“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven...” Romans 1:18
From where does it come? Heaven - the throne of God. Where is the source of this wrath? It is revealed from the throne of God and is effectively operative in the world of men in basically two ways.
Moral Order -
1. The Physical Laws
When God made the world, He build into it certain laws. When they are broken, there are consequences.
• The law of gravity - if you can climb a tall building and jump off, it doesn’t matter what you want to do - you will go down.
• The law of force and acceleration - If you drive into a concrete wall at eighty miles and hour, you become an irresistible force plunging into an immovable object.
2. The Moral Laws
God has built into the spiritual world moral laws of consequence. In this regard, Paul speaks of God’s wrath in an almost impersonal sense.
• Romans 3:5 - God brings on men the wrath.
• Romans 5:9 - The justified are saved from the wrath.
• Romans 12:19 - Believers are to leave vengeance upon evildoers to the wrath.
• Romans 13:5 - A motive for obedience is the wrath.
• 1 Thess. 1:10 - The Lord will deliver believers from the wrath.
There are inevitable consequences for violating God’s moral order. If you do things that are immoral, you will pay a price.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Expression of His Wrath!
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” Romans 1:18
How do we see His wrath expressed? It is revealed. When is the time? It is now. ▸ It was revealed in the garden.
▸ It was revealed in the flood.
▸ It was revealed in the driving of Pharaoh away.
▸ It was revealed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
▸ It was revealed in the curse of the law on every transgression.
▸ It was revealed in the sacrificial system of the Mosaic law.
Rom. 8:22-23 - The whole creation groans and awaits God’s redemption.
▸ It is revealed in the cross.
God hates sin so much He poured out His wrath on His son. Why do wicked people seem to get away with sin? There is a payday for everyone, the longer God pulls back the bow - the deeper the arrow plunges when it hits.
It is not a matter of if, but when. God’s judgment is like the sand in an hour glass. The sand may drop slowly, but it drops surely. God’s patience is far greater than ours, and for that we should be grateful.
How do we see His wrath expressed? It is revealed. When is the time? It is now. ▸ It was revealed in the garden.
▸ It was revealed in the flood.
▸ It was revealed in the driving of Pharaoh away.
▸ It was revealed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
▸ It was revealed in the curse of the law on every transgression.
▸ It was revealed in the sacrificial system of the Mosaic law.
Rom. 8:22-23 - The whole creation groans and awaits God’s redemption.
▸ It is revealed in the cross.
God hates sin so much He poured out His wrath on His son. Why do wicked people seem to get away with sin? There is a payday for everyone, the longer God pulls back the bow - the deeper the arrow plunges when it hits.
It is not a matter of if, but when. God’s judgment is like the sand in an hour glass. The sand may drop slowly, but it drops surely. God’s patience is far greater than ours, and for that we should be grateful.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
He Loved the Son
“And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me.” John 17:22-23
It is an often told story, but its moral points up a great truth. There was an extremely wealthy man who possessed vast treasures of art. The man had one son who was an ordinary boy, and who passed away in late adolescence.
Having loved the lad deeply, the sorrowing father died of a broken heart only a few weeks later. The father’s will provided that everything would be sold by auction. Strangely, the father stipulated that an oil painting of his son was to be the first item offered by the auctioneer.
Large crowds came to bid on the widely reputed collection of art. In keeping with the proviso of the will, the boy’s portrait was first help up for bids. No one cared about the deceased boy. Not until several moments had passed, did an old servant, who had always loved the boy, placed a seventy-five cent bid. The picture was at once sold to the servant, there being no further bids registered.
Then the dramatic moment came. The sale was stopped - as the will had further provided that anyone who loved the son enough to buy his portrait should receive everything in the father’s house.
Little did he understand what was his because he loved the son, and it is also true of us. Little did we understand just what salvation meant to us when we came to Christ.
As Paul prayed in Eph 1:18-19 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.” This I pray for each of us to understand.
It is an often told story, but its moral points up a great truth. There was an extremely wealthy man who possessed vast treasures of art. The man had one son who was an ordinary boy, and who passed away in late adolescence.
Having loved the lad deeply, the sorrowing father died of a broken heart only a few weeks later. The father’s will provided that everything would be sold by auction. Strangely, the father stipulated that an oil painting of his son was to be the first item offered by the auctioneer.
Large crowds came to bid on the widely reputed collection of art. In keeping with the proviso of the will, the boy’s portrait was first help up for bids. No one cared about the deceased boy. Not until several moments had passed, did an old servant, who had always loved the boy, placed a seventy-five cent bid. The picture was at once sold to the servant, there being no further bids registered.
Then the dramatic moment came. The sale was stopped - as the will had further provided that anyone who loved the son enough to buy his portrait should receive everything in the father’s house.
Little did he understand what was his because he loved the son, and it is also true of us. Little did we understand just what salvation meant to us when we came to Christ.
As Paul prayed in Eph 1:18-19 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.” This I pray for each of us to understand.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Essence of God’s Wrath
“...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...” Romans 3:23
We are born in sin - spiritually dead and sentenced. The human race is under the wrath of God. Now what we have is Paul building His case for the gospel. And to put it in focus, this subject of condemnation of the human race starts in Rom. 1:18-Rom. 3:20.
Hopefully, we will see why people do the things they do. Look at the concept of the wrath of God.
First, is the essence of God’s wrath. It is divine wrath. It is not like our wrath - prompted by pride, but it is a righteous, holy, perfect wrath. God doesn’t get angry like we get angry. His anger is absolutely holy because His anger is in reaction to evil. And it’s true with us - the more Christlike you and I become, the more upset we get with sin!
Sin should bother us! Do you remember the first thing Jesus did in the Book of John publicly? John 2:13-22 - He cleansed the temple. That is no way to begin a popular ministry, and it certainly won’t put the denominational heads on your side. But Jesus was furious because God was being dishonored. The wrath of God is always perfect. We get what we deserve. For the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Rom 1:18
“Wrath” = “Orge” (Greek) = A settled anger. God doesn’t blow His cork.
We are born in sin - spiritually dead and sentenced. The human race is under the wrath of God. Now what we have is Paul building His case for the gospel. And to put it in focus, this subject of condemnation of the human race starts in Rom. 1:18-Rom. 3:20.
Hopefully, we will see why people do the things they do. Look at the concept of the wrath of God.
