Tuesday, June 26, 2007
My Affirmation
I want to affirm to you today and for the rest of my life here on this earth that the Bible is the Word of God! And we 're fallible men and woman who must submit to its authority. We don’t turn to scientist to explain the virgin birth, the deity of Christ or the resurrection of Jesus but we do when it comes to matters such as the creation?
Friday, June 22, 2007
My Commitment to the Church
In my last blog, I shared with you what I am committed to. Today, I want to address this further by talking about my commitment to the church.
I am committed to the church from which Jesus is the head. Colossians 1:18 says that “He is the head of the body, the church, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” As the head of His church He mediates His rule through godly men called elders. I have said on past occasions that the term elder and pastor are used interchangeably when referring to this office in the church. Acts 20:17 says, “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. Acts 20:28 says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” In these two passages they are referred to as elders, overseers, and pastors. Elder emphasizes his maturity, overseeing and shepherding refers to his function. Because the Bible mentions elders in the church, I am committed to having them. That means I have to wait for God to raise men up, examine them, and then ordain them to ministry (1 Tim.3:1; Tit.1:5).
The Bible teaches that the elders of the church have the oversight of the church. That means they are “rule” the church (1 Tim.5:17) but not as “lords over those entrusted to [them], but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet.5:3). Their major emphasis is on teaching sound doctrine. 1 Tim.3:2 says they are to be “apt to teach. ” Titus 1:9 says they to hold fast “the faithful word as [they] has been taught, that [they] may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” They are called “pastor-teachers” in Ephesians 4:11 – as such they are to equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (v.12).
The second group in the church are deacons. These serve the church by implementing what the elders teach. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 mentions the office of deacon and deaconness. When Paul addressed his letter to the Philippians he said in 1:1: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” When he wrote his letter to the Romans, he said in 16:1-2: “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.”
Where does the congregation fit in all of this. They model submission. When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians, he told them in 5:12 to “recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” In Hebrews 13:7 and 17 he said essentially the same thing and called for the people to submit to their leadership. Peter in his first epistle said the same thing in 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility.”
God has given a high calling to the church. We are to structure and behave ourselves according to His Word. I am committed to these truths and I pray you are too. In our next blog we will talk about accountability.
I am committed to the church from which Jesus is the head. Colossians 1:18 says that “He is the head of the body, the church, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” As the head of His church He mediates His rule through godly men called elders. I have said on past occasions that the term elder and pastor are used interchangeably when referring to this office in the church. Acts 20:17 says, “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. Acts 20:28 says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” In these two passages they are referred to as elders, overseers, and pastors. Elder emphasizes his maturity, overseeing and shepherding refers to his function. Because the Bible mentions elders in the church, I am committed to having them. That means I have to wait for God to raise men up, examine them, and then ordain them to ministry (1 Tim.3:1; Tit.1:5).
The Bible teaches that the elders of the church have the oversight of the church. That means they are “rule” the church (1 Tim.5:17) but not as “lords over those entrusted to [them], but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet.5:3). Their major emphasis is on teaching sound doctrine. 1 Tim.3:2 says they are to be “apt to teach. ” Titus 1:9 says they to hold fast “the faithful word as [they] has been taught, that [they] may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” They are called “pastor-teachers” in Ephesians 4:11 – as such they are to equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (v.12).
The second group in the church are deacons. These serve the church by implementing what the elders teach. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 mentions the office of deacon and deaconness. When Paul addressed his letter to the Philippians he said in 1:1: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” When he wrote his letter to the Romans, he said in 16:1-2: “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.”
Where does the congregation fit in all of this. They model submission. When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians, he told them in 5:12 to “recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” In Hebrews 13:7 and 17 he said essentially the same thing and called for the people to submit to their leadership. Peter in his first epistle said the same thing in 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility.”
God has given a high calling to the church. We are to structure and behave ourselves according to His Word. I am committed to these truths and I pray you are too. In our next blog we will talk about accountability.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
What I Am Committed To
It has been about a week since I have shared anything in my blog. To be honest, I haven’t had any time to devote to writing in the past week. But today, I want to share a few things with you that are on my heart. I want to talk about I am committed to.
As a pastor of a local church, there are many things that grab my attention. Many times I have to guard myself from things and always reiterate in my heart what my priorities are.
I am committed to the true Gospel. I am not about bringing everyone together. I received an invitation in the mail recently from the YMCA which said, “With a desire for the Christian community to gather in an ecumenical group representing the rich diversity of our community, The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast request the pleasure of your company at the Inaugural ‘Celebration of Prayer’ Breakfast...In this spirit, and as a natural outgrowth of such gatherings, many residents throughout the First Coast are finding through the Spirit of Christ a fellowship that is helping to build true community.”
Guests to this “ecumenical” gathering make up Baptists, Episcopalians, and Charismatics.
I am not interested in an “Ecumenical” gathering where we all come together with different beliefs. I am interested in Jesus who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and the call of a narrow gospel. Paul warned the Galatians about another gospel when he said in Galatians 1:6-9: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” To the Philippians he said in Philippians 1:15-18 that he could rejoice in a gospel preached out of impure motives as long as the true gospel is preached. He said: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
There is no rejoicing when the true gospel is perverted and another gospel is preached. I agree with Geneva not willing to lower their flags to half mast in honor of the Pope’s funeral. Someone on SermonAudio wrote, “Thank God there is still a protest.” I was reading the Pope’s last will and testament on the Internet and was reminded of where every Catholic’s trust lies. He writes: “Keep watch, because you do not know which day when the Lord will come" — These words remind me of the final call, which will come the moment that the Lord will choose. I desire to follow Him and desire that all that is part of my earthly life shall prepare me for this moment. I do not know when it will come, but, like all else, this moment too I place into the hands of the Mother of My Master” (Pope John Paul II).
In the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church, it says, “...all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation...” (p.224, #846). “The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained’” (p.215, #816). In #969 of the Catechism, it says of Mary: “Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...’ (p.252). In #494 it says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race” (p.125). In #292 of the Catechism it says “The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation” (p.292). In #1113 it says “There are seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony” (p.289).
I am not about bringing everyone together. I am about everyone repenting and submitting to Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It is clear in the teachings of Scripture on the subject of salvation that the Gospel is about self-denial not self-fulfillment.
The Bible states that every person is a sinner. Galatians 3:22 says, “The Scripture has confined all under sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, “There is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Galatians 3:10 says, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” In an examination of the 10 commandments, we see clearly why we are “cursed.” We do not “do them!” And because of this, we are “cursed.”
Because we are sinners we deserve judgment. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Ezekiel18:4 says, “The soul who sins shall die.” There are many who have problems with these first two points of the Gospel message but the third they cannot swallow—we cannot save ourselves from our sin. The reason is because we are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1) and because our good works are nothing but filthy rags before a holy God (Isa.64:6). But praise God we don’t have to perform some kind of works for salvation. He sent Jesus to die in our place (Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9-10).
What are you committed to? Is it the true gospel? Do you see evangelism as your highest priority?
In my next blog, I want to share with you my commitment to the church.
As a pastor of a local church, there are many things that grab my attention. Many times I have to guard myself from things and always reiterate in my heart what my priorities are.
I am committed to the true Gospel. I am not about bringing everyone together. I received an invitation in the mail recently from the YMCA which said, “With a desire for the Christian community to gather in an ecumenical group representing the rich diversity of our community, The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast request the pleasure of your company at the Inaugural ‘Celebration of Prayer’ Breakfast...In this spirit, and as a natural outgrowth of such gatherings, many residents throughout the First Coast are finding through the Spirit of Christ a fellowship that is helping to build true community.”
Guests to this “ecumenical” gathering make up Baptists, Episcopalians, and Charismatics.
