In our discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, one of the materials we use is the Self-Confrontation Manual developed by John C. Broger. One of the major points of emphasis is how Christians must choose between man's way and God's way in our daily lives. In Lesson 2 page 4, a profound statement is made concerning how walking with Christ should affect our perspective. The top of page 33 states concerning a Holy Spirit-filled believer: "You are now enabled to see that God uses trials and problems as opportunities for spiritual growth." Only God can grant man such spiritual insight. We see problems as obstacles and hindrances, yet every one provides an opportunity for us to grow.
What the world may see as a "setback" is actually the means God employs to cause us to progress in faith and maturity. Our failures and faults can be redeemed for our good and growth. Only God can use our mistakes and troubles of this life to accomplish ultimate will. Romans 5:1-5 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
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through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
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And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
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and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
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Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Peace with God does not depend on our circumstances, but on His unwavering character and unrelenting love. For those who are born again through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ, He has become our peace. He is our peace regardless if the world seems to be crashing down all around us. Through Him we have access "into this grace in which we stand" and can rejoice with assurance He will be glorified. We can rejoice even in trials and difficulties, knowing God will redeem them to bolster our growth and refine our character. Not even our mistakes can separate us from the love of God graciously given us though faith in Jesus and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
When I notice a "problem," my instinctive response is to think, "I need to do something!" Instead of seeing problems as a hindrance, through the lens of faith we can say with confidence God is doing something - something profound, good, and glorious. The assurance of our hope is solid as Christ's love. Nobody wants problems, but when we recognise God will redeem them we can rejoice in His faithfulness to redeem. When we commit our problems to the LORD in obedience, recognising He is LORD of all and in control, we lay hold of an invaluable opportunity to grow and glorify God!
16 February 2015
14 February 2015
Progress Brings Opposition
The book of Nehemiah has many great spiritual parallels for the Christian. Jerusalem was the place God had chosen to place His name, and the enemies of God's people were mobilised when they perceived progress was being made in the restoration of the city. I believe the same rings true of the enemy of our souls when we come to Christ in faith - not only at conversion, but when we take steps to progress in sanctification. Job's uprightness had not gone unnoticed by Satan who schemed for his destruction. Jesus revealed Satan desired to "sift Peter as wheat," knowing God had a plan to use him to advance God's kingdom. Leonard Ravenhill said that Paul was "known in hell" based upon the words of the demon when the sons of Sceva tried to drive him out: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" We are in a spiritual battle, and we are called to be vigilant and courageous, knowing Jesus Christ has granted us the ultimate victory.
It is a great privilege to read the word of God, and a useful practice to read through it regularly. In this way we receive the whole counsel of God, being reminded of truths we already know, learn new things, and receive fresh personal application as well. Satan does not need to expend much effort or resources on tripping up the nominal Christian, one who is a Christian in word but not in deed - especially one who is not in the Word or regular fellowship. But when there is renewed resolve and obedience in following Jesus Christ, it no doubt grabs his attention. Nehemiah 4:7-9 shows us how the enemies of God's children responded when they saw progress being made in Jerusalem: "Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night." Nehemiah knew people were plotting to attack and confuse them. Did that cause Nehemiah to reconsider building the walls? Nope. He took his concerns to God in prayer, and set a watch against the enemy. The order is important. He didn't fix his eyes upon the enemy and lift reactionary prayers to God. He fixed his eyes primarily upon God, and then set a watch over the affairs of his life.
Should we be afraid, seeing Satan is compared to a roaring lion seeking to devour us as prey? Yes, but we should never fear Satan: we must fear God, the King who has overcome! Solomon says at the end of Ecclesiastes we are to fear God and keep His commandments. We love God because He first loved us. God who indwells us is greater than any enemy we could ever face in this world. 1 John 4:14-15 says, "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper, for God fights for those whose hearts are loyal to Him. What boldness, confidence, assurance, and strength is found through faith in God! It is His work, and He will be faithful to bring it to completion despite any opposition.
It is a great privilege to read the word of God, and a useful practice to read through it regularly. In this way we receive the whole counsel of God, being reminded of truths we already know, learn new things, and receive fresh personal application as well. Satan does not need to expend much effort or resources on tripping up the nominal Christian, one who is a Christian in word but not in deed - especially one who is not in the Word or regular fellowship. But when there is renewed resolve and obedience in following Jesus Christ, it no doubt grabs his attention. Nehemiah 4:7-9 shows us how the enemies of God's children responded when they saw progress being made in Jerusalem: "Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night." Nehemiah knew people were plotting to attack and confuse them. Did that cause Nehemiah to reconsider building the walls? Nope. He took his concerns to God in prayer, and set a watch against the enemy. The order is important. He didn't fix his eyes upon the enemy and lift reactionary prayers to God. He fixed his eyes primarily upon God, and then set a watch over the affairs of his life.
