THE DUTY, DIGNITY, AND DESTINY OF THE DEACON

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (1 Timothy 3:13)

The duty of the deacon is seen in the word, “serve,” reminding us that a deacon’s work is not about status, but service.  The dignity of the deacon is seen in the word “deacon,” underscoring that this office—along with the pastor—is vital to the local church.  The destiny of the deacon is seen in the phrase, “obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus,” promising recognition on earth and reward in eternity.  I am going to use the word “deacon” as an acrostic. 

Disciplined (v.8) The first deacons were chosen because they were men full of the Holy Spirit—and the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  The deacon is a man of discipline.  He disciplines his tongue.  He doesn’t say one thing in a deacons’ meeting and a different thing in a business meeting.  The deacon is disciplined when it comes to drinking alcohol.  You never have to worry about becoming a drunk, if you don’t take the first drink.  The deacon is disciplined in his finances. He may be a successful white collar businessman or a hard working blue collar guy—but he manages his money with integrity and therefore can be trusted with church finances too.

Exemplary (v.8, 10-13) The first deacons were men of solid reputation.  The deacon must be a model to the other members of the church.  He is a model in his deportment, taking the work of the Lord seriously.  He is a model in his conduct.  He has a proven track record.  He is a model in his character.  None of us are perfect, but the deacon cannot have glaring moral deficiencies. His family life is one that members would look at and say, “That’s the kind of family life I want.”

Alert (v.9; 14-15) Deacons are to be the gatekeepers to prevent false doctrine from entering the church.  They are to know, love, believe and guard the purity of Bible teaching and preaching.  Their ears are to be like doctrinal radar to alert the church if a wolf comes in dressed in sheep’s clothing intent on destroying the church.  Paul underscores that the church is the pillar and ground of truth. 

Courageous (v.13) Picture one of the first deacons, Stephen, standing before a hostile religious mob that despised Jesus and with a confidence born of conviction sealing his testimony with his own blood.  He was the first martyr in the church—not an Apostle, not a pastor—a deacon.  Leadership is not about doing the popular thing—it’s about doing the right thing

Others-oriented (v.10) Deacons are not a board to run the church. The word “deacon” literally means “through dust,” for stirring up the dust as they hasten to their task.  Acts 6 brought the formation of the deacons because the preachers needed some partners—that they might give themselves to their priority of preaching and prayer.

Needed (v.14-15)  Real hope and change will never come from Washington.  It only comes from Christ—and the church is His body.  The world needs the church and the church needs the deacons—this is the hour to rise to our responsibility.  That is the deacon’s duty, dignity, and destiny!  Blessed is the church that has such men serving as deacons!

THE MAJESTY OF MOTHERHOOD

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.  (Proverbs 31:30)

I thank the Lord for my godly mother.  History recognizes the contribution mothers make.  Napoleon said, “What France wants is good mothers, and you may be sure then that France will have good sons.”  Teddy Roosevelt declared, “If the mother does not do her duty, there will either be no next generation, or a next generation that is worse than none at all.”  What an awesome responsibility and wonderful opportunity a woman has to impact the world.  What makes for a good mother?   Proverbs 31:10-31 gives us God’s perspective on the matter.

The majesty of a mother is grounded in HER VIRTUE (v.10a).  This is the foundation upon which all other qualities are built.  It is the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.  None can be virtuous apart from God’s grace in redeeming us from sin and regenerating us to new life.  That virtue worked into us will be worked out of us. 

The majesty of a mother is found in HER VALUE (v.10b-12).  The scarcer something is—the more value it holds.  Godly mothers are a rare jewel.  Earlier in Proverbs, we are told that whoever finds a wife finds a good thing.  She is trustworthy.  Not only does she not do the family harm, she is a positive force for good.

The majesty of a mother is revealed in HER VISION (v.13-16).  A godly mother is always looking out for the welfare of her family.  She is a hard worker, like the woman pictured here.  Her activity is motivated by her love for husband and children.  Such a woman has a sharp eye for the family finances.  She knows a bargain when she sees it!

The majesty of a mother is disclosed in HER VITALITY (v.17).  She has to be strong to bear the burdens she must carry.  Mom is the glue that holds the family together—the refuge whose arms we run to when we fall down.  This power is not from physical stature, but spiritual strength. 

The majesty of a mother is evident in HER VIGILANCE (v.18-21).  When others are slumbering, mothers often have their eyes open to watch out for their family.  Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song, “Mama used to burn the midnight oil down on her knees in prayer.”  I am a recipient of a godly mother’s midnight vigilance.  How many prayers did she invest in you?

