Leaning Towards Extremes Pt. 1

The Bible calls us to be temperate (showing moderation in action, thought, or feeling. Not to be confused with the unappealing, indifferent, luke-warmness of Rev 3:16.) However, we often lean towards extremes. As far as how we approach God’s word and our service to Him, we’re usually either liberalistic or legalistic. LAW: • Taken together, the first five books of the Old Testament, and books of the prophets (both major and minor) make up the entire Old Testament, and designate the law. Jesus plainly said that he wasn’t abolishing the law, but was fulfilling them (in the sense that he gave them their full meaning). He purposed to emphasize the deep underlying principles of what it was intended to teach. He wanted to make it known that a total commitment to them was necessary, meaning a commitment at heart, not just mere external knowledge and obedience (from NIV note on Mt 5:17, 18). This was particularly impactful because believers, then and now, find that a mere acknowledgement of the dos and don’ts of God’s word reduces them to rules that they’re not able to follow in every instance of their lives. Jesus’ focus was on the faith that it takes to accept the free gift of salvation, the same faith that works continuous change in the everyday life of a believer and results in obedience to His word, which is the Holy Bible. • While Jesus affirms the continuing authority of the law, people again -in an attempt to make invalid what doesn’t appeal to them- try to validate the spoken word (red letters) of our God in the flesh, Jesus, as the only word of God. However, the Bible is clear that Jesus has been speaking since the beginning, before he was born human, made to walk the earth (1Jn 1:1, 2, 14). The Holy Bible in John 1:17 speaks of God’s will being brought about by two individuals (Moses and Jesus Christ), with two methods (law and grace), and one goal (to glorify God). So, the Old and New Testaments could never oppose one another because they both speak of who God is (holy). In Luke 16:17, Jesus makes it clear that his word includes the Old Testament, and that none of it will pass away, not one pen stroke (Mt 24:35; Lk 21:33). He’s emphatic. The entire Holy Bible is the law of God! All scripture is God-breathed, and was useful then and is useful today (2Ti 3:16). • Jesus summarized the law (or God’s commandments) as the law to love, saying, ‘Love the Lord with all that you have, and love everyone as you love yourself’ (Mt 7:12; Mk 12:30, 31, my paraphrasing; 1Jn 4:8). LEGALISM: • legalism – n. 1. strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code • Jesus directed a ‘woe’ (an expression of sorrow, misfortune, suffering, calamity, regret) at the very people who should’ve known better and been opening people’s minds concerning the law. But instead they obscured their understanding with faulty interpretation and an erroneous (mistaken, wandering) system of theology (Instead of following the Word and seeking God for an understanding of it, they made up stuff as they went along!). They kept themselves and the people in ignorance of the way of salvation, or as Matthew’s account puts it, they “shut the kingdom of heaven on men’s faces” (from Zondervan NIV Study Bible note on Lk 11:52). And the same woe applies to us today, if we choose to follow their example. • In the previously mentioned ‘Seven Woes’ of Jesus, he condemned this legalism as hypocrisy that misleads, particularly the hypocrisy of those who should’ve been, and claimed to be, learned –and the Bible calls us all to be learned (Mt 23:13; 2Ti 2:15). • Hypocritical legalism burdens us with rules prescribed by people who don’t even practice what they preach. But do so for the purpose of putting on airs to make a show of religion in order to be approved by man, not to glorify God (Mt 23:3-7). • By definition alone legalism (strict, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious moral code; m-w.com) isn’t wrong because the Lord commands us to be holy (perfect in goodness and righteousness; devoted entirely to God; m-w.com). Jesus himself was commended for what can be interpreted as legalism. After all he did live a perfect sinless life (He 4:15). But in his ‘Seven Woes’, Jesus wasn’t referring to a sincere desire to please God by following His word when he spoke of legalism, but a warped distorting of scripture based on faulty motives. Yes God wants us to be holy, as He is, but understand that we cannot become holy under our own power and merit. As co-laborers with the Lord, we do our best to conform to the Word, but ultimately entrust Him to enable us where we’re lacking, and to bring about an inward change that produces obedience when we walk with faith in the Holy Bible (Lev 11:44; 1Pe 1:16; 1Co 3:9; 2Co 5:17; Ro 12:2). God would be unjust if he commanded us to do what we can’t (Ps 9:16; 1Co 10:13; Jas 4:7). LIBERALISM: • liberalism – n. 2.a. a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity TEMPERANCE: • Synonymous, or nearly synonymous, to temperance are: self-control ( – n. exercising restraint over one’s actions, emotions, or desires), moderate (– adj. avoiding extremes: level-headed, rational, reasonable, sensible), disciplined, even-tempered, restrained, controlled, deliberate. • Paul writes that temperance