Should we be afraid, seeing Satan is compared to a roaring lion seeking to devour us as prey? Yes, but we should never fear Satan: we must fear God, the King who has overcome! Solomon says at the end of Ecclesiastes we are to fear God and keep His commandments. We love God because He first loved us. God who indwells us is greater than any enemy we could ever face in this world. 1 John 4:14-15 says, "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper, for God fights for those whose hearts are loyal to Him. What boldness, confidence, assurance, and strength is found through faith in God! It is His work, and He will be faithful to bring it to completion despite any opposition.
11 February 2015
Sorry, Not Enough
Have you ever done wrong and felt sorry about it? When it comes to setting things right, feeling sorry is often the first step in repentance. The pricking of our conscience should lead to a changed mind which admits we have done wrong. Merely admitting guilt still stops short of repentance, a necessary step to be forgiven by God. Repentance begins with a changed mind and a renewed heart according to God's Word, resulting in intentional lifestyle changes which agree with God.
There is a practical example seen in the book of Ezra. Ezra the priest was astonished when he heard a report from the princes that many of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from captivity in the Babylon had transgressed God's command in marrying foreign wives. The rulers, ones who were called to lead righteously in obeying the Word, were primarily to blame. Ezra 10:1 says, "Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly." The people guilty of disobedience were remorseful, sorry for what they had done. Ezra 10:2-4 continues: "And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, spoke up and said to Ezra, "We have trespassed against our God, and have taken pagan wives from the peoples of the land; yet now there is hope in Israel in spite of this. 3 Now therefore, let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and those who have been born to them, according to the advice of my master and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 4 Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it."
The people were sorrowful over their sin, but they remained hopeless to be forgiven without repentance. As long as they remained in their sinful lifestyle, they remained condemned. No amount of sacrifices could make them acceptable before God if they merely stayed sorry. Yet Shechaniah had words of hope for the people who had sinned. In spite of their willful disobedience, they had an opportunity set before them to be forgiven and restored to a righteous standing before God. The issue of intermarriage was not a racial problem, but a spiritual one. Marriage to foreign people was permitted under the Law as long as they converted to Judaism. Those who refused to enter into God's covenant with His people needed to be released from their marriages so the nation could be united before God in obedience and submission. It would be brutally difficult and horrendous to have to put them away, even as Abraham sent away Hagar and his beloved Ishmael. The point which stands out from this passage is being sorry, even admitting our guilt before God with many tears, is not enough to warrant restoration before our Father in heaven. We must repent, choose to reject sinful practices at any cost, and do what is right.
God's people are responsible to obey Him, and when He brings to our attention we are in sin we must take appropriate steps to forsake it. Allowing sinful practices to remain in our lives perpetuates a cycle of guilt without true repentance. As followers of Jesus Christ we are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but this does not mean we should continue in sin. Sorrow over sin is a good start, but stopping short of repentance only increases damage. Romans 6:1-4 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Sin is a merciless killer, and sinful practices in our lives must be dealt with severely without mercy. Our loyalty must be to God, not to idols or worldly loves.
No matter what we have done, there is hope for us through Jesus Christ if we will confess our sin, repent, and receive forgiveness according to His grace. It is not by our efforts to clean up our lives which avails anything, but the shed blood of Christ which through faith cleanses us of sin. Through Christ we can experience newness of life today if we will put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man through faith in Jesus. We should be sorry when we sin, but we must go further and repent fully by removing the source of sin from our lifestyle. Praise the LORD for His redemptive, restoring work enabled in each who believe through the Holy Spirit!
There is a practical example seen in the book of Ezra. Ezra the priest was astonished when he heard a report from the princes that many of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from captivity in the Babylon had transgressed God's command in marrying foreign wives. The rulers, ones who were called to lead righteously in obeying the Word, were primarily to blame. Ezra 10:1 says, "Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly." The people guilty of disobedience were remorseful, sorry for what they had done. Ezra 10:2-4 continues: "And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, spoke up and said to Ezra, "We have trespassed against our God, and have taken pagan wives from the peoples of the land; yet now there is hope in Israel in spite of this. 3 Now therefore, let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and those who have been born to them, according to the advice of my master and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 4 Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it."
The people were sorrowful over their sin, but they remained hopeless to be forgiven without repentance. As long as they remained in their sinful lifestyle, they remained condemned. No amount of sacrifices could make them acceptable before God if they merely stayed sorry. Yet Shechaniah had words of hope for the people who had sinned. In spite of their willful disobedience, they had an opportunity set before them to be forgiven and restored to a righteous standing before God. The issue of intermarriage was not a racial problem, but a spiritual one. Marriage to foreign people was permitted under the Law as long as they converted to Judaism. Those who refused to enter into God's covenant with His people needed to be released from their marriages so the nation could be united before God in obedience and submission. It would be brutally difficult and horrendous to have to put them away, even as Abraham sent away Hagar and his beloved Ishmael. The point which stands out from this passage is being sorry, even admitting our guilt before God with many tears, is not enough to warrant restoration before our Father in heaven. We must repent, choose to reject sinful practices at any cost, and do what is right.
God's people are responsible to obey Him, and when He brings to our attention we are in sin we must take appropriate steps to forsake it. Allowing sinful practices to remain in our lives perpetuates a cycle of guilt without true repentance. As followers of Jesus Christ we are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but this does not mean we should continue in sin. Sorrow over sin is a good start, but stopping short of repentance only increases damage. Romans 6:1-4 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Sin is a merciless killer, and sinful practices in our lives must be dealt with severely without mercy. Our loyalty must be to God, not to idols or worldly loves.
No matter what we have done, there is hope for us through Jesus Christ if we will confess our sin, repent, and receive forgiveness according to His grace. It is not by our efforts to clean up our lives which avails anything, but the shed blood of Christ which through faith cleanses us of sin. Through Christ we can experience newness of life today if we will put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man through faith in Jesus. We should be sorry when we sin, but we must go further and repent fully by removing the source of sin from our lifestyle. Praise the LORD for His redemptive, restoring work enabled in each who believe through the Holy Spirit!
09 February 2015
Suffer No Hunger
Some view God as an overbearing ruler, seeking at every turn to deprive people of fun and enjoyment. This view of God is like an ignorant child who turns up his nose at unfamiliar food. It is ironic a picky eater who refuses good food at the table may poison himself later that day by drinking household chemicals found under the kitchen sink! Idolatry is more dangerous and deadly than poison. Even as a child who must trust their parents to obey their encouragement to "try" the food placed before them, so all people are called to trust God. God does not deprive people of anything. You can drink the poison supplied by this world if you like. God has warned us, and if we are intent on self-destruction God will not force us to adopt His ways. But if we desire what is good, we must choose to trust God and do what pleases Him. Thankfully the atoning blood of Christ atones for our sins as the only antidote to save our souls.
Throughout God's history with His people, there was a recurring theme they did not listen to God. They chose to reject God's way and He allowed them to go their own way with disastrous results. Isn't it ironic God's own people chose to reject God's commands given to them? Psalm 81:8-14 says, "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! 9 There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. 10 I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 "But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. 12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. 13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries." God longs greatly that people would listen to Him and obey. He has been faithful to deliver His people from bondage, sin, and death. How sad it is when we who have experienced His deliverance would so quickly turn from Him and follow after idols which cannot save or satisfy. He says, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Like a chef supplying gourmet delicacies we have never seen or tasted before, God has good things to fill us with and satisfy our souls.
Looking at food stops far short of tasting it for ourselves. Eating involves all our major senses. The flavour is enhanced with delicious aromas. Quality food doesn't just look tasty, but has the correct texture: chewy, crunchy, fluffy, or smooth. Tasting food yourself is a personal experience, and trusting and obeying Christ is also a series of personal choices. David was a man who had experienced God's deliverance and salvation. David once made the mistake of seeking aid from his enemy, and when he realised his error he was struck with fear. He pretended to be crazy before the king, scratching on the walls and allowed saliva to run down his beard. After he was saved from that sticky and embarrassing situation, David proclaimed the goodness of God. He wrote following the incident in Psalm 34:1-10: "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. "
There is nothing better than being loved by God and loving Him back, trusting and obeying His Word. Have you tasted and seen for yourself that the LORD is good? With David I can say truly, "Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! There is no want to those who fear Him." Shut the door on the equivalent of corrosive chemical cleaners you've been eyeing under the sink - those idols and sinful practices which can only destroy - and feed on God's faithfulness instead. Open your mouth wide in faith, and God will fill it. Those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
Throughout God's history with His people, there was a recurring theme they did not listen to God. They chose to reject God's way and He allowed them to go their own way with disastrous results. Isn't it ironic God's own people chose to reject God's commands given to them? Psalm 81:8-14 says, "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! 9 There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. 10 I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 "But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. 12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. 13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries." God longs greatly that people would listen to Him and obey. He has been faithful to deliver His people from bondage, sin, and death. How sad it is when we who have experienced His deliverance would so quickly turn from Him and follow after idols which cannot save or satisfy. He says, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Like a chef supplying gourmet delicacies we have never seen or tasted before, God has good things to fill us with and satisfy our souls.
Looking at food stops far short of tasting it for ourselves. Eating involves all our major senses. The flavour is enhanced with delicious aromas. Quality food doesn't just look tasty, but has the correct texture: chewy, crunchy, fluffy, or smooth. Tasting food yourself is a personal experience, and trusting and obeying Christ is also a series of personal choices. David was a man who had experienced God's deliverance and salvation. David once made the mistake of seeking aid from his enemy, and when he realised his error he was struck with fear. He pretended to be crazy before the king, scratching on the walls and allowed saliva to run down his beard. After he was saved from that sticky and embarrassing situation, David proclaimed the goodness of God. He wrote following the incident in Psalm 34:1-10: "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. "
There is nothing better than being loved by God and loving Him back, trusting and obeying His Word. Have you tasted and seen for yourself that the LORD is good? With David I can say truly, "Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! There is no want to those who fear Him." Shut the door on the equivalent of corrosive chemical cleaners you've been eyeing under the sink - those idols and sinful practices which can only destroy - and feed on God's faithfulness instead. Open your mouth wide in faith, and God will fill it. Those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
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