Daniel 1:8, "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
Every year as a new year arrives, we hear about someone, somewhere making a new year's resolution. The purpose is to make a change in one's life that will result in a better me. We also know that the running joke is a short time into the new year the resolution has been broken and the change we desired left to the ash heap of broken promises and history. With common things such as weight loss, exercise, spending habits or whatever else we may come up with, this is not a serious matter. But what of our relationship with God?
In the book of Daniel we see the prophet make a resolution of his own. It's a resolution in regards to his faith, and something Daniel does not take lightly. Daniel has been selected by the king, along with 3 of his friends, to be indoctrinated to the ways of Babylon. Part of the indoctrination includes abandoning the dietary code of the law for the "delicacies" of Babylon. To violate the law would be for Daniel and his friends to turn their backs on the direct command of God. It would mean compromising their faith. The far easier decision would have been to accept they were in Babylon and to go along to get along. The Christian is faced with this type of decision on a daily basis as we confront the often seemingly overpowering ways of the world. In this world the course of least resistance is to simply give in and adopt things that the world says are permissible, even though we know God says they are not. So how do we overcome the temptations the world presents and avoid compromising our faith? Daniel gives us the simple, yet more difficult answer.
In Daniel 1:8 we see Daniel stand on his faith, and take a stand for God. The text tells us Daniel "purposed in his heart not to defile himself." Daniel stands on his love for God, and makes an irreversible decision in his mind that he would not accept the ways of Babylon in contradiction to the ways of God. It was a courageous decision based upon pure faith. For the believer, it is the only acceptable decision that can be made.
If we are going to fully trust God and exercise our faith, their is only one way to exhibit that: Obedience to God in rebuttal of the ways of the world. Daniel will rest upon the promises of God; that He "will never leave us nor forsake us." That He is our "deliverer." That He will meet all of our "needs." Daniel testifies of God and His power by trusting in His word, and the covenant relationship He has with each of us. Daniel lives out His faith, instead of just speaking empty words.
This is a decision of the heart and the mind working in concert. The heart leads us to receive and acknowledge the truth, the mind accepts it and resolves to conform, no matter the possible cost. It is a place that every believer has encountered. Have we responded as Daniel did and God would have us too? So as we enter this new year, what is their that we need to resolve in our hearts for God? What is their we need to trust in God with and turn away from in our lives? What is defiling us before the Lord, and needs to change? What step of faith will we take? The life of Daniel shows us the great things God can do through us if we are willing to trust Him? Our relationship with God cannot be based upon casual resolutions that are quickly cast away. What is God asking of us today?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Where Do We Stand?
1 John 1:5-7, "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
If we are intellectually honest in our study of the bible we come to the conclusion that their are only 2 ways in which we can walk; in darkness or in light. Darkness represents evil, and light represents God. In other words, we are either walking in the ways of God, or we are not. The ways of God are clearly defined by scripture, and everything and every way else is not of God. So the question we must ask of ourselves is clear: Where do we stand? In light? Or in darkness?
Their is no more important question we can ask of ourselves. And the evidence of where we stand will be clearly visible in our lives. When the bible speaks of a walk, it is speaking of how we live our lives. How do we carry ourselves? Do we exhibit the "fruit of the Spirit?" Do we love? Not a sentimental type of love, but rather agape love. Do we love God with all of our being? Do we love our neighbor as ourselves? Do we love each other as Christ loved us? Does the world know us by our love for one another? As John tells us later in his first epistle in 1 John 2:9-11, "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
Other "fruit of the Spirit" that will be evident in a person walking with God in their life are: Joy, an internal attitude from God that allows us to overcome even in the roughest times; Peace, obtained with God through faith in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross and the peace of God that stills us even when trials are present; Longsuffering, a patient attitude that relies upon the timing of God and bears one another's burdens; Kindness, where we treat each other with true respect; Goodness, where how we treat each other is reflective of God's word, as He represents what is good; Faithfulness, in our walk with Christ and our obedience to Him; Gentleness, as we desire to help each other and hold each other accountable in living a life in the light; Self control, where we put our desires on hold to honor His. These are the evidence that we are walking in the light.
