Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NASB
This passage of scripture brings us face to face with a pressing question. If I lost everything, if disaster struck my life, would God be enough?
It is easy to read these verses, and indeed many of us often do, and think to ourselves that yes, God is enough. We feel that our faith is strong, and that we are satisfied with Him. It is one thing to watch a man push some one in a cart across a tightrope stretched high above a canyon, and believe that he could get us across, but quite another thing to actually get into the cart.
Are we really content with God alone? Is He enough, is He all? In the hustle and bustle of life, in this age of instant gratification, is Christ enough, or are we clinging tightly to the material things of this earth? Could we say He was enough even if faced with the loss of a loved one? These are hard questions, but Christ must be all, if He is to be enthroned within our hearts.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Falling Out of Love
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Revelation 2:4 KJV
Revelation 2:1-7
A man passionately in love with Jesus will labor for the Lord with an untiring zeal. He will endure hardship and tribulation for the sake of Christ with joy. He will carefully guard the truth, and contend for the faith, lest the name of Christ be reproached, and His glorious gospel misrepresented. All of this flows from his love for Christ, as love will constrain a man to do great things for the sake of another.
There is a subtle danger however. After a lifetime of tireless work for the Lord, a man may find to his sorrow, that his passion for Christ has departed. He has tirelessly endured labors and hardships, he still earnestly stands for truth, he has fearlessly warned others of false teachers and doctrines, but these things, now, are the things he loves, in place of Christ.
Revelation 2:4 KJV
Revelation 2:1-7
A man passionately in love with Jesus will labor for the Lord with an untiring zeal. He will endure hardship and tribulation for the sake of Christ with joy. He will carefully guard the truth, and contend for the faith, lest the name of Christ be reproached, and His glorious gospel misrepresented. All of this flows from his love for Christ, as love will constrain a man to do great things for the sake of another.
There is a subtle danger however. After a lifetime of tireless work for the Lord, a man may find to his sorrow, that his passion for Christ has departed. He has tirelessly endured labors and hardships, he still earnestly stands for truth, he has fearlessly warned others of false teachers and doctrines, but these things, now, are the things he loves, in place of Christ.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
The Mystery of Lawlessness
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB
We see a mystery of lawlessness at work today. We have a society with no standards. We are witnessing a complete moral decay in our culture today. Things that were shameful to even mention just a few generations ago, are now brazenly shoved in our faces by people with no shame.
Sin (rebellion) has indeed been in the world from the very day the serpent cast doubt into the heart of Eve; "Hath God said (Genesis 3:1)?" Nations and civilizations have plunged into the depths of depravity, in the same way we see today, doing shameful things with increasing boldness, until they crumbled and fell. John tells us that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).
Tragically, the professing Church has in a great measure embraced the sinful lifestyles of the world around it. This casting off of restraint has permeated the Church. It takes no great stretch of the imagination to see a great falling away from the faith in this day (2 Thess 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1) What God intended to be the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), no longer holds to absolutes. Things have become blurred. What was once held forth as truth, is now rejected as being outdated, irrelevant, and no longer culturally acceptable.
The word of God tells of a time when men will no longer endure sound doctrine, but instead, will seek out teachers who will tell them the things that they want to hear. They will turn away from the truth, and embrace teachings that promote their sinful cravings (2 Timothy 3-4). Paul makes it clear in this passage of scripture, that it is lust; the passions and cravings of mankind, that lie at the heart of this departure from truth. Men reject truth, because it goes against their selfish desires.
Look at what the word of God has to say about lust. In Ephesians 2:2-3, Paul writes that the believers in Ephesus had at one time walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. He goes on to write that we all lived in this way in times past, fulfilling the lusts of the mind and the flesh. By nature, we were children of wrath. What does he mean by nature? He means selfishness; living for our passions and lusts, not caring how our lifestyles and actions affect God or anybody else. This is at the heart of sin and rebellion.
Notice what James tells us about temptation in James 1:13-15. We are tempted when we are drawn away by our lusts. Something catches our attention, excites our passions, and then we give into our desire and sin. Notice how the serpent enticed the desire of Eve (Genesis 3:6). The serpent had brought the character of God into question, and now Eve, looking upon the forbidden tree with it's fruit, has the boldness to partake of it, give some to Adam, and sin. She chose to gratify her passion rather than obey God. Peter warns us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11).
