selah: March 2005

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Where Is Boasting?

Oh Christian, where is your room for boasting? Are you not merely an infinitesimal scratch for the sake of the Kingdom in the great tree of the world through history? Even the greater scratches and slivers removed, such as the work of Martin Luther, Augustine, and Billy Graham are minute in comparison with the great redwood of this world and the gouge chopped out by the gospel through the true Church. And are you not merely one swing of the ax? The work that you have accomplished is not your own. The Kingly Lumberjack has both sharpened you and swung you; your effects are not your own doing. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Only the Ax of perfect sharpness has any room to boast. Only He, with the greatest of ease, chopped through the redwood in one stroke—bringing the massive conifer to its utter destruction. Only this One, who briefly humbled Himself, is deserving of any and all honor.

Galatians 6:17-18 Make Your Elders Happy, Obey the True Gospel

Galatians 6:17-18 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

It was Paul’s desire that the Galatian church grow up in faith and doctrine so that no one would have to bother him any longer with such basic issues as justification. He is not saying that if troubles arise that the church should just not consult him. No true shepherd of the sheep would desire this. Rather, like any good pastor, Paul was pleading for the Galatians to no longer give in to legalists and false gospels. He had the proof of the validity of his gospel in the marks he received in his body because of persecution, and so the Galatians should weigh his “brands” and those of the Judaizers, for Christ promised persecution for the sake of the gospel.

Brothers and sisters who compose the church; grow up in faith and doctrine so that you no longer cause your leaders such grief as Paul received. If your pastors/elders are any good, they have a heart both for your spiritual well-being and for truthful, God-exalting doctrine, and thus they know that you must have good doctrine to have spiritual well-being. This means that you will have to study the Bible, and perhaps even some good theology books. Take this time, and spare your leaders the heartache and gut-wrench of having you get tossed around like a small boat on a rough sea, and of even having you capsize and drown, falling away from the faith, proving their work in vain.

Paul had faced enough suffering in setting a foundation for the Galatian church (and for all other churches he had founded). He had the “brand-marks of Jesus” upon his body, showing that he had suffered for the cause of Christ. These marks were the proof that Paul was willing to suffer the persecution that comes with preaching the despised message of the cross. These “brand-marks of Jesus” are to be contrasted with the circumcision of the Judaizers. There marks showed their submission to the Law; Paul’s marks showed his submission to Christ—you could not have both, since the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ is in direct opposition to the legalistic system that seeks justification based upon keeping the Law.

Take note of such as these, brothers and sisters, who have suffered for Christ and not by deforming and marring the body (cf. Colossians 2:23). Persecution will follow the gospel, and so you should expect it as well, in whatever form it comes (cf. Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-21). Accept such persecution and the any “brand-marks” that come with it, for they may be the verification of the gospel of Christ. However, do not accept “circumcision,” except circumcision of the heart, which is regeneration. In other words, do not accept mere outward rituals that some may claim have salvific warrant. Neither accept the teaching of those who use outward self-mutilation and who claim the salvific merit of deeds done in or to the body rather than from persecution for the sake of the gospel. These are legalists, and so preach a merit-driven gospel.

Now, as Paul prays for his readers, so I pray for you. May the grace of God in Jesus Christ always be with you. This is the grace of God that alone saves through faith alone. Do not turn aside from it and trust in your own works. Rather, follow hard after Jesus Christ, our Lord. And may He bless and keep you in this grace until His glorious coming!

Galatians 6:15-16 Only a New Creation Matters

Galatians 6:15-16 For neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Outward deeds and appearances are not important when it comes to godliness, as Paul discussed as well in Colossians 2:16-23. Do not boast in one or the other. Neither one is what is important. It is the same today in areas such as what day of the week we worship on. This is not important, but rather that we come to the Lord with worshipful hearts. It is also not a place to boast that you have been baptized or you have not been baptized. Paul specifically did not baptize in Corinth so that no one would boast that they had been baptized by him and so were better than anyone else (1 Corinthians 1:10-17).

Now, I am not saying that Christ does not require baptism of those who follow Him—if you fail to be baptized you walk in disobedience to Christ’s lordship—a sure sign of an unrepentant heart. Rather, the essential issue to eternal life is not whether or not you have been baptized in water, but that you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit: born again—regenerated by the Holy Spirit unto life (cf. John 3:3, 5-8). This is the only way to godliness.

Therefore, if you walk in this, may God’s peace and mercy be upon you and all “the Israel of God.” If you have experienced the new creation, you have the right to have peace with God and hope in His mercy. You no longer have to fear judgment, for “perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). Those who are a new creation are also those who trust in Christ alone to be their wrath-bearing sacrifice with God. They can trust that God will not condemn them on the Day of Judgment, but that they will be found in His favor.

Now, when Paul speaks of “the Israel of God,” He is speaking of the Church—the true Israel, the true descendents of Abraham. Only the Church has the right to have peace with God and mercy from Him, for She alone is in right-standing with the Son. Therefore Paul wishes, as we should as well, that peace and mercy be upon the universal Church. This universal, or catholic Church (to be distinguished from the Roman Catholic Church) is made up of all Christians everywhere—Jews and Gentiles, abiding in the North, South, East, or West.

As the Israel of God, the Church has thus received the promises of God to Abraham and his descendents in the Old Testament, through Christ; for those in the Church are the descendents of Abraham. This is a great truth! We can thus stand assured that God will keep all His promises to us and that we are “the apple of His eye.” We are the true Israel in Christ.

Triple Bonus Jackpot Night at Work!

I normally wouldn't post on what is going on, but tonight was just way too sweet! I definitely didn't have to worry about what I would eat or what I would drink tonight. God provided like nothing else.
Two of us served a buffet to the nicest people in the world. They were all chaplains and their families. They were all encouraging as they shared with us and desired to know about us. Some of them liked me just because I am from Ohio and they are chaplains in Ohio--in fact, the Dayton area!
Well, after the event we cleaned up (we got out around 8:30, so that's about 3.5 hours of work). There was sooooo much food left. I brought home 1 container of green beans (the southern style kind with bacon), salad, and beef, another container with chicken, rolls, and mashed potatoes, and 1 full of assorted deserts (these are 10x6 trays, about 2 inches deep)! I also brought home a whole styrofoam container of enchiladas. Whoa! This is seriously enough food to feed me for a month; only, I'll be around only until Thursday! So Uche, Mike, Jimmy Laquis and I will be eating really well. And I even got paid for the gig! This may be the best job, besides being a pastor or a missionary. Praise the Lord for His goodness toward me, which is currently very obvious in the areas of food and employment.

Galatians 6:14 Do not Boast, Except in the Cross

Galatians 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Christian, let your life be a contrast to the ways of legalists. While they boast in their own doing and in their self-righteousness, you should boast in the cross. It is the cross that has changed you and set you apart. It is only by the cross that you can claim righteousness. Rather than shrinking back from the persecution that comes on account of the cross, press forward in the faith knowing that through the cross you are being perfected.

