). The church is to note the person who allows sin to reign in his life and who is unwilling to repent and change. (2 Thess. 3:14, 15). However, if withdrawal of fellowship (which is a last resort) is deemed necessary, it is not to be done in hatred or in an enemy way, but to admonish him as a brother or sister to restore that person at fault (Gal. 6:1). Therefore, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9) Turning from sin can become difficult, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 Jn. 1:7)

It can be a terrible situation to sin publically. But, it is an eternal mistake to force these things into privacy and refuse to remove a public stain of sin against God, Christ, and the Bride of Christ (which is composed of several members) just because one did not see the need to come forward and remove the dishonor that he or she has brought upon the church. Sins that become public knowledge must be dealt with in a public manner so the one that sinned can be restored to the church and draw strength and encouragement from the congregation. Furthermore, by making it right publicly, it removes the disgrace from the person and the church. And by doing Bible things by Bible ways and restoring the purity of the Gospel of Christ within the church and the individual, all will be able to continue in the glorious fellowship with one another in brotherly love.

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