I am not interested in an “Ecumenical” gathering where we all come together with different beliefs. I am interested in Jesus who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and the call of a narrow gospel. Paul warned the Galatians about another gospel when he said in Galatians 1:6-9: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” To the Philippians he said in Philippians 1:15-18 that he could rejoice in a gospel preached out of impure motives as long as the true gospel is preached. He said: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
There is no rejoicing when the true gospel is perverted and another gospel is preached. I agree with Geneva not willing to lower their flags to half mast in honor of the Pope’s funeral. Someone on SermonAudio wrote, “Thank God there is still a protest.” I was reading the Pope’s last will and testament on the Internet and was reminded of where every Catholic’s trust lies. He writes: “Keep watch, because you do not know which day when the Lord will come" — These words remind me of the final call, which will come the moment that the Lord will choose. I desire to follow Him and desire that all that is part of my earthly life shall prepare me for this moment. I do not know when it will come, but, like all else, this moment too I place into the hands of the Mother of My Master” (Pope John Paul II).
In the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church, it says, “...all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation...” (p.224, #846). “The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained’” (p.215, #816). In #969 of the Catechism, it says of Mary: “Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...’ (p.252). In #494 it says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race” (p.125). In #292 of the Catechism it says “The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation” (p.292). In #1113 it says “There are seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony” (p.289).
I am not about bringing everyone together. I am about everyone repenting and submitting to Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It is clear in the teachings of Scripture on the subject of salvation that the Gospel is about self-denial not self-fulfillment.
The Bible states that every person is a sinner. Galatians 3:22 says, “The Scripture has confined all under sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, “There is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Galatians 3:10 says, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” In an examination of the 10 commandments, we see clearly why we are “cursed.” We do not “do them!” And because of this, we are “cursed.”
Because we are sinners we deserve judgment. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Ezekiel18:4 says, “The soul who sins shall die.” There are many who have problems with these first two points of the Gospel message but the third they cannot swallow—we cannot save ourselves from our sin. The reason is because we are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1) and because our good works are nothing but filthy rags before a holy God (Isa.64:6). But praise God we don’t have to perform some kind of works for salvation. He sent Jesus to die in our place (Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9-10).
What are you committed to? Is it the true gospel? Do you see evangelism as your highest priority?
In my next blog, I want to share with you my commitment to the church.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
A Proper Contemplation
“On January 7, 1855, the minister of New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, England, opened his morning sermon as follows:
‘It has been said by someone that “the proper study of mankind is man.” I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God’s elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father. There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can compass and grapple with; in them we feel a kind of self-content, and go our way with the thought, “Behold I am wise.” But when we come to this master science, finding that our plumb line cannot sound its depth, and that our eagle eye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thought that vain man would be wise, but he is like a wild ass’s colt; and with solemn exclamation, “I am but of yesterday, and know nothing.” No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God...But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it. He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe...The most excellent study for expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. And, whilst humbling and expanding, this subject is eminently consolatory. Oh, there is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound; in musing on the Father, there is a quietus for every grief; and in the influence of the Holy Ghost, there is a balsam for every sore. Would you lose your sorrow? Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in his immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead. It is to that subject that I invite you this morning.”
These words, spoken over a century ago by C. H. Spurgeon (at that time, incredibly, only twenty years old) were true then, and they are true now.
Many people have various views of God. Erwin Lutzer, in his book, “Ten Lies About God,” writes: “‘I believe in God’ is perhaps one of the most meaningless statements we can make today. The word God has become a canvas on which each is free to paint his own portrait of the divine; like the boy scribbling at his desk, we can draw God according to whatever specifications we please. For some He is ‘psychic energy”; for others He is ‘whatever is stronger than I am’ or ‘an inner power to lead us to deeper consciousness.’ To say, ‘I believe in God’ might simply mean that we are seeing ourselves in a full-length mirror” (pp.2-3). Donald McCullough adds: “When the true story gets told, whether in the partial light of historical perspective or in the perfect light of eternity, it may well be revealed that the worst sin of the church at the end of the twentieth century has been the trivialization of God...We prefer the illusion of a safer deity, and so we have pared God down to more manageable proportions” (Quoted in Ten Lies About God by Erwin Lutzer).
How do you see God? Do you see Him as “a safer deity” or a “God of more manageable proportions?” How you view Him will determine your worship. Worship that is free of the truth about God is not worship as the Bible prescribes, it’s idolatry. As you contemplate God today in your thought, make sure that what you’re meditating on comes from a clear literal interpretation of Scripture.
‘It has been said by someone that “the proper study of mankind is man.” I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God’s elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father. There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can compass and grapple with; in them we feel a kind of self-content, and go our way with the thought, “Behold I am wise.” But when we come to this master science, finding that our plumb line cannot sound its depth, and that our eagle eye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thought that vain man would be wise, but he is like a wild ass’s colt; and with solemn exclamation, “I am but of yesterday, and know nothing.” No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God...But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it. He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe...The most excellent study for expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. And, whilst humbling and expanding, this subject is eminently consolatory. Oh, there is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound; in musing on the Father, there is a quietus for every grief; and in the influence of the Holy Ghost, there is a balsam for every sore. Would you lose your sorrow? Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in his immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead. It is to that subject that I invite you this morning.”
These words, spoken over a century ago by C. H. Spurgeon (at that time, incredibly, only twenty years old) were true then, and they are true now.
Many people have various views of God. Erwin Lutzer, in his book, “Ten Lies About God,” writes: “‘I believe in God’ is perhaps one of the most meaningless statements we can make today. The word God has become a canvas on which each is free to paint his own portrait of the divine; like the boy scribbling at his desk, we can draw God according to whatever specifications we please. For some He is ‘psychic energy”; for others He is ‘whatever is stronger than I am’ or ‘an inner power to lead us to deeper consciousness.’ To say, ‘I believe in God’ might simply mean that we are seeing ourselves in a full-length mirror” (pp.2-3). Donald McCullough adds: “When the true story gets told, whether in the partial light of historical perspective or in the perfect light of eternity, it may well be revealed that the worst sin of the church at the end of the twentieth century has been the trivialization of God...We prefer the illusion of a safer deity, and so we have pared God down to more manageable proportions” (Quoted in Ten Lies About God by Erwin Lutzer).
How do you see God? Do you see Him as “a safer deity” or a “God of more manageable proportions?” How you view Him will determine your worship. Worship that is free of the truth about God is not worship as the Bible prescribes, it’s idolatry. As you contemplate God today in your thought, make sure that what you’re meditating on comes from a clear literal interpretation of Scripture.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
What Kind of People Does God Bless?
When you read Psalm 1, it is very clear that David is revealing to us the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly (v.6). In verse 1 we learn that the way of the righteous is "blessed." Generally speaking God blesses the righteous. Psalm 5:12 says, "For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield" (NIV). Psalm 29:11 says, "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace" (NIV). No wonder David could write, "Blessed is the man." God blesses those who fear Him. Are you experiencing the blessing of God -- a life that is filled with a deep-seated joy and contentment in God? Are you one who lives for the purpose for which you were created? If so, then you are truly one of the righteous that is blessed.
In Psalm 1:1 it says, "Blessed is the man." The word "Blessed" comes from the Hebrew word 'ashrey. Here, in its plural form, it describes the fullness of the blessings that come to those who love God. God blesses the righteous (Ps.5:12; 29:11). Today I want us to see that He specifically blesses those who walk with Him. In Genesis 6 after you read that the Lord was sorry He had made man and was ready to destroy him along with all that He created, it says in verse 8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Why did Noah find favor with God? It says in the next verse that he was "a just man, perfect in his generation. Noah walked with God" (v.9) Noah's favor with God came because of the kind of man he was. He was "just" and "blameless." This is the way of the righteous. But notice also he "walked with God." To be blessed by God we must "walk with God." Genesis 6:8 says that he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
Notice a second person that we could refer to as a "blessed man." His name is Abraham. Genesis 12:1-2 says, "Now the Lord had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." The Lord chooses who He will bless. It is clear in His choosing of Abraham. In this story we read about the choice He made to bless Abraham. What caused God to bless him? Was it because of his life and character? Was it because he "walked with God" like Noah? We do not have any information about Abraham prior to this chapter other than his genealogy (Gen.11:26).
