DOES GOD GRADE ON THE CURVE?

Read Romans 2.

I loved teachers who would grade on the curve.  My IQ was high, but my study habits were not. I preferred hobbies to homework and sports to study. I thought school was for socializing instead of scholarship.  However, when the teacher graded on the curve, I could pass the class with little effort.  I wasn’t graded on the objective truths of the textbook, but the subjective comparison to other students. I would get A’s and B’s while breezing through the course.

Some people think God grades on the curve.  They will admit they aren’t perfect, but compared to many, they don’t look too sinful.  I mean they aren’t serial killers or bank robbers.  In fact, some people are very moral outwardly, and seem religious enough.

But, not to God.  God does not grade on the curve.  Paul is dealing with that argument in Romans 2.  He has pointed out the sinfulness of the heathen in chapter 1.  He knew a lot of folks would say, “Sure, they deserve the judgment of God!  Look at how bad they are! But, I’m a good person.”  So, now the Apostle will move to the guilt of the hypocrite—who says more than he does—who is comparison to unholy people seems good enough, but compared to Holy God cannot measure up.  If we read the text—the Bible—objectively, we flunk.

In chapter 1, Paul appeals to the witness of creation to God’s existence and power—a witness outside us, and now He points in chapter 2 to the witness of conscience to God’s existence and purity.  If we will get beneath the surface level, where we may not appear that bad compared to others, and consider the guilt we carry inside us, then we must admit our need of a Savior—and the good news is that we have One—Jesus Christ.

INTEGRITY

Integrity is defined in the online dictionary as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”  It is a word rooted in the term, “integer,”—a whole number—thus, a person who is whole, where words and works match.  They are not hypocrites.  We will examine a few verses in Proverbs nineteen concerning integrity.

1.  INTEGRITY IS TO BE SOUGHT.  “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.” (v.1, 22).  Poverty is not an easy state in which to live.  Our fleshly passion and worldly philosophy will lead us to covet and seek after money.  Yet, we must not do so at the cost of “selling out,” and casting away integrity.  Integrity is to be valued more than money and pursued diligently.  The one who “walks in his integrity,” is one who has unwavering direction set by conviction.  He or she may not be perfect, but they will make progress in pursuing integrity.  Their life is oriented toward honesty and directed by integrity.

2.  DISHONESTY IS TO BE SHUNNED.  “A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.  A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.” (v.5, 9, 28). Within the span of a few verses, this truth about lies is virtually repeated. Whether it be perjury in the courtroom or deception in daily life, we are on the trail to judgment. One lie feeds a pattern of dishonesty, as more lies are required to cover up for the last lie. While a Christian, sadly, in this mortal state might sometime lie, it cannot be the pattern of his or her life, for, “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone,” (Rev.21:8b).  If justice is evaded on earth, it will not be in eternity. 

What does your integrity or lack thereof reveal about your heart?  Are you a whole person—one of honesty, or a divided person—one of hypocrisy?

SUNDAY MORNING GLORIES

 

“A son honors his father,

And a servant his master.

If then I am the Father,

Where is My honor?

And if I am a Master,

Where is My reverence?

Says the LORD of hosts….”  (Malachi 1:6a) 

Christianity is a lifestyle.  It is not reserved for special occasions.  Maybe you heard of the Pastor who ended the Easter service with, “Merry Christmas!” because he knew that would be the next time he would see some of them.  Our faith isn’t just to be practiced on Sunday and ignored the other six days.  The late evangelist, Vance Havner, used to say that a lot of church folk are like Sunday morning glories—they bloom at 11 AM and snap shut the rest of the week!  That kind of superficial spirituality is what Malachi confronted.  There are several signs you may be a Sunday morning glory. 

The first one is A PROFESSION THAT IS EMPTY (v.6).  These people professed to be God’s sons and His servants, yet their performance was lacking. 

I was far from a perfect son, but I knew better than to be disrespectful to my father.  Yet, this is how the Jews of Malachi’s time were treating God.  We like the rewards of being God’s children, but don’t want the responsibilities that come with it.  They took God, “lightly.”  This is being like a grown child who never comes to visit Dad and Mom unless he needs something.  Do we treat God that way?

