The Four Dimensions of Christianity
Text: James 1:22-24
22 But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 for he behold himself, and goeth his way, and straightway fretted what manner of man he was.
While it’s important to know what God’s word says, it’s just as important, maybe even more, to obey it. That’s one of the ways that we can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time. Looking at what, if any, effect it has on our behavior and attitudes. It’s not enough to just know what God says; we have to DO it. Now, the doing, doesn’t eliminate the need for study, if anything, it increases that need. We have to know what God has to say before we can obey Him.
Now, let‘s look at the four dimensions of a successful Christian walk. We’ll begin by describing exactly what a “dimension” is. The dictionary describes a dimension as the measurable degree or limit to which anything is extended.
I. The first dimension
I’m going to liken the first dimension of “height” to a spiritual “dimension” of “desire”, (To long for intensely; to ask for)
John 6:32-35 tells us to seek the bread of life. People eat bread (food) to satisfy physical hunger and to sustain and maintain physical life. The only way that we can satisfy a spiritual hunger and to maintain and sustain our spiritual life is by a right relationship with Jesus the Christ. It’s no wonder that He called Himself the Bread of Life.
But bread has to be eaten, taken into our body, to give life, and Christ has to be a part of us in order to give us spiritual life.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us to “Diligently seek God”.
Before we can “diligently” seek Him, we have to understand what the word “diligently means.
Again, according to the dictionary, it means:
(To search out; to investigate; to crave; to demand; to worship).
Believing that God exists is just the beginning, even the demons know He exists and it terrifies them. (James 2:19)
God won’t settle for us just “acknowledging” that He exists. He wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us. When we do what God’s Word tells us to do, and diligently seek Him, we’ll be rewarded with a personal, intimate relationship with Him. God tells us that when we act in faith, on the knowledge that we possess of Him, we will be rewarded.
When we tell others about the gospel we should also encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for the truth. Once a person has heard the gospel, they’re responsible for what they’ve heard, and what they do with it.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
1 We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (for He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee, behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the time of salvation)
Paul was talking to Corinthian believers who had tossed aside God’s message, or perhaps had received it and “accepted” it under false pretenses. (Received the grace of God in vain). They may have had some lingering doubts about Paul’s words, or they may have been confused by false teachers who were teaching a different message. Regardless of the reason, they had heard God’s message without allowing it to have an impact on their lives. They were responsible for their actions. (So are we).
Matthew 5:6 This verse tells us to “hunger and thirst” for righteousness. If you’ve ever been really hungry or thirsty, that’s the attitude this is talking about. If you’re really hungry or thirsty, nothing will stop you from food and drink. It’s an all-consuming desire and there’s no way for you to be satisfied without it.
In 1 Peter 2:2 we learn that we’re to “Desire the pure milk of the word”.
You know, one characteristic of most children is that they share a desire to grow up to be just like the “big kids” or their parents. When we’re born again we become spiritual babies. Our natural desire at that time will be to be like our
Big Brother, Jesus, or our Father (God). IF we’re healthy, we’ll want to grow up. Unfortunately, way too many of our newborn Christians never grow up. They just keep on drinking milk, and messing their diapers. Now, the need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and a sign of healthy growth. No one gives a second thought to a baby drinking milk. But if you see a 25 year old adult hanging onto a baby bottle and throwing temper tantrums, that’s not a healthy sign. It’s a sign of, at best, stunted growth.
Once we see our need for God’s Word and begin to find our nourishment in Christ, our spiritual appetite should grow and we should begin to mature. (Eat Meat). How fast we grow is in direct proportion to the strength of our desire for God’s Word.
How do we act on this desire?
First, we have to understand that the Holy Spirit is the one who brings this desire on us to start with. He will in some manner, bring us to the knowledge that we’re sinners and lost without Christ. He may do this through a preacher, teacher, friend, or a relative. Maybe even a TV ministry, or any of a thousand ways. When this salvation is freely offered to us, it’s up to us what we do with it. That’s called freedom of choice.
We can yield and allow the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us; or:
We can deny Him access to our being and squelch the offer.
The thing we must remember, however, is that there are consequences for whichever decision we make. For good or bad, heaven or hell, it’s our decision to make.
When we do accept this God given desire, we become a one dimensional spiritual being.