The majesty of a mother is noted in HER VIBRANCY (v.22-27).  Godly women dress as becoming holiness—beautifully and modestly—though not extravagantly.  She adorns herself with speech that encourages.  She offers praise for God’s goodness.  Moms are an encyclopedia of wisdom.  Listen attentively and soak it in—you will be the better for it.

The majesty of a mother is consummated in HER VICTORY (v.28-31).  Such a woman deserves our praise!  We celebrate her life.  She understands that time takes its toll on our face and form, but the beauty of holiness endures. She isn’t spending hours looking into a mirror to put on makeup, without investing time before the mirror of God’s Word seeking to look like Christ!  Such a woman has victory in Jesus!  God, give us Christian women like this!

ATONEMENT

This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” (Leviticus 16:34a)

Yom Kippur—it is the Hebrew term for the Day of Atonement.  The root of the word, “atonement,” is “to cover,” and is first found in Scripture when Noah was told to build the ark of gopherwood, and place “pitch” inside and out (Gen.6:14).  No matter how well Noah tried to fit the wood together, there would be some holes through which water would come—and that would prove deadly.  The pitch waterproofed the vessel, covering the holes.  We all have flaws in our character—holes in our conduct—and are subject to sink in sin and experience God’s just condemnation.  We may try to put our life together, but are sunk unless a covering—an atonement—is made.  Thank God, this is what He has done through the work of His Son!  Christ has accomplished the atonement for us by His cross.  Someone has described atonement this way: “at-one-ment,” that is, we who were separated from Holy God by our sin have been made, “at one,” with Him though Christ!

The events of Yom Kippur serve as a divine demonstration of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.  Yom Kippur is set in the context of the wrath of God that had been poured out on Nadab and Abihu (16:1).  They had polluted the priesthood and perished as God’s punishment.  Aaron would suffer the same fate should he dare to enter behind the veil of the tabernacle, into the Holy of holies, sinner that he was.  The glory of God was there in the cloud above the mercy seat, and any sinner would wither before such purity.  The mercy seat would be that in name only unless someone brought the blood to sprinkle it there and make atonement for the nation’s sins!  The choice was to experience that place as a judgment throne or a mercy seat—and the difference would be the blood!  God established the terms by which He might be approached and still does. 

This is what Jesus did for us through His atoning blood, shed on Skull Hill!  According to God’s decree this is the only way to enter His glory and be accepted by Him.  Whereas the blood of the sin offering in the Old Testament dispensation could only secure a once a year entrance by only one man—and he must offer sacrifice for his own sin—the blood of Christ is so potent as to give us continual access—that blood of the New Testament offered by One who was Himself without sin.  The sin offering was not needful for Him; it was essential for us.  It is enough—gloriously sufficient for all people of all time who receive that precious gift by faith.  The throne of judgment is transformed into the mercy seat by the blood of Christ.  This was signified when Christ finished His sacrifice on the cross, and God reached down from heaven, took that massive Temple veil in His hands and ripped it from top to bottom.  The Holy of holies was opened once for all.  Atonement was made!  Sinners can come to Holy God without fear (see Matt.27:50-51; Heb.9:1-28).  So we celebrate such amazing grace and plenteous mercy as we sing:

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain—

He washed it white as snow.

CONFIDENCE TO CONFRONT LIFE’S CHALLENGES

 

I will love You, O LORD, my strength. (Psalm 18:1)

After watching TV, I am convinced that there is nothing good happening anywhere!  Do you ever feel that way?  The fact is life is not easy.  God never promised it would be. We enter the world with nothing and exit the same way.  We are born through great trauma, as we struggle to catch our first breath, and often die in great trauma as we struggle for our final breath!  That sets the tone for life on a planet ravaged by the curse of sin.  The author of this Psalm, David, could attest to that.  Life was not easy for him, yet, the difficulties made the deliverance all the sweeter.  His testimony can inspire us to have confidence to confront life’s challenges. 

He sings of CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PERSON (v.1-3). This confidence is expressed in OUR WORSHIP.  David expresses His love to God.  God had proven His love to David.  “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)  Love is an act of the will foremost—more than a feeling, though emotion is certainly important.  It is a promise to love forever—an oath of loyalty.  He is Yahweh—and David is in a covenant relationship with Him.  Out of this relationship flows strength.  David’s strength would have proven insufficient for the challenges he faced, but it did not depend on him—and God’s power is more than enough!

David expresses CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PERCEPTION (v.4-6).  The Almighty God knows OUR WEAKNESS.  Not even a little bird flutters and falls to the ground without His notice.  Do not think God is unaware and uncaring.  David felt as though a tsunami of trouble would drown him.  Perhaps you can identify.  Fear was threatening to supplant faith.  David was in a dark pit of depression.  Sometimes we seem in a hole we cannot escape.   Not only troubles, but tears are part of our path.  Still, there are no tears unseen by God (Ps.56:8).  He keeps them as a memorial; He acts in His time. Troubles, tears and traps—it is a perfect picture of peril.  Distress has a way of driving us to God, however—and that is a good thing!   

