Knowing Verses Applying Grace Doctrine

Rightly dividing saints often understand the basics of grace doctrines. However, to
progress in the walk of faith, do we know the outworking of them in life situations? For
example, when an old friend or your 21-year-old daughter engages in ungodly
behaviors, how do you apply verses in grace? “But now I have written unto you not to
keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an
idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (I
Cor 5:11) How do you yield to a carnal husband: Always submit to him? “Therefore as
the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every
thing.” (Eph. 5:24) Having a spiritual mentor-friend can be helpful to navigate difficulties
to glorify God. Mistakes are inevitable… view them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Confronting or separating from those who live contrary to sound doctrine is not usually
the first course of action. Grace would teach us how to deal with weak or carnal saints:
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1)
He instructs us to avoid hurtful arguments and not to “despise” or “judge,” (vs. 3), but
encourage and edify. Many have strongholds, gaps in understanding, or a lack of
understanding of the fundamentals. Slamming them with Biblical truth, condemnation,
or dumping a load of doctrine, even though based on sound, rightly dividing insights (II
Tim. 2:15), might not be the most gracious way to respond. Take a moment to mull this
over. Consideration of many variables is needful: i.e. know where they are spiritually: a
babe, built up, open, or divisive? Plan to share insights in a private way, rather than in a
public situation. Paul became what others needed him to be when he ministered: “For
though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself a servant unto all, that I might
gain the more…To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made
all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I Cor. 9:19,22)

So then, come alongside where a saint is functioning to minister, teaching to where they
are in spiritual maturity, manifesting good timing, long suffering, and kindness. We have
great opportunity to speak “the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) If we judge, pressure, shame
them to change, or overwhelm them with too much doctrine to digest, is this grace? Are
we serving self by ‘giving it all to them’ as a checklist item? Sometimes less is better i.e.
Help the believer study and understand even just one relevant verse to think about, so
the Word is the authority and can teach, convince, and correct. Saints are to change
their view because the Word convicts them, not because they fear what ‘we’ or a person
thinks. We’re not to judge, but gently teach, realizing whatever they do is to be unto
God: “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the
Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Rom. 14: 8) We will all stand
before God to give an account of our works of faith at the “Judgment Seat.” (vs. 10)

Think on This: We can learn to minister grace and patiently teach, encouraging them to read, study and meditate on the Word to grow in knowledge and understanding for application. This process can take time… sometimes, a very long time. Patient endurance for dear brothers or sisters is needed, and a fruit of the Spirit. It is like the longsuffering we desire from others when we learn something new, struggle, or are hurt. Can we slow down to walk with them?