May it never be that you should boast in yourself. Do not boast in any gifts, whether spiritual, work related, or natural talents and abilities. These will not serve any good in changing your heart and justifying you before God. Neither let yourself boast in any righteousness of your own. “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away” (Isaiah 64:6). You own deeds are tainted with sin and imperfect. If the deed itself is good yet your motive is contaminated. Therefore you have no room to pride yourself in or trust in your own righteousness.

Take Paul as your example. Though many were putting confidence in their own flesh, such as the Judaizers—“the dogs… the evil workers… the false circumcision”—any who boast in their good deeds—Paul “put no confidence in the flesh.” If anybody could have boasted in his own righteousness, Paul was that person. He was “circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law [that is, the outward Law], found blameless” (Philippians 3:2-6). Yet Paul found that, as to inward righteousness, even he was unrighteous, for he could not keep his own heart from covetousness (cf. Romans 7:7-13).

On account of his inability to be righteous, Paul says, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:8-9). Paul boasted only in the cross of Jesus Christ. To the cross he clung so that he could be credited the alien righteousness of Christ. He could not boast except in the cross, since the righteousness he boasted in was not his own, but the righteousness of an outside source—Christ Jesus.

In the same way, brothers and sisters, do not boast in yourself, but in the cross of Christ. You are both justified and regenerated only through the cross. Through the cross of Christ you have died to this world and the world has died to you. You have received a new heart from God on account of the cross. Thus on account of the cross, through the work of Jesus Christ, you have been given new affections and desires. You no longer desire the things of the world, not because of any measures you have taken, but because of the regenerating work of God through the cross. Your flesh has been put to death. Because this is true, consider your members as dead to sin and strive to not live by the ways of the world (cf. Colossians 3:1-10). Legalistic religions, on the other hand, attempt to work to cause a change of heart. Such a philosophy is the opposite of the true order of things.

Galatians 6:11-13 Do not Submit to Legalistic Religion

Galatians 6:11-13 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.

Paul takes the pen to himself and begins to write, emphasizing what he is saying, since this will be the lasting, most memorable section in the remembrance of the Galatians—and so Paul must be wishing to drive home his point. In this section, Paul makes one last reference to the Judaizers to show how fallacious and utterly absurd their doctrines and practices are.

The Judaizers desired to look good outwardly, though they neglected their hearts, and God looks at the heart, not merely the outward appearances (cf. Galatians 2:6). Jesus even warned the Pharisees: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). The Judaizers, who were seeking to prove their own self-righteousness much like the Pharisees, obeying outward ordinances and not seeking the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, were merely “whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” They were hypocrites. Although they claimed to keep the Law, yet they were lawless (Matthew 23:27-28).

Legalistic systems, which include every religion except evangelical Christianity, are all ultimately bankrupt. They despise that which has the only power to save and instead embrace their own fatal hypocrisy. Do not give in to these systems. Do not be carried away into these religions. Just as Paul exhorts and warns the Galatians, so I warn you. They offer only death!

Those of other religions will seek to persuade you (including the postmodernist religion of pluralism), just as the Judaizers sought to persuade the Galatians. They will try to persuade you to take upon yourself their “circumcision”—their merit seeking outward works. They do this “so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” They are willing to accept “a Christ who is a teacher (but only a teacher) [because He] can well be assimilated by Judaism or by any other religion.”[1] They continued in their error because they could not bear the cross of Christ. “The difficulty is the cross, because the cross speaks of the necessity of a divine death as the only solution to the sin of man. To have the cross is to have three disquieting and humiliating doctrines: (1) man is a sinner; (2) his sin brings him under the curse of God, which curse Christ bore; and (3) nothing man can do can earn salvation, for if this were possible, the cross would have been unnecessary. These doctrines humble men. Consequently, men hate the cross and actively persecute those who proclaim it.”[2] Works based religions are not willing to accept that they fail the Law and are unable to come to God. They all either compromise God’s holiness or their own sinfulness.

Such proselytizers will seek to convert you to their own religious system even though it is worthless both for justifying a person before God and for promoting true godliness. They have been deceived and so will seek to deceive you as well. They do this for the purpose of boasting. If they can convert a Christian (just as the Judaizers wanted to boast that they had converted the Galatians), they will make it known and try to rub it in the face of other Christians, inflating their pride and self-righteousness. And this is not just theoretical, there are websites devoted to other religions, such as Islam, who try to boast of the greatness and truthfulness of Islam based upon a proselytizers ability to convert a so called “Christian.”

Brothers and sisters, do not fear the persecution that comes with the cross. Rather, rejoice that you have been counted worthy to suffer for Christ (cf. Acts 5:41, Philippians 1:29). Also, do not give in to the legalistic measures of other religions. They are deceived and boastful. They do not hope in the cross, which is the only wisdom of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

I must also warn you against another area in which Christians today stumble. Many Christians, many are probably merely claimers, but many true Christians fall into the trap as well, of being trophy hunters. They seek how many baptisms or “decisions for Christ” they can accrue. They practice what is known as revivalism—purporting great awakenings to bolster their own pride. They boast in how big their church is (as if they could even build a true Church), how many converts they see, how many missionaries they send, how much money their congregation gives, or how well their books sell. Do not fall into this, dear Christians. Consider that any real success, not just the appearance of success, comes from the work of the Holy Spirit—you’re just along for the ride. If God chooses to use you, you have no room to boast. You were merely a weak vessel that He has shown His power through. Do not become prideful, but rather give God the glory.

[1] Expositor’s Commentary, Galatians 6:12

[2] Ibid.

Galatians 6:7-9 Continue Bearing Fruit, For God is not Mocked

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Paul’s imperative here is clear, when taken in context. Do not be deceived about your use of money. This principle, however, is being extended here by Paul beyond merely the use of money. Do not let yourself be deceived when it comes to how you live. God is not mocked nor will He be. You will not deceive God and pull a fast one on Him. Your life must measure up—you must bear the fruit of the Spirit, not the deeds of the flesh.

The principle here is likened to the work of the farmer. No farmer who sows wheat expects to harvest corn; nor should he. Nature bears witness that what a person sows is what he/she will reap. “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:18-20). People, like plants and trees, will bear fruit of their kind. Christians will produce the “fruit of the Spirit” of God, while unbelievers will produce “the deeds of the flesh.” God will not be deceived by your outward profession of faith. He knows every thought and intention of your heart (cf. Hebrews 4:13). So do not be deceived and think that you will not reap that which you sow.

How does this work out in practical life? “The one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” If you are sowing, whether monetarily, with your time, or with your thoughts and actions, to the flesh, you will reap “the deeds of the flesh,” or the corruption of your soul. The result of a life of practicing the deeds of the flesh (without repentance) is absolute corruption in hell (cf. Revelation 21:8). John the Baptist himself said: “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:8-10). Do not be deceived and boast that you are the elect of God and yet walk as one of the world. Rather, prove that you are of the elect and bear the fruit of repentance: i.e., the fruit of the Spirit.

