Two weeks ago we looked at what qualifies us to serve the Lord. More than any other factor, the Holy Spirit is the One who prepares and empowers us to take part in the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ.
Last week we explored the qualities that render us fit for gospel service. The words we examined covered the notions of value, spirit or disposition, and kind or type. We have three more Bible passages to look at now.
(Remember that as in the two previous posts, we’re using three versions of Scripture: the English Standard Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New International Version.)
Invisible
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Does God exist? This question gets a lot of attention today, but back in the days of the apostle Paul, religion was an integral part of life. Unfortunately, idolatry was widespread. Everywhere throughout the Roman Empire you could find statues and temples dedicated to various gods; everywhere, that is, except Israel. The Jews were different. While the people toyed with idol worship in the formative years of the nation, the invasion of the armies of Babylon and then 70 years of exile cured them of that temptation.
In this verse, Paul isn’t trying to argue for God’s existence; instead, he aims to undermine idolatry by claiming that creation reveals the qualities of the one true God. Nature presents an infinite and powerful God, not a collection of lesser deities struggling with the same foibles that beset humanity. God’s not like that! The world He made displays His power and His goodness.
And in similar fashion, what we do by the Holy Spirit reveals our new life in Christ.
“Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)
As God displays Himself through creation, so the Spirit manifests the risen Jesus through the new creation that is the church. The Holy Spirit also manifests our character through the ministry we do for the Lord. And while we should take this seriously, we needn’t grow anxious about being up to par; it’s our opportunity to show the world how the Spirit transforms a soul.
Imperishable
“Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” – 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NASB)
The Bible contains two letters of the apostle Peter written to Christians. The first one deals with the increasing social pressure and ostracism believers were starting to experience. Society was beginning to notice disciples of Jesus, and people were pressuring them to compromise or abandon their beliefs. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, relatives–they wanted these Christians to return to the sinful ways of the past.
So Peter helps the church by giving instructions about how to handle such pressure. There are ways of fitting into the culture without dishonoring the Lord. One of them, which he writes about to the women of the church, concerns the issue of beautification.
The apostle contrasts the durability of personality with with physical aging. But Peter also challenges the world’s standards of what constitutes beauty. He prioritizes the heart.
We inherit our appearance from our genes; where do we get our spiritual qualities from?
We receive them from the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
We spend a lot of time and effort to make ourselves look as good as possible in an outward sense. We must also invest ourselves in developing the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts.
These
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.12Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.” – 2 Peter 1:8-12 (ESV)
Peter writes his second letter knowing that his time on earth is coming to a close. He would soon be with the Lord and like a good shepherd, he wants to prepare his flock to prosper in his absence. More than anything, Peter encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth.
Each day we spend with Jesus, we become a bit more like Him. We take on His values, we love what He loves, and we strive to please the Lord in all our decisions.
Because this is growth in spirit, we can progress only by the involvement of the Holy Spirit. As Paul observes, the Spirit applies the truth of the gospel to our lives and changes us.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)
Derivation
But there’s something funny about the passages we cited; none of them has a word for “qualities” in the Greek text. The translators added the term to make the verses easier to read and understand, but the word doesn’t occur in the original language.
The meaning of “qualities” derives from the words it’s associated with in the verses: invisible attributes, imperishable substance, and these virtues.
What can we conclude? Just as the word “qualities” derives its meaning from the words it’s affiliated with, so we acquire the significance of the qualities of our lives from what we associate with.
Or better still, from whom we associate with!
Want an example? Wait til next week!
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