TO THE GLORY OF GOD

God is most glorious and He is above all things to receive glory. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the Apostle focuses on how can do all things to the glory of God. 

There is to be intentional URGENCY. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”  (1 Pet. 4:7)

I am reminded of the words of missionary C. T. Studd, 

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Writing as a man in his seventies, who has been active in church work for nearly half a century, I can attest to the rapidity with which life races by. There is no rewind button. Every precious second that ticks by, with a significant amount spent in sleep and basic necessities, will never be reclaimed. Time is too precious to waste or as we say, “killing time.” Instead our days are to be devoted to the glory of God, as those who must stand before Christ and give account. 

Human history is linear and not circular. There was a starting point in creation and there will be a finishing point of consummation. Those who glorify God best live as though Christ might return today—for He may! 

This leads us to seriousness—“therefore be serious.”  It doesn’t mean we shuffle along with a long face as in a funeral, but rather that we run purposefully with joyful anticipation of a wedding with Christ our Bridegroom.  That is important. If you have ever been around a woman preparing for marriage, you know they take the wedding seriously!

This further inspires supplication—“watchful in your prayers.”  Those who glorify God most are those who spend time in His presence. As we gaze into His glorious face, we reflect that glory when we leave the private place of Divine communion and journey to the public place of human connection.  

There is to be loving FERVENCY, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Pet. 4:8-9)

While we ought to say to others, “I love you,” it is imperative that we show others we love them. True love is a fire exhibited fervently. As God is nauseated by lukewarmness, He desires that we “have fervent love for one another.”  

Such love is marked by humility. “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” We are to humbly forgive and not assert our own rights. We are not about exposing the flaws of others, instead humbly confessing our own failings. As Jesus said, 

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do  not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to  your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and look,  a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank  from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the  speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt. ‭7‬:‭3‬-‭5‬‬)

Peter tells us such love is also exhibited by hospitality. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”  An open heart and open arms lead to an open door. How we entertain one another in our home ought to be with gladness and not a grumbling.  It is something we want to do and not just we have to do—a delight and not a duty.  

There is to be gracious MINISTRY. 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as  good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks,  let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him  do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God  may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory  and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10-‭11‬‬)

Every church member is to be a minister. All the Father’s children are gifted children. Being born again of the Spirit, each of us has at least one spiritual gift. These are not for show, but for service. 

Every church pastor is to be teacher  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.”  The preacher has a particular ministry of speaking the Word of God—not his opinions, but God’s oracles.

There is a sacred stewardship. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  As mentioned previously, a day of accounting is coming. Paul put it this way, 

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious  stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for  the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the  fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work  which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If  anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be  saved, yet so as through fire.  (1 Cor. ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭15‬‬)

There is a supernatural supply. “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” Christian ministry is a human impossibility. If we do it, then we can claim credit for it. If God does it through us, then He gets the glory. That is the way it works. The secret is to abide in Christ. Read John 15 where our Lord reminds us that He is the Vine and we are the branches. If a branch is not connected to the vine it cannot bear fruit. Now, we may think our service is something, but Christ says it is nothing—that is, of no eternal significance unless done in supernatural reliance.

When there is intentional urgency, loving fervency, and gracious ministry, here is the result: “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

THE WAY TO PROMOTION

Man’s way is to promote himself. We seek to climb the ladder-whether it be in a secular job, a social state, even a spiritual ministry. If we have to climb over others to reach a higher state, then so be it. We maximize our successes and minimize our shortcomings. The reality is—it often works!  Yet, no matter how high we climb, someone else will always be above us. No matter how much we possess, someone else will have more. 

Yet, there is nothing wrong with seeking promotion—if we do it God’s way and for His glory. James tells us how. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up,” (James‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬‬). 

He speaks of ABASEMENT, “Humble yourselves.”  We abase ourselves, when we intentionally surrender to the Sovereign God and submit to His will. Now, God can humble us. He can bend us, bow us, even break us. Far better, however, is to choose to humble ourselves. 

