Lubbock Church - Covenant Life Fellowship

In chapter 5 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, it is written:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

In the New Testament church, Jesus was the focus. It wasn’t about any individual within the assembly of believers. It was truly about worshipping Jesus Christ in Spirit and Truth as a body. It was a living, breathing, assembly of Christ followers intent on sharing the love they had experienced. This church had structure, it had order. According to Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers”, indicates such. (See Titus & 1 Timothy for more info.)

In Verse 46-47, it says, “So, continuing daily with ONE ACCORD in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to the church daily those who were being saved”. Notice the word “accord”. That word means exact agreement or harmony. They were in agreement...complete agreement! Their relationships were harmonious. Why? Because they were of the same Holy Spirit! They were like minded. Just like they were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1, “...they were all with one accord in one place”. They were seeking the same thing...God’s BEST! The Word of the Lord Jesus Christ was what they based their actions on (Acts 1:4-8)!

In Acts 9:31, we learn “the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had PEACE and were EDIFIED. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied”.

The key words, “PEACE”, and “EDIFIED” are important to note. Where do these come from? They come from walking in the fear of the Lord (obedience), and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (walking in the Spirit). What comes next, is GROWTH. We as a church (Covenant LIFE), are growing. We have been seeking to walk in the fear of the Lord. We have been seeking to walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Most of the time, we have been experiencing PEACE and EDIFICATION (enlightenment). However, there have been times of division within the body. In Acts 15:36-41, we read about the contention between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. The contention got so heated that they parted ways! Barnabas took John Mark, and Paul chose Silas. During the past three years, there have been contentions within Covenant LIFE among believers. Sadly, there have been times when people have left the fellowship over those contentions. It is always a painful thing, but sometimes profitable for the body as a whole. You see, I believe ministry continued through Barnabas and Paul...even though they parted ways. Interestingly, it appears it saved a lot of heartache in the long run. They were probably more effective apart, than together. They did not destroy one another during the separation, they merely parted ways and continued to minister.

Had they stayed together, with such stark differences in opinions, it would probably have resulted in major damage to the body of Christ (who was under their influence). Similarly, there have been times the parting of ways has returned PEACE and EDIFICATION to our body (Covenant LIFE). It is never easy, and it is often uncomfortable. Spiritual exhortation, and/or admonition is the same. It is not what the body of Christ wants to major in, but at times it is necessary for the benefit of the whole.

In Matthew 18:15-20, we read of how to deal with a sinning brother. Note, it says, sinning “brother”. That would indicate someone within the church, or body, not an outsider. Therefore, if someone sins against you, you have a responsibility to confront that person in LOVE. Note the word LOVE. Without love we have nothing to talk about. It is LOVE that compels a true Christ follower to confront sin/offense. Remember, God’s LOVE will never violate His TRUTH, and His TRUTH (Word) will never violate His LOVE! They work in perfect HARMONY. That said, we must confront that which violates God’s LOVE or God’s TRUTH (Word). I realize that is a VERY BROAD subject, and can include many actions, or inactions . However, let’s just deal with an action which usurps the peace and edification of another person’s life. In Matthew 7:12, we are taught, “therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this the Law and the Prophets”. Taking this all into account, let’s say someone yells loudly in my ear while I am trying to quietly worship the Lord Jesus in the assembly. Now this person may be yelling the name of Jesus, and worshipping in his own personal way, but it is hurting my ear, and causing me, and possibly others, to be hindered in personal worship. Understanding that the body of Christ is connected (one), it would be like one foot (of the same body) stomping on the other foot. It would not be a blessing to that body as a whole. The one foot that is stomping the other may enjoy (be blessed by) what it is feeling, but the other foot is being hurt. Now, if you turn the action of the quiet worshipper toward the loud worshipper, there is no discomfort or encroachment. The loud worshipper would obviously not be hindered by the quiet and respectful actions of the other believer. So...at this point we have an offense. The quiet worshipper(s) now has a decision to make. Should the quiet worshipper lovingly confront the loud brother, letting him know that his free expression of devotion to Christ is painful, and distracting? Or, should the quiet worshipper merely try to ignore the pain and distraction, preferring his brother above himself, simultaneously ignoring as well, the possible discomfort of the body as a whole? Let’s think about this in regard to the Bible’s description of the body of Christ a little more.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, it says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”. Christ is the head of His church (the body). He is ultimately in charge of the body. As members of His body, we have a responsibility and accountability to one another, according to His Word. “But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it” (v. 24). In other words, the part of the body which is less obvious, not as noteworthy, or maybe not so visible, has been given greater honor by God! It is the part of the body which faithfully, and quietly does its part that is potentially a greater blessing to the body as a whole! Verses 25-26 states, “that there should be no schism (division / disagreement) in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another”. “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it”. The body is supposed to work one for all, all for one. In verse 7 of chapter 12 it says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all”. Taking this into consideration, if a member of the body of Christ is doing something...no matter what it is...it should profit every other member. If a member is doing something which impedes, hurts, or distracts the other members, it is not profitable for ALL, and therefore the action should be abandoned. Now, if a member is doing something which is scripturally self-edifying, in a private place, apart from the other members, that is acceptable. It is the proximity of the relationship which determines if an actions direct effect upon the body of Christ as a whole is acceptable or not.