Later in Genesis 15 God brought Abraham "outside and said, 'Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.' And He said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.' And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness" (vv.5-6). We are not sure why God chose to bless Abraham. God, in His sovereignty, decided before the foundations of the worlds that Abraham would be a recipient of His blessings. But as you learn about the kind of man Abraham was, he was one who "believed in the LORD." Can your life be described in this way? Do you trust God with every detail of your life? Abraham was tested (see Genesis 22) just like we are but he kept believing in Him.
A third person who also falls into the category of a "blessed man" is Joseph. In the story of Joseph we learn that there were many things against him. He was called names and hated by his brothers who eventually allowed their jealousy to cause them to sell him as a slave in Egypt. Genesis 38:1-5 says, "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. Notice in the story that "the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph." In spite of all that Joseph experienced the Lord was with him. That was evident by the blessings that surrounded his life and the lives of those he came in contact with.
Are you a reflection of God's blessings? Are others blessed because of you? Joseph's life impacted others and with it brought God's blessing. How about you? Remember "Blessed is the man" (Ps.1:1).
In Psalm 1:1 it says, "Blessed is the man." The word "Blessed" comes from the Hebrew word 'ashrey. Here, in its plural form, it describes the fullness of the blessings that come to those who love God. God blesses the righteous (Ps.5:12; 29:11). Today I want us to see that He specifically blesses those who walk with Him. In Genesis 6 after you read that the Lord was sorry He had made man and was ready to destroy him along with all that He created, it says in verse 8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Why did Noah find favor with God? It says in the next verse that he was "a just man, perfect in his generation. Noah walked with God" (v.9) Noah's favor with God came because of the kind of man he was. He was "just" and "blameless." This is the way of the righteous. But notice also he "walked with God." To be blessed by God we must "walk with God." Genesis 6:8 says that he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
Notice a second person that we could refer to as a "blessed man." His name is Abraham. Genesis 12:1-2 says, "Now the Lord had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." The Lord chooses who He will bless. It is clear in His choosing of Abraham. In this story we read about the choice He made to bless Abraham. What caused God to bless him? Was it because of his life and character? Was it because he "walked with God" like Noah? We do not have any information about Abraham prior to this chapter other than his genealogy (Gen.11:26).
Later in Genesis 15 God brought Abraham "outside and said, 'Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.' And He said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.' And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness" (vv.5-6). We are not sure why God chose to bless Abraham. God, in His sovereignty, decided before the foundations of the worlds that Abraham would be a recipient of His blessings. But as you learn about the kind of man Abraham was, he was one who "believed in the LORD." Can your life be described in this way? Do you trust God with every detail of your life? Abraham was tested (see Genesis 22) just like we are but he kept believing in Him.
A third person who also falls into the category of a "blessed man" is Joseph. In the story of Joseph we learn that there were many things against him. He was called names and hated by his brothers who eventually allowed their jealousy to cause them to sell him as a slave in Egypt. Genesis 38:1-5 says, "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. Notice in the story that "the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph." In spite of all that Joseph experienced the Lord was with him. That was evident by the blessings that surrounded his life and the lives of those he came in contact with.
Are you a reflection of God's blessings? Are others blessed because of you? Joseph's life impacted others and with it brought God's blessing. How about you? Remember "Blessed is the man" (Ps.1:1).
Monday, June 04, 2007
God's Blueprint for the Church
John MacDuff said, "The gods of the unregenerate soul are the world, self, and sin" (Grace Gems). He’s right! But in the seeker-sensitive church those three words have been ignored. We are told that the church today needs to be "light on doctrine" (quoted in an article on the Seeker-Sensitive church by John Armstrong), and deal more with the felt needs of the unchurched. John MacArthur, in his book Ashamed of the Gospel, writes, "Today we have the extraordinary spectacle of church programs designed explicitly to cater to fleshly desire, sensual appetites, and human pride...To achieve this worldly appeal, church activities often go beyond the merely frivolous. For several years a colleague of mine has been collecting a ‘horror file’ of clippings that report how churches are employing innovations to keep worship services from becoming dull. In the past half decade, some of America’s largest evangelical churches have employed worldly gimmicks like slapstick, vaudeville, wrestling exhibitions, and even mock striptease to spice up their Sunday meetings. No brand of horseplay, it seems, is too outrageous to be brought into the sanctuary" (preface, xvii-xviii). James gives a stern warning in chapter four of his letter, which says, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (v.4). John echoes similar words when he says "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the world" (1 Jn.2:15-16).
In the church today, pragmatism, which "is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences" (John MacArthur, Not Ashamed of the Gospel, p.xii), is the guiding "philosophy of life, theology, and ministry" today. But "pragmatism as a guiding philosophy of ministry is inherently flawed" (Ibid., xiii). It is "nothing short of satanic" (Ibid., xiii).
In our last time together I asked the question, "Who is the church?" I responded by stating that the church is made up of believers only--It began by conversions as the Lord added to the church. We also saw that the New Testament epistles are addressed to the church and refers to them as believers — 15 New Testament books begin their address by making some reference to the audience as the church. The church is for believers — we are not to cater to the lost to reach them — we are to preach the Gospel — the Word of God. Paul said to the elders at Ephesus in Acts 20:27, "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." The church today is selling the "whole counsel of God" for a theology that feels good. John MacArthur again writes, "The truth of God does not tickle our ears; it boxes them. It burns them. It first reproves, rebukes, convicts — then exhorts and encourages. Preachers of the Word must be careful to maintain that balance" (Ibid., p.37). Unfortunately, preachers with ear-tickling messages are all too abundantly available. Marvin Vincent said, "In periods of unsettled faith, scepticism, and mere curious speculation in matters of religion, teachers of all kinds swarm like the flies in Egypt. The demand creates the supply. The hearers invite and shape their own preachers. If the people desire a calf to worship, a ministerial calf-maker is readily found" (Word Studies in the New Testament, 4 vols, 4: p.321).
Since the church is for believers and not unbelievers, what then is the church to do? What is our purpose? We have talked about purpose on so many occasions but to suffice it in two statements: We are to preach the Gospel and we are to perfect the saints (Mat.28:19-20; Eph.4:11-12). That is your calling in life. In fact that is the calling of every child of God. We are to reach and teach. We are to make disciples. We are to perfect the saints. That calling is not just for the pastors and leaders in the church, that calling is for everyone.
Are you fulfilling your calling today? Are you preaching the gospel and perfecting the saints? "All the contention between the flesh and the Spirit lies in this, whether God shall have His will or we have ours" (Richard Sibbes).
In the church today, pragmatism, which "is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences" (John MacArthur, Not Ashamed of the Gospel, p.xii), is the guiding "philosophy of life, theology, and ministry" today. But "pragmatism as a guiding philosophy of ministry is inherently flawed" (Ibid., xiii). It is "nothing short of satanic" (Ibid., xiii).
In our last time together I asked the question, "Who is the church?" I responded by stating that the church is made up of believers only--It began by conversions as the Lord added to the church. We also saw that the New Testament epistles are addressed to the church and refers to them as believers — 15 New Testament books begin their address by making some reference to the audience as the church. The church is for believers — we are not to cater to the lost to reach them — we are to preach the Gospel — the Word of God. Paul said to the elders at Ephesus in Acts 20:27, "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." The church today is selling the "whole counsel of God" for a theology that feels good. John MacArthur again writes, "The truth of God does not tickle our ears; it boxes them. It burns them. It first reproves, rebukes, convicts — then exhorts and encourages. Preachers of the Word must be careful to maintain that balance" (Ibid., p.37). Unfortunately, preachers with ear-tickling messages are all too abundantly available. Marvin Vincent said, "In periods of unsettled faith, scepticism, and mere curious speculation in matters of religion, teachers of all kinds swarm like the flies in Egypt. The demand creates the supply. The hearers invite and shape their own preachers. If the people desire a calf to worship, a ministerial calf-maker is readily found" (Word Studies in the New Testament, 4 vols, 4: p.321).
