How God defines success - Ps. Stephen LeBlanc

Col 2:8 - beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophies and empty deceit.
Watch out lest someone captures you and leads you somewhere where you really shouldn't go. The traditions of men (the way things have always been done)and basic principle of the world (the way everybody does it).
He contrasts that with the way Christ would do things
Ergo - watch out for philosophy and empty things of this world.
What philosophy do you have?
Philosophy in and of itself isn't bad, but what philosophy are we buying into?
The philosophy that's killing the church is pragmatism!!
2nd definition is an issue - a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.
This philosophy is opposite of the bible. This is where situation ethics come in ...
If you believe this definition, you pretty much believe the end justifies the means.
What about this statement: the outcome validates the action! This is a watered down version of the end justifies the means.
When we live the christian life, go into the spiritual life of obeying what God says - we go by the words out of HIS mouth, not what we determine is right based on the outcome.
3 problems with being a pragmatist and following God:
1. Sometimes the consequences are unseen
2. Sometimes the consequences are delayed
Satan is good at lying to us.
3. Sometimes the consequences are negative in the short run
How does God define success?
How did Jesus define success?
1. God's will - John 5:30
Each and every decision of your life is committed to God. If you are going to be living the Christian life, seeking God's will is going to be at the top of your list
2. Obedience to God's will
John 8:28-29
Be doers of the word
if you are going to do the will of God, you have got to love the wisdom of His word. You can follow worldly philosophies and incorporate scriptures to it. God will not be a part of our secular plan to improve our lives.
You can't give God your picture of success and hope He will fill in the blanks.
If you don't know if you can obey?! Then repent!!!!
3. Timing
Knowing when to do what God wants you to do. John 7:1-8
God's philosophy is - I will show what to do, when and how! Pragmatism says - do something depending on the consequences
4. Faith
Without faith it is impossible to please God
Matt 8:9-10
When God speaks to you and you take him at His word, that's success!
5. Trust
Believing God's character and promises when things get hard - when what you are seeing is not pragmatically pleasing
6. Honor from God
John 5:43
Where do you get your honor? If you are a pragmatist, you are going to get your honor from men.
John 8:48
John 8:32

Created 7 months ago