Deconstruction Part 2: Into Apostolicity

[Episkopos]

Do you find yourself questioning man-inspired doctrines and traditions and the religious certainties associated with these? Are you outgrowing the framework that holds you back from spiritual growth? Join me as we explore what it means to be apostolic in our pursuit of Christ.

 

[faithfulness]

Do you find yourself questioning man-inspired doctrines and traditions and the religious certainties associated with these? Are you outgrowing the framework that holds you back from spiritual growth? Join me as we explore what it means to be apostolic in our pursuit of Christ.

From someone who is as dumb as a box of rocks, the truth that you teach is something that can't be unseen. Thank you, Lord, for John, whatever the outcome may be.

 

[Episkopos]

From someone who is as dumb as a box of rocks, the truth that you teach is something that can't be unseen. Thank you, Lord, for John, whatever the outcome may be.

I think you have uncommon insights from the Lord... :) <><

 

[Lizbeth]

I don't agree that the theology you are particularly referring to need to be deconstructed.........but its the old man nature of ours that needs to be shown for what it is and deconstructed, torn down, stripped away isn't it? Disappointed you weren't talking about that, but continue to undermine fundamental truths of what the cross has wrought for the child of God who is heir through faith of all that He has.

 

[Episkopos]

I don't agree that the theology you are particularly referring to need to be deconstructed.........

Of course not. But that is the theology that will see multitudes rejected from the kingdom. The first cut is away from the world... outer wickedness...doing obvious evil. But in the wilderness God pleads with us into the 2nd cut...which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man. Many will say...Lord, Lord. Many will build seemingly strong lives around their devotion to God...but wood, even the strongest oak..still perishes in the fires of testing on that day. Only imperishable materials will remain. So then only eternally tested things will survive. And for that we need a further cut...a further breaking..a going to the cross.

but its the old man nature of ours that needs to be shown for what it is and deconstructed, torn down, stripped away isn't it?

Yes...but the scheme that defeats us is the uplifting of that carnal attitude through religious edification of the whole person....with no discernment as to whether the part of us that is being exalted is abomination to God or not. Most will just have to wait till judgment day because they don't receive instruction or correction. So be it.

Disappointed you weren't talking about that,

You want me to preach God is good and the devil is bad??? Outer man justification stuff? That's not my ministry. I am calling believers to actually follow the path of life...not an after-life...but a life that is both acceptable and pleasing to God.

but continue to undermine fundamental truths

The deconstruction is about the "fundamentals" being challenged by both the word and the Spirit. For the diligent ones, these fundamentals as you call them, don't stand up under any serious scrutiny. Rather these are exposed for what they are...expedients that cater to the flesh and stop people from doing the will of God. Instead they cause religious certainties rather than the fear of the Lord...religious pride rather than humility...going the opposite way from the path of life. Those who understand will depart from iniquity. Those who can't see or hear, will find out when the world does.

of what the cross has wrought for the child of God who is heir through faith of all that He has.

The cross of Christ IS the second cut...not about what Jesus did for ALL of mankind, but rather the path that God has prepared for those who love Him and follow in Christ's footsteps.

 

[Johann]

Of course not. But that is the theology that will see multitudes rejected from the kingdom. The first cut is away from the world... outer wickedness...doing obvious evil. But in the wilderness God pleads with us into the 2nd cut...which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man. Many will say...Lord, Lord. Many will build seemingly strong lives around their devotion to God...but wood, even the strongest oak..still perishes in the fires of testing on that day. Only imperishable materials will remain. So then only eternally tested things will survive. And for that we need a further cut...a further breaking..a going to the cross.

