THOSE WHO OVERCOME

Identifying Christ and His people as those who “overcome,” is a dominant theme in the book of Revelation. It is the Greek word, “nikao,” and is used seventeen times, variously translated in English as “overcome,” “conquer,” “prevail,” etc. though it is the same word in the original. The seven churches in chapters two and three are each given a specific promise related to those who “overcome.” 

For this study, we will identify the characteristics of those who overcome as presented in Revelation 17:14 that reads, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” In this chapter, the fiendish foes who will rise to oppose Christ are the scarlet woman and the scarlet beast—whom I identify as the False Prophet of a one-world religion and the Antichrist and his global governance. These oppose Christ, the Lamb of God, with the climax of their hate being the battle of Armageddon at Christ’s return, (Rev. 19:11-21). “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings,” (Rev. 17:14a). We will be in that victorious vanguard, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful,” (v. 14‬‬b). 

These are THE CALLED, “those who are with [Christ] are called.” They have heard the call of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit has summoned these to follow Christ. It is a work of grace that bids the spiritually dead to rise as Lazarus was called by Christ to come out of the grave.  Those who overcome have heard Christ’s call.

These are also THE CHOSEN, “those who are with [Christ] are…chosen.”  The Gospel call is to extend to all sinners, but is effectual only to those chosen—those who attest to that in their responding by faith to Christ. Our Lord taught, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” (Matt. 22:14). I think of the rich young ruler that our Lord called to follow Him, who sadly walked away. Those who overcome have been chosen and have heeded Christ’s call.

These are furthermore, THE COMMITTED, “those who are with [Christ] are…faithful.”  If you take the word faithful and turn it around it would define this attribute as those full of faith. These have not merely made a profession of faith, but are in possession of faith. The verbal commitment to Christ in their confession is validated by the visual commitment to Christ in their conduct. Judas Iscariot once identified himself as a disciple, but in the end proved his profession to be false.  He was overcome by the world, the flesh, and the devil rather than overcoming these as a true believer will. This is the perseverance of the saints. Those who overcome have been called, chosen, and are committed.

ENDURING TO THE END

We are not saved because we endure, but we endure because we are saved. The grace of God that saves us, secures us, and sustains us. Even though Revelation 14 speaks specifically of those who will come to faith in a future time of tribulation, it also applies generally to saints of all the ages, and their “patience,” that is, their perseverance, (v. 12-13).  Those who are blood-washed and born again belong to Christ and endure to the end.

We note their RIGHTEOUSNESS,  “here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” (v. 12b).  Because we are kept by the grace of God, we are governed by God and keep His commands. As has been said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”  Faith in Christ is the root of our salvation, but obedience is the fruit of it.

Further, we find their REST,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘ “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” ’  ‘ “Yes,” ‘ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors,’ “ (v. 13a). The righteous who are faithful unto death need not fear death when it comes. If we are “in the Lord,” having a genuine relationship with Him, then we die in the Lord’s arms, as He rocks us to sleep, and carries us home.

Then comes their REWARD, “ ‘and their works follow them,’ ” (v. 13b).  The all-knowing God is documenting every deed done in His name and for His glory. Others may not take notice. We may never get recognition here, but we are assured of reward hereafter!  This reality is echoed in Hebrews 6:10,  “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, servant of God—press on!  Do not think about quitting!  So long as God keeps you here, keep true to Him, and He will keep you by His grace to endure to the end!

WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

OUR BLESSED HOPE!

Whatever problems you have had in your past, or struggles you have in the present, know this—a child of God has a glorious future—our blessed hope!  We see this in Revelation 7. Specifically, I understand these verses point to those who come to Christ in the future Great Tribulation, but spiritually these promises apply to all God’s people. 

There is the promise of SALVATION, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” (v. 14). Apart from Christ, there is no hope. We cannot wash away the stain of our sins by the sprinkling of water, or the sacraments we observe, or the self-effort in religion we exert. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us. Yet, Hallelujah, His blood does wash us, and we shall stand before a Holy God in white robes!

Further, we find the promise of SERVICE, “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them,” (v. 15).  When I was a child and heard preachers speak of Heaven, it seemed that all we would do is float around on a cloud, strumming a harp, and that seemed rather boring. Yet, heaven will be a place where we will employ the gifts God has given us, unencumbered by the toil and travail of thorns and thistles. It will be service without sweat! 

