That FORM of Doctrine (Part 5 - Perform)

That FORM of Doctrine (Part 5 - Perform / Adorn)

Start this lesson series at with the Introduction here.

Perform (Adorn) 

Being transformed in the mind, by the ‘form of doctrine’ delivered to us by Paul, brings us to conform to the image of Christ. Conforming to the image of Christ is not passive. One cannot show forth Christ without action. Conforming to Christ is active and dynamic. We perform as He did in behaviour, in operation, in function. We present Christ to the world, we execute His will and judgements, we accomplish the work he works within us. All this is performed by the Word of God living within us. It is the truth of the Word that compels us, influencing our thoughts, our speech, and our actions. In Titus, Paul refers to it descriptively as ‘adorning’ the doctrine.

Tit.2:10  Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Adorn, the Greek word κοσμέω (kosmeo: Gk 2885) in the above verse, means to put in order, arrange, make ready, or prepare. It also means to ornament or adorn. Metaphorically, it can mean to embellish with honour or gain honour. Synonyms can include: Decorate, Embellish, Adorn, Beautify, Garnish. 

What a beautiful picture this creates. What you are doing is embellishing the principles of our doctrine with actions and behaviours that glorify and revere it. Isn’t this what our lives should show forth. Isn’t this what God desires of us. Remember, it is the Word of God that works within us. These actions are not our own works. They are produced within us like fruit that grows on a tree. The Word is planted within us through our reception of it. It is watered over time and God makes it grow. When that word is mature enough it will produce the fruit that shows the image of Christ. This is not something we can produce ourselves. It is not a performance that we can enact by our own willpower or strength. It is the Word itself that performs out of us because it is mature within us. The more word that is in us and has transformed us, the more fruit is evident in us. It comes by the nature that overwhelms our mind and heart.

Rom.8:5-6  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  (6)  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom.8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  (9)  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. …  (14)  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

In conclusion I want to draw your attention back to the standout feature of this developing process in a believer. We cannot have the word perform out of us by the work of God if we are not receiving the Word of God into us. Nothing will happen if we ignore God’s word. Nothing! If you truly believe that God’s Word was given to minister life to you, then you’d be IN it as much as possible! Col.3:16.

Mat.4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Joh.6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Rom.1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. …. Rom.10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2Ti.1:13  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1Th.1:3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

We cannot bypass God’s word and think we can do something good. The performance that God wants from us is not something we can do. We cannot please God.

Rom.8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

It is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, Php.2:13. This work is the outflow of the word working within you, influencing you, compelling you, if the word is informed in you, and has matured to transform your mind and your life. Amen.