James also points to AWARENESS, “in the sight of the Lord.”  Our aim is not to draw the eyes of men to gaze upon us and have their acclaim. It matters not how our fellow humans may judge us. Ultimately, all that matters is what God sees and knows. One day, He will reward us accordingly.  Do not seek celebrity status here, but serve to be crowned hereafter!

Trust in God’s way of ADVANCEMENT, “and He will lift you up.”  A dear mentor of mine, Dale Fisher, told me in the early days of my ministry, “God knows where you are and can get you where He wants you to be.”  The denominational executives may not know your name. Some megachurch may not have you on the radar—and would not even consider your resume. How many of God’s faithful servants labor in obscurity!  

Press on dear one—God will lift you up, in His time and in His manner. Jesus set the pattern and we are to have His mindset. 

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬‬)

This is God’s way of promotion—the way of the cross!

NEVER TOO POOR BUT MAYBE TOO RICH

In Revelation 2-3, the letters to the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia show the apparent woes these congregations were facing. Christ speaks of Smyrna’s “poverty,” (2:9) and intense persecution, (v. 10)  Yet, they were spiritually, “rich,” (v. 9)  Philadelphia only had “a little strength,” (3:8), but a large opportunity—fruitful because faithful. You can never be too poor to be used by God.

On the other hand, you may be too rich. The church at Laodecia boasted in their wealth, (3:14-22). Christ, however condemned them for their spiritual poverty. He basically said, “You make me sick.”

Henry Blackaby builds on this truth:

Many congregations that once were thriving have since been reduced to a handful. Christ would say of these churches, “… you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). When churches like the one in Laodicea refuse to heed God’s warnings, they will eventually be forced to admit the harsh reality of their spiritual poverty. The truth is, God can lead any church to a vibrant future. However, He requires churches to humble themselves and seek His direction. If you will do this, there will never be a need you face for which God does not have a generous supply. …

When you serve in a small church, you are constantly reminded of your dependence on God. You lack everything! You need more people, more money, more equipment, more volunteers, more leaders, and more musicians. Being continually reminded of what you don’t have is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you don’t allow your poverty to determine your ministry. Your church’s ability to minister is never limited by your resources; it is driven by God’s provision. (Blackaby, Henry and Richard; Flickering Lamps, p. 96, Kindle edition)

You can never be too poor for God to use your church, but maybe too rich!  Trust Him whose name is Yahweh Yireh meaning, “The LORD Will Provide,” (Gen. 22:14, CSB).  

THE FLOCK OF GOD

The flock of God is the focus of 1 Peter 5. In concluding his letter, Peter offers a word of exhortation, (v. 1, 12), to the church—God’s flock. It is an exhortation to the shepherds and to the sheep. 

He begins with THE CHARGE TO THE SHEPHERDS, (v.1-5). The example of the shepherds and their exposition of the Scriptures are vital for the health of the sheep. As shepherds, pastors are called to feed, lead, and bleed for the sheep. They feed them by proclamation of the Word, lead them by demonstration of the way, and are willing to bleed for them in provision for their welfare.  

These do not work for material gain, but wait for eternal glory. This labor is not to be viewed as a drudgery we’ve got to do, but as a delight we get to do!

The gravity of our responsibility as pastors rests in the reality that the church is not ours, but belongs to Christ. They are not cattle to be driven by domineering, but sheep to be led by demonstration. While we will certainly exhort them, we must be an example to them. You better practice what you preach!  Jesus loves every lamb and we had better. There will be an accountability faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we have been faithful to care for the flock, a special crown awaits the shepherd. 

There is no place for egotism. It is a grace that we are called to serve and it is grace that enables us to serve. Let us clothe ourselves—not with robes of royalty, but dress ourselves in humility.

Peter, then moves to THE CAUTION TO THE SHEEP, (v.6-14). The enemy of the sheep—the devil—is a ravenous, roaring lion. Lambs are no match for lions. They are not fast enough to flee and not fierce enough to fight. Yet, as we humbly admit that, we have available the power of God to strengthen us. Indeed, we are no match for the devil, but he is no match for the Chief Shepherd!  