The promise of SATISFACTION, “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat,” (v. 16).  This world is under the curse of sin, and so there is hunger, thirst, and  a scorching sun—paradise has become more like perdition. Nothing this world offers brings lasting satisfaction. Yet, there is coming a day when the curse is reversed. God’s people will be blessed with continual provision, and thus perpetual satisfaction!

The promise of SERENITY“for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (v. 17‬‬). What a beautiful picture of peace! These words remind us of Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” (v. 1-2).

In this fallen creation, we sometimes enjoy an oasis in the desert, but before long we find ourselves once more in the valley of the shadow of death. The tears flow like a river as we face the death of loved ones, and our own demise. Heartaches and disappointments abound. Yet, our hope is in knowing that God will personally wipe away our tears when we reach the glory of eternity! Suffering and sorrow will be supplanted by serenity!

What a blessed hope!  Press on weary pilgrim; the Celestial City awaits! “And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever,” (Ps. 23:6b).

THE LION WHO IS THE LAMB

Do not miss the forest for the trees!  That expression reminds us that we can become so absorbed with details as to miss the big picture. That often happens when we study the last book of the Bible, getting bogged down in the details and forget it is, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1:1). In chapter five, we are reminded that He is the Lion who is the Lamb.

Consider, THE TITLE, (v. 1-2). We see a scroll. This is the title deed to the universe. It rests in the right hand of the Lord of Glory—our Father and our God. Who would be worthy to take that from His hand?

Note, THE TEARS, (v. 3-4). We hear the sorrow. “No one was found worthy,” Not an angel in heaven, a man on earth, or the dead under ground. This world is full of sorrow—the result of the curse of sin and death. Mere mortals are incapable of putting it right. Man broke it, but cannot fix it. Is there then no hope?

Observe, THE TRIUMPH, (v. 5-7). There is a Savior!  He is the Lion, (v. 5)—the LORD Jesus who is worthy!  In Him, the Old Covenant is fulfilled—all the promises made to Abraham and David. The focus is on His Sovereignty. He is the Lamb, (v. 6-7)—the Lord JESUS who is worthy! In Him, the New Covenant is provided—all the penalty of sin has been paid by His body and blood given for us. The focus is on His sacrifice. The Son rightfully takes the title deed from the Father, attested to by the Spirit, “the seven Spirits of God,” speaking of the Spirit’s perfection.  Salvation is the work of the Triune God!

Hear, THE TESTIMONY, (v. 8-14). There is a song. Twenty four elders, representing all God’s redeemed—the children of Israel in the twelve tribes and the church of God in the twelve apostles—offer worship to the Lion who is the Lamb. He is the answer to our prayers, (v. 8) and the object of our praise, (v. 9-14). The halls of heaven resound with this mighty melody. He alone is worthy of our worship!  

Let us begin warming up for that glorious time to come, as we gather with the Lord’s people in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s Day to sing the Lord’s praise!

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)

EXPOSITION AND EXHORTATION

As the Word of God is expounded, the people of God are exhorted to stay true to God. The Lord is the only One who can save us and secure us. It is His grace that does so. Yet, He has chosen to use human means as the channel for providing heaven’s might. God uses the power of His Word as it is proclaimed as the seed of salvation that sown in the heart inspires saving faith in those who receive it.  Paul states this in Romans 10:14-17:

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

Further, the expounded Word is the means whereby God continues to channel sustaining grace into the hearts of believers. By that grace, we endure to the end. So, Hebrews stresses THE ESSENTIALITY OF EXHORTATION. We are called to exhort each other to endure. Those who remain true show true faith. While we are saved by faith alone, saving faith is never alone. Our works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of it. There were Hebrews who had professed faith in Christ as the Messiah, yet a number of them when faced with pressure and persecution were going back to Judaism. By their apostasy they were revealing that while making profession of faith, there was no possession of faith. Abiding with the family of God gives us opportunity to reinforce our faith in God. We need it with regularity. As our body needs to be fed, so does our soul require daily bread. Christ overcame Satan by wielding the Sword of Scripture. In temptation, He responded, “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’” (Matt. 4‬:‭4‬‬). 

