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.
Compassion
Definition: Care for others; sorrow at the sight of others in need; motivated by care to act for another’s benefit; focusing on the needs of others despite personal sorrow and suffering.
Passion:
Luke 22:54-61; Luke 23:27-31; Luke 23:39-43
Jesus was suffering the unbearable suffering of shame and pain. But in the midst of his suffering, he did not focus on himself and his agony, but on the needs of others. When Peter had denied him three times, he knew this, and looked at Peter, even though he was being confronted and accused at the time. When he was so weak he couldn’t carry his cross, he did not pay attention to his own suffering, but on the suffering that the women who were weeping would later suffer. He told them not to weep for him but for themselves. And on the cross, he did not pay attention to his own shame, but also to the spiritual struggle and repentance that the man next to him was having. On the cross, Jesus displayed his compassion more than at any other time, for he still did what was loving during his greatest sorrow.
Ministry:
Mark 1:41; Mark 6:34; Mark 8:2
Jesus’ ministry was characterized by the compassion he had on those who were needy. He saw lepers, the blind and the impoverished and he had compassion on them and healed them. He saw people who were hungry and he fed them. He saw people who were lost without clear direction and he taught them the truth of God. He looked at the needs of people and met those needs because of the sorrow in his heart. The Spirit moved him to meet the lacks of the people around him with God’s plenty.
Jesus’ teaching:
Mark 12:28-31
Jesus desires that we fulfill the law. Not all of every single command of the law, but he desires that we love God and love those around us. If we do not love people, then we have not fulfilled God’s righteousness, no matter what else we do. Obedience to God demands that we love.
Matthew 12:7
The Pharisees were judging the disciples for not keeping the Sabbath according to their strict guidelines. Jesus never taught against the Sabbath, but he did clearly teach that all the laws was for the good of others. If we judge others because of a ritual or custom they did not follow but did not have compassion, then we will be condemned. Allow mercy to rule, not judgement.
Other New Testament Teaching:
Philippians 2:1-5
The basic rule of the church, according to Paul, is love. Love and compassion should guide all of our dealings with one another. Paul goes so far to say that we should honor one another as better than ourselves. We should not only love others, but we should meet their needs before we meet our own.
I John 3:10-18
John also affirms that the basic rule of the church is love. If we do not love each other—not just in words, but in actions that meet each other’s needs—then we are not of God. But, in fact, if we do not care for other’s needs then we prove ourselves to be a child of the devil.
Acts of compassion
Feeding the hungry
Clothing those with inadequate clothing
Visiting and praying for the sick
Casting out demons
Preaching a good message to those in misery
Providing warmth to the cold
Providing shelter to the homeless
Visiting and caring for those in jail
Teaching the way of God to those looking for God
Giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty
Forgiving those who owe you
If a brother or sister has wronged you, gently and privately telling them so.
Redeeming slaves.
Being friendly to the friendless
Accepting the outcast
Providing showers to the dirty.
Providing a bathroom to those who lack it.
Lending and giving money to those who need it (and who won’t use it on their sin)
Discipling people in the way of the Lord
Love is not simply action, it is compassion. A person can do tremendous acts of service and sacrifice, but still not care for those they are sacrificing for. Fundamentally, they are sacrificing themselves for themselves, not for others. We need to remember that the actions that we do need to be done from love—not self interest. Self interest does not fulfill our obedience to God. Love alone is the fulfillment of the law.
Passion:
Luke 22:54-61; Luke 23:27-31; Luke 23:39-43
Jesus was suffering the unbearable suffering of shame and pain. But in the midst of his suffering, he did not focus on himself and his agony, but on the needs of others. When Peter had denied him three times, he knew this, and looked at Peter, even though he was being confronted and accused at the time. When he was so weak he couldn’t carry his cross, he did not pay attention to his own suffering, but on the suffering that the women who were weeping would later suffer. He told them not to weep for him but for themselves. And on the cross, he did not pay attention to his own shame, but also to the spiritual struggle and repentance that the man next to him was having. On the cross, Jesus displayed his compassion more than at any other time, for he still did what was loving during his greatest sorrow.
Ministry:
Mark 1:41; Mark 6:34; Mark 8:2
Jesus’ ministry was characterized by the compassion he had on those who were needy. He saw lepers, the blind and the impoverished and he had compassion on them and healed them. He saw people who were hungry and he fed them. He saw people who were lost without clear direction and he taught them the truth of God. He looked at the needs of people and met those needs because of the sorrow in his heart. The Spirit moved him to meet the lacks of the people around him with God’s plenty.
Jesus’ teaching:
Mark 12:28-31
Jesus desires that we fulfill the law. Not all of every single command of the law, but he desires that we love God and love those around us. If we do not love people, then we have not fulfilled God’s righteousness, no matter what else we do. Obedience to God demands that we love.
Matthew 12:7
The Pharisees were judging the disciples for not keeping the Sabbath according to their strict guidelines. Jesus never taught against the Sabbath, but he did clearly teach that all the laws was for the good of others. If we judge others because of a ritual or custom they did not follow but did not have compassion, then we will be condemned. Allow mercy to rule, not judgement.
Other New Testament Teaching:
Philippians 2:1-5
The basic rule of the church, according to Paul, is love. Love and compassion should guide all of our dealings with one another. Paul goes so far to say that we should honor one another as better than ourselves. We should not only love others, but we should meet their needs before we meet our own.
I John 3:10-18
John also affirms that the basic rule of the church is love. If we do not love each other—not just in words, but in actions that meet each other’s needs—then we are not of God. But, in fact, if we do not care for other’s needs then we prove ourselves to be a child of the devil.
Acts of compassion
Feeding the hungry
Clothing those with inadequate clothing
Visiting and praying for the sick
Casting out demons
Preaching a good message to those in misery
Providing warmth to the cold
Providing shelter to the homeless
Visiting and caring for those in jail
Teaching the way of God to those looking for God
Giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty
Forgiving those who owe you
If a brother or sister has wronged you, gently and privately telling them so.
Redeeming slaves.
Being friendly to the friendless
Accepting the outcast
Providing showers to the dirty.
Providing a bathroom to those who lack it.
Lending and giving money to those who need it (and who won’t use it on their sin)
Discipling people in the way of the Lord
Love is not simply action, it is compassion. A person can do tremendous acts of service and sacrifice, but still not care for those they are sacrificing for. Fundamentally, they are sacrificing themselves for themselves, not for others. We need to remember that the actions that we do need to be done from love—not self interest. Self interest does not fulfill our obedience to God. Love alone is the fulfillment of the law.
Obedience
Definition: Doing God’s will as opposed to our will ; denying oneself; having our flesh be killed; learning about God by experience; submission to God; remaining under the discipline of God the Father.
Passion:
Mark 14: 32-39
Jesus was grieved about the necessity of carrying the cross and the shame that God was declaring that he would do. He knew that there was still one opportunity for him to ask God for mercy, that he would not have to carry the cross. But he recognized throughout that he would not ever disobey the Father. Whatever the Father told him to do, that is what he would do. When the time finally came, he was ready to face what he had to face.
Ministry:
Mark 8:31-38
Jesus told the disciples that the climax of his ministry is the cross. That the rejection by religious leaders is the goal of his ministry. Peter told him that this could not be—and Jesus severely rebuked him. The most important thing, Jesus said, is to keep in mind what God wants, not what humanity wants. The world wants peace and comfort, but God wants us to be people who will bring reconciliation to the world by means of the cross. And if anyone is to be like Jesus, they will take up the cross themselves.
Matthew 4:1-11
The significant thing when Jesus confronted Satan is that he was totally focused on doing the will of God. Satan is trying to get Jesus to do things that would be good for himself—eating, increasing his own glory, taking on the rulership of the nations. But Jesus would have none of it. It is better for him to not eat, to be lowly, to have no honor than to disobey God.
Jesus’ teaching:
Matthew 7:21-27
Those who will enter the kingdom are those who obey God, especially the teachings of Jesus. If we hear God’s word through Jesus and do not do it, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Teaching of the New Testament
Hebrews 5:8
Jesus himself had to learn obedience. He had never disobeyed God, but he had to learn it through doing what God wants in the midst of hardship.
Romans 6:11-22
We need to make a determination whose slave we are. If we are a slave to sin, then we are free from doing any kind of righteousness. However, if we are a slave to God (which we are through the cross of Christ) then we are freed from doing sin. And, in fact, we must not do sin, but do God’s will.
Commands of Jesus we have a hard time obeying
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke 12:33)
Lend to those in need and expect nothing back. (Luke 6 34-35)
Take care with every word you say. (Matthew 12
Pray persistently for justice. (Luke 18:1-7)
Pray for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:9-13)
Don’t worry about your basic needs. (Matthew 6:31)
Don’t worry about tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)
Don’t serve money. (Matthew 6:24)
Be at peace with your brothers and sisters. (Mark 9:50)
Renounce all of your possessions. (Luke 14:33)
Do not insult another. (Matthew 5:22)
Don’t look at someone to desire them sexually. (Matthew 5:28)
Keep all of your promises. (Matthew 5:37)
Don’t do evil to those who do evil to you, but do good. (Luke 6:27)
Give to those who are in need and ask for help. (Luke 6:30)
Don’t collect earthly treasures. (Matthew 6:19)
Don’t determine the final destination of another. (Matthew 7:1-2)
Repent of your sins before you accuse another of sin. (Matthew 7:5)
Do good to everyone, without exception. (Matthew 7:12)
Be prepared for testing and persecution, especially with prayer. (Luke 14:26-27; Mark 14:38)
Strive to be the least of all the church. (Luke 9:46-48)
Do good and give to both the righteous and the wicked. (Luke 6:35)
If a brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. (Luke 17:3)
Give in secrecy. (Matthew 6:2-4)
Evangelize with nothing but the clothes on your back. (Matthew 10:9-10)
Celebrate the Sabbath by doing mercy on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:7, 11-12)
Feed the hungry. (Mark 6:37; 8:2-3)
Be rid of your wealth. (Mark 10:21)
Forgive sins. (John 20:23)
Make disciples of Jesus. Teach followers to obey Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us not make excuses for our disobedience. Let us not hope that our disobedience will be ignored. Let us not say that Jesus was wrong. Rather, let us confess our disobedience and strive to do right in all that he said. To gain the kingdom, we must obey his word. To live through judgment day, we must do God’s will. Anyone who excuses his disobedience will be told, “Go away, I never knew you.” Let us repent and do good.
Passion:
Mark 14: 32-39
Jesus was grieved about the necessity of carrying the cross and the shame that God was declaring that he would do. He knew that there was still one opportunity for him to ask God for mercy, that he would not have to carry the cross. But he recognized throughout that he would not ever disobey the Father. Whatever the Father told him to do, that is what he would do. When the time finally came, he was ready to face what he had to face.
Ministry:
Mark 8:31-38
Jesus told the disciples that the climax of his ministry is the cross. That the rejection by religious leaders is the goal of his ministry. Peter told him that this could not be—and Jesus severely rebuked him. The most important thing, Jesus said, is to keep in mind what God wants, not what humanity wants. The world wants peace and comfort, but God wants us to be people who will bring reconciliation to the world by means of the cross. And if anyone is to be like Jesus, they will take up the cross themselves.
Matthew 4:1-11
The significant thing when Jesus confronted Satan is that he was totally focused on doing the will of God. Satan is trying to get Jesus to do things that would be good for himself—eating, increasing his own glory, taking on the rulership of the nations. But Jesus would have none of it. It is better for him to not eat, to be lowly, to have no honor than to disobey God.
Jesus’ teaching:
Matthew 7:21-27
Those who will enter the kingdom are those who obey God, especially the teachings of Jesus. If we hear God’s word through Jesus and do not do it, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Teaching of the New Testament
Hebrews 5:8
Jesus himself had to learn obedience. He had never disobeyed God, but he had to learn it through doing what God wants in the midst of hardship.
Romans 6:11-22
We need to make a determination whose slave we are. If we are a slave to sin, then we are free from doing any kind of righteousness. However, if we are a slave to God (which we are through the cross of Christ) then we are freed from doing sin. And, in fact, we must not do sin, but do God’s will.