If you sow to the spirit, your time, money, actions, and thoughts, and you are disciplining yourself (which could be called “sowing to the spirit”), then you will reap spiritual gains. If you discipline yourself spiritually, you will grow spiritually. Just like “you are what you eat,” you will become that to which you give yourself. If you give yourself to the ways of the Spirit through reading the Word, you will become like Christ—the ultimate goal of the Christian life (cf. Romans 8:29).

God has another word to say about this. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). If you are sowing to the flesh—especially monetarily, you will be reaping fleshly desires and things—you will be proving that money is your god—you will be committing idolatry. You cannot serve your own flesh and God. God only accepts whole-hearted devotion. Therefore, as Christians, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Commit yourself to the spiritual disciplines and to sowing to your spiritual man. If you continue in doing what is good, that is, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, you will, in due time—both now and at the Day of Judgment, reap eternal life—for eternal life is knowing God and being conformed more and more to the image of Christ (cf. John 17:3).

Galatians 6:6, 10 Giving in the Right Spirit for the Right Cause

Galatians 6:6, 10 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Christ Himself taught, “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). Those who receive something ought to give in return for the labor they have received—so it is with the preaching of the Word as well. God has given each a position and a role in the Church. Some have received the role of “pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Such service takes up a great deal of time. Overseeing the flock of God is equivalent, if not a greater burden than a forty-hour a week job, especially for teachers, as they “will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Quite a burden it is to know that if you are not being led by the Spirit in proclaiming the truth, you will be held accountable before Almighty God on the day of judgment! This role is not to be undertaken lightly or by any whom are not called by God to serve in this capacity (cf. James 3:1). A teacher who instructs in wrong doctrine could lead someone astray and even turn people from the faith (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16), and he is responsible for the flock he oversees. However, “the elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Therefore, those whom are taught ought to revere their teachers, if the teacher faithfully teaches the Word of God. Do not be stingy toward your teachers, for they must put great work into their duties. Scripture itself says, “‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.’ God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” Do not expect to be taught the Word for free! “The Lord,” that is Christ, “directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:9-11, 14). Some may mock, saying that the preacher/pastor has an easy job. However, such men give their lives to this service, and even preparing a single sermon may take many hours. Then they must attend to all their other responsibilities, their families, and be certain that they are walking with the Lord. They are also always on call—night or day, everyday of the week, 365 days of the year. Overseeing and teaching, together, make for a truly full-time position.

Those who are sitting under the pastor/preacher as his disciples should not count it much to pay with material means when they are receiving spiritual. Spiritual blessings, especially eternal life through the word of the gospel, cannot have a price tag put upon them. Those who receive such through the preaching of the Word must learn this truth, that they might give to meet their pastor’s needs and to alleviate his burdens. What a burden it would truly be to have to go before a board every year to attempt to get a raise when one already has more than enough responsibilities! Do not make your pastor look and feel like a money-grubber. Rather, give to him joyfully and in accordance with all of his needs—and for both his and your sake, give him money and enough time off to take a good vacation every year!

Remember that this is your only time to do good things. You cannot do any good when you are dead! So while you have the opportunity, do good in giving to all who are in need. Give to those who are begging on the street, to those who are suffering throughout the world, and to worthy causes, such as pro-life clinics. Have in mind that “in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9). Your heart is where your treasure is. Store your treasure in heaven, and from God you will receive your reward at the judgment.

There is a greater cause even than helping all people, however. Paul tells us: “Do good… especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” No one else will give to the cause of the gospel, only Christians will. Therefore, give to missionaries, pastors, and all who are faithful in the service of God first and foremost. Our primary task, as Christians, is to preach the gospel (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, consider your highest responsibility for stewardship of your money (and time in helping out your pastor, by washing clothes for him and his family, or mowing their yard, etc) to give to the cause of the furtherance of the gospel and the care for your own soul (and the souls of those in your local church). Do this gratefully, not grudgingly, showing your appreciation for those who are working to advance the kingdom of God and to care for the sheep.

Galatians 6:3-5 Watch Yourself and Help Others, For You Will Give Account Before God

Galatians 6:3-5 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.

Brothers and sisters, do not consider yourself above helping another, no matter your “social status.” The kingdom of God is the reverse of the system of the world. Remember, as Jesus said, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest [or the least], and the leader like the servant” (Luke 22:25-26). “The last shall be first, and the first last.” When you are to serve another, bearing his/her load, have in mind that Jesus says, “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me,” and “to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (Matthew 25:40-45). So when you are serving a fellow heir, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24). Let this be your motivation when serving others. If you remember that you are nothing, except by the grace of God (cf. Romans 3:27-30, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Ephesians 2:8-10), then you will not be deceived and the service of others will become possible and practical.

There is, however, another error in your ways that could keep you from helping others. Many get sidetracked from doing good unto others by comparing themselves to others. Do not let this be you, dear Christian. “Pay close attention to your own work” (Galatians 6:4, NLT), and do not be caught up in concerns for what others are doing. “Each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). You will not finally be held responsible for how others act (though this does not mean that you are exempt from exhorting other believers unto love and good deeds (cf. Hebrews 10:24)). Therefore, examine your deeds and test your heart that your deeds may be found as precious metals and stones that will endure the testing fires to result in reward on the Day of Judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Only then can you have confidence of your reward—you can have no confidence of receiving any reward from the work of others. So stop comparing yourself to them.

Now, this passage also has implication for those of you who are yet unbelievers. You too will bear your own load. You too will stand before God in judgment and give an answer for every deed you have done (cf. Jude 14-15). You cannot look at other unbelievers and weigh yourself against them. You will not answer for them, but only for yourself as weighed against God’s perfect standard—against which you have fallen gravely short. Do not compare yourself to believers either, even if they act in a hypocritical manner (some of which may not be true believers (cf. Matthew 7:21-23)). You will not have to answer for their deeds, but only for your own. And do not let them come between you and God; otherwise the hypocrites are closer to God than you are. Repent of your evil deeds! Turn from your sinful ways to God’s ways. Trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins. His death upon the cross alone can save you from your wickedness, making you both right in your forensic standing with God and changing your heart from evil to good. You stand condemned before God—trust Christ as your Lord, God, and Savior, and you too can be saved.

Galatians 6:1-2 Help Your Fellow Christians and Fulfill the Law of Christ

Galatians 6:1-2 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. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

The responsibilities of the man who walks by the power of the Holy Spirit are many. Besides looking out for himself, he must also look out for others, as Paul exhorted the elders of Ephesus: “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). This is because false teachers will come in, teaching destructive doctrines and perverting the Word of God—and many who are unstable in the faith are in danger of falling into evil doctrines and into sinful lifestyles (Acts 20:29-30, cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Paul has first and foremost in view here in v. 1 that a brother or sister in Christ has fallen into a sinful habit or an open sin. Paul probably has in mind the deeds of the flesh which he confronted in 5:19-21. Such a person is in grave danger of becoming apostate. Thus James warns us, “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). A life of sin is not to be taken lightly; it could bring a person the death of his/her soul. So do not take it lightly when you see a brother or sister in sin, dear Christian. Confront them for their own good—if God grants that person repentance (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26), then you have one a brother/sister in Christ, and your reward will be great in heaven.