The essentiality of exhortation is due to THE EFFICACY OF EXHORTATION. Perhaps you have heard the term,”Once saved, always saved.”  It is true, if understood as meaning, “IF saved, always saved.”  Where there is regeneration, power is provided to persevere.  Sadly, there are those who had an emotional or intellectual response to the Gospel who never had a volitional commitment to it . When the feelings faded, so did their “faith.”  Or when they seemed to embrace the facts of the Gospel in their mind, it never migrated to their heart. Well, the demons have that kind of belief—absolutely convinced in who Christ is and that He will one day cast them into hell. Yet such “belief” does not convert them, as they remain in their rebellion against God. Saving faith is when we receive Christ as Savior and Lord. We surrender our life to Him—once and for all. The reality of it is seen in that we press on and do not fall away.  In this hostile environment where we walk under the onslaught of the Devil, we need the exhortation that comes from the exposition of the Word to stand tall and stay true. 

That is what I am doing in expounding this Word—exhorting you. It is what I do when we gather as God’s people for worship as we exhort one another by “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”(Eph. 5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬‬). 

Please hear this today and do not harden your heart!

SAVED TO SERVE

 

Most evangelicals are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  We ought to have those words embedded in our mind. 

Yet, we may not be as acquainted with the next verse, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” (v. 10). These go together—two sides of the same coin of salvation. While we are saved apart from our works—the root of salvation is solely in the work of Christ—our salvation is never apart from producing works—the fruit of salvation is seen in the work of Christ in Christians. The quote attributed to Martin Luther states it, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”  

We are saved to serve. That is true of every child of God. This Gospel message must be preached. It must also be observed in the preacher’s life as well as heard from his lips.  Otherwise the words ring hollow and we may be branded a hypocrite.  The call is, “Practice what you preach!”

Ours is a POETIC LIFE, “For we are His workmanship…”.  The Greek word for “workmanship,” is poiema.  Our English word, “poem,” is derived from that. We might say it is a life that is “poetry in motion.”  I heard my mentor, Dr. Stephen Olford, put it, “a life of rhyme and reason.”  

God is the Author. He has written the script in His providence. As I look back over the course of my nearly seventy years of life, I can see how God has worked in me and through me. What may seem isolated events at the time, are now seen to be lines of sacred verse that God has been putting together. Since we are still here on earth, we may be sure there are more stanzas to be written.

Ours is also a PRACTICAL LIFE, “created in Christ Jesus for good works…”.  Orthodoxy in our doctrine leads to orthopraxy in our duty. If our belief is Biblical, then our behavior will be practical. God sovereignly created Adam and Eve for a sacred responsibility—to steward the creation and to shun the temptation.  Yet, they failed. Sin is now part of our natural state. 

Jesus came to give us a new nature—to fashion a new creation in Christ. This is regeneration. Yet, we are to flesh out our faith in daily duty. In Christ, His crucifixion means we die to self, sin, and this sphere of the world system (cf. Gal. 6:14), as we have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, we live, so in Christ’s resurrection we live for Him—yet, not I but Christ living in and through me, (cf. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6). 

Further, ours is a PREPARED LIFE, “which God prepared beforehand…”. Before you were born, God already knew you. He fashioned you in your mother’s womb, infusing you with personality and capacity to be His choice servant. Then, He directed your life to the point of conviction of sin and conversion to salvation by the Gospel of grace. 

How all this transpired has been the topic of theological debate for two millennia of church history—so I will not attempt to resolve every question in this brief devotion. Yet, we cannot deny that God is sovereign and He orchestrates all things to the fulfillment of His will. This all redounds to His glory. 

Perhaps you are familiar with the quote, “Try to explain predestination and you may lose your mind.  Try to explain it away and you may lose your soul.” I am content to accept there is mystery in the harmony of God’s sovereignty in His choices and my responsibility for my choices. To paraphrase the Shorter Westminster Catechism, “The chief end of [Dennis] is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  You can insert your name into that, as well.

In conclusion, ours is a PROGRESSIVE LIFE, “that we should walk in them.”  Perfection is not attainable on earth. That awaits eternity—to be glorified when we see Jesus face to face, “but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,” (1 Jn. 3:2b). While perfection is not attainable, progression is achievable. John also said, “Beloved, now we are the children of God…. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure,” (1 Jn. 3:2a, 3). More and more, as I express the life of Christ within, I exhibit more of His likeness without. 

Jesus is the Model Servant. He set the example for us. We are being like Him than when we are serving others.  We are saved to serve!

