Chapter 28 - Dependent Life

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The practice of religion does not require dependence on God. It doesn’t even require His presence.

Performed independently from God, religious activity is incapable of contributing to the eternal purpose of the New Testament church. Consequently, the religious are generally without purpose. As a result, the eternal mission of the church remains a mystery.

The purpose of the New Testament church is to practice intimate, shared life fellowship with God. The corresponding mission of the New Testament church is to value, cultivate and protect its practice of fellowship with God above all else.

By eternal design, God assembled the New Testament church to cooperate with Him in the fulfillment of its purpose and mission. Relative to Scriptural standard, it requires both the living (zoe) presence of God and faith that He will satisfy His stated purpose and mission. Therefore, the New Testament church must embrace a lifestyle of dependence.

  Perfect Example

The incarnate Christ provided a perfect example for His future body, the New Testament church. By the Spirit, He faithfully emptied Himself of His divine authority and practiced unwavering dependence on His indwelling Father.

  Divine Authority

There are two types of divine authority manifested on earth. “The two basic forms of authority are intrinsic authority (belonging to one's essential nature) and derived authority (given to one from another source). Since ‘there is no authority except from God’ (Romans 13:1), every kind of authority other than that of God Himself is derived and, therefore, secondary to God’s power (John 19:11). God's authority is absolute and unconditional (Psalm 29:10; Isa 40:1). He has authority over nature (Job 38), governments (Daniel 4:17, 34-35), and history (Acts 1:7; 17:24-31); and He has the power to send people to hell (Luke 12:5). Jesus Christ has the same intrinsic authority as the Father … (John 10:25-30).” [1]

Messianic Authority

The incarnate Christ did not live and serve on earth in accord with His own intrinsic authority. Instead, Jesus faithfully emptied Himself of His intrinsic authority and chose to depend on authority derived from His indwelling Father:

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Scripture	Reference
“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”	John 5:19
"I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”	John 5:30
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.	John 6:38
“So Jesus answered them and said, ‘My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.’”	John 7:16
So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."	John 8:28-29
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.	John 8:42
“For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”	John 12:49
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.”	John 14:10-11
"He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.	John 14:24

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In order to live on earth in submission to derived authority, Jesus walked by dependence on the indwelling Spirit of God:

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Scripture	Reference
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him”	Matthew 3:16 (cf. Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32)
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”	Matthew 4:1 (Luke 4:1)
“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”	Matthew 12:28
“And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.”	Luke 4:14
“…until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.”	Acts 1:2
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power”	Acts 10:38

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The incarnate Christ did not live in accordance with the will of the heavenly Father by effort of human flesh. Instead, He consistently yielded to the authority of His indwelling Father by the Spirit through means of dependent faith. Therefore, His words and deeds always honored and pointed to His heavenly Father. It provided a perfect example for the future church.

Derived Authority

By the Spirit, the incarnate Christ emptied Himself of His own initiative and authority. The Apostle Paul clarified to the ecclesia in ancient Philippi, “…although He existed in the form of God, [Christ Jesus] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

According to the Apostle Paul, the incarnate Christ “existed in the form of God.” (Philippians 2:6) The Greek word translated “form” is morphe. Stressing “the inner essence or reality of that with which it is associated,” it means that Jesus possessed the very nature of God. (cf. Mark 16:12) Thus, Paul plainly communicated that Jesus was God in human flesh.

Nevertheless, Paul revealed that the incarnate Christ did not regard “equality with God a thing to be grasped.” (2:6) The Greek word translated “grasped” is harpagmos (har-pag-mos'). It generally means “held on to forcibly.” Thus, Jesus chose not to hold on to His “equality with God.” (2:6)

Instead, the incarnate Christ “emptied Himself” of His equality with God. (2:7) The Greek word translated into English as “emptied” is kenosis. Consistent with the concept of servanthood, it means “to make empty” or “to make of no reputation.”

The writings of both the Apostle Paul and the New Testament in general clarify that the incarnate Christ “emptied Himself” of His divine authority and took the “form of a bond servant.” (vs. 7) Although His servanthood was by personal choice, Jesus Christ was nonetheless a servant. Generally, servanthood is characterized by a complete lack of personal reputation, position, or authority. Recognized predominantly by the reputation, position, and authority of his master, a good servant is known for submission to his master.

Though within His right and ability, Jesus did not embrace His divine authority. He chose to live on earth as a servant in perfect submission to authority derived from His heavenly Father.

Paul further indicated that Jesus was “made in the likeness of men.” (vs. 7) The Greek word translated “likeness” is homoioma (hom-oy'-o-mah). It is indicative of the fullness of human nature. However, Paul's specific usage of homoima clarifies that He was not exactly like every other human being. Christ differed by His constant obedience to the Father. (cf. vs. 8)

The incarnate Christ not only possessed the fullness of human nature but was fully human in appearance. The Apostle states that Jesus was “found in the appearance of a man.” (vs. 8) The Greek word translated “appearance” is schema. As quoted in Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Meyer says the use of schema indicated that "men saw in Christ a human form, bearing, language, action, mode of life... in general the state and relations of a human being, so that in the entire mode of His appearance He made Himself known and was recognized as a man". Thus, Jesus Christ was fully human in both nature and appearance.

The Apostle Paul reveals that the incarnate Christ, fully human in both nature and appearance, performed the ultimate act of servanthood. He “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” (vs. 8)

Although existing in the form of God, the incarnate Christ:

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Scripture	Reference
“did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”;	vs. 6
“emptied Himself”;	vs. 7
took “the form of a bond-servant”;	vs. 7
was “made in the likeness of men”;	vs. 7
was “found in appearance as a man”;	vs. 8
and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.”	vs. 8

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While on earth, the incarnate Christ emptied Himself of intrinsic authority and lived by the Spirit in faithful submission to authority derived from the heavenly Father. “… Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God (possessing intrinsic authority), did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself (of His intrinsic authority), taking the form of a bond servant (one without authority), and being made in the likeness of men (without intrinsic authority). Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself (taking a position devoid of authority) by becoming obedient to the point of death (the ultimate emptying of oneself) …” (Philippians 2:5-8)

Beyond Philippians

Beyond the kenosis passage from Philippians, the greater context of the New Testament also indicates that the incarnate Christ did not choose to live according to His own authority. The Gospels reveal that when He healed the sick; cast out demons, performed miracles, and suffered death by crucifixion, He did so as a “man under authority”:

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Scripture	Reference
“… the centurion said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, ‘Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.’”	Matthew 8:9; (cf. Luke 7:8)
“But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”	Matthew 9:8
"For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.	John 5:26-27
“Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’”	John 17:1-3
“For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.”	1 Corinthians 3:21-23
“But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.”	1 Corinthians 11:3-4
“I also have received authority from My Father”	Revelation 2:27

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cf. Matthew 7:29; 8:9; Mark 1:22; 1:27; 2:9-11; Luke 4:32; 4:36; 5:24; 7:8; John 10:16-18

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Restored Authority

The post-resurrection authority of Jesus Christ was very different from the derived authority He exercised while on earth. He again exercised the intrinsic authority He possessed before His incarnation:

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Scripture	Reference
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore (on the basis of His intrinsic authority delegated) and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’"	Matthew 28:18-20
“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”	Ephesians 1:19-23
“He is the head over all rule and authority;”	Colossians 2:10

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Real New Testament Church Life

Concordant with the restoration of His intrinsic authority, Jesus Christ fulfilled His promise of “building” the New Testament church on earth. (Matthew 16:18) Its animating life source was predetermined by design. Human life (psuche) was quite obviously incapable of providing animation for the New Testament church. Therefore, the animation of the church could only be accomplished by divine life (zoe):

