"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.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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 anakainĊsis 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 anakainĊsis 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 homologeĊ 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 homologeĊ 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.
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