But, a one-dimensional being, if one could exist, would be invisible, having no width or depth. We don’t become visible until we step into the next dimension. (Width).
II. The second dimension. The physical dimension of width could be described in the spiritual realm as “Dedication”.
This is the first dimension where we act on our desire, or “become visible”.
What is dedication? I think that John 3:16 is an excellent example.
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish, by have everlasting life.
The key word in this verse is “believeth”. It means that we’re convinced that God’s word is true, that we trust in Christ only for our salvation and spiritual well being, and that we won’t be moved from that profession, regardless of what Satan throws at us.
Dedication is mentioned or described many times in the Bible. It, among other things, is to devote yourself wholly (100%) and earnestly to some purpose or person.
The necessary ingredients that will lead us into this dedication are also found in God’s word.
Psalm 51:17 (A broken spirit and a contrite heart) are necessary. God demands a broken and contrite heart. We can never please Him with our outward actions, regardless of how good we may think they are. If our hearts not right, then we’re not right.
Are we truly sorry for our sin, or just sorry that we got caught?
Do we really want to stop and turn a different direction, or just put on an outward show without true repentance?
God’s pleased with true humility, but not with a hypocrite.
In Matthew 13:44-46 we’re told about a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price.
What Jesus is telling us here is very simple. The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything we can have or get in this world, and we have to be willing to give up everything else for it.
The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled on it by accident, but he knew its value when he found it.
The merchant was earnestly searching for the choice pearl, and when he found it, he sold everything he had to purchase it.
When this truth gets driven home to us, we won’t be able to help but realize the true value of what we may have here versus what God wants to give us. That’s when our dedication will take a giant leap of growth.
Romans 6:13-23 explains to us that we’re slaves to either righteousness or to sin.
It’s impossible to stay neutral. We each have a master; it’s either God or Satan. The good news is that we get to choose or master.
A Christian isn’t someone who can’t sin, but we are a people who aren’t slaves to sin. We’re always free to choose. In our choosing, however, we need to remember that there are always consequences to these choices, either good or bad. Our lives are dedicated to one master or the other, either by conscious choice, or even by making no choice.
But the choice is ours to make.
And then in Romans 12:1 we learn that we’re to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (dedicated to God’s service).
In the Old Testament, when an animal was sacrifice according to God’s law, a priest killed the animal, cut in into pieces, and placed in on the altar. While sacrifice was, and is, important, even in the Old Testament God made it clear that obedience from the heart was more important than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22). God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices. Laying our selfish desires aside daily in order to follow Him, putting all of our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him only.
Now we’re two dimensional, we have height and width. We can be seen by others. But we’ve still got a problem. We’re like the man mentioned in James 1:22 and 1 John 3:2. We’re like a reflection in a mirror, visible but we have no depth, we’re just a reflection of what God wants us to be.
Before we go on to the third dimension, let’s take just a second to see how we can make the necessary dedication. It takes a decision on our part. We have to decide to receive and accept what God has for us and surrender all that we have or are to Him. Then we have to trust Him.
III. The third dimension:
Now we’re ready to look at the third dimension of depth. I like to think of this spiritual dimension as “discipline”. But, what is discipline? Well, It’s:
Training to act in accordance with rules. (In this case, God’s rules)
Instruction designed to train a person in proper conduct or action.
The training effect of experience, adversity, etc.
It brings a person to order and obedience by training and control.
There are four basic types of discipline described or mentioned in the Bible. I only want to look at one of them today. Self Discipline.
Self-discipline is “self-control”. The disciplining of one-self or ones desires, actions, habits, and so forth. Webster describes it like this:
Training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency.
Self-discipline creates character. Character is what you say or do when you think no one is watching. It’s the real you.
Self Discipline creates self-control and orderly conduct.
Self-discipline creates acceptance of, or submission to authority and control. (God’s)
Nelson’s Bible dictionary describes it like this:
To train by instruction and control.
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
It’s easy for us to tell others how to live and then not take our own advice. We must be very careful to practice what we preach.
The Biblical concept of discipline has both a positive and a negative side to it.
Positive: Instruction, knowledge, training.