The Psalmist declares CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S POWER (v.7-45). We face the reality of OUR WARFARE.  In most of his battles, David was outmanned and overmatched.  Remember the words of William Carey, founder of the modern missions movement, rightly said, “One with God is a majority.”  In poetic language, David recalls the mighty deliverances of God in the nation’s past—the deliverance from Egypt’s slavery in the Exodus and the victories in Canaan under Joshua.  David had experienced his own deliverances.  Recalling such past help inspires confidence in our current conflicts.

David’s lyrics voice CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PURPOSE (v.46-50).  David’s personal triumph leads him to a public testimony.  He is the living God—eternal and unchangeable—a Rock that cannot be moved.  That which He has purposed concerning us moves inexorably to its completion.   He is the Lord God—all powerful and unconquerable.  He subdues our enemies.  His purposes cannot be thwarted.  David in essence sings, “How great is our God!”  He wants the world to know—even the Gentiles should know.  Our world is a desperate place and we alone know where hope is found.  Like David, having experienced deliverance from sin, we extend this witness to others.  This is how to have confidence to confront life’s challenges.

THE COMING WORLD DICTATOR

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition….  (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

I almost never carry cash.  I whip out a plastic card.  Gradually, the world is becoming a cashless society.  The technology is in place.  Because of identity fraud, as well as people stealing cards and PIN numbers, the card may soon be replaced with a computer chip implanted in the forehead or hand where a scanner will carry out the transaction.  Is this what the Book of Revelation calls the mark of the Beast?

Paul is discussing that very person here—a coming world dictator.  The world is poised on the threshold of welcoming such a leader.  One of the driving forces behind the European Union is the “fiscal cliff” that not only the United States, but nations around the world are about to drive off.  Combine this with the global implications of World War III breaking out in the Middle East—and we are on the brink of that—the world will enthusiastically accept the solution of a charismatic leader with his promises to solve these staggering problems. 

To help us understand, it would be helpful for us to consider first THE REASON FOR THE EPISTLE.  Paul sets the context for this teaching in the first two verses of 2 Thessalonians 2.  He is writing for their correction and comfort.  The saints at Thessalonica had come under persecution. This led them to believe they had entered the Great Tribulation.  So, Paul speaks of “our gathering together to Him”—that is, the rapture of the church (see 1 Thess.4:13-18).  Although we may face the wrath of man, we will not face the wrath of God.  Paul comforts them in telling them that such a judgment is for the wicked and not His children.  Christ would not treat His Bride as He would His enemies. 

So, Paul moves on to reveal THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE END (v.3). The Apostle provides an explanation as to why they could not be in the Tribulation Period as they feared. That would require apostasy and Antichrist to arise.  There will be a final apostasy. The falling away is the great departure from the faith, which produces a final, world religious system—the apostate church described in Revelation as Mystery Babylon, the Great Harlot.  The day of the Lord not only commences with the ultimate apostasy, but the ultimate Antichrist.  The spirit of Antichrist was already at work in apostolic times—a spirit that at some point will become incarnate in the Antichrist (I Jn.4:3).  We, however, aren’t waiting for the Antichrist, but Christ!   

There in now THE RESTRAINT UPON THE EVIL (v.6-7).  The special ministry of the Holy Spirit through the church is to restrain evil as Christians function as salt and light.  The Restrainer must be taken out of the way before the Antichrist can be revealed. When the Rapture takes place and the church is removed, then earth will be fully demonized.

Then follows THE REVELATION OF THE ANTICHRIST (v.8-12). The apostle paints for us a portrait of the coming world dictator.  The populace will acclaim him to be the evolutionary pinnacle of man.  The Bible pictures him as the bottom of human depravity.  He is the vice-regent of Hell.  Antichrist will demand worship.  What he receives is wrath—and all who follow him, will also.  Things are moving this way.  Are you looking to the skies?  Jesus is coming!

THE SOURCE OF JOY

 

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  (Psalm 16:11)

What do we mean by hedonism?   It is, “The doctrine that pleasure is the only good and proper goal of moral endeavor.”  The hedonism of the world is evil.  Scripture warns of those who are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Tim.3:4).  But what about Christian hedonism?  Bible teacher, John Piper, introduced this concept to me several years ago.  Consider this quote, “The desire to be happy is a proper motive for every good deed, and if you abandon the pursuit of your own joy, you cannot love man or please God.” Piper is right on target!  “The fruit of the Spirit is… joy” (Gal.5:22).  This is what God wants His children to experience.