must be taught and encouraged to set the right moral and spiritual example, among the unsaved especially (Tit 2:1-8). • Temperance is to be acquired through effort (2Pe 1:6). A Christian’s knowledge of God should affect the way they live. It doesn’t set us free from being morally restrained, as the heretics (specifically Gnostics) of the time of the New Testament church taught. Rather, it produces holiness and all such virtues (Zondervan, 2Pe 1:8; see also Lev 20:26; 1Pe 1:16). • Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and is evident in a person who lives ‘in step’ with the Spirit (Gal 5:23, 25). • Self-discipline is God-given (2Ti 1:7). It’s the mark of a person who is confident in the Lord, his teaching, his power, and his promises. Children of God are not fearful, timid, shrinking, cowards, led by their flesh (opinions and feelings), but they are full of faith, trusting in Him! • In light of Christ’s return, Paul encourages us to be alert, even-tempered, and knowledgeable of the Lord’s ways; not like the ‘sleeping’ and spiritually insensitive (1Pe 4:7; 1Th 5:6, 8). • A person lacking temperance is ripe for the picking, ready to be devoured by the roaring lion: Satan (1Pe 5:8). • An ill-tempered person -a person who lacks self-control- is regarded as godless (2Ti 3:1-4). We know that we’re to be controlled by nothing, but the Holy Spirit (Ro 6:16; Gal 5:16, 18, 25; 2Pe 2:19). God made us to have emotions –as He does, but our emotions aren’t to have us (Pr 25:28; 29:11; Isa 5:25; Col 3:20). The Lord certainly approves of diligence, fervency, and zeal in service to Him (Ro 12:11; Jas 5:16; Heb 6:11; 1Ti 4:15). But lack of self-control or lack of temperance? Not so much. God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1Co 14:33). The church has often experienced popular shifts in her approach to serving the Lord. In years past, Christianity was stuffy, strict, calloused, cold, and very legalistic, which has caused a backlash and equally extreme shift to the anything-goes, let’s-keep-up-with-the-world liberalistic approach of today. The teaching of the Bible is best understood as a whole, with all parts coinciding and validating each other in proper context, with proper motive. It’s a lack of proper context or motive that causes the leaning towards extremes. Worship that’s pleasing to God is a view that recognizes the big picture while not neglecting the details, and recognizes the details while not neglecting the big picture, all with a spirit to ultimately glorify God. Satan has convinced many to accept the parts of the Bible that are appealing and reject parts that aren’t. It’s the love of God, and his (entire) Word, which causes the true believer to develop a determined mindset to conform to the Holy Bible, regardless of where their flesh might attempt to lead them. Their relationship with the Lord begins and ends with complete trust in Him. But for the legalist, the fear of Satan and his suggestions, as well as pride in their own opinion, and reliance in the flesh, causes an undue need for them to control themselves -when they don’t have that ability outside of Christ, and control others -which they have neither the right nor ability to do. And for the liberalist, fear of certain, impending judgment, a desire to be like the world, and pride in their own opinion causes them to embrace an impotent, watered-down religion that appears to appease the conscience. Whichever way we may be inclined to lean, we have to be careful not try to press people into the mold of our opinion. We’ll ultimately be judged by God, not man’s interpretation of who God is (Jer 29:12,13; Mt 7:7, 21; 2Co 5:10; Gal 6:7, 8; 2Ti 3:16). The ‘law’ means different things, depending on context, in the Bible. In a broad sense, the law is the entire Word of God, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. In a more narrow sense, the law is the Mosaic and Levitical law of the Old Testament. There’s much dispute over what parts apply to New Testament worshippers. There are parts of the New Testament that explicitly echo those of the Old Testament, and others negate the necessity of strict adherence in favor of the general law to love. My advice is to be led by the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit, and understand the difference between Spirit given revelations intended for all believers, Spirit given revelations intended for your congregation, and Sprit given revelations intended for yourself. Preachers especially, not everything the Lord gives you is intended for the body, as passionately as you may feel about them. We don’t have to fast every time the Lord leads you to. What the Lord gives you to act on is no less relevant if no one else is with you. Some journeys are intended for just you and God. The desire to have validation from man is also the cause of so many disputes. Really, what other co-sign do you need that the Lord’s? The truth (of God’s word or your personal revelation) stands on its own. The Bible warns us against being divisive and quarrelling about disputable matters (Ro 14:1; Tit 3:9-11). God made us all individuals, with individual opinions, preferences, experiences, gifts, etc. who are intended to be -and can only be- united through Him (1Co 1:10; 12:12-27; Gal 3:26-29; Eph 4:1-6).

