1 John 2:18-23
"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also."
Have you ever had one of those lightbulb moments where you've realized that you are indeed becoming one of your parents? Maybe you've said something to your kids that you specifically remember hearing as a kid, thinking to yourself that you'll never say that phrase when I am a parent. And there you are, using that statement - a full-fleged parent now. Irritated that it actually happened. I have.
One of those statements that I've used that I couldn't stand as a kid is the phrase "because I said so." That's usually in response to the question "why." And I realize now why that response is appropriate. Because usually that why question is either at an inopportune moment for me to make an explanation, or because my kids won't understand or don't need to know the full explanation. But believe me, anyone who has had a toddler knows about the why question.
John has just finished telling his readers that doing the will of God is far better than enjoying the things of this world. He's been telling them about being in the light, obeying Christs commands and knowing the truth. And here John, as the wise spiritual parent, anticipates the question and begins to explain the why portion. Remember, he's been calling his readers little children. John viewed the people in the churches that he ministered to as his spiritual children. And they were young in the faith too, making them literally spiritual children.
So anticipating the why, John begins his explanation for why all of this instruction, all of his admonishment, and all of this discipline is necessary. He goes far beyond telling them "because I said so." John lays the reason out there plainly.
He begins by telling them that we are living in the last hour. This is a phrase that refers to the end days leading up to the second coming of Christ. We know that those days will be full of sin and peril and all sorts of wickedness. We know that from various passages throughout the New Testament, including John's own Revelation, which wasn't written until after this letter. Paul uses similar language indicating that they were in the last days. There was a thought at that time that Jesus would be returning very soon. They believed that it was imminent. And here I sit nearly 2000 years later and He still hasn't returned. Were they wrong? Well, yes...and no.
It's my belief that we are indeed in the last days. But not necessarily by the definition that most people use. Think about the history of the world as we know it from the Bible. Some scholars believe that there has been somewhere around 4500 years of history between when Elohim spoke and this world was born and the time of John's writing. By any definition (except that of an evolutionist) that's a long time. All of that time was under the old covenant whereby salvation was based on the law, and keeping law, and doing things to satisfy the wrath of a righteous God. And God was not a personal God. And then came Jesus and the tables were turned (both figuratively and literally). Jesus gave us the promise of life with Him in heaven as well as a promise that He would return to collect those who are called by His name. So we are in the second of two phases of world history. We are just waiting on His return. So to me, we are indeed in the last days because His return signals the end. Now, we obviously have no idea when that return will be, but we do know it will happen.
Now, when you use launguage like "it is the last hour" you are conveying a certain sense of urgency. Hmm. It's at this point that I have to ask myself what kind of urgency I am living my life with. Am I living an intentional life knowing full well that Jesus' return is imminent? I have been studying in my Masterlife study about wittnessing to the world. So these two things are very related. Am I looking at the lost people around me with the urgency that Christ's return is imminent and their salvation needs to be secure? Do I have any sense of urgency that everyone needs a saving relationship with the Lord so that none will perish eternally? Do I have that kind of vision? My mind may want to answer one way, but my actions, or a lack of them, probably give evidence to the contrary.
There's a saying that the greatest sermon is the one that's never preached. Meaning that our lives ought to be enough of a testimony to bring anyone around us to repentance. It's called lifestyle evangelism to many. But there's another school of thought. I can't use words as a last resort. Yes, my life should bear witness to my relationship with Christ, but I've got to tell those around me.
Lord, help me to be intentional about telling others about you. Give me a sense of urgency as the days draw near. You are returning and you will judge both the living and the dead. And no one will want to be judged and found lacking. Father fill me with your Spirit, giving me boldness rather than timidity. And give me your vision as I am in the end days.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Birthday Thoughts For The Coming Year
1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
As I sit here on my birthday I find myself examining my life - where Christ has taken me over hte past 12 months, what He has done in my life, how He has changed my heart, and what He has taught me about Himself. And as I do that, this passage is amazingly poignant.
It's been more than a month since I have studied 1 John. I began a Masterlife study and most of my quite time and bible study time has been devoted to Masterlife. But as I ignore that study this evening, God brought me back to 1 John. And now I see why.
My purpose in life is not for me to be content, comfortable or happy. It is not to become knowledgable, successful or wise. It is absolutely to reflect God's glory as I share His love and truth to the world in which I live. Last night I had the pleasure of sitting in Halftime as Canyon taught in Aaron's absence. Shockingly, Canyon taught about evangelism [sarcasm intended]. But he made a point last night that makes all the sense in the world. He said that the main reason that people do not share the gospel with those they come in contact with is because they are more afraid of men than they are of a holy God. It's a simple statement that isn't all that new or revolutionary, but it's incredibly true.
You know, as mortal sinful men, it's easy to want to be comfortable. But in this passage John reminds me that I am not to love this world or anything in it. Thinking back to Masterlife, one of the verses we study in it is John 13:34-35 which says "A new command I give to you: love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." If I look real hard I can see that Jesus didn't tell me to love the things of the world. Again, heavy sarcasm intended. Yet despite that command, I find myself absentmindedly desiring or enjoying the things of this world. Curse this sinful shell of a mortal man that I am saddled with. For when I find myself with that focus, I must realize that the love of the Father is not in me.
But why is that? Why can't Christ's love be present in my heart and life, when my focus is on the world? Because His command is for me to love as He loved. In fact, Jesus tells me that the greatest commandment is to love Him with all of my heart, soul and strength (Matt 22:37). Anything less than that leaves no room for Him. He also commands me to love others as He loved. The way I love as He loved is for me to share the gospel with those who need it. Jesus said Himself that He came into the world to seek and to save that which is lost. If I am to love as He loves, then shouldn't I be doing the same?
I could go on and on with this subject. And the more I go on and on I am convicted. Conviction isn't all that fun. But as I look at where I would like the Lord to take me in the year ahead of me, I look at verse 17 and the promise therein. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." That's my prayer for the next year. I want to be that man. In whatever happens to me, I want it to be said of me that I am a man doing the will of God. Let there be no doubt.
Awesome Lord, I am nothing but a mortal man, born into sin, mortal in every way. But you are God alone, high above all, holy in every way. And through the cross and the redemptive work upon it I have been reconciled to you and find myself justified by faith. Who am I? I am a child who has been called by his Father, and given a purpose that I may carry out your mission to love this world and share your gospel with it. Father change my focus. Let me not love this world and the things in it, but instead let me love doing your will. Give me a heart that is fully devoted to you and your service. Let me be more afraid of a holy God than I could ever be of anyone or anything in this world. Lord as I commit this moment to you, and Lord willing, this entire year, I pray that I will be found as a faithful man doing the will of God.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
As I sit here on my birthday I find myself examining my life - where Christ has taken me over hte past 12 months, what He has done in my life, how He has changed my heart, and what He has taught me about Himself. And as I do that, this passage is amazingly poignant.
It's been more than a month since I have studied 1 John. I began a Masterlife study and most of my quite time and bible study time has been devoted to Masterlife. But as I ignore that study this evening, God brought me back to 1 John. And now I see why.
My purpose in life is not for me to be content, comfortable or happy. It is not to become knowledgable, successful or wise. It is absolutely to reflect God's glory as I share His love and truth to the world in which I live. Last night I had the pleasure of sitting in Halftime as Canyon taught in Aaron's absence. Shockingly, Canyon taught about evangelism [sarcasm intended]. But he made a point last night that makes all the sense in the world. He said that the main reason that people do not share the gospel with those they come in contact with is because they are more afraid of men than they are of a holy God. It's a simple statement that isn't all that new or revolutionary, but it's incredibly true.
