LOVE, TRUTH, AND JOY

John was an old man—the last of the Twelve—who writes 2 John, this small, but substantive letter.  Was it literally written to a sister in Christ, or a church using symbolic language?  That debate will be for another time—for now, we recognize that it is eternal truth for us!  Three themes dominate the text: love, truth, and joy. 

We begin with LOVE, as John does. Love is used four times, (v. 1, 3, 5-6). In the first two, there is a connection to truth. Indeed, in the last two, there is the implication of truth, as love is spoken of as being commanded. Love and truth walk hand in hand. Love without truth is a toxic empathy—not really love. It is tolerating the intolerable, condoning the sinful, even celebrating the evil. It is tantamount to giving someone a pat on the back on their way to hell! Love cares enough to confront with truth, yet ever with a heart of compassion. I have never forgotten what John Maxwell said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” You can have a mouth full of theological propositions, but a heart empty of real compassion. 

So, we move on to TRUTH. Truth is mentioned five times, (v. 1 [twice], v. 2-4).  We may add a term synonymous with Gospel truth, and that is “doctrine,” referenced three times (twice in v. 9 and once in v. 10). In addition, the core of the letter is a call to confront error, (v. 7-11). While we must be reminded that love without truth is toxic empathy, truth without love is cruel brutality. We must, however, equip our people to discern deception and reject it. It is not nit-picking about peripheral matters where genuine Christians may disagree, but it is holding to courageous convictions concerning the core of Christianity. John speaks particularly of the doctrine of Christ. Every cult and false religion denies the incarnation—the Only Begotten Son of God, fully God and fully man—and the only Way, the sole Truth, and the unique source of Life. We are to do all we can to defeat such deception by wielding the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

Finally, John stresses JOY. Joy is referenced twice—once as “rejoiced,” (v. 4) and then as “joy,” in v. 12. Joy is the result of seeing the children of God walking in truth and love. Walking suggests progress—advancing in the things of God. Disciples have not arrived at perfection yet, for that awaits Heaven, but there ought to be progression in sanctification. Truth does not have to be taught with a scowl on the face and a growl in the voice. Doctrine ought to be declared with delight!  While, what I am sharing with you online I pray is helpful, there is nothing like being personally in the house of God with the people of God to hear the word of God as we engage in the worship of God for the glory of God!  John’s joy would be fully experienced as he saw his brothers and sisters face to face. May this be our reality on this Lord’s Day!

If you attend a liberal church where a false love is promoted to the exclusion of truth, get out as fast as you can!  Should you attend a legalistic church where truth is used to beat people down instead of lifting them up, find another church. If you attend a lifeless church, where it seems more like a funeral home than a joyful celebration, pray for revival to come, and if it does not, then go where you can rejoice in the Risen Lord! 

There are three other words that should claim our attention in John’s greeting: “Grace, mercy, and peace…from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v. 3). The bottom line is this: our capacity to express God’s love, to expound God’s truth, and to experience His joy springs from a genuine experience of salvation. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve—eternal life; mercy is not getting what we do deserve—no condemnation, being forgiven; peace is what results from these—peace with the Father through the Son!

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.”

A PURIFIED PEOPLE

 

Sin separates us from God. This is a problem that we cannot solve. The distance between a Holy God and a sinful humanity is a chasm so vast we cannot cross. Since we are all sinners, we are all condemned. It is impossible to purify myself. That would be like trying to wash my hands in muddy water. Yet, God does not lower His standard. His demand is, “Be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16). 

God did what we could never do, for God can do the impossible. There was REDEMPTION.  Enslaved by sin, God came in human flesh—Jesus Christ the Son—to free us, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” (1 Peter 1:18). By His blood, payment was made to purchase us. “What can wash away my sins?” That is the question, the hymn writer posed, and went on to answer, “Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!”  This was God’s one and only predetermined plan—that in the crucifixion of Christ, the penalty for sin has been paid, and in His resurrection, the confirmation of His work has been sealed. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” (1 Peter 1:19-21). 

A miracle takes place—REGENERATION.  We are no longer, slaves, but sons—no more sinners, but saints, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25). The seed of the Gospel is sown into the soil of the soul, and those who receive it are regenerated—born again of the Spirit working through the Scripture He has inspired. 