A servant exists that he or she might obey the master’s wishes.  Otherwise, what good are they? These Jews had lost the fear of God.  We have also, I believe.  God’s will is not optional; it is mandatory!  Jesus asked, “Why do you call me, Lord, lord, and do not do the things I say?”  Peter Lord said, “We practice daily what we truly believe and all the rest is just religious talk.”

Another sign is A PERCEPTION THAT IS DULL (v.6-7).  It is bad to be sick, but it is worse to be sick and not know it.  That was the spiritual dullness of the Jews in Malachi’s ministry.  When the prophet told them their condition, they were shocked.   They expected a clean bill of health—after all, didn’t they believe in God, pray, and give an offering?  That was good, but not good enough.  Like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, they were blind to the evil in their hearts.  That’s what a veneer of religion will do—it looks like the real thing, but it isn’t solid.

There may be A POLLUTION THAT IS PRESENT (v.7-12). Hypocrisy eventually leads to impurity.  They gave God the leftovers.  They would have had more respect for a government official than for God.  We act like we are doing God a favor by occasionally giving Him a hour on Sunday.  The attitude is, “What am I going to get out of this?”  So many want to know what the church can do for them, rather than what they can do for the church.  God finds no pleasure in our service if what we do is grudgingly given.  God intended for the Jews to be a light to the Gentiles, but instead of being stepping stones, they were stumbling blocks.

Then, there can be A PERFORMANCE THAT IS LACKING (v.13-14).   Carrying the cross was hard for Christ.  Why do we have to beg people to serve when Jesus sacrificed so much?  There is a curse on such hypocrisy.  Such a spirit will kill a church!  Don’t be a Sunday morning glory!

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO EVANGELISM

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.  (Acts 8:4)

Today’s climate for evangelism is inhospitable.  There is increasing hostility to the Gospel.  Yet, our mission remains unchanged.  It is encouraging to note that the first century church flourished in an unfriendly environment.  They faced obstacles, but were able to overcome them.  Acts chapter eight affords us several examples.

They were able to overcome persecution (v.1-4).  While they might have been paralyzed by fear, they overcame in faith.  This opposition came as a backlash from the church’s militancy in its mission.  Satan’s kingdom was threatened and so he launched a counterattack.  Instead of stopping the advance of the Gospel, the persecution aided it.  They disciples were scattered like seed, and God caused them to bear much fruit.

They were able to overcome complacency (v.4).  Jesus sent them into all the world, but they settled down in their comfort zone in Jerusalem.  That was to be the base of operations, but then the saints were to go to Judea, Samaria, and, ultimately, around the globe.  God used what seemed to be evil to produce something good in allowing persecution to propel them out of their complacency.  God can make you love to do what you ought to do!  There is opportunity in every difficulty.

They were able to overcome prejudice (v.5).  The Gospel went to Samaria—and that was a big barrier broken—the race barrier.  Samaritans despised the Jews and the reverse was true as well.  Racism is not a new phenomenon.  The challenge to make a difference in a people who are so different is an obstacle to overcome.  Philip was a Jew and his audience was Samaritan, but the moment they responded to the Gospel, they became brothers and sisters in Christ.  Heaven will not be segregated—the church ought not be!

They were able to overcome limitations (v.6-8).  The power that enabled them to rise above their human limitations came from heaven.  It did not matter how weak they were, God was mighty to save!  He still is.  God has not changed—we have.  These saints rested in the power of God and miracles happened.  Philip not only preached that Jesus was alive, it was apparent in His supernatural activity!  It takes the power of God to overcome such obstacles, but that power is available still today.

They were able to overcome hypocrisy (v.9-25).  The charge is often leveled at the church that it is full of hypocrites.  That accusation must be overcome.  The reality is that there are hypocrites in the church—there always have been.  The example we note in this chapter is a man named Simon—who had been a sorcerer.  It becomes apparent that an improper motive yielded an insincere commitment.  He saw the power of God at work, and wanted to get in on the action.  His occult powers were nothing compared to this.  He saw the business opportunity of a lifetime if he could get hold of this power.  Peter demanded that he repent or perish!  That is still the church’s message.

