For Which He Died

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Tit 2:14 AV)

 

Not just some.  But all.  Salvation is not about heaven, per se.  It is about absolution from sin.  The reason we are not headed to heaven is because of our sin.  If Adam and Eve had forgone the forbidden fruit, we would be living in paradise.  We would live naturally and eternally.  There would be no curse of death.  No threat of hell.  If sin never entered God’s creation, things would have continued as they were on day one.  Our issue is not a residential one.  Our problem is not our future address.  We have concern over our eternal destiny because hell is a horrible place.  The consequence of sin is a great motivator to make a change of repentance and faith towards God.  But heaven versus hell is simply the last manifestation of the greater problem of sin.  Jesus died that we might be set at liberty from our sin.  This is the purpose for Calvary.  By delivering us from sin, He has also secured a place in glory in His perfect love and presence.

One of the programs I enjoy watching was American Restoration.  This program highlighted a business owner somewhere out west.  They were either hired to restore and object, or the owner would send his brother out looking for picks to restore.  One of the most popular is gas pumps and Coca-Cola vending machines.  There were other items as well.  A wide variety of motor vehicles, odd pieces of Americana, or childhood memories came across the threshold.  What impressed me about their work was how meticulous they were in repairing and restoring.  In the old days, those things that lasted were manufactured to last.  One of the techniques was to bake paint onto metal.  This baked-on porcelain would protect the metal upon which it was baked and the metal would never rust.  As long as the baked-on porcelain was not chipped off, the metal remained as new as the day it was fashioned.  When these workmen restored their finds, they took the same care.  Repairs were made and a more durable process or material took the place of the antique.  Whether it was a motorbike, a cash register, or a Coke cooler, when they were done with it, they could guarantee it would last a century or more.  As long as care was taken and the object was maintained, there was no reason any marring would occur.

It makes no sense for a Savior to save us from the eternal consequences of sin and not sin itself.  Not only is it non-sensical, but it would also be immoral.  Jesus gave His life that we might be free.  Free from the curse which Adam brought upon us all.  Free from our own choices contrary to God’s perfect will for us.  This blessed life has been ruined by our own wills.  We have chosen to walk in disobedience and as a result, have been robbed of a blessed life which God desires to bestow.  This is the reason Jesus came.  That He might redeem us from a life of iniquity and set us free from the curse of sin.  For this reason, we should yield to His design in surrendering the will to the control of the Holy Spirit.  For this purpose, we should pray for strength to walk in the Spirit that we do not fulfill the lust thereof.  For this purpose, we can have hope in both this life and in the next that our greatest enemy, that being sin, is completely defeated in Christ.  We can rejoice our nemesis will die a sudden and complete death.  We can have the blessedness of heaven, in a sense, if we simply flee every appearance of evil.  This is why He died.  That we might be free and blessed.

Indistinguishable Is Not Indispensable

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2Ti 2:4 AV)

 

When we think of entangling, we think of a fish that is caught in a net.  He may or may not have a level of freedom of movement.  The net and the fish are still separated by their nature.  The fish is a biologically separate being while the net is inanimate and has no identity of being.  The fish may be trapped, but he is not entangled as the word above would indicate.  The understanding of entanglement as used above is to be interwoven as to be one and the same.  Although one could see a form of one or the other, their separate natures would be indistinguishable.  The affairs of this life are part of life.  Paul assumes their existence.  We need to eat, sleep, pay the bills, and keep up with our health.  We need to take care of the kids, do our laundry, take care of the dog, and make repairs to our house.  These affairs of life are not going anywhere.  They need to be done.  They take our time, energy, and attention.  The question is, what defines us?

I read, with interest, an article regarding the possible location of Noah’s ark.  It appeared this week in most major news outlets.  It appears as though a certain formation in the shape of a ship was found atop a mountain in modern-day Turkey.  The shape looks like a giant football.  This site has long been suspected of being the resting place of Noah’s ark, but no one could prove it.  Geologists claimed it was nothing more than a rare symmetrical rock formation laid down millions of years ago, probably from a volcanic eruption.  From the surface, it is impossible to determine whether this really is the site of Noah’s ark.  Attempts in the past have failed.  There was no technology available that could assist in determining once and for all if this was truly the remnants of the famous ark.  One might say the earth and the ark were entangled.  Although there was a shape resembling the ark, for all intents and purposes, the mountain and the ark had become one.  Not until deep earth-penetrating radar was deployed did the research team become excited.  They were able to see a framework at right angles all along the outer edge of this formation.  Something that would be impossible in a naturally occurring catastrophic geological event.

