In our society the idea of keeping proper balance and doing all things in moderation has gained great acceptance. Tolerance is another buzz word we hear a lot, but does the Gospel promote moderation or balance? There are good reasons for moderation and without balance, some things could disintegrate, but the gospel of the Kingdom is a message of extremes. Balance speaks of finding the center point between two extremes, but Jesus said He would rather we were cold or hot, not lukewarm. Where do we find the balance between peace and unrest? Where is the balance between joy and depression or love and hatred? Jesus said we can not serve two masters; we must love the one and hate the other. He did not leave room for moderation in relationships. We are to love one another as He loves us. The Gospel I read speaks of an extreme love, indescribable joy and a peace that surpasses our own understanding.
Avoiding the extremes of the Gospel message takes us back to the old wineskin and results in the new wine being lost.
Do not put new wine into old wineskins
Jesus said new wine could not be poured into old wineskins lest they burst and the wine is lost. Some of us have experienced the inebriation of the Spirit of God and say that we have been drinking the new wine. On the day of Pentecost, those who were filled with the Spirit were described as being drunk with new wine. They became bold and spoke with great conviction. Three thousand were saved as Peter stood up and declared the message. Stephen later spoke with a power that stirred up such opposition from religious spirits that he was stoned to death. He was sold out to the Gospel message and did not value his natural life above the truth. As an old wineskin, Peter denied knowing the Lord in the face of opposition, but as a new creation filled with the Spirit he was bold as a lion.
The new wine is lost by trying to integrate the old with the new. The fear of punishment and death was the major ingredient that kept sin in check under the Old Covenant. Stephen was not under the influence of fear but the new wine. In him, we see an illustration of the new wineskin holding up under great pressure. In fact, the whole church at that time flourished under pressure.
I believe Jesus’ reference to putting new wine into old wineskins was to illustrate the result of integrating the two covenants. The Galatian church had poured their new wine into the old wineskin of the law. They strayed from being continually filled with the Spirit of God and resorted to trusting the frailty of human effort in order to attain righteousness. They were convinced of the necessity to incorporate circumcision and keeping the law with the gospel of Christ. Paul reminded the Galatians that they had not received the Spirit’s power through performing legal requirements but by hearing and receiving the gift of God through faith. He also explained how mixing the old with the new results in loss of identity and inheritance.
The union of Abraham and Hagar produced Ishmael. Hagar is a type of the law, a slave in bondage. The promise of God was that Sarah, the free woman, would give birth to a son. Sarah and Abraham were a type of believing faith and now all who believe, as Abraham did, are heirs of the same promise. We can not mix faith with the law and expect it to contain an inheritance. Ishmael was put out of the house because he was a mockery to the son of promise through faith. Being a product of man’s efforts, and not God’s promise, excluded him as heir.
None of us would readily admit that we had gone back to the law or circumcision as the Galatians did, but we have fallen back in other ways. The law operated on the principle of balance. Even today we see a balanced scale used as a cymbal of legal justice. The believers of old were not born again but walked as natural men. The law system was designed for the natural man but the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness and cannot be received by the natural mind. Justice by faith and grace is for born again, Spirit filled believers who walk by faith in their new identity. Our inheritance is only realized through our identity with Christ. Too many have forfeited the inheritance intended for this temporary life, putting it off to the future life in heaven.
We believers should not assume that living in the New Covenant era guarantees that we will automatically experience all its benefits. If we try to mix the old with the new or, as Jesus put it, try to put new wine into old wineskins, the new will be lost because the old can not contain it. The Old Covenant promoted balance but the new embraces the extreme. The old law system was satisfied by requiring the guilty to pay in proportion to his offence, an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. The New Covenant calls for the innocent to pay the debt of the guilty. The old is illustrated by placing the offender’s debt on one side of the scale and justice is only served when the required payment balanced the scale. The new is illustrated by the extreme, by making a more than enough payment, going the second mile or giving your shirt as well as your coat. Christ’s payment for our sin was more than enough for all sin for all time.
Jesus’ teaching was misunderstood and rejected by many who thought He wanted to do away with or destroy the law. Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. NKJV
Jesus was not setting aside the commandments but an out dated legal system. It was time to introduce Justice by faith and to open the way for the gentiles to come to God.
Continued in part 2
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Is the Gospel a Message of Balance? part II
Jesus introduced extreme righteousness
Matt 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. NKJV
Old Covenant righteousness was attained by a “just enough” payment: one that was just enough to balance the scale of justice. Jesus’ new system of justice would produce an extreme righteousness through a “more than enough” payment.
Matt 5:27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. NKJV
The old law system could only be applied to the outward acts of sin. Sin could remain hidden in the heart as long as it was not acted upon. It would be easy to assume that lustful desire was not sin until it became a physical act, but God sees the heart: Jesus wants us to deal with the hidden root of sin. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, it must go deeper than what appears on the surface.
Matt 5:38 You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. NKJV
I am sure that many who heard Jesus were scratching their heads. It does not make sense to let someone off the hook. If the offender does not pay it could be interpreted as rewarding evil. The context of Jesus’ teaching is: we turn the other cheek and extend unmerited favor and grace, rather than seeking vengeance through the law. Jesus wants us to become living sacrifices, illustrating His suffering for the wrongs that were done against Him. We only overcome, or defeat, evil by returning good. What we sow we will reap. If we want mercy and grace then we must give it away.
Matt 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. NKJV
Jesus illustrated a new method of settling debts. The old required them to give their coats to achieve justice, but the new says give your shirts as well. Paying more than required qualifies as extreme; it is the innocent one giving more than is required to achieve justice by faith. The just shall live by faith and not the law. Jesus began by saying that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.
The cross is an extreme measure
The innocent Christ paid the debt of the guilty but included more than required by law. He did not just forgive us and leave us with a zero balance, like the law system did, but He added grace and divine favor that we could access in our time of need, like a savings account. The key to the bank, so to speak, is the cross. Our natural mind will tell us we have no ability to pay another’s debt or to give them unmerited favor. But if we look beyond our own ability and see what Jesus provided, we see that our account contains mercy, favor and grace for us and, an abundance to extend to others.
Jesus said in Luke 6:38 “Forgive and you shall be forgiven, give and it shall be given unto you again, pressed down, shaken together and running over they shall give to you. The measure you use, will determine the measure used in return to you” (my paraphrase)
The best the law system could do was to provide forgiveness to those who offered innocent sacrifices. They went away debt free but with a zero balance in their account. Since no one has the ability to earn forgiveness or mercy, they were left vulnerable to further debt. Their very next sin weighed on them until the next annual sacrifice. The saints of old never acquired a plus balance in their righteousness account.
Taking up our cross is doing what Jesus did. We must not leave our offender with a zero balance but add a gift of grace to our forgiveness. We must use the extreme measure of faith. If we press down, shake together, heap up to overflowing our measure, we have surpassed the law as an act of faith. Faith never comes short of the law but always exceeds it. Love is the fulfilling of the law and faith must be motivated by love, not a requirement. Faith is freedom to do as love directs yet love never violates God’s commandments. On the other hand, we cannot use the law to require love otherwise it is no longer love. Just as freedom and bondage can not go hand in hand faith and the law can not mix.
The gospel was good news to Old Covenant saints.
The saints of old already had the promise of eternal life if they obeyed the law and offered their innocent lamb once a year. The good news of the Gospel, to them, was not a promise of heaven some day, but trusting that sacrifice of Christ would clear not only their debt but remove their guilt, shame and condemnation once and for all. And, if they did sin again, they would not have to wait to offer their annual sacrifice. Christ is the once and for all time sacrifice. Under the new system of justice it is no longer necessary for a priest to mediate before God, all can boldly enter His presence by the blood of Christ through faith.
Only the sacrifice of Christ has the power to cleanse the conscience from our past. The payment Christ made for sin qualifies as extreme: it was more than enough to pay our debt. It was so weighty a payment that it bottomed out the scale of justice in our favor. There is now no need to renew the payment for sin. In fact, His payment forever put the law system out of commission for those who trust in His sacrifice.
So where is the problem? I believe the problem is in our lack of understanding of the cross of Christ and our new identity in Him. We too often identify ourselves by our temporary life. We allow the limitations of our humanity to overrule faith. We are a new creation in Christ; the old has passed away and the new has come. We are now a new wineskin and able to contain the new, but if we identify with the old, limited, balanced life of moderation, the new will spill out and be lost. The old must be left at the cross and our new identity is found in the risen Christ.
Continued in part 3
Matt 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. NKJV
Old Covenant righteousness was attained by a “just enough” payment: one that was just enough to balance the scale of justice. Jesus’ new system of justice would produce an extreme righteousness through a “more than enough” payment.
Matt 5:27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. NKJV
The old law system could only be applied to the outward acts of sin. Sin could remain hidden in the heart as long as it was not acted upon. It would be easy to assume that lustful desire was not sin until it became a physical act, but God sees the heart: Jesus wants us to deal with the hidden root of sin. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, it must go deeper than what appears on the surface.
Matt 5:38 You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. NKJV
I am sure that many who heard Jesus were scratching their heads. It does not make sense to let someone off the hook. If the offender does not pay it could be interpreted as rewarding evil. The context of Jesus’ teaching is: we turn the other cheek and extend unmerited favor and grace, rather than seeking vengeance through the law. Jesus wants us to become living sacrifices, illustrating His suffering for the wrongs that were done against Him. We only overcome, or defeat, evil by returning good. What we sow we will reap. If we want mercy and grace then we must give it away.
Matt 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. NKJV
Jesus illustrated a new method of settling debts. The old required them to give their coats to achieve justice, but the new says give your shirts as well. Paying more than required qualifies as extreme; it is the innocent one giving more than is required to achieve justice by faith. The just shall live by faith and not the law. Jesus began by saying that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.
The cross is an extreme measure
The innocent Christ paid the debt of the guilty but included more than required by law. He did not just forgive us and leave us with a zero balance, like the law system did, but He added grace and divine favor that we could access in our time of need, like a savings account. The key to the bank, so to speak, is the cross. Our natural mind will tell us we have no ability to pay another’s debt or to give them unmerited favor. But if we look beyond our own ability and see what Jesus provided, we see that our account contains mercy, favor and grace for us and, an abundance to extend to others.
Jesus said in Luke 6:38 “Forgive and you shall be forgiven, give and it shall be given unto you again, pressed down, shaken together and running over they shall give to you. The measure you use, will determine the measure used in return to you” (my paraphrase)
The best the law system could do was to provide forgiveness to those who offered innocent sacrifices. They went away debt free but with a zero balance in their account. Since no one has the ability to earn forgiveness or mercy, they were left vulnerable to further debt. Their very next sin weighed on them until the next annual sacrifice. The saints of old never acquired a plus balance in their righteousness account.
Taking up our cross is doing what Jesus did. We must not leave our offender with a zero balance but add a gift of grace to our forgiveness. We must use the extreme measure of faith. If we press down, shake together, heap up to overflowing our measure, we have surpassed the law as an act of faith. Faith never comes short of the law but always exceeds it. Love is the fulfilling of the law and faith must be motivated by love, not a requirement. Faith is freedom to do as love directs yet love never violates God’s commandments. On the other hand, we cannot use the law to require love otherwise it is no longer love. Just as freedom and bondage can not go hand in hand faith and the law can not mix.
The gospel was good news to Old Covenant saints.
The saints of old already had the promise of eternal life if they obeyed the law and offered their innocent lamb once a year. The good news of the Gospel, to them, was not a promise of heaven some day, but trusting that sacrifice of Christ would clear not only their debt but remove their guilt, shame and condemnation once and for all. And, if they did sin again, they would not have to wait to offer their annual sacrifice. Christ is the once and for all time sacrifice. Under the new system of justice it is no longer necessary for a priest to mediate before God, all can boldly enter His presence by the blood of Christ through faith.
Only the sacrifice of Christ has the power to cleanse the conscience from our past. The payment Christ made for sin qualifies as extreme: it was more than enough to pay our debt. It was so weighty a payment that it bottomed out the scale of justice in our favor. There is now no need to renew the payment for sin. In fact, His payment forever put the law system out of commission for those who trust in His sacrifice.
So where is the problem? I believe the problem is in our lack of understanding of the cross of Christ and our new identity in Him. We too often identify ourselves by our temporary life. We allow the limitations of our humanity to overrule faith. We are a new creation in Christ; the old has passed away and the new has come. We are now a new wineskin and able to contain the new, but if we identify with the old, limited, balanced life of moderation, the new will spill out and be lost. The old must be left at the cross and our new identity is found in the risen Christ.
Continued in part 3
Is The Gospel a Message of Balance? part lll
Some teaching I had received concerning our position in Christ seemed to be contradictory. One emphasized being seated in heavenly places with Christ while others stress the necessity to embrace the cross daily. In my confusion one day, I asked the Lord where I was to be. Was I to embrace the cross or be seated with Him in the heavens? I was rather surprised at the answer I received. Those of different persuasions on the subject spoke as if one was right and the other was wrong, but the Lord said both are right. My eternal spirit man is seated with Christ in heavenly places while my temporary flesh man must embrace the cross. We leave our old identity as slaves to sin at the cross and accept our new identity as a child of God.
Jesus said we must take up our cross daily and follow Him to become His disciple. Why did He not say we must take our heavenly seat to become His disciple? I believe the one must come before the other. Jesus was our example. He went to the cross trusting His Father to raise Him up. It was because He willingly gave up His own life that He was raised up by promise. In the same way we receive a heavenly seat as a result of willingly embracing the cross. The way up is down. It is our job to go down and His job to raise us up.