The evidence of being redeemed and regenerated is in RIGHTEOUSNESS. Having positional righteousness through redemption and potential righteousness through regeneration, there will be progressive righteousness in sanctification. This is not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…

 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”  (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭17, 22). 

As God’s children, we bear His image, and this should be an increasing reality more and more. We must choose to think properly, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind,” take this seriously, “be sober,” and trust fully, “and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  From start to finish, salvation is all of grace. Yet, He does not do the work apart from us, but in us as we rely on God and apply His grace by a will surrendered to Him.  The Holy God is marked by truth and love, so that as His children we will exhibit obedience to the truth and pure and passionate love for the family of God.

The people of God are a purified people—not perfect yet, but progressing toward it. John stated it, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬)

TRIUMPHANT OVER TRIBULATION

 

The Christian will reside in a world of tribulation, yet because of Christ in us troubles need not preside over us. Jesus promised, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” (Jn. 16:33b). 

This is the very circumstance Paul addresses in 2 Thessalonians. The church was facing tribulation and they were being tested by this trouble. Yet in a trio of timeless traits, (1:3-4), the Apostle assures them they can be triumphant over tribulations—and so may we.

We can overcome by EXCEEDING FAITH, “your faith grows exceedingly.”  Faith grows as it is challenged. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. It is purified by the problems we encounter.   Peter put it, “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬‬).

John Rippon wrote of this in his beloved hymn, “How Firm a Foundation.” 

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

We also are victorious through EXTRAVAGANT LOVE, “the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.”  Even as we are called to love God with all our being, we are called to love each other as we love ourselves. These encapsulate all of God’s commands for us. 

True love is extravagant. It is all about giving. John 3:16 portrays such abounding love of the Father for us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”  No greater love could be displayed in the giving of the greatest gift to meet our greatest need. Love is seen to be more than a feeling, but an action. It springs from volition before it births emotion. 

Though the world hates us, we can endure in knowing God loves us.  That is tangible in how fellow believers support one another in the midst of our trials.

Further, we triumph in ENDURING HOPE, “your patience…in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.”  Patience is linked with hope. In the prior letter, Paul spoke of, “patience of hope,” (1 Thess. 1:3). This hope sustains us. We know that our trials are not a permanent state, but that Christ will put things right one glorious Day. We can hope for some respite here in this troubled world—an oasis in the burning desert of tribulation. Ultimately, that will be short-lived and only a foretaste as we are, “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬‬).

This hope gives us the strength to press on and endure. There is absolute assurance of victory in Jesus. That absolute can make us resolute.  

John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” accurately portrays the journey of Christian from escaping the City of Destruction, the difficult journey, but finally arriving in the Celestial City. God promises triumph over tribulation.

THE ROYAL LAW

 

A group of us are to fly to Vermont this morning where God has planted a church and is making inroads with the Gospel. Seed has been sown in a spiritually harsh climate. We want to see where God is working and join Him in that work. Only one thing should motivate us—the royal law of love!  It is our love for God and those made in His image that compels us to spend time and money to see sinners saved and saints strengthened.

In Stephen Olford’s excellent devotional book, “According to Your Word,” he writes:

“Fulfill the royal law.” – James 2:8 

The royal law is defined thus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself ” (v. 8). And it is the command that the Lord Jesus pointed out as including all other commandments. Of course, this command implies love to God first, and then love to man. James points out that the fulfilling of it is the hallmark of kingship or royalty. So that if I am a genuine king and priest to God, I am one who fulfills this command. He goes further to explain that he who shows partiality and who breaks this royal law commits sin. “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34); so why should we? Whether poor or rich, they should be loved, honored, and recognized without partiality. 

No wonder the Lord Jesus was the Friend of Sinners! 

Teach me to love others as You love me, Lord. (p.219). 

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 23

The Power of Words

“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

We are dependent on the Lord throughout the whole process of evangelism. We not only need God’s power to open doors for us to share, but we need Him to give us discernment to know how and when to walk through the doors He has opened. When we find ourselves in a gospel conversation, we may wonder what we should say, do and when we should speak with boldness or ask questions. As the Holy Spirit guides us in our gospel conversations, we should not underestimate the power of our words. It’s not just about what we say in presenting the gospel but how we say it. As the Lord directs us, our words should be gracious and seasoned with salt so we would know how to respond to each person we encounter.