Joy is found in GOD’S PRESERVATION (v.1-4).  Joy comes in knowing that our sins are forgiven and we are on our way to heaven.  David confesses that God has saved him.  Salvation is by faith in God, and not in David’s own goodness.  Apart from God’s saving activity, we have no goodness to commend us to God.  We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ—and that is a reason to rejoice!  Had we no other blessing, this is so supreme, so sublime that it will be the subject of our worship of the Lamb of God throughout eternity.  When we have a spiritual birth, we come into the great family of God and what a delightful company is the fellowship of the saints!  David refers to them as “excellent ones.”  This is how we should view our fellow believers.  David said elsewhere, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”  Is that your testimony?

Joy is also rooted in GOD’S PROVISION (v.5-6).  If you can trust Him with your soul, surely you should trust Him for your supply.  Rejoice in strength for today (v.5).  We may be weak, but He is strong.  David knew that at the end of his resources, waited the limitless provision of God.  This is what Paul meant when he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil.4:13)  Furthermore, God provides serenity for tomorrow (v.6).  Besides his portion and his cup, the Lord had assigned him a delightful inheritance.  “The boundary lines . . . in pleasant places speak of portions of land measured by line and distributed by lot. In other words, he compared God’s blessings to the best inheritance a person could receive. The Lord had given him a wonderfully full life.”^[1]  What serenity there is in knowing that we have an inheritance waiting for us that is “out of this world.”

Ultimate joy is in GOD’S PRESENCE (v.7-11).  This is the consummate delight.  There is a Counselor who walks with us in all the decisions we face—a Good Shepherd who guides us in all the directions we take.   Further, David is confident that nothing in this world can overcome him—not even death!  This is fulfilled in a relationship with Christ, who said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life…” (John 11:25).  David is describing a proper hedonism.  Let us put away long-faced religion!  The first Christians were filled with joy and they attracted multitudes to join them.  The invitation to salvation isn’t pictured in the Bible as a funeral, but a wedding!  John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

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^[1]John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985), 1:804.

COMFORTING WORDS IN A DISTRESSING WORLD

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11)

The country preacher said, "The pastor's job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."  God's Word has a way of doing both.  In the context of 1 Thessalonians 5, and Paul's teaching concerning the return of Christ, there is great comfort to be found in that blessed hope—but it can also make us uncomfortable as we know we will stand before Christ in judgment and give an answer for the work we have done, or neglected to do.

Going to sleep in Jesus, when we die, is a good thing, but sleeping on duty is a bad thing!  With that in mind, Paul issues a call to URGENCY (v.1-3).  I heard of an old farmer and his wife jolted awake when the clock struck thirteen!  He jumped out of bed yelling, "Wake up Ethel, it's later than it's ever been!" Indeed, it is.  There is an urgency about our assignment. As we observe all that is happening in our world today, we must ask are we witnessing the labor pains of the coming Kingdom of God soon to be birthed?  There will be a man coming into the growing turmoil who promises peaces, but will bring perdition.

The approaching return of Christ should also inspire FERVENCY (v.4-6). While we ought to ever be motivated to serve Christ, the nearness of His coming should stir us as never before.  We ought to seek to be like the Sons of Issachar, "who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do."  (1 Chron.12:32). Looking up to heaven, ought to move us to roll up our sleeves—inspiration leading to perspiration!

Paul closes the chapter with a word about SUFFICIENCY (v.7-11).  We are Christian soldiers on the battlefield for our Lord.  Our equipment is sufficient for the strife.  The Apostle calls us to dress for combat by putting on the armor of faith, hope, and love.  The blood of Christ is sufficient—it will save to the uttermost. Trust Him!

Encourage those who encourage you (5:12-13).   As a Pastor, it is my duty to encourage the people of God—to give you a pat on the back, or a kick in the seat, as needed.  Believe it or not—I could use some encouragement too!  In fact, pastors are on the front lines, where the fire is the heaviest—and Satan trains his artillery on God's leaders.  If he can bring them down, then others are made vulnerable.  Those encouragements include praise, prayer, thanksgiving, prophesying, discernment of error,  and abstinence from evil (5:14-28).

Let us spur one another on!  We may well be heading down the homestretch, the finish line approaching—and then to be with Jesus forever and ever!  These are comforting words in a distressing world!

  

THE DANGER OF DEFILEMENT

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them.  ‎So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.  (Leviticus 10:1-2)

The more you know of God, the more for which you are accountable.  The greater the responsibility we have with men, the stricter is God’s scrutiny with us.  James warned that men must be very careful about desiring to stand and speak for God because their judgment will be to a greater degree than that of others (James 3:1).  When a two year old child plays in their food and throws it across the room, a parent sees that as behavior to correct, but would not punish a child like they would if it were a twelve year old doing it.  The older child knows more, and is more accountable.  Those who minister the Word of God are students of Scripture and “to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”  (Luke 12:48)  If a private in the army makes a poor decision, then he will be held accountable, but not to the same degree that a captain would, whose bad decision may lead to the death of many or turn the tide in a decisive moment from victory to defeat.  Every Christian has some measure of influence.  Should we be defiled by sin, then we will harm ourselves—and some others.  It is a serious.  The severity of judgment, however, is greater for the pastor and church leader, for their influence is wider.  If I stumble—not just a few—many will stumble over me because I am leading.

This is why God dealt so quickly and severely with Nadab and Abihu.  They were priests, and given the responsibility to represent God to the people and bring the people to God.  They had privileges others could not enjoy—of touching the holy things and entering the holy place of the tabernacle.  How they lived their lives and performed their duty would be a direct reflection on the God they served.  They took a sacred duty and kindled a strange fire.  We might sum their sin up as the sin of presumption.  They took upon themselves a duty reserved for their father, Aaron, the high priest.  They used their own censers, instead of the ones consecrated for this purpose.  They acted on their own authority instead of obeying the Word of God.  There is no record they sought God’s will before they acted, but rather acted out of self-will.  It is also possible they were under the influence of alcohol instead of the Spirit (Eph.5:18), since there is a specific prohibition for priests concerning abstinence from alcohol given in verses 8-11.  There are many in church life today trying to do God’s work with carnal means.  They presume to accomplish sacred duties with worldly methodologies—and what it invites is the judgment of God.  It is defilement that brings death.

Our lives as Christians will either be a stepping-stone to help people to God, or a stumbling block to hinder them from God.  Jesus said it would be better to have a heavy millstone tied around our neck, be thrown into the sea, and drown, than to cause others to stumble.  When a pastor or church leader falls, they defile the holy name of God (Lev.10:3) and harm the holy people of God.  May the Lord guard us from defilement!

ESTABLISHED AND ENCOURAGED

 

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith….  (1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Life is full of difficulties and disappointments.  Being a child of God does not immunize us from those—it can even increase them!  It is just that we have resources that those who do not know Christ cannot access.  Jesus gave this balance of truth in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Paul echoes this in 1 Thessalonians 3, as he speaks of the need to be established and encouraged.  Since tribulation is coming, we need to be established, yet, since Christ has promised ultimate victory, we can be encouraged.

Paul says that we can be established and encouraged with PURPOSE (v.1-4).  The word, “therefore,” connects this passage with the previous verses where the Apostle expressed his disappointment that he had not been able to come see the Thessalonian Christians (2:17).  He lays the difficulty on Satanic opposition, even as he exults in the prospects of Christ’s triumphant return, and that all God’s saints will be safely home (2:18-20).  Yes, some battles are lost, but the war will be won!  Paul is driven by this great purpose—investing his life in the cause of Christ, pressing on, established and encouraged himself as he sought to share that same foundation and fortifying of faith  and love with others.  When Paul got up every morning, he knew God’s purpose for his life, and plowed ahead.  If he hit a stump, he plowed around it, but there would be no turning back.  That is the tenacity of faith and power of love that is grounded and growing in God’s purpose.

The Apostle shows that we can be established and encouraged through PARTNERSHIP (v.5-8).  Timothy was a partner in ministry—an extension of Paul’s labor.  He went where the Apostle could not and did what Paul had been unable to do.  We need support to shore up our faith and to spur us on in growth in love, even as we provide this to others.  None of us can face the challenges of life alone—and we need not.  That is why God designed the church—an army to fight side by side in His cause.  One soldier may fall easily, but joined with others, he or she are established.  Trying to charge into enemy fire by yourself is impossible, but not if a host of troops are moving forward with you—that encourages us to take that hill.

Next, Paul shares that we can be established and encouraged by PRAYER (v.9-13).  He prays for them to be grounded in faith and growing in love.  He rejoices in the possibility.  Paul longs to be with them and engage in personal ministry, but until then there are no boundaries of time and space to his intercession on their behalf.  Not only can he pray for them, but, in his example, he lets us know that this is vital to being established and encouraged ourselves.  There is no better way to be established than on standing before the Almighty God and pouring out our soul to Him in prayer, and then receiving the encouragement of the Holy Spirit enveloping us and infilling us as we meet with Him.  In Ephesians 6, where Paul teaches about spiritual warfare, calling on us to stand wearing God’s armor, he concludes with a challenge to pray.  That is where victories are won!

