Favor Is Fair!

            The saying ‘favor isn’t fair’, irritates me so much. 

In regards to favor from God, to say so is to imply that God isn’t fair or just.  And surely we know better.  What the statement references is grace specifically, which is defined as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification (m-w.com).  But the thing about ‘favor ain’t fair’ is that it could mislead those who don’t know better. 

fair - adj. 6.a. marked by impartiality and honesty;  free from self-interest, prejudice or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with>; just; unbiased

favor - n. 1.a. friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior

favoritism - n. 1. The showing of special favor; partiality     (m-w.com)

Peter said in Acts 10:34-35, ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’  And if we are to be godly, we aren’t to show favoritism either (Jas 2:1,8-9,13; Ex 23:3; Job 34:16-19; Ro 2:11; Col 3:25; 1Tim 5:21; 1Pe 1:17).  God doesn’t favor individuals because of their station in life, their nationality or their material possessions, or any other worldly, passing trait.  For God -or us- to discriminate based on these factors would mean judging with ill intent, and goes against the law of love (Jas 2:4; Mt 22:37-40; 1Jn 4:8).  God used whoever he wanted to spread his message and show himself to be a respecter of no particular person:  youth, women, blind, sick, thieves, prostitutes, the dead, etc. (1Sam 17:42-51; Jn 4:1-42; Jn 9; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 23:32-43; Jos 2; Jn 11:38-44).  God does, however, respect character and judge work (NIV study Bible note on Ac 10:34)(Isa 64:5; Eph 2:8-9; Ro 10:9). 

As far as I know, favor from God is dependent on two criteria: 

Based on scripture, favor is shown to those who have met a certain requirement.  God responds to what we do, not who we are (1Sa 2:30).  And based on experience and observation, the previously mentioned grace may also be granted based on what a person is to become, regardless to what they currently are. (Pr 3:34; Isa 26:10.) 

Ez 33:12-16 warns the righteous not to rely on their righteousness and encourages the wicked to become righteous; this Old Testament text does not refer to redemption through Christ, but does affirm that one who turns from their evil ways can live, just as the Word states that (unrepented) sin results in death (Ro 6:23; 10:9) 

How God balances grace, mercy, blessings, and judgment in the right measure at the right time is something man cannot even fathom, because He operates in the divine wisdom of a being that has all knowledge.  His knowledge isn’t limited by perspective because He’s infinite and omniscient (1Ki 8:22-27; Heb 4:13).  He always has been, and always will be everywhere at all times.  He isn’t hindered by corruption because he’s absolutely just, holy, and right, and has need of nothing (Dt 10:17). 

Out of all of our confusion, we should understand that whatever God says, is.  He said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was (Ge 1:3).  He says, ‘Let Mr. Jones be blessed’, and although I don’t deserve it, I am!  My worthiness ceases to be an issue once God has made His decision.  (One might argue that a person’s ‘blessings’ serve as validation.  But we cannot be deceived by what may appear to be a blessing though.  It would be wise to discern whether a person has been blessed by God for doing things His way or has succeeded in their own way [Ps 37:7].)          

Lawful Judgement

On the subject of judgment, I’m sure you’ve heard -like I’ve heard- Matthew 7:1 quoted countless times (“Judge not, that ye be not judged”), often a misuse of the Word out of a fear of conviction (Jn 3:20).  Personally, I’ve always despised the ‘everything’s alright’ attitude, and viewed the lack of accountability associated with it as cowardly.  Of course, the hypocrisy in scolding someone for what is viewed as judgment is that the person scolding is an act of judgment. Also, forming a positive opinion -if misappropriated- is just as judgmental as forming a negative opinion (Isa 5:20-21).  It can be just as damaging.  Surely, hypocritical, perverse judgment and acting in fear is contrary to everything the Bible teaches us. 

The Bible tells us, in fact, that this God-breathed word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Ti 3:16; Lk 6:45).  Let’s be clear:  Speaking God’s word, in a spirit of love, with the purpose of teaching rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is not judgment on the part of the one speaking.  If there be any judgment made after the Word is spoken, then it’s by the Word, not the person speajking the Word.  The individual chooses to make biblical scripture either a cornerstone or stumbling block (1 Pe 2:7-8).    