Pray the Lord would open doors for you to share the gospel with your one this week, and pray your words would be gracious as you share the good news of Christ. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

JESUS, THE TRUE VINE: Abiding in Love

Jesus tells us that the Christian life is about a relationship with Him. This vital connection brings His life into ours and the evidence is the fruit that we bear. At the forefront of that fruit is love.  We are to abide in love.

We are given examples of this in John 15:9, 13 in the Father’s love for the Son and the Son’s love for us. The Father’s love for the Son was demonstrated by sharing all that He is and has with Him (see John 3:35; 5:20; 17:24). The Son’s love for us was demonstrated by sacrificing all He had to save us—laying down His life for His friends (15:13). When I abide in love I follow that example in sharing and sacrifice.

We further note evidences of this in John 15:10, 12, 17. There will be the evidence of love for God (v.10) and man (v.12,17). This sums up the law of God. Jesus said elsewhere it is the Great Commandment (see Matt.22:35-40).

Then, consider the effects of this in John 15:12, 14, 16). There will be intimacy (v.14). Imagine, we are called friends of Jesus!  That suggests the closest of connections. There will be impact (v.16). The life that loves is one of eternal significance.  Our prayer life will be potent as God is pleased to answer those who pray out of a motivation of love.

Why don’t you open your Bible at 1 Cor.13, get on your knees and pray for that kind of love?  It will be life-changing!

LOVING ENEMIES

Read 2 Kings 6:8-23.

Can we be more concerned with winning souls than winning arguments?

Syrian raiders invaded Israel. The power of God, however, blinded them, and Elisha the prophet leads them to Samaria, where inside the city walls, their vision is restored, and they are surrounded by Israeli forces. The King of Israel sees the opportunity for revenge. That is the natural reaction. But, instead, Elisha extends mercy and grace.

Think about it. The Syrian soldiers were merely submitting to their sovereign. They were blinded. The spiritual man overcomes evil with good. He conquers with love. Those on the winning side reach out to the losing side, realizing they are just following Satan’s orders. They are blind to the truth and we need to pray that their eyes would be opened.

We can win people by love. That’s the way our hearts were won. Who is our war with anyway? Not with sinners.  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12).

The Syrian soldiers were given mercy and grace. It was mercy that spared them from the death they deserved, and it was grace that gave them what they did not merit—a feast and freedom!  God has done that for us!  Now, He expects us to show mercy and grace to other sinners.

We must be careful that in our stand for God and for truth, that it doesn’t sound like an attack on the people Jesus died for. Can we speak against the act of homosexuality and witness to the homosexual? Can we cry against the act of abortion and reach out to the abortionist and those who have had abortions? Can we find the balance of Jesus who told the adulterous woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more?”  That balance is seen in that Jesus was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,” (Heb.7:26), and yet was called the “friend of...sinners” (Lk.7:34).

We must never compromise Biblical convictions. Yet, this same Bible contains these words:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matt.5:38-48).

THE LENS OF GOD’S GREATNESS

I am to see the world through the lens of God’s greatness. This attribute of God is to give me perspective on my worldview. Here is an implication of God’s greatness, we may not have anticipated. Those who are not great in this world—and therefore powerless and needy—receive attention from this God who is great and without partiality.    In particular, those who were orphans, widows, and immigrants were often in want.

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”  (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:17-19‬)

There is the practical application of this principle and how we ought to respond to such people.  I recognize in our current political climate this is a polarizing statement. Without being detoured, let me say that I believe a nation must have borders and determine who its citizens are. God has established government to protect us, but we must also be wary lest our stand on principle become a matter of prejudice.

If we are children of God, then we should be as our Father.  We must recall the grace extended to us so we may extend it to others.  The Jews existed as a nation because God in His sovereignty opened up Egypt to them where they prospered.  By doing the same for these immigrants, they were reflecting God’s glory.

The reality is that none of us can add anything to God—we all might as well be orphans spiritually who need a Father to adopt us; we may as well be widows who need a Bridegroom to love us; we are strangers who need a King to welcome us.  This is what God does for us in the greatness of His grace.