The Lord Will

By faith, I believe that the Lord will _______ for me. One day he will show his favor and take away my disgrace among the people. (see Luke 1:25)

I'm still here!

This is my first attempt at posting a photo. Let's see how it goes. A picture of a draft of an essay post. I am still working on it. Slowly, but surely. (Remember though, the Watches of the Night Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Watches-of-the-Night/155430494508355, serves as a companion, where I've been posting as well.)

Scoffers and Mockers, and such

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (2Pe 3:3) The opposite of those who love and revere the Lord and his ways are those who lack respect, ridicule, mock, show an offensive attitude towards God, and regard as inferior his way, his Word, his people, and so on. They are called scoffers, mockers, the haughty, arrogant, contemptuous, and disdainful. They defy, challenge, and make fun of God and his church. They willfully and persistently reject and dismiss Him and look at his way as unworthy through derisive acts and language. And the Bible warns us that society will become more and more permissive towards blatant disrespect towards God. We see this, people becoming emboldened by a tolerance towards showing contempt to the Lord. The average person today will more readily defend worldly ways than God’s because of their acceptance of Satan’s lie that says that God’s ways are foolish and outdated. It’s pride that keeps many from standing for the Lord, because who wants to be looked at as ignorant? But the Lord is clear when he tells us that his Word is the only thing that’s lasting (Mt 24:35). God’s word is perpetually current and always up-to-date! I’ve recently experienced two -on separate occasions on one morning (one direct and hostile, the other crafty and sneering) - unbeliever’s claim that I’m arrogant or prideful for echoing John 14:6’s declaration that Jesus is the only way to God. And I’m sure that many Christians can relate to this. Psalm 119:21 however, defines the arrogant as those who do not conform, or who stray from, God’s Word or commands (Ps 10:4; Pr 10:8; 14:9). The NIV study Bible note on that verse further defines the arrogant as those who are a law unto themselves. They basically convince themselves of what’s right. These two who’d claimed to believe in God, but also scoffed at my assertion that going through Jesus is not merely one way, but the only way to have a relationship with the Father, they also admitted –one outright, and the other unknowingly- that not only do they not truly believe in God by their rejection of this fact, but that they basically practice the hedonistic religion of worshipping self. Their only standard is themselves and what they desire. This is foolish and dangerous (Isa 5:21; 2Co 10:12)! God is the divine Creator, and everything else is merely a creation, and that includes mankind (Jn 1:1). For a person to wrongly credit man or manmade religions for a sense of morality (i.e. don’t steal, cheat on your spouse, or murder [Ex 20:13-15]) based in God’s word is to show irreverence towards God. There is no morality outside of God’s Way. Give credit where it is due. God is deserving of ALL glory! So that there’s no misunderstanding, I didn’t argue with either of these people, as much as they may’ve wanted to. But for me, it was nothing more than a conversation and a personal testimony (Tit 3:9-11; 1Co 14:33; 1Pe 3:15, 16). I do hope that I didn’t play any part anything that would end up being pointless or fruitless (2Ti 2:14-16). My intention was to plant a seed of God’s word, not to harm. I can honestly say that it was done in the Spirit of love. As I think back on that morning though and I hold the situation up to biblical teachings, I can see that it was my responsibility to cut it short, as it became evident that they were combative and fault-finding (Pr 9:7-9; 2Ti 1:7; Eph 6:12). We live and we learn. But now I know. When ridiculed for your belief, just understand that this is a fact of life for a child of God (1Sa 8:7; Jn 15:18, 19). And we should be encouraged because we’re blessed when we suffer these things for living for Christ (Mt 5:11). We should live joyfully, with our own redemption in mind, desiring the same for the unbeliever (Mt 5:44; Eph 4:15; 1Pe 3:9, 13-16; 2Pe 3:9). Know that the underlying cause of a contemptuous attitude towards God, his word, his people, and his way is deceit. Mockers have chosen to believe the Deceiver’s lie over God’s truth when presented with it (Ps 1:1; Pr 9:12; 14:6; Isa 5:20, 21). No one is hopeless. However, scripture shows that a life characterized by constant denial of the truth and an insistence on living outside of the knowledge of God -which is found in His Word- results in the Lord justifiably allowing that person what they wish, and turning them over to their determined mindset (Ps 81:11,12; Pr 19:29; Ro 1:24-31;2Th 2:10,11). And when the Lord acts, no one can reverse it, but the Lord (Isa 43:13). God’s word is absolute truth, so consequently deviations form it are untruths. What the believer has allowed the Lord to define for them, the world chooses their warped perception of those truths. And for the more mature child of God, often times, these lies are so very clearly in direct opposition to God’s word (Ro 12:2; 12Ti2:15). Although people often fool others, and even go so far as fooling themselves, they cannot fool the All-Knowing (Heb 4:13). God responds to truth and sincerity (Jer 29:13; Jn 4:24; Jas 1:6, 7;4:2, 3). A faithless prayer -in a manner of speaking- will not ascend to the ears of the Lord. We must, at least, know in our hearts that He exists and that He will respond to our faith when we come to Him (Ro 1:20; Heb 11:1, 6). Do not be deceived people, by others, and surely not yourself. Ultimately, God cannot, in any way, be mocked. Individuals will surely reap what they sow (Gal 6:7).