So who is to correct a person who is caught in any trespass—and yes Paul says “any.” Is it your pastor? Is it the deacons or elders? No, it is one who is spiritual—one who is walking by the Spirit. Those who are immature ought not seek to confront such a person, lest they fall into sin—whether the sin that the other is committing or pride, hatred, or some other spiritual folly. Such an immature believer ought to get another to confront the one caught in sin. But the one who is spiritual must also not become haughty; he/she too must guard him/herself, being conscious of the Spirit’s leading and being guided by His power. If this person does not keep guard, watching his/her own life, then this one too may well be tempted and fall into the same sin or a sin of pride or hatred. This is a diligent watching, for temptation can easily overtake you as you are yet in sinful flesh.

Confronting and showing the error to a person in sin is no simple business. Be gentle in spirit as you approach him/her. As Christ Himself said, “Blessed are the meek….” Paul warns Timothy in the same way to correct someone “with gentleness,” relying upon God, not your own tact and wit to bring such a one to repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Approach a person in sin in this manner: first in private on your own, if you are walking by the Spirit in gentleness, then with a small group, and then finally as the local church (Matthew 18:15-18). Forgive the sinner and accept him/her into fellowship as he/she repents.

You are to do this to “fulfill the law of Christ.” You must bear one another’s burdens as each one faces trials and temptations, and when a brother/sister falls into sin, you must help that one to escape. This is how the body of Christ works: we all must work together to build one another up into godliness. In doing this, you love one another: which is the fulfillment of the law of Christ. Therefore brothers and sisters, when hardships and trials face one another, whether one falls into sin, experiences loss, is ill or imprisoned, or has any sort of difficulty, be a shoulder for that person both to grieve upon and to help him/her turn his/her gaze upon Christ and live a life devoted to the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:25-26 Walk by the Spirit so that You Do not Boast

Galatians 5:25-26 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Since you have crucified your flesh, consider it as dead, for it is no longer to be your master. You are now alive in the Spirit, assuming that you have crucified the flesh. Thus, Paul says, “If we live by the Spirit,” grounding your life in the Spirit upon your death to life ruled by the desires of the flesh. If you have died to the flesh, then you “live by the Spirit,” as there is no in-between. You have either been born again or you have not been born again. Either you have received the Spirit of God and His regenerating work or you are still “dead in your transgressions and sins” (cf. Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13).

If you have received Christ as Lord and have His Spirit living inside of you, dear Christian, walk by the Spirit. Do not resist the Spirit and so grieve Him. Heed His desires and obey Him. There is only one way which you will learn the desires of the Spirit: hearing the Word of God (cf. Romans 10:17). Only by hearing, both in God-centered preaching and reading the Word of God in public and private, will you grow in the faith. Only the Word of God, the Bible, can be described as “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrew 4:12). Only the Bible is “God-breathed [inspired by God] and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That is exactly what a person who lives by the Spirit is: a man or woman of God. And as Paul says, only by knowing and obeying the Word of God can such a person be adequately equipped for loving God and his neighbor and to serve God. Do not belittle your time reading the Scriptures, or you will find yourself unable to “walk by the Spirit.”

Paul then exhorts you with a point of application (though many points of application could easily be made at this time). This is a negative application, aimed at letting you know what evil you are to cut out of your life. The application is do not become boastful. If you become boastful, Paul reveals, you will challenge one another and envy one another. Because you are claiming your own rights, abilities, and merits when you become boastful, you will easily fall into one of two states: a state of judging, or challenging other Christians, or a state of envying other Christians.

In judging other Christians, you will provoke them to either evil or self-righteousness. You will try their patience by your arrogance, giving them temptation to sin against you by despising you. If this does not occur, you may provoke them to seek to attain to some self-righteous standard you have set for them in order to qualify for your affections (or your legalistic standard). Both of these are evil.

If you envy other believers, because out of your pride you believe that you can or should have what they have, you will be tempted in much the same way as those whom you “challenge.” You will be tempted to hate them, seeing your inability to master in your own strength the godliness or gifting they have received, or you may view yourself as unlovable to God, believing you have to meet some legalistic standard necessary for God to love you. This will inevitably dishearten you and cause you to fall into a state where you believe God’s grace has been insufficiently granted unto you.

The remedy to becoming boastful is to recognize the root of the problem: pride, and ultimately the sinful desires of the flesh. When you do not walk by the Spirit, it is easy to believe that you have obtained what you have by your own doing. You thus believe that you have achieved measures of godliness (such as bearing the fruit of the Spirit) by your own doing, or that you have merited the spiritual gifts that you possess. This could not be further from the truth. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (NIV) This rhetorical question has only one obvious answer: God is who sets you apart; you cannot make yourself any different from anyone else. As Paul insists, you were saved by God’s grace, through His granting you both faith and repentance as a gifts, “not as a result of works, so that no one may boast,” both before God and men (Ephesians 2:9).

Thus, recognize your sinfulness. You were dead in your transgressions and sins: completely helpless to save yourself or even to believe (cf. Ephesians 2:1-10). You have not earned anything that you possess: whether gifts, godliness, or grace. God has changed your heart (cf. Ezekiel 11:19) and has made you as you are. Christ has purchased all that you have at the cross. It is the work of His Spirit; and this is true of every believer, from those who seem to be the most pious (though are yet utterly destitute without God, and so have no room to boast), such as John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon, to the most ordinary everyday Christians throughout the history of the Church—including you and me. We are all sinners, set apart by God’s gift of grace and faith—we have no room to boast. When you see this, you will be able to grow in godliness without comparing yourself to others, but rather only to Christ.

Galatians 5:24 Crucify the Flesh and Live

Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

There is a clear mark of difference between Christians and nonbelievers: Christians “have crucified the flesh,” and thus bear the fruit of the Spirit while nonbelievers live in the “passions and desires” of the flesh. Notice, on the other hand, that Paul does not make any kind of distinction in Christians here. There are not two levels to Christians—those who bear the fruit (all nine characteristics), those who bear a few products (as the word translated “fruit” is singular), and those who are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Rather, all Christians are bearing the fruit of the Spirit (some more than others and some more in certain characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit than others) and in increasing degrees: “from faith to faith” (cf. Romans 1:17).

This is because “those who belong to Christ Jesus,” all of those whom Christ has laid hold of, “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Christianity does not have varsity and junior varsity levels like high school sports. Rather, Christianity is like professional sports, such as Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association. All the players in those pro sports are playing at the same level, though there are differing degrees of talent. In the same way there are those who are further along in exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit because their sinful flesh is further along in the crucifixion process.[1] We are thus not to compare ourselves to one another, but to be concerned about our own progress in the faith.