We must always remember that God is a God of order. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. The Lord will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him. God wants His children to walk in unity (Ephesians 4:1-6). God wants His children to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2). God wants His children to walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17). In Ephesians 5:21, scripture states we are to be “submitting to one another in the fear of God”. What is the beginning of wisdom? The fear of God! Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up! May we never be more concerned about our “rights”’ as Christ followers, that we freely offend and hurt others within the body!

God wants His children to walk in humility. He wants us “to look to the interests of others”. (Philippians 2:1-4) Didn’t Christ humble Himself for us?! (Philippians 2:8-9) He could have asserted himself. He could have stopped the crucifixion. He could have done anything else...He had the “right”...He was God in the flesh! But, He chose rather to suffer the humiliation and torture of the cross that the WORLD might through Him be saved! Jesus Himself showed us that it is more important to give up our individual rights for the good of the whole. He demonstrated His love for us. We as members of the body of Christ must follow suit! We need to be attentive to the needs of others. We need to deny ourselves, so the body can be edified. Paul taught that all things hinge upon love (1 Corinthians 13).

Regarding spiritual freedom, Paul taught this:

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

There is an interesting statement made in the preceding scriptures. “And the spirits of the prophets are subject TO THE PROPHETS”. That is important for us as the body of Christ to note! What it is saying, is that the Holy Spirit will not over power the person through whom HE speaks. That person has been given the freedom through the Spirit to exercise self-control. Remember, God is a God of order. Throughout the Bible, there is a distinct order to interaction with God! It has never been, or ever will be about spiritual anarchy! Anarchy is a state of disorder and confusion which lacks guidance and authority. It is confusion in which satan works best. Above, verse 33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of PEACE”. Some believe that spiritual freedom means we can do anything, anytime, without any consequences. That is simply (and Biblically) not true. True freedom is found in humbleness of heart, and the love of God. True freedom is found in complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. True freedom is disciplined, and controlled in accordance to the will of God! It is selfLESS not selfish! In regard to our interaction in the assembly, all we need to do is read. “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel” (1 Cor. 14:12). What you do in the assembly MUST be for the edification of the WHOLE...not just you.

Throughout the years I have experienced many zealous brothers and sisters in Christ. They love the Lord with all of their hearts. They want more of Jesus. This is all good. However, I have also witnessed these people expressing THEMSELVES boisterously, and without regard for others, or what the Holy Spirit was doing in a particular service. As a result there was much discord. I have seen displays of competition, and the desire to be heard at inappropriate times. I have literally seen people dragged out of meetings kicking and screaming about their rights to worship God in their own way! Regardless of who it was, it always brought division, heartache, and strife. God never wants me to worship Him in such a way that causes those things. He never wants me to lift myself up. As a matter of fact, he wants me to humble myself before Him. He wants me to live with my brothers and sisters with all gentleness of heart. Ephesians 4:1-5 says, “I, therefore, the PRISONER of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of PEACE. There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM; ONE GOD and FATHER of ALL, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all”. There is no doubt that the whole is greater than the part. It is His desire to make us ONE! We cannot be one if we are not willing to heed when others confront our actions (in love) as a hindrance to the whole. We must begin to mature spiritually. We must seek something higher than self. We must look to the needs and concerns of others. “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:18-21). In Philippians 2:1-4, it says, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of ONE ACCORD, of one mind. LET NOTHING BE DONE through SELFISH AMBITION or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let EACH of YOU look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others”. Remember, Christ humbled Himself for US! One did it all for the whole. (Please read Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV) Be blessed with God’s BEST!