You know, as mortal sinful men, it's easy to want to be comfortable. But in this passage John reminds me that I am not to love this world or anything in it. Thinking back to Masterlife, one of the verses we study in it is John 13:34-35 which says "A new command I give to you: love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." If I look real hard I can see that Jesus didn't tell me to love the things of the world. Again, heavy sarcasm intended. Yet despite that command, I find myself absentmindedly desiring or enjoying the things of this world. Curse this sinful shell of a mortal man that I am saddled with. For when I find myself with that focus, I must realize that the love of the Father is not in me.
But why is that? Why can't Christ's love be present in my heart and life, when my focus is on the world? Because His command is for me to love as He loved. In fact, Jesus tells me that the greatest commandment is to love Him with all of my heart, soul and strength (Matt 22:37). Anything less than that leaves no room for Him. He also commands me to love others as He loved. The way I love as He loved is for me to share the gospel with those who need it. Jesus said Himself that He came into the world to seek and to save that which is lost. If I am to love as He loves, then shouldn't I be doing the same?
I could go on and on with this subject. And the more I go on and on I am convicted. Conviction isn't all that fun. But as I look at where I would like the Lord to take me in the year ahead of me, I look at verse 17 and the promise therein. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." That's my prayer for the next year. I want to be that man. In whatever happens to me, I want it to be said of me that I am a man doing the will of God. Let there be no doubt.
Awesome Lord, I am nothing but a mortal man, born into sin, mortal in every way. But you are God alone, high above all, holy in every way. And through the cross and the redemptive work upon it I have been reconciled to you and find myself justified by faith. Who am I? I am a child who has been called by his Father, and given a purpose that I may carry out your mission to love this world and share your gospel with it. Father change my focus. Let me not love this world and the things in it, but instead let me love doing your will. Give me a heart that is fully devoted to you and your service. Let me be more afraid of a holy God than I could ever be of anyone or anything in this world. Lord as I commit this moment to you, and Lord willing, this entire year, I pray that I will be found as a faithful man doing the will of God.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
"...and the waters receded."
"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded." - Genesis 8:1
As we were flying over the Rocky Mountains on our trip to California the other day I was really struck by the overwhelming appearance of flood evidence there is just in the mountains. I looked down over Utah and saw these great peaks poking up through flat desert as if there had been a tremendous amount of sediment settling all around them. I saw all of the ridges that had been eroded out from tremendous amounts of water flowing off of them. While I know I'm not expressing all that was in my mind at the time, it was indeed overwhelming.
But you know, I realized that it's a lot like my life. There have been times in my life where my sin has angered a righteous God and as punishment for my sin, it has seemed like the flood waters have covered me. I felt like I was drowning and there was no land in sight. And I had no one to blame but myself since it was my foolish heart that got me into the mess I was in. Sometimes it's not my sin that causes the problems, but the sin of others that affects me. Regardless of the source, it still must be endured.
But we endure all things for a season. And eventually the waters began to recede. The sense of hopelessness began to slowly fade. Just as it took quite a long time for the waters of the flood to fade away. It took somewhere around five and a half months for the water to dry up completely. Psalm 119:50 says "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." God will indeed preserve me. He won't let the flood of whatever emotions are surrounding me prevail. He will overcome whatever I face.
But you know, as the flood waters receded, there was still evidence on the earth of that catastrophic event. The land was scarred. It didn't look like it did prior to the flood. My life is similar. When I am faced with the effects of sin, it doesn't come out on the other end looking the same. And hopefully He has taught me a host of things during the process so that I truly don't look the same.
So Lord, I know at times the waters will come. Sometimes they will be worse than others. Sometimes I will cause it by my foolish actions, and sometimes they may come from someone else. But regardless, your promise preserves my life. And that promise is eternal life with you to those who have called upon your name and accepted your gift of salvation. Father, if I find myself in that "boat" again, please don't let me focus on the water, but rather on my my life and what you are teaching me through it. Throughout Psalm 119 the writer asks you to teach him your ways and statutes and decrees so that he could obey them. Lord, do the same with me. Teach me to become more like you and never let me come through looking the same as before. Change me to the very core and make me more like you.
As we were flying over the Rocky Mountains on our trip to California the other day I was really struck by the overwhelming appearance of flood evidence there is just in the mountains. I looked down over Utah and saw these great peaks poking up through flat desert as if there had been a tremendous amount of sediment settling all around them. I saw all of the ridges that had been eroded out from tremendous amounts of water flowing off of them. While I know I'm not expressing all that was in my mind at the time, it was indeed overwhelming.
But you know, I realized that it's a lot like my life. There have been times in my life where my sin has angered a righteous God and as punishment for my sin, it has seemed like the flood waters have covered me. I felt like I was drowning and there was no land in sight. And I had no one to blame but myself since it was my foolish heart that got me into the mess I was in. Sometimes it's not my sin that causes the problems, but the sin of others that affects me. Regardless of the source, it still must be endured.
But we endure all things for a season. And eventually the waters began to recede. The sense of hopelessness began to slowly fade. Just as it took quite a long time for the waters of the flood to fade away. It took somewhere around five and a half months for the water to dry up completely. Psalm 119:50 says "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." God will indeed preserve me. He won't let the flood of whatever emotions are surrounding me prevail. He will overcome whatever I face.
But you know, as the flood waters receded, there was still evidence on the earth of that catastrophic event. The land was scarred. It didn't look like it did prior to the flood. My life is similar. When I am faced with the effects of sin, it doesn't come out on the other end looking the same. And hopefully He has taught me a host of things during the process so that I truly don't look the same.
So Lord, I know at times the waters will come. Sometimes they will be worse than others. Sometimes I will cause it by my foolish actions, and sometimes they may come from someone else. But regardless, your promise preserves my life. And that promise is eternal life with you to those who have called upon your name and accepted your gift of salvation. Father, if I find myself in that "boat" again, please don't let me focus on the water, but rather on my my life and what you are teaching me through it. Throughout Psalm 119 the writer asks you to teach him your ways and statutes and decrees so that he could obey them. Lord, do the same with me. Teach me to become more like you and never let me come through looking the same as before. Change me to the very core and make me more like you.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Battle Is The Lord's!
While putting the boys to bed tonight we began reading a devotional that began with one simple statement from 1 Samuel 17:47 which simply said "the battle is the Lord's." I hadn't quite finished reading those words when Caleb was wanting to look it up in his Bible to read it for himself. I was so proud. But as I helped him find the passage and he read the entire verse we talked about what was going on. All he had read was that one verse. After setting the stage, we went back and read verses 45 through 47 where David was talking to the Philistine army just before he slew Goliath. It's been a little while since I've read the account of David and Goliath. But as I read those three verses aloud this evening I got chill bumps.
David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
I was struck by something about David here - his confidence. Here he is, the little brother that has come to bring provisions to his brothers as they are in battle. He gets there and as he first hears Goliath taunt the army of Israel he sees all of those grown men run in fear. And this teenager stands firm and confident in the power of the Lord asking what they're going to do about it. He confidently tells Saul that he'll go meet the Philistine. He confidently approaches the giant. And he confidently declared victory before the battle even began. He was confident because he absolutely knew the character of Yahweh and had no doubt that the Lord will prevail against evil. The Lord above all was to be glorified and David knew it.
