Paradigm Shift II

Paradigm Shift II
By John Woodward
September 21, 1998

We continue to apply the principle of the change of perspective inherent in the "Exchanged Life" (Gal 2:20).

Here are some other aspects of our "paradigm shift"--seeing Christ living through His people. Our perspective needs to change regardingholiness . The believer is no longer just a 'sinner saved by grace', rather a saint who sometimes sins (1 Cor 1:2; 6:11) Our perspective needs to change regarding ministry . The believer does not primarily 'work for the Lord', but rather cooperates with God through His strength and guidance (Gal 2:8). Our perspective needs to change regarding Christ's offices . Christ is not only Savior and Lord, but Savior, Lord, and Life (Rom 5:10). We also need to shift our perspective about God's law as a means of righteous conduct. The believer's resource for godliness is not primarily an external code of rules, but rather the spiritually prompted, internal principle of the law of love (Rom 7:5,6; 13:8-10).

British preacher, Stephen Olford observed, "The Avis philosophy ('We try harder') is fatal in the Christian life. We do not live the Christ-life by trying, but rather by trusting. When we try, it is self-effort, and we are bewitched; when we trust, it is Spirit-effort, and we are blessed."

Olford went on to recall his "paradigm shift" about the abundant life in Christ: "I recall when this truth became a reality in personal experience. I had already surrendered my life to Jesus Christ for the Christian ministry. While I waited to start my theological training, I spent weekends preaching in local churches. Every time I opened my mouth to speak, I was haunted by the memory of past defeats. Instead of turning to the Lord for deliverance, I tried to conquer the problem by self-effort. The result was disastrous! Instead of being liberated I was paralyzed. "In desperation I went to hear a missionary on furlough give a series of studies on Romans. Expounding chapter 6, he paused to ask this question, 'Is there someone here who is haunted by his past and defeated in his witness?' I knew God was speaking to me, so I listened the more intently. Then he continued, 'Do you know that such introspection is a violation of the principle of grace? God has condemned, crucified, and buried your 'old self.' What right have you to visit the cemetery of your moral past and dig up the bones? Accept by faith what God has done and trust the Holy Spirit to liberate you to live the resurrection life in Christ.' That was all I needed. I saw the foolishness and futility of self-effort, and the grace of God set me free!" (Not I, But Christ p. 136).

Can you say "amen" to Dr. Olford's wonderful discovery? Let us wait upon the Lord for a clearer perception of these precious truths.

We praise You o God for the full forgiveness we have through the Cross of Christ. Deliver us from our own feeble attempts to gain victory, and shift our persective to fully appropriate Christ's saving life. For Jesus' sake, amen.

JBW

Sept. 21, '98

Illustrations of a change in perspective:

hint: The duck is looking left; the rabbit is looking right.

Is The Book Looking Towards You... Or Away From You?

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