GOD THE FATHER: The Leader of His Household

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ... “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:5-6,11-12)

God has designated me to be the leader of my household.  That’s a father’s job.  Too many men fail in that role.

I assure you, God the Father, never fails.  He leads His dear children along (Prov.3:5-6).  It doesn’t mean the path will always be easy.  It will always be best.  We may not understand the ways God leads us—but we are told not to lean on our own understanding.  What are we to do when we don’t understand with our head?  Trust Him with all our heart!

The Father’s leadership isn’t just in direction, but in discipline (Prov.3:11-12).  He is not a permissive parent.  The man who decides to be his son’s friend rather than his father, allowing him to pursue his own path, may think that he is being loving, but is actually being cruel.  Children need discipline. God the Father sets the pattern. He corrects us with compassion and disciplines us because He delights in us.  Our response determines whether the pain makes us better or bitter.

GREETING, GUARDING, AND GROUNDING

Read Romans 16.

One of the fine ladies of our church has been our postal carrier for years.  Carrie has been faithful to carry the mail!  Paul had a trusted woman, Phoebe, who would bring his letter to the church at Rome.  Thank God for those sisters who are servants to the saints!  They are vital to the Lord’s work.

After commending Phoebe to them, Paul will conclude his letter emphasizing three basic areas: greeting, guarding, and grounding.

GREETING: those he wished to embrace.  “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”(v.16‬). By my count, twenty two times, the Apostle uses the word, “greet,” or “greets.”  How he loved the church and the church loved him!  This is the kind of loving fellowship God desires to mark His people.

GUARDING: those he warned to exclude.  “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (v.17‬). Doors serve two functions—they swing to let friends in, but shut to lock foes out.  Satan has emissaries who slither like serpents among the saints to inject false doctrinal and filthy moral venom into the church.  God will crush them beneath the feet of the church as we march to victory!

GROUNDING: those he worked to establish. “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—” (v.25-26‬). The Apostle was always concerned with grounding people in the truth.  It was his passion and mission.  It is why he wrote this letter, and why I have shared these devotional thoughts that I pray have helped you in some way.

Now, “to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” (v.27‬)

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.

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

Read Romans 14.

“No man is an island,” said John Donne, the seventeenth century English poet and preacher. He was reflecting the Biblical concept that who we are and what we do does not merely affect ourselves, but others around us.  Paul put it this way, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.” (Rom.14:7‬).

And to this end, we are accountable to God in life and in death.  There will be a Day of Judgment, where we will be evaluated as to the impact our life has had for Christ.  “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (v.8-12‬ ).

The implications for our earthly activity since Jesus is Lord cannot be underestimated.  In every dimension of this life we are responsible to Him—and how we live for Him is in relation to how we live among others.  Likewise, the implications for our eternal accountability before Jesus as Lord cannot be overstated.  In each area of our life we will answer to Him—and He will judge how we have judged the worth of others.

The Apostle begins the chapter by discussing the debates among the saints over sacred days and special diets, that were leading people to judge one another.  Some, with a sensitive conscience were assailing the liberty of their brothers who felt a greater freedom in the “gray areas,” of life, while those who promoted freedom were attacking their brethren whom they thought legalistic, by flaunting their liberty.  Paul concludes with a call to love—to respect one another and commit them to God.  The final judgment is up to the only One qualified to make it—Almighty God.   “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (v.13‬).

LOVING YOUR ENEMIES

How do you deal with those who betray you?  What do you say when people attack you with hateful words?

David took the matter to God, rather than take it in his hands. He trusted God to work His will in his accusers. Vengeance belongs to God.  The Lord is qualified to both know what to do, and able to do what we cannot do.  He will deal with it and deal with it rightly.

David devoted himself to prayer.  Prayer changes things.  It can change the situation, as God deals with those who are angry with us.  It will change us, as it provides fertile soil for the seed of forgiveness to grow.  The late John Stott said, “It is impossible to pray for someone without loving him, and impossible to go on praying for him without discovering that our love for him grows and matures.”

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

There has only been one person who has ever lived the Christian life, and that is Christ Himself!  Our life as a Christian is not me trying to do my best and working my hardest to be like Jesus, for that is impossible.  Rather, it is His life in me being revealed through me, as I abide in a vital relationship with Him.