Paul uses the word “crucify” here for a reason that may not be immediately evident to modern American audiences—or at least not its implications. This word would have evoked certain images and understandings in the minds of his first century readers to which we are not accustomed. Seeing the movie, The Passion of the Christ may help us to understand what Paul was conjuring up in the minds of his audience. A proper understanding of crucifixion will help us to know what Paul was saying and to apply it to our own lives.

First, crucifixion was reserved for only the worst criminals. Rome crucified people for murder, sedition, and treason (at least as a regular practice; at times they crucified people for less reasons, but we must remember that Rome was corrupt). Crucifixion was not for friends of the empire, and therefore it was unlawful for a Roman citizen to be crucified. Thus, when Paul is telling you to crucify your flesh, he is telling you that your flesh in absolutely corrupt and the most vile offender. Your flesh is murdering you, it is in absolute rebellion against you and God as an act of treason in league with your enemy, Satan. If you do not see your flesh in this way, you will not understand why it must be crucified. Your flesh is not your friend—it is your enemy, it keeps you from doing what you truly desire to do. It is taking you to hell.

Second, you must understand that crucifixion was the most painful death that was known. There is a reason why we no longer crucify people: it is inhumane. Realize that it is going to be painful for you as you crucify your flesh throughout your life. This process of crucifixion will cause you much pain and opposition, but the results are worth it. As the flesh dies, the pain (in that area of your life) will cease.

Third, crucifixion is a slow death. Those who were crucified were at times on the cross for days or even a week. Do not expect your flesh to die overnight; it is far too strong of an opponent for that. You must continually crucify your flesh throughout the remainder of your life. You will not accept Christ and be without sin tomorrow. That is not the way it works. Rather, you will be in a constant battle for the rest of your life.

Last, crucifixion amounted to certain death. Though it was very painful and slow, crucifixion was absolutely lethal. It never failed unless the one who was crucified were to be taken off the cross. Therefore you must never let your flesh off the cross until you are with the Lord in glory. Your flesh will die and you will be freed from it—this is a guarantee. Christians are those who have truly started the process. In the case of those who belong to Christ, the flesh is sure to die. They are certain that they will be liberated to bear the fruit of the Spirit and to never again commit the deeds of the flesh.

This process will be long, painful, and humiliating, but it is worth it. What gain would be yours if you let your flesh live and thus died to God and eternal life? Hell will be far worse than the pain of crucifying the flesh, and it is guaranteed to all who do not put to death the flesh in this manner (Mark 8:34-38). I therefore exhort you, brothers and sisters, crucify your flesh and that goes along with it and prove you belong to Christ.

[1] Though unlike in professional sports there are no Christians who are sitting on the bench as substitutes. All Christians are constantly on the field of play in active duty, and they are to be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

After discussing common questions/objections raised in my Personal Evangelism class today, I have decided to post how I would answer these objections when they are raised. These are not the only possible ways to answer these questions, but I hope my apologetical answers will help those of you who perhaps are perplexed by these questions or have faced these questions and have been uncertain how to answer them.

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is perhaps one of the most asked questions by those with whom Christians share the gospel. While this question has been asked and debated by millions through the ages, it still persists today. Here is how I might answer this question.

1. This is actually the wrong way of positing this question. Rather it should be asked, "Why do good things happen to bad people?" The Bible is clear, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and "the wages of sin is death." We have sinned and have committed intergalactic treason against God. All of nature is now in rebellion against God and the proper order--thus humans are currently not in their place of sovereignty over creation (as we were meant to have under the direct lordship of God (cf. Genesis 1:26-30)). Thus, we are not getting what we deserve but rather what we do not deserve.

God did not owe it to us to create us. Thus, how much less so does He owe us breath, food, water, the sun and the moon, friends, warmth, etc now that we have rebelled against Him and are now deserving wrath? We should therefore not be surprised that any bad things happen to people, but rather that God is gracious to give us all good things that we experience--including this time we have in which to turn from our sins, trust in Christ, and follow Him. Therefore I urge you to take advantage of this time God has given you at Christ's expense, and turn from your sinful ways to God.

2. Why do bad things happen to good people? Well, I'll tell you why. It is so that "now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation [atoning sacrifice] in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration... of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:21-26).

Bad things happen to good people, or to be grammatically correct, bad things happend to the good person, as Jesus of Nazareth is the only person who has ever lived to be good, so that God could show mercy to humans and restore those who trust in Him to a right relationship with Him. It is so that we could come to God, though we cannot boast since we have done nothing to merit God's favor, thus God gets all the glory (Romans 3:27-31). God has made it possible for Himself to justify all who come to Him and yet to be just--that is, a judge who upholds the law. If Christ did not face the excruciating death on the cross and rise again from the dead, God could not save any person, and thus we would be forever damned in our sinfulness. Since God did show mercy, Christ had to die and show that God was just/righteous in forgiving the sins of all who trust in His grace and mercy. Christ also died and rose again so that He might be the Lord of both the living and the dead throughout history (Romans 14:9). So bad things happend to the good person (Jesus of Nazareth) so that God could be merciful and gracious, so that Christ would be the supreme Lord over all, and so that we could be saved by faith in Christ Jesus.

3. Are you a good person? Do you know of any good people? If either of these receive an affirmative answer, I would then move into the Law. I would ask questions such as: have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything, regardless of value (including an employer's time)? Have you ever hated anyone--since God calls that murder? Have you ever failed to take a day of rest on a weekly basis to honor God? Have you ever used God's name in a way that is not coherent with His character or blasphemed His name (such as using God's name as a curse word)? Have you ever lusted after another person sexually or emotionally--as this is spiritual fornication/adultery? Have you ever desired something that was not your own and you wanted it more than you wanted God, even for a moment? Have you ever put something as more important in your life than God, even yourself? Have you ever dishonored your parents? (cf. Exodus 20:1-17).

Thus I would show them that they are not good people, and neither is anyone else. This refers us back to response #1.

Galatians 5:22-23 Walk by the Spirit so that You will Bear the Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Antithetical to the deeds of the flesh, in Paul’s mind, is the fruit of the Spirit. Paul juxtaposes the results of living for the desire of the flesh against the results of being led by the Spirit. While the flesh produces all kinds of atrocious deeds that God’s Law speaks against and that all people everywhere know are evil emanations of the heart, against the fruit of the Spirit “there is no law” nor rightfully can there be. Who would make a law against being kind to others or against refraining oneself or one’s temper? Not even the pagans of Paul’s day would have made it illegal to be happy or to keep one’s promises. Such deeds and attitudes are the desire of every heart, though not every heart desires to do them.

These are the deeds that characterize the person who is a member of the kingdom of God. While those who practice the deeds of the flesh will never inherit the kingdom of God, those who have been “rescued… from the domain of darkness and transferred… to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” that is, Jesus, produce the fruit of the Spirit. It is not these deeds that get them transferred into the kingdom of Christ, for that would be legalism. Rather, because those of the kingdom have been regenerated and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, these attitudes and actions are the natural overflow of their hearts. Rather than desiring to live for self-satisfaction, they are filled with godly traits.