JUDGMENT DAY

But the LORD shall endure forever;

He has prepared His throne for judgment.

He shall judge the world in righteousness,

And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.  (Psalms 9:7-8)

Jesus Christ has risen—and that changes everything!  His victory over death, hell, and the grave assures the believer of justification and the unbeliever of judgment.  Paul put it this way, “because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.  He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”  (Acts 17:31)  If the grave was the end of Him, then it is the end for us—and there is no concern for the future.  “If the dead do not rise, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!’”  (1 Cor.15:32)  Paul says that is the reasonable thing to do—enjoy this life, cramming whatever pleasure in that you can, if that’s all there is.  Yet, because He lives, I can face tomorrow—and with hope since the judgment meant for me has passed on Christ.  Because He lives the wicked face judgment.  Those who reject that gracious payment then have no choice but to someday stand face to face before this One they have spurned—and hear the pronouncement of judgment in the lake of fire.  God’s righteous judgment is the theme of Psalm 9.

David begins with a word of PRAISE (v.1-2).  No reason for God’s children to fear judgment for their sins, for that judgment has passed upon Christ.  We have reason to rejoice in Him and share a message of good news to the world. 

There is also bad news—and that is if we continue in our rebellion against God—if we like those in the parable—speaking of the people of that day—cry, “We will not have this man to reign over us!” (Luke 19:14), then God will let us have our way.  There is a line God has fixed, however, beyond which sinful man may not pass—an appointed time when the pent-up wrath of God is released.  It is that which the Psalmist speaks of next—a word about PUNISHMENT (v.3-8).  David faced fierce foes—but their real hate was ultimately against His God.  God identifies with His people.  An attack on us, is an assault on Him—and in His time that will come to an abrupt halt.

Logically, then David next speaks a word about PROTECTION (v.9-14).  The sentence upon the rebellious is the salvation of the righteous.  In times of trouble, when the enemy lashes out in fury, God is our refuge.  We can trust in Him, and not be afraid.  That does not mean we may not suffer—even be slain—for our faith, but that God will avenge the blood of His martyrs.  Our lives are in His hands.  There is a protective hedge around us.  Satan has not power to harm us except to the degree God permits—and we may be confident that what the God of perfect love and wisdom allows will always be for our ultimate good and His glory!

The concluding stanza of the psalm is a word about PERDITION (v.15-20).  Individuals will be judged in eternity, but nations are judged now.  To forget God and to oppress the poor is to shake a fist in the face of the Almighty.  That never ends well—and America will be no exception.  Judgment Day is coming—are we ready to meet God?

 

 

PRODUCTIVE PARENTING

Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his own family?  When I get to heaven, I want to see every member of my family there.  Succeeding in every area of life, but home life is failure.  It is true that no matter what we do, every individual must make their own decision about following Christ.  We cannot do it for them.  Sadly, sometimes even the best parents see an adult child become a prodigal.  Yet, our hope is to apply the principles in God’s Word that show us God’s way to productive parenting.

Observe THE DISCIPLINE OF PRODUCTIVE PARENTING, “Train up….”  The Hebrew term refers to the mouth.  In the verb form, it was used for the training of a wild stallion.  Before the fiery steed could be directed, its stubborn will must be broken, as a bit is put into the mouth and the animal is taught submission.  Another way the term was used was when the Jewish baby was born, the midwife would dip her fingers into the juice of crushed dates and rub the sweet liquid on the baby’s gums.  The infant would begin to suck and brought to the mother to nurse him or her.  Thus, there is a positive and negative dimension of discipline.  The corrective element is to curb godless drives, like a wild horse that needs to be broken.  Scripture says much about correction (Prov.3:11-12; 5:11-13; 10:17; 19:18; 20:30; 22:15; 23:13-14).  There is also, the constructive element meant to cultivate good desires, like the midwife creating a desire for milk in the baby.  We want to inspire a hunger and thirst for righteousness in them by the example in our walk and their education from the Word.

Consider THE DURATION OF PRODUCTIVE PARENTING, “a child…when he is old….”  From their birth until adolescence, we have a brief window of opportunity to shape the clay while it is still pliable.  The word, “old” in Hebrew is, “bearded,” indicating that by the time a youth reaches puberty the window for significant impact will close.  This requires effort.  We have to be taught to drive a car, study to gain an education, train to be an athlete, and labor to develop a skill.  Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy.  Parenting requires education, effort, and endurance.  Our job isn’t done until we push them out of the nest and they can take flight.  This is not an easy task.  Do you not think the only perfect parent—our Heavenly Father—doesn’t have a challenge with children like us?  He faithfully works, however, to bring us into maturity.