Commands of Jesus we have a hard time obeying
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke 12:33)
Lend to those in need and expect nothing back. (Luke 6 34-35)
Take care with every word you say. (Matthew 12
Pray persistently for justice. (Luke 18:1-7)
Pray for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:9-13)
Don’t worry about your basic needs. (Matthew 6:31)
Don’t worry about tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)
Don’t serve money. (Matthew 6:24)
Be at peace with your brothers and sisters. (Mark 9:50)
Renounce all of your possessions. (Luke 14:33)
Do not insult another. (Matthew 5:22)
Don’t look at someone to desire them sexually. (Matthew 5:28)
Keep all of your promises. (Matthew 5:37)
Don’t do evil to those who do evil to you, but do good. (Luke 6:27)
Give to those who are in need and ask for help. (Luke 6:30)
Don’t collect earthly treasures. (Matthew 6:19)
Don’t determine the final destination of another. (Matthew 7:1-2)
Repent of your sins before you accuse another of sin. (Matthew 7:5)
Do good to everyone, without exception. (Matthew 7:12)
Be prepared for testing and persecution, especially with prayer. (Luke 14:26-27; Mark 14:38)
Strive to be the least of all the church. (Luke 9:46-48)
Do good and give to both the righteous and the wicked. (Luke 6:35)
If a brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. (Luke 17:3)
Give in secrecy. (Matthew 6:2-4)
Evangelize with nothing but the clothes on your back. (Matthew 10:9-10)
Celebrate the Sabbath by doing mercy on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:7, 11-12)
Feed the hungry. (Mark 6:37; 8:2-3)
Be rid of your wealth. (Mark 10:21)
Forgive sins. (John 20:23)
Make disciples of Jesus. Teach followers to obey Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us not make excuses for our disobedience. Let us not hope that our disobedience will be ignored. Let us not say that Jesus was wrong. Rather, let us confess our disobedience and strive to do right in all that he said. To gain the kingdom, we must obey his word. To live through judgment day, we must do God’s will. Anyone who excuses his disobedience will be told, “Go away, I never knew you.” Let us repent and do good.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Trusting In God's Promises
What is trusting in God’s promises?
Believing that God’s promises and prophecies will be fulfilled; taking action that would fulfill God’s promises; obeying God when he tells you to take a step of faith on those promises; relying on God; resting without anxiety, knowing that God will fulfill his promises.
Jesus’ Passion:
Matthew 26:50-56
Jesus did not support fighting or striving to fulfill God’s kingdom or justice. Rather, he trusted that God would fulfill the Scriptures, and the only way the Scriptures were to be fulfilled was through submitting to the cross. Jesus fully trusted in God’s promises—that he would be vindicated and risen from the dead. And so any vain effort to fulfill justice their own way was pointless.
Luke 23:46
Jesus trusted that God would fulfill his vindication and so did not take matters into his own hands. Rather, he submitted himself to God and to God’s actions—that God would do all that was necessary.
Jesus’ Ministry:
Luke 4:16-21
Jesus began his ministry on one premise—that the word of God will be fulfilled now. All of his healings, his exorcisms, his teaching, they were all based on one idea—that it is time for God’s promises to be fulfilled. This is how Jesus lived and how he died.
Jesus’ teaching:
Matt 5:17-18
Jesus did not come to earth to take the Scriptures and throw them away. Rather, he saw the Hebrew Scriptures as something to be fulfilled. In whatever way they needed to still be completed, he would do it. He would be ready to have God fulfill all the Scriptures through him. He would be ready to do in righteousness what the children of Israel failed to do.
Matthew 21:21-22
Jesus taught his disciples that they were to have faith. Whatever God says he will do, he can do. The disciples just have to be ready to accept God’s word. They need to pray God’s promises and wait expectantly for God to fulfill them.
Other New Testament teaching:
Romans 3:21-22
Jesus redeemed us through his death, which demonstrated his faith. If we have faith in
God’s promises as Jesus had faith, then we will have a right standing before God. This only happens if we participate in Jesus’ faith.
Hebrews 11:39-40
Everyone who was righteous in the Scriptures were so because of their faith. They trusted in God—that is what is essential. And the only way we are going to be risen with these who had faith is if we ourselves have faith. And so we need to trust in God’s promises to us like they believed in God’s promises to them.
Promises of God
The righteous—those who are right before God— are those who have faith. Habakkuk 2:4
God will provide the needs of all the poor. Psalm 145:15-16
God will provide healing and liberation to the outcast. Isaiah 61:1-2
Whoever suffers innocently/unjustly will be vindicated by God. Exodus 22:21-23
God will redeem the righteous poor. Psalm 72:13-14
God will send a redeemer to save his people from their sins—and that redeemer’s name is Jesus. Acts 4:10-12
Jesus is the Son of God and Lord. Mark 1:9-11
God’s people will receive God’s Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27; Isaiah 44:3
God will destroy his enemies: those who rebel against him and those who oppress the righteous. Deuteronomy 32:41-43
God will destroy the kingdoms of the world and replace them with his kingdom. Daniel 2:44
God will judge between the innocent and the guilty before him. Psalm 75:2-3
Jesus will return with the angels of heaven as Lord of the earth and will judge all peoples. Matthew 25:31-32
All the Gentiles will worship God and honor him. Revelation 5:9
God will raise the dead. John 5:25-29
The righteous will be gathered to and will inherit God’s land. Isaiah 27:12-13
All the righteous will live in peace and prosperity—i.e., have all their needs met. Isaiah 65:17-25
All God’s people will dwell with him eternally. Isaiah 60:19-21
Believing that God’s promises and prophecies will be fulfilled; taking action that would fulfill God’s promises; obeying God when he tells you to take a step of faith on those promises; relying on God; resting without anxiety, knowing that God will fulfill his promises.
Jesus’ Passion:
Matthew 26:50-56
Jesus did not support fighting or striving to fulfill God’s kingdom or justice. Rather, he trusted that God would fulfill the Scriptures, and the only way the Scriptures were to be fulfilled was through submitting to the cross. Jesus fully trusted in God’s promises—that he would be vindicated and risen from the dead. And so any vain effort to fulfill justice their own way was pointless.
Luke 23:46
Jesus trusted that God would fulfill his vindication and so did not take matters into his own hands. Rather, he submitted himself to God and to God’s actions—that God would do all that was necessary.
Jesus’ Ministry:
Luke 4:16-21
Jesus began his ministry on one premise—that the word of God will be fulfilled now. All of his healings, his exorcisms, his teaching, they were all based on one idea—that it is time for God’s promises to be fulfilled. This is how Jesus lived and how he died.
Jesus’ teaching:
Matt 5:17-18
Jesus did not come to earth to take the Scriptures and throw them away. Rather, he saw the Hebrew Scriptures as something to be fulfilled. In whatever way they needed to still be completed, he would do it. He would be ready to have God fulfill all the Scriptures through him. He would be ready to do in righteousness what the children of Israel failed to do.
Matthew 21:21-22
Jesus taught his disciples that they were to have faith. Whatever God says he will do, he can do. The disciples just have to be ready to accept God’s word. They need to pray God’s promises and wait expectantly for God to fulfill them.
Other New Testament teaching:
Romans 3:21-22
Jesus redeemed us through his death, which demonstrated his faith. If we have faith in
God’s promises as Jesus had faith, then we will have a right standing before God. This only happens if we participate in Jesus’ faith.
Hebrews 11:39-40
Everyone who was righteous in the Scriptures were so because of their faith. They trusted in God—that is what is essential. And the only way we are going to be risen with these who had faith is if we ourselves have faith. And so we need to trust in God’s promises to us like they believed in God’s promises to them.
Promises of God
The righteous—those who are right before God— are those who have faith. Habakkuk 2:4
God will provide the needs of all the poor. Psalm 145:15-16
God will provide healing and liberation to the outcast. Isaiah 61:1-2
Whoever suffers innocently/unjustly will be vindicated by God. Exodus 22:21-23
God will redeem the righteous poor. Psalm 72:13-14
God will send a redeemer to save his people from their sins—and that redeemer’s name is Jesus. Acts 4:10-12
Jesus is the Son of God and Lord. Mark 1:9-11
God’s people will receive God’s Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27; Isaiah 44:3
God will destroy his enemies: those who rebel against him and those who oppress the righteous. Deuteronomy 32:41-43
God will destroy the kingdoms of the world and replace them with his kingdom. Daniel 2:44
God will judge between the innocent and the guilty before him. Psalm 75:2-3
Jesus will return with the angels of heaven as Lord of the earth and will judge all peoples. Matthew 25:31-32
All the Gentiles will worship God and honor him. Revelation 5:9
God will raise the dead. John 5:25-29
The righteous will be gathered to and will inherit God’s land. Isaiah 27:12-13
All the righteous will live in peace and prosperity—i.e., have all their needs met. Isaiah 65:17-25
All God’s people will dwell with him eternally. Isaiah 60:19-21
Devotion
What is devotion?
Having God as one’s first priority. Having “pride” in God. Looking to God first before all else. Loving God above all else. A life priority that God comes first and everything else is pointless. Acting as if your life were not your own, but God’s. Surrendering everything you have and are to God for his use.
Jesus’ Passion:
Matthew 27:43
Even those who mocked him on the cross recognized that Jesus was putting his trust in God first. He was on the cross because he trusted that God would vindicate him and because he put God first in his life.
Luke 23:46
Jesus’ very last words were those of putting himself in God’s hands. He focused on God first in all of his life and God was his first thought in his last speech.
Jesus’ Ministry:
Matthew 12:48-51
Jesus declared as his family not those who were born in his family, but those who obeyed God and focused on God with as much devotion as he did.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Matt 6:33
We are not to place our basic needs before anything else. Even our need for food and clothing come after our devotion to God, his kingdom and his righteousness. Nothing in our lives is to be as important as God and doing his will. Nothing.
Luke 14:25-33
Jesus is saying that we need to be ready to put everything we have at God’s disposal. God is the first—nay, the ONLY authority in our lives. What he says goes, and even our family members, our relationships, our possessions are to be at God’s disposal, to do with as He pleases.
Mark 10:17-22
The young man had learned obedience to God, and that was good. But to be finished in his devotion, he had to make all of his possessions—that man’s greatest honor—at God’s disposal, for his use as well. It is not enough to dedicate things to God, or to gain things correctly. God wants total surrender. Total renunciation of all we have and are.
Others in the NT:
Phil 3:3-4
Paul count every accomplishment and pride that he took to be “excrement” in comparison with the glory he gained in Christ. He is totally devoted to Jesus—nothing else is worth anything.
Hebrews 12:1
We are to lay aside anything that will block our devotion to God. Get rid of them and let them go for the sake of God and his call on us to take up the cross.
Things we want to take honor in
(But God wants us to renounce them and put him first)
Being a rebel (Romans 1)
Having educational degrees
Having lots of money (Luke 16:10-15)
Dressing well (Matthew 23)
Having a collection of possessions—CD’s, books, paintings, photos, etc. (Matthew 6:19)
Having knowledge (I Corinthians 8:1-3)
Having been well-traveled
Being famous
Being a prayer warrior
Fasting a lot (Matthew 6)
Being a pastor
Having a title (Matthew 23)
Having a lot of responsibility
Being a leader (Mark 10)
Giving to the poor (I Corinthians 23)
Being a hero
Being patriotic
Having or raising children
Having overcome a difficult life circumstance, such as an addiction or a mental illness.
Being “bad”
Being good at sports
Having a good job
Having a good income
Having an all-encompassing hobby such as photography or quilting.
Belonging to a good church, a club or a religious party.
Having a big house
All of this is shit compared to the glory of God.
Our focus is not what we have, what we are, or what kind of status we can acquire. Rather, it is the love and devotion that God can accomplish through us.
Having God as one’s first priority. Having “pride” in God. Looking to God first before all else. Loving God above all else. A life priority that God comes first and everything else is pointless. Acting as if your life were not your own, but God’s. Surrendering everything you have and are to God for his use.
Jesus’ Passion:
Matthew 27:43
Even those who mocked him on the cross recognized that Jesus was putting his trust in God first. He was on the cross because he trusted that God would vindicate him and because he put God first in his life.
Luke 23:46
Jesus’ very last words were those of putting himself in God’s hands. He focused on God first in all of his life and God was his first thought in his last speech.
Jesus’ Ministry:
Matthew 12:48-51
Jesus declared as his family not those who were born in his family, but those who obeyed God and focused on God with as much devotion as he did.
Jesus’ Teaching:
Matt 6:33
We are not to place our basic needs before anything else. Even our need for food and clothing come after our devotion to God, his kingdom and his righteousness. Nothing in our lives is to be as important as God and doing his will. Nothing.
Luke 14:25-33
Jesus is saying that we need to be ready to put everything we have at God’s disposal. God is the first—nay, the ONLY authority in our lives. What he says goes, and even our family members, our relationships, our possessions are to be at God’s disposal, to do with as He pleases.
Mark 10:17-22
The young man had learned obedience to God, and that was good. But to be finished in his devotion, he had to make all of his possessions—that man’s greatest honor—at God’s disposal, for his use as well. It is not enough to dedicate things to God, or to gain things correctly. God wants total surrender. Total renunciation of all we have and are.
Others in the NT:
Phil 3:3-4
Paul count every accomplishment and pride that he took to be “excrement” in comparison with the glory he gained in Christ. He is totally devoted to Jesus—nothing else is worth anything.
Hebrews 12:1
We are to lay aside anything that will block our devotion to God. Get rid of them and let them go for the sake of God and his call on us to take up the cross.