The obstacles to evangelism are nothing new.  When the church invades enemy territory, the Devil will fight back.  Christ has founded a church, however, equipped to assault the very gates of hell, and see them fall!  That is our heritage; it is our hope!

THE HELLISHNESS OF HYPOCRISY

Serpents, brood of vipers!  How can you escape the condemnation of hell?  (Matthew 23:33)

The opposition to Jesus had reached the tipping point.  His time on earth was short.  The crisis of the cross was imminent.  The hostility of the religious leaders was bent on His destruction.  Jerusalem—His city—had rejected the King.  They would crown Him with thorn outside the city walls, rather than crown Him with the glory He deserved.  So, in Matthew 23, Jesus takes the role of Judge ad levels a series of scathing indictments against the religious establishment—eight times pronouncing, “Woe to you.”  The scribes and Pharisees blasphemed the precious Lord Christ by accusing Him of working in alliance with Beelzebub, when in actuality, it was they who were the serpent’s spawn.  This is the hellishness of hypocrisy.

They were ACTORS SEEKING APPLAUSE (v.1-12).  They taught the Law of Moses, but did not obey it themselves.  They burdened people with religious traditions, but would not lift a finger to follow them.  It was all about keeping up appearances, and gaining men’s applause.  In those days, actors on stage wore a mask to hide their true identity, so others would make the character they were playing more believable.  This actor was called by a Greek word from which we get the English term, “hypocrite.”  It means, “to wear a mask.”  That is what the hypocrite does.  He or she is an actor on a stage.

They were BARRIERS TO HEAVEN (v.13).  They should have been bridges to heaven, but they were barriers instead.  They were not going to heaven, and neither were those who followed their steps.

They were RELIGIOUS RACKETEERS (v.14).  Their heirs today are the televangelists who weep for contributions to reach the lost and dying—selling the promise of miracles to poor widows watching, who send in their money—which they have little of—so the profiteering preacher can live in luxury.

They were HELL SPAWN (v.15).  God was not their Father.  Their father was the Devil.

They were BLIND GUIDES (v.16-22).  What a ridiculous image—a blind guide leading blind people.  That was, however, their spiritual condition and folly of following them.

They were NEGLECTFUL NITPICKERS (v.23-24).  They focused on minutia and neglected the essential.  They would metaphorically filter a gnat from their drink, while swallowing a camel!

They were EXTERNALLY CLEAN AND INTERNALLY CORRUPT (v.25-26).  Their hands were ceremonially cleansed, but their hearts were spiritually filthy.

They were WHITE-WASHED TOMBS (v.27-28).  The mausoleum may be shining marble, but inside there is the stench and decay of death.  That was the Pharisees.

They were CELEBRANTS OF PROPHETS AND HEIRS OF THOSE WHO CONDEMNED THEM (v.29-39).  How evildoers hate truth-tellers!  This was the brutality of their ancestors, and was in their spiritual DNA.  It is why they despised Jesus, and called for His condemnation.

Let us be sure that we are not heirs of the hypocrites.  Tear off the mask!  What is the spiritual reality?  Behind the religious façade, is there only an empty heart, devoid of the grace of God?  May the Spirit expose such now—so we may repent—before it is exposed at the Judgment Seat, where it will be too late!  This is the hellishness of hypocrisy.

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?

SPRING-CLEANING

When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.  (John 2:15)

April showers bring May flowers—and the time for spring-cleaning.  A little lady general will march in and draft her husband to join the window-washing brigade.  Dirt has a way of accumulating.  It can spiritually as well.  We see in John 2 how the house of God was cluttered with carnality and covetousness.  Christ comes to cleanse the Temple thoroughly.  Bear in mind that our body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Does it need cleaning?

There was THE NECESSITY OF THE CLEANSING (John 2:13-14).  God is love.  He loves sinners or there would be no hope for us.  But, He hates sin!  His holy nature compels Him to visit judgment upon evil.  God never sweeps sin under the carpet.  The Son of God possessed the same nature as His Father—and we see His righteous anger boiling up and expressed forcefully in this text.

