Old Man's Arrogance vs. New Man's Boldness

It goes without saying that we live in a culture that is overly conscious of self-esteem and social status. Personal relationships revolving around life events and quality time has been traded in for twitter accounts and how many status likes can be obtained. It is no wonder why it is a cultural shock when individuals with a controversial viewpoint makes a bold statement that opposes the "popular" opinion. Not to say that the goal of Christianity is to trump every popular opinion,  but there is without a doubt within the biblical blueprint for the local church, a function of standing for truth. There is, within Christianity as a whole, the warpath of a faithful soldier, but there is a smaller group within so called "Christianity" that is distinct due to their commitment to rightly divide the word of truth.

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is a term, within most minds, that either causes a blank stare because of never having heard the term or a cringe because of that name brings up the popular entitlement of heresy. Most individuals form their opinions , in spiritual and material matters, based on what they've heard from men or women with credentials. When it comes to Mid-Acts or any other doctrinal holding, it is of necessity to understand that men's credentials do not compete with God's Word.

(Romans 3:4) "...Let God be true and every man a liar..."

A man or woman who rightly divides is an individual who possesses a spiritual axe. A problem that is very evident within the "grace movement" is the fact that many rightly dividers do not understand why he or she, by way of understanding God's Word without confusion,  has been issued this "spiritual axe." This tool we have is not to be used to chop at the knees of those who "oppose themselves," but is rather for the use of persuading and chopping down religious strongholds within the minds that presently exist in today's Christendom.

(2 Timothy 2:25) "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Due to Paul's dialogue in Romans 7 and his explanation of the flesh vs. Spirit battle in Galatians 5, we should be very aware that even in our spiritual pursuits, their is always a possibility of a fleshly influx of the old man's character to show up in the new man's approach. Boldness that comes from assurance in Christ can easily be traded in for arrogance that exists because of the flesh we still war against. We know from Galatians 6:14 that our boasting is to be solely in the glory of the cross. There is a tendency with in all saved individuals conversations to confuse this boasting privilege with arrogant selfishness.

The point of pointing out these differences is a challenge to myself and other brothers and sisters who rightly divide to remember where our confidence comes from. We do not boast in our flesh, past or personal strengths; See Philippians 3. We, who know how to study our bibles, should not be driven to boisterously point out everyoneelse's mistakes for the purpose of self gratification. From Romans 15 and Galatians 6, we know that we have the duty to help, raise up, and restore the weaker brother.

As ambassadors of Christ, we must remember who and what we represent. Taking on Paul’s admonition to Timothy,  we must remember that a soldier cannot concern himself with this world,  but instead strive to please the "One" who has enlisted him. Hence, this is the purpose of right division;  notice the "approved" goal in bible study from 2 Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself APPROVED unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(emphasis is mine)

So Mid-Acts friends, be careful in conversation not to confuse prideful arrogance with rightful boasting in the cross.

-Alan