One of my favorite scenes from Star Trek involves Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. To one of the Captain's inquiries Spock replies; "I fail to understand the logic of your asking for my opinion on matters which you have already made up your mind" (or something to that effect). I have found this to be true in Life. People ask for your opinion when they don't really want it. They greet you with "how are you" when they really don't want to know, or do not care. This is really all more shameful when it concerns fellow members of the Body of Christ.
One of the greatest fault among the Corinthians is that they failed to "tarry one for another." They were more interested in satisfying themselves than considering the needs of others. They were guilty of "not discerning the Lord's body. This is the reason he told them the following;
(1 Cor 12:24-27) "For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: {25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
(1 Cor 10:23-24) "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. {24} Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."
Other passages echo the same theme;
(Rom 12:5) "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
(Phil 2:1-5) "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, {2} Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. {3} Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. {4} Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. {5} Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
(1 Cor 13:1-7) "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. {2} And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. {3} And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. {4} Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Something to think about.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Frustrating Grace
(Col 2:20-23) "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? {23} Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."
One of the greatest tragedies in this world is the believer that has returned to the trough of religion to satisfy his old sinful flesh rather than living in our new identity in Christ. Many, mistakenly, think of the worldly as those who are given to fleshly pursuits, but fail to realize that the greatest efforts to appease the flesh lie in the realm of religion and human good.
Religion, and human good, takes mankind down a path of denial, having as a goal the controlling of the impulses of the flesh. It is an exercise in futility as it is impossible to quit sinning. In Christ, the believer is equipped to replace the deeds of the flesh with the works of righteousness. This replacement principle is basic to the intrinsic nature of the life of Christ in the believer (Galatians 2:20-21). Religion does bring a sense of order to many people’s lives, but it does so at the price of stepping onto an ever turning treadmill of religious activity. It is constantly striving to attain the unattainable which, on the one hand, pleases us for our self-effort but, on the other hand, leaves us dissatisfied for our lack of ever having done enough. The apostle Paul describes this as “frustrating the grace of God.”
Indeed, the only satisfaction that is derived from religion is that which is gained by comparison. Those who are somewhat more successful in controlling the impulses of the flesh look at others, who are less successful, and feel superior. Within they are unfulfilled and, consequently, must look to external evidences to define their worth and success.
This formula of self-worth is that which is basic to this evil world we live in. It is the mechanism the ungodly employ in their efforts toward self-righteousness. It is sad that saints often fall back into the same program because of their feelings of inadequacy and failure. The truth is, the Christian walk is not one of denial, but one of affirmation. There is a verse in Titus that reads; "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)
Titus 3:8 does not teach that “good works are the product of careful maintenance.” It does teach that there are “things” which when “constantly affirmed” enable the believer to “maintain good works.” There is a big difference between the two. One relies on our diligence and willful intent to perform, while the other is the result of affirming Biblical truth. The first seven verses in Titus 3 speak to this. Verses two and three highlight the need for us to remember who we were before our conversion. Verses four through seven speak of (1) God’s kindness and love toward us. (2) Our inability to save ourselves. (3) God’s mercy, regeneration and renewing are abundant to us through Jesus Christ. (4) We are justified on the basis of grace and we are the heirs of eternal life.
When we affirm these positive truths we are motivated, and energized, toward living in light of our identity in Christ. Paul told the Thessalonians this; "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Th 2:13) The Word of God works in the believer in a powerful way. So much so, that its’ profit to us is that we are “perfect” and “throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) A religious agenda will never replace the power of the Living Word in the life of a believer. Religion is the path to spiritual death but the affirmation of God’s grace is Christ in us, the hope of gory.
We can never satisfy our flesh with any amount of regimentation. No matter how much religion we throw at our flesh, it will always demand more effort. The grace of God is sufficient. It empowers us to mortify the flesh and to live unto God. Happiness and success for the saint, living in this present evil world, is in realizing that it is only in human weakness that we find the strength of grace. The delusion of religion is one of human ability and only leads to frustration.
(2 Cor 12:9) "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
One of the greatest tragedies in this world is the believer that has returned to the trough of religion to satisfy his old sinful flesh rather than living in our new identity in Christ. Many, mistakenly, think of the worldly as those who are given to fleshly pursuits, but fail to realize that the greatest efforts to appease the flesh lie in the realm of religion and human good.