EVERY PRAISE FROM EVERY PERSON IN EVERY PLACE

 

God desires and deserves every praise from every person in every place. This is the repeated refrain of Psalm 67. “Let all the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” That concludes two stanzas, and in summation, “Let all the ends of the earth fear him!”

We praise God for HIS REDEMPTION FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.1-3). The chosen people plead for God’s grace and blessing in order to extend it to all nations. They want to experience God’s shining presence among the Jews that they might express God’s saving power among the Gentiles. God did not choose Israel to the exclusion of the others, but to be the means of inclusion.  In this dispensation, the church is God’s missionary force. We declare His redeeming grace as available to all men everywhere. Jesus paid the price at Calvary, and God is glorified when people receive that forgiveness by faith.

We praise God for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.4-5). We rejoice in redemption because it is desperately needed by all people as none of us can meet God’s righteous standard and thus face judgment. God will judge everyone with equity. The perfect righteousness of Christ must be ours or we will experience the wrath our sins merit.  So the question, “Will God judge those who have never heard the Gospel?”  The answer of the book of Romans is that all are without excuse, as everyone has some knowledge of God. The problem is that sinners reject that light and turn to darkness. The question for those who have heard is why have we not told everyone everywhere?  “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom.‬ ‭10:14-15‬‬). 

We praise God for HIS RICHES FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.6-7). The rains that water the fields of the just also produce crops for the unjust. The Lord gives a witness to His grace in the bounty of His blessings, leaving men without excuse if they do not turn to Him (cf. Rom.2:1-3). “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4).  The harvest from seed in earth is meant to yield a harvest of souls for eternity!

God’s people are to explain this and call all mankind to fear God. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9-10‬‬)

THE DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY

Psalm 14 declares the depravity of humanity. Every person is born tainted with sin (cf. Rom.3:23). The Psalmist says, “there is none who does good,” (v.1b), “there is none who does good, not even one,” (v.3b). This does not mean that all are as bad as they might be, but that even what men call good in comparison to others is still contaminated by sin in comparison to God’s perfect standard—falling short of His glory (Rom.3:23). 

This depravity affects OUR COMPREHENSION (v.1a, 2). So that the question is, “Have they no knowledge…?”  They are fools who deny God’s existence. The word does not mean people who are mentally deficient (they may be highly educated), but morally deviant. They choose to reject the evidence for God in order to avoid thinking of judgment. They are free then to pursue their own wicked ways—to eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow they die, and that’s that.

Depravity produces OUR CORRUPTION (v.1b, 3). The rottenness of who we are permeates every facet of our being. It perverts our thinking and it pollutes our passions.  From a wicked heart flows vile conversation and vicious conduct. Sin is woven into the fabric of our fleshly existence.

Such depravity is seen in OUR CONSUMPTION (v.4). We use and abuse others—chewing them up and spitting them out when we have consumed all they can do for us. We are by nature takers and not givers. Life revolves around us. We craft our own plans and refuse to call on the name of the Lord. 

William Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” displays this attitude:

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

Depravity leads to OUR CONDEMNATION (v.5). The fear of death hangs like the shadow of a gallows over humanity. The terror of hell awaits all sinners.

Yet, we read of others that God calls, “My people,” (v.4), “the generation of the righteous,” (v.5), and “the poor,” (v.6). Who would these be?

Depravity is overcome by OUR CONVERSION (v.6-7). While we cannot fix ourselves, God can convert us from sinners to saints. From what we all are as, “the children of man,” (v.2a) we can become the children of God through regeneration (cf. John 1:12-12). It is the discarding of the filthy rags of self-righteousness (cf. Isa.64:6) and being clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith through repentance (cf. Phil.3:7-9). We run to God for “refuge” (v.6b) and trust Him for “salvation,” (v.7a). 

The converted acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy as “the poor,” (v.6) for Jesus promised, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” (Matt.5:3). To those God then “restores the fortunes of his people,” (v.7) by the riches of His grace in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph.1:7). Rather than everlasting regret and grief in hell, there can be eternal rejoicing and gladness in heaven (v.7b)!

In connection with conversion, it is fascinating that the names, “Jacob,” and “Israel,” are used here. Those were the names of the same man. Jacob  (meaning supplanter) was a cheat, a scoundrel, a man always seeking to climb the ladder by pulling others down—a model of depravity. Yet, he met God and surrendered to Him. The Lord changed his name to Israel (prince with power with God) indicating his conversion.  Has that happened to you?