The good soldier of Jesus Christ will not allow the affairs of this life to be his definition for life.  These things need to be tended to.  Paul is not suggesting the saint ignore the things of this life.  Paul is not suggesting the saint ignore an oil change.  He is not suggesting we don’t waste our time with doctor’s appointments.  Paul is not suggesting we allow the sink to fill up with dirty dishes.  He is not suggesting we ignore our children.  These things, and many more, are the affairs of this life.  Paul is not suggesting we leave off work to idly sit by while the bills mount up.  What Paul is saying is the things of this life cannot be so entwined with who and what we are that we forget we are to be a soldier for Christ, first.  So, how do we do that?  If these things need to be done, how do we incorporate the affairs of this life with the fact we are to be a soldier for Christ?  If we see the affairs of this life as a means to an end rather than an end in itself, we will accomplish our goal of being a soldier for Christ.  For instance, when we take our car to the repair shop, do we spread the love of Christ and leave tracts?  When we go shopping, do we share the love of Christ?  When we cook or clean, do we fulfill the commandment for the elder to teach the younger?  The affairs of this life are the means by which we can show forth the glory of Christ and minister to the needs of others.  Especially if it concerns salvation in Christ.

Contentment In The Basics

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1Ti 6:8-9 AV)

 

Food and raiment are the two most basic needs of all people.  Raiment simply means a covering.  Mostly, this word is used for clothing.  It can have an extended meaning of a home or cover from threats or the environment. Yet, in our passage, it has the simple meaning of clothes.  What we want to consider is the following verse.  Verse nine indicates the pursuit of riches, or, those who have the overriding desire or compulsion to acquire all things above one’s basic needs is a temptation and snare. Paul is not suggesting owning a home, a car, a phone, or anything beyond food and raiment is wrong.  The tense of the phrase ‘that will be’ suggests no matter how much they acquire, they never consider themselves rich.  The motive is discontentment.  The problem is not being satisfied with basic needs.  The pursuit of all things one’s money or efforts can buy is the issue.

There was a board game we used to play when we were kids.  It is called the game of life. The object of the game was to get through life with the most money in the end.  Each play would start out in his or her own little car.  There was one peg at the driver’s wheel.  There were different roads one could travel.   However, some unavoidable events of life would happen regardless of the path taken.  One was marriage.  Another was paying taxes.  There were some windfalls, some investment opportunities, and some unplanned expenses. There was annual rent or mortgage that needed to be paid.  Utilities came due.  At the end of the game, you had to pay for your funeral expenses, life insurance was cashed in, and investments matured.  The winner of the game was the individual who acquired the most wealth along the way.  It is a good game to play with young people so they can see the realities of life.  If we can instill in them the idea that life takes planning, as they age, perhaps they will make some wise choices.  But life doesn’t always work that way.  What is not part of the game is the opportunity to acquire more debt that one can handle.  That is, one could acquire a mortgage, but the only way to default would be an adverse event like a layoff.  There was no way to acquire debt and live beyond one’s means.  That would be the coup de grace of this game.  What a lesson that would teach our young people.  If they could recognize that pleasures often cause grief if they cannot be justified in the budget, then perhaps when they balanced their own checkbook, they wouldn’t want the newest cell phone.

This temptation is not limited to undisciplined children.  This temptation is just as much trouble for fully matured adults.  Some seek wealth because they grew up poor and never want to experience that pain again.  Some seek riches because it feeds the pride.  Others may pursue bounty because they are bored.  Whatever the reason, discontentment is the reason.  Being content with the bare necessities is the victory over a budget that cannot be balanced.  It is a lesson our nation needs to learn, but I fear will not.  We are headed to financial destruction because we believe heaven can be gained on earth.  We want free everything without any input of our own.  We can look at the world and see them making a mistake of which we are also guilty.  When we live beyond our means or are discontented with the lack of material wealth we possess, we have not taken Paul’s advice.  We will fall into diverse temptations and a life of trouble if we do not learn to be content.

His Longsuffering, Their Long Suffering

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” (1Ti 1:16 AV)

The simplest understanding of this verse is that Jesus showed longsuffering towards Paul, the first and chiefest of sinners, that he might be an example to others who might doubt their ability to gain that same grace for themselves.  In other words, if Paul can get saved, then anyone can.  This grace, however, is not limited to saving grace alone.  This longsuffering continues through Paul’s life and ministry.  This pattern started with salvation but continued through all the trouble which came to Paul because he decided to trust Christ.  The Jewish leaders despised Paul.  His decision threw doubt on the validity of Jewish tradition and Old Testament sacrificial law.  His conversion brought indescribably persecution.  If the longsuffering of Christ continued on Paul even after salvation, this would be an encouragement to others to trust the LORD for salvation even when they knew they would have to pay a heavy price for doing so.