First, is the essence of God’s wrath. It is divine wrath. It is not like our wrath - prompted by pride, but it is a righteous, holy, perfect wrath. God doesn’t get angry like we get angry. His anger is absolutely holy because His anger is in reaction to evil. And it’s true with us - the more Christlike you and I become, the more upset we get with sin!
Sin should bother us! Do you remember the first thing Jesus did in the Book of John publicly? John 2:13-22 - He cleansed the temple. That is no way to begin a popular ministry, and it certainly won’t put the denominational heads on your side. But Jesus was furious because God was being dishonored. The wrath of God is always perfect. We get what we deserve. For the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Rom 1:18
“Wrath” = “Orge” (Greek) = A settled anger. God doesn’t blow His cork.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Gos-pill
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
God’s wrath brings God’s judgment, and believe me,
the world has seen His wrath in action -
▸ The flood
▸ The tower of Babel
▸ Sodom and Gomorrah
▸ Egypt
▸ Against Israel - for rebellion
▸ Against Miriam
▸ Against Korah and Dathan
▸ Against all the Canaanites
▸ Against the house of Eli
▸ Against the house of Saul
▸ The house of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon
...and on and on.
His holiness demands punishment and there is a payday coming. Now does that sound like a poor choice to start when it comes to evangelism? Think about it! How will you ever appreciate how good the good news is until you understand how bad we really are before a just and righteous God.
It’s kind of like going to the doctor - “I have bad news. You have a disease that has killed millions. The good new is - I have a cure! It is the Gos-pill!”
The bad news is - God hates sin. The good news is - in His love He has provided an answer. So in Romans, Paul gives to us the diagnosis, and then he gives us the cure. Look at Rom. 1:18 “For the wrath...” The “For” connects us with verse 17 - “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” - Why? For the wrath of God is revealed.
In other words, all men hold the truth unrighteously, and all men are under the wrath of God. Therefore, there is no way they can justify themselves. Justification has to be by faith - because all men left to their own efforts are under the wrath of God.
God’s wrath brings God’s judgment, and believe me,
the world has seen His wrath in action -
▸ The flood
▸ The tower of Babel
▸ Sodom and Gomorrah
▸ Egypt
▸ Against Israel - for rebellion
▸ Against Miriam
▸ Against Korah and Dathan
▸ Against all the Canaanites
▸ Against the house of Eli
▸ Against the house of Saul
▸ The house of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon
...and on and on.
His holiness demands punishment and there is a payday coming. Now does that sound like a poor choice to start when it comes to evangelism? Think about it! How will you ever appreciate how good the good news is until you understand how bad we really are before a just and righteous God.
It’s kind of like going to the doctor - “I have bad news. You have a disease that has killed millions. The good new is - I have a cure! It is the Gos-pill!”
The bad news is - God hates sin. The good news is - in His love He has provided an answer. So in Romans, Paul gives to us the diagnosis, and then he gives us the cure. Look at Rom. 1:18 “For the wrath...” The “For” connects us with verse 17 - “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” - Why? For the wrath of God is revealed.
In other words, all men hold the truth unrighteously, and all men are under the wrath of God. Therefore, there is no way they can justify themselves. Justification has to be by faith - because all men left to their own efforts are under the wrath of God.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
One-Sided Preaching
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 4:17
“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:37-38
“Repent!” seems to be a lost word in this generation. So much of the preaching and teaching today is on the goodness of God, the grace of God, and His love. While that is a great message, it’s not the whole message. We’re guilty of preaching a one-sided gospel that makes absolutely no sense to a lost and dying world.
We need to call sin what God calls it -
• Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination.
• Man calls it a blunder; God calls it a blindness.
• Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease.
• Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice.
• Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity.
• Man calls it a fascination; God calls it a fatality.
• Man calls it an infirmity; God calls it an iniquity.
• Man calls it a luxury; God calls it a leprosy.
• Man calls it a liberty; God calls it lawlessness.
• Man calls it a trifle; calls it a tragedy.
• Man calls it a mistake; God calls it a madness.
• Man calls it a weakness; God calls it willfulness.
You can call it anything. God calls it sin, and He hates sin. Psalm 119:128
▸ When was the last time you read a book on God’s wrath?
▸ When was the last time you heard a song on God’s wrath?
▸ When was the last time you heard a sermon on T.V. on God’s wrath?
You’ll never understand how great His love is until you understand how great His hate is.
“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:37-38
“Repent!” seems to be a lost word in this generation. So much of the preaching and teaching today is on the goodness of God, the grace of God, and His love. While that is a great message, it’s not the whole message. We’re guilty of preaching a one-sided gospel that makes absolutely no sense to a lost and dying world.
We need to call sin what God calls it -
• Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination.
• Man calls it a blunder; God calls it a blindness.
• Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease.
• Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice.
• Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity.
• Man calls it a fascination; God calls it a fatality.
• Man calls it an infirmity; God calls it an iniquity.
• Man calls it a luxury; God calls it a leprosy.
• Man calls it a liberty; God calls it lawlessness.
• Man calls it a trifle; calls it a tragedy.
• Man calls it a mistake; God calls it a madness.
• Man calls it a weakness; God calls it willfulness.
You can call it anything. God calls it sin, and He hates sin. Psalm 119:128
▸ When was the last time you read a book on God’s wrath?
▸ When was the last time you heard a song on God’s wrath?
▸ When was the last time you heard a sermon on T.V. on God’s wrath?
You’ll never understand how great His love is until you understand how great His hate is.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Deception of Sin
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:8-9
Men can’t seek to be saved until they understand the wrath they need to be saved from. Unless a person understands the utter danger they are in, there is no reason to change. Some people say, “How can God, Who is Love, be a God of wrath?” Because God is a God of balance, love is just one of His attributes - but so is justice, holiness, righteousness.
Sin is an affront to a Holy God, and God’s holiness demands penalty for sin. God is perfect in love, and yet God is perfect in hate. He hates sin, and He will judge those who sin. He hates just as much as He loves.
Heb 1:9 says, “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness...”
It’s not that the Bible doesn’t talk about God’s wrath or hatred of evil and sin, but that most preachers and people refuse to talk about it. Our generation is the NutraSweet generation - we don’t want to talk about judgement, wrath, or hell.
We preach on the love of God. We preach on the mercy of God. We preach on the forgiveness of God. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it is in balance. You will never fully understand His grace until you understand your guilt and ruin before a Holy God.
