This episode concludes the 3-part application of the Nehemiah "half-and-half" strategy to the body of Christ. Ideally Christians should be working in ministry as they deal with their sin issues by being accountable to other believers and relying on their aid to build their "sanctification wall." With respect to sin issues, neglect of accountability/assistance of the body of Christ is sometimes based on an incomplete understanding of salvation. We're saved from our sins for service to God, but many see salvation principally in terms of "saved from." This attitude leads many to self-centered Christianity, in which one's own personal salvation is the objective, not the collective building of the kingdom of God. Not surprisingly, this self-absorbed salvation approach leads to maverick Christianity where sin issues are mostly about oneself and God, and sanctification becomes a "private affair," excluding involvement of the body of Christ. The natural consequence of this opportunist salvation perspective is also neglect of ministry. In essence, a faulty understanding of salvation creates few builders. Is it any wonder that in most churches 10% of the congregation does all the work?
What true repentance looks like
This episode develops the application of true and false repentance based on the parable of the talents, highlighting the Biblical expectation that true believers will not be perpetual infants who see salvation singularly in terms of forgiveness of sins. "Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" is the secure foundation of Christ's work that every believer is expected to build on with 'gold, silver, and precious stone." False repentance never advances beyond preoccupation with sin issues to serve the living God.
Saved to Serve
This episode reemphasizes the futility of a sin-focused life apart from serving God. Such a misplaced focus explains why many apparently plateau in their Christianity and why most Christians are "unemployed" Christians. While Christians definitely should address issues of sin, the focus of the Christian life is on Christ, abiding in Him, and implementing His instructions. Service to God is the reason God saved us.
Another casualty of sin-obsession: love of neighbor
This episode builds on the last two, in which a misplaced focus on sin distorts the central purpose of salvation, which is to serve the living God. In addition to rehashing the consequences of this misplaced focus, whether one apparently gets the victory over sin or not, this episode addresses how this approach undermines love of neighbor. Being sin-focused and not God-focused gets projected on one's neighbor, potentially leading to a judgmental attitude towards neighbor because the primary lens for the self-absorbed Christian has become victory over sin. A service orientation towards God is much more conducive to love of neighbor.