But notice the warning John gives us in verse 6. He tells us we can say we walk in the light, yet if we do not display the evidence of this, we are a liar. We either practice, live out the truth of God's word, or we do not. John tells us mere words are insufficient as to whether we are truly walking with God. We either speak it and live it, or we lie. This is why we must ask ourselves the question; Where do we stand?
It is where we stand, in light or darkness, that determines whether we are living on God's behalf or not. It is how we walk that shows the world that we are truly His. What we say and what we do must abide hand in hand. God tells us through John, if they do not, we are liars. This is why we must all ask ourselves the essential question; Where do we stand? So, where we you stand? In light? Or in darkness? If we honestly examine our lives as compared with scripture, are we walking in light with God? Or, are we lying to ourselves and our Creator?
If we are intellectually honest in our study of the bible we come to the conclusion that their are only 2 ways in which we can walk; in darkness or in light. Darkness represents evil, and light represents God. In other words, we are either walking in the ways of God, or we are not. The ways of God are clearly defined by scripture, and everything and every way else is not of God. So the question we must ask of ourselves is clear: Where do we stand? In light? Or in darkness?
Their is no more important question we can ask of ourselves. And the evidence of where we stand will be clearly visible in our lives. When the bible speaks of a walk, it is speaking of how we live our lives. How do we carry ourselves? Do we exhibit the "fruit of the Spirit?" Do we love? Not a sentimental type of love, but rather agape love. Do we love God with all of our being? Do we love our neighbor as ourselves? Do we love each other as Christ loved us? Does the world know us by our love for one another? As John tells us later in his first epistle in 1 John 2:9-11, "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
Other "fruit of the Spirit" that will be evident in a person walking with God in their life are: Joy, an internal attitude from God that allows us to overcome even in the roughest times; Peace, obtained with God through faith in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross and the peace of God that stills us even when trials are present; Longsuffering, a patient attitude that relies upon the timing of God and bears one another's burdens; Kindness, where we treat each other with true respect; Goodness, where how we treat each other is reflective of God's word, as He represents what is good; Faithfulness, in our walk with Christ and our obedience to Him; Gentleness, as we desire to help each other and hold each other accountable in living a life in the light; Self control, where we put our desires on hold to honor His. These are the evidence that we are walking in the light.
But notice the warning John gives us in verse 6. He tells us we can say we walk in the light, yet if we do not display the evidence of this, we are a liar. We either practice, live out the truth of God's word, or we do not. John tells us mere words are insufficient as to whether we are truly walking with God. We either speak it and live it, or we lie. This is why we must ask ourselves the question; Where do we stand?
It is where we stand, in light or darkness, that determines whether we are living on God's behalf or not. It is how we walk that shows the world that we are truly His. What we say and what we do must abide hand in hand. God tells us through John, if they do not, we are liars. This is why we must all ask ourselves the essential question; Where do we stand? So, where we you stand? In light? Or in darkness? If we honestly examine our lives as compared with scripture, are we walking in light with God? Or, are we lying to ourselves and our Creator?
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Book of Daniel
This Wednesday at Oakland Baptist Church we will be beginning a new study in the book of Daniel on Wednesday and Sunday nights. The book of Daniel is one of the most amazing books in the bible. Within this text are prophesies that are exact in their fulfilment from times past and revealing in the coming glory of Christ in the future. But the book of Daniel is about far more than prophecy.
