What Oil Are You Burning?

What Oil Are You Burning?

The Festival of Light and the Right Fuel

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship begins by drawing a parallel between the celebration of Hanukkah, the festival of dedication and light, and the spiritual lives of believers. The central question posed is, "What oil are you burning?" This metaphor explores the idea that just as the menorah in the holy temple needed pure oil to shine its light, believers need the right spiritual "fuel" to effectively be the light of the world. The speaker, likely Matthew Vander Els, emphasizes that while many things can fuel our actions and words, only the "right oil" will produce the intended light.

The teaching highlights the scriptural significance of light, noting that Jesus (Yeshua) is described as the light of the world. Furthermore, believers are also called to be light, likened to a lamp on a stand or a city on a hill, their light shining before others. The crucial question then becomes, how do we know if we are shining the right light? The answer, according to the teaching, is evident in the results: when our good works lead others to glorify God, we are burning the right oil. Conversely, if our actions and words do not produce this result, it suggests we may be using the wrong fuel.

The Importance of Pure Oil and the Dangers of Impure Fuel

The analogy of the menorah is further explained by emphasizing the need for pure, good oil. Just as bad oil in a lamp would produce a weak, smoky, or messy flame, using the wrong spiritual fuel will hinder our ability to shine the light of Messiah effectively. The teaching encourages self-reflection, urging listeners to examine what is fueling their words, actions, attitudes, and thoughts. If these things lead to people being driven away, especially when believers are meant to be ambassadors of the King of Kings, it necessitates a serious evaluation of the "oil" being used.

The message then delves into examples of "bad oil," drawing from scripture. Paul's writings in Ephesians are cited, urging believers to be imitators of God, walking in love and avoiding sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. Furthermore, "filthiness, nor foolish talk, nor crude joking" are identified as being out of place for believers, with thanksgiving, rejoicing, and gratitude being the appropriate responses.

The concept of "foolish talk" is explored further, referencing Thayer's lexicon which defines it as silly talk, foolish talk, and buffoonery. Buffoonery is described as amusing others through tricks, jokes, odd gestures, or coarse and undignified joking, often involving mocking and putting others down. Rabbi Steve Berkson's insight is mentioned, suggesting that the root of such behavior in the Greek is boasting, where individuals use arrogant joking and mockery to elevate themselves at the expense of others.

Peter's warnings in 2 Peter about supposed believers and leaders in the early church are also highlighted. These individuals are described as mouthing empty, boastful words, appealing to fleshly desires, and enticing new believers with promises of freedom while being slaves to their own depravity. Their speech is fueled by arrogance, a sense of superiority ("I know a lot, I got this, I'm the best"), and a tendency to look down on others.

Jude's description of grumblers and faultfinders is also referenced as an example of negative behavior stemming from the wrong "oil." Grumblers are always negative, while faultfinders constantly blame and criticize others, often with a self-righteous attitude ("You're doing that wrong," "You're not as good as me"). They boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

The True Light: Love Above All Else

The teaching emphasizes that the true light believers are meant to shine is characterized by love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Even if someone possesses great spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, understanding mysteries, having knowledge, or immense faith, without love, these are worthless. Similarly, giving generously or even sacrificing one's body without love gains nothing. The example of Paul's suffering and continued love and prayer for others is presented as a model of the right light.

Navigating Differing Beliefs with Love and Humility

The message then addresses the contemporary issue of how believers should interact with those who celebrate Christmas, a holiday not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. It critiques the attitude of some who have become overly critical and judgmental, even hateful, towards those who observe Christmas. The speaker argues that such un-Christlike behavior embarrasses the kingdom of God. Making arrogant comments, looking down on family members, and zealously ripping apart relationships in the name of God are condemned as "foolish talk."

The teaching points out the historical context of Christmas, noting its later origins and evolution, including a period when it was quite different from modern celebrations. The increasing commercialization of the holiday, influenced by American culture globally, is also mentioned.

Being Ambassadors of Christ: Love and Invitation

The core message is to imitate Yeshua and burn the oil that he burned. To illustrate this, Mark 2:15 is referenced, describing how Jesus reclined at the table with tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors in that era were considered traitors, yet Jesus chose to be in their company, being a light to them. This example challenges the judgmental attitude towards those who celebrate Christmas. Is associating with people who celebrate Christmas worse than Jesus sitting with traitors and sinners? The teaching urges a focus on living a life that imitates Christ and Yeshua, being an ambassador of the Messiah.

Believers are ambassadors of Christ, and God makes his appeal through them. When people see a believer, they should see Yeshua. The way believers speak and act should reflect the King of Kings. If believers act like "jerks," they misrepresent the Messiah. Instead of condemnation, the approach should be one of love, mercy, justice, and righteousness, inviting people into the greatness of our King.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your motivations, words, and actions. What "oil" is fueling them? Do they lead to God being glorified?
• Guard Your Speech: Avoid foolish talk, crude joking, boasting, and faultfinding. Instead, cultivate thanksgiving, rejoicing, and gratitude.
• Prioritize Love: Let love be the guiding principle in all your interactions, even above spiritual knowledge or gifts.
• Show Grace to Those with Different Beliefs: Approach those who hold different beliefs with humility and understanding, remembering your own journey of learning. Avoid judgment and condemnation.
• Be an Ambassador of Christ: Represent Jesus through your words, actions, and attitudes. Let people see the love and mercy of the King of Kings through you.
• Focus on Invitation, Not Conviction: Your role is to be a witness to the truth and extend an invitation to God's kingdom, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of conviction.
• Build Relationships: Instead of isolating or criticizing those with different beliefs, build relationships and be a source of support when they are ready to learn more.

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