Exertion of one's own willpower through energetic attempts at moral or spiritual reform, scrupulous observance of personal or corporate religious rituals, or involvement in various pious or mystical exercises cannot achieve this. It begins only through faith, faith by itself being a manifestation of the grace of God, however much human activity is engaged. (Ro 10.1-10; Col 2.16-3.4; Ro 3.21-38; Eph 2.8-10)
At the same time, faith comes from hearing the Word of God which of course involves persuading and commending - both being human effort and that being one of conferring knowledge. And so Burns continues.
It is through faith alone that the process of becoming a Christian begins, and it is knowledge about Christ that alone makes this possible. The crucial role knowledge plays comes through in Paul's numerous descriptions of his apostolic work - essentially he imparts knowledge or declares truth wherever he goes. Yet this ministry is not simply a matter of speaking or informing, and convincing, even when we see in it the persuasive power of the Spirit rather than mere human reasoning. Paul and his companions share with the audiences not only the gospel of God but also our own selves. Their message is as much embodied in the actions as formulated in their words. Through both word and action their hearers learn the meaning of the message and on both model their response. The message is at its heart a message about suffering; it involves affliction for the preachers, just as it does for those who accept it. Affliction is a part of life for everyone who genuinely presents and receives the gospel.
And this is why knowledge is central to the ongoing life of community. We must be increased with it, enriched by it, renewed through it, and filled with it. Paul tells us in Romans and Ephesians that our growth is linked to the renewing of our minds. It is this renewing that we should set our minds on. Burns argues that neglecting to do so in the context of community is a serious matter.
When they have neglected to do so he [Paul] insists that they come to their right mind; on matter of indifference he advises everyone to be fully convinced in his own mind; on issues where there should be no dispute he encourages them to be united in the same mind and in the same judgement. Indeed, the members of the community are to judge all things and to weigh all things, especially in church. ... In all their thinking they are to bring every thought into captivity, to think upon whatever is of real worth, to fix their thoughts on things of real value, and to beware lest their thoughts be led astray from a sincere wholehearted commitment to Christ. As society in general they are to be naive towards that which is evil and wise towards that which is good, to behave in a wise manner towards those who are outside the Christian circle, and to have an acquaintance of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. In sum, they are to understand the significance of all that has been bestowed on them by God and to not be childish in their understanding but mature.
Bottom line, knowledge is the vehicle through which faith comes into being and through which it is increased. Where there is no knowledge, there can be no genuine faith - only superstition or speculation.
Technorati Tags: faith
No comments:
Post a Comment