Depression is not a feeling or a mood. Rather, depression is a draining of one’s energy, usually in response to great stress in one’s life. It can be a part of a normal life, but often depression becomes overwhelming, taking away the ability to experience joy in anything, or to accomplish anything for God. When depression seems too much to bear, it needs to not just be lived with, but confronted. Below are some things to warn against in depression, and then some steps to confront your depression.
What not to do in depression
Don’t beat yourself up (Romans 14:4)
Depression is a response that is normal in your body. Don’t blame yourself for what you had no control over. Don’t blame yourself for what you are unable to do, even though you could have done it at other times.
Don’t blame others
It is easy to blame others for how you feel, especially if they have done something wrong to you. But how we respond to someone’s actions is not their fault. Some might respond in anger, in anxiety, in depression. But we cannot blame another because we are miserable.
Don’t doubt God or his ways (Deuteronomy 6:5)
In depression, many doubt God or decide to give up on trying to follow Jesus because it is “too hard.” But God wants to assist you through and out of your depression, and Jesus died to free you from all oppression, even your depression. Don’t give up on the One who is your deliverer.
Don’t use it as an excuse to do what you know is wrong (Colossians 3:5)
Many people do certain things because they want to overcome their stresses, to feel better. But to act in sin to overcome depression—using alcohol or drugs or to yell at someone, for example—does not assist your depression, but only gives you guilt that causes you to deepen your depression.
Don’t isolate (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Those in deep depression often want to be by themselves and not to have anything to do with anyone because people are just too stressful. But to isolate is to give into the depression and only deepens it.
Don’t doubt those who love you (Colossians 3:12-13)
Those who have proven themselves to be your friends and to help you often seem unsympathetic or distant when you are depressed. Perhaps they don’t know what to do for you or maybe they are trying to not treat you any different and finding it difficult to do. Remember, though, that they have not changed in their care for you, so don’t give up on them.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep (Matthew 5:37)
Often in our depression we want to pretend that we are just as able as any other time to do what we would usually do—but we are not able to. When we are depressed, we have to take care to promise to do only what we can—even if it seems that we ought to be able to do more.
Try not to express negative thoughts to those not ready for it (Galatians 6:1)
We need to confess our faults, and communicate our needs, but not everyone is ready to hear the amount of negativity our mind is feeding us when we are depressed. We need to chose those whom we communicate to carefully, so that we do not destroy others with our words.
Confronting depression
Depression isn’t just to be lived with, it must be confronted and dealt with so that we can live before God with all the energy he gave us. While it may sound like just another stress to deal with, in fact it is a simple way of living:
1. Pray for deliverance (Luke 11:5-13)When we are oppressed by our moods or lack of energy, we need to be persistent in praying to God for deliverance. Deliverance won’t come from a person or an organization, it comes only from God. We must ask him continually for deliverance. The Holy Spirit is the power of God and when we are depressed, that is the power we need. Jesus said to keep praying for that power and we will receive it.
2. Deal with the cause of depression
Often there is a reason for our depression that can be resolved: perhaps we are guilty about our sin, perhaps we are anxious about our security, perhaps we are oppressed by the evil one. If so, we can deal with these issues, and soon the depression will lift away.
3. Be grateful to God (Psalm 86:12-13)
In depression, we think no one and nothing is on our side. At these times, we need to remember all the blessings that God has given us, all the purposes he has shown us, all the works he has accomplished for us. We need to make a list of thanksgiving, so that we can give thanks to God for what he has done.
4. Resist the evil one (James 4:7)
Many times depression is an oppression visited upon one by Satan to keep one from service to God. In that time, all one has to do is command the evil one to go and he will leave. At times it is good to seek out others to pray for you in this as well.
5. Balance your rest (Proverbs 6:10,11; Psalm 127:2)
We need to have just the amount of sleep we need. If we have too little, we will be overstressed and our depression will deepen. If we have too much, we will never move to have the energy we need to live. We need to get the sleep we need, even as God has blessed us with it, but not take advantage of having too much.
6. Balance stressful situations (Matthew 22:39)
Depression is often a response to overstress, and so we don’t want to overwhelm ourselves unnecessarily. However, we also want to balance ourselves to remain involved in life, so that our body isn’t overreacting to any and every kind of stress. We need to remain active, be involved with people, but we also need to have time by ourselves, resting before the Lord.
7. Balance your nutrition (I Kings 19:7)
Depression is either caused by or induces a chemical reaction in your brain. God has given us chemicals to balance out depression in the brain—and we gain these chemicals by eating good food that the Lord gave us. Often in depression we aren’t hungry or just don’t eat. But if we don’t eat, we will not heal. We need to eat nutritionally, especially fruits and vegetables and whole grains, all of which give us energy. Also B-complex vitamins can often renew our energy.
8. Do God’s work empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8)
God has given each of us certain tasks that we are to do. If God had given us the task to do, then he also will provide us with the power and energy to do it. Often, when we are depressed, the best thing to do is what God has called us to do—then we are no longer dependant on our own power, but on the power of the Spirit.
9. Tell your issues to a believer you can trust and listen (James 5:13-15)
It is good to meet with brothers and sisters who will appreciate our trials and recommend positive courses of actions to deal with it. We can pray for each other and encourage each other in overcoming our needs.
10. Take medication (I Timothy 5:23)
It is not always helpful to take medication, but sometimes it is, and there is nothing wrong with needing medication to help you do what the Lord asks you to do. In evaluating a medication, remember this one test: Is this medication helping me to do what is right before the Lord or not? Is it giving more self-control so I can honor the Lord with my actions? If it does, it might be a positive medication for you.
Confront Depression with Righteousness
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Mission of the Church
The ultimate purpose of the church is to establish an alternative nation to those who are in the world, based on the life and teaching of Jesus. It shall not be established by carpenters, city-planners or rulers. Rather, it will be established by God’s power and revelation.
The current Mission of God’s church is to restore God’s people to himself.
God’s people who are:
The lost
The poor
The destroyed
The demonized
The mentally ill
The sick
The oppressed
Those who are taught wrong
In other words, all who are downcast and lacking in faith, and yet are soft-hearted toward God. There are Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus who want to be restored to God—they just don’t know how. There are Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mennonites, Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Catholics, Orthodox and those of every Christian stripe and kind who want to be restored. It is our goal to seek out the soft-hearted—wherever and whoever they may be—and restore them.
The church’s mission is not to:
-Keep the faithful entertained and interested in God
-Call those firmly against the Lord (This is the Lord’s arena, not the church’s)
There are churches and missions who train people to be hard-hearted to God and to God’s Spirit. They are training them in superiority, in judgement, in self-exaltation, in focusing on the idols and tasks of this age. They are all rejected. Most Christian rehabs are trainers of the soft-hearted to be hard-hearted.
A few true training facilities: Some Amish, the Bruderhof, Jesus People USA, Reba Place, etc.
But they need to realize that their purpose is not to maintain a community of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Their purpose is to have a community which will train God’s people how to live, behave and work in God’s kingdom.
The Lord rejects:
Plush facilities
Expensive conferences
Christian concerts
The entertaining and care and feeding of the hard-hearted “faithful”
The church is pouring out money into efforts where they can see a “bottom line”—usually in terms of numbers of people or of financial resources. In God’s work there is no “bottom line” apart from the work of the Spirit and the living out of God’s word.
The purity of the church is important, but it is not the purity of the perfect that God seeks, but the purity of the soft-hearted, those moldable by God. Those who are soft hearted will be conformed, in time, as long as the trainers are not too impatient. But the hard-hearted, although they seem to conform in all the outward ways, will never be God’s.
There is a way to tell the difference between the soft hearted and the hard hearted—by looking at their devotion and faith.
The soft hearted are devoted to God and to his ways.
The hard hearted are devoted to their principles and to their desires.
The soft hearted are obedient to God and obey his commands.
The hard hearted are obedient to principles that do not focus on God’s command. They are usually more strict than God’s commands, and insist that others follow their decrees.
The soft hearted are dependant on God and on his power.
The hard hearted will pray, but are dependant on the ways and power of mankind.
The soft hearted believe in God’s promises and will do anything to receive them.
The hard hearted desire their own goals and are often angry at God for not fulfilling their desires.
They speak of God’s promises, but do not think that conformity to the conditions will gain them the promises.
The soft hearted love others and help them toward the Father and with their needs.
The hard hearted think that it is enough to focus on God, and find reasons to judge other followers of God. The hard hearted see their own needs and desires and use them as an excuse to not help others.
The soft hearted are humble, recognizing their own lowliness before God and mankind. They rejoice in that humility and seek to be lowly.
The hard hearted believes that humility is a tragedy at all times and they complain, mourn, and cry every time they are dishonored or suffer. They reject those who reject them and seek self-exaltation at every opportunity, proclaiming it the blessing of God.
The soft hearted are persistent in their devotion to God—obedience, faith, love and humility—and no circumstance or sin against them will turn them away from this way.
The hard hearted are double-minded—desiring both the ways of God and the ways of the world. They often seem to change their minds in what they really want, but what they really want is the ways of the world. In the end, the judgement of the world is what they will receive.
Bringing Back the Lost
We need to go out to them
We need to coax them back
We need to teach them the truth
We need to encourage them to be devoted to God
We need to pray for them and listen to the Spirit for them
We need to train them in focusing on the One Voice, not the multitude of voices around and within them
We need to maintain them (but the focus of the church should not be in matainance, but on restoring.
We need to train them to take up the cross.
The current Mission of God’s church is to restore God’s people to himself.
God’s people who are:
The lost
The poor
The destroyed
The demonized
The mentally ill
The sick
The oppressed
Those who are taught wrong
In other words, all who are downcast and lacking in faith, and yet are soft-hearted toward God. There are Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus who want to be restored to God—they just don’t know how. There are Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mennonites, Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Catholics, Orthodox and those of every Christian stripe and kind who want to be restored. It is our goal to seek out the soft-hearted—wherever and whoever they may be—and restore them.
The church’s mission is not to:
-Keep the faithful entertained and interested in God
-Call those firmly against the Lord (This is the Lord’s arena, not the church’s)
There are churches and missions who train people to be hard-hearted to God and to God’s Spirit. They are training them in superiority, in judgement, in self-exaltation, in focusing on the idols and tasks of this age. They are all rejected. Most Christian rehabs are trainers of the soft-hearted to be hard-hearted.
A few true training facilities: Some Amish, the Bruderhof, Jesus People USA, Reba Place, etc.
But they need to realize that their purpose is not to maintain a community of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Their purpose is to have a community which will train God’s people how to live, behave and work in God’s kingdom.
The Lord rejects:
Plush facilities
Expensive conferences
Christian concerts
The entertaining and care and feeding of the hard-hearted “faithful”
The church is pouring out money into efforts where they can see a “bottom line”—usually in terms of numbers of people or of financial resources. In God’s work there is no “bottom line” apart from the work of the Spirit and the living out of God’s word.
The purity of the church is important, but it is not the purity of the perfect that God seeks, but the purity of the soft-hearted, those moldable by God. Those who are soft hearted will be conformed, in time, as long as the trainers are not too impatient. But the hard-hearted, although they seem to conform in all the outward ways, will never be God’s.
There is a way to tell the difference between the soft hearted and the hard hearted—by looking at their devotion and faith.
The soft hearted are devoted to God and to his ways.
The hard hearted are devoted to their principles and to their desires.
The soft hearted are obedient to God and obey his commands.
The hard hearted are obedient to principles that do not focus on God’s command. They are usually more strict than God’s commands, and insist that others follow their decrees.
The soft hearted are dependant on God and on his power.
The hard hearted will pray, but are dependant on the ways and power of mankind.
The soft hearted believe in God’s promises and will do anything to receive them.
The hard hearted desire their own goals and are often angry at God for not fulfilling their desires.
They speak of God’s promises, but do not think that conformity to the conditions will gain them the promises.
The soft hearted love others and help them toward the Father and with their needs.
The hard hearted think that it is enough to focus on God, and find reasons to judge other followers of God. The hard hearted see their own needs and desires and use them as an excuse to not help others.
The soft hearted are humble, recognizing their own lowliness before God and mankind. They rejoice in that humility and seek to be lowly.
The hard hearted believes that humility is a tragedy at all times and they complain, mourn, and cry every time they are dishonored or suffer. They reject those who reject them and seek self-exaltation at every opportunity, proclaiming it the blessing of God.
The soft hearted are persistent in their devotion to God—obedience, faith, love and humility—and no circumstance or sin against them will turn them away from this way.
The hard hearted are double-minded—desiring both the ways of God and the ways of the world. They often seem to change their minds in what they really want, but what they really want is the ways of the world. In the end, the judgement of the world is what they will receive.
Bringing Back the Lost
We need to go out to them
We need to coax them back
We need to teach them the truth
We need to encourage them to be devoted to God
We need to pray for them and listen to the Spirit for them
We need to train them in focusing on the One Voice, not the multitude of voices around and within them
We need to maintain them (but the focus of the church should not be in matainance, but on restoring.
We need to train them to take up the cross.
If You Think This Blog Is Interesting...
Well, there's a lot more. If you want to read more of Steve's stuff, or to check out other resources that relate to some of the stuff talked about in this blog, visit my other blogs. There is a little overlap, but, honestly, not very much. I must be some kind of writing machine!
Ministry To The Homeless
http://pastoralblog.blogspot.com/
A blog about my ministry to the homeless.
Steve Kimes, Anawim Esq
http://stevekimes.blogspot.com/
Posts of my comments on various sites and answers to questions I receive
The SKV—A New Translation in the Making
http://skversion.blogspot.com/
My translations-- literal and extremely dynamic-- of the Greek New Testament.
Brief Bible Basics
http://briefbiblebasics.blogspot.com/
Short summaries of Bible themes and a retelling of the story of Scripture.
A Commentary on the Sermon On the Mount
http://sermononthemountcommentary.blogspot.com/
Verse by verse commentary on Jesus' Law in Matthew 5-7.
Meditations On The Psalms
http://livingpsalms.blogspot.com/
A selection of the psalms and commentary
The Faithful: Brief Summaries of 20 Christians Who Changed The World
http://followingthefaithful.blogspot.com/
A list of my heroes throughout Christian history with a brief summary of their lives and what they teach us about following Jesus.
Class War: Thoughts On The Interaction Between Classes
http://jointheclasswar.blogspot.com/
Essays on povery and the relation between the middle and lower classes in the U.S.
Questionable Wisdom
http://pithywisdom.blogspot.com/
Short principles of life written by both me and quotes from many others.
Interesting Stuff
http://interestingbutpointlessstuff.blogspot.com/
Various stuff that I find interesting that don't fit the category of my other blogs. Movies, music, poems, internet sites, whatever.
SOON TO COME: An illustrated commentary on the book of Revelation!
Ministry To The Homeless
http://pastoralblog.blogspot.com/
A blog about my ministry to the homeless.
Steve Kimes, Anawim Esq
http://stevekimes.blogspot.com/
Posts of my comments on various sites and answers to questions I receive
The SKV—A New Translation in the Making
http://skversion.blogspot.com/
My translations-- literal and extremely dynamic-- of the Greek New Testament.
Brief Bible Basics
http://briefbiblebasics.blogspot.com/
Short summaries of Bible themes and a retelling of the story of Scripture.
A Commentary on the Sermon On the Mount
http://sermononthemountcommentary.blogspot.com/
Verse by verse commentary on Jesus' Law in Matthew 5-7.
Meditations On The Psalms
http://livingpsalms.blogspot.com/
A selection of the psalms and commentary
The Faithful: Brief Summaries of 20 Christians Who Changed The World
http://followingthefaithful.blogspot.com/
A list of my heroes throughout Christian history with a brief summary of their lives and what they teach us about following Jesus.
Class War: Thoughts On The Interaction Between Classes
http://jointheclasswar.blogspot.com/
Essays on povery and the relation between the middle and lower classes in the U.S.
Questionable Wisdom
http://pithywisdom.blogspot.com/
Short principles of life written by both me and quotes from many others.
Interesting Stuff
http://interestingbutpointlessstuff.blogspot.com/
Various stuff that I find interesting that don't fit the category of my other blogs. Movies, music, poems, internet sites, whatever.
SOON TO COME: An illustrated commentary on the book of Revelation!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Jesus' Law
First posted in MennoDiscuss in response to the question, "If we are all followers of Jesus, should Jesus' teaching be a law, and if so, how literal should we be?"
1. For those of us who declare Jesus as Lord, Jesus' teaching is law.
2. And Jesus is the only teacher of the law we have (Matt 23-- "And you shall call no one teacher, for you have but one teacher and that is the Christ")
3. Under Jesus, we are all equal in trying to understand the law of Christ and in trying to obey it.
4. We are to assist each other to be obedient to Christ
5. However, if we have a disagreement as to how to obey Jesus-- as long as we do not deny a principle of Jesus-- then we must allow other's their interpretation without judging them. (Romans 14)
6. Nor, if we hold to a more loose interpretation, should we cause our brothers to sin against their interpretation. (Romans 14)
Even this brings up a lot of points.