Now, since we continue in the flesh, it may often seem that these characteristics are not the natural overflow of our hearts. Often you will have to make every attempt to love someone, to be joyful in God, to be at peace with others, and to show kindness even when you have been wronged. The fact that you desire to do so and are willing to put forth the effort is a sign of the Spirit’s work. It will be a struggle throughout your entire life to perfect these. You will, however, if you are in Christ, continue to bear this fruit more and more so throughout your life—this is the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

This fruit does not spring forth from the natural man. You cannot naturally make yourself love others, serve them with gentleness, or act in faithfulness toward them. This is the effect of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. While people can fake these in action, to have them flow naturally only comes as you know the One who modeled them perfectly. Only by seeing Christ will you be able to imitate Him. Only by digesting His humbleness that led Him to a perfect relationship with the Father and with men will you see these produced in your life. Thus you must spend time with Him, especially in meditating upon the Scriptures. Only as you trust in Christ, experience the forgiveness of sins offered in His blood, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit will you see the fruit—single “fruit” because all of these will be evidenced as the Spirit works within you—the rightfully coveted fruit of the Spirit.

Stand and Behold the Salvation of God!

There is nothing like a late night 'sermon manuscript writin'.' This is about the rawest a sermon manuscript could ever be. I have not even put anything into points and subpoint and done any pollishing. Of course, I have no where to preach right now, so this manuscript will probably stay just as it is until I do have somewhere to preach. I also tried to show stress points and emotion (as if I were really preaching). All that this really is is my meditation upon this great passage.

As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to YHWH. Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of YHWH which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. YHWH will fight for you while you keep silent.” (Exodus 14:10-14)

As trials and tribulations approach us: seemingly insurmountable odds, we often become fearful. Our knees turn to Jello at the sight of men or are hearts melt when we find out that we have a disease. This passage, straight from the bowels of Israelite history, serves as an example for us today. As the Israelites remained camped in the wilderness, seeming to all onlookers that their God had forgotten them and that they were merely “wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in” (v. 3), the Egyptians approached. Scores of men in the army of Egypt; probably thousands upon thousands of men—“six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them” were coming out against a camp that was not even in the slightest way conceivably ready for battle.

The Israelites cried out to their God. They had just witnessed Him bring them out of captivity in Egypt by a mighty hand. Yet their hearts sank so much that “they became very frightened.” They had seen the cloud of God and His pillar of fire leading them by night and day; yet they trembled at the forces of Egypt. Now, do not be mistaken, Egypt was a serious threat. Perhaps God had forsaken His people; surely this was going through their minds. The chariots of Pharaoh could easily race in and eradicate the 600,000 plus of Israel in a matter of hours. But in the end, to whom would the day belong?

Israel was wandering around in the wilderness even before the Red Sea. God could have taken them through the land of the Philistines, but He knew their hearts. They were a people who “might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt” (13:17). The people were in no way ready for the battle to come. They were weak and scared. Because of their apprehensiveness, they were walking around in the wilderness by the Red Sea. They had no permanent structures but were dwelling in what little they had taken with them from Egypt.

What a scene this must have been. Israel was walking around in the wilderness like a person who is lost in the forest. People naturally walk in circles, and so when they are lost their walking is quite aimless. They will not get where they are going. Have you ever been lost? Consider what that felt like? You feel helpless, especially when you see a familiar tree that you had just left a few hours ago to look for help. This must have been how Israel felt—and all the onlookers must have felt the same way. It seemed like Israel had no place to go. They were supposed to go into the land of Canaan but had gone the wrong direction (or so it appeared). Their wandering seemed aimless. Where were they going? Would it not have been better to stay in Egypt, where at least they would not just die in a forsaken land?

The Israelites were in the desert—no food sources, no water sources (you cannot drink from the Red Sea, it’s salt water!) They were off the “beaten path.” Even Pharaoh thought that they were just lost under the guidance of that fool Moses. Who brings a people out of Egypt? Especially a people who are disorganized? No one had ever made such a mass exodus before.

With feelings of hopelessness the Israelites camped by the sea. They could not have really comprehended where they were. Then they see the dust cloud of the chariots of Egypt over the horizon. Then they see the chariots themselves coming in battle array like a thief coming “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). They did not know if Pharaoh had plans to take them back into slavery or to expunge them from the earth. Were they to simply be the victims of genocide?

When they beheld Pharaoh “they became very frightened.” Surely their hearts melted in them. Surely they grew faint as they realized that they had no defenses, no weapons of war to take up arms against what was at the least one of the greatest armies of that day.

Perhaps you have felt this way. We all have. You come up against seemingly insuperable odds. You feel overwhelmed and trapped. You have your back against the Red Sea and Egypt is coming out after you. You are, as the saying goes, “trapped between a rock and a hard place.” In your own strength you have been completely beaten. This may be because of disease, financial troubles, or even feelings of hopelessness due to present circumstances of which you cannot see either a way out or an end to their onslaught. Isn’t fear only natural?

Israel in their fear “cried out to YHWH.” Yet their cry was of both desperation and unbelief. Where was God anyway? He had led them to a place where they could not possibly escape. They had been wandering through the desert like a dazed horse wanders through a field. Had God forgotten them? Even worse, had He forsaken them? Had He led them into the desert to destroy them? Was God terrified of Pharaoh? After all, weren’t the gods of Egypt with Pharaoh? Perhaps the LORD’s actions toward Egypt in bringing all the plagues upon Egypt had angered their gods.

So the Israelites did as we so often do; they complained. They became biting and sarcastic in their tongues. They started speaking evil of both Moses and God. They questioned Moses’ motives—and to question the motives of the mediator is to question the motives of the one he represents.

They said to him, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” What a remark! They doubted Moses’ leadership and the ability of their God so much that they thought they had come into the desert only to die. They had completely forgotten that the LORD had just smitten the Egyptians with ten plagues and had spared the Israelites completely from the ramifications of them all. Was the purpose that Moses—and God had brought the people out of Egypt only for them to be mass murdered. Was this to become merely The Massacre by the Red Sea? Did Moses—and God bring them out only so that they would not have to be buried in Egypt by the Egyptians but could be devoured by the vultures and be left to rot? Did God despise them that much?

They now longed for slavery. They desired to be back in Egypt. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness,” they quipped. They were surely to die in a land they had never known. They were going to be a forgotten people. Slavery was more appealing to them then was a freedom that led to death.

Is this not how you often reply to your circumstances, dear friend? You consider long and hard how bad the circumstances are and you cry against your current state. Worse than this, you may even cry against God. “If I would have known that Christianity would have been like this,” you say, “I would have never turned to Christ. At least I was happy living for the desires of the flesh.” Or perhaps you think, “This Christianity is harder than being under the Law. At least under the Law I’m not lost in the wilderness somewhere. If I were to earn my way to God, at least I’d have something to measure myself by and some distinct ordinances to keep. Rather, I don’t even know how I am supposed to live.” You desire to be a slave again rather than free! Doesn’t that sound ridiculous to you?

