SPIRITUAL LIVING Dr. Don Kinder Seoul, KOREA Seoul Bible Institute

What does “spiritual” mean? -“Life lived according to the Spirit” -“Life lived with the Spirit, by the Spirit”

Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been people who have tried to re-connect with the Spirit of God, to live more spiritual lives.

SECOND CENTURY 1. Ebionites (“poor ones”), Jewish-Christian heresy - felt called to live a more ascetic life 2. The martyrs - dying for Jesus was the quickest way to heaven 3.Montanists/ Marcionites / many Gnostics - real Christian does not have sex

FOURTH CENTURY Began the period of “monasticism” Under Constantine, the church became legal, and so more and more people were coming into the church. SO, some thought the best way to live a more spiritual life, was to live in isolation. A huge exodus of people moving to the desert, away from the cities. A time of peace might be a curse.

ORIGIN OF MONASTICISM Began even before Constantine Had roots in the church, and outside the church. Paul had said that it was better not to marry (1 Cor. 7) Jesus said that in heaven, no marriages. Council of Elvira – told clergy not to have sex with their wives

DOUBLE STANDARD IN THE CHURCH High road and the low road. “If you would be perfect, sell what you have…” – Jesus said. Cyprian of Carthage – said that in the sower parable: the one who brings 60 fold is virgin, celibate; 100 fold is the martyrs When persecution is over, what do you do with the excess zeal?

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES Classical philosophy: body is the prison of the soul To really be free, one must overcome the body Ex. STOICS – passions were the enemy of wisdom Pagan religions had their celibate priests, sacred virgins, eunuchs Shouldn’t we Christians at least do as good or better than they?

FIRST MONKS – THE DESERT “monachos” – solitary, alone “Anchorite” – solitary monk Why the desert? THE FIRST – PAUL and ANTHONY “The Father of Monasticism”

PAUL (from Jerome) In mid-3 rd century, Paul flees persecution, goes to desert Stays there – 100 years Only visitors were animals and an old monk, Anthony

ANTHONY (from Athanasius) Born into wealthy family near Nile River One day in church, hears the text of the rich young ruler. Gave his property to the poor MOTIVATION – not to take care of poor people, but to get rid of incumbrances

ANTHONY (continued) Spent first years in desert, learning from an old man. Missed city life. Tried tougher discipline to be spiritual. Decides to go live by himself. Goes to live in old tomb. Had visions of fighting demons. At age 35, has vision, moves farther away from people. Other monks coming to him.

When Constantine comes to power: This hermit lifestyle already popular. One desert visitor said, “These Egyptians deserts are becoming more populated than the city.” One part of Egypt : 20,000 women 10,000 men leading monastic life

What was the spiritual life of the monk ? Very simple life - Planted a garden - Some earned money making baskets from reeds - While weaving baskets, they would pray, recite scripture, memorize - Simple food: bread, fruit, vegetables - Most had no books - Teach each other

COMMUNAL monasticism Desire to learn from another. Hard to live by one’s self. In these communities, used word “monks” Now – “alone” meant “away from the world.” “CENOBITIC” (communal life)

PACHOMIUS Not the founder, but an early organizer Born AD 286 in small village in Egypt In the army some Christians try to encourage him He decided to devote his life to serving others Goes to the desert, asks an old anchorite monk to teach him (314 AD)

PACHOMIUS (cont.) An angel tells him to serve mankind. “No, I am out here to serve God, not people.” Then he remembers his first promise. With his brother, build a large place for monks to live together Makes the rules very strict.

THE RULES Give up everything Promise absolute obedience to superiors Everyone must work with hands BASIC RULE: Mutual service These communities grew quickly.

THE MONASTERIES A wall around it, with one entrance Inside – several buildings: - church, eating hall, meeting hall, dormitories (20 people each) - building for gatekeeper Life inside the walls was not as rough as anchorite monk.

HOW TO JOIN: Appear at the gate. Spend several days at the gatekeeper’s house. Then appear before whole group, staying in a special place until they decide where you belong. Interesting that many who came to the gates were not even Christians yet.

JEROME (345 – 419 AD) Not famous for preaching or holiness. Famous for his endless struggles in trying to be spiritual, and for Latin Vulgate. Born in N. Italy, and baptized when 19 years old. Studied philosophy in Rome. Very obsessed with sex. Tried to live as a monk. Tried to punish his body. Finally gave up trying to be a monk.

MARTIN of Tours (b. 335 AD) Born in Hungary. Father was pagan soldier. At early age, wants to be a Christian. Joins “catechumens” but father sends him to the military. Gave his cape to a cold beggar. In a dream, Jesus says, “Insomuch as you did it to the least of my brothers, you did it to me.”

Word “CHAPEL” A little church that kept a small piece of his cape – “capella” Those who served there – “chaplains” “A capella” – according to the church. Came to mean – “to sing without instruments” (as they did in the church)

MARTIN (cont.) He is baptized and leaves the army Came to live outside Tours, and devotes himself to monastic life. Became famous; so when the bishop dies, people want Martin to be bishop Psalm 8:2, “ From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

MARTIN (cont.) Becomes bishop of Tours But does not want to give up his life as a monk. So they build a small cell (for a monk) next to the huge cathedral. He finally moves to the edge of the city So this becomes the spiritual style for the bishops (live like monks)

BENEDICT of NURSA ( ) - His Life - does not like Rome, goes to live in a cave - self-mortification - becomes famous - Builds a monastery

BENEDICT of NURSA ( ) -His “RULE” - used moderation and common sense - thought anyone could be spiritual -Should live together in community -Obedience, poverty, chastity -Abbot would be chosen from group -God’s work is prayer

BENEDICTINE LIFE -A Community of men -Everyday pattern of work -Life focused around Common Prayer -Copied and prepared books -Discipline, but not harshness 1.Permanence 2.Obedience

RISE OF “ELITE” CHRISTIANITY Two groups of Christians -Clergy (higher) -Laity (lower) Christians who want to be really spiritual should seek the higher way. Became the view until the Reformation. Athletic and Ascetic.

Is anything wrong with monasteries? So many leaders have tried to help others become more spiritual. -Francis of Assisi -Peter Waldo -Count Zinzendorf and Moravians -John and Charles Wesley

“FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS” (Hebrews 12:2) “REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST” (2 Timothy 2:8) SPIRITUAL LIVING IS FIXING ONE’S EYES ON JESUS”

How many of your church members do you consider as the spiritual Christians? - Usually less than 10% Do we assume they understand what “fixing their eyes on Jesus” means?

SPIRITUAL LIVING is: -Having the Spirit -Having Jesus (Romans 8, Paul equates the two)

Is there such a thing as a “spiritual Christian”? Is there such a thing as a “mission-minded” church? Is there such a thing as a “breathing” human?

Paul tells the Ephesians to be “filled” with the Spirit. “full of” - no room for anything else SPIRITUAL LIVING is OPENING UP ONE’S WHOLE HOUSE TO GOD