Negative: Correction, punishment, reproof
If we refuse to submit to God’s positive discipline by obeying Him, then we open ourselves up for the negative side of His discipline. (Chastening)
(Heb 12:5-7; Prov 3:11-12)
2 Peter 1:5-10 explains to us that self discipline is necessary to grow spiritually.
I think it’s also wise to point out that these “steps” that are provided for our spiritual growth are listed in a specific order. Remember that and we’ll touch on the order of our steps again shortly.
Galatians 5:22-23 Self control is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
So, how are we able to exercise this type of discipline in our lives? Again, it’s a decision. It’s a decision backed not by our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. That power will give us success in disciplining ourselves.
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Do you really think that we could do this commission, obey this command, without self-discipline? I don’t.
Now we’re three dimensional, we have height, width and depth.
We’re now prepared to step into the fourth dimension. Time.
IV. The fourth dimension: (time)
I believe that we can relate the dimension of time, to durability.
The ability to last.
Perseverance
To Persist: in spite of opposition or discouragement.
2 Tim 2:1-4 I think demands “durability”.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier.
If the church would just follow this advice, it would expand geometrically, as well taught believers taught others and commissioned them, in turn, to teach still others and commission them. Disciples need to be equipped to pass along their faith, not just show up and produce no fruit.
What‘s our motive to endure?
I think that Heb. 3:6, 14 shows us what that motive is.
Because Christ dwells in us as believers, we‘re able to remain faithful to the end, with courage. While persevering doesn’t save us, that perseverance shows that our faith is real.
What will our endurance get us?
According to 1 Peter 1:3-9, praise and honor at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Peter mentions suffering several times in this letter. When he speaks of trials, he’s not talking about natural disasters or God’s discipline, but about the response of an ungodly, unbelieving world towards those who believe. All believers either have faced, are facing, or will face these types of trials in their lives. We need to accept them as part of God’s refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience, and patience is a big part of durability. ((James 1:2-3)
What is contingent on our durability?
A. Our rewards are contingent on our durability. (Gal 6:9 & James 1:12)
Gal 6:9 and let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
B. Our eternal life is contingent on our durability.
Matthew 10:22 & Romans 2:6-7
Mat. 10:22 and ye shall be hated of all men for My names sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Romans 2:6-7
6 who will render to each one according to his deeds:
7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality.
Simply enduring to the end isn’t a way to be saved, but it is evidence that we’re truly committed to Jesus. Persistence, in and of itself isn’t a means to earn salvation; it is, however, a by-product of a truly devoted (dedicated) life.
Perseverance, persistence, durability, these are the qualities that win the prize. No one ever promised that the Christian life would be an easy life to live. Instead, time and again, we’re told that we will face trials, temptations, and persecution. Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan if we’re going to survive the times that are coming as well as the attacks of Satan. We have to keep our eyes on the fact that we can’t handle these things alone, and we don’t have to. Christ is with us and has promised us the victory. And HE doesn’t lie!
These “dimensions” aren’t areas that we walk in to the exclusion of the others. They build, one on top of the other, and each of the must be continually growing.
Desire must continue to grow as we mature in Christ.
Dedication follows desire, but builds on it instead of replacing it.
Self Discipline can only be sustained and maintained when the desire and dedication are sufficient.
Durability Can only happen as we continue to grow and mature in the other three dimensions.
It works together like a tree.
The roots provide food for the rest of the tree.
The trunk provides support for the branches and fruit, or seeds.
The branches provide a place for the fruit and seeds.
The fruit and seeds provide more trees.
If the roots quit providing food, the tree dies, or if they limit the amount of food provided, the tree becomes informed, or dies.
If the trunk decides to keep all the food for itself, the branches, leaves, fruit, and seeds die.
And if the branches don’t pass along the food to the leaves, fruit, and seeds, they die, and there are no more trees.
It takes each part of the body, doing its assigned task, in order for the tree to flourish and produce more trees. The same is true of the body of Christ.
God takes us through these dimensions “steps” in order for us to mature properly and to produce more Christians. And He takes us through them in order. One step building on the preceding one, and all growing.
If you were to take four steps in one direction, and then turn and try to take the same four steps back, only taking the second step before the first, you’re going to fall flat on your face. It can’t be done, any more than taking any of these steps we’ve just looked at without the prior one to build on.
