If a pagan firefighter runs into a burning building and saves a child, are his actions sinful?
Peter in a very noble sounding way, wanted to save Jesus' life.
He was chewed out by Jesus, who called Peter,
"Satan."
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples
that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the
hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the
law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised
to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!”
he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a
stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God,
but merely human concerns.” Mat 16:21-23
It all depends on what God's will is. Are we capable of knowing it when His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts not ours?
Our only safe bet? Grow in grace and knowledge and LEARN how to stay filled with the Spirit. As the Spirit leads will not be our way, nor our thoughts. But, in the process should become our ways and thoughts as we mature. Our life must come from a mind that has been transformed by truth and grace. Otherwise? We remain stupid in many ways to the ways of God.
I just remembered a time when a student attending the Bible college I went to was upset because he was told he can not remain. I was a very young and sincere believer at that time in my life. I was filled with what I saw as compassion and love for this person. So,I prayed fervently That God would keep this student able to attend.
And? It happened. He was permitted to stay.
He soon became a disciplinary problem and disrupted the peace on campus. But? I was so filled with loving human feelings and concern!
I had a big lesson to learn about mere feelings that are not under the observation and guidance of God's truth. I see too much of that with Christians that have one foot in their old "nice" selves, and the kind of life in being Spirit filled that imparts wisdom and self control. Until that happens? Many are sincere and stupid. They will agree to things that are not what sound doctrine teaches. And, like that student who was granted a stay, it disrupts the peace of their nation.
Remember? ... In the wilderness of the Exodus.
The Lord granted the begging Jews their request in the wilderness and poured down from heaven quail to be eaten by all. Many died as they were yet chewing their delicious meals.
Meaning? Not all answered prayers are God's will. The solution? First learn and know sound doctrine. It will make us free if we do. Too many pastors do not know what I speak of. A few do. They feel neglected at times.