For instance, my "interpretation" of "love your enemies" means that followers of Jesus should never kill anyone under any circumstances. Does this mean that I can't fellowship with a brother or sister who holds to the idea of "loving them in your heart" but harming them in the flesh? I believe that the interpretation is in reality opposed to the teaching of Jesus, not in harmony with it at all. But what I can do is pray that the Holy Spirit reveal the truth to them, over time. But I shouldn't deny fellowship with them simply because of a misunderstood interpretation.
On the other hand, I would not allow such a person to teach in my congregation, because it says in Scripture that one who stands against the word of Jesus is a false teacher and shouldn't be allowed in the church (I Timothy 6; II John). I do, however, allow people to publicly have a discussion about these interpretations with me in front of my church, so people can hear the different points of view and make their own choice. It is good to allow the Holy Spirit reign to lead people as He will.
1. For those of us who declare Jesus as Lord, Jesus' teaching is law.
2. And Jesus is the only teacher of the law we have (Matt 23-- "And you shall call no one teacher, for you have but one teacher and that is the Christ")
3. Under Jesus, we are all equal in trying to understand the law of Christ and in trying to obey it.
4. We are to assist each other to be obedient to Christ
5. However, if we have a disagreement as to how to obey Jesus-- as long as we do not deny a principle of Jesus-- then we must allow other's their interpretation without judging them. (Romans 14)
6. Nor, if we hold to a more loose interpretation, should we cause our brothers to sin against their interpretation. (Romans 14)
Even this brings up a lot of points.
For instance, my "interpretation" of "love your enemies" means that followers of Jesus should never kill anyone under any circumstances. Does this mean that I can't fellowship with a brother or sister who holds to the idea of "loving them in your heart" but harming them in the flesh? I believe that the interpretation is in reality opposed to the teaching of Jesus, not in harmony with it at all. But what I can do is pray that the Holy Spirit reveal the truth to them, over time. But I shouldn't deny fellowship with them simply because of a misunderstood interpretation.
On the other hand, I would not allow such a person to teach in my congregation, because it says in Scripture that one who stands against the word of Jesus is a false teacher and shouldn't be allowed in the church (I Timothy 6; II John). I do, however, allow people to publicly have a discussion about these interpretations with me in front of my church, so people can hear the different points of view and make their own choice. It is good to allow the Holy Spirit reign to lead people as He will.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Jesus Ethics
Jesus’ teaching isn’t just some general statements, but a whole lifestyle. Jesus didn’t just tell his people to love. Rather, he told us who and how to love. And his teaching isn’t just a good idea or some wise suggestions. Rather, they are the commands of a king to his people—the law of the kingdom of God. If we live our Jesus’ commands, then we are paying attention to the following principles of Jesus: “Be alert”, be prepared for Jesus’ coming, “abide in me”, “do the Father’s will”, “come to me”, “my burden is light”, “you are the salt of the world”, “follow Me”, “in this way everyone will know that you are my disciples” and many more.
Jesus—the basis of morality
To live according to Jesus’ life, we must have Jesus. Jesus spent quite a bit of time speaking of the necessity of being committed to him. He said “believe in me”, “follow me”, “learn from me”, “whoever loves his father and mother more than me can not be my disciple” and “whoever would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” To have Jesus, we must invite him to be king and Lord of our lives—where his nation is our nation and our first priority. To be a part of Jesus, he wants us to be baptized and to regularly participate in the Lord’s supper. But most of all, we must learn about Jesus, his teaching and live it out in all of our ways. If we commit ourselves to Jesus, He will give us the Holy Spirit—God within us—to guide us in His ways.
Jesus’ Commands—
A. The Basics
Jesus basically summarized the ten commandments, but he also applied them in specific ways.
Don’t murder
Don’t steal
Don’t defraud—This means not lying in court or trying to cheat someone in business.
Don’t commit adultery—Jesus described this as not cheating on your spouse, not having sex with someone else’s spouse—even if they are divorced—and not desiring that someone else’s spouse was your own.
Honor your parents—Jesus described this as giving respect for your parents and providing for them in their old age.
B. Loving God
“No one can serve two masters”—
This command also comes from the first two of the ten commandments. Jesus doesn’t want us serving other gods, nor does he want us to worship images as God. The main issue that Jesus spoke of in this regard was wealth. He considered wealth, money and possessions to be another god that demands service. There are certainly other gods that we can serve instead of God as well, such as sex, drugs, alcohol, or television/movies.
“The Lord’s name in vain”—
Part of respecting God, Jesus says, is using His name carefully. So we do not use God’s name in cursing, falsehood or broken promises.
“Pray this way”—
Jesus told us that we need to pray on a regular basis. When we pray, we use the Lord’s prayer as a model. Also, we need to pray for the Holy Spirit. Another thing that Jesus would often do when he prayed is to listen to God and see if he has anything to say to us.
“Clean the inside of cup”—
To be right before God, Jesus says, we have to have our intentions and motivations pure, not just our actions. Even the smallest of actions display our true intention, and that is what we will be judged on. This is why we pray for the Holy Spirit, to clean our inner thoughts.
“Don’t be as the hypocrites”—
Jesus wants us to take care when we worship or serve God that we are doing it for Him and not for other people. Jesus said that it would be good if we did some of our religious deeds in secret, so no one would know else would know we are doing them.
Porneia—
As a part of our purity before God, Jesus wants us to not participate in sexual immorality. By this Jesus meant not being involved in: sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, pornography, or incest.
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”—
Jesus wants us to focus on two things—what God says and helping people. But he doesn’t want our added traditions or commands—our religion—to in any way harm others or to stand against God’s commands. This means, for instance, that we don’t use the Bible to destroy others, emotionally.
“Faith the size of a mustard seed”—
Jesus wants us to recognize that God can do anything He wants to—and that He will respond in love to our prayers. This means sometimes that we need to step out in faith to do what God wants us to do, even if it seems crazy to those who don’t trust in God.
“Seek first the kingdom”—
Jesus wants us to do work for God, expecting no wage. There are different kinds of work Jesus affirmed—evangelism, giving to the poor, prayer, teaching Scripture, healing the sick and more. Also, Jesus tells us to pray that God would call more workers.
C. Love your neighbor
“Do Unto Others”--
Treat others as we would have them treat us. We want to be respected, communicated with and supported—so, Jesus says, we do the same to others.
“Whoever is angry”—
Jesus told us not to act in hostility against others, including insulting them or harming them in revenge.
“Look of lust”—
Jesus told us that our sexual purity must include even the smallest actions such as looking at someone with lust.
“Certificate of divorce”—
Jesus tells us that the only thing that breaks a marriage is adultery or divorce. But to divorce and get remarried is adultery, and a forced divorce could cause great harm.
“Let your Yes be Yes”—
Jesus said that if we make a promise, we must keep it, even if it’s inconvenient. To do less than keep our word, Jesus says, is of Satan.
“Love your enemies”—
Rather than getting revenge, Jesus says that we are to do good to those who do evil to us. We are always to think of how to best benefit others in all circumstances.
“Be reconciled”—
If we have done anything wrong to others, we should make our wrongs right by going to the person we have wronged.
“Judge not lest you be judged”--
Don’t judge without mercy. Always assume the best and give people a chance to make their wrongs right.
“Forgive and you will be forgiven”—
Jesus says that if anyone tries to make their wrongs right, we must take them back into relationship. We cannot keep people at arm’s length because we don’t like something they’ve apologized for.
“Give to the poor” –
Jesus says that if we see anyone in need, we should do what we can to help them.
D. Church Morality
“Love one another”—
Jesus said that in the church we are all to look out for each other, caring for each other as we would family members.
“Be at peace”—
Jesus doesn’t want us to have arguments about minor matters. Nor are we to divide ourselves from others in the church, except for continuing sin.
“Rebuke him privately”—
Jesus told the church to correct anyone in the church not living up to Jesus’ morality. This correction is to be done gently, with the intention of restoring the sinner.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”—
Jesus said that everyone in the church needs to do work for the kingdom of God, with God as our employer and rewarder.
“Wash each other’s feet”—
Jesus wants us to be hospitable to others who follow Jesus—including feeding each other, inviting others to our homes, praying for each other, and visiting each other when we are sick or in prison.
“I came to seek the lost”—
The church of Jesus is to constantly be open to those who have failed God and wants to come back to Him.
“Preach the gospel”—
Jesus tells the church that we—especially our leaders—are to proclaim God’s kingdom, the death and resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
“Heal the sick, cast out demons”—
The church of Jesus, especially the leaders of the church, are to pray for others to give them spiritual freedom from sickness and evil spirits.
“Beware of false teachers”—
The church is not to put leaders over ourselves who teach something apart from what Jesus taught. Nor are we to place people who are disobedient to Jesus over us as leaders.
“The last shall be first”—
The leaders of Jesus people are there to serve all the others, to be humble and merciful.
“Freely received, freely give”—
The teaching and the ministry that Jesus gave the church to give to others is to be free—without cost.
“The worker is worthy of his hire”—
The church of Jesus is to take care of their leaders, providing for their basic needs.
E. Humility and Sacrifice
“The humble will be exalted”—
Jesus says that we are to allow ourselves to be humiliated, disrespected and put down. If we do this, God will honor us and raise us up.
“Invite the poor”—
We are to give honor to the lowly, poor and outcast, who cannot repay us, so God will give us honor.
“Sell your possessions”—
Jesus wants us to not just give to the poor when it is convenient, but to sacrifice our own personal wealth for the poor.
“Turn the other cheek”—
We are to submit to authorities, even if they do us harm. The only time we do not submit is if they tell us to disobey Jesus.
“Take up the cross”—
Jesus wants our lives to be surrendered for the sake of others and God. Doing minor acts of mercy or devotion is not enough—we must surrender our whole lives, even literally if necessary.
“Rejoice and be glad”—
Jesus said that if we do get persecuted, hated, isolated, or rejected because of following his way, speaking the gospel or living for Jesus, then we shouldn’t be depressed, but happy. For God will look at our faithfulness and reward us greater than the persecutions we suffered.
Jesus—the basis of morality
To live according to Jesus’ life, we must have Jesus. Jesus spent quite a bit of time speaking of the necessity of being committed to him. He said “believe in me”, “follow me”, “learn from me”, “whoever loves his father and mother more than me can not be my disciple” and “whoever would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” To have Jesus, we must invite him to be king and Lord of our lives—where his nation is our nation and our first priority. To be a part of Jesus, he wants us to be baptized and to regularly participate in the Lord’s supper. But most of all, we must learn about Jesus, his teaching and live it out in all of our ways. If we commit ourselves to Jesus, He will give us the Holy Spirit—God within us—to guide us in His ways.
Jesus’ Commands—
A. The Basics
Jesus basically summarized the ten commandments, but he also applied them in specific ways.
Don’t murder
Don’t steal
Don’t defraud—This means not lying in court or trying to cheat someone in business.
Don’t commit adultery—Jesus described this as not cheating on your spouse, not having sex with someone else’s spouse—even if they are divorced—and not desiring that someone else’s spouse was your own.
Honor your parents—Jesus described this as giving respect for your parents and providing for them in their old age.
B. Loving God
“No one can serve two masters”—
This command also comes from the first two of the ten commandments. Jesus doesn’t want us serving other gods, nor does he want us to worship images as God. The main issue that Jesus spoke of in this regard was wealth. He considered wealth, money and possessions to be another god that demands service. There are certainly other gods that we can serve instead of God as well, such as sex, drugs, alcohol, or television/movies.
“The Lord’s name in vain”—
Part of respecting God, Jesus says, is using His name carefully. So we do not use God’s name in cursing, falsehood or broken promises.
“Pray this way”—
Jesus told us that we need to pray on a regular basis. When we pray, we use the Lord’s prayer as a model. Also, we need to pray for the Holy Spirit. Another thing that Jesus would often do when he prayed is to listen to God and see if he has anything to say to us.
“Clean the inside of cup”—
To be right before God, Jesus says, we have to have our intentions and motivations pure, not just our actions. Even the smallest of actions display our true intention, and that is what we will be judged on. This is why we pray for the Holy Spirit, to clean our inner thoughts.
“Don’t be as the hypocrites”—
Jesus wants us to take care when we worship or serve God that we are doing it for Him and not for other people. Jesus said that it would be good if we did some of our religious deeds in secret, so no one would know else would know we are doing them.
Porneia—
As a part of our purity before God, Jesus wants us to not participate in sexual immorality. By this Jesus meant not being involved in: sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, pornography, or incest.
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”—
Jesus wants us to focus on two things—what God says and helping people. But he doesn’t want our added traditions or commands—our religion—to in any way harm others or to stand against God’s commands. This means, for instance, that we don’t use the Bible to destroy others, emotionally.
“Faith the size of a mustard seed”—
Jesus wants us to recognize that God can do anything He wants to—and that He will respond in love to our prayers. This means sometimes that we need to step out in faith to do what God wants us to do, even if it seems crazy to those who don’t trust in God.
“Seek first the kingdom”—
Jesus wants us to do work for God, expecting no wage. There are different kinds of work Jesus affirmed—evangelism, giving to the poor, prayer, teaching Scripture, healing the sick and more. Also, Jesus tells us to pray that God would call more workers.
C. Love your neighbor
“Do Unto Others”--
Treat others as we would have them treat us. We want to be respected, communicated with and supported—so, Jesus says, we do the same to others.
“Whoever is angry”—
Jesus told us not to act in hostility against others, including insulting them or harming them in revenge.
“Look of lust”—
Jesus told us that our sexual purity must include even the smallest actions such as looking at someone with lust.
“Certificate of divorce”—
Jesus tells us that the only thing that breaks a marriage is adultery or divorce. But to divorce and get remarried is adultery, and a forced divorce could cause great harm.
“Let your Yes be Yes”—
Jesus said that if we make a promise, we must keep it, even if it’s inconvenient. To do less than keep our word, Jesus says, is of Satan.
“Love your enemies”—
Rather than getting revenge, Jesus says that we are to do good to those who do evil to us. We are always to think of how to best benefit others in all circumstances.
“Be reconciled”—
If we have done anything wrong to others, we should make our wrongs right by going to the person we have wronged.
“Judge not lest you be judged”--
Don’t judge without mercy. Always assume the best and give people a chance to make their wrongs right.
“Forgive and you will be forgiven”—
Jesus says that if anyone tries to make their wrongs right, we must take them back into relationship. We cannot keep people at arm’s length because we don’t like something they’ve apologized for.
“Give to the poor” –
Jesus says that if we see anyone in need, we should do what we can to help them.
D. Church Morality
“Love one another”—
Jesus said that in the church we are all to look out for each other, caring for each other as we would family members.
“Be at peace”—
Jesus doesn’t want us to have arguments about minor matters. Nor are we to divide ourselves from others in the church, except for continuing sin.
“Rebuke him privately”—
Jesus told the church to correct anyone in the church not living up to Jesus’ morality. This correction is to be done gently, with the intention of restoring the sinner.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”—
Jesus said that everyone in the church needs to do work for the kingdom of God, with God as our employer and rewarder.
“Wash each other’s feet”—
Jesus wants us to be hospitable to others who follow Jesus—including feeding each other, inviting others to our homes, praying for each other, and visiting each other when we are sick or in prison.
“I came to seek the lost”—
The church of Jesus is to constantly be open to those who have failed God and wants to come back to Him.
“Preach the gospel”—
Jesus tells the church that we—especially our leaders—are to proclaim God’s kingdom, the death and resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
“Heal the sick, cast out demons”—
The church of Jesus, especially the leaders of the church, are to pray for others to give them spiritual freedom from sickness and evil spirits.
“Beware of false teachers”—
The church is not to put leaders over ourselves who teach something apart from what Jesus taught. Nor are we to place people who are disobedient to Jesus over us as leaders.
“The last shall be first”—
The leaders of Jesus people are there to serve all the others, to be humble and merciful.
“Freely received, freely give”—
The teaching and the ministry that Jesus gave the church to give to others is to be free—without cost.
“The worker is worthy of his hire”—
The church of Jesus is to take care of their leaders, providing for their basic needs.
E. Humility and Sacrifice
“The humble will be exalted”—
Jesus says that we are to allow ourselves to be humiliated, disrespected and put down. If we do this, God will honor us and raise us up.
“Invite the poor”—
We are to give honor to the lowly, poor and outcast, who cannot repay us, so God will give us honor.
“Sell your possessions”—
Jesus wants us to not just give to the poor when it is convenient, but to sacrifice our own personal wealth for the poor.