Remember what grace is -
God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
Men can’t seek to be saved until they understand the wrath they need to be saved from. Unless a person understands the utter danger they are in, there is no reason to change. Some people say, “How can God, Who is Love, be a God of wrath?” Because God is a God of balance, love is just one of His attributes - but so is justice, holiness, righteousness.
Sin is an affront to a Holy God, and God’s holiness demands penalty for sin. God is perfect in love, and yet God is perfect in hate. He hates sin, and He will judge those who sin. He hates just as much as He loves.
Heb 1:9 says, “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness...”
It’s not that the Bible doesn’t talk about God’s wrath or hatred of evil and sin, but that most preachers and people refuse to talk about it. Our generation is the NutraSweet generation - we don’t want to talk about judgement, wrath, or hell.
We preach on the love of God. We preach on the mercy of God. We preach on the forgiveness of God. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it is in balance. You will never fully understand His grace until you understand your guilt and ruin before a Holy God.
Remember what grace is -
God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Wrath of God
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” Romans 1:18
We come to the starting point of evangelism. Last week, we saw the theme of the Book of Romans as “The Gospel.” But where does the gospel begin? (Verse 18) The gospel begins with God’s wrath.
Now that is not how most evangelists start their presentation. As a matter of fact, we usually start with love. Did you know that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you life?
We like to talk about -
▸ God’s love
▸ God’s grace
▸ God’s mercy
▸ God’s forgiveness
▸ God’s abundant life
How many times have you started witnessing by saying - “Do you know that God’s wrath is being poured out because of you ungodliness?” That’s not how most of us do it, but that’s where Paul starts. Not with the “good news,” but with the bad news. As a matter of fact, we don’t even see the word “love” until chapter 5.
Now to talk about the wrath of God is not necessarily an easy subject. I never met anyone who was overjoyed to talk about God’s wrath. But to really appreciate how good the good news really is, we must understand how bad the bad news really was.
Think about it...
How can folks really understand God’s love, if they don’t understand His holiness, righteousness, and hatred of sin? How can folks really understand God’s grace, if they don’t know His law? How can folks really understand God’s forgiveness, if they don’t understand His penalty for sin?
We come to the starting point of evangelism. Last week, we saw the theme of the Book of Romans as “The Gospel.” But where does the gospel begin? (Verse 18) The gospel begins with God’s wrath.
Now that is not how most evangelists start their presentation. As a matter of fact, we usually start with love. Did you know that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you life?
We like to talk about -
▸ God’s love
▸ God’s grace
▸ God’s mercy
▸ God’s forgiveness
▸ God’s abundant life
How many times have you started witnessing by saying - “Do you know that God’s wrath is being poured out because of you ungodliness?” That’s not how most of us do it, but that’s where Paul starts. Not with the “good news,” but with the bad news. As a matter of fact, we don’t even see the word “love” until chapter 5.
Now to talk about the wrath of God is not necessarily an easy subject. I never met anyone who was overjoyed to talk about God’s wrath. But to really appreciate how good the good news really is, we must understand how bad the bad news really was.
Think about it...
How can folks really understand God’s love, if they don’t understand His holiness, righteousness, and hatred of sin? How can folks really understand God’s grace, if they don’t know His law? How can folks really understand God’s forgiveness, if they don’t understand His penalty for sin?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Needed, Love and Forgiveness
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Today is Fathers’s Day - A day to celebrate and thank dads for who they are and what they do. However, it is not always the day it was meant to be - when it come to fathers.
Some fathers give their children everything they need. Some fathers spoil their children and indulge every whim to the detriment of their character.
Some dads are nurturing, supportive, caring, gentle. Some fathers are abusive neglectful, unfeeling, or cruel.
Which kind of father do you feel deserves love and respect? If you are honest, you would answer that the first example is the worthy one. What is more difficult is loving the father who rarely has a sensitive word.
In fact, maybe as you read about these negative qualities your own father came to mind. Perhaps you hate even the mere mention of Father’s Day because the memories of the present reality, bring pain and renewed hurt.
There is hope. Jesus knew the cure for a heart wounded by a parent - forgiveness. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you...” (Verse 34).
When you hang on to bitterness towards your father, living or dead, your heart and your present family life pay the price. As your Savior, Jesus forgives you of everything; and His forgiveness liberates you to love as He does. Let go today. His love is the only solution.
Today is Fathers’s Day - A day to celebrate and thank dads for who they are and what they do. However, it is not always the day it was meant to be - when it come to fathers.
Some fathers give their children everything they need. Some fathers spoil their children and indulge every whim to the detriment of their character.
Some dads are nurturing, supportive, caring, gentle. Some fathers are abusive neglectful, unfeeling, or cruel.
Which kind of father do you feel deserves love and respect? If you are honest, you would answer that the first example is the worthy one. What is more difficult is loving the father who rarely has a sensitive word.
In fact, maybe as you read about these negative qualities your own father came to mind. Perhaps you hate even the mere mention of Father’s Day because the memories of the present reality, bring pain and renewed hurt.
There is hope. Jesus knew the cure for a heart wounded by a parent - forgiveness. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you...” (Verse 34).
When you hang on to bitterness towards your father, living or dead, your heart and your present family life pay the price. As your Savior, Jesus forgives you of everything; and His forgiveness liberates you to love as He does. Let go today. His love is the only solution.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Outcome of the Gospel
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4
The just shall live by faith.
The good news is that Christ has come! He has paid the price, and it’s the power of God's salvation for everyone who believes. In it the righteousness of God is revealed to us, as we live by faith. From faith to faith - from one believer’s faith to another.
We do not live by works, but by faith in what God has already done.
Make this very careful note in your heart - the just shall live by faith.
You’re not just saved through faith and then live by works - no, no, no -
We live by faith.
We grow in faith.
We honor God when we trust Him on a daily basis to lead us, guide us, direct us, and teach us to walk after Him. You have been saved by the gospel of Christ.
Now, give God the glory and go tell someone else what you have found in Christ. Go share your faith.
The just shall live by faith.
The good news is that Christ has come! He has paid the price, and it’s the power of God's salvation for everyone who believes. In it the righteousness of God is revealed to us, as we live by faith. From faith to faith - from one believer’s faith to another.
We do not live by works, but by faith in what God has already done.
Make this very careful note in your heart - the just shall live by faith.
You’re not just saved through faith and then live by works - no, no, no -
We live by faith.
We grow in faith.
We honor God when we trust Him on a daily basis to lead us, guide us, direct us, and teach us to walk after Him. You have been saved by the gospel of Christ.
Now, give God the glory and go tell someone else what you have found in Christ. Go share your faith.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Effects of the Gospel
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17
In the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. When you believe with your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sin, and you ask Him to forgive your sin and believe in your heart He has, then the righteousness of God is revealed to you. The righteousness of God is revealed and it becomes yours.
Faith activates the revelation of His righteousness. That’s why it says in 2 Cor. 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
God’s righteousness becomes activated in you because of your faith in Him. Because Christ died and we put our faith in Him - God gives us His righteousness! God’s standard is Himself, and yet in myself I can never meet His standard.
Someone says, “Well, that’s not fair!” Think how unjust it would be if God set a condition for entrance into Heaven that could be met by only a small portion of the human race. If God demanded a certain degree of intelligence, it would be unjust to morons. If He demanded wealth, it would be unjust to paupers. If He demanded moral righteousness, it would be unjust to those born with a nature whose moral fiber has been weakened by the depravity of a long line of sinning ancestors. But His standard is His holiness, of which only Christ has met.
So God says to you - If you will believe, I will give you my righteousness. How can God do that? Because Christ has paid the price. My response should be humble gratitude and thanksgiving to a God who saves me by grace.
In the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. When you believe with your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sin, and you ask Him to forgive your sin and believe in your heart He has, then the righteousness of God is revealed to you. The righteousness of God is revealed and it becomes yours.
Faith activates the revelation of His righteousness. That’s why it says in 2 Cor. 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
God’s righteousness becomes activated in you because of your faith in Him. Because Christ died and we put our faith in Him - God gives us His righteousness! God’s standard is Himself, and yet in myself I can never meet His standard.
Someone says, “Well, that’s not fair!” Think how unjust it would be if God set a condition for entrance into Heaven that could be met by only a small portion of the human race. If God demanded a certain degree of intelligence, it would be unjust to morons. If He demanded wealth, it would be unjust to paupers. If He demanded moral righteousness, it would be unjust to those born with a nature whose moral fiber has been weakened by the depravity of a long line of sinning ancestors. But His standard is His holiness, of which only Christ has met.
So God says to you - If you will believe, I will give you my righteousness. How can God do that? Because Christ has paid the price. My response should be humble gratitude and thanksgiving to a God who saves me by grace.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
It’s About Faith!
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God...” Eph. 2:8
“But what can mortal man do to secure his own salvation? Mortal man can do just what God bid him do. He can repent and believe. He can arise and follow Christ as Matthew did.” - Washington Gladden
• To believe on Christ is initial faith.
• To receive Him is appropriating faith.
• To understand Him is intelligent faith.
• To assimilate Him is active faith.
Faith is the acknowledgment of my inability and His ability to save me.
• Salvation is not professing Christianity.
• Salvation is not baptism.
• Salvation is not cleaning up your act.
• Salvation is not going to church.
• Salvation is not conforming to rules.
• Salvation is not morality.
Salvation comes when a person realizes that he is a sinner before a holy and righteous God - when he understands that he is powerless to change himself and agrees with God that he needs help and yields himself to Christ - trusting Jesus Christ to save Him from his sin.
A man must see Christ as God’s remedy for his sin. That must happen not in his head, but in the heart. It is an act of faith, and one that must be taken by all who are saved.
“But what can mortal man do to secure his own salvation? Mortal man can do just what God bid him do. He can repent and believe. He can arise and follow Christ as Matthew did.” - Washington Gladden
• To believe on Christ is initial faith.
• To receive Him is appropriating faith.
• To understand Him is intelligent faith.
• To assimilate Him is active faith.
Faith is the acknowledgment of my inability and His ability to save me.
• Salvation is not professing Christianity.
• Salvation is not baptism.
• Salvation is not cleaning up your act.
• Salvation is not going to church.
• Salvation is not conforming to rules.
• Salvation is not morality.
Salvation comes when a person realizes that he is a sinner before a holy and righteous God - when he understands that he is powerless to change himself and agrees with God that he needs help and yields himself to Christ - trusting Jesus Christ to save Him from his sin.
A man must see Christ as God’s remedy for his sin. That must happen not in his head, but in the heart. It is an act of faith, and one that must be taken by all who are saved.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Scope of the Gospel
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
Who can be saved? “...to everyone who believes...” To the Jew first and also to the Greek = Everyone. Salvation is for everyone from every sin at every place under every circumstance. The power of God delivers those who believe. Salvation operates through faith. What is faith? - Believing.
Do not think for one moment that it is possible to be saved without faith. This raises some definite questions as to the nature of faith and as to the object. Faith is belief, and no matter by which name you call it, it is simply acting upon the word of another. A thousand times a year you act on the word of people whom you have never seen. You follow information which is given to you over the telephone, or which you read in newspapers. You conform to advice given by commentators or columnists. You obey road instructions given to you by strangers. All of these actions are movements of faith.
In the realm of spiritual things, faith is simply acting upon the Word of God. He tells you that you are a sinner. You believe it not only because of what you know to be in your heart and in your own experience, but above all because of the revelation of salvation in the Word of God. He tells you that He came to die for you because He loves you. He tells you that He put your sin on Christ and crucified Him in your place. He tells you that He raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead as a sign that by Him all who believe are justified from all things. When you believe that and receive it in your heart, you are saved.
Faith for salvation is trusting and believing that Christ rose from the dead; believing He died for you and trusting Him for eternal life.
Who can be saved? “...to everyone who believes...” To the Jew first and also to the Greek = Everyone. Salvation is for everyone from every sin at every place under every circumstance. The power of God delivers those who believe. Salvation operates through faith. What is faith? - Believing.
Do not think for one moment that it is possible to be saved without faith. This raises some definite questions as to the nature of faith and as to the object. Faith is belief, and no matter by which name you call it, it is simply acting upon the word of another. A thousand times a year you act on the word of people whom you have never seen. You follow information which is given to you over the telephone, or which you read in newspapers. You conform to advice given by commentators or columnists. You obey road instructions given to you by strangers. All of these actions are movements of faith.
In the realm of spiritual things, faith is simply acting upon the Word of God. He tells you that you are a sinner. You believe it not only because of what you know to be in your heart and in your own experience, but above all because of the revelation of salvation in the Word of God. He tells you that He came to die for you because He loves you. He tells you that He put your sin on Christ and crucified Him in your place. He tells you that He raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead as a sign that by Him all who believe are justified from all things. When you believe that and receive it in your heart, you are saved.
Faith for salvation is trusting and believing that Christ rose from the dead; believing He died for you and trusting Him for eternal life.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The All-Encompassing Gospel
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’-- that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’” Romans 10:8-11
The word that is used in the original language for “salvation” covers the entire work of God on behalf of the human soul. I am sure that not one of us, not even the one who has spent the most time with God, can fully comprehend the height and the depth of the vast subject of salvation. The depth is our need; the height is the provision that God has made. Salvation begins when the sinner recognizes the fact that he is less perfect than God and therefore under condemnation.
“Salvation” also is a word that has a complete meaning in the past, present, and future. In the past, the believer has been saved from the penalty of sin; in the present, is being saved from the power of sin; and in the future, he shall be saved from the very presence of sin.
I have been saved from the penalty of sin = Justification.
I have been saved from the power of sin = Sanctification.
I will be saved from the presence of sin = Glorification.
The world is looking for deliverance, but they are looking all the wrong places. The gospel sounds so simple - so stupid, but is the power of God.
Salvation delivers a person from -
▸ Lostness - to seek and save that which was lost.
▸ Sin - we have been delivered from the power of sin.
▸ Guilt - declared not guilty.
▸ Judgement and Death - 1 Cor. 15
The word that is used in the original language for “salvation” covers the entire work of God on behalf of the human soul. I am sure that not one of us, not even the one who has spent the most time with God, can fully comprehend the height and the depth of the vast subject of salvation. The depth is our need; the height is the provision that God has made. Salvation begins when the sinner recognizes the fact that he is less perfect than God and therefore under condemnation.
“Salvation” also is a word that has a complete meaning in the past, present, and future. In the past, the believer has been saved from the penalty of sin; in the present, is being saved from the power of sin; and in the future, he shall be saved from the very presence of sin.
I have been saved from the penalty of sin = Justification.
I have been saved from the power of sin = Sanctification.
I will be saved from the presence of sin = Glorification.
The world is looking for deliverance, but they are looking all the wrong places. The gospel sounds so simple - so stupid, but is the power of God.
Salvation delivers a person from -
▸ Lostness - to seek and save that which was lost.
▸ Sin - we have been delivered from the power of sin.
▸ Guilt - declared not guilty.
▸ Judgement and Death - 1 Cor. 15
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Purpose of the Gospel
“...for salvation...” Romans 1:16
What is meant by salvation? The rest of the epistle will give the full answer, for our text is in no small measure the text for all that follows in this epistle. The English word “salvation” comes from the Latin word for “health.” In early times, it described the health of the body, but later it came to be applied to the health of the soul and the spirit. In our spiritual use of the word, “salvation,” it is everything that conduces to the safety, health, and happiness of the soul and spirit.
It is also used in the sense of being delivered -
• Delivered from sin.
• Delivered from Satan
• Delivered from destruction.
• Delivered from judgement.
• Delivered from hell.
• Delivered from death.
Salvation then is to be delivered from sin, death and hell, and delivered into safety of the fullest extent. Man’s security and safe passage through life - divine judgement and his entrance into eternal blessedness is bound up in his being saved. It includes forgiveness and escape from wrath. It includes new life - life in the Spirit, resurrection, eternity.
“Salvation is not something that is done for you, but something that happens within you. It is not the clearing of a court record, but the transformation of a life attitude.” - Albert W. Palmer
What is meant by salvation? The rest of the epistle will give the full answer, for our text is in no small measure the text for all that follows in this epistle. The English word “salvation” comes from the Latin word for “health.” In early times, it described the health of the body, but later it came to be applied to the health of the soul and the spirit. In our spiritual use of the word, “salvation,” it is everything that conduces to the safety, health, and happiness of the soul and spirit.
It is also used in the sense of being delivered -
• Delivered from sin.
• Delivered from Satan
• Delivered from destruction.
• Delivered from judgement.
• Delivered from hell.
• Delivered from death.
Salvation then is to be delivered from sin, death and hell, and delivered into safety of the fullest extent. Man’s security and safe passage through life - divine judgement and his entrance into eternal blessedness is bound up in his being saved. It includes forgiveness and escape from wrath. It includes new life - life in the Spirit, resurrection, eternity.
“Salvation is not something that is done for you, but something that happens within you. It is not the clearing of a court record, but the transformation of a life attitude.” - Albert W. Palmer
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Good News
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” 1 Cor. 15:1-5
The gospel means good news, and here in our verses we find the good news that...
• the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins,
• He was buried, and that...
• He rose again from the dead.
And all of this in accordances with the record that God has revealed in the Scriptures. Let us admit immediately that if these three facts are not historically true we have no gospel, and we have no Christianity.
But these are the facts - over five hundred eye witnesses saw the resurrected Christ (1 Cor. 15:6). The gospel is the truth that rises out of the three great historical facts: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose the third day according to the Scriptures The Apostle now declares that belief in the good news of those three facts brings salvation.
It is this gospel that Paul says he is not ashamed! On the contrary - everywhere he goes, he preaches the truth of God’s word. As we are looking at verses 16-17, we see why Paul can say he is not ashamed - because of the source of the gospel...God (Rom. 1:1). The nature of the gospel - it is the power of God - “Dunamis.”
It is man who desires change, but change on the inside comes only through the power of God. It is the power of God...
▸ that sets men free from sin.
▸ that sets men free from Satan.
▸ that sets men free from judgement.
▸ that sets men free from hell.
It is the power of God that changes people’s lives.
The gospel means good news, and here in our verses we find the good news that...
• the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins,
• He was buried, and that...
• He rose again from the dead.
And all of this in accordances with the record that God has revealed in the Scriptures. Let us admit immediately that if these three facts are not historically true we have no gospel, and we have no Christianity.
But these are the facts - over five hundred eye witnesses saw the resurrected Christ (1 Cor. 15:6). The gospel is the truth that rises out of the three great historical facts: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose the third day according to the Scriptures The Apostle now declares that belief in the good news of those three facts brings salvation.
It is this gospel that Paul says he is not ashamed! On the contrary - everywhere he goes, he preaches the truth of God’s word. As we are looking at verses 16-17, we see why Paul can say he is not ashamed - because of the source of the gospel...God (Rom. 1:1). The nature of the gospel - it is the power of God - “Dunamis.”
It is man who desires change, but change on the inside comes only through the power of God. It is the power of God...
▸ that sets men free from sin.
▸ that sets men free from Satan.
▸ that sets men free from judgement.
▸ that sets men free from hell.
It is the power of God that changes people’s lives.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Power of the Gospel
“...for it is the power of God for salvation...” Romans 1:16
Why was Paul bold? “...for it is the power of God for salvation...”
We go from the heart of the apostle - to the heart of the epistle. He was bold to preach because of what the gospel is and what the gospel does. He is unashamed because he knows the power of the gospel - the changed lives he has seen in action.
When you know the power of the gospel, there is a holy boldness to proclaim it. The Greek word for “power” is the word “dunamis.” It is the word we get “dynamite,” “dynamic,” and “dynamo” from.
Most people want to change their lives, but they have no way to do that. We spend all our time, energy, and money trying to clean up the outside, but we never change the heart - but God can!!
The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change people’s lives - to free them from sin, Satan, judgement, death, and hell - and give them eternal life, hope meaning, peace, and happiness. The gospel is the power of God. Let the world say what it will, but I have seen the power of God change lives.
▸ Look how it changed Paul.
▸ Look how it changed Peter.
▸ Look how it changed disciples.
▸ Look how it has changed you!
How much power does He have, you ask?
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think...” Eph. 3:20
Why was Paul bold? “...for it is the power of God for salvation...”
We go from the heart of the apostle - to the heart of the epistle. He was bold to preach because of what the gospel is and what the gospel does. He is unashamed because he knows the power of the gospel - the changed lives he has seen in action.
When you know the power of the gospel, there is a holy boldness to proclaim it. The Greek word for “power” is the word “dunamis.” It is the word we get “dynamite,” “dynamic,” and “dynamo” from.
Most people want to change their lives, but they have no way to do that. We spend all our time, energy, and money trying to clean up the outside, but we never change the heart - but God can!!
The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change people’s lives - to free them from sin, Satan, judgement, death, and hell - and give them eternal life, hope meaning, peace, and happiness. The gospel is the power of God. Let the world say what it will, but I have seen the power of God change lives.
▸ Look how it changed Paul.
▸ Look how it changed Peter.
▸ Look how it changed disciples.
▸ Look how it has changed you!
How much power does He have, you ask?
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think...” Eph. 3:20
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Cost of the Gospel
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death...” Philip. 3:7-10
Did you ever notice that Paul’s ministry wasn’t one of comfort? We have a gospel being preached today that offers health and wealth. You name and claim it. All Christians ought to be healthy and wealthy. I do not find that in the life of Paul.
If you’re looking for comfort and ease, you’ve come to the wrong place. What keeps men from Christ? Personal comfort and pleasure? And yet we live in an age where there is a false gospel being offered. One of comfort, wealth, happiness, and no real commitment. And people are flocking after it by the thousands.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a gospel that accommodates the sins of men, but rather one that deals with it, confronts it, and destroys it. We have not been called to compromise the cross, but to preach the cross.
Someone said, there is a new cross in Christianity today...
▸ The old cross slew men - The new one entertains them.
▸ The old cross condemns men - The new one assures them.
▸ The old cross destroyed confidences in flesh - The new one encourages it.
▸ The old cross bought tears and blood - The new one is bringing laughter.
“The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross; before that cross it bows and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics - but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross it stubbornly refused to bear.”
- A.W. Tozer
What we need today is to be bold and confront folks with the claims of Christ.
Did you ever notice that Paul’s ministry wasn’t one of comfort? We have a gospel being preached today that offers health and wealth. You name and claim it. All Christians ought to be healthy and wealthy. I do not find that in the life of Paul.
If you’re looking for comfort and ease, you’ve come to the wrong place. What keeps men from Christ? Personal comfort and pleasure? And yet we live in an age where there is a false gospel being offered. One of comfort, wealth, happiness, and no real commitment. And people are flocking after it by the thousands.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a gospel that accommodates the sins of men, but rather one that deals with it, confronts it, and destroys it. We have not been called to compromise the cross, but to preach the cross.
Someone said, there is a new cross in Christianity today...
▸ The old cross slew men - The new one entertains them.
▸ The old cross condemns men - The new one assures them.
▸ The old cross destroyed confidences in flesh - The new one encourages it.
▸ The old cross bought tears and blood - The new one is bringing laughter.
“The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross; before that cross it bows and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics - but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross it stubbornly refused to bear.”
- A.W. Tozer
What we need today is to be bold and confront folks with the claims of Christ.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Gospel of God
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
The theme of Romans is the gospel. Anywhere and everywhere Paul goes, he preaches the gospel - no matter what the reaction is.
Remember who Paul is writing to - the Romans.
• Rome was the center of the world.
• Rome was the center of culture.
• Rome was the center of wealth.
• Rome was the home of Caesar.
• Rome was the center of power.
But even to this city, Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel. Though it was a city of slaves, he would not center his preaching against slavery. It was a city of lust, but he would not center his preaching on moral reform. It was a city of economic injustice, but he would not center his preaching on economics. It was a city built on wars, but he would not center his preaching on pacifism. No, it would be the Gospel.
He is not intimidated by the folks he preached to. He is proud of the gospel. And even though it is a stumbling block to the Jews, it is still the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Remember that Paul - lowered in a basket from Damascus - mistreated by the apostles...
▸ Has been imprisoned in Philippi
▸ Was chased out of Thessalonia
▸ Was smuggled from Berea
▸ Was laughed at in Athens
▸ We seen as a fool in Corinth
▸ Was stoned while in Galatia
▸ Was seen as a traitor in Jerusalem
...All because of gospel.
So when Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel, I understand that.
That is how it should be with us - but unfortunately...
▸ When we should speak - we don’t.
▸ When we could - we don’t.
▸ When there are times for us to be bold - we are not.
▸ We are intimidated by people.
▸ We quit witnessing because someone says “no.”
▸ Sometimes we don’t even share Christ, for fear of rejection.
But Paul sees that not as a personal rejection, but as a rejection of Christ. He never quit, and God help us not to either.
The theme of Romans is the gospel. Anywhere and everywhere Paul goes, he preaches the gospel - no matter what the reaction is.
Remember who Paul is writing to - the Romans.
• Rome was the center of the world.
• Rome was the center of culture.