Jesus is the source of our life.  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (‭‭John‬ ‭15:1-4‬). We have no life apart from Him.  He is the True Vine—the one and only.  In a faith relationship with Him, we demonstrate that by the fruit we bear, and He prunes us that we may be more fruitful.

Jesus is the substance of our life. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (v.5-8‬). Jesus doesn’t just give us life, He gives us Himself as our life. If we are not connected with Him, we are just dead branches fit for the fire. As we daily depend on Him, staying connected through the Word and prayer, His life is manifest in ours.

Jesus is the sum of our life. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (v.9-11‬). When we sum up what it means to truly live—it is the life of Jesus, seen in abiding love and abounding joy. In the end, as we stand before God, this is what will matter.  Then, we may say with Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil.1:21).

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Remember the old Beatles’ song, “All You Need Is Love”?  That’s true!  The all-encompassing commandment is to love God with all our being, which if truly done means we will also love others—made in the image of God—as we love ourselves.  Easy to say; hard to do. Yet, having received the grace of God, we have the motivation and might to extend that grace to others.  Ephesians 4:25-27 presents this challenge.

1.  BE HONEST. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (v.25). Understand, that “no man is an island,” as the saying goes. What we do impacts others—and may have far-reaching effects. I am to reject deception and embrace truth. Jesus declared that He was the incarnation of Truth, and since He abides in the Christian, we are to be truth-tellers. Gossip, innuendo, exaggeration, slander, and so forth are deceitful and demonic. Such words destroy relationships.  You cannot have a love relationship without honesty.

2.  BE SELF-CONTROLLED.  “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,” (v.26).  Anger is like an alarm system.  It arises when someone’s rights are violated—whether ours or another’s. You cannot stop anger from arising any more than you cannot jerk your hand back when you touch something hot.  It is not a sin to feel anger, but such a powerful emotion that it moves quickly to sin if we don’t deal with anger. Self-control is paramount, so that we respond properly. Yet, neither do we conceal anger, and let it fester. The issues that gave rise to it must be faced, or it will smolder, and ignite at another time.

 

3.  BE VIGILANT. “nor give place to the devil.” (v.27). Satan is always looking for an entry point to assault you, and you must be vigilant. Many times his attacks come through wrong attitudes and wrathful actions as we fail to love others. A lack of honesty in relationships opens the door to Satan who is the father of lies.  Exploding in anger is a manifestation of the Devil, who is the origin of murder—the ultimate expression of anger. Jesus spoke of both in John 8:44.

How we treat others really matters.  If we cannot love those whom we see, how can we claim to love the God we cannot see, Who made them in His likeness?

Sincerely,
Dennis Thurman

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Proverbs 17:1-2, 6, 14, 21, 25

Solomon shares with us many principles for family life throughout the Proverbs, and in this chapter there are several featured.  Sadly, he failed to abide by these truths in many ways, showing that it is easier to say it than to do it.  Yet, if we will apply these axioms, then family life can be the closest thing to heaven on earth.  Failing in the family will bring the closest thing to hell on earth.

1.  HARMONY IN THE HOME IS HEAVENLY. “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” (v.1, 14). You can live in a palace, but without peace in that home, you are impoverished. The presence of strife ruins the appetite. The best place to stop an argument is before it starts. A heart full of love, the spirit of forgiveness, humility, and self-control, exercised by one another, brings such heavenly harmony.  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to descend as the Dove of Peace on our household. It isn’t my way or my spouse’s way, but God’s way that we ought to seek.

2. GROUNDING CHILDREN IN THE TRUTH BRINGS BLESSING.  “A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.  He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.  A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.” (v.2, 21, 25). Here we see the opposite.  There is shame and sorrow when children are not grounded in the Word of God.  Therefore, let us seek to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). Solomon knew what he was talking about. His son Rehoboam failed to receive these truths. 

3.  HAVING CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CAN BE GLORIOUS. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” (v.6 NKJV). When children can glory in their father—watching him walk with God, love their mother, and lead them in truth, they may grow up to follow in his footsteps and enable him to know the glory of grandchildren.  Our children’s children can be such a source of delight!  As the old fellow said, “If I had known grandkids would be so much fun, I would have had them first!”

May the Lord help us build our home according to the Bible blueprint!  Let us study, submit to, and share these Scriptural principles in our family.

