THE WAR WITHIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

When I fear my faith will fail

Christ will hold me fast

When the tempter would prevail

He will hold me fast

I could never keep my hold

Through life's fearful path

For my love is often cold

He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight

Christ will hold me fast

Precious in His holy sight

He will hold me fast

He'll not let my soul be lost

His promises shall last

Bought by Him at such a cost

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died

Christ will hold me fast

Justice has been satisfied

He will hold me fast

Raised with Him to endless life

He will hold me fast

'Til our faith is turned to sight

When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

https://youtu.be/3OOphIgGkjM

GRACE THAT SEALS US

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

From start to finish, the Christian life is all of grace. The grace of God that saves, secures, strengthens, and sustains, will also seal us for heaven. This is the blessed hope we anticipate and of which we sing in “Amazing Grace.”

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forebear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Newton didn’t actually write the last verse, but it’s a precious addition.

In Titus 2:11-14, Paul connects past grace that justifies and present grace that sanctifies with promised grace that glorifies—our future hope.

Have you received the gift of grace?  By faith, reach out and take God’s free gift of salvation, purchased for you by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Are you grateful?  If you have received that grace, does it motivate you to live each day for the Giver of life?  Are you living with eternity in view?

Let us gather on the Lord’s Day tomorrow with the people of God to celebrate His grace!

GRACE THAT SUSTAINS US

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb.4:16)

Some of the verses of the hymn “Amazing Grace,” are not as well known as others. This would likely be the one most forgotten and omitted—and that ought not be!  Here is the stanza that you and I need to remember today.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

If we start well, and stumble short of the finish line, then what good would the grace be that gets us out of the starting blocks in the race of life?  We must have the grace to sustain us to the end, and that is what John Newton was writing about and what the writer of Hebrews 4:16 has promised.

God is approachable. We find a throne room of grace.  We can come boldly for whatever need we have—a shield to defend us and a portion to feed us—never abandoned through all our day.  God’s grace will sustain us until our last breath—as long as life endures!

GRACE THAT STRENGTHENS US

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim.2:1)

Paul tells us that the source of our strength is the grace of God. We cannot stand unless His strength is ours. The Apostle will go on to challenge Timothy to have the direction of a student (v.2), the dedication of a soldier (v.3-4), the discipline of a sportsman (v.5), and the devotion of a sower (v.6). That takes the divine energizing of grace.

This is what John Newton suggests in “Amazing Grace.”

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

God not only gives us grace to save us and secure us, but to strengthen us day by day in the many challenges we face—dangers, toils, and snares.  We could not overcome them in our own power, but we need not—grace is available to empower.

GRACE THAT SECURES US

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7)

The second stanza of John Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace,” speaks to this truth.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Grace not only saves us, it secures us.  If you could lose your salvation, you would.  You once rightfully feared judgment, but you need fear it no more.  There is no condemnation—Jesus paid it all!  Precious was the grace that saved us, and even more precious that it secures us!  That security—far from being an excuse to live as I want—is an incentive to live as God wills.

GRACE THAT SAVES US

“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.”(Eph.2:8-9)

The first stanza of “Amazing Grace,” reminds us of this truth.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

There is a grace that saves us. Grace means there is no merit on our part to commend us to God.  It is impossible for us to do enough good works to earn our way to heaven.  We were hopelessly, helplessly lost, as wayward sheep, but the Good Shepherd sought us.  We were blind to the truth until the Holy Spirit opened our eyes.  That is God’s gracious gift of salvation!

THE GRACE OF GOD

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15)

The grace of God is such an amazing truth.  No other religion has such a concept as this—it is exclusive to the Christian faith.  Few words capture the heart of God for us better than “grace.”  An understanding of grace should capture our heart in return!

The most popular hymn ever written has amazing grace as its subject.  John Newton’s life was radically transformed by God’s grace and so he authored that hymn as a testimony.  Newton was a slave trader—a vile and violent man.

The description of him as a wretch is altogether appropriate—but it is true of you and me as well.  The more we understand how depraved we are, the more grateful we will be for grace.