Religion, and human good, takes mankind down a path of denial, having as a goal the controlling of the impulses of the flesh. It is an exercise in futility as it is impossible to quit sinning. In Christ, the believer is equipped to replace the deeds of the flesh with the works of righteousness. This replacement principle is basic to the intrinsic nature of the life of Christ in the believer (Galatians 2:20-21). Religion does bring a sense of order to many people’s lives, but it does so at the price of stepping onto an ever turning treadmill of religious activity. It is constantly striving to attain the unattainable which, on the one hand, pleases us for our self-effort but, on the other hand, leaves us dissatisfied for our lack of ever having done enough. The apostle Paul describes this as “frustrating the grace of God.”
Indeed, the only satisfaction that is derived from religion is that which is gained by comparison. Those who are somewhat more successful in controlling the impulses of the flesh look at others, who are less successful, and feel superior. Within they are unfulfilled and, consequently, must look to external evidences to define their worth and success.
This formula of self-worth is that which is basic to this evil world we live in. It is the mechanism the ungodly employ in their efforts toward self-righteousness. It is sad that saints often fall back into the same program because of their feelings of inadequacy and failure. The truth is, the Christian walk is not one of denial, but one of affirmation. There is a verse in Titus that reads; "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)
Titus 3:8 does not teach that “good works are the product of careful maintenance.” It does teach that there are “things” which when “constantly affirmed” enable the believer to “maintain good works.” There is a big difference between the two. One relies on our diligence and willful intent to perform, while the other is the result of affirming Biblical truth. The first seven verses in Titus 3 speak to this. Verses two and three highlight the need for us to remember who we were before our conversion. Verses four through seven speak of (1) God’s kindness and love toward us. (2) Our inability to save ourselves. (3) God’s mercy, regeneration and renewing are abundant to us through Jesus Christ. (4) We are justified on the basis of grace and we are the heirs of eternal life.
When we affirm these positive truths we are motivated, and energized, toward living in light of our identity in Christ. Paul told the Thessalonians this; "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Th 2:13) The Word of God works in the believer in a powerful way. So much so, that its’ profit to us is that we are “perfect” and “throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) A religious agenda will never replace the power of the Living Word in the life of a believer. Religion is the path to spiritual death but the affirmation of God’s grace is Christ in us, the hope of gory.
We can never satisfy our flesh with any amount of regimentation. No matter how much religion we throw at our flesh, it will always demand more effort. The grace of God is sufficient. It empowers us to mortify the flesh and to live unto God. Happiness and success for the saint, living in this present evil world, is in realizing that it is only in human weakness that we find the strength of grace. The delusion of religion is one of human ability and only leads to frustration.
(2 Cor 12:9) "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Monday, May 25, 2009
Complete In Christ Follow-up
Paul, in his prayers for the saints expressed this desire; (Eph 3:16-19) "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; {17} That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, {18} May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; {19} And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
“That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” is a phrase that is difficult to wrap one’s brain around, but it is something that can be a reality in our life. It’s so sad that many believers have settled for the busy-ness of religion or self-established agenda rather than yielding to the life of Christ and the completeness that brings to our weakness. It was this realization that enabled Paul to say that he would “rather glory in his infirmities.” He discovered that nothing else matters much when “the power of Christ rests upon me.”
(2 Cor 4:15-18) "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. {16} For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
As we live in light of our identity in Christ we are motivated to see things from His perspective and to rely on the resource of His righteousness and grace. How much better, simpler, and logical it would be to do this than trying to impress God with our feeble attempts to please Him in our own strength.
In Christ we find everything that is pleasing to God the Father. Perhaps, after we’ve fallen down enough we will acknowledge the truth.
(1 Cor 1:27-31) "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should glory in his presence. {30} But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: {31} That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
“That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” is a phrase that is difficult to wrap one’s brain around, but it is something that can be a reality in our life. It’s so sad that many believers have settled for the busy-ness of religion or self-established agenda rather than yielding to the life of Christ and the completeness that brings to our weakness. It was this realization that enabled Paul to say that he would “rather glory in his infirmities.” He discovered that nothing else matters much when “the power of Christ rests upon me.”