LOVE OR LUST?

“Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth.” (Proverbs 5:15-18)

Sex is not sinful.  God invented it.  He wired us up as sexual beings—male and female.  Indeed, it is for the procreation of the species, but more than that—it is for the pleasure of the spouses.  There is a binding power that goes beyond the physical—extending into the spiritual and emotional realm, when the two become one flesh.

The problem is that this powerful force has become perverted through sin.  What many call, “making love,” is actually fulfilling lust.  It is not about giving to the other person, but getting from them.  Coming together as husband and wife in the commitment of marriage is a wondrous thing, but to do so outside of that covenant relationship is a wicked thing.  The former is delightful and the latter destructive. God’s commandments are not meant to kill our joy, but to kindle it with a holy fire.

Think of it this way.  A fire contained inside a wood stove will heat your house all winter, but let that fire escape confinement and it will burn your house down.  That is the way sexual expression is.  In the arms of your mate, it will keep the relationship warm, but in the arms of an immoral person, it will consume you.  You can look at a fence in two ways.  You can view it as a barrier to keep you from getting something you want, or you can see it as a protection to guard something from harm.  The Lord took sex and put it behind a fence called marriage, and he did it to preserve our joy—not to prevent it.

Adults, let us model faithfulness to marriage.  Let us teach our children  and grandchildren the truth that the world mocks.  Young reader, heed this message.  You will be glad you did.  If we have failed, let us repent and renew our commitment to God’s wisdom.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

You may recall Tina Turner’s pop music hit from years ago that posed this question.  As we approach Valentine’s Day—a time designated to celebrate love—it is an uncomfortable conversation we need to have.  Turner’s song was very cynical—conveying that the relationship of man and women is merely physical in nature and love is just a romantic ideal— an antiquated notion.  Many people look at marriage and love that way—even among those who claim Christianity as their faith.

The numbers are staggering.  The shocking statistics from the Federal Government Centers for Disease Control finds 60% of women and 67% of men believe, “Living together before marriage may help prevent divorce.”  The numbers of women and men who agreed, “A young couple should not live together unless they are married has been decreasing from 34.7% in 2002 to 30.8% in 2006-2010, down to 28% in 2013.  I would like to think the attitudes among those in Bible-believing churches would be the reverse of this, but from what I hear and see, those convictions may be eroding.  With each passing year, the culture more than the Scripture seems to direct our morals.

Times have changed—but, God has not.  His standards have not.

Sex isn’t dirty.  It is a precious gift of God who made us sexual beings and designed it for procreation—and also pleasure—within the bounds of holy matrimony. God wasn’t trying to rob us of fun, but rather His commands are for our benefit so that we may experience ultimate joy.  The fact is “trying it out” by cohabitation does not help prevent divorce, but studies show that the guilt and shame—the self-centered baggage—carried into marriage increases the odds the marriage will fail.  A fire in the fireplace can heat your home on a cold winter’s night.  Let that fire escape its barrier and it will burn the house down!

What’s love got to do with it?  Everything—true love, God’s way.  Much of what is described as love today is lust.

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4 NKJV)  A sobering truth, isn’t it?  Because I love you, I must warn you.

Thankfully, there is grace and mercy available from the Lord.  We can turn from our sin and seek Him.  His way is always best.  May God use His Word to shape us and His Spirit to convict us in this area. I can go astray in this sexually explicit society.  If I don’t stay close to God and close to my spouse, Satan can find an easy target.  If David, a man after God’s own heart, could yield to temptation, any of us can.  Pray for one another.  Pray for marriages.  Pray for purity.  As we come to Valentine’s Day, may we celebrate true love!

DO-GOODERS

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.  (1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV)

Vengeance is God’s prerogative.  Jesus wants His followers to return cursing with blessing, attacks with endurance, hate with love, and evil with good.  It is what Jesus did.  The cross is the greatest exhibition of that, and He has called us to take up our cross in following His example.  Being a “do-gooder,” is often a term of scorn employed by those who wish to bully their way through life, yet the people of God embrace it fully.  Irrespective of the conduct of others toward us, our goal is to do good to others.  We are to aggressively seek occasions for service to our fellowmen.  Let us take the initiative to spread God’s love in this hate-filled world.