INSTRUCTION BEFORE EXPECTATION

So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 6:11

I can’t believe it.  This is the first time in the entire book of Romans that Paul told the Roman Christians to do something. There were five whole chapters of instruction before there was an expectation for obedience.  What a foundation Paul laid for us to understand our sin, our relationship to Adam, God’s provision of a Lamb, and what Jesus really gave to us freely when He died.  Now, in light of all this, Paul says, “Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God, in Christ Jesus!”

Part of what has been wrong with the raising of my generation is that we grew up in authoritarian environments; both within our homes and within the church.  Questions of ‘why’ weren’t tolerated.  If asked, the answer was always, “Because I said so.  Period.” While there is certainly a time when a command must be given and obedience must instantly follow, this should be the exception.

Authoritarian figures in the church gave commands in similar fashion.  “Forgive!”  “Rejoice always.” “Trust God!” “Let go and let God.”  “Be a good soldier.” These are all biblical principles but each one is given scripturally after much instruction.  However, from the pulpit, the loving instruction part was usually absent.  Because of that, so much of my generation (and the children we raised) are biblically illiterate.  They hear the commands ring in their ear without knowing how to sit under the counseling of the Spirit as they search the Scriptures.

Martin Luther wrestled with the tone of the scriptures as he worked to translate the New Testament from Greek to German.  He remarked to a friend, “The Scriptures should be read as a mother talking to her children.” What is contained between Genesis and Revelation is instruction, in the context of a father/child relationship, followed by commands to do something.  It’s as if God says, “Now that you understand these things, go and do the following.” Instruction, then obedience.  If I live my life trying to obey a series of axioms, God seems cruel.  He appears to be a stern parent expecting me to ‘do’ without regard for relationship, confusion, questions, and frailty.  Oh, God is not like that.  His plan is that I will read, I will listen in prayer for personalized application, then I will obey.

You are such a kind Father, the best of teachers.  And when I don’t think I have the strength to obey, Your Spirit helps me.  What more can I ask!  Amen