Since the church is for believers and not unbelievers, what then is the church to do? What is our purpose? We have talked about purpose on so many occasions but to suffice it in two statements: We are to preach the Gospel and we are to perfect the saints (Mat.28:19-20; Eph.4:11-12). That is your calling in life. In fact that is the calling of every child of God. We are to reach and teach. We are to make disciples. We are to perfect the saints. That calling is not just for the pastors and leaders in the church, that calling is for everyone.
Are you fulfilling your calling today? Are you preaching the gospel and perfecting the saints? "All the contention between the flesh and the Spirit lies in this, whether God shall have His will or we have ours" (Richard Sibbes).
Friday, June 01, 2007
What About Grey Areas?
For the past week or so we have looked at the will of God. I have been sharing from John MacArthur’s book, “Found God’s Will”, that God’s will is for you to be saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering, and saying thanks. Each of those major points have given us many things to think about concerning God’s will. Today, I want to conclude with talking about grey areas. What are grey areas? These are areas that the Bible is silent on. If the Bible is silent then how can I know what is God’s will? First, you must be doing what we have already mentioned. Second, you can ask the following 10 questions to determine God’s Will.
The first question is, “Will it be spiritually profitable?” 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Some things can be wrong if they keep you from doing things that enhance your spiritual life.
The second question, “Will if edify?” Will it put you on the path to greater spiritual maturity? 1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
The third question, “Will if lead to excess?” Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Will it hinder you as you run the Christian race? Being out late Saturday night is not a sin, but it may not be the best choice if it leave you too tired to concentrate at church Sunday morning.
The fourth question, “Will it bring me under its control?” 1 Corinthians 6:12 again says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” We all know it’s wrong to be controlled by drink or drugs (I consider cigarettes a form of a drug because of the nicotine and it’s control). But it is also wrong to be controlled by music, sports or tv?
A fifth question is “Will it cause me to use my freedom in Christ as a cover for catering to evil, sinful desires?” 1 Peter 2:16 says, “As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
A sixth question is, “Will it violate the lordship of Christ in my life?” (See Romans 14:2-8). Don’t let others talk you into doing what you don’t think the Lord would have you to do.
A seventh question is, “Will doing this set a good or a bad example for others to follow?” 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.”
An eighth question is, “Will it cause non-believers to see a difference in my life?”
A ninth question is, “Would Jesus do it?”
Finally, “Will it glorify God?”
If you apply all these principles then it will reveal who is controlling your desires. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Are you saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering, and saying thanks?
The first question is, “Will it be spiritually profitable?” 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Some things can be wrong if they keep you from doing things that enhance your spiritual life.
The second question, “Will if edify?” Will it put you on the path to greater spiritual maturity? 1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
The third question, “Will if lead to excess?” Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Will it hinder you as you run the Christian race? Being out late Saturday night is not a sin, but it may not be the best choice if it leave you too tired to concentrate at church Sunday morning.
The fourth question, “Will it bring me under its control?” 1 Corinthians 6:12 again says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” We all know it’s wrong to be controlled by drink or drugs (I consider cigarettes a form of a drug because of the nicotine and it’s control). But it is also wrong to be controlled by music, sports or tv?
A fifth question is “Will it cause me to use my freedom in Christ as a cover for catering to evil, sinful desires?” 1 Peter 2:16 says, “As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
A sixth question is, “Will it violate the lordship of Christ in my life?” (See Romans 14:2-8). Don’t let others talk you into doing what you don’t think the Lord would have you to do.
A seventh question is, “Will doing this set a good or a bad example for others to follow?” 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.”
An eighth question is, “Will it cause non-believers to see a difference in my life?”
A ninth question is, “Would Jesus do it?”
Finally, “Will it glorify God?”
If you apply all these principles then it will reveal who is controlling your desires. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Are you saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering, and saying thanks?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
God's Will is that You Say Thanks
We have stated that God’s will is that you be saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, and suffering. Today, we’re going to learn that God’s will is that you say thanks.
God hates grumbling and complaining. That’s why when Paul said to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” he also said to “do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil.2:14-15). When the children of Israel spent 12 spies into the land of Canaan and ten out of the twelve gave a bad report and the people believed them, God caused them to wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. He said, “The carcasses of you who have murmured against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above” (Num.14:29). When the sons of Korah complained and rebelled against the Lord, God caused the earth to open “its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods” (Num.16.32) and then “a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense” (Num.16:35).
God, on the other hand, loves a heart filled with thanksgiving. Paul said in Ephesians 5 what should not be named among saints but then said “but rather giving of thanks” (v.4). Thanksgiving reveals a grateful heart. E.M. Bounds said, “Thanksgiving is the expression of an inward conscious gratitude to God for mercies received. It is an inward emotion of the soul, involuntarily arising therein. It is born of meditation on God’s grace and mercy, and it is opposed to all murmurings at God’s dealings with us. Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time” (The Essentials of Prayer, pp.37-38, 40). We are to be thankful and be known as a people who are thankful. Paul said, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess.5:18). In Philippians 4:6 he said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
So are you saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering and saying thanks? If so, then you are doing the will of God and can be confident that God is directing your desires (See Ps.37:4). In our next blog we will look at grey areas.
(Main points taken from “Found God’s Will” by John MacArthur).
God hates grumbling and complaining. That’s why when Paul said to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” he also said to “do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil.2:14-15). When the children of Israel spent 12 spies into the land of Canaan and ten out of the twelve gave a bad report and the people believed them, God caused them to wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. He said, “The carcasses of you who have murmured against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above” (Num.14:29). When the sons of Korah complained and rebelled against the Lord, God caused the earth to open “its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods” (Num.16.32) and then “a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense” (Num.16:35).
God, on the other hand, loves a heart filled with thanksgiving. Paul said in Ephesians 5 what should not be named among saints but then said “but rather giving of thanks” (v.4). Thanksgiving reveals a grateful heart. E.M. Bounds said, “Thanksgiving is the expression of an inward conscious gratitude to God for mercies received. It is an inward emotion of the soul, involuntarily arising therein. It is born of meditation on God’s grace and mercy, and it is opposed to all murmurings at God’s dealings with us. Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time” (The Essentials of Prayer, pp.37-38, 40). We are to be thankful and be known as a people who are thankful. Paul said, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess.5:18). In Philippians 4:6 he said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
So are you saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering and saying thanks? If so, then you are doing the will of God and can be confident that God is directing your desires (See Ps.37:4). In our next blog we will look at grey areas.
(Main points taken from “Found God’s Will” by John MacArthur).
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
God's Will is that You Suffer
We are currently talking about the will of God. We have already seen that God’s will is that you be saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, and submissive. Today’s we are to going to see that God’s will is also that you suffer. This is definitely an issue many question. The problem of suffering is due to sin but Paul says it’s also God’s will for believers. Philippians 1:29-30 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Most Christians do not hear the second part of this verse let alone the first. God has graciously granted His children salvation and suffering. Paul told Timothy that this would be the result of living godly. He said in 2 Tim.3:12: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Jesus even said that “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). All of this is because they persecuted Jesus. He said, Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me” (Jn.15:20-21).
As you live the Word of God unbelievers will react—some in salvation others in retaliation. Don’t be surprised if you suffer for the gospel, for to this we were called.
