January 2003 chaplain's corner

The Chaplain's Corner is a monthly message for chaplains.

Chaplain's Corner - January 2003

Rev. Rich Hines

This message is primarily for those who call on the name of Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior, and are serving as correctional or rescue mission chaplains within the United States.

As another year begins, Christian correctional and rescue mission chaplains ought to face the issue of biblical spiritual growth. Both personally and for those they shepherd, measurable growth in Christ ought to be a concern in 2003.

On this topic I want to look at the Epistle to the Colossians. Set against the background of a complex and eclectic heresy, the theme of the letter to the Colossians is the centrality and superiority of Christ. That is the solution to the heretical problem at Colosse and anywhere else. The prison/jail culture and the society that street people who end up in rescue missions come from, is similar. A multitude of cultures, their religions and the seeming sovereignty of political correctness, confuse them about the superiority and centrality of Christ.

Not only is the issue of Christ's superiority and centrality in Colossians pertinent to salvation from sin, it is also the key to Christian growth. By the way, we have an excellent audio tape series from Colossians, free to correctional and rescue chaplains for the asking. It is taught by Dr. Mario DiGangi, the Presbyterian Evangelist from Toronto. Tape 4 (the reverse side) and tape 5 of this series (in an album) are excellent on the subject of spiritual growth and development in Christ.

Looking at Colossians, an example of Christ's supremacy in a believers development is Colossians 2:6,7 -

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord , so walk in Him, rooted and built up (here is the idea of growth) in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

Colossians 2:19 tells the same people about:

"...holding fast to the Head (Christ) from whom all the body (true believers), nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. (or 'grows with the growth caused by God')"

Spiritual growth only comes from a dynamic union with Christ. He said, "Abide (remain) in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit OF ITSELF (capitals used for emphasis) unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, (Jesus was talking to true believers) UNLESS YOU ABIDE IN ME. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides (remains in a dynamic relationship) in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4,5)

So, the centrality of Christ through the word PLUS time, PLUS trials, PLUS obedience, equals SPIRITUAL GROWTH. The message of God to believers through the Apostle in Colossians warns them against false schemes and methods of spirituality. Yet today as in the first century, many of these same kinds of schemes prey upon weak believers. This is especially true in correctional facilities.

First there is the problem of worldly wisdom. Note this in Colossians 2:8

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."

Secular science and man-made, man-centered solutions to the problems of life, are part of what in spoken against here. Much of this has crept into what calls itself Christianity in correctional facilities. If Christian chaplains are true to their calling as pastors of inmate believers, they must guide inmates away from those proud, man-centered programs in the facilities. Chaplains must call disciples to follow Christ alone!

Next, note Colossians 2:16-23. Here three religious dangers are warned against. The first one is legalism. It is also alive and well in prisons and jails as you well know.

"So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance (the reality) is of Christ." (2:16,17)

We do not need special diets and feast days and ceremonies that pointed forward to Christ, after He has come.

The next problem is mysticism, which is very, very strong in correctional religion. In extent and quantity of practitioners, this is even more prevalent in the correctional setting today than legalism, or the last danger mentioned in verses 20-23.

"Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen (better "has seen" - like in an imagined vision) vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, (a reference to Christ) from whom all the body (the church - true believers) nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments grows with the increase that is from God." (2:18,19)

There is a lot of this kind of mysticism in correctional settings which biblical chaplains must battle against. Again the solution is in centering on Christ.

The third religious problem is asceticism, which is a rigorous denial of the body. This too, poses a threat to inmates today.

"Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations - (like) >Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,' which all concern things which perish with using - according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." (2:20-23) Beware of legalism, mysticism and asceticism as well as man-made ideologies. .

The real key to living the Christian life is also the real key to spiritual growth. Note it in Colossians 3:1-3

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set you mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is (literally, >has been') hidden with Christ in God."

Do you see the key there? The key for the believer in Christ is to realize they were actually co-crucified and co-raised from death with Christ. Christ's death and resurrection not only redeems believing sinners from spiritual death and ultimate judgement, it also provides the real power to live the new life and to grow in holiness every day.