Let us take a closer look at the cross to determine if we are doing our part. First, and maybe the most important thing to remember, is that the suffering of Christ was not for His own debt of sin, but for others. He was totally innocent of all charges. He also suffered just because He was righteous. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us. Jesus willingly went to the cross. No man took His life: He freely gave it up for the sins of many. He could have called ten thousand angels to fight His enemies but He chose another way. His payment for sin on the cross exceeded that of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. It was an extreme payment containing more than enough to cover all sin for all time.
Jesus said we must take up our cross, daily, and follow Him in order to become His disciples. He gives us a choice and a daily one at that. Our cross also has to be defined by our willingness to bear it. It has to be something we can choose and not be put on us as a legal requirement. The cross is total submission of love to love. If we place a requirement on love, then love is lost and spilled like the new wine in old wineskins. Love has to be given freely from the heart. The cross was and is the greatest expression of unconditional love. It was undeserved favor toward the unlovely.
The cross we bear has to be our choice and it has to include a more than enough payment, an undeserved payment. When Jesus said turn the other cheek or go the second mile, He was describing the cross. If a court of law required my coat so that justice would be served, I would have no choice but to give. But if I follow Jesus’ directions I would, by choice, add to the payment something I did not owe, an undeserved bonus, if you will. If I only give what is required then I am operating in the realm of law. If I want to escape the realm of law, with its guilt, condemnation and shame, I have to embrace the cross, adding to the legal requirement an undeserved portion. Paul says in Galatians 3:11 No man is justified by the law in the sight of God; it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. KJV
In order to escape the law’s domain we enter into faith by exceeding the law’s requirements. One major strategy of our enemy is to keep God’s people living under the influence of the law using a counterfeit cross. Religion says we gain favor with God through works and suffering. A religious cross leads to self punishment, false humility and striving to please God by our own efforts. The devil’s domain is in the law and our escape is through the cross.
For much of my Christian experience I suffered much guilt, condemnation and shame and struggled to understand why. I believed with out a doubt that Jesus died for my sins on the cross and I trusted in His finished work. I believed nothing I could do would add to what He had completed. But I had problems I could not resolve. One day, the light went on for me concerning the cross. I realized I was not experiencing the full benefit of the cross; I had been deceived by religion. I thought I had taken up my cross and had been following Jesus, as one of His disciples, but, in reality, I had unwittingly avoided embracing it. My problems were the result of walking in legal territory where the devil is empowered to harass and condemn God’s people over past failures. Even though I would pray, and claim the power of the blood of Christ, it had a very short term effect.
I realized that I had not been enjoying the full benefits of the cross because I had avoided it. I had chosen rather to be satisfied with legal requirements. I had not blessed those who had cursed me. I had failed to do good to those who had wronged me. I did not give to those who did not deserve it. I forgave others their debt of sin toward me but I did not add the undeserved portion spoken of by Jesus. I came to realize taking up the cross was not just mental agreement but action.
I had not lost my salvation but my experience more resembled that of the Old Covenant saints than what is described in the new. I was not experiencing the wonderful presence of God because of guilt and shame. I had a hard time believing God was pleased because of my own feelings. I had poured the new wine into the old wineskin and it was spilled.
The same religious spirits that hoodwinked the Galatian church are still alive and active today. They promote mixing the requirements of the old law system in with the new to cause the new to be of no effect. Even though the cross brought an end to the requirements of the law, religion tries to sell the church a counterfeit cross and a powerless gospel. Even though Jesus dealt a death blow to the devil, the only way we can walk in that victory is through embracing the cross. Jesus provided a way for us to escape enemy dominated territory. We must find our identity in Christ. He has proclaimed us innocent and has given us authority over all the power of the enemy.
No one is justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ. The just shall live by faith. The cross walk is a faith walk. The only way I can stay in the faith is to surpass the law. Faith always exceeds the requirements of the law. I can only walk in the authority of my new identity through faith. Mixing the law with faith always produces an Ishmael. Ishmael could not receive the inheritance of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants because he was not born of the free woman. Hagar was a type of the law and brought forth children in bondage to the requirements of slavery. Those who are free have a choice. They suffer or give unmerited favor to the undeserving as a mater of choice. Those in bondage to the law are not working by choice but by requirement.
Whenever we choose to act like slaves and focus only on what is required, we choose to take on that identity. If I want to walk and live under the blessing of my new Father I have to choose to act like Him. He is the one who is generous and gives unmerited favor to sinners. I must refuse to walk in my old identity lest I fall again to bondage of slavery and the law. God never takes away our choice, but He always says “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21)
From my own, past experience and from what I observe in the body of Christ, I conclude that many are living at the level of Old Covenant believers. We struggle to keep our joy. We fight off memories of past failures and abuses against us. We have trouble maintaining intimacy with God and even think He is against us at times. These are symptoms of trying to walk out a balanced and moderate gospel having removed the extreme from the cross. The Gospel calls for us to move to the extreme, to the cutting edge, always pressing into new territory. The Gospel of Christ calls for us to be hot or cold, not lukewarm. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives should be extreme, like the fruit of the promise land. The gospel I read promises indescribable joy, a peace that surpasses our understanding, and a rest that is not disturbed by storms. Though the cross involves suffering it causes rejoicing not gloom and depression.
I see a generation of young people today who are looking for the extreme. Extreme sports are more popular than ever. I always cringe when I see the dangerous stunts performed by some and shake my head wondering why they would live on the edge like that. I do not believe that the church, as it is today, will reach an extreme generation with a balanced and moderate gospel message. They are hungry for the extreme and are ripe for the true gospel message.
Jesus said we must take up our cross daily and follow Him to become His disciple. Why did He not say we must take our heavenly seat to become His disciple? I believe the one must come before the other. Jesus was our example. He went to the cross trusting His Father to raise Him up. It was because He willingly gave up His own life that He was raised up by promise. In the same way we receive a heavenly seat as a result of willingly embracing the cross. The way up is down. It is our job to go down and His job to raise us up.
Let us take a closer look at the cross to determine if we are doing our part. First, and maybe the most important thing to remember, is that the suffering of Christ was not for His own debt of sin, but for others. He was totally innocent of all charges. He also suffered just because He was righteous. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us. Jesus willingly went to the cross. No man took His life: He freely gave it up for the sins of many. He could have called ten thousand angels to fight His enemies but He chose another way. His payment for sin on the cross exceeded that of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. It was an extreme payment containing more than enough to cover all sin for all time.
Jesus said we must take up our cross, daily, and follow Him in order to become His disciples. He gives us a choice and a daily one at that. Our cross also has to be defined by our willingness to bear it. It has to be something we can choose and not be put on us as a legal requirement. The cross is total submission of love to love. If we place a requirement on love, then love is lost and spilled like the new wine in old wineskins. Love has to be given freely from the heart. The cross was and is the greatest expression of unconditional love. It was undeserved favor toward the unlovely.
The cross we bear has to be our choice and it has to include a more than enough payment, an undeserved payment. When Jesus said turn the other cheek or go the second mile, He was describing the cross. If a court of law required my coat so that justice would be served, I would have no choice but to give. But if I follow Jesus’ directions I would, by choice, add to the payment something I did not owe, an undeserved bonus, if you will. If I only give what is required then I am operating in the realm of law. If I want to escape the realm of law, with its guilt, condemnation and shame, I have to embrace the cross, adding to the legal requirement an undeserved portion. Paul says in Galatians 3:11 No man is justified by the law in the sight of God; it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. KJV
In order to escape the law’s domain we enter into faith by exceeding the law’s requirements. One major strategy of our enemy is to keep God’s people living under the influence of the law using a counterfeit cross. Religion says we gain favor with God through works and suffering. A religious cross leads to self punishment, false humility and striving to please God by our own efforts. The devil’s domain is in the law and our escape is through the cross.
For much of my Christian experience I suffered much guilt, condemnation and shame and struggled to understand why. I believed with out a doubt that Jesus died for my sins on the cross and I trusted in His finished work. I believed nothing I could do would add to what He had completed. But I had problems I could not resolve. One day, the light went on for me concerning the cross. I realized I was not experiencing the full benefit of the cross; I had been deceived by religion. I thought I had taken up my cross and had been following Jesus, as one of His disciples, but, in reality, I had unwittingly avoided embracing it. My problems were the result of walking in legal territory where the devil is empowered to harass and condemn God’s people over past failures. Even though I would pray, and claim the power of the blood of Christ, it had a very short term effect.
I realized that I had not been enjoying the full benefits of the cross because I had avoided it. I had chosen rather to be satisfied with legal requirements. I had not blessed those who had cursed me. I had failed to do good to those who had wronged me. I did not give to those who did not deserve it. I forgave others their debt of sin toward me but I did not add the undeserved portion spoken of by Jesus. I came to realize taking up the cross was not just mental agreement but action.
I had not lost my salvation but my experience more resembled that of the Old Covenant saints than what is described in the new. I was not experiencing the wonderful presence of God because of guilt and shame. I had a hard time believing God was pleased because of my own feelings. I had poured the new wine into the old wineskin and it was spilled.
The same religious spirits that hoodwinked the Galatian church are still alive and active today. They promote mixing the requirements of the old law system in with the new to cause the new to be of no effect. Even though the cross brought an end to the requirements of the law, religion tries to sell the church a counterfeit cross and a powerless gospel. Even though Jesus dealt a death blow to the devil, the only way we can walk in that victory is through embracing the cross. Jesus provided a way for us to escape enemy dominated territory. We must find our identity in Christ. He has proclaimed us innocent and has given us authority over all the power of the enemy.
No one is justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ. The just shall live by faith. The cross walk is a faith walk. The only way I can stay in the faith is to surpass the law. Faith always exceeds the requirements of the law. I can only walk in the authority of my new identity through faith. Mixing the law with faith always produces an Ishmael. Ishmael could not receive the inheritance of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants because he was not born of the free woman. Hagar was a type of the law and brought forth children in bondage to the requirements of slavery. Those who are free have a choice. They suffer or give unmerited favor to the undeserving as a mater of choice. Those in bondage to the law are not working by choice but by requirement.
Whenever we choose to act like slaves and focus only on what is required, we choose to take on that identity. If I want to walk and live under the blessing of my new Father I have to choose to act like Him. He is the one who is generous and gives unmerited favor to sinners. I must refuse to walk in my old identity lest I fall again to bondage of slavery and the law. God never takes away our choice, but He always says “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21)
From my own, past experience and from what I observe in the body of Christ, I conclude that many are living at the level of Old Covenant believers. We struggle to keep our joy. We fight off memories of past failures and abuses against us. We have trouble maintaining intimacy with God and even think He is against us at times. These are symptoms of trying to walk out a balanced and moderate gospel having removed the extreme from the cross. The Gospel calls for us to move to the extreme, to the cutting edge, always pressing into new territory. The Gospel of Christ calls for us to be hot or cold, not lukewarm. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives should be extreme, like the fruit of the promise land. The gospel I read promises indescribable joy, a peace that surpasses our understanding, and a rest that is not disturbed by storms. Though the cross involves suffering it causes rejoicing not gloom and depression.
I see a generation of young people today who are looking for the extreme. Extreme sports are more popular than ever. I always cringe when I see the dangerous stunts performed by some and shake my head wondering why they would live on the edge like that. I do not believe that the church, as it is today, will reach an extreme generation with a balanced and moderate gospel message. They are hungry for the extreme and are ripe for the true gospel message.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Greatest Gift of All
During this Christmas season we center our focus on giving gifts to family and friends in celebration of the greatest gift ever given. It is a time to reflect upon the gift that God has given to all the world.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is His gift to a lost and dying world. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the way to the Father. He is the truth and the life. He has given us His Son and eternal life is in His Son. (See 1 John 5)
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. NIV
Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. NKJV
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. NKJV
The gift of God’s Son is not just to provide a way to heaven when we die but is intended to give us life now. Jesus said in John 10:10 b. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
This life is found in Christ. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. NKJV
We are a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV
This wonderful gift from God includes becoming a new creation. We are all descendants of the first man Adam and destined to die but His gift gives us access our new destiny in Christ, which is life for evermore.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. NKJV
We enter God’s eternal family and are given a new identity.
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. NKJV
We have a new father and receive position in His family. Our old identity is passed away and the new has come. We count our old man of sin as dead with Christ on His cross and now identify ourselves with the risen Christ who is seated in heavenly places. Paul says “I am crucified with Christ never the less I live, but it is not I but Christ that lives in me.” Paul found new life in his identity with Christ. He no longer wanted to identify with his former life with all its accomplishments, but counted life’s gains but loss that he might attain Christ. Paul also said he no longer wanted to be mindful of any man according the flesh. That is, he did not determine any one’s value or usefulness to God based on their ancestral line, their education or their position in life. In fact, those with no resume at all might even have an advantage because they have less to count as loss.
2 Corinthians 5:16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV
Many could not acknowledge Christ as the Son of God because they knew Him according to the flesh. That is, they knew Joseph as His father, they knew that His sisters and brothers were all born and raised in their neighborhood. Paul says that even though some had known Christ according to the flesh they know Him in that way no longer. His flesh and blood body did not reveal who He really was. Peter’s revelation of Jesus as the Christ came from the Father in heaven. Peter was no longer confused over who Jesus’ Father really was.
Looking at flesh and blood can obscure the identity of Christ. Even though Christ is no longer walking the earth in His earthly body He is walking about in all who have received Him. Just as many were uncertain of His identity in that day, so today many can allow the flesh and blood He walks in to obscure His identity. Even believers can struggle with their identity. Now our identity is found in Him. We are no longer identified with our past. Our earthly heritage does not determine our value or position in Christ.
Many could not receive the gift of God because of the package it came in. Though the gift was heavenly and eternal, the wrapping, so to speak, was temporary and made from this earth. Let us not make the same mistake many have made and reject the gift because of the wrapping. Jesus’ followers have been commissioned to announce the good news. Unto us a child is born and unto us a Son is given. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. And whosoever believes that He is the Christ and trusts in Him shall be saved.
Lord, I pray that the gift of your Son will be revealed to all the world through your people in this season. Not because of good marketing and packaging but because the glory of the Lord shines through us. I pray that your people will no longer be confused about their own identity, that they would no longer see themselves in their former state, but be revealed as the sons and daughters of the living God. Amen
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is His gift to a lost and dying world. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the way to the Father. He is the truth and the life. He has given us His Son and eternal life is in His Son. (See 1 John 5)
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. NIV
Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. NKJV
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. NKJV
The gift of God’s Son is not just to provide a way to heaven when we die but is intended to give us life now. Jesus said in John 10:10 b. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
This life is found in Christ. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. NKJV
We are a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV
This wonderful gift from God includes becoming a new creation. We are all descendants of the first man Adam and destined to die but His gift gives us access our new destiny in Christ, which is life for evermore.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. NKJV
We enter God’s eternal family and are given a new identity.
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. NKJV
We have a new father and receive position in His family. Our old identity is passed away and the new has come. We count our old man of sin as dead with Christ on His cross and now identify ourselves with the risen Christ who is seated in heavenly places. Paul says “I am crucified with Christ never the less I live, but it is not I but Christ that lives in me.” Paul found new life in his identity with Christ. He no longer wanted to identify with his former life with all its accomplishments, but counted life’s gains but loss that he might attain Christ. Paul also said he no longer wanted to be mindful of any man according the flesh. That is, he did not determine any one’s value or usefulness to God based on their ancestral line, their education or their position in life. In fact, those with no resume at all might even have an advantage because they have less to count as loss.
2 Corinthians 5:16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV
Many could not acknowledge Christ as the Son of God because they knew Him according to the flesh. That is, they knew Joseph as His father, they knew that His sisters and brothers were all born and raised in their neighborhood. Paul says that even though some had known Christ according to the flesh they know Him in that way no longer. His flesh and blood body did not reveal who He really was. Peter’s revelation of Jesus as the Christ came from the Father in heaven. Peter was no longer confused over who Jesus’ Father really was.
Looking at flesh and blood can obscure the identity of Christ. Even though Christ is no longer walking the earth in His earthly body He is walking about in all who have received Him. Just as many were uncertain of His identity in that day, so today many can allow the flesh and blood He walks in to obscure His identity. Even believers can struggle with their identity. Now our identity is found in Him. We are no longer identified with our past. Our earthly heritage does not determine our value or position in Christ.
Many could not receive the gift of God because of the package it came in. Though the gift was heavenly and eternal, the wrapping, so to speak, was temporary and made from this earth. Let us not make the same mistake many have made and reject the gift because of the wrapping. Jesus’ followers have been commissioned to announce the good news. Unto us a child is born and unto us a Son is given. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. And whosoever believes that He is the Christ and trusts in Him shall be saved.
Lord, I pray that the gift of your Son will be revealed to all the world through your people in this season. Not because of good marketing and packaging but because the glory of the Lord shines through us. I pray that your people will no longer be confused about their own identity, that they would no longer see themselves in their former state, but be revealed as the sons and daughters of the living God. Amen
Friday, November 13, 2009
Where's the Fruit ?
In scripture we see that God, like a farmer investing much time and effort into orchards and vineyards, expects to receive a return on His investment. Jesus used principles from the law of sowing and reaping to teach about the Kingdom of God. He has sown His word into the earth and it will bring forth fruit in due season.
The parable of the sower shows that fruitfulness is dependant upon the condition of people’s hearts.
The Parable of the Sower
Luke 8:4-8 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" NKJV
When Jesus was alone with His disciples He explained the meaning of the parable.
Luke 8:9-10 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?"
10 And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.' NKJV
Parable Explained
Luke 8:11-15 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. NKJV
Does it seem odd to you that God would shroud the meaning of parables in mystery? Why would God seemingly make it more difficult to understand His teaching? After much thought on this, I concluded that His word contains priceless treasures more precious than silver or gold and treasure is not found laying around on the surface, but requires effort to uncover it. It is God’s way of preserving the value for those who will seek to find it.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. NKJV
Matt 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. NKJV
God conceals priceless things to reward those who will search diligently for them. How badly do we want to discover God’s hidden treasures? Some of those who heard Jesus teaching in parables called Him a senseless babbler. They saw no value to be gained by listening to Him or in giving heed to what He said.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. NKJV
God’s Kingdom is for seekers and treasure hunters. This merchant was not only searching for treasure but was willing to sell all else to own it when he found it. How many of us discover treasure but are not willing to do what it takes to buy it? Entering the Kingdom of God requires a total commitment. The rich young ruler wanted to enter but was unable to make the required sacrifice. Jesus told him that he must sell all that he possessed and give to the poor so he would have treasure in heaven. His understanding of what is truly valuable was not in line with God’s eternal view.
Ears to Hear
Speaking to the multitudes, Jesus ended the parable with: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Having ears to hear does not mean we have immediate understanding, but something about what is said strikes a cord within that causes us to dig for more. Even understanding, in itself, is great treasure. God invites us to seek for wisdom and understanding. (See Proverbs 16:16)
The first stage of fruitfulness is having good soil. The seed of the word must become rooted deep enough to prevent the devil from taking it away. Good heart conditions do not write off Jesus’ teaching as mere babble. They do not easily become offended or turn away because of trials or temptations. They do not allow the cares of this life and temporary riches to choke out new growth, but the seed takes root and produces much fruit.
Let us go now to Galatians and apply the principles from the parables.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NKJV
The seed of God’s word reproduces God-likeness in us. God is love and love is of God. The joy of the Lord is our spiritual strength. God gives us peace that surpasses our understanding. God is like a farmer patiently waiting for the precious fruit if the earth. God is kind beyond our comprehension. He, by His very nature, is good. His faithfulness is steadfast and He is unwavering. His gentleness or meekness is not weakness but is having the power to crush those who oppose Him but patiently calling men to repentance. That leads us to the last on the list, self control. God does not react to anything but acts purposefully in what He does. In human terms we could think of self control as avoiding bad habits but God has none. He does not let anything or anyone control Him. In reality God does not want to control us like robots either: He wants us to become so one with Him that we think and act alike. Self control for us is having the mind of Christ and desiring to do what He is doing.
Jesus is the Vine
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV
So, becoming fruitful requires entering into Christ, receiving the word of God into our hearts and keeping it. We can ask whatever we desire when we are of one heart and mind with Him. I see a parallel between the two illustrations used in the foregoing scriptures. Those with a hearing ear are more likely to press in, to stay close to Jesus, to seek for hidden treasure and will do whatever it takes to own it. They also will remain in Christ and keep, or hold on to, His word. They are the branch that remains connected to the vine that bears much fruit.
Apart from Him we can do nothing. Although we can bear no fruit on our own, it does require initiative on our part to do the hearing, the pressing in, the seeking and the abiding in Him. Most of us need a lot of help to develop better soil conditions in our hearts but if we recognize our need, and yield to God, He will help us remove the rocks and thorns and break up the compacted areas of our heart. God is a patient farmer who is at work in us so that we will bear much fruit.
Why do we want to be fruitful: to be better people? John 15:8 says that our fruitfulness brings glory to God and we are revealed as Christ’s disciples. It is not the grapes on the vine, or the apples on the branch, that receive the praise and glory, but the farmer who cares for them. We may attract some attention but everyone will know it could not have been of our own doing. The fruit we are talking about is not natural, but supernatural.
We will only produce it through a supernatural union with Christ, the vine.
Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. NKJV
It is easy to do good for those who are good to us and it is easy to love those who are lovable, but it is the fruit that reveals us as the children of God, to love our enemies. When we do good to those who do evil to us, we are acting like the one who died for us.
Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—NIV
The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is a re-presentation of Christ to the world. I believe this is what is meant by Romans 12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. NKJV
The world wants to view something that matches what they have heard concerning Christ. If we preach John 3:16, how God so loves the world, who are by the way alienated enemies in their own minds, how will they see a demonstration of His love for them if we are not bearing the supernatural fruit of love toward them? Because of Christ’s death, He has made it possible for the most wicked person to come before God without being accused. Those who caught the adulterous woman in the very act were accusing her and ready to stone her, but Jesus turned the tide of accusation away so that she could go and sin no more. I think it is hard for the world to see that same Jesus today. We too often focus on the evil that they are doing and try to protect ourselves from them, rather than being a living demonstration of Christ’s sacrifice for them.
Jesus paid the price in full and there is nothing we can add to it, but we are to be a demonstration of His undeserved favor and love. Jesus offered life to us when we deserved death. He offered forgiveness when we deserved condemnation. He continues to bless both the good and evil with the natural blessings of the earth just because He is good. He wants us to be like Him, yet He knows we could never be, without receiving the engrafted word that will produce much fruit.
So let us have ears to hear and eyes that see the value of searching for concealed truth. Let us be able to make the necessary sacrifice to lay claim to the treasure when we find it. If we remain intimately connected to Jesus the vine, and His word remains in us, then we will produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, patience, faith, meekness and self control. As an added bonus, we will be able to dispel the accusations of the law.
The parable of the sower shows that fruitfulness is dependant upon the condition of people’s hearts.
The Parable of the Sower
Luke 8:4-8 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" NKJV
When Jesus was alone with His disciples He explained the meaning of the parable.
Luke 8:9-10 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?"
10 And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.' NKJV
Parable Explained
Luke 8:11-15 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. NKJV
Does it seem odd to you that God would shroud the meaning of parables in mystery? Why would God seemingly make it more difficult to understand His teaching? After much thought on this, I concluded that His word contains priceless treasures more precious than silver or gold and treasure is not found laying around on the surface, but requires effort to uncover it. It is God’s way of preserving the value for those who will seek to find it.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. NKJV
Matt 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. NKJV
God conceals priceless things to reward those who will search diligently for them. How badly do we want to discover God’s hidden treasures? Some of those who heard Jesus teaching in parables called Him a senseless babbler. They saw no value to be gained by listening to Him or in giving heed to what He said.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. NKJV
God’s Kingdom is for seekers and treasure hunters. This merchant was not only searching for treasure but was willing to sell all else to own it when he found it. How many of us discover treasure but are not willing to do what it takes to buy it? Entering the Kingdom of God requires a total commitment. The rich young ruler wanted to enter but was unable to make the required sacrifice. Jesus told him that he must sell all that he possessed and give to the poor so he would have treasure in heaven. His understanding of what is truly valuable was not in line with God’s eternal view.
Ears to Hear
Speaking to the multitudes, Jesus ended the parable with: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Having ears to hear does not mean we have immediate understanding, but something about what is said strikes a cord within that causes us to dig for more. Even understanding, in itself, is great treasure. God invites us to seek for wisdom and understanding. (See Proverbs 16:16)
The first stage of fruitfulness is having good soil. The seed of the word must become rooted deep enough to prevent the devil from taking it away. Good heart conditions do not write off Jesus’ teaching as mere babble. They do not easily become offended or turn away because of trials or temptations. They do not allow the cares of this life and temporary riches to choke out new growth, but the seed takes root and produces much fruit.
Let us go now to Galatians and apply the principles from the parables.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NKJV
The seed of God’s word reproduces God-likeness in us. God is love and love is of God. The joy of the Lord is our spiritual strength. God gives us peace that surpasses our understanding. God is like a farmer patiently waiting for the precious fruit if the earth. God is kind beyond our comprehension. He, by His very nature, is good. His faithfulness is steadfast and He is unwavering. His gentleness or meekness is not weakness but is having the power to crush those who oppose Him but patiently calling men to repentance. That leads us to the last on the list, self control. God does not react to anything but acts purposefully in what He does. In human terms we could think of self control as avoiding bad habits but God has none. He does not let anything or anyone control Him. In reality God does not want to control us like robots either: He wants us to become so one with Him that we think and act alike. Self control for us is having the mind of Christ and desiring to do what He is doing.
Jesus is the Vine
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV
So, becoming fruitful requires entering into Christ, receiving the word of God into our hearts and keeping it. We can ask whatever we desire when we are of one heart and mind with Him. I see a parallel between the two illustrations used in the foregoing scriptures. Those with a hearing ear are more likely to press in, to stay close to Jesus, to seek for hidden treasure and will do whatever it takes to own it. They also will remain in Christ and keep, or hold on to, His word. They are the branch that remains connected to the vine that bears much fruit.
Apart from Him we can do nothing. Although we can bear no fruit on our own, it does require initiative on our part to do the hearing, the pressing in, the seeking and the abiding in Him. Most of us need a lot of help to develop better soil conditions in our hearts but if we recognize our need, and yield to God, He will help us remove the rocks and thorns and break up the compacted areas of our heart. God is a patient farmer who is at work in us so that we will bear much fruit.
Why do we want to be fruitful: to be better people? John 15:8 says that our fruitfulness brings glory to God and we are revealed as Christ’s disciples. It is not the grapes on the vine, or the apples on the branch, that receive the praise and glory, but the farmer who cares for them. We may attract some attention but everyone will know it could not have been of our own doing. The fruit we are talking about is not natural, but supernatural.
We will only produce it through a supernatural union with Christ, the vine.
Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. NKJV
It is easy to do good for those who are good to us and it is easy to love those who are lovable, but it is the fruit that reveals us as the children of God, to love our enemies. When we do good to those who do evil to us, we are acting like the one who died for us.
Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—NIV
The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is a re-presentation of Christ to the world. I believe this is what is meant by Romans 12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. NKJV
The world wants to view something that matches what they have heard concerning Christ. If we preach John 3:16, how God so loves the world, who are by the way alienated enemies in their own minds, how will they see a demonstration of His love for them if we are not bearing the supernatural fruit of love toward them? Because of Christ’s death, He has made it possible for the most wicked person to come before God without being accused. Those who caught the adulterous woman in the very act were accusing her and ready to stone her, but Jesus turned the tide of accusation away so that she could go and sin no more. I think it is hard for the world to see that same Jesus today. We too often focus on the evil that they are doing and try to protect ourselves from them, rather than being a living demonstration of Christ’s sacrifice for them.
Jesus paid the price in full and there is nothing we can add to it, but we are to be a demonstration of His undeserved favor and love. Jesus offered life to us when we deserved death. He offered forgiveness when we deserved condemnation. He continues to bless both the good and evil with the natural blessings of the earth just because He is good. He wants us to be like Him, yet He knows we could never be, without receiving the engrafted word that will produce much fruit.
So let us have ears to hear and eyes that see the value of searching for concealed truth. Let us be able to make the necessary sacrifice to lay claim to the treasure when we find it. If we remain intimately connected to Jesus the vine, and His word remains in us, then we will produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, patience, faith, meekness and self control. As an added bonus, we will be able to dispel the accusations of the law.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Anointed and Sent
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me
to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." NKJV
Jesus was not only anointed to preach but sent out to heal, proclaim, liberate, and recover that which was lost. Jesus went about doing good and healing all.
Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” NKJV
Now God is with us to do the same.
Matt 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." NKJV
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." NKJV
Acts 1:8 describes a pattern of going or being sent out. As we begin to proclaim the good news close to home, our influence will increase and reach even to all the earth.
As Jesus gained influence, people searched for Him and large crowds followed after Him.
The demand upon Him was so great that, at times, Jesus had to find a place of solitude to rest and commune with His Father.
Jesus speaks with authority and the people are astonished.
Matthew 7:28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. NKJV
The people were used to listening to the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees who, evidently, didn’t leave much of an impression. Jesus was and is the living word of God who was made flesh and dwelled among them. Jesus was not just speaking the word of God, He was living it. If our lives are not doing the words that we preach, one cancels out the other. Like two witnesses in a courtroom who have conflicting testimonies, one will cancel out the other. Jesus lived perfectly in sync with His speech, therefore the people both saw and heard two witnesses that agreed and they were convinced of the truth.
Those who have authority are also under authority. Jesus only said what He heard His Father saying. He did nothing of His own accord but was in agreement with His Father.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. NKJV
Matthew 8:5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." 7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! NKJV
The centurion understood authority and immediately recognized the authority of Jesus. The great faith Jesus recognized in the centurion was also a type of authority: the ability to speak a word or command that causes the things that are not seen to appear. (See Hebrews 11:3) The centurion could speak and those under his authority would complete his words. God spoke and the worlds were framed. I believe that people who are not in submission to the authority structures established by God will have a hard time receiving from Him. The centurion had authority because he was submitted to higher authorities. He understood the chain of command, that his authority was from a higher source. He saw that Jesus had authority to speak and command sickness to go.
Jesus said that the centurion’s faith was greater than He had seen in all Israel. Again, I believe that was because the Jews were more apt to question Jesus’ authority than they were to submit to it. The religious people, especially, saw themselves as God’s authority and Jesus as an imposter. When the centurion spoke, his soldiers obeyed. When God spoke, the elements of all creation fell into place, but when He spoke to Israel, they would not hear Him. Faith hears and responds to the word of God and leads to authority.
Being anointed is only half of the picture: the other half is being sent. Jesus was sent with the authority of His Father. We have received an anointing and have also been sent to do the works that He did. In John 12:44, Jesus said that if we believe on Him, we believe on the one who sent Him. The two are one and cannot be separated.
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. NKJV
There is no denying it: those who believe on Jesus also believe on the Father and have been anointed, and sent, to do the same works He did; and even greater works shall we do.
to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." NKJV
Jesus was not only anointed to preach but sent out to heal, proclaim, liberate, and recover that which was lost. Jesus went about doing good and healing all.
Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” NKJV
Now God is with us to do the same.
Matt 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." NKJV
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." NKJV
Acts 1:8 describes a pattern of going or being sent out. As we begin to proclaim the good news close to home, our influence will increase and reach even to all the earth.
As Jesus gained influence, people searched for Him and large crowds followed after Him.
The demand upon Him was so great that, at times, Jesus had to find a place of solitude to rest and commune with His Father.
Jesus speaks with authority and the people are astonished.
Matthew 7:28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. NKJV
The people were used to listening to the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees who, evidently, didn’t leave much of an impression. Jesus was and is the living word of God who was made flesh and dwelled among them. Jesus was not just speaking the word of God, He was living it. If our lives are not doing the words that we preach, one cancels out the other. Like two witnesses in a courtroom who have conflicting testimonies, one will cancel out the other. Jesus lived perfectly in sync with His speech, therefore the people both saw and heard two witnesses that agreed and they were convinced of the truth.
Those who have authority are also under authority. Jesus only said what He heard His Father saying. He did nothing of His own accord but was in agreement with His Father.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. NKJV
Matthew 8:5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." 7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! NKJV
The centurion understood authority and immediately recognized the authority of Jesus. The great faith Jesus recognized in the centurion was also a type of authority: the ability to speak a word or command that causes the things that are not seen to appear. (See Hebrews 11:3) The centurion could speak and those under his authority would complete his words. God spoke and the worlds were framed. I believe that people who are not in submission to the authority structures established by God will have a hard time receiving from Him. The centurion had authority because he was submitted to higher authorities. He understood the chain of command, that his authority was from a higher source. He saw that Jesus had authority to speak and command sickness to go.
Jesus said that the centurion’s faith was greater than He had seen in all Israel. Again, I believe that was because the Jews were more apt to question Jesus’ authority than they were to submit to it. The religious people, especially, saw themselves as God’s authority and Jesus as an imposter. When the centurion spoke, his soldiers obeyed. When God spoke, the elements of all creation fell into place, but when He spoke to Israel, they would not hear Him. Faith hears and responds to the word of God and leads to authority.
Being anointed is only half of the picture: the other half is being sent. Jesus was sent with the authority of His Father. We have received an anointing and have also been sent to do the works that He did. In John 12:44, Jesus said that if we believe on Him, we believe on the one who sent Him. The two are one and cannot be separated.
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. NKJV
There is no denying it: those who believe on Jesus also believe on the Father and have been anointed, and sent, to do the same works He did; and even greater works shall we do.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Anointed to Preach
Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me
to preach good tidings to the poor; NKJV
Someone once asked me how I determined if there was an anointing on any given message or preacher. That is a very good question and not easy to answer. I have never heard specific teaching that would help answer that question but I gave it my best shot. In very simple terms I replied: “It has a certain ring to it. If a bell is hanging free without contacting another object it will resound and its vibrations will penetrate deep into the ear of the hearer. If touching another object, it will have a dead or dull sounding thud that can not pierce the heart.” The anointing is compared to an ointment or an oil that, when rubbed on, can penetrate and soften the skin. The anointing can penetrate the hearts of the hearers but, depending on the listeners’ response, it can either cause repentance, a willingness to change, or it can stir up defensiveness and anger. Some are irritated by the sound of a bell and others receive pleasure from its rich tones.
Those who are anointed of God have received power and authority to preach and share the good news of the gospel. When the Spirit of God was poured out upon the believers at Pentecost, they received power to witness. They were anointed to speak with convincing words that penetrated hearts. When Peter spoke, three thousand responded with repentance, but when Stephen spoke under that same anointing, he was turned on and stoned to death. Jesus encountered various responses to His words. The common folks heard Him gladly, yet others wanted to kill Him and were eventually successful. Jesus said that we could expect to be treated in the same way He was. Some will love the message and others will respond with hate and murder.
Though Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one of God, His own disciples did not always grasp His words; they sometimes struggled to understand what He taught. We can not always assume that an anointing will get through to the hearer. Many liked His message and the way He provided material blessings, such as feeding the multitudes with loaves and fishes. After their bellies were filled they wanted Him to be their king, but He knew that they were only interested in the temporary things of this life. He wanted them to seek after the eternal bread from heaven that would sustain eternal life.
In John 16, Jesus told his followers that He was about to go away but that the Holy Spirit would come to be with them. When the Spirit comes, He will convince and convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that causes men’s hearts to either soften or rebel. Just as they were anointed with power, so we are today, through receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the anointed one and all who follow Him receive their anointing from being in relationship with Him. He is the head of the body and, as our High Priest, the anointing is poured upon Him. It then runs down over the body to the borders of His garment. As His followers we receive the anointing from our union with Him and as part of His body.
Ps 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. NKJV
Every believer that is in fellowship with Christ receives an anointing, but there seems to be another level, or dimension, to the corporate anointing. Psalm 133:3 speaks of a commanded blessing that accompanies those who are dwelling together in unity. There is power in agreement. We must always ask according to His will but when believers join together in agreement, the results are greater. Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. NKJV
God has set each member in the body as He sees fit and each member has a part to play. I believe there are different dimensions of the anointing depending on the gift we are given to edify the rest of the body. In Romans 12, Paul does not use the term anointing in reference to body ministry but he speaks of the measure of faith and grace that has been given. Grace is favor, a divine enabling to do the works of God.
Romans 12:3-8For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. NKJV
The context of this portion of scripture in Romans is speaking of us as individuals. We each have a unique gift for ministering to others. Though all can prophesy, teach and give offerings, there are some individuals who have a special anointing of power and grace that enables them to excel in their gift beyond the ordinary. Paul says that we should prophesy in proportion to the grace given. Some have been given a greater measure of faith and a greater grace than others to use their gifts. That does not mean that one is more important than another. It just means that we do not all have the same function or position in the body.
So, we all have an anointing from God, but there is an anointing upon the position or function we are given in the body. If someone is out of their position, or trying to minister in ways they were not given grace for, they would be lacking the anointing for the job. In a similar way, if someone is timid about their position and allows another to crowd into it, so to speak, there could be a lack of anointing on that position. Jesus is the head and we are His body and members in particular. We do not choose our own positions or anointing. We receive that which flows from the head.
There is an anointing upon leadership positions that are chosen or appointed by men, as well. As a church body, we vote in a new pastor to lead the congregation. In most cases, man has only recognized what God has already ordained, but God honors the choice of men and there is a mantle, or an anointing of grace, given to do the job. This is true of other positions in the church as well. Though in the natural leaders need to be trained and prepared for any given position, without the grace or anointing of God upon them they will not be as affective in their position.
So, in conclusion, let us remain together in unity so that God will command the blessing. Let us stay in proper relationship with Christ as the head and others in the body, so that we will be positioned to receive that which is poured upon the head as it flows down to the body. And let us use our powerful, anointed gifts to minister life to others.
to preach good tidings to the poor; NKJV
Someone once asked me how I determined if there was an anointing on any given message or preacher. That is a very good question and not easy to answer. I have never heard specific teaching that would help answer that question but I gave it my best shot. In very simple terms I replied: “It has a certain ring to it. If a bell is hanging free without contacting another object it will resound and its vibrations will penetrate deep into the ear of the hearer. If touching another object, it will have a dead or dull sounding thud that can not pierce the heart.” The anointing is compared to an ointment or an oil that, when rubbed on, can penetrate and soften the skin. The anointing can penetrate the hearts of the hearers but, depending on the listeners’ response, it can either cause repentance, a willingness to change, or it can stir up defensiveness and anger. Some are irritated by the sound of a bell and others receive pleasure from its rich tones.
Those who are anointed of God have received power and authority to preach and share the good news of the gospel. When the Spirit of God was poured out upon the believers at Pentecost, they received power to witness. They were anointed to speak with convincing words that penetrated hearts. When Peter spoke, three thousand responded with repentance, but when Stephen spoke under that same anointing, he was turned on and stoned to death. Jesus encountered various responses to His words. The common folks heard Him gladly, yet others wanted to kill Him and were eventually successful. Jesus said that we could expect to be treated in the same way He was. Some will love the message and others will respond with hate and murder.
Though Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one of God, His own disciples did not always grasp His words; they sometimes struggled to understand what He taught. We can not always assume that an anointing will get through to the hearer. Many liked His message and the way He provided material blessings, such as feeding the multitudes with loaves and fishes. After their bellies were filled they wanted Him to be their king, but He knew that they were only interested in the temporary things of this life. He wanted them to seek after the eternal bread from heaven that would sustain eternal life.
In John 16, Jesus told his followers that He was about to go away but that the Holy Spirit would come to be with them. When the Spirit comes, He will convince and convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that causes men’s hearts to either soften or rebel. Just as they were anointed with power, so we are today, through receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the anointed one and all who follow Him receive their anointing from being in relationship with Him. He is the head of the body and, as our High Priest, the anointing is poured upon Him. It then runs down over the body to the borders of His garment. As His followers we receive the anointing from our union with Him and as part of His body.
Ps 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. NKJV
Every believer that is in fellowship with Christ receives an anointing, but there seems to be another level, or dimension, to the corporate anointing. Psalm 133:3 speaks of a commanded blessing that accompanies those who are dwelling together in unity. There is power in agreement. We must always ask according to His will but when believers join together in agreement, the results are greater. Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. NKJV
God has set each member in the body as He sees fit and each member has a part to play. I believe there are different dimensions of the anointing depending on the gift we are given to edify the rest of the body. In Romans 12, Paul does not use the term anointing in reference to body ministry but he speaks of the measure of faith and grace that has been given. Grace is favor, a divine enabling to do the works of God.
Romans 12:3-8For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. NKJV
The context of this portion of scripture in Romans is speaking of us as individuals. We each have a unique gift for ministering to others. Though all can prophesy, teach and give offerings, there are some individuals who have a special anointing of power and grace that enables them to excel in their gift beyond the ordinary. Paul says that we should prophesy in proportion to the grace given. Some have been given a greater measure of faith and a greater grace than others to use their gifts. That does not mean that one is more important than another. It just means that we do not all have the same function or position in the body.
So, we all have an anointing from God, but there is an anointing upon the position or function we are given in the body. If someone is out of their position, or trying to minister in ways they were not given grace for, they would be lacking the anointing for the job. In a similar way, if someone is timid about their position and allows another to crowd into it, so to speak, there could be a lack of anointing on that position. Jesus is the head and we are His body and members in particular. We do not choose our own positions or anointing. We receive that which flows from the head.
There is an anointing upon leadership positions that are chosen or appointed by men, as well. As a church body, we vote in a new pastor to lead the congregation. In most cases, man has only recognized what God has already ordained, but God honors the choice of men and there is a mantle, or an anointing of grace, given to do the job. This is true of other positions in the church as well. Though in the natural leaders need to be trained and prepared for any given position, without the grace or anointing of God upon them they will not be as affective in their position.
So, in conclusion, let us remain together in unity so that God will command the blessing. Let us stay in proper relationship with Christ as the head and others in the body, so that we will be positioned to receive that which is poured upon the head as it flows down to the body. And let us use our powerful, anointed gifts to minister life to others.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Jesus The Christ
Honoring or dishonoring the anointing and the “Anointed One.”
Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV
The people that heard Jesus read the scripture concerning Himself as the Christ or The Anointed One, went from awe and amazement, to disbelief and denial, to rage and attempted murder all in a matter of a few minutes. When they heard his gracious words they were amazed and they bore witness with Him, but as soon as their natural reasoning kicked in they could only see Joseph’s son standing there. They allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to over rule what they sensed in their hearts a few moments earlier.
One day Jesus asked His disciples, Matt 16:15 "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
A revelation of the Christ will not come through looking at flesh and blood but by hearing the heart of the Father. Those who heard Jesus speaking in the temple that day were hearing from heaven, but as soon as their antennas were tuned back to earth they lost sight of the Christ. When Jesus saw their minds turning away in disbelief He said that a prophet is not honored or accepted in his own country. Wherever there is familiarity it is hard to see beyond the flesh and blood. One of the most amazing parts of the gospel accounts is how these people went from being in awe at His words, to attempted murder in a matter of a few moments. Israel had a history of rejecting the prophets of God and Jesus knew He would be treated the same way. Even though they were in awe at Him for a moment they followed in the footsteps of their forefathers.
There were many widows in the land of Israel during the time of Elijah when there was no rain for three and a half years, and great famine was in the land; but Elijah was sent to none of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath. There were also many lepers in the land of Israel during the days of Elisha and none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. Jesus emphasized the affect of Israel’s lack of honor toward those anointed and sent by God. They had to go outside of Israel to find someone who would receive their ministry.
On another occasion recorded in Matthew 13, Jesus was unable to do mighty works in His own country because they were too familiar with Him and His family. Again they allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to disqualify Him as the anointed one. Jesus comes to us today in the flesh and blood of those He has called and chosen to carry on His ministry. Let’s not do as they did and dishonor the anointing by not receiving the package it comes to us in.
The anointing can cause offence. Jesus said in Matthew 11:6
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
John being in prison, sent a messenger to Jesus to ask if He was the “One” they had been waiting for or if they should continue looking for another. Jesus did not answer yes or no, but He pointed to the miraculous works of the anointing. He closes His statement with
The anointing also destroys the yoke of bondage. Jesus came to set the captive free. Bondage comes in many forms; sin, sickness, disease and infirmities, and even religious bondages are broken by the anointing. Probably the greatest opposition Jesus encountered came from the religious people. They hated Him because He set people free from their control and released people from their power.
Is it possible we could be suffering some of the same affects in the church today as Israel did because of a lack of recognizing and honoring the anointing? Are we looking at the flesh and blood that Jesus the Christ chooses to show up in? Have we grown up and become familiar with a Jesus who did no miracles in our midst?
I remember back in the early 1950’s there were several well known evangelists with powerful healing ministries. At that time I had not yet given my life to Christ but I remember overhearing Christians explaining away the miraculous claims of healings reported in their meetings. One report of a person who was healed then later lost it, proved to them that the healing was never real to begin with. Though there has been much growth and maturity in the church since then, we still constantly hear reports about all the miracles that take place in Africa and other far away places, yet not in America? It could be compared to Jesus’ home town, where He was only able to heal a few sick folks because of the prevailing unbelief and lack of honor for the anointing.
Matt 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" NKJV
Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV
The people that heard Jesus read the scripture concerning Himself as the Christ or The Anointed One, went from awe and amazement, to disbelief and denial, to rage and attempted murder all in a matter of a few minutes. When they heard his gracious words they were amazed and they bore witness with Him, but as soon as their natural reasoning kicked in they could only see Joseph’s son standing there. They allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to over rule what they sensed in their hearts a few moments earlier.
One day Jesus asked His disciples, Matt 16:15 "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
A revelation of the Christ will not come through looking at flesh and blood but by hearing the heart of the Father. Those who heard Jesus speaking in the temple that day were hearing from heaven, but as soon as their antennas were tuned back to earth they lost sight of the Christ. When Jesus saw their minds turning away in disbelief He said that a prophet is not honored or accepted in his own country. Wherever there is familiarity it is hard to see beyond the flesh and blood. One of the most amazing parts of the gospel accounts is how these people went from being in awe at His words, to attempted murder in a matter of a few moments. Israel had a history of rejecting the prophets of God and Jesus knew He would be treated the same way. Even though they were in awe at Him for a moment they followed in the footsteps of their forefathers.
There were many widows in the land of Israel during the time of Elijah when there was no rain for three and a half years, and great famine was in the land; but Elijah was sent to none of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath. There were also many lepers in the land of Israel during the days of Elisha and none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. Jesus emphasized the affect of Israel’s lack of honor toward those anointed and sent by God. They had to go outside of Israel to find someone who would receive their ministry.
On another occasion recorded in Matthew 13, Jesus was unable to do mighty works in His own country because they were too familiar with Him and His family. Again they allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to disqualify Him as the anointed one. Jesus comes to us today in the flesh and blood of those He has called and chosen to carry on His ministry. Let’s not do as they did and dishonor the anointing by not receiving the package it comes to us in.
The anointing can cause offence. Jesus said in Matthew 11:6
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
John being in prison, sent a messenger to Jesus to ask if He was the “One” they had been waiting for or if they should continue looking for another. Jesus did not answer yes or no, but He pointed to the miraculous works of the anointing. He closes His statement with
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."Many were offended at Him and His words. They could not get past His humanity to see God at work.
The anointing also destroys the yoke of bondage. Jesus came to set the captive free. Bondage comes in many forms; sin, sickness, disease and infirmities, and even religious bondages are broken by the anointing. Probably the greatest opposition Jesus encountered came from the religious people. They hated Him because He set people free from their control and released people from their power.
Is it possible we could be suffering some of the same affects in the church today as Israel did because of a lack of recognizing and honoring the anointing? Are we looking at the flesh and blood that Jesus the Christ chooses to show up in? Have we grown up and become familiar with a Jesus who did no miracles in our midst?
I remember back in the early 1950’s there were several well known evangelists with powerful healing ministries. At that time I had not yet given my life to Christ but I remember overhearing Christians explaining away the miraculous claims of healings reported in their meetings. One report of a person who was healed then later lost it, proved to them that the healing was never real to begin with. Though there has been much growth and maturity in the church since then, we still constantly hear reports about all the miracles that take place in Africa and other far away places, yet not in America? It could be compared to Jesus’ home town, where He was only able to heal a few sick folks because of the prevailing unbelief and lack of honor for the anointing.
Matt 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" NKJV
Monday, June 29, 2009
Overcoming Addiction
An addiction is a compulsive, physical need for a habit forming substance. An addict is one who is given to, devoted to, or obsessed with something habitually.
Though we are all born sinners and unable to meet God’s standard of righteousness, we are not usually born addicted to something like drugs or alcohol. These addictions come as a result of our searching for something to fill the void that sin leaves in the human heart. Addictions come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can be addicted to anything that we choose to give ourselves to, even to good, God given things like food, drink or our possessions. It is our desire for instant gratification that makes us vulnerable to addictive things.
Addiction is a form of idolatry. Anything that we allow to have power over us or to take the place of God in our lives is an idol. Worship is surrender, to give controlling power to God or to other gods. We may not realize it but, hidden behind physical idols or objects of worship, is a spiritual being of the enemy. Since the fall of Satan, his goal has been to cause those who were designed to worship God, to instead worship him. Satan knows the weakness of human flesh and uses addictive substances to gain power and control over us.
Though we are alive in this world, true abundant life is only found in God. Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
Our enemy’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy what God has made and called good. Satan cunningly appeals to our emptiness with things that look good and promise to satisfy but are perverted and poisoned with sin and death. Our flesh is not eternal. It is made from the dust of the earth. Our flesh has nothing to lose by giving in to its own cravings because it is destined to return to the dust. Our spirit and soul are eternal and can not afford to allow our flesh to lead us into destruction.
If the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has destroyed the power of the enemy, why is it that our enemy still has such power over us? The answer lies in the death to our flesh. Jesus has provided a way for us to put off the old man of flesh and put on the new man which is fashioned after Christ. The problem is, it does not happen automatically: it is a lifelong walk. We must daily take up our cross and follow after Jesus to become His disciples. Our flesh man will not take this lying down, but will put on whatever disguise necessary to stay alive. From my own experience, the most common disguise is religion. He will try real hard to be good so as to not be put off or hung on the cross.
I am convinced that all sinners are addicts. Many addictions are easier to hide and are even accepted as a normal way of life. The solution to all addictions is the same: we must become like Christ. We must be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. NKJV
Overcoming addiction is achieved in knowing Him and receiving the divine power of His nature. As a result, we will escape the corruption of this world that finds its way into our lives through our fleshly desires.
Though our own flesh can seem to be our worst enemy, our battle is spiritual. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,. NKJV
Addictions are strongholds in the fleshly mind that can only be pulled down by the power of God. There can be an instantaneous deliverance from the power of addictions, but if our thinking is not changed by the renewing of the mind, we will not overcome for the long haul. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Worship is surrender to the greater one. We become like the one we worship, either God or dumb idols of addiction.
Though we are all born sinners and unable to meet God’s standard of righteousness, we are not usually born addicted to something like drugs or alcohol. These addictions come as a result of our searching for something to fill the void that sin leaves in the human heart. Addictions come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can be addicted to anything that we choose to give ourselves to, even to good, God given things like food, drink or our possessions. It is our desire for instant gratification that makes us vulnerable to addictive things.
Addiction is a form of idolatry. Anything that we allow to have power over us or to take the place of God in our lives is an idol. Worship is surrender, to give controlling power to God or to other gods. We may not realize it but, hidden behind physical idols or objects of worship, is a spiritual being of the enemy. Since the fall of Satan, his goal has been to cause those who were designed to worship God, to instead worship him. Satan knows the weakness of human flesh and uses addictive substances to gain power and control over us.
Though we are alive in this world, true abundant life is only found in God. Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
Our enemy’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy what God has made and called good. Satan cunningly appeals to our emptiness with things that look good and promise to satisfy but are perverted and poisoned with sin and death. Our flesh is not eternal. It is made from the dust of the earth. Our flesh has nothing to lose by giving in to its own cravings because it is destined to return to the dust. Our spirit and soul are eternal and can not afford to allow our flesh to lead us into destruction.
If the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has destroyed the power of the enemy, why is it that our enemy still has such power over us? The answer lies in the death to our flesh. Jesus has provided a way for us to put off the old man of flesh and put on the new man which is fashioned after Christ. The problem is, it does not happen automatically: it is a lifelong walk. We must daily take up our cross and follow after Jesus to become His disciples. Our flesh man will not take this lying down, but will put on whatever disguise necessary to stay alive. From my own experience, the most common disguise is religion. He will try real hard to be good so as to not be put off or hung on the cross.
I am convinced that all sinners are addicts. Many addictions are easier to hide and are even accepted as a normal way of life. The solution to all addictions is the same: we must become like Christ. We must be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. NKJV
Overcoming addiction is achieved in knowing Him and receiving the divine power of His nature. As a result, we will escape the corruption of this world that finds its way into our lives through our fleshly desires.
Though our own flesh can seem to be our worst enemy, our battle is spiritual. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,. NKJV
Addictions are strongholds in the fleshly mind that can only be pulled down by the power of God. There can be an instantaneous deliverance from the power of addictions, but if our thinking is not changed by the renewing of the mind, we will not overcome for the long haul. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Worship is surrender to the greater one. We become like the one we worship, either God or dumb idols of addiction.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Overcoming Performance
When I think of the word performance, my mind goes immediately to show business or some sort of stage production. It has the implication of acting out a role or script that was designed and written by someone other than the actor. It has to do with taking on a different identity or becoming someone else in order to fulfill the part in the script. It also implies that the actor is performing for the benefit or pleasure of others and not necessarily for himself.
Life, in general, can be like a big stage performance. We can get caught up in it and find our lives being directed by the latest trends and fashions. We want to be accepted and liked by others, so we allow the world to form and shape us into its mold. As Christians we are not to be conformed to the world, or to respond to its director, but we should be listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
It boils down to an identity issue. I think a lack of knowing who we are and what our purpose in life is lends to the ability of the world to direct the desires and passions of God’s people. The world’s definition of success can so affect us and cause to spend much of our lives trying to become someone we were never designed by God to be. I have a personal story that can help, to a degree, explain what I mean.
In 1971, I started my own contracting business as a plumber. I worked for several small home builders installing the plumbing in the homes they built. I had two or three friends who also began businesses around that time. Over a period of years, I would occasionally run across these friends and we would sort of talk shop and compare notes on the various pitfalls and rewards of being in business. One friend, in particular, had a fast growing business and became well known, with a good reputation. Every time I would hear his success stories, I would compare my own situation to his and wonder why I was coming up so far short of what he was able to do.
In the 1980’s there were a few Christian books written on the subject of success, which I read. I came away with even deeper feelings of defeat because I could not measure up to what others were defining as success. Comparing a business to a tree was one application to define success. A tree began as a sprout, and then a twig then soon begins to branch out with many limbs putting down deep roots. A tree is determined to be healthy if it continues to grow larger and cover more area. This type of analogy was used to define what a successful church, or a business, would look like. Basically, if it was not growing then it was dying out or, in other words, unsuccessful.
I determined by that definition that I was unsuccessful in business. At one point I tried growing the business but it became unmanageable for me. Through all these toils and snares, I one day realized I had bought into and was following the script of the world’s director. I was trying to fit a mold I was not destined for. I am not suggesting that my friend with the large, successful business was out of line, but I just realized that not everyone is equipped with the skills and talents to run a large business. I wanted to be considered successful but, by the world’s standard, I was not. I even bought into the idea that God saw me as unsuccessful.
It was not until about twenty five years later, when I felt directed by the Lord to close down my business to become available full time for His business, that I got the true picture. I had to notify the builders that I had worked for, some for nearly the whole twenty five years, that I was getting out of the business. In all the years I no idea what a success I had been. One after another they began to express their appreciation for the work I had done, saying that I was the most faithful subcontractor they had. I always did what I promised to do and when they needed it. They expressed their concern about finding someone as reliable to replace me.
It was also at that time when I sensed the Lord commending me. It was as if my good record and reputation was taken into consideration in His decision to call me into His service full time. He let me know that, in His eyes, I was very successful. The Lord does not measure success in the same way that man does. Size and the amount of territory one covers is quantity, but He measures by quality and integrity. We are only responsible to the degree we are gifted. Just as in the parable of the talents, the only one who was not rewarded was the servant who did nothing at all with the talent he was given. The other two servants were given talents in varying degrees and were both faithful with what they were trusted with. It was not the size of their accomplishments that earned reward; it was their faithfulness to use what they were given.
I had struggled for years to fit into a mold designed by the world. I was caught up in performance, trying to act a part that was not designed for me. I even strived to be pleasing to God because I allowed the world to define success. I tried to put on the identity of a successful business man, but it was not made for me. I realized later that all I needed was to be identified as a child of God. I was in performance mode, acting out the scenes designed by this world, but when I got on the right page with God, I realized my life was for an audience of One.
Ultimately God has written the script for each one of us. We must take off the identity of this world and put on our new identity in His Kingdom. This is accomplished without striving: it only requires surrender to His purpose and plan for our lives. We can only play the part He has designed us for; any other will leave us frustrated.
Knowing the truth sets us free. I was a slave to performance until I understood how God viewed my life. He saw me as a success based on my surrender to Him, not by how much I could do for Him.
Life, in general, can be like a big stage performance. We can get caught up in it and find our lives being directed by the latest trends and fashions. We want to be accepted and liked by others, so we allow the world to form and shape us into its mold. As Christians we are not to be conformed to the world, or to respond to its director, but we should be listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
It boils down to an identity issue. I think a lack of knowing who we are and what our purpose in life is lends to the ability of the world to direct the desires and passions of God’s people. The world’s definition of success can so affect us and cause to spend much of our lives trying to become someone we were never designed by God to be. I have a personal story that can help, to a degree, explain what I mean.
In 1971, I started my own contracting business as a plumber. I worked for several small home builders installing the plumbing in the homes they built. I had two or three friends who also began businesses around that time. Over a period of years, I would occasionally run across these friends and we would sort of talk shop and compare notes on the various pitfalls and rewards of being in business. One friend, in particular, had a fast growing business and became well known, with a good reputation. Every time I would hear his success stories, I would compare my own situation to his and wonder why I was coming up so far short of what he was able to do.
In the 1980’s there were a few Christian books written on the subject of success, which I read. I came away with even deeper feelings of defeat because I could not measure up to what others were defining as success. Comparing a business to a tree was one application to define success. A tree began as a sprout, and then a twig then soon begins to branch out with many limbs putting down deep roots. A tree is determined to be healthy if it continues to grow larger and cover more area. This type of analogy was used to define what a successful church, or a business, would look like. Basically, if it was not growing then it was dying out or, in other words, unsuccessful.
I determined by that definition that I was unsuccessful in business. At one point I tried growing the business but it became unmanageable for me. Through all these toils and snares, I one day realized I had bought into and was following the script of the world’s director. I was trying to fit a mold I was not destined for. I am not suggesting that my friend with the large, successful business was out of line, but I just realized that not everyone is equipped with the skills and talents to run a large business. I wanted to be considered successful but, by the world’s standard, I was not. I even bought into the idea that God saw me as unsuccessful.
It was not until about twenty five years later, when I felt directed by the Lord to close down my business to become available full time for His business, that I got the true picture. I had to notify the builders that I had worked for, some for nearly the whole twenty five years, that I was getting out of the business. In all the years I no idea what a success I had been. One after another they began to express their appreciation for the work I had done, saying that I was the most faithful subcontractor they had. I always did what I promised to do and when they needed it. They expressed their concern about finding someone as reliable to replace me.
It was also at that time when I sensed the Lord commending me. It was as if my good record and reputation was taken into consideration in His decision to call me into His service full time. He let me know that, in His eyes, I was very successful. The Lord does not measure success in the same way that man does. Size and the amount of territory one covers is quantity, but He measures by quality and integrity. We are only responsible to the degree we are gifted. Just as in the parable of the talents, the only one who was not rewarded was the servant who did nothing at all with the talent he was given. The other two servants were given talents in varying degrees and were both faithful with what they were trusted with. It was not the size of their accomplishments that earned reward; it was their faithfulness to use what they were given.
I had struggled for years to fit into a mold designed by the world. I was caught up in performance, trying to act a part that was not designed for me. I even strived to be pleasing to God because I allowed the world to define success. I tried to put on the identity of a successful business man, but it was not made for me. I realized later that all I needed was to be identified as a child of God. I was in performance mode, acting out the scenes designed by this world, but when I got on the right page with God, I realized my life was for an audience of One.
Ultimately God has written the script for each one of us. We must take off the identity of this world and put on our new identity in His Kingdom. This is accomplished without striving: it only requires surrender to His purpose and plan for our lives. We can only play the part He has designed us for; any other will leave us frustrated.
Knowing the truth sets us free. I was a slave to performance until I understood how God viewed my life. He saw me as a success based on my surrender to Him, not by how much I could do for Him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Overcoming Religion
Often times when testifying to unbelievers about my salvation experience, they would say, “It sounds like you got religion.” I used to agree with that statement because, to me, that meant my salvation brought me into the Christian religion. But in more recent times I prefer to disassociate myself with that term because religion, to most people, means adhering to a set of rules in order to become acceptable to God. Most unbelievers do not see Christians as God’s family dwelling together in unity but in disagreement over how best to interpret all those rules. It is better to avoid the term religion and focus on being in a family relationship with God instead.
The many religions of the world center their focus on doing something in order to be accepted or to gain eternal rewards. Christianity was never intended to become a religion in that sense of the word. The central theme of the bible is about God’s plan to restore broken relationships, not broken rules. God gave us the commandments as laws to protect relationships, not to be the building blocks of a relationship. Relationships are formed through spending time with someone. God desires a family, having lots of sons and daughters. The idea that we must do something to be accepted by God is actually from a slave mentality. Religion is tailor made, and well suited, for those who have a slavery mentality. Because we were all born slaves to sin and the devil, it is easy to be deceived when he returns in a religious guise.
When I became a Christian many years ago, I got involved in church, along with other believers. I didn’t give a second thought as to whether or not I was being exposed to religious practices designed to neutralize my effectiveness in the world. When we do things religiously we often loose track of why we do them. We continue just because we have always done it that way. Someone once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. That is a fitting definition of religion as well. Religion lacks the personal relationship with God. It depends completely on what is written in scripture. Without that relationship, it is like reading someone else’s mail: it would be hard to understand and likely mean very little to us.
In order to overcome religion we must see it for what it is. We must be able to determine to what degree we are affected by it. Jesus often offended the religious people of His day because He exposed their hypocrisy. Religious spirits are at work among us: John calls them antichrists (See 1 John 2). Religious spirits not only oppose Christ but come to take the place of Christ, the anointed one. Religion lacks a true anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of slavery, so obviously these antichrist spirits want to come in with a counterfeit anointing, to neutralize or displace the true anointing. How do we spot a false anointing? Jesus read the following scripture passage concerning Himself and those who are called to the same ministry.
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
In another place it is written, concerning Jesus. John the Baptist was in prison and about to loose his head. He was likely wondering if his mission of preparing the way for the Lord was accomplished.
Matt 11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
The anointing destroys the yoke of bondage. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the dead are raised. These are signs of the anointing at work. If these signs are not following us and we tend to be offended by them, we are likely under the influence of a religious spirit. Religion hates the “Anointed One” because He breaks its power over people. Religion uses the neediness of people to control them, while the true anointing comes with the answer to those needs. Religion poses as the solution to every need but it is only an empty lifeless disguise.
Religion is of the world, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
NKJV
The many religions of the world center their focus on doing something in order to be accepted or to gain eternal rewards. Christianity was never intended to become a religion in that sense of the word. The central theme of the bible is about God’s plan to restore broken relationships, not broken rules. God gave us the commandments as laws to protect relationships, not to be the building blocks of a relationship. Relationships are formed through spending time with someone. God desires a family, having lots of sons and daughters. The idea that we must do something to be accepted by God is actually from a slave mentality. Religion is tailor made, and well suited, for those who have a slavery mentality. Because we were all born slaves to sin and the devil, it is easy to be deceived when he returns in a religious guise.
When I became a Christian many years ago, I got involved in church, along with other believers. I didn’t give a second thought as to whether or not I was being exposed to religious practices designed to neutralize my effectiveness in the world. When we do things religiously we often loose track of why we do them. We continue just because we have always done it that way. Someone once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. That is a fitting definition of religion as well. Religion lacks the personal relationship with God. It depends completely on what is written in scripture. Without that relationship, it is like reading someone else’s mail: it would be hard to understand and likely mean very little to us.
In order to overcome religion we must see it for what it is. We must be able to determine to what degree we are affected by it. Jesus often offended the religious people of His day because He exposed their hypocrisy. Religious spirits are at work among us: John calls them antichrists (See 1 John 2). Religious spirits not only oppose Christ but come to take the place of Christ, the anointed one. Religion lacks a true anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of slavery, so obviously these antichrist spirits want to come in with a counterfeit anointing, to neutralize or displace the true anointing. How do we spot a false anointing? Jesus read the following scripture passage concerning Himself and those who are called to the same ministry.
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
In another place it is written, concerning Jesus. John the Baptist was in prison and about to loose his head. He was likely wondering if his mission of preparing the way for the Lord was accomplished.
Matt 11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
The anointing destroys the yoke of bondage. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the dead are raised. These are signs of the anointing at work. If these signs are not following us and we tend to be offended by them, we are likely under the influence of a religious spirit. Religion hates the “Anointed One” because He breaks its power over people. Religion uses the neediness of people to control them, while the true anointing comes with the answer to those needs. Religion poses as the solution to every need but it is only an empty lifeless disguise.
Religion is of the world, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
NKJV
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Slavery to Debt
Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. NKJV
1 Tim 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. NKJV
Those who set their sights on riches and material things position themselves for a fall. The enemy always takes advantage of our desires and lays a trap for us. If we love money more than we love God, it will always lead us astray.
The enemy is so deceitful that he will even use what appears good to snare us. I believe that the spirit of mammon will work together with a religious spirit to draw Christians into debt for a good cause so that God’s people will be in bondage. God’s people forfeit their inheritance through disobedience and enter, instead, into bondage.
Deut. 15:4 for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. NKJV
It is our destiny to rule over cities and nations but, instead, we have fallen into bondage through financial debt and the love of money. God’s people should be in control of the money as lenders and not borrowers.
Deut. 28:9 "The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. NKJV
God’s people are not to be slaves to any one, but servants of God only. Jesus said that a man can not serve two masters. He will either despise one and be true to the other, or he will be true to the one and despise the other. If God’s people are servants to the lenders, then are we trying to serve two masters? Jesus said this in the context of wealth. Slavery to wealth is not reserved for those who are in debt. The rich man that wanted to enter into God’s Kingdom was confronted with his love for riches. He was given a choice to either serve his wealth or God. He sadly chose wealth as his master. It was not financial debt that trapped him in slavery, but his love for riches. It is a good thing to love your master; it just better be the right one. The rich man’s love for wealth became a snare that prevented him from serving God.
It is natural for us to become so used to our environment that we can not tell if something is missing or broken. Financial indebtedness is so common place in America that it has become almost as natural as breathing. Our dependency has shifted from God to money. If we were half as dependent upon getting a hold of God as we are about getting more money, we would be much better off.
According to the scriptures in Deuteronomy, there is a definite connection between our obedience to God’s commands and our influence in this world. We have become impotent and ineffective in this world due to being lured into slavery. A slave has no inheritance in God’s plan. The strategy of the enemy is to keep those who would otherwise have authority and dominion over him, in bondage and in slavery. Slavery comes in many forms other than wealth, but because riches, in themselves, are not evil like some other addicting vices, it is more deceitful and adaptable to religion.
1 Tim 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. NKJV
Those who set their sights on riches and material things position themselves for a fall. The enemy always takes advantage of our desires and lays a trap for us. If we love money more than we love God, it will always lead us astray.
The enemy is so deceitful that he will even use what appears good to snare us. I believe that the spirit of mammon will work together with a religious spirit to draw Christians into debt for a good cause so that God’s people will be in bondage. God’s people forfeit their inheritance through disobedience and enter, instead, into bondage.
Deut. 15:4 for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. NKJV
It is our destiny to rule over cities and nations but, instead, we have fallen into bondage through financial debt and the love of money. God’s people should be in control of the money as lenders and not borrowers.
Deut. 28:9 "The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. NKJV
God’s people are not to be slaves to any one, but servants of God only. Jesus said that a man can not serve two masters. He will either despise one and be true to the other, or he will be true to the one and despise the other. If God’s people are servants to the lenders, then are we trying to serve two masters? Jesus said this in the context of wealth. Slavery to wealth is not reserved for those who are in debt. The rich man that wanted to enter into God’s Kingdom was confronted with his love for riches. He was given a choice to either serve his wealth or God. He sadly chose wealth as his master. It was not financial debt that trapped him in slavery, but his love for riches. It is a good thing to love your master; it just better be the right one. The rich man’s love for wealth became a snare that prevented him from serving God.
It is natural for us to become so used to our environment that we can not tell if something is missing or broken. Financial indebtedness is so common place in America that it has become almost as natural as breathing. Our dependency has shifted from God to money. If we were half as dependent upon getting a hold of God as we are about getting more money, we would be much better off.
According to the scriptures in Deuteronomy, there is a definite connection between our obedience to God’s commands and our influence in this world. We have become impotent and ineffective in this world due to being lured into slavery. A slave has no inheritance in God’s plan. The strategy of the enemy is to keep those who would otherwise have authority and dominion over him, in bondage and in slavery. Slavery comes in many forms other than wealth, but because riches, in themselves, are not evil like some other addicting vices, it is more deceitful and adaptable to religion.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Modern Day Slavery
John 8:34-36
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. NIV
All who are born into this earth are born as slaves to sin for all have sinned. (See Romans 3:23) One of sin’s greatest deceptions is that sometimes it appears righteous.
There was a man who came to Jesus asking; "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 18: 16-22 NKJV
The rich man was totally focused on doing good things. He wanted Jesus to tell him which good deed was the magic bullet that would assure him of a place in God’s eternal kingdom. He was likely hoping Jesus would point to some good thing that he had done, or tell him what he could do, to enter into life. When Jesus began to run through the list of commandments I can imagine his hopes rising, yet there seemed to be a nagging lack of assurance. Then Jesus put his finger right on the very problem. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
The rich man searched for fulfillment in wealth and possessions, yet his apparent emptiness caused him to come to Jesus. The Lord gave him the cure for lack of fulfillment but he chose to hold on and trust in earthly things. He could not trust in the promise of God above the things of this visible world. It proved that wealth was his master. Wealth is not evil in it self but it can become our slave master. Religion, in the same way, can be perverted to be nothing more than a cover for sin.
Sin will try to hide under a cover of good deeds. Jesus taught that sin begins in the heart and He used murder and adultery as examples. Matt 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. NKJV
In effect, Jesus was saying that the sin of anger is just as deadly as the act of murder. We rationalize it away because we did not commit the act, but who can argue with God? He is the only one who can truly define sin.
Again Jesus speaks of adultery; Matthew 5:27-29 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. NKJV
Recognizing Slavery
When Jesus spoke of the Son making them free, some in His audience were offended at His words. He was basically calling them slaves that needed to be set free.
John 8:33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" NKJV
Not all who are actual descendants of Abraham are free from slavery: only those who trust and believe God’s promises, as did Abraham. Abraham believed that God would raise up a deliverer, the Messiah, to remove the sins of the people. There were some that claimed Abraham as their father but did not act at all like him. They were of their father, the devil, looking for opportunity to kill Jesus, the very deliverer that Abraham believed would come.
Slavery cloaks itself in a religious robe of good works but on the inside there is hatred, anger and a murdering spirit. These religious people were slaves to sin while claiming to be servants of God.
The only escape from slavery is to have a new father. We must be born again into the family of God. We become sons and daughters who remain in the Father’s house forever. Through the new birth we obtain a new inheritance. We inherit a righteous nature in place of the old sinful one. Freedom from slavery to sin comes by obeying our new master. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness.
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. NIV
All who are born into this earth are born as slaves to sin for all have sinned. (See Romans 3:23) One of sin’s greatest deceptions is that sometimes it appears righteous.
There was a man who came to Jesus asking; "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 18: 16-22 NKJV
The rich man was totally focused on doing good things. He wanted Jesus to tell him which good deed was the magic bullet that would assure him of a place in God’s eternal kingdom. He was likely hoping Jesus would point to some good thing that he had done, or tell him what he could do, to enter into life. When Jesus began to run through the list of commandments I can imagine his hopes rising, yet there seemed to be a nagging lack of assurance. Then Jesus put his finger right on the very problem. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
The rich man searched for fulfillment in wealth and possessions, yet his apparent emptiness caused him to come to Jesus. The Lord gave him the cure for lack of fulfillment but he chose to hold on and trust in earthly things. He could not trust in the promise of God above the things of this visible world. It proved that wealth was his master. Wealth is not evil in it self but it can become our slave master. Religion, in the same way, can be perverted to be nothing more than a cover for sin.
Sin will try to hide under a cover of good deeds. Jesus taught that sin begins in the heart and He used murder and adultery as examples. Matt 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. NKJV
In effect, Jesus was saying that the sin of anger is just as deadly as the act of murder. We rationalize it away because we did not commit the act, but who can argue with God? He is the only one who can truly define sin.
Again Jesus speaks of adultery; Matthew 5:27-29 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. NKJV
Recognizing Slavery
When Jesus spoke of the Son making them free, some in His audience were offended at His words. He was basically calling them slaves that needed to be set free.
John 8:33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" NKJV
Not all who are actual descendants of Abraham are free from slavery: only those who trust and believe God’s promises, as did Abraham. Abraham believed that God would raise up a deliverer, the Messiah, to remove the sins of the people. There were some that claimed Abraham as their father but did not act at all like him. They were of their father, the devil, looking for opportunity to kill Jesus, the very deliverer that Abraham believed would come.
Slavery cloaks itself in a religious robe of good works but on the inside there is hatred, anger and a murdering spirit. These religious people were slaves to sin while claiming to be servants of God.
The only escape from slavery is to have a new father. We must be born again into the family of God. We become sons and daughters who remain in the Father’s house forever. Through the new birth we obtain a new inheritance. We inherit a righteous nature in place of the old sinful one. Freedom from slavery to sin comes by obeying our new master. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Don't Tempt Me
Matt 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NKJV
We could say it as follows: “Lead us away and help us avoid tempting circumstances and deliver us from the evil one.” God does not tempt us with sin but He will allow our faith to be tested.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. NKJV
When Jesus was praying in the garden just prior to His arrest, He returned twice to where His disciples were.
Matt 26:40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." NKJV
Watching can help keep us aware of the snares of the enemy.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV
Our enemy knows our weaknesses and waits for opportunity to tempt us in the area of that weakness. Trusting in our own will power and human strength makes us prey to the roaring lion. Faith is trusting in the strength and will of God even if it seems contrary to human reasoning.
God does not tempt us with sin but He will allow our faith to be tested.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. NKJV
We endure temptation through faith believing that, even though our flesh might fail and fall into sin, faith will cause us to endure knowing that God’s grace is greater than our sin. The process of enduring temptation may include some failures but, as long as we do not forsake our faith and trust in God, He will cause us to be triumphant. This process is to test or prove our faith. Faith is not defined by sinless perfection but by trusting in God to complete the work He has begun in us. As long as we confess and forsake our sin, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus surely knew the weakness of Peter’s flesh and thus warned him to watch and pray lest he would fall into temptation. Our prayer time is much more than words or requests. It is a time when we are sober and vigilant, watching out for the enemy’s traps. Peter may have been a bit too confident in his own ability to stand beside Jesus even unto death. Jesus maintained mastery over His flesh, surrendering to the will of His father in the garden, but Peter and the others were sleeping.
It appears that Satan, having observed Peter’s extreme self confidence, then asked for the right to test him, or sift him as wheat, in order to prove if he would actually stand by Jesus unto death. Any time we make such a bold statement in self confidence we may be inviting a challenge of the enemy to try to prove us wrong.
Luke 22:31And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." 33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." 34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
By the time Peter wrote his first epistle he had gone through a lot of enduring and humbling and is well able to give us advice that will strengthen us.
1 Peter 5:5-11 Submit to God, Resist the Devil
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV
If pride led to Peter’s fall and denial of Christ, then God was likely resisting him instead of imparting grace to him. Therefore prayer is a good way to be clothed with a humility that resists or repels the devil. James says “resist the devil steadfast in the faith.” We all suffer temptation in this world but only through faith will we endure testing and overcome. God will establish, strengthen and perfect us through our suffering. He will build us on the firm foundation of Christ and He will get all the glory forever and ever Amen.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NKJV
We could say it as follows: “Lead us away and help us avoid tempting circumstances and deliver us from the evil one.” God does not tempt us with sin but He will allow our faith to be tested.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. NKJV
When Jesus was praying in the garden just prior to His arrest, He returned twice to where His disciples were.
Matt 26:40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." NKJV
Watching can help keep us aware of the snares of the enemy.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV
Our enemy knows our weaknesses and waits for opportunity to tempt us in the area of that weakness. Trusting in our own will power and human strength makes us prey to the roaring lion. Faith is trusting in the strength and will of God even if it seems contrary to human reasoning.
God does not tempt us with sin but He will allow our faith to be tested.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. NKJV
We endure temptation through faith believing that, even though our flesh might fail and fall into sin, faith will cause us to endure knowing that God’s grace is greater than our sin. The process of enduring temptation may include some failures but, as long as we do not forsake our faith and trust in God, He will cause us to be triumphant. This process is to test or prove our faith. Faith is not defined by sinless perfection but by trusting in God to complete the work He has begun in us. As long as we confess and forsake our sin, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus surely knew the weakness of Peter’s flesh and thus warned him to watch and pray lest he would fall into temptation. Our prayer time is much more than words or requests. It is a time when we are sober and vigilant, watching out for the enemy’s traps. Peter may have been a bit too confident in his own ability to stand beside Jesus even unto death. Jesus maintained mastery over His flesh, surrendering to the will of His father in the garden, but Peter and the others were sleeping.
It appears that Satan, having observed Peter’s extreme self confidence, then asked for the right to test him, or sift him as wheat, in order to prove if he would actually stand by Jesus unto death. Any time we make such a bold statement in self confidence we may be inviting a challenge of the enemy to try to prove us wrong.
Luke 22:31And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." 33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." 34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
By the time Peter wrote his first epistle he had gone through a lot of enduring and humbling and is well able to give us advice that will strengthen us.
1 Peter 5:5-11 Submit to God, Resist the Devil
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV
If pride led to Peter’s fall and denial of Christ, then God was likely resisting him instead of imparting grace to him. Therefore prayer is a good way to be clothed with a humility that resists or repels the devil. James says “resist the devil steadfast in the faith.” We all suffer temptation in this world but only through faith will we endure testing and overcome. God will establish, strengthen and perfect us through our suffering. He will build us on the firm foundation of Christ and He will get all the glory forever and ever Amen.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Forgive us as we Forgive
Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. NKJV
By these verses, we see that our own forgiveness is based upon our forgiveness of others.
Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." NKJV
To “judge not” means: do not pass judgment or sentence anyone to punishment. It is perfectly ok to make a judgment, to determine if something is right or wrong to avoid getting involved with evil, but we are not to pass judgment. If we sentence someone by wanting them to pay or be punished for their own debt of sin, we sentence ourselves to the same punishment; in doing so we disregard and make ineffective the payment that has already been made by Jesus on the cross.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. KJV
The measure of law is on a lower level than that of grace. The Galatians fell from grace by trusting in their own efforts to do things by the law. They had not gone back to sacrificing animals for their sins, but they forfeited the full power of Christ’s sacrifice by reverting back to requiring circumcision for salvation, which was only an outward, prophetic sign of what was accomplished by Christ. They, in effect, traded in their newly acquired measure of grace and faith for the inferiority of the law.
There is a legal measure and there is the measure of mercy and grace, through faith. The pressed down, shaken together and running over measure is mercy and grace which surpasses the law. Jesus’ death on the cross was a pressed down, shaken together and running over payment. It far surpassed the payment of the blood of animals prescribed by the law. The payment that Jesus made for our sin debt included everything the law provided and much, much more.
Legal forgiveness cancels the debt but comes short of grace. Our debt is canceled by a legal payment but it affords us nothing extra: as it were, money in the bank. Those under the old covenant (law), who offered animals as a sacrifice for their sin, were forgiven but had nothing in the bank for future debt. They had to return every year to offer another animal to renew their forgiveness. The payment of Christ on the cross includes grace, an abundant supply, added to our account, available to pay off debt the moment we need it. We do not have to wait another year as if Jesus needed to die again for our sin.
This grace account is available to us through the cross. Our use of the grace, filled overflowing measure, ensures that it will be used toward us. If we prefer to use the legal measure toward others, it will be the standard of measurement used toward us. Those under the Old Covenant (law) did not have their consciences cleared of offences nor could they enter the intimate presence of God. That was only experienced, once a year, by the high priest as he entered with the blood of innocent animals. The people were forgiven of sin but the enmity, or animosity, between the offended parties was not cleared from their consciousness. The old sacrificial system of the law allowed the devil to take advantage of its legalities and continued to accuse and bring guilt and condemnation upon the people.
Though we do not offer animals as a temporary sacrifice for sin, it is possible to reduce the effectiveness of Christ’s once and for all time sacrifice, to that of the old law. We determine which will be used toward us by the one we want others to have. If we forgive others, that is good, but the law system did that. If we go beyond forgiving their debt, by blessing them and praying that God will have mercy and give them a repentant heart, we will also receive what we ask for others. Jesus said:
Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. NKJV
In these verses, Jesus describes the use of the overflowing measure of grace. The old way was to only return good for good but now under grace we are to return good for evil. This could be misinterpreted as rewarding evil with good, but it is the power to overcome evil, not to reward it. Returning blessing for cursing and good for evil is God’s wisdom. Man would call it foolishness but what does the scripture say?
1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. NKJV
What appears foolish and weak to men is mighty to destroy the works of the devil.
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV
The law was ineffective at destroying the power of sin. The only way sin could be destroyed was to destroy the sinner. The use of grace and faith, as our measuring standard, overcomes evil with good. The power of evil is destroyed for the one who uses the overflowing measure. Our enemy, the devil, is only powerful over us if we remain in legal territory. Our use of the legal measure keeps us in his territory but we move to higher ground, and have advantage over him, if we use the overflowing measure of faith.
In Jesus’ model prayer He says “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” We are delivered from the evil one as we not only receive His undeserved mercy and grace, but as we extend it to others. It probably takes more faith on our part to bless and to do good to those who have wronged us than it does to receive it from God for ourselves. It is more blessed to give than to receive. When we extend undeserved mercy, grace and blessing to others we are, at the same time, adding to our own account.
So when Jesus prays “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” it is much like when He says “forgive and you shall be forgiven. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:37 NKJV
This scripture has often been used when speaking about giving an offering, but the context is speaking of forgiveness. Forgive and you shall be forgiven, then, by adding giving to our forgiving, it becomes a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Forgiveness without the added giving is a legal measure. Though forgiveness was a gift undeserved it was still a benefit of offering the sacrifices of the law. By adding a gift of undeserved blessing and favor to our forgiveness we press beyond the legal territory where Satan traffics.
Paul speaks often in his epistles concerning our natural inclination to gravitate toward the law. The flesh man wants desperately work off his debt. He has a hard time accepting a free, undeserved gift from God and he has an even tougher time extending such a gift to other undeserving souls.
As New Covenant believers, we can think we have this grace all figured out, but it stands to reason that, if the Galatians, and others, needed a course correction so soon after this grace was first revealed, we should not think we are beyond falling back under the law as they did.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. NKJV
By these verses, we see that our own forgiveness is based upon our forgiveness of others.
Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." NKJV
To “judge not” means: do not pass judgment or sentence anyone to punishment. It is perfectly ok to make a judgment, to determine if something is right or wrong to avoid getting involved with evil, but we are not to pass judgment. If we sentence someone by wanting them to pay or be punished for their own debt of sin, we sentence ourselves to the same punishment; in doing so we disregard and make ineffective the payment that has already been made by Jesus on the cross.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. KJV
The measure of law is on a lower level than that of grace. The Galatians fell from grace by trusting in their own efforts to do things by the law. They had not gone back to sacrificing animals for their sins, but they forfeited the full power of Christ’s sacrifice by reverting back to requiring circumcision for salvation, which was only an outward, prophetic sign of what was accomplished by Christ. They, in effect, traded in their newly acquired measure of grace and faith for the inferiority of the law.
There is a legal measure and there is the measure of mercy and grace, through faith. The pressed down, shaken together and running over measure is mercy and grace which surpasses the law. Jesus’ death on the cross was a pressed down, shaken together and running over payment. It far surpassed the payment of the blood of animals prescribed by the law. The payment that Jesus made for our sin debt included everything the law provided and much, much more.
Legal forgiveness cancels the debt but comes short of grace. Our debt is canceled by a legal payment but it affords us nothing extra: as it were, money in the bank. Those under the old covenant (law), who offered animals as a sacrifice for their sin, were forgiven but had nothing in the bank for future debt. They had to return every year to offer another animal to renew their forgiveness. The payment of Christ on the cross includes grace, an abundant supply, added to our account, available to pay off debt the moment we need it. We do not have to wait another year as if Jesus needed to die again for our sin.
This grace account is available to us through the cross. Our use of the grace, filled overflowing measure, ensures that it will be used toward us. If we prefer to use the legal measure toward others, it will be the standard of measurement used toward us. Those under the Old Covenant (law) did not have their consciences cleared of offences nor could they enter the intimate presence of God. That was only experienced, once a year, by the high priest as he entered with the blood of innocent animals. The people were forgiven of sin but the enmity, or animosity, between the offended parties was not cleared from their consciousness. The old sacrificial system of the law allowed the devil to take advantage of its legalities and continued to accuse and bring guilt and condemnation upon the people.
Though we do not offer animals as a temporary sacrifice for sin, it is possible to reduce the effectiveness of Christ’s once and for all time sacrifice, to that of the old law. We determine which will be used toward us by the one we want others to have. If we forgive others, that is good, but the law system did that. If we go beyond forgiving their debt, by blessing them and praying that God will have mercy and give them a repentant heart, we will also receive what we ask for others. Jesus said:
Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. NKJV
In these verses, Jesus describes the use of the overflowing measure of grace. The old way was to only return good for good but now under grace we are to return good for evil. This could be misinterpreted as rewarding evil with good, but it is the power to overcome evil, not to reward it. Returning blessing for cursing and good for evil is God’s wisdom. Man would call it foolishness but what does the scripture say?
1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. NKJV
What appears foolish and weak to men is mighty to destroy the works of the devil.
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV
The law was ineffective at destroying the power of sin. The only way sin could be destroyed was to destroy the sinner. The use of grace and faith, as our measuring standard, overcomes evil with good. The power of evil is destroyed for the one who uses the overflowing measure. Our enemy, the devil, is only powerful over us if we remain in legal territory. Our use of the legal measure keeps us in his territory but we move to higher ground, and have advantage over him, if we use the overflowing measure of faith.
In Jesus’ model prayer He says “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” We are delivered from the evil one as we not only receive His undeserved mercy and grace, but as we extend it to others. It probably takes more faith on our part to bless and to do good to those who have wronged us than it does to receive it from God for ourselves. It is more blessed to give than to receive. When we extend undeserved mercy, grace and blessing to others we are, at the same time, adding to our own account.
So when Jesus prays “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” it is much like when He says “forgive and you shall be forgiven. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:37 NKJV
This scripture has often been used when speaking about giving an offering, but the context is speaking of forgiveness. Forgive and you shall be forgiven, then, by adding giving to our forgiving, it becomes a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Forgiveness without the added giving is a legal measure. Though forgiveness was a gift undeserved it was still a benefit of offering the sacrifices of the law. By adding a gift of undeserved blessing and favor to our forgiveness we press beyond the legal territory where Satan traffics.
Paul speaks often in his epistles concerning our natural inclination to gravitate toward the law. The flesh man wants desperately work off his debt. He has a hard time accepting a free, undeserved gift from God and he has an even tougher time extending such a gift to other undeserving souls.
As New Covenant believers, we can think we have this grace all figured out, but it stands to reason that, if the Galatians, and others, needed a course correction so soon after this grace was first revealed, we should not think we are beyond falling back under the law as they did.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Our Daily Bread
The prayer that Jesus modeled shows us how important it is to integrate the eternal realm with the temporary: walking here in time and space, yet living as though we are already in eternity. Heaven invades earth as the two agree as one. Jesus, God’s Son, is the heavenly pattern for the children of this earth. The kingdom of heaven is the pattern for order and rules of authority on earth. Lack, and worry about provision, is a foreign concept in heaven. We, here on earth, must look beyond our limited abilities and resources into the endless resources of heaven.
Matt 6:9-13
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NKJV
To summarize: we are to address God as “Our Father.” We come to Him as His children. We are His family, not outsiders attempting to gain His favor.
His name is hallowed, holy and highly honored. His name is our family name and our authority is in that name.
We are to pray that His kingdom will come and that His heavenly purposes would become the practice of this earth.
We focus our attention now on receiving daily bread both for this natural life and our spiritual life. Jesus taught us that we are not to be anxious or worried about where our provision will come from.
Matt 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV
If God supplies food for the birds of the air, and grass for the cattle of the fields, will He not also provide for those who are made in His own image?
Seeking first the kingdom of God is looking to heaven as the source rather than to man or even the earth. God uses the natural process of our sowing and reaping to provide food, but we tend to see this earth as our source, rather than the One who made it.
Ps 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters. NKJV
When we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, we will come into agreement with His total ownership and His care for creation. We are able to leave the responsibility of provision with Him. We work to harvest a crop but we can rely on God to provide all the necessary ingredients.
Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread. NKJV
There were many who began to follow Jesus and seek after Him, but they were not submitting to God’s kingdom authority over their lives: they just liked the free food. They experienced the miracle of Jesus multiplying the loves and fishes and assumed it would be an every day occurrence.
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." NKJV
Here Jesus sets the priority. He says to labor for, or seek after, the food that endures to everlasting life. Though we do labor to receive food for our natural life, it is obvious that eternal life has to be the priority. This natural life will come to an end and, if we have not sought after the food that comes from knowing Him, we will not have life.
1 John 5:10 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. NKJV
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. NKJV
The same power that multiplied the natural bread and fish will be at work in everyone who eats of this heavenly bread. They will never again hunger for the things they previously used to fulfill the soul. It is obvious that Jesus did not mean one taste would keep us full the rest of our lives but that we would never hunger again for that which does not satisfy.
Give us this day our daily bread, refers to both the natural and the spiritual. We need fresh bread every day. We can not live on yesterday’s experience. Life with God is a continual, relational experience, not a fast food on the run type of thing. Too often we get our priorities reversed. We seek diligently for this life’s provision and occasionally hit the holy “drive through” for a quick bite of heavenly bread. A lifestyle like that leaves us very unhealthy, spiritually speaking, and open to afflictions in our soul. We need the bread of heaven, daily, to remain spiritually healthy.
There is a keen balance in living our temporary, natural lives as eternal creatures. It boils down to maintaining proper alignment. We are a spiritual being with an eternal soul living in a natural body. Though we want every part whole and completely healthy we must not allow the desires and appetites of our body to rule over our soul. Our spirit, in submission to God’s Spirit, takes charge over our soul and body, keeping them in alignment with God’s heavenly kingdom. Our eternal soul is satisfied with the eternal bread of heaven. Our body feels left out because it is earthly and does not hunger for the heavenly bread, but we must discipline it.
1 Cor 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. NKJV
Paul is using the illustration of those who are disciplined athletes training for a race. Their body has to be in top physical condition to win. Our race for the heavenly prize is more likely lost by allowing the appetites of our natural bodies to make us spiritually unfit to run. We can get so busy, even preaching the Gospel, that the appetite of our flesh gains priority over our spirit man.
So let us maintain a healthy spiritual diet and discipline our bodies so that we are not disqualified from this race for the eternal prize.
Matt 6:9-13
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NKJV
To summarize: we are to address God as “Our Father.” We come to Him as His children. We are His family, not outsiders attempting to gain His favor.
His name is hallowed, holy and highly honored. His name is our family name and our authority is in that name.
We are to pray that His kingdom will come and that His heavenly purposes would become the practice of this earth.
We focus our attention now on receiving daily bread both for this natural life and our spiritual life. Jesus taught us that we are not to be anxious or worried about where our provision will come from.
Matt 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV
If God supplies food for the birds of the air, and grass for the cattle of the fields, will He not also provide for those who are made in His own image?
Seeking first the kingdom of God is looking to heaven as the source rather than to man or even the earth. God uses the natural process of our sowing and reaping to provide food, but we tend to see this earth as our source, rather than the One who made it.
Ps 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters. NKJV
When we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, we will come into agreement with His total ownership and His care for creation. We are able to leave the responsibility of provision with Him. We work to harvest a crop but we can rely on God to provide all the necessary ingredients.
Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread. NKJV
There were many who began to follow Jesus and seek after Him, but they were not submitting to God’s kingdom authority over their lives: they just liked the free food. They experienced the miracle of Jesus multiplying the loves and fishes and assumed it would be an every day occurrence.
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." NKJV
Here Jesus sets the priority. He says to labor for, or seek after, the food that endures to everlasting life. Though we do labor to receive food for our natural life, it is obvious that eternal life has to be the priority. This natural life will come to an end and, if we have not sought after the food that comes from knowing Him, we will not have life.
1 John 5:10 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. NKJV
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. NKJV
The same power that multiplied the natural bread and fish will be at work in everyone who eats of this heavenly bread. They will never again hunger for the things they previously used to fulfill the soul. It is obvious that Jesus did not mean one taste would keep us full the rest of our lives but that we would never hunger again for that which does not satisfy.
Give us this day our daily bread, refers to both the natural and the spiritual. We need fresh bread every day. We can not live on yesterday’s experience. Life with God is a continual, relational experience, not a fast food on the run type of thing. Too often we get our priorities reversed. We seek diligently for this life’s provision and occasionally hit the holy “drive through” for a quick bite of heavenly bread. A lifestyle like that leaves us very unhealthy, spiritually speaking, and open to afflictions in our soul. We need the bread of heaven, daily, to remain spiritually healthy.
There is a keen balance in living our temporary, natural lives as eternal creatures. It boils down to maintaining proper alignment. We are a spiritual being with an eternal soul living in a natural body. Though we want every part whole and completely healthy we must not allow the desires and appetites of our body to rule over our soul. Our spirit, in submission to God’s Spirit, takes charge over our soul and body, keeping them in alignment with God’s heavenly kingdom. Our eternal soul is satisfied with the eternal bread of heaven. Our body feels left out because it is earthly and does not hunger for the heavenly bread, but we must discipline it.
1 Cor 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. NKJV
Paul is using the illustration of those who are disciplined athletes training for a race. Their body has to be in top physical condition to win. Our race for the heavenly prize is more likely lost by allowing the appetites of our natural bodies to make us spiritually unfit to run. We can get so busy, even preaching the Gospel, that the appetite of our flesh gains priority over our spirit man.
So let us maintain a healthy spiritual diet and discipline our bodies so that we are not disqualified from this race for the eternal prize.
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