Who do we follow?
Who do you follow? a dynamic and exciting preacher? a comforting and familiar history? a view of the world you have learned? I know who not to follow!
Paul made it clear we aren’t to follow him even though he was an Apostle and wrote most of the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 1:11-15 Paul reprimanded the believers for taking sides and declaring who they followed, either Paul or Apollos; neither died or were resurrected for the believers therefore to follow anyone other than Christ was wrong. And later in the book in Chapter 3 Paul calls the believers carnal (that is of the flesh and not of the spirit) for saying they are of Paul or Apollos. While there are many good reasons for denominations remember we are not Baptists or Pentecostals first, these labels are weak and insufficient, we are Christ Followers first and foremost.
Writing to the believers Peter made it clear the Apostles and early disciples had not followed cunning fables (2 Peter 1:16). Paul emphasized this in writing to Timothy warning him that people would easily follow fables rather than sound teaching. The exhortation is clear, sound doctrine (the Bible) is the source for truth not a story, no matter how good or compelling or touching or inspiring. If it isn’t the Bible it isn’t to be followed.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5 Are we doing this with our own minds? What thoughts and views do we hold in our own minds which dictate our actions and reactions which are not Biblical? Before going further pray the Father to reveal thoughts and ideas which draw you away from Him. His presence is sweet, full of light, food and sweet aroma as we Tabernacle with Him.
Paul made it clear we aren’t to follow him even though he was an Apostle and wrote most of the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 1:11-15 Paul reprimanded the believers for taking sides and declaring who they followed, either Paul or Apollos; neither died or were resurrected for the believers therefore to follow anyone other than Christ was wrong. And later in the book in Chapter 3 Paul calls the believers carnal (that is of the flesh and not of the spirit) for saying they are of Paul or Apollos. While there are many good reasons for denominations remember we are not Baptists or Pentecostals first, these labels are weak and insufficient, we are Christ Followers first and foremost.
Writing to the believers Peter made it clear the Apostles and early disciples had not followed cunning fables (2 Peter 1:16). Paul emphasized this in writing to Timothy warning him that people would easily follow fables rather than sound teaching. The exhortation is clear, sound doctrine (the Bible) is the source for truth not a story, no matter how good or compelling or touching or inspiring. If it isn’t the Bible it isn’t to be followed.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5 Are we doing this with our own minds? What thoughts and views do we hold in our own minds which dictate our actions and reactions which are not Biblical? Before going further pray the Father to reveal thoughts and ideas which draw you away from Him. His presence is sweet, full of light, food and sweet aroma as we Tabernacle with Him.
