GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE REASON FOR GOVERNMENT

God has instituted human government for two primary reasons: to restrain the wicked and to reward the worthy. Paul has written:

2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (Romans 13:2-4)

The negative dimension for God ordained government is TO RESTRAIN THE WICKED. There is an argument over whether you can or cannot legislate morality. There are points to be made on each side. Every law is a legislation of morality in the sense that it says there is a conduct that is bad, and therefore, a conduct that is good. But the other side is, that such laws cannot impose morality, but really are legislation against immorality. Law cannot make us good—only God can make us good, but law can help restrain the evil. A law can’t make you love your neighbor, but it can tell you not to kill them. A law can’t make you honest, but it can tell you not to steal. The government authority has powers of punishment to enforce those laws. Sadly, our legal system has become a place for coddling criminals rather than convicting them! Such government has abandoned the reason it exists!

The positive dimension of God appointed government is TO REWARD THE WORTHY. While it is true that government can’t make us good, it can provide motivation for good behavior by rewarding it. Our military gives medals for those who distinguish themselves in service. The Congress has special citations for those who contribute much to the well-being of society. One of the ways government rewards productivity is financial incentive. But ours is doing just the opposite, punishing the successful and bailing out the failing!

Government works best when it does these two things—when it is limited in scope and laser-like in focus. When it goes beyond those bounds, it becomes an oppressive system. Our founders said it well in the preamble to the United States Constitution, that government exists to, “provide for the common defense” and to “promote the general Welfare.” The founding fathers were so wise—they didn’t say, to “provide the general welfare” but to “promote” it. We have become a nation bogged down and bankrupted by bureaucracy in the attempt to provide welfare for every citizen—an impossibility! The common defense is provided by restraining those who do wickedly and the general welfare is promoted by rewarding those who do well. That’s reasonable—and it’s biblical! Too bad most politicians don’t understand that today, and the tragedy is that too few American voters know enough to vote those in who do understand and vote out those who don’t.

GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE ROOT OF GOVERNMENT

Clearly, human government is rooted in God’s design and decree. This is taught from Genesis to Revelation in direct precept and implied principle. One such instance is Romans 13:1, which states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” So, God has appointed human government. As I have been appointed by God to direct the affairs of this church as your minister, so government has been ordained by God to direct the affairs of state as your minister. Three times in Romans 13:4-6, the Apostle declares that government is our minister for good.

Even though there are various kinds of government, and some of these are better than others, any government is better than no government, for that is anarchy! Anarchy is the most horrible condition—no rules, no restraint, utter chaos—a catastrophe beyond all description. The government Paul called on Christians to submit to was led by the depraved despot Nero, seated upon the throne of world empire, and yet, the Apostle commanded Christians to honor him as one appointed to his place by God. In fact, we are told that there is none in power except by the sovereign choice of God. He raises rulers, replaces rulers, reforms rulers, and rejects rulers. God rules the rulers!

Consider what the Bible says concerning the Pharaoh of Egypt during Moses’ day, “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ ” (Romans 9:17). Then, we have these statements concerning Nebuchadnezzar, the tyrant of Babylon,

37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power,strength, and glory;
38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all— you are this head of gold.
39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes,partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.
43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2:37-45)

Further, we have the case of Christ on trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. As you recall, the ruler is baffled that Jesus refuses to defend himself, and the accusations are met only with silence. Exasperated, Pilate cries, “Do you not know that I have the power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (John 19:10), but Christ answers, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11).

Sin in its basic and basest form is a rejection of authority and embracing of autonomy. In the garden, Adam rejected the authority placed over him because he wanted to be a god himself. In the first empire, Babel, the people sought to bring themselves up to heaven by building a tower. This spirit marks the sinful heart of man. But, the child of God has repented of this and shows it by subjection to authority. A Christian is to be a model citizen. Even government leaders are under God’s authority and better not forget!