Guess this is what you say--

Initial Rejection of Worldliness:

"The first cut is away from the world... outer wickedness...doing obvious evil."
This phrase suggests that the initial step in a believer's journey is to turn away from obvious sins and worldly behaviors. This aligns with the call to repentance and the initial conversion experience where one renounces overtly sinful practices.
Biblical References:

2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
Ephesians 4:22: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires."
Deeper Sanctification:

"In the wilderness God pleads with us into the 2nd cut...which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man."
This describes a deeper level of sanctification where God deals with more subtle forms of sin and self-centeredness. The "wilderness" metaphor suggests a period of testing and refinement, reminiscent of Israel's experience in the desert.
Biblical References:

Ezekiel 20:35-36: "I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you."
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Superficial Devotion vs. Genuine Transformation:

"Many will say...Lord, Lord. Many will build seemingly strong lives around their devotion to God...but wood, even the strongest oak...still perishes in the fires of testing on that day."
This warns against superficial or merely outward displays of devotion. True faith requires more than external adherence to religious practices; it demands an inner transformation.
Biblical References:

Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15: "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light."
Imperishable Materials and Eternal Values:

"Only imperishable materials will remain. So then only eternally tested things will survive."
This highlights the need for works and character qualities that withstand divine scrutiny. The "imperishable materials" metaphor signifies qualities and actions rooted in genuine faith and obedience to God's will.
Biblical References:

1 Peter 1:7: "These [trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Corinthians 3:13-14: "Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work."
Further Transformation and the Cross:

"And for that we need a further cut...a further breaking...a going to the cross."
This final point emphasizes the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and deeper identification with the sacrificial and transformative aspects of the cross. It suggests a continual process of dying to self and being conformed to the image of Christ.
Biblical References:

Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Conclusion
The passage reflects a deep theological perspective on the nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing that initial repentance is only the beginning. True spiritual growth involves a continual process of sanctification where God removes not only overt sins but also deeper-seated self-interest and self-preservation. It underscores the importance of inner transformation, genuine faith, and the necessity of aligning one's life with the sacrificial and transformative work of Christ on the cross. Only through such profound, ongoing spiritual growth will believers produce works and character qualities that endure through divine testing.

 

[Episkopos]

Guess this is what you say--

Initial Rejection of Worldliness:

"The first cut is away from the world... outer wickedness...doing obvious evil."
This phrase suggests that the initial step in a believer's journey is to turn away from obvious sins and worldly behaviors. This aligns with the call to repentance and the initial conversion experience where one renounces overtly sinful practices.
Biblical References:

2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
Ephesians 4:22: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires."
Deeper Sanctification:

"In the wilderness God pleads with us into the 2nd cut...which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man."
This describes a deeper level of sanctification where God deals with more subtle forms of sin and self-centeredness. The "wilderness" metaphor suggests a period of testing and refinement, reminiscent of Israel's experience in the desert.
Biblical References:

Ezekiel 20:35-36: "I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you."
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Superficial Devotion vs. Genuine Transformation:

"Many will say...Lord, Lord. Many will build seemingly strong lives around their devotion to God...but wood, even the strongest oak...still perishes in the fires of testing on that day."
This warns against superficial or merely outward displays of devotion. True faith requires more than external adherence to religious practices; it demands an inner transformation.
Biblical References:

Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15: "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light."
Imperishable Materials and Eternal Values:

"Only imperishable materials will remain. So then only eternally tested things will survive."
This highlights the need for works and character qualities that withstand divine scrutiny. The "imperishable materials" metaphor signifies qualities and actions rooted in genuine faith and obedience to God's will.
Biblical References:

1 Peter 1:7: "These [trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Corinthians 3:13-14: "Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work."
Further Transformation and the Cross:

"And for that we need a further cut...a further breaking...a going to the cross."
This final point emphasizes the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and deeper identification with the sacrificial and transformative aspects of the cross. It suggests a continual process of dying to self and being conformed to the image of Christ.
Biblical References:

Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Conclusion
The passage reflects a deep theological perspective on the nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing that initial repentance is only the beginning. True spiritual growth involves a continual process of sanctification where God removes not only overt sins but also deeper-seated self-interest and self-preservation. It underscores the importance of inner transformation, genuine faith, and the necessity of aligning one's life with the sacrificial and transformative work of Christ on the cross. Only through such profound, ongoing spiritual growth will believers produce works and character qualities that endure through divine testing.