Understanding leads to discernment, which is a form of judgment. 

understand - (trans. v.) 1.a. to grasp the meaning of  b. to be thoroughly familiar with the character and the propensities of  2. to accept as a fact or truth or to regard as plausible without utter certainty

discern - (v.) to separate, distinguish between  (trans. v.) 2. to recognize or identify as separate and distinct; discriminate <discern right from wrong> :  to see or understand the difference

judge – (trans. v.) 1. to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing premises  2. to sit in judgment on; try  4. govern, rule – used of a Hebrew tribal leader  5. to form an estimate or evaluation of; especially to form a negative opinion about  8. to hold as an opinion

We see in scripture that God wants us to have understanding and discernment (1Jn 4:1).  God places the importance of godly wisdom and understanding so high that we’re to obtain it, even if it costs us everything! (Pr 4:7; 3:5-6; 2:6)  Solomon was commended and rewarded for asking for a discerning heart for the purpose of leading God’s people correctly (1Ki 3:9-15; Kings, leaders, and judges are synonymous.  In this context of leadership -which all Christians are, in one way or another- the first, second, and fourth definitions of the word ‘judge’ apply.)  The entire book of Proverbs is basically God’s plea to the individual to gain knowledge, understanding, discernment, wisdom, and good judgment (Pr 1:5; 8:9; 10:13; 14:6).  It’s for us to understand what’s right, just and fair (Pr 2:9; Ro 12:2).  Without it, there is no sanctification for the believer, hope for the sinner, or glorification to our Master.  Without this understanding how can we be good stewards over the things God has entrusted to us:  jobs, children, money, and our very lives?  Jesus even gives us one basis for excommunication in Matthew 18:15-20, which is , no doubt, be an act of judgement.  How can we be the light to a dying world if we don’t distinguish right from wrong as scripture itself does? 

So, what does it mean when Jesus tells us not to judge? Verse 1 in Matthew chapter seven is the first in a lesson by Jesus on judgment that numbers to verse 6.  Unfortunately though, verse 1 is often used out of context, so the meaning is lost.  He goes on to explain that one can’t judge properly, wisely, or fairly if they are judging hypocritically.  You know?  Get right, so you can see right.  True indeed, no one's perfect, but a repentant, spiritually mature individual who has a heart to do things God’s way (according to the Word) is equipped to make sound judgment.     

(Suggested reading:  ‘Is It Right to Judge?’ by:  James L. Melton at www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Judging.html)

Unforgivingness Denies Justice

Looking at 1 John 1:9 not too long ago, the Spirit gave me more incite on the necessity of forgiveness, and it’s that forgiveness is just. 

The definition of forgive (trans. v.) is (1.a.) to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgive an insult> (b.) to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt> (2.) to cease to feel resentment against (an offender); pardon <forgive one’s debt>; excuse.  

So, while studying the subject, I came up with some key points concerning forgiveness/unforgivingness:

1. Withholding forgiveness is unjust.  Forgiveness isn’t simply a nice thing to do; it’s the right thing to do. (1Jn1:9)
2. God commands us to forgive.  It is not a request. Although God’s forgiveness is conditional (It’s offered to all, but we must ask for it and repent.), we’re to forgive unconditionally. (2Ch 7:14)
3. God forgives and we are to be like God. (Col 3:13)
4. There are some things that are just reserved for God, who has infinite wisdom.  Vengeance, favor, and withholding forgiveness are some of those things.  God knows best when, and at what measure to dole out blessings and punishment.  We do not. (1Sam 2:30; 2 Ki 22:17-20; Mt 18:21-22; Lk 6:37; Ro 2:11; 12:19; Jas 2:8-9)
5. There’s a penalty for withholding forgiveness. (Mt 6:14-15; 18:21-35)
6. Redemption is a key facet -if not the key facet- of the Christian faith.  And without forgiveness, there is no redemption. (Ps 103:12; Isa 59:1-2; Eph 1:7) 

A forgiving character is certainly an indicator that a person is a (mature) child of God.

But Seek First His Kingdom

I was trying to gain an understanding of the meaning of Matthew 6:33 apart from (or maybe including) other interpretations of it, as is the case for me with a lot of scripture, especially well-known verses.  My issue is with the common interpretation of this verse that has resulted in the importance of a religious practice that has seemingly taken precedence over the Word itself. 