Now I have to ask myself a hard question. Do I have that same confidence in my God, who I know is Mighty Warrior (Jer 20:11), My Banner (Jehova Niss - Exodus 17:15), a Strong Tower (Prov 18:10), the Victorious King and so many more? In Kay Arthur's book Lord I Want To Know You she makes a powerful statement. She says "...Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God...In biblical times, a name represented a person's character. God's name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is!" Do I know Him intimately enough to be able to boast in Him? The answer, I'm afraid is all too obvious. Were I that confident enough in His character then I wouldn't struggle with the sin that is too present in my life. Were I that confident, then I would always be desperately seeking the way of escape that He provides in the moment of my temptation (1 Cor 10:13). But alas, I succumb and fail to stand boldly in the face of that temptation proclaiming that "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty" and that "the battle is the Lord's."
Oh righteous Father, I am ashamed. You have shown me since I was a child who you are. I have experienced your protection, salvation, and victory. Yet daily I fall. I am endlessly reminded of your holiness and my filthiness. I know that you wait longingly for me to fully believe and trust in your promises. And each day as I'm blessed with another opportunity to live in your power, I fail. But I praise you that all is not lost. For when I can deny myself, take up my cross and follow you that you make my footsteps firm. When I can clothe myself in the armor that you've given me you equip me to stand firm against the wiles of the devil. Your faithfulness is overwhelming. Father, help me to continually believe in the deepest part of my soul. Allow me to walk in your grace and follow in your footsteps. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me not to spend one moment apart from you. Let all who come against me know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give [them] into [my] hands. Praises to the Lord of Hosts!
David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
I was struck by something about David here - his confidence. Here he is, the little brother that has come to bring provisions to his brothers as they are in battle. He gets there and as he first hears Goliath taunt the army of Israel he sees all of those grown men run in fear. And this teenager stands firm and confident in the power of the Lord asking what they're going to do about it. He confidently tells Saul that he'll go meet the Philistine. He confidently approaches the giant. And he confidently declared victory before the battle even began. He was confident because he absolutely knew the character of Yahweh and had no doubt that the Lord will prevail against evil. The Lord above all was to be glorified and David knew it.
Now I have to ask myself a hard question. Do I have that same confidence in my God, who I know is Mighty Warrior (Jer 20:11), My Banner (Jehova Niss - Exodus 17:15), a Strong Tower (Prov 18:10), the Victorious King and so many more? In Kay Arthur's book Lord I Want To Know You she makes a powerful statement. She says "...Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God...In biblical times, a name represented a person's character. God's name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is!" Do I know Him intimately enough to be able to boast in Him? The answer, I'm afraid is all too obvious. Were I that confident enough in His character then I wouldn't struggle with the sin that is too present in my life. Were I that confident, then I would always be desperately seeking the way of escape that He provides in the moment of my temptation (1 Cor 10:13). But alas, I succumb and fail to stand boldly in the face of that temptation proclaiming that "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty" and that "the battle is the Lord's."
Oh righteous Father, I am ashamed. You have shown me since I was a child who you are. I have experienced your protection, salvation, and victory. Yet daily I fall. I am endlessly reminded of your holiness and my filthiness. I know that you wait longingly for me to fully believe and trust in your promises. And each day as I'm blessed with another opportunity to live in your power, I fail. But I praise you that all is not lost. For when I can deny myself, take up my cross and follow you that you make my footsteps firm. When I can clothe myself in the armor that you've given me you equip me to stand firm against the wiles of the devil. Your faithfulness is overwhelming. Father, help me to continually believe in the deepest part of my soul. Allow me to walk in your grace and follow in your footsteps. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me not to spend one moment apart from you. Let all who come against me know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give [them] into [my] hands. Praises to the Lord of Hosts!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Walking The Talk
1 John 2:3-8
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
There’s a couple of common sayings that come to mind when I read this passage. The first one is one that I heard many, many times growing up in the church. It involves walking the walk and talking the talk. The other one may or may not be as relevant as I think, but it is “put up or shut up.” This passage screams for consistency. Genuineness.
What happens when I hear someone try to talk about God or a spiritual subject, but I know how they live and the two don’t match very well? For the most part, I completely tune out and dismiss most of what they say. I don’t respect their words when their actions don’t tell me they believe it.
That’s what John is talking about here. I think everyone that is a Christian has been that first person that is described at one time or another. We may talk about Biblical issues like they are something that we’ve got sewn up, but in reality we may not have it under control like we’d have others to believe. At that point we’re considered liars that are as far from the truth as we can get. The crazy thing is that we don’t have to specifically claim that we are without sin or anything like that. I’ve always heard that when I leave out a key piece of information that may paint me in a bad light or not give the full story of something, it’s just like telling a lie. Because it is misrepresenting the truth. That’s what we’ve got here. If I claim to know the Lord, but I don’t walk as he has commanded, then I’m a liar.
I fear that we have an awful lot of that from people in the church. Our churches are full of people that have been sold cheap grace and don’t have enough comprehension of what the life of a true disciple of Christ is. They show up on Sundays to get their church duty out of the way and to feel better about themselves and then leave unchanged, unconvicted, and will continue in the empty path of sin. I can say that because I’ve been that person. I know it happens. I’ve lived it and I’ve seen too many people do the same thing.
But the opposite is encouraging. If an inconsistency between my talk and my walk is evidence of deceit and a lying tongue, then the opposite must be true. Consistency between the two is indeed evidence of a relationship with my Redeemer. It is outward evidence of an inward transformation. Let me chase a rabbit for a moment.
My Pastor preached this morning from one of my favorite passages in Romans. It was Romans 12:1-2. And it was a terrific message by the way. But in that passage Paul talks about not being conformed to the world, but rather being transformed by the renewing of my mind. That transformation is something that can only be affected by the One who holds my life in His hands. Only he can take my mind and change it into something that doesn’t even resemble what it used to be. I absolutely cannot do such a thing on my own in my own strength. The word used in the Greek for renewing is anakainōsis and I love the definition. It means renovation or a complete change for the better. Only Christ can do that in my life. Only He can demolish the old sinful mind and build up a strong, sound, pure mind where the old once stood.
So these two passages of scripture are completely related. It’s only when I allow my mind to be renovated and my life to be transformed that I can do as John encourages and consistently obey the Lord’s commands and walk in His truth.
If I truly want my life to be an extension of the hands of Christ, available to share His love and minister to others, then this is an absolute must. If there is a hint of doubt in someone’s mind about whether what I am talking about is consistent with my life, then I’ve completely lost them. I have to absolutely be above reproach. This is how they will know that I love Him – if I obey His commands. Consistency. Walking the talk.
Is this what others see in my life? Am I being transformed daily by a renovation in my mind? Am I being obedient with the commands that I’ve heard? I pray I am. I also pray that the Lord continues to do this for me. I have to continually deny myself (daily), take up my cross (daily) and follow Him (daily).
Lord, you have called me to be holy because you are holy (Lev. 11:44). I have no mortal ability to do such a thing. My best will always be seen as rubbish in the eyes of your holiness. Your righteousness and your character is evident in all creation though. And as the pinnacle of your creation, I have the opportunity to bear witness to who you are. But too often I don’t realize that. And I don’t allow myself to be transformed. Too often parts of my life are conformed to the world instead. I am not transformed and my mind is not renewed when I am raising my voice at the kids or seething with anger or bitterness over something or at someone. Father, I want always for anyone who sees or hears me, to see evidence of that of which I speak lived out in my life. I pray that you would complete your love in me, by your faithfulness to transform me so that I can obey your commands. Lord, let your light so shine before men in my life. Let me simply be your hands to a hurting world.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
There’s a couple of common sayings that come to mind when I read this passage. The first one is one that I heard many, many times growing up in the church. It involves walking the walk and talking the talk. The other one may or may not be as relevant as I think, but it is “put up or shut up.” This passage screams for consistency. Genuineness.
