What is God's Economy?

[OBW]

Originally Posted by JJ

God’s Economy: The House Law of The House of The Living God and how one should conduct himself in it (words copied from 1 Timothy, Berean Literal Bible)

First, is this some version of the scripture, or is it a section heading?

In any case, it is good stuff. But I have this problem with phrasing it in that "house law" way because it then suggests that it is something needing to be ferreted-out. Something that needs to be defined. However, it is actually nowhere defined. Instead, it is stated as being "by faith," not "by careful following of a set of rules." But that is how Lee treated it. "God's economy" became a rule that could rewrite scripture to mean something it did not say, or even insist that certain parts should be ignored or used as an example of a violation of "God's economy."

But God's economy is the sum total of what arises from those who have been taught properly. It is seen in the actions of the church as a group in providing aid — both spiritual and physical — to the people both near and far in the form of shelters, aid, missionaries, urgent labor for disasters, and healthy teaching for righteous living. It is seen in the actions of individual Christians as they act responsibly and righteously in everything that they undertake in all aspects of their living.

And how does this happen? Through healthy teaching that encourages right/Christ-like living. That doesn't presume that there is some unmet need for more of something before stepping out in faith to do the righteous thing — or at least try even if you come up short.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by OBW

In any case, it is good stuff. But I have this problem with phrasing it in that "house law" way because it then suggests that it is something needing to be ferreted-out. Something that needs to be defined. However, it is actually nowhere defined. Instead, it is stated as being "by faith," not "by careful following of a set of rules." But that is how Lee treated it. "God's economy" became a rule that could rewrite scripture to mean something it did not say, or even insist that certain parts should be ignored or used as an example of a violation of "God's economy."

To me "house law" is just the order of things God establishes to make sure all those in His house receive the care they need. The picture of the loving father - mother - children household works for me, as the structure is all in place for the riches to flow to everyone in the house. In this structure, all works well for that purpose.

To contrast that, if things aren't orderly in a household, then things don't flow well. For instance, if the father is absent or irresponsible, or the mother isn't faithful or vindictive, or the children are rebellious - then things don't flow nearly as well. But if the ordained administration is well in place (house-law), then the members of the household grow and develop properly, getting the love, nourishment, care and even discipline they need.

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

To me "house law" is just the order of things God establishes to make sure all those in His house receive the care they need. The picture of the loving father - mother - children household works for me, as the structure is all in place for the riches to flow to everyone in the house. In this structure, all works well for that purpose

But that view is restrictive. It only deals with how the riches of the estate are distributed to those who live there. God's economy encompasses so much more than the doling out of clothing and food (spiritual or otherwise). It is everything that s Christ-follower does in his life. It is the way that we live our lives, not just some dispensing that we need more of so that we can.

The picture of the "care we need" is short of the whole of any complete administration. This picture of God's economy would be like rewriting Matthew 5 to say things like "blessed are they that eat the food on the table; blessed are they who hunger and thirst for what is dispensed" and so on. No righteousness required. No need to hunger and thirst for that. It will just happen once you get enough food from the table. I fear that this kind of nonsensical teaching is reasonably included in the warnings later in Matt 5 where those who teach the reduction of the "rules" are the least.

Maybe that kind of teaching is an example of wood, hay, and stubble.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by OBW

But that view is restrictive. It only deals with how the riches of the estate are distributed to those who live there. God's economy encompasses so much more than the doling out of clothing and food (spiritual or otherwise). It is everything that s Christ-follower does in his life. It is the way that we live our lives, not just some dispensing that we need more of so that we can.

The picture of the "care we need" is short of the whole of any complete administration. This picture of God's economy would be like rewriting Matthew 5 to say things like "blessed are they that eat the food on the table; blessed are they who hunger and thirst for what is dispensed" and so on. No righteousness required. No need to hunger and thirst for that. It will just happen once you get enough food from the table. I fear that this kind of nonsensical teaching is reasonably included in the warnings later in Matt 5 where those who teach the reduction of the "rules" are the least.

Maybe that kind of teaching is an example of wood, hay, and stubble.

Huh!? You had me until that last sentence . . .

So I think what you were saying (up until the last sentence) is that there is more than just receiving the riches in the house, right? And I think I agree. That is, the supplying that goes on in the household provides the base and strength to go out and supply others - is that what yer saying?

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Huh!? You had me until that last sentence . . .

So I think what you were saying (up until the last sentence) is that there is more than just receiving the riches in the house, right? And I think I agree. That is, the supplying that goes on in the household provides the base and strength to go out and supply others - is that what yer saying?

Sort of — in part. But I'm not sure that I am actually saying what you think.

I am saying that the supply in the house is just part of the whole of what is God's economy. We surely need a supply. But the economy/administration of God is far beyond supplying spiritual food so that other things can happen. It is also the outworking of all those other things. From teaching in meetings, to praise and worship of God, to living righteously in everything we are and do, to caring for the poor, oppressed, and alien. It is everything that we do as the intentional followers of Christ in bearing his image.

So thinking of God's economy in terms of a household administration of its riches within the context of those who live there is, at best, only part of the whole that should be understood as God's economy. The household administration part is sort of like declaring that breakfast, lunch, and dinner is the sum total of our interaction with "God's economy" and that everything else — work, shopping, driving, resting, etc. — is something else. Instead, assuming that we are living and walking according to the Spirit (with our minds set on the Spirit to Use the terminology in Rom 8), then all of our living is part of God's economy. And having people qualified to better open the Word to us is part of God's economy. And sending evangelists/missionaries out to continue the spread of the Word is part of God's economy. And living like people who actually reflect the righteous God on this earth in everything we do is part of God's economy, in both the "spiritual" and "secular" things that we do. In fact, many say that for the Christian there is no such thing as a spiritual/secular divide, but everything is spiritual since it should flow out of our desire for, and obedience to Christ and everything he is doing on the earth in all things (not just preaching the gospel).

And if we don't live/walk according to the Spirit, then we are not, at that moment, participating in God's economy. Doesn't matter how much scripture you read in the morning, if you don't live it, then there is a failure. Doesn't matter how much enjoyment we get in some meeting.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by OBW

Sort of — in part. But I'm not sure that I am actually saying what you think.

I am saying that the supply in the house is just part of the whole of what is God's economy. We surely need a supply. But the economy/administration of God is far beyond supplying spiritual food so that other things can happen. It is also the outworking of all those other things. From teaching in meetings, to praise and worship of God, to living righteously in everything we are and do, to caring for the poor, oppressed, and alien. It is everything that we do as the intentional followers of Christ in bearing his image.

So thinking of God's economy in terms of a household administration of its riches within the context of those who live there is, at best, only part of the whole that should be understood as God's economy. The household administration part is sort of like declaring that breakfast, lunch, and dinner is the sum total of our interaction with "God's economy" and that everything else — work, shopping, driving, resting, etc. — is something else. Instead, assuming that we are living and walking according to the Spirit (with our minds set on the Spirit to Use the terminology in Rom 8), then all of our living is part of God's economy. And having people qualified to better open the Word to us is part of God's economy. And sending evangelists/missionaries out to continue the spread of the Word is part of God's economy. And living like people who actually reflect the righteous God on this earth in everything we do is part of God's economy, in both the "spiritual" and "secular" things that we do. In fact, many say that for the Christian there is no such thing as a spiritual/secular divide, but everything is spiritual since it should flow out of our desire for, and obedience to Christ and everything he is doing on the earth in all things (not just preaching the gospel).

And if we don't live/walk according to the Spirit, then we are not, at that moment, participating in God's economy. Doesn't matter how much scripture you read in the morning, if you don't live it, then there is a failure. Doesn't matter how much enjoyment we get in some meeting.

Gotcha - and I think we really are saying the same thing. I don't mean to say His economy only has to do specifically with His house (the church). But because of the riches of what He's brought us into, we are all enabled by Him to do His work, no matter what or where that might be.

It's like the riches in my household. Because I receive all that I need here (love, food, security, safety, shelter, etc.) I am in a good place to go out and help others.

Are we all copestetic here?

[JJ]

Originally Posted by OBW

First, is this some version of the scripture, or is it a section heading?