“Turn the other cheek”—
We are to submit to authorities, even if they do us harm. The only time we do not submit is if they tell us to disobey Jesus.
“Take up the cross”—
Jesus wants our lives to be surrendered for the sake of others and God. Doing minor acts of mercy or devotion is not enough—we must surrender our whole lives, even literally if necessary.
“Rejoice and be glad”—
Jesus said that if we do get persecuted, hated, isolated, or rejected because of following his way, speaking the gospel or living for Jesus, then we shouldn’t be depressed, but happy. For God will look at our faithfulness and reward us greater than the persecutions we suffered.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Judgment, Cheap Grace and Mercy
• Judgment is immediate.
It demands the quick decision and the sentence is as swift and demanding as a guillotine.
• Mercy is slow.
Mercy takes its time, deliberating, mulling over options. Mercy is often second-guessing itself, repenting of former decisions as repentance is made known.
• Cheap Grace is careless.
It cares not what the issues are, and is as swift in its decision of forgiveness as judgment is of condemnation.
• Judgment is simple.
Black and white, clear cut, no recourse, no compromise. Judgment sees all situations from a demanding, no fills position.
• Mercy seeks truth—no matter how messy.
It deliberates, considers, ponders, discusses—but not without a goal. Mercy plods, the tortoise who wins the race, slow and steady. Mercy understands that truth cannot be found in a headline, but in a feature article based on many interviews.
• Cheap Grace triumphs the ignorant.
There is no need for determinations, deliberations or decisions. The decision has already been made—freedom and blessing for all, no matter what the situation.
• Judgment focuses on the law as a principle.
“The law is a standard which once broken cannot be mended. It is the Humpty Dumpty of God. It is an ancient china doll, needing to be placed behind glass—protected, served, and loved from a distance.” But the law of judgment is cold, hard and sharp as a steel blade. Judgment claims to be for the good of society, but the only one who benefits is Judgment itself.
• Mercy loves the law as a benefit to others.
The law is to “love your neighbor,” thus mercy is the heart of the law. The law is to train us in mercy, to see the Other as the beneficiary of all of our actions. Mercy considers the well-being of all—even the law-breaker. Mercy’s law is comforting, light, for it always seeks the benefit of all.
• Cheap Grace discards the law.
“The law was a plaything of youth, but is to be set aside as unworthy of consideration. Grace has set aside all law, especially the law of Jesus, as unworthy of God.” Cheap Grace claims to speak for Mercy, but denies the heart of God.
• Judgment demands recompense.
Judgment seeks equity to the cost of the action of the law-breaker. “You broke it, you pay for it.” It seeks a balanced account book for which each debit has its equal and opposite credit—the coin of which is blood and dishonor.
• Mercy pursues reconciliation.
Mercy can lead to dishonor, should repentance be the flip side of that coin. Mercy pleads for restoration, constantly seeking an ingathering together for all the saints.
• Cheap Grace rejects cost.
Cheap Grace points to Calvary and claims that all had been accomplished there. Cheap Grace ignores the man who said, “All who would follow me must take up their own cross daily.” Cheap Grace demands no personal cost, no change, no death, no discipline, and so gains no gift, no new creation, no life, no restoration.
• Judgment has no escape. Once judged, there is no exit. The sentence is irrevocable, the differences irreconcilable, the community ununitable.
• Mercy offers an out—repentance.
The one who has harmed another—and so has defied the law—has an opportunity to be brought back under the law. To repent, to reconcile is the extent that Mercy demands, and will seek any way to achieve that goal.
• Cheap Grace is unconditional forgiveness.
It is spiritual bloodletting—seeking to heal the patient, while ignorantly killing him. Cheap Grace sees no need to gather in, to restore, for there was no separation.
• Judgment demands payment from the lawbreaker.
As the law suffered, so must the criminal. As society was harmed, so must the harmer. Judgment claims the lost deserve nothing, and so gives nothing.
• Mercy sacrifices.
Restoration also has a price, and the merciful takes that price on oneself. Mercy pays whatever the cost so the sinner can be restored. Mercy groans in prayer, endures attacks, forgives debts against it, pays debts against others, sacrifices its comfort, its family, its friendships, its resources, its very life—all for the sake of the lost.
• Cheap Grace gleefully ignores cost.
It is the thief, stealing from God’s honor. Cheap Grace receives no payment, demands nothing, gives nothing, since there is no debt incurred. Cheap Grace celebrates at the foot of grace delivered, but ignores the call of grace transferred to others. Cheap Grace requires nothing and so gains nothing.
• Judgment never forgets.
It is the elephant of virtues. It never trusts, never believes, never forgives, never restores. Judgment says “Once a sinner, always a sinner.”
• Mercy gives the benefit of the doubt.
Mercy does not forget, but allows complete restoration, a rebuilding of trust. Mercy believes in new creation, a new life, which has nothing to do with the old.
• Cheap Grace always trusts, even the hypocrite.
It always believes, even the liar. It always forgives, even the unrepentant. It accepts everyone and everything—except God’s truth.
• Judgment is Satan.
Judgment is the accuser of the brethren, the murderer of humanity for the sake of a bloodless law. It is the prosecutor seeking the death penalty.
• Mercy is Jesus.
It is the self-sacrificer, the reconciler to God, the perfect sacrifice. Mercy is the one who said, “Go and sin no more,” “The one whom the Son sets free is free indeed,” “I have come to seek and save the lost,” “Unless you repent you will likewise perish,” “I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance,” “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.”
• Cheap Grace is the Flesh.
It is self-seeking, self-upholding, self-deceptive. Ultimately, it upholds what is abhorrent to God as the will of God. They practice sin and gives approval to those who practice it.
• Judgment is a liar.
It claims that God does not forgive, sees the sin and not the sinner. It denies the power of God to change the one in Jesus. It is lost, for it has forsaken the mercy of Jesus. Those in the power of Judgment will die by God’s hand—“Judge and you will be judged.”
• Cheap Grace is a liar.
It claims that God’s standard is flexible, and so non-existent. It loves the lost to such a degree that it cannot be separated from the lost. It causes the lost to remain lost, and so dead. Those in the power of Cheap Grace will die by God’s hand—“Whoever does not obey the Son will not see life.”
• Mercy is the truth of God.
It upholds the law, which is to love all. It demands love, even as it offers love. It demands forgiveness, even as it offers forgiveness. It demands sacrifice, even as it sacrifices. It demands purity, even as it offers purity. It demands devotion to God, even as it offers devotion to God. “Be imitators of God, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”
Mercy stands with God over against Judgment and Cheap Grace
It demands the quick decision and the sentence is as swift and demanding as a guillotine.
• Mercy is slow.
Mercy takes its time, deliberating, mulling over options. Mercy is often second-guessing itself, repenting of former decisions as repentance is made known.
• Cheap Grace is careless.
It cares not what the issues are, and is as swift in its decision of forgiveness as judgment is of condemnation.
• Judgment is simple.
Black and white, clear cut, no recourse, no compromise. Judgment sees all situations from a demanding, no fills position.
• Mercy seeks truth—no matter how messy.
It deliberates, considers, ponders, discusses—but not without a goal. Mercy plods, the tortoise who wins the race, slow and steady. Mercy understands that truth cannot be found in a headline, but in a feature article based on many interviews.
• Cheap Grace triumphs the ignorant.
There is no need for determinations, deliberations or decisions. The decision has already been made—freedom and blessing for all, no matter what the situation.
• Judgment focuses on the law as a principle.
“The law is a standard which once broken cannot be mended. It is the Humpty Dumpty of God. It is an ancient china doll, needing to be placed behind glass—protected, served, and loved from a distance.” But the law of judgment is cold, hard and sharp as a steel blade. Judgment claims to be for the good of society, but the only one who benefits is Judgment itself.
• Mercy loves the law as a benefit to others.
The law is to “love your neighbor,” thus mercy is the heart of the law. The law is to train us in mercy, to see the Other as the beneficiary of all of our actions. Mercy considers the well-being of all—even the law-breaker. Mercy’s law is comforting, light, for it always seeks the benefit of all.
• Cheap Grace discards the law.
“The law was a plaything of youth, but is to be set aside as unworthy of consideration. Grace has set aside all law, especially the law of Jesus, as unworthy of God.” Cheap Grace claims to speak for Mercy, but denies the heart of God.
• Judgment demands recompense.
Judgment seeks equity to the cost of the action of the law-breaker. “You broke it, you pay for it.” It seeks a balanced account book for which each debit has its equal and opposite credit—the coin of which is blood and dishonor.
• Mercy pursues reconciliation.
Mercy can lead to dishonor, should repentance be the flip side of that coin. Mercy pleads for restoration, constantly seeking an ingathering together for all the saints.
• Cheap Grace rejects cost.
Cheap Grace points to Calvary and claims that all had been accomplished there. Cheap Grace ignores the man who said, “All who would follow me must take up their own cross daily.” Cheap Grace demands no personal cost, no change, no death, no discipline, and so gains no gift, no new creation, no life, no restoration.
• Judgment has no escape. Once judged, there is no exit. The sentence is irrevocable, the differences irreconcilable, the community ununitable.
• Mercy offers an out—repentance.
The one who has harmed another—and so has defied the law—has an opportunity to be brought back under the law. To repent, to reconcile is the extent that Mercy demands, and will seek any way to achieve that goal.
• Cheap Grace is unconditional forgiveness.
It is spiritual bloodletting—seeking to heal the patient, while ignorantly killing him. Cheap Grace sees no need to gather in, to restore, for there was no separation.
• Judgment demands payment from the lawbreaker.
As the law suffered, so must the criminal. As society was harmed, so must the harmer. Judgment claims the lost deserve nothing, and so gives nothing.
• Mercy sacrifices.
Restoration also has a price, and the merciful takes that price on oneself. Mercy pays whatever the cost so the sinner can be restored. Mercy groans in prayer, endures attacks, forgives debts against it, pays debts against others, sacrifices its comfort, its family, its friendships, its resources, its very life—all for the sake of the lost.
• Cheap Grace gleefully ignores cost.
It is the thief, stealing from God’s honor. Cheap Grace receives no payment, demands nothing, gives nothing, since there is no debt incurred. Cheap Grace celebrates at the foot of grace delivered, but ignores the call of grace transferred to others. Cheap Grace requires nothing and so gains nothing.
• Judgment never forgets.
It is the elephant of virtues. It never trusts, never believes, never forgives, never restores. Judgment says “Once a sinner, always a sinner.”
• Mercy gives the benefit of the doubt.
Mercy does not forget, but allows complete restoration, a rebuilding of trust. Mercy believes in new creation, a new life, which has nothing to do with the old.
• Cheap Grace always trusts, even the hypocrite.
It always believes, even the liar. It always forgives, even the unrepentant. It accepts everyone and everything—except God’s truth.
• Judgment is Satan.
Judgment is the accuser of the brethren, the murderer of humanity for the sake of a bloodless law. It is the prosecutor seeking the death penalty.
• Mercy is Jesus.
It is the self-sacrificer, the reconciler to God, the perfect sacrifice. Mercy is the one who said, “Go and sin no more,” “The one whom the Son sets free is free indeed,” “I have come to seek and save the lost,” “Unless you repent you will likewise perish,” “I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance,” “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.”
• Cheap Grace is the Flesh.
It is self-seeking, self-upholding, self-deceptive. Ultimately, it upholds what is abhorrent to God as the will of God. They practice sin and gives approval to those who practice it.
• Judgment is a liar.
It claims that God does not forgive, sees the sin and not the sinner. It denies the power of God to change the one in Jesus. It is lost, for it has forsaken the mercy of Jesus. Those in the power of Judgment will die by God’s hand—“Judge and you will be judged.”
• Cheap Grace is a liar.
It claims that God’s standard is flexible, and so non-existent. It loves the lost to such a degree that it cannot be separated from the lost. It causes the lost to remain lost, and so dead. Those in the power of Cheap Grace will die by God’s hand—“Whoever does not obey the Son will not see life.”
• Mercy is the truth of God.
It upholds the law, which is to love all. It demands love, even as it offers love. It demands forgiveness, even as it offers forgiveness. It demands sacrifice, even as it sacrifices. It demands purity, even as it offers purity. It demands devotion to God, even as it offers devotion to God. “Be imitators of God, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”
Mercy stands with God over against Judgment and Cheap Grace
Friday, December 05, 2008
What Does That Speak of Us?
How we want to be like Jesus!
We want his righteousness and his ability to please God. We want to live out his life and to always hold on to what is good. For some of us, we want him more than we want anything else - more than life itself, we desire him so. And so should it be.
But it is curious, that though it is clear the gospels teach that we are to live out his life, Jesus himself only mentioned the imitation of himself in one context: that of being persecuted by others.
Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you : ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you, too. (John 15: 18-16:3)”
“If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! (Matthew 10: 34-39)
To be like Jesus is to assuredly be persecuted like Jesus. To not be persecuteted is to fall short of the full call of Jesus and to be like the enemies of Jesus: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their Fathers treated the false prophets. (Matthew 5: 11-12 & Luke 6:26)”
Even to attain godly character, the most sure way is to gain it through persecution. James says that perseverance of your faith comes only through trials (James 1: 2-4 & Romans 5: 3-5).
And Paul says that it is through the perseverance attained by suffering that we gain character like that of Jesus - and that it is through such character that we have hope in Christ!
It is not just an added benefit that we attain the glory of persecution and suffering - it is our very life! In fact, Paul said, “Anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (II Timothy 3:12)”
If you live a life of the Spirit you will be rejected by mankind. If you live as Jesus lived, you will be insulted and mistreated. If you walk in the teaching of the apostles, you will be spurned and hated. If god truly resides in you, you will even be beaten, arrested, sentenced and killed (Mark 8: 31-38).
This is the meaning of the cross we must hear. This is a daily sacrifice for those who live in God.
The fact that we rarely experience persecution as a church displays our weakness. But the fact that we do everything in our power to turn aside and walk away from the slight persecutions God gives us - that we stand up in court demanding our rights as citizens for protection - when we ought to be standing in our protection God gave us... What does that speak of us?
We want his righteousness and his ability to please God. We want to live out his life and to always hold on to what is good. For some of us, we want him more than we want anything else - more than life itself, we desire him so. And so should it be.
But it is curious, that though it is clear the gospels teach that we are to live out his life, Jesus himself only mentioned the imitation of himself in one context: that of being persecuted by others.
Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you : ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you, too. (John 15: 18-16:3)”
“If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! (Matthew 10: 34-39)
To be like Jesus is to assuredly be persecuted like Jesus. To not be persecuteted is to fall short of the full call of Jesus and to be like the enemies of Jesus: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their Fathers treated the false prophets. (Matthew 5: 11-12 & Luke 6:26)”
Even to attain godly character, the most sure way is to gain it through persecution. James says that perseverance of your faith comes only through trials (James 1: 2-4 & Romans 5: 3-5).
And Paul says that it is through the perseverance attained by suffering that we gain character like that of Jesus - and that it is through such character that we have hope in Christ!
It is not just an added benefit that we attain the glory of persecution and suffering - it is our very life! In fact, Paul said, “Anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (II Timothy 3:12)”
If you live a life of the Spirit you will be rejected by mankind. If you live as Jesus lived, you will be insulted and mistreated. If you walk in the teaching of the apostles, you will be spurned and hated. If god truly resides in you, you will even be beaten, arrested, sentenced and killed (Mark 8: 31-38).
This is the meaning of the cross we must hear. This is a daily sacrifice for those who live in God.
The fact that we rarely experience persecution as a church displays our weakness. But the fact that we do everything in our power to turn aside and walk away from the slight persecutions God gives us - that we stand up in court demanding our rights as citizens for protection - when we ought to be standing in our protection God gave us... What does that speak of us?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
How To Love Idiots
“Love one another,” “Treat others as you would be treated,” “Love your neighbor as yourself” “Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful” “Love your enemy, do good to those who hate you”— Jesus was clear, that loving those around us is our most important task, apart from being faithful to God. And yet, it is funny how we often take our relationships for granted (unless we are dating someone we really like). We assume that we treat everyone fairly and with love—even though sometimes it is “tough love”—and we expect to be treated fairly in return.
However, dealing with people is the most difficult task imaginable—just ask God, He has a terrible time with it! Jesus told us that our relationships should be a major priority in our lives just because they would be so difficult to maintain! Jesus didn’t tell us to treat everyone with fairness, but with love and humility. And this means, often, that we need to set aside our own ideals and focus on someone else’s needs and goals. We cannot love if we are just thinking about being “fair” in relationships. To love we must sacrifice and reach out.
1. Meet others needs
When Jesus taught about love, he did not mean that love is a feeling, or a response, or a particular kind of relationship. Rather, when Jesus said, “love” he meant an action. To love is to act in the other person’s benefit, whatever that means. And the most basic way of doing what will help another person is to make an attempt to meet their needs. This is why when Scripture talks about Christian duty, it describes feeding the poor, visiting the sick and welcoming the stranger. Because loving means seeing the need and doing your best to meet it.
