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The Carpenter's Chapel (5)
- Thread starter Jim1999
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Saturday September 4, 2004
The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John
An Introduction
Now we come to our look at the last of the Gospel records; the one recorded for us by the Apostle John. Perhaps it is best called, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John,” because it seems more befitting. The title, “The Gospel of John,” would seem to leave the impression that it is the, “Good News” about the writer, when it is not. It is indeed the, “Good News” about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
THE WRITER
We will face some matters of controversy in our study and I hope, as best as God will help me with these matters, I will deal with them faithfully. So it is, we have right here the first matter of contention: Did the Apostle John, indeed write this gospel account? Nineteenth century liberals argued that it was written 300 years after Christ, by someone other than John. But the “discovery of papyrus fragments of John’s gospel dating from early in the second century” (Morris p. 1130) give credence to John’s authorship. J. Vernon McGee writes, “One of the reasons it was felt that John might not be the writer was because Papias was thought to have never mentioned the authorship of John. But Professor Tischendorf, the German who found the Codex Sinaiticus, which is probably our best manuscript of the Old Testament…was working in the Vatican library when he came upon an old manuscript that has a quotation from Papias, in which it was made clear that John was the author of this Gospel. I personally wouldn’t want any better authority than that.” (McGee; p. viii)
Then there is the evidence given within the text: John 21:24: “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” Within the context of this passage, it can only be John.
One may ask, “Why is this important?” It is important that we know that God’s word was written down by those who knew what they were talking about. This Gospel was given, not only under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but it was written by someone who was there, he knew quite well about what he was writing. So it is that you can put your trust in it, as well as the rest of the Bible.
THE DATE
Probably about 90 A.D. This Gospel was written to a newer generation, compared to the other three, by the last remaining Apostle. A new generation that needed to hear from an eyewitness of the accounts dealing with the life and death of Jesus Christ.
THE AUDIENCE
Matthew’s record was written to the Jews and portrays Christ as the King of the Jews.
Mark wrote his account to the Romans and portrays Christ as the Servant.
Luke was written for Greeks and emphasizes Christ as the, “Son of Man.”
John, however, was written to the whole world and portrays Christ as the, “Son of God.”
THE PURPOSE
The Gospel according to John is not a history or a record of every detail of the life of Christ. The synoptic gospels give more historical details. You will not find a Babe lying in a manger, or a twelve-year old in Jerusalem. John has a deliberate testimony intended to proclaim the “Good News” of salvation in Christ.
As John himself would say: (John 20:31) “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
KEY WORDS
“Believe” used 98 times; Matthew to Luke: 35 times.
“Love” used 48 times; Matthew to Luke: 28 times.
“Truth” used 22 times; Matthew to Luke: 11 times.
“Eternal” used 9 times; Matthew to Luke: 7 times.
“Know” used 78 times; Matthew to Luke: 71 times.
“Life” used 38 times; Matthew to Luke: 32 times.
Also, we will pay close attention to “I Am,” which is used 7 times
THE OUTLINE
1. The Foundation: The deity of Christ and His mission. 1:1 to 1:34
2. His ministry to the world. 1:35 through Chapter 12
3. His ministry to “His own” Chapters 13 through 17
4. His mission: His suffering and glory. 18:1 to 20:29
5. His purpose and our mission. 20:30-21:25
The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John
An Introduction
Now we come to our look at the last of the Gospel records; the one recorded for us by the Apostle John. Perhaps it is best called, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John,” because it seems more befitting. The title, “The Gospel of John,” would seem to leave the impression that it is the, “Good News” about the writer, when it is not. It is indeed the, “Good News” about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
THE WRITER
We will face some matters of controversy in our study and I hope, as best as God will help me with these matters, I will deal with them faithfully. So it is, we have right here the first matter of contention: Did the Apostle John, indeed write this gospel account? Nineteenth century liberals argued that it was written 300 years after Christ, by someone other than John. But the “discovery of papyrus fragments of John’s gospel dating from early in the second century” (Morris p. 1130) give credence to John’s authorship. J. Vernon McGee writes, “One of the reasons it was felt that John might not be the writer was because Papias was thought to have never mentioned the authorship of John. But Professor Tischendorf, the German who found the Codex Sinaiticus, which is probably our best manuscript of the Old Testament…was working in the Vatican library when he came upon an old manuscript that has a quotation from Papias, in which it was made clear that John was the author of this Gospel. I personally wouldn’t want any better authority than that.” (McGee; p. viii)
Then there is the evidence given within the text: John 21:24: “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” Within the context of this passage, it can only be John.
One may ask, “Why is this important?” It is important that we know that God’s word was written down by those who knew what they were talking about. This Gospel was given, not only under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but it was written by someone who was there, he knew quite well about what he was writing. So it is that you can put your trust in it, as well as the rest of the Bible.
THE DATE
Probably about 90 A.D. This Gospel was written to a newer generation, compared to the other three, by the last remaining Apostle. A new generation that needed to hear from an eyewitness of the accounts dealing with the life and death of Jesus Christ.
THE AUDIENCE
Matthew’s record was written to the Jews and portrays Christ as the King of the Jews.
Mark wrote his account to the Romans and portrays Christ as the Servant.
Luke was written for Greeks and emphasizes Christ as the, “Son of Man.”
John, however, was written to the whole world and portrays Christ as the, “Son of God.”
THE PURPOSE
The Gospel according to John is not a history or a record of every detail of the life of Christ. The synoptic gospels give more historical details. You will not find a Babe lying in a manger, or a twelve-year old in Jerusalem. John has a deliberate testimony intended to proclaim the “Good News” of salvation in Christ.
As John himself would say: (John 20:31) “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
KEY WORDS
“Believe” used 98 times; Matthew to Luke: 35 times.
“Love” used 48 times; Matthew to Luke: 28 times.
“Truth” used 22 times; Matthew to Luke: 11 times.
“Eternal” used 9 times; Matthew to Luke: 7 times.
“Know” used 78 times; Matthew to Luke: 71 times.
“Life” used 38 times; Matthew to Luke: 32 times.
Also, we will pay close attention to “I Am,” which is used 7 times
THE OUTLINE
1. The Foundation: The deity of Christ and His mission. 1:1 to 1:34
2. His ministry to the world. 1:35 through Chapter 12
3. His ministry to “His own” Chapters 13 through 17
4. His mission: His suffering and glory. 18:1 to 20:29
5. His purpose and our mission. 20:30-21:25
Sunday September 5, 2004
I. The Foundation 1:1 – 1:34
Chapter 1
(John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:2) The same was in the beginning with God.
(John 1:3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
First, the Gospel begins by boldly declaring the Deity of Jesus Christ. “The Word” is the first of many names to be used to describe Jesus Christ. He is the revelation and manifestation of God. F.B. Meyer said, “As words utter thought, so does Christ utter God.” By the reference to Genesis 1:1, the gospel places Christ before creation, before time, before anything. It therefore demands that He is uncreated and equal with God. A proper understanding of John 1:1 can dismantle many false cults.
a. The Mormons believe God achieved godhead and was awarded earth. Father God and mother god begat Jesus who, through obedience, became a god as well.
b. The J.W.’s believe that Jesus was God’s firstborn created being and connect Jesus to Michael the archangel. Jesus, through His obedience, was promoted to a lower level god, but not equal with Jehovah.
Second, 1:1 states that the “Word was with God.” This implies that the Word is distinct from God the Father, giving credence to the doctrine of the Trinity.
Third, 1:1 tells us that “the Word was God” this plainly declares the Deity of Jesus Christ. He was not just an angel, or a lower level god, He is equal to God the Father. Verse 2 re-emphasizes that He was in the very beginning with God.
Jesus was not only present "in the beginning," but was active in the work of creation Psalms 33:6: “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Ephesians 3:9: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Col. 1:16: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”
Hebrews 1:10: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.”
He was also active in the creation of life as well; 1John 1:1-2: "That which from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)"
We can never fully comprehend the condescension of the infinite Creator when He became man. He who was "very God of very God", humbled Himself and was made many things for the sake of man's redemption.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phi 2:8)
Note the following remarkable summation of what He "became."
"The word was God," and yet "the Word became flesh." He had created human flesh for Adam, then finally for Himself-not sinful flesh, of course, but only "in the likeness of sinful flesh." (Romans 8:3)
He was so completely human as to be "born of a woman," (Galatians 4:4), thus partaking of the complete human experience (apart from sin) from conception to death.
He was also "born under the law," though He, as the lawgiver, was above the law.
Although He completely fulfilled the law He "become a curse for us" in order to redeem us "from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)
I. The Foundation 1:1 – 1:34
Chapter 1
(John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:2) The same was in the beginning with God.
(John 1:3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
First, the Gospel begins by boldly declaring the Deity of Jesus Christ. “The Word” is the first of many names to be used to describe Jesus Christ. He is the revelation and manifestation of God. F.B. Meyer said, “As words utter thought, so does Christ utter God.” By the reference to Genesis 1:1, the gospel places Christ before creation, before time, before anything. It therefore demands that He is uncreated and equal with God. A proper understanding of John 1:1 can dismantle many false cults.
a. The Mormons believe God achieved godhead and was awarded earth. Father God and mother god begat Jesus who, through obedience, became a god as well.
b. The J.W.’s believe that Jesus was God’s firstborn created being and connect Jesus to Michael the archangel. Jesus, through His obedience, was promoted to a lower level god, but not equal with Jehovah.
Second, 1:1 states that the “Word was with God.” This implies that the Word is distinct from God the Father, giving credence to the doctrine of the Trinity.
Third, 1:1 tells us that “the Word was God” this plainly declares the Deity of Jesus Christ. He was not just an angel, or a lower level god, He is equal to God the Father. Verse 2 re-emphasizes that He was in the very beginning with God.
Jesus was not only present "in the beginning," but was active in the work of creation Psalms 33:6: “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Ephesians 3:9: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Col. 1:16: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”
Hebrews 1:10: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.”
He was also active in the creation of life as well; 1John 1:1-2: "That which from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)"
We can never fully comprehend the condescension of the infinite Creator when He became man. He who was "very God of very God", humbled Himself and was made many things for the sake of man's redemption.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phi 2:8)
Note the following remarkable summation of what He "became."
"The word was God," and yet "the Word became flesh." He had created human flesh for Adam, then finally for Himself-not sinful flesh, of course, but only "in the likeness of sinful flesh." (Romans 8:3)
He was so completely human as to be "born of a woman," (Galatians 4:4), thus partaking of the complete human experience (apart from sin) from conception to death.
He was also "born under the law," though He, as the lawgiver, was above the law.
Although He completely fulfilled the law He "become a curse for us" in order to redeem us "from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)
Monday, Sept 6, 2003
Ephesians 4:5
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Hodge, the great theologian writes: “Our belief fixes the trend of our footsteps.
We are, in fact, what we believe.” We cannot we say we believe one thing and do
another. If we do this, we actually contradict what we say we believe. How many
times have you see an advert and then tried the product. The product behaves quite
differently to what the advert portrayed. Now the company offers a guarantee, but
one, the refund offered hardly compensates for the original lie, and two, seldom do
people actually demand the refund. You have been deceived. There is no
difference when a believer says he is a Christian and behaves according to worldly
standards. His life does not reflect his beliefs, and deceives the world. So, here we
backtrack to verse 2, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace.” Paul sets out some standards for the believer.