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Scripture	Reference
"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life (zoe), even so the Son also gives life (zoe) to whom He wishes.	John 5:21-22
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life (zoe) in yourselves’”.	John 6:53
“I came that they may have life (zoe), and have it abundantly.”	John 10:10
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life (zoe); no one comes to the Father but through Me.”	John 14:6
“But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life (zoe) in His name.”	John 20:31
“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life (zoe) through the One, Jesus Christ.”	Romans 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”	2 Corinthians 5:17
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me….”	Galatians 2:20
“… even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive (zoe) together with Christ ”	Ephesians 2:5
“For to me, to live is Christ ….”	Philippians 1:21
“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions”	Colossians 2:13
“… Christ, who is our life (zoe) ...”	Colossians 3:4
“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life (zoe), and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life (zoe); he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life (zoe).”	1 John 5:11-12

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Real New Testament church life (zoe) is not lived by man for God. It is lived by God with man. His indwelling life alone is capable of directing the practice of the church on earth and ensuring the fulfillment of its purpose and mission.

Living together with God, the New Testament church was designed to be animated by divine life (zoe). More specifically, it is animated by the indwelling life (zoe) of Jesus Christ. Consequently, it is not only representative of divine law on earth but also representational of divine life (zoe).

Both representative and representational of God, the real New Testament church was not created to perform dead religious activity for God. Instead, it was graciously privileged to cooperate with Him through faith alone.

Church life lived for God by man is quite different from church life lived by God with man:

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Church life lived for God by man:	Church life lived by God with man:
Life source: psuche	Life source: zoe
Produced on earth for God.	Produced from heaven by God.
Earthly life (psuche) attempting to direct divine life (zoe).	Divine life (zoe) directing earthly life (psuche).
Religious organization animated by human beings for God.	Living organism quickened by the indwelling life of God in human beings.
Complex organizational structure.	Simple organic structure.
Organizational growth derived from human life (psuche).	Organic growth intrinsic to divine life (zoe).
Human headship.	Divine headship.
Independent assembly.	Dependent assembly.
Rule of law (law of sin and of death).	Rule of life (zoe) (law of the Spirit of life (zoe) in Christ Jesus).
Performance for God.	Fellowship with God.
Fear.	Faith.

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Dependent Life

The incarnate Christ did not work for His heavenly Father as an employee. Instead, He lived His life on earth as a son, a privileged family member.

Living as a son, Jesus provided a perfect example of living the Christian life (zoe). He chose to empty Himself of His own authority and live in unwavering submission to the authority of His indwelling Father. (cf. Matthew 4:1; 12:28; Luke 4:1)

By His indwelling life (zoe), the real New Testament church was designed to follow the example of Christ. Therefore, it is a continual necessity for it to live dependently on His indwelling life (zoe). The dependent life is fulfilled by grace through faith alone.

Privileged Choice

Concordant with its heavenly life (zoe) source on earth, the New Testament church is presented with a privileged choice. It must choose to live according to law or life (zoe).

The church can remain under the rule of law (“the law of sin and of death”) and work for God as an employee or hireling. However, attempting to work for God as an employee is not only contrary to the will of God but demanding. Never fulfilled, it is an exhausting treadmill of endless performance that is eternally insignificant. Working for God under the rule of law is a choice that led the Apostle Paul to respond, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)

Conversely, the New Testament church can choose life (zoe) and therefore, live in dependent cooperation with the indwelling life (zoe) of God. As a result, it has the privilege to rest in the gracious, immediate presence of God as His beloved children. Paul’s realization of this amazing truth motivated him to proclaim, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)

Childlike rest in God's unconditional plan and provision is fulfilled through dependent faith alone. Historically, when the New Testament church has chosen to dependently rest in Christ and cooperate with Him by grace through faith alone God has mightily blessed it. He has demonstrated that He will not only provide but also perform every work necessary to fulfill its purpose and mission on earth.

© 2022 James Hiatt

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