Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
What a wonderful admonition from the Apostle Paul! Might it be the earnest expectation, and fervent labor of every genuine believer to have "the word of Christ" dwelling in us "richly in all wisdom!" However, it is the second part of this deep well of wisdom that I wish to pursue: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
As I examined this verse my heart was immediately taken to the night the Lord saw fit to begin a work of grace in my heart. Some many years ago, in the midst of a horrible Winter storm I wandered into First Baptist Church in Irvine, Kentucky on a Sunday evening. I wasn't sure what to expect or what would happen, and then I was completely overwhelmed by the Spirit of God! It was not when Pastor Sherl Thomas began his stirring sermon on our Lord's death and resurrection. Rather, violent conviction began when they opened the service with a hymn, "How Great Thou Art!" I well recall feeling so small, so sinful, and so wicked as God's people lifted their hearts and voices to heaven to praise the Great God of all creation. By the time Pastor Thomas began preaching, I was more than ready to hear a message of redemption for my wicked estate.
Thinking of the many great hymns that God has used to influence me, I often think of Trust and Obey. What truthful, and powerful instruction is found in this great hymn! "Trust and obey. For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey." How often I have needed to be reminded that my disobedience was causing the discontent and sorrow in my heart. Then upon hearing these words I'm reminded that joy returns when I turn from wickedness and pursue righteousness with all my heart!
One of my favorite hymns is "Grace Greater than all our Sin." I love and cling to the words, "Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace. Freely bestowed on all who believe." How often I've struggled with those things left behind, and have needed the reminder of God's everlasting love and grace.
How could I fail to mention the great hymn of our Christian testimony, "Amazing Grace." That first stanza revealing the truth of our initial experience with God's amazing saving grace. Now I'm currently living the third stanza, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." And oh how we long for the conclusion of our salvation when "we've no less days to sing His praise than when we first begun."
My favorite modern hymn writer is Andrae Crouch. I absolutely love "Through It All" and in moments of uncertainty and struggle, I often drift toward that great hymn for encouragement and reminder. Soon and Very Soon, The Blood Will Never Loose It's Power, To God Be The Glory... So many powerful and encouraging hymns from Andrae Crouch!
In closing, I thought I'd share one of my favorite hymns. I pray it encourage you as it has me!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
God Knows Everything
In the scriptures, in order to help you and I better understand our God, certain attributes of God are described with anthropopathic and anthropomorphic language. Anthropopathic language consists of human emotions attributed to God in order to help us better understand Him. You might read, "It repented the Lord that He had done this." You might read "It angered the Lord." You get the jest. Anthropomorphic language consists of human attributes given to God to help us understand Him better. You might read "the hand of God" or "finger of God" etc.
With anthropomorphic language in mind, consider the following... In the 15th Proverb and the 3rd verse the wisdom writer declares, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." What a humbling and sobering thought this invokes. Everywhere we go, and everything we do is seen by the eyes of our Sovereign Lord! In the 33rd Psalm the Psalmist makes the following assertion, "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." From God's heavenly throne He beholds every work committed by the hand of every man, woman, boy and girl. There's is absolutely nothing you and I can do that escapes the eyes of the Lord.
God not only sees the actions performed by every living being, He also knows the very thoughts, desires, and motives of every human being. Consider carefully the words of David in the 139th Psalm and the first 8 verses, "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
A. God knew everything about David's daily living, including every thought he had.
B. Before David took any journey in His life's path, God already knew of that journey.
C. David understood that God's knowledge was far too great for him to ever comprehend.
D. David understood that there is no escaping God's knowledge. Every action, and every thought of man is clearly seen by God Almighty.
Not only does God know everything about human actions, and not only does God know everything about human thoughts, but God knows everything about everything! Note these words from the 147th Psalm and the 5th verse, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." There is no end to God's knowledge of all things! Paul considered this great truth, and here was his conclusion of the matter from Romans 11:33-36, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
We can sum this all up by stating the following: God is omniscient. Simply put, God knows everything about everything! There is no limit to God's understanding and knowledge of all things. He truly is the I Am.
Now, we might be curious as to how God can know everything about everything. How can God know with certainty what shall happen tomorrow, or what we will do tomorrow? The answer is profound, and actually causes this writer to live in reverential fear of this awesome Creator we serve. Here is the answer from Isaiah 46 and verse 10, "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Consider those words carefully dear friend. God knows what will happen tomorrow because He sovereignly created and declared everything that will happen tomorrow, when He created the beginning of all we know in the heavens and the earth. I must agree with Paul that when contemplating God's knowledge it leads me to declare, "The Lord's ways are past finding out! To Him be the glory forever, Amen!"
What is to be our response to these things? How do we as finite humans respond to such marvelous truths about God's omniscience?
1. Since God sees every action we perform, we should do all things to the praise of the glory of His good name. Our daily manner of living should consist of holiness, righteousness, and obedience to His truth. Whatever we eat, or drink, or whatever we do should be done to the glory of God.
2. Since God knows every thought, we must seek to flee from wicked influence, and we renew our minds with the things of God. Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and filling our minds with things that are lovely and true should be our daily routine. We should also avoid watching, reading, listening to, touching, or even keeping company with anything that is wicked and would lead to the pollution of our minds.
3. When we as God's children truly believe God knows everything, and that He is in sovereign control of all things, we should take comfort in Him. Our faith should increase, our trust should grow, and our fears should fade. Note these words from Isaiah 40:28-29 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Even as we pray Jesus reminds us, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of even before ye ask Him."
4. I believe it was RC Sproul who said that for the unbeliever the thought of God's omniscience should bring a reaction of genuine terror. After the Psalmist asks in Psalm 94, "LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?" he continues on to mention the evil boasting of these same wicked men who say, "The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it." Yet the conclusion of the whole matter comes in verses 9-11, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." The hearts of the wicked that think they can hide their words, actions, and thoughts from God are here reminded that God sees all they do, hears all they know, and even knows every wicked thought they have. Furthermore, a coming day of His judgment will deliver to each of them their just reward. The reward of the wicked is described by Paul as being a day of "flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." The wicked man's response should be fear, followed by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ.
Consider these matters today. Pray about the matter of God's omniscience, and pray the Lord examine your heart and reveal if there be any unclean thing. What a great a mighty God we serve! He alone knows the depth of our hearts, and He alone is capable of cleansing us of all unrighteousness. Cry to Him today.
With anthropomorphic language in mind, consider the following... In the 15th Proverb and the 3rd verse the wisdom writer declares, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." What a humbling and sobering thought this invokes. Everywhere we go, and everything we do is seen by the eyes of our Sovereign Lord! In the 33rd Psalm the Psalmist makes the following assertion, "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." From God's heavenly throne He beholds every work committed by the hand of every man, woman, boy and girl. There's is absolutely nothing you and I can do that escapes the eyes of the Lord.
God not only sees the actions performed by every living being, He also knows the very thoughts, desires, and motives of every human being. Consider carefully the words of David in the 139th Psalm and the first 8 verses, "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
A. God knew everything about David's daily living, including every thought he had.
B. Before David took any journey in His life's path, God already knew of that journey.
C. David understood that God's knowledge was far too great for him to ever comprehend.
D. David understood that there is no escaping God's knowledge. Every action, and every thought of man is clearly seen by God Almighty.
Not only does God know everything about human actions, and not only does God know everything about human thoughts, but God knows everything about everything! Note these words from the 147th Psalm and the 5th verse, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." There is no end to God's knowledge of all things! Paul considered this great truth, and here was his conclusion of the matter from Romans 11:33-36, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
We can sum this all up by stating the following: God is omniscient. Simply put, God knows everything about everything! There is no limit to God's understanding and knowledge of all things. He truly is the I Am.
Now, we might be curious as to how God can know everything about everything. How can God know with certainty what shall happen tomorrow, or what we will do tomorrow? The answer is profound, and actually causes this writer to live in reverential fear of this awesome Creator we serve. Here is the answer from Isaiah 46 and verse 10, "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Consider those words carefully dear friend. God knows what will happen tomorrow because He sovereignly created and declared everything that will happen tomorrow, when He created the beginning of all we know in the heavens and the earth. I must agree with Paul that when contemplating God's knowledge it leads me to declare, "The Lord's ways are past finding out! To Him be the glory forever, Amen!"
What is to be our response to these things? How do we as finite humans respond to such marvelous truths about God's omniscience?
1. Since God sees every action we perform, we should do all things to the praise of the glory of His good name. Our daily manner of living should consist of holiness, righteousness, and obedience to His truth. Whatever we eat, or drink, or whatever we do should be done to the glory of God.
2. Since God knows every thought, we must seek to flee from wicked influence, and we renew our minds with the things of God. Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and filling our minds with things that are lovely and true should be our daily routine. We should also avoid watching, reading, listening to, touching, or even keeping company with anything that is wicked and would lead to the pollution of our minds.
3. When we as God's children truly believe God knows everything, and that He is in sovereign control of all things, we should take comfort in Him. Our faith should increase, our trust should grow, and our fears should fade. Note these words from Isaiah 40:28-29 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Even as we pray Jesus reminds us, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of even before ye ask Him."
4. I believe it was RC Sproul who said that for the unbeliever the thought of God's omniscience should bring a reaction of genuine terror. After the Psalmist asks in Psalm 94, "LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?" he continues on to mention the evil boasting of these same wicked men who say, "The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it." Yet the conclusion of the whole matter comes in verses 9-11, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." The hearts of the wicked that think they can hide their words, actions, and thoughts from God are here reminded that God sees all they do, hears all they know, and even knows every wicked thought they have. Furthermore, a coming day of His judgment will deliver to each of them their just reward. The reward of the wicked is described by Paul as being a day of "flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." The wicked man's response should be fear, followed by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ.
Consider these matters today. Pray about the matter of God's omniscience, and pray the Lord examine your heart and reveal if there be any unclean thing. What a great a mighty God we serve! He alone knows the depth of our hearts, and He alone is capable of cleansing us of all unrighteousness. Cry to Him today.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
What to do when struggling with a besetting transgression...
I was pondering this morning the various conversations I've had with others pertaining to particular besetting transgressions. What I mean by a besetting transgression is a re-occurring sinful action that one struggles with, and seems to be incapable of overcoming. All of God's children struggle with besetting sins.
In Hebrews 12:4 the scripture mentions our "struggle with sin." In Romans 6 the Apostle Paul says much of our struggle and warfare with the sin which seeks to entangle us, and competes against the Spirit of righteousness we have been granted as God's children. James even tells us that a besetting sin could be our failure to do what is right. Regardless of what our personal struggle might be, the scripture is clear in that we all struggle, wrestle, compete against, and make war with besetting sins.
So I began to ponder on how God, by His grace, has helped me with besetting sin. It might seem very simple, but I believe the following to be Biblical and practical. I pray the Lord use it to bless and encourage you...
1. Scripture. The Psalmist proclaimed it is God's Word that is hidden in our heart that prevents us from sinning against God (Psalm 119:11). Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was completely sufficient for correction, and for training us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16-17). James tells us that sin begins in the heart with evil thoughts, and then is manifested in evil actions. Yet when our hearts are filled with memorized scripture speaking directly to our particular struggle, we'll find the Holy Spirit using them to convict us and steer us away from transgression.
2. Prayer. Oh that we might cry out to God for grace! It is God that works within us both to be willing, and to perform the actions that are pleasing to Him. We look to self help books, twelve step programs, pop culture fads, and celebrity endorsed literature to help us "overcome our illness." The problem is not that we just have "a social illness," the problem is that apart from the grace of God we will do nothing but transgress! How much time are you spending broken before a Holy God, praying His grace transform your heart and life? "Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless things we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." The scripture speaks of sanctification performed within us by the Holy Spirit as we submit to God and flee from sin. Therefore, yield to Him in prayer, and plead for His Spirit to sanctify to strengthen you.
3. Repentance. Understand, I mean genuine repentance. Genuine repentance is a true change. It is from one direction toward another. If we are genuinely to repent, we must cease from the influences that tempt us to transgress. If a man's besetting sin is that he finds himself in a drunken stupor when around alcohol, then genuine repentance would lead him out of the bar! If a man's besetting sin is that he commits adultery by flirting with a waitress, then genuine repentance will lead him to eat elsewhere! Saying I'm sorry, and then continuing to be influenced by and frequenting those things which tempt us to sin is NOT repentance. Genuine repentance seeks to flee from all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness.
4. Accountability. Not only from God, but from others. James tells us to "confess to one another our faults, and pray for one another." I have found that certain Godly men have been the greatest of treasure in my life as they have prayed for me, encouraged me, and helped to hold me accountable as I have struggled in various areas of besetting sin. I can not count the times that I have been in great battles with unrighteousness, but have had Godly men and women on the battlefield with me. Oh what a precious gift from God we have in the Church! Often we fail to use the church, one of our greatest gifts from God.
I pray these things have encouraged and helped you. I know they have helped me many times, and still do. Grace to you all.
In Hebrews 12:4 the scripture mentions our "struggle with sin." In Romans 6 the Apostle Paul says much of our struggle and warfare with the sin which seeks to entangle us, and competes against the Spirit of righteousness we have been granted as God's children. James even tells us that a besetting sin could be our failure to do what is right. Regardless of what our personal struggle might be, the scripture is clear in that we all struggle, wrestle, compete against, and make war with besetting sins.
So I began to ponder on how God, by His grace, has helped me with besetting sin. It might seem very simple, but I believe the following to be Biblical and practical. I pray the Lord use it to bless and encourage you...
1. Scripture. The Psalmist proclaimed it is God's Word that is hidden in our heart that prevents us from sinning against God (Psalm 119:11). Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was completely sufficient for correction, and for training us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16-17). James tells us that sin begins in the heart with evil thoughts, and then is manifested in evil actions. Yet when our hearts are filled with memorized scripture speaking directly to our particular struggle, we'll find the Holy Spirit using them to convict us and steer us away from transgression.
2. Prayer. Oh that we might cry out to God for grace! It is God that works within us both to be willing, and to perform the actions that are pleasing to Him. We look to self help books, twelve step programs, pop culture fads, and celebrity endorsed literature to help us "overcome our illness." The problem is not that we just have "a social illness," the problem is that apart from the grace of God we will do nothing but transgress! How much time are you spending broken before a Holy God, praying His grace transform your heart and life? "Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless things we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." The scripture speaks of sanctification performed within us by the Holy Spirit as we submit to God and flee from sin. Therefore, yield to Him in prayer, and plead for His Spirit to sanctify to strengthen you.
3. Repentance. Understand, I mean genuine repentance. Genuine repentance is a true change. It is from one direction toward another. If we are genuinely to repent, we must cease from the influences that tempt us to transgress. If a man's besetting sin is that he finds himself in a drunken stupor when around alcohol, then genuine repentance would lead him out of the bar! If a man's besetting sin is that he commits adultery by flirting with a waitress, then genuine repentance will lead him to eat elsewhere! Saying I'm sorry, and then continuing to be influenced by and frequenting those things which tempt us to sin is NOT repentance. Genuine repentance seeks to flee from all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness.
4. Accountability. Not only from God, but from others. James tells us to "confess to one another our faults, and pray for one another." I have found that certain Godly men have been the greatest of treasure in my life as they have prayed for me, encouraged me, and helped to hold me accountable as I have struggled in various areas of besetting sin. I can not count the times that I have been in great battles with unrighteousness, but have had Godly men and women on the battlefield with me. Oh what a precious gift from God we have in the Church! Often we fail to use the church, one of our greatest gifts from God.
I pray these things have encouraged and helped you. I know they have helped me many times, and still do. Grace to you all.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Winter Bible Study Conference Jan 17
I am very excited for our 2010 Winter Bible Study Conference. This year's theme is apologetic as we tackle three very important questions many unbelievers wrestle with. I truly believe you'll be blessed tremendously as you join us for this year's conference.
The conference takes place Sunday January 17th and is broken into four parts. A teaching meeting at 10:00 a.m., one at 11:00 a.m., a question/answer time and free meal at 12:15 p.m., and the final teaching meeting at 6:00 p.m.
At 10:00 a.m. we'll be joined by Brother Jeff Ryder as he answers the question, "What is true, Evolution or the Biblical account of Creation?" Jeff's lovely wife Missy will be blessing us in song prior to the lesson.
In the 11:00 a.m. service Brother Sherl Thomas answers the question, "What must I do to be saved?" With so many opinions and philosophies, find out exactly how the Bible answers man's most pressing question. Prior to Brother Thomas preaching, the New Found Four gospel quartet will be ministering in song.
In the 6:00 p.m. service Brother Matthew Perry will be tackling the question, "Is the Bible truly God's word?" With all the attacks against Holy Writ in our new age society, Brother Perry brings much needed insight into the veracity and validity of the Bible. The New Found Four will again be ministering in song during this service.
We hope to see you there are we worship together on January 17th, 2010.
http://meansbaptistchurch.webs.com/
The conference takes place Sunday January 17th and is broken into four parts. A teaching meeting at 10:00 a.m., one at 11:00 a.m., a question/answer time and free meal at 12:15 p.m., and the final teaching meeting at 6:00 p.m.
At 10:00 a.m. we'll be joined by Brother Jeff Ryder as he answers the question, "What is true, Evolution or the Biblical account of Creation?" Jeff's lovely wife Missy will be blessing us in song prior to the lesson.
In the 11:00 a.m. service Brother Sherl Thomas answers the question, "What must I do to be saved?" With so many opinions and philosophies, find out exactly how the Bible answers man's most pressing question. Prior to Brother Thomas preaching, the New Found Four gospel quartet will be ministering in song.
In the 6:00 p.m. service Brother Matthew Perry will be tackling the question, "Is the Bible truly God's word?" With all the attacks against Holy Writ in our new age society, Brother Perry brings much needed insight into the veracity and validity of the Bible. The New Found Four will again be ministering in song during this service.
We hope to see you there are we worship together on January 17th, 2010.
http://meansbaptistchurch.webs.com/
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Justification Part II
Against the contemporary concept of non-sacrificial Christianity comes the harsh and most often times difficult to embrace words of our Lord from Matthew's tenth chapter, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
These words are spoken from the very authority of very God, and carry with them powerful consequences to becoming a follower of Christ. Following Christ could very well land one in the most despairing situation of broken relationships with family and close friends. Christ must take preeminence over all earthly relationships to such an extreme that earthly relationships must be forsaken for the cause of His Lordship and Kingdom if necessary. Whoever loves his Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of Him! This in no wise makes null and void all the Biblical texts speaking to the responsibility we have within the family unit. Christ is stressing the reality of the high cost of being his disciple.
Contained at the closing of the quote comes an even more powerful statement, this one pertaining not to our relationships with others. This statement from our Lord strikes directly against the hardened heart of hedonism that resides within all fallen mankind, "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Self-crucifixion. Death to self. The giving up of one's life, for the cause and purpose of the Kingdom of our Redeemer.
This self-sacrificial, high cost life that Christ is speaking of must be taken in a couple different perspectives. First, the cost of following Christ might truly lead to literally death. Oh how many have fallen due to the sword of opposition to the Kingdom. For preservation of truth, and loyalty to our Triune God, many have made their stand and tasted the martyrs death. Yet with so great an entrance into our Father's Kingdom were they ushered! What a blessing indeed to have suffered together with Christ, and what great a reward to sit down in the Abode of heavenly bliss.
Most often it is our experience in our Western Culture that literal death by martyr's sword is not the closing chapter of this temporal life. We rarely hear of persecution unto death. We scarcely are faced with any form of threatening because we are followers of Jesus. We do however carry a responsibility of self-crucifixion. Our responsibility insists upon a daily sacrifice of self. Not of literal self-sacrifice to the taking of this mortal life, but a purging and putting away of the deeds of the flesh. Those vile things which have brought enmity between God and man. A mortification of those things which separate us from living and walking by faith. Paul captures these thoughts with the following words, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Notice this powerful statement of Paul's to the Church at Rome, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." These words command our putting away the deeds of the flesh, dying daily in Christ, crucifying self so that Christ may live through us, and living our life by faith in the Son of God.
You could sum up the sacrificial Christian life by appealing to the doctrine of sanctification. To be "sanctified" in it's simplest understanding is to be set apart unto God. The very moment we enter salvation we have been set apart unto God, a vessel now prepared for his glory. This is called most often "immediate sanctification." Yet, this is not the only Biblical understanding of sanctification. It is also a continuing process by which the Person of the Holy Spirit works within us that the deeds of the flesh might be put to death, and thus the fruit of the Holy Spirit is manifest in our lives. This is called "progressive sanctification." Scripture is abundantly clear in it's assertion that those who have been justified will enter the process of progressive sanctification. There will never be any argument from me, or any other orthodox theologian about the validity of the doctrine of universal progressive sanctification.
Now, with that being said, I must at this point return the reader's thoughts to the very doctrine that I originally set forth to discuss... Justification. Let me now urge the reader to carefully consider the following statement: Justification is not Sanctification. Let me repeat, justification is not sanctification. Once more, justification is not sanctification!
Justification is by faith alone in the Person and work of Jesus Christ alone, and justification is not contingent upon any act or action that follows converting faith. It is the most grave error of any individual to appeal to progressive sanctification as the means of declaring one just. This is why the thief on the cross remains the scripture's most beautiful example of justification by faith alone. The thief was indeed sanctified and set apart unto the Lord, and he did indeed confess our Lord, but as far as a long life experiencing the battle between flesh and spirit, he never experienced it. He did however believe on Christ and his faith was counted as righteousness.
James makes it clear that genuine faith will be accompanied by progressive sanctification as our life in Christ is "worked out." No one should ever argue against this point. Yet, it must be fervently argued with every bit of our being that justification is by faith alone! For this very cause I can state today with great authority that everyone believing on the Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life (John 3:16).
The Christian life is capsuled in the concept of self-sacrifice. The Christian life includes good deeds that God before ordained that we should walk in them. The Christian life includes progressive sanctification. Any genuine Christian life will include these attributes as it is lived out. However, the Christian life is not entered into by these things! It is entered into by regeneration which produces faith which is counted as righteousness. Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity. Justification is by faith alone.
Again, let me reiterate that last statement: Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity.
These words are spoken from the very authority of very God, and carry with them powerful consequences to becoming a follower of Christ. Following Christ could very well land one in the most despairing situation of broken relationships with family and close friends. Christ must take preeminence over all earthly relationships to such an extreme that earthly relationships must be forsaken for the cause of His Lordship and Kingdom if necessary. Whoever loves his Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of Him! This in no wise makes null and void all the Biblical texts speaking to the responsibility we have within the family unit. Christ is stressing the reality of the high cost of being his disciple.
Contained at the closing of the quote comes an even more powerful statement, this one pertaining not to our relationships with others. This statement from our Lord strikes directly against the hardened heart of hedonism that resides within all fallen mankind, "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Self-crucifixion. Death to self. The giving up of one's life, for the cause and purpose of the Kingdom of our Redeemer.
This self-sacrificial, high cost life that Christ is speaking of must be taken in a couple different perspectives. First, the cost of following Christ might truly lead to literally death. Oh how many have fallen due to the sword of opposition to the Kingdom. For preservation of truth, and loyalty to our Triune God, many have made their stand and tasted the martyrs death. Yet with so great an entrance into our Father's Kingdom were they ushered! What a blessing indeed to have suffered together with Christ, and what great a reward to sit down in the Abode of heavenly bliss.
Most often it is our experience in our Western Culture that literal death by martyr's sword is not the closing chapter of this temporal life. We rarely hear of persecution unto death. We scarcely are faced with any form of threatening because we are followers of Jesus. We do however carry a responsibility of self-crucifixion. Our responsibility insists upon a daily sacrifice of self. Not of literal self-sacrifice to the taking of this mortal life, but a purging and putting away of the deeds of the flesh. Those vile things which have brought enmity between God and man. A mortification of those things which separate us from living and walking by faith. Paul captures these thoughts with the following words, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Notice this powerful statement of Paul's to the Church at Rome, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." These words command our putting away the deeds of the flesh, dying daily in Christ, crucifying self so that Christ may live through us, and living our life by faith in the Son of God.
You could sum up the sacrificial Christian life by appealing to the doctrine of sanctification. To be "sanctified" in it's simplest understanding is to be set apart unto God. The very moment we enter salvation we have been set apart unto God, a vessel now prepared for his glory. This is called most often "immediate sanctification." Yet, this is not the only Biblical understanding of sanctification. It is also a continuing process by which the Person of the Holy Spirit works within us that the deeds of the flesh might be put to death, and thus the fruit of the Holy Spirit is manifest in our lives. This is called "progressive sanctification." Scripture is abundantly clear in it's assertion that those who have been justified will enter the process of progressive sanctification. There will never be any argument from me, or any other orthodox theologian about the validity of the doctrine of universal progressive sanctification.
Now, with that being said, I must at this point return the reader's thoughts to the very doctrine that I originally set forth to discuss... Justification. Let me now urge the reader to carefully consider the following statement: Justification is not Sanctification. Let me repeat, justification is not sanctification. Once more, justification is not sanctification!
Justification is by faith alone in the Person and work of Jesus Christ alone, and justification is not contingent upon any act or action that follows converting faith. It is the most grave error of any individual to appeal to progressive sanctification as the means of declaring one just. This is why the thief on the cross remains the scripture's most beautiful example of justification by faith alone. The thief was indeed sanctified and set apart unto the Lord, and he did indeed confess our Lord, but as far as a long life experiencing the battle between flesh and spirit, he never experienced it. He did however believe on Christ and his faith was counted as righteousness.
James makes it clear that genuine faith will be accompanied by progressive sanctification as our life in Christ is "worked out." No one should ever argue against this point. Yet, it must be fervently argued with every bit of our being that justification is by faith alone! For this very cause I can state today with great authority that everyone believing on the Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life (John 3:16).
The Christian life is capsuled in the concept of self-sacrifice. The Christian life includes good deeds that God before ordained that we should walk in them. The Christian life includes progressive sanctification. Any genuine Christian life will include these attributes as it is lived out. However, the Christian life is not entered into by these things! It is entered into by regeneration which produces faith which is counted as righteousness. Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity. Justification is by faith alone.
Again, let me reiterate that last statement: Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Increasingly Alarmed: Justification by faith under attack.
I can't help but find myself increasingly alarmed at the discontent of professing believers with the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. As a matter of fact, I find the preceding statement quite alarming! Should it ever be conceived in the mind of a believer that justification by faith alone would be questioned in any manner? This entire conversation is quite frightening.
Recently in conversations with professing believers I have found myself defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone. I have also recently been preaching through the book of Romans, and I have become ever more aware of subtle attacks against the doctrine. Paul's argument for justification by faith has been pressed into my conscience with such effect that I'm very sensitive to any conversation pertaining to justification.
Paul's entire argument to the Church at Rome is demonstrated with no greater clarity than in the words, "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." Paul makes it clear that...
A. He is making it clear that justification is for the "one who does not work," and that justification is not the result of any form of work on behalf of any individual. If it is then that individual would have just cause to boast before God.
B. He is making it clear that justification is realized for the "ungodly," and is not granted when the ungodly find faith and then improve their ungodly condition. We come by to Christ by faith while in the most miserable condition! Any other view is in direct opposition to the historic doctrine of total depravity.
C. He makes a most powerful assertion that for the ungodly man who does not work to merit justification "his faith is counted as righteousness."
Let me now state a couple things for clarity sake, even though they may seem at first of no importance to the present writing. First, faith and repentance (two sides of the same coin, so to speak) come as a result of regeneration. We are granted the gifts of faith and repentance by God. Second, along with faith and repentance, God the Holy Spirit empowers and indwells the believer in order that they might then be conformed to Christ, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Just as Abraham himself showed forth his genuine faith from God as he offered up his son Isaac. Finally, all of salvation, whether regeneration, conversion, sanctification, or glorification, are all the result of God's grace. For we are made alive by grace! Faith and repentance are gifts of His grace! It is God's grace that works within us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure! We will be raised by the same power with which Christ was raised from the dead! Soli Deo Gloria! (I'm working on a few thoughts for a future post about the believer's obedience to the commands of scripture, so don't leap to an attack thinking I'm denying Christians should be obedient to the commands of scripture.)
Now, I hope the reader does recognize that I do not seek to invalidate the claim that states "genuine faith will result in genuine fruit." I do however hope the reader will understand that justification is not by fruit. Justification is not by turning one's life from repulsive ungodliness to accepted moral excellence. Justification is not by religious activity. Justification is not by the outworking of gracious gifts granted us by God. Justification is by faith! Will that faith result in good works that God before ordained that we should walk in them? Sure! However, justification remains by faith alone.
The thief on the cross manifested no great amount of "fruit" as it would be assessed by today's fundamentalist standards. He was never immersed in water. He was never involved actively in ministry local or worldwide. He never contributed financially to the work of missions. He never contributed to the ministry of a local assembly of believers. However, as an ungodly man with nothing in and of himself that he might present before God as acceptable, he was granted the marvelous gift of faith to which Christ responded, "Today you will be in paradise with me."
With that said, had that thief lived past that very dark hour he was immersed in, would he have been baptized? Would he have joined himself to other believers for fellowship? Would he have then found himself searching the scriptures that he might grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ? I certainly believe he would have! Genuine salvation according to scripture is accompanied by a manifestation of work of the holy Spirit within the believer. However, all that aside, he was justified when he believed! When he came clothed in self-abasement and totally dependent upon the Lord who hang beside him, his faith was counted as righteousness. According to many modern Evangelicals the thief should have went to torment because there was nothing to validate his conversion experience.
I have been told not to take obscure passages like that and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm. I've been told the actual norm we find in scripture is the opposite of this. I've been told that opinions like mine are nothing more than silly excuses to preach people into heaven who make death bed confessions. I will now attempt to deal with each of these accusations.
1. Don't take an obscure passage and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm.
I haven't. I have taken the entirety of scripture that teaches justification by faith alone, and simply set forth one of the most beautiful examples ever given to prove the veracity of the doctrine. It is actually far more dangerous to insinuate that in some obscure way this thief was justified in some manner not found elsewhere in scripture. This opens the door to a floodgate of religious philosophies that all claim various ways of justification. This thief was justified exactly like every other individual in Holy Writ. He believed God and his faith was counted as righteousness.
2. The actual norm in scripture is the opposite of the thief's account.
Such a statement tosses away the Biblical doctrine of God not being a respecter of persons. Such a statement concludes that the thousands saved on the day of Pentecost were all fitted into the same mold. Such a statement concludes that any mention of entire households believing was merely speaking of households with certain age groups, life spans, etc. On the Day of Pentecost we are told that Jews from all walks of life were present. Did God limit His saving grace to those who still had long days and much life ahead of them? The scripture actually does not give us a "norm" for the recipient of saving grace. Rather, it expresses God's saving goodness toward people from all walks of life, which definitely includes those with little life left to live(say that five times real fast). Perhaps it is our experience that most conversions we are familiar with include people who have much life left to live. Our experience does not dictate doctrine. The account given us in Holy Scripture must dictate our doctrine. The account given in scripture is that of justification by faith alone.
3. Opinions like these are silly excuses to preach people into heaven who have made death bed confessions.
I once knew of a gentleman who would visit hospitals and nursing homes religiously. He was a Free Will Baptist, and relentlessly pursued "professions of faith" from those he felt were facing death. He used scare tactics, empty philosophy, and other un-scriptural methods. He would then go on to preach some of their funerals, and would pronounce the individual heavenly bound as a result of their "death bed confession." This is wrong on so many levels that it would take a series of posts to deal with it. But to assume the position that I would desire such a practice for myself simply because I claim justification by faith alone apart from any human effort, is totally unfounded. It is honestly an attack on my character, and an attack on my ability to perform my duties as a minister in a Biblical manner. I have never addressed the eternal destination of an individual at their funeral. I always proclaim the Gospel with clarity and simplicity, and make sure those in attendance know that our church is ever ready to assist in any way possible. Even so, just because some have a twisted view of Biblical salvation, and they desire to offer false security to hurting families and friends, it does not negate the fact that justification is by faith alone apart from any work.
There is a part II coming very soon. I have also heard that such view of justification by faith alone stands in contrast to Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 7), and that my view presented an easy Gospel, and that I was like so many who are ashamed to get tough and really tell the truth. I will deal with those things in a future post. For now, I pray these words find you well, and that your heart be ready to search the scriptures and see if these things be of God.
Recently in conversations with professing believers I have found myself defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone. I have also recently been preaching through the book of Romans, and I have become ever more aware of subtle attacks against the doctrine. Paul's argument for justification by faith has been pressed into my conscience with such effect that I'm very sensitive to any conversation pertaining to justification.
Paul's entire argument to the Church at Rome is demonstrated with no greater clarity than in the words, "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." Paul makes it clear that...
A. He is making it clear that justification is for the "one who does not work," and that justification is not the result of any form of work on behalf of any individual. If it is then that individual would have just cause to boast before God.
B. He is making it clear that justification is realized for the "ungodly," and is not granted when the ungodly find faith and then improve their ungodly condition. We come by to Christ by faith while in the most miserable condition! Any other view is in direct opposition to the historic doctrine of total depravity.
C. He makes a most powerful assertion that for the ungodly man who does not work to merit justification "his faith is counted as righteousness."
Let me now state a couple things for clarity sake, even though they may seem at first of no importance to the present writing. First, faith and repentance (two sides of the same coin, so to speak) come as a result of regeneration. We are granted the gifts of faith and repentance by God. Second, along with faith and repentance, God the Holy Spirit empowers and indwells the believer in order that they might then be conformed to Christ, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Just as Abraham himself showed forth his genuine faith from God as he offered up his son Isaac. Finally, all of salvation, whether regeneration, conversion, sanctification, or glorification, are all the result of God's grace. For we are made alive by grace! Faith and repentance are gifts of His grace! It is God's grace that works within us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure! We will be raised by the same power with which Christ was raised from the dead! Soli Deo Gloria! (I'm working on a few thoughts for a future post about the believer's obedience to the commands of scripture, so don't leap to an attack thinking I'm denying Christians should be obedient to the commands of scripture.)
Now, I hope the reader does recognize that I do not seek to invalidate the claim that states "genuine faith will result in genuine fruit." I do however hope the reader will understand that justification is not by fruit. Justification is not by turning one's life from repulsive ungodliness to accepted moral excellence. Justification is not by religious activity. Justification is not by the outworking of gracious gifts granted us by God. Justification is by faith! Will that faith result in good works that God before ordained that we should walk in them? Sure! However, justification remains by faith alone.
The thief on the cross manifested no great amount of "fruit" as it would be assessed by today's fundamentalist standards. He was never immersed in water. He was never involved actively in ministry local or worldwide. He never contributed financially to the work of missions. He never contributed to the ministry of a local assembly of believers. However, as an ungodly man with nothing in and of himself that he might present before God as acceptable, he was granted the marvelous gift of faith to which Christ responded, "Today you will be in paradise with me."
With that said, had that thief lived past that very dark hour he was immersed in, would he have been baptized? Would he have joined himself to other believers for fellowship? Would he have then found himself searching the scriptures that he might grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ? I certainly believe he would have! Genuine salvation according to scripture is accompanied by a manifestation of work of the holy Spirit within the believer. However, all that aside, he was justified when he believed! When he came clothed in self-abasement and totally dependent upon the Lord who hang beside him, his faith was counted as righteousness. According to many modern Evangelicals the thief should have went to torment because there was nothing to validate his conversion experience.
I have been told not to take obscure passages like that and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm. I've been told the actual norm we find in scripture is the opposite of this. I've been told that opinions like mine are nothing more than silly excuses to preach people into heaven who make death bed confessions. I will now attempt to deal with each of these accusations.
1. Don't take an obscure passage and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm.
I haven't. I have taken the entirety of scripture that teaches justification by faith alone, and simply set forth one of the most beautiful examples ever given to prove the veracity of the doctrine. It is actually far more dangerous to insinuate that in some obscure way this thief was justified in some manner not found elsewhere in scripture. This opens the door to a floodgate of religious philosophies that all claim various ways of justification. This thief was justified exactly like every other individual in Holy Writ. He believed God and his faith was counted as righteousness.
2. The actual norm in scripture is the opposite of the thief's account.
Such a statement tosses away the Biblical doctrine of God not being a respecter of persons. Such a statement concludes that the thousands saved on the day of Pentecost were all fitted into the same mold. Such a statement concludes that any mention of entire households believing was merely speaking of households with certain age groups, life spans, etc. On the Day of Pentecost we are told that Jews from all walks of life were present. Did God limit His saving grace to those who still had long days and much life ahead of them? The scripture actually does not give us a "norm" for the recipient of saving grace. Rather, it expresses God's saving goodness toward people from all walks of life, which definitely includes those with little life left to live(say that five times real fast). Perhaps it is our experience that most conversions we are familiar with include people who have much life left to live. Our experience does not dictate doctrine. The account given us in Holy Scripture must dictate our doctrine. The account given in scripture is that of justification by faith alone.
3. Opinions like these are silly excuses to preach people into heaven who have made death bed confessions.
I once knew of a gentleman who would visit hospitals and nursing homes religiously. He was a Free Will Baptist, and relentlessly pursued "professions of faith" from those he felt were facing death. He used scare tactics, empty philosophy, and other un-scriptural methods. He would then go on to preach some of their funerals, and would pronounce the individual heavenly bound as a result of their "death bed confession." This is wrong on so many levels that it would take a series of posts to deal with it. But to assume the position that I would desire such a practice for myself simply because I claim justification by faith alone apart from any human effort, is totally unfounded. It is honestly an attack on my character, and an attack on my ability to perform my duties as a minister in a Biblical manner. I have never addressed the eternal destination of an individual at their funeral. I always proclaim the Gospel with clarity and simplicity, and make sure those in attendance know that our church is ever ready to assist in any way possible. Even so, just because some have a twisted view of Biblical salvation, and they desire to offer false security to hurting families and friends, it does not negate the fact that justification is by faith alone apart from any work.
There is a part II coming very soon. I have also heard that such view of justification by faith alone stands in contrast to Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 7), and that my view presented an easy Gospel, and that I was like so many who are ashamed to get tough and really tell the truth. I will deal with those things in a future post. For now, I pray these words find you well, and that your heart be ready to search the scriptures and see if these things be of God.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
It's not what you say, it's how you say it?
I honestly believe miscommunication to be the cause of much discord among friends, family, co-workers, church members, etc. because we have become a careless people with our speech. We rarely clarify ourselves, we say much more than we need to, and we've become a people who praise the loudest tongue in the group for being "bold, assertive, and telling it just like it is." I wander at what point did being rude, obnoxious, and hurtful became a quality that we admire? Indeed there are times to be bold and assertive, and there are times "to tell it like it is." But, when we are damaging lives, alienating others, hurting the public testimony of the church, and representing our God and Savior in the most horrible of ways, we need to re-examine our speech.
I think most will be familiar with the multitude of Proverbs written in regard to the dangers of a loose tongue, gossip, slander, etc. Most can recite James' Epistle in which he likened the tongue unto a small flame that sets ablaze a large fire that destroys everything in it's path. Most will inform you that you should "speak the truth in love." I'm constantly hearing sermons on 1st Corinthians 13, and hearing about the need to love in word and deed. If we as Christians are so familiar with these texts, why are we saying the things we are saying that seem to exemplify the opposite of love?
Here is something I hear quite often, "Just read Matthew 23, and you'll see the example Jesus gave of how to witness when he nailed the Scribes and Pharisees to the wall! He sure wasn't all lovey dovey with them!" Then it's always followed with either "...and Peter flat called the Jews a bunch of murderers in Acts 2" or the old "Paul called false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus gangrene, just go read 2nd Timothy!" These scripture passages are often used as excuses to call people such vile things as morons, devils, idiots, and a few other things I wont repeat, all in the name of "not compromising Biblical truth."
Let me clarify there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a deep running passion for the truth of God's word. I would pray that all men everywhere would diligently search the scriptures, and be passionate in presenting it's salvation message to others. We should be ever ready to give an answer to the unbelieving world when we are put on trial for our faith, and should it happen we should earnestly contend for the faith! We should make known heresies as gangrene, and if needed to protect the flock of God we should name those who are teaching such damnable doctrines. HOWEVER, our passionate proclamation of truth must always be coupled together with meekness, love, compassion, and fear!
Meekness carries the idea of control. Nothing rages out of control any faster than our tongue. It is a slippery serpent which reveals our sinful heart at every given opportunity. Perhaps the admonition to speak less and listen more would save us all much heartache and woe. How often have we allowed a few moments of unbridled spewing by our "little member" ruin our entire day? How often has the poison of our tongue driven someone farther away from any interest in the things of God, rather than being used of God to proclaim Him? I dare to say we are all guilty of not controlling our tongue. Our very nature is revealed in our speech for from the abundance of our heart, the mouth speaks. Paul stated in Titus 2:8 that his speech should be of such soundness that he never be condemned because of it. He told Titus in the conclusion of that verse that sound Godly speech puts his opposition to shame in a manner that no one could speak evil of it. When we finish "contending for the faith" and even the unbelievers around us are condemning the way we speak, we've failed in this imperative.
Love must saturate all we do. Love for God, and love for others. All the law and prophets hang upon these two commands. Love does not compromise, is not coated in sentimental hypocrisy, and does not rejoice in evil. Love also does not belittle, aimlessly rant, and express itself in a vile and heartless manner. Love seeks to express the truth in such a manner that the wicked are warned, the righteous are encouraged, and the world is compelled and commanded to repent and believe, and it does so without wrath, vengeance, malice, and bitterness intervening.
Compassion for those in error, and compassion for the lost should not even be discussed. When we consider the mire from which we were raised from death to walk in newness of life, we should be overwhelmed with compassion for others. But for the grace of God, there goeth I.
Fear must govern our speech. Rather, let me interpret my use of the term fear to mean reverence. We should so revere the Holy Scripture that we treat it and express it in a most careful manner. As we speak God's truth we should be reminded of the Supreme Judge which shall hold each man accountable who speaks on His behalf. While Paul rightly asserted in Galatians 1 that his example was not that of preaching to please men, but rather he preached to pleaset God, and that he even withstood Peter over a dispute about Gentiles and Jews, Paul never stooped to screaming slurs toward Peter or anyone else. Paul understood the weight of bearing upon our shoulders the message of God. Therefore he governed his speech, and chose his words wisely.
We can and should proclaim what we believe, and we should be ready to earnestly contend for the faith. We should be passionate in doing so, and eager to do so in a manner that glorifies God, edifies the church, and proclaims the Gospel to the lost. Yet, as we do so I pray we keep the following statements in mind...
1Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
I think most will be familiar with the multitude of Proverbs written in regard to the dangers of a loose tongue, gossip, slander, etc. Most can recite James' Epistle in which he likened the tongue unto a small flame that sets ablaze a large fire that destroys everything in it's path. Most will inform you that you should "speak the truth in love." I'm constantly hearing sermons on 1st Corinthians 13, and hearing about the need to love in word and deed. If we as Christians are so familiar with these texts, why are we saying the things we are saying that seem to exemplify the opposite of love?
Here is something I hear quite often, "Just read Matthew 23, and you'll see the example Jesus gave of how to witness when he nailed the Scribes and Pharisees to the wall! He sure wasn't all lovey dovey with them!" Then it's always followed with either "...and Peter flat called the Jews a bunch of murderers in Acts 2" or the old "Paul called false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus gangrene, just go read 2nd Timothy!" These scripture passages are often used as excuses to call people such vile things as morons, devils, idiots, and a few other things I wont repeat, all in the name of "not compromising Biblical truth."
Let me clarify there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a deep running passion for the truth of God's word. I would pray that all men everywhere would diligently search the scriptures, and be passionate in presenting it's salvation message to others. We should be ever ready to give an answer to the unbelieving world when we are put on trial for our faith, and should it happen we should earnestly contend for the faith! We should make known heresies as gangrene, and if needed to protect the flock of God we should name those who are teaching such damnable doctrines. HOWEVER, our passionate proclamation of truth must always be coupled together with meekness, love, compassion, and fear!
Meekness carries the idea of control. Nothing rages out of control any faster than our tongue. It is a slippery serpent which reveals our sinful heart at every given opportunity. Perhaps the admonition to speak less and listen more would save us all much heartache and woe. How often have we allowed a few moments of unbridled spewing by our "little member" ruin our entire day? How often has the poison of our tongue driven someone farther away from any interest in the things of God, rather than being used of God to proclaim Him? I dare to say we are all guilty of not controlling our tongue. Our very nature is revealed in our speech for from the abundance of our heart, the mouth speaks. Paul stated in Titus 2:8 that his speech should be of such soundness that he never be condemned because of it. He told Titus in the conclusion of that verse that sound Godly speech puts his opposition to shame in a manner that no one could speak evil of it. When we finish "contending for the faith" and even the unbelievers around us are condemning the way we speak, we've failed in this imperative.
Love must saturate all we do. Love for God, and love for others. All the law and prophets hang upon these two commands. Love does not compromise, is not coated in sentimental hypocrisy, and does not rejoice in evil. Love also does not belittle, aimlessly rant, and express itself in a vile and heartless manner. Love seeks to express the truth in such a manner that the wicked are warned, the righteous are encouraged, and the world is compelled and commanded to repent and believe, and it does so without wrath, vengeance, malice, and bitterness intervening.
Compassion for those in error, and compassion for the lost should not even be discussed. When we consider the mire from which we were raised from death to walk in newness of life, we should be overwhelmed with compassion for others. But for the grace of God, there goeth I.
Fear must govern our speech. Rather, let me interpret my use of the term fear to mean reverence. We should so revere the Holy Scripture that we treat it and express it in a most careful manner. As we speak God's truth we should be reminded of the Supreme Judge which shall hold each man accountable who speaks on His behalf. While Paul rightly asserted in Galatians 1 that his example was not that of preaching to please men, but rather he preached to pleaset God, and that he even withstood Peter over a dispute about Gentiles and Jews, Paul never stooped to screaming slurs toward Peter or anyone else. Paul understood the weight of bearing upon our shoulders the message of God. Therefore he governed his speech, and chose his words wisely.
We can and should proclaim what we believe, and we should be ready to earnestly contend for the faith. We should be passionate in doing so, and eager to do so in a manner that glorifies God, edifies the church, and proclaims the Gospel to the lost. Yet, as we do so I pray we keep the following statements in mind...
1Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
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