What happens when I hear someone try to talk about God or a spiritual subject, but I know how they live and the two don’t match very well? For the most part, I completely tune out and dismiss most of what they say. I don’t respect their words when their actions don’t tell me they believe it.
That’s what John is talking about here. I think everyone that is a Christian has been that first person that is described at one time or another. We may talk about Biblical issues like they are something that we’ve got sewn up, but in reality we may not have it under control like we’d have others to believe. At that point we’re considered liars that are as far from the truth as we can get. The crazy thing is that we don’t have to specifically claim that we are without sin or anything like that. I’ve always heard that when I leave out a key piece of information that may paint me in a bad light or not give the full story of something, it’s just like telling a lie. Because it is misrepresenting the truth. That’s what we’ve got here. If I claim to know the Lord, but I don’t walk as he has commanded, then I’m a liar.
I fear that we have an awful lot of that from people in the church. Our churches are full of people that have been sold cheap grace and don’t have enough comprehension of what the life of a true disciple of Christ is. They show up on Sundays to get their church duty out of the way and to feel better about themselves and then leave unchanged, unconvicted, and will continue in the empty path of sin. I can say that because I’ve been that person. I know it happens. I’ve lived it and I’ve seen too many people do the same thing.
But the opposite is encouraging. If an inconsistency between my talk and my walk is evidence of deceit and a lying tongue, then the opposite must be true. Consistency between the two is indeed evidence of a relationship with my Redeemer. It is outward evidence of an inward transformation. Let me chase a rabbit for a moment.
My Pastor preached this morning from one of my favorite passages in Romans. It was Romans 12:1-2. And it was a terrific message by the way. But in that passage Paul talks about not being conformed to the world, but rather being transformed by the renewing of my mind. That transformation is something that can only be affected by the One who holds my life in His hands. Only he can take my mind and change it into something that doesn’t even resemble what it used to be. I absolutely cannot do such a thing on my own in my own strength. The word used in the Greek for renewing is anakainōsis and I love the definition. It means renovation or a complete change for the better. Only Christ can do that in my life. Only He can demolish the old sinful mind and build up a strong, sound, pure mind where the old once stood.
So these two passages of scripture are completely related. It’s only when I allow my mind to be renovated and my life to be transformed that I can do as John encourages and consistently obey the Lord’s commands and walk in His truth.
If I truly want my life to be an extension of the hands of Christ, available to share His love and minister to others, then this is an absolute must. If there is a hint of doubt in someone’s mind about whether what I am talking about is consistent with my life, then I’ve completely lost them. I have to absolutely be above reproach. This is how they will know that I love Him – if I obey His commands. Consistency. Walking the talk.
Is this what others see in my life? Am I being transformed daily by a renovation in my mind? Am I being obedient with the commands that I’ve heard? I pray I am. I also pray that the Lord continues to do this for me. I have to continually deny myself (daily), take up my cross (daily) and follow Him (daily).
Lord, you have called me to be holy because you are holy (Lev. 11:44). I have no mortal ability to do such a thing. My best will always be seen as rubbish in the eyes of your holiness. Your righteousness and your character is evident in all creation though. And as the pinnacle of your creation, I have the opportunity to bear witness to who you are. But too often I don’t realize that. And I don’t allow myself to be transformed. Too often parts of my life are conformed to the world instead. I am not transformed and my mind is not renewed when I am raising my voice at the kids or seething with anger or bitterness over something or at someone. Father, I want always for anyone who sees or hears me, to see evidence of that of which I speak lived out in my life. I pray that you would complete your love in me, by your faithfulness to transform me so that I can obey your commands. Lord, let your light so shine before men in my life. Let me simply be your hands to a hurting world.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Prisonbreak!
"Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage" - Exodus 6:9
As men we must admit that we aren't all that complex a creation. God simply made us much more simple than women. I hope I'm not really offending anyone by that statement. However, we are far from ordinary. John Eldredge wrote a book called Wild At Heart wherein he proposes that God has created men with a natural longing for adventure, excitement and challenge. I have to agree with that thesis. I believe that the Christian male has a God-given tendency to approach any given situation with zeal, determination and an aggressive appetite for success. However, most Christian men today find themselves with an attitude toward their walk with the Lord that is QUITE different from that God-given passion. Why is that?
Our life in Christ should not be one of boredom, stifled spirits or oppression. However, I fear that many men find themselves in that exact spot. And the reason is one word - bondage. Prior to salvation, we are all in bondage to sin. Christ came not to transfer our bondage from sin to Himself, but rather to set us free. To liberate us from that oppression.
Chris Tomlin has a great new version of the song Amazing Grace. In it one of the lines says "My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me." Psalm 107:14 says "He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." Yet far too often we men fail to accept that liberation. Instead, we choose to pick the chains of our previous bondage back up and submit ourselves to the weight of whatever previously held us. We become like the Hebrews who fled Egypt, only to complain against Moses that they wished they were back in bondage to the Egyptians.
The problem is that when we do that, the bondage has a tendency to deafen us. Exodus 6:9 above says that the Hebrews didn't listen to Moses because of their bondage. We cannot hear from God in that state. We will certainly never experience the excitement of our Christian life while we are held captive to our sin.
It's not all gloom and doom though. The good news is that the only authority that sin has in our lives is that which we give it. If we choose to fully submit to Christ's authority, and allow His power to not only remove, but to DESTROY the sin which so easily ensnares us, then we can experience life changing freedom. And it's only at that point that we can be as John Eldredge calls it, wild at heart. A life of communion with Christ is one where He empowers us to live for Him with passion. With excitement. With purpose.
Do you want to throw off that mold of the common pansy Christian man and embrace the wildly passionate transformation of our minds? My desire is for every man at Summit to be able to exclaim with the same energy and passion that William Wallace does at the end of Braveheart - FREEEEEEDOOOOOOM! To eagerly seek to become holy as He is holy.
Are you in?
As men we must admit that we aren't all that complex a creation. God simply made us much more simple than women. I hope I'm not really offending anyone by that statement. However, we are far from ordinary. John Eldredge wrote a book called Wild At Heart wherein he proposes that God has created men with a natural longing for adventure, excitement and challenge. I have to agree with that thesis. I believe that the Christian male has a God-given tendency to approach any given situation with zeal, determination and an aggressive appetite for success. However, most Christian men today find themselves with an attitude toward their walk with the Lord that is QUITE different from that God-given passion. Why is that?
Our life in Christ should not be one of boredom, stifled spirits or oppression. However, I fear that many men find themselves in that exact spot. And the reason is one word - bondage. Prior to salvation, we are all in bondage to sin. Christ came not to transfer our bondage from sin to Himself, but rather to set us free. To liberate us from that oppression.
Chris Tomlin has a great new version of the song Amazing Grace. In it one of the lines says "My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me." Psalm 107:14 says "He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." Yet far too often we men fail to accept that liberation. Instead, we choose to pick the chains of our previous bondage back up and submit ourselves to the weight of whatever previously held us. We become like the Hebrews who fled Egypt, only to complain against Moses that they wished they were back in bondage to the Egyptians.
