Oct 31st | Koinos
The squeaky wheel through the discussion and teaching over the past few weeks has been, “Yeah, yeah, Jesus has condemned all sin in his work on the cross, but when do i get to confront those whom i know continue to sin?” NOw, I’m obviously saying this in a way most of us wouldn’t, but you get the picture right? And it’s a legitimate question. Of course, God has provided reconciliation with him in Christ, but we also are challenged to live out that reality…we still sin.
To cut quickly to the point,what God puts in place to deal with that are not mini-judges with their codes. Although we know some of them (maybe you is one), what Jesus works through to see us grow in his likeness, to see us live holy lives, to see us mature and transform spiritually is Koinos Bion…that’s Greek for “common life.” In Latin it would be Commu Unitas…”shared oneness.” For us: Biblical Community. God expects us to be devoted to one another for the purpose of spiritual maturing and transforming.
The problem is, it’s not in most of our natures to be connected with others to the degree necessary for God’s way to work. We tend to be more independent than interdependent. Let me give you some examples that come out of various passages such as Psalm 133, Eph 4:11ff, Acts 2:42ff, Gal 5:13, Gal 6:1-5, and James 5:13ff to help shed light on what the characteristics of Christian community are like.
First, we confess before we confront or correct. The scriptures say “carry each other’s burdens,” and “confess your sins to each other.” In my experience unless the “confrontor” is willing to make his own confession the community is out of balance. Sure we operate under authority, but it’s a very “flat organization” to use a business phrase. That is, we should view one another as co-equals (there is Elder authority in the church, but that’s a different discussion). It’s an indication of poor community when someone confronts from their high horse. Without mutual burden-carrying and mutual confession and correcting, we’re a bit off course. Confess B4U Confront.
Second, we are going beyond the bounds of Biblical community when we confront to a depth not in accordance with the relationship. To exaggerate the point, if you and I meet for coffee once every month or so, it’s okay if I confront you about your manners ordering coffee, or maybe your parking technique…but not your business ethics or sexual purity. Now, there are appropriate ways to deepen the relationship, to have discussions about difficult topics, to open the door for deeper personal needs and struggles, but we can’t just barge in. The scriptures say to “restore gently.” Cooperate B4U Confront.
Finally (but not exhaustively), no hit-and-runs. It is not in the nature of Christ, nor should it be of the Christian to abandon. Unless you have the time, energy, and heart to see an issue through – including all the collateral issues – don’t start something. A good Christian friend will on occasion confront, but he turns into a bad Christian friend when he’s not their to help pick up the pieces. Don’t start something you can’t finish. Commit B4U Confront.
Here’s a couple questions that might help get a discussion going…
Are you more passive or more powerful in your actions when you suspect a friend is off course?
On a scale of 1-10, how “level” does your group feel to you? 10 being level, 1 being not level…and level meaning their is mutual burden-carrying and confession. That it feels safe to share your stuff because the group (in general) shares their stuff. That nobody sits in the judge or police posture, stipulating what’s right/wrong, scriptural/not, etc rather than joining in the common fray?
Every space has different depths. The point of the last question isn’t to judge the group, but show how different we each can feel in certain environments. With whom do you share your “best” Biblical Community…mutually confessional, cooperative and committed?
How can we create more and better Christian Community?
