Luke 17:1-4
Jesus warns here that temptations to sin are inevitable, however, that is not excuse for the one through whom they come (vs. 1-2). Our tendency would be to skim over these four verses, thinking that we surely do not introduce sins or encourage sin in people's lives. But this is clearly not what he is referring to, since he goes on to tell us to rebuke those who are in sin and to forgive without limit (vs. 3-4). Now that we have received these commands from Jesus, we sin by neglecting them or justifying them away (James 4:17). So many times we overlook sins in the lives of others thinking that is love, to overlook their wrongs, and not to judge them. However, true love holds accountable and overlooks wrongs committed against oneself (forgiveness), not overlooks sin that is consuming and killing another (I John 5:16). We rationalize confrontation by wanting to avoid those awkward moments or not appear judgmental or unmerciful thereby showing patience and love. But it is in love of self, not others that these desires are born. We fear others and their responses to us rather than fear God and his commands. To see a brother immersed in sin and ignore it is to choose self over brother, to condone his sin by our silence, and to usher in temptations to sin by our letting our brother continue in it with conscience seared, ultimately to sin against God and disobey his commands (II Thessalonians 3:15; Titus 3:10; Matthew 18:15-17). Godly confrontation of sin is born, not out of judgement, but out of love for God, by obeying his commands, and out of love for our brother. We also forgive without regard. We forgive because of the forgiveness that we have received from Jesus, it is a reflection (Ephesians 4:32; Luke 7:47). Our lack of forgiveness demonstrates a lack of forgiveness experienced. We are quick to hold on to petty "hurts" when Christ has forgiven our innumerable and gross sins, even while we remained dead and unrepentant (Romans 5:8). How can we hold grudges against one another in light of Jesus' mercy towards us? Our sins against one another are nothing in light of our sins against a holy God, so also our forgiveness pales in comparison (Matthew 18:21-35). There is no excuse to ever withhold forgiveness from another, not matter how major they may seem. With the same measure of forgiveness we offer, the same will be reciprocated to us by God (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:35), because one stems from the other. If one is absent then the other is absent as well. Do not deceive yourselves into thinking otherwise. Are we lacking in forgiveness? Then do not try and muster up more. Rather, go to Jesus and seek to what degree you have experienced and embraced his forgiveness, because he is the source of forgiveness, and it is in our receiving from him that we in turn forgive others (Luke 7:41-47). To ignore either of these commands (to confront others in their sin and to forgive always) is to violate Jesus' commands and to usher in sin to those around us, and Jesus says it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and cast into the sea (vs. 2). Do not take this lightly, both of these are absolutely essential to our christian testimonies and walks, thus the reason he gives such a drastic alternative (millstone) and the phrase "Pay attention to yourselves!". Do we have the heart of Jesus in these matters? If not, we are risking ultimate deception (Matthew 5:25).
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Forceful Entry
Luke 16:14-17
Jesus has just warned the Pharisees of the dangers of accumulating wealth. There is the tendency to begin to trust in it and rely on it to the point of choosing it over Christ as your master. You begin serving it and devoting yourself to its accumulation as opposed to serving and devoting yourself to God (vs. 10-13). The Pharisees, however, had fallen into this trap. They were both lovers of money and "lovers" of God, or so they thought (vs. 14). They viewed themselves as having God as their true master, while also indulging in luxurious wealth and earthly treasure. Clearly they did not intentionally and purposely choose wealth over God, but justified themselves in their own eyes and those of the people, reckoning one could have both and be without division between the two. They did not have to choose, as Jesus said they did, they could combine them both together in harmony. They felt justified in this, it made sense, it had the appearance of meshing together and the people accepted it. But Jesus warns them that the very justifications that appealed them to men, condemned them before God. Just because it works here on earth and is accepted by the masses is not validity before God, in fact it should cause concern because what we like and accept is opposite from what God values and accepts (vs.15). How could they so clearly violate Jesus' words and justify themselves apart from obeying him? He spelled it out so clearly for them and yet they remained disobedient. They felt justified because they considered themselves to be "Children of Abraham", law-abiding, holy religious leaders who gave generously, attended temple constantly, prayed and converted people (Luke 11:39-42; Matthew 23:15, 23-28), all the while maintaining their religious standards (law). They could have their indulgent wealth as long as they continued to keep these laws given to them and remained legally "pure". They were trying to force their way into the kingdom of heaven through law-following (vs. 16). Jesus reminds them that if one so chooses law as his means to heaven, he will be judged according to it and every single ordinance and act must line up perfectly, not one mistake is overlooked or accepted. There are no exceptions or allowances (vs. 17; Galations 5:2-4), which condemns all men under law (Galations 2:16). If they want to maintain their wealth and earthly riches and possessions and continue to rely on the law and their own means of righteousness as entrance, then so be it, but they have chosen their master, despising the other (vs.13), trying to force their way into heaven apart from Jesus. Have we not done the same thing? We prefer our possessions and wealth and worldly