THE BITTER COLD

This morning I went and stood for an hour on the sidewalk outside the abortion clinic--to keep a vigil on behalf of those tiny ones whose little eyes will never see the light of day. I was there to give voice to the voiceless--whose silent screams will be unheard as the cruel instruments of death invade the sanctuary of their mother's womb. Of course, God hears--and that should put a chill down the spine of us all.

It was a bitterly cold day, in the lower 20's--and matched the icy hearts of those who would butcher a baby for a few bucks. My fingers and toes got so cold, that they began to sting with pain--a pain that persisted for fifteen minutes after departing in the warmth of my car. But, as I rubbed my hands together and patted my feet on the pavement, it led me to think how this pain was nothing compared to the suffering which the unborn go through before their brief sojourn on earth is terminated. The pain in my extremities is nothing compared to the extreme pain in the hearts of mothers as they weigh the harsh reality of their choice in days to come--haunted by the grim specter of doing that which is so contrary to every maternal impulse. Of course, no pain will be like that of eternal torment for unrepentant butchers who brutalize these innocents. Maybe they are desensitized to it. All I know is that the murderer who faces God with blood on their hands and without the blood of Christ on their hearts will have an awakening of the senses beyond anything they have ever known--and wish for endless ages it were not so.

For all involved we offer our pity and our prayers.

We pray for a nation and wonder how much longer God can resist roaring from heaven to answer the cry for vengeance that pleads with Him from a blood-soaked soil. May God have mercy on us all!

If we had more hot tears, more fervent pleas, might it melt the cold hearts that conspire in this tragedy of cosmic proportions?

THE DISQUIETING MESSAGE FROM BETHLEHEM'S STABLE

The world tolerates the Baby in the manger--to some degree. Oh, they would do away with Him altogether, if they could--maybe gradually phasing Him out by placing a creche in the middle of a holiday display from various religions and secular traditions--but being rid of Him entirely, eventually, or altered so much as to be unrecognizable. Yet, if the world must recognize Him at all, they will consign Him to a cradle of straw as a cherubic infant. That is not particularly threatening, nor intimidating.

The problem rises when they consider what the Baby grew up to be! The life that He lived, the words that He spoke, the death that He died, the resurrection He experienced, the authority He claims, and the judgment He will decree--that is the disquieting message from Bethlehem's stable. The world would ignore or be slightly amused if only He only came as the Babe of Bethlehem, but they are not very happy with One who is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords!

When Jesus came the first time, the world shoved Him off into a stable and shoved His crucified corpse into a sepulchre sealed with a stone. But, He wouldn't stay dead, so that when He comes the second time, He will do the shoving--into the Lake of Fire--the judgment of all who reject Him. That's what the world hates about Him. They just want to be left alone, and He will not permit it. If they could just stow Him away as an Infant in a manger scene, along with all the other decorations hidden in a box in the attic, only to drag out on special occasions!

That cannot be done. It isn't an option. One day every eye shall see Him, every knee will bow to Him and every tongue confess He is Lord. He has conquered. He will reign. That is the disquieting message from Bethlehem's stable.

HARVEST TIME

It’s that wonderful time of year when the harvest is gathered. Summer has come to an end and fall has begun. The last of the crops must be claimed or they will be lost when the first blast of cold air comes to the mountains. There is no time to delay—it’s harvest time!

That is true in the spiritual realm also. Listen to these sad words:
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)

How tragic—the horror of missed opportunity! Jesus intimated that one soul is more valuable than the entire world--and some of those lost souls are our family, friends, fellow workers and classmates.

It’s harvest time!

This verse from the prophet Jeremiah, reminds us of:

• THE PRIORITY OF THE HARVEST “The harvest is past…” It’s all about the harvest! There are many things we do on earth that are important—singing God’s praises; communicating with Him; being with His people; serving Him, and the like. While not minimizing any of those activities, we will be able to do those in heaven. Something we won’t be able to do is to lead a lost soul to faith in Christ. Shouldn’t we make this a priority while we have opportunity?
• THE PRESERVATION OF THE HARVEST “the summer is ended…” There is a deadline and if the harvest of souls is not completed, they are lost—forever. We must gather them while we can. Is there someone you know who needs Christ? What are you doing to reach them?
• THE PERIL TO THE HARVEST “we are not saved!” Not saved! Not saved! Not saved! Too late! There is no second chance beyond this world. When we are called out to meet God—and that call can come without warning—we must be ready to meet Him. Heaven or hell—eternal joy or everlasting judgment—await that decision.