Verse 33 and 34 of Matthew six is a conclusion of the previous eight verses spoken by Jesus, so in order to gain an understanding; we have to include them as well.  Jesus explains that worrying is futile -even about essential things, such as food and clothing.  And Jesus concludes that the needs of those who seek God before seeking these things will be met.  Jesus positions ‘things’ as secondary after the primary God, and the extension of God:  His kingdom and righteousness. 

seek- [trans. v.] 1. to resort; go to 2. search; look for 3. to try to discover; ask for: request 4. to try to acquire or gain (m-w.com).

first- [adj.] proceeding all others in time, order, or importance; earliest (m-w.com).

Concerning God’s kingdom, Jesus has said that God’s kingdom dwells within the individual believer (Lk 17:21).  The NIV study Bible commentary on Matthew 6:10 (‘The Lord’s Prayer’) explains that to ‘come’ isn’t in the sense of God’s kingdom not existing, because it’s already here (see Lk 17:21).  But it means to ‘come’ more and more completely until it’s full and final consummation.  God’s kingdom is birthed within the believer after they believe and confess (Ro 10:9).  And it is revealed more and more through the continued maturation of the working out of their salvation (Php 2:12-13). God’s kingdom is defined as the reign of God that is brought about through Jesus Christ –i.e. the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts and lives of his people, the overcoming of all the forces of evil, the removal from the world of all consequences of sin –including death and all that diminishes life- and a creation of a new order of righteousness and peace (NIV study Bible note on Mt 3:2).  

Many people insist that this means we must pray in the morning.  And I’m not saying that this interpretation and practice is wrong.  What I’m saying is that an understanding of Mt 6:33 isn’t limited by this interpretation.  Just as the four gospels give four different takes on the same life and events, it’s also possible for us to see things differently and all still be correct.  Based on the previous definitions and scripture seeking God first can be expressed in various ways in the life of a Christian (studying God’s word in the morning, praying over a situation before acting on it, seeking the wise counsel of God’s word before turning to anyone or anything else, etc.).  There are many instances in the Bible where the Lord speaks very plainly (Ex 20:1-17; Mal 2:16; 2Co 6:14-18), and I think that if this was as simple as merely praying in the morning, Jesus would just said, Pray in the morning.    

It’s always good for people to make God’s Word personal, seek revelation on it, and apply it to their lives.  However when, in pride, we attempt to validate our interpretation or understanding by presenting them as gospel, we get into a dangerous way of thinking called legalism, which will prevent God’s us from gaining a true relationship with him, as evidenced by the fault-finding Pharisees and Sadducees in the New Testament.  It’s always important to keep things in proper perspective.  And as Jesus said, all ‘things’ (to include our ideas, interpretations, and religious practices) have their proper place after God’s way, his kingdom and righteousness.         

We Who Are Willing Ought to Pull the Weight of the Unwilling

I heard a message a few weeks ago from the scripture that says, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Ro 15:1).  The speaker expressed the responsibility of those who are strong to those who are weak, but failed –as many who speak on this scripture do- to hold the weak accountable for strengthening themselves.

As I write this, I can hear my mother’s voice telling me, ‘You’re too hard on people.’  I also hear Jesus Christ saying, ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you’ (Mt 7:12).  And I recognize weakness as a state that can be changed by a person who is willing to strengthen him or herself.  (And how much better if there’s someone there to help?!)  The Holy Bible tells us that we can identify friend from foe by how they treat us when we’re wrong.  Basically, a  friend will tell the truth, regardless of the initial consequence, but an enemy will flatter you to save face and to ensure that they’re in good standing (Pr 27:6).  It’s important for us to be familiar with the truth in order to recognize it in a necessary rebuke, versus the lies of flattery.  A pity party benefits no one!  

The Bible encourages gentle correction and acting in love; however, there are also cases (usually when a person knows better or have been warned before) when a stronger approach should be taken (Gal 6:1; 2Ti 2:25; 4:2; Mt 18:15-20; 21:12-13).  I think it takes a truly discerning person to know what approach to take at a given time.  And a very important questions to ask yourself before speaking or acting is, What’s my motivation, what do I intend to accomplish, what message am I trying to send, etc? 