Daniel, due to it's uncanny prediction of events that have been fulfilled, is one of the more disputed books in the bible. Liberal theologians continually try to disprove Daniel for one reason; They cannot accept the incredible accuracy with which Daniel, through the Holy Spirit, for tells coming events that were fulfilled within and shortly after Daniel's lifespan. The liberal cannot accept this as if true it proves that the bible is truly from God, as only God could exactly predict future events. If the bible is from God, it must be taken literally, and this is something the liberal cannot abide by. If the bible is to be taken literally, much of what they teach and preach is shown as heresy. Due to this they claim that Daniel was written hundreds of years later than it actually was. They claim it was a historical book, not a prophetic book. This claim holds no water in authentic and honest study of the book and the bible.
Daniel prophesies the coming kingdoms after Babylon; Media-Persia, Greece and Rome exactly. All of these were fulfilled before the first advent of Christ. It also prophesies a kingdom that is yet to come, a reformed Roman empire, not as strong as the first, but still with its roots in Rome. Daniel prophecies and pictures the coming of the Antichrist, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. The allegory it uses is easily understood if we use the basic tenet of biblical interpretation, and allow the bible to interpret itself for us. Through historical record and consistency in interpretation, we see the future unfold as if we are reading a newspaper record. Friends, only God can do that.
Daniel is however far more than a prophetic book. In the person of Daniel, we see one of the great men of God to grace the scriptural record. From standing for God and His provision regarding Nebuchadnezzar's will for Daniel and his friends to live the Babylonian life instead of maintaining their Jewish ways; to Daniel's steadfastness in prayer in spite of forthcoming persecution and a trip to the lion's den; to his obedience to the angel Gabriel and the communication of God's will through him, Daniel proves to be faithful, trusting and fully submitted to the True and Living God. He is one of the few men in scripture that no condemning word is spoken of.
The book of Daniel is one of those books that is exciting to study. Understanding of the book of Revelation is impossible without an understanding of the book of Daniel. The practical and prophetic lessons it teaches are inspiring to the Christian walk and enlightening to biblical understanding. If you are one who has never delved into prophecy, Daniel is one of the books to really begin in, as it is a key to unlocking what God is revealing to us, and it is proof that God can indeed for tell future events through it's fulfilled prophecy. But do not get lost in the prophecy, and miss the example that the man Daniel is for us. God does indeed use His prophets to tell us what is coming, but He also uses His men to teach us how we should live. Daniel is one of those incredible, historical men who does both in this vivid, thrilling and practical book.
Daniel, due to it's uncanny prediction of events that have been fulfilled, is one of the more disputed books in the bible. Liberal theologians continually try to disprove Daniel for one reason; They cannot accept the incredible accuracy with which Daniel, through the Holy Spirit, for tells coming events that were fulfilled within and shortly after Daniel's lifespan. The liberal cannot accept this as if true it proves that the bible is truly from God, as only God could exactly predict future events. If the bible is from God, it must be taken literally, and this is something the liberal cannot abide by. If the bible is to be taken literally, much of what they teach and preach is shown as heresy. Due to this they claim that Daniel was written hundreds of years later than it actually was. They claim it was a historical book, not a prophetic book. This claim holds no water in authentic and honest study of the book and the bible.
Daniel prophesies the coming kingdoms after Babylon; Media-Persia, Greece and Rome exactly. All of these were fulfilled before the first advent of Christ. It also prophesies a kingdom that is yet to come, a reformed Roman empire, not as strong as the first, but still with its roots in Rome. Daniel prophecies and pictures the coming of the Antichrist, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. The allegory it uses is easily understood if we use the basic tenet of biblical interpretation, and allow the bible to interpret itself for us. Through historical record and consistency in interpretation, we see the future unfold as if we are reading a newspaper record. Friends, only God can do that.
Daniel is however far more than a prophetic book. In the person of Daniel, we see one of the great men of God to grace the scriptural record. From standing for God and His provision regarding Nebuchadnezzar's will for Daniel and his friends to live the Babylonian life instead of maintaining their Jewish ways; to Daniel's steadfastness in prayer in spite of forthcoming persecution and a trip to the lion's den; to his obedience to the angel Gabriel and the communication of God's will through him, Daniel proves to be faithful, trusting and fully submitted to the True and Living God. He is one of the few men in scripture that no condemning word is spoken of.