treasures, refusing to give them up, so we justify them and trust in our godly appearance and behavior (i.e. law) as proof of our righteousness in Christ, which is no more than counting on Old Testament law as our means of righteousness before God, the same as the Pharisees. We just have slightly different sets of laws. Instead of a sacrificial system, we adhere to the law of "asking Jesus into our heart". Our offerings are now church attendance, sunday school, tithing 10 %, and avoiding major sins instead of rams, bulls, sheep and goats. We too have justified ourselves and our indulgences in our own eyes and the eyes of those around us, thereby actually appealing to the favor of the lost world, the same as the Pharisees, which Jesus said should be a clear sign of warning to us (vs. 15), not a sign of God's blessings and workings. We who are "under the blood of Christ" have in actuality divorced ourselves from Christ and committed adultery against him, by "choosing" both him and this world, i.e. law (vs. 18; Galations 5:2-4). This is all given in a vivid illustration in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (vs. 19-31). This rich man lives in self-indulgence, thinking he is a Child of Abraham, destined to the kingdom of heaven (vs. 19, 24-25). When he is exposed as having chosen his master (by his selfish indulgence and ignoring the helpless while still maintaining his religion) he pleads for a prophet to be sent back to his family to warn them so they do not suffer the same fate as he has (vs. 27). Abraham reminds him that they already have their sign in the form of the prophets of old, and if this will not open their eyes then there is no hope (vs. 29, 31). What is it we are waiting for to open our eyes to our having chosen our master in the form of earthly wealth and treasure? Why do we still believe we can have both? We have Jesus' clear words of warning, Old Testament warnings, and New Testament warnings from the disciples. Do we seek some sign from heaven, someone arising from the dead before we repent (vs. 30)? We are warned against this mentality (Matthew 16:4), and told that we already have our sign in the form of God's word. But have we simply heard it but not understood it (Matthew 13:14-15)? Have we embraced treasure in this world, combined with treasure in the next? Have we ignored the gospel's warning against this, instead justifying ourselves in man's eyes? Have we relied on "modern day law" as our path to force our way into heaven, refuting grace (Galations 5:2-4)? Are we the present-day Rich Man and Pharisees ignoring Jesus in the form of Lazarus (Matthew 25:45)? Have we have made our choice?
Jesus has just warned the Pharisees of the dangers of accumulating wealth. There is the tendency to begin to trust in it and rely on it to the point of choosing it over Christ as your master. You begin serving it and devoting yourself to its accumulation as opposed to serving and devoting yourself to God (vs. 10-13). The Pharisees, however, had fallen into this trap. They were both lovers of money and "lovers" of God, or so they thought (vs. 14). They viewed themselves as having God as their true master, while also indulging in luxurious wealth and earthly treasure. Clearly they did not intentionally and purposely choose wealth over God, but justified themselves in their own eyes and those of the people, reckoning one could have both and be without division between the two. They did not have to choose, as Jesus said they did, they could combine them both together in harmony. They felt justified in this, it made sense, it had the appearance of meshing together and the people accepted it. But Jesus warns them that the very justifications that appealed them to men, condemned them before God. Just because it works here on earth and is accepted by the masses is not validity before God, in fact it should cause concern because what we like and accept is opposite from what God values and accepts (vs.15). How could they so clearly violate Jesus' words and justify themselves apart from obeying him? He spelled it out so clearly for them and yet they remained disobedient. They felt justified because they considered themselves to be "Children of Abraham", law-abiding, holy religious leaders who gave generously, attended temple constantly, prayed and converted people (Luke 11:39-42; Matthew 23:15, 23-28), all the while maintaining their religious standards (law). They could have their indulgent wealth as long as they continued to keep these laws given to them and remained legally "pure". They were trying to force their way into the kingdom of heaven through law-following (vs. 16). Jesus reminds them that if one so chooses law as his means to heaven, he will be judged according to it and every single ordinance and act must line up perfectly, not one mistake is overlooked or accepted. There are no exceptions or allowances (vs. 17; Galations 5:2-4), which condemns all men under law (Galations 2:16). If they want to maintain their wealth and earthly riches and possessions and continue to rely on the law and their own means of righteousness as entrance, then so be it, but they have chosen their master, despising the other (vs.13), trying to force their way into heaven apart from Jesus. Have we not done the same thing? We prefer our possessions and wealth and worldly treasures, refusing to give them up, so we justify them and trust in our godly appearance and behavior (i.e. law) as proof of our righteousness in Christ, which is no more than counting on Old Testament law as our means of righteousness before God, the same as the Pharisees. We just have slightly different sets of laws. Instead of a sacrificial system, we adhere to the law of "asking Jesus into our heart". Our offerings are now church attendance, sunday school, tithing 10 %, and avoiding major sins instead of rams, bulls, sheep and goats. We too have justified ourselves and our indulgences in our own eyes and the eyes of those around us, thereby actually appealing to the favor of the lost world, the same as the Pharisees, which Jesus said should be a clear sign of warning to us (vs. 15), not a sign of God's blessings and workings. We who are "under the blood of Christ" have in