Religious racketeers had set up shop in the house of God.  The area where business was being transacted was the court of the Gentiles—the place where Gentiles had to go to attend worship.  Amid all the noise and smell of animals, the debate about the proper value of the currency exchanged, and the crowd of tables and people, worship for a Gentile was virtually impossible in those surroundings.  For those Jews the Temple was no longer about the message of the prophets, but making some profits.  What good does it do to speak about heaven, when our hearts testify we are living for this world?  That is hypocrisy—and the house of God today often is rife with it.  No wonder pagan people who might want to seek God observe this and turn away.

Then observe THE NATURE OF THE CLEANSING (John 2:15-17).  Christ felt an overwhelming passion to cleanse the Temple.  He forcefully took action.  Do we have the same ruthless desire to drive out sin from our soul?  It is easy to get comfortable with clutter.  There were two drunks.  After a night in the tavern, they staggered out into the sun.  Squinting, one says, “What’s that I see?”  His buddy answers, “That’s light!”  Sniffing, the other says, “What’s that I smell?”  His partner responds, “That’s fresh air!”  We can become so accustomed to the darkness and stench of sin that it seems normal.  May Christ confront us today with cords of conviction, driving us by discipline, upsetting the tables in our temple where we transact with worldliness rather than offer worship! 

The religious leaders challenged Christ’s authority (John 2:18).  Though they were blind to the truth, He responds that His authority would be affirmed by His crucifixion and resurrection (John 2:19-22).  Can we cling to sin when it cost Him so much?  If He conquered death, ought He not rule over our hearts?  Beware lest we assume we are carnal Christians, when it is even worse—we may be counterfeits (John 2:23-25). 

It is time for spring-cleaning—the cleansing of our lives of sin.

NO EXCUSE!

“Therefore you are inexcusable…”  (Romans 2:1a)

Satan is as content to get people to go to Hell from a church pew as from a barroom or brothel.  In fact, those who live a wicked life often are easier to reach than the self-righteous.  Thus, Jesus warned the self-righteous, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.”  (Matt.21:31).  If I have obvious symptoms of sickness, I am more likely to go to the doctor.  One of the things that makes cancer such a killer, is that we may think we are healthy while a malignancy is growing within—and self-righteousness is a lethal spiritual cancer.

Paul, as a prosecuting attorney, is laying out the evidence for the judgment of the human race.  By the time he finishes, the facts demand the verdict, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23).  The declaration of the bad news is preparatory to the proclamation of the good news.  In chapter one, the Apostle presents the obvious sins of the scandalous, but moves on in chapter two, to the obscure sins of the self-righteous.  It is not only the depraved of chapter one, but the decent of chapter two who need a Savior.  The rebellious and perverse and the religious and pious are sinners of a different kind, but sinners nonetheless.  The reality is that Romans 1 tells us that none are so bad that they cannot be saved, and Romans 2 indicates that none are so good that they need not be saved.

We want to know what will become of the lost who have not heard the Gospel.  In Romans 1:18-25, the Apostle establishes that they are responsible for their sin.  They have the light of creation that they see and conscience that they sense—yet, they love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).  There is no excuse that can be made for sin when a heathen stands before God on Judgment Day.

But, those who read these words are not likely heathen—you may be hypocrites.  You have heard the Gospel over and over, but if you have tried to hide your sinful heart with a veneer of religion, then you are as lost as the pagan—and Paul says in Romans 2:1 that such are also without excuse.

The self-righteous man or woman will look down their sanctimonious nose and point a condemning finger at others while not realizing they are condemning themselves in the process.  Religious folk get riled up when you preach against homosexuality, pornography and apostasy—even shouting, “Amen!”  Yet, they can grow strangely quiet when the sermon is about hypocrisy, hard-heartedness and a holier-than-thou attitude!  But, the Gospel preacher cannot show partiality, because God doesn’t (2:11). The grossly immoral will certainly be sentenced based on their obvious crimes against God.  But, the skeletons in the closet of the religionist will come parading out to testify against them, also, in “the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” (Rom.2:16).  All that matters is our response to the Gospel.  Have we believed it and received it?  All of us must, or we will surely be condemned for rejecting it!