THE REAL DEAL

I would assume that virtually all people who read these words profess a belief in God, and even claim to be Christians. But, I may claim to be Superman.  I might even be sincere in that conviction. Yet, If I try to fly off a skyscraper or stop a speeding train by standing in front of it, the reality will be much different. 

The results of such mistaken identity would bring my physical demise, yet pale in comparison to the horror of thinking oneself heaven bound and ending up in hell!  That thought is not meant to raise doubt and fear in a tender heart that is sometimes prone to insecurity about salvation. There are those who worry needlessly.  It is an area where the Devil, who is a liar, periodically attacks those who have cast themselves upon Jesus for salvation.

Timothy had done that. Paul speaks of his utter assurance that the young man had a sincere faith—the real deal. Yet, the fact the Apostle brings it up, and almost in the next breathe underscores, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,” would suggest Timothy struggled here. 

Still, Satan lies to another group whom he assures that they are saved when they are not. They may have had some experience—even an emotional one—in the past, but there is no evidence of genuine faith in the present. 

A misunderstood doctrine comes into play here—the perseverance of the saints. Some mischaracterize it with a sneer and point to those who have departed their prior belief as evidence one may be born again and then unborn.  At the opposite end of the spectrum there are those who rest in a prior “decision” who demonstrate no reality now. The doctrine is that if one is truly converted, then God gives them grace not only to save them, but sustain them and secure them. They may waver, wobble, wander, wonder, but God’s grace will keep them, even if He must discipline them. In the end they do not fall away, but stay faithful.

Phygelus and Hermogenes, as well as a number of others, had departed from Christ and the church. A promising beginning apparently brought a disappointing ending (2 Tim.1:15). Yet, in contrast here is a man, Onesiphorus, that sought Paul, stuck with him, and manifested he was the real deal (v.16-18). Paul prays (with every expectation) that he and his family will persevere and experience God’s mercy at the Day of Judgment. 

We hold on to God for He holds on to us. “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day” (v.12b). 

Are you the real deal?

HOLD ON BY GROUNDING IN FAITH

 

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life in Christ Jesus: To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also. Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”  (2 Timothy‬ ‭1:1-7‬ ‭CSB‬‬, emphasis added)

Paul mentions the “sincere faith”—the genuine faith in Christ that Timothy had received in his home—that flowed from his grandmother Lois, to his mother Eunice, and now to him (v.5). This is the ground upon which a life, a home, a church must be built—the solid Rock of Jesus Christ, whom we have received by a sincere faith. 

Is yours a “sincere faith” that fits you for heaven?  Paul’s fellow Apostle, Peter, enjoined, “Make every effort to confirm your calling and election” (2 Pet.1:10). 

Having your name on a church membership roll won’t matter, if it isn’t written in heaven in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  

Hear the words of Jesus in Matt.7:21-27:

“‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who  does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?” Then I will announce to them, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers! “ ‘Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.’”

I am haunted by the fact that some people who have sat in pews under my preaching will hear those awful words, “Depart from me.”  If the foundation is not stable, then nothing else you do will stand.

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 26

Beautiful Feet

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Our words are critical. While we can display aspects of the gospel through our actions, sinners cannot come to faith in Christ without hearing the gospel message. According to Romans 10:14–15: we are sent, we preach the gospel, they hear the gospel and then they believe the gospel. We have control over going and speaking. God initiates their listening and accepting. But the proclaimer’s feet are not beautiful because a person came to Christ. Their feet are beautiful because they were faithful to proclaim the message. As you go throughout your day, may you be a carrier of the best news to your one and beyond.

 Find a tool that can help you clearly and concisely communicate the gospel. We recommend Three Circles, which can be found at namb.net/Evangelism. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 22

 

Be Constant in Prayer

“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” ‘For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’” Then the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Some have labored on our knees and through the verbal proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of those close to us. The years pile high with no inkling of spiritual interest on their part, and we begin to wonder if our whispered prayers are to the white walls in our room instead of to the God of the universe. Why has God not answered my prayers to save my best friend, brother or co-worker? Why is my one still not walking with the Lord? We assume the hard work of evangelism is spent preparing a perfectly crafted gospel presentation, getting the message out there and watching the Holy Spirit work. But perhaps the greater work happens on our knees when no one is watching. God hears our petitions to save those we love. He longs for them to be saved, too. He is not slow, and He desires all to repent and to come to a saving knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9). Take heart, laborer. Always pray, never give up and do not grow weary of the good work you are doing in evangelism. Your Father hears you.