Deeply Rooted

The Holy Spirit showed me something, as I was down on myself and questioning God. The fact that I'm even going to God and sitting in front of an open Bible is evidence of strong, deep roots. The seed of God's word has been planted in my heart and nurtured. And as storms come, and I endure stripped, split, and broken branches, the roots remain in tact! And to the glory of God, I WILL bear fruit in due season! (see Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8; Mt 13:3-9)

Child-ship

The Bible often takes the masculine preference in referring to children of God, and uses the word ‘son’, but the term refers to both male and female believers.  There was significance in the biblical choice to often refer to children of God as sons because of the common understanding of the relationship between a father and son in those times.  In many cultures these days, a child is a child.  But in biblical times children, particularly sons, and especially first-born sons, bared much of the responsibilities and rights of the family.  To say you were a child of someone (especially the head of the family, the father) was to signify shared characteristics, power, and responsibilities of him or her.  That is why there was such outrage at Jesus’ claim of being the Son of God (Jn 10:31-33).  He was literally saying he was a piece of a God -a chip off the old block- with all of the rights and privileges of God and his kingdom (household)!     

 

 

1. God created and loves everyone…

We were all lovingly created by God and for his purpose.  He’s further shown his love to us by giving us the opportunity to be a part of his family. (Col 1:16; Jn 3:16; Ro 5:8; 9:8; Eph 2:10)

2. …but not all are children of God.

Those who have not accepted the gift of salvation, through Christ, those who choose to live a life of sin, willingly living a life disobedient to God’s word, satisfying the sinful nature are not.

(Eph 2:1-3; Jas 4:4)

3. And everyone’s a child to someone.

(1Jn 3:8; Jn 8:42-47)

4. But what does it take to be a child of God?

Again, our mere existence is not proof of being a child of God.  God is spirit, and we have relationship with him in spirit.  When we receive his gift of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, we are part of his family.  

(Gal 4:4-7; Jn 3:6; 4:24; Ro 10:9; Gal 3:26-27; Jn 1:12; Eph 1:4-5; 2:8-9)

5.      What are the privileges?

We have the right to call God Father!  We have the right to go to him as a child does to their father!  We are heirs of God and co-heirs through Christ, inheriting all that is his and sharing in his glory!

(Ro 8:15-17; Gal 4:6; Eph 2:5-7)

 

6. Responsibilities?

Even if we’re not crucified, suffering is characteristic of those who belong to God.  And Jesus even goes so far as to say that we’re blessed when we are.  Persecution and alienation for Jesus’ sake is evidence that we are children of God.  We also, have the responsibility of maturing spiritually and setting ourselves apart from the ways of the world (sanctification).

(Mt 5:11-12; 2Ti 3:12; 1Pe 1:13-17; Jas 1:2-4; 1Jn 3:3) 

7. Characteristics?

To be a child of God is to be an imitator of Him and his Son.  We show ourselves to be a child of God when we obey him.  Children of God bear godly fruit.  When we are the Lord’s children we have a relationship with him.   

