A nation’s status is determined by the standard of living of its people. There could be several parameters, including the GDP. How could the health of a local church, a denomination, or a local Christian community be determined? Paul gives us an insight: “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18)
Standards: God is not the author of chaos, but of order and discipline. (I Corinthians 14:33) Paul exhorts and challenges the believers in the city of Rome to live by the commitment that they made to enhance, in accordance with the standards of teaching.
Apostle’s teaching: On the Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized and became disciples of the Lord. Luke records that they were steadfast in the Apostle’s teaching. (Acts 2:42)
Great Commission: The Lord, who rose from the dead, appeared to the disciples. He has authority over all in Heaven and Earth. He commissioned the disciples to go and make disciples. The new disciples should be taught what the Lord taught the Apostles. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Trained and shaped: The Apostles lived with the Lord Jesus Christ, who taught, trained, and mentored them. They heard him speak, modelling the ministry, delegating responsibilities, training them, and answering the critics. It was informal, formal, and nonformal education.
Truth to be taught: The Lord taught the disciples about God the Father, His attributes, including love, holiness, righteousness, and judgment. All humans are sinners, and there is a need for atonement, which He willingly took upon Himself, so that he was crucified, bled, died, buried, and rose on the third day. The Lord taught them about the Holy Spirit, they witnessed his ascension, and he will come again. These are not just theories or formulas or philosophies, but truth, life-changing truth that sets a person free from sin, curse, worldly passions, slavery of Satan, and death.
Is my life according to the standard of teaching of the Lord?