 Spend five minutes praying for your one and their salvation. Pray also the Lord would open doors to speak the truth of the gospel in love to them. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 20

The Blindness of Unbelievers

“In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The way we live as Christians looks like foolishness to the unbeliever. They are prevented from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and consequently, the things of Christ appear strange and foreign. They are prevented from seeing and being in an intimate relationship with God Himself. As we share the gospel with our one, we do not share in such a way as to make ourselves look great. We proclaim Christ as servant messengers who are praying God would use us to shine light into the darkness of the lives of unbelievers. May this light give knowledge to those we share the good news with each day.

Pray God would give “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” to your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 14

The Pressure Is Off

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:44‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Sometimes we feel pressure that we are responsible for a person becoming a Christian. We may place an overemphasis on saying the right words or finding the right time to share the gospel. Like trying to enter a game of double-dutch, we strategically rock back and forth while attempting to figure out when to jump in with the big news. Rest assured, God will give wisdom how and when to share. But if you’re a Christian, find joy in the fact that you’re already in the game, and the pressure of performance is off. It is not in our ability to save people, but we are called to deliver the message, and God gives us the privilege to be used by Him. As you share the best news with your one, leave the results of salvation up to the God who draws people to Himself, and enjoy the joy of joining God in His mission as He makes all things new.

Pray that as you share the gospel with your one, you would be reminded that only the Father can draw people to Himself. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 11

The Good News Entrusted to You

“Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives — God is our witness — and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:4-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Have you ever allowed the opinions of others to keep you from sharing your faith with your one? Perhaps a perfect opportunity presents itself, and you feel the distinct nudge of the Holy Spirit. You may notice the other person’s voice is muffled and tuned out because insecurities begin to flood your thoughts. “What will they think of me? What if I offend them with what I believe? Who am I to share this message, and what if they ask questions I don’t know the answers to?” God has entrusted the message of the gospel to you, and perhaps this moment is one of the good works He has prepared in advance for you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). It's almost impossible to obey God while trying to please people.

As you share the gospel this week, don’t allow the temptation to seek the glory of others crowd out your boldness and faithfulness to share the message. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 10

The Value of the Kingdom

““The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:44‬ ‭CSB‬‬

How valuable do you perceive God’s kingdom to be? In the movie National Treasure, main character Ben Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) abandons everything to find a treasure his family spent decades unsuccessfully searching for. With his eyes on the prize in front of him, he stops at nothing to follow the clues hidden throughout the United States to find the treasure. Similarly, the man in Matthew 13:44 joyfully gave up all he had because of the value of what he was getting in return. The kingdom of God held so much weight to him that selling all he had was a small cost compared to his gain. As missionary Jim Elliot put it, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Never stop seeing the kingdom of God as the greatest treasure, and set your heart adamantly on inviting our one into this joy.

Pray you would value the kingdom like the man in Matthew 13:44 and that it would propel you to share your findings with your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 8

Created for Good Works

We are not saved by our good works—since Jesus’ atonement was sufficient for our redemption—but we are saved for good works. Each day we wake up, there are good deeds God has for us to do. He knows what they are, and we get the privilege of discovering them as we engage life. One aspect of these good deeds is our faithfulness to share the good news of Jesus where we live, work and play. Don’t get so busy in your everyday life that you forget the intentionality it takes to share Christ’s love with others. Our evangelism does not make God love us any more than He already does in Christ, but perhaps we will discover more of God’s love for us and those around us as we engage our one.

Pray God would reveal to you the good works He has for you to walk in today. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 7

As You Go, He Is with You

“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

One of the most beautiful lines in the Great Commission is the promise of God’s abiding presence as we take the gospel message, in word and in deed, to the corners of the earth. The scope of the task is vast. God has commissioned us to go, make disciples, baptize and teach to the nations. This includes those in our own backyards. While we may not board a plane to a remote undisclosed location, we have been called to make disciples of all nations—including our own. The scope of the task is great, but the promise of the Lord to be with us as we go is clear. As you share the good news with your one, remind yourself that you are not alone.

Pray God would remind you, through the Holy Spirit, that you are not alone on God’s mission. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)