Think of a sparkling diamond with the radiance of its many facets.  Such is the multi-faceted beauty of God’s grace—and this week we will examine its amazing splendor.

FAITHFUL TO THE UNFAITHFUL

Who is a God like You,

Pardoning iniquity

And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?

He does not retain His anger forever,

Because He delights in mercy.  (Micah 7:18)

We can be faithful to God, even if those about us are unfaithful.  That was what Micah faced, and we hear the despair in his voice as we come to the final chapter of his prophecy (v.1).  It is hard to be faithful when you are not fruitful.  He considers his ministry and despite all his effort, the people will not listen.  He declares that the faithful are not to be found (v.2).  Far from the nation being a holy people and practicing righteousness, the man of God offers an indictment of the many crimes of Israel.  From the prince in the throne room, to the judge in the courtroom, and the businessman in the merchant shop, there is bribery and injustice (v.3).  They would not evade punishment for their wickedness forever—a day of reckoning was coming (v.4).

Micah felt as though no one could be trusted (v.5-6).  Even his friends and family failed him.  There is One, however, we can always trust—God will be faithful when no one else is (v.7).  We are to “look to the LORD,” for to look around us is to find reason to despair, but to look above us is to find strength to stay true.  We must “wait for…God,” resisting the cultural current with the anchor of the hope of salvation.  We ought to continue to call upon the Lord for He “will hear,” and answer in His time and in His way.  There was a supplanting of fear with faith, as the prophet looked past the unfaithfulness of men to the faithfulness of God (v.8-10).

The love, grace, and mercy of God are unchangeable—His purposes unalterable and promises unbreakable—despite the faithlessness of men.  The Good Shepherd will care for His flock—even the straying ones (v.11-20).  His rod of correction may chasten His sheep, but His staff will lift them and lead them when they fall.  What a comfort this is!

None compares to our great God!  His forgiveness reaches to the most unfaithful.  His anger has its limits, but His mercy knows no bounds!  His grace will conquer.  God takes our sins and casts them into the deepest ocean, and places a sign that says, “NO FISHING”!  He is the covenant keeping God.  His truth was sufficient to overwhelm the deceitful nature of a stubborn rogue like Jacob.  His mercy was enough to reach into a pagan city and call an idolatrous man named Abraham to faith.

God is good when we are not.  His grace abounds to the chief of sinners.  Do not despair because of the unfaithfulness all about you, but meditate deeply on the faithfulness of an unfailing God!  Stop looking around at others, and look up at Omnipotence.  It will make all the difference.

THE GREATNESS OF THE GRACE OF GOD

“Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”  (Joshua 2:12-13)

A woman belonging to a cult believes that blood transfusions are sinful, so she refuses medical treatment and dies.  What killed her?  Not so much the disease, as rejecting the cure.  We all are born with a terminal disease called sin.  There is only one cure—Jesus.  The grace of God is a great and glorious thing!  We are mistaken to think that the Old Testament is about judgment and the New Testament is about grace.  There is judgment described in the New Testament—haven’t you read Revelation?  There is also grace in the Old Testament—we see it in Joshua 2. 

Rahab was a madam who ran a brothel (v.1-7).  There is no way to clean this up.  It was her sad condition.  How many men had she slept with?  She had developed a lucrative business, selling sex.  I believe she was like the subject of an old country song, “Looking for love in all the wrong places; looking for love in too many faces.”  I dare say, there was an emptiness in her life that Rahab was trying to fill.  To drink of the world, however, is to be always thirsty—it is like drinking from the ocean—the more you drink, the thirstier you become.  How many Rahabs are there in our world today!  We look down on them—“scandalous” we say of them—and fail to see a person that Christ died for—someone He wants to redeem.  That’s what grace is all about! 

God has a Divine appointment with Rahab (v.8-14).  The conviction of her sin plowed open her heart and the seed of truth was planted there.  The witness that she heard produced saving faith in her.  Scripture says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom.10:17).  We need to sow the Gospel seed wherever and whenever we can.  This is how people come to faith in Christ—even the Rahab’s!  She gives a personal testimony of her faith.  She acknowledges the true and living God—unlike the pagans she lived among.  She confesses Him and worships Him.  Saving faith bears fruit.  That is the evidence of repentance. 

