Theory must become practise!

(Matthew 13:57) "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household."

What good is theory if we are never tested by its practical application? Would it help if I went to college to learn how to be a photographer and qualified top of my class in a theoretical exam. It would look good on my Curriculum Vitae (CV)! But unless I actually took that information and applied it practically with camera in hand, it would be useless. The more I practised the better my results, this is obvious and it is no different in principle, when it comes to the theory of how to live as a Christian. Trails we will have and we must face them. But what I find rather intriguing is how often those closest to us come against any progression we make as Christians, as they look to breakdown and not encourage. There could be numerous reasons why this happens, and we may be guilty of exactly the same mistake when dealing with others, in fact I am convinced that we have mostly if not all erred in this area of our lives. We know that the devil goes around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour and I know he likes to sow discord amongst family and friends and even brothers/sisters in the Lord. Our character (old nature) is still something we all need to work through in our lives; sometimes we walk victoriously, whilst other times we fall privy to it; outbursts, anger, pride and the like. Nevertheless although we can never commend these traits we must accept the fact that we are still living in bodies that have a fallen nature. It is true that we no longer should be slaves to it. It is also true that we should no longer habitually practise what we once were slave too i.e. sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. If we look honestly at the list, we will all realise that we fall privy to some of those traps at times. We must however seek out grace to overcome, but if we fall, we have a high Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities and we are encouraged to repent and seek out God’s forgiveness and as He is a forgiving God, He will forgive us our sin: - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)  

What would be wrong is if we tried to justify ourselves and our sin, when we do we then fail in our application to live correctly as Christians. Nevertheless having said that we must remember from where we have fallen. We must learn to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. It may be tiresome at times, but the Lord Himself instructs us on forgiveness and to what measure we should apply it to our lives; Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

No matter what the sin, we must also remember that we too were once sinners. We may still sin but now because we have been covered by the blood of the Lamb we are not classified as sinners. How come you may ask? Well Christ has paid the price for all who have found repentance and confess Him as Lord. He has taken our punishment upon Himself and therefore we are no longer guilty as charged, past present and future sins. It is an amazing gift, the love of God. Once we were condemned to hell, but for all who have His Spirit, we now are no longer possible candidates for the Lake of Fire. Our great Saviour has redeemed us with His own blood, Priceless! When we are reminded about this truth we should then easily apply forgiveness where and when needed. “And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) 

Now without any practical confrontation in this area of our lives, how will we ever be tested by the theory, it will and must happen! It is part of our spiritual growth and we must seek out God’s grace to overcome.

I began with a reference of surprise, but we are taught once again by the Word what to expect from those closest to us; “a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” Although this text refers to a prophet, it is clear to see that in principle we can and must apply it to all who confess Jesus as Lord. How so? A prophet by analogy, an inspired speaker, someone in this context who confesses to others that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and propagates that there is no other true means whereby a man may be saved outside of Christ. In other words someone who is a spokesperson on behalf Lord Jesus, in whatever forms that may take for Christians, as for me it is mostly through my blog.

Let us now look at the resistance God faced as a man here on earth.

“His own countrymen had rejected him once, yet he came to them again. Note, Christ does not take refusers at their first word, but repeats his offers to those who have often repulsed them. In this, as in other things, Christ was like his brethren; he had a natural affection to his own country; {(but although He faced much resistance in his own country, he nevertheless pursued their hearts.) – (My thought!)} It did not trouble his heart. It appears he was not much concerned at it; he despised the shame, Heb_12:2. Instead of aggravating the affront, or expressing an offence at it, or returning such an answer to their foolish suggestions as they deserved, he mildly imputes it to the common humour of the children of men, to undervalue excellences that are cheap, and common, and home-bred. It is usually so. A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country. Note, Prophets should have honour paid them, and commonly have; men of God are great men, and men of honour, and challenge respect. It is strange indeed if prophets have not honour. Notwithstanding this, they are commonly least regarded and reverenced in their own country, nay, and sometimes are most envied. Familiarity breeds contempt. It did for the present (to speak with reverence), in effect, tie his hands: He did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. Note, Unbelief is the great obstruction to Christ's favours. All things are in general possible to God (Mat_19:26), but then it is to him that believes as to the particulars, Mar_9:23. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but then it is to everyone that believes, Rom_1:16. So that if mighty works be not wrought in us, it is not for want of power or grace in Christ, but for want of faith in us. By grace ye are saved, and that is a mighty work, but it is through faith, Eph_2:8.” (Matthew Henry)

Now let us not run away with ourselves and just draw a simple assist from this statement; “a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” I am not for one minute suggesting that I am a prophet, I am but a simple man who like all must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but be encouraged if the Lord was not accepted in His home town and amongst family and friends why then should it be any different for us, it won’t be! But because we have been taught this, we now have the theory to take with us into our lives and guard our hearts against it. How I love the Word of God and the way it has been designed to help us press on. Father I pray that you will help us press on in humility bringing honour and glory to your name. For you alone are worthy of all honour and praise, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone