“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37
In many churches, teachers are in short supply. Evidently many who have the Spirit-given gift of teaching are not using it as they should. On the other hand, a Christian must never assume the role of teacher without clear leading from above. As the teacher of the early Jerusalem church wrote, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1).
Christ taught in our text that by our words we shall be judged and either justified or condemned. Since for “every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36), how much more so will the words of a teacher be scrutinized especially a teacher of the Word of God.
Another reason one should be slow to don the cloak of a teacher is that even a teacher finds it hard to live up to his own teachings. “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2). Speaking of the Jewish teachers, Jesus instructed His listeners to do what their teachers said, not what they did (Matt. 23:3), and then He condemned hypocritical teachers with seven stinging “woes” (Matt. 23:13-33).
The proper use of the teaching gift perhaps yields greater honor than most but also greater condemnation if error or hurt creeps in. The church does need all the gifts and should not neglect any genuinely Spirit-given gifts of its members.
Nevertheless, one might contemplate the aggressive, anti-creationist stance taken by many professors at evangelical churches, colleges, and seminaries today, teaching theistic evolution, the day-age theory, framework hypothesis, etc., and wonder if Christ’s reference to the “millstone” around the neck might apply (Luke 17:2).
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
An Eternal Holy Calling
“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” 2 Timothy 1:9
There appears to be an apparent conflict between God’s salvation, which was determined “before the world began,” and our present need to persuade men to believe the gospel (2 Cor. 5:11). Jesus urged whoever was burdened to “come to Me” (Matt. 11:28), while insisting He had chosen His disciples rather than the other way around (John 15:16). Scripture often expresses this paradox.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states that our salvation is “not as a result of works” but comes to us by the grace of God through faith - and even that faith is God’s gift. Few would argue that salvation is some sort of cooperative work between God and man, since there is no question that our salvation is not due to our efforts. Many passages verify that teaching.
Today’s text insists that our salvation was “according to His own purpose and grace.” Our salvation must meet the requirements set by God’s standards. Just what does that demand?
God must be holy and just while justifying the ungodly (Romans 3:26). His holiness cannot be compromised. Thus the incarnate and sinless Redeemer had to be sacrificed in order to reconcile sinful man with a holy God (2 Cor. 5:21; Rev. 13:8). Then the absolute sequence of redemption through grace had to be determined for those “who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet 1:2).
The result of the sacrifice and the sequence had to be fixed so that the redeemed would be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). Praise God for His “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15)!
There appears to be an apparent conflict between God’s salvation, which was determined “before the world began,” and our present need to persuade men to believe the gospel (2 Cor. 5:11). Jesus urged whoever was burdened to “come to Me” (Matt. 11:28), while insisting He had chosen His disciples rather than the other way around (John 15:16). Scripture often expresses this paradox.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states that our salvation is “not as a result of works” but comes to us by the grace of God through faith - and even that faith is God’s gift. Few would argue that salvation is some sort of cooperative work between God and man, since there is no question that our salvation is not due to our efforts. Many passages verify that teaching.
Today’s text insists that our salvation was “according to His own purpose and grace.” Our salvation must meet the requirements set by God’s standards. Just what does that demand?
God must be holy and just while justifying the ungodly (Romans 3:26). His holiness cannot be compromised. Thus the incarnate and sinless Redeemer had to be sacrificed in order to reconcile sinful man with a holy God (2 Cor. 5:21; Rev. 13:8). Then the absolute sequence of redemption through grace had to be determined for those “who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet 1:2).
The result of the sacrifice and the sequence had to be fixed so that the redeemed would be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). Praise God for His “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15)!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Magnified Loving Kindness
“Now behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, for the disaster will overtake me and I will die.” Genesis 19:19
This rather presumptuous plea of Lot to the angels who had spared his life when they called down fire from heaven to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah is noteworthy because it contains the first reference in the Bible to the lovingkindness or mercy of God. Lot was a believer and a righteous man, but carnal in attitude and greedy in motivation. Yet God not only showed grace in His dealings with Lot, but even magnified mercy!
As appropriate for the principle of first mention in Scripture, this first reference to mercy lays the foundation for the dominant theme of the doctrine of mercy throughout Scripture. The key is that God’s mercy can only be described properly in superlatives, and this fact is noted repeatedly throughout Scripture.
“The lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,” said David (Psalm 103:17). “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:11). His mercy, therefore, is both eternal and infinite. Nothing could ever be more magnified than this!
No wonder Paul says He is “rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Eph. 2:4), and Peter tells us that “His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope” (1 Pet. 1:3).
“He saved us” only “according to His mercy,” surely “not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness” (Titus 3:5). Therefore, with David we can say, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
This rather presumptuous plea of Lot to the angels who had spared his life when they called down fire from heaven to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah is noteworthy because it contains the first reference in the Bible to the lovingkindness or mercy of God. Lot was a believer and a righteous man, but carnal in attitude and greedy in motivation. Yet God not only showed grace in His dealings with Lot, but even magnified mercy!
As appropriate for the principle of first mention in Scripture, this first reference to mercy lays the foundation for the dominant theme of the doctrine of mercy throughout Scripture. The key is that God’s mercy can only be described properly in superlatives, and this fact is noted repeatedly throughout Scripture.
“The lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,” said David (Psalm 103:17). “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:11). His mercy, therefore, is both eternal and infinite. Nothing could ever be more magnified than this!
No wonder Paul says He is “rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Eph. 2:4), and Peter tells us that “His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope” (1 Pet. 1:3).
“He saved us” only “according to His mercy,” surely “not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness” (Titus 3:5). Therefore, with David we can say, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
He is the Owner
“‘Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die. But if a man is righteous and practices justice and righteousness....if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,’ declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 18:4-5, 9
What an awesome statement! The eternal Creator of all mankind asserting His ownership over each man’s soul to do with it what He deems proper.
What is the worth of one eternal soul created in the image of God? The Creator is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills. Indeed, the earth and all the galaxies are His, but there is something about a soul that is of far greater worth. A soul can choose, can worship its Maker, and can reflect the very nature of God. Nothing else in all creation has these powers. Yet He owns all souls. He has an unquestionable right to them. Furthermore, their numbers are growing, for He has given His subjects the command and power to reproduce. At each conception He supplies a newly created, eternal soul. Truly, His wealth is great!
How should we respond to His ownership? By obedience! By choosing to act accordingly to His will as revealed in reason, our conscience, and above all, in His written Word, we ascribe to Him the glory due Him. We must jealously guard our affections, reserving the adulation which He deserves for Him alone. We must lovingly care for His creation, including the many fellow souls whom He brings across our paths.
Above all, we must avail ourselves of His gracious provision and mercy and forgiveness through the redemptive work of His Son, Jesus Christ. At that point, He performs another creative act, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17).
What an awesome statement! The eternal Creator of all mankind asserting His ownership over each man’s soul to do with it what He deems proper.
What is the worth of one eternal soul created in the image of God? The Creator is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills. Indeed, the earth and all the galaxies are His, but there is something about a soul that is of far greater worth. A soul can choose, can worship its Maker, and can reflect the very nature of God. Nothing else in all creation has these powers. Yet He owns all souls. He has an unquestionable right to them. Furthermore, their numbers are growing, for He has given His subjects the command and power to reproduce. At each conception He supplies a newly created, eternal soul. Truly, His wealth is great!
How should we respond to His ownership? By obedience! By choosing to act accordingly to His will as revealed in reason, our conscience, and above all, in His written Word, we ascribe to Him the glory due Him. We must jealously guard our affections, reserving the adulation which He deserves for Him alone. We must lovingly care for His creation, including the many fellow souls whom He brings across our paths.
Above all, we must avail ourselves of His gracious provision and mercy and forgiveness through the redemptive work of His Son, Jesus Christ. At that point, He performs another creative act, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17).
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Power, Love, and Discipline
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
This little verse is full of information. In the previous verse, Paul insisted that Timothy “kindle afresh” the gift that he had received and use it as it was intended because God did not give us a “spirit of timidity.”
The Greek word deilia is translated timidity or cowardice as opposed to terror. God’s gift does not function well if we are too timid to use it. His gift has power, love, and a “discipline.” The gift is not power. God’s gift (whatever it may be) comes with dunamis - the innate ability to carry out the gift. All the Twice-Born are given “the power that works within us” (Eph. 3:20). Whatever the Holy Spirit has gifted us with upon our entrance into His kingdom (1 Cor. 12:11), He has also given the necessary power to implement to use that gift.
Your gift also comes with love. Again, “love” is not the gift but part of the character of our Lord Jesus and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Were it not for the reflection in us of the unilateral and sacrificial love of our Redeemer, these supernatural gifts could be misused, distorted, and abused for personal glory. Diotrephes misused his gift, failing to use the spirit of love (3 John 1:9).
Sophronismos is the unique Greek word used to describe the spirit of a “discipline” that is given to us with our gift. It’s a combination of the Greek verbs translated as “to save” and “to control.” It’s basic meaning would be “safe control” or “wholesome control” - perhaps even “control that saves.”
With our spiritual gifts comes the perfect combination of abilities that empower the gift, the love that keeps the gifts focused on others, and the “safety controls” that keep it from doing damage unwittingly.
This little verse is full of information. In the previous verse, Paul insisted that Timothy “kindle afresh” the gift that he had received and use it as it was intended because God did not give us a “spirit of timidity.”
The Greek word deilia is translated timidity or cowardice as opposed to terror. God’s gift does not function well if we are too timid to use it. His gift has power, love, and a “discipline.” The gift is not power. God’s gift (whatever it may be) comes with dunamis - the innate ability to carry out the gift. All the Twice-Born are given “the power that works within us” (Eph. 3:20). Whatever the Holy Spirit has gifted us with upon our entrance into His kingdom (1 Cor. 12:11), He has also given the necessary power to implement to use that gift.
Your gift also comes with love. Again, “love” is not the gift but part of the character of our Lord Jesus and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Were it not for the reflection in us of the unilateral and sacrificial love of our Redeemer, these supernatural gifts could be misused, distorted, and abused for personal glory. Diotrephes misused his gift, failing to use the spirit of love (3 John 1:9).
Sophronismos is the unique Greek word used to describe the spirit of a “discipline” that is given to us with our gift. It’s a combination of the Greek verbs translated as “to save” and “to control.” It’s basic meaning would be “safe control” or “wholesome control” - perhaps even “control that saves.”
With our spiritual gifts comes the perfect combination of abilities that empower the gift, the love that keeps the gifts focused on others, and the “safety controls” that keep it from doing damage unwittingly.
Monday, June 24, 2013
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
“These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14
There is coming a time - perhaps not too far in the future - when all the kings and other rulers of the world will, “have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast” (Rev. 17:13), the great humanistic world system of the last days, whose Satan-possessed leader will then have “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him” (Rev. 13:7).
Only one opponent will remain - the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, against whom “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!’” (Psalm 2:2-3).
So they will proceed to “war against the Lamb,” but they will lose! At the final “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:14-15). He, Who as God’s sacrificial Lamb, “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), is greater than all kings and rulers.
No longer as the submissive Lamb before His shearers (Isaiah 53:7), but as the “The Word of God,” out of whose once-silent mouth now “comes a sharp sword” with which He may “strike down the nations.” He will have “on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS’” (Rev. 19:13, 15-16).
Indeed, the kings and leaders of the whole world will think they can successfully wage “war against the Lamb,” but He “shall overcome them.” In that great day that is coming, it will be far better to be with Him, than with them!
There is coming a time - perhaps not too far in the future - when all the kings and other rulers of the world will, “have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast” (Rev. 17:13), the great humanistic world system of the last days, whose Satan-possessed leader will then have “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him” (Rev. 13:7).
Only one opponent will remain - the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, against whom “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!’” (Psalm 2:2-3).
So they will proceed to “war against the Lamb,” but they will lose! At the final “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:14-15). He, Who as God’s sacrificial Lamb, “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), is greater than all kings and rulers.
No longer as the submissive Lamb before His shearers (Isaiah 53:7), but as the “The Word of God,” out of whose once-silent mouth now “comes a sharp sword” with which He may “strike down the nations.” He will have “on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS’” (Rev. 19:13, 15-16).
Indeed, the kings and leaders of the whole world will think they can successfully wage “war against the Lamb,” but He “shall overcome them.” In that great day that is coming, it will be far better to be with Him, than with them!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The Water of Life
“You are a garden spring,
A well of living water,
And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
Song of Solomon 4:15
There are eight verses in the Bible with the phrase “living water” - four in the Old Testament, four in the New. All beautifully describe a spiritual truth under the figure of a flowing stream of refreshing water.
The first of these (in our text above) is a portion of the description of the lovely character of a bride as seen by her coming bridegroom, almost certainly symbolic of the Lord and His people. But then, through the prophet, God laments that “For My people...have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13). “They have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord” (Jer. 17:13). One day they shall return, however, and Zechariah prophesies that “living waters will flow out of Jerusalem...And the Lord will be king over all the earth” (Zech. 14:8-9).
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus appropriated this metaphor to Himself as He spoke to a woman of Samaria - “If you knew the gift of God...He would have given you living water” (John 4:10-11). “The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
Later in Jerusalem He cried out to all, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38). Then, in the last book of the Bible is found a special promise for those who die for the Lord’s sake. “The Lamb...will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:17).
A well of living water,
And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
Song of Solomon 4:15
There are eight verses in the Bible with the phrase “living water” - four in the Old Testament, four in the New. All beautifully describe a spiritual truth under the figure of a flowing stream of refreshing water.
The first of these (in our text above) is a portion of the description of the lovely character of a bride as seen by her coming bridegroom, almost certainly symbolic of the Lord and His people. But then, through the prophet, God laments that “For My people...have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13). “They have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord” (Jer. 17:13). One day they shall return, however, and Zechariah prophesies that “living waters will flow out of Jerusalem...And the Lord will be king over all the earth” (Zech. 14:8-9).
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus appropriated this metaphor to Himself as He spoke to a woman of Samaria - “If you knew the gift of God...He would have given you living water” (John 4:10-11). “The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
Later in Jerusalem He cried out to all, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38). Then, in the last book of the Bible is found a special promise for those who die for the Lord’s sake. “The Lamb...will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:17).
Friday, June 21, 2013
Nothing On My Own Initiative
“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 5:30
Christ is our great example in all things - even in that of obedience to the Father and His will. As the perfect Son, He obeyed His Father in all things. “...I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8:28-29).
There are three specific references in the epistles to the obedience of Christ. One of the most profound passages in the Bible is Hebrews 5:8: “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.”
How could the omniscient Son of God have to learn anything? There are some things that cannot be learned in books but only by experience, and obedience in hard circumstances is surely one of these. Jesus learned obedience by actual experience. Christ obeyed His Father even after praying that the bitter cup might bee taken away. Philippians 2:8 reminds us, “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Had He been disobedient, as was Adam, we could never have known salvation. “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). Jesus was indeed, always perfectly obedient to His Father’s word, “leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
As our passage emphasizes, His obedience consisted simply of seeking and following the will of His Father in all things. “...not My will, but Yours...” (Luke 22:42).
Christ is our great example in all things - even in that of obedience to the Father and His will. As the perfect Son, He obeyed His Father in all things. “...I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8:28-29).
There are three specific references in the epistles to the obedience of Christ. One of the most profound passages in the Bible is Hebrews 5:8: “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.”
How could the omniscient Son of God have to learn anything? There are some things that cannot be learned in books but only by experience, and obedience in hard circumstances is surely one of these. Jesus learned obedience by actual experience. Christ obeyed His Father even after praying that the bitter cup might bee taken away. Philippians 2:8 reminds us, “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Had He been disobedient, as was Adam, we could never have known salvation. “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). Jesus was indeed, always perfectly obedient to His Father’s word, “leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
As our passage emphasizes, His obedience consisted simply of seeking and following the will of His Father in all things. “...not My will, but Yours...” (Luke 22:42).
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Divine Power - Divine Nature
“Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Certain passages of Scripture simply take one’s breath away.
To those He has called, God has promised “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” He has provided all that we need to live godly and productive lives. It is “His divine power” (emphatic in the Greek text), imparted to us in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which makes this possible.
In order to properly utilize our resources, we must continue to grow in “the true knowledge of Him.” Only then can attain any measure of His “glory and excellence.” He has empowered us to reflect His glorious character and virtuous acts as we know who He is and what He has done. In so doing, we are “partakers of the divine nature” (also emphatic in the Greek).
Initially, of course, at the point of salvation we are given the Holy Spirit, always present in the life of a believer. As we increase in the knowledge of Him and yield to the work of the Spirit, our nature is ever more conformed to the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
The appropriation of divine power to sample the divine nature comes to us through “precious and magnificent promises” bestowed by His glory and virtue. Since God has promised, these promises are sure, and through them we have “escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
Certain passages of Scripture simply take one’s breath away.
To those He has called, God has promised “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” He has provided all that we need to live godly and productive lives. It is “His divine power” (emphatic in the Greek text), imparted to us in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which makes this possible.
In order to properly utilize our resources, we must continue to grow in “the true knowledge of Him.” Only then can attain any measure of His “glory and excellence.” He has empowered us to reflect His glorious character and virtuous acts as we know who He is and what He has done. In so doing, we are “partakers of the divine nature” (also emphatic in the Greek).
Initially, of course, at the point of salvation we are given the Holy Spirit, always present in the life of a believer. As we increase in the knowledge of Him and yield to the work of the Spirit, our nature is ever more conformed to the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
The appropriation of divine power to sample the divine nature comes to us through “precious and magnificent promises” bestowed by His glory and virtue. Since God has promised, these promises are sure, and through them we have “escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Behold the Lamb
“And he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:36
As he spoke to two of his followers, John the Baptist was in effect, telling them that they should henceforth leave him to follow Jesus. “The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). On the previous day, when John had first seen Jesus coming, he had said, apparently to all his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
This is the first use of the word “lamb” in the New Testament, and it is significant that it refers here to the Lord Jesus as the one great sacrifice for our sins. He is called “the Lamb” 30 more times in the New Testament, the final time no longer viewing Him on the altar but on His eternal throne (Rev. 22:3). Yet, even on His throne as our King, He is still the Lamb, and we can never ever forget that He once died for us that we might live with Him.
Long before this, Isaac once asked his father, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God will provide himself a lamb” (Gen. 22:7-8). God did just that 2,000 years later, when Christ, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8), “came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).
Then when God was ready to set His people free in ancient Egypt, He told them to place shed blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost of each home and said, “When I see the blood I will pass over you” (Ex. 12:13). In fulfillment of God came, and “Christ our passover is sacrificed [even] for us” (1 Cor. 5:7).
Now, like John’s disciples, it surely compels us, in the very depths of our souls, to “behold the Lamb of God” and follow Him.
As he spoke to two of his followers, John the Baptist was in effect, telling them that they should henceforth leave him to follow Jesus. “The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). On the previous day, when John had first seen Jesus coming, he had said, apparently to all his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
This is the first use of the word “lamb” in the New Testament, and it is significant that it refers here to the Lord Jesus as the one great sacrifice for our sins. He is called “the Lamb” 30 more times in the New Testament, the final time no longer viewing Him on the altar but on His eternal throne (Rev. 22:3). Yet, even on His throne as our King, He is still the Lamb, and we can never ever forget that He once died for us that we might live with Him.
Long before this, Isaac once asked his father, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God will provide himself a lamb” (Gen. 22:7-8). God did just that 2,000 years later, when Christ, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8), “came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).
Then when God was ready to set His people free in ancient Egypt, He told them to place shed blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost of each home and said, “When I see the blood I will pass over you” (Ex. 12:13). In fulfillment of God came, and “Christ our passover is sacrificed [even] for us” (1 Cor. 5:7).
Now, like John’s disciples, it surely compels us, in the very depths of our souls, to “behold the Lamb of God” and follow Him.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Living and the Dead
“And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42
This is the climax of the first Christian sermon to the Gentiles delivered by Peter in the house of the Roman centurion, Cornelius. Peter emphasized the truth that Jesus was not just the promised Messiah of Israel, but that “He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36), and that it is He alone Who will judge the “living and the dead.”