The problem is that when we do that, the bondage has a tendency to deafen us. Exodus 6:9 above says that the Hebrews didn't listen to Moses because of their bondage. We cannot hear from God in that state. We will certainly never experience the excitement of our Christian life while we are held captive to our sin.
It's not all gloom and doom though. The good news is that the only authority that sin has in our lives is that which we give it. If we choose to fully submit to Christ's authority, and allow His power to not only remove, but to DESTROY the sin which so easily ensnares us, then we can experience life changing freedom. And it's only at that point that we can be as John Eldredge calls it, wild at heart. A life of communion with Christ is one where He empowers us to live for Him with passion. With excitement. With purpose.
Do you want to throw off that mold of the common pansy Christian man and embrace the wildly passionate transformation of our minds? My desire is for every man at Summit to be able to exclaim with the same energy and passion that William Wallace does at the end of Braveheart - FREEEEEEDOOOOOOM! To eagerly seek to become holy as He is holy.
Are you in?
Friday, September 4, 2009
An Inadequate Defendant
1 John 2:1-2
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One. He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
As a father, my goal for my children is for them to make it through the day without doing anything wrong. Not just because I don't want to deal with it, but because I want them to be holy as Christ is holy. I want them to follow in His footsteps as He has commanded us. But alas, I'm still waiting on one of those days. But why should they do it when their own father can't get that one figured out?
But that's where John was coming from in this statement. He wrote this letter to the church in general, not to a specific body of believers like we saw Paul do. But John thought of these Christians as his spiritual children. He had helped them come to faith in Christ and since he was a friend and confidant, and fellow minister with Christ, he was indeed like a spiritual father. And just like my desire for my children, John felt the same way about all of these that he was writing to. He wanted holiness for them as well.
But John knew, just as I know with my children, that children don't always act the way that they ought to. Children are always going to disobey. Even the parents can't figure out a way to avoid that. We're all in the same boat. Romans 3:23 very plainly teaches us that. So in light of that very disappointing truth, we learn a very encouraging truth to counteract that. At the end of chapter 1 I learned about in the spiritual realm, we have unequal and very opposite reactions. Well, that's what we've got. Our sin is countered with the offering of an advocate for our cause.
But what does that mean? What is an advocate? Webster's defines it as "one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court." Wikipedia has a beautiful statement which says "Implicit in the concept is the notion that the represented lacks the knowledge, skill, ability, or standing to speak for themselves." These two statements work together to form a beautiful picture of what our Lord does for us. Since we all are accused of the same crime of sin, and we all face the same penalty of death and eternal separation from a sinless, holy, righteous God, our advocate stands tall before the judge (God). And that advocate is the only possible one - Jesus Christ the righteous One. He does this because I lack the standing that it takes to speak for myself. I am in no place to argue my case. I need that advocate. And He says that He has already taken the punishment that I deserve. I then am acquitted and liberated. Because of the blood of the Lamb of God that has covered me, I am then seen as free from the charges set against me.
Why does that simple statement absolve me of the sentence? Propitiation is one of those great church words that only the learned really understand isn't it? But really isn't it. The word means something that turns away the wrath of God. The work of Christ on the cross is sufficient to turn God's wrath away from those who would believe on Him and repent of their sin. It's mind boggling that He would do such a thing. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." He not only took my sin, but He became sin, in order to turn God's wrath from us.
So what then do I do with this great news? It's not very applicable to my life once I recognize it, accept Christ as my Savior and become a Christian is it? There I would be quite wrong again. God's Word is my detailed instruction manual for how to live. God has given it to us so that we might not sin. Just as John wrote to the early Christians. I've got to study it deeply and intently. I need to treat it as a treasure. But although the spirit is often willing, the flesh is weak. The result of fallen man is that while Christ gives me the power to resist and avoid sin, my flesh is too weak to fully believe that. It's not a lack of power, it's a lack of belief. So I constantly need that advocate. I must realize that I'm not qualified to argue my case. I don't have the knowledge or standing to do so. Only my holy Advocate can do so. And I must run to Him in the very moment of sin, broken and repenting.
Lord, I am rubbish compared to your righteousness. I have nothing to offer on my own. I have nothing of any worth to offer to a King. I am wholly inadequate. Yet you saw worth 17 years ago and because of the blood of the only perfect sinless Lamb you defended me as my Advocate. And you didn't stop there. Once my sentence was commuted, you entered another proceeding to adopt me as your son. You moved from advocate to Father. All the while, I had nothing to offer. But here I am, a forgiven child of I AM. Who am I? Lord, teach me to be your hands and obey your Word.
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One. He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
As a father, my goal for my children is for them to make it through the day without doing anything wrong. Not just because I don't want to deal with it, but because I want them to be holy as Christ is holy. I want them to follow in His footsteps as He has commanded us. But alas, I'm still waiting on one of those days. But why should they do it when their own father can't get that one figured out?
But that's where John was coming from in this statement. He wrote this letter to the church in general, not to a specific body of believers like we saw Paul do. But John thought of these Christians as his spiritual children. He had helped them come to faith in Christ and since he was a friend and confidant, and fellow minister with Christ, he was indeed like a spiritual father. And just like my desire for my children, John felt the same way about all of these that he was writing to. He wanted holiness for them as well.
But John knew, just as I know with my children, that children don't always act the way that they ought to. Children are always going to disobey. Even the parents can't figure out a way to avoid that. We're all in the same boat. Romans 3:23 very plainly teaches us that. So in light of that very disappointing truth, we learn a very encouraging truth to counteract that. At the end of chapter 1 I learned about in the spiritual realm, we have unequal and very opposite reactions. Well, that's what we've got. Our sin is countered with the offering of an advocate for our cause.
But what does that mean? What is an advocate? Webster's defines it as "one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court." Wikipedia has a beautiful statement which says "Implicit in the concept is the notion that the represented lacks the knowledge, skill, ability, or standing to speak for themselves." These two statements work together to form a beautiful picture of what our Lord does for us. Since we all are accused of the same crime of sin, and we all face the same penalty of death and eternal separation from a sinless, holy, righteous God, our advocate stands tall before the judge (God). And that advocate is the only possible one - Jesus Christ the righteous One. He does this because I lack the standing that it takes to speak for myself. I am in no place to argue my case. I need that advocate. And He says that He has already taken the punishment that I deserve. I then am acquitted and liberated. Because of the blood of the Lamb of God that has covered me, I am then seen as free from the charges set against me.
Why does that simple statement absolve me of the sentence? Propitiation is one of those great church words that only the learned really understand isn't it? But really isn't it. The word means something that turns away the wrath of God. The work of Christ on the cross is sufficient to turn God's wrath away from those who would believe on Him and repent of their sin. It's mind boggling that He would do such a thing. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." He not only took my sin, but He became sin, in order to turn God's wrath from us.
So what then do I do with this great news? It's not very applicable to my life once I recognize it, accept Christ as my Savior and become a Christian is it? There I would be quite wrong again. God's Word is my detailed instruction manual for how to live. God has given it to us so that we might not sin. Just as John wrote to the early Christians. I've got to study it deeply and intently. I need to treat it as a treasure. But although the spirit is often willing, the flesh is weak. The result of fallen man is that while Christ gives me the power to resist and avoid sin, my flesh is too weak to fully believe that. It's not a lack of power, it's a lack of belief. So I constantly need that advocate. I must realize that I'm not qualified to argue my case. I don't have the knowledge or standing to do so. Only my holy Advocate can do so. And I must run to Him in the very moment of sin, broken and repenting.