As you live the Word of God unbelievers will react—some in salvation others in retaliation. Don’t be surprised if you suffer for the gospel, for to this we were called.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
God's Will is that You Be Submissive
We are currently looking at the will of God. We have already learned that the will of God is salvation, being Spirit-filled, and sanctification. Today, I want us to see that God’s will is that you be submissive. We have already hit on this in our recent studies but let me give you a few reminders: We are to be submissive to authorities. 1 Pet.2:13-15 says, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” It is clear from this passage, believers are to be model citizens. The word “submit” (hupotasso) means to “place or rank under, to subject, to obey.” This should be true of all Christians. As verse 15 says, “For such is the will of God.” It is by living a life of submission to those in authority do we “silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Ephesians 5:21 teaches that we are also to be submissive to one another. Paul says, “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” This is only possible as you obey what he says in verse 18 regarding being “filled with the Spirit.” Submission is the consequence or results of Spirit filling. As we yield control to the Spirit, we will respond to other by submission.
A third area of submission is the foundation to the first two. James 4:7 says, “Submit therefore to God.” The context of this passage is a call to salvation. When we respond by grace through faith (See Eph.2:8) we are in fact submitting to God. This submission, though, is not one time, but continual. We are to submit to God on a regular basis.
As you can see submission is equally important for the believer. It brings harmony to society, to the church, and to our relationship with God. Are you being submissive?
Ephesians 5:21 teaches that we are also to be submissive to one another. Paul says, “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” This is only possible as you obey what he says in verse 18 regarding being “filled with the Spirit.” Submission is the consequence or results of Spirit filling. As we yield control to the Spirit, we will respond to other by submission.
A third area of submission is the foundation to the first two. James 4:7 says, “Submit therefore to God.” The context of this passage is a call to salvation. When we respond by grace through faith (See Eph.2:8) we are in fact submitting to God. This submission, though, is not one time, but continual. We are to submit to God on a regular basis.
As you can see submission is equally important for the believer. It brings harmony to society, to the church, and to our relationship with God. Are you being submissive?
Friday, May 25, 2007
God's Will is that You Be Sanctified
We are in a current study of the will of God. In our last time together, I shared that God’s will is not only that you be saved but that you be Spirit-filled. Today, I want to address a third area of the will of God.
God’s will is that you be sanctified. This means you were called to be holy. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” God called us to be “holy and without blame before Him.” In the words of verse 10 we are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In both of those verses it talks about our sanctification. Holiness is not an option for the believer. It is our calling. Romans 6:22 says that since we have been “set free from sin, and [have] become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says that “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” Since this is the case, holiness then is to be a daily pursuit. We are to “present [our] bodies” as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” and “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom.12:1-2). If you are not being holy you cannot know what God’s will is. Colossians 3:5 says that we are to “put to death [our] members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Peter said in 1 Peter 1:14-15, “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” When you are doing that then you are obeying the will of God to be holy.
Salvation, being Spirit-filled, and sanctification is God’s will for the believer. We will explore a fourth area in God’s will in our next blog.
God’s will is that you be sanctified. This means you were called to be holy. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” God called us to be “holy and without blame before Him.” In the words of verse 10 we are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In both of those verses it talks about our sanctification. Holiness is not an option for the believer. It is our calling. Romans 6:22 says that since we have been “set free from sin, and [have] become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says that “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” Since this is the case, holiness then is to be a daily pursuit. We are to “present [our] bodies” as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” and “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom.12:1-2). If you are not being holy you cannot know what God’s will is. Colossians 3:5 says that we are to “put to death [our] members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Peter said in 1 Peter 1:14-15, “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” When you are doing that then you are obeying the will of God to be holy.
Salvation, being Spirit-filled, and sanctification is God’s will for the believer. We will explore a fourth area in God’s will in our next blog.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
God's Will is that You Be Spirit-Filled
In our last blog, I shared with your where the will of God begins. Today, I want to show you how the will of God continues once you’re saved.
God’s will is that you be Spirit-filled. Ephesians 5:17 says you are “not to be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Then in the next verse he tells you what “the will of the Lord is.” He says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (v.18). The verb “be filled” is pleroo (pres.pass.imp) which is a command that can only be obeyed when you die to self. The passive voice is used here and indicates that you are the recipient of the action, which means you don’t fill yourself; the Spirit fills or controls you. You have to do what is necessary to not hinder the process. What hinders being controlled by the Spirit is sin. Paul says in verse 2 of chapter 5 of Ephesians that we are to “walk in love” and not let “fornication, all uncleanness or covetousness...even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which is not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (vv.3-4). In verse 6-8 he says not to “let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” In verse 11 he further says not to have “fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” All of this has to be either affirmed or denied in order to carry out verse 18. Spirit-filling is different than Spirit-indwelling. Spirit-indwelling occurs one time at salvation (Eph.1:13; 1 Cor.12:13). Spirit-filling occurs repeatedly as you yield yourself to the Spirit’s control (Col.3:16; Gal.5:16).
Are you being filled by with Spirit? Are you being led by Him or by your flesh? What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? It means that you are letting the Word of God control you. When you examine Ephesians 5:18ff with Colossians 3:16ff, you learn that the results are the same. In Ephesians 5:18 it says to be filled with the Spirit; In Colossians 3:16 it says to let the word of Christ richly dwell in you. When you examine the results found in both of these passages, they are the same. So the conclusion is, to be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Word or to put it more simply it is to obey God’s Word.
We will look at the role sanctification play in our next blog.
God’s will is that you be Spirit-filled. Ephesians 5:17 says you are “not to be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Then in the next verse he tells you what “the will of the Lord is.” He says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (v.18). The verb “be filled” is pleroo (pres.pass.imp) which is a command that can only be obeyed when you die to self. The passive voice is used here and indicates that you are the recipient of the action, which means you don’t fill yourself; the Spirit fills or controls you. You have to do what is necessary to not hinder the process. What hinders being controlled by the Spirit is sin. Paul says in verse 2 of chapter 5 of Ephesians that we are to “walk in love” and not let “fornication, all uncleanness or covetousness...even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which is not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (vv.3-4). In verse 6-8 he says not to “let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” In verse 11 he further says not to have “fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” All of this has to be either affirmed or denied in order to carry out verse 18. Spirit-filling is different than Spirit-indwelling. Spirit-indwelling occurs one time at salvation (Eph.1:13; 1 Cor.12:13). Spirit-filling occurs repeatedly as you yield yourself to the Spirit’s control (Col.3:16; Gal.5:16).
Are you being filled by with Spirit? Are you being led by Him or by your flesh? What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? It means that you are letting the Word of God control you. When you examine Ephesians 5:18ff with Colossians 3:16ff, you learn that the results are the same. In Ephesians 5:18 it says to be filled with the Spirit; In Colossians 3:16 it says to let the word of Christ richly dwell in you. When you examine the results found in both of these passages, they are the same. So the conclusion is, to be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Word or to put it more simply it is to obey God’s Word.
We will look at the role sanctification play in our next blog.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Will of God
If there is ever a subject that captures the attention of every child of God it would be one that addresses the will of God. For the believer this is where all of life revolves. All of us are faced with decisions. Some are more complex than others. Therefore, the will of God is an important matter. It’s so important that Paul has something to say about it in Ephesians 5:15-17: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
He first says to see to it that you “walk circumspectly.” The word “walk” is peripateo (pres.act.ind.), which means, “to conduct one’s life” (Fritz Rienecker, The Linguistic Key to the Greek NT) or “to order one's behavior” (Wuest) or literally to “behave” (LN). Paul said to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:3 that they were “still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving [peripateo] like mere men? He told the Thessalonians that they “should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk [peripateo] and to please God” (1 Thess.4:1). The word “circumspectly” Gr.akribos, means, “accurately, carefully” (Rienecker), or “exactly” (Wuest). “The idea here is, that they were to take special pains to guard against the temptations around them, and to live as they ought to” (Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible). “As believers walk through the spiritual mine field of the world, they are to be constantly alert to every danger that Satan puts in their way” (John MacArthur, Ephesians). So Paul tells the Ephesians to be careful how they conduct themselves; be alert. You have to conduct yourselves as those who are wise and not fools “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” I think it is important to note at this point if you’re not conducting your life in this manner it is impossible to know what the will of God is for you life. He’s not going to reveal to you anymore than what He has already revealed. In other words, if you don’t obey what is the clear will of God, as noted here in Ephesians 5:15, then don’t expect Him to reveal anything else. Paul goes on to say that we are to walk carefully as wise (see Proverbs 2). Verse 17 he says, “Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is.” It is clear from this verse alone that we are to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” But before we can progress further in what he is about to say we have to back up to chapter 1.