(2 Cor 4:15-18) "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. {16} For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
As we live in light of our identity in Christ we are motivated to see things from His perspective and to rely on the resource of His righteousness and grace. How much better, simpler, and logical it would be to do this than trying to impress God with our feeble attempts to please Him in our own strength.
In Christ we find everything that is pleasing to God the Father. Perhaps, after we’ve fallen down enough we will acknowledge the truth.
(1 Cor 1:27-31) "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should glory in his presence. {30} But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: {31} That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What Part of Complete Do We Not Understand?
(Col 2:6-10) "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
When a person trusts Christ as Savior many wonderful things happen. Too many believers see conversion as a change in destination only when, perhaps, they should discover that they now have a destiny (an inner realizable purpose in life). And when we read Paul’s epistles we discover that with our destiny comes a plethora of attributes and directions to realize God’s purpose in our life.
(1 Cor 12:12-13) "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
Ephesians one tells us that the Holy Spirit is our “seal” and our “earnest”. However, He also performs an essential operation of God; He baptizes us into the Body of Christ. This accomplishes our eternal identification with our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our identity and life are now intrinsically linked with Him. This perspective should change our view of a life agenda. It’s not about what we think is right, it’s about Christ’s life and purpose in us.
Gal 2:20-21) "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. {21} I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
The truth is, many of us “frustrate” God’s purpose in our life because we refuse the power of His grace, preferring to draw on our own energy and ideology. There is nothing ambiguous about the statement “…ye are complete in Him.” There is nothing we can add philosophically or ideologically to God’s plan and provision. There is nothing that our creativity, or energy, can bring to the equation. It’s all about, in, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. But, man continually attempts to add to this completeness.
(Col 2:8-13) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {13} And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
Man brings his own ideas and agenda and inserts it into the place of Christ’s life in us, replacing that which is ideal with frustration. Man brings religion (manmade attempts to please God) into the equation, replacing the life of Christ with rites, ceremonies, regulations and false authority. For instance; Paul in Ephesians 4:5 says there is “one baptism”. I Corinthians 12 and Colossians 2 make it abundantly clear that this “one baptism” is an “operation of God.” Why then does man insist on a second, unnecessary Hebrew water rite? Yes, I know all about the so-called symbolism and alleged outward testimony ascribed to this practice. But, our testimony for, and identification with the Lord Jesus Christ is not expressed with a ceremony – it is His very life manifested in us.
God’s design is that we be identified completely with His Son, the Lord Jesus, Christ. His design is that we also find our sufficiency in the same identity. We are complete because we are “in Christ”. It’s God’s purpose that we be complete.
To that end He has given us a completed written authority in the Scriptures to direct and equip us. (2 Tim 3:16-17) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Yet, man isn’t satisfied with this; He even wants to change, challenge, or correct these written instructions.
(Eph 2:8-10) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Man’s view is that God’s work is incomplete and that it must be improved, corrected, or added to. Man’s arrogance is an affront to God and defies the simplicity that is found in the statement “…ye are complete in Him.” Just what part of complete is it that we do not understand?
When a person trusts Christ as Savior many wonderful things happen. Too many believers see conversion as a change in destination only when, perhaps, they should discover that they now have a destiny (an inner realizable purpose in life). And when we read Paul’s epistles we discover that with our destiny comes a plethora of attributes and directions to realize God’s purpose in our life.
(1 Cor 12:12-13) "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
Ephesians one tells us that the Holy Spirit is our “seal” and our “earnest”. However, He also performs an essential operation of God; He baptizes us into the Body of Christ. This accomplishes our eternal identification with our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our identity and life are now intrinsically linked with Him. This perspective should change our view of a life agenda. It’s not about what we think is right, it’s about Christ’s life and purpose in us.
Gal 2:20-21) "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. {21} I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
The truth is, many of us “frustrate” God’s purpose in our life because we refuse the power of His grace, preferring to draw on our own energy and ideology. There is nothing ambiguous about the statement “…ye are complete in Him.” There is nothing we can add philosophically or ideologically to God’s plan and provision. There is nothing that our creativity, or energy, can bring to the equation. It’s all about, in, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. But, man continually attempts to add to this completeness.