So, this is a call to humility, (v. 6). A prideful attitude assures us of being overcome. It turned a beautiful angel into a demonic spirit, and Satan uses the same ploy to get at us. 

There is further a caution against anxiety, (v.7). The roar of the lion is meant to paralyze us with fear. We are to cast all our cares on the Lord, knowing that He cares for us!

Then, we have a command for sobriety, (v. 8 ). By no means do we ignore the peril with naïveté, but have an awareness with sobriety. We are not to be afraid, but we are to stay alert. The danger is real. The devil wants to destroy and devour the flock. 

We must have stability, (v.9). Do not race off, but brace up!  Should we have to suffer for our stand, do not back down. Satan will use his minions to attack us. He hates us. This world is not a friend to grace. Others have suffered for the cause across the centuries, and in many countries do so today. Why should we think to be the exception?  

Trust in God’s sovereignty, (v.10-11). The Lord reigns!  Christ is conqueror. The grace of God will usher us into the glory of God. 

Abide in the community, (v.12-14). We are not in this alone. There is a community of faith to encourage us. Love on one another. There is a refuge in the church for the believer—an oasis of peace. We may have peace of mind, because of our peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ!

Amen.

THE WAR WITHIN

Paul spoke in Romans 7 of the battlefield inside the believer—wanting to do right and doing wrong.  There is no text more illustrative than in the confession and condemnation of Peter in Matthew 16. Within a few verses, Peter goes from speaking on behalf of heaven to speaking on behalf of hell. He went rapidly from hero to zero—from the pinnacle of commendation to the pit of condemnation.  In the former case, Simon was Spirit inspired and in the latter, satanically inspired. He went from being a solid stone to a stumbling block. 

It does not take long. Each day and then throughout the day, we have to humbly cry out for grace. With deep contrition, we must confess that we are capable in our worst moments of descending into depths that are a bottomless abyss. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). Even at our best moments, we ought acknowledge what Jesus taught, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Lk.17:10). 

The best of men are capable of doing the worst of things. We find Noah in the ark, securing deliverance for the world’s inhabitants and then in his tent, drunk and naked to his shame. There is Moses through his faith leading Israel out of Egypt, but then due to his failure incapable of leading them into Canaan. David can bring down a giant with a slingshot, but is brought down by his lust for a woman.

Need I go on?  In desperation, we must cry out with the Apostle, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom.7:24). But, then he looks up and says,  “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom.7:25). The desperation of Romans 7 is followed by the deliverance of Romans 8. That chapter begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation. In between there is much about the groans we experience here, but the glory that awaits hereafter. In the meantime, God is shaping us as human clay through the pressure of problems and firing us in the kiln of adversity in His pottery shop.  There is this:

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom.8:28-30).

I love the lyrics of this song, written by Ada R. Habershon and performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Selah, entitled, “He Will Hold Me Fast.”

When I fear my faith will fail

Christ will hold me fast

When the tempter would prevail

He will hold me fast

I could never keep my hold

Through life's fearful path

For my love is often cold

He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight

Christ will hold me fast

Precious in His holy sight

He will hold me fast

He'll not let my soul be lost

His promises shall last

Bought by Him at such a cost

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died

Christ will hold me fast

Justice has been satisfied

He will hold me fast

Raised with Him to endless life

He will hold me fast

'Til our faith is turned to sight

When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

https://youtu.be/3OOphIgGkjM

OTHERS

Read Romans 15. 

If God is our Father, that makes all His children to be our brothers and sisters.  We are in the same family and are to relate to each other in love.

Those who are strong ought to bear with the tender souls of the weak.  “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” (Rom.15:1-2). We are not to drive the sheep like cattle, but lead them like lambs.  Those mature in faith are not meant to be arrogant and indifferent to the immature, but to lovingly lead them.  Our concern is to build others up in faith.

Those whom Christ has received need to be received into the church. “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” (v.7). The compassion of Christ has reached out to sinners with grace and mercy, and He has embraced us.  Even more, He has come to dwell in us.  When we receive others, we receive Him.  This, in turn, brings us into the purpose for which we have been redeemed—to glorify God. 