Lust is the source of the corruption that is in the world (2 Peter 1:4). When you look at all of the killing, the broken homes, the sexual immorality, dishonesty, anarchy, and so on, in this world, understand that it is the fruit of selfish man in pursuit of his inner lusts. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life, is what has made this world what it is today (1 John 2:15-17).
We see something interesting in the account of the temptation of Jesus. The devil took Jesus up to a high mountain, and showed Him all of the kingdoms of the world. He then offered Jesus all of these kingdoms, if He would fall down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-9). Now either the devil is lying, and cannot give these kingdoms to anyone, or he actually controls them. The Bible tells us that the whole world lies under his power (1 John 5:19). We are told that sin entered the world, and death through sin, by the transgression of Adam (Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12-14). At the point of Adams sin, Satan gained control of this world, enticing men, through their desires, causing them to sin. I do not believe that the devil is personally tempting someone every time they sin; man is fully capable of arousing his passions on his own, but ultimately, the devil has his way as man selfishly lives for the gratification of his inner desires. We are told that the "god of this age" has blinded the minds of unbelievers, lest the light of the gospel should shine on them (2 Cor 4:4). Jesus teaches us that the wicked one takes away the word that is sown in hard hearts (Matthew 13:4, 19). The kingdom of this world is held under the power of darkness (Col 1:13), it's inhabitants held captive by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26).
When one looks at the consequences of suppressing truth in unrighteousness, that is to reject the revelation of God to your soul, in favor of a god of your own making, it becomes evident that we are witnessing the "giving up by God" in a very large measure in society today (Romans 1:18-32). Understand that this is a judgment of God against those who reject Him. He allows them to advance deeper and deeper into moral filth. Read this passage of scripture, and let it sink in. The wicked lifestyles that we see running rampant today, are the tragic results of an individual, a society, a nation, that has been given over to depravity, by God. Paul says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). He goes on to list sins that are running rampant today. Fornication, homosexuality, murder, deceit, slander, among many others named, are found everywhere, even within the professing Church today. We even see "Christian ministers and teachers encouraging and promoting such things today. Once again, understand that to plunge into the depths of depravity, is a sign of being "turned over" by God. He is letting go, allowing you to persist in sin, unrestrained.
Paul tells us that the mystery of lawlessness is at work until the one who restrains is taken out of the way. Imagine a world where there is no longer any moral restraint. What we see now is evil enough. We have witnessed a great moral decline in a very short time, yet God still restrains it. He may let some go as we have just seen, but yet He is restraining evil. Imagine a world where there is no longer any restraint! This is what will occur prior to the return of Christ. The world will be filled with all manner of sin and wickedness, such as has never been seen yet.
Jesus Christ, in offering Himself for fallen man, has defeated the powers of darkness (Col 2:15). He came to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8), and has rendered him (Satan) powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We have victory in Christ. We are set free from bondage to sin. We no longer have to give in to temptation, we no longer have to fall, we have been delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). Through faith in Christ, we have everything we need for life and godliness, being made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-40. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old is gone, the new is come. In other words, we are changed (2 Cor 5:17). This is the gospel, salvation from sin.
This is great news for mankind, and we should be shouting it from the rooftops. Sadly, many in the professing Church today keep this news from the very ones who need it. A great many teachers take it upon themselves to redefine sin, telling those bound in its grip, that what they are doing is who they are; they were born that way, some even say that God made them that way. Instead of taking the word of God for what it says, they use science and psychology to explain why we are the way we are.
Some teach that God forgives, but they leave out repentance, and the fact that salvation is a life change. They fail to teach others that salvation is more than forgiveness, it is freedom from sinning as well.
Others choose to be silent. They do not wish to offend or hurt another. They think that it is unloving to confront an individual in sin. They are quick to cry "judge not!" Sadly, their "love" is leaving people hell bound, lost in sin.
We see a Church today that is affirming sinful lifestyles, encouraging people to cast of guilt and shame, and to have a high esteem of themselves. We have become "politically correct." We care more about including everybody, than we care about their eternal souls, and the purity of the Church.
This is the mystery of lawlessness at work. Teachers and pastors are led by their passions and desires instead of the word of God. We have decided to become like the world, instead of forsaking the world, in the hopes of bringing in people. Jesus warns us that the enemy will sow tares among the wheat, and this is exactly what we see happening today (Matt 13:25).
We are in desperate need of a spiritual revival within the Church today. O how we need to be awakened, and turned from the lukewarm worldliness, and lethargy that is so prevalent among God's professing children today. We are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill. We are to be salt, but it seems that we have lost much of our saltiness (Matt 5:13-14). It is time to cry out to God; to humble ourselves before Him, and seek His face, that He would come in power once again, and fill His Church with His glory; that he would cleanse us, so that we would be found by Him holy and unblemished, free from spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:26-27). This is our present need- the presence of Christ within our midst.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB
We see a mystery of lawlessness at work today. We have a society with no standards. We are witnessing a complete moral decay in our culture today. Things that were shameful to even mention just a few generations ago, are now brazenly shoved in our faces by people with no shame.
Sin (rebellion) has indeed been in the world from the very day the serpent cast doubt into the heart of Eve; "Hath God said (Genesis 3:1)?" Nations and civilizations have plunged into the depths of depravity, in the same way we see today, doing shameful things with increasing boldness, until they crumbled and fell. John tells us that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).
Tragically, the professing Church has in a great measure embraced the sinful lifestyles of the world around it. This casting off of restraint has permeated the Church. It takes no great stretch of the imagination to see a great falling away from the faith in this day (2 Thess 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1) What God intended to be the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), no longer holds to absolutes. Things have become blurred. What was once held forth as truth, is now rejected as being outdated, irrelevant, and no longer culturally acceptable.
The word of God tells of a time when men will no longer endure sound doctrine, but instead, will seek out teachers who will tell them the things that they want to hear. They will turn away from the truth, and embrace teachings that promote their sinful cravings (2 Timothy 3-4). Paul makes it clear in this passage of scripture, that it is lust; the passions and cravings of mankind, that lie at the heart of this departure from truth. Men reject truth, because it goes against their selfish desires.
Look at what the word of God has to say about lust. In Ephesians 2:2-3, Paul writes that the believers in Ephesus had at one time walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. He goes on to write that we all lived in this way in times past, fulfilling the lusts of the mind and the flesh. By nature, we were children of wrath. What does he mean by nature? He means selfishness; living for our passions and lusts, not caring how our lifestyles and actions affect God or anybody else. This is at the heart of sin and rebellion.
Notice what James tells us about temptation in James 1:13-15. We are tempted when we are drawn away by our lusts. Something catches our attention, excites our passions, and then we give into our desire and sin. Notice how the serpent enticed the desire of Eve (Genesis 3:6). The serpent had brought the character of God into question, and now Eve, looking upon the forbidden tree with it's fruit, has the boldness to partake of it, give some to Adam, and sin. She chose to gratify her passion rather than obey God. Peter warns us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11).
Lust is the source of the corruption that is in the world (2 Peter 1:4). When you look at all of the killing, the broken homes, the sexual immorality, dishonesty, anarchy, and so on, in this world, understand that it is the fruit of selfish man in pursuit of his inner lusts. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life, is what has made this world what it is today (1 John 2:15-17).
We see something interesting in the account of the temptation of Jesus. The devil took Jesus up to a high mountain, and showed Him all of the kingdoms of the world. He then offered Jesus all of these kingdoms, if He would fall down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-9). Now either the devil is lying, and cannot give these kingdoms to anyone, or he actually controls them. The Bible tells us that the whole world lies under his power (1 John 5:19). We are told that sin entered the world, and death through sin, by the transgression of Adam (Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12-14). At the point of Adams sin, Satan gained control of this world, enticing men, through their desires, causing them to sin. I do not believe that the devil is personally tempting someone every time they sin; man is fully capable of arousing his passions on his own, but ultimately, the devil has his way as man selfishly lives for the gratification of his inner desires. We are told that the "god of this age" has blinded the minds of unbelievers, lest the light of the gospel should shine on them (2 Cor 4:4). Jesus teaches us that the wicked one takes away the word that is sown in hard hearts (Matthew 13:4, 19). The kingdom of this world is held under the power of darkness (Col 1:13), it's inhabitants held captive by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26).
When one looks at the consequences of suppressing truth in unrighteousness, that is to reject the revelation of God to your soul, in favor of a god of your own making, it becomes evident that we are witnessing the "giving up by God" in a very large measure in society today (Romans 1:18-32). Understand that this is a judgment of God against those who reject Him. He allows them to advance deeper and deeper into moral filth. Read this passage of scripture, and let it sink in. The wicked lifestyles that we see running rampant today, are the tragic results of an individual, a society, a nation, that has been given over to depravity, by God. Paul says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). He goes on to list sins that are running rampant today. Fornication, homosexuality, murder, deceit, slander, among many others named, are found everywhere, even within the professing Church today. We even see "Christian ministers and teachers encouraging and promoting such things today. Once again, understand that to plunge into the depths of depravity, is a sign of being "turned over" by God. He is letting go, allowing you to persist in sin, unrestrained.
Paul tells us that the mystery of lawlessness is at work until the one who restrains is taken out of the way. Imagine a world where there is no longer any moral restraint. What we see now is evil enough. We have witnessed a great moral decline in a very short time, yet God still restrains it. He may let some go as we have just seen, but yet He is restraining evil. Imagine a world where there is no longer any restraint! This is what will occur prior to the return of Christ. The world will be filled with all manner of sin and wickedness, such as has never been seen yet.
Jesus Christ, in offering Himself for fallen man, has defeated the powers of darkness (Col 2:15). He came to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8), and has rendered him (Satan) powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We have victory in Christ. We are set free from bondage to sin. We no longer have to give in to temptation, we no longer have to fall, we have been delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). Through faith in Christ, we have everything we need for life and godliness, being made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-40. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old is gone, the new is come. In other words, we are changed (2 Cor 5:17). This is the gospel, salvation from sin.
This is great news for mankind, and we should be shouting it from the rooftops. Sadly, many in the professing Church today keep this news from the very ones who need it. A great many teachers take it upon themselves to redefine sin, telling those bound in its grip, that what they are doing is who they are; they were born that way, some even say that God made them that way. Instead of taking the word of God for what it says, they use science and psychology to explain why we are the way we are.
Some teach that God forgives, but they leave out repentance, and the fact that salvation is a life change. They fail to teach others that salvation is more than forgiveness, it is freedom from sinning as well.
Others choose to be silent. They do not wish to offend or hurt another. They think that it is unloving to confront an individual in sin. They are quick to cry "judge not!" Sadly, their "love" is leaving people hell bound, lost in sin.
We see a Church today that is affirming sinful lifestyles, encouraging people to cast of guilt and shame, and to have a high esteem of themselves. We have become "politically correct." We care more about including everybody, than we care about their eternal souls, and the purity of the Church.
This is the mystery of lawlessness at work. Teachers and pastors are led by their passions and desires instead of the word of God. We have decided to become like the world, instead of forsaking the world, in the hopes of bringing in people. Jesus warns us that the enemy will sow tares among the wheat, and this is exactly what we see happening today (Matt 13:25).
We are in desperate need of a spiritual revival within the Church today. O how we need to be awakened, and turned from the lukewarm worldliness, and lethargy that is so prevalent among God's professing children today. We are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill. We are to be salt, but it seems that we have lost much of our saltiness (Matt 5:13-14). It is time to cry out to God; to humble ourselves before Him, and seek His face, that He would come in power once again, and fill His Church with His glory; that he would cleanse us, so that we would be found by Him holy and unblemished, free from spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:26-27). This is our present need- the presence of Christ within our midst.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Go After Your Brother!
"What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?
"If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
"So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."
Matthew 18:12-14 NASB
Jesus continues the theme of true greatness (Matt 18:4). We see, in this portion of scripture (Matt 18:1-35), that we have a responsibility toward our brother; to watch over him, to ensure that we do not cause him to stumble, and to see that if he does, we do what we can to bring him back. This requires great humility. The common reaction is to let others do as they will, we will only worry about ourselves.
We see from the above verses, that Christ is concerned for the individual who has gone astray. This illustration of a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine, to search for the one, leads us to His teaching on restoring a brother caught in sin.
The Apostle Paul gives us similar instruction as well.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted."
Galatians 6:1 NASB
James has this to say,
My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 NASB
We have this very important principle confirmed in the New Testament by the mouth of two or three witnesses (2 Cor 13:1), so why do we fail to put it into practice in so many instances today?`
Jesus gives us a pattern to follow in the event a brother sins against us (Matt 18:15-20). The objective is the restoration of the sinning brother, and the healing of the broken relationship.
In the event of a brother sinning against you, first go to him in private. At this point, this is between you, and the person who offended you. I believe that if people would gently, but honestly confront an individual, in a true spirit of love, it would go a long way to restoring fellowship, and in keeping a brother from straying from the faith.
If however, your efforts do not reclaim your brother; he will not hear you, bring one or two others along with you, and try again. By bringing others in to help, it enforces the seriousness of the situation, and also ensures that things are done lovingly, and in truth.
Sadly, sometimes it takes a little more effort to reclaim a sinning brother, and if he will not hear the two or three, then the Church must become involved. By this point things are more serious. The problem is no longer between you and another. The Church is also affected, because the refusal of the sinning brother to repent, also brings a reproach upon the body of Christ. True Christian fellowship and unity is dependent upon our submission to Christ, and our submission to, and love for each other (Phil 2:2; Col 3:12-14; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 John 1:7). Once again, the objective is to see a brother who has gone astray restored to fellowship. If he now sees the error of his ways, and humbly confesses his sin, turning from it, he has been reclaimed.
If, at this point, he will still not turn from his sin, the only recourse is to break fellowship with the unrepentant individual. This seems harsh to many, but once again, the goal is restoration. This is actually tough love, with the intent that a "shunned" individual will come to the realization of his need of reconciliation. It would be important for the church to be in prayer for this individual, seeking that God would turn his heart back to the truth.
The Apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian Church for failing to go through this process with an individual who was in sexual sin. He called them arrogant for their acceptance of this unrepentant brother, and commanded them to turn the man out of fellowship. His goal was twofold. He desired that the individual would come to his senses and repent, and he was also jealously guarding the Church from further corruption (1 Cor 5:1-13).
Again, this seems harsh to many. People view this as being judgmental, and are quick to point out that Jesus tells us not to judge (Matt 7:1). We are told in this Passage in First Corinthians, that we are to judge those within the Church (1 Cor 5:11-13). We must be careful however, that our judgment is not harsh or critical; it must be done in love, and that we judge ourselves first, before we judge another (Matt 7:1-5).
If we would take the time to go after our Christian brothers and sisters when they stray, it would go a long way in promoting the unity and purity of the body of Christ.
The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to bring back a repentant individual, who had been turned out by the Church (2 Cor 2:1-11). Perhaps this was the same individual mentioned before, but the point is, a sinning brother was restored: to God, and to fellowship within the body of believers. This is how it is to work, if we would take the time, and make the effort, to see a brother restored.
"If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
"So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."
Matthew 18:12-14 NASB
Jesus continues the theme of true greatness (Matt 18:4). We see, in this portion of scripture (Matt 18:1-35), that we have a responsibility toward our brother; to watch over him, to ensure that we do not cause him to stumble, and to see that if he does, we do what we can to bring him back. This requires great humility. The common reaction is to let others do as they will, we will only worry about ourselves.
We see from the above verses, that Christ is concerned for the individual who has gone astray. This illustration of a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine, to search for the one, leads us to His teaching on restoring a brother caught in sin.
The Apostle Paul gives us similar instruction as well.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted."
Galatians 6:1 NASB
James has this to say,
My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 NASB
We have this very important principle confirmed in the New Testament by the mouth of two or three witnesses (2 Cor 13:1), so why do we fail to put it into practice in so many instances today?`
Jesus gives us a pattern to follow in the event a brother sins against us (Matt 18:15-20). The objective is the restoration of the sinning brother, and the healing of the broken relationship.
In the event of a brother sinning against you, first go to him in private. At this point, this is between you, and the person who offended you. I believe that if people would gently, but honestly confront an individual, in a true spirit of love, it would go a long way to restoring fellowship, and in keeping a brother from straying from the faith.
If however, your efforts do not reclaim your brother; he will not hear you, bring one or two others along with you, and try again. By bringing others in to help, it enforces the seriousness of the situation, and also ensures that things are done lovingly, and in truth.
Sadly, sometimes it takes a little more effort to reclaim a sinning brother, and if he will not hear the two or three, then the Church must become involved. By this point things are more serious. The problem is no longer between you and another. The Church is also affected, because the refusal of the sinning brother to repent, also brings a reproach upon the body of Christ. True Christian fellowship and unity is dependent upon our submission to Christ, and our submission to, and love for each other (Phil 2:2; Col 3:12-14; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 John 1:7). Once again, the objective is to see a brother who has gone astray restored to fellowship. If he now sees the error of his ways, and humbly confesses his sin, turning from it, he has been reclaimed.
If, at this point, he will still not turn from his sin, the only recourse is to break fellowship with the unrepentant individual. This seems harsh to many, but once again, the goal is restoration. This is actually tough love, with the intent that a "shunned" individual will come to the realization of his need of reconciliation. It would be important for the church to be in prayer for this individual, seeking that God would turn his heart back to the truth.
The Apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian Church for failing to go through this process with an individual who was in sexual sin. He called them arrogant for their acceptance of this unrepentant brother, and commanded them to turn the man out of fellowship. His goal was twofold. He desired that the individual would come to his senses and repent, and he was also jealously guarding the Church from further corruption (1 Cor 5:1-13).
Again, this seems harsh to many. People view this as being judgmental, and are quick to point out that Jesus tells us not to judge (Matt 7:1). We are told in this Passage in First Corinthians, that we are to judge those within the Church (1 Cor 5:11-13). We must be careful however, that our judgment is not harsh or critical; it must be done in love, and that we judge ourselves first, before we judge another (Matt 7:1-5).
If we would take the time to go after our Christian brothers and sisters when they stray, it would go a long way in promoting the unity and purity of the body of Christ.
The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to bring back a repentant individual, who had been turned out by the Church (2 Cor 2:1-11). Perhaps this was the same individual mentioned before, but the point is, a sinning brother was restored: to God, and to fellowship within the body of believers. This is how it is to work, if we would take the time, and make the effort, to see a brother restored.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Stumbling Blocks.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:6-11 KJV
This is an often overlooked passage of scripture, but yet upon reading it, one is struck by the seriousness of these words of Jesus. We have a tremendous responsibility toward our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We dare not be careless or negligent in this matter, as we are indeed our brother's keeper.
In the greater context of this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson on humility. In response to their question of who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus teaches them that one must be humble, like a child, to be truly great (Matt 18:1-5).
The world runs on pride. Decisions are made based upon selfish interests. People in general do not really look out for the concerns and needs of those around them. This goes against what Jesus tells us when He says, "Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones." The Apostle Paul asked "But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother (Romans 14:10)?" This is the same thing; despising a brother, not caring about his feelings, concerns or needs, in relation to our own.
What is at issue here is the salvation, and spiritual well being of an individual. We have a solemn responsibility to take care that we do not do something that would cause another to stumble in their faith. The eyes of others are on us, and the things that we say and do, the things that we promote, and the way we live from day to day are noticed by others, and influence them for good, or bad.
Jesus urges us to take great pains with our lives so that we will not be the cause of stumbling for someone else. He uses the example of cutting off a hand or foot, or gouging out an eye, to show us that we must be radical, going to great extremes to ensure that our lives are above reproach before Him, and also before the world around us. This is a hard teaching for many today. We have our lifestyles to maintain, our "Christian liberty" to enjoy, and do not like the idea of having to look out for a "weaker" brother. Look at the example of Paul however. He would give up eating meat forever, if it would somehow cause another to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).
There are several passages of scripture that lay out this principle for us. They are as follows,
Romans 14:1-23
Romans 15:1-7
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
The point is, we as Christians are not to live for ourselves. We are to seek the well being of others. If this means that I might have to give up a little "Christian liberty", for the sake of someone who might not have that same liberty that I have, so be it. A lot of people are easily offended at the idea that a brother or sister might be stumbled by an activity that is seen by another as innocent. Many believe that their actions are between them and God alone, and no one else has the right to say anything about it. This is wrong however, according to what both Jesus, and the Apostle Paul teach in the scriptures. If your liberty leads someone into sin, it is wrong for you to flaunt that liberty around that person.
One example is that of clothing; what is modest, as opposed to immodest in dress. Many women dress in a way that seems ok to them, but it might be a little too revealing for someone else. Now if it causes someone to wrestle with lustful thoughts, there is a problem. If that brother gives way to the thoughts he wrestles with, he has now sinned.
The common reaction of many is that of contempt for the man wrestling with his thought life. They might say that they have a right to dress how they like; that it is between them and God, and their conscience does not convict them. They go on to blame the other person for his apparent lack of self control. This is wrong according to what the Bible teaches. If the way someone dresses is leading someone else into temptation or even sin, then that person has the responsibility to dress so as not to offend someone else. It does not matter if the other person is weaker, or lacks self control, or not. The fact is, the actions of one person, are leading to the spiritual downfall of another.