But we also need to recognize that people need more than bread and clothes. Jesus himself did much more than meet people’s physical needs—although that was a big part of what he did. Fundamentally, people feel that they have the following needs:
• Survival—Having one’s basic needs met, such as hunger, sleep and health
• Security—Feeling safe from what one fears
• Inner Peace—A sense of contentment with life
• Pleasure—Enjoyment and laughter
• Honor—A sense of being significant to others
• Society—Feeling a part of others and communicating with them
There are other needs that we have—a relationship with God, understanding significant truths, a sense of being a “good person”, but we don’t always feel these needs. The six above we feel almost every day at one point or another, and they deeply control our sense of well-being and color our perception of everything around us. When Jesus met needs, he recognized that people not only needed their “survival” needs met, but also the other ones. Especially in his teaching, he wanted people to feel secure, to have peace, to have joy, to gain honor and to be a part of a good society.
Even so, when we are looking to meet people’s needs, we need not only look at survival needs, although those are foundationally important. But we must also remember to give people respect, to ease people’s fears, to help them laugh and enjoy themselves, to just communicate with others. In doing all of this, we are loving. And all of it is acting in love.
2. Be Humble
Perhaps when you picked up this tract, you thought, “Oh good—I’ve got a lot of idiots I’m supposed to love.” However, the most important lesson Jesus taught us in loving others is “the first shall be last and the last first.” If we really want to love others, the first step is to remember that, more often than not, WE are the idiots, not the people around us. Rather than thinking, “I wish so-and-so could read this tract,” you need to take responsibility for your own idiocy in relationships. If we are really going to love, we need to be humble. How can we do that?
• If a mistake was made, give others the benefit of the doubt
• Take blame upon yourself, instead of pushing it on others
• Focus on what other’s need, not yourself
• If changes need to be made in communication, take as much responsibility on yourself as you can
• Pray for other’s blessing—especially those you are in conflict with
If we place ourselves in the giving position, then we will find that we can actually deserve the honor we might expect others to give to us—whether we get it or not. Most importantly, assume that the other person is trying to be as good and as polite as they can. You may feel that they are acting rude or badly or stupidly. But, chances are, they are not. They are just trying to meet their needs, just like you are.
3. Recognize differences in communication
Another way we can be humble is to recognize that, more often than not, the people around us are not idiots, or jerks, or rude, but they have different communication patterns than we do. If we see someone who looks like an immigrant come up to us and speak loudly in a foreign language, waving his hands, we would not think he was rude, but that he just didn’t have the same customs that we do. But if we see someone speak to us in our language, with our accent, speaking loudly and waving her hands, we would think that she is rude, or possibly have some mental problems. But some people grow up in situations in which speaking loudly (or quietly) and using expansive gestures (or using none at all) is normal, and they are just trying to speak to us normally. We do not feel that it is normal at all—we feel that it is rude, or that they have a problem with us. But often it is not that case at all. We have to take account of other’s different way of speaking.
For instance, different people have a different sense of how long one must pause to allow another person to speak. If one person expects people to talk over her, then she might not give anyone else a chance to speak, and so feel that no one is interested in what she is talking about, because no one is responding. On the other hand, another person might feel that she is hogging up all the time to speak because she won’t stop for a few seconds so they can chime in. Neither person is rude, they just don’t understand how the other person communicates.
There are many kinds of communication differences: How much space to give another person when talking, how direct or indirect one’s requests should be, what kind of touching is appropriate between people, how people should apologize, and how a conversation should begin. Instead of assuming others are “idiots”, perhaps we should try their kind of communication with them and see if they respond positively to it.
4. Respond Positively to Interactions
Every time we communicate with others, we may have as many as a hundred interactions with them in ten minutes. With everything people say to us, we are reacting—even if we think we are giving a neutral or a non-response. With every bit of communication, we either respond with them—on their side—against them or just ignoring them. In a positive relationship, up to 9 out of 10 responses will be positive. If even four out of ten of the responses one gives is offensive or ignoring the other, then the relationship is rapidly going downhill, and may never recover unless something is done.
A negative response to someone doesn’t mean that you can’t disagree with them. On the contrary, two people could be having a conflict, but their reactions are positive toward each other. It is HOW they disagree. If they keep the conversation upbeat, break the heavy discussion with humor sometimes, always show respect for the other person and the relationship, then even a conflict can be a positive relationship. However, if a conversation is characterized by biting sarcasm, insults, outbursts of anger, threats, treating the other like a child, or simply ignoring what another person says, then that conversation will tear down the relationship.
In loving others, we need to work on our communication, so we always try to respond positively. This does not mean just ending the conversation on an upbeat note, but trying to communicate in a positive way throughout the conversation. This can be difficult, and we can make many mistakes along the way, but with God’s help we can do it—even to those who have hurt us.
5. Find the True Meaning behind the Words
None of us means what we say. Most of our communication is a parable of what we really mean. We often ask “how are you?”, but we almost never are looking for a doctor’s diagnosis. A husband may say “I love you,” but not at that moment feel a surge of emotion for his wife. Our child may say, “I don’t feel good,” but they might just be emotionally hurt, not having a physical ailment. Even so, quite a bit of our words have meaning that is not stated directly in the words we used.
And it isn’t only words. I could say, “My mother in law is coming to visit,” and depending on the look on my face or my tone of voice, I would communicate to you whether I liked that idea or not. But if you didn’t understand my non verbal communication—you heard disgust in my voice when I was trying to communicate with my face happy anticipation—then we will get our wires crossed and spend time trying to unravel the miscommunication.
Or we might get into a conflict with another person, and we can argue about the silliest things—whether the sky is actually sky blue or not—whatever. But if we get into a conflict, often the conflict is not about what we are directly discussing. Perhaps the argument is about how one communicates. Or it could be about a long-held ideal or dream that hasn’t been communicated yet. And the conflict could go on eternally without resolution, because the true meaning of the conflict hasn’t yet been discussed.
If the person we are communicating with understands our indirect communication, fine, no problem. However, every time we use indirect communication, we are taking the chance that the other person might misunderstand. And then we don’t understand what they misunderstood because we communicated as clearly as we could—or so we thought.
We need to do our best to get behind the simple meaning of the words. And how do we do this? We ask. We tell the other person what they think they meant by a face or an argument, and give them a chance to explain in a different way.
6. Listen Carefully
Jesus told us that we must “Be careful how you listen.” It is never enough to just listen, but we must listen in a way that communicates. Even our listening communicates a reaction to what others say. And how we listen can either meet others needs or tear them down.
If we do not look like we are listening to the other person, then they think we are ignoring them and they are not important to us. One person may expect someone to look at her when she is talking, but her partner may need to look at the floor to concentrate. Even if he can repeat everything she said, she will still not feel listened to, but ignored. When listening, we need to show that we are interested, in the best way we can, in the way the person we are listening to understands.
We might ask questions, but not too many. We might make listening “noises” like “uh huh”, but not too often. We might nod, but not too excitedly. If we do not do these things enough, the other will think that we are ignoring them. But if we do these things too much, then the other person will think that we are not trying to listen, but to take over the conversation. We must find the right balance for each person.
The most important part of listening in love is two things: First, don’t be trying to force your agenda on the other person. Let them say what they need to say. Second, do your best to give them your full attention. Because we live in a society in which everyone feels that everyone is too busy to listen, this is the best gift that anyone can give.
(Thanks to the work of John M Gottman and Deborah Tannan)
However, dealing with people is the most difficult task imaginable—just ask God, He has a terrible time with it! Jesus told us that our relationships should be a major priority in our lives just because they would be so difficult to maintain! Jesus didn’t tell us to treat everyone with fairness, but with love and humility. And this means, often, that we need to set aside our own ideals and focus on someone else’s needs and goals. We cannot love if we are just thinking about being “fair” in relationships. To love we must sacrifice and reach out.
1. Meet others needs
When Jesus taught about love, he did not mean that love is a feeling, or a response, or a particular kind of relationship. Rather, when Jesus said, “love” he meant an action. To love is to act in the other person’s benefit, whatever that means. And the most basic way of doing what will help another person is to make an attempt to meet their needs. This is why when Scripture talks about Christian duty, it describes feeding the poor, visiting the sick and welcoming the stranger. Because loving means seeing the need and doing your best to meet it.
But we also need to recognize that people need more than bread and clothes. Jesus himself did much more than meet people’s physical needs—although that was a big part of what he did. Fundamentally, people feel that they have the following needs:
• Survival—Having one’s basic needs met, such as hunger, sleep and health
• Security—Feeling safe from what one fears
• Inner Peace—A sense of contentment with life
• Pleasure—Enjoyment and laughter
• Honor—A sense of being significant to others
• Society—Feeling a part of others and communicating with them
There are other needs that we have—a relationship with God, understanding significant truths, a sense of being a “good person”, but we don’t always feel these needs. The six above we feel almost every day at one point or another, and they deeply control our sense of well-being and color our perception of everything around us. When Jesus met needs, he recognized that people not only needed their “survival” needs met, but also the other ones. Especially in his teaching, he wanted people to feel secure, to have peace, to have joy, to gain honor and to be a part of a good society.
Even so, when we are looking to meet people’s needs, we need not only look at survival needs, although those are foundationally important. But we must also remember to give people respect, to ease people’s fears, to help them laugh and enjoy themselves, to just communicate with others. In doing all of this, we are loving. And all of it is acting in love.
2. Be Humble
Perhaps when you picked up this tract, you thought, “Oh good—I’ve got a lot of idiots I’m supposed to love.” However, the most important lesson Jesus taught us in loving others is “the first shall be last and the last first.” If we really want to love others, the first step is to remember that, more often than not, WE are the idiots, not the people around us. Rather than thinking, “I wish so-and-so could read this tract,” you need to take responsibility for your own idiocy in relationships. If we are really going to love, we need to be humble. How can we do that?
• If a mistake was made, give others the benefit of the doubt
• Take blame upon yourself, instead of pushing it on others
• Focus on what other’s need, not yourself
• If changes need to be made in communication, take as much responsibility on yourself as you can
• Pray for other’s blessing—especially those you are in conflict with
If we place ourselves in the giving position, then we will find that we can actually deserve the honor we might expect others to give to us—whether we get it or not. Most importantly, assume that the other person is trying to be as good and as polite as they can. You may feel that they are acting rude or badly or stupidly. But, chances are, they are not. They are just trying to meet their needs, just like you are.
3. Recognize differences in communication
Another way we can be humble is to recognize that, more often than not, the people around us are not idiots, or jerks, or rude, but they have different communication patterns than we do. If we see someone who looks like an immigrant come up to us and speak loudly in a foreign language, waving his hands, we would not think he was rude, but that he just didn’t have the same customs that we do. But if we see someone speak to us in our language, with our accent, speaking loudly and waving her hands, we would think that she is rude, or possibly have some mental problems. But some people grow up in situations in which speaking loudly (or quietly) and using expansive gestures (or using none at all) is normal, and they are just trying to speak to us normally. We do not feel that it is normal at all—we feel that it is rude, or that they have a problem with us. But often it is not that case at all. We have to take account of other’s different way of speaking.
For instance, different people have a different sense of how long one must pause to allow another person to speak. If one person expects people to talk over her, then she might not give anyone else a chance to speak, and so feel that no one is interested in what she is talking about, because no one is responding. On the other hand, another person might feel that she is hogging up all the time to speak because she won’t stop for a few seconds so they can chime in. Neither person is rude, they just don’t understand how the other person communicates.
There are many kinds of communication differences: How much space to give another person when talking, how direct or indirect one’s requests should be, what kind of touching is appropriate between people, how people should apologize, and how a conversation should begin. Instead of assuming others are “idiots”, perhaps we should try their kind of communication with them and see if they respond positively to it.
4. Respond Positively to Interactions
Every time we communicate with others, we may have as many as a hundred interactions with them in ten minutes. With everything people say to us, we are reacting—even if we think we are giving a neutral or a non-response. With every bit of communication, we either respond with them—on their side—against them or just ignoring them. In a positive relationship, up to 9 out of 10 responses will be positive. If even four out of ten of the responses one gives is offensive or ignoring the other, then the relationship is rapidly going downhill, and may never recover unless something is done.
A negative response to someone doesn’t mean that you can’t disagree with them. On the contrary, two people could be having a conflict, but their reactions are positive toward each other. It is HOW they disagree. If they keep the conversation upbeat, break the heavy discussion with humor sometimes, always show respect for the other person and the relationship, then even a conflict can be a positive relationship. However, if a conversation is characterized by biting sarcasm, insults, outbursts of anger, threats, treating the other like a child, or simply ignoring what another person says, then that conversation will tear down the relationship.
In loving others, we need to work on our communication, so we always try to respond positively. This does not mean just ending the conversation on an upbeat note, but trying to communicate in a positive way throughout the conversation. This can be difficult, and we can make many mistakes along the way, but with God’s help we can do it—even to those who have hurt us.
5. Find the True Meaning behind the Words
None of us means what we say. Most of our communication is a parable of what we really mean. We often ask “how are you?”, but we almost never are looking for a doctor’s diagnosis. A husband may say “I love you,” but not at that moment feel a surge of emotion for his wife. Our child may say, “I don’t feel good,” but they might just be emotionally hurt, not having a physical ailment. Even so, quite a bit of our words have meaning that is not stated directly in the words we used.
And it isn’t only words. I could say, “My mother in law is coming to visit,” and depending on the look on my face or my tone of voice, I would communicate to you whether I liked that idea or not. But if you didn’t understand my non verbal communication—you heard disgust in my voice when I was trying to communicate with my face happy anticipation—then we will get our wires crossed and spend time trying to unravel the miscommunication.
Or we might get into a conflict with another person, and we can argue about the silliest things—whether the sky is actually sky blue or not—whatever. But if we get into a conflict, often the conflict is not about what we are directly discussing. Perhaps the argument is about how one communicates. Or it could be about a long-held ideal or dream that hasn’t been communicated yet. And the conflict could go on eternally without resolution, because the true meaning of the conflict hasn’t yet been discussed.
If the person we are communicating with understands our indirect communication, fine, no problem. However, every time we use indirect communication, we are taking the chance that the other person might misunderstand. And then we don’t understand what they misunderstood because we communicated as clearly as we could—or so we thought.
We need to do our best to get behind the simple meaning of the words. And how do we do this? We ask. We tell the other person what they think they meant by a face or an argument, and give them a chance to explain in a different way.
6. Listen Carefully
Jesus told us that we must “Be careful how you listen.” It is never enough to just listen, but we must listen in a way that communicates. Even our listening communicates a reaction to what others say. And how we listen can either meet others needs or tear them down.
If we do not look like we are listening to the other person, then they think we are ignoring them and they are not important to us. One person may expect someone to look at her when she is talking, but her partner may need to look at the floor to concentrate. Even if he can repeat everything she said, she will still not feel listened to, but ignored. When listening, we need to show that we are interested, in the best way we can, in the way the person we are listening to understands.
We might ask questions, but not too many. We might make listening “noises” like “uh huh”, but not too often. We might nod, but not too excitedly. If we do not do these things enough, the other will think that we are ignoring them. But if we do these things too much, then the other person will think that we are not trying to listen, but to take over the conversation. We must find the right balance for each person.
The most important part of listening in love is two things: First, don’t be trying to force your agenda on the other person. Let them say what they need to say. Second, do your best to give them your full attention. Because we live in a society in which everyone feels that everyone is too busy to listen, this is the best gift that anyone can give.
(Thanks to the work of John M Gottman and Deborah Tannan)
Does God Give Prosperity?
What is prosperity doctrine?
It is the teaching that the normative Christian life is being wealthy, healthy and successful in the world. To live a life of poverty, illness or dishonor is to lack faith or righteousness. It is not the same as charismatic or Pentecostal teaching, which teaches that the Holy Spirit’s power is just as strong in the world today as it was in the first century. Prosperity doctrine connects the Spirit’s power with always being healthy, and always having the blessings of this world. While the Spirit is just as powerful as he ever was, and heals just as strongly as he ever did, does this mean that the Spirit desires believers to be always healthy, always rich and always popular?
Is There a Biblical Basis for Prosperity Doctrine?
There certainly is. Many prosperity doctrine teachers use the Bible, especially many Old Testament passages, to support their concept. Isaiah 53:5 and II Chronicles 7:14 certainly speaks about God healing sicknesses through prayer and the sacrifice of Jesus. And there is a strong theme throughout the OT of God providing prosperity for those who are righteous, whether it be a nation or an individual. Among the passages that indicate this are: Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalm 25:12-13; Proverbs 13:21 and Zechariah 1:17.
However there is an equally strong, but seemingly opposing theme in the OT of the righteous suffering illness, calamity, persecution and tragedy of no fault of their own, but even especially because they were righteous. Stephan in Acts 7 and Hebrews 11 both give a long list of righteous people whose lives were surrounded by tragedy. The Psalms as well are full of many cries of the righteous to deliver them from trouble that the righteous did not cause. The book of Job in and of itself repeats again and again that disease and calamity in a person’s life is not an indication of their lack righteousness or faith.
Of course, prosperity teachers understand that most people do go through periods of tribulation, poverty and ill health, but they also teach that for the person who has perfect faith in Christ that such difficulties would be behind them forever. The completely righteous person in Christ would never again have to suffer in such a way.
One problem with their teaching even from the OT is that when the Scripture speaks of “prosperity” it does not mean material wealth as we have today. Rather it describes prosperity as being abundance of produce and cattle, enough to eat, enough clean water to drink, a community which worships God, peace from enemies and contentment. It does not anywhere speak of the abundance of wealth and the comparative economic plenty in comparison with 99 percent of the rest of the world that prosperity doctrine teachers promote. (I Timothy 6:8)
Another issue is that when the OT speaks of healing, it is done in the context of forgiveness from judgment. If the nation of Israel disobeys the covenant at Sinai, then God would visit upon them the diseases that he put upon Egypt. But if they return to Him, then he will heal them, and He will be their healer. It does not ever give a carte blanche healing for all diseases that might come upon a person. (Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 28; Isaiah 57:16-21; Jeremiah 3:22)
What Does Jesus Say?
Jesus himself knew of the two theological ideas in the OT—the righteous would prosper and the righteous would suffer. He did not deny one part to take up the other, but joined them together into a unity. He claimed that the righteous would suffer in this age, which is under the control of Satan and humans under the thumb of Satan. The characteristics of the righteous at this time, Jesus says, is poverty, lowliness, persecution, mourning, and the deep desire for justice to come. And, Jesus says, it is exactly these who suffer now that the blessings of prosperity would be offered to these in the coming kingdom of God. In the kingdom, these who suffered would receive justice, happiness, peace, authority, safety and wealth. Thus, Jesus says, both themes in the OT are true—the righteous will suffer now and in order to enact justice for them, God will give them wealth and prosperity in the future when the kingdom comes. On the contrary, those who have a good life now—wealth, success, popularity—cannot expect to receive these blessings in God’s kingdom. (Matthew 3:3-12; Luke 6:20-26; Matthew 10:24-42; Mark 8:34-37)
Is this in agreement with the rest of the New Testament?
The rest of the New Testament is in agreement with Jesus. It is, James says, the poor who will receive the blessings of God, while the rich will be left empty (James 1:9-11; 2:5; 5:1-5). One of the characteristics of faith, says the writer of Hebrews, is not receiving what one expects, but believing in that expectation anyway and persevering in faith (Hebrews 11:32-12:4).
One of the best examples we have of this is the apostle Paul. Paul and his evangelists suffered all kinds of tribulations—illness, persecution, shipwrecks, sleeplessness, hard labor, constant danger, hunger, poverty, cold, imprisonments and much more. Yet he boasted in all this suffering, knowing that it is the suffering that grants him security in Christ, not wealth or popularity. (Philippians 2:25-27; Galatians 4:13; II Corinthians 11:21-30; Philippians 4:11-12; II Timothy 4:6-8.)
Thus, it is the entire New Testament that is in agreement with Jesus about the righteous being characterized for a time by suffering, while later they will receive security and wealth in the kingdom of God.
Is That All?
Some might say, “Is this all about what one expects out of the Christian life? So what’s the big deal? Some Christians receive poverty and some are wealthy, so why argue about it?” The problem with prosperity doctrine is not as much what the implications of their doctrine are.
Dishonoring the Poor
First of all, prosperity teachers find it necessary to put believers in Jesus who experience poverty or illness on a lower level than those who experience wealth and health. They claim that believers who are poor or ill are stricken by an evil spirit which they do not have the faith to resist. This is, frankly, insulting to believers who have been faithful to Jesus, have endured in spiritual warfare and yet remain poor and ill. And it is the opposite of what Jesus promised them. Those who are poor should be honored by the church, but instead they are dishonored, which is an abomination in Jesus (James 2:1-9).
This position also lessens the danger of wealth that Jesus expressed in many times and ways. Being wealthy does not exclude you from the kingdom of God, but it does make it more difficult. The reason for this, Jesus says, is the necessity to give up the wealth of this life for the sake of the poor and then the wealth will be stored up for one in the kingdom of God. Should one fail to give his or her wealth to the poor, they will be punished eternally. (Mark 10:17-25; Luke 12:15-21; 32-34; Luke 16:19-31) Prosperity doctrine honors the rich for their wealth and does not emphasize the giving to the poor, thus endangering their wealthy disciples to eternal fire.
Preaching for Personal Gain
Another danger of prosperity doctrine is the teachers themselves tend to seek personal wealth. This only makes sense, for they want to be good examples to their disciples, to show them what their teaching brings. However, the New Testament teaches that it is a characteristic of a false teacher to preach for personal gain. The Bible is opposed to the demand of salaries and payments to preach the gospel—one’s room and board, offered after the gospel is given, is sufficient.
In fact, a very strong statement is given in I Timothy 6 against the very thing that prosperity doctrine promotes—the thought that the gospel is for the increase of personal wealth. Paul does not say that being rich is bad, but he does say that one should be content with what one has and be generous to the poor. But he does say that those who teach the gospel for the sake of obtaining personal wealth “do not agree with… the teaching of Jesus” and are “conceited and understand nothing” because they believe that “godliness is a means of great gain.”
Does God Promise Prosperity?
Yes, he does! But in order to obtain the wealth and blessings we have in store for us in the kingdom of God, we must endure through a time of testing of our faith. For now, in this age, life is suffering and difficulty and struggle for the one who follows Jesus. But if we endure to the end, then great blessing will be ours and eternal life.
It is the teaching that the normative Christian life is being wealthy, healthy and successful in the world. To live a life of poverty, illness or dishonor is to lack faith or righteousness. It is not the same as charismatic or Pentecostal teaching, which teaches that the Holy Spirit’s power is just as strong in the world today as it was in the first century. Prosperity doctrine connects the Spirit’s power with always being healthy, and always having the blessings of this world. While the Spirit is just as powerful as he ever was, and heals just as strongly as he ever did, does this mean that the Spirit desires believers to be always healthy, always rich and always popular?
Is There a Biblical Basis for Prosperity Doctrine?
There certainly is. Many prosperity doctrine teachers use the Bible, especially many Old Testament passages, to support their concept. Isaiah 53:5 and II Chronicles 7:14 certainly speaks about God healing sicknesses through prayer and the sacrifice of Jesus. And there is a strong theme throughout the OT of God providing prosperity for those who are righteous, whether it be a nation or an individual. Among the passages that indicate this are: Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalm 25:12-13; Proverbs 13:21 and Zechariah 1:17.
However there is an equally strong, but seemingly opposing theme in the OT of the righteous suffering illness, calamity, persecution and tragedy of no fault of their own, but even especially because they were righteous. Stephan in Acts 7 and Hebrews 11 both give a long list of righteous people whose lives were surrounded by tragedy. The Psalms as well are full of many cries of the righteous to deliver them from trouble that the righteous did not cause. The book of Job in and of itself repeats again and again that disease and calamity in a person’s life is not an indication of their lack righteousness or faith.
Of course, prosperity teachers understand that most people do go through periods of tribulation, poverty and ill health, but they also teach that for the person who has perfect faith in Christ that such difficulties would be behind them forever. The completely righteous person in Christ would never again have to suffer in such a way.
One problem with their teaching even from the OT is that when the Scripture speaks of “prosperity” it does not mean material wealth as we have today. Rather it describes prosperity as being abundance of produce and cattle, enough to eat, enough clean water to drink, a community which worships God, peace from enemies and contentment. It does not anywhere speak of the abundance of wealth and the comparative economic plenty in comparison with 99 percent of the rest of the world that prosperity doctrine teachers promote. (I Timothy 6:8)
Another issue is that when the OT speaks of healing, it is done in the context of forgiveness from judgment. If the nation of Israel disobeys the covenant at Sinai, then God would visit upon them the diseases that he put upon Egypt. But if they return to Him, then he will heal them, and He will be their healer. It does not ever give a carte blanche healing for all diseases that might come upon a person. (Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 28; Isaiah 57:16-21; Jeremiah 3:22)
What Does Jesus Say?
Jesus himself knew of the two theological ideas in the OT—the righteous would prosper and the righteous would suffer. He did not deny one part to take up the other, but joined them together into a unity. He claimed that the righteous would suffer in this age, which is under the control of Satan and humans under the thumb of Satan. The characteristics of the righteous at this time, Jesus says, is poverty, lowliness, persecution, mourning, and the deep desire for justice to come. And, Jesus says, it is exactly these who suffer now that the blessings of prosperity would be offered to these in the coming kingdom of God. In the kingdom, these who suffered would receive justice, happiness, peace, authority, safety and wealth. Thus, Jesus says, both themes in the OT are true—the righteous will suffer now and in order to enact justice for them, God will give them wealth and prosperity in the future when the kingdom comes. On the contrary, those who have a good life now—wealth, success, popularity—cannot expect to receive these blessings in God’s kingdom. (Matthew 3:3-12; Luke 6:20-26; Matthew 10:24-42; Mark 8:34-37)
Is this in agreement with the rest of the New Testament?
The rest of the New Testament is in agreement with Jesus. It is, James says, the poor who will receive the blessings of God, while the rich will be left empty (James 1:9-11; 2:5; 5:1-5). One of the characteristics of faith, says the writer of Hebrews, is not receiving what one expects, but believing in that expectation anyway and persevering in faith (Hebrews 11:32-12:4).
One of the best examples we have of this is the apostle Paul. Paul and his evangelists suffered all kinds of tribulations—illness, persecution, shipwrecks, sleeplessness, hard labor, constant danger, hunger, poverty, cold, imprisonments and much more. Yet he boasted in all this suffering, knowing that it is the suffering that grants him security in Christ, not wealth or popularity. (Philippians 2:25-27; Galatians 4:13; II Corinthians 11:21-30; Philippians 4:11-12; II Timothy 4:6-8.)
Thus, it is the entire New Testament that is in agreement with Jesus about the righteous being characterized for a time by suffering, while later they will receive security and wealth in the kingdom of God.
Is That All?
Some might say, “Is this all about what one expects out of the Christian life? So what’s the big deal? Some Christians receive poverty and some are wealthy, so why argue about it?” The problem with prosperity doctrine is not as much what the implications of their doctrine are.
Dishonoring the Poor
First of all, prosperity teachers find it necessary to put believers in Jesus who experience poverty or illness on a lower level than those who experience wealth and health. They claim that believers who are poor or ill are stricken by an evil spirit which they do not have the faith to resist. This is, frankly, insulting to believers who have been faithful to Jesus, have endured in spiritual warfare and yet remain poor and ill. And it is the opposite of what Jesus promised them. Those who are poor should be honored by the church, but instead they are dishonored, which is an abomination in Jesus (James 2:1-9).
This position also lessens the danger of wealth that Jesus expressed in many times and ways. Being wealthy does not exclude you from the kingdom of God, but it does make it more difficult. The reason for this, Jesus says, is the necessity to give up the wealth of this life for the sake of the poor and then the wealth will be stored up for one in the kingdom of God. Should one fail to give his or her wealth to the poor, they will be punished eternally. (Mark 10:17-25; Luke 12:15-21; 32-34; Luke 16:19-31) Prosperity doctrine honors the rich for their wealth and does not emphasize the giving to the poor, thus endangering their wealthy disciples to eternal fire.
Preaching for Personal Gain
Another danger of prosperity doctrine is the teachers themselves tend to seek personal wealth. This only makes sense, for they want to be good examples to their disciples, to show them what their teaching brings. However, the New Testament teaches that it is a characteristic of a false teacher to preach for personal gain. The Bible is opposed to the demand of salaries and payments to preach the gospel—one’s room and board, offered after the gospel is given, is sufficient.
In fact, a very strong statement is given in I Timothy 6 against the very thing that prosperity doctrine promotes—the thought that the gospel is for the increase of personal wealth. Paul does not say that being rich is bad, but he does say that one should be content with what one has and be generous to the poor. But he does say that those who teach the gospel for the sake of obtaining personal wealth “do not agree with… the teaching of Jesus” and are “conceited and understand nothing” because they believe that “godliness is a means of great gain.”
Does God Promise Prosperity?
Yes, he does! But in order to obtain the wealth and blessings we have in store for us in the kingdom of God, we must endure through a time of testing of our faith. For now, in this age, life is suffering and difficulty and struggle for the one who follows Jesus. But if we endure to the end, then great blessing will be ours and eternal life.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Being One With God
God is gracious
He provides for all our needs, whether we deserve it or not.
God is compassionate
He looks with pity upon our shortcomings, and fills up our lack.
God is slow to anger
He hesitates again and again before He punishes us for our sin.
God is true
Never has he spoken a word which has proven untrustworthy
God is good in his faithfulness
He always keeps his promises in a way that is good for us.
God forgives our sin
No matter how often we sin, He is ready to wipe it away, if we would but repent
As followers of God, all God requires is that we be like Him. To be sharers in the divine character. “Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful.”
How radically different would your life look if you were god-like?
God have mercy on us. Through Your Spirit, let us live out your ways of mercy.
He provides for all our needs, whether we deserve it or not.
God is compassionate
He looks with pity upon our shortcomings, and fills up our lack.
God is slow to anger
He hesitates again and again before He punishes us for our sin.
God is true
Never has he spoken a word which has proven untrustworthy
God is good in his faithfulness
He always keeps his promises in a way that is good for us.
God forgives our sin
No matter how often we sin, He is ready to wipe it away, if we would but repent
As followers of God, all God requires is that we be like Him. To be sharers in the divine character. “Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful.”
How radically different would your life look if you were god-like?
God have mercy on us. Through Your Spirit, let us live out your ways of mercy.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
True and False Christians
The word “Christian” is a combination of a Greek title and a Latin ending which means, “One who is a servant of Christ.” This is specifically one who belongs to the household of Jesus, the Christ and Lord, the anointed one of God who was crucified by the ruling governments and was raised by God. More than a billion people in the world today call themselves “Christian”, but according to the teaching of Jesus, there are many who call Jesus “Lord”, but they are not truly servants of Jesus.
Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will call me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘Depart from me, you who did not obey my law, into eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, for I never knew you.’ Again, not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. So why do you call me ‘Lord’ but do not do what I say?” (Matthew 7:21-24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 6:46)
Even so, there are many who call themselves by the name of Jesus today, but they do not do what Jesus says—and many of these do so knowing that Jesus taught against their practices! Thus, the difference between a true Christian and a false one is based on their actions.
Those who claim the name of Jesus but determine to hurt or destroy their enemies are hypocrites. But whoever responds to evil done to them with good is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:27)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to sell the teaching of Jesus or the promises of God or do miracles for their own profit are hypocrites. But whoever freely gives the teaching and salvation of Jesus to all who would listen is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 10:7-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and speak evil of the poor and withhold their wealth and resources from the needy are hypocrites. But whoever sells their possessions and gives to the poor liberally is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 12:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and demand repayment of a loan upon threat of consequences are hypocrites. But whoever loans money or possessions and does not expect it back is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:34-35)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and respond in rage and in insults to another’s offense are hypocrites. But whoever attempts to make peace with one who wronged them is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:21-24; Luke 17:3)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and look longingly at someone of the opposite sex are hypocrites. But whoever keeps their mind pure is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:8, 28)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and are constantly breaking promises made are hypocrites. But whoever does everything they can to keep their word is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:37)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and hold to the traditions and rituals of their church with equal status as the teaching of Jesus are hypocrites. But whoever focuses on faith, devotion to God, love of one’s neighbor and obedience to Jesus as the focus of his or her life is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 7:8-9; Luke 7:44-50)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but despise the lost, lowly or disobedient are hypocrites. But whoever calls sinners to repentance and declares good news to the needy is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and collect many possessions and treasures are hypocrites. But whoever renounces all of his or her possessions is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 6:19; Luke 14:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and despise others who have wronged them, never forgiving them even though there was a misunderstanding or an apology, are hypocrites. But whoever forgives wrongs done to him or her and accepts apologies and explanations is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 17:4, Matthew 6:14-15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and break their covenant of marriage by divorce or sexual relations with another are hypocrites. But whoever remains with their spouse through his or her whole life or who refrains from marriage altogether is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 19:3-12)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but deny any of the teaching of Jesus or deny that their disobedience of Jesus is sin are hypocrites. But whoever sins against the teaching of Jesus and confesses his or her sin and repents from it is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 1:15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and say that the wealthy, popular and prosperous are the blessed ones of God are hypocrites. But whoever endures suffering, poverty and persecution for the sake of Jesus is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:20-26)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to create justice through violence, lies or other evil acts are hypocrites. But whoever asks the Father daily for justice is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 18:7)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to keep people from doing merciful acts on the Sabbath are hypocrites. But whoever grants grace to the poor and needy on the Sabbath is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 12:1-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but are careless with their words and tear down the righteous with their speech are hypocrites. But whoever speaks with care and gives others peace with their words are true followers of Jesus. (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:9)
If you have failed in any of these areas (and we all have), do not despair, but turn to the Lord. Ask forgiveness of your sin and ask that the Holy Spirit might come to you and renew your life in accordance with Jesus’ teaching.
True Christians aren’t perfect—but they are repentant and reconciling.
Pray for the church—that we might all acknowledge the Lord in word and in action.
Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will call me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘Depart from me, you who did not obey my law, into eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, for I never knew you.’ Again, not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. So why do you call me ‘Lord’ but do not do what I say?” (Matthew 7:21-24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 6:46)
Even so, there are many who call themselves by the name of Jesus today, but they do not do what Jesus says—and many of these do so knowing that Jesus taught against their practices! Thus, the difference between a true Christian and a false one is based on their actions.
Those who claim the name of Jesus but determine to hurt or destroy their enemies are hypocrites. But whoever responds to evil done to them with good is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:27)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to sell the teaching of Jesus or the promises of God or do miracles for their own profit are hypocrites. But whoever freely gives the teaching and salvation of Jesus to all who would listen is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 10:7-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and speak evil of the poor and withhold their wealth and resources from the needy are hypocrites. But whoever sells their possessions and gives to the poor liberally is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 12:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and demand repayment of a loan upon threat of consequences are hypocrites. But whoever loans money or possessions and does not expect it back is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:34-35)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and respond in rage and in insults to another’s offense are hypocrites. But whoever attempts to make peace with one who wronged them is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:21-24; Luke 17:3)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and look longingly at someone of the opposite sex are hypocrites. But whoever keeps their mind pure is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:8, 28)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and are constantly breaking promises made are hypocrites. But whoever does everything they can to keep their word is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:37)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and hold to the traditions and rituals of their church with equal status as the teaching of Jesus are hypocrites. But whoever focuses on faith, devotion to God, love of one’s neighbor and obedience to Jesus as the focus of his or her life is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 7:8-9; Luke 7:44-50)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but despise the lost, lowly or disobedient are hypocrites. But whoever calls sinners to repentance and declares good news to the needy is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and collect many possessions and treasures are hypocrites. But whoever renounces all of his or her possessions is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 6:19; Luke 14:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and despise others who have wronged them, never forgiving them even though there was a misunderstanding or an apology, are hypocrites. But whoever forgives wrongs done to him or her and accepts apologies and explanations is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 17:4, Matthew 6:14-15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and break their covenant of marriage by divorce or sexual relations with another are hypocrites. But whoever remains with their spouse through his or her whole life or who refrains from marriage altogether is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 19:3-12)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but deny any of the teaching of Jesus or deny that their disobedience of Jesus is sin are hypocrites. But whoever sins against the teaching of Jesus and confesses his or her sin and repents from it is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 1:15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and say that the wealthy, popular and prosperous are the blessed ones of God are hypocrites. But whoever endures suffering, poverty and persecution for the sake of Jesus is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:20-26)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to create justice through violence, lies or other evil acts are hypocrites. But whoever asks the Father daily for justice is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 18:7)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to keep people from doing merciful acts on the Sabbath are hypocrites. But whoever grants grace to the poor and needy on the Sabbath is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 12:1-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but are careless with their words and tear down the righteous with their speech are hypocrites. But whoever speaks with care and gives others peace with their words are true followers of Jesus. (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:9)
If you have failed in any of these areas (and we all have), do not despair, but turn to the Lord. Ask forgiveness of your sin and ask that the Holy Spirit might come to you and renew your life in accordance with Jesus’ teaching.
True Christians aren’t perfect—but they are repentant and reconciling.
Pray for the church—that we might all acknowledge the Lord in word and in action.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
New Website
The Anawim website is up and running with a totally new look!
One of the main features is all the teachings about what Jesus says about the outcast.
Check it out!
www.nowheretolayhishead.org
That's "No Where To Lay His Head Dot Org" to you.
One of the main features is all the teachings about what Jesus says about the outcast.
Check it out!
www.nowheretolayhishead.org
That's "No Where To Lay His Head Dot Org" to you.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Listening to Shrek
If we want to hear God, we must listen to SHREK:
Scripture
Holy Spirit
Relationships (those who know us)
Experience
Kommunity (Brothers and sisters in the church)
Please forgive any misspellings.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Endurance
Definition: Going through trial for God’s sake; Remaining righteous with God through any circumstances; Being devoted to God and Jesus although suffering; Remaining humble although suffering for it; loving others, although suffering for it; Obeying Jesus although suffering for it; proclaiming God’s word, although suffering for it; Trusting in God’s promise and power although suffering for it.
Passion:
Luke 22:31-34
During their final meal together, Jesus is warning his disciples that they shall all be scattered-- and he especially warns and encourages Peter. And Peter makes a bold proclamation, that he is ready to die for Jesus. Such proclamations are good, but they are only good if the one making the confession endures with it. Time is the test to see whether a statement of faith is faith-full, or if it is empty.
Luke 22:39-26
Jesus warned the disciples again and again that the time of testing was coming. In preparation for that time, Jesus spent time praying and that is what he told his disciples to do as well. They needed to endure, but the way to endure is to spend time with God. We are weak, our flesh is always wanting to do what it wants to do. If we endure, it is because we are doing what our flesh does not want to do. To strengthen the spirit and to control our flesh, we need to pray. If we pray, we can endure. If we do not pray, we will fail.
Luke 22:54-61
Peter was not prepared. Peter was not aware of his weakness. So when the time of testing came, he did not endure. He failed at the most important time of his life. At the time of crisis, he took the path of flesh, not spirit. And in that, he failed Jesus and was unworthy to be a follower.
John 21:14-19
Jesus did not fail Peter, though. Jesus saw Peter's repentance, and saw that he was ready to try again. Jesus filled Peter with the Holy Spirit and then told him to begin again. He is asking Peter, "Do you love me?" He is telling him, "Care for my church." But most importantly, Jesus tells Peter what he told him at first, "Follow me!" He is telling Peter, "Begin again! You may have failed this time, but I will strengthen you to endure next time!" Even so, the Lord gives us opportunities to endure suffering. If we fail once, he will give us another chance. But eventually, we must remain steadfast or else we will not be saved. (Mark 13:13)
Verses that declare us needing to endure suffering to gain God’s kingdom
I Samuel 2:1-11—The lowly and poor will be raised up and great ones will be cast down
Psalm 37—The poor and meek will inherit God’s land, but the wicked who take advantage of the poor will be destroyed
Isaiah 52-53—The one who suffers for the people will be exalted above his enemies.
Matthew 5:3-12—Those who are poor, meek, persecuted and mourning will receive God’s kingdom.
Matthew 10—Those who suffer for the proclamation of Jesus’ message will be honored by Jesus on the last day; Those who proclaim Jesus’ word will be hated by their family; those who support the ones suffering for Jesus’ word will receive their reward from God.
Matthew 25:31-46—Those who support the messengers of Jesus will be exalted on the last day. Those who refused to support the messengers of Jesus will be cast into the eternal fire.
Mark 8:34-38—Those who take up the cross of Jesus are followers of him; Those who work to gain their lives will lost them; those who lose their lives for Jesus will gain them.
Mark 10:17-31—The rich ruler can only follow Jesus and gain the kingdom of God if he sells his possessions and gives to the poor. Those who are rich will not enter the kingdom unless they give away their possessions. Any disciple who gives up what they have will receive persecutions and eternal life.
Mark 13:13—The one who endures to the end through horrible tribulation will be saved.
Luke 1:46-55—Mary declares that those who are lowly will be raised up and those who are proud will be cast down.
Luke 6:20-26—Those who are poor and mourning will gain the kingdom. The ones who are rejected, hated, set aside, beaten and killed for Jesus will be pleasing to God. The rich and entertained will be sad on the last day.
Luke 14: 25-33—Those who sacrifice everything—their families, their possessions, their lives—for the sake of Jesus are true disciples of his.
Luke 18:9-14—The one who lowers himself before God will be saved, but the one who thinks of himself good before God will not be declared of God.
John 12:23-33—Anyone who dies for God will bear much fruit for God.
John 15:18-16:4—The world will hate the disciples because they are with Jesus.
Acts 5:40-42—The apostles were rejoicing to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus
Acts 7:54-60—Stephen was killed because he declared Jesus.
Acts 9—Saul was blinded and rebuked so he might be a disciple of Jesus. He would suffer many things in the future. He was threatened with death because of his teaching about Jesus.
Acts 14:22—We must enter the kingdom of God only through many tribulations.
Acts 21:13—Paul said, “I am willing not only to be imprisoned, but to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”
Romans 5:3-5—We rejoice in our sufferings because it gives us hope
Romans 8:17—We are children of God and inheritors of the kingdom if we suffer with Jesus.
I Corinthians 4:9-13—The apostles have become shamed and weak and homeless so that the churches might be strong.
II Corinthians 6:3-10—The apostles have suffered much in order to minister the gospel.
Philippians 1:29-30—It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but suffer for his sake.
Colossians 1:24—Paul rejoices in his suffering for the sake of the church so that he can fulfill what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings.
I Thessalonians 3:3-4—Don’t worry about our sufferings, for it is our lot and we knew that we would have to endure them.
II Timothy 2:3-10—The minister of the gospel suffers for Jesus’ sake.
II Timothy 3:12—All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Hebrews 12:1-4—Even as Jesus suffered and endured, so we also must endure suffering and hostility and not be fainthearted. We have not shed blood, as Jesus did.
Hebrews 12:5-11—The discipline of the Lord on us shows us that we are his children. We suffer for our good, so we should consider it good.
James 1:2-11—If you are poor and going through trials, don’t doubt God, but believe God will give you wisdom.
I Peter 2:18-25—If we suffer for good, we have God’s approval. In this way Jesus also suffered and was reviled, but he did not do evil back.
I Peter 4:12-19—We will suffer in the last days, and glorify God because we suffer for the good we do. We should entrust ourselves to God.
Revelation 2:8-11—The poor, suffering church receives praise from Jesus. Be faithful to death and you will receive the crown of life.
Revelation 3:9-10—Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the trial to come.
Revelation 6:9-11—Righteous souls crying out for God to vindicate their deaths are heard by God and asked to wait a little longer for their brothers and sisters who were to be killed as they were.
Revelation 12:10-11—The brothers have conquered Satan by their deaths and their bold testimony of Jesus.
Minor difficulties we allow to cause us to not enact God’s righteousness
Our pleasures
Earthly hopes
Our family
Relationships with friends
Our anger against injustice
Things that society calls “solutions”
Believing in other’s promises as opposed to God’s
Thinking that Jesus isn’t enough
Our fears
Our depression
Regret or guilt
Money
Opportunities to sin
Misunderstanding something a brother or sister said.
Our possession breaking.
Boredom.
Concern about what others’ think about us.
The way of Jesus is filled with opposition and difficulties. If we begin the path with Jesus, we must expect them, not think that they cause us to stumble. The one who is righteous acts in God’s way despite the trials and obstacles. The one who falls away because of the obstacles or difficulties is not righteous and is not right before God. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Passion:
Luke 22:31-34
During their final meal together, Jesus is warning his disciples that they shall all be scattered-- and he especially warns and encourages Peter. And Peter makes a bold proclamation, that he is ready to die for Jesus. Such proclamations are good, but they are only good if the one making the confession endures with it. Time is the test to see whether a statement of faith is faith-full, or if it is empty.
Luke 22:39-26
Jesus warned the disciples again and again that the time of testing was coming. In preparation for that time, Jesus spent time praying and that is what he told his disciples to do as well. They needed to endure, but the way to endure is to spend time with God. We are weak, our flesh is always wanting to do what it wants to do. If we endure, it is because we are doing what our flesh does not want to do. To strengthen the spirit and to control our flesh, we need to pray. If we pray, we can endure. If we do not pray, we will fail.
Luke 22:54-61
Peter was not prepared. Peter was not aware of his weakness. So when the time of testing came, he did not endure. He failed at the most important time of his life. At the time of crisis, he took the path of flesh, not spirit. And in that, he failed Jesus and was unworthy to be a follower.
John 21:14-19
Jesus did not fail Peter, though. Jesus saw Peter's repentance, and saw that he was ready to try again. Jesus filled Peter with the Holy Spirit and then told him to begin again. He is asking Peter, "Do you love me?" He is telling him, "Care for my church." But most importantly, Jesus tells Peter what he told him at first, "Follow me!" He is telling Peter, "Begin again! You may have failed this time, but I will strengthen you to endure next time!" Even so, the Lord gives us opportunities to endure suffering. If we fail once, he will give us another chance. But eventually, we must remain steadfast or else we will not be saved. (Mark 13:13)
Verses that declare us needing to endure suffering to gain God’s kingdom
I Samuel 2:1-11—The lowly and poor will be raised up and great ones will be cast down
Psalm 37—The poor and meek will inherit God’s land, but the wicked who take advantage of the poor will be destroyed
Isaiah 52-53—The one who suffers for the people will be exalted above his enemies.
Matthew 5:3-12—Those who are poor, meek, persecuted and mourning will receive God’s kingdom.
Matthew 10—Those who suffer for the proclamation of Jesus’ message will be honored by Jesus on the last day; Those who proclaim Jesus’ word will be hated by their family; those who support the ones suffering for Jesus’ word will receive their reward from God.
Matthew 25:31-46—Those who support the messengers of Jesus will be exalted on the last day. Those who refused to support the messengers of Jesus will be cast into the eternal fire.
Mark 8:34-38—Those who take up the cross of Jesus are followers of him; Those who work to gain their lives will lost them; those who lose their lives for Jesus will gain them.
Mark 10:17-31—The rich ruler can only follow Jesus and gain the kingdom of God if he sells his possessions and gives to the poor. Those who are rich will not enter the kingdom unless they give away their possessions. Any disciple who gives up what they have will receive persecutions and eternal life.
Mark 13:13—The one who endures to the end through horrible tribulation will be saved.
Luke 1:46-55—Mary declares that those who are lowly will be raised up and those who are proud will be cast down.
Luke 6:20-26—Those who are poor and mourning will gain the kingdom. The ones who are rejected, hated, set aside, beaten and killed for Jesus will be pleasing to God. The rich and entertained will be sad on the last day.
Luke 14: 25-33—Those who sacrifice everything—their families, their possessions, their lives—for the sake of Jesus are true disciples of his.
Luke 18:9-14—The one who lowers himself before God will be saved, but the one who thinks of himself good before God will not be declared of God.
John 12:23-33—Anyone who dies for God will bear much fruit for God.
John 15:18-16:4—The world will hate the disciples because they are with Jesus.
Acts 5:40-42—The apostles were rejoicing to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus
Acts 7:54-60—Stephen was killed because he declared Jesus.
Acts 9—Saul was blinded and rebuked so he might be a disciple of Jesus. He would suffer many things in the future. He was threatened with death because of his teaching about Jesus.
Acts 14:22—We must enter the kingdom of God only through many tribulations.
Acts 21:13—Paul said, “I am willing not only to be imprisoned, but to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”
Romans 5:3-5—We rejoice in our sufferings because it gives us hope
Romans 8:17—We are children of God and inheritors of the kingdom if we suffer with Jesus.
I Corinthians 4:9-13—The apostles have become shamed and weak and homeless so that the churches might be strong.
II Corinthians 6:3-10—The apostles have suffered much in order to minister the gospel.
Philippians 1:29-30—It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but suffer for his sake.
Colossians 1:24—Paul rejoices in his suffering for the sake of the church so that he can fulfill what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings.
I Thessalonians 3:3-4—Don’t worry about our sufferings, for it is our lot and we knew that we would have to endure them.
II Timothy 2:3-10—The minister of the gospel suffers for Jesus’ sake.
II Timothy 3:12—All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Hebrews 12:1-4—Even as Jesus suffered and endured, so we also must endure suffering and hostility and not be fainthearted. We have not shed blood, as Jesus did.
Hebrews 12:5-11—The discipline of the Lord on us shows us that we are his children. We suffer for our good, so we should consider it good.
James 1:2-11—If you are poor and going through trials, don’t doubt God, but believe God will give you wisdom.
I Peter 2:18-25—If we suffer for good, we have God’s approval. In this way Jesus also suffered and was reviled, but he did not do evil back.
I Peter 4:12-19—We will suffer in the last days, and glorify God because we suffer for the good we do. We should entrust ourselves to God.
Revelation 2:8-11—The poor, suffering church receives praise from Jesus. Be faithful to death and you will receive the crown of life.
Revelation 3:9-10—Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the trial to come.
Revelation 6:9-11—Righteous souls crying out for God to vindicate their deaths are heard by God and asked to wait a little longer for their brothers and sisters who were to be killed as they were.
Revelation 12:10-11—The brothers have conquered Satan by their deaths and their bold testimony of Jesus.
Minor difficulties we allow to cause us to not enact God’s righteousness
Our pleasures
Earthly hopes
Our family
Relationships with friends
Our anger against injustice
Things that society calls “solutions”
Believing in other’s promises as opposed to God’s
Thinking that Jesus isn’t enough
Our fears
Our depression
Regret or guilt
Money
Opportunities to sin
Misunderstanding something a brother or sister said.
Our possession breaking.
Boredom.
Concern about what others’ think about us.
The way of Jesus is filled with opposition and difficulties. If we begin the path with Jesus, we must expect them, not think that they cause us to stumble. The one who is righteous acts in God’s way despite the trials and obstacles. The one who falls away because of the obstacles or difficulties is not righteous and is not right before God. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Boldness
Definition: Asserting the gospel of Jesus no matter what the consequences; proclaiming the words of Jesus without any vagueness or hiding.
Jesus’ Passion
Mark 8:31
Jesus knew that he was going to die. He declared it many times before the disciples. He knew who was going to kill him. But that did not stop him declaring God’s word to those who would kill him. In fact, he declared God’s judgment in spite of the consequences.
Mark 14:55-64
Jesus did exactly the wrong thing in this trial, if he wanted to be declared innocent. He allowed the false witnesses to say what they would, without defending himself. And when the high priest demanded a statement, Jesus declared exactly the wrong thing—that he was the Son of Man, seated at the right hand of God. He knew what their reaction would be to that truth. They would declare him a false teacher and want to kill him. But he declared the truth anyway, despite their reaction.
John 18:33-38
Jesus also said the wrong thing before Pilate. He declared himself a king, the very thing Pilate would interpret as rebellious. But Pilate saw through Jesus’ statement to the truth—that Jesus himself was not intending an insurrection, but would allow God to do it. Yet the crowd was able to use this statement to cause Pilate to kill Jesus, although Pilate found him innocent. The truth is dangerous in certain circumstances and Jesus was boldly proclaiming it, despite the evil that would befall him.
Jesus’ ministry
Luke 6:6-11
Jesus had already healed on the Sabbath. And he knew that there was a Jewish tradition that if anyone of Israel had violated the Sabbath three times, then they must be killed. The leaders of the Jews had already seen him violate the Sabbath twice, and they were looking to see if he would do it again. Jesus, however, was declaring God’s word that doing mercy on the Sabbath did not violate the Sabbath. Jesus looked at these leaders in anger, knowing that they would have him cause this man to continue in suffering. He declared God’s word and healed the man, even though he knew that they would want to kill him from that time.
Mark 11:15-18
Jesus had to make a bold statement that the temple was going to be destroyed. He did this in a very dramatic way, by scourging the temple. However, just in making this statement, Jesus knew that he would be despised and hated and that they would want to kill him for it. However, he did it anyway, for declaring God’s word is more important than the consequences.
Jesus’ teaching
Matthew 10:27-28
Jesus tells his disciples to proclaim his word. Jesus is having some of his teaching in secret before the disciples, but the disciples are to declare it openly. And they are to do this despite the consequences. No matter what the hatred, suffering and death they would have, they were to declare his word.
Mark 8:38
If anyone is ashamed of Jesus or his words, fearing the consequences they would suffer, then Jesus would give them even worse consequences—being ashamed of them on the judgment day.
NT teaching
Acts 4:18-20; 19-21
The apostles were told clearly that if they proclaimed the word of Jesus or the message of his death and resurrection, they would be punished and possibly killed. The apostles had two responses—they openly announced that they couldn’t stop speaking about Jesus and they prayed to God for boldness. God responded by giving them boldness.
Ephesians 6:19-20
Paul is asking for prayer that he would boldly declare God’s word even though he is already suffering consequences for it.
Consequences of boldly declaring the word of Jesus
Mocking friends (Luke 6)
Family members will reject. (Luke 14)
Authorities will do all they can to stop the message. (Acts 3-4)
Satan will attack you with temptations and persecutions.
Families will be divided (Matthew 10)
Societies will go to war.
Hatred will be stirred up. (Matthew 10; John 15)
The righteous will be tortured, beaten and killed. (John 15-16)
Blasphemies will be uttered in response to it—God will be declared weak, powerless and spiteful. (Ezekiel 36)
Lives will be destroyed. (Mark 10)
People will quit their jobs. (Mark 1)
People will give up all of their material possessions. (Luke 14)
People will surrender all they found worthwhile. (Mark 10)
Many will be judged by God. (Luke 10:)
Loss of sleep. (Matthew 8:24)
Lack of health. (Philippians 2:25-27)
Unsure where food and clothing will come from. (Matthew 6:25-32)
Inadequate situations to pray. (Mark 1:35-37)
Excessive stress.
Frustration with people who don’t listen. (Mark 8)
Homelessness. (Luke 9)
Jesus’ Passion
Mark 8:31
Jesus knew that he was going to die. He declared it many times before the disciples. He knew who was going to kill him. But that did not stop him declaring God’s word to those who would kill him. In fact, he declared God’s judgment in spite of the consequences.
Mark 14:55-64
Jesus did exactly the wrong thing in this trial, if he wanted to be declared innocent. He allowed the false witnesses to say what they would, without defending himself. And when the high priest demanded a statement, Jesus declared exactly the wrong thing—that he was the Son of Man, seated at the right hand of God. He knew what their reaction would be to that truth. They would declare him a false teacher and want to kill him. But he declared the truth anyway, despite their reaction.
John 18:33-38
Jesus also said the wrong thing before Pilate. He declared himself a king, the very thing Pilate would interpret as rebellious. But Pilate saw through Jesus’ statement to the truth—that Jesus himself was not intending an insurrection, but would allow God to do it. Yet the crowd was able to use this statement to cause Pilate to kill Jesus, although Pilate found him innocent. The truth is dangerous in certain circumstances and Jesus was boldly proclaiming it, despite the evil that would befall him.
Jesus’ ministry
Luke 6:6-11
Jesus had already healed on the Sabbath. And he knew that there was a Jewish tradition that if anyone of Israel had violated the Sabbath three times, then they must be killed. The leaders of the Jews had already seen him violate the Sabbath twice, and they were looking to see if he would do it again. Jesus, however, was declaring God’s word that doing mercy on the Sabbath did not violate the Sabbath. Jesus looked at these leaders in anger, knowing that they would have him cause this man to continue in suffering. He declared God’s word and healed the man, even though he knew that they would want to kill him from that time.
Mark 11:15-18
Jesus had to make a bold statement that the temple was going to be destroyed. He did this in a very dramatic way, by scourging the temple. However, just in making this statement, Jesus knew that he would be despised and hated and that they would want to kill him for it. However, he did it anyway, for declaring God’s word is more important than the consequences.
Jesus’ teaching
Matthew 10:27-28
Jesus tells his disciples to proclaim his word. Jesus is having some of his teaching in secret before the disciples, but the disciples are to declare it openly. And they are to do this despite the consequences. No matter what the hatred, suffering and death they would have, they were to declare his word.
Mark 8:38
If anyone is ashamed of Jesus or his words, fearing the consequences they would suffer, then Jesus would give them even worse consequences—being ashamed of them on the judgment day.
NT teaching
Acts 4:18-20; 19-21
The apostles were told clearly that if they proclaimed the word of Jesus or the message of his death and resurrection, they would be punished and possibly killed. The apostles had two responses—they openly announced that they couldn’t stop speaking about Jesus and they prayed to God for boldness. God responded by giving them boldness.
Ephesians 6:19-20
Paul is asking for prayer that he would boldly declare God’s word even though he is already suffering consequences for it.
Consequences of boldly declaring the word of Jesus
Mocking friends (Luke 6)
Family members will reject. (Luke 14)
Authorities will do all they can to stop the message. (Acts 3-4)
Satan will attack you with temptations and persecutions.
Families will be divided (Matthew 10)
Societies will go to war.
Hatred will be stirred up. (Matthew 10; John 15)
The righteous will be tortured, beaten and killed. (John 15-16)
Blasphemies will be uttered in response to it—God will be declared weak, powerless and spiteful. (Ezekiel 36)
Lives will be destroyed. (Mark 10)
People will quit their jobs. (Mark 1)
People will give up all of their material possessions. (Luke 14)
People will surrender all they found worthwhile. (Mark 10)
Many will be judged by God. (Luke 10:)
Loss of sleep. (Matthew 8:24)
Lack of health. (Philippians 2:25-27)
Unsure where food and clothing will come from. (Matthew 6:25-32)
Inadequate situations to pray. (Mark 1:35-37)
Excessive stress.
Frustration with people who don’t listen. (Mark 8)
Homelessness. (Luke 9)
Dependence On God
Definition: Relying on God’s power through weakness; looking to God alone for salvation—not any other power or oneself; allowing oneself to experience suffering and weakness so that God’s power can be displayed; looking to God to help others, not one’s own power.
Jesus’ Passion
Mark 14:32-40
Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the suffering he was to undergo. And so he announced to his disciples that he was praying. He didn’t run away. He didn’t muster up an army. He didn’t figure out how to defend himself in his trials. He didn’t come up with brilliant speeches so others would believe in him. Rather, he trusted exclusively in God and in God’s power. He told his three trusted disciples to pray as well, but they wanted to sleep. They were relying on their flesh to get them through. Jesus, although the fullness of God rested in him, did not rely on himself or his current relationship with God. Instead, he looked to God for strength and relied only on him.
Matthew 27:41-43
Even Jesus’ enemies recognized that Jesus was depending on God alone. They mocked him for it. They didn’t depend only on God—they depended on God through their temple, through their traditions. God wasn’t enough for them and so they mocked Jesus who waited only on God.
Jesus’ ministry
Matthew 4:3-4
The devil was tempting Jesus to do miracles on his own authority, for his own need. Jesus declared his dependence, not on bread or on his power, but rather on God’s word. All throughout this episode, Jesus said that God would give Jesus all he needed, in his own time and that Jesus need not depend on anything else. Temptation is to depend on something other than God.
John 5:19-20
In speaking about his miracles and healings, Jesus declares his full dependence on the Father. The Father is the one who leads Jesus to pray what he prays, to declare what he declares. Without the Father, there would be no ministry, no teaching.
Jesus’ teaching
Matthew 10
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he had them do their ministry with nothing that they brought on their own. And their ministry itself was that which was given to them—they had no power to heal in themselves, God had to heal. They had no power to cast out demons, the authority of Jesus did that. The message they declared was not their message, but Jesus’ message of the kingdom.
Mark 6:34-44; Mark 8:16-21
Jesus was giving the disciples a lesson in ministry. They could do anything if they had God’s power behind it. The people were in need, and they relied on Jesus. Therefore, God would provide the food to feed them. So Jesus told the disciples to feed them, by God’s power. The disciples didn’t understand God’s power, and so they didn’t know how to feed them. Later on, they still didn’t understand. They were still wondering what they would do about bread. Jesus was helping them focus on the teaching they had already received, by example—bread is not the issue, but dependence on God’s power. If you rely on God, God will provide.
John 12:23-33
Jesus was making a general principle for everyone—himself and all of his disciples. If someone wants to have righteousness in God, then he needs to die. Not dying alone, but dying in dependence in God. Even so, Jesus prayed to the Father and the Father responded. Jesus could rely on the voice, just as he could rely on God’s power to raise him and to be honored by God. If anyone wants honor from God, they need to depend on Him and His power.
NT Teaching
II Corinthians 1:9; 12:10; 13:4
Some of the Corinthians were mocking and downgrading Paul because of his sufferings and persecutions and weaknesses. Paul himself didn’t find these particularly pleasing. He would rather have ministered from a position of strength. However, God declared to him that it is through his weaknesses that God’s power would be displayed. Only if Paul relys on God for his ministry will the ministry be effective—for only in this way will it come from God. Thus, Paul rejoices and is content with his weaknesses because he knows that it is only in this way that God will be honored.
Actions of dependence
Pray for deliverance—your own and others’. (Luke 18:1-8)
Wait for God’s power to deliver, not taking it into your own hands.
Not relying on the government for peace or deliverance.
Not being angry at social services, family or friends for not helping you.
Giving up of what you have for those in greater need than you. (Luke 12:33)
Not looking to money for help, but looking for God to provide your needs. (Matthew 6:24-32)
Not waiting for a “minimum amount” in order to do the ministry God called you to. (Luke 10)
Being happy about your weaknesses, because it gives God an opportunity to display his power. (II Corinthians 12:10)
Not taking legal action against those who have done you wrong. (I Corinthians 6; Luke 6)
Not building up a lot of things for your security. (Matthew 6:19)
Being bold in the ministry God called you to, even if others are displeased. (Matthew 10)
Seeking God’s ultimate deliverance in his coming kingdom and not looking for “quick fixes” in your suffering. (Mark 13)
Allowing God’s power to fulfill his promises, not shady schemes. (Genesis 16)
Jesus’ Passion
Mark 14:32-40
Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the suffering he was to undergo. And so he announced to his disciples that he was praying. He didn’t run away. He didn’t muster up an army. He didn’t figure out how to defend himself in his trials. He didn’t come up with brilliant speeches so others would believe in him. Rather, he trusted exclusively in God and in God’s power. He told his three trusted disciples to pray as well, but they wanted to sleep. They were relying on their flesh to get them through. Jesus, although the fullness of God rested in him, did not rely on himself or his current relationship with God. Instead, he looked to God for strength and relied only on him.
Matthew 27:41-43
Even Jesus’ enemies recognized that Jesus was depending on God alone. They mocked him for it. They didn’t depend only on God—they depended on God through their temple, through their traditions. God wasn’t enough for them and so they mocked Jesus who waited only on God.
Jesus’ ministry
Matthew 4:3-4
The devil was tempting Jesus to do miracles on his own authority, for his own need. Jesus declared his dependence, not on bread or on his power, but rather on God’s word. All throughout this episode, Jesus said that God would give Jesus all he needed, in his own time and that Jesus need not depend on anything else. Temptation is to depend on something other than God.
John 5:19-20
In speaking about his miracles and healings, Jesus declares his full dependence on the Father. The Father is the one who leads Jesus to pray what he prays, to declare what he declares. Without the Father, there would be no ministry, no teaching.
Jesus’ teaching
Matthew 10
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he had them do their ministry with nothing that they brought on their own. And their ministry itself was that which was given to them—they had no power to heal in themselves, God had to heal. They had no power to cast out demons, the authority of Jesus did that. The message they declared was not their message, but Jesus’ message of the kingdom.
Mark 6:34-44; Mark 8:16-21
Jesus was giving the disciples a lesson in ministry. They could do anything if they had God’s power behind it. The people were in need, and they relied on Jesus. Therefore, God would provide the food to feed them. So Jesus told the disciples to feed them, by God’s power. The disciples didn’t understand God’s power, and so they didn’t know how to feed them. Later on, they still didn’t understand. They were still wondering what they would do about bread. Jesus was helping them focus on the teaching they had already received, by example—bread is not the issue, but dependence on God’s power. If you rely on God, God will provide.
John 12:23-33
Jesus was making a general principle for everyone—himself and all of his disciples. If someone wants to have righteousness in God, then he needs to die. Not dying alone, but dying in dependence in God. Even so, Jesus prayed to the Father and the Father responded. Jesus could rely on the voice, just as he could rely on God’s power to raise him and to be honored by God. If anyone wants honor from God, they need to depend on Him and His power.
NT Teaching
II Corinthians 1:9; 12:10; 13:4
Some of the Corinthians were mocking and downgrading Paul because of his sufferings and persecutions and weaknesses. Paul himself didn’t find these particularly pleasing. He would rather have ministered from a position of strength. However, God declared to him that it is through his weaknesses that God’s power would be displayed. Only if Paul relys on God for his ministry will the ministry be effective—for only in this way will it come from God. Thus, Paul rejoices and is content with his weaknesses because he knows that it is only in this way that God will be honored.
Actions of dependence
Pray for deliverance—your own and others’. (Luke 18:1-8)
Wait for God’s power to deliver, not taking it into your own hands.
Not relying on the government for peace or deliverance.
Not being angry at social services, family or friends for not helping you.
Giving up of what you have for those in greater need than you. (Luke 12:33)
Not looking to money for help, but looking for God to provide your needs. (Matthew 6:24-32)
Not waiting for a “minimum amount” in order to do the ministry God called you to. (Luke 10)
Being happy about your weaknesses, because it gives God an opportunity to display his power. (II Corinthians 12:10)
Not taking legal action against those who have done you wrong. (I Corinthians 6; Luke 6)
Not building up a lot of things for your security. (Matthew 6:19)
Being bold in the ministry God called you to, even if others are displeased. (Matthew 10)
Seeking God’s ultimate deliverance in his coming kingdom and not looking for “quick fixes” in your suffering. (Mark 13)
Allowing God’s power to fulfill his promises, not shady schemes. (Genesis 16)
Submission
Definition: Accepting the unrighteous punishment of authorities; waiting for God to vindicate one; trusting oneself to God’s ultimate authority; doing all that earthly authorities require, except to disobey God; not reviling, dishonoring or rebelling against evil authorities.
Passion:
John 18:19-24; Matthew 26:59-68; Matthew 27:11-14
When Jesus was put on trial before different groups, he responded similarly. Before Annas, the high priest, Jesus responded, but said nothing in his defense. And when he was struck, he did not deny their right to strike him, although he asked for what reason they did so. But before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, he remained silent. He was silent through the false accusations, he was silent when they asked him to defend himself. He only spoke when he was commanded to. These rulers were proven to be evil, because of their approach to him and their desire to kill him, but Jesus still submitted to them. He was waiting for God to vindicate him, not himself, not men.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Matthew 5:38-41
The word “resist” is the opposite of submit (see James 4:7). Jesus is saying that when we are approached by oppressors—those who desire to use what authority they have to do evil to us—allow them to do so. We do not do this out of some perverse passivity, but because we are allowing them to show their evil, while we show our righteous place. In this way, God will vindicate those who are clearly righteous and judge those who oppress the righteous.
Matthew 5:10-12
Jesus says that we are to rejoice when people, even evil authorities, persecute us. In that way, we know that we are righteous like the prophets of old, and that we will receive God’s kingdom.
NT Teaching:
Romans 12:21-13:7
Paul is speaking about submission to authorities that are unrighteous, as well as those who do well. In fact, the context that Paul is speaking of is that of doing good to those who do evil to you. Even though a government or authority is evil, we should offer acknowledgement of their authority, pray for them, and offer them the money they demand.
I Peter 2:18-23
Peter is giving a difficult counsel. He is saying that if we are under unrighteous authority, and they are oppressive or unreasonable, we are to submit to them anyway. We are to submit to their beatings, we are to submit to their demands. Why should we do all this? Because it is the way of Jesus. Jesus himself was reviled and he bore no reproach back. This is the way of God.
Scriptural Examples of the Submission Principle
If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. Isaiah 1:19-20
Scripture assumes that submission is one of the realities of human life. But it also assumes that there are right ways to submit and wrong ways to submit. Those who submit to authorities, even through difficult circumstances, are vindicated by God, the ultimate authority and blessed by him. But those who rebel against proper authority are punished for their rebellion by death.
Those who submitted and were vindicated:
Joseph: He was sold into slavery by his older brothers. He was so obedient, humble and wise that he was given authority over households. He honored his master enough not to have sex with his masters wife when she threw herself at him. But then he was falsely accused and thrown into jail. But God eventually vindicated him and he was risen over all Egypt. (Genesis 39-41)
David: He submitted to Saul and refused to hurt him at all, even though he was given an opportunity to do so and his supporters encouraged him to do so. Rather, he ran in the wilderness for years. God eventually made him king over all Israel, because of his righteous heart. (I Samuel 18-23; II Samuel 1-3)
Daniel: He was a prisoner of the king of Babylon and was given the opportunity to train as an official. He submitted to both the king and to God in trying to obey them both—even though their demands seemed to contradict. He was vindicated by God and was placed in authority under the king. (Daniel 1 and 2)
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: They were commanded to worship an idol or else they would die at the hands of their king. They refused to worship, but submitted to the unjust punishment of the king. God did not allow them to be destroyed, but instead the king honored them and God. (Daniel 3)
Jeremiah: Jeremiah taught the people of Jerusalem to submit to the king of Babylon and not to rebel against him and it would do well for them. He himself suffered for this message, being thrown in prison and into a well. He was honored by the king of Babylon and honored by God as one of the greatest of the prophets. (Jeremiah 21, 36-41)
Peter: The Jewish elders beat him and Herod threw him into jail and he submitted to all of it. God vindicated him by giving him deliverance and the Holy Spirit to give him boldness. (Acts 3-4, 12)
Paul: He was before the High Priest and was struck by him. At first he spoke against it, but when he realized that it was a proper authority, he submitted to him. (Acts 23:1-5)
Those who rebelled and were judged:
Ruben: He tried to take his father’s authority by sexually taking advantage of his father’s concubine. He was no longer the leader of the children of Israel. (Genesis 35:22; 49:1-4)
Korah: He felt that Moses was leading the people wrong and demanded to be leader himself. God caused him and his followers to be destroyed. (Numbers 16)
Absalom: He felt that David was unjust in his judgments and so he rebelled against David and established himself as ruler. He was cast down by God and killed shamefully. (II Samuel 13-18)
Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, Jehoiachin: All three of these kings were placed under the authority of the king of Babylon and the Lord told them to submit to him. But all three rebelled against the king and so they were deposed and Jerusalem was destroyed. (II Kings 24-25)
King of Tyre: He considered himself to be a god and raised himself up. God lowered him and destroyed him. (Ezekiel 28)
Passion:
John 18:19-24; Matthew 26:59-68; Matthew 27:11-14
When Jesus was put on trial before different groups, he responded similarly. Before Annas, the high priest, Jesus responded, but said nothing in his defense. And when he was struck, he did not deny their right to strike him, although he asked for what reason they did so. But before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, he remained silent. He was silent through the false accusations, he was silent when they asked him to defend himself. He only spoke when he was commanded to. These rulers were proven to be evil, because of their approach to him and their desire to kill him, but Jesus still submitted to them. He was waiting for God to vindicate him, not himself, not men.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Matthew 5:38-41
The word “resist” is the opposite of submit (see James 4:7). Jesus is saying that when we are approached by oppressors—those who desire to use what authority they have to do evil to us—allow them to do so. We do not do this out of some perverse passivity, but because we are allowing them to show their evil, while we show our righteous place. In this way, God will vindicate those who are clearly righteous and judge those who oppress the righteous.
Matthew 5:10-12
Jesus says that we are to rejoice when people, even evil authorities, persecute us. In that way, we know that we are righteous like the prophets of old, and that we will receive God’s kingdom.
NT Teaching:
Romans 12:21-13:7
Paul is speaking about submission to authorities that are unrighteous, as well as those who do well. In fact, the context that Paul is speaking of is that of doing good to those who do evil to you. Even though a government or authority is evil, we should offer acknowledgement of their authority, pray for them, and offer them the money they demand.
I Peter 2:18-23
Peter is giving a difficult counsel. He is saying that if we are under unrighteous authority, and they are oppressive or unreasonable, we are to submit to them anyway. We are to submit to their beatings, we are to submit to their demands. Why should we do all this? Because it is the way of Jesus. Jesus himself was reviled and he bore no reproach back. This is the way of God.
Scriptural Examples of the Submission Principle
If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. Isaiah 1:19-20
Scripture assumes that submission is one of the realities of human life. But it also assumes that there are right ways to submit and wrong ways to submit. Those who submit to authorities, even through difficult circumstances, are vindicated by God, the ultimate authority and blessed by him. But those who rebel against proper authority are punished for their rebellion by death.
Those who submitted and were vindicated:
Joseph: He was sold into slavery by his older brothers. He was so obedient, humble and wise that he was given authority over households. He honored his master enough not to have sex with his masters wife when she threw herself at him. But then he was falsely accused and thrown into jail. But God eventually vindicated him and he was risen over all Egypt. (Genesis 39-41)
David: He submitted to Saul and refused to hurt him at all, even though he was given an opportunity to do so and his supporters encouraged him to do so. Rather, he ran in the wilderness for years. God eventually made him king over all Israel, because of his righteous heart. (I Samuel 18-23; II Samuel 1-3)
Daniel: He was a prisoner of the king of Babylon and was given the opportunity to train as an official. He submitted to both the king and to God in trying to obey them both—even though their demands seemed to contradict. He was vindicated by God and was placed in authority under the king. (Daniel 1 and 2)
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: They were commanded to worship an idol or else they would die at the hands of their king. They refused to worship, but submitted to the unjust punishment of the king. God did not allow them to be destroyed, but instead the king honored them and God. (Daniel 3)
Jeremiah: Jeremiah taught the people of Jerusalem to submit to the king of Babylon and not to rebel against him and it would do well for them. He himself suffered for this message, being thrown in prison and into a well. He was honored by the king of Babylon and honored by God as one of the greatest of the prophets. (Jeremiah 21, 36-41)
Peter: The Jewish elders beat him and Herod threw him into jail and he submitted to all of it. God vindicated him by giving him deliverance and the Holy Spirit to give him boldness. (Acts 3-4, 12)
Paul: He was before the High Priest and was struck by him. At first he spoke against it, but when he realized that it was a proper authority, he submitted to him. (Acts 23:1-5)
Those who rebelled and were judged:
Ruben: He tried to take his father’s authority by sexually taking advantage of his father’s concubine. He was no longer the leader of the children of Israel. (Genesis 35:22; 49:1-4)
Korah: He felt that Moses was leading the people wrong and demanded to be leader himself. God caused him and his followers to be destroyed. (Numbers 16)
Absalom: He felt that David was unjust in his judgments and so he rebelled against David and established himself as ruler. He was cast down by God and killed shamefully. (II Samuel 13-18)
Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, Jehoiachin: All three of these kings were placed under the authority of the king of Babylon and the Lord told them to submit to him. But all three rebelled against the king and so they were deposed and Jerusalem was destroyed. (II Kings 24-25)
King of Tyre: He considered himself to be a god and raised himself up. God lowered him and destroyed him. (Ezekiel 28)
Sacrificial Love
Definitions: Surrendering ourselves for others; buying the devotion to God of some with the payment of one’s life or resources; not excluding evil people or those who do harm to us from our love; doing good to everyone with all we have.
Passion:
Luke 22:49-51; Luke 23:33-34
Jesus’ love wasn’t just for those who showed concern for him. He healed a man who was coming to arrest him. He asked forgiveness for those who were crucifying him and taking his clothing to gamble for it. He loved even those who despised him, who killed him. Jesus’ love reaches even those who we would expect he would hate. His love includes everyone.
Mark 10:45
Jesus didn’t come to earth just to show us a good way. He came to lay down his life for us. He intended to pay the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be right with God. He was going to surrender all he had in order to get us. He had nothing left, but he gave it all to buy us for God.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Luke 6:27-36
We are to be like Jesus in not being exclusive with our love. Just because someone does something evil to us, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care for them or about them. We are to pray for everyone—even those who hate us. We are to help everyone in need—even those who mistreat us. God’s love is for everyone, not just those who like God, but even for those who hate him. We should be the same way.
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus used the widow to make a point. In our giving, it is not the amount we give that is important. It is how much we have sacrificed. If we sacrifice for God, for others, if we give up everything we have, then we are pleasing to God. Even if we give a huge amount, if we did not sacrifice it, then we gave a little thing in God’s sight, not worthy of his attention. Sacrifice is what God looks at.
John 15:12-13
Jesus wants us to love each other. He wants us to love in deed, not just in word. The way we show that love is by lowering ourselves so that our lives are sacrificed for others. We are to show the love of Jesus in our lives by giving our whole lives for the sake of others.
NT Teaching:
Colossians 1:24
Paul is making a remarkable statement here. He is fulfilling the death of Christ in his life—filling it out, and finishing the work Jesus began. How does he do this? By sacrificing himself for the church. He is giving of himself in order that the church might be living and growing and mature in Christ. He gave up of himself by suffering and by surrendering the life that he could have lived. He is not re-doing the death of Jesus—rather, he is living it out and allowing others to be redeemed because of his suffering, even as Jesus did.
Other passages: Romans 5:6-10; II Corinthians 1:6-7; 8:8-9; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 5:21-23; I Thessalonians 5:15; II Timothy 2:10.
Examples of People who showed sacrificial, inclusive love
The Twelve—They gave up their houses, families, professions and livelihoods to follow Jesus and eventually were killed for it.
Paul—He suffered beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and many other persecutions in order to take the gospel to the Gentiles who did not know it.
Barnabas—He gave all of his land to be sold and then offered it to the church to be given to the poor.
Francis of Assisi—He gave up all that he had—his food, his clothes, including what anyone would give to him—to the needy.
Michael Sattler—He was arrested, had his tongue cut out and was torn apart with red hot tongs for teaching Jesus’ way of peace to those in Catholic provinces.
Dirk Willems—As an Anabaptist—one who taught that the church should not baptize infants, but only believers—Dirk was threatened for arrest. He saved the life of the one trying to capture him, even though he was then arrested, tried for heresy and killed.
Ignatius Loyola—He gave up his profession and lived on the street so he could focus on God and to teach the way of Jesus to everyone.
George Fox—He was imprisoned so that those who hated him could hear the word of God.
Hudson Taylor—Although always sick, he gave himself up to giving the gospel of Christ to those who had never heard it in China.
Jim and Elizabeth Elliot—Jim was killed so that an almost unknown people in South America can hear the gospel. His wife, Elizabeth returned to them and successfully gave the gospel of Jesus to those who killed her husband.
Passion:
Luke 22:49-51; Luke 23:33-34
Jesus’ love wasn’t just for those who showed concern for him. He healed a man who was coming to arrest him. He asked forgiveness for those who were crucifying him and taking his clothing to gamble for it. He loved even those who despised him, who killed him. Jesus’ love reaches even those who we would expect he would hate. His love includes everyone.
Mark 10:45
Jesus didn’t come to earth just to show us a good way. He came to lay down his life for us. He intended to pay the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be right with God. He was going to surrender all he had in order to get us. He had nothing left, but he gave it all to buy us for God.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Luke 6:27-36
We are to be like Jesus in not being exclusive with our love. Just because someone does something evil to us, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care for them or about them. We are to pray for everyone—even those who hate us. We are to help everyone in need—even those who mistreat us. God’s love is for everyone, not just those who like God, but even for those who hate him. We should be the same way.
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus used the widow to make a point. In our giving, it is not the amount we give that is important. It is how much we have sacrificed. If we sacrifice for God, for others, if we give up everything we have, then we are pleasing to God. Even if we give a huge amount, if we did not sacrifice it, then we gave a little thing in God’s sight, not worthy of his attention. Sacrifice is what God looks at.
John 15:12-13
Jesus wants us to love each other. He wants us to love in deed, not just in word. The way we show that love is by lowering ourselves so that our lives are sacrificed for others. We are to show the love of Jesus in our lives by giving our whole lives for the sake of others.
NT Teaching:
Colossians 1:24
Paul is making a remarkable statement here. He is fulfilling the death of Christ in his life—filling it out, and finishing the work Jesus began. How does he do this? By sacrificing himself for the church. He is giving of himself in order that the church might be living and growing and mature in Christ. He gave up of himself by suffering and by surrendering the life that he could have lived. He is not re-doing the death of Jesus—rather, he is living it out and allowing others to be redeemed because of his suffering, even as Jesus did.
Other passages: Romans 5:6-10; II Corinthians 1:6-7; 8:8-9; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 5:21-23; I Thessalonians 5:15; II Timothy 2:10.
Examples of People who showed sacrificial, inclusive love
The Twelve—They gave up their houses, families, professions and livelihoods to follow Jesus and eventually were killed for it.
Paul—He suffered beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and many other persecutions in order to take the gospel to the Gentiles who did not know it.
Barnabas—He gave all of his land to be sold and then offered it to the church to be given to the poor.
Francis of Assisi—He gave up all that he had—his food, his clothes, including what anyone would give to him—to the needy.
Michael Sattler—He was arrested, had his tongue cut out and was torn apart with red hot tongs for teaching Jesus’ way of peace to those in Catholic provinces.
Dirk Willems—As an Anabaptist—one who taught that the church should not baptize infants, but only believers—Dirk was threatened for arrest. He saved the life of the one trying to capture him, even though he was then arrested, tried for heresy and killed.
Ignatius Loyola—He gave up his profession and lived on the street so he could focus on God and to teach the way of Jesus to everyone.
George Fox—He was imprisoned so that those who hated him could hear the word of God.
Hudson Taylor—Although always sick, he gave himself up to giving the gospel of Christ to those who had never heard it in China.
Jim and Elizabeth Elliot—Jim was killed so that an almost unknown people in South America can hear the gospel. His wife, Elizabeth returned to them and successfully gave the gospel of Jesus to those who killed her husband.
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