I preached one Sunday on the Providence of God, and how luck did not enter into
the equation of the Christian life. As an illustration, I talked about lottery tickets
and why I thought it was wrong to entertain such things. Now some people on the
way out said, “Good sermon preacher.” Well said pastor. What a blessings!” The
usual after service comments. On the way home, we stopped off at a shop to buy
some ice cream. In the lineup for lottery tickets were some of these very people
who offered the comments. When I appeared, they flushed, looked rather sheepish
and quickly left the shop without further comment to me. Their lives gave a false
notion of what they said they believed. Now some may think there is nothing
wrong with buying a lottery ticket, but that is not the point. The point is, they said
one thing and did another. This is the greater sin. This is where the witness falls
short and deceives the world of unbelievers and other believers. You see what I
am saying? If the church body behaved consistently with their professed fath, their
footsteps would follow in line and the world might pay attention to what they say.
Paul expects this of believers.
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Lord, by a dictionary definition, means “A
master or ruler.” A master or ruler demands loyalty and obedience to his
commands. This Lord demands no less from His followers. We do not have many
choices. We are ordered to live godly lives and we are to be the light of the world.
You know how a torch behaves with poor batteries. A dim light and we can easily
lose where we are with a dim light and do a serious damage to ourselves and to
others depending on us. This is how a dim life in Jesus shows to the world, and we
need to keep our batteries in good condition and a light available to show the way.
“One Lord, one faith....” There is no alternative. There is no substitute. There is
but one way and Jesus said, “I am the way....I am the truth,,,”
Lord, help us to live in the light of your word, alway.
Cheers,
Jim
Ephesians 4:5
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Hodge, the great theologian writes: “Our belief fixes the trend of our footsteps.
We are, in fact, what we believe.” We cannot we say we believe one thing and do
another. If we do this, we actually contradict what we say we believe. How many
times have you see an advert and then tried the product. The product behaves quite
differently to what the advert portrayed. Now the company offers a guarantee, but
one, the refund offered hardly compensates for the original lie, and two, seldom do
people actually demand the refund. You have been deceived. There is no
difference when a believer says he is a Christian and behaves according to worldly
standards. His life does not reflect his beliefs, and deceives the world. So, here we
backtrack to verse 2, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace.” Paul sets out some standards for the believer.
I preached one Sunday on the Providence of God, and how luck did not enter into
the equation of the Christian life. As an illustration, I talked about lottery tickets
and why I thought it was wrong to entertain such things. Now some people on the
way out said, “Good sermon preacher.” Well said pastor. What a blessings!” The
usual after service comments. On the way home, we stopped off at a shop to buy
some ice cream. In the lineup for lottery tickets were some of these very people
who offered the comments. When I appeared, they flushed, looked rather sheepish
and quickly left the shop without further comment to me. Their lives gave a false
notion of what they said they believed. Now some may think there is nothing
wrong with buying a lottery ticket, but that is not the point. The point is, they said
one thing and did another. This is the greater sin. This is where the witness falls
short and deceives the world of unbelievers and other believers. You see what I
am saying? If the church body behaved consistently with their professed fath, their
footsteps would follow in line and the world might pay attention to what they say.
Paul expects this of believers.
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Lord, by a dictionary definition, means “A
master or ruler.” A master or ruler demands loyalty and obedience to his
commands. This Lord demands no less from His followers. We do not have many
choices. We are ordered to live godly lives and we are to be the light of the world.
You know how a torch behaves with poor batteries. A dim light and we can easily
lose where we are with a dim light and do a serious damage to ourselves and to
others depending on us. This is how a dim life in Jesus shows to the world, and we
need to keep our batteries in good condition and a light available to show the way.
“One Lord, one faith....” There is no alternative. There is no substitute. There is
but one way and Jesus said, “I am the way....I am the truth,,,”
Lord, help us to live in the light of your word, alway.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Tuesday, 7th September, 2004
The text for today is Daniel chapter 4v1-8.
In historical context it is obvious that there is quite a stir in the Chaldean empire. In this chapter Nebuchadnezzar sends out a letter to his people to explain what was going on to them.
It is obvious from the very start there as been a change, even as the king introduces his letter. “I though it good to show to you the signs and wonders that the High God hath wrought toward me. How great are His signs! And how mighty are His works! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion from generation to generation.”
Something had happened in the king’s life, before this he recognised no king but himself.
We have another indication of something being different in the king’s life. In verse he says – “And Daniel came in before me.” It is interesting to note that he chooses to call Daniel by his Hebrew name, instead of the pagan name which had been granted to him. Nebuchadnezzar then had to identify Daniel and explained that this is the “one who name was Belteshazzar, after the name of my god.”
We have an amazing event happened. God has made us privy to the His working in the heart of one of the most powerful men of his time. We will find out later about what God actually did the get Nebuchadnezzar’s attention.
The key lesson for us is this. God had been working in Nebuchadnezzar’s heart for a long time. Now, God’s timing is right and we are going to share in God dealing with a man and will be privileged to see how that man’s mind is changed to come to know the One True God.
The text for today is Daniel chapter 4v1-8.
In historical context it is obvious that there is quite a stir in the Chaldean empire. In this chapter Nebuchadnezzar sends out a letter to his people to explain what was going on to them.
It is obvious from the very start there as been a change, even as the king introduces his letter. “I though it good to show to you the signs and wonders that the High God hath wrought toward me. How great are His signs! And how mighty are His works! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion from generation to generation.”
Something had happened in the king’s life, before this he recognised no king but himself.
We have another indication of something being different in the king’s life. In verse he says – “And Daniel came in before me.” It is interesting to note that he chooses to call Daniel by his Hebrew name, instead of the pagan name which had been granted to him. Nebuchadnezzar then had to identify Daniel and explained that this is the “one who name was Belteshazzar, after the name of my god.”
We have an amazing event happened. God has made us privy to the His working in the heart of one of the most powerful men of his time. We will find out later about what God actually did the get Nebuchadnezzar’s attention.
The key lesson for us is this. God had been working in Nebuchadnezzar’s heart for a long time. Now, God’s timing is right and we are going to share in God dealing with a man and will be privileged to see how that man’s mind is changed to come to know the One True God.
Wednesday, Sept 8, 2004
Ephesians 5: 20
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ; Submitting yourself one to another.....”
There is something daunting or intimidating about having your life in danger. For
the most part, most of us in the free world have not experienced such a threat. We
may have expressed fear about this instance or that, but we really haven’t been
harm’s way.
The recent hurricane in Florida and my daughter and family being in the direct hit
brought this resulting fear to mind. For the moment I had forgotten bombs falling
upon London and bullets flying in Korea or even being jailed in Alabama during
the Civil Rights days. First, and foremost, in my mind was their safety. I tried to
phone through, but could not reach them. Swells of fear came up and strangled my
throat. I thought the worst. Natural human reaction, isn’t it? When I finally got a
call from them saying all was well, they were safe, and they were laughing, I felt
rebuked. My teen granddaughter came on the phone and said, “Grandpa, you
always talk about trusting the Lord.” I was quietly and innocently rebuked by a
child. This chapter of Ephesians begins with, “Be ye therefore followers of God,
as dear children...”
We are not instructed to become childish, but we are called to be followers of God,
as dear children. This child remembered and this child was obeying. She had a
simply trust in what grandpa had been saying. When will we, as Christians, learn
to listen to God? When will we become childlike in our faith and trust and belief
in God and His word?
Now, they were prepared. They had a house that was built to modern hurricane
standards. They were in a relatively safe location. The things they could control
were under control. The parents knew they were safe. The children didn’t know
they were safe because of this preparedness, they thought they were safe because
of what grandpa had said, and grandpa talked about always trusting in the Lord.
They trusted, and they were safe.
This brings me to the verse of choice: “Giving thanks always for all things unto
God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The scope of operation
for this act of giving thanks is infinite. It means just what it says, to give thanks for
all things. We get a flat tyre on the motorcar, we give thanks to God. There must
be a reason for the flat tyre. It may just show us how foolish we are in taking our
tyres for granted and not checking them periodically. It may be an exercise in
patience. It may be the Lord causing us to pause and think. We are to give thanks
always for all things. The hardest things to give thanks for are the little mundane
things of life. “submitting yourselves one to another...” The obligation to give
thanks to God does not stop there. We have a responsibility one to another. We
cannot go on griping about our plight to the brethren. There is a time when we
must show responsibility of transferring faith to faith, or cheer to the beloved. We
are to encourage, to uplift, to be responsible in our words and actions. This too is
part of giving thanks always for all things unto God.
Lord, help me always to give thanks.
Cheers,
Jim
Ephesians 5: 20
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ; Submitting yourself one to another.....”
There is something daunting or intimidating about having your life in danger. For
the most part, most of us in the free world have not experienced such a threat. We
may have expressed fear about this instance or that, but we really haven’t been
harm’s way.
The recent hurricane in Florida and my daughter and family being in the direct hit
brought this resulting fear to mind. For the moment I had forgotten bombs falling
upon London and bullets flying in Korea or even being jailed in Alabama during
the Civil Rights days. First, and foremost, in my mind was their safety. I tried to
phone through, but could not reach them. Swells of fear came up and strangled my
throat. I thought the worst. Natural human reaction, isn’t it? When I finally got a
call from them saying all was well, they were safe, and they were laughing, I felt
rebuked. My teen granddaughter came on the phone and said, “Grandpa, you
always talk about trusting the Lord.” I was quietly and innocently rebuked by a
child. This chapter of Ephesians begins with, “Be ye therefore followers of God,
as dear children...”
We are not instructed to become childish, but we are called to be followers of God,
as dear children. This child remembered and this child was obeying. She had a
simply trust in what grandpa had been saying. When will we, as Christians, learn
to listen to God? When will we become childlike in our faith and trust and belief
in God and His word?
Now, they were prepared. They had a house that was built to modern hurricane
standards. They were in a relatively safe location. The things they could control
were under control. The parents knew they were safe. The children didn’t know
they were safe because of this preparedness, they thought they were safe because
of what grandpa had said, and grandpa talked about always trusting in the Lord.
They trusted, and they were safe.
This brings me to the verse of choice: “Giving thanks always for all things unto
God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The scope of operation
for this act of giving thanks is infinite. It means just what it says, to give thanks for
all things. We get a flat tyre on the motorcar, we give thanks to God. There must
be a reason for the flat tyre. It may just show us how foolish we are in taking our
tyres for granted and not checking them periodically. It may be an exercise in
patience. It may be the Lord causing us to pause and think. We are to give thanks
always for all things. The hardest things to give thanks for are the little mundane
things of life. “submitting yourselves one to another...” The obligation to give
thanks to God does not stop there. We have a responsibility one to another. We
cannot go on griping about our plight to the brethren. There is a time when we
must show responsibility of transferring faith to faith, or cheer to the beloved. We
are to encourage, to uplift, to be responsible in our words and actions. This too is
part of giving thanks always for all things unto God.
Lord, help me always to give thanks.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Thursday, 9th September, 2004
The Teaching of Grace
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
(Titus 2v12-13)
Just a couple of brief thoughts this morning. I believe that Jesus Christ is coming back at any moment to receive his saints to glory. I think that Titus supports that and that in these verses the Holy Spirit instructs us in our we are to live in the light of that fact.
Verse 11 tells us that “the grace of God hath appeared” then verse 12-13 tell us what grace teaches us.
Grace teaches us to:
Live denying – we are told to deny ungodliness and worldly lust. Too often today Christians have found excuses to embracing rather than denying ungodliness. We are still called to a higher calling than the world around us.
Live soberly- under self-control
Live righteously – the original English word here is “rightwiseness” – living rightly
Live godly – a life which mimics God as opposed to worldly
Live looking – Everyday I am to live looking for blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
If I am living daily looking for His appearing then all the rest should fall into place. Years ago, when I was a child, we received word that my dad was coming home unexpectedly from Vietnam. He was at the airport only two hours away. Knowing he was on his way we were busy preparing for his return. We rushed to get haircuts, clean the house, and wash the cars. Then there was indeed a type of “glorious appearing” when Dad got to the door.
How are you doing in the light of the expected appearing of our Saviour? Are you living in the light of His coming?
[ September 09, 2004, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: Bible-boy ]
The Teaching of Grace
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
(Titus 2v12-13)
Just a couple of brief thoughts this morning. I believe that Jesus Christ is coming back at any moment to receive his saints to glory. I think that Titus supports that and that in these verses the Holy Spirit instructs us in our we are to live in the light of that fact.
Verse 11 tells us that “the grace of God hath appeared” then verse 12-13 tell us what grace teaches us.
Grace teaches us to:
Live denying – we are told to deny ungodliness and worldly lust. Too often today Christians have found excuses to embracing rather than denying ungodliness. We are still called to a higher calling than the world around us.
Live soberly- under self-control
Live righteously – the original English word here is “rightwiseness” – living rightly
Live godly – a life which mimics God as opposed to worldly
Live looking – Everyday I am to live looking for blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
If I am living daily looking for His appearing then all the rest should fall into place. Years ago, when I was a child, we received word that my dad was coming home unexpectedly from Vietnam. He was at the airport only two hours away. Knowing he was on his way we were busy preparing for his return. We rushed to get haircuts, clean the house, and wash the cars. Then there was indeed a type of “glorious appearing” when Dad got to the door.
How are you doing in the light of the expected appearing of our Saviour? Are you living in the light of His coming?
[ September 09, 2004, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: Bible-boy ]
Friday, Sept 10, 2004
Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time...”
In the commercial world, we often hear the phrase, “time is money.” In the
farming community, it is, “Make hay while the sun shines.” In the Christian life, it
is “redeeming the time.”
One of the greatest thieves in industry is time. If one is hired by a company to
work for them, he or she is duty bound to do just that. Work for them. When we
fail in this area, we are literally stealing from the company. In farming, if one does
not harvest the hay whilst the sun shines, it will lose its food value as each day
passes. It might get wet, requiring more work to dry it before it can be baled and
harvested. Time is money.
The context of this verse is Paul talking about the Christian life. Verses 14-16:
“Wherefore it saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ
shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
You have been saved. You have been changed from death unto life, and it is time
to show this. Don’t waste precious time. We are to be about the Father’s business
while there is still day. Just how much time do we waste in the course of a day?
Take a moment to think about what you are doing to-day. It might alarm you at
how much time is wasted, when we could be productive in the dissemination of
God’s precious word.
Whilst driving one day, I had my car radio on and tuned to The Back to the Bible
broadcast from Nebraska. Theodore Epp was speaking and he offered this little
ditty about time”
“I have only one minute,
Sixty seconds in it,
Didn’t choose it,
Can’t refuse it,
Must give account if I abuse it;
And yet eternity is in it.”
And then C.H. Spurgeon wrote: “As soon as you know what your Lord would
have you to do, every moment of unnecessary delay is a sin.”
Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying there isn’t a time when we ought to slow
down, pause and think about what we are doing. As the carpenter says, “Measure
twice and cut once.” A time saver to be sure. A wise use of time and pause. We
can do this in our lives as well. That little hiatus from the routine. Far too many,
however, have minds preoccupied with holidays, time off, coffee breaks and the
like and too little time at work. It is the same in our Christian walk. We are on too
many coffee breaks and we need to reexamine our use of time in the service of the
Lord.
Lord, help us each one to take account of our time, that we might truly be servants
of the Lord.
Cheers,
Jim
Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time...”
In the commercial world, we often hear the phrase, “time is money.” In the
farming community, it is, “Make hay while the sun shines.” In the Christian life, it
is “redeeming the time.”
One of the greatest thieves in industry is time. If one is hired by a company to
work for them, he or she is duty bound to do just that. Work for them. When we
fail in this area, we are literally stealing from the company. In farming, if one does
not harvest the hay whilst the sun shines, it will lose its food value as each day
passes. It might get wet, requiring more work to dry it before it can be baled and
harvested. Time is money.
The context of this verse is Paul talking about the Christian life. Verses 14-16:
“Wherefore it saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ
shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
You have been saved. You have been changed from death unto life, and it is time
to show this. Don’t waste precious time. We are to be about the Father’s business
while there is still day. Just how much time do we waste in the course of a day?
Take a moment to think about what you are doing to-day. It might alarm you at
how much time is wasted, when we could be productive in the dissemination of
God’s precious word.
Whilst driving one day, I had my car radio on and tuned to The Back to the Bible
broadcast from Nebraska. Theodore Epp was speaking and he offered this little
ditty about time”
“I have only one minute,
Sixty seconds in it,
Didn’t choose it,
Can’t refuse it,
Must give account if I abuse it;
And yet eternity is in it.”
And then C.H. Spurgeon wrote: “As soon as you know what your Lord would
have you to do, every moment of unnecessary delay is a sin.”
Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying there isn’t a time when we ought to slow
down, pause and think about what we are doing. As the carpenter says, “Measure
twice and cut once.” A time saver to be sure. A wise use of time and pause. We
can do this in our lives as well. That little hiatus from the routine. Far too many,
however, have minds preoccupied with holidays, time off, coffee breaks and the
like and too little time at work. It is the same in our Christian walk. We are on too
many coffee breaks and we need to reexamine our use of time in the service of the
Lord.
Lord, help us each one to take account of our time, that we might truly be servants
of the Lord.
Cheers,
Jim
Saturday September 11, 2004
(John 1:4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
(John 1:5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Jesus was not only present “in the beginning,” but was active in the work of creation:
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. (Psa. 33:6) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Eph. 3:9) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Col. 1:16) And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Heb. 1:10)
He is also the source of all life: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us
” (1John 1-2)
He is the giver and the source of life. Also, realize that life began with God, not with some evolutionary process. John, in this Gospel, as well as his first epistle, will speak of three great attributes of God: life, light and love. Life and light are often within the context of the other. (John 3:15-18, 8:12, 1John 1:1-5).
Dr. Henry Morris defined "light" in relation to creation: "As the Spirit of God moved, so now the Word of God speaks in Genesis 1:3. The result is light, the energizing of the vast cosmos through the marvelous electro-magnetic force system which maintains all structures and processes in matter. These varied energies include not only visible light, but also all the short-wave radiation’s (ultra-violet, x-rays, etc.) and the long-wave radiation’s (infra-red, radio waves, etc.), as well as heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, molecular inter-actions, etc. 'Light,' the most basic form of energy, is mentioned specifically, but its existence necessarily implies the activation of all forms of electro-magnetic energies. Light was not created, since God Himself dwells in light." He goes on to say, "The existence of visible light prior to the establishment of the sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:16) emphasizes the fact that light (energy) is more fundamental than light givers."
(Dr Henry Morris, The Defenders Study Bible, p. 4)
1John 1:5: "This then is the message we have heard of Him, an declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."
The light is a "witness" to the darkness as it shines forth, but he darkness "comprehended it not." (John 3: 19-21)
Therefore, the second name used to describe Jesus as the Son of God is the light (1:4-9). As Dr. Morris said, light is "the most basic form of energy." Jesus, as the Light, displays Him as Omnipotent (All-powerful) Also notice that John wrote of scientific principles a long time before modern science figured it out!
It is curious that this should come up on this, the third anniversary of the horrific events in 2001. Last night on one of the news channels was a panel of people talking about the events of that day. One thing they all agreed on was the fact that those who do such things have no regard for the victims at all. Without the Light of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, man is in a dark state indeed.
(John 1:4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
(John 1:5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Jesus was not only present “in the beginning,” but was active in the work of creation:
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. (Psa. 33:6) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Eph. 3:9) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Col. 1:16) And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Heb. 1:10)
He is also the source of all life: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us
” (1John 1-2)He is the giver and the source of life. Also, realize that life began with God, not with some evolutionary process. John, in this Gospel, as well as his first epistle, will speak of three great attributes of God: life, light and love. Life and light are often within the context of the other. (John 3:15-18, 8:12, 1John 1:1-5).
Dr. Henry Morris defined "light" in relation to creation: "As the Spirit of God moved, so now the Word of God speaks in Genesis 1:3. The result is light, the energizing of the vast cosmos through the marvelous electro-magnetic force system which maintains all structures and processes in matter. These varied energies include not only visible light, but also all the short-wave radiation’s (ultra-violet, x-rays, etc.) and the long-wave radiation’s (infra-red, radio waves, etc.), as well as heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, molecular inter-actions, etc. 'Light,' the most basic form of energy, is mentioned specifically, but its existence necessarily implies the activation of all forms of electro-magnetic energies. Light was not created, since God Himself dwells in light." He goes on to say, "The existence of visible light prior to the establishment of the sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:16) emphasizes the fact that light (energy) is more fundamental than light givers."
(Dr Henry Morris, The Defenders Study Bible, p. 4)
1John 1:5: "This then is the message we have heard of Him, an declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."
The light is a "witness" to the darkness as it shines forth, but he darkness "comprehended it not." (John 3: 19-21)
Therefore, the second name used to describe Jesus as the Son of God is the light (1:4-9). As Dr. Morris said, light is "the most basic form of energy." Jesus, as the Light, displays Him as Omnipotent (All-powerful) Also notice that John wrote of scientific principles a long time before modern science figured it out!
It is curious that this should come up on this, the third anniversary of the horrific events in 2001. Last night on one of the news channels was a panel of people talking about the events of that day. One thing they all agreed on was the fact that those who do such things have no regard for the victims at all. Without the Light of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, man is in a dark state indeed.
(John 1:6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
(John 1:7) The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
(John 1:8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
H.A. Ironside says: “Now John came for a witness. That is what every minister should be-a witness. A witness does not tell the things he thinks, but the things he knows. He came for a witness-to bear witness of the light. Does light need a witness? Yes, in a dark world like this, where men are blind. They cannot see, and they need a witness to the fact that light has come. John knew that the world was blind and he came to tell men of the Light, and the wonderful thing was this: when men received and believed the message, they lost their blindness and were able to see. They beheld Christ, the Light, “that all men through Him might believe.” (John p. 24-25)
John never claimed to be the Messiah, nor did he perceive himself to be Elijah. Yet, there are passages referring to him as Elijah:
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.” (Mat. 11-14)
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.” (Mat. 17: 11-12)
“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)
His ministry was to fulfill the prophecy of Isa. 40:3,4, and of Malachi 3:1.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:” (Isa. 40:3-4)
“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Mal. 3:1)
(John 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
(John 1:10) He was in the world, and he made the world, and the world knew him not.
(John 1:11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
(John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Jesus is not just any light, but that "true Light", He becomes a witness to every man. Creation declares that there is a God:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Psa. 19:1-6)
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Rom 1: 19-20)
The Scriptures revealed God. Romans. 2:14-16 tells us that even without the Bible our conscience will bear witness.
Yet, though God came to man, His creation, mankind (1:10 "the world") refused to know Him. Some, however, made the right choice and received Him as their Savior. They recognized Jesus as their Messiah and welcomed Him into their hearts. To these believers, the promise of spiritual adoption is given. These believer have the "power" or authority to be legally added to God's family! Verse 13 of chapter 1 tells us that the spiritual birth does not occur because of ancestry, or human desire. It is God's will that we become the "sons of God."
(John 1:7) The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
(John 1:8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
H.A. Ironside says: “Now John came for a witness. That is what every minister should be-a witness. A witness does not tell the things he thinks, but the things he knows. He came for a witness-to bear witness of the light. Does light need a witness? Yes, in a dark world like this, where men are blind. They cannot see, and they need a witness to the fact that light has come. John knew that the world was blind and he came to tell men of the Light, and the wonderful thing was this: when men received and believed the message, they lost their blindness and were able to see. They beheld Christ, the Light, “that all men through Him might believe.” (John p. 24-25)
John never claimed to be the Messiah, nor did he perceive himself to be Elijah. Yet, there are passages referring to him as Elijah:
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.” (Mat. 11-14)
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.” (Mat. 17: 11-12)
“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)
His ministry was to fulfill the prophecy of Isa. 40:3,4, and of Malachi 3:1.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:” (Isa. 40:3-4)
“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Mal. 3:1)
(John 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
(John 1:10) He was in the world, and he made the world, and the world knew him not.
(John 1:11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
(John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Jesus is not just any light, but that "true Light", He becomes a witness to every man. Creation declares that there is a God:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Psa. 19:1-6)
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Rom 1: 19-20)
The Scriptures revealed God. Romans. 2:14-16 tells us that even without the Bible our conscience will bear witness.
Yet, though God came to man, His creation, mankind (1:10 "the world") refused to know Him. Some, however, made the right choice and received Him as their Savior. They recognized Jesus as their Messiah and welcomed Him into their hearts. To these believers, the promise of spiritual adoption is given. These believer have the "power" or authority to be legally added to God's family! Verse 13 of chapter 1 tells us that the spiritual birth does not occur because of ancestry, or human desire. It is God's will that we become the "sons of God."
This is my last devotional until October 2 due to vacation. I'll be around the next few days, but I leave next weekend. My prayers are with Jim and Roger, as well as all of you.
At a Church I used to attend we always parted from the service by saying in unison to each other the quotation from Genesis 31:49.
And so I say to you:
"May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from another."
At a Church I used to attend we always parted from the service by saying in unison to each other the quotation from Genesis 31:49.
And so I say to you:
"May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from another."
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Thanks for your contributions Charles, enjoy your holiday.
Monday, 13th September, 2004
While reading Defoe recently I came across this thought by Crusoe that stirred my thoughts. As everyone knows, the story of Crusoe is that is alone on an island for over twenty years. In the story he comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through reading the Scriptures and from that point his view of his condition changes. Crusoe had reached a conclusion that many of us never fully comprehend.
First, “In whatsoever state I am therewith to be content,” “Be content with such things as ye have,” and “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
I fear that contentment is a lost art in the Church today. In many cases we have swallowed the world’s line that “more is better.” Contentment is vital before we can ever really be faithful servants of our Lord
Second, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Contentment and gratitude go hand in hand. May we like Crusoe, stop comparing ourselves with those who have more, learn to be content with what we have and express gratitude to the God who has given us so much. Hebrews 5v6, quoted above, says in its context with verse 6 “…be content with such things as ye have, for he [Christ] hath said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’”
Let each of us, by the grace of God, adopt a Crusoe-like attitude about our possessions, or lack of them.
Monday, 13th September, 2004
Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe
While reading Defoe recently I came across this thought by Crusoe that stirred my thoughts. As everyone knows, the story of Crusoe is that is alone on an island for over twenty years. In the story he comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through reading the Scriptures and from that point his view of his condition changes. Crusoe had reached a conclusion that many of us never fully comprehend.
First, “In whatsoever state I am therewith to be content,” “Be content with such things as ye have,” and “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
I fear that contentment is a lost art in the Church today. In many cases we have swallowed the world’s line that “more is better.” Contentment is vital before we can ever really be faithful servants of our Lord
Second, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Contentment and gratitude go hand in hand. May we like Crusoe, stop comparing ourselves with those who have more, learn to be content with what we have and express gratitude to the God who has given us so much. Hebrews 5v6, quoted above, says in its context with verse 6 “…be content with such things as ye have, for he [Christ] hath said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’”
Let each of us, by the grace of God, adopt a Crusoe-like attitude about our possessions, or lack of them.
Tuesday, Sept 14, 2004
Ephesians 4:26
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
Anger takes three forms. One, we get angry at ourselves; foolish things we do
causing personal disdain and discomfort. Two, we get angry at people who offend
us on a personal level. Three, we express anger at those things and people which
offend the things of God.
The first usually does no harm and we adjust the way we do things. It only
becomes harmful when we allow this personal anger to affect how we relate to
people whilst in that state of anger.
The third is justified and should be a temporary anger to express how precious are
the things of God. Soon we realize the world is bound to show disrespect for the
things pertaining to God. It is their very nature, and we ought to show love so as
not to prove their thesis. The old cliche is used here, “We hate the sin, but love the
sinner.” Would to God that cliche were true, but far too often many believers have
great difficulty separating the sinner from the sin. I once took a class of future
ministers down to the lower end of Kingston. Here we would cross paths with the
prostitutes and drunks. Seeing a drunk sitting on the curb, drunk as a skunk and
filthy to boot, I asked the students who would go and sit beside this drunk and put
their arm around his shoulders and tell him that he is loved. One student said
straight off that he could never do that. Isn’t that what the gospel is all about? Do
we only culture those who show some prospect of being an upstanding member of
the local church? We are to love the unlovely. “Be angry and sin not, but let not
the sun settle on your anger.” We are right to be angry at the vices of sin, but we
are not right to be angry at the abuser, the sinner, the troubled and injured soul the
good Samaritan picked up and carried to a place of refuge and repair.
The second form of anger is when we harbour bad feelings for a brother or sister
in the Lord. The fact is, we are the one’s who suffer. The target of our anger often
isn’t even aware of the fact we are angry, and the anger affects us directly. It halts
our spiritual development and our peace in Christ.
Paul is quoting the psalm in this passage. Psalm 4:4 “Stand in awe, and sin not.”
“Be angry and sin not...” The psalmist goes on to say, “Commune with your own
heart...and be still.” And Paul says, “ Let not the sun settle on your wrath.”
Don’t harbour this sin of anger. Allow it to pass. Commune with your own heart. It
is a personal sin and you better deal with it. Mr. Spurgeon calls it a “selfish
resentment.” He goes on to say, “One of the hardest things in the world is to be
angry and sin not.”
Lord, help us to known when anger is appropriate, but more so, teach us to know
the grace of forgiveness so that we shall be angry and sin not.
Cheers,
Jim
Ephesians 4:26
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
Anger takes three forms. One, we get angry at ourselves; foolish things we do
causing personal disdain and discomfort. Two, we get angry at people who offend
us on a personal level. Three, we express anger at those things and people which
offend the things of God.
The first usually does no harm and we adjust the way we do things. It only
becomes harmful when we allow this personal anger to affect how we relate to
people whilst in that state of anger.
The third is justified and should be a temporary anger to express how precious are
the things of God. Soon we realize the world is bound to show disrespect for the
things pertaining to God. It is their very nature, and we ought to show love so as
not to prove their thesis. The old cliche is used here, “We hate the sin, but love the
sinner.” Would to God that cliche were true, but far too often many believers have
great difficulty separating the sinner from the sin. I once took a class of future
ministers down to the lower end of Kingston. Here we would cross paths with the
prostitutes and drunks. Seeing a drunk sitting on the curb, drunk as a skunk and
filthy to boot, I asked the students who would go and sit beside this drunk and put
their arm around his shoulders and tell him that he is loved. One student said
straight off that he could never do that. Isn’t that what the gospel is all about? Do
we only culture those who show some prospect of being an upstanding member of
the local church? We are to love the unlovely. “Be angry and sin not, but let not
the sun settle on your anger.” We are right to be angry at the vices of sin, but we
are not right to be angry at the abuser, the sinner, the troubled and injured soul the
good Samaritan picked up and carried to a place of refuge and repair.
The second form of anger is when we harbour bad feelings for a brother or sister
in the Lord. The fact is, we are the one’s who suffer. The target of our anger often
isn’t even aware of the fact we are angry, and the anger affects us directly. It halts
our spiritual development and our peace in Christ.
Paul is quoting the psalm in this passage. Psalm 4:4 “Stand in awe, and sin not.”
“Be angry and sin not...” The psalmist goes on to say, “Commune with your own
heart...and be still.” And Paul says, “ Let not the sun settle on your wrath.”
Don’t harbour this sin of anger. Allow it to pass. Commune with your own heart. It
is a personal sin and you better deal with it. Mr. Spurgeon calls it a “selfish
resentment.” He goes on to say, “One of the hardest things in the world is to be
angry and sin not.”
Lord, help us to known when anger is appropriate, but more so, teach us to know
the grace of forgiveness so that we shall be angry and sin not.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Wednesday, 15th September, 2004
Daniel 4v37
1) He is the King of heaven
2) All His works are truth
3) All of His way are just
4) He is able to bring down the proud
There are several things we could ask ourselves about what Nebuchadnezzar learned.
First
God is King, not us. Christians much too often usurp God’s authority and place themselves on the throne instead of Him. We do this whenever we choose to do things our way instead of God’s way.
Second
God’s works are the true works. All else is false. Men still question the truth of what God says. It goes back to “Yea, hath God said?”
Third
All of God’s way are just and equitable. His way is ALWAYS right no matter how we perceive it.
Fourth
The denial of these truths is the epitome of pride, which God is able to bring down.
What great comfort it should be to us to know that we have a totally sovereign God Who is in control.
When combined with the truth that “God is love” and that “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” we should, by the grace of God be able to stand no matter what situations or circumstances may come our way.
Lord, help me to acknowledge your perfect Kingship in my life, and to comprehend that everything You do in my life is right.
Daniel 4v37
After Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling experience he was forced to acknowledge a few things about God.
1) He is the King of heaven
2) All His works are truth
3) All of His way are just
4) He is able to bring down the proud
There are several things we could ask ourselves about what Nebuchadnezzar learned.
First
God is King, not us. Christians much too often usurp God’s authority and place themselves on the throne instead of Him. We do this whenever we choose to do things our way instead of God’s way.
Second
God’s works are the true works. All else is false. Men still question the truth of what God says. It goes back to “Yea, hath God said?”
Third
All of God’s way are just and equitable. His way is ALWAYS right no matter how we perceive it.
Fourth
The denial of these truths is the epitome of pride, which God is able to bring down.
What great comfort it should be to us to know that we have a totally sovereign God Who is in control.
When combined with the truth that “God is love” and that “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” we should, by the grace of God be able to stand no matter what situations or circumstances may come our way.
Lord, help me to acknowledge your perfect Kingship in my life, and to comprehend that everything You do in my life is right.