Note THE DIRECTION OF PRODUCTIVE PARENTING, “in the way he should go….”  Not in my way, or the world’s way, but in God’s way—that is the direction we chart for the child.  The word means, “according to,” and suggests the uniqueness of each child—their own aptitudes and personalities—requiring flexibility in our methods.  We can’t use a cookie-cutter.  Children are not clones.  We develop them to achieve all their God-given potential.  They are God’s possession on loan to us (Ps.127:3a).  They are God’s prize rewarded to us (Ps.127:3b).  They are given as a power to be unleashed by us (Ps.127:4-5), and they become productive in following us (Ps.128).  We lean on the Lord to found and fortify the family (Ps.127:1-2) or our efforts will be in vain. God help us!

HOLDING HANDS

These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.  (Colossians 4:11b)

In 1987 a busload of Baptist youth plunged into the rain-swollen Guadalupe River in central Texas.  Although some perished, many survived.  The teens formed a human chain, and as a result were able to struggle to safety, holding each others hands.  The reality is that all of us need help at times.  The genius of the church is that it offers those who will link up with us and we can help each other in this struggle against the current of a culture under the curse that is sweeping many away.  Even a spiritual champion like Paul needed a team of people to assist him.  He mentions them in Colossians 4:7-18.

There are FAITHFUL HELPERS in the church.  The word, “faithful” jumps out at us.  It is used to describe Tychichus (v.7) and Onesimus (v.9).  Although the term is not repeated, the theme is present in some other fellow-laborers named here: Aristarchus (v.10a), Mark (v.10b), Jesus Justus (v.11), Luke (v.14a), Nymphas (v.15), and Archippus (v.17).  We will provide a quick thumbnail sketch of each.

Tychichus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey.  He stuck with Paul, even in his imprisonment.  He showed the greatest ability—dependability!

Onesimus was the runaway slave of Philemon.  He ran from his master, but couldn’t run away from God.  He was likely converted when sharing the same jail cell with the Apostle.  Church history tells us he became the pastor of the Colossian church.

Aristarchus was another member of Paul’s “cell group.”  He shared in Paul’s suffering.  That is the nature of loyalty.  We should all have friends like that—and be one!

Mark had deserted Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey.  When his kinsman, Barnabas, wanted to give him another chance on the second trip, the two missionaries split up over Mark.  It is good to see the relationship was  later restored.

Jesus Justus was a Jew like Paul, and effective in showing concern and extending comfort.  He had a proven record of sympathy and support of God’s servant.

Luke was Paul’s personal physician.  He was a careful historian who documented the life of Christ and the work of the Spirit in the early church.  Luke was loyal to the finish.

Nymphas hosted the church in his home.  He had the gift of hospitality.

Archippus may have been a discouraged pastor.  As he had held up the hands of others, now he could reap what he had sown.  We get by with a little help from our friends!

There are FERVENT INTERCESSORS like Epaphras (v.12-13).  One of the best ways people help hold our hands is by praying for us.  He had walked in their shoes.  Identifying with others helps us pray compassionately.  It is noted that he also prayed consistently—agonizing in prayer—for the word used here is the same one that describes Christ’s passionate prayer in Gethsemane.  His consuming plea was for the saints to mature in their faith.  That doesn’t happen without someone praying for us.

There are FALTERING WORKERS like Demas (v.14b).  I hate to end on a sour note—but the reality is that just as some of those teens in the Texas flood did not make it, there will be those despite our best efforts to hold their hand, pull away—and drown in sin.  Demas would be one (see 2 Tim.4:10).  His life is a warning to us: “Hold on to Christ!”

THE EXCHANGED LIFE

 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  (Colossians 3:4)

Your old clunker has had it—so you drive the smoke-mobile into the car lot. You trade it in, but the dealer just shines it up and gives it back to you instead of the new one! It might look better, but it is the same old car.  Jesus told a parable about the folly of trying to fix an old garment with a new patch (Mark 4:21).  Jesus never intended to patch up our old rags, but to exchange them for a new robe!  Christianity is not so much a changed life, but an exchanged life!

Paul writes in Colossians 3 about THE POWER OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.1a).   We are raised with Christ.  The power that brought Christ from the tomb now brings us out of spiritual death and into resurrection life.  That power now enables us to meet and overcome every challenge in life.  Today you can exchange human weakness for heavenly power!

Then, there is THE POSITION OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.1b).  We are seated with Christ.  So we seek after heavenly things, because we’re seated in heavenly places.  There Jesus reigns as Lord and in union with Him we are masters of every situation.  There is nothing over our head that is under His feet!