The book of Daniel is one of those books that is exciting to study. Understanding of the book of Revelation is impossible without an understanding of the book of Daniel. The practical and prophetic lessons it teaches are inspiring to the Christian walk and enlightening to biblical understanding. If you are one who has never delved into prophecy, Daniel is one of the books to really begin in, as it is a key to unlocking what God is revealing to us, and it is proof that God can indeed for tell future events through it's fulfilled prophecy. But do not get lost in the prophecy, and miss the example that the man Daniel is for us. God does indeed use His prophets to tell us what is coming, but He also uses His men to teach us how we should live. Daniel is one of those incredible, historical men who does both in this vivid, thrilling and practical book.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Why We Should Tithe
I had an interesting conversation with some fellow believers earlier this evening regarding the tithe. The word tithe means a tenth. These believers held the position that the tithe, being commanded in the Law of Moses, was not for the church today. It was a command to the Jewish people to provide for the Levites who held no land and could not feed themselves. This is partially correct, but in actuality according to the law, their were 3 different tithes. One, from Numbers 18:21-32 was given to the Levites; another from Deuteronomy 14:22 was used for the celebration of convocations of worship in the sanctuary; and a third from Deuteronomy 14:28-29 was collected every 3rd year to provide for those in need. But I digress. Is the tithe of the law? The answer to that is yes, and no. You see, the tithe predates the law by nearly a thousand years. So does it apply to us today?
The first place we see the tithe mentioned is in Genesis 14:20. Here we see Abram(later Abraham) tithe. He tithes to Melchizadek, king of Salem, Priest of the God Most High, after winning a victory over his enemy. The second place, also in Genesis, involves Jacob at Bethel in Genesis 28:22 where Jacob offers a tithe to God when he realizes that God "will be with" him in v. 20. So let's take a look at these instances as they are the first place in the bible the tithe is mentioned.
The first thing we notice is that unlike in the law, these tithes were not commanded. They were voluntary and both Abraham and Jacob gladly gave of the tithe. By these gestures we must assume that the tithe was a regular practice involving God. Since the amount by percentage was the same, we can also safely assume that the tithe, a tenth, was the expected amount that was given to God. The fact the tithe, a tenth, is also represented in the law also confirms this. So how does this apply to us?
Well, from Genesis 14 let us move to Hebrews chapters 5, 6 and 7. Hebrews 5:6, quoting Psalm 110:4, and referring to Jesus says, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizadek." Hebrews 6:20 confirms this as it states, "where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizadek." Finally, Hebrews 7:1-3 tells us this; "For this Melchizadek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part(tithe) of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually."
I know, that's alot of scripture, so let me simplify it. This was written so that it would be established that the priesthood of Melchizadek, of which Jesus is of the order, was established as greater than the Levitical priesthood. So how does this apply to tithing? Well, a tithe was given to the Levites. A tithe was also given to Melchizadek. The priesthood of Melchizadek preceded and was greater than the Levitical priesthood. Jesus, of the order of Melchizadek, is our High Priest. So why would we not tithe unto Him?
In Genesis 28 with Jacob this principle of tithing to God is also cemented. Again, it is not commanded, as it was in the law, but both Abraham and Jacob freely and gladly gave a tithe. So the question must be asked: why should we not tithe? I do not believe we are commanded to tithe. I do however believe we should want to tithe from our gratitude and love for God, and that the tithe is expected. It is God who has given us all that we have, surely He is entitled to at least a tenth of it back as firstfruits of what He has blessed us with?
We must understand, a tithe is not to be confused with an offering on which Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. An offering is a gift above the giving of the tithe. The tithe is established as God's standard of what should be returned to Him from those He has given to. It was established prior to the law. It was the standard for God's people prior to the law and as part of the law, why would it not still be His standard today?