Hey Johann! Good observations and correlations. Are you the same Johann from before??? ;)

 

[Johann]

The cross of Christ IS the second cut...not about what Jesus did for ALL of mankind, but rather the path that God has prepared for those who love Him and follow in Christ's footsteps.

And here I guess this is what you are trying to say--

The Cross of Christ:

The cross is central to Christian theology as the means by which Jesus provided atonement for sin.
It is also a symbol of self-denial and the path of discipleship for believers.
Second Cut:

The idea of the "second cut" implies a further, deeper work beyond initial salvation.
This can be understood as ongoing sanctification, where believers are continually shaped and refined in their walk with Christ.
Following Christ's Footsteps:

Discipleship involves imitating Jesus, embracing suffering, self-denial, and obedience.
Scriptural Basis
Initial Work of the Cross for All Humanity:

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
1 John 2:2: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
Personal Application of the Cross in Discipleship:

Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"

Exegetical Insight: Jesus speaks to His followers about the necessity of self-denial and daily taking up one's cross. The Greek verb "ἀράτω" (arato) is in the aorist imperative, indicating a decisive action. The cross here symbolizes a personal commitment to follow Jesus' path of sacrificial living.
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Exegetical Insight: Paul describes his union with Christ in His crucifixion. The Greek perfect tense "συνεσταύρωμαι" (synestaurōmai) indicates a completed action with ongoing results. This reflects an ongoing transformation and a new way of living empowered by faith in Christ.
Philippians 3:10-11: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."

Exegetical Insight: Paul expresses a deep desire to experience the fullness of Christ's life, including sharing in His sufferings. The Greek term "συμμορφούμενος" (symmorphoumenos), translated as "becoming like him," suggests an ongoing process of being conformed to Christ's death.
Path Prepared by God for Believers:

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Exegetical Insight: This emphasizes that believers are created for good works that God has already prepared. The Greek term "προητοίμασεν" (proētoimasen) indicates that God has foreordained a path of obedience and service for believers.
Synthesis
The Cross as Redemption and Path:

The cross of Christ is first and foremost the means by which Jesus secured salvation for all humanity (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). This initial act of grace is available to all who believe.
Beyond this redemptive act, the cross represents the path of discipleship for believers. This "second cut" involves a deeper, ongoing process of sanctification and transformation (Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20).
Sanctification and Discipleship:

Believers are called to take up their cross daily, signifying a continuous commitment to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice and obedience (Luke 9:23).
This process involves dying to self, being conformed to Christ's image, and participating in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10-11).
God’s Prepared Path:

The life of a believer involves walking in the good works that God has prepared, reflecting a life transformed by the Holy Spirit and aligned with God's purposes (Ephesians 2:10).
Conclusion
The statement "the cross of Christ IS the second cut" underscores the necessity of moving beyond initial salvation to embrace a life of discipleship marked by self-denial, transformation, and alignment with God's will. This theological perspective highlights that true faith involves not only receiving Christ's redemptive work but also following Him in a path of ongoing sanctification and obedience. The scriptures affirm this dual aspect of the cross, both as the means of salvation for all and as the model for a life of devoted discipleship.

 

[Johann]

Hey Johann! Good observations and correlations. Are you the same Johann from before???

I think so @Episkopos and I'm not here to run you down. Listened to the video clip on crucifying the flesh-very good.
Shalom
J.

 

[Episkopos]

I think so @Episkopos and I'm not here to run you down. Listened to the video clip on crucifying the flesh-very good.
Shalom
J.

Good to hear and welcome back! :)

 

[Johann]

Good to hear and welcome back!

Good to see you are still here-iron sharpens iron right @Episkopos?

Johann

 

[Behold]

.which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man.