Rahab would never be the same (v.15-24).  The scarlet cord speaks of the scarlet blood of Jesus Christ that stretches from Calvary to any who will receive Him.  You can’t reach God on the rocket of reason, or climb up on the ladder of logic.  You can get there on the railroad of redemption—the good old T & O—trust and obey!  The scarlet cord, Rahab dropped from her window was a guarantee she would escape judgment.  When the walls of Jericho fell, her house remained intact!  Her family would be saved also.  Rahab’s conversion was a powerful testimony.   We’ve got to be concerned that evangelism begins in our home. 

Rahab is a shining trophy of God’s grace.  Jesus came to save such sinners.  To the Rahabs and Roberts out there: you are not beyond the reach of salvation! 

Church, will we offer compassion or condemnation to the Rahabs?  Rahab is our co-worker, our neighbor, our family member.  Do we not believe in the power of the Gospel to turn sinners into saints?

 

CONTRASTS ON CALVARY

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.  (Luke 23:34)

If you go to a jeweler to buy a diamond, they will often display it under a bright light as it lies upon a black velvet cloth.  The contrast between the light upon the diamond and the darkness of the cloth serve to intensify the sparkle of the precious gem.  So it is when we see Jesus on Calvary—the contrasts of the black backdrop of evil present there cause His love and grace to shine all the brighter.  There are seven contrasts for us to consider.

THE SAVIOR SPEAKING AND THE SOLDIERS SILENT.  Jesus’ words are recorded by the Gospel writer, while the soldiers are not said to utter a syllable.  The precious Lord with intense effort gasps the most wondrous prayer, and His executioners do not respond.  They do not care.  That is the case of many in our world today.  You share the Gospel with them and they are oblivious.  They just shrug and go back to what they were doing.

THE SAVIOR LOOKING UP AND THE SOLDIERS LOOKING DOWN.  Christ’s eyes were lifted to Heaven as He addressed the Father.  The soldiers focused on the garment for which they were gambling.  Is our heart set on Heaven or captivated with the world?  The direction of our focus says much about the destination of our soul—up or down!

THE SAVIOR’S SACRIFICE AND THE SOLDIER’S SELFISHNESS.  Jesus was giving all He had to give while the soldiers were getting all they could gain.  His love longed to help others, while their lust was about what they desired for themselves.  In the middle of “sin” is the letter “I.”  Self-centeredness is the essence of evil.  Love for others is the essence of God, for “God is love.”  (1 John  4:8)

THE SAVIOR’S COMPASSION AND THE SOLDIER’S CRUELTY.  In death we see Jesus’ compassion, but the soldiers were brutal butchers—black-hearted executioners, absent an ounce of pity.  News reports today shock us with the savagery of terrorism and heinous murders.  It writes in crimson headlines the depravity of man.

THE SAVIOR’S SPIRITUAL DRIVE AND THE SOLDIER’S SECULAR DESIRE.  Christ was captivated by the eternal, while the soldiers were caught up in the material.  Where is your heart?  Are we living for this world or the world to come?

THE SAVIOR’S WISDOM AND THE SOLDIER’S FOLLY.  The Omniscient One spoke of the soldier’s ignorance.  True wisdom comes from above.  Those without Christ are in spiritual blindness, walking toward the abyss, oblivious to the doom awaiting them.

THE SAVIOR DIRECTED BY PURPOSE AND THE SOLDIERS DRIVEN BY CHANCE.  Jesus was on mission for God.  He was fulfilling His purpose; He always did.  For the soldiers, it was about the roll of the dice—the luck of the draw.  We can be like Jesus, however, and realize, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”  (Ps.37:23) 

In these contrasts, are we aligned with the Savior or akin to the soldiers?  Apart from a new birth our hearts are as foul as the fiends who nailed Jesus to the tree.  We may as well have held the hammer and driven the spikes into Him, for our sins were the reason He suffered so.  That, however, is why He came!  So He prays, “Father, forgive them!”  Have you received the gracious gift of eternal life?  If you have not, do so now!  If you have, express gratitude today!