While their is no scripture in the New Testament that specifically commands us to tithe, their also is no scripture that says we don't have to tithe. Could it be that the first century church simply knew that the tithe was part of God's economy from the beginning, and did not feel the need to tell us to do something we should know to do anyway? Do we believe that Jesus is any less deserving of a tithe than Melchizadek or than the Levites? We can claim grace as our reason, that we are not bound by the religious elements of the law. But how does the law apply to the scripture we find in Genesis and Hebrews?
Abraham and Jacob clearly felt compelled to tithe, even though they were not commanded to do so. Why do we not feel the same compulsion? Why is it we look for every reason possible to withhold from God what has always been given to Him since He called out peoples unto His name? The average giving in the Southern Baptist Convention last year was 2.3% of the average household income. And while the law does not apply to us, does the warning in Malachi 1 about offering less than our best not apply? Are we robbing God? The tithe in our day is done of our own freewill. But because it is not commanded of us does not mean it is not expected of us. Do we think so little of Jesus that we believe that the grace we are saved by comes without sacrifice on our part? Salvation is a free gift from God. But do we owe Him anything less than our best, given gladly from a heart that seeks to glorify Him? The tithe glorifies God. This is why we should tithe.
The first place we see the tithe mentioned is in Genesis 14:20. Here we see Abram(later Abraham) tithe. He tithes to Melchizadek, king of Salem, Priest of the God Most High, after winning a victory over his enemy. The second place, also in Genesis, involves Jacob at Bethel in Genesis 28:22 where Jacob offers a tithe to God when he realizes that God "will be with" him in v. 20. So let's take a look at these instances as they are the first place in the bible the tithe is mentioned.
The first thing we notice is that unlike in the law, these tithes were not commanded. They were voluntary and both Abraham and Jacob gladly gave of the tithe. By these gestures we must assume that the tithe was a regular practice involving God. Since the amount by percentage was the same, we can also safely assume that the tithe, a tenth, was the expected amount that was given to God. The fact the tithe, a tenth, is also represented in the law also confirms this. So how does this apply to us?
Well, from Genesis 14 let us move to Hebrews chapters 5, 6 and 7. Hebrews 5:6, quoting Psalm 110:4, and referring to Jesus says, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizadek." Hebrews 6:20 confirms this as it states, "where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizadek." Finally, Hebrews 7:1-3 tells us this; "For this Melchizadek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part(tithe) of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually."
I know, that's alot of scripture, so let me simplify it. This was written so that it would be established that the priesthood of Melchizadek, of which Jesus is of the order, was established as greater than the Levitical priesthood. So how does this apply to tithing? Well, a tithe was given to the Levites. A tithe was also given to Melchizadek. The priesthood of Melchizadek preceded and was greater than the Levitical priesthood. Jesus, of the order of Melchizadek, is our High Priest. So why would we not tithe unto Him?
In Genesis 28 with Jacob this principle of tithing to God is also cemented. Again, it is not commanded, as it was in the law, but both Abraham and Jacob freely and gladly gave a tithe. So the question must be asked: why should we not tithe? I do not believe we are commanded to tithe. I do however believe we should want to tithe from our gratitude and love for God, and that the tithe is expected. It is God who has given us all that we have, surely He is entitled to at least a tenth of it back as firstfruits of what He has blessed us with?
We must understand, a tithe is not to be confused with an offering on which Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. An offering is a gift above the giving of the tithe. The tithe is established as God's standard of what should be returned to Him from those He has given to. It was established prior to the law. It was the standard for God's people prior to the law and as part of the law, why would it not still be His standard today?
While their is no scripture in the New Testament that specifically commands us to tithe, their also is no scripture that says we don't have to tithe. Could it be that the first century church simply knew that the tithe was part of God's economy from the beginning, and did not feel the need to tell us to do something we should know to do anyway? Do we believe that Jesus is any less deserving of a tithe than Melchizadek or than the Levites? We can claim grace as our reason, that we are not bound by the religious elements of the law. But how does the law apply to the scripture we find in Genesis and Hebrews?