Some of you may even turn back to Egypt. The circumstances seem so out of your control, which they probably are, that you anguish over them and return to your old lifestyle. You return to your pornography because of the excitement it used to give you. You turn to the television and watch hours of it that you might escape life and what seems to be meaninglessness. You go back to spending all your money on yourself and buying yourself every latest fashion trend because you think it will bring you popularity and that that will satisfy you. You may turn to relationships, your job to find meaning, sex, drugs, or even overeating. But let me stand and warn you, none of these will eternally satisfy you! None of these can satisfy your deepest longings as God can! All of these will prove futile attempts. Once you have tasted freedom you cannot go back to slavery.

Perhaps you are saying, “I told you so.” You knew that Christianity would be a mistake if you “tried it.” You knew that God would not show Himself faithful. Or perhaps you have not gone that far. Rather you have tried something, such as learning to evangelize, or you have tried to quit smoking or to quit looking at porn, or you have tried this or that spiritual discipline and you keep failing. “Perhaps,” you think, “it would have been better if I’d just stayed in captivity.” At least then you wouldn’t feel like a failure. You had told yourself and God that you would fail. You had said, “leave me alone that I might serve my own interests” which is really just sin. Perhaps you even say, “Just let me continue to serve sin, as I am better off this way. At least I will not feel like ‘a loser’ when I do not succeed.” And now you have gotten to the point where you have failed, at least in your own eyes. Defeat seems obvious. Like the Israelites, you wish you had never even tried.

And to those of you who are contemplating returning to slavery to meritorious efforts and legalism or to gratifying the lusts of the flesh—if you return to them after tasting the good things of God, you have experienced in some way the work of the Holy Spirit, you have seen the power of the resurrection of Christ, you have tasted the eternal kingdom of God; if you turn and fall away from Christ, you cannot return. “It is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Hebrews 6:6). If you are soil that has been watered with the refreshing rains of the gospel and the Spirit has made you aware of and affectionate toward the good news in God, and yet you bring forth only thorns and thistles and not good fruit, beware, for you are “close to being cursed” and you will “end up being burned” (Hebrews 6:7-8). So I warn you and urge you: repent and return to God. Do not continue in your sin. If you remain lukewarm you will be spat out of Christ’s mouth (Revelation 3:16). Today you are hearing His voice as He stands at the door of your heart and knocks (Revelation 3:20). Now is the acceptable time, behold, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not put it off, lest you never get to it. Perhaps today will be your last day alive! And even if it is not, whatever you put off today you will be just as able and willing to put off tomorrow. Procrastination breeds procrastination!

Is this where you are today? Are you trapped by your own Red Sea? Does it seem like you have wandered aimlessly into a point where all you can do is surrender to sin and failure? Perhaps it even seems that God Himself has led you to a point where it feels like you are trapped with no way out. You doubt that God is really with you any longer. It feels like He has left you to fend for yourself in a den of lions. You fear men; you fear failure; and you fear that you will become the laughingstock of all who look upon you. “Maybe God has left me because of something wrong I have done, or because I have doubted Him,” you say. You feel like you have been left alone in the depths of Hell with Satan and his minions casting every accusation against you and bombarding you with everything they have. The trials of life have proven too much!

The trial of the Egyptians was too much for Israel; it always was, even while they were captive in Egypt. So, knowing they could not win this fight, they complained against God and His mediator. They sinned and doubted God’s goodness and His ability. Truly, as James says, they should not have expected anything from the hand of the Lord (James 1:7-8). Is this where you are?

The response of Moses to this is nothing short of trust in God’s right hand and God’s trustworthiness. Moses knew that God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to raise up their descendents to become a great nation. He knew that God would not forsake this promise for His own name’s sake. And yes, that is why He did not forsake this obstinate people—and that is why they could trust in Him. God could not sin against Himself lest He cease to be God! And not only this, but God could not forsake His promise to the Seed of Abraham. If Israel ceased to exist, then Christ could not come into the world—God’s salvific plans would not, in fact could not stand! God could not save the elect, but could only condemn them to hell. All would be lost had Israel been destroyed that day. God could not forsake this people.

Remembering God’s actions in Egypt, Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Take your stand and see the salvation of YHWH which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. YHWH will fight for you while you keep silent.”

God would act. God would save His people. He had not forsaken them. He had not forgotten them. He was absolutely in control!

Is this not the same command that we have today? “Do not fear the one who is able to kill the body and cannot kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Though people and disease can kill you, though lack of needs can shame you and bring you great sorrow, though failure can cause you pain and the need to pick up the pieces and start again, do not fear any of these! Their harm is only temporary. Is not the body more than food? Are you not more than the wretched flesh that you are wearing? Have you not been promised in Christ a resurrected body? Do not fear if there is hurt! Do not put your hope in what is only temporal! This is the only way that you can have hope!

Rather, fear God, the only one who can judge you and send you to hell. And if you love Him, you don’t need to fear this! You have absolutely nothing to really fear! But yet you must fear God! Revere Him as holy! Trust His decisions as being just, and right, and true! Praise Him whatever He brings your way! As the Psalter, rejoice in God through you are in the wilderness facing your enemies. Praise Him, knowing that His “lovingkindness is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Is cancer threatening? Praise God for His lovingkindness. He is sovereign and the great physician! He has brought this to pass. It is all completely in His hands. He has planned the ends and the means. You can trust Him because it is completely in His hands. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” Jesus asks. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). God cares for you more than sparrows! God is in complete control of every single hair on your head. If one falls to the ground it is only because He allowed it to fall! It was never out of His control! So how much more so is He in control of your cancer, of your AIDS, of your unemployment, of your child’s failing at school, of how the bills are going to be paid, even of how people are going to respond to your preaching of the gospel? God is in control!

“Those who seek my life to destroy it, will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; they will be a prey for the foxes,” David says. But David knew that no matter what happened, He would be spared. “Everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped” (Psalm 63:9-11). “As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:11-13). Your final end is salvation! David knew this and so he rejoiced. This gave him the ability to lie down in peace and sleep. God is the one who made him to dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8), and it is the same with you! Though his enemies were many, David knew that God would keep him, even in death.

Your end is salvation! Thus, respond like Moses. Be still. Keep silent. Do not try to act on your own behalf. Do not seek to save your own reputation. Yes, seek medical treatment, but leave the results to God. Trust in Him, not in your own strength. “Take your stand.” Find a place to take in the show of God at work at marvel! “Stand by and see the salvation of YHWH which He will accomplish for you today!” He will save you! Even if you face height or depth, sickness, or money crises; God will save you. Sure you may lose your life or your house. Sure you may fail your classes or lose your job. But “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). Why!? Why should you count it joy!? Because God is in control! Because He is working all things for your good in making you like Christ (Romans 8:28-30). Because you are in His hands and none can snatch you out (John 10:29). You are safe. Your salvation, your inheritance in heaven is secure (1 Peter 1:4-5). You are being kept by God’s power through your faith. Nothing can take it away. Thus you know “that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:3). God is allowing these trials to come and bringing them your way to produce the desired end: your sanctification. These are coming so that you may learn to exult more in God. These trials are going to draw you closer to Christ. And the end result is your glorification. The end is that you will be made completely in the image of Christ. This trial is only a means to the ends.

