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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Paul’s preaching and prayer-life often dealt with two themes, love and fruitfulness. The love of God, our corresponding love of Him, and love for our fellowmen having a place of prominence in his understanding of the gospel. But it wasn’t mere sentimentality, but rather the deep abiding love of agape; the outreaching expression of the whole person in sacrificial service. An all-encompassing love patterned after God’s love of his creation, which is expressed regardless of the appreciation of its recipient. (A sentiment more highly anticipated and recognized in this season of the year.)
And while love is not the only priority of Christianity and Christians aren’t the only ones who love, they have more closely exemplified the meaning of agape love; the joining of the desire of our hearts with the purpose of our minds in reaching out to others in loving concern, committing ourselves to their good; the ultimate identifier of the Master in the disciple. It is the clinching evidence that our Christian profession is real.1 Jesus specifically saying, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 A love not lost in sentimentality or desire for reciprocity but one that reaches out in practical ways to everyone, however unlovely they may be. (Which doesn’t mean we become best friends with those purposefully living outside of Christ’s will ( 1 Corinthians 15:33), but that we at least keep the lines of communication open enough so that if the opportunity presents itself – we can respond appropriately.) A love expressed in “good deeds”; the second of the two themes mentioned above. James asking, “What good is it brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed.’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, (a mere profession of) faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17
This kind of love increases as our faith does, transcending emotion and duty to become an outpouring of our understanding and appreciation of our Savior. Philippians 1:9,10 expressing the hope that our overflowing love will then promote. “...knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best...” (An alternate rendering of this passage being, ‘So that you may discriminate between things that differ or approve things that are excellent.’)2
This discernment lending itself to purity and blamelessness, mentioned in the second half of verse 10; a condition we can never truly attain but one we should continually strive to achieve.3 As “... it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10)
The principle of fruitfulness then alluded to in verse 11is reinforced throughout the New Testament. As, “...the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22,23Jesus asserting that, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (Who) cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit... I am the vine; you are the branches.” John 15:1,2 & 5 All scripture being “God-breathed” and therefore, “...useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that men of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 With the assurance that, “...God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (Judgment, at least in part, dealing with, “...the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10)
An unfruitful life is characterized by Author Michael Green as an insult to God and inattention to those about us who are seeking answers to life’s difficulties and questions concerning eternity.4 Unfruitful or faith-less people (James2:26), ignoring Christ’s call for us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” ( Matthew 5:13,14) As by our fruit we will be recognized ( Matthew 7:20) and rewarded. ( Matthew 16:27)
So then, let’s “Do (our) best (or study – KJ – so we will be capable of) present(ing) (ourselves) to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
1 – 4From Michael Green’s, A Prayer Journey with the Apostle Paul , Zondervan Publishing.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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