actuality divorced ourselves from Christ and committed adultery against him, by "choosing" both him and this world, i.e. law (vs. 18; Galations 5:2-4). This is all given in a vivid illustration in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (vs. 19-31). This rich man lives in self-indulgence, thinking he is a Child of Abraham, destined to the kingdom of heaven (vs. 19, 24-25). When he is exposed as having chosen his master (by his selfish indulgence and ignoring the helpless while still maintaining his religion) he pleads for a prophet to be sent back to his family to warn them so they do not suffer the same fate as he has (vs. 27). Abraham reminds him that they already have their sign in the form of the prophets of old, and if this will not open their eyes then there is no hope (vs. 29, 31). What is it we are waiting for to open our eyes to our having chosen our master in the form of earthly wealth and treasure? Why do we still believe we can have both? We have Jesus' clear words of warning, Old Testament warnings, and New Testament warnings from the disciples. Do we seek some sign from heaven, someone arising from the dead before we repent (vs. 30)? We are warned against this mentality (Matthew 16:4), and told that we already have our sign in the form of God's word. But have we simply heard it but not understood it (Matthew 13:14-15)? Have we embraced treasure in this world, combined with treasure in the next? Have we ignored the gospel's warning against this, instead justifying ourselves in man's eyes? Have we relied on "modern day law" as our path to force our way into heaven, refuting grace (Galations 5:2-4)? Are we the present-day Rich Man and Pharisees ignoring Jesus in the form of Lazarus (Matthew 25:45)? Have we have made our choice?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sense of Entitlement
Luke 15:1-7
The Pharisees have noticed that Jesus continually gathers with the unrighteous and sinners, while seemingly neglecting the religious, the "righteous". This causes anger and grumbling among them against Jesus (vs. 2). He tells them that it is not the righteous continually growing and maturing that causes rejoicing in heaven, but the unrighteous turning, the sinners repenting that causes true rejoicing (vs. 7, 10). He further illustrates this point by telling the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son. It is the second son we focus on, the one who remained loyal to his father, never straying, the one who most resembles us. When the straying son returns and repents from his fleshly, sinful ways there is celebrating and rejoicing (vs. 21-24). When the "good" son hears of this he grows jealous and angry (vs. 27-28). He feels as though his loyalty and righteousness has earned him some favor with the father and well-deserved rewards (vs. 29). He feels a sense of entitlement for his "good behavior", that he is owed attention and praise from the father, a portion of the father's wealth. The father reminds him that he is privy to all the father has, and is freely granted access anytime he so chooses (vs. 31), but it is in the recovering of a life that celebration and rejoicing is due, not in the abiding. This sense of entitlement that we so often have, that this son had, is warned against by Jesus. It is Jesus that has changed us and has kept us, not our own strength and capability. We have played no part in it, and therefore should not expect to receive any more than is due a lowly servant (Luke 17:7-10). We think our love for him, our loyalty to him, our worship of him, and our service to him earns us some kind of merit, a portion of the proceeds and his full attention, and this is just not the case. This is exactly what the Pharisees thought and what we think today. We deserve this and we deserve that, after all, we are God's people. Is this not why we spend our resources on ourselves and our churches, under the guise of equipping the saints? Equipping the saints is the work of God, not our money. Even our tithes have become gifts to ourselves, not God. Is this not why 85% of tithes remain within the local church they are given to; half of it dedicated to staff to "feed" us the way we prefer to be fed, to lead us in worship according to the style we enjoy most and purchasing class material that keeps us entertained? We spend our money on building ourselves (i.e. the "church") up, on growing and maturing ourselves in the faith, on our own personal spiritual learning and development, while a lost world is dying without Christ. Our priority is our own spiritual growth, in direct disobedience to Paul's exhortation to consider others, the lost, as a higher priority (Philippians 2:3-4), the same direction that Jesus gives us in this parable of the Prodigal Son, and the Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:1-13). He tells us to use our "unrighteous" wealth (i.e. earthly treasure) to gain those souls who are lost (16:9). If we are not spending our resources to seek and save the lost in this world, instead focusing on ourselves and our own spiritual needs we will never be entrusted with true eternal riches (16:10-12). And, in actuality, if we continually spend God's money on God's people we have missed the entire message of the gospel and the call of Jesus,and in turn are serving money, not God (16:13), no matter the outward appearance. Jesus came to save the lost and the sick, not focus on the needs of the healthy and righteous (Mark 2:17; Luke 4:17-19). Of course, we are to grow and mature in our faith, but not at the expense of saving the lost. God will finish what he started in us, and will carry us on to maturity in our faith as we seek the kingdom first, not seek our own growth first. Let him do the work he has promised to do in us, as we carry on the work he has given us to do in the Great Commission. With our resources continually going to our own needs and "in-house" church focus, while giving leftovers to mission (whether local or foreign), how can we ever claim the heart of Jesus? This never was and never is his heart or intention. Jesus has given us a clear choice to make: either spend and be spent for the lost, or spend and be spent on to the detriment of your own soul.