Sunday, November 7, is “Harvest Time” at Pole Creek! It is the Sunday the time changes and we roll the clock back an hour, for an extra hour of sleep. Statistics show that other than Easter it is the Sunday of the year with the highest attendance. It is a great Sunday for you to invite lost souls you know to come, pray for them, cultivate them, and bring them in to hear the Gospel. Jesus is still mighty to save! Now is the time to get to work in the field!

It’s HARVEST TIME!

STARVING THE FLESH
SHAPE UP!

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s demand to get in shape, “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Romans 10:13). There are things that will be detrimental to your physical health, and the things listed here will be deleterious to your spiritual health.

Revelry is a word for a wild party. Sadly, some folks don’t make it to the celebration of worship with the saints on Sunday morning because of the carousing in wantonness with the sinful on Saturday night! It’s hard to focus on God Sunday morning if your eyes are bloodshot from the night before.

Drunkenness is another danger Paul warns about. Alcohol will make you see double and think half! It is easy for liquor to become your lord. It mastered me at one time, but I don’t need it; I’ve found Jesus to give boundless joy—and you don’t have a hangover the next day!

Then there is lewdness and lust—nakedness and nastiness. The first term has to do with sexual acts and the latter with sensual attitudes. Sex within marriage is a wonderful gift of God, but outside it become defiling and destructive. Hollywood doesn’t set the standard for the child of God—heaven does! We are called to holiness!

Then there is strife and envy. Some of us who may not consume alcohol and commit adultery may excuse our failure to control anger! We may not be a drunk, or debauched, but if we are divisive that is defiling too! And what about envy? What about wanting what others have—jealousy and covetousness—vile vices of the heart!

I hope for the sake of your physical health that you are in good condition. It is beneficial. But, above all, listen to this, “exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having a promise of the life that now is and that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).

Shape up!

STARVING THE FLESH
DRESS UP!

Once you get up, you don’t go out until you dress up. It’s time to get out of your pajamas and put on your uniform. Paul says in Romans 13:12b, “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” You’re going to war! You’re headed into hostile territory and you need to be clothed for combat.

What is this armor of light? It is being clothed with Christ, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v.14a).

Clothes adorn us—they are visible. Everywhere we go, we have them on. So, others should see Christ on display as we move through the world. When people look at you and me, do they see Jesus?

Dress up!

STARVING THE FLESH
GET UP!

You can wake up, but then reach over, hit the snooze alarm and go back to sleep! It’s important to wake up, but then you need to get up! “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” So, Paul wrote with urgency in Romans 13:12.

There are some days that it’s exciting to get up and get with it, but some others it’s a chore. It can be that way on Sunday morning. There was a fellow whose wife called to him, “Sweetheart, time to get up and get ready for church.” He grunted and said, “I don’t feel like it.” She said, “Come on now, you’ve got to get ready.” He groaned and pulled the blanket over his head, “Tell me one reason why!” She said, “Because you’re the pastor!”

I believe we have had some members lose the battle of the blankets and have been mastered by the mattress on Sunday mornings! You won’t get up because you feel like it, but it is an act of the will. It is a discipline. Time to go to work!

Old Vance Havner said, “There is anarchy in the world, apostasy in the church and apathy in the pew.” How true! I’ve had to shake my kids to get them up. I’m trying to do that to you today.

GET UP! NOW!

STARVING THE FLESH
WAKE UP!

In 1775, the British troops intended to board boats and under cover of darkness slip across the river and attack Concord and Lexington. But someone was awake and alert—Paul Revere! Away he sped on horseback, sounding the alarm, “The regulars are coming out!” meaning that the regular British army was on the march. The colonial militia turned back the Redcoats. It was a critical moment in America’s march to freedom.

We are in such a critical hour today. The battle we face is spiritual in nature and against the forces of hell. I want to be a spiritual Paul Revere, calling you to wake up! That’s what another Paul, the Apostle said in Romans 13:11, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

He says, “knowing the time” that is, to have spiritual perception. When I was a teenager, the pop music group, Chicago had a hit song that asked the question, “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” Well, we better know and we better care that, “now it is high time to awake out of sleep!”

There was an old farm couple, that went to sleep one night and something went wrong with the grandfather clock. It chimed thirteen! The old fellow yelled, “Get up Martha, it’s later than it’s ever been before!” It is! That’s what Paul says, “for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.”

He’s talking about the consummation of salvation—when we all get to heaven. I believe things are winding up in this world and what we do for Christ is an urgent matter! But even if Christ doesn’t return in our lifetime, we have a limited allotment of days and we can’t afford to be sleeping when we out to be serving! We’ve snuggled down in our padded pews and the devil has sung us a lullaby of deception.

I heard of a man called on to pray at the end of the service. He was a shy guy and he panicked. It seemed an eternity and he couldn’t say a word—just petrified. His wife whispered, “Just pray something” and he said, “Now, I lay me down to sleep.” Apparently the church has got that prayer down pat!

Wake up!

STARVING THE FLESH

Several months ago, my wife Marilyn and I decided it was time to modify our lifestyle. We went on the South Beach diet. Over a period of time, the excess pounds went away. But, we’ve lost weight on diets before, only to go back to eating and putting the pounds back on.

This time, we’ve learned a discipline of three things: we weigh regularly so the pounds don’t creep back, adjust by cutting back when needed and keeping track of carbohydrates. If a food is high in carbs, we either don’t eat it, or take a small portion. We watch sugar intake—no sweet drinks—and I used to insist that my tea would ooze out of the pitcher like syrup!

But, this message isn’t about that kind of weight loss—it’s about the spiritual disciplines needed to live the transformed life; not about high impact aerobics, but high-impact spirituality. It’s about starving the fleshly, sinful appetites, so as not to become spiritually flabby. What kinds of disciplines are needed for that?

These are suggested in Paul’s thirteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans, verses eight through fourteen:

8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in
lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

That will be our formula for starving the flesh and nourishing the spirit within, which we will set on the table before you, God willing, this week.

GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE REASON FOR GOVERNMENT

God has instituted human government for two primary reasons: to restrain the wicked and to reward the worthy. Paul has written:

2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (Romans 13:2-4)

The negative dimension for God ordained government is TO RESTRAIN THE WICKED. There is an argument over whether you can or cannot legislate morality. There are points to be made on each side. Every law is a legislation of morality in the sense that it says there is a conduct that is bad, and therefore, a conduct that is good. But the other side is, that such laws cannot impose morality, but really are legislation against immorality. Law cannot make us good—only God can make us good, but law can help restrain the evil. A law can’t make you love your neighbor, but it can tell you not to kill them. A law can’t make you honest, but it can tell you not to steal. The government authority has powers of punishment to enforce those laws. Sadly, our legal system has become a place for coddling criminals rather than convicting them! Such government has abandoned the reason it exists!

The positive dimension of God appointed government is TO REWARD THE WORTHY. While it is true that government can’t make us good, it can provide motivation for good behavior by rewarding it. Our military gives medals for those who distinguish themselves in service. The Congress has special citations for those who contribute much to the well-being of society. One of the ways government rewards productivity is financial incentive. But ours is doing just the opposite, punishing the successful and bailing out the failing!

Government works best when it does these two things—when it is limited in scope and laser-like in focus. When it goes beyond those bounds, it becomes an oppressive system. Our founders said it well in the preamble to the United States Constitution, that government exists to, “provide for the common defense” and to “promote the general Welfare.” The founding fathers were so wise—they didn’t say, to “provide the general welfare” but to “promote” it. We have become a nation bogged down and bankrupted by bureaucracy in the attempt to provide welfare for every citizen—an impossibility! The common defense is provided by restraining those who do wickedly and the general welfare is promoted by rewarding those who do well. That’s reasonable—and it’s biblical! Too bad most politicians don’t understand that today, and the tragedy is that too few American voters know enough to vote those in who do understand and vote out those who don’t.

GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE ROOT OF GOVERNMENT

Clearly, human government is rooted in God’s design and decree. This is taught from Genesis to Revelation in direct precept and implied principle. One such instance is Romans 13:1, which states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” So, God has appointed human government. As I have been appointed by God to direct the affairs of this church as your minister, so government has been ordained by God to direct the affairs of state as your minister. Three times in Romans 13:4-6, the Apostle declares that government is our minister for good.

Even though there are various kinds of government, and some of these are better than others, any government is better than no government, for that is anarchy! Anarchy is the most horrible condition—no rules, no restraint, utter chaos—a catastrophe beyond all description. The government Paul called on Christians to submit to was led by the depraved despot Nero, seated upon the throne of world empire, and yet, the Apostle commanded Christians to honor him as one appointed to his place by God. In fact, we are told that there is none in power except by the sovereign choice of God. He raises rulers, replaces rulers, reforms rulers, and rejects rulers. God rules the rulers!

Consider what the Bible says concerning the Pharaoh of Egypt during Moses’ day, “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ ” (Romans 9:17). Then, we have these statements concerning Nebuchadnezzar, the tyrant of Babylon,

37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power,strength, and glory;
38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all— you are this head of gold.
39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes,partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.
43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2:37-45)

Further, we have the case of Christ on trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. As you recall, the ruler is baffled that Jesus refuses to defend himself, and the accusations are met only with silence. Exasperated, Pilate cries, “Do you not know that I have the power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (John 19:10), but Christ answers, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11).

Sin in its basic and basest form is a rejection of authority and embracing of autonomy. In the garden, Adam rejected the authority placed over him because he wanted to be a god himself. In the first empire, Babel, the people sought to bring themselves up to heaven by building a tower. This spirit marks the sinful heart of man. But, the child of God has repented of this and shows it by subjection to authority. A Christian is to be a model citizen. Even government leaders are under God’s authority and better not forget!

GOD AND GOVERNMENT

A Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ as our Lord, but as an expression of that we give allegiance to our country and its laws. We are in the world, but not of the world. That is, we are not to be corrupted by the world through living according to the warped views of sinful man, but we are to be connected to the world to impact the culture with the righteous Word of God. All humanity needs the salt and light which believers are to bring to bear on life—permeating the society, touching every realm of experience.

Jesus told us to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” Be careful how you read that. We tend to compartmentalize life—to separate the secular and the sacred—when these two are integrated. All of life for the child of God is sacred—and this would include the political. Paul tells us the relationship of God and government in his teaching found in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter of Romans. Here’s what he wrote:

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)

We will explore these truths further throughout this week, God willing.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY AND OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE

It has been said,

“To live up above with saints that we love—that will be glory;
But to dwell here below, with saints that we know—that’s another story!”

That is so true. In fact, the Christian life is even more difficult that that—as hard as that may seem. We have a responsibility to get along with even the wicked of the world! Look at Paul’s words in Romans 12:18-21,

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a
drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

There is then, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY (v.18)

Make every effort to get along with others—whether in the church or in the community, among the Christian or the carnal. The reality is that you cannot guarantee others will respond peaceably to you. But, you can do all that you can do. This doesn’t mean we compromise our standards or doctrines, but even when we must take a stand we speak the truth in love. Too many church folk are “pugnacious.” They are always looking for a fight.

Further, we find, OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE (v.19-21)

Have you ever heard this, “Don’t get mad—get even!”? That appeals to our flesh. It is not the way of God. There is to be restraint rather than retaliation. Such restraint rests in the hope that God sees all, is in control and will take care of it.

This is:

• HOPE IN THE VENGEANCE OF GOD (v.19) God can handle it better than you—and He will—because He is a just God.
• HOPE IN THE VIRTUE OF GRACE (v.20) God gives us grace. We don’t get what we deserve. That’s the same virtue we are to display.
• HOPE IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD (v.21) We may choose to compromise with evil and become part of it; or contend with evil and act like the world; or—and here’s the Christian response—conquer it with good!

There are some difficult problems coming your way—and, some difficult people! But God has promised His grace is sufficient for us.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE AND REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE

There are difficulties in life—there’s no denying it! Sometimes there are difficult problems, and sometimes there are difficult people. The church is immune from neither and so Scripture addresses both. Paul is directly speaking to the matter of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Consider these words:

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Two kinds of people we will deal with according to verses sixteen and seventeen are the humble and the honorable. Several related truths are connected to these central principles.

OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE (v.16)

In America, we love celebrity. We want to read about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Do you know a “name-dropper,” someone who has met or is related to some famous person, and they have to tell you all about it? Scripture challenges us to do just the opposite—to seek out the humble. It is what God does. Notice these verses:

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Jesus picked a motley crew of fishermen, a tax-collector—riff-raff. In fact, God despises arrogance—it is the very spirit of the devil!

Self-promotion leads to schism. The undercurrent here is a church in Rome composed of citizens and slaves; Jewish and Gentile converts. Harmony was to be the goal. Conceit and an inflated view of one’s own opinion sounds a discordant note.

OUR REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE (v.17)

A bulldog can win a fight with a skunk, but it’s not worth it! Trying to get even with others only pulls us down with them. The way to invest your time and energy is in lifting others up and in the process you are blessed as well.

Concentrate on that which is good and honorable. Spend time doing the good things and you’ll have no time left for doing the evil things. If you look for good in someone long enough you can generally find it.

Note this important last phrase, “in the sight of all men.” The world is watching—and our credibility as a Christian is at stake by how we treat our fellowman. Dealing with difficult people in a godly way is a powerful testimony to God’s grace.

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY AND OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING

Paul shows us the way to get along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. We all need the help because we all know difficult people—and sometimes we are those difficult people! Today, we consider two types of people that may give us difficulty: the happy and the hurting. With these we are commanded to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15).

OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY: “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” (v.15a).

That sounds simple enough compared to the previously stated expectation of responding with love to the hateful (v.14), but actually it is not quite as easy as it seems. Again, it is our nature to rejoice when something makes us happy, but can we rejoice with others who have found happiness? Aren’t we tempted to think, “Why did they get that job promotion, when I’m more deserving?” “Why did God answer their prayer, but He doesn’t answer mine?” Covetousness can soon capture our heart and instead of rejoicing with those who rejoice, we seek a reason to find fault and criticize. Rejoicing can give way to resentment.

OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING: “weep with those who weep” (v.15b).

We don’t like to hear crying. It makes us uncomfortable. It reminds us of our own pain. But we are to weep with those that weep. This is what we call empathy—putting ourselves into the shoes of another and feeling what they feel—their tears to mingle with ours. Life is full of heartaches and when another weeps with us, that sorrow seems half as heavy, because another is helping bear that burden. Notice it isn’t so much what we express with words, but weeping that is called for.

Job faced a tidal wave of trouble. At first, his friends came and just sat with him—and that was good. But then in the midst of his misery and unanswered perplexity, Job’s friends tried to defend God and explain it all, winding up blaming Job for the calamity. Job then called them, “miserable comforters.” They were! Weep with the weeping—that’s the best thing you can do—the ministry of your presence and pity. They don’t need your profundity—at least not then.

The shortest verse in Scripture is no less powerful for its brevity. It simply states, “Jesus wept.” Here is the Son of God at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus and alongside the beloved sisters Mary and Martha. What does He do in their grief? He joins them. He weeps with the weepers. So should we.

Several weeks ago, I visited with my eldest son, Chris, wife Amber and family. One evening we went to Applebee’s for supper and a lady came by with balloons that she would make into animals. Spotting the kiddos—and grandpa—at the table, she made sure to stop by, and I saw pinned to her shirt a button, “I make balloon animals for tips!” Here was some easy money for her. What’s a Papa to do? Every child had to have an animal. Makayla, granddaughter, age 10, got a dog; Jacob, grandson, age 5, an orange tiger, and Sam, grandson, age 3, a tiger—a blue tiger. After the meal, we headed to Walmart and the balloon animals were left in the car, since Mom knew they would be either lost or popped in the store. Despite the good intentions, when we came back to the car—the dog was fine, the orange tiger intact, but the blue tiger was deflated, except for its head. Little Sam was upset, of course. But then, the sweetest thing happened. Jacob reached over to his younger sibling and said, “I’m sorry Sam, you can play with my balloon.” It melted my heart—such pure love!

That’s how Christians need to care for each other. Learn to say with a child’s sincerity to someone who has experienced loss, “I’m sorry. You can play with my balloon.”

GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL

Diamonds are formed when a lump of coal is subjected to prolonged heat and pressure. God is in the business of shaping His children into precious gems that will sparkle both now and for eternity. He does this the same way as forming a diamond—in this pressure cooker world—and often the source of that heat and pressure is difficult people. People can be so abrasive, but we need to think of them as heavenly sandpaper meant to polish us! Paul the Apostle speaks to the subject of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Here’s what he says,

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul was one who had learned how to deal with difficult people and so is uniquely qualified to help us.

Consider first, OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (v.14) All Paul is doing here is echoing our Lord’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matt.5:44-45a).

You see, in my natural state, as a son of Adam, my response to hateful people is to return that hatred. If someone curses me, it is instinctive to curse them back. But, if I am indeed a son of God, my response is to be like that of the Heavenly Father—to be merciful and forgiving, loving and kind. This is how the perfect Son of God lived and I am to become more and more like Him. See Him hanging in agony on the cross, His tormentors lathering Him with spittle and covering Him with curses, as they tread underfoot His precious blood. Hear Him speaking in mercy from the cross concerning these cruel mockers, “Father, forgive them!” This is to be our response to the hateful and by the indwelling of Christ’s life, it can be done!

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PATIENT HOPE

You can spot a Christian by the hope that exudes from them. Peter writes, “always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15b). That conveys the expectation that a true child of God will exhibit such a patient hope that others demand an explanation. Peter’s fellow Apostle, Paul, put it like this, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

What is so incredible about this hope that it can only be found in one who is born-again?

There is the action of “rejoicing in hope.” Rejoicing is a verb—an act of the will bringing an activity of worship. It springs from the well of hope inside that recognizes that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the promise of better days, and no matter how wonderful things may be, that the best is yet to come! This isn’t mere wishful thinking, but confident assurance rooted in the character of God. In the midst of trials, one stands upon the promises and lifts the hands and heart to heaven with a resounding, “Hallelujah!”

This hope is incredibly supernatural, in that there is the attitude of being “patient in tribulation.” Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation” (and who can deny that?) “but be of good cheer” (and how can we do that?) “I have overcome the world” (and thus we can declare that!). Jesus said it; believe it and embrace it! That kind of hope will generate a patient endurance of trials, much like a woman in labor, who though not enjoying but enduring the birth pains, does so in anticipation of the joyful deliverance!

Such hope is strengthened in the application of “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” A consistent time spent in the presence of God, staying until heartache dissipates and hope radiates, in the environment of prayer. There we gaze into the face of God, we abide in the presence of Christ, we are aided by the Comforter, and having knelt in weakness, we rise in power—the very hope of glory flooding our being!

Is this statement true of you, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)? Is that hope alive in you?

That is how you spot a Christian!

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PASSIONATE SERVICE

Christians are servants of God. That is a clear mark that enables us to spot a true Christian. It is unthinkable that someone could have repented of their sin and experienced regeneration without submission to Christ’s service. What do we think it means for Christ to be our Lord? The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

The service we render is to be passionate. It isn’t to be viewed as drudgery, but as delightful. What a privilege we have to serve the Lord! Diligence is called for—a meticulous devotion to whole-hearted obedience. We are to be careful not to have lackadaisical attitudes or lagging actions, but to plunge zealously into Kingdom business.

This means to be fervent in spirit. That is, not mere outward conformity—going through the motions—doing our duty. It is an inward compulsion—a spark that ignites one with fire to get the job done and to do it right and to get it right the first time. This service means to spend and be spent to the glory of God.

In heaven, there will be an extension and elevation of our service, “His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). If we don’t begin to serve God down here, what makes us think that we are going to up there?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION

If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”

• PURE LOVE


• PERSONAL AFFECTION


• PASSIONATE SERVICE


• PATIENT HOPE


• PRACTICAL HELP
  

We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”

The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?

Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.

This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.

When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.

Is it?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION

If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”

• PURE LOVE
• PERSONAL AFFECTION
• PASSIONATE SERVICE
• PATIENT HOPE
• PRACTICAL HELP
  
  We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
  
  The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?
  
  Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
  
  This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.
  
  When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.
  
  Is it?

CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PURE LOVE

If it were possible to put a group of church members into a barrel with a group of unbelievers, shake them up and pour them all out—would it be possible to spot the Christians? I’m afraid that there is little appreciable difference in worldview, actions and attitudes, and sorting one out from the other would be exceedingly difficult. Such a thing ought never be! There should be some distinguishing marks of a genuine Christian. Several of these are suggested in a list of commands given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:9-13,

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As you can tell a leopard by his spots, so there are five “spots” that identify the Christian:

• PURE LOVE
• PERSONAL AFFECTION
• PASSIONATE SERVICE
• PATIENT HOPE
• PRACTICAL HELP
  

Today, let’s focus on PURE LOVE. Paul says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Love can be feigned. Sometimes spouses find their mate has been going through the motions of fidelity, when it is a fraud. Their love has been given to another. Many Old Testament prophets charged the people of God with spiritual adultery—with their lips claiming love for God while their hearts were far from Him. Judas was such a hypocrite. He was numbered with the Apostles. He placed a kiss on the Master’s cheek—but it was the foulest treachery. He abhorred the cross and clung to the coins.

Pure love is without hypocrisy. It is real. It is exclusive. This is the most important commandment of all Jesus said—to love God with all our being. If we love Him, then we will loathe evil. All that is good will become our great obsession, for all that is good is of God, and when we find that good, we will hold onto it tenaciously.

Can you spot this pure love in your life—and would others affirm it?