The simple failure of your odd theology, that is all about " walking in zion" and "the outer man", which is not found as listed in a NT...

The simple failure you have is......your theology, at its core, is trying to stay saved by self effort. @Episkopos
This is why you say things like..>"will be taken out of the kingdom"..
So, that is your LEGALISM.. your SELF Righteousness, being explained as..>"if im not doing enough, then later, i dont get to stay saved".

What you do, is wrap..."working my way to heaven" in very flowery language that basically makes no sense to anyone but your and the person who wrote your commentaries that you are using.

Let me show you the problem you have, theologically.
Many have it.

Its simply......... that you do not yet begin to understand that Salvation.... = is not Discipleship.
And that is why your "Zion Outer Man". stuff, is really just....>"im trying to prove that once a person becomes a Christian, then to stay saved, you have to DO ALL THIS., and let me show you my big long list"...

Your entire theology, you post..... is basically accusing everyone but yourself of not doing enough to maintain Salvation.

I met another one of you, before on 2 other forums.... He calls Himself Gideon.., and He is your Theological Twin.

His "ministry" he claims is to show everyone they are not really doing enough to earn the right to exist with God, after they die.

That sounds just like your theology/teaching.

 

[Wynona]

Guess this is what you say--

Initial Rejection of Worldliness:

"The first cut is away from the world... outer wickedness...doing obvious evil."
This phrase suggests that the initial step in a believer's journey is to turn away from obvious sins and worldly behaviors. This aligns with the call to repentance and the initial conversion experience where one renounces overtly sinful practices.
Biblical References:

2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
Ephesians 4:22: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires."
Deeper Sanctification:

"In the wilderness God pleads with us into the 2nd cut...which is to cut away our iniquity, self-interest, self-preservation...etc...the outer man."
This describes a deeper level of sanctification where God deals with more subtle forms of sin and self-centeredness. The "wilderness" metaphor suggests a period of testing and refinement, reminiscent of Israel's experience in the desert.
Biblical References:

Ezekiel 20:35-36: "I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you."
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Superficial Devotion vs. Genuine Transformation:

"Many will say...Lord, Lord. Many will build seemingly strong lives around their devotion to God...but wood, even the strongest oak...still perishes in the fires of testing on that day."
This warns against superficial or merely outward displays of devotion. True faith requires more than external adherence to religious practices; it demands an inner transformation.
Biblical References:

Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15: "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light."
Imperishable Materials and Eternal Values:

"Only imperishable materials will remain. So then only eternally tested things will survive."
This highlights the need for works and character qualities that withstand divine scrutiny. The "imperishable materials" metaphor signifies qualities and actions rooted in genuine faith and obedience to God's will.
Biblical References:

1 Peter 1:7: "These [trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Corinthians 3:13-14: "Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work."
Further Transformation and the Cross:

"And for that we need a further cut...a further breaking...a going to the cross."
This final point emphasizes the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and deeper identification with the sacrificial and transformative aspects of the cross. It suggests a continual process of dying to self and being conformed to the image of Christ.
Biblical References:

Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Conclusion
The passage reflects a deep theological perspective on the nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing that initial repentance is only the beginning. True spiritual growth involves a continual process of sanctification where God removes not only overt sins but also deeper-seated self-interest and self-preservation. It underscores the importance of inner transformation, genuine faith, and the necessity of aligning one's life with the sacrificial and transformative work of Christ on the cross. Only through such profound, ongoing spiritual growth will believers produce works and character qualities that endure through divine testing.

This was an excellent post! It was accurate but also more...I felt edified by it because I need reminding about the purpose of trials, testing, and the "wilderness".

Thanks

 

[Wynona]

Do you find yourself questioning man-inspired doctrines and traditions and the religious certainties associated with these? Are you outgrowing the framework that holds you back from spiritual growth? Join me as we explore what it means to be apostolic in our pursuit of Christ.

Need to watch this. My husband and I are definitely deconstructionist! We call the current construction "churchisms".