In Ephesians 1:1 he uses an address to these believers that tells us where the will of God begins. Notice what verse 1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.”
The will of God begins at salvation. You cannot know the will of God apart from salvation. Paul addresses the Ephesians as saints which is something he could not have done if they had not been saved (Eph.1:1). This is true of all his epistles. He said to the Romans - “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (Rom.1:7). To the Corinthians he addressed them as “the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Cor.1:2). He later challenged the Corinthians on their reception of the Gospel in chapter 15:1-2: “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved if you hold fast that word which I preached to you– unless you believed in vain.” He made the same statement to the Colossians: “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight– if indeed you continue in faith, grounded and steadfast and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which, I, Paul, became a minister” (Col.1:21-23). All the wisdom and Word of God begins at Salvation.
In Matthew 13:10-11 the disciples asked Jesus “‘Why do You speak to them in parables? He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Again, Paul writing to the Corinthians, tells them that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches the deep things of God” (1 Cor.2:9-10). In verse 14 he says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
The will of God at this point is to repent and come to Jesus and be saved. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to his baptism to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Mat.3:8). When Jesus began His ministry He said in Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Paul said this is God’s will “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim.2:4). Peter said, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet.3:9). These two verses stress the responsibility of man to repent at the hearing of the Gospel. The death of Jesus on the cross was sufficient for every man to believe, therefore, he calls all men to repent: Acts 17:30-31 - “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
The Will of God begins at salvation. It our next blog, I will show you how the will of God continues once you’re saved.
He first says to see to it that you “walk circumspectly.” The word “walk” is peripateo (pres.act.ind.), which means, “to conduct one’s life” (Fritz Rienecker, The Linguistic Key to the Greek NT) or “to order one's behavior” (Wuest) or literally to “behave” (LN). Paul said to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:3 that they were “still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving [peripateo] like mere men? He told the Thessalonians that they “should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk [peripateo] and to please God” (1 Thess.4:1). The word “circumspectly” Gr.akribos, means, “accurately, carefully” (Rienecker), or “exactly” (Wuest). “The idea here is, that they were to take special pains to guard against the temptations around them, and to live as they ought to” (Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible). “As believers walk through the spiritual mine field of the world, they are to be constantly alert to every danger that Satan puts in their way” (John MacArthur, Ephesians). So Paul tells the Ephesians to be careful how they conduct themselves; be alert. You have to conduct yourselves as those who are wise and not fools “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” I think it is important to note at this point if you’re not conducting your life in this manner it is impossible to know what the will of God is for you life. He’s not going to reveal to you anymore than what He has already revealed. In other words, if you don’t obey what is the clear will of God, as noted here in Ephesians 5:15, then don’t expect Him to reveal anything else. Paul goes on to say that we are to walk carefully as wise (see Proverbs 2). Verse 17 he says, “Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is.” It is clear from this verse alone that we are to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” But before we can progress further in what he is about to say we have to back up to chapter 1.
In Ephesians 1:1 he uses an address to these believers that tells us where the will of God begins. Notice what verse 1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.”
The will of God begins at salvation. You cannot know the will of God apart from salvation. Paul addresses the Ephesians as saints which is something he could not have done if they had not been saved (Eph.1:1). This is true of all his epistles. He said to the Romans - “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (Rom.1:7). To the Corinthians he addressed them as “the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Cor.1:2). He later challenged the Corinthians on their reception of the Gospel in chapter 15:1-2: “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved if you hold fast that word which I preached to you– unless you believed in vain.” He made the same statement to the Colossians: “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight– if indeed you continue in faith, grounded and steadfast and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which, I, Paul, became a minister” (Col.1:21-23). All the wisdom and Word of God begins at Salvation.
In Matthew 13:10-11 the disciples asked Jesus “‘Why do You speak to them in parables? He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Again, Paul writing to the Corinthians, tells them that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches the deep things of God” (1 Cor.2:9-10). In verse 14 he says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
The will of God at this point is to repent and come to Jesus and be saved. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to his baptism to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Mat.3:8). When Jesus began His ministry He said in Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Paul said this is God’s will “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim.2:4). Peter said, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet.3:9). These two verses stress the responsibility of man to repent at the hearing of the Gospel. The death of Jesus on the cross was sufficient for every man to believe, therefore, he calls all men to repent: Acts 17:30-31 - “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
The Will of God begins at salvation. It our next blog, I will show you how the will of God continues once you’re saved.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Christian Absolutes
John Wesley's Rule for Christian Living: Do all the good you can, by all themeans you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all thetimes you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever... you can!(Christian History, Vol II, No I). A great list that all of us can. In fact I wonder if any of us have ever made such a list. I have!! It is found right here in God’s Word. And in God’s Word there are absolutes that I like to call Christian Absolutes.
The first absolute is we are to believe God. When you examine the lives of Noah and Abraham that is exactly what you see. A life that was committed to obeying God. Genesis 6:8-9 tells us that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" and that he was "a just man, perfect in his generation. Noah walked with God." The characteristic that marked Noah's life was his trust in God. This trust or belief was not some mental assent to some facts about God. It was a belief that was acted upon. He "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" because he was a "just" and "perfect" man. The direction of his life was that of obedience and holiness. While his generation perverted their ways and the God who created them, Noah loved God by obeying Him. Abraham was no different. He believed God "and He counted it to him for righteousness" (Gen.15:6). Do you truly believe God? If so, your life will manifest a heart of obedience. If someone were writing a story of your life, would it be similar to Noah's or Abraham's?
The first absolute is we are to believe God. When you examine the lives of Noah and Abraham that is exactly what you see. A life that was committed to obeying God. Genesis 6:8-9 tells us that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" and that he was "a just man, perfect in his generation. Noah walked with God." The characteristic that marked Noah's life was his trust in God. This trust or belief was not some mental assent to some facts about God. It was a belief that was acted upon. He "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" because he was a "just" and "perfect" man. The direction of his life was that of obedience and holiness. While his generation perverted their ways and the God who created them, Noah loved God by obeying Him. Abraham was no different. He believed God "and He counted it to him for righteousness" (Gen.15:6). Do you truly believe God? If so, your life will manifest a heart of obedience. If someone were writing a story of your life, would it be similar to Noah's or Abraham's?
Think about it.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Saturday Quote: "Evidence"
There are many today who profess to have a relationship with Christ. But when you examine their lives you see no evidence of such claim---Steve Hereford.
Friday, May 18, 2007
What Do You Do When You Blow It?
We have been asking questions this week concerning anger. Today, I want to ask one more, “What do you do when you blow it?” All of us blow it, but the real issue is what do you do about it or what do you do to prevent it from happening again? I want to give some basic principles that address this last question.
First, you admit it. Before you can move forward with any sin, you must admit you’re the one who did it. So you need to first admit it to yourself, then to the one you were angry with and ultimately to God.
The second thing you must do is repent and learn from it. Understand what it was that made you angry. Rehearse what you will do if this occurs again and then thirdly refocus yourself on what is right. To do that you must go back to what we said yesterday: Put others first, use discretion, practice patience, love without conditions and practice the example of Christ.
Three simple steps though no so simple to apply. As with all truth, you can only apply it as you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. When you do you will see fruit.
