Golden Pillar Class Study, teacher Diana Licon.
Our walk is important to how we present ourselves as living epistles. Do others see us more as a fleshly man than an example of Christ?
II Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
What is an epistle? An epistle is a written communication commonly used to tell about the New Testament of which 21 out of 27 books were epistles. Most epistles of the Bible were written by the apostle Paul but some were by others about Christian examples and behavior. As the community grew, the apostles began writing letters or epistles. Everyone came together to hear it when they received these letters. They took heed to absorb and grow by what they heard. This is like what we do when we have a revival. We need to listen and take it to heart. The doctrines were not put together in a formal format but in a collection of letters from the hearts of the apostles.
The book of 2 Corinthians was deeply personal, revealing deep burdens and concerns from the heart of Paul. His letter was written to all men during a difficult life and ministry. He wanted to remind us to walk the walk of a Christian because others are watching. God gives us the ability to be a living epistles. That means you’re an open letter as a living, breathing, walking example of God’s goodness, glory, and grace. He gives us the ability to live without sin. We have a serious charge to be a living epistle that shows God’s way by our actions, how we talk, and where we go.
II Corinthians 3:2 (Amplified Bible) You are our letter (of recommendation), written in our hearts, recognized, and read by everyone.
Our life with it’s many chapters are letters that are written to the world to show how God wants them to live.
I Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
I Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
We’re all going to stand before God and be judged by his word. If we ask God to show us anything about our conduct or personality that needs changed, He is faithful to show us so we make the Lord more beautiful in our lives. People will not believe us if we fly off the handle and lose our temper when things go wrong and then say we’re a Christian.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
We need to walk circumspectly. That means we’re careful and diligent to watch how our actions affect others. How do we affect others if we complain all the time or criticize others or talk about everything that’s going wrong? Are we telling the world that is ok or showing them a better way? We need to bring our minds under if thoughts come to our mind that are contrary to God. If you dwell on something, that’s what will come out of you because you’re not on your guard against it. We need to guard ourselves when we want to be living epistles to our spouse, our children, grandchildren, and others. When they see us studying the Bible or listening to the preaching, it has an affect on them. We can encourage them to serve God that way. We need to be careful to not be deceived by vain words of those who claim to be Christians but don’t walk the walk.
Ephesians 5:1-7 Be ye followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Walking circumspectly means we look around to be cautious, careful, discreet, attentive, heedful, alert, diligent, observant, prudent, and on guard. There’s a profit in walking circumspectly so we can show love and concern. People see if it’s genuine. If we love a person through our eyes, they will respond positively. At the COVE community center, some will tell Sister Diana their problems. She looks at them with love and care for their problem. We prove whether people can trust God by the way we walk with him. God help us show people this way is good and make the way attractive. Show a sincere interest in others. When God quickens us to give us a beautiful soul so people who have been badly damaged can see it and have hope by being saved. What are we hearing in this revival? Is it a living epistle that is helping us? If we’re not living the life of a Christian, we won’t be living epistles.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Ruth didn’t want to leave Naomi because of the life Naomi was living before her. Naomi was walking circumspectly. When the world looks on us, do they see Jesus? Brother Rick Coleman remembers his mother having a major influence on him, especially in his low spot when he was 20. She had such a burden for him to be saved, and he would hear her praying for him when she was in her room. Brother Dave Licon added that a letter is a written record. When people look at our life, it leaves an indelible impression that stays with them. We are living epistles to those around us.
Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: