“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).
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