Lord, I am rubbish compared to your righteousness. I have nothing to offer on my own. I have nothing of any worth to offer to a King. I am wholly inadequate. Yet you saw worth 17 years ago and because of the blood of the only perfect sinless Lamb you defended me as my Advocate. And you didn't stop there. Once my sentence was commuted, you entered another proceeding to adopt me as your son. You moved from advocate to Father. All the while, I had nothing to offer. But here I am, a forgiven child of I AM. Who am I? Lord, teach me to be your hands and obey your Word.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Unequal, And VERY Opposite Reactions
1 John 1:8-10
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
I guess this is one of those passages that is more theological truth, than application for my life. Nevertheless, let’s dive on in…
Verse eight is boiled down to the statement that I have sinned. Period. There’s not much else to do with that statement. It is affirmed by Romans 3:23 which tells me that everyone has sinned and cannot meet the standard that God has set. Jesus Christ is the only soul to walk this earth that can honestly make that statement – that He was without sin.
But John makes an interesting statement here. He says that if we make that claim, then we deceive ourselves. Why would he say that? Well, I think it’s a little sarcasm. It’s probably not, but I have a propensity for sarcasm so that’s usually where my mind goes. Anyway, John’s saying that we can claim that all we want, but we’re not fooling anyone but ourselves. Everyone knows that I’m not perfect. Especially those that know me. So if anyone is being fooled in this, it has to be me. But that is exactly what we do sometimes.
He uses the word deceive. That’s a little different that the word fool that I used earlier. Why use deceive? Deceit involves trickery to make one believe something. How can I trick myself? In order to believe the nonsense that I am without sin I have to be blinded to the truth so that the lie is the only option. But just two verses ago John was talking about walking in darkness. If you are in darkness then you really have no way of seeing the truth. It is only when you are walking with Christ and the Light of the World is able to illuminate the truth before you.
In verse nine John issues one of the hallmark statements of the Christian faith. It’s a statement of redemption and salvation. It’s also the antithesis of the previous verse. I think John contrasts them nicely here. Verse 8 talks about deceit where verse 9 talks about confession. Those are two completely different actions. One involves hiding the truth so that only the lie is seen. The other involves humble admittance of the truth, whatever it may be. Verse 8 claims to be free from sin because of myself, where verse 9 results in freedom from sin because of the forgiveness of Christ. Boy, what a beautiful picture.
Now let’s look at the two different actions of this verse. I’m reminded of Newton’s third law of motion which says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. While that’s somewhat true in this sense, the reaction is far from equal. I guess it’s a good thing this isn’t physics. But my actions do indeed have an opposite reaction by God Almighty.
The first action required is confession on my part. The Greek word used for confession is interesting to me. The word is homologeō and the first of several definitions used is “to say the same thing as another, I.E. to agree with, assent.” I don’t think this is the most commonly used definition for the translation into “confession”, but it struck me as perfect this morning. If I think back to the fact that I have already been pronounced guilty as stated in Romans 3:23, then it makes perfect sense. I have already been labeled a sinner by God. It’s a fact and a definitive statement. If I reach the point of verse nine in my life, I am essentially affirming that indictment already made against me. I am agreeing with Christ’s judgment and acknowledging why. Confession is the act of making oneself transparent and the laying out of the truth. That’s exactly what is required in salvation. It’s the acknowledgement of my sinful nature and the admittance of that sin to a Holy judge.
The second action is the one taken by God. And it is anything but equal. But it is as opposite as you can get. John says that if I confess my sin, Christ will forgive me of it. And not only that, but He’ll clean the residue of that sin from my life. It’s the picture of grace in the life of a believer. Of all things that I may ever think I deserve in any way, forgiveness from sin and cleansing from unrighteousness is definitely at the bottom of the list. Actually, it wouldn’t even make the list.
John draws a sharp contrast in these two verses. In verse 8 he says that if we deny that we are sinners then we are foolish liars. But in verse 9 he says that if instead of denying the sin, we confess it, then we are forgiven. It couldn’t be more opposite.
You know, something else strikes me about the promise. This forgiveness isn’t something that I have to work through. I don’t have to do anything and work my way through acts of penance and perform certain deeds, or give restitution or anything of that nature. It’s not like community service where I have to get in so many hours to comply with a judge’s orders. It doesn’t take time with careful consideration by God to determine if the sentence has been satisfied. Instead, it is immediate. I am immediately taken from a state of condemnation, hopelessness and separation and I am ushered into a relationship of forgiveness, fellowship and hope. Immediately. And all I have to do is humbly acknowledge that I am exactly what I am convicted of and give Him my heart. I think I’m the one getting the better end of the deal on this one.
It says that God is both faithful and just. It’s a phrase that we may be familiar with. The word faithful in the Greek is pistos, which means able to be relied upon. The word just is which means to render to each his due. The initial blush at the implication of this can be a little frightening if you’re not a member of His family. It would imply that Christ can be relied on to give us what He has promised us. That explanation isn’t going to change. What does change is the implication of what He has promised. To those who don’t know Christ, He has promised death, condemnation, separation and a sinner’s hell. To those who have accepted His salvation, His promise is reconciliation, eternal life, a relationship and Heaven. His justice requires Him to fulfill His promise.
Oh Father, who am I to enjoy this relationship that you lavish me in. For I don’t deserve this adoption, this cleansing or this hope. The grace that I enjoy is inexplicable in mortal human terms, but I praise you that your ways are far above mine. I praise your for your seemingly effortless forgiveness, but I know that it was anything but effortless. It cost you everything. And because you gave everything, I am able to accept everything. My sin has made me a leper, needing to shout “unclean!” in the presence of a Holy God. But you have washed me in the blood of eternity’s perfect sacrifice so that I can be healed. And you give me an inheritance that I can’t fully fathom. What a gracious savior you are. I am indeed undone. What a savior.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
I guess this is one of those passages that is more theological truth, than application for my life. Nevertheless, let’s dive on in…
Verse eight is boiled down to the statement that I have sinned. Period. There’s not much else to do with that statement. It is affirmed by Romans 3:23 which tells me that everyone has sinned and cannot meet the standard that God has set. Jesus Christ is the only soul to walk this earth that can honestly make that statement – that He was without sin.
But John makes an interesting statement here. He says that if we make that claim, then we deceive ourselves. Why would he say that? Well, I think it’s a little sarcasm. It’s probably not, but I have a propensity for sarcasm so that’s usually where my mind goes. Anyway, John’s saying that we can claim that all we want, but we’re not fooling anyone but ourselves. Everyone knows that I’m not perfect. Especially those that know me. So if anyone is being fooled in this, it has to be me. But that is exactly what we do sometimes.
He uses the word deceive. That’s a little different that the word fool that I used earlier. Why use deceive? Deceit involves trickery to make one believe something. How can I trick myself? In order to believe the nonsense that I am without sin I have to be blinded to the truth so that the lie is the only option. But just two verses ago John was talking about walking in darkness. If you are in darkness then you really have no way of seeing the truth. It is only when you are walking with Christ and the Light of the World is able to illuminate the truth before you.
In verse nine John issues one of the hallmark statements of the Christian faith. It’s a statement of redemption and salvation. It’s also the antithesis of the previous verse. I think John contrasts them nicely here. Verse 8 talks about deceit where verse 9 talks about confession. Those are two completely different actions. One involves hiding the truth so that only the lie is seen. The other involves humble admittance of the truth, whatever it may be. Verse 8 claims to be free from sin because of myself, where verse 9 results in freedom from sin because of the forgiveness of Christ. Boy, what a beautiful picture.
