This final episode addresses a common reason why many Christians choose not to evangelize: they're not worthy because of sin issues, and they don't want to be hypocrites. Most Christians haven't fully given over to Christ's Lordship, and many struggle with sins "that so easily entangle." (Hebrews 12:1) The way forward is not to take an extended sabbatical from witnessing till substantial victory is realized, for few Christians ever feel sufficiently victorious. The recipe for gaining substantial victory over the flesh is Romans 13:14: "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ means so regularly identifying with Christ through reading Scripture and prayer that Christ's character and mission become part of the believer. One is then motivated to lay aside the flesh, because it clearly obstructs and hinders the vision Christ has imparted to us, that of being ambassadors. Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (inhaling) naturally leads to the ministry of reconciliation (exhaling), both of which clarify our purpose and reason for existence. We then see sin for what it truly is, an obstacle to true fulfillment, and we lay it aside. The alternative, being an unemployed Christian, rarely leads to victory over the flesh. "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint." (Proverbs 29:18) Absent the invigorating power of Christ, inspiring and illuminating His plans for us, we only see the flesh. If we're going nowhere and willfully unemployed, rejecting participation in the Great Commission, we cast off restraint. We indulge the flesh even more, the paltry dividends of the lusts of deceit medicate us temporarily from loss of purpose and meaning. We settle for a substandard Christian life, where victory is always elusive and ministry is made a captive of the law of sin and death.* Clearly this latter alternative is not an option. All of us in varying degrees are called to be ministers of reconciliation, and ironically our battles with sin propel us to identify with Christ more. "Where sin abounds, grace abounds more.." Is it possible God wants to use you as a mighty evangelist, through your struggles with sin?
Your Calling and the Local Church
This episode is a realistic primer on encountering opposition when doing ministry. The presumption so far has been that most opposition comes from unbelievers outside of the church. But Christ's own description of the visible church indicates that both wheat and tare would congregate together. Together with carnal believers, ministers of the gospel should expect opposition and resistance from both groups, who naturally voice their opinions based on the degree of carnality in which they operate. All the lessons of Nehemiah still apply: whether doing ministry in the church or outside, Christians are called to remain focused on executing their tasks based on God's vision for their lives, not dwelling on the discouraging comments of the unspiritual.
You wouldn’t Understand..it’s a God Thing
This episode further develops the theme emphasized in the previous program, that addressing the negative narrative of unbelievers is often a fool's errand, particularly when that commentary claims to know the motives behind Christian service. Nehemiah didn't attempt to justify himself when faced with Sanballat's accusation that his rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was really about Nehemiah's personal ambition to lead a rebellion. Instead, Nehemiah simply asserted that God would give him success. Nehemiah models how Christians should respond to naysayers who project evil motives based on their idolatry. He also models reliance on God's power which is the source of all godly success.
Take Hold of the Narrative of your Life
This episode, based on last weeks' lessons, sets the stage for living the will of God this year. 1 Pet. 4:1-2 tells us that believers should no live for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. Yet the narrative of reacting to life too often describes our time year after year because we don't gain the clear divine perspective for our lives. When we "seek those things above where Christ is seated" (Col. 3:1), we stop reacting to life's circumstances based on a divine vision. This episode consequently emphasizes the prayerful pursuit of the will of God, with the end of establishing the narrative for our lives.