This striking phrase occurs only three times in the Bible, each time denoting that Christ is Judge of all men. Paul wrote to Timothy as follows: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Peter wrote concerning the gross Gentile sins from which his readers had been delivered: “they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5).
When Christ returns “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thess. 4:16), and then all believers including those still alive in the flesh at His coming, “must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10). This will be the judgment of the “living.” All the saved are alive in Christ at “the resurrection of life.”
But He must also judge the dead - that is, those who are “dead in your trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) at the “resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29), “For...the Father...has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne... and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds....This is the second death” (Rev. 20:12-14).
This is the climax of the first Christian sermon to the Gentiles delivered by Peter in the house of the Roman centurion, Cornelius. Peter emphasized the truth that Jesus was not just the promised Messiah of Israel, but that “He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36), and that it is He alone Who will judge the “living and the dead.”
This striking phrase occurs only three times in the Bible, each time denoting that Christ is Judge of all men. Paul wrote to Timothy as follows: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Peter wrote concerning the gross Gentile sins from which his readers had been delivered: “they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5).
When Christ returns “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thess. 4:16), and then all believers including those still alive in the flesh at His coming, “must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10). This will be the judgment of the “living.” All the saved are alive in Christ at “the resurrection of life.”
But He must also judge the dead - that is, those who are “dead in your trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) at the “resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29), “For...the Father...has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne... and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds....This is the second death” (Rev. 20:12-14).
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Winds of the World
“Blowing toward the south,
Then turning toward the north,
The wind continues swirling along;
And on its circular courses the wind returns.”
Ecclesiastes 1:6
This is one of the Bible’s many scientific insights, written long before such a process was discovered in the modern science of meteorology. The basic circulation of the atmosphere (which generates the winds of the world) is “toward the south” near the ground, which then turns “toward the north.” The heated air near the equator expands and rises, then flows north to replace the colder, heavier air which has descended to the ground in the polar regions.
This simple north-south-north cycle is complicated, however, by the earth’s rotation. Further complexities are introduced by the different topographical features of the surface (oceans, mountains, etc.), but the end result is a general circulation of the whole atmosphere, which “continues swirling along, and on its circular courses the wind returns.”
None of this was understood at all until very modern times, but this ancient verse in Ecclesiastes corresponds beautifully to modern science. In fact, it was not even known until recent times that air had weight, but the patriarch Job had noted about 4,000 years ago that “He...sees everything under the heavens. When He imparted weight to the wind...” (Job 28:24-25) - and this fact is essential to the atmospheric circulation.
This is only one of many scientific principles implied in the Bible ages before men discovered them in their scientific research. In contrast, there are no demonstrable scientific errors in the Bible. This is not really surprising, for the same God Who wrote the Word made the world! In Jesus Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
Then turning toward the north,
The wind continues swirling along;
And on its circular courses the wind returns.”
Ecclesiastes 1:6
This is one of the Bible’s many scientific insights, written long before such a process was discovered in the modern science of meteorology. The basic circulation of the atmosphere (which generates the winds of the world) is “toward the south” near the ground, which then turns “toward the north.” The heated air near the equator expands and rises, then flows north to replace the colder, heavier air which has descended to the ground in the polar regions.
This simple north-south-north cycle is complicated, however, by the earth’s rotation. Further complexities are introduced by the different topographical features of the surface (oceans, mountains, etc.), but the end result is a general circulation of the whole atmosphere, which “continues swirling along, and on its circular courses the wind returns.”
None of this was understood at all until very modern times, but this ancient verse in Ecclesiastes corresponds beautifully to modern science. In fact, it was not even known until recent times that air had weight, but the patriarch Job had noted about 4,000 years ago that “He...sees everything under the heavens. When He imparted weight to the wind...” (Job 28:24-25) - and this fact is essential to the atmospheric circulation.
This is only one of many scientific principles implied in the Bible ages before men discovered them in their scientific research. In contrast, there are no demonstrable scientific errors in the Bible. This is not really surprising, for the same God Who wrote the Word made the world! In Jesus Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The One True God
“Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.” Psalm 96:3-5
As the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians, “For even if there are [many] so-called gods...for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him” (1 Cor. 8:5-6).
Every person has his own “god;” even atheists order their lives by some principle of their own choosing which thus becomes in effect their “good”! There are multitudes of others who follow various other gods. For example, the Hindus have almost innumerable gods. Muslims, on the other hand, strongly argue for just one god, whom they call Allah, but it was not Allah who “made the heavens.”
The truth revealed in the Bible is that it was God’s “beloved Son” by whom “all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth” (Col. 1:13, 16). Allah denies that he even has a Son, and he calls those who believe (meaning Christians) infidels. The Koran is alleged to consist of the verbally inspired words of Allah, but it (and therefore, Allah) also denies the Trinity, as well as the death and resurrection of Christ, and so also denies that the Son of God provides salvation for all who believe on Him. That is more than enough to prove that Allah is not the God of the Bible.
In our text above, the word “idols” simply means “vanities.” It is all “in vain” to put one’s faith for eternity in a false god. The Lord Jesus alone, having created all things and paid the awful price to redeem all things, alone can truly provide eternal salvation. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). He Himself verified that “I am the way...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.” Psalm 96:3-5
As the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians, “For even if there are [many] so-called gods...for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him” (1 Cor. 8:5-6).
Every person has his own “god;” even atheists order their lives by some principle of their own choosing which thus becomes in effect their “good”! There are multitudes of others who follow various other gods. For example, the Hindus have almost innumerable gods. Muslims, on the other hand, strongly argue for just one god, whom they call Allah, but it was not Allah who “made the heavens.”
The truth revealed in the Bible is that it was God’s “beloved Son” by whom “all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth” (Col. 1:13, 16). Allah denies that he even has a Son, and he calls those who believe (meaning Christians) infidels. The Koran is alleged to consist of the verbally inspired words of Allah, but it (and therefore, Allah) also denies the Trinity, as well as the death and resurrection of Christ, and so also denies that the Son of God provides salvation for all who believe on Him. That is more than enough to prove that Allah is not the God of the Bible.
In our text above, the word “idols” simply means “vanities.” It is all “in vain” to put one’s faith for eternity in a false god. The Lord Jesus alone, having created all things and paid the awful price to redeem all things, alone can truly provide eternal salvation. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). He Himself verified that “I am the way...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).
Friday, June 14, 2013
God’s Promise to Israel
“Thus says the Lord,
‘If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel
For all that they have done.’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 31:37
The people of Israel, in spite of all God had done for them, continually rebelled against Him, even turning to other gods. One might think God would have destroyed them and started again, but He had made a promise first to Abraham, then to Isaac, and then to Jacob, that this nation would be His special people, and He would not break that promise. In our text God reveals the “conditions” under which He would cast off Israel, but they are such that there is no possibility of their being met.
If heaven above can be measured: Neither Abraham nor Jeremiah could have had any concept of the number of stars or the depth of space. Now, with modern telescopes, we see unthinkable distances and even farther and farther as our technology increases. Estimates of the radius of the universe now stand at around 15-20 billion light years, and no end is in sight.
If the foundations of the earth [can be] searched out beneath: Sometimes scientists claim they know more about the sun than they do the earth. But in reality, only one percent of the earth’s radius has been explored. The pressures and temperatures which exist deep inside the earth are unthinkably great, and we don’t even know how matter acts under those conditions. The promise to Israel is secure.
Scripture is likewise full of “His precious and magnificent promises” made to the believer (2 Pet. 1:4) . Our text indicates God’s attitudes toward His promises. We need not worry that He will keep His Word.
‘If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel
For all that they have done.’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 31:37
The people of Israel, in spite of all God had done for them, continually rebelled against Him, even turning to other gods. One might think God would have destroyed them and started again, but He had made a promise first to Abraham, then to Isaac, and then to Jacob, that this nation would be His special people, and He would not break that promise. In our text God reveals the “conditions” under which He would cast off Israel, but they are such that there is no possibility of their being met.
If heaven above can be measured: Neither Abraham nor Jeremiah could have had any concept of the number of stars or the depth of space. Now, with modern telescopes, we see unthinkable distances and even farther and farther as our technology increases. Estimates of the radius of the universe now stand at around 15-20 billion light years, and no end is in sight.
If the foundations of the earth [can be] searched out beneath: Sometimes scientists claim they know more about the sun than they do the earth. But in reality, only one percent of the earth’s radius has been explored. The pressures and temperatures which exist deep inside the earth are unthinkably great, and we don’t even know how matter acts under those conditions. The promise to Israel is secure.
Scripture is likewise full of “His precious and magnificent promises” made to the believer (2 Pet. 1:4) . Our text indicates God’s attitudes toward His promises. We need not worry that He will keep His Word.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Finger of God
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?’ They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.” John 8:3-6
During His earthly ministry Jesus never wrote a book or any other document, so far as we know, but it is recorded that He wrote with His own finger in the sand, and that what He wrote turned away those who had sought to stone a woman caught breaking one of God’s Ten Commandments.
The woman was repentant, however, and Jesus forgave her, evidently indicating this by what He wrote with His finger on the ground. This He could do because He, as God, had written this very commandment Himself with His own finger long before. “He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God” (Ex. 31:18).
Moses testified: “The Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the Lord had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly” (Deuteronomy 9:10).
There are only two other references to the “finger of God” in the Bible. When the Lord through Moses brought the great plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to imitate Moses’ first few miracles, but soon their deceptive “magic” could not longer compare, and they had to confess, “This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).
There is one final mention of God’s finger in the New Testament. When the Pharisees charged that His power to cast evil spirits out of demon-possessed people had been given to Him by Satan, He affirmed rather, “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). Jesus is able to forgive sins and to defeat Satan because He is the Creator of the universe and all its laws.
During His earthly ministry Jesus never wrote a book or any other document, so far as we know, but it is recorded that He wrote with His own finger in the sand, and that what He wrote turned away those who had sought to stone a woman caught breaking one of God’s Ten Commandments.
The woman was repentant, however, and Jesus forgave her, evidently indicating this by what He wrote with His finger on the ground. This He could do because He, as God, had written this very commandment Himself with His own finger long before. “He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God” (Ex. 31:18).
Moses testified: “The Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the Lord had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly” (Deuteronomy 9:10).
There are only two other references to the “finger of God” in the Bible. When the Lord through Moses brought the great plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to imitate Moses’ first few miracles, but soon their deceptive “magic” could not longer compare, and they had to confess, “This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).
There is one final mention of God’s finger in the New Testament. When the Pharisees charged that His power to cast evil spirits out of demon-possessed people had been given to Him by Satan, He affirmed rather, “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). Jesus is able to forgive sins and to defeat Satan because He is the Creator of the universe and all its laws.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Sin of Complaining
“So He gave them their request,
but sent a wasting disease among them.” Psalm 106:15
Christians who complain about their circumstances would do well to ponder this sobering verse and its background. God had greatly blessed His people, Israel, delivering them supernaturally from slavery in Egypt, protecting them against their enemies - even miraculously supplying daily bread and water for them in the desert.
Still they complained - about their food, about the imaginary luxuries they had left behind in Egypt, and against their leaders. “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled” (Numbers 11:1). Finally, when they complained about the manna, “the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly.” He sent them quail to eat in such abundance as to last “a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you.” “While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the Lord was kindled...and the Lord struck the people with a very severe plague” (Numbers 11:10, 20, 33).
God has blessed every Christian with forgiveness of sin and eternal life. He daily fulfills His promise to supply every need (not every desire, however), and we should live a thankful life in return, regardless of our particular lot in this world. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Let your conversations be pleasing and be content with what you have, for He has promised “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). Complaining about what we don’t have may well result in God taking away what we do have - and still worse - sending leanness into our souls.
but sent a wasting disease among them.” Psalm 106:15
Christians who complain about their circumstances would do well to ponder this sobering verse and its background. God had greatly blessed His people, Israel, delivering them supernaturally from slavery in Egypt, protecting them against their enemies - even miraculously supplying daily bread and water for them in the desert.
Still they complained - about their food, about the imaginary luxuries they had left behind in Egypt, and against their leaders. “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled” (Numbers 11:1). Finally, when they complained about the manna, “the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly.” He sent them quail to eat in such abundance as to last “a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you.” “While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the Lord was kindled...and the Lord struck the people with a very severe plague” (Numbers 11:10, 20, 33).
God has blessed every Christian with forgiveness of sin and eternal life. He daily fulfills His promise to supply every need (not every desire, however), and we should live a thankful life in return, regardless of our particular lot in this world. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Let your conversations be pleasing and be content with what you have, for He has promised “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). Complaining about what we don’t have may well result in God taking away what we do have - and still worse - sending leanness into our souls.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Beware of False Prophets
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”
Matthew 24:11
In the apostolic period, two main gifts of the Spirit were those of the apostle and prophet. In fact, the church itself was “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20). One function of these men was to receive and transmit God’s revelation to His people - first verbally, then eventually written in permanent form in the New Testament. “Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (Eph. 3:5).
The apostle Paul revealed also that such prophecies would cease once they were no longer needed. “But when the perfect [or ‘complete’] comes, the partial will be done away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10). Clearly in the context, this refers to the complete revelation of God. When the last book of the Bible was transmitted to the church by the last living apostle, the Lord warned us neither to “add to them” nor “take away from the words of the book of this prophecy” (Rev. 22:18-19).
But many false prophets have indeed “gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1), just as Jesus warned, and they have “mislead many.” One of them, a self-asserted seventh century “prophet” from Arabia, received certain “revelations” from a “god” that were vastly different from those of the God of the Bible, and his followers now number over a billion.
There have been others, before and since, and the Lord Jesus warned us always to “beware of the false prophets” (Matt. 7:15). The basic criterion by which to test any alleged prophecy, ancient or modern, is whether or not it fully conforms to the written Word of God, the Bible. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn” (Isaiah 8:20).
Matthew 24:11
In the apostolic period, two main gifts of the Spirit were those of the apostle and prophet. In fact, the church itself was “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20). One function of these men was to receive and transmit God’s revelation to His people - first verbally, then eventually written in permanent form in the New Testament. “Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (Eph. 3:5).
The apostle Paul revealed also that such prophecies would cease once they were no longer needed. “But when the perfect [or ‘complete’] comes, the partial will be done away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10). Clearly in the context, this refers to the complete revelation of God. When the last book of the Bible was transmitted to the church by the last living apostle, the Lord warned us neither to “add to them” nor “take away from the words of the book of this prophecy” (Rev. 22:18-19).
But many false prophets have indeed “gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1), just as Jesus warned, and they have “mislead many.” One of them, a self-asserted seventh century “prophet” from Arabia, received certain “revelations” from a “god” that were vastly different from those of the God of the Bible, and his followers now number over a billion.
There have been others, before and since, and the Lord Jesus warned us always to “beware of the false prophets” (Matt. 7:15). The basic criterion by which to test any alleged prophecy, ancient or modern, is whether or not it fully conforms to the written Word of God, the Bible. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn” (Isaiah 8:20).
Monday, June 10, 2013
Kindle Afresh
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
2 Timothy 1:5-6
The apostle Paul uses more unique words in his writings than any other Bible author. Such is the case with the verb anazopureo, translated as “kindle afresh” in our text for today, which is a compound of three Greek terms.
Ana, a primary preposition and adverb, is most often translated as “again” or “each,” depending on its context. Zoon is a frequently used noun meaning “life” or “living creature.” And pur is a root word meaning “fire” or “fiery.” Since it is only used this one time in the Scriptures, the translation is a bit difficult to coin an adequate English word or phrase.
“Bring the fire alive (again)” is certainly implied from the syntax. “Make each fire alive” would empathize the implied multiplicity of gifts. The tense indicated an ongoing process, and the direct object (the gift) seems to emphasize the need for Timothy’s action - since God gave Timothy the special leadership gifts(s) when Paul personally ordained Timothy.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy implies that the young disciple had allowed the “fire” to grow weak in his ministry. Difficulty, discouragement, or doubt can attack anyone. Apathy, pessimism, worry, or lack of confidence can spin into lack of support or encouragement from friends or coworkers. Whatever the cause, the results are the same.
We can quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19) so that we no longer sense His leading. We can even grieve the Spirit (Eph. 4:30), bringing conviction to us in an effort to bring repentance and restoration. Such discipline is not pleasant but is necessary (Heb. 12:11). But
if we are to live in active joy while serving the Lord, we must
“kindle afresh” the gifts that He has carefully given us.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
The apostle Paul uses more unique words in his writings than any other Bible author. Such is the case with the verb anazopureo, translated as “kindle afresh” in our text for today, which is a compound of three Greek terms.
Ana, a primary preposition and adverb, is most often translated as “again” or “each,” depending on its context. Zoon is a frequently used noun meaning “life” or “living creature.” And pur is a root word meaning “fire” or “fiery.” Since it is only used this one time in the Scriptures, the translation is a bit difficult to coin an adequate English word or phrase.
“Bring the fire alive (again)” is certainly implied from the syntax. “Make each fire alive” would empathize the implied multiplicity of gifts. The tense indicated an ongoing process, and the direct object (the gift) seems to emphasize the need for Timothy’s action - since God gave Timothy the special leadership gifts(s) when Paul personally ordained Timothy.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy implies that the young disciple had allowed the “fire” to grow weak in his ministry. Difficulty, discouragement, or doubt can attack anyone. Apathy, pessimism, worry, or lack of confidence can spin into lack of support or encouragement from friends or coworkers. Whatever the cause, the results are the same.
We can quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19) so that we no longer sense His leading. We can even grieve the Spirit (Eph. 4:30), bringing conviction to us in an effort to bring repentance and restoration. Such discipline is not pleasant but is necessary (Heb. 12:11). But
if we are to live in active joy while serving the Lord, we must
“kindle afresh” the gifts that He has carefully given us.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
The Fall of Lot
“How blessed is the man who does
not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” Psalm 1:1
One of the most tragic figures in all of Scripture is
that of compromising Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who renounced the land of promise for the sinful society of Sodom, ultimately to lose everything of importance. His slide into apostasy, as traced in Genesis 12-19, seems to parallel the progression described in today’s text of not becoming a godly believer.
Lot is first mentioned as traveling with Abram and Sarai from their homeland to Canaan in obedience to God’s command (Gen. 12:4-5; 13:5). A petty problem arises which surely could have been resolved (13:6-10), but Lot chose (v. 11) to walk in the counsel of the ungodly. “Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord” (v. 13).
Lot soon found a home in the city itself, not content to merely herd his flocks in the fertile valley. By standing in the way of sinners, when Sodom was attacked by enemies, he was captured (14:12) and later rescued by Abram (vv. 14-16).
Lot’s identification with wicked Sodom did not end there, as it should have, for when the city’s wickedness was beyond God’s forbearance, Lot was found sitting in the seat of the scornful, a leader of the city, sitting in the gates with the town fathers (19:1). Lot was a “just” [or “righteous”] man, “oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men” (2 Pet. 2:7), but his actions (Gen. 19:8) and his lack of spiritual influence even within his own family (vv. 14-16, 31-38) testify to the horror of such a compromising lifestyle.
May God grant us all the persevering faith of Abraham and not the compromising faith of Lot.
not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” Psalm 1:1
One of the most tragic figures in all of Scripture is
that of compromising Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who renounced the land of promise for the sinful society of Sodom, ultimately to lose everything of importance. His slide into apostasy, as traced in Genesis 12-19, seems to parallel the progression described in today’s text of not becoming a godly believer.
Lot is first mentioned as traveling with Abram and Sarai from their homeland to Canaan in obedience to God’s command (Gen. 12:4-5; 13:5). A petty problem arises which surely could have been resolved (13:6-10), but Lot chose (v. 11) to walk in the counsel of the ungodly. “Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord” (v. 13).
Lot soon found a home in the city itself, not content to merely herd his flocks in the fertile valley. By standing in the way of sinners, when Sodom was attacked by enemies, he was captured (14:12) and later rescued by Abram (vv. 14-16).
Lot’s identification with wicked Sodom did not end there, as it should have, for when the city’s wickedness was beyond God’s forbearance, Lot was found sitting in the seat of the scornful, a leader of the city, sitting in the gates with the town fathers (19:1). Lot was a “just” [or “righteous”] man, “oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men” (2 Pet. 2:7), but his actions (Gen. 19:8) and his lack of spiritual influence even within his own family (vv. 14-16, 31-38) testify to the horror of such a compromising lifestyle.
May God grant us all the persevering faith of Abraham and not the compromising faith of Lot.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Living Truths
Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” Mark 12:24-27
Sin and death are grim realities in the world, but these are only temporary intruders, as it were. The God of creation is the living God; and “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16) is our living Savior, alive forevermore. It is appropriate, therefore, that the term “living” is applied over and over again to great truths of the Christian faith.
For example, the Holy Scriptures are called “the lively oracles” (Acts 7:38). “Lively” and “living” represent the same Greek word zao; thus the Bible is God’s “living word.” Jesus Christ called Himself the “the living bread that came down out of heaven” sent down by “the living Father” (John 6:51, 57). He also promised that all who believe on Him would find “living water” (John 7:38).
He has opened for us through His substitutionary death and justifying resurrection “a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Heb. 10:20). Furthermore, He has thereby “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
The Lord Jesus is the foundation of the great house of the Lord into which we come through Him. “To Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5). In this holy temple we are therefore urged to “present [our] bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is [our] spiritual service” (Rom. 12:1).
Our God is, indeed, the God of the living!
Sin and death are grim realities in the world, but these are only temporary intruders, as it were. The God of creation is the living God; and “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16) is our living Savior, alive forevermore. It is appropriate, therefore, that the term “living” is applied over and over again to great truths of the Christian faith.
For example, the Holy Scriptures are called “the lively oracles” (Acts 7:38). “Lively” and “living” represent the same Greek word zao; thus the Bible is God’s “living word.” Jesus Christ called Himself the “the living bread that came down out of heaven” sent down by “the living Father” (John 6:51, 57). He also promised that all who believe on Him would find “living water” (John 7:38).
He has opened for us through His substitutionary death and justifying resurrection “a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Heb. 10:20). Furthermore, He has thereby “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
The Lord Jesus is the foundation of the great house of the Lord into which we come through Him. “To Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5). In this holy temple we are therefore urged to “present [our] bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is [our] spiritual service” (Rom. 12:1).
Our God is, indeed, the God of the living!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Very Good
“God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”
Genesis 1:31
On several occasions during the Creation Week, God had declared aspects of His creation as “good” (vv. 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). But once His crown of creation was in place, the very image of Himself (vv. 26-27), He pronounced it all “very good” and ceased His creative activity (2:1-3).
Just what does it mean to be “very good” in God’s eyes? The term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament by men and regarding men, but here God Himself, the sinless, ever-living One, declares creation to be just what He wanted - able to accomplish and fulfill each of His plans and desires for it. Whatever else may be said about this creation, at the very least it must have been without death, being a phenomenon anathema to Him.
Death is identified as “the last enemy that will be abolished” (1 Cor. 15:26). “Death reigned from Adam until Moses” (Rom. 5:14), and “it is appointed for men to die once” (Heb. 9:27). Indeed, “the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Rom. 8:22). The source of this condition is known as the curse pronounced on all of creation due to man’s rebellion against God (Gen. 3) as had been promised (2:17). Even today “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), and since all sin, all must die. Truly, sin has ruined God’s original sinless, deathless, “very good” creation.
But the story does not end there. The very Creator Who pronounced the awful curse of death as the penalty for sin has Himself died to pay the penalty and one day will repeal the curse (Rev. 22:3) and abolish death (21:4). The creation will be returned to its original created intent, and all will once again be “very good.”
Genesis 1:31
On several occasions during the Creation Week, God had declared aspects of His creation as “good” (vv. 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). But once His crown of creation was in place, the very image of Himself (vv. 26-27), He pronounced it all “very good” and ceased His creative activity (2:1-3).
Just what does it mean to be “very good” in God’s eyes? The term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament by men and regarding men, but here God Himself, the sinless, ever-living One, declares creation to be just what He wanted - able to accomplish and fulfill each of His plans and desires for it. Whatever else may be said about this creation, at the very least it must have been without death, being a phenomenon anathema to Him.
Death is identified as “the last enemy that will be abolished” (1 Cor. 15:26). “Death reigned from Adam until Moses” (Rom. 5:14), and “it is appointed for men to die once” (Heb. 9:27). Indeed, “the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Rom. 8:22). The source of this condition is known as the curse pronounced on all of creation due to man’s rebellion against God (Gen. 3) as had been promised (2:17). Even today “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), and since all sin, all must die. Truly, sin has ruined God’s original sinless, deathless, “very good” creation.
But the story does not end there. The very Creator Who pronounced the awful curse of death as the penalty for sin has Himself died to pay the penalty and one day will repeal the curse (Rev. 22:3) and abolish death (21:4). The creation will be returned to its original created intent, and all will once again be “very good.”
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Grace, Mercy, and Peace
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace
from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:1-2
Of the thirteen letters written by the apostle Paul, only the three to Timothy and Titus use this three-fold greeting “Grace, mercy, and peace.” The other ten letters use the more common “grace and mercy.” Why the distinction? The Holy Spirit is never whimsical nor capricious. Perhaps, since these three letters were the only ones addressed to pastors that Paul had trained, there was a more poignant emphasis intended.
Grace (charis) is the foundational core of God’s gift of salvation to those who trust Him (Eph. 2:8). It is also the essence of the “gifts” that we received from the Holy Spirit to minister to each other (1 Cor. 15:10). The charis is the basis for charisma that we receive. Those who have been entrusted with leadership responsibilities are reminded that the measure of those gifts is still God’s charis (Rom. 12:3, 6).
Mercy is often understood through God’s forgiveness both in justice delayed and sentence nullified through Christ. It is also what the Sovereign Godhead responds with when we ask for His help. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Peace is much more than mere lack of anxiety. It is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), but rather a supernatural, non-circumstantial contentment that is only given to the Lord’s Twice-Born. This peace is “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” and is specifically designed to “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).
May this grace, mercy and peace be a regular portion of your walk in the kingdom as you serve the Lord Jesus.
according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace
from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:1-2
Of the thirteen letters written by the apostle Paul, only the three to Timothy and Titus use this three-fold greeting “Grace, mercy, and peace.” The other ten letters use the more common “grace and mercy.” Why the distinction? The Holy Spirit is never whimsical nor capricious. Perhaps, since these three letters were the only ones addressed to pastors that Paul had trained, there was a more poignant emphasis intended.
Grace (charis) is the foundational core of God’s gift of salvation to those who trust Him (Eph. 2:8). It is also the essence of the “gifts” that we received from the Holy Spirit to minister to each other (1 Cor. 15:10). The charis is the basis for charisma that we receive. Those who have been entrusted with leadership responsibilities are reminded that the measure of those gifts is still God’s charis (Rom. 12:3, 6).
Mercy is often understood through God’s forgiveness both in justice delayed and sentence nullified through Christ. It is also what the Sovereign Godhead responds with when we ask for His help. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Peace is much more than mere lack of anxiety. It is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), but rather a supernatural, non-circumstantial contentment that is only given to the Lord’s Twice-Born. This peace is “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” and is specifically designed to “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).
