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It's The Little Foxes That Spoil The Vine
Author : Sylvia Huffnagle
There are many small discrepancies (behaviors that don’t match our image in the Word of God) that have crept into the body of Christ and soiled our garments.
There are many small issues that no one wants to deal with and they are the issues that have created the bigger problems. It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine.
Because these issues:
What should Christians wear?
What should Christians watch, read, and listen to?
Who should Christians hang out with?
were not dealt with by the church, the congregation has become vary lax in these matter.
The harm is...
That all these things will weaken the person who is committing the error
Will also influence other to commit the same errors especially if the discrepancy is treated as though it is acceptable and normal.
And these erroneous behaviors are a bad witness.
For example: if people begin to dress in an immodest manner and it is not treated as unacceptable, more and more of them will do it. They will fall one by one until there is no difference between how the world dresses and how the church dresses. Is this so bad? Think about it. Many Christians are now dressing in a manner that in the past was looked upon as a harlot’s attire. God is concerned about it. In Revelation he stresses white garments. Surely that means purity. He wants His people to emanate purity.
If the congregation is not as a whole taught and in agreement as to what to watch on TV and movies, etc, what to listen to, what to read, etc, then they will one by one two by two begin to watch, read, and listen to more and more ungodly stuff. If the matter is not dealt with then in time the people will no longer realize where the line is to be drawn. What can leadership do about it since it is evident that they must not dictate or meddle in things that are not their business? They can teach the people what the Bible says about these things.
If the people are not rightly taught about the company they keep, they will find themselves in the situation in Psalms one. They will be dragged down to a lower level.
These issues are terribly important and terribly neglected. Why are they so important? Because the church is God’s witness on the earth. Because Christians are called to a higher life and called to overcome.
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke . . . Phil: 2:15
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1Pet:1:15
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1Jn: 2:6:6
What must be the Christian’s frame of mind in order to resist these things?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom: 12:1
So then they that are in the flesh (living the life of) cannot please God. Rom: 8:8
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom: 8:13
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [The amp. V. says, self-distrust, that is with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation; timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.] Phil: 2:15-16
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; . . . Phil: 2:12
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Phil: 3:8:
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Vs. 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Col: 1:9-10
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col: 3:1-3
What should Christians not watch, read, and listen to? Anything that feeds or strengthened your carnal nature and weakens your spiritual nature.
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. (Amp. V. - scroll) And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. (movies, TV, computer, radio, music, CDs, magazines) Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Zech: 5:1-4
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Prov: 4:23
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom: 13:14
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Cor: 7:1
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity [Amp. V. says that’s wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ.] that is in Christ. 2Cor: 11:2-3
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal: 6:7-8
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were
dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Eph: 2:2-6
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph: 5:11
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Phil: 1:10
Only let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Phil: 1:27-28
Who should Christians not hang out with?
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps: 1:1-2
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Ps: 119:115
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. [Amp. V. says, therefore associate not with him who talks too freely.] Prov: 20:19
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Prov: 22:24-25
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Prov: 23:20-21
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Rom: 16:17
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1Cor: 5:11
Be not deceived: evil communications [Amp. V. says companionships- communion, associations] corrupt good manners. 1Cor: 15:33
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2Cor: 6:14-18
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Jas: 1:27
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph: 5:11
Who should Christians hang with?
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Prov: 13:20
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, [Amp. V says live habitually in the Holy Spirit--responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit] and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal: 5:16
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Eph: 2:2-6
For he is our peace, [ Amp. V. says our bond of unity and harmony] who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph: 2:14-22
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil: 1:27
What should Christians wear?
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom: 13:14
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph: 6:11-18
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph: 4;22-24
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Phil: 1:10
Only let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil: 1:27
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1Tim: 2:9-10
Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. Ezra: 9:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom: 12:1
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21: If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master ' s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2Tim: 2:20
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14: As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16: Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1Pet: 1:13-16
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1Jn: 2:15-17
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34: Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1Cor: 15:33-34
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Gal: 5:9
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8: For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal: 6:7-8
(c) Sylvia Huffnagle
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