Next, Paul points to THE PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.2).  We are like-minded with Christ.  J.B. Williams translates, “Practice occupying your minds….”  The purpose and passionate pursuit of Christ was to do the will of His Heavenly Father.  He occupied His mind with eternal matters. We have the mind of Christ, so glorifying the Father becomes our mission.

Further, we find THE PRINCIPLES OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.3a,5-9).  We are crucified with Christ.  Paul develops this doctrine in Romans 6 in great detail.  Being crucified with Christ means we are dead to sin.  We are to pronounce a death sentence upon sinful attitudes and actions. We can feed these passions or starve them to death.  This was part of the old carnal life, but not of the new Christ life.  

See also THE PERMANENCE OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.3b).  We are secure in Christ. The Devil has to go through the Father and Son where he encounters a believer indwelt by the Spirit.  By the time Satan reaches us, his intended evil has become God’s intended good.  That’s security!  Confidence in our foundation moves us to proceed with construction of the new life.

We have THE PROMISE OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.4).  We are returning with Christ. Christ has promised to come for His bride. At the rapture, the dead in Christ will rise and living saints will be transformed—caught up to heaven. After the seven years of tribulation ends, we return with Him to reign.  The godly, growing Christian looks for the heavenly city.

Next, we discover THE POTENTIALS OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.10).  We are regenerated in Christ.  God made Adam in His image and that was marred by sin.  Now we are a new creation in the image of Christ.  We have the potential to be all that God created man to be.

Finally, we observe THE PEOPLE OF THE EXCHANGED LIFE (v.11).  We are one in Christ.  Fellowship with Him is the basis of our fellowship as believers.  There is no room for division.

Christ is all in all!  He is our life and we can’t live without Him!  May Jesus be Jesus in me!

THE PATH TO PROSPERITY

And whatever he does shall prosper.  (Psalm 1:3d)

Would you like to prosper in anything you do?  Do I have your attention?  God promises that in Psalm 1.  The issue is, “What is true prosperity and how do we get it?”  Most would equate prosperity with money. Yet, you would find some of the richest people to be the most miserable.  True prosperity is wrapped up in the word, “Blessed.”  In the original, it is a plural word.  God’s blessings are always many.  When He gives one, another follows.  It is speaking of a state of blessedness.  This is a life enriched with the friendship and favor of God.  The Psalmist points us to the path that brings us into true prosperity.

There is A DANGER TO AVOID (v.1).  The psalmist begins with a negative. There are both positives and negatives in Scripture.  One danger to avoid is secular counsel, “the counsel of the ungodly.”  Everyday we are inundated with information—a multitude of talking heads telling us what to do.  Some of it is merely nonsense, much of it destructive.  It is Satan’s propaganda, slickly packaged and authoritatively presented by some expert.  Stop your ears to it!  Another danger is sinful companions, “the path of sinners.”  Scripture warns that a companion of fools will be destroyed.  Peer pressure is another powerful force to shape us.  Stay away!  One more peril is scornful cynics, “the seat of the scornful.”  Our age has become increasingly cynical.  It is the inevitable consequence of those who begin to listen to wrong philosophies and doctrines.

The path to prosperity not only has a danger to avoid, but A DELIGHT TO APPLY (v.2).  “But” draws the sharp contrast between the ungodly and the godly.  He does not listen to the wisdom of the world, but of the Word!  He does not linger in the path of sinners, but in the presence of the saints!  He doesn’t learn from skeptical teachers, but the Scriptural truth!  Believers are blessed when they have a passionate love of God’s Word, “his delight is in the law of the Lord.”  Is studying the Bible a duty or delight?  If we do not delight in God’s Word, what does that indicate about our spiritual state?  Then there will be a persistent learning of God’s Word, “in His law he meditates.” The word has to do with rumination—as a sheep chewing its cud.  We are God’s sheep and need to fully digest His truth.  Then comes a practical living of God’s Word, “day and night.”  There needs to be a consistent application of God’s truth.  We are not to be mere hearers of the Word, but doers also.

Then the path to prosperity features A DYNAMIC TO AQUIRE (v.3).  God’s dynamic power is unleashed!  We will be planted, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.”  There will be stability and sustenance whether in seasons of deluge or drought.  We will be productive, “that brings forth its fruit in its season ”  This is the fruit of the Spirit.  Fruitfulness requires patience and pruning—God as the Divine Gardener does this.  We will be perennial, “whose leaf also shall not wither.”  We won’t wither in heat of summer, fall off in fall, and vanish in winter.  There will be consistency in our character and conduct.  We will be prosperous, “and whatever he does shall prosper.”  We will enjoy the blessing of God that touches every dimension of life.

There are two directions with two destinations (v.4-6).  Which will you choose?