Family Bible Series for August 20: Make a difference in the world
Posted: 8/10/06
Family Bible Series for August 20
Make a difference in the world
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:13-16
By Greg Ammons
First Baptist Church, Garland
There is an ancient Chinese legend of elderly, cultured sages gathering each week to exchange wisdom and drink tea. The host would always make tea for their gathering from the most exotic places in the world.
On one occasion the most venerable of the sages entertained and made the tea with unprecedented ceremony. He delicately removed the tea leaves from a golden box and carefully measured them in the blend. The others were impressed and wondered where the leaves were purchased. The sage replied, “Actually, this is the tea which our peasants drink. May it be a reminder that the best things in life are not always the most costly.”
Many Christians do not feel God can accomplish much through them since they view themselves as ordinary. They are not aware the most extraordinary work in God’s kingdom always has been accomplished by the most ordinary of servants. What can God accomplish through you?
Separate yourself from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
Corinth was known as a promiscuous city in New Testament times. Paul reminded believers in the city not to be yoked together with unbelievers (v. 14). He asked, “What do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” God promised he would be with his people, walk among them and be their God (v. 16). “Therefore, come out from them and be separate,” he told them. Paul encouraged them to purify themselves from everything that contaminates their body and spirit (7:1).
The word Scripture uses for “holy” is an interesting word rich in meaning. The word “holy” literally means “to separate or cut.” Many believers think holiness refers to perfection or sinlessness. However, it refers to being separate. God is holy because he is separate from sinful humanity. We are to be holy in the same way as we are to be separate from a sinful world. This is the crux of God’s command to his people to be holy just as he is holy (Leviticus 11:44).
However, as we learned in last week’s lesson, Christians must remember that separation does not mean retreat from the world. We are to be in the world making a difference for Christ, yet not of the world. Our attitudes, actions and value systems are to be Christian, although we live in a fallen, sinful world.
Let God use you (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Believers in Corinth were not convinced God could use them since they viewed themselves as ordinary people. But God reminded them through Paul that not many of them were “wise by human standards, influential or of noble birth” (v. 26). But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (v. 27). He used weak vessels to shame the strong.
The reason God used such people was so they could not boast. If they thought their human power was strong, they would be tempted to use it rather than rely upon God’s power. Much more could be accomplished for his kingdom through God’s power rather than human strength.
My mentor was the pastor of the small church where I was raised as a teen. We met each Sunday evening after church for Bible study, prayer and discipleship classes. He took me visiting with him and taught me to share my faith. He taught me how to be a follower of Jesus.
My pastor was not an eloquent orator or the most gifted minister. He was a very ordinary person whom God used. I will forever be indebted to him because he allowed God to use him and I was blessed.
Be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers they were to be influential in their world. “You are the salt of the earth,” he told them (v. 13). But, if salt loses its flavor, it is useless. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said (v. 14). A lamp is not ignited and then hidden. It is set in a place of prominence so it can give direction. Both metaphors remind Christians of the influence we are to have in the world around us.
John Geddie went as a missionary to a small island in the South Pacific in 1848. He stayed there 24 years and ministered for Christ. On a stone tablet erected to his memory, the following words are inscribed: “When he arrived in 1848, there were no Christians. When he left in 1872, there were no heathen.”
What a wonderful testimony of influence! God still uses ordinary Christians in extraordinary ways.
Discussion questions
• In which area do you feel it is most difficult to separate from the world?
• What hindrances does a Christian face in allowing God to use them?
• In what ways does God use you as salt and light in your community?