• Rome was the center of wealth.
• Rome was the home of Caesar.
• Rome was the center of power.
But even to this city, Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel. Though it was a city of slaves, he would not center his preaching against slavery. It was a city of lust, but he would not center his preaching on moral reform. It was a city of economic injustice, but he would not center his preaching on economics. It was a city built on wars, but he would not center his preaching on pacifism. No, it would be the Gospel.
He is not intimidated by the folks he preached to. He is proud of the gospel. And even though it is a stumbling block to the Jews, it is still the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Remember that Paul - lowered in a basket from Damascus - mistreated by the apostles...
▸ Has been imprisoned in Philippi
▸ Was chased out of Thessalonia
▸ Was smuggled from Berea
▸ Was laughed at in Athens
▸ We seen as a fool in Corinth
▸ Was stoned while in Galatia
▸ Was seen as a traitor in Jerusalem
...All because of gospel.
So when Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel, I understand that.
That is how it should be with us - but unfortunately...
▸ When we should speak - we don’t.
▸ When we could - we don’t.
▸ When there are times for us to be bold - we are not.
▸ We are intimidated by people.
▸ We quit witnessing because someone says “no.”
▸ Sometimes we don’t even share Christ, for fear of rejection.
But Paul sees that not as a personal rejection, but as a rejection of Christ. He never quit, and God help us not to either.
Monday, June 8, 2009
People Watch, Act Accordingly
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27
Have you read this one?
The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police office. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally..... I assumed you had stolen the car.”
Always remember, someone is watching you!!! We need to walk what we talk, act like what we are, and if people find out we’re Christian - it shouldn't surprise them.
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27
Have you read this one?
The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police office. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally..... I assumed you had stolen the car.”
Always remember, someone is watching you!!! We need to walk what we talk, act like what we are, and if people find out we’re Christian - it shouldn't surprise them.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Proclaim His Holiness
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your companion, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.’”
2 Samuel 12:11-14
When Nathan disclosed David’s treachery, he spelled out the most devastating consequence for David’s sin: “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die." 2 Samuel 12:14
Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as upholding His righteousness and integrity. Indeed Christians are a people called by His name.
Thus, when members of the living church of God act unrighteously, we give opportunity for the unbelieving world to slander that name. This is the underlying shame of scandal in the church.
The body of Christ is “a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...” 1 Peter 2:9. Sin in the church dims her witness and provides the lost with another excuse for dismissing the validity of Christ’s claim.
Paul told the Colossians: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” Col. 4:5. The church honors and upholds the precious name of Christ to the world through an obedient, faithful walk.
Examine yourself - are you living for the glory of God or trying to hide some secret sin? Don’t play with sin; you will lose! However, God is faithful and if you will live for Him, you will win!
2 Samuel 12:11-14
When Nathan disclosed David’s treachery, he spelled out the most devastating consequence for David’s sin: “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die." 2 Samuel 12:14
Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as upholding His righteousness and integrity. Indeed Christians are a people called by His name.
Thus, when members of the living church of God act unrighteously, we give opportunity for the unbelieving world to slander that name. This is the underlying shame of scandal in the church.
The body of Christ is “a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...” 1 Peter 2:9. Sin in the church dims her witness and provides the lost with another excuse for dismissing the validity of Christ’s claim.
Paul told the Colossians: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” Col. 4:5. The church honors and upholds the precious name of Christ to the world through an obedient, faithful walk.
Examine yourself - are you living for the glory of God or trying to hide some secret sin? Don’t play with sin; you will lose! However, God is faithful and if you will live for Him, you will win!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Scandal in the Church
“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead, in order that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” 1 Cor. 5:1-6
Scandal in the church is nothing new. The shocking stories we hear today were also headline materials in the Apostle Paul’s day.
What angered Paul, however, was not simply the nature of the scandal in the Corinthian church (incest) but the dull response of the believers: “And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead...” 1 Cor. 5:2. Fellow Christians can actually become prideful in such a situation by comparing themselves to the offender.
“Well, I am sure glad I’ve never done such a thing” is regretfully often the collective Christian response to gross sin in the camp. Then our sins don’t look quite so bad anymore.
Such carnal reasoning dilutes and taints the testimony of the church to the unbelieving world. If we take sin so lightly, why shouldn’t they?
Rather, Paul says that our attitude toward scandal should be one of deep regret and grief. The Greek word Paul used for mourn is the same word used to describe Mary Magdalene’s lament over the crucified body of Christ. We mourn over the iniquity of a brother or sister in Christ because we are together “the body of Christ” - and when one member succumbs to temptation, the entire church is affected.
Remember what Paul says - “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Scandal in the church is nothing new. The shocking stories we hear today were also headline materials in the Apostle Paul’s day.
What angered Paul, however, was not simply the nature of the scandal in the Corinthian church (incest) but the dull response of the believers: “And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead...” 1 Cor. 5:2. Fellow Christians can actually become prideful in such a situation by comparing themselves to the offender.
“Well, I am sure glad I’ve never done such a thing” is regretfully often the collective Christian response to gross sin in the camp. Then our sins don’t look quite so bad anymore.
Such carnal reasoning dilutes and taints the testimony of the church to the unbelieving world. If we take sin so lightly, why shouldn’t they?
Rather, Paul says that our attitude toward scandal should be one of deep regret and grief. The Greek word Paul used for mourn is the same word used to describe Mary Magdalene’s lament over the crucified body of Christ. We mourn over the iniquity of a brother or sister in Christ because we are together “the body of Christ” - and when one member succumbs to temptation, the entire church is affected.
Remember what Paul says - “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Beware of Complacency
“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria, the distinguished men of the foremost of nations, to whom the house of Israel comes.” Amos 6:1
Francis Schaeffer, the late Christian thinker and theologian, said the two greatest enemies of the modern church in America are “personal peace and affluence.” What he was describing is the prevailing indifference that envelops the body of Christ today. Christians become complacent when they are preoccupied with meeting only their own needs instead of reaching out to others.
The church in America is wealthy and prosperous. But believers in Eastern Europe are imprisoned for their faith or punished with loss of their jobs. Christians in Africa and the Third World are poor. Wherever we live, there are emotional, spiritual, and physical needs; but we must first lift our eyes to the fields. John 4:35
Complacency is also nurtured when we settle for the wisdom of our age instead of becoming “fools for Christ's sake” 1 Cor. 4:10. Paul said he had “become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things...” 1 Cor. 4:13.
