When it comes to Gospel living, I’m realizing there are some Gospel problems. It’s not problems with the Gospel, but problems with how we understand, teach and live it. I’ll explain that in more detail soon.
First, let me share that 1Glories is a platform where I visibly display my personal pursuit of living a refining life, on purpose. My hope and prayer is that it will inspire others along the way. And, just in case I don’t make it obvious enough, the concept of “refining life, on purpose” is a code of sorts for intentionally seeking a life of discipleship.
A recent revelation is with regard to how we view and relay the Gospel to to others. Specifically, I have unknowingly downplayed the significance and value of it in my own life.
I think Edwards came to a similar revelation and it was apparently one of the most transformational realizations of his life.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 45
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12-13, 1723.
Edwards’ Resolution #45 (in my modernized language)Never to allow emotions, desires or circumstance to interfere with what advances the gospel.
Taking a look at his journal entries on the dates associated with this resolution, it’s clear (to me at least) that he spent a lot of mental activity during the time of writing it. In fact, it was also during this time he drafted the 42nd, 43rd, and 44th resolutions.
This section starts with Edwards expressing that he had renewed and affirmed his commitment to God. Further, he acknowledges, in a nutshell, that he is and has nothing without God.
Edwards and The Gospel Revelation
Not only does Edwards show unconditional and full submission of life to God, he acknowledges that his purpose in life is dedication to bringing glory to God.
“Whether or no, and other end ought to have any influence at all in any of my actions; or whether any action ought to be any otherwise, in any respect, than it would be if nothing else but religion had the least influence on my mind…”
After this statement and the penning of the 44th resolution, Edwards queries, asking if he should permit to himself any pleasures because of the chance it may detract his thinking for God’s glory.
His conclusion is one of permissiveness, but he also notes that it should always be with thanksgiving to God and the Gospel that we do so.
What is Gospel Living?
As believers grow in faith, they should have a deeper longing to encounter biblical truth… the growing believer responds with a deep gratitude resulting in an obedient life… gospel is the motivation for all of the Christian life.
Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow (p83)
The “Gospel Problem” With Many Devotionals
I have read many publications over the years that include devotionals of sorts. They all follow a pretty basic formula, which includes constant refraining of “Jesus did this” and “Jesus did that” sort of stuff.
I read it, and honestly, I find it boring. I think to myself, “Yeah, I get it… Jesus is awesome. But I have heard and read all this so many times. Can’t we get to the ‘so what’ part?”
In my humanly hubris, I am bored when I should be humbled and profoundly heartstruck. I forget how truly remarkable and transformational the truth is.
I forget that, as I am being molded into his likeness, I should be able to discern the ‘so what part’ of my personal discipleship.
Our “Gospel Problem” with Kids’ Sunday School
We, in our need to make things fit nicely and concisely into a tidy package, distill the Gospel into a mere handful of semi-believable stories for our youth. In so doing, we cheat them out of the transformational message that lives within all that we purge from the stories.
At the same time, we are teaching our kids that surface level understanding is appropriate for discipleship. Then we wonder why none of them want to truly study their Bible as they grow older.
We have to question if our goal is to entertain our youngest and most impressionable generations, or are we wanting them to mature into strong, Gospel-oriented disciples who are willing and able to go deep in their relationships with God?
Our “Gospel Problem” With Our Desire for New
There are a bazillion products in the marketplace. And a bajiillion more are added every year. We update our phones, cars, and household appliances three or four times as often than we did just a couple generations back.
And we seemingly are always looking for the next big thing, whether that is the next hot music group or Instagrammable moments. In a sense, we have gamified our daily living.
The Gospel of Jesus is hardly new news. But it remains the ultimate good news that we all must take to heart if we are to be genuine disciples of Christ. It won’t get us there first or even better than any other person, but that’s okay.
It’s not a competition. Only a race, which you only win through obedience.
Transformation and Gospel Living Advice in 1 Corinthians 7:29-32
Because Edwards specifically mentions 1 Corinthians 7:29-32 – and sets to understand it as fully as possible, it’s appropriate to explore it here as well.
But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
1 Corinthians 7:29-32 NLT
I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
This passage can be confusing, especially if only considering it on a surface level (as is a common conditioning of our culture). Here are a handful of take-a-ways I’ve gleaned from footnotes and rabbit trails I wandered while studying it…
Time is Short and Fleeting
In this passage, the Apostle Paul pretty much lays it out. Time is short. There is no disputing that fact. It seems peculiar to us though, because this was said so long ago, and Jesus has not yet returned. The “Gospel problem” is that it seems almost foolhardy because this was said eons ago. However, it really is a short while in the context of eternity.
Our Time Should Not Go Wasted
Because time is limited, we must be mindful of how we use our time. We should, of course, focus on our immediate needs, but also about service to God’s people.
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 NLT
Be Eternally Minded
We are further reminded of time’s fleeting manner in 1 Peter – specifically verses 1:24. In those verses, we see that people are like grass and flowers. Our time on earth – even if we live to 150 – is wasted if not lived as an ambassador of God’s kingdom and glory.
Strong in Personal Faith
No need to assemble excessive wealth because it stays on earth as you pass onto eternity, (Psalm 39:6) where your reward is even greater. It’s true no matter how much of a stockpile you assemble in your earthly life (1 Timothy 5:5).
Live Beyond This World and It’s Ways
God is the great provider, even as we endure this current age of high anxiety. Yet, in this short window of earthly time, we should not be anxious for provisions (Matthew 6:25), rather we should be strong in our faith, and trust in God to provide.
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
2 Cor 6:10 NLT