The strong should be tolerant of the weak, but not of their weakness.  Again, weakness is a state.  The strong have been weak, but are weak no longer.  When I was in boot camp, I came in obviously fat and out of shape, never having engaged in athletic pursuits or consistent exercise previously.  And that made no difference to a drill instructor of mine who’s job it was to ensure that I was in shape, so that the platoon, Marine Corps, and country would be stronger.  Instead of allowing me to walk during physical training, he would go back and make me grab his belt and take off in order to quicken my pace.  With this, I basically had a choice to react in one of two ways:  get upset with him, insist that I couldn’t do it, refuse to grab the belt, and stay weak, OR realize that he didn’t get fast by quitting or lagging, grab the belt, push through the pain, get stronger, and appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to strengthen myself.  Just as he had his responsibility and someone to answer to, I did as well.  

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.  He touched her and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him (Mt 8:14-15).  Likewise, those who have been redeemed should not only say so, but also act accordingly.  Notice, Peter’s mother-in-law didn’t drag and excuse herself from service to Christ by whining about just having a fever.  After she was healed, she did what she was moved to do, which was serve the man who had healed her.  Surely, a sick person can’t do all that a person who’s well can.  And a baby can’t do all that a teenager can, just as a new convert can’t do all that a more mature believer can.  But if God blesses you with the ability to do so (and he all blesses us in one way or another) we should serve him (1Co 12:1-11). 

Don’t be dead weight.  It makes the body work so hard that it’s not as affective as it could be.  Strengthen the body (1Co 12:12-31; Eph 4:1-16).  Remember, the time will come for the wheat to be gathered, and the chaff to be burnt (Mt 3:12).    

Fasting

My pastor’s suggested a fast for the month of January, so I’ve pulled my study notes on fasting from a while back that I wrote before I started my first fast; the purpose being -of course- a greater (read biblical) understanding of what it means to fast.  And based on the scriptures that I pulled, I’ve divided the subject into some key points. 

* I know the post is long, and I do consider all parts to be beneficial, but feel free to jump around to portions that you are particularly interested in or to subjects that you have questions about.

PURPOSE/REASON

• To humble oneself

      and to intercede (Ps 35:13)

• To receive an answer to prayer / a word form the Holy Spirit,

      as a part of commissioning,

      as a part of worship

      and as a part of commissioning (Ps 35:13; Ac 13:1-3)

• To make a decision (Est 4:16)
• In observance of a day (Est 9:31)
• To reconcile with the Lord (Lev 16:29-34)
• As a sign of repentance (Joel 1:14)
• When mourning (Neh 1:4)

David humbled himself with fasting when it seemed as though his prayers were unanswered. (My pastor points out that our acts cannot indebt God or twist his arm though.  It’s our faith and his word that he responds to, in His time.) (Ps 35:13)

Church leaders Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen had been worshipping and fasting, and then received a word from the Holy Spirit before Saul and Barnabas had been commissioned and anointed for God’s work. (Ac 13:1-3)

An assembly was called to repent in Joel 1:14, and fasting was a sign of repentance.  The Lord told the people, through Moses, to deny themselves as an act of reconciliation and reparation of their relationship with Him (Lev 16:29-34).  This was probably done to illustrate the significance of reconciliation to God.  We now reconcile ourselves to God through Jesus Christ, acknowledging his perfect and holy sacrifice (Jn 14:6; 19:30; Heb 10:5; Ac 16:31).

Mourning, fasting, and praying were all related in Neh 1:4.

Prayer and fasting proceeded a decision (to act) in Esther 4:16.

And in Esther 9:31, fasting was done in observance of a particular day.

HOW-TO (DO’S AND DON’TS)

·        Do be lead by the Spirit (Mt 4:1-2)

·        Do so voluntarily

·        Do maintain your regular appearance and demeanor (Mt 6:17-18)

·        Do pray while fasting (Ac 14:23; Neh 1:4)

·        Do humble yourself (Joel 1:14)

·        Do so privately and individually (Mt 6:16-18)

·        Don’t fast at an inappropriate or unfitting time (Mk 2:18-22)

·        Don’t make a show of fasting (Mt 6:1,16-18)

·        Don’t fast out of legalism (Mt 4:1-2)

Fasting is an outward sign of an inward belief or attitude.  There’s no benefit in humbling yourself physically, if you aren’t humble in spirit.