 

[Johann]

This was an excellent post! It was accurate but also more...I felt edified by it because I need reminding about the purpose of trials, testing, and the "wilderness".

Thanks

We all are in need of being edified, by our Lord Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit and of course, members in the body of Christ.
Shalom to you and family @Wynona
Johann

 

[Lizbeth]

Need to watch this. My husband and I are definitely deconstructionist! We call the current construction "churchisms".

God has led many of His sheep to leave the churches in these days...they are waxing worse and coming under judgment.

Fine to deconstruct and tear down any wood hay or stubble we might have been building with, but just don't let anyone try to get you to deconstruct the foundation and cornerstone, which is Christ in us. Because HE is perfect and doesn't need deconstructing and He has been set in our beings like a solid Rock in all His righteousness, which has been imputed to us as a free gift. (Unfortunately Epi believes that is the strong delusion. While he has some truths, other things need some serious tweeking.)

 

[Johann]

God has led many of His sheep to leave the churches in these days...they are waxing worse and coming under judgment.

Fine to deconstruct and tear down any wood hay or stubble we might have been building with, but just don't let anyone try to get you to deconstruct the foundation and cornerstone, which is Christ in us. Because HE is perfect and doesn't need deconstructing and He has been set in our beings like a solid Rock in all His righteousness, which has been imputed to us as a free gift. (Unfortunately Epi believes that is the strong delusion. While he has some truths, other things need some serious tweeking.)

I "hear" you @Lizbeth There's a whole lot of shaking going on and some serious tweaking.
Johann.

 

[Episkopos]

God has led many of His sheep to leave the churches in these days...they are waxing worse and coming under judgment.

Fine to deconstruct and tear down any wood hay or stubble we might have been building with, but just don't let anyone try to get you to deconstruct the foundation and cornerstone, which is Christ in us.

As I have stated before, this is not right. The foundation is God's not ours. That foundation is to build where HE is...not where you are. So you are bringing the uncrucified ego into the mix...therefore you will not be able to build with materials that are holy and perfect.

The foundation is Christ...NOT Christ in ego. The ego needs to be broken...not protected...otherwise you seek to maintain what God would destroy

Because HE is perfect and doesn't need deconstructing and He has been set in our beings like a solid Rock in all His righteousness, which has been imputed to us as a free gift.

False. We can only have imputed to us what we actually do and are. There is NO speculative imputation in God's economy. There is no pretend with God. Prophecy is not pretend. And not all who say Lord Lord will be permitted into an eternity with God. Why not? Precisely because the flesh is being built up whereas it needs to go to the cross.

(Unfortunately Epi believes that is the strong delusion.

As it is. The strong delusion is that God accepts us IN our sins...and calls that holy by a pretend imputation that blinds God to the truth.

While he has some truths, other things need some serious tweeking.)

You need to go far beyond tweaking to get at the truth. You can tweak all day long...but translation into the heavenly walk is on the level of the miraculous...otherwise you are just making yourself more and more comfortable in the wilderness.

 

[Lizbeth]

As I have stated before, this is not right. The foundation is God's not ours. That foundation is to build where HE is...not where you are. So you are bringing the uncrucified ego into the mix...therefore you will not be able to build with materials that are holy and perfect.

The foundation is Christ...NOT Christ in ego. The ego needs to be broken...not protected...otherwise you seek to maintain what God would destroy

Not ringing any bells....no scripture is coming to mind with this. Please bring the scriptures that depict or teach what you are saying and we'll have a look. (Except as you know I agree with your last sentence here....who falls on the rock will be broken/)

Sure the foundation is God's....it IS God/Christ.....but He has graciously given it to us in the sense that He has placed it in us. We are His temple. So where is He? He is in us. The kingdom comes not with our careful observation but is within us.

There is a paradox in that we already ARE where He is, seated in heavenly places, but that we also are on our way there.....as Jesus said, you know the WAY to where I'm going. And HE is the Way. Christ in us....the hope of glory.