Those God has brought together in His family are meant to admonish one another. “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” (v.14). To admonish is to inform and correct, or as some translations render it, “instruct.”  As we grow in moral goodness and Biblical knowledge, we are meant to help others do likewise.  Someone else in the body is always farther along than us and can instruct us, while someone else is behind us and we can instruct them.

Those in the church can be at peace through the presence of the Prince of Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (v.33). Here is the source of our unity.  The God of peace who has given us His peace can now enable us to abide in peace with one another in the church.

The Christian life is about others, not about me.

KNOWING MORE IN ADMITTING TO KNOWING LESS

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Proverbs 30:1-2, 5-6 NKJV

Who is Agur?  I admit to knowing nothing about him, except what is written here.  Yet, in knowing little, there is a desire to know more, and as one can learn much about an unknown artist in his paintings, and an unknown musician in his songs, we can say a few things about the man in his proverbs. 

He admitted to knowing less than he wanted to know—to the point of calling himself “more stupid than any man,” and yet, it was this humble admission that seemed to motivate him to search for knowledge, and in so doing, he came to know more than most!  Blaise Pascal was a brilliant Christian thinker, who knew enough to admit the same.  He said, “The last proceeding of reason is to recognise that there is an infinity of things which are beyond it.”

Those who humbly admit how little they know of a limitless God will soon discover this as the path to knowing more than they could ever dream.  Then, the more they do know, the more they will know there is more to know.  The truly ignorant man is the one who thinks he knows much.  The unteachable man is the one who believes he knows it all.

In my early days as a Christian, I dove into Scripture, God grew me, and called me into ministry.  I went to Bible college and passed all my courses with flying colors—and became an arrogant student who knew much less than he thought he knew. I would make statements and ask questions of my lovely wife, who worked hard each day to put me through school, and had little time to contemplate the theological propositions I was soaking in. She put me in my place one evening!  Humbled, I became a real student of Scripture, that after nearly a half-century now knows how little he knows—and thirsts for more!  I thought I was drinking from a fountain, and now I see I am floating in the middle of a boundless ocean!

I know this—“every word of God is pure”—and the mystery of God and the majesty of His Word convinces me of that the longer I linger over the text. It is deadly to subtract from Scripture—that is what liberals do.  Yet, the “stupid” Agur, smartly warns us, it us just as wrong to add to the Bible—as the legalists do.

Contemplate this chapter alone, and you will find how smart this stupid man was!

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:1, 5, 9, 21, 23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Your heart is important.  It is the organ that enables the rest of you to go on living as it pumps blood that feeds the other organs.  When I go for a physical, the doctor listens to my heart, takes my blood pressure, checks my pulse rate, and does an EKG.  Recently, I went to the emergency room, thinking I was having a heart attack.  It turned out to be an infection around my heart—painful, but one from which I recovered quickly. Still, it got my attention!

In Scripture, the heart is seen as even more than that—going beyond the organ that pumps blood, and being the seat of our thoughts, emotions, motives, and actions. It is the core of our being.  The heart of the matter is  a matter of the heart. If we are not healthy there, then we are not healthy at all—physically and spiritually.  Five times in Proverbs 16, Solomon references the heart.

1.  OUR HEART IS THE SEAT OF OUR INTENTIONS (v.1). Sadly, left to ourselves, even the best of our intentions is misguided because, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.  From this foul well arises foolish speech.  Yet, God is sovereign, and able to transform both heart and speech, if we cast ourselves on His grace.

2.  GOD REJECTS THE PROUD IN HEART (v.5). Those who are proud in heart do not think they need God.  They seek the glory that only belongs to Him.  This shuts off the supply of grace.  “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Pet.5:5). On which side of that issue do you want to be?

3.  FOLLOWING YOUR HEART IS A DANGEROUS THING (v.9). “Follow your heart,” is the misguided advice we hear from the culture.  Since our sinful heart beckons us to appease the flesh, we become like rats following the Pied Piper to our doom. The wise submit to a Sovereign God who has infinite knowledge and power.

4.  WE CAN BECOME WISE IN HEART THROUGH LEARNING GOD’S WORD (v.21). The whole point of the Proverbs (and indeed all of Scripture) is to direct us to truth and away from deception.  This is what we experience, when we receive Christ who is, “The way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6a). Our minds can be renewed.  We can have a new heart—and a sweet vocabulary rather than a poisoned one.

5. OUR SPEECH REVEALS WHAT IS IN OUR HEART (v.23). Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke‬ ‭6:45‬). Listen to someone long enough and you will know whether they have a depraved heart or a regenerate one.

How is your heart?

REAL REVIVAL

…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

We drive on parkways and park on driveways.  Does anyone actually keep gloves in their glovebox?  Churches announce they are having revival and have a series of evangelistic meetings instead.  There is nothing wrong with those types of services, but that is not revival.  There is always the possibility a revival could break out in the course of such meetings, yet you can no more schedule revival than you can make the wind blow.  We can, however, set our sails, in preparing for God’s wind from heaven—the Holy Spirit—to come in power.  You cannot work revival up, but you can pray it down.  That happened at Pentecost as 120 believers were united in believing prayer.  The Spirit came as a rushing, mighty wind.  A church that was alive then went out and changed the world.  That is real revival—and desperately needed today!

2 Chronicles 7:14 is a classic text to show how to experience real revival.  It shows the candidates, conditions, and consequences when revival happens.

The candidates for real revival are found in this phrase, “My people who are called by My name….”  God told Solomon there would be a time when God’s people would turn from Him—and the Holy One would discipline them (v.12-13).  The Lord promised, however, that if they would then turn back to them that He would revive them.  We whine about the condition of our culture, but sinners behave like sinners do because saints are not behaving as saints ought to!

God speaks of “My people….”  We are God’s children and our Father will hear the cry of those He loves.  He points to “My name….”  God’s glorious name is bound up with His children.  We are a reflection on Him for good or bad.  Since God is zealous for His glory, He wants His name to be praised and that takes His people living for that purpose.

The conditions of real revival are underscored in this, “if…then….”  The promise of revival requires certain conditions being met.

There is the poverty to admit as they “humble themselves….”  So long as we think we can live without revival, God will let us!  When we admit our bankruptcy then we can have His blessing.

There is the petition we ask as we “pray….”  James tells us, “you do not have because you do not ask.”  (4:2c)  These petitions are not reciting pious platitudes, but urgent pleas meant to reach God’s ears rather than impress men’s.  No revival in history has ever occurred apart from this kind of praying.

There is the purpose we affirm as God calls us to “seek My face….”  We do not seek God’s hand for what He does, but we seek God’s face for who He is.

There is the penitence we acknowledge as His people “turn from their wicked ways….”  There can be no real revival until there is genuine repentance.

Meeting the conditions leads to experiencing the consequences of real revival.

God will hear, “then I will hear from heaven….”  He isn’t deaf or incapacitated!  

God will help, “then I will…forgive their sin….”  No matter how low we have sunk into the slime of sin, God can reach us!

God will heal, “then I will…heal their land.”  We are sick, but God has the cure!

Do you want real revival?

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

 

…not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.  (1 Peter 3:9)

What if you could be God for a day?  Would you put up with the people he puts up with?  I would find it difficult to put up with me!  Yet, He does—every day!  He loves me and He loves you—not for who we are and what we do, but despite it!  One of the attributes of God that I am most thankful for is His longsuffering.  Psalm 86:15 says, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”  When the Son of God walked among the sons of men, He displayed this character quality of His Father.  He was so longsuffering with His disciples.  What thick skulls they had!  Yet, the Bible says that Jesus loved them and He loved them to the end.  How are you going to deal with difficult people, for it is certain that you will meet them: in your family, on your job, even in the church—especially in the church!

Maybe you have been reading this and thinking about a brother-in-law, a sales manager, a neighbor, or a church member.  The real issue isn’t whether we’ll encounter such people, but how does God want us to deal with them?  He demands longsuffering—just like He does with us.

In chapter three of his first epistle Peter presents some practical pointers on how to deal with difficult people. 

1. Don’t be blind-sided (v.8).  God is going to put you in the middle of situations that will challenge you to cultivate the fruit of longsuffering, which is what is being described here.  To develop the fruit of love, God will plant you in the middle of the hateful.  To bear the fruit of joy, He will plant you in the middle of a bunch of joy-suckers.  To bear the fruit of peace, He will plant you in the middle of strife.  To bear the fruit of longsuffering, He will plant you among difficult people (see 4:12).  Expect it! 

2. Don’t retaliate (v.9).  It brings you down to their level when you do.  When you fight fire with fire, you’ll burn the bridges to possible reconciliation.  It doesn’t require the supernatural power of God to behave like the world, but to be like Jesus takes a miracle!  He wants to shape you into His image—and problem people are the hammer and chisel God uses to shape us. 

3. Pursue peace (v.10-11).  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You won’t always be able to get along with people, but you can try—even Jesus couldn’t please everybody.  So accept that you certainly can’t!  Still, God calls us to seek peace from our end.

4. Pray (v.12-13).  Prayer changes things.  The first thing it does is change you.  Jesus told us to pray for our enemies.  You can’t pray for someone and despise them at the same time. 

5. Be honest (v.14-15).  We don’t desire peace at any price—certainly not at the cost of compromising truth.  There comes a time to “speak the truth in love.”  Sometimes you must tell people their behavior is wrong and must stop. 

6. Trust God (v.16-17).  You can have a clear conscience when you do the right thing and leave it with God.

THE SMALL STUFF

(a guest article from Derrick McCarson, Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Candler, NC)

There is an ancient Indian legend of a king who loved chess. He challenged visitors to a game, and was usually victorious. One day a traveling sage visited the kingdom and was challenged to a game by the king. To entice him to play, the king offered to give the sage whatever reward he asked if he won. When the sage explained that his prize would involve rice, the king thought nothing of such a small reward.

To the king’s amazement he was swiftly defeated in just a matter of a few moves! To honor his word, the king ordered a bag his servants to go to the granary and locate the rice. But the sage, had something more in mind. He asked for one grain of rice to be placed on the first square of the chessboard, and then that it would be doubled on each following square until all 64 squares were filled.

The request seemed modest, and the king ordered a bag of rice to be brought. One grain was placed on the first square, two on the second, four on the third, eight on the fourth and so on. But it quickly became apparent that the terms of the request were impossible to meet. By the twenty-first square more than one million grains of rice would be required. By the thirty-first square the total would go over one billion—with more than half of the chessboard still left to go. By the end, the wise man had a lifetime supply of food at his disposal because he understood the power of exponential growth.

Small things have a big impact when they are added together. The Scriptures have a lot to say about the value of small things. Zechariah encouraged us not to “despise the day of small things” (4:10). Solomon warned us to be on the lookout for the “little foxes” which can rob us when we aren’t looking (Song 2:15). Proverbs 13:11 tells us that wealth which endures is gathered “little by little” over a lifetime. Jesus taught that as stewards of His kingdom resources we ought to be faithful in the “small things” (Luke 16:10). Christ even compared His ministry to a tiny mustard seed that grew into a towering tree (Mark 4:30-32). Remember one of Jesus’ most fantastic miracles began with just a little boy’s sack lunch of sardines and bread (John 6:9).    

When you think you don’t have much to offer, remember God has a special way of using routine faithfulness in the “small things” to accomplish great things! Too many of us get caught up in future, grandiose thinking.  “The Lord is going to give me a great ministry down the road.  Then I will matter to Him and to others.” The danger in being caught up in “someday I will do a great thing for God” is that we may miss the frequent and daily opportunities to serve Him which, by the way, may make an extraordinary impact for the Kingdom.

Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks. The little things in life determine the big things. There will always be more people willing to do “great” things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.

So where do we begin? Moses had a staff. David had a sling. Samson had a jawbone. Rahab had a string. Mary had some ointment. The widow had two mites. Paul had a pen. What do you have? Start small and give it to God. 

~Derrick McCarson, 2015

REAL WORSHIP

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  (Colossians 3:16)

Remember the movie, "Groundhog Day"?  Bill Murray kept reliving the same day, over and over.  Do you ever feel that way about a church service?  That ought not be!  Before I point any fingers anywhere else, I must ask myself, "Is it the preacher's fault?"  Sometimes it is.  If I’m not prayed up and fired up—can I really expect anybody else to be?  So, I'm willing to look into the mirror of God's Word and do the hard evaluation--what about you?  Will you again leave the worship service saying, “Well, I didn’t get anything out of that!”   Maybe there's the problem--we think worship is about us.  Many churches succumb to this pressure and try to put on a show--man-centered entertainment.   Our focus instead is to be God-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered, and Gospel-driven.  

Real worship requires real PREPARATION (Col.3:12-15)  You need to put on your, "Sunday go to meetin' clothes"!  I'm not talking about outer garments, but inner  graces!  These are attitudes of the heart that prepare us to meet with God corporately.  Such is befitting a child of God, chosen out of the world by the Father’s love. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” We need to cut each other some slack.  Put on a kind disposition.   The proud church member wants the spotlight on them, but the humble want it on God.  The meek are nor demanding, insisting on their own way and compromise preferences where no principle is involved.  The long-suffering are patient with people and not bitter toward God.  Those ready for worship are forgiving (v.13).  You can’t offer acceptable worship otherwise—Jesus said to leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled to your brother.   It's hard to sit on a pew and worship God with someone you are mad at.  Love is the belt that holds all together (v.14).  Then there will be peace inside us, that leads to unity in the Body.  We'll also have a thankful spirit.  Don’t come to be a critic!

Real worship requires real PARTICIPATION (v.16).  Here’s what we do when we get to church.  The Berkley translation renders this, “Let the enriching message of Christ have ample room in your lives.”  Our minds will not be cluttered by distraction or our hearts choked by disobedience.  The wisdom of God is available in the Word of God.  I have made a commitment to be a Bible preacher and not an ear-tickler.  You say, “I don’t like that kind of preaching!” Neither does the Devil!  I have a responsibility to God to feed you.  Don’t impoverish your soul!  We need both instruction on what to do and admonition about what not to do.  As to singing—the text is more important than the tune.  It's not about an entertaining melody, but an edifying message.  You can draw a crowd with gimmicks, but you can only disciple a congregation with the Gospel.

Real worship requires real PRACTICE (v.17).  The real test of whether we have met with God is what happens when we leave.  Feelings are like the tides that ebb and flow.  Commitment stays solid.  This is a daily surrender on the altar of all we are—in conduct and conversation to exalt the Savior.

This is real worship!

STOOPING TO SERVE

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.  (John 13:5)

We expect people to bow at the feet of a king.  It is shocking that a King would bow at the feet of His subjects—and even more remarkable would wash their dirty feet.  Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did in the thirteenth chapter of John’s Gospel.  When Mary bows at the feet of Jesus and anoints those feet with oil in the previous chapter, we are stirred by her love for her Lord, but when Jesus bows at the feet of His disciples in this chapter, we are shocked by His love for His own.  Will we be the Body of Christ showing His love to our world?  That is His example and exhortation.  Jesus stooped to serve and He calls on us to do the same. 

Consider that stooping to serve ELEVATES HUMILITY (v.1-5).  With God, the way up is down.  The humble are exalted.  The example of Jesus here elevates the virtue of humility as a character quality all of us are to aspire to possess.  Ours is a world that prizes power, position, a name in lights, and fame in headlines.  Sadly, this spirit has infiltrated the church.  It is nothing new.  The disciples regularly debated as to which of them would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven—and they were even bickering about it in the upper room, as Jesus silences them with this act of humility.  Imagine, the King of Glory stooping to wash dirty feet!  Why?  His love motivated Him (v.1).  It is why thirty three years before this He rose from His throne in heaven, laid aside his royal robe, took the towel of our humanity and came to lowly earth to wash away our sins with His blood. 

Furthermore, stooping to serve EFFECTS HOLINESS (v.6-10).  To be holy means to be set apart for God.  There are two dimensions of this:  we are holy through our position in Christ.  Then we are to become holy through our progression in faith.  A dramatic illustration of these twin truths is presented in these verses.  Peter didn’t need a bath.  That happens at salvation—we are washed from our sins.  Still, we walk every day in a dirty world, and even the holy people of God can become defiled.  We need the cleansing of confession. 

Note that stooping to serve EXPOSES HYPOCRISY (v.10-11).  Judas had never had a bath!  He was not saved and that night’s events would expose his hypocrisy.  He wasn’t a believer, but a make-believer.  If you stop and compare the actions of Peter and Judas that night, were they so different?  Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and Peter denied Jesus to save his own skin.  Both men wept bitterly because of what they did.  Yet, one is in heaven and one is in hell.  That’s because one was washed in salvation and the other was still dirty.  Peter was a backslider, but Judas was an apostate.

Stooping to serve EXPRESSES HAPPINESS (v.12-17).  The old KJV says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”  Have you washed anyone’s feet lately?  What ministry are you serving in?  We go through life trying to find something or someone to make us happy and we search in vain.  Instead we ought to seek to make others happy—and an amazing thing happens—we discover joy!  Stoop to serve someone today!

STUMBLING BLOCKS OR STEPPING-STONES

Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  (Matthew 18:7)

Are you a stepping-stone or a stumbling block?  God wants His people to be a bridge to help people to reach Him, rather than a barrier to hinder them from coming.  We are a daily advertisement for Christ.  Is the ad appealing?  We can be humble or haughty, holy or hypocritical, helpful or hateful—we will seldom be neutral.  We will be a positive or negative influence.  Jesus presents that sobering reality in Matthew 18.

Our attitude will make a difference in whether we are a stumbling block or stepping-stone.  In verses 1-7, Jesus is speaking about the humble spirit of a small child, as contrasted to the arrogant bully who runs roughshod over people.  We are being like the Savior when we are humble (Phil.2:3-8), but like Satan when we are haughty (Isa.14:12-15).  What is the humility of a child?  They do not worry about appearance.  They are genuine instead of putting up a front.  Children want to help.  They have the soul of a servant.  Then things get messed up.  Ego grows with our girth and physical stature demands social status to match.  Jesus called upon his grownups to become childlike.  Receive little children (v.5), rather than reject them.  Go to work in the church nursery—that is the factory for producing humble servants!  Change some diapers if you doubt it!  The most solemn warning is given to those who cause children to stumble (v.6-7).

We will be stumbling blocks rather than stepping-stones if we allow sinful passions to dominate our deeds, direction, and desires (v.8-14).  Woven into the very fabric of our soul are these dark threads of lust—wicked appetites that demand feeding.  Our world enshrines them, we enthrone them—only to find we become enslaved by them.  Chains of corruption—fetters of filth—wrap themselves around the heart and drag men and women down into hell.  Jesus said that radical surgery was demanded for this heart problem.  Extreme measures must be taken to overcome evil.  He was speaking metaphorically.  Mutilation will not produce holiness.  What Jesus is calling for is repentance—turning from sin by taking the sinner to the cross and turning to Christ by receiving His new life by faith.  The ultimate issue is getting a new heart—and that is salvation (v.8-10).  How many sinners spurn salvation because they have seen preachers and church members living immoral lives while calling others to new life—what a pious fraud!  God is all about seeking lost sheep (v.11-14).  We need a passion for souls, rather than sin.

Bitterness will be another barrier to people receiving our witness (v.15-35).  Grudges grind ugliness into our faces and the corrosive speech that we utter from an unforgiving heart is repulsive.  We dare not herald grace while holding grudges.  A winsome witness, who wins someone to Christ, has experienced the joy of forgiveness, and wants others to know it!  This is the church’s work (v.15-20).  The harsh face of the legalist and haughty tones of their criticism never draw people to Christ.  Bitterness makes you ugly.  It makes your breath reek with condemnation and your eyes bulge with hate.  If we want forgiveness then we must be willing to extend it (v.21-35).  Bitterness erect barriers and grace builds bridges.  Are we stumbling blocks or stepping-stones?