Since fasting was often associated with mourning or loss, Jesus explains in Mk 2:18-22 that his disciples would have plenty of time to fast after he leaves, but while he was still with them, they should enjoy their time together; which reminds me of stories of disapproving mother-in-laws wearing black to their son’s weddings.  Likewise, fasting during a joyous occasion is inappropriate.

And in Matthew chapter 6 Jesus warns people to “be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ (of which fasting is included along with prayer and giving) “before men to be seen by them…(v. 1).   

GROUP VS. INDIVIDUAL FASTING

           

            We see examples of both individual, private fasting and corporate fasting; the difference between the two being the purpose.  For a group to all be on one accord in fasting to receive direction or word from the Lord (Ac 13:1-3; 14:23; Est 4:16; 9:31) was shown in previous examples versus Jesus’ warning against people fasting for the purpose of being seen instead of truly humbling themselves (Mt 6:1,16-18). 

OLD TESTAMENT VS. NEW TESTAMENT FASTING

      The most significant difference between OT and NT fasting is the negation of fasting as a way of atonement and cleansing of sin.  Just as Jesus has provided a once-for-all perfect sacrifice and has made animal sacrifice obsolete, we’re also atoned to God through Christ and cleansed of sin by his blood (Jn 14:6; 19:30; Heb 10:5; Ac 16:31). 

      Other applications may still apply though:  an outward expression of internal humbling, a part of worship or its association with mourning, part of election and commission, part of observance, to recive direction form the Holy Spirit, etc. 

TRUE FASTING (HUMBLING) CAN RESULT IN…

·        Reward(s) and spiritual benefits (Mt 6:18; Lk 5:33-39, and NIV notes)

·        Word/revelation, leading by the Holy Spirit (Ac 13:1-3; Est 4:16)

·        Healing, protection, prayers answered in the affirmative, guidance, strength, life, and…

·        Provision (i.e. being set free, clothed, feed, provided shelter) (Isa 58:3-11)

SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT DURING FASTING

Although the definition of fasting has been broadened from simply abstaining form food or eating sparingly or abstaining form some food (m-w.com) to abstaining from habitual activities that may signify a dependence on worldly things I’ve pulled nine key scriptures that I meditate on during a period of fasting, and they may help you as well:

1.     The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not be in want (Ps 23:1)

2.     Daniel then said to the guard…Please test your servants for ten days:  Please give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.  At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. (Dan 1:11-13, 15) [This particular issue concerned both the spiritual and physical.  Daniel made the wisest choice because the first portion of the meat was offered to idols and a portion of the wine poured out on a pagan alter, so under the law they were considered unclean.  Verses 15 to 20 of Daniel chapter one show how God blessed them physically, mentally, and most likely spiritually afterward.  Although fasting is to be a spiritual practice, intended to bring us closer to God collateral blessings are often bestowed.]

3.      Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Pr 16:3)

4.     ‘Everything is permissible for me’ –but not everything is beneficial.  ‘Everything is permissible for me’ –but I will not be mastered but anything.  ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food’ –but God will destroy them both. (1 Co 6:12-13)

5.     When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name. O Lord God Almighty. (Jer 15:16) [NIV note:  I ate them, digested them, assimilated them, and made them a part of me.]

6.     For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed form sin. (Ro 6:6-7) [NIV notes, and mine also:  Our ‘old self’, what we once were, our pre-Christian state, was dominated by sin.  For the believer, the ‘old self’ has been rendered powerless, so that it can no longer enslave us to sin.  Sin has no ruling power because it died with Christ, and we have victory over sin and death, as Christ does.  Freed form sin doesn’t mean sinless, but free form sin’s shackles and power.]

7.      They promise freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity – for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Pe 2:19)

8.     You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. (Gal 5:13)

9.     Jesus answered, “It is written:  ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Mt 4:4)

Happy Birthday!!!

Today, January 10, marks the first birthday of Watches of the Night!
God bless my humble ministry.

(... And this is my first post from my iPhone!)