(Mt 22;34-40; Lk 6:43-45; Jn 10:25-30; 14:15; 1Jn 4:8; 1Co 13:4-13; Gal 5:16-26)

 

 

Outcasts

If we’re to decisively, convincingly, truly, effectively serve the Lord as he’s called us to do, we must be comfortable -to some extent- with being different, or at least understand that those who belong to Him are.

It’s not that we should disassociate ourselves from those who displease or who are different from us, or live the life of a hermit.  But we must be prepared to stand even if it’s only with a few (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Heb 13:5). 

• On a very basic level, outcasts are people who are despised and refused acceptance for one reason or another (m-w.com).  Exclusion of others is usually based on their failure to conform to what’s considered normal or desirable to an individual or group of individuals -or even perceived nonconformity.  In the Bible, outcasts are identified as those with limited ability, power, or perspective.  Examples are aliens or sojourners (foreign immigrants who were subject to their host nation’s laws, language, and customs, which they probably weren’t familiar with), the fatherless and widows (who were then -and are now, in some cultures- basically helpless without the headship, provision and protection of a man), the deaf and blind, children, and unbelievers (Ex 22:21; Le 19:14; Ps 146:9; Pr 23:10-11; Mt 19:13-14; Lk 15:1-7; Jude 1:22-23). 
• The world views Christians as outcasts, having limited ability, power, perspective, and intelligence (1Co 1:18; 2Pe 2:19).  However, believers are set apart for service, and with the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word, we’re to further sanctify and mature ourselves spiritually (Ro 12:2; Php 2:12; 2Ti 2:15; 1Pe 3:15).  I believe honest, self-examination, and study of God’s word are two of the greatest keys in furthering sanctification.  The ‘laws of justice and mercy’ in Exodus chapter 23 is an example of how the Lord has established His kingdom in the hearts of the believer (The Lord’s prayer serves as an example of prayer.  His kingdom has already come; see Lk 17:21).  Here, part of sanctifying ourselves as children of the Lord includes not:  gossiping, following the crowd (in doing wrong), showing favoritism, accepting bribes, etc.  
• Make no mistake about it.  If you’re a believer, you will be persecuted (Mt 5:11; 10:22; 2Ti 3:12).  The world excludes Christians because we’re different.  Although uncomfortable, this is something we should take joy in (Lk 6:22-23)!  Suffering isn’t evidence of wrongdoing -as the world would have you believe.  On the contrary.  It may very well be a sign that you’re doing right (1Pe 3:13-17).  We’re aliens, sojourners (1Pe 2:11).  Our citizenship is in heaven, so it’s no surprise that our ways, motivations, attitudes, behavior, etc. are looked upon scornfully (Lk 22:26; Ro 12:2).  
• The Lord will stand for you if you stand for Him (Mt 10:32-33; Ac 7:54-56).  It takes faith to follow God’s word because in the natural it makes no sense (Mt 20:16; Not to be taken literally and in every situation, but many reversals will occur on Judgment Day; see Isa 55:8; Mt 23:11-12).  We’re not to rely completely on the senses.  When the Bible extends past our understanding we should still be found standing on the Bible.  We are to trust Him.
• We’re to appeal to outcasts and care for them.  In doing this, we show reverence to God and identify ourselves as His children (Lev 24:2).  It’s our job, as believers, to ensure that those who may be considered outcasts aren’t.  Regardless of our position in life, we all know -or have known- what it’s like to be on the outside looking in (Ex 23:9; Jn 15:15; 1Pe 2:9-10).   Although He’s not a respecter of person, we serve a God who cares for, and is the Defender, of the lost, grieving, poor, etc. (Ac 10:34-35; Ro 2:11).  He’s God to all, and Father to the born again.  We’re to be godly, so to care for those whom God cares about is proof that we belong to Him (Mt 18:10-14; 22:39; 25:45; 2Pe 3:9). 

Just a thought; we know that Jesus, while he walked the earth, was fully God and fully man.  But I think it says a lot for him not to even express displeasure when Peter denied him or Judas betrayed him.  I’m sure he saw it coming being God, but I wouldn’t doubt that he was grieved to an extent also.  I’m sure we all know people who have ways that sadden, but don’t surprise us.  We ourselves are sometimes that person, even in our best intentions.

Also, I’m reminded of the scripture that tells us that the student cannot be above the teacher.  Just look at what Jesus, and the martyrs endured.  Regardless of how things sometimes seem though, we should have the faith to believe that God is faithful, and we -like them- will be ultimately and eternally rewarded.

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

Watches of the Night Blog celebrates a bithday today!