So trust in God. Trust that you will see His salvation. Though you may not know how it will be accomplished or what the means will include, when it comes, you will never see your slave-drivers again. You will never face again all that bound you—forever. Sure new trials will come, and perhaps you will continue to fail in many of the same ways, but you will never again face that which is now terrorizing you. God will defeat it. Sure you may die or lose your house or whatever, but God will be with you through it. God will fight for you while you keep silent! Trust in God!

John Calvin, the great Genevan reformer faced years of trials; trials so awful he wanted to resign from being the preacher in Geneva and leave the city. It seemed as though everybody in the city misunderstood his ideas and reasons for church discipline. He had once even been exiled on the grounds of some false accusations, misunderstandings, and fears. His efforts seemed futile. There were people in town who even sought to disrupt his efforts and annoy him—both in the streets and in the pulpit. He also faced the opposition of the Catholics who sought to bring Geneva back under Roman Catholicism. He worked night and day, preaching at times more than five sermons a week. Yet he persisted against all the odds. He continued faithfully serving the Lord and preaching the evangelical reformed doctrines and understanding of Scripture. Eventually, for the last ten years of his life, Calvin experienced the salvation of God. He finally saw God bring people to understand that what he sought was good. He saw his enemies fall from power and the gospel take flight in Geneva. This became a decade of strength in Geneva that led to the spread of the reformation throughout all of Europe. Even today we benefit from Calvin’s laborious toil. So will you join the ranks of Moses, David, and John Calvin? Will you be still and wait to see the salvation of God come in its full glory? Or will you be like the countless in the world throughout the ages who have sought their own remedy and had to settle for second best, at best?

Galatians 5:19-21 The Kingdom of God and the Deeds of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

There is such a clear distinction between the life of the flesh and the life of the Spirit that Paul calls it “evident,” or “obvious.” While the deeds of the flesh may not be evident for all to see, as they can be done in private, not just in public for all to see, that these deeds are of the flesh and not of the Spirit is without question. Those who walk by the Spirit will most certainly not be characterized by these deeds in their lives. The Spirit and the flesh are at war and so those who are ruled by the Spirit will not live in that which the Spirit cannot possibly do or even look upon with favor.

While these deeds are not an exhaustive list, this list helps us to better identify and define the deeds of the flesh. Deeds of the flesh include sexual sins (“immorality, impurity, sensuality”), religious sins (“idolatry, sorcery”), sins against the love for one’s neighbor (“enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying”), and sins of indulgence (“drunkenness, carousing), and any deeds that are such as these. These sins go against God’s created plan/order, His right to receive all worship, the proper display of who God is, and living under God’s rule. Such sins are proceeding from the corruption of the entire nature of humanity by sin.

Why cannot people who practice these deeds inherit the kingdom of God? Or, to reverse the question, why can those who are part of the kingdom of God not practice these deeds? The kingdom of God, being the realm over which God has direct lordship and is the ruler, will be marked by holiness, for the Lord Himself is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God abhors evil and will not look upon it favorably; therefore the people who are called by His name, living under His ordinances, and indwelt by His Holy Spirit, will not walk in the deeds of the world and of the sinful flesh, which sets itself up as the enemy of God (that is what it means for the desire of the flesh to be “against the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17)). The enemy of God will not be found within “the borders” of God’s rulership.[1]

The people of God will live in a lifestyle of holiness (currently a progressive state known as “sanctification”) because “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, cf. Jeremiah 31:33). It is not observable by pomp, edifices, or a standing military (cf. Luke 17:20). The kingdom of God is the masses from every tribe, tongue, and nation purchased by the blood of Christ (cf. Revelation 5:9-10) who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and all of His regenerating work. Thus it is not an outward kingdom, but an inward one, until the return of Christ (when it will be both outward and inward). Thus Paul says, “The kingdom of God is… righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). God’s kingdom is currently His rule in the hearts of His people—the direct rule that makes them all know God (cf. Jeremiah 31:34) and live in accordance with His ordinances.

Paul is showing the Galatians that the outward ordinances of the Law will not work, because the kingdom is first and foremost inward, and then expressed outward, not vice versa, which is legalism. Christians will not desire to walk in the ways of the flesh because they have the Spirit leading and directing them—God is ruling them. This is why Christians will be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and not the deeds, or fruit of the flesh. The Spirit and the flesh cannot coexist. While it may take some time for the flesh to be rooted out and the deeds of the flesh to become nonexistent in new Christians, this is ultimately and necessarily the ends that are guaranteed. Christians, while they may fall into such sins and even occasionally may stumble into a sinful lifestyle for a while (not being “led by the Spirit”), yet this will not be the habitual state of their lives—God will not allow it. Those who practice the deeds of the flesh “will not inherit the kingdom of God;” “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him” (John 3:36). Do not be deceived, dear Christians, those who live a life of practicing the deeds of the flesh will not receive the kingdom of God—they do not have eternal life in them.

Therefore brothers and sisters, seek to root out these sinful desires by the power of the Spirit, by being led by the Spirit. You must seek to take hold of the kingdom of God by force. You cannot sit and wait for the Spirit to move you to do something—the Spirit’s moving in you will be characterized by your desire to fight sin and live in worship of God (cf. Philippians 2:12-13). Seek to practice the spiritual disciplines that you may draw nearer to God (Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will prove to be a helpful aid to you in this). And do not forget to both reveal the kingdom in the way you live (cf. Matthew 5:13-16) and to take the message of the kingdom to the world (Matthew 24:14).

[1] “The borders” of God’s Kingdom are not physical borders, but rather a dynamic border—all that God has claimed as His own, i.e. all that lives in subjection to Him.

selah

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Where Is Boasting?

Galatians 6:17-18 Make Your Elders Happy, Obey the True Gospel

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Galatians 6:15-16 Only a New Creation Matters

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Triple Bonus Jackpot Night at Work!

Galatians 6:14 Do not Boast, Except in the Cross

Monday, March 28, 2005

Galatians 6:11-13 Do not Submit to Legalistic Religion

Friday, March 25, 2005

Galatians 6:7-9 Continue Bearing Fruit, For God is not Mocked

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Galatians 6:6, 10 Giving in the Right Spirit for the Right Cause

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Galatians 6:3-5 Watch Yourself and Help Others, For You Will Give Account Before God

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Galatians 6:1-2 Help Your Fellow Christians and Fulfill the Law of Christ

Monday, March 21, 2005

Galatians 5:25-26 Walk by the Spirit so that You Do not Boast

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Galatians 5:24 Crucify the Flesh and Live

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Monday, March 14, 2005

Galatians 5:22-23 Walk by the Spirit so that You will Bear the Fruit of the Spirit

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Stand and Behold the Salvation of God!

Friday, March 11, 2005

Galatians 5:19-21 The Kingdom of God and the Deeds of the Flesh

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