Following Christ calls for radical discipleship - denying self and discarding the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God. Have you allowed God to disturb your comfort zone?
Here is a thought - could it be that what we’re going through in our country right now, is for the benefit of the church? God help us to see Your glory and revive Your church!
Francis Schaeffer, the late Christian thinker and theologian, said the two greatest enemies of the modern church in America are “personal peace and affluence.” What he was describing is the prevailing indifference that envelops the body of Christ today. Christians become complacent when they are preoccupied with meeting only their own needs instead of reaching out to others.
The church in America is wealthy and prosperous. But believers in Eastern Europe are imprisoned for their faith or punished with loss of their jobs. Christians in Africa and the Third World are poor. Wherever we live, there are emotional, spiritual, and physical needs; but we must first lift our eyes to the fields. John 4:35
Complacency is also nurtured when we settle for the wisdom of our age instead of becoming “fools for Christ's sake” 1 Cor. 4:10. Paul said he had “become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things...” 1 Cor. 4:13.
Following Christ calls for radical discipleship - denying self and discarding the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God. Have you allowed God to disturb your comfort zone?
Here is a thought - could it be that what we’re going through in our country right now, is for the benefit of the church? God help us to see Your glory and revive Your church!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Servants of Christ
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” 1 Cor. 4:1-2
The Corinthian church’s bickering over personality and popularity was all quite ridiculous to Paul. He described both himself and Apollos in this humble way: “...servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”1 Cor. 4:1
That is, in essence, what every Christian is - regardless of his level of spiritual maturity. We are servants because Jesus is Lord and Master of all. Those who aspire to leadership in the body of Christ have a divine prerequisite: ever increasing servant-hood. None of us should labor with the idea that others will admire us.
We are stewards because Jesus is the Owner and Giver of all. “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Cor. 4:7
Jesus has given us abundant and eternal life in His name. He has endowed us with natural and spiritual gifts as our Maker and Redeemer. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and His Word. He teaches us, leads us, and reveals His ways to us. He is the Source of all. That removes all grounds for haughtiness and bragging in the Christian life. Paul, the chief of all sinners, knew it better than most (1 Timothy 1:15). Do you?
The Corinthian church’s bickering over personality and popularity was all quite ridiculous to Paul. He described both himself and Apollos in this humble way: “...servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”1 Cor. 4:1
That is, in essence, what every Christian is - regardless of his level of spiritual maturity. We are servants because Jesus is Lord and Master of all. Those who aspire to leadership in the body of Christ have a divine prerequisite: ever increasing servant-hood. None of us should labor with the idea that others will admire us.
We are stewards because Jesus is the Owner and Giver of all. “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Cor. 4:7
Jesus has given us abundant and eternal life in His name. He has endowed us with natural and spiritual gifts as our Maker and Redeemer. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and His Word. He teaches us, leads us, and reveals His ways to us. He is the Source of all. That removes all grounds for haughtiness and bragging in the Christian life. Paul, the chief of all sinners, knew it better than most (1 Timothy 1:15). Do you?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A House Divided
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, that no man should say you were baptized in my name. Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void.”
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Splitting firewood is a chore that needs only two ingredients: a mallet and a wedge. Splitting churches likewise involves a pair of divisive forces.
First, a sharp and cutting issue. The church at Corinth had a major rift which we can identify with today. Members of the Corinthian church had argued over who was the real leader - Paul, the eloquent preacher; Apollos; or the bold Peter. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Obviously, there are many other issues which can generate deep splits in the unity of a local church - doctrinal disputes, financial crises, relational friction, and now today in our culture, music!
Regardless of the issue, we must always be clear about who is holding the mallet - none other than Satan himself.
Using the carnality and immaturity of pastors and church members, Satan stands ready to deliver the crushing blow to a local body that allows him to divide and conquer. What better way to disrupt and discredit the name of Christ than to plant seeds of destruction in a local church?
If your church is locked in a bitter quarrel or if you know of a church that is, pray that eyes may be opened to see the evil one who is behind it all, and pray for genuine repentance and humility on behalf of all parties.
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Splitting firewood is a chore that needs only two ingredients: a mallet and a wedge. Splitting churches likewise involves a pair of divisive forces.
First, a sharp and cutting issue. The church at Corinth had a major rift which we can identify with today. Members of the Corinthian church had argued over who was the real leader - Paul, the eloquent preacher; Apollos; or the bold Peter. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Obviously, there are many other issues which can generate deep splits in the unity of a local church - doctrinal disputes, financial crises, relational friction, and now today in our culture, music!
Regardless of the issue, we must always be clear about who is holding the mallet - none other than Satan himself.
Using the carnality and immaturity of pastors and church members, Satan stands ready to deliver the crushing blow to a local body that allows him to divide and conquer. What better way to disrupt and discredit the name of Christ than to plant seeds of destruction in a local church?
If your church is locked in a bitter quarrel or if you know of a church that is, pray that eyes may be opened to see the evil one who is behind it all, and pray for genuine repentance and humility on behalf of all parties.
Monday, June 1, 2009
What Motivates You?
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.”
1 Cor. 4:1-5
Since the believer’s judgment will be for the determination of rewards and not for his or her sins, how do we live so as to lay up treasures in heaven?
First is motivation. “...wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise (rewards) will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:5
What is the inner motivation for our works? The Scriptures tell us that all work should come from the wellspring of a heart that seeks to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus: “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Cor. 10:31. All of our work, service, and activities should be done to please God, not bring attention or praise to ourselves.
The second factor is faithfulness. When the three servants in Matthew 25 were called to account for the use of their talents, their master responded in this way to two of them; “...‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Our motivations and faithfulness to the Master is our daily tasks lay a firm foundation for future rewards.
1 Cor. 4:1-5
Since the believer’s judgment will be for the determination of rewards and not for his or her sins, how do we live so as to lay up treasures in heaven?
First is motivation. “...wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise (rewards) will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:5
What is the inner motivation for our works? The Scriptures tell us that all work should come from the wellspring of a heart that seeks to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus: “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Cor. 10:31. All of our work, service, and activities should be done to please God, not bring attention or praise to ourselves.
The second factor is faithfulness. When the three servants in Matthew 25 were called to account for the use of their talents, their master responded in this way to two of them; “...‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Our motivations and faithfulness to the Master is our daily tasks lay a firm foundation for future rewards.
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