This principle can be applied to actions and situations of all kinds. We have a God given responsibility to look out for one another. If we determine that our actions might be a cause of offense to another, then whether we feel we are right or not, we must deny self, for the sake of a weaker brother.
Like I said, this is a hard teaching that many do not like. It involves humility, self denial, giving up things that we may have perfect liberty to be involved in, for the sake of someone who may not share the same convictions that we hold, or who is weaker, or struggles in certain areas of his or her life. We must determine that we will not place a stumbling block, or obstacle in a brother's way (Romans 14:13). This is walking in Christian love.
Woe unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:6-11 KJV
This is an often overlooked passage of scripture, but yet upon reading it, one is struck by the seriousness of these words of Jesus. We have a tremendous responsibility toward our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We dare not be careless or negligent in this matter, as we are indeed our brother's keeper.
In the greater context of this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson on humility. In response to their question of who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus teaches them that one must be humble, like a child, to be truly great (Matt 18:1-5).
The world runs on pride. Decisions are made based upon selfish interests. People in general do not really look out for the concerns and needs of those around them. This goes against what Jesus tells us when He says, "Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones." The Apostle Paul asked "But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother (Romans 14:10)?" This is the same thing; despising a brother, not caring about his feelings, concerns or needs, in relation to our own.
What is at issue here is the salvation, and spiritual well being of an individual. We have a solemn responsibility to take care that we do not do something that would cause another to stumble in their faith. The eyes of others are on us, and the things that we say and do, the things that we promote, and the way we live from day to day are noticed by others, and influence them for good, or bad.
Jesus urges us to take great pains with our lives so that we will not be the cause of stumbling for someone else. He uses the example of cutting off a hand or foot, or gouging out an eye, to show us that we must be radical, going to great extremes to ensure that our lives are above reproach before Him, and also before the world around us. This is a hard teaching for many today. We have our lifestyles to maintain, our "Christian liberty" to enjoy, and do not like the idea of having to look out for a "weaker" brother. Look at the example of Paul however. He would give up eating meat forever, if it would somehow cause another to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).
There are several passages of scripture that lay out this principle for us. They are as follows,
Romans 14:1-23
Romans 15:1-7
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
The point is, we as Christians are not to live for ourselves. We are to seek the well being of others. If this means that I might have to give up a little "Christian liberty", for the sake of someone who might not have that same liberty that I have, so be it. A lot of people are easily offended at the idea that a brother or sister might be stumbled by an activity that is seen by another as innocent. Many believe that their actions are between them and God alone, and no one else has the right to say anything about it. This is wrong however, according to what both Jesus, and the Apostle Paul teach in the scriptures. If your liberty leads someone into sin, it is wrong for you to flaunt that liberty around that person.
One example is that of clothing; what is modest, as opposed to immodest in dress. Many women dress in a way that seems ok to them, but it might be a little too revealing for someone else. Now if it causes someone to wrestle with lustful thoughts, there is a problem. If that brother gives way to the thoughts he wrestles with, he has now sinned.
The common reaction of many is that of contempt for the man wrestling with his thought life. They might say that they have a right to dress how they like; that it is between them and God, and their conscience does not convict them. They go on to blame the other person for his apparent lack of self control. This is wrong according to what the Bible teaches. If the way someone dresses is leading someone else into temptation or even sin, then that person has the responsibility to dress so as not to offend someone else. It does not matter if the other person is weaker, or lacks self control, or not. The fact is, the actions of one person, are leading to the spiritual downfall of another.
This principle can be applied to actions and situations of all kinds. We have a God given responsibility to look out for one another. If we determine that our actions might be a cause of offense to another, then whether we feel we are right or not, we must deny self, for the sake of a weaker brother.
Like I said, this is a hard teaching that many do not like. It involves humility, self denial, giving up things that we may have perfect liberty to be involved in, for the sake of someone who may not share the same convictions that we hold, or who is weaker, or struggles in certain areas of his or her life. We must determine that we will not place a stumbling block, or obstacle in a brother's way (Romans 14:13). This is walking in Christian love.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Where Is The Shame?
"Open shame belongs to us, O, Lord, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against you."
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
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