Now let’s look at the two different actions of this verse. I’m reminded of Newton’s third law of motion which says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. While that’s somewhat true in this sense, the reaction is far from equal. I guess it’s a good thing this isn’t physics. But my actions do indeed have an opposite reaction by God Almighty.
The first action required is confession on my part. The Greek word used for confession is interesting to me. The word is homologeō and the first of several definitions used is “to say the same thing as another, I.E. to agree with, assent.” I don’t think this is the most commonly used definition for the translation into “confession”, but it struck me as perfect this morning. If I think back to the fact that I have already been pronounced guilty as stated in Romans 3:23, then it makes perfect sense. I have already been labeled a sinner by God. It’s a fact and a definitive statement. If I reach the point of verse nine in my life, I am essentially affirming that indictment already made against me. I am agreeing with Christ’s judgment and acknowledging why. Confession is the act of making oneself transparent and the laying out of the truth. That’s exactly what is required in salvation. It’s the acknowledgement of my sinful nature and the admittance of that sin to a Holy judge.
The second action is the one taken by God. And it is anything but equal. But it is as opposite as you can get. John says that if I confess my sin, Christ will forgive me of it. And not only that, but He’ll clean the residue of that sin from my life. It’s the picture of grace in the life of a believer. Of all things that I may ever think I deserve in any way, forgiveness from sin and cleansing from unrighteousness is definitely at the bottom of the list. Actually, it wouldn’t even make the list.
John draws a sharp contrast in these two verses. In verse 8 he says that if we deny that we are sinners then we are foolish liars. But in verse 9 he says that if instead of denying the sin, we confess it, then we are forgiven. It couldn’t be more opposite.
You know, something else strikes me about the promise. This forgiveness isn’t something that I have to work through. I don’t have to do anything and work my way through acts of penance and perform certain deeds, or give restitution or anything of that nature. It’s not like community service where I have to get in so many hours to comply with a judge’s orders. It doesn’t take time with careful consideration by God to determine if the sentence has been satisfied. Instead, it is immediate. I am immediately taken from a state of condemnation, hopelessness and separation and I am ushered into a relationship of forgiveness, fellowship and hope. Immediately. And all I have to do is humbly acknowledge that I am exactly what I am convicted of and give Him my heart. I think I’m the one getting the better end of the deal on this one.
It says that God is both faithful and just. It’s a phrase that we may be familiar with. The word faithful in the Greek is pistos, which means able to be relied upon. The word just is which means to render to each his due. The initial blush at the implication of this can be a little frightening if you’re not a member of His family. It would imply that Christ can be relied on to give us what He has promised us. That explanation isn’t going to change. What does change is the implication of what He has promised. To those who don’t know Christ, He has promised death, condemnation, separation and a sinner’s hell. To those who have accepted His salvation, His promise is reconciliation, eternal life, a relationship and Heaven. His justice requires Him to fulfill His promise.
Oh Father, who am I to enjoy this relationship that you lavish me in. For I don’t deserve this adoption, this cleansing or this hope. The grace that I enjoy is inexplicable in mortal human terms, but I praise you that your ways are far above mine. I praise your for your seemingly effortless forgiveness, but I know that it was anything but effortless. It cost you everything. And because you gave everything, I am able to accept everything. My sin has made me a leper, needing to shout “unclean!” in the presence of a Holy God. But you have washed me in the blood of eternity’s perfect sacrifice so that I can be healed. And you give me an inheritance that I can’t fully fathom. What a gracious savior you are. I am indeed undone. What a savior.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Pure Light
1 John 1:5-7 "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
Do you ever watch the news and just cringe when you see one of those stories where the main character has done something blatantly foolish and is also categorized as a Christian? I have. They almost infuriate me. Because you have two things working together in unison to create a terrible picture of Christianity. You have the sometimes incomprehensible actions of the individual coupled with the media's seeming hunger for being able to portray Christianity in a negative light. Unfortunately, everyone could be the one in that story line, because we all have times where we sin and where we are not walking in the light.
What this passage boils down to is that we can't have it both ways. You've probably heard the term, "the best of both worlds." Well, when it comes to Christ and to holiness, there simply is no such thing as the best of both worlds. The world that we live in loves to portray the idea that there is no absolute truth. So if there is no absolute truth, then there are no cut and dry, black and white issues. But this passage of scripture blatantly states otherwise.
Verse 6 says that if we say we have fellowship with Him but continue to walk in darkness, we're liars. That's the problem with so much of what the world sees of Christianity. They see people walking in darkness and saying that they have fellowship with Christ. The church is full of people who show up for services to check it off the list and proceed to live their life according to their own pleasure. We see polls where 80% of Americans say that they are Christians. I have a hard time believing that. It's because the message has been watered down and those in the darkness can't tell when others are in it too.
So is it possible for someone to live in habitual sin and walk in darkness, yet still be a Christian? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Because we always have a choice of whether we want to obey or not. Even a Christian can make a choice to disobey for extended periods of time. Sadly, I must confess that I've been there in my life. And the inferred point of verse 6 is that if we're walking in darkness then we have no fellowship with the King. But the beautiful thing is that even while there is no active fellowship, the Holy Spirit never leaves a true believer. And sooner or later His conviction is more that can be borne and the illuminated truth is finally acknowledged. And it is at that point that repentance can occur.
Who really wants to live a life like that though? But how often have I been guilty of that very thing? If I'm getting aggravated with my kids and lose my temper, am I walking in light and fellowship with Christ? What about when I don't stand up for Christ in the workplace? Or what about when I let my gaze linger on an inappropriate advertisement? There are opportunities all around us to walk in darkness. The question is which is more appealing to us?
But what about the promise of this verse? It says that if I'll choose to walk in the light, then I am in a right relationship with Him and with others. Throughout the Gospel of John, we read that Jesus referred to Himself as the light. In John 8:12 He says "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." My challenge then is to walk in the light? To walk in Him. But how do I do that? By abiding in Him. By spending time in prayer and in study of the Word.
Psalm 119:105 says that God's word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. In a world obsessed with no absolute truth and moral relativity, the Word is capable of illuminating the truth. It is capable of shining on my footsteps and showing me the way that I should follow Him. It shows me the stumbling blocks and potential pitfalls so that I don't hit them. God is light and in Him no darkness exists. He is pure light.
My friend, I beg you not to walk in darkness. Make the conscious decision to walk in the light and to forsake the darkness. Meditate on His word and allow it to illuminate all aspects of you life. Let's choose to avoid the shadows and have fellowship with the Father.
Do you ever watch the news and just cringe when you see one of those stories where the main character has done something blatantly foolish and is also categorized as a Christian? I have. They almost infuriate me. Because you have two things working together in unison to create a terrible picture of Christianity. You have the sometimes incomprehensible actions of the individual coupled with the media's seeming hunger for being able to portray Christianity in a negative light. Unfortunately, everyone could be the one in that story line, because we all have times where we sin and where we are not walking in the light.
What this passage boils down to is that we can't have it both ways. You've probably heard the term, "the best of both worlds." Well, when it comes to Christ and to holiness, there simply is no such thing as the best of both worlds. The world that we live in loves to portray the idea that there is no absolute truth. So if there is no absolute truth, then there are no cut and dry, black and white issues. But this passage of scripture blatantly states otherwise.