The Pharisees have noticed that Jesus continually gathers with the unrighteous and sinners, while seemingly neglecting the religious, the "righteous". This causes anger and grumbling among them against Jesus (vs. 2). He tells them that it is not the righteous continually growing and maturing that causes rejoicing in heaven, but the unrighteous turning, the sinners repenting that causes true rejoicing (vs. 7, 10). He further illustrates this point by telling the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son. It is the second son we focus on, the one who remained loyal to his father, never straying, the one who most resembles us. When the straying son returns and repents from his fleshly, sinful ways there is celebrating and rejoicing (vs. 21-24). When the "good" son hears of this he grows jealous and angry (vs. 27-28). He feels as though his loyalty and righteousness has earned him some favor with the father and well-deserved rewards (vs. 29). He feels a sense of entitlement for his "good behavior", that he is owed attention and praise from the father, a portion of the father's wealth. The father reminds him that he is privy to all the father has, and is freely granted access anytime he so chooses (vs. 31), but it is in the recovering of a life that celebration and rejoicing is due, not in the abiding. This sense of entitlement that we so often have, that this son had, is warned against by Jesus. It is Jesus that has changed us and has kept us, not our own strength and capability. We have played no part in it, and therefore should not expect to receive any more than is due a lowly servant (Luke 17:7-10). We think our love for him, our loyalty to him, our worship of him, and our service to him earns us some kind of merit, a portion of the proceeds and his full attention, and this is just not the case. This is exactly what the Pharisees thought and what we think today. We deserve this and we deserve that, after all, we are God's people. Is this not why we spend our resources on ourselves and our churches, under the guise of equipping the saints? Equipping the saints is the work of God, not our money. Even our tithes have become gifts to ourselves, not God. Is this not why 85% of tithes remain within the local church they are given to; half of it dedicated to staff to "feed" us the way we prefer to be fed, to lead us in worship according to the style we enjoy most and purchasing class material that keeps us entertained? We spend our money on building ourselves (i.e. the "church") up, on growing and maturing ourselves in the faith, on our own personal spiritual learning and development, while a lost world is dying without Christ. Our priority is our own spiritual growth, in direct disobedience to Paul's exhortation to consider others, the lost, as a higher priority (Philippians 2:3-4), the same direction that Jesus gives us in this parable of the Prodigal Son, and the Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:1-13). He tells us to use our "unrighteous" wealth (i.e. earthly treasure) to gain those souls who are lost (16:9). If we are not spending our resources to seek and save the lost in this world, instead focusing on ourselves and our own spiritual needs we will never be entrusted with true eternal riches (16:10-12). And, in actuality, if we continually spend God's money on God's people we have missed the entire message of the gospel and the call of Jesus,and in turn are serving money, not God (16:13), no matter the outward appearance. Jesus came to save the lost and the sick, not focus on the needs of the healthy and righteous (Mark 2:17; Luke 4:17-19). Of course, we are to grow and mature in our faith, but not at the expense of saving the lost. God will finish what he started in us, and will carry us on to maturity in our faith as we seek the kingdom first, not seek our own growth first. Let him do the work he has promised to do in us, as we carry on the work he has given us to do in the Great Commission. With our resources continually going to our own needs and "in-house" church focus, while giving leftovers to mission (whether local or foreign), how can we ever claim the heart of Jesus? This never was and never is his heart or intention. Jesus has given us a clear choice to make: either spend and be spent for the lost, or spend and be spent on to the detriment of your own soul.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Invitation Only
Luke 14:15-24
Upon hearing Jesus' exhortations about life, a man excitedly states, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God" (vs. 15). This man clearly supposes that he, along with others there, is one of these who will be doing so. It causes him to erupt in prideful declaration, "Oh lucky me!" But Jesus lovingly brings him back down to earth, putting a cork in his celebration for the time being. He tells them a parable of a man who threw a banquet inviting many (vs. 16). It says that at the time of the banquet they began to make excuses as to why they could not come (vs. 17). From this we deduct that they initially accepted the invitation, evidenced by the fact that many were invited,the banquet was planned, and it was not until time to attend that excuses were made. They received the invitation, but did not carry through with attendance. So, the master of the banquet then draws in and invites those who are desperate for such a banquet: the lame, the poor, the blind, the ignored, the hurting, the distant, the unknown (vs. 21, 23). The ones who "deserved" the banquet or were satisfied without such a banquet accepted the invitation, but began to make excuses on why they could not attend, evidencing that the idea of the banquet appealed more to them than the actual banquet. Although seemingly excited about this prospect, they were easily distracted and excited about other things unrelated to the banquet, finding fulfillment and satisfaction elsewhere. The same thing happened to the seed sown in Luke 8:11-14: initial reception but affections elsewhere. We, along with these people in the parable, are so quick to "accept" Jesus, and get excited over eating bread in the kingdom of God. But, as he begins to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12), and this life that we have accepted begins to take shape, we make excuses as to why we cannot endure unto attending the banquet,revealing our divided interests and heart. Jesus warns that this life, this invitation, involves struggle, hardship, loss, and sacrifice (vs. 26-27). So before so joyously accepting the invitation count the cost (vs. 28, 31). Because one cannot "accept" Jesus and then not live the life that he has determined for you, a life of personal loss and death, a life that reflects the life of Jesus, not culture (John 13:15-17; I John 2:6). Otherwise this is to accept the invitation but not attend the banquet. It is not those who said yes to attend, but the ones who actually persevere in attending that enter the kingdom/banquet (Matthew 7:21). This is his warning to us. Count the cost or else you will start on this journey and then turn back, and you will suffer the loss of all things, including what you thought you had in Christ (Matthew 13:12). He tells them that they are either all in or all out, no in between or excuses, no matter how "innocent" they may be, an excuse is not acceptable (vs. 33). We cannot simply say we are saved by grace and I have accepted Jesus and prayed and asked him into my heart, then direct our affections towards other things, thereby making excuses. Otherwise we are the same as this man who is rebuked by Jesus, those who made excuses as to why they could not attend, and the disobedient in Matthew 21:28-32. We all have the right answers and proper understanding, but do we have the life that proves it? Does our life conform to that of Jesus, revealing true salvation, or of one who simply accepted an invitation? To accept an invitation but not walk in his ways is not salvation but deception (vs. 24). Are your interests divided? Have we made excuses? Does he have all of us? Do we realize our situation like the desperate who attended the banquet, or, like those who made excuses, have we forgotten our current condition (Revelation 3:17)? Have we just accepted some invitation to a future, distant banquet?
Upon hearing Jesus' exhortations about life, a man excitedly states, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God" (vs. 15). This man clearly supposes that he, along with others there, is one of these who will be doing so. It causes him to erupt in prideful declaration, "Oh lucky me!" But Jesus lovingly brings him back down to earth, putting a cork in his celebration for the time being. He tells them a parable of a man who threw a banquet inviting many (vs. 16). It says that at the time of the banquet they began to make excuses as to why they could not come (vs. 17). From this we deduct that they initially accepted the invitation, evidenced by the fact that many were invited,the banquet was planned, and it was not until time to attend that excuses were made. They received the invitation, but did not carry through with attendance. So, the master of the banquet then draws in and invites those who are desperate for such a banquet: the lame, the poor, the blind, the ignored, the hurting, the distant, the unknown (vs. 21, 23). The ones who "deserved" the banquet or were satisfied without such a banquet accepted the invitation, but began to make excuses on why they could not attend, evidencing that the idea of the banquet appealed more to them than the actual banquet. Although seemingly excited about this prospect, they were easily distracted and excited about other things unrelated to the banquet, finding fulfillment and satisfaction elsewhere. The same thing happened to the seed sown in Luke 8:11-14: initial reception but affections elsewhere. We, along with these people in the parable, are so quick to "accept" Jesus, and get excited over eating bread in the kingdom of God. But, as he begins to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12), and this life that we have accepted begins to take shape, we make excuses as to why we cannot endure unto attending the banquet,revealing our divided interests and heart. Jesus warns that this life, this invitation, involves struggle, hardship, loss, and sacrifice (vs. 26-27). So before so joyously accepting the invitation count the cost (vs. 28, 31). Because one cannot "accept" Jesus and then not live the life that he has determined for you, a life of personal loss and death, a life that reflects the life of Jesus, not culture (John 13:15-17; I John 2:6). Otherwise this is to accept the invitation but not attend the banquet. It is not those who said yes to attend, but the ones who actually persevere in attending that enter the kingdom/banquet (Matthew 7:21). This is his warning to us. Count the cost or else you will start on this journey and then turn back, and you will suffer the loss of all things, including what you thought you had in Christ (Matthew 13:12). He tells them that they are either all in or all out, no in between or excuses, no matter how "innocent" they may be, an excuse is not acceptable (vs. 33). We cannot simply say we are saved by grace and I have accepted Jesus and prayed and asked him into my heart, then direct our affections towards other things, thereby making excuses. Otherwise we are the same as this man who is rebuked by Jesus, those who made excuses as to why they could not attend, and the disobedient in Matthew 21:28-32. We all have the right answers and proper understanding, but do we have the life that proves it? Does our life conform to that of Jesus, revealing true salvation, or of one who simply accepted an invitation? To accept an invitation but not walk in his ways is not salvation but deception (vs. 24). Are your interests divided? Have we made excuses? Does he have all of us? Do we realize our situation like the desperate who attended the banquet, or, like those who made excuses, have we forgotten our current condition (Revelation 3:17)? Have we just accepted some invitation to a future, distant banquet?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Disobedient Obedience
Luke 14:1-6
When Jesus asks the question of it being lawful to heal on the Sabbath (vs. 3) he is exposing the hearts of the Pahrisees. They were experts in the law and experts in maintaining its statutes, yet the whole time missing the key to the law: love. They were great at disobeying the law while obeying the law. Jesus is pointing that out to them. The law stated to do no work on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). But at the point where this conflicts with love for one's neighbor or God, it ceases to be obedience, for the law is absolutely dependent on love (Romans 13: 9-10, Galations 5:14). An outward keeping of law without the motivation of love is, in reality, to not keep the law. They were missing this completely. Our obedience should never be at the expense of others, i.e. self-interest, (Romans 14:15). If so, we must go back to Christ to repent and seek out true obedience. If not done out of love, then all we have is legalism, which is to destroy life, not give life. In this passage, the Pharisees attempts to keep the law out of self-righteousness and legalism, was resulting in their forsaking the very commands they thought they were fulfilling, a practice all too common (Mark 7:8-9). Jesus was exposing their motivation for obedience, which was evil, even though outwardly they had the appearance of perfect law abiding. He confirms this in his story in verses 7-9 and 12-14, further exposing their hearts. They were evidence against themselves. There is the temptation to adhere to rules, while neglecting the true matters of the law. Their obedience, in actuality, stemmed from love of self, not love of God and his statutes. The flesh is tempted by acting out of self-interest, expecting repayment and recognition for deeds done, for law kept (vs. 8, 14). Outwardly these are "good deeds" and obedience, but inward it is self-gratification, missing the whole point. Is our obedience disobedient? If it causes another to stumble it is (I Corinthians 8:7-13), not matter how holy in appearance. If we are not acting in the interest of others, for their good, we have ventured out from under obedience to Christ (I Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33). Christ cares much more for those around us who are lost and hurting than he does for our reputation and holiness (Luke 15:4-7), although he does care for both. So we must ask: Are we obeying disobediently? Have we obeyed out of self-interest and advancement and? Has our law-keeping ventured into legalism at the expense of others? Do we obey because we love self? The law hinges on love, for God first, then neighbor, not keeping statutes and rules. We can have the appearance of adherence to the law while inwardly we are far from it. The Pharisees life and religion was built around this, although they did not see it (Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 3:1-6; John 8:1-11). In all these situations they acted in accordance with the law, even having scripture to base their actions on, and yet were disobeying God. We cannot simply stop at outward rules. We must ask Christ to carry us deeper and expose our hearts and cleanse our motivations. We must love him first and foremost, then let that extend to our neighbors, and then and only then can we truly obey what he commands us, all else is vanity (I Corinthians 13:1-3). Do we love God and others instead of self? Has our own personal holiness and conformity to law taken precedence over souls? Has our own stance before God become paramount, turning to self-interest and in turn forsaking true law, the law of liberty and freedom,that considers others of more importance? It is impossible to obey without love, no exceptions. We must stop "obeying" and start loving.
When Jesus asks the question of it being lawful to heal on the Sabbath (vs. 3) he is exposing the hearts of the Pahrisees. They were experts in the law and experts in maintaining its statutes, yet the whole time missing the key to the law: love. They were great at disobeying the law while obeying the law. Jesus is pointing that out to them. The law stated to do no work on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). But at the point where this conflicts with love for one's neighbor or God, it ceases to be obedience, for the law is absolutely dependent on love (Romans 13: 9-10, Galations 5:14). An outward keeping of law without the motivation of love is, in reality, to not keep the law. They were missing this completely. Our obedience should never be at the expense of others, i.e. self-interest, (Romans 14:15). If so, we must go back to Christ to repent and seek out true obedience. If not done out of love, then all we have is legalism, which is to destroy life, not give life. In this passage, the Pharisees attempts to keep the law out of self-righteousness and legalism, was resulting in their forsaking the very commands they thought they were fulfilling, a practice all too common (Mark 7:8-9). Jesus was exposing their motivation for obedience, which was evil, even though outwardly they had the appearance of perfect law abiding. He confirms this in his story in verses 7-9 and 12-14, further exposing their hearts. They were evidence against themselves. There is the temptation to adhere to rules, while neglecting the true matters of the law. Their obedience, in actuality, stemmed from love of self, not love of God and his statutes. The flesh is tempted by acting out of self-interest, expecting repayment and recognition for deeds done, for law kept (vs. 8, 14). Outwardly these are "good deeds" and obedience, but inward it is self-gratification, missing the whole point. Is our obedience disobedient? If it causes another to stumble it is (I Corinthians 8:7-13), not matter how holy in appearance. If we are not acting in the interest of others, for their good, we have ventured out from under obedience to Christ (I Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33). Christ cares much more for those around us who are lost and hurting than he does for our reputation and holiness (Luke 15:4-7), although he does care for both. So we must ask: Are we obeying disobediently? Have we obeyed out of self-interest and advancement and? Has our law-keeping ventured into legalism at the expense of others? Do we obey because we love self? The law hinges on love, for God first, then neighbor, not keeping statutes and rules. We can have the appearance of adherence to the law while inwardly we are far from it. The Pharisees life and religion was built around this, although they did not see it (Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 3:1-6; John 8:1-11). In all these situations they acted in accordance with the law, even having scripture to base their actions on, and yet were disobeying God. We cannot simply stop at outward rules. We must ask Christ to carry us deeper and expose our hearts and cleanse our motivations. We must love him first and foremost, then let that extend to our neighbors, and then and only then can we truly obey what he commands us, all else is vanity (I Corinthians 13:1-3). Do we love God and others instead of self? Has our own personal holiness and conformity to law taken precedence over souls? Has our own stance before God become paramount, turning to self-interest and in turn forsaking true law, the law of liberty and freedom,that considers others of more importance? It is impossible to obey without love, no exceptions. We must stop "obeying" and start loving.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Lest You Forget
Deuteronomy 8:11-20
Before entering the Promised Land,God gives his people a caution. He warns them of the tendencies of their own hearts,the deceptive practices within that they are unaware of. God is about to fulfill his promise to Abraham and lead his people into the inheritance, into prosperity and ease of life. They will inhabit houses they did not build, eat food they did not work for or plant, enjoy the fruits of the land they did not cultivate or strive over (Deut. 6:10-12). They will be blessed beyond measure and then temptation will come quickly, in the very same forms that make up the blessings. Their blessings will turn to curses and what they have enjoyed as an inheritance will become their very downfall. God's gift of prosperity will consume and overcome them, and what they have looked forward to and longed for will prove fatal. They have received what they have sought for and will pay the price, as will their children and grandchildren. Why this turnabout? Because as things begin to grow easy, God is forgotten (Deut. 8:12-14). There is no longer a need for his provision or his leading, they have all they want and need, why consult God? We are hungry, then let us go pluck from the garden and eat. We are thirsty. Then let us go to our cisterns and drink. We are cold, hot, tired, soaked, then let us find shelter in the houses we possess. What does God offer them any longer? They have not intentionally forsaken him or ignored him or rejected him, they have simply forgotten. And as they lose sight of God, an even more terrible lie creeps in: the thought that they have provided all this (8:17). And following that will then be the lie that not only have they provided this, but that God has helped them because of their righteousness (9:4-6). They feel that due to their righteousness God has rewarded their self-efforts. This is so dangerous because not only have they strayed and forgotten God, but now they have forgotten the truth about themselves (9:7). Have we not done the same? We thank God for his provision and credit him with all that we have, just as these people did, but in our hearts we credit and applaud ourselves for our own righteousness and all that we have earned, just as they did. Our lives have grown easy and we have forgotten that we are a stubborn and rebellious people. God has not rewarded our righteous efforts, but overlooked our rebellion. It is his for name's sake that he has done this (Ezekiel 20:40-45; Isaiah 48:9), not because of what is due us. Proof? Where do the first-fruits of your time, energy and money go? Where does your abundance go? Where does your free-time go? Have we not forgotten? David wrote that he did not trust in his sword or horses or army for victory but in the Lord (Psalm 33:16-17). We would "amen" this all day and yet look at what we rely on and turn to for victory: politicians, pastors, money, knowledge, technology, self-discipline and resolve, etc. We are warned to take care, lest our hearts, not our lips or head-knowledge, be deceived and turn to other sources of provision (11:16). Examine your heart, not your head or speech. Perhaps we have not outright rejected him or intentionally turned from him, but have we forgotten? Has our ease and abundance proved fatal to us as well? Have our hearts also been deceived? If we would but turn and repent he will restore. God grant us eyes to see through our deception.
Before entering the Promised Land,God gives his people a caution. He warns them of the tendencies of their own hearts,the deceptive practices within that they are unaware of. God is about to fulfill his promise to Abraham and lead his people into the inheritance, into prosperity and ease of life. They will inhabit houses they did not build, eat food they did not work for or plant, enjoy the fruits of the land they did not cultivate or strive over (Deut. 6:10-12). They will be blessed beyond measure and then temptation will come quickly, in the very same forms that make up the blessings. Their blessings will turn to curses and what they have enjoyed as an inheritance will become their very downfall. God's gift of prosperity will consume and overcome them, and what they have looked forward to and longed for will prove fatal. They have received what they have sought for and will pay the price, as will their children and grandchildren. Why this turnabout? Because as things begin to grow easy, God is forgotten (Deut. 8:12-14). There is no longer a need for his provision or his leading, they have all they want and need, why consult God? We are hungry, then let us go pluck from the garden and eat. We are thirsty. Then let us go to our cisterns and drink. We are cold, hot, tired, soaked, then let us find shelter in the houses we possess. What does God offer them any longer? They have not intentionally forsaken him or ignored him or rejected him, they have simply forgotten. And as they lose sight of God, an even more terrible lie creeps in: the thought that they have provided all this (8:17). And following that will then be the lie that not only have they provided this, but that God has helped them because of their righteousness (9:4-6). They feel that due to their righteousness God has rewarded their self-efforts. This is so dangerous because not only have they strayed and forgotten God, but now they have forgotten the truth about themselves (9:7). Have we not done the same? We thank God for his provision and credit him with all that we have, just as these people did, but in our hearts we credit and applaud ourselves for our own righteousness and all that we have earned, just as they did. Our lives have grown easy and we have forgotten that we are a stubborn and rebellious people. God has not rewarded our righteous efforts, but overlooked our rebellion. It is his for name's sake that he has done this (Ezekiel 20:40-45; Isaiah 48:9), not because of what is due us. Proof? Where do the first-fruits of your time, energy and money go? Where does your abundance go? Where does your free-time go? Have we not forgotten? David wrote that he did not trust in his sword or horses or army for victory but in the Lord (Psalm 33:16-17). We would "amen" this all day and yet look at what we rely on and turn to for victory: politicians, pastors, money, knowledge, technology, self-discipline and resolve, etc. We are warned to take care, lest our hearts, not our lips or head-knowledge, be deceived and turn to other sources of provision (11:16). Examine your heart, not your head or speech. Perhaps we have not outright rejected him or intentionally turned from him, but have we forgotten? Has our ease and abundance proved fatal to us as well? Have our hearts also been deceived? If we would but turn and repent he will restore. God grant us eyes to see through our deception.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Healthy Barren Tree
Luke 13:6-9
In this parable, we have an interesting situation: a healthy, yet fruitless tree. This tree obviously is expected to bear fruit (vs. 6), leading us to the conclusion that there is no obvious deformity or reason that the tree should be without fruit. It is a healthy tree, expected to bear fruit, and yet none is found. So the owner is ready to cut it down, but the vinedresser convinces him to give it one more year of continued maturity and fertilizing and opportunity to bear fruit, or else it will be cut down (vs. 7-9). A clear-cut warning to us to take notice of. From this parable we conclude that a healthy, yet fruitless tree is no different than a dead tree. This tree is probably tall and leafy, lush and green, appealing to the eye and ripe for fruit bearing, and yet it is all an illusion, no fruit can be found. What deception. Does Jesus not warn us about this kind of life and "religion"? The gospel is preached and received with great joy, but there is no persevering and maturing unto fruit bearing, no deep root (Luke 8:12-14). A seed is planted and begins to sprout into a large tree, and yet it is all surface change, simple behavioral reform that in no way affects the heart. A knowledge of Jesus, and a "belief in Jesus" is received and accepted and leads to some freedoms from certain bondages (freedom in Christ) and inappropriate, obviously gross behaviors are corrected but the heart is still immersed in flesh and self and one cannot persevere by mere head knowledge and is eventually once again entangled in worldly passions (II Peter 2:20-21). There is a veneer of religion and Christianity but it springs from head knowledge and fleshly power and reform, a form of legalism and religion (Luke 11:39), but there is no heart reform, no heart detachment from worldly and fleshly lusts and priorities, no true conviction and power (II Timothy 3:5), evidenced by eventual backsliding and a return to old ways and habits. The Bible says this condition is now worse than before they heard the truth (Luke 11:24-26), and, in fact, it would have been better for them to have not heard the truth than to hear it and once again be overcome (II Peter 2:21). So many healthy trees, walking around with a condemning head knowledge of Christ and yet a complete lack of fruit in their lives. It would be preferable to have no knowledge at all of Christ than to possess simple head knowledge. Our coming to Christ must, absolutely must, lead to fruit bearing in our lives. We cannot remain in the condition we were in when once enlightened. There must be a continual progression in our faith, a maturing in our walk or we are condemned (Hebrews 5:11-6:6). We cannot both claim Jesus, and his saving power in our lives and yet still be immersed in the ways of the world and what it is that we desire (Luke 8:13-14; James 4:4). If we have not abandoned all to him, then what is it exactly that we have done? Prayed a simple prayer? Changed certain behaviors? Professed a belief? Sprouted a healthy, paper-thin tree? Many people will have done these things, desiring to be with Jesus forever, and yet miss out completely (vs. 25-27). They thought they had true faith and full knowledge of the gospel and an affection for Jesus, even thought they had been in his presence,and yet there was no fruit and no relationship. Their tree was so healthy, and yet barren. We must stop considering what we know and "believe", and start examining our fruit bearing. Is there any? Is it all just dead works, or actual Holy Spirit fruit (Hebrews 6:1, 7-8)? Is our fruit self-manufactured or Holy Spirit wrought? Is our tree healthy yet barren or full of ripe fruit? Are in a relationship with Jesus, which always, inevitably leads to fruit bearing, or just acquainted with him, which can produce only a healthy yet barren tree? The great news, however, is that Jesus is ready and willing to forgive and embrace and impart life if we are humble enough to repent of our pride and arrogance and deception and turn to him (vs. 34). But if we refuse, and continue to embrace a false religion based on some simple beliefs, confessions and moral reform without the presence of any actual fruit, he will move on (vs. 5, 35). Healthy barren trees are the first to be cut down.
In this parable, we have an interesting situation: a healthy, yet fruitless tree. This tree obviously is expected to bear fruit (vs. 6), leading us to the conclusion that there is no obvious deformity or reason that the tree should be without fruit. It is a healthy tree, expected to bear fruit, and yet none is found. So the owner is ready to cut it down, but the vinedresser convinces him to give it one more year of continued maturity and fertilizing and opportunity to bear fruit, or else it will be cut down (vs. 7-9). A clear-cut warning to us to take notice of. From this parable we conclude that a healthy, yet fruitless tree is no different than a dead tree. This tree is probably tall and leafy, lush and green, appealing to the eye and ripe for fruit bearing, and yet it is all an illusion, no fruit can be found. What deception. Does Jesus not warn us about this kind of life and "religion"? The gospel is preached and received with great joy, but there is no persevering and maturing unto fruit bearing, no deep root (Luke 8:12-14). A seed is planted and begins to sprout into a large tree, and yet it is all surface change, simple behavioral reform that in no way affects the heart. A knowledge of Jesus, and a "belief in Jesus" is received and accepted and leads to some freedoms from certain bondages (freedom in Christ) and inappropriate, obviously gross behaviors are corrected but the heart is still immersed in flesh and self and one cannot persevere by mere head knowledge and is eventually once again entangled in worldly passions (II Peter 2:20-21). There is a veneer of religion and Christianity but it springs from head knowledge and fleshly power and reform, a form of legalism and religion (Luke 11:39), but there is no heart reform, no heart detachment from worldly and fleshly lusts and priorities, no true conviction and power (II Timothy 3:5), evidenced by eventual backsliding and a return to old ways and habits. The Bible says this condition is now worse than before they heard the truth (Luke 11:24-26), and, in fact, it would have been better for them to have not heard the truth than to hear it and once again be overcome (II Peter 2:21). So many healthy trees, walking around with a condemning head knowledge of Christ and yet a complete lack of fruit in their lives. It would be preferable to have no knowledge at all of Christ than to possess simple head knowledge. Our coming to Christ must, absolutely must, lead to fruit bearing in our lives. We cannot remain in the condition we were in when once enlightened. There must be a continual progression in our faith, a maturing in our walk or we are condemned (Hebrews 5:11-6:6). We cannot both claim Jesus, and his saving power in our lives and yet still be immersed in the ways of the world and what it is that we desire (Luke 8:13-14; James 4:4). If we have not abandoned all to him, then what is it exactly that we have done? Prayed a simple prayer? Changed certain behaviors? Professed a belief? Sprouted a healthy, paper-thin tree? Many people will have done these things, desiring to be with Jesus forever, and yet miss out completely (vs. 25-27). They thought they had true faith and full knowledge of the gospel and an affection for Jesus, even thought they had been in his presence,and yet there was no fruit and no relationship. Their tree was so healthy, and yet barren. We must stop considering what we know and "believe", and start examining our fruit bearing. Is there any? Is it all just dead works, or actual Holy Spirit fruit (Hebrews 6:1, 7-8)? Is our fruit self-manufactured or Holy Spirit wrought? Is our tree healthy yet barren or full of ripe fruit? Are in a relationship with Jesus, which always, inevitably leads to fruit bearing, or just acquainted with him, which can produce only a healthy yet barren tree? The great news, however, is that Jesus is ready and willing to forgive and embrace and impart life if we are humble enough to repent of our pride and arrogance and deception and turn to him (vs. 34). But if we refuse, and continue to embrace a false religion based on some simple beliefs, confessions and moral reform without the presence of any actual fruit, he will move on (vs. 5, 35). Healthy barren trees are the first to be cut down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)