So as you think over the issue of anger, ask yourself these six questions, and then find a way to glorify God in your anger.
First, you admit it. Before you can move forward with any sin, you must admit you’re the one who did it. So you need to first admit it to yourself, then to the one you were angry with and ultimately to God.
The second thing you must do is repent and learn from it. Understand what it was that made you angry. Rehearse what you will do if this occurs again and then thirdly refocus yourself on what is right. To do that you must go back to what we said yesterday: Put others first, use discretion, practice patience, love without conditions and practice the example of Christ.
Three simple steps though no so simple to apply. As with all truth, you can only apply it as you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. When you do you will see fruit.
So as you think over the issue of anger, ask yourself these six questions, and then find a way to glorify God in your anger.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
How Can I Control My Anger?
We have been looking at the subject of anger. Today, I want to ask another question—“How can I control my anger?” I have at least five ways to suggest in controlling anger.
The first is put others first. Anger that is sinful is selfish—it is focused only on self and lashes out at others when self has been violated. So to control this sinful anger, you need to put others first. Paul said in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” The last part of that verse is key. In order to “be kindly affectionate...with brotherly love,” you have to give “preference to one another.” This means, putting others first before yourself. Paul told the Philippians in 2:3-4 that this was the key to their unity in the church. He said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Here in this passage, he commands them not to do anything by way of “selfish ambition or conceit.” But he doesn’t stop there. He continues by calling them to humility. Putting others first involves humility.
Notice a second way we can control anger—use discretion. Proverbs 19:11 says, “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and it is to his glory to overlook a transgression.” Do you overlook it when someone sins against you? I know that’s not easy but this is also key in being “slow to anger.”
A third is to practice patience. We all have prayed for patience at one time or another. But believe it or not, it is needed to control anger. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Be one who is “slow to anger.” Don’t return evil for evil. Paul says in Romans 12:17-21, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
A fourth way to control anger is to live without conditions. To do that you must love others unconditionally. We are all familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 which speaks about love. Notice what Paul says, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” To love this way, means you set aside your expectations of others and seek to be this yourself. That means you “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Rom.12:9).
A fifth and final suggestion is to practice the example of Christ. Jesus was all of these and more toward others, especially His enemies. Peter says in 1 Peter 2:21-23, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Peter says that He did not sin (v.22), nor did He speak with deceit (v.22). When He was reviled, He did not revile in return (v.23), when He was suffering, He did not make threats but committed Himself to God (v.23).
Oh how we need to respond like Jesus! Let’s learn from Him today and control the anger that so easy hurts those we love as well as fuels fire among our enemies. Let’s practice the example of Christ. We will consider our last question in our next blog, “What do you do when you blow it?”
The first is put others first. Anger that is sinful is selfish—it is focused only on self and lashes out at others when self has been violated. So to control this sinful anger, you need to put others first. Paul said in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” The last part of that verse is key. In order to “be kindly affectionate...with brotherly love,” you have to give “preference to one another.” This means, putting others first before yourself. Paul told the Philippians in 2:3-4 that this was the key to their unity in the church. He said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Here in this passage, he commands them not to do anything by way of “selfish ambition or conceit.” But he doesn’t stop there. He continues by calling them to humility. Putting others first involves humility.
Notice a second way we can control anger—use discretion. Proverbs 19:11 says, “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and it is to his glory to overlook a transgression.” Do you overlook it when someone sins against you? I know that’s not easy but this is also key in being “slow to anger.”
A third is to practice patience. We all have prayed for patience at one time or another. But believe it or not, it is needed to control anger. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Be one who is “slow to anger.” Don’t return evil for evil. Paul says in Romans 12:17-21, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
A fourth way to control anger is to live without conditions. To do that you must love others unconditionally. We are all familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 which speaks about love. Notice what Paul says, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” To love this way, means you set aside your expectations of others and seek to be this yourself. That means you “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Rom.12:9).
A fifth and final suggestion is to practice the example of Christ. Jesus was all of these and more toward others, especially His enemies. Peter says in 1 Peter 2:21-23, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Peter says that He did not sin (v.22), nor did He speak with deceit (v.22). When He was reviled, He did not revile in return (v.23), when He was suffering, He did not make threats but committed Himself to God (v.23).
Oh how we need to respond like Jesus! Let’s learn from Him today and control the anger that so easy hurts those we love as well as fuels fire among our enemies. Let’s practice the example of Christ. We will consider our last question in our next blog, “What do you do when you blow it?”
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
When is Anger Right?
We have been looking at the subject of anger. We have already asked what is it, how is it manifested, and what is its cause? Now we’re asking when is it right? With that question, we come to our passage in Ephesians 4:26-27. Paul is writing to the Ephesians and he says, “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
In this passage, Paul gives three answers to our current question. The first is when it is against evil. He says, “Be angry” (parorgismos, pres.mid.imp.) which is a “deep-seated, determined and settled conviction” (MacArthur). It is not momentary outward, boiling over rage or inward, seething resentment. This is anger that “abhors injustice, immorality, and ungodliness of every sort” (MacArthur). This is anger that is expressed when God is maligned or when others are mistreated. It is never expressed when hurt is against oneself.
In Exodus 32:19-20 we see an example of this type of anger in Moses as he responds to Israel worshiping a golden calf. It says, “So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it.” Moses’ anger was justified because their behavior was sin against God. They had violated the very command that God had given them in the ten commandments regarding the worship of idols, so this made Moses furious. Another example of this type of anger is seen in Jesus as He is in the temple in John 2:13-17. The apostle John records, “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." Jesus was jealous for the holiness of God and when it was violated He drove those who violated it out of the temple. As seen in these two examples, there is a righteous anger that responds when God’s holiness has been violated.
Paul gives a second reason in our passage for when anger is right and that is when it does not cause us to sin (v.26). He says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Anger that is sin is anger that is self-defensive, self-serving, and resentful. This anger leads to murder and God’s judgment. In Genesis 4:6-8 we see sinful anger as Cain murders his brother: “So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 when we are expressing sinful anger, we are murdering our brother in our heart. He says, “‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
The third way that anger can be right is when it is resolved and not prolonged (vv.26-27). Paul continues by saying, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil.” Anger is to be resolved before you go to sleep. Anger that is not resolved, even the best motivated, can “give place to the devil” to use for his purposes. “There should be no nursing of grudges, no harboring of resentments, no carrying over of irritations...Anything that mars fellowship with God or with our brethren should immediately be made right” (Believer’s Bible Commentary). “While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13-16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to "keep short accounts," dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian's righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., "a place"), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary). “While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13-16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to "keep short accounts," dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian's righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., "a place"), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
Is this the kind of anger that you are manifesting—the kind that is jealous for God’s glory? Or is it motivated by your selfishness? In our next blog, we will ask, “How can I control my anger?”
In this passage, Paul gives three answers to our current question. The first is when it is against evil. He says, “Be angry” (parorgismos, pres.mid.imp.) which is a “deep-seated, determined and settled conviction” (MacArthur). It is not momentary outward, boiling over rage or inward, seething resentment. This is anger that “abhors injustice, immorality, and ungodliness of every sort” (MacArthur). This is anger that is expressed when God is maligned or when others are mistreated. It is never expressed when hurt is against oneself.
In Exodus 32:19-20 we see an example of this type of anger in Moses as he responds to Israel worshiping a golden calf. It says, “So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it.” Moses’ anger was justified because their behavior was sin against God. They had violated the very command that God had given them in the ten commandments regarding the worship of idols, so this made Moses furious. Another example of this type of anger is seen in Jesus as He is in the temple in John 2:13-17. The apostle John records, “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." Jesus was jealous for the holiness of God and when it was violated He drove those who violated it out of the temple. As seen in these two examples, there is a righteous anger that responds when God’s holiness has been violated.