Verse 6 says that if we say we have fellowship with Him but continue to walk in darkness, we're liars. That's the problem with so much of what the world sees of Christianity. They see people walking in darkness and saying that they have fellowship with Christ. The church is full of people who show up for services to check it off the list and proceed to live their life according to their own pleasure. We see polls where 80% of Americans say that they are Christians. I have a hard time believing that. It's because the message has been watered down and those in the darkness can't tell when others are in it too.
So is it possible for someone to live in habitual sin and walk in darkness, yet still be a Christian? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Because we always have a choice of whether we want to obey or not. Even a Christian can make a choice to disobey for extended periods of time. Sadly, I must confess that I've been there in my life. And the inferred point of verse 6 is that if we're walking in darkness then we have no fellowship with the King. But the beautiful thing is that even while there is no active fellowship, the Holy Spirit never leaves a true believer. And sooner or later His conviction is more that can be borne and the illuminated truth is finally acknowledged. And it is at that point that repentance can occur.
Who really wants to live a life like that though? But how often have I been guilty of that very thing? If I'm getting aggravated with my kids and lose my temper, am I walking in light and fellowship with Christ? What about when I don't stand up for Christ in the workplace? Or what about when I let my gaze linger on an inappropriate advertisement? There are opportunities all around us to walk in darkness. The question is which is more appealing to us?
But what about the promise of this verse? It says that if I'll choose to walk in the light, then I am in a right relationship with Him and with others. Throughout the Gospel of John, we read that Jesus referred to Himself as the light. In John 8:12 He says "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." My challenge then is to walk in the light? To walk in Him. But how do I do that? By abiding in Him. By spending time in prayer and in study of the Word.
Psalm 119:105 says that God's word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. In a world obsessed with no absolute truth and moral relativity, the Word is capable of illuminating the truth. It is capable of shining on my footsteps and showing me the way that I should follow Him. It shows me the stumbling blocks and potential pitfalls so that I don't hit them. God is light and in Him no darkness exists. He is pure light.
My friend, I beg you not to walk in darkness. Make the conscious decision to walk in the light and to forsake the darkness. Meditate on His word and allow it to illuminate all aspects of you life. Let's choose to avoid the shadows and have fellowship with the Father.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Men of Honor Thoughts
Today I was checking out a cross reference in 2 Corinthians and for some reason I just kept reading. “Some reason” just happened to be the leading of the Holy Spirit. I came across this little nugget in 2 Corinthians 7:13 – “And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all (NKJV).” Wow. What does that say about a body of believers? Let’s think about what Paul was saying here.
He was saying that Titus was refreshed. What does it mean to be refreshed? Well, have you ever worked out in the yard in the heat of the day in the middle of the summer? You get hot. And you get tired. And exhausted. And did I mention hot? If you’re not rehydrating yourself, you begin to move slower and slower. You’re dragging and your strength just isn’t there like it used to be. Ah, but what happens when you get a big glass of ice water? Or when you jump in the pool? You can feel your body temperature begin to drop. You are being refreshed. You are being taken from a state of discomfort and exhaustion to a state of freshness, energy and strength.
The Greek word for “has been refreshed” is anapauō which means “to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength.” That’s exactly what it’s like in the life of a Christian. As we go through our lives the weight of the world begins to drag us down. It makes us tired. We face so many obstacles and so many snares and so many temptations and so much sin that we find our spirits being exhausted. And if we are discipling anyone and pouring our lives into them then we find that it takes a lot out of us. But to find the person, or the people that will help you rest and recover and regain your spiritual strength is invaluable.
As I sit here this morning I am thinking about our Men of Honor ministry at Summit. It’s been on sabbatical for a while and we’re gearing back up to get it cranking again this fall. Men don’t usually think in the terms above when it comes to other men. That’s usually the way that ladies think. But I am personally challenged by this passage. I believe that it is the responsibility of MOH, and the entire Church, to help refresh our brethren. When we spend time together, while it should be fun, that should not be the main goal. Our main goal should be to help each other become refreshed by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before we can look to others around us we must understand that it is our responsibility as leaders of our homes to ensure that we do whatever we can to refresh our families first. That is our primary responsibility. Are we leading our children first toward a personal relationship with Christ, and second, toward a deeper understanding and a closer walk with Him? Are we praying with our wives and engaging in Bible study or at least discussion of what we may be going through in our quiet times? Are we making decisions and spiritually leading those that Christ has blessed us with and entrusted to us?
It is only after we are refreshing our families that we should look to helping others. As we gather in social settings, in Bible study, in worship or whatever other arena we may enter, we should be lifting each other up. Each of us struggle with various things. But the beauty of a family is that where some struggle, others excel. Your weakness may be another’s strength. Refreshment comes with humble openness and humble help. Lest we fall into pride, we must always remember that it is but for the grace of God that we can experience proficiency or victory over anything.
So my question to you is simple. Are you refreshing anyone? Are you allowing God to work through your life to touch others and build them back up to regain their strength? It’s a difficult task and one that can only be done when we are truly seeking the face of the Almighty and giving Him the entirety of our lives. It is only then that we can experience the blessing of becoming His hands.
He was saying that Titus was refreshed. What does it mean to be refreshed? Well, have you ever worked out in the yard in the heat of the day in the middle of the summer? You get hot. And you get tired. And exhausted. And did I mention hot? If you’re not rehydrating yourself, you begin to move slower and slower. You’re dragging and your strength just isn’t there like it used to be. Ah, but what happens when you get a big glass of ice water? Or when you jump in the pool? You can feel your body temperature begin to drop. You are being refreshed. You are being taken from a state of discomfort and exhaustion to a state of freshness, energy and strength.
The Greek word for “has been refreshed” is anapauō which means “to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength.” That’s exactly what it’s like in the life of a Christian. As we go through our lives the weight of the world begins to drag us down. It makes us tired. We face so many obstacles and so many snares and so many temptations and so much sin that we find our spirits being exhausted. And if we are discipling anyone and pouring our lives into them then we find that it takes a lot out of us. But to find the person, or the people that will help you rest and recover and regain your spiritual strength is invaluable.
As I sit here this morning I am thinking about our Men of Honor ministry at Summit. It’s been on sabbatical for a while and we’re gearing back up to get it cranking again this fall. Men don’t usually think in the terms above when it comes to other men. That’s usually the way that ladies think. But I am personally challenged by this passage. I believe that it is the responsibility of MOH, and the entire Church, to help refresh our brethren. When we spend time together, while it should be fun, that should not be the main goal. Our main goal should be to help each other become refreshed by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before we can look to others around us we must understand that it is our responsibility as leaders of our homes to ensure that we do whatever we can to refresh our families first. That is our primary responsibility. Are we leading our children first toward a personal relationship with Christ, and second, toward a deeper understanding and a closer walk with Him? Are we praying with our wives and engaging in Bible study or at least discussion of what we may be going through in our quiet times? Are we making decisions and spiritually leading those that Christ has blessed us with and entrusted to us?
It is only after we are refreshing our families that we should look to helping others. As we gather in social settings, in Bible study, in worship or whatever other arena we may enter, we should be lifting each other up. Each of us struggle with various things. But the beauty of a family is that where some struggle, others excel. Your weakness may be another’s strength. Refreshment comes with humble openness and humble help. Lest we fall into pride, we must always remember that it is but for the grace of God that we can experience proficiency or victory over anything.
So my question to you is simple. Are you refreshing anyone? Are you allowing God to work through your life to touch others and build them back up to regain their strength? It’s a difficult task and one that can only be done when we are truly seeking the face of the Almighty and giving Him the entirety of our lives. It is only then that we can experience the blessing of becoming His hands.
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