In any case, it is good stuff. But I have this problem with phrasing it in that "house law" way because it then suggests that it is something needing to be ferreted-out. Something that needs to be defined. However, it is actually nowhere defined. Instead, it is stated as being "by faith," not "by careful following of a set of rules." But that is how Lee treated it. "God's economy" became a rule that could rewrite scripture to mean something it did not say, or even insist that certain parts should be ignored or used as an example of a violation of "God's economy."

But God's economy is the sum total of what arises from those who have been taught properly. It is seen in the actions of the church as a group in providing aid — both spiritual and physical — to the people both near and far in the form of shelters, aid, missionaries, urgent labor for disasters, and healthy teaching for righteous living. It is seen in the actions of individual Christians as they act responsibly and righteously in everything that they undertake in all aspects of their living.

And how does this happen? Through healthy teaching that encourages right/Christ-like living. That doesn't presume that there is some unmet need for more of something before stepping out in faith to do the righteous thing — or at least try even if you come up short.

Good question re header. I wrote the header and the rest was taken verbatim from the contents of 1 Timothy (Berean Literal Bible with a few tense changes, as some things written as present sense are to us now past tense).

House law is the literal translation of the Greek word sometimes translated economy. Since Paul said his purpose in writing to Timothy was so he would know how one should.conduct oneself in the house of God , and God’s house law is a term Paul used in it... rather than look elsewhere in the Bible for a definition like I did in my previous posts just look at this book itself and follow what it says for clues to its meaning. Thus the long post (my apologies).

Great comments! That leads me to wonder if Paul’s second book to Timothy and/or to Titus where the terms healthy words and healthy teaching relate to what you are saying.

[aron]

There are two rich men portrayed in the gospels. One refuses to aid the beggar laying at his gate. That rich man ends in torment in Hades. Another rich man told Jesus, "See, the half of what I own, I give away to the poor" and Jesus replied that the kingdom had come to his domicile.

Now, who among us is rich? I hardly qualify. But each one has something. It could be time, attention, prayer, a kind word, or some thoughtful gesture. Holding a door for an older person, smiling and saying "Good day".

I love the story of the bread and fish. The disciples were troubled at their poverty, their lack. "What are these, among so many?" ~John 6:9 But Jesus had the people sit down in orderly groups, and blessed and thanked the Father, and broke the bread, and gave it away. Now, what do you suppose the one who got the bread did? Sat down and started "masticating God" selfishly? No, he broke it and gave it away. Every good gift needs to be broken (spiritually) and passed out to the ones around. If you have bread, and your neighbour is empty, you are the rich man. What will you do? That is what "God's economy" asks. Do you really love your neighbour as yourself, or is it just lip service?

Seen in this light, James 2:16 doesn't look like the "low gospel" at all, but rather "the high peak of the divine revelation" and "the central lane of God's New Testament economy", to use LC terms.

[OBW]

Originally Posted by JJ

House law is the literal translation of the Greek word sometimes translated economy. Since Paul said his purpose in writing to Timothy was so he would know how one should conduct oneself in the house of God . . . .

I would not presume that just because Paul was talking about the house of God that the term should be understood in its most primitive form. There are many words that may have origins in separate terms spliced together that over time almost never mean what the original terms meant.

If we go back to find what kinds of teachings that might be included in the collection that Paul referred to as resulting in God's economy, I think we should consider what it was that Jesus commanded the disciples to preach/teach. It is found in the typically ignored part of the so-called great commission where he said to "teach them to obey all that I have commanded." If you look back at the breadth of His teachings over the prior 3+ years, there is much that goes way beyond what would be distilled down to a household administration. Surely that is included in there, but there is so much more.

And that is the point. It is not "simply" anything. It is always so much more. It is clearly not some straight jacket by which to restrict the content of teachings, but the descriptor of the tremendous diversity of what the combination of all the healthy teachings produce. While it may seem that this is much more than how we ought to conduct ourselves in the house of God, I would disagree. If you do not see the fullness of what God is doing, you can't properly realize the fullness of the God in whose house you are coming to worship and fellowship.