Paul gives a second reason in our passage for when anger is right and that is when it does not cause us to sin (v.26). He says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Anger that is sin is anger that is self-defensive, self-serving, and resentful. This anger leads to murder and God’s judgment. In Genesis 4:6-8 we see sinful anger as Cain murders his brother: “So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 when we are expressing sinful anger, we are murdering our brother in our heart. He says, “‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
The third way that anger can be right is when it is resolved and not prolonged (vv.26-27). Paul continues by saying, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil.” Anger is to be resolved before you go to sleep. Anger that is not resolved, even the best motivated, can “give place to the devil” to use for his purposes. “There should be no nursing of grudges, no harboring of resentments, no carrying over of irritations...Anything that mars fellowship with God or with our brethren should immediately be made right” (Believer’s Bible Commentary). “While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13-16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to "keep short accounts," dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian's righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., "a place"), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary). “While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13-16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to "keep short accounts," dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian's righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., "a place"), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
Is this the kind of anger that you are manifesting—the kind that is jealous for God’s glory? Or is it motivated by your selfishness? In our next blog, we will ask, “How can I control my anger?”
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
What Causes You to Get Angry? (Pt.2)
We have been looking at the causes for anger? Today, I want to give you a few more. We have already considered pride, harsh words, selfishness, and unrealistic demands. The next is lying. Proverbs 13:5 says “A righteous man hates lying.” Do you get angry when someone lies to you? Another cause for anger is disobedience. In Exodus 16:19-20 we are given an example of this with the children of Israel. It says, “And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” This verse is referring to the Manna that the children of Israel received and serves as a good case for righteous indignation. Moses was angry that they did not obey God in regards to the manna. But this is not the only problem he had with Israel. They were also a complaining people. In Exodus 17:1-4 we read, “Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!” God hates complaining and it too serves as a cause for anger.
Some other causes are pain to a loved one (Gen.39:19), and injustice (Gen.44:18). Sam Ewing gives this insightful statement regarding anger. He says, It is wise to remember that anger is just one letter short of danger.”
Do you understand the causes of anger. Tomorrow we will consider our passage in Ephesians 4:26-27 and ask the question, “When is anger right?”
Some other causes are pain to a loved one (Gen.39:19), and injustice (Gen.44:18). Sam Ewing gives this insightful statement regarding anger. He says, It is wise to remember that anger is just one letter short of danger.”
Do you understand the causes of anger. Tomorrow we will consider our passage in Ephesians 4:26-27 and ask the question, “When is anger right?”
Friday, May 11, 2007
What Causes You to Get Angry? (Pt.1)
Yesterday I asked two questions, “What is anger?” and “How is it manifested?” Today, I want to ask a third question: “What causes you to get angry?”
The first cause is pride. When we survey David’s anger at Nabal it was not only because of Nabal ingratitude for David and his men for helping Nabal’s servants but also because David’s “name” and “reputation” was hurt. This was a form of pride. This is also one of the most difficult issues to address in our life because we don’t always see it as pride. Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 1 Samuel 18:5-9 tells us that Saul had this problem with David.
A second cause for anger is harsh words. How we answer one another can stir up anger. 1 Samuel 25:3 says that “Nabal...was harsh and evil in his doings.” Verse 12 says, “So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.” I could just hear David’s men as they shared with David Nabal’s harsh words. Regardless of how we are treated we are to respond differently. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” “Soft” in relation to speech means “gentle,” “kind,” or “mild.” It is a response without anger or harshness. “Answer” in this context refers to a response or reply to what someone, perhaps in anger, has said. The words “Turns away” translates a causative form of a verb meaning ‘to turn back.’ The thought is that the anger of the first speaker can be set aside or calmed by a gentle response. “A harsh word” is literally “a word of pain,” that is, one that causes pain, and the expression refers to a word or utterance spoken sharply or heatedly. (William D. Reyburn, A Handbook on Proverbs, p.328). Proverbs 25:15 also says, “By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.”
The third cause for anger is selfishness. 1 Samuel 20:30-31 says, “Then Saul’s anger was aroused against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” Saul’s anger was motivated by his jealously of David as seen in this passage. This too is nothing more than pride and selfishness.
A fourth cause of anger is unrealistic demands. This provokes or exasperates a person to anger. A good example of this is found in Genesis 30:1-2 which says, “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Rachel’s inability to have children and the envy she had toward her sister had caused her to lash out at her husband. Jacob’s was exasperated. This exasperation is what Paul says not to do toward our children. In Ephesians 6:4 he says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” “To provoke...to anger suggests a repeated, ongoing pattern of treatment that gradually builds up a deep-seated anger and resentment that boils over in outward hostility” (John MacArthur, Ephesians, p.317).
There are eight ways that we “provoke [our] children to wrath”: overprotection, favoritism (favoring one child over another), pushing achievement beyond reasonable bounds (this causes him to see that nothing he does can please his parents), discouragement (never complimenting or encouraging him), failing to sacrifice for your children and making them fee unwanted (they are made to feel like an intrusion), failing to let children grow up at a normal pace (rushing them through their childhood years), physical and verbal abuse, and using love as a tool of reward or punishment (giving it for reward and withholding it for punishment) (MacArthur).
Do you see some of these causes in your life? If so, you need to actively pursue replacing your response with one of gentleness. I will consider some other ways in which we provoke in my next blog.
The first cause is pride. When we survey David’s anger at Nabal it was not only because of Nabal ingratitude for David and his men for helping Nabal’s servants but also because David’s “name” and “reputation” was hurt. This was a form of pride. This is also one of the most difficult issues to address in our life because we don’t always see it as pride. Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 1 Samuel 18:5-9 tells us that Saul had this problem with David.
A second cause for anger is harsh words. How we answer one another can stir up anger. 1 Samuel 25:3 says that “Nabal...was harsh and evil in his doings.” Verse 12 says, “So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.” I could just hear David’s men as they shared with David Nabal’s harsh words. Regardless of how we are treated we are to respond differently. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” “Soft” in relation to speech means “gentle,” “kind,” or “mild.” It is a response without anger or harshness. “Answer” in this context refers to a response or reply to what someone, perhaps in anger, has said. The words “Turns away” translates a causative form of a verb meaning ‘to turn back.’ The thought is that the anger of the first speaker can be set aside or calmed by a gentle response. “A harsh word” is literally “a word of pain,” that is, one that causes pain, and the expression refers to a word or utterance spoken sharply or heatedly. (William D. Reyburn, A Handbook on Proverbs, p.328). Proverbs 25:15 also says, “By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.”
The third cause for anger is selfishness. 1 Samuel 20:30-31 says, “Then Saul’s anger was aroused against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” Saul’s anger was motivated by his jealously of David as seen in this passage. This too is nothing more than pride and selfishness.
A fourth cause of anger is unrealistic demands. This provokes or exasperates a person to anger. A good example of this is found in Genesis 30:1-2 which says, “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Rachel’s inability to have children and the envy she had toward her sister had caused her to lash out at her husband. Jacob’s was exasperated. This exasperation is what Paul says not to do toward our children. In Ephesians 6:4 he says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” “To provoke...to anger suggests a repeated, ongoing pattern of treatment that gradually builds up a deep-seated anger and resentment that boils over in outward hostility” (John MacArthur, Ephesians, p.317).
There are eight ways that we “provoke [our] children to wrath”: overprotection, favoritism (favoring one child over another), pushing achievement beyond reasonable bounds (this causes him to see that nothing he does can please his parents), discouragement (never complimenting or encouraging him), failing to sacrifice for your children and making them fee unwanted (they are made to feel like an intrusion), failing to let children grow up at a normal pace (rushing them through their childhood years), physical and verbal abuse, and using love as a tool of reward or punishment (giving it for reward and withholding it for punishment) (MacArthur).
Do you see some of these causes in your life? If so, you need to actively pursue replacing your response with one of gentleness. I will consider some other ways in which we provoke in my next blog.
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