Things we want to take honor in
(But God wants us to renounce them and put him first)
Being a rebel (Romans 1)
Having educational degrees
Having lots of money (Luke 16:10-15)
Dressing well (Matthew 23)
Having a collection of possessions—CD’s, books, paintings, photos, etc. (Matthew 6:19)
Having knowledge (I Corinthians 8:1-3)
Having been well-traveled
Being famous
Being a prayer warrior
Fasting a lot (Matthew 6)
Being a pastor
Having a title (Matthew 23)
Having a lot of responsibility
Being a leader (Mark 10)
Giving to the poor (I Corinthians 23)
Being a hero
Being patriotic
Having or raising children
Having overcome a difficult life circumstance, such as an addiction or a mental illness.
Being “bad”
Being good at sports
Having a good job
Having a good income
Having an all-encompassing hobby such as photography or quilting.
Belonging to a good church, a club or a religious party.
Having a big house
All of this is shit compared to the glory of God.
Our focus is not what we have, what we are, or what kind of status we can acquire. Rather, it is the love and devotion that God can accomplish through us.
Humility
What is humility?
Lowering oneself; being downwardly mobile; being humiliated; becoming a rogue, a slave, a child, a punished-one; allowing God to reveal oneself in his own way, his own time
Jesus was humble in life and death
Passion:
Matthew 26:47-54;
Jesus made the choice to go to the cross, even though he didn’t have to
Humility: the choice of being downwardly mobile
Ministry:
Mark 1:23-26
Not choosing to let people know who he was—he let God do that for him
Jesus’ Teaching:
Mark 10:35-45
In leadership, we are to look to others—we do not “lord it over” but we are gentle. We force no one, we are violent to no one, we are the slaves of everyone
Matthew 18:1-4
Children are the lowest rung of society—no one listens to them, they have to obey everyone—even slaves. No one considers them to be of significance. We are to change and be humble like children.
Luke 14:7-11
We are to take the lowest place and allow God to raise us up. We are not to work for our own uplifting or exaltation or honor. Instead, we are to make the choice to be lower and allow God to raise us up.
Others in the New Testament:
Philippians 2:1-8
Jesus chose the low path, the low way. We are to chose the same. We exalt others above ourselves. We support them and be slaves to them. This is Jesus’ example. In this way, we will be exalted in due time—not by men, but by God.
Actions of Humility
• Do not give yourself or seek out titles. (Matthew 23:8-10)
• Do not look to be put in the places of honor.
(e.g. The best places at the table, the honored guest at a banquet, etc.)Luke 14
• Do not do actions to be honored by people. (Matthew 6:1-18)
• Do not seek to be the person at the center of attention. (James 3:1)
• Treat everyone equally, whether they look (or smell) nice or not. (James 2:1-7)
• Look for ways to serve the lowest of people. (Matthew 25:31-46)
• Go out of your way to be friendly with, to touch, to chat with, to be equal to the outcast. (Mark 1:40-42)
• If God is going to exalt you, don’t tell anyone—as much as you can—let God do it. (Mark 3:11-12)
• Submit to authorities when you can, even if you don’t have to. (Matthew 17:24-27)
• Do tasks that may seem to be demeaning, if they have to be done.
• Allow others to speak words of hatred and shame, and say nothing back. Don’t defend yourself, don’t return with a witty comeback. (Mark 14:55-61)
• If someone persecutes you, run away. (Matthew 10:23)
Lowering oneself; being downwardly mobile; being humiliated; becoming a rogue, a slave, a child, a punished-one; allowing God to reveal oneself in his own way, his own time
Jesus was humble in life and death
Passion:
Matthew 26:47-54;
Jesus made the choice to go to the cross, even though he didn’t have to
Humility: the choice of being downwardly mobile
Ministry:
Mark 1:23-26
Not choosing to let people know who he was—he let God do that for him
Jesus’ Teaching:
Mark 10:35-45
In leadership, we are to look to others—we do not “lord it over” but we are gentle. We force no one, we are violent to no one, we are the slaves of everyone
Matthew 18:1-4
Children are the lowest rung of society—no one listens to them, they have to obey everyone—even slaves. No one considers them to be of significance. We are to change and be humble like children.
Luke 14:7-11
We are to take the lowest place and allow God to raise us up. We are not to work for our own uplifting or exaltation or honor. Instead, we are to make the choice to be lower and allow God to raise us up.
Others in the New Testament:
Philippians 2:1-8
Jesus chose the low path, the low way. We are to chose the same. We exalt others above ourselves. We support them and be slaves to them. This is Jesus’ example. In this way, we will be exalted in due time—not by men, but by God.
Actions of Humility
• Do not give yourself or seek out titles. (Matthew 23:8-10)
• Do not look to be put in the places of honor.
(e.g. The best places at the table, the honored guest at a banquet, etc.)Luke 14
• Do not do actions to be honored by people. (Matthew 6:1-18)
• Do not seek to be the person at the center of attention. (James 3:1)
• Treat everyone equally, whether they look (or smell) nice or not. (James 2:1-7)
• Look for ways to serve the lowest of people. (Matthew 25:31-46)
• Go out of your way to be friendly with, to touch, to chat with, to be equal to the outcast. (Mark 1:40-42)
• If God is going to exalt you, don’t tell anyone—as much as you can—let God do it. (Mark 3:11-12)
• Submit to authorities when you can, even if you don’t have to. (Matthew 17:24-27)
• Do tasks that may seem to be demeaning, if they have to be done.
• Allow others to speak words of hatred and shame, and say nothing back. Don’t defend yourself, don’t return with a witty comeback. (Mark 14:55-61)
• If someone persecutes you, run away. (Matthew 10:23)
Enduring Shame
What is enduring shame?
It is suffering a humiliating circumstance; it is being made lower in the eyes of others; it is being a curse to people; it is being seen as a good-for-nothing, a lowlife, an outcast, a hated-one, a reject, a despised one. It is being one who people think is worthy of disrespect, worthy of insults, worthy of beatings, worthy of mocking, worthy of derision, worthy of betrayal, worthy of punishment, worthy of death.
Mark 15:1-40
The shame of Jesus on the cross
• Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples.
• He was convicted, yet innocent.
• He was condemned, not by one person, but a crowd.
• He was mocked.
• He was beaten.
• He was unable to bear his own cross.
• He was crucified—hung in public as a criminal.
• He was associated with robbers—political thugs.
• He was publicly mocked as a false prophet, a liar and a weakling.
• He was publicly insulted.
• His prayer was ignored by God and misunderstood by the crowd.
• None of his friends would stand with him.
Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured the cross.
He hated the shame, despised it, but he endured it.
He took on the shame for our sakes.
Mark 8:31-38
The shame of Jesus is what we should carry, too.
Jesus told us not to be ashamed of the shame that he bore and the shame we are to bear for him.
If we are ashamed of the shame of Jesus, we will be shamed on the final day.
I Corinthians 1:17-31
What is foolish about the gospel of Jesus?
• To be hung on the cross is the ultimate act of shame.
• To be shamed means that one is unfit to be the leader or authority of anyone.
• But Christians hold to a belief of the one who was most shamed is the most exalted by God.
• Followers of Jesus not only believe in him, but participate in Jesus’ shameful acts.
The gospel is opposed to worldly “wisdom”—it just doesn’t make sense!
Actions of Shame-bearing
Allowing people to deride you, despise you, reject you, separate themselves from you.
Saying nothing when people insult or humiliate you.
Crying to God alone in your shame.
Looking for no help from man-made substances to endure shame.
Waiting for God alone to vindicate you.
Martyrdom.
How the World wants to get things done
Through the political process
Through war.
Through violence.
Through hostility—yelling, “getting in people’s face”.
Through manipulation.
Through persecution.
Through taking away people’s food, shelter, warmth.
Through sending bills and adding up fines.
Through legal action.
Through stealing.
Through protesting.
Through buying and selling.
Through compromise.
Through coaxing.
The way of the cross is to speak the truth in love and to endure the shame. This is what the world cannot understand and it never will.
It is suffering a humiliating circumstance; it is being made lower in the eyes of others; it is being a curse to people; it is being seen as a good-for-nothing, a lowlife, an outcast, a hated-one, a reject, a despised one. It is being one who people think is worthy of disrespect, worthy of insults, worthy of beatings, worthy of mocking, worthy of derision, worthy of betrayal, worthy of punishment, worthy of death.
Mark 15:1-40
The shame of Jesus on the cross
• Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples.
• He was convicted, yet innocent.
• He was condemned, not by one person, but a crowd.
• He was mocked.
• He was beaten.
• He was unable to bear his own cross.
• He was crucified—hung in public as a criminal.
• He was associated with robbers—political thugs.
• He was publicly mocked as a false prophet, a liar and a weakling.
• He was publicly insulted.
• His prayer was ignored by God and misunderstood by the crowd.
• None of his friends would stand with him.
Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured the cross.
He hated the shame, despised it, but he endured it.
He took on the shame for our sakes.
Mark 8:31-38
The shame of Jesus is what we should carry, too.
Jesus told us not to be ashamed of the shame that he bore and the shame we are to bear for him.
If we are ashamed of the shame of Jesus, we will be shamed on the final day.
I Corinthians 1:17-31
What is foolish about the gospel of Jesus?
• To be hung on the cross is the ultimate act of shame.
• To be shamed means that one is unfit to be the leader or authority of anyone.
• But Christians hold to a belief of the one who was most shamed is the most exalted by God.
• Followers of Jesus not only believe in him, but participate in Jesus’ shameful acts.
The gospel is opposed to worldly “wisdom”—it just doesn’t make sense!
Actions of Shame-bearing
Allowing people to deride you, despise you, reject you, separate themselves from you.
Saying nothing when people insult or humiliate you.
Crying to God alone in your shame.
Looking for no help from man-made substances to endure shame.
Waiting for God alone to vindicate you.
Martyrdom.
How the World wants to get things done
Through the political process
Through war.
Through violence.
Through hostility—yelling, “getting in people’s face”.
Through manipulation.
Through persecution.
Through taking away people’s food, shelter, warmth.
Through sending bills and adding up fines.
Through legal action.
Through stealing.
Through protesting.
Through buying and selling.
Through compromise.
Through coaxing.
The way of the cross is to speak the truth in love and to endure the shame. This is what the world cannot understand and it never will.
Bearing The Cross
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
What is the cross?
The cross is humility, death, suffering, persecution, sacrifice, love, the ultimate act of faith—all for the sake of Jesus.
The Cross is salvation. Anyone who does not take up the cross does not have salvation in Christ.
You can try salvation in other ways than taking up the cross, but that is not the way of Jesus.• Salvation by religious practices is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by intellectual belief is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by being nice is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by prayer alone is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by good worship is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by Bible study is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by doctrine or theology is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by going to church is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by saying “praise the Lord” or honoring Jesus a lot is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by acting crazy is not the way of Jesus
Jesus calls us to the cross.• He calls us to shame
• He calls us to do what he did.
• He calls us to act crazy like he acted crazy.
• He calls us to hope in the promises of God.
• He calls us to give up everything.
• He calls us to be stupid in the eyes of the world.
• He calls us to take up his cross.
What is the cross?
The cross is humility, death, suffering, persecution, sacrifice, love, the ultimate act of faith—all for the sake of Jesus.
The Cross is salvation. Anyone who does not take up the cross does not have salvation in Christ.
You can try salvation in other ways than taking up the cross, but that is not the way of Jesus.• Salvation by religious practices is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by intellectual belief is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by being nice is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by prayer alone is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by good worship is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by Bible study is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by doctrine or theology is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by going to church is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by saying “praise the Lord” or honoring Jesus a lot is not the way of Jesus.
• Salvation by acting crazy is not the way of Jesus
Jesus calls us to the cross.• He calls us to shame
• He calls us to do what he did.
• He calls us to act crazy like he acted crazy.
• He calls us to hope in the promises of God.
• He calls us to give up everything.
• He calls us to be stupid in the eyes of the world.
• He calls us to take up his cross.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Got Christ?
What is Christ?
“Christ” isn’t the last name of Jesus, but it is a title. It means “anointed one”, just the same as the Hebrew word Messiah. But having some guy with oil on his head isn’t what the world needs. Instead, the “Christ” is actually the emperor of God, the ruler of the world. The Christ is like a Roman Caesar or a Napoleon. Someone who takes over the world by force and then rules over a central part of the world, and, by extension and treaty, provides peace to the rest of the world. Other terms that are used both in the Bible and in the pagan world for an Emperor are: Son of God, Alpha and Omega, Father (or Pope), and Lord.
The New Testament claims that Jesus is the fulfillment of this role, appointed by God at his baptism and approved by God through his resurrection. But the promise becomes crystallized at Jesus’ birth, where the promise of the Son of God, the Christ, is displayed to the poor and lowly of Bethlehem
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Why do we need a Christ?