Years ago, in one of my previous churches, we had a member who I noticed who had no qualms over who he talked to of Christ’s love.  He would work the inner city streets, go to prisons, and share the gospel no matter where he was or went.  He was a missionary with a national prison ministry outreach.  He and his wife were not the GQ type.  If they visited the typical Baptist church, most would not be impressed with them.  They struggled to keep their support simply because of misconceptions.  It was a joy to have them in our church because they were hard workers.  NO matter what needed to be done, they were willing to commit their time.  As we initiated our door-to-door ministry, HE and his wife were enthusiastic participants.  There were several liquor stores in the neighborhood and it was not uncommon to see him talking to the drunks as they came out of the store.  This was a rough neighborhood, by the way.  Just being there was a risk to one's health let alone sharing the gospel with them.  One might ask why?  Why did he work so hard at reaching the least of our community?  Why did he dedicate his life to sharing the gospel to those who society had rejected?  We found out later his life was featured on the radio program, Unshackled.  That was a radio program put together by Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, IL.  He had been a drunk, living on the streets, when he wandered into the mission. He sobered up and trusted Christ.  This is why he was so faithful.

Who and when we share the love of Christ is a good indicator of what we think of ourselves. The less we think of ourselves and are grateful for the longsuffering of Christ, the more apt we are to share His love with any and all we meet.  Paul may have seen himself as the chiefest of sinners, but that record belongs to all of us.  The standard is the perfect holiness of God. Therefore, we are are all equally wicked.  That Jesus would have patience with us and share His salvation by the means of another, is a wonder too hard to comprehend.  If we have the spirit of Paul, then we will not pick and choose who we talk to.  Our testimony is the power behind our message. If we ever stop sharing the love of Christ, we have come to a place where we think we are better than someone who needs to hear.  Paul showed us the way.  Being grateful for the longsuffering of Christ and revealing to others what that looks like, is a major step in them coming to Christ as you did.

While We Are Waiting...

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (2Th 3:5 AV)

The church at Thessalonica struggled with wrong doctrine.  They believed they were living in the last days and that the return of Christ was imminent.  They further believed they had missed the rapture of the church and that they were tribulation saints awaiting the flight into the wilderness to be provided for by Christ himself.  The caused Paul to rebuke them for not working.  One conjecture would be the resurrection spoken of in Matthew’s gospel following the death of Jesus on Calvary was misconstrued as the rapture promised in the first letter to this church.  Pure conjecture, I admit.  But I wouldn’t be surprised.  At any rater, being told they are not the latter-day church, Paul shares his heart with them.  His prayer is the LORD would direct their hearts in two ways. First, into the love of God.  Second, to patiently wait for Christ’s return.  Patently waiting would necessarily suggest to continue to live their lives responsibly and not sit around, doing nothing, waiting for the return of Christ which they assumed was immediate.

All of us have experienced a time or two when our parents or parent left us off somewhere to later return for us.  For me, these times were frequent during our camping excursions.  There were weekends we would go off and it would be just our father and a few other scouts.  These weekends were spent at our counsel’s camp, setting up for the summer season or doing other similar chores.  During those weekends, my father would have meetings with other adults.  This left the boys in the woods or campsites, laboring and serving our fellow scouts in the chores at hand.  Our chores could include setting up the waterfront by installing the docks.  We could be asked to clean off tent platforms.  Some were in the mess hall, cleaning tables and chairs.  Others might be helping to seal roofs, paint siding, or any number of things.  We did this while our leaders were in meetings all day.  At the end of the day, our leaders would gather us up and we would head off to the mess hall for some well-earned grub.  Our leader was my father.  When he came to get us, it meant something different to me.  He loved me more so than any of my friends.  While working through my day, I always had in mind my father would return for me because he loved me and desired something better for me.  Rest and grub!

This world can carry our hearts away in an instant.  Watching or reading the news can get us upset and worried.  We can begin to speculate what the world will do with the church.  If the LORD tarries much longer, there won’t be a church left.  The devil and the world are invading quickly, attempting to destroy the body of Christ.  This will never happen.  The bridegroom will remove His bride before He will allow the enemies of the Cross to gain a victory!  In the meantime, there are two places upon which our hearts need to be focused.  That is, the love of God.  His love for us and our love for Him.  Second, we need to focus on the return of Christ.  He may or may not return in our lifetime.  But return He will.  When He does, He will take vengeance upon all those who abused and persecuted His bride.  This vengeance will be swift and cruel.  There will be no escape.  Of this, we can be sure.  In the meantime, we need to be busy because we expect the inevitable.  Like working at the camp, I knew my father was coming for me, so we worked until he arrived.  The certainty of his love and his return is what kept us busy until that time.

A Privilege, Not a Duty

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” (1Th 2:4 AV)

 

Of important note is the relationship between the ‘trust’ and the execution of that trust.  Paul states he speaks the gospel faithfully and effectively because of the trust.  I notice also the term ‘allowed’.  This trust which is placed upon Paul is a privilege.  We often see it as a duty.  This is not how Paul saw it.  He saw the sharing of the gospel as a privilege in which God entrusted him to perform.  From that perspective, Paul faithfully shared the gospel because he felt God had enough faith in him to entrust the responsibility to share the gospel with others.  Some may feel this trust is limited only to those called into Christian service.  But it is not limited to the ordained.  This privilege is for all who claim the name of Jesus Christ.  We are all ambassadors.  We have all been entrusted with the gospel message and we all have the solemn privilege to share it.

Yesterday, I went to see a church member in the hospital.  With all that is going on with COVID, these hospital visits were far a few between.  This is the first time I have gone with some of the COVID restrictions relaxed.  Not all, but some.  Upon arriving, I went to the reception desk and enquired as to the room of my church member.  Then I had to speak with a staff of pre-screeners who checked temperatures, asked questions, and distributed wrist bands.  There were four of them.  I noticed right off their demeanor was pleasant and cheerful.  Compassion was clearly in their voices.  The throngs did not discourage them nor change their attitude towards others.  They inquired as to vaccination status.  This was especially telling.  I half expected their attitude towards the unvaccinated to be different.  But it wasn’t.  If someone said they were not vaccinated, they simply offered free shots while they visited.  I asked if the unvaccinated were denied entry into the hospital and their answer was no.  No judging in their voice.  No attitude of impatience or moral superiority.  They felt it a privilege to interact with the public and share with them what they felt was important without copping an attitude about it.  They genuinely felt blessed to minister to the needs of others.

We have all been asked, usually spontaneously, to be gatekeepers for some type of event.  We would be asked to stand our post and share with those entering the event some pertinent information.  Perhaps a change of venue had occurred at the last minute and we are asked to relay the new location to those coming in.  Perhaps a schedule change, a seating arrangement, or simply to pass out hand-outs.  Whatever the responsibility, we enthusiastically discharged our duty because of the powers that be trusted us to do so.  After a while, we get bored, or we are more interested in what is going on inside.  We lay aside our duties because there is something else that has stolen our hearts away.  We have been allowed to share the gospel with others because God trusts us to do so.  We cannot break that trust.  If we cease to see the sharing of the gospel as a privilege and see it as more of duty, then we will fail.  Sharing the good news of God’s mercy in the person of Jesus Christ is a privilege.

Intelligently Immature

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Col 2:6-7 AV)

 

One of the issues the Colossian church struggled with was runaway philosophy.  In particular, they obsessed over the doctrine of angels.  Paul rebukes them by reminding them sightings of angels are rare at best.  Non-existent at worst.  To preoccupy oneself with things that are too hard or cannot be known at all is to miss more important priorities in spiritual growth.  It appears what might have happened in Colossae is a prominent problem in today’s churches.  Information and intellect often come at the expense of spiritual growth.  Paul’s advice was to remember how we received Christ, get back to that, and grow from there.  He focuses on the root.  In other words, innocent and simple faith is the key to spiritual growth.  Not sophistication.

We are coming up to the time in our calendar year when yard work switches from tending for growth to managing next year’s growth.  I am no expert in horticultor.  And I’m not embarrassed to say so.  A green thumb I have not.  Whatever I touch will eventually die and I don’t shed a tear over it.  I enjoy the work others put into their yards.  Me?  Not so much.  This time of year means raking leaves and preparing the plants and ground for next year’s bloom.  I have a bush in my front yard that is still tender and young.  I have to mulch the leaves that will fall and dump them on this bush.  This protects the still young root system so the winter will not harm my wife’s bush.  In front of the house, I have plants that come up every year.  There is catmint, tulips, lilies, etc. that regrow every year.  The thing is, all this has to be cut back to a few inches from the ground.  I cover them with mulch as well.  Each year, they regrow.  Some grow taller or fuller.  If left alone, the harshness of the winter would kill the root.  I have to go back to the root so that it can grow properly.  Catmint is especially dramatic.  It starts out small.  The more it is cut back and regrows, the larger the regrowth becomes.

Jews require a sign.  Greeks (gentiles) seek after wisdom.  We non-Jewish people do with the information what the Jews did with signs.  It becomes a means to an end.  We go to school.  We read our books.  We can defend our point of view from any and all challengers.  We formulate an opinion in a matter of months which took theologians years to ascertain.  Our libraries are bubbling over with volumes after volumes of books which we have read.  Our computer is filled with public resource materials.  Books written over a century ago are not part of our public domain library.  We could teach a class on advanced doctrine without batting an eye.  The problem is, we seek after things that cannot be known and kid ourselves into thinking the practice of seeking after these obscure things mean we must be spiritually mature.  On the contrary.  Seeking after things that cannot be known is an indication of immaturity.  Not maturity.  Paul warned against this practice and gave it a name.   “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Col 2:8 AV)  We are better off going back to the root of innocent and pure faith lest the exercises of our mind draw us away from Christlikeness and not towards it.

Thinking In the Tank

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Php 4:8 AV)

 

Although it would be profitable to study each of the categories of proper thought, I will define just a few.  ‘Honest’ means those things worthy of veneration or recognition as being honorable.  ‘Lovely’ means acceptable or pleasing.  ‘Good report’ means. “uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously.”  And ‘virtue’ is any moral goodness.  It would be a worthwhile study to focus on each individually.  For example, the very first one, truth, is often neglected.  We think about things that cannot be proven, things based on insufficient evidence, or blatant lies.  Especially regarding others.  We choose to be critical rather than allow venerable traits of others to be in our thoughts.  These thoughts are not restricted to others.  Rather, they can include all things.  If there is any moral goodness or something worthy of recognition for good, that should be our mind’s occupation.

To earn a few extra nickels, I complete a survey from time to time.  Some of these surveys regard products that will eventually hit the market.  The company eliciting responses is seeking input in how to best reach their target consumer.  They are probing effective marketing slogans or attractive packaging.  Other products are seeking input into what the surveyed think of a new idea line or improvement on an existing product.  The task at hand is difficult because one cannot be predisposed to always think in a certain way.  The constant critic will see nothing but what is wrong with the product idea.  The eternal optimist cannot see reality.  All is right with the world no matter what.  The client is looking for those who can think objectively and render an unbiased and honest opinion that will assist them in successful product development and sales.  The survey does the client no good if the one taking the survey is undisciplined in their thinking.  Clients know emotional choices do not last long.  Packaging and marketing may appeal to the emotions, but once the product is bought and used, if it doesn’t perform, the client is surviving on one-time purchasers. 

How we think and what we choose to think about can be controlled.  It is a matter of choice.  The last phrase of this verse is the part that I repeatedly quote back to myself.  If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think in these things.  Much of our troubles can be solved by proper use of the mind.  As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  Our battles start and end in the mind.  Our thought life controls our emotions and actions.  If there are wrong thoughts, there will be wrong choices.  If there are wrong thoughts, there will be discontentment, anger, envy, and malice.  Our thought life controls everything.  The challenge Paul expresses above is to replace wrong thinking with right thinking.  To think on the truth, the honorable, the pure, the pleasant, and the virtuous.  He challenges us to block out that which would cause great harm to ourselves and displeasure to the LORD.  If we think only about what is virtuous and worthy of praise, the sun will shine brighter and we will be far more pleasant.

Perseverance - In Prayer

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Eph 6:18 AV)

 

With regards to the underlined words, perseverance is in the exercise of prayer.  In particular, the exercise of prayer for all saints.  This would exclude prayer for our own needs.  Which, depending on the severity, perseverance would not be an issue.  Our needs are often the most important of all.  When we have a need or when life is overwhelming, prayer often comes easy and persistent.  With regards to the needs of others, our perseverance in prayer is often challenged.  Paul follows verse eighteen with a specific request in verse nineteen.  That request is for boldness.  He desires the church at Ephesus to pray fervently and unceasingly for boldness, especially in regards to his misfortunes in Rome.  Some commentators expound on the idea of watching unto prayer as meaning the intercessor should both watch for opportunities to pray for all saints as well as stay faithful in prayer until those prayers are answered.  At any rate, the underlined portion of our passage is that truth which the Spirit wishes to emphasize this day.

When I met my future wife, she was secretary to a fella that lobbied the state government on behalf of religious and biblical issues facing the state legislator.  He also served them by offering prayer time and bible study with willing politicians.  There was a standing offer to all pastors in our state to accompany this lobbyist on any given day he worked the capital building.  One could tail Dwayne as he went from office to office and expressed concern over pending legislation.  Meetings to discuss a single piece of legislation may occur multiple times.  His ministry was to represent churches and the LORD by expressing concern or offered guidance so the laws of the state did not hinder religious liberty nor offend a holy God.  Dwayne had to do his research.  He had to be aware of all pending legislation.  He had to be up to date on committee assignments and progress.  He had to keep himself informed as to the progress of any idea or possible piece that would appear before the chambers.  He kept up with the politicians, building relationships that would bridge the gap and open an otherwise shut door.  To say Dwayne persevered in lobbying for the interest of God’s people would be an understatement.

What strikes my mind and heart is the idea of watching with perseverance.  Or, as many commentators express it, to watch for opportunities to pray.  This would require and involvement in the lives and goals of others.  This would mean we take an interest in the situation of a saint.  This would mean we use the mind to entertain what another saint may need or what they might be going through.  This would also mean we take our eyes off of what we might be experiencing and put them on someone else.  Paul said it this way, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Php 2:4)  That word, perseverance, is a challenging word.  We cannot quit.  We cannot develop tunnel vision centered on our own lives.  Paul asks for prayer.  He knows with the prayer of the saints, his ministry is far more apt to bring fruit unto the kingdom.  Let us watch unto prayer with all perseverance that the work of God might gain a return.

Enjoy The Training Process

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10 AV)

 

There are two ways of looking at this verse.  There is God’s way. Then there is the carnal way.  God’s way sees the saint as a project which He will not abandon, transforming that soul into the likeness of Christ through good works.  He has ordained or determined the child of God to do so and tirelessly works to that end.  Then there is the carnal man’s way of looking at it.  He sees the predeterminate counsel of God to conform his life by good works unto the image of Christ as a restrictive and restraining force meant to deprive the believer of a life of pleasure and happiness.  The godly saint sees the verse above as a great promise of liberty from sin.  It was sin that was sending him to hell and it is sin that keeps him from the joys set before him.  He is more than happy to endure the work of God on his life that he might be free of that part of him which he so deeply despises.  The carnal believer sees this promise as an infringement.  He cannot see the tremendous liberty that comes by humble and cheerful submission.  I choose to meditate upon the former.

In to olden days, there was such a thing called a guild.  A guild was an association of like-minded and crafted tradesmen who, among other things,  established standards to their craft and worked with one another to train apprentices to that end.  Today, there is still that understanding between certain trades.  Electricians, plumbers, and other building trades still have a system carried over from centuries before that establishes a standard for their service.  Terms like journeymen, apprentices, or tradesmen are still used today.  When a new hire is brought on, he is brought on as a laborer.  He does all the simple work that just about anyone could do.  Over time and with a dedicated mentor, that laborer is taken on as an apprentice.  He learns the craft and is examined according to his knowledge and abilities.  Eventually, he is certified and given the title of a journeyman.  He can do the work but still needs more supervision.  Eventually, he gets his own truck and becomes a mentor for an apprentice.  Along the process, the business owner has determined where that laborer will fit into his company’s needs.  He has determined the course of training and exposer to skills that will benefit the company and the employee.  It would be foolish to fight against this opportunity.  Rather, the laborer should embrace it.

What comforts my heart is the LORD has a plan for my life!  In a general sense, it is mentioned above.  The LORD has determined my life to be conformed into the image of Christ.  For me, this is great news.  The old man of sin to which I am attached until death or the rapture is my greatest enemy.  I hate him.  He always desires to do those things which please him rather than God.  This causes much shame, guilt, and sorrow of heart.  He needs to go away.  I can take comfort the LORD had determined in a general sense, and a specific plan, that the old man will be crucified afresh and there will be good works which will then please my Father!  I can rejoice that no matter how much of a failure I might be at times, the LORD is always there and He will work non-stop that I might receive the blessing of contentment and joy that can only come by pleasing Him!  Praise be to Him who and ordained that I should walk in these good works!

Spiritual Hypoxia

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Ga 5:25 AV)

 

This can be a confusing statement.  After all, if I live in my flesh, how can not I walk in my flesh?  Don’t the two go hand-in-hand?  I cannot come out of my body and walk independently of it.  So, how is it possible to live in the Spirit while walking contrary to the Spirit?  Word definitions are important here.  To live here does not mean to exist.  IT means to have life.  When we accepted Christ as our Saviour, we were made alive in the Spirit.  We were made spiritually alive.  We have life.  Spiritual life.  However, just because one has spiritual life does not guarantee we always abide by that which gives us life.  This life is eternal and it will never be taken away nor lost.  We possess eternal life by the grace and power of God through faith.  What that does not mean is we automatically live under the expectations of that life.  As we yielded to the gift of salvation in Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was a result, we must continue to yield to the control of the Spirit.

I know this may come as a shocker, but we need oxygen to live.  Every person alive needs this life-giving and essential element for life.  We can adventure into environments that have none, but we have to bring our own.  Those venturing under the sea must take tanks with them.  There is apparatus that is needed so oxygen can be taken in.  If a pilot takes a plane above a certain altitude, supplemental oxygen is mandatory.  We cannot live without oxygen.  One might say that we live by oxygen.  Hypoxia is a serious condition wherein the brain is deprived of oxygen.  This can happen suddenly, or over time.  A diver may consume all his oxygen and drown as a result.  An astronaut may puncture his suit and immediately suffocate for lack of oxygen.  However, there are times when hypoxia might be gradual.  Severe asthma, poor air quality, or an obstructed airway can cause gradual hypoxia.  In these cases, the victim of this serious and life-threatening situation may not be aware of it until it is too late for him to solve his own problem.  He may be alive by oxygen, but he is not walking in oxygen.  Sickness and loss of function are a result.  In some cases, irreversible damage can occur.

It may be we are spiritually becoming hypoxic.  When we are saved, yet walk in the flesh, we are quenching the Spirit.  When we quench the Spirit, deny ourselves life-nourishing our souls.  How do we know?  Have some of the same symptoms.  We cannot make sound and wise decisions.  We are led by the temporal need of the moment rather than a concern over the eternal.  We please the flesh and self before we please God.  Our judgment is skewed.  We have little joy or connection to godly emotions.  We are lethargic.  We can not plug into the scriptures as they course through our minds.  We have little zeal for anything.  We become unaware of our surroundings often falling victim to the threats that derail us.  If we live in oxygen, let us also walk in oxygen.  If w live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Calling Out Error

“As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Ga 1:9 AV)

 

Paul was pretty adamant towards those who would subtly change the simple gospel of Christ into something more complex or obscure.  Lest we misunderstand what Paul is saying here, he is condemning all those who would pervert the gospel to suffer eternity in hell.  Remember to what he is referring.  Paul, when called back to Jerusalem, left an intact church in Galatia.  Upon his absence, unbelieving Jews entered into the congregation and convinced the saints that a portion of the law was also to be kept.  Specifically speaking, the keeping of circumcision.  The unbelieving Jews did not remove faith in Christ, they merely added to it.  On the face of it, to some, it may not appear to be all that serious.  It is only circumcision, after all.  Not a big deal.  Just get circumcised and all will be well.  Not to Paul, it wasn’t.  Changing the plan of salvation, even if by a small factor, will still lead people into a devil's hell.

There are so many examples to offer.  Let us consider the minor detail of internal temperature when cooking certain meats.  To the LORD’s credit, I have not suffered from food poisoning but a few times in my life.  Maybe once or twice.  However, I have seen cases of severe food poisoning.  Especially in my short term as a hospital chaplain.  I don’t know why this particular case stuck with me all these years, but I remember once such case decades ago.  I can still see the patient laying in his bed, writhing in pain because he ate food contaminated with bacteria.  Whether it was chicken cooked ten degrees from safety, or sushi that is eaten raw, whatever this fella ate cause great pain and even bleeding.  The doctors didn’t know if he was going to make it.  One might look at that restaurant and have no feelings towards it at all.  Perhaps this restaurant was negligent only this once.  If this restaurant didn’t change their procedure, more would be in similar circumstances.  There has to be some sort of reaction to a business that would either mistakenly or deliberately cause harm to another.  Where is the reaction?

I find a troubling trend among the true church of Jesus Christ.  I see toleration of false doctrine that costs men’s souls.  Doctrines which tell a man he cannot get saved because he has not been chosen.  Doctrines like salvation without repentance.  Doctrines like adding baptism.  Doctrines like a social gospel are as valid as the true gospel.  Doctrines like sacraments, tradition and even family lineage all creep into churches and lead the souls of men astray.  Where is the reaction?  Where is the preaching?  Where is the condemnation against false doctrine that costs men their souls?  Why is it that God’s people are being persuaded to tolerate error because we are to get along, or we don’t want to be perceived as self-righteous?  I have knocked on thousands of doors.  Most of those who have a foundation of knowledge regarding Jesus Christ, but are lost anyway.  Good works, sacraments, and wishful thinking are the crutches of the ignorant.  Where is the moral outrage against false teachers and prophets that spew this error?  The true church had better get a backbone or we will be guilty of the blood of the ignorant!

The Wealth of Weariness

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” (2Co 13:9 AV)

 

The weakness Paul speaks of here is caused by their ministry to the Corinthian church.  The strength of the Corinthians is their spiritual growth.  In other words, Paul is glad to weary himself that others are made spiritually stronger.  The end goal here is the perfection of the saints.  There is a good tired and a bad tired.  The bad tired is when we are worn out because of our lack of wisdom or business in sin.  Isaiah tells us there is no rest for the wicked.  This is the bad kind of tired.  The good kind of tired comes at the end of a task that gained a great profit.  Like when we do a renovation and we are tired.  Yet the house is new and improved.  Paul is saying he is glad for the good kind of tiredness because it came with the result of the perfection of the saints.

There are times when the LORD asks you to commit time and energy beyond what you think you can accomplish.  Over the years, there were times when sleep did not come right away.  I think of one such phone call.  The phone rang at 2:30 am.  Whenever the preacher's phone goes off in the middle of the night, it is seldom a good thing.  I had gotten the call that one of our sickly members had passed away.  I got myself up, cleaned up, and over to the home by three.  It is customary for the preacher to remain at the side of the family until the mortician removes the remains.  It doesn’t matter when this happens.  It could happen hours later.  The funeral director takes his time because his client isn’t going anywhere.  This also allows for the family to mourn a bit more.  In this particular case, the funeral director didn’t come until around six.   Being a tight-knit community, we took our time visiting and the like until my deceased member was removed to the funeral home.  I was there until about seven then I was ready for the rest of the day.  A quick shower, and off I was to the office.  Needless to say, there was little sleep that day.  But it was a good tired.

Paul tells us to be not weary in well-doing.  However, one has to be willing to be weary.  This is where we fail.  We don’t like to get worn out.  At least at things that we don’t get personal pleasure as a result.  We don’t mind getting worn out if it benefits us.  We don’t mind getting wore out of we score well on the golf course, entertain family, or shop until we drop.  There is nothing wrong with these things.  What Paul tells us is the weariness that comes from the effort towards another is a different kind of weariness.  It is a good kind of tired.  To be used up for the LORD is a privilege.  It is also a pleasure.  Knowing one has given all they have is a good feeling no matter how things turn out.  Knowing we left it all on the field, win or lose, is a satisfaction that cannot be equaled.  If athletes can do this, why can’t we?  Let’s leave it all on the field for the souls of mankind.  Let us leave it all on the field for the edification of the saints.  Let us burn out that there is no oil or wax left for the adversary.  Let our light be brightly burning until God says enough is enough.

Resume Built By God

“For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (2Co 10:18 AV)

 

The definition for the Greek word we read as ‘commendeth’ in English is to introduce favorably.  Another definition says “to introduce or present oneself.”  With this information, we can understand just what the Apostle Paul is saying.  The individual who allows God to present him to others in a favorable light is approved of God.  The one who favorably introduces himself is not.   This statement is made at the end of a chapter wherein Paul feels led to defend his calling.  The Corinthian church was a carnal church that often judged things through an outward appearance.  The Corinthian church was challenged because others arrived to question Paul’s authority as an Apostle.  They compared their own ministry and life against themselves and against Paul to gain credibility and authority.  At the very least, to question Paul’s.  Paul verifies his calling to this church, and in so doing, does mention character traits, abilities, and God’s call.  Therefore, the statement is not a general statement of humility.  Which, by the way, would be totally biblical.  Better the LORD brag on you than to take that task in hand.  Rather, Paul is suggesting the proof of God’s hand on our lives and ministry is that which should gain approval and not our own opinion of who and what we are.

Almost all have had to put together a resume.  We start with our teenage years of employment and education.  As we mature, our resume grows.  After a while, we leave off those teenage years and education.  Then we leave off some less than pertinent job experiences like part-time temporary employment.  When and if the time comes to interview for a position, the resume is reviewed.  During the interview process, there are questions regarding one’s experience as it applies to the position being offered.  However, some questions become rather uncomfortable.  In my humble opinion, they are inappropriate.  Questions like, “Why should we consider you over applicants B, C, or D?”  “Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years with our company?”  The worst of all would be, “What would you say are your strongest character qualities and your weakest character qualities?”  I understand the company is trying to do its due diligence in asking some of these questions, but it puts the applicant in an uncomfortable position.  The applicant is asked to pass judgment on others or take pride in himself.  The proof of qualification is in the resume.

This is what Paul is referring to.  It is not wrong to state facts.  I worked in children’s ministry for x number of years and the LORD grew that ministry from x number of students to y number of students.  I worked in the nursing home and during those years, the LORD saw fit to save so many souls.  The LORD asked me to serve in the choir and sing special music.  The result was several saints were blessed and their lives were changed through that ministry.  The examples could go on and on.  The point is, Paul defended himself against charges of fraud by those who compared themselves against themselves.  Or, putting it in his words, they commended themselves.  What Paul did was use the record of God’s hand on his ministry and gave God the glory as proof of his credibility and authority.  He had a proper and biblical balance of himself.  He abased himself, but also accepted the fact God’s hand was on him, and as a result, wrought in him works worthy of recognition.  Simply put, Paul advises we let the hand of God be our resume rather than our opinion of ourselves or accomplishments credited by others to our name.