(Col 2:8-13) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {13} And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
Man brings his own ideas and agenda and inserts it into the place of Christ’s life in us, replacing that which is ideal with frustration. Man brings religion (manmade attempts to please God) into the equation, replacing the life of Christ with rites, ceremonies, regulations and false authority. For instance; Paul in Ephesians 4:5 says there is “one baptism”. I Corinthians 12 and Colossians 2 make it abundantly clear that this “one baptism” is an “operation of God.” Why then does man insist on a second, unnecessary Hebrew water rite? Yes, I know all about the so-called symbolism and alleged outward testimony ascribed to this practice. But, our testimony for, and identification with the Lord Jesus Christ is not expressed with a ceremony – it is His very life manifested in us.
God’s design is that we be identified completely with His Son, the Lord Jesus, Christ. His design is that we also find our sufficiency in the same identity. We are complete because we are “in Christ”. It’s God’s purpose that we be complete.
To that end He has given us a completed written authority in the Scriptures to direct and equip us. (2 Tim 3:16-17) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Yet, man isn’t satisfied with this; He even wants to change, challenge, or correct these written instructions.
(Eph 2:8-10) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Man’s view is that God’s work is incomplete and that it must be improved, corrected, or added to. Man’s arrogance is an affront to God and defies the simplicity that is found in the statement “…ye are complete in Him.” Just what part of complete is it that we do not understand?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Circle of Life
As I observe my son, and his wife Julie, with their new child I am transported back in time. How special is the time with a newborn, and how blissful the ignorance of the trials and work in the years to come. But the true worth of the effort is manifested in reflecting back. It was all worth it.
(Prov 17:6) "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."
(Prov 17:6) "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Faith and Works
The following story is told of A.J. Gordon, a convert of J.N. Darby. I find it noteworthy in that in that time it was the dispensationalist who proclaimed salvation by faith alone. Many of the, so-called, evangelists of the day freely mixed commitment with faith, presenting a gospel mixing faith with human effort for justification. I am convinced that many of the revivals in that era were more about conformation rather than transformation. A. Ray Stanford has often said that "the issue is ALWAYS faith verses works." How true this is!
A. J. Gordon while traveling on a train fell into debate with a fellow passenger on the subject of justification by faith. Said the man to Dr. Gordon: “I tell you, God deals with men, not with a little bit of theological scrip called faith; and when the Almighty admits one to Heaven he makes rigid inquiry about his character, and not about his faith.” Presently the conductor came along and examined the tickets. When he had passed, Dr. Gordon said, “Did you ever notice how the conductor always looks at the ticket, and takes no pains at all to inspect the passenger? A railway ticket, if genuine, shows that the person presenting it has complied with the company’s conditions and is entitled to transportation. Faith entitles a man to that saving grace that is alone able to produce a character well-pleasing to God. God cares about character; but ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’ ”
A. J. Gordon while traveling on a train fell into debate with a fellow passenger on the subject of justification by faith. Said the man to Dr. Gordon: “I tell you, God deals with men, not with a little bit of theological scrip called faith; and when the Almighty admits one to Heaven he makes rigid inquiry about his character, and not about his faith.” Presently the conductor came along and examined the tickets. When he had passed, Dr. Gordon said, “Did you ever notice how the conductor always looks at the ticket, and takes no pains at all to inspect the passenger? A railway ticket, if genuine, shows that the person presenting it has complied with the company’s conditions and is entitled to transportation. Faith entitles a man to that saving grace that is alone able to produce a character well-pleasing to God. God cares about character; but ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’ ”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Misuse of Scripture
A man who was fond of having his own way at home made sure that he got it by constantly reminding his wife that the Bible said she was to obey her husband. He made this an excuse for passing off on her any tasks he found too distasteful for himself. She became a virtual slave to his comfort and that of his relatives. He conveniently overlooked the biblical admonition to husbands to give “honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel.” His feeling was that God had made him lord and master in his own home and he was exploiting this prerogative to the fullest. We do not invoke Him and His Word to serve our own ends. ~ unknown
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