This concept of the kingdom of God is exactly what Jesus was speaking about. But why do we need a ruler like this? Hasn’t it been proven that dictators are a bad idea? Shouldn’t we learn to rule ourselves? Well, anarchy has been attempted and all it does is lead to injustice and chaos. But why a Christ? According to the Old Testament, there are some very good reasons why we should have an Emperor of God:
So the world can acknowledge God as the true ruler
God is the Creator of the world, the King of the universe. Yet most of the world did not acknowledge him as God or properly give God his due. Instead, they saw other gods, who assisted them with their petty lives, as being more worthy of their devotion and sacrifice. But with the Christ ruling the world, then God will be given his proper due and praise and thanks will be offered to Him by all the world.
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD… For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:3,9
To destroy the injustices of secular empires
The rulership of the world has passed on from one empire to another from the ancient days to today. And not a single empire has ruled with justice or with equity. There is always an elite, who reap the benefits of the empire, and a servant class on whose backs the empire is built. The rulers always ignore the rule of God and establish their own rule according to their own principles. But the new kingdom will be built upon justice and righteousness, and set aside the old empires with their injustices.
In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. Daniel 2:44 And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. Isaiah 11:5
To take us out of the system of judgment
For all governments of the world, if you do wrong, there is a penalty. Do the crime, pay the time. This is a system of judgment, and it was established by God. However, this is not the only system of dealing with lawbreakers that God had established. Jesus’ system is that of repentance and release. In other words, give a person the opportunity to make their crime right and to turn from their ways and then just welcome them back. Jesus as the Christ does not do away with the system of judgment, but he gives us an opportunity to escape it. This is done through his death, where his new system of dealing with crime is the judicial basis of his kingdom, established by his death and resurrection.
As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11
For the poor to be heard
In every system of government that has ever existed there is a lower class for whom there is no justice. This group is always assumed to be the criminals, they are feared and hated and accused of the most terrible crimes. Should one of this group do something wrong, then they are all punished. But the Christ will listen to the poor and acknowledge their actions. He will not judge them according to their class, but according to their deeds. And he will love the poor and draw them up to rule with the elite.
With righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth. Isaiah 11:4
For there to be shalom
Only through God’s righteousness and justice will there be an opportunity for the world to run as it should, not only for people, but for all creation. “Shalom” is usually translated “peace”, but it really means a community of well-being, a society where everyone is benefited. The Christ brings this peace to all who can enter into his kingdom.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them… And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, Isaiah 11:6-9
This is the promise of Christmas, “Peace on earth for those favored.” Christmas isn’t just about the incarnation—God coming to earth—as important as that is. It is about the fulfillment of the hope of the Christ that God’s people have been waiting for. It is the coming of the Emperor of God, who rules today from heaven and will rule on earth when he returns.
Got Christ?
We can participate in his kingdom today. We don’t need to wait until he returns. In fact, he doesn’t want us to. Jesus is ruling at the right hand of God and wants us to turn our lives over to him so we can live in his justice and peace right now. If we commit our lives to his rule and get baptized in his name then we will begin living in a different kingdom, under the best ruler of the world that has ever existed, free from our wrongs and living in peace.
“Christ” isn’t the last name of Jesus, but it is a title. It means “anointed one”, just the same as the Hebrew word Messiah. But having some guy with oil on his head isn’t what the world needs. Instead, the “Christ” is actually the emperor of God, the ruler of the world. The Christ is like a Roman Caesar or a Napoleon. Someone who takes over the world by force and then rules over a central part of the world, and, by extension and treaty, provides peace to the rest of the world. Other terms that are used both in the Bible and in the pagan world for an Emperor are: Son of God, Alpha and Omega, Father (or Pope), and Lord.
The New Testament claims that Jesus is the fulfillment of this role, appointed by God at his baptism and approved by God through his resurrection. But the promise becomes crystallized at Jesus’ birth, where the promise of the Son of God, the Christ, is displayed to the poor and lowly of Bethlehem
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Why do we need a Christ?
This concept of the kingdom of God is exactly what Jesus was speaking about. But why do we need a ruler like this? Hasn’t it been proven that dictators are a bad idea? Shouldn’t we learn to rule ourselves? Well, anarchy has been attempted and all it does is lead to injustice and chaos. But why a Christ? According to the Old Testament, there are some very good reasons why we should have an Emperor of God:
So the world can acknowledge God as the true ruler
God is the Creator of the world, the King of the universe. Yet most of the world did not acknowledge him as God or properly give God his due. Instead, they saw other gods, who assisted them with their petty lives, as being more worthy of their devotion and sacrifice. But with the Christ ruling the world, then God will be given his proper due and praise and thanks will be offered to Him by all the world.
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD… For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:3,9
To destroy the injustices of secular empires
The rulership of the world has passed on from one empire to another from the ancient days to today. And not a single empire has ruled with justice or with equity. There is always an elite, who reap the benefits of the empire, and a servant class on whose backs the empire is built. The rulers always ignore the rule of God and establish their own rule according to their own principles. But the new kingdom will be built upon justice and righteousness, and set aside the old empires with their injustices.
In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. Daniel 2:44 And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. Isaiah 11:5
To take us out of the system of judgment
For all governments of the world, if you do wrong, there is a penalty. Do the crime, pay the time. This is a system of judgment, and it was established by God. However, this is not the only system of dealing with lawbreakers that God had established. Jesus’ system is that of repentance and release. In other words, give a person the opportunity to make their crime right and to turn from their ways and then just welcome them back. Jesus as the Christ does not do away with the system of judgment, but he gives us an opportunity to escape it. This is done through his death, where his new system of dealing with crime is the judicial basis of his kingdom, established by his death and resurrection.
As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11
For the poor to be heard
In every system of government that has ever existed there is a lower class for whom there is no justice. This group is always assumed to be the criminals, they are feared and hated and accused of the most terrible crimes. Should one of this group do something wrong, then they are all punished. But the Christ will listen to the poor and acknowledge their actions. He will not judge them according to their class, but according to their deeds. And he will love the poor and draw them up to rule with the elite.
With righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth. Isaiah 11:4
For there to be shalom
Only through God’s righteousness and justice will there be an opportunity for the world to run as it should, not only for people, but for all creation. “Shalom” is usually translated “peace”, but it really means a community of well-being, a society where everyone is benefited. The Christ brings this peace to all who can enter into his kingdom.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them… And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, Isaiah 11:6-9
This is the promise of Christmas, “Peace on earth for those favored.” Christmas isn’t just about the incarnation—God coming to earth—as important as that is. It is about the fulfillment of the hope of the Christ that God’s people have been waiting for. It is the coming of the Emperor of God, who rules today from heaven and will rule on earth when he returns.
Got Christ?
We can participate in his kingdom today. We don’t need to wait until he returns. In fact, he doesn’t want us to. Jesus is ruling at the right hand of God and wants us to turn our lives over to him so we can live in his justice and peace right now. If we commit our lives to his rule and get baptized in his name then we will begin living in a different kingdom, under the best ruler of the world that has ever existed, free from our wrongs and living in peace.
Support Our Troops
Our nation is the most powerful nation on earth. Yet we are still completely vulnerable to attack, and we need protection. But our nation is not of the earth, nor do we have a worldly ruler. Our ruler is Jesus.
Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom
All of us who are believers in Jesus have him as our king and Lord, and we offer our allegiance to him. Jesus did battle for us on the cross and has gained the greatest victory through his death (Colossians 2:14-15). Our nation is not of the world, and so we do not fight against the enemies of the world, nor do we fight in the world’s way (John 18:36). Rather, we focus on God as our strength, God as our warrior, God as our justice-maker. We rely on God alone to make, empower and protect our nation. He alone is our Lord.
Citizens of God’s kingdom are called upon to fight
Although we have God to fight for us, yet in obedience to God we realize that we too are called to fight. We have powerful enemies that stand against us. They are hidden from our eyes, and they live among us, and we are to attack them with no mercy. But our enemies are not humans—we followers of Jesus do not attack anyone of flesh and blood. Rather, we attack the spiritual forces that stand behind the humans in rebellion against God (Ephesians 6:10-13). Nor do we use weapons that the world uses. We do not bother with such useless weapons as guns or bombs. Rather, we attack spiritual forces with spiritual weapons—the authority of the Lord Jesus, the word of God, prayer, healing, casting out of demons, and the speaking of truth in love (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Matthew 10:7-8). The secret weapon that completely decimates the enemy is that of suffering oppression for the sake of Jesus and then crying out to God for justice (Luke18:1-8; I Peter 2:21-24).
We have devoted soldiers
Even as the world has professional soldiers, those who are set aside to fight for their political goals, so our country has those who are designated as warriors against our spiritual enemies who are attacking us. However, these warriors do not wear cammies, nor helmets. Rather they are boldly open about their warfare, and they are attacked viciously by their enemies. They do not look like soldiers of this world, nor do they act like them. They suffer much at the hands of humans, yet offer them the forgiveness of God through Jesus. In response to the evil they receive, they do good. And they rely on God for their protection, power and deliverance from their enemies.
Who are these soldiers?
The persecuted
These are followers of Jesus who are attacked by people. Some have been rejected by people, and some have been openly rebuked. Still others have had their churches burned, been arrested and sentenced to prison. And some have died for the sake of the kingdom of God. Many speak of the martyrs of long ago, but there have been more martyrs in the last hundred years then there has been in all the history of God’s church.
The evangelists
These are the ones who speak the word of Jesus with boldness amidst those who do not know or trust the Lord. These warriors call people to Jesus in the midst of an unbelieving generation and suffer much because of their faithfulness to the ungrateful.
The prophets
These are the ones who speak repentance to a generation that thinks they hear God, but they do not know God’s voice. These prophets listen to God’s word—both in writing and in spirit—and then clearly discern among the people who they live with what is true and what is not. They are often attacked by the religious and well-meaning.
Spiritual warriors
These are the ones who see the spirit world clearly and can perceive the spiritual reality behind the world we live in. Instead of seeing people who use drugs or are in constant anger, they see them as people who are oppressed by spirits who lead them to use drugs or violence or sex to do evil in the world. These warriors then attack the real problem—the spiritual oppressors—and get rid of them in the name of Jesus. But often they too are attacked by spiritual forces and are sometimes crippled by the attacks.
They are fighting for us
These soldiers are not just fighting for themselves, but they are fighting for all of God’s people (Colossians 1:24). They attack the evil ones and suffer and are rejected so that we might have greater salvation in Jesus. God sees their suffering, and offers peace to the church because of their sacrifice. The spiritual forces that are attacked by these warriors are neutralized for all the church. The truths that are proclaimed by these soldiers of the spirit are proclaimed for all the church.
We need to support our soldiers
Because of their effort for us, it is our responsibility to support these soldiers. If we help these who have suffered for us, then Jesus says that we will be helping him and we will gain great rewards from him (Matthew 10:40-42; 25:31-39). To gain the reward from Jesus (which is as yet another benefit we receive from these warriors), we need to show honor to those who represent Jesus.
We should honor them (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
The warriors who fight for us should be given respect and treated with honor as they come among us. This doesn’t mean that they should be bowed to or anything, but they should be listened to and spoken to with the respect their actions deserve.
We should pray for them (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Although we all need God’s help, we need to especially pray for those who are suffering for the sake of Jesus. They need God in their lives, delivering them in ways that we might not. We should be lifting them up before the Lord, seeking His deliverance for them every time we pray.
We should provide for their needs (Matthew 25:37-40)
As any of these warriors need assistance, and we are able to help them, we should do so, especially as they are suffering for the gospel. Jesus specifically mentions that we should be giving them food, drink, clothing, shelter, and assistance as they are sick or arrested for the gospel.
We should be hospitable to them (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus tells us that these suffering disciples should be welcomed openly by those disciples who have homes. They should be given assistance, and a place to speak their message, if it is necessary.
Give respect and assistance to those who suffer for Jesus, and you will be given salvation.
Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom
All of us who are believers in Jesus have him as our king and Lord, and we offer our allegiance to him. Jesus did battle for us on the cross and has gained the greatest victory through his death (Colossians 2:14-15). Our nation is not of the world, and so we do not fight against the enemies of the world, nor do we fight in the world’s way (John 18:36). Rather, we focus on God as our strength, God as our warrior, God as our justice-maker. We rely on God alone to make, empower and protect our nation. He alone is our Lord.
Citizens of God’s kingdom are called upon to fight
Although we have God to fight for us, yet in obedience to God we realize that we too are called to fight. We have powerful enemies that stand against us. They are hidden from our eyes, and they live among us, and we are to attack them with no mercy. But our enemies are not humans—we followers of Jesus do not attack anyone of flesh and blood. Rather, we attack the spiritual forces that stand behind the humans in rebellion against God (Ephesians 6:10-13). Nor do we use weapons that the world uses. We do not bother with such useless weapons as guns or bombs. Rather, we attack spiritual forces with spiritual weapons—the authority of the Lord Jesus, the word of God, prayer, healing, casting out of demons, and the speaking of truth in love (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Matthew 10:7-8). The secret weapon that completely decimates the enemy is that of suffering oppression for the sake of Jesus and then crying out to God for justice (Luke18:1-8; I Peter 2:21-24).
We have devoted soldiers
Even as the world has professional soldiers, those who are set aside to fight for their political goals, so our country has those who are designated as warriors against our spiritual enemies who are attacking us. However, these warriors do not wear cammies, nor helmets. Rather they are boldly open about their warfare, and they are attacked viciously by their enemies. They do not look like soldiers of this world, nor do they act like them. They suffer much at the hands of humans, yet offer them the forgiveness of God through Jesus. In response to the evil they receive, they do good. And they rely on God for their protection, power and deliverance from their enemies.
Who are these soldiers?
The persecuted
These are followers of Jesus who are attacked by people. Some have been rejected by people, and some have been openly rebuked. Still others have had their churches burned, been arrested and sentenced to prison. And some have died for the sake of the kingdom of God. Many speak of the martyrs of long ago, but there have been more martyrs in the last hundred years then there has been in all the history of God’s church.
The evangelists
These are the ones who speak the word of Jesus with boldness amidst those who do not know or trust the Lord. These warriors call people to Jesus in the midst of an unbelieving generation and suffer much because of their faithfulness to the ungrateful.
The prophets
These are the ones who speak repentance to a generation that thinks they hear God, but they do not know God’s voice. These prophets listen to God’s word—both in writing and in spirit—and then clearly discern among the people who they live with what is true and what is not. They are often attacked by the religious and well-meaning.
Spiritual warriors
These are the ones who see the spirit world clearly and can perceive the spiritual reality behind the world we live in. Instead of seeing people who use drugs or are in constant anger, they see them as people who are oppressed by spirits who lead them to use drugs or violence or sex to do evil in the world. These warriors then attack the real problem—the spiritual oppressors—and get rid of them in the name of Jesus. But often they too are attacked by spiritual forces and are sometimes crippled by the attacks.
They are fighting for us
These soldiers are not just fighting for themselves, but they are fighting for all of God’s people (Colossians 1:24). They attack the evil ones and suffer and are rejected so that we might have greater salvation in Jesus. God sees their suffering, and offers peace to the church because of their sacrifice. The spiritual forces that are attacked by these warriors are neutralized for all the church. The truths that are proclaimed by these soldiers of the spirit are proclaimed for all the church.
We need to support our soldiers
Because of their effort for us, it is our responsibility to support these soldiers. If we help these who have suffered for us, then Jesus says that we will be helping him and we will gain great rewards from him (Matthew 10:40-42; 25:31-39). To gain the reward from Jesus (which is as yet another benefit we receive from these warriors), we need to show honor to those who represent Jesus.
We should honor them (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
The warriors who fight for us should be given respect and treated with honor as they come among us. This doesn’t mean that they should be bowed to or anything, but they should be listened to and spoken to with the respect their actions deserve.
We should pray for them (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Although we all need God’s help, we need to especially pray for those who are suffering for the sake of Jesus. They need God in their lives, delivering them in ways that we might not. We should be lifting them up before the Lord, seeking His deliverance for them every time we pray.
We should provide for their needs (Matthew 25:37-40)
As any of these warriors need assistance, and we are able to help them, we should do so, especially as they are suffering for the gospel. Jesus specifically mentions that we should be giving them food, drink, clothing, shelter, and assistance as they are sick or arrested for the gospel.
We should be hospitable to them (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus tells us that these suffering disciples should be welcomed openly by those disciples who have homes. They should be given assistance, and a place to speak their message, if it is necessary.
Give respect and assistance to those who suffer for Jesus, and you will be given salvation.
Is God A Bigot?
At first glance, this seems like a silly question. After all, God is the most moral of all beings, then of course he would not be driven by bigotry, by racism, by prejudice of any kind. He would be, as Paul said, “No respecter of persons.” But this question is not as clearly answered as you might think. If you accept the Bible as the best representative of who God is, the communication of God to people, then God’s perspective is not very clear…
The Death Penalty for Canaanites
The most prejudiced, racist passages in the Bible have to do with God’s commands concerning the Canaanites. From the time of Noah, Canaan was cursed because of the actions of his father against Noah. Canaan’s children were much later targeted for destruction as a group by God for the Israelites. And the Israelites were not to leave even their children or cattle alive. This is clear racial and national prejudice against a people. (Genesis 9:22-27; Deuteronomy 7:1-3; Exodus 23:22-24; Deuteronomy 20:16-18; Joshua 6:16-21)
However, to look at these passages is not to see the whole story. First of all, God was not destroying a people, but a way of life that was in opposition to Him. He wanted the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites because those nations would seduce the Israelites to worship their gods and to participate in their evil sexual practices. Also, God rescinded all of the commands to destroy the Canaanites long before the time of King David. And from that time, God did not utter a command to destroy a whole race again. (Deuteronomy 20:17-18; Leviticus 18:24-25; Judges 2:1-3)
Preference to the Race of Israel
God also, it seems, is racially biased toward the children of Abraham, specifically in Jacob’s line, called the children of Israel. He seems particularly interested in keeping this line racially pure and pours out all of his blessings on this people alone. (Genesis 17:18-19; Genesis 24:3-4; Genesis 28:1-5, 13-15; Ezra 9:1-5.)
However, again, this is only looking at half the story. God was not preserving a race of people, but a way of life, as exemplified by the ten commandments. Anyone of any race is welcome to participate in the people of Israel, although they might have to wait some time, as long as they are willing to conform to the way of life that God instructed the people of Israel to live. In fact, people of every race married into Israel, including Egyptians, Africans, Arabs and even Canaanites. Israel was not supposed to be the most racially pure nation, but the most racially impure, accepting everyone who is willing to be devoted to God. In this way, Israel becomes a blessing and the salvation of all the nations, no matter what ancestry or race. (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 23:3-8; Isaiah 66:18-21; Genesis 38:2; Ruth 4:10-22; Acts 2:7-11)
Preference to the nation of Israel
Well, then, if God isn’t racially biased, then perhaps he is nationally biased—a prejudice based on what nation one belongs to. After all, he reserves his greatest blessings on earth—prophets and the Holy Spirit—only for those who are in the nation of Israel. And He says that only those who are in the kingdom of God—the full realization of the nation of Israel—will gain the future blessings of resurrection, no sorrow and eternal life. Why should God pick one nation out of the whole earth for this blessing? (Matthew 15:24; Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 12:1-2; Psalm 132:13-18)
While it is true that God has chosen the one nation, Israel, to be the focus of his blessings, not everyone in Israel will receive these blessings. Those who cause others to stumble, who oppress others will be thrown out of God’s kingdom. And even so, God promises that everyone who comes to God through faith in Jesus and who lives like Jesus will be in the kingdom of God. Thus, God is more concerned about devotion to Him than He is about belonging to a nation. To be in Jesus is to be in the kingdom of God, which is the real Israel. (Matthew 8:10-12; Matthew 13:41-42; Romans 10:9-10)
Another thing that people are concerned about is the modern-day nation of Israel. Do they receive God’s blessings because they are his chosen nation? No. Just because a nation calls itself “Israel” doesn’t mean that they are the people of promise. The true Israel today are those who live Jesus. No one else qualifies, especially those who act in opposition to God’s law. (Romans 9:30-33)
Condemnation of the Jews
In the New Testament, however, there seems to be another issue of racial prejudice. Even as the Old Testament seems to be racially in favor of the Jews, the NT seems to be racially opposed to the Jews. There are many passages that condemn the Jews and even curse them! Isn’t that just a different kind of racial prejudice? (Acts 13:45-46; I Thessalonians 2:14-16)
There is a lot of confusion because of the word “Jew” and the idea of it as a racial term. However, since almost all the writers who used the term “Jew” in a negative sense were racially Jewish themselves, they weren’t condemning Jews as a race. They were using the term Judean, not Jew, to speak of those who thought that one’s citizenship in the nation of Judea is what will give one salvation. The NT teaches that it is one’s citizenship in the kingdom of God through Jesus that is significant, not in Judea. Thus, the Judeans persistently opposed the Christians and persecuted them. The NT writers condemned the Judeans who persecuted them because they were opposed to God’s plan. (Revelation 3:9; Acts 26:20-21; John 12:10-11)
Preference to Christians
Isn’t it unfair, however, that God seems to say that only those who believe in Jesus are going to be saved? What about all of those who have not even heard of Jesus? And it is certainly prejudiced to say that only one religion is right, when there are so many options, isn’t it? (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)
On the other hand, to believe in Jesus is not in any way culturally or racially or linguistically centered. All God wants is that the people who would receive his best blessings would believe in what He has done and to live the life he has chosen us to live. This is the only way for us to obtain the blessings of obedience, of inner peace and the Holy Spirit—if we trust in who He has revealed himself to be and not just our own imaginations. If we refuse God’s work for us, or refuse his blessings, then understandably we would have no connection to God. But this is not because God has rejected us, or any individual. It is because that individual rejected God. If someone has never heard of Jesus, God will deal mercifully with that person. But if someone knows of what Jesus did, and sees that it is God’s truth, but refused it, how can God give that person His full blessings? God will not force anyone to receive his gifts—they have to accept it willingly. And Jesus is the way to gain God’s blessings. (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 3:22-26; John 5:36-47)
God is not a bigot, but treats everyone equally, according to His own terms.
The Death Penalty for Canaanites
The most prejudiced, racist passages in the Bible have to do with God’s commands concerning the Canaanites. From the time of Noah, Canaan was cursed because of the actions of his father against Noah. Canaan’s children were much later targeted for destruction as a group by God for the Israelites. And the Israelites were not to leave even their children or cattle alive. This is clear racial and national prejudice against a people. (Genesis 9:22-27; Deuteronomy 7:1-3; Exodus 23:22-24; Deuteronomy 20:16-18; Joshua 6:16-21)
However, to look at these passages is not to see the whole story. First of all, God was not destroying a people, but a way of life that was in opposition to Him. He wanted the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites because those nations would seduce the Israelites to worship their gods and to participate in their evil sexual practices. Also, God rescinded all of the commands to destroy the Canaanites long before the time of King David. And from that time, God did not utter a command to destroy a whole race again. (Deuteronomy 20:17-18; Leviticus 18:24-25; Judges 2:1-3)
Preference to the Race of Israel
God also, it seems, is racially biased toward the children of Abraham, specifically in Jacob’s line, called the children of Israel. He seems particularly interested in keeping this line racially pure and pours out all of his blessings on this people alone. (Genesis 17:18-19; Genesis 24:3-4; Genesis 28:1-5, 13-15; Ezra 9:1-5.)
However, again, this is only looking at half the story. God was not preserving a race of people, but a way of life, as exemplified by the ten commandments. Anyone of any race is welcome to participate in the people of Israel, although they might have to wait some time, as long as they are willing to conform to the way of life that God instructed the people of Israel to live. In fact, people of every race married into Israel, including Egyptians, Africans, Arabs and even Canaanites. Israel was not supposed to be the most racially pure nation, but the most racially impure, accepting everyone who is willing to be devoted to God. In this way, Israel becomes a blessing and the salvation of all the nations, no matter what ancestry or race. (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 23:3-8; Isaiah 66:18-21; Genesis 38:2; Ruth 4:10-22; Acts 2:7-11)
Preference to the nation of Israel
Well, then, if God isn’t racially biased, then perhaps he is nationally biased—a prejudice based on what nation one belongs to. After all, he reserves his greatest blessings on earth—prophets and the Holy Spirit—only for those who are in the nation of Israel. And He says that only those who are in the kingdom of God—the full realization of the nation of Israel—will gain the future blessings of resurrection, no sorrow and eternal life. Why should God pick one nation out of the whole earth for this blessing? (Matthew 15:24; Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 12:1-2; Psalm 132:13-18)
While it is true that God has chosen the one nation, Israel, to be the focus of his blessings, not everyone in Israel will receive these blessings. Those who cause others to stumble, who oppress others will be thrown out of God’s kingdom. And even so, God promises that everyone who comes to God through faith in Jesus and who lives like Jesus will be in the kingdom of God. Thus, God is more concerned about devotion to Him than He is about belonging to a nation. To be in Jesus is to be in the kingdom of God, which is the real Israel. (Matthew 8:10-12; Matthew 13:41-42; Romans 10:9-10)
Another thing that people are concerned about is the modern-day nation of Israel. Do they receive God’s blessings because they are his chosen nation? No. Just because a nation calls itself “Israel” doesn’t mean that they are the people of promise. The true Israel today are those who live Jesus. No one else qualifies, especially those who act in opposition to God’s law. (Romans 9:30-33)
Condemnation of the Jews
In the New Testament, however, there seems to be another issue of racial prejudice. Even as the Old Testament seems to be racially in favor of the Jews, the NT seems to be racially opposed to the Jews. There are many passages that condemn the Jews and even curse them! Isn’t that just a different kind of racial prejudice? (Acts 13:45-46; I Thessalonians 2:14-16)
There is a lot of confusion because of the word “Jew” and the idea of it as a racial term. However, since almost all the writers who used the term “Jew” in a negative sense were racially Jewish themselves, they weren’t condemning Jews as a race. They were using the term Judean, not Jew, to speak of those who thought that one’s citizenship in the nation of Judea is what will give one salvation. The NT teaches that it is one’s citizenship in the kingdom of God through Jesus that is significant, not in Judea. Thus, the Judeans persistently opposed the Christians and persecuted them. The NT writers condemned the Judeans who persecuted them because they were opposed to God’s plan. (Revelation 3:9; Acts 26:20-21; John 12:10-11)
Preference to Christians
Isn’t it unfair, however, that God seems to say that only those who believe in Jesus are going to be saved? What about all of those who have not even heard of Jesus? And it is certainly prejudiced to say that only one religion is right, when there are so many options, isn’t it? (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)
On the other hand, to believe in Jesus is not in any way culturally or racially or linguistically centered. All God wants is that the people who would receive his best blessings would believe in what He has done and to live the life he has chosen us to live. This is the only way for us to obtain the blessings of obedience, of inner peace and the Holy Spirit—if we trust in who He has revealed himself to be and not just our own imaginations. If we refuse God’s work for us, or refuse his blessings, then understandably we would have no connection to God. But this is not because God has rejected us, or any individual. It is because that individual rejected God. If someone has never heard of Jesus, God will deal mercifully with that person. But if someone knows of what Jesus did, and sees that it is God’s truth, but refused it, how can God give that person His full blessings? God will not force anyone to receive his gifts—they have to accept it willingly. And Jesus is the way to gain God’s blessings. (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 3:22-26; John 5:36-47)
God is not a bigot, but treats everyone equally, according to His own terms.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
What You Really Believe
Who Am I, Really?
It is often quoted, “You are what you eat.” But I am not a tuna sandwich or a quesadilla. Perhaps what we eat gives us the energy to be who we are, but it is not who we are. Rather, it is our thoughts and beliefs that make us who we are. We do not name ourselves according to our culinary preference, but we proudly tell others the names that display what we believe. Our church group (what we believe about God), our political leanings (what we believe about how to help our country), our sports team (what we believe about that team—namely, they are great)—these are the things we talk about to indicate who we are (as well as other things, like occupation)
However, our beliefs are as complex as our thinking, and at times we say we believe something that contradicts what we believe about something else. And we also will say that we believe one thing and do another. I can say that I believe that people should be nice to one another, but if I found out my neighbor took my television without my permission then I might not be so nice to him. My wife would then point out the contradiction between what I say and what I did, and I will explain it to her: “You see, I think that we should generally be nice to each other, but if someone takes something from me, then I don’t have to be nice.” The reasoning may or may not be valid, but I only came up with the reason to excuse what I did. The reality is, what I said I believed originally—“People should be nice to each other,”— is different from what I really believed— “I will be nice to others as long as they are nice to me.”
Given that what we say we believe is so often contradicted by what we do, how do we know what we really believe. I say I believe in Jesus—but do I really? And how do I know? I think that if I make statements of belief—“I believe that Jesus is Lord”, that will be enough. If I know something, “Jesus rose from the dead” or “Airplanes are safe,” does that mean I believe in it?
Evaluating What We Really Believe In
Jesus recognized that often what we say and what we believe are two different things. This is why he gave us a test to find the true character of a person—what they really believe in, whether they are really good and bad. Jesus said, “We know a tree by its fruit. We know that a tree is an apple tree because it bears apples. And we know that a fig tree can’t produce pears. Even so, we know what a person is really like by their actions and careless speech.” (Matthew 7:16-20 and 12:33-36). Thus, we know what people really believe by how they behave in certain areas in life.
Below are six areas that, according to Jesus, indicate what we really believe. If we follow God in these areas, then we can say we believe in God. But if we do not, then we must believe in something else—for our actions are a mirror of our hearts.
Actions
As shown above, what we do with our lives—our work, our response to stressful situations—that’s what really shows who we are. We can say that we love God, but the question is, how do we show it? Sometimes the best way to determine our character is to imagine that a stranger who has never seen us before is presented with a videotape of our whole lives, with the sound off, so they can’t hear our own explanations of our lives. How would that stranger evaluate us? What would characterize us? If we stole, we would certainly be characterized as a thief. But we more often than not excuse ourselves, not wanting our actions to determine who we are—“Sure, I get drunk occasionally, but that doesn’t make me an alcoholic.” “Yes, I have hit my child in anger, but that doesn’t make me a child abuser.” Yet Jesus said that a person shows truly whether they believe in him as to whether they do what he says (Luke 6:46-49)
Wealth
Jesus says that what we do with our money and possessions indicates where our heart is, thus who we are (Luke 12:34). A person can say, “I believe that God will heal me,” but then why does he spend so much money on medicine? A person can say, “My comfort will be in heaven,” but then why does she surround herself with comforts on earth? If we want to see what a person really believes in, we can look at how they spend their money—that will indicate what they think to be most important in life. Jesus said that if we want to show that we believe we will get to heaven, then we need to take a substantial amount of our wealth and give it to the poor—not necessarily the church, unless they are serving the poor (Luke 12:33; Acts 4:34-35)
Words
As we said above, a person can say one thing and do another. But Jesus said that we should pay attention to people’s careless words—the statements they make when they didn’t have time to plan it out. Often that’s when people’s pride and anger and selfishness flare up. If we are planning a statement, that can be one thing we say, but the statements we use when we are being thoughtless and carefree—those are the words by which we will be judged, for those are the words that show what we really believe and so who we really are. (Matthew 12:35-36)
Security
At times we all feel insecure. We are often struck by anxiety and we don’t know where to turn. Where we do turn in those moments of crisis indicates what we trust in or who we think will pull us out of our fear. Perhaps we will turn to a family member—especially if they are wealthy—or a friend. Perhaps we have a habit or addiction that we think will make us feel better. Perhaps we have nothing we can rely on but our anxiety, but we say, “How I wish I had this or that”. That is what we really rely on, the person or object we truly believe in. But Jesus tells us that in our time of crisis, the one we can always count on, the dependable one who we can trust in is God. (John 14:1; Luke 12:30-32). To “believe in” God doesn’t mean to have the correct doctrine, it means that you will count on him in a time of crisis. So whatever we turn to in crisis, that is our real god.
Attitude
God makes it clear that he wants us to treat everyone according to their well-being. He wants us to do what is good for everyone we meet—whether that person is an evil person or a good one (Luke 6:27-36; Galatians 6:10). We can make a list of who we actually show care for and who we do not. “Yes, I try to help this person whenever I can. This person, though, is a dolt and so I avoid then when possible. I like to assist this kind of person, but this kind I detest and wouldn’t even give them the time of day.” By this test, then, we can often see what limits we place on our belief in God. We believe in God and in his ways when we are around certain people or situations, but in other ones we do not. If people respect us, that’s fine, we can believe in God in that situation. But if someone cusses us out, then we find it difficult to believe in God. For we know that we will be rewarded according to our love, not our doctrinal beliefs.
Promises
We often make promises and commitments, from appointments to projects we agreed to work on. Sometimes we do not even have a promise to do something, but we have a “social contract” with our family, in which our behavior is determined. And there are many things that we “believe in” that we commit to do, whether it be prayer or a favor for someone at church or visiting a sick person in the hospital. But what we believe in is not found in the promises we make, but in the promises we actually keep. We may “believe in” prayer and make a schedule for us to wake up a bit early to do it. But, when the time comes, we find that we actually believe in sleep more than prayer because the snooze button is hit until the prayer time has vanished. We may “believe in” visiting the sick, and so promise to do it, but when the time comes we find the television too alluring, showing that we believe in our comfort and rest more. Jesus said that we must fulfill our promises and so display our faithfulness, for what we do shows what we believe. This doesn’t mean that we are able to keep all our promises. Sometimes emergencies come up. But we must remember this, whatever we chose to do, that is what we really believe in. (Matthew 21:28-31)
Repentance
One last thing to note—Jesus is a firm believer in changing one’s ways. We know he believes in change because he forgives people their sin. He displays his belief of changed behavior by accepting those who have repented. Even so, if you evaluate your true beliefs and determine that you haven’t really believed in Jesus, it is not too late to change! Jesus said he will give you his Spirit and he will help you repent from your old life and begin to believe in Him anew! Pray for God’s grace and you will begin to truly believe in Jesus, not just in words, but in your whole life. In that way you will be a new creation, created by God to do actions in light of Jesus!
Evaluate your actions, and determine
what you really believe!
It is often quoted, “You are what you eat.” But I am not a tuna sandwich or a quesadilla. Perhaps what we eat gives us the energy to be who we are, but it is not who we are. Rather, it is our thoughts and beliefs that make us who we are. We do not name ourselves according to our culinary preference, but we proudly tell others the names that display what we believe. Our church group (what we believe about God), our political leanings (what we believe about how to help our country), our sports team (what we believe about that team—namely, they are great)—these are the things we talk about to indicate who we are (as well as other things, like occupation)
However, our beliefs are as complex as our thinking, and at times we say we believe something that contradicts what we believe about something else. And we also will say that we believe one thing and do another. I can say that I believe that people should be nice to one another, but if I found out my neighbor took my television without my permission then I might not be so nice to him. My wife would then point out the contradiction between what I say and what I did, and I will explain it to her: “You see, I think that we should generally be nice to each other, but if someone takes something from me, then I don’t have to be nice.” The reasoning may or may not be valid, but I only came up with the reason to excuse what I did. The reality is, what I said I believed originally—“People should be nice to each other,”— is different from what I really believed— “I will be nice to others as long as they are nice to me.”
Given that what we say we believe is so often contradicted by what we do, how do we know what we really believe. I say I believe in Jesus—but do I really? And how do I know? I think that if I make statements of belief—“I believe that Jesus is Lord”, that will be enough. If I know something, “Jesus rose from the dead” or “Airplanes are safe,” does that mean I believe in it?
Evaluating What We Really Believe In
Jesus recognized that often what we say and what we believe are two different things. This is why he gave us a test to find the true character of a person—what they really believe in, whether they are really good and bad. Jesus said, “We know a tree by its fruit. We know that a tree is an apple tree because it bears apples. And we know that a fig tree can’t produce pears. Even so, we know what a person is really like by their actions and careless speech.” (Matthew 7:16-20 and 12:33-36). Thus, we know what people really believe by how they behave in certain areas in life.
Below are six areas that, according to Jesus, indicate what we really believe. If we follow God in these areas, then we can say we believe in God. But if we do not, then we must believe in something else—for our actions are a mirror of our hearts.
Actions
As shown above, what we do with our lives—our work, our response to stressful situations—that’s what really shows who we are. We can say that we love God, but the question is, how do we show it? Sometimes the best way to determine our character is to imagine that a stranger who has never seen us before is presented with a videotape of our whole lives, with the sound off, so they can’t hear our own explanations of our lives. How would that stranger evaluate us? What would characterize us? If we stole, we would certainly be characterized as a thief. But we more often than not excuse ourselves, not wanting our actions to determine who we are—“Sure, I get drunk occasionally, but that doesn’t make me an alcoholic.” “Yes, I have hit my child in anger, but that doesn’t make me a child abuser.” Yet Jesus said that a person shows truly whether they believe in him as to whether they do what he says (Luke 6:46-49)
Wealth
Jesus says that what we do with our money and possessions indicates where our heart is, thus who we are (Luke 12:34). A person can say, “I believe that God will heal me,” but then why does he spend so much money on medicine? A person can say, “My comfort will be in heaven,” but then why does she surround herself with comforts on earth? If we want to see what a person really believes in, we can look at how they spend their money—that will indicate what they think to be most important in life. Jesus said that if we want to show that we believe we will get to heaven, then we need to take a substantial amount of our wealth and give it to the poor—not necessarily the church, unless they are serving the poor (Luke 12:33; Acts 4:34-35)
Words
As we said above, a person can say one thing and do another. But Jesus said that we should pay attention to people’s careless words—the statements they make when they didn’t have time to plan it out. Often that’s when people’s pride and anger and selfishness flare up. If we are planning a statement, that can be one thing we say, but the statements we use when we are being thoughtless and carefree—those are the words by which we will be judged, for those are the words that show what we really believe and so who we really are. (Matthew 12:35-36)
Security
At times we all feel insecure. We are often struck by anxiety and we don’t know where to turn. Where we do turn in those moments of crisis indicates what we trust in or who we think will pull us out of our fear. Perhaps we will turn to a family member—especially if they are wealthy—or a friend. Perhaps we have a habit or addiction that we think will make us feel better. Perhaps we have nothing we can rely on but our anxiety, but we say, “How I wish I had this or that”. That is what we really rely on, the person or object we truly believe in. But Jesus tells us that in our time of crisis, the one we can always count on, the dependable one who we can trust in is God. (John 14:1; Luke 12:30-32). To “believe in” God doesn’t mean to have the correct doctrine, it means that you will count on him in a time of crisis. So whatever we turn to in crisis, that is our real god.
Attitude
God makes it clear that he wants us to treat everyone according to their well-being. He wants us to do what is good for everyone we meet—whether that person is an evil person or a good one (Luke 6:27-36; Galatians 6:10). We can make a list of who we actually show care for and who we do not. “Yes, I try to help this person whenever I can. This person, though, is a dolt and so I avoid then when possible. I like to assist this kind of person, but this kind I detest and wouldn’t even give them the time of day.” By this test, then, we can often see what limits we place on our belief in God. We believe in God and in his ways when we are around certain people or situations, but in other ones we do not. If people respect us, that’s fine, we can believe in God in that situation. But if someone cusses us out, then we find it difficult to believe in God. For we know that we will be rewarded according to our love, not our doctrinal beliefs.
Promises
We often make promises and commitments, from appointments to projects we agreed to work on. Sometimes we do not even have a promise to do something, but we have a “social contract” with our family, in which our behavior is determined. And there are many things that we “believe in” that we commit to do, whether it be prayer or a favor for someone at church or visiting a sick person in the hospital. But what we believe in is not found in the promises we make, but in the promises we actually keep. We may “believe in” prayer and make a schedule for us to wake up a bit early to do it. But, when the time comes, we find that we actually believe in sleep more than prayer because the snooze button is hit until the prayer time has vanished. We may “believe in” visiting the sick, and so promise to do it, but when the time comes we find the television too alluring, showing that we believe in our comfort and rest more. Jesus said that we must fulfill our promises and so display our faithfulness, for what we do shows what we believe. This doesn’t mean that we are able to keep all our promises. Sometimes emergencies come up. But we must remember this, whatever we chose to do, that is what we really believe in. (Matthew 21:28-31)
Repentance
One last thing to note—Jesus is a firm believer in changing one’s ways. We know he believes in change because he forgives people their sin. He displays his belief of changed behavior by accepting those who have repented. Even so, if you evaluate your true beliefs and determine that you haven’t really believed in Jesus, it is not too late to change! Jesus said he will give you his Spirit and he will help you repent from your old life and begin to believe in Him anew! Pray for God’s grace and you will begin to truly believe in Jesus, not just in words, but in your whole life. In that way you will be a new creation, created by God to do actions in light of Jesus!
Evaluate your actions, and determine
what you really believe!
Do I REALLY Have to Go To Church?
Why bother with church?
Well, if you aren’t interested in Jesus, don’t bother with church. Church isn’t for the uninterested, nor is it for those who want the church to adopt their own philosophy. Church is about a bunch of people working together to follow Jesus. That’s the whole of it.
But if you do want to follow Jesus, the church is the best place to be because that IS what the church is about. And that’s the reason why everyone who wants to follow Jesus should be a part of a church—because it helps us follow Jesus. The church is really just about “en-couraging” each other. This means that we give “courage” to each other to be like Jesus, in the midst of a society that wants to dis-courage us from Jesus. The church’s purpose is to provide a context to grow in Jesus and to serve Jesus. Without the people of Jesus, our life in Jesus is limited to ourselves, which is like not having Jesus at all.
But the church isn’t just a good idea for a believer in Jesus—it is necessity. Here’s three reasons why:
1. The church is part of Jesus’ salvation.
Jesus died and rose again so we can be a part of God’s kingdom. Jesus is the king, and the kingdom is not a land, but a people—Jesus’ people. If we refuse to be with Jesus’ people, we are actually refusing a part of Jesus’ salvation.
2. The church is the body of Jesus.
The church is actually a part of Jesus. Jesus said that what happened to his people happens to him, whether love or persecution. This means that if we reject Jesus’ people, we are actually rejecting Jesus himself! Thus, to not have anything to do with the church is to separate ourselves from Jesus.
3. The church is the context to obey Jesus
Jesus gave us many commands that are to be done in the midst of his people. Jesus said, “love one another,” and “be at peace with one another” and “serve one another.” But if we are not a part of Jesus’ people, we cannot obey Jesus.
Thus, the church is essential for real Christian life, not an option.
The church problem
As necessary as the church is, the church is also the biggest problem of being a follower of Jesus. The church is full of arguments, hatreds, divisions, hypocrites, superficiality and wrong directions. There are so many people in the church who seem to be trying to KEEP people from following Jesus, it is hard at time to look at this group of disobedient “saints” and call it the place where we will grow in Jesus.
What we need to realize is not all the church is the church. You can look at any given group of so-called “followers” and find a bunch of people that aren’t in it for Jesus at all. But you can also look within most churches—not all, but a lot of them—and find a core of people who are truly seeking Jesus above all else. You may not find them in the leadership of the church, and you probably won’t find them in the group that’s in charge of the “programs” of any given church. They may be in charge of a small group fellowship. They may lead a prayer meeting or bible study. They may be a counsellor and supporter of others in the church. But you will find that these people are the heart of the congregation of Jesus-people in the church.
Don’t look for these things in a church
Great music—This has nothing to do with following Jesus
Great preaching—Just because somebody sounds good doesn’t mean they know Jesus
No hypocrisy—Every church has some hypocrites, and most every church have those who are not hypocrites. The trick is enduring to find the difference.
A holy looking building—A lot of the best churches don’t have their own building at all, but meet in a house or a storefront.
Rich people or the opposite sex of the right age—Don’t go to church to further your own economic or social agenda. Church is for Jesus, not personal gain.
“People like me”—A church is not a social club, either. Yes, we are going to be more comfortable in a church with people we culturally understand, but the real issue in church is participating in Jesus.
Total agreement in theology—Certainly we want to be in general agreement of how to read the Scriptures and understand Jesus. But we will never find a church we completely agree with. It is enough to find people who are living it.
Signs of God’s church
So, let’s say that you are visiting a church and you meet some of the leadership and you’ve even found the spiritual heart of that gathering of Jesus-people. But still, how does one know if it’s the right place? How does one find a place that truly has Jesus in it, and not just something that looks like Jesus? As you do your detective work on a church, check for six things that a true church has:
The gospel
The true church of Jesus holds the truth about Jesus at its core. They proclaim that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. They have a very firm commitment to Jesus and know that the true Christian is one that not only says the right words, but acts in the way Jesus wants them to act. They are working hard to have Jesus rule over every part of their lives, and yet, somehow, they are not judgmental against those who are finding it difficult to have Jesus as their Lord. And not only that, they are so hot about Jesus that they are ready to talk about him to anyone who will listen—and possibly to some people who don’t want to listen. Don’t join a church that isn’t talking about Jesus.
The Holy Spirit
The true church of Jesus displays the Holy Spirit in its very fiber. They know that their prayers are heard, and they expect people to be healed and set free by the power of God. But the Holy Spirit isn’t shown just by loud, demanding prayers—rather the Spirit is shown by the actions of love—they are gentle, peaceable, self-controlled against sin, open to everyone yet understanding that God wants us all to be pure. They are firm but not forcing, they make sense, but are maybe a little crazy, too! Crazy in a good way, though. Don’t join a church that isn’t powered by the Holy Spirit.
Sharing with the poor
Jesus’ true church is interested in the needy. They seek out those who have needs—either within or outside of their congregation—and try to meet the needs with whatever resources they have. This doesn’t mean that they spend all their time with the poor, nor does it mean that everyone lives like monks, either. But the serious people in the church must be serious about adjusting their lives to include the needy around them. Don't join a church that doesn’t help the poor.
Servant leaders
The leadership of Jesus’ church aren’t interested in promoting themselves, but they want to assist the people in the church. The leaders see the average person in the church as the most important people in the congregation, not those on the leadership team. They do not promote their personal agenda, or their own church, but consider what is best to help others. They aren’t focused increasing the size of the church or in new buildings—rather, they want to serve people. Don’t join a church where the leaders are full of themselves.
Support of the persecuted
Jesus’ true church sees themselves as part of a persecuted body. This doesn’t mean that they are paranoid. Rather, they know that Christians around the world are being persecuted for the gospel, and they want to do what they can to support them. Perhaps they support the persecuted in their own community and rally around them. Or perhaps they support the persecuted from a distance. But they see persecution as a sign that the church is involved in the spiritual battle. Don’t join a church that ignores the persecuted followers.
Community Support
Jesus’ true church is a family that supports each other. If you are in a social club, people come in and go out and don’t feel the need to talk to anyone. In a community, people are involved in each other’s lives—not being busybodies, but trying to offer help and support as they are able. Jesus’ community really cares about each other, and when they ask, “how are you,” they really mean it, because they really want to rejoice or sorrow with you. When someone is in sin, the rest of the church prays for them to repent and encourages them to remain in Jesus. When someone is in need, the rest of the church looks for ways to help them. Don’t join a church that silently encourages isolation.
Be a Part of Jesus—Join Jesus’ Community!
Well, if you aren’t interested in Jesus, don’t bother with church. Church isn’t for the uninterested, nor is it for those who want the church to adopt their own philosophy. Church is about a bunch of people working together to follow Jesus. That’s the whole of it.
But if you do want to follow Jesus, the church is the best place to be because that IS what the church is about. And that’s the reason why everyone who wants to follow Jesus should be a part of a church—because it helps us follow Jesus. The church is really just about “en-couraging” each other. This means that we give “courage” to each other to be like Jesus, in the midst of a society that wants to dis-courage us from Jesus. The church’s purpose is to provide a context to grow in Jesus and to serve Jesus. Without the people of Jesus, our life in Jesus is limited to ourselves, which is like not having Jesus at all.
But the church isn’t just a good idea for a believer in Jesus—it is necessity. Here’s three reasons why:
1. The church is part of Jesus’ salvation.
Jesus died and rose again so we can be a part of God’s kingdom. Jesus is the king, and the kingdom is not a land, but a people—Jesus’ people. If we refuse to be with Jesus’ people, we are actually refusing a part of Jesus’ salvation.
2. The church is the body of Jesus.
The church is actually a part of Jesus. Jesus said that what happened to his people happens to him, whether love or persecution. This means that if we reject Jesus’ people, we are actually rejecting Jesus himself! Thus, to not have anything to do with the church is to separate ourselves from Jesus.
3. The church is the context to obey Jesus
Jesus gave us many commands that are to be done in the midst of his people. Jesus said, “love one another,” and “be at peace with one another” and “serve one another.” But if we are not a part of Jesus’ people, we cannot obey Jesus.
Thus, the church is essential for real Christian life, not an option.
The church problem
As necessary as the church is, the church is also the biggest problem of being a follower of Jesus. The church is full of arguments, hatreds, divisions, hypocrites, superficiality and wrong directions. There are so many people in the church who seem to be trying to KEEP people from following Jesus, it is hard at time to look at this group of disobedient “saints” and call it the place where we will grow in Jesus.
What we need to realize is not all the church is the church. You can look at any given group of so-called “followers” and find a bunch of people that aren’t in it for Jesus at all. But you can also look within most churches—not all, but a lot of them—and find a core of people who are truly seeking Jesus above all else. You may not find them in the leadership of the church, and you probably won’t find them in the group that’s in charge of the “programs” of any given church. They may be in charge of a small group fellowship. They may lead a prayer meeting or bible study. They may be a counsellor and supporter of others in the church. But you will find that these people are the heart of the congregation of Jesus-people in the church.
Don’t look for these things in a church
Great music—This has nothing to do with following Jesus
Great preaching—Just because somebody sounds good doesn’t mean they know Jesus
No hypocrisy—Every church has some hypocrites, and most every church have those who are not hypocrites. The trick is enduring to find the difference.
A holy looking building—A lot of the best churches don’t have their own building at all, but meet in a house or a storefront.
Rich people or the opposite sex of the right age—Don’t go to church to further your own economic or social agenda. Church is for Jesus, not personal gain.
“People like me”—A church is not a social club, either. Yes, we are going to be more comfortable in a church with people we culturally understand, but the real issue in church is participating in Jesus.
Total agreement in theology—Certainly we want to be in general agreement of how to read the Scriptures and understand Jesus. But we will never find a church we completely agree with. It is enough to find people who are living it.
Signs of God’s church
So, let’s say that you are visiting a church and you meet some of the leadership and you’ve even found the spiritual heart of that gathering of Jesus-people. But still, how does one know if it’s the right place? How does one find a place that truly has Jesus in it, and not just something that looks like Jesus? As you do your detective work on a church, check for six things that a true church has:
The gospel
The true church of Jesus holds the truth about Jesus at its core. They proclaim that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. They have a very firm commitment to Jesus and know that the true Christian is one that not only says the right words, but acts in the way Jesus wants them to act. They are working hard to have Jesus rule over every part of their lives, and yet, somehow, they are not judgmental against those who are finding it difficult to have Jesus as their Lord. And not only that, they are so hot about Jesus that they are ready to talk about him to anyone who will listen—and possibly to some people who don’t want to listen. Don’t join a church that isn’t talking about Jesus.
The Holy Spirit
The true church of Jesus displays the Holy Spirit in its very fiber. They know that their prayers are heard, and they expect people to be healed and set free by the power of God. But the Holy Spirit isn’t shown just by loud, demanding prayers—rather the Spirit is shown by the actions of love—they are gentle, peaceable, self-controlled against sin, open to everyone yet understanding that God wants us all to be pure. They are firm but not forcing, they make sense, but are maybe a little crazy, too! Crazy in a good way, though. Don’t join a church that isn’t powered by the Holy Spirit.
Sharing with the poor
Jesus’ true church is interested in the needy. They seek out those who have needs—either within or outside of their congregation—and try to meet the needs with whatever resources they have. This doesn’t mean that they spend all their time with the poor, nor does it mean that everyone lives like monks, either. But the serious people in the church must be serious about adjusting their lives to include the needy around them. Don't join a church that doesn’t help the poor.
Servant leaders
The leadership of Jesus’ church aren’t interested in promoting themselves, but they want to assist the people in the church. The leaders see the average person in the church as the most important people in the congregation, not those on the leadership team. They do not promote their personal agenda, or their own church, but consider what is best to help others. They aren’t focused increasing the size of the church or in new buildings—rather, they want to serve people. Don’t join a church where the leaders are full of themselves.
Support of the persecuted
Jesus’ true church sees themselves as part of a persecuted body. This doesn’t mean that they are paranoid. Rather, they know that Christians around the world are being persecuted for the gospel, and they want to do what they can to support them. Perhaps they support the persecuted in their own community and rally around them. Or perhaps they support the persecuted from a distance. But they see persecution as a sign that the church is involved in the spiritual battle. Don’t join a church that ignores the persecuted followers.
Community Support
Jesus’ true church is a family that supports each other. If you are in a social club, people come in and go out and don’t feel the need to talk to anyone. In a community, people are involved in each other’s lives—not being busybodies, but trying to offer help and support as they are able. Jesus’ community really cares about each other, and when they ask, “how are you,” they really mean it, because they really want to rejoice or sorrow with you. When someone is in sin, the rest of the church prays for them to repent and encourages them to remain in Jesus. When someone is in need, the rest of the church looks for ways to help them. Don’t join a church that silently encourages isolation.
Be a Part of Jesus—Join Jesus’ Community!
How Did We Get Into This Mess?
What do we want?
As humans, we are pretty simple. We have a bundle of desires, and we will do whatever we can to get them. We want our basic needs met: food, drink, sleep, health, a place to go to the bathroom. We want contentment and peace in ourselves. We want to be secure from things that might endanger us. We want some pleasure in our lives. We want to be connected to other people, feel a part of them. And we want to be respected. Pretty basic stuff. Not complicated.
What God wants
God is our Father and he sees what we want. He created us and so He knows what we want, because he made these desires in us. They are good, and he wants to see them fulfilled. He wants us to do what we can to get these needs fulfilled. But he also doesn’t want us to hurt ourselves or others. And so many times, we are like toddlers—we don’t see what’s wrong with touching the stove. God knows, and he wants to protect us from harm. Also, he recognizes that He is the most important One in our lives. So He doesn’t want us to drift away from Him. He wants us not to give to other people or things or ideas what belongs to Him. He wants us to love Him and to acknowledge Him as the most important One in our lives.
Who are we?
We are just like complicated toddlers. When we see what we want, we go for it. We change want we want with every hour, at one moment wanting something, and the next wanting the opposite. Some of this has to do with the bodies who make up a part of who we are. Our bodies are flooded with hormones and get trapped thinking in a certain way. Some of this mutability has to do with the society we see ourselves in—our family, friends, entertainments, co-workers, and the environments in which we live are all offering us different options and ideals for us to live up to, and we have a hard time resisting any of them. Also, though, we are influenced by spiritual powers. Most of the powers around us are trying to get us to ignore God. They want us to do anything, to think about anything except God, our Father, who loves us and wants to care for us. They want us to focus on money, on greed, on lust, on revenge, on obtaining power. They want us to focus on this because all of these things cause our ultimate destruction, as if we were a pointless message, doomed to self-destruct in a twisted version of Mission Impossible.
What Jesus came to do
God, our Father, sees our plight, and so he sends us Jesus. Jesus comes to tell us the truth about God, and to help us focus on Him again. Jesus doesn’t do this because God is a great guy, but because it is best for us. Jesus’ ultimate goal is to make our lives better. So he displayed again and again that God will help us with what we really want. While God may not give us money or revenge or power, He will meet our needs. God will give us health. God will give us security. God will give us joy. God will give us a society. God will grant us respect. Jesus demonstrated that on common people, just like you and me.
But it isn’t enough for Jesus to give us a good life through God. He recognized that we aren’t just made up of ourselves, but that God is in competition with other people and spiritual forces for our best interests. So Jesus had to create a place—a nation, rather—where we could live for God. So he told everyone that he was planning on establishing a nation where that could be done, and doing this through God’s power alone.
What happened to Jesus?
But there were people who didn’t see Jesus’ goals as noble. They felt that they already were living for God and that they already had a nation where people could live for God. Jesus, however, pointed out to them that they weren’t actually honoring God at all, but money, greed, lust and power. And he let them know that he was taking over. Because Jesus had many people following him, these political leaders thought that Jesus posed a threat—so they killed him.
What Jesus did for us
God, the Father, saw all this and decided it was time to step in. He raised Jesus from the dead to demonstrate for everyone that Jesus was right and the ones who killed him were wrong. He showed everyone that you can’t claim to be of God if you are really focusing on money, greed, power, and lust. And then God did something else: he appointed Jesus as head over the new people of God—the new nation of God’s people. Included in this nation is freedom—freedom from the many distractions that keeps us from God. Free from the spiritual forces that are trying to force us into molds of corruption. Freedom to live our lives as God intended—meeting our needs without destroying ourselves.
What is Jesus offering us?
1. He offers us a chance to be separated from our old lives of corruption
Through Jesus, we can be forgiven for trying to forget God and His ways. God is willing and enthusiastic to take us back.
2. He offers us a new community to be involved in
Through Jesus, a new community who strives to honor God in every way exists. We can take part of that community, and so find it easier to live for God.
3. He offers us an opportunity to ask God directly to meet our needs
Through Jesus, we have an open channel to God. Even as Jesus prayed and was answered, so we can do the same.
4. He offers us the Holy Spirit who will encourage us to be who we need to be in God
Jesus grants those who follow Him a friend who lives inside of us who will encourage us to seek God and to honor Him with all of our lives.
Taking Advantage of Jesus’ Offer
Sounds good? Well, then just follow up on what Jesus asks us to do:
A. Jesus wants us to acknowledge Him as the Ruler of our lives
Pray for him to take over. Look below for a sample.
B. Jesus wants us to find one of His communities and join it
Find a church that welcomes you and demonstrates Jesus in their lives, and be part of it.
C. Jesus wants us to get baptized as a life-long commitment to Him
Get baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to show that you are in Jesus’ nation and will never leave it.
D. Jesus wants us to get to know Him and His ways
Begin by reading the book of Matthew—the first book of the New Testament in the Bible.
You can pray this prayer:
Jesus, I haven’t done a great job of trying to rule myself. Please, take over my life. I want you to be in charge. Please, lead me to your people who will help me live for You. I love you and want to live my life for You. Thank you so much for dying for me so I can have this opportunity. Amen.
As humans, we are pretty simple. We have a bundle of desires, and we will do whatever we can to get them. We want our basic needs met: food, drink, sleep, health, a place to go to the bathroom. We want contentment and peace in ourselves. We want to be secure from things that might endanger us. We want some pleasure in our lives. We want to be connected to other people, feel a part of them. And we want to be respected. Pretty basic stuff. Not complicated.
What God wants
God is our Father and he sees what we want. He created us and so He knows what we want, because he made these desires in us. They are good, and he wants to see them fulfilled. He wants us to do what we can to get these needs fulfilled. But he also doesn’t want us to hurt ourselves or others. And so many times, we are like toddlers—we don’t see what’s wrong with touching the stove. God knows, and he wants to protect us from harm. Also, he recognizes that He is the most important One in our lives. So He doesn’t want us to drift away from Him. He wants us not to give to other people or things or ideas what belongs to Him. He wants us to love Him and to acknowledge Him as the most important One in our lives.
Who are we?
We are just like complicated toddlers. When we see what we want, we go for it. We change want we want with every hour, at one moment wanting something, and the next wanting the opposite. Some of this has to do with the bodies who make up a part of who we are. Our bodies are flooded with hormones and get trapped thinking in a certain way. Some of this mutability has to do with the society we see ourselves in—our family, friends, entertainments, co-workers, and the environments in which we live are all offering us different options and ideals for us to live up to, and we have a hard time resisting any of them. Also, though, we are influenced by spiritual powers. Most of the powers around us are trying to get us to ignore God. They want us to do anything, to think about anything except God, our Father, who loves us and wants to care for us. They want us to focus on money, on greed, on lust, on revenge, on obtaining power. They want us to focus on this because all of these things cause our ultimate destruction, as if we were a pointless message, doomed to self-destruct in a twisted version of Mission Impossible.
What Jesus came to do
God, our Father, sees our plight, and so he sends us Jesus. Jesus comes to tell us the truth about God, and to help us focus on Him again. Jesus doesn’t do this because God is a great guy, but because it is best for us. Jesus’ ultimate goal is to make our lives better. So he displayed again and again that God will help us with what we really want. While God may not give us money or revenge or power, He will meet our needs. God will give us health. God will give us security. God will give us joy. God will give us a society. God will grant us respect. Jesus demonstrated that on common people, just like you and me.
But it isn’t enough for Jesus to give us a good life through God. He recognized that we aren’t just made up of ourselves, but that God is in competition with other people and spiritual forces for our best interests. So Jesus had to create a place—a nation, rather—where we could live for God. So he told everyone that he was planning on establishing a nation where that could be done, and doing this through God’s power alone.
What happened to Jesus?
But there were people who didn’t see Jesus’ goals as noble. They felt that they already were living for God and that they already had a nation where people could live for God. Jesus, however, pointed out to them that they weren’t actually honoring God at all, but money, greed, lust and power. And he let them know that he was taking over. Because Jesus had many people following him, these political leaders thought that Jesus posed a threat—so they killed him.
What Jesus did for us
God, the Father, saw all this and decided it was time to step in. He raised Jesus from the dead to demonstrate for everyone that Jesus was right and the ones who killed him were wrong. He showed everyone that you can’t claim to be of God if you are really focusing on money, greed, power, and lust. And then God did something else: he appointed Jesus as head over the new people of God—the new nation of God’s people. Included in this nation is freedom—freedom from the many distractions that keeps us from God. Free from the spiritual forces that are trying to force us into molds of corruption. Freedom to live our lives as God intended—meeting our needs without destroying ourselves.
What is Jesus offering us?
1. He offers us a chance to be separated from our old lives of corruption
Through Jesus, we can be forgiven for trying to forget God and His ways. God is willing and enthusiastic to take us back.
2. He offers us a new community to be involved in
Through Jesus, a new community who strives to honor God in every way exists. We can take part of that community, and so find it easier to live for God.
3. He offers us an opportunity to ask God directly to meet our needs
Through Jesus, we have an open channel to God. Even as Jesus prayed and was answered, so we can do the same.
4. He offers us the Holy Spirit who will encourage us to be who we need to be in God
Jesus grants those who follow Him a friend who lives inside of us who will encourage us to seek God and to honor Him with all of our lives.
Taking Advantage of Jesus’ Offer
Sounds good? Well, then just follow up on what Jesus asks us to do:
A. Jesus wants us to acknowledge Him as the Ruler of our lives
Pray for him to take over. Look below for a sample.
B. Jesus wants us to find one of His communities and join it
Find a church that welcomes you and demonstrates Jesus in their lives, and be part of it.
C. Jesus wants us to get baptized as a life-long commitment to Him
Get baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to show that you are in Jesus’ nation and will never leave it.
D. Jesus wants us to get to know Him and His ways
Begin by reading the book of Matthew—the first book of the New Testament in the Bible.
You can pray this prayer:
Jesus, I haven’t done a great job of trying to rule myself. Please, take over my life. I want you to be in charge. Please, lead me to your people who will help me live for You. I love you and want to live my life for You. Thank you so much for dying for me so I can have this opportunity. Amen.
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