Abraham and Jacob clearly felt compelled to tithe, even though they were not commanded to do so. Why do we not feel the same compulsion? Why is it we look for every reason possible to withhold from God what has always been given to Him since He called out peoples unto His name? The average giving in the Southern Baptist Convention last year was 2.3% of the average household income. And while the law does not apply to us, does the warning in Malachi 1 about offering less than our best not apply? Are we robbing God? The tithe in our day is done of our own freewill. But because it is not commanded of us does not mean it is not expected of us. Do we think so little of Jesus that we believe that the grace we are saved by comes without sacrifice on our part? Salvation is a free gift from God. But do we owe Him anything less than our best, given gladly from a heart that seeks to glorify Him? The tithe glorifies God. This is why we should tithe.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Are We Still Teachable?
2 Timothy 1:13-14, "Hold fast the pattern of sound doctrine you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ. That good thing that was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us."
The older I get, the more I figure out I don't know, especially in regards to the bible and ministry. This has been especially true these last 3 years as I've served as senior pastor in a church for the first time. I was very sure of myself when I became pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, but since that point, I've found myself learning more than I ever have regarding ministry and the bible. I do not view this as a hindrance in ministry, but rather, a strong asset. You see, it is when we reach a point where we cannot be taught, that we stagnate or backslide in our ministry and faith.
Being teachable is one of the most important traits we can show in our Christian walk. Being humble enough to accept instruction and correction means we are fully walking in the Holy Spirit, as it is arrogance and pride that resists sound instruction or biblical correction, and these are works of the flesh, not fruit of the Spirit. I can say that most every day I learn something new in regards to serving God, and am thankful that there will always be something new to learn. Learning is growth, and growth is the path that all Christians should be on.
Paul's relationship with young ministers like Timothy and Titus is a great example for us. We see in his pastoral letters to these 2 pupils the loving care he has for them. He exhorts them, encourages them, charges them, instructs them, corrects them, rebukes them; Paul loves them, and wishes to impart as much of his knowledge and experience to them as possible. And Timothy and Titus are willing students. They are true disciples, that meaning, learners.
Paul himself learns throughout the course of his ministry. We see Paul grow in his faith as he grows in his humility. Paul begins his ministry considering himself the least of the apostles; later he calls himself the least of all of the saints; at the end of his ministry Paul's view of himself is as the "chief" of all sinners. Paul early in his ministry rejected Mark because he faltered in his charge, but later embraced him, and welcomed him as a partner in ministry. Paul learned and grew throughout his walk with Christ.
Humility, you see, is the key to learning. If we realize we don't have all the answers, we'll seek out others or look to the word to gain instruction and education. It is when pride rears its ugly head that we become unteachable, believing we can ascertain all the answers from within and are unreceptive to instruction and rebukement.
In fact, a mark of being a true disciple of Jesus is a willingness to learn and adapt, to make necessary changes so that we may better serve Him. Look at the accounts of Peter in the gospels, and then read his epistles at the end of his life, and you will see a man who has learned well and applied the lessons. Peter was prideful many times when with Jesus, but through years of trials and tribulations, as he experienced things and the truth was revealed to him, he grew into a mighty man of God.
Teaching and learning are 2 of the most important traits the bible teaches us a person who follows Christ will exhibit. We cannot be a teacher, until we have first learned. We also cannot stay a teacher, if we lose the desire to learn, or are simply unwilling to do so. So an important question we must ask of ourselves, is are we still teachable? Are we willing to regularly examine ourselves and see what is solid and what is not? Then, are we willing to seek answers and initiate change that is needed. Being teachable is essential to serving Christ and Him getting the glory from our lives. Their is no excuse for the Christian not learning and applying new things practically daily. The knowledge and wisdom of God is there for us through the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to listen and learn? Are we still teachable?
