Is Godliness a Means of Gain?

I hear there are some people who have crept in who are demanding to be coddled according to the flesh. They believe that because they have given their assent to the form of doctrine, they now have the right to make demands.

Do not be deceived. This is not the way the doctrine of Christ works. We can demand nothing of others. If a person makes demands, you can be sure it is their old man that is at work. We are not debtors to the flesh in any way. The life and teaching of Christ is based on giving and sacrificing. Let us follow Him in this. If you cannot afford to travel, then stay home. If God should prompt a brother or sister to offer you some help, then thank God for it. But never demand help simply because you have the form of doctrine, when you are not obedient to it. Rom. 6:17. God tests His people in many ways to instruct them in His manifold wisdom. If you are suffering according to the will of God, be patient and commit everything into His hand; for to God the Lord belong escapes—even escapes from death.

If someone asks you over for dinner, be thankful for it. If you are not asked, show the mind of Christ and behave the same as if you had been invited—be thankful to God for everything. We have no use for the old man—on the cross with him! Rom. 6:6. Are you someone’s servant? Then do not make yourself out to be the master. That is not wisdom. If someone else is serving you, then treat them in a God-fearing manner; do not neglect to act appropriately, which is pleasing to God and man. In time our conduct will demonstrate whether or not we are living the doctrine of Christ, or whether we are in the flesh just trying to enjoy the benefits that come from God’s field. If anyone makes fleshly demands, he shows his true colors and shows that he is outside the obedience to that form of doctrine which we, by God’s grace, have proclaimed in this paper and in speech and writing.

Through the obedience of faith, all the needs among us will be met. That is why each of us must hear what the Spirit says to the church. If God works in us to help a brother or sister, we must immediately obey the Lord’s command. In this way God’s honor will grow and increase.

We do not strive to win the masses but, to teach individuals godly fear. If we were able to win the masses in this way, Hallelujah!