 

[Johann]

Not ringing any bells....no scripture is coming to mind with this. Please bring the scriptures that depict or teach what you are saying and we'll have a look. (Except as you know I agree with your last sentence here....who falls on the rock will be broken/)

Sure the foundation is God's....it IS God/Christ.....but He has graciously given it to us in the sense that He has placed it in us. We are His temple. So where is He? He is in us. The kingdom comes not with our careful observation but is within us.

There is a paradox in that we already ARE where He is, seated in heavenly places, but that we also are on our way there.....as Jesus said, you know the WAY to where I'm going. And HE is the Way. Christ in us....the hope of glory.

Guess what he is trying to say-without Scripture references is this-see if you agree.
The Foundation is God’s, Not Ours
The Bible emphasizes that the foundation of our faith and work must be established by God, not by our own efforts or ego.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV):

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

This verse clearly establishes that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation upon which believers should build their lives and ministries. Any attempt to establish a foundation based on human ego or effort is inherently flawed.

Building Where God is, Not Where We Are
To build where God is implies aligning our efforts with His will and purpose rather than pursuing our own ambitions.

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV):

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Jesus teaches that those who follow His teachings are building on a solid foundation. This foundation is stable and enduring, unlike one built on human desires or ego.

The Uncrucified Ego
The Bible speaks extensively about the need to deny oneself and take up the cross, which symbolizes the crucifixion of the ego and sinful nature.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV):

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Paul’s declaration illustrates the necessity of crucifying the ego to allow Christ to live and work through us. This is essential for a life that is truly built on the foundation of Christ.

Building with Holy and Perfect Materials
When building on the foundation of Christ, the materials we use must align with His holy and perfect nature.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 (NIV):

"If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work."

Paul indicates that the quality of our work will be tested, and only those built with valuable, eternal materials (symbolizing holy and righteous deeds) will endure.

The Ego Needs to be Broken, Not Protected
Scripture underscores the necessity of humility and the dangers of pride, which often stems from the ego.

James 4:6 (NIV):

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

To build in a manner pleasing to God, one must approach with humility, recognizing that it is God's power and grace that sustain us, not our ego.

Summary
Foundation of Christ: Jesus Christ is the only true foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Building Where God Is: Aligning our efforts with God’s will ensures stability (Matthew 7:24-25).

Crucifying the Ego: True Christian life requires the ego to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Holy Materials: Building with holy and righteous deeds is essential (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

Humility Over Ego: God favors the humble and opposes the proud (James 4:6).

Thus, the correct approach to building a life and ministry that honors God is to rely on the foundation of Christ, crucify the ego, use holy and perfect materials, and maintain a spirit of humility. This aligns with the biblical principle that God is the true foundation, and we must build according to His purposes, not our own ambitions.





Building on the Foundation of Christ
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV):

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Isaiah 28:16 (NIV):

"So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.'"

Crucifying the Ego
Luke 9:23 (NIV):

"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"

Galatians 5:24 (NIV):

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Using Holy and Perfect Materials
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV):

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV):

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

Humility Over Ego
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV):

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV):

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV):

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

Trusting in God's Strength, Not Our Own
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV):

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

John 15:4-5 (NIV):

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Summary
These scriptures collectively emphasize the importance of:

Building on the solid foundation of Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22, Isaiah 28:16).

Denying oneself and crucifying the ego to follow Christ (Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24).

Using holy and perfect materials in our spiritual endeavors (1 Peter 2:4-5, 2 Timothy 2:20-21).

Maintaining humility and avoiding pride (Philippians 2:3-4, Proverbs 16:18, 1 Peter 5:5-6).

Trusting in God's strength and not relying on our own abilities (2 Corinthians 12:9, John 15:4-5).

By adhering to these principles, believers can ensure that their lives and ministries are built on a foundation that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will.

Your turn @Lizbeth while I eat my pop corn.
J.