Teach believing inmates that the right way is not to perfect themselves through human schemes, legalistic observances of diets and days, unbiblical visions and self-imposed, Spartan-like self denial, BUT in a daily union with Christ in His victory over sin and death.

The believers active relationship with Christ in many New Testament texts is called their "faith." It's not only the act of believing unto salvation, their "faith" is also their living out of salvation on a daily basis.

The word "faith" is used this way in 2 Peter 1:5. The whole passage in 2 Peter 1:3-10 should be considered.

3 as His (the Lord Jesus') divine power has given to us (that is, true believers) all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 But also for this very reason, (because you Christian, have been given power and promises from God) giving all diligence, add (or >supply') to your FAITH, virtue, to virtue knowledge,

6 to knowledge, self-control, to self -control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

A few comments on the seven qualities listed in verses 5-7, are necessary. The original language gives the idea of "IN YOUR FAITH, HAVE THESE SEVEN THINGS." Each encompasses the next.

In other words, in an active growing faith in Jesus Christ have VIRTUE. That word means "moral excellence." It speaks of a bravery for what is right. In that virtue, have an active EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE of Christ. Compare that thought to 2 Peter 3:18, which says "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

In your experiential knowledge have SELF-CONTROL, which is the inner strength to overcome the desires of the flesh. It can only come from walking close to Jesus. One Bible commentator calls this self-control "the fortitude to put knowledge into practice."

Continuing on in this passage, in that self-control, have PERSEVERANCE, which is the patience to endure under the weight of difficult circumstances, as long as you have to. Then, in that very perseverance, have GODLINESS. This word "godliness" means a God-ward attitude that is well pleasing to Him. The believer's faith should produce a God mimicking character, especially under the trials of being a Christian in the midst of a society that is hostile towards living out faith in Christ before them.

In that godliness, BROTHERLY KINDNESS should be produced. This two word translation (brotherly kindness) really means an affection for those in the faith. It shows itself not only in holy greetings but in a desire to serve others in God's family. Out of that same brotherly kindness, LOVE should be being produced.

The word for "love" in verse 7, is the highest form of love. It is God's supernatural type of love that loves the unlovable and the enemy. It is sacrificial and always is more concerned with others than self. It always seeks what is best for them. It is unconditional, and as I said, supernatural, which means mere human nature cannot produce it, the flesh cannot produce it. It has to come from a real union with Jesus Christ.

Now listen to what God said through Peter about these seven things:

8 For if these things are yours and abound (are increasing), you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

The whole point is that if these seven things are evident in the life of the believer, he or she will have assurance that they are saved and are growing in Christ. It is not that if a true Christian believer is somewhat lacking in these things they lose their salvation. That cannot happen. It is, that if these things are lacking, the person will forget the reality that they were cleansed from their sins and are on their way to heaven. Even though through God's grace they are saved, they have no assurance of it in their heart without these things, which can only be produced by the Spirit of Christ who is in them.

God wants each of His true children to grow and He supplies the means to do so through His Spirit and His word, YET the responsibility to make an effort towards growing in grace is also given to each individual believer. That is why verses 5 and 10 say "giving all diligence, add to your faith" ... "brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure."

Diligence is effort put forth. The best illustration of what this God-breathed word translated "diligence" actually means is that of an athlete or a soldier laying it all on the line to accomplish an objective, regardless of the consequences to self. It is the running back in football diving for the end zone and scoring a touchdown from the five yard line. It is what coaches and commanders in war are looking for from their charges. It is all out commitment.

In closing, I want to say to you dear Chaplain, it is my prayer that at the end of 2003, you and I and those you serve will see measurable spiritual growth in Christ. Growth in the seven-fold faith qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 will prove not only true salvation, but true spiritual advance!

Let us do all we can to see 2003 be a year of real spiritual growth. More virtue, more knowledge, more self-control, more persevering patience, more godliness, more brotherly kindness and more of God's incredible love through us.

For the real advance for Christ and His kingdom in and through lives! May God bless your diligent effort.

Rev. Rich Hines, Minister To Chaplains - Aurora Ministries