The older I get, the more I figure out I don't know, especially in regards to the bible and ministry. This has been especially true these last 3 years as I've served as senior pastor in a church for the first time. I was very sure of myself when I became pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, but since that point, I've found myself learning more than I ever have regarding ministry and the bible. I do not view this as a hindrance in ministry, but rather, a strong asset. You see, it is when we reach a point where we cannot be taught, that we stagnate or backslide in our ministry and faith.
Being teachable is one of the most important traits we can show in our Christian walk. Being humble enough to accept instruction and correction means we are fully walking in the Holy Spirit, as it is arrogance and pride that resists sound instruction or biblical correction, and these are works of the flesh, not fruit of the Spirit. I can say that most every day I learn something new in regards to serving God, and am thankful that there will always be something new to learn. Learning is growth, and growth is the path that all Christians should be on.
Paul's relationship with young ministers like Timothy and Titus is a great example for us. We see in his pastoral letters to these 2 pupils the loving care he has for them. He exhorts them, encourages them, charges them, instructs them, corrects them, rebukes them; Paul loves them, and wishes to impart as much of his knowledge and experience to them as possible. And Timothy and Titus are willing students. They are true disciples, that meaning, learners.
Paul himself learns throughout the course of his ministry. We see Paul grow in his faith as he grows in his humility. Paul begins his ministry considering himself the least of the apostles; later he calls himself the least of all of the saints; at the end of his ministry Paul's view of himself is as the "chief" of all sinners. Paul early in his ministry rejected Mark because he faltered in his charge, but later embraced him, and welcomed him as a partner in ministry. Paul learned and grew throughout his walk with Christ.
Humility, you see, is the key to learning. If we realize we don't have all the answers, we'll seek out others or look to the word to gain instruction and education. It is when pride rears its ugly head that we become unteachable, believing we can ascertain all the answers from within and are unreceptive to instruction and rebukement.
In fact, a mark of being a true disciple of Jesus is a willingness to learn and adapt, to make necessary changes so that we may better serve Him. Look at the accounts of Peter in the gospels, and then read his epistles at the end of his life, and you will see a man who has learned well and applied the lessons. Peter was prideful many times when with Jesus, but through years of trials and tribulations, as he experienced things and the truth was revealed to him, he grew into a mighty man of God.
Teaching and learning are 2 of the most important traits the bible teaches us a person who follows Christ will exhibit. We cannot be a teacher, until we have first learned. We also cannot stay a teacher, if we lose the desire to learn, or are simply unwilling to do so. So an important question we must ask of ourselves, is are we still teachable? Are we willing to regularly examine ourselves and see what is solid and what is not? Then, are we willing to seek answers and initiate change that is needed. Being teachable is essential to serving Christ and Him getting the glory from our lives. Their is no excuse for the Christian not learning and applying new things practically daily. The knowledge and wisdom of God is there for us through the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to listen and learn? Are we still teachable?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
God With Us
Matthew 1:23, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us."
Have you taken the time in this Christmas season to consider the immensity of this statement? Us. Fallen man. Born into sin. Separated from God by it. Yet God; Jesus; Savior; willfully and joyfully chose to take on the form of us. To leave the glories and riches of heaven, and dwell in a lost world that would hate Him and kill Him. To sacrifice Himself so that through Him we could be restored to a right relationship with God.
Supernaturally conceived and born of a virgin, God comes to us in the flesh, not as a conqueror, not as a king, but as a baby just as you and I came into this world. Nursed and nurtured by a mother, just as us; under the authority of parents, just as us; earning His living through a trade, in Jesus's case, carpentry, just as us. Creator and sustainer of the universe, dwelling with us, as one of us.
He did not demand worship, as other "gods" do, He asked us to worship the Father. He did not do His own will, though He could have, He submitted to the will of the Father. He lived sinless in a sin filled world; fulfilled the law so that we should not be judged by it; offered Himself as a "ransom for many," for "whosoever shall believe."