GOD AND GOVERNMENT

A Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ as our Lord, but as an expression of that we give allegiance to our country and its laws. We are in the world, but not of the world. That is, we are not to be corrupted by the world through living according to the warped views of sinful man, but we are to be connected to the world to impact the culture with the righteous Word of God. All humanity needs the salt and light which believers are to bring to bear on life—permeating the society, touching every realm of experience.

Jesus told us to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” Be careful how you read that. We tend to compartmentalize life—to separate the secular and the sacred—when these two are integrated. All of life for the child of God is sacred—and this would include the political. Paul tells us the relationship of God and government in his teaching found in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter of Romans. Here’s what he wrote:

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)

We will explore these truths further throughout this week, God willing.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY AND OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE

It has been said,

“To live up above with saints that we love—that will be glory;
But to dwell here below, with saints that we know—that’s another story!”

That is so true. In fact, the Christian life is even more difficult that that—as hard as that may seem. We have a responsibility to get along with even the wicked of the world! Look at Paul’s words in Romans 12:18-21,

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a
drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

There is then, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY (v.18)

Make every effort to get along with others—whether in the church or in the community, among the Christian or the carnal. The reality is that you cannot guarantee others will respond peaceably to you. But, you can do all that you can do. This doesn’t mean we compromise our standards or doctrines, but even when we must take a stand we speak the truth in love. Too many church folk are “pugnacious.” They are always looking for a fight.

Further, we find, OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE (v.19-21)

Have you ever heard this, “Don’t get mad—get even!”? That appeals to our flesh. It is not the way of God. There is to be restraint rather than retaliation. Such restraint rests in the hope that God sees all, is in control and will take care of it.

This is:

• HOPE IN THE VENGEANCE OF GOD (v.19) God can handle it better than you—and He will—because He is a just God.
• HOPE IN THE VIRTUE OF GRACE (v.20) God gives us grace. We don’t get what we deserve. That’s the same virtue we are to display.
• HOPE IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD (v.21) We may choose to compromise with evil and become part of it; or contend with evil and act like the world; or—and here’s the Christian response—conquer it with good!

There are some difficult problems coming your way—and, some difficult people! But God has promised His grace is sufficient for us.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE AND REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE

There are difficulties in life—there’s no denying it! Sometimes there are difficult problems, and sometimes there are difficult people. The church is immune from neither and so Scripture addresses both. Paul is directly speaking to the matter of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Consider these words:

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Two kinds of people we will deal with according to verses sixteen and seventeen are the humble and the honorable. Several related truths are connected to these central principles.

OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE (v.16)

In America, we love celebrity. We want to read about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Do you know a “name-dropper,” someone who has met or is related to some famous person, and they have to tell you all about it? Scripture challenges us to do just the opposite—to seek out the humble. It is what God does. Notice these verses:

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Jesus picked a motley crew of fishermen, a tax-collector—riff-raff. In fact, God despises arrogance—it is the very spirit of the devil!

Self-promotion leads to schism. The undercurrent here is a church in Rome composed of citizens and slaves; Jewish and Gentile converts. Harmony was to be the goal. Conceit and an inflated view of one’s own opinion sounds a discordant note.

OUR REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE (v.17)

A bulldog can win a fight with a skunk, but it’s not worth it! Trying to get even with others only pulls us down with them. The way to invest your time and energy is in lifting others up and in the process you are blessed as well.

Concentrate on that which is good and honorable. Spend time doing the good things and you’ll have no time left for doing the evil things. If you look for good in someone long enough you can generally find it.

Note this important last phrase, “in the sight of all men.” The world is watching—and our credibility as a Christian is at stake by how we treat our fellowman. Dealing with difficult people in a godly way is a powerful testimony to God’s grace.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY AND OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING

Paul shows us the way to get along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. We all need the help because we all know difficult people—and sometimes we are those difficult people! Today, we consider two types of people that may give us difficulty: the happy and the hurting. With these we are commanded to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15).

OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY: “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” (v.15a).

That sounds simple enough compared to the previously stated expectation of responding with love to the hateful (v.14), but actually it is not quite as easy as it seems. Again, it is our nature to rejoice when something makes us happy, but can we rejoice with others who have found happiness? Aren’t we tempted to think, “Why did they get that job promotion, when I’m more deserving?” “Why did God answer their prayer, but He doesn’t answer mine?” Covetousness can soon capture our heart and instead of rejoicing with those who rejoice, we seek a reason to find fault and criticize. Rejoicing can give way to resentment.

OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING: “weep with those who weep” (v.15b).

We don’t like to hear crying. It makes us uncomfortable. It reminds us of our own pain. But we are to weep with those that weep. This is what we call empathy—putting ourselves into the shoes of another and feeling what they feel—their tears to mingle with ours. Life is full of heartaches and when another weeps with us, that sorrow seems half as heavy, because another is helping bear that burden. Notice it isn’t so much what we express with words, but weeping that is called for.

Job faced a tidal wave of trouble. At first, his friends came and just sat with him—and that was good. But then in the midst of his misery and unanswered perplexity, Job’s friends tried to defend God and explain it all, winding up blaming Job for the calamity. Job then called them, “miserable comforters.” They were! Weep with the weeping—that’s the best thing you can do—the ministry of your presence and pity. They don’t need your profundity—at least not then.

The shortest verse in Scripture is no less powerful for its brevity. It simply states, “Jesus wept.” Here is the Son of God at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus and alongside the beloved sisters Mary and Martha. What does He do in their grief? He joins them. He weeps with the weepers. So should we.

Several weeks ago, I visited with my eldest son, Chris, wife Amber and family. One evening we went to Applebee’s for supper and a lady came by with balloons that she would make into animals. Spotting the kiddos—and grandpa—at the table, she made sure to stop by, and I saw pinned to her shirt a button, “I make balloon animals for tips!” Here was some easy money for her. What’s a Papa to do? Every child had to have an animal. Makayla, granddaughter, age 10, got a dog; Jacob, grandson, age 5, an orange tiger, and Sam, grandson, age 3, a tiger—a blue tiger. After the meal, we headed to Walmart and the balloon animals were left in the car, since Mom knew they would be either lost or popped in the store. Despite the good intentions, when we came back to the car—the dog was fine, the orange tiger intact, but the blue tiger was deflated, except for its head. Little Sam was upset, of course. But then, the sweetest thing happened. Jacob reached over to his younger sibling and said, “I’m sorry Sam, you can play with my balloon.” It melted my heart—such pure love!

That’s how Christians need to care for each other. Learn to say with a child’s sincerity to someone who has experienced loss, “I’m sorry. You can play with my balloon.”

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL

Diamonds are formed when a lump of coal is subjected to prolonged heat and pressure. God is in the business of shaping His children into precious gems that will sparkle both now and for eternity. He does this the same way as forming a diamond—in this pressure cooker world—and often the source of that heat and pressure is difficult people. People can be so abrasive, but we need to think of them as heavenly sandpaper meant to polish us! Paul the Apostle speaks to the subject of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Here’s what he says,

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul was one who had learned how to deal with difficult people and so is uniquely qualified to help us.

Consider first, OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (v.14) All Paul is doing here is echoing our Lord’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus said, “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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matt.5:44-45a).

You see, in my natural state, as a son of Adam, my response to hateful people is to return that hatred. If someone curses me, it is instinctive to curse them back. But, if I am indeed a son of God, my response is to be like that of the Heavenly Father—to be merciful and forgiving, loving and kind. This is how the perfect Son of God lived and I am to become more and more like Him. See Him hanging in agony on the cross, His tormentors lathering Him with spittle and covering Him with curses, as they tread underfoot His precious blood. Hear Him speaking in mercy from the cross concerning these cruel mockers, “Father, forgive them!” This is to be our response to the hateful and by the indwelling of Christ’s life, it can be done!

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PATIENT HOPE

You can spot a Christian by the hope that exudes from them. Peter writes, “always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15b). That conveys the expectation that a true child of God will exhibit such a patient hope that others demand an explanation. Peter’s fellow Apostle, Paul, put it like this, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

What is so incredible about this hope that it can only be found in one who is born-again?

There is the action of “rejoicing in hope.” Rejoicing is a verb—an act of the will bringing an activity of worship. It springs from the well of hope inside that recognizes that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the promise of better days, and no matter how wonderful things may be, that the best is yet to come! This isn’t mere wishful thinking, but confident assurance rooted in the character of God. In the midst of trials, one stands upon the promises and lifts the hands and heart to heaven with a resounding, “Hallelujah!”

This hope is incredibly supernatural, in that there is the attitude of being “patient in tribulation.” Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation” (and who can deny that?) “but be of good cheer” (and how can we do that?) “I have overcome the world” (and thus we can declare that!). Jesus said it; believe it and embrace it! That kind of hope will generate a patient endurance of trials, much like a woman in labor, who though not enjoying but enduring the birth pains, does so in anticipation of the joyful deliverance!

Such hope is strengthened in the application of “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” A consistent time spent in the presence of God, staying until heartache dissipates and hope radiates, in the environment of prayer. There we gaze into the face of God, we abide in the presence of Christ, we are aided by the Comforter, and having knelt in weakness, we rise in power—the very hope of glory flooding our being!

Is this statement true of you, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)? Is that hope alive in you?

That is how you spot a Christian!

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PASSIONATE SERVICE

Christians are servants of God. That is a clear mark that enables us to spot a true Christian. It is unthinkable that someone could have repented of their sin and experienced regeneration without submission to Christ’s service. What do we think it means for Christ to be our Lord? The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

The service we render is to be passionate. It isn’t to be viewed as drudgery, but as delightful. What a privilege we have to serve the Lord! Diligence is called for—a meticulous devotion to whole-hearted obedience. We are to be careful not to have lackadaisical attitudes or lagging actions, but to plunge zealously into Kingdom business.

This means to be fervent in spirit. That is, not mere outward conformity—going through the motions—doing our duty. It is an inward compulsion—a spark that ignites one with fire to get the job done and to do it right and to get it right the first time. This service means to spend and be spent to the glory of God.

In heaven, there will be an extension and elevation of our service, “His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). If we don’t begin to serve God down here, what makes us think that we are going to up there?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION

If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”

• PURE LOVE


• PERSONAL AFFECTION


• PASSIONATE SERVICE


• PATIENT HOPE


• PRACTICAL HELP
  

We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”

The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?

Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.

This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.

When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.

Is it?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION

If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”

• PURE LOVE
• PERSONAL AFFECTION
• PASSIONATE SERVICE
• PATIENT HOPE
• PRACTICAL HELP
  
  We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
  
  The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?
  
  Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
  
  This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.
  
  When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.
  
  Is it?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PURE LOVE

If it were possible to put a group of church members into a barrel with a group of unbelievers, shake them up and pour them all out—would it be possible to spot the Christians? I’m afraid that there is little appreciable difference in worldview, actions and attitudes, and sorting one out from the other would be exceedingly difficult. Such a thing ought never be! There should be some distinguishing marks of a genuine Christian. Several of these are suggested in a list of commands given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:9-13,

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As you can tell a leopard by his spots, so there are five “spots” that identify the Christian:

• PURE LOVE
• PERSONAL AFFECTION
• PASSIONATE SERVICE
• PATIENT HOPE
• PRACTICAL HELP
  

Today, let’s focus on PURE LOVE. Paul says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Love can be feigned. Sometimes spouses find their mate has been going through the motions of fidelity, when it is a fraud. Their love has been given to another. Many Old Testament prophets charged the people of God with spiritual adultery—with their lips claiming love for God while their hearts were far from Him. Judas was such a hypocrite. He was numbered with the Apostles. He placed a kiss on the Master’s cheek—but it was the foulest treachery. He abhorred the cross and clung to the coins.

Pure love is without hypocrisy. It is real. It is exclusive. This is the most important commandment of all Jesus said—to love God with all our being. If we love Him, then we will loathe evil. All that is good will become our great obsession, for all that is good is of God, and when we find that good, we will hold onto it tenaciously.

Can you spot this pure love in your life—and would others affirm it?

BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SERVICE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS

Paul introduces the section on these body building gifts by stressing, “Having then gifts…let us use them” (Romans 12:6). He gets right to the practical nature of the gifts—not something of mysticism, but something of ministry. Our attitude must transform from demanding our rights that the church serve us, to accepting our responsibilities in church service.

THERE IS OBEDIENCE.

In calling us to get to work, the Lord isn’t offering a suggestion, but giving a commandment. It is simply a matter of deciding whether you are going to live for service or live for self and sin! If you don’t have a ministry in and through the church—why not?

There are certain expectations that I have as a father for our children. There are chores to do around the house. Now, while the kids would rather play and goof around than work, I have told them that our house isn’t a democracy but a dictatorship! This is true of the church—and, of course, I am not speaking of the pastor being a dictator! Jesus Christ is THE head of HIS church. Utilizing our gifts in the service of building up the body is strictly a matter of obedience.

THERE IS OPPORTUNITY.

If you are born-again into the family of God, you have received one of the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8.

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.

There is the gift of prophecy—not about foretelling the future, but forth-telling the truth. Members of the body with this gift are like the immune system detecting the invasion of unsound doctrine or immoral conduct.

There’s the gift of ministry, and these people are the hands of the body. They use their gifts in practical acts of service. These see what needs to be done, roll up their sleeves and just do it.

Then, there is the gift of teaching. Here are members who are disciplined students of the Word—systematic in preparation and presentation. They are the mouths of the body, who communicate to us so we may understand God’s Word.

Further, there’s the gift of exhortation. These are the nerves of the body that stimulate activity and get the members to respond. These are motivators in the church. This is my primary spiritual gift. So, if I get on your nerves—I’m only doing my job!

Paul lists the gift of giving. These usually have the ability to make money and always have the willingness to share it. These are the eyes and ears of the body that see need and hear hurt that must be met.

He also writes of the gift of leadership. These have an administrative gift, being the mind of the body. They know how all the other members need to work together and direct them as a unit for the good of the whole. These are big-picture folks who can organize ministry.

There’s the gift of mercy. Such have great compassion. They are the heart of the body.

The late Dr. Adrian Rogers gave a classic illustration of how this works in a practical way at a church fellowship meal. Someone, carrying a big tray of food, drops it.

The prophet immediately says, “You need to be careful. I knew that was going to happen.”

The one with the gift of ministry responds, “Let me help you clean that up.”

The teacher states, “Here’s why that happened.”

The exhorter declares, “Next time I’m sure you’ll get it right!”

The one with the gift of giving says, “Food is expensive. Let’s chip in and pay for that.”

The leader quickly decrees, “Bob, grab a mop. Sally, get some more food from the kitchen.”

Then the one with the gift of mercy sympathetically states, “Oh, I’m so sorry, you spilled that! You must feel terrible!”

Which of those gifted people were needed? Everyone! All of them together enable the body to function in a healthy way.

So—have you discovered your spiritual gift? Are you developing your spiritual gift? Have you deployed your spiritual gift? Christ is watching, the church is waiting, but are you working?

BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SPHERE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS

A key phrase, that is found in Romans 12:5, and indeed throughout the New Testament, helps us understand the operation of spiritual gifts, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ.” The local church is the visible expression of Christ’s body to the world. It is how He accomplishes His work. Participation in a local church is the sphere where God builds you up in maturity and sends you out in ministry.

Consider how IN THE BODY WE HAVE DIVERSITY, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…” (Romans 12:4).

So the church is one body, but many members. Just as our physical body has different organs and systems that work together to insure the health of the whole, so God has designed the body of Christ. The value and contribution of each member must be acknowledged. Diversity must be embraced and differences must not bring dissension or the body’s health deteriorates, strength dissipates and death may culminate. This happens in churches all the time—how tragic!

Furthermore IN THE BODY WE HAVE DEPENDENCY, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5)

The parts of my physical body cannot survive independently of one another. We need each other! My body can adapt when some organs are missing, but it doesn’t function as well. Pole Creek will never be all that God wants it to be unless you are involved—each member doing their share.

If not you—who? If not now—when?

DOG DAYS

Are you familiar with the expression?

"Dog Days" are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September…. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather.

We are in the “Dog Days” literally and figuratively! It’s time to shake out of the doldrums and get back to making some progress. Spiritual stagnation can never be the will of God. As a mariner comes into dead calm, and prays for a fresh wind to blow, so we must set our sails and cry out to God for the wind of heaven to come!

I understand that it is hard to build any momentum in the life of the church during summer. It can be a season to catch your breath and God is not opposed to that—after all He designed the concept of Sabbath! We need a vacation from time to time. I’ve taken one myself.

But now, the summer is nearly spent and it’s time for what comes at the end of summer—the season of harvest! There is work to do in the Lord’s field and it is now time to roll up our sleeves and let scriptural inspiration move us to spiritual perspiration!

I want to challenge you to reconnect to your church family. Don’t let a time of being away become a trend of being absent. Habits of worship, Bible study, prayer, witnessing and giving are holy habits—spiritual disciplines that need consistency if there is to be maturity. Bad habits can become ingrained easily, too, if we let them. We are creatures of habit, aren’t we?

The Lord Jesus who walked the weary way to Calvary, wounded and bleeding, to die for us, deserves our absolute allegiance and affections. His mission to the world calls us to give and go that all may hear the good news that Jesus saves.

God has done, is doing and will do great things through Pole Creek, but that means that each of us needs to do what we can. A little lad’s lunch—only five loaves and two fish—placed in the hands of Christ can feed thousands!

Let’s seek God’s blessing in unprecedented ways! I’m dog-tired of dog days!

BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SOURCE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us in Romans 12:3, that God Himself is the source of spiritual gifts that build up the Body of Christ, His church, “For 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.” Give attention to the phrase, “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”

This means:

NO ROOM FOR BOASTING: IT’S GRACE!
None of us deserve the gifts we have—that’s what makes it grace. They are, after all, gifts! We aren’t to boast about our gifts. There’s no room for spiritual swagger. Some gifts are more visible than others, but none is more vital than the others. Our service isn’t about building our ego, but building the body!

Further, we find:

NO REASON FOR BELITTLING: YOU’RE GIFTED!
Every child of God is a gifted child! That’s not bragging--it’s a fact. While Paul warns us about thinking too highly of ourselves, there is a way we ought to think of ourselves. It’s wrong to be proud, but it is also wrong to poormouth! Many of us limit what God wants to do through us because we focus on our puny ability rather than God’s powerful availability.

BUILDING UP THE BODY

A little girl overheard a discussion in church about the difference between the clergy and the laity. She said, “I know the difference! The clergy get paid for doing good and the laity are good for nothing!” I suspect that’s true in a lot of churches—and the problem isn’t necessarily lazy laity—though it might be—but much of the problem could be confused clergy. They don’t know what they are supposed to be doing and they are doing that very efficiently! It shouldn’t surprise us that a lot of local bodies of believers are very sick, for the pastors are guilty of spiritual malpractice.

The Bible is to govern the way we do church—are we agreed?

Here’s a dramatic illustration of how the church is to be organized to do the ministry:

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7)

The leadership base was expanded and exponential growth ensued. With this, there would be even more need for more ministries and God’s directive to that end was given through the pen of the Apostle Paul, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

The “clergy” are not the professionals hired to do the work of the ministry, but are called and gifted of God to equip the members to do their ministry. Here is how Paul puts it in Romans 12:3-8:

3 For 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.

The New Testament teaches throughout that the body of Christ is built as believers discover, develop and deploy their spiritual gifts. Do you know your gift? Are your using it?