As for Paul's other letters, I was struck by a particular phrase in the letter to Titus in which Paul said that grace teaches us to obey. And for those who think of grace as some unmerited favor, and the thing that keeps us from needing to do works, it would seem that it also directs us on how to obey (i.e., do works). And if we are not obeying (doing) then we are not really experiencing what grace provides. I'm pretty sure that taking your spiritual temperature and determining that you do not yet have enough (whatever — dispensing, grace, time in the faith, etc.) to do the obedient thing is to reject the call of Paul to walk in (set your mind on) the Spirit. To reject Peter's word when he said we have all we need. To reject that Jesus is the way — not just to some future reward, but to live the life abundant right now.

[OBW]

I first wondered how to consider aron's most recent post "on topic." Then I realized that without ever saying the words, it is a prime example of God's economy. It is the result of healthy teachings. In this case, the most basic teaching of loving your neighbor as yourself. We could flood this thread with examples of obediently living out the various teachings of Christ and we would see, over and over, total love for God and equally total love for mankind (OK, humankind for those who are stuck on the gender-neutral bandwagon).

And why do I say for all people rather than just our neighbor? Because we live in an age in which the world is our neighbor in some sense. We may not actually walk by them on the road, but we still see them, whether on the evening news or as we travel around wherever we live or roam. Otherwise, the Samaritan would have had just cause to ignore the battered man on the side of the road because he wasn't his neighbor, but some Jew's neighbor.

[aron]

Originally Posted by OBW

I first wondered how to consider aron's most recent post "on topic." Then I realized that without ever saying the words, it is a prime example of God's economy. It is the result of healthy teachings. In this case, the most basic teaching of loving your neighbor as yourself. We could flood this thread with examples of obediently living out the various teachings of Christ and we would see, over and over, total love for God and equally total love for mankind (OK, humankind for those who are stuck on the gender-neutral bandwagon).

And why do I say for all people rather than just our neighbor? Because we live in an age in which the world is our neighbor in some sense. We may not actually walk by them on the road, but we still see them, whether on the evening news or as we travel around wherever we live or roam. Otherwise, the Samaritan would have had just cause to ignore the battered man on the side of the road because he wasn't his neighbor, but some Jew's neighbor.

Yes, this is why the book of Acts suddenly looms so large in my consciousness, because it isn't about the details of what they taught, so much, as the details of what they did. They taught the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, they taught that Gentiles didn't have to keep the law, but confess and be baptized. But what they did was lay their treasures at Peter's feet, and what he did was give it all away to those who had nothing to give back, save gratitude. Again, the tears of the widows when Dorcas died tells me more than reams of doctrine. And Peter saying, "Silver and gold I have none" after people had put their life savings on the ground in front of him tells me so much.

All of the teachings lead to the behaviours we see in Acts. Or they should. Peter taught the rapt Gentiles in Cornelius' house that Jesus went around doing good (10:38), and everything I see in Acts is consistent with conscious and deliberate attempts to follow the clear model that Jesus had left them.

[OBW]

It is, after all, the ACTS of the Apostles, not the Teachings of the Apostles.

[aron]

Originally Posted by OBW

It is, after all, the ACTS of the Apostles, not the Teachings of the Apostles.

And are we to surmise that the acts (activities, actions, doings) of the apostles are fundamentally different than the disciples' actions which are caused by healthy teachings and are encapsulated in the terms "God's economy" in the RecV? I don't suppose so, and wonder why anyone else would. After all, the Acts of the Apostles follow close upon the gospels, both in time and spirit. And this was the same gospel that Paul was exporting to the non-Jews. The "right hand of fellowship" phrase in Gal 2 makes this plain to his intended readers.

For more corroboration from his epistles, we have the two chapters in 2 Cor on how Jesus became poor that they (the gentiles) might be rich (8:9). Should they not also be inspired to follow? Okay, then: "Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem." ~1 Cor 16:1-3

We also have Paul's eager assent to the Jerusalem apostles to "remember the poor" (Gal 2:10) in his outreach to the nations, we have Roman's 15:22-29 telling them of the contributions of Macedonia and Achaea for the poor of Jerusalem.

Now, this collection and distribution may not constitute the sum total of "God's economy" but it lines up well with the overall theme. Give to those who can't repay you, and your reward will be great in heaven. Giving takes many forms, which forms fill the NT, and which satisfy the original mandate. "Love is the end (apotheosis, or culmination) of the law"