"God with us," brought about God in us, in the person of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who testifies only of Him; teaches us of His word and ways; convicts us of our sin so that we may be granted repentance; counsels us and comforts us in times of need and trial; empowers us to be His witness; gives us words when we lack them; groans on our behalf when we pray. "God with us" brings us a new birth as a "new creation" through faith in Him.
"God with us." God in us. God for us. "For if God is for us, who can be against us?" For us as our intercessor, to speak on our behalf to the Father; for us as our advocate, to defend us from the accusations of the enemy; for us as our "rock" and our "shield," our "buckler" and "fortress." Never to leave us or forsake us.
Immanuel! Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! "Of His government and peace there will be no end." O' what a blessing! O' what a miracle! O' what love! O' what grace and mercy! Do you recognize the enormity of this? Do you know this Jesus we celebrate? Do you know that Christ is Christmas?
If you do not, ask yourself this. Are you a sinner? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever lied? Blasphemed God? If so, you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Forgiveness that only comes through faith in Him. Through His blood, shed on the cross. It is a faith that resides in the heart, not just the head. A faith that even though we cannot see, we believe. Jesus tells us that "no man comes to the Father except through Him." Do you know Him as Savior of your soul? Lord of your life? If you do not know Him in this way; admit you are a sinner to Him, and confess your sins; ask Jesus to save you; repent, turn from your sins as you turn to Him; learn and practice His word; live in obedience to the only One who can save. Do you know Jesus this way? You can, through a belief that results in you following Him. Do so now! Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Have you taken the time in this Christmas season to consider the immensity of this statement? Us. Fallen man. Born into sin. Separated from God by it. Yet God; Jesus; Savior; willfully and joyfully chose to take on the form of us. To leave the glories and riches of heaven, and dwell in a lost world that would hate Him and kill Him. To sacrifice Himself so that through Him we could be restored to a right relationship with God.
Supernaturally conceived and born of a virgin, God comes to us in the flesh, not as a conqueror, not as a king, but as a baby just as you and I came into this world. Nursed and nurtured by a mother, just as us; under the authority of parents, just as us; earning His living through a trade, in Jesus's case, carpentry, just as us. Creator and sustainer of the universe, dwelling with us, as one of us.
He did not demand worship, as other "gods" do, He asked us to worship the Father. He did not do His own will, though He could have, He submitted to the will of the Father. He lived sinless in a sin filled world; fulfilled the law so that we should not be judged by it; offered Himself as a "ransom for many," for "whosoever shall believe."
"God with us," brought about God in us, in the person of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who testifies only of Him; teaches us of His word and ways; convicts us of our sin so that we may be granted repentance; counsels us and comforts us in times of need and trial; empowers us to be His witness; gives us words when we lack them; groans on our behalf when we pray. "God with us" brings us a new birth as a "new creation" through faith in Him.
"God with us." God in us. God for us. "For if God is for us, who can be against us?" For us as our intercessor, to speak on our behalf to the Father; for us as our advocate, to defend us from the accusations of the enemy; for us as our "rock" and our "shield," our "buckler" and "fortress." Never to leave us or forsake us.
Immanuel! Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! "Of His government and peace there will be no end." O' what a blessing! O' what a miracle! O' what love! O' what grace and mercy! Do you recognize the enormity of this? Do you know this Jesus we celebrate? Do you know that Christ is Christmas?
If you do not, ask yourself this. Are you a sinner? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever lied? Blasphemed God? If so, you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Forgiveness that only comes through faith in Him. Through His blood, shed on the cross. It is a faith that resides in the heart, not just the head. A faith that even though we cannot see, we believe. Jesus tells us that "no man comes to the Father except through Him." Do you know Him as Savior of your soul? Lord of your life? If you do not know Him in this way; admit you are a sinner to Him, and confess your sins; ask Jesus to save you; repent, turn from your sins as you turn to Him; learn and practice His word; live in obedience to the only One who can save. Do you know Jesus this way? You can, through a belief that results in you following Him. Do so now! Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
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