May this grace, mercy and peace be a regular portion of your walk in the kingdom as you serve the Lord Jesus.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
It was Formless and Void
“I looked on the earth, and behold, it was formless and void;
and to the heavens, and they had no light.” Jeremiah 4:23
The language in this verse is clearly patterned after Genesis 1:2, the description of the primordial earth: “The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.” That it is a metaphor, however, and not an actual reference to that primordial earth is evident from its context. The previous verse speaks of “my people” (that is, the people of Judah) and the following verse of “the mountains” (there were no mountains as yet at the time of Gen. 1:2).
Furthermore, the broader context makes it plain that the prophet is speaking of a coming judgement on the land of Judah because of the rebellion of its people against their God (verse 16 specifically mentions Judah, and verse 31 mentions Zion). The land is to be so devastated that the prophet compared its future appearance to the unformed and barren earth at its very beginning.
This ultimate fulfillment will be at Armageddon. The same Hebrew words (tohu for “without form,” bohu for “void”) occur again in this context in an awesome scene of judgment described by Isaiah: “For the Lord’s indignation is against all the nations” (34:2), gathered together in the former land of Edom to fight against Jerusalem when Christ returns, “and He will stretch over it the line of desolation [i.e. tohu], and the plumb line of emptiness [i.e. bohu]” (34:11).
Instead of the regular surveyor’s line and markers ordering the property boundaries, God’s judgement will bring such disorder and barrenness to the land that it almost will seem to revert back to its primeval state at the beginning of time. “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth...” (2 Peter 3:13), and that earth will be beautiful and bountiful with no night there (Rev. 22:5).
and to the heavens, and they had no light.” Jeremiah 4:23
The language in this verse is clearly patterned after Genesis 1:2, the description of the primordial earth: “The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.” That it is a metaphor, however, and not an actual reference to that primordial earth is evident from its context. The previous verse speaks of “my people” (that is, the people of Judah) and the following verse of “the mountains” (there were no mountains as yet at the time of Gen. 1:2).
Furthermore, the broader context makes it plain that the prophet is speaking of a coming judgement on the land of Judah because of the rebellion of its people against their God (verse 16 specifically mentions Judah, and verse 31 mentions Zion). The land is to be so devastated that the prophet compared its future appearance to the unformed and barren earth at its very beginning.
This ultimate fulfillment will be at Armageddon. The same Hebrew words (tohu for “without form,” bohu for “void”) occur again in this context in an awesome scene of judgment described by Isaiah: “For the Lord’s indignation is against all the nations” (34:2), gathered together in the former land of Edom to fight against Jerusalem when Christ returns, “and He will stretch over it the line of desolation [i.e. tohu], and the plumb line of emptiness [i.e. bohu]” (34:11).
Instead of the regular surveyor’s line and markers ordering the property boundaries, God’s judgement will bring such disorder and barrenness to the land that it almost will seem to revert back to its primeval state at the beginning of time. “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth...” (2 Peter 3:13), and that earth will be beautiful and bountiful with no night there (Rev. 22:5).
Monday, June 3, 2013
There is Still Much to Do
“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.’” Joshua 13:1
There is no set “retirement age” for the Christian, for there is always “very much land to be possessed.” Joshua had survived 40 years in the wilderness, then led in the long hard conquest of Canaan, and was now at least 80 years of age.
Not only was he “old and stricken in years,” but God even told him he was old! But instead of allowing him to settle down to enjoy a few retirement years in his hard-won new home, God sent Joshua out once again for further conquests.
That must always be the case with those who love and serve the Lord. There is still much Scripture to study and learn, many people yet to reach with a gospel witness, many with whom to share God’s love and comfort, much money yet to be earned to give to missions. Even those who must retire from active service or become confined at home still have much praying to accomplish.
No one who knows the redemptive love of Jesus Christ is ever too old to possess more “land” for the Lord. “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green” (Psalm 92:12-14).
Old age eventually comes to everyone who survives youth and middle age, but that does not mean it is time to quit. “O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).
There is no set “retirement age” for the Christian, for there is always “very much land to be possessed.” Joshua had survived 40 years in the wilderness, then led in the long hard conquest of Canaan, and was now at least 80 years of age.
Not only was he “old and stricken in years,” but God even told him he was old! But instead of allowing him to settle down to enjoy a few retirement years in his hard-won new home, God sent Joshua out once again for further conquests.
That must always be the case with those who love and serve the Lord. There is still much Scripture to study and learn, many people yet to reach with a gospel witness, many with whom to share God’s love and comfort, much money yet to be earned to give to missions. Even those who must retire from active service or become confined at home still have much praying to accomplish.
No one who knows the redemptive love of Jesus Christ is ever too old to possess more “land” for the Lord. “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green” (Psalm 92:12-14).
Old age eventually comes to everyone who survives youth and middle age, but that does not mean it is time to quit. “O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Passing Through the Valleys
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
There are many dark valleys mentioned in Scriptures, and these typify the many sufferings and hard experiences through which the people of God must pass. “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
The valley of Achor - which means “trouble” - was so named because sin in the camp of God’s people had caused great defeat for their armies there (Joshua 7:25-26). Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark vale of trouble and defeat.
Then there is the vale of tears called Baca, or “weeping.” Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and restitution will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God’s comfort will guide through Baca. “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You...Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring...They go from strength to strength...” (Psalm 84:5-7).
Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All must enter that valley once at least - some may even travel it often before its thick darkness finally conquers them. For those without Christ, it is a valley of great fear; there have been multitudes “who through fear of death were subject to slavery” (Hebrews 2:15).
But for those who know the Lord, they need to fear no evil for God is with them. Even his guiding staff and buffeting rod are comforting for they prove the love of the Shepherd. No wonder the 23rd Psalm is the most requested passage of Scripture by those deep in this dark valley.
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
There are many dark valleys mentioned in Scriptures, and these typify the many sufferings and hard experiences through which the people of God must pass. “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
The valley of Achor - which means “trouble” - was so named because sin in the camp of God’s people had caused great defeat for their armies there (Joshua 7:25-26). Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark vale of trouble and defeat.
Then there is the vale of tears called Baca, or “weeping.” Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and restitution will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God’s comfort will guide through Baca. “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You...Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring...They go from strength to strength...” (Psalm 84:5-7).
Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All must enter that valley once at least - some may even travel it often before its thick darkness finally conquers them. For those without Christ, it is a valley of great fear; there have been multitudes “who through fear of death were subject to slavery” (Hebrews 2:15).
But for those who know the Lord, they need to fear no evil for God is with them. Even his guiding staff and buffeting rod are comforting for they prove the love of the Shepherd. No wonder the 23rd Psalm is the most requested passage of Scripture by those deep in this dark valley.
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