"But seek ye first
the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you. " (Matthew 6: 33)
This kingdom has been granted to us through the Holy Spirit:
"Fear not, little
flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." ("Luke 12: 32)
then
"For the kingdom of
God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy
Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
This righteousness we receive as a gift, and we are called to receive actively:
"For if by the offence of the one the death did reign through the one, much more
those, who the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness
are receiving, in life shall reign through the one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17, Youngs Literal Translation)
We receive righteousness as a gift, which means that we do not have to think, say, or do anything in order to receive this gift.
Therefore, when the devil threatens us with lying symptoms or trying circumstances, wall we have to do is stand in the faith:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour:
"Whom resist stedfast
in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your
brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5: 8-9)
What faith do we stand in? Christ's own faith (Galatians 2: 20) and this faith brings us His righteousness through the Holy Spirit.
Keep receiving the complete acceptance that you have in Jesus, no matter what is happening, and watch Him move in your life!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
See Jesus, and Let His Light Shine in You
In every one of Paul's letter, the apostle prayed that his readers would know Jesus more:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1: 17-18)
and
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1: 9-10)
The Holy Spirit within us is always bringing us to see Jesus fully as God, as the one who is all things for us.
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3: 18)
And just as Jesus shined brighter than the whitest, brightest element in man's imagination on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17: 1-6), so does His light transform us as we behold Him above all else in our lives:
"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (Matthew 6: 22)
See Jesus in all His glory in the Word, and He will bring out His light in You!
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1: 17-18)
and
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1: 9-10)
The Holy Spirit within us is always bringing us to see Jesus fully as God, as the one who is all things for us.
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3: 18)
And just as Jesus shined brighter than the whitest, brightest element in man's imagination on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17: 1-6), so does His light transform us as we behold Him above all else in our lives:
"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (Matthew 6: 22)
See Jesus in all His glory in the Word, and He will bring out His light in You!
Friday, March 29, 2013
He Has Borne Your Cross
"And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a
skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha" (John 19: 17)
The three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus told the Israelites of his day the following regarding "take up your cross":
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark 10: 21)
That "one thing" turned into "give me everything", yet Jesus did not expect the man to give up all his worldly possessions, but rather recognize that the rich man for all his wealth was dead in his trespasses, and therefore had nothing to give, but had to receive from Jesus.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16: 24-27)
Losing and gaining our life has to do with our soul, and our souls will prosper to the degree that we walk in the Truth (3 John 2-4). As Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, once again we find Jesus pressing his Jewish hearers with the full demands of the Law, if they insist on trying to being Jesus' disciple.
But He has called us to more than that :
"[God has] predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Ephesians 1:5)
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14: 26-27)
Once again, we must rightly divide the Word of God, and acknowledge that Jesus was pressing on his hearers that if they wanted to be his disciple, they would have to give up everything, including their own life -- such a demand is impossible for man to fulfill.
And that's the point. The law brings us to the end of ourselves (Romans 3: 19-20) that we may by grace through faith believe on Christ Jesus and Him Crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Do not think that you must "take up a cross" for Jesus -- for He has done it for you!
The three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus told the Israelites of his day the following regarding "take up your cross":
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark 10: 21)
That "one thing" turned into "give me everything", yet Jesus did not expect the man to give up all his worldly possessions, but rather recognize that the rich man for all his wealth was dead in his trespasses, and therefore had nothing to give, but had to receive from Jesus.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16: 24-27)
Losing and gaining our life has to do with our soul, and our souls will prosper to the degree that we walk in the Truth (3 John 2-4). As Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, once again we find Jesus pressing his Jewish hearers with the full demands of the Law, if they insist on trying to being Jesus' disciple.
But He has called us to more than that :
"[God has] predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Ephesians 1:5)
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14: 26-27)
Once again, we must rightly divide the Word of God, and acknowledge that Jesus was pressing on his hearers that if they wanted to be his disciple, they would have to give up everything, including their own life -- such a demand is impossible for man to fulfill.
And that's the point. The law brings us to the end of ourselves (Romans 3: 19-20) that we may by grace through faith believe on Christ Jesus and Him Crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Do not think that you must "take up a cross" for Jesus -- for He has done it for you!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
He Brings Us Up to See Him
"And after six days
Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an
high mountain apart,
"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Matthew 17: 1-2)
I have often marvelled at the Gospel writers' intermittent use of the Present tense.
Some commentators argue that the historical present allowed the writer to establish an immediate context with the reader.
I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to write the first verse in the present tense because Jesus does this even now for us.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14: 26)
and
"And when he [The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: . . .Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more (John 16: 8, 10)
As you read God's Word, let Jesus, through His Holy Spirit dwelling in you, bring you higher up and receive a greater revelation of Christ Jesus in your life!
"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Matthew 17: 1-2)
I have often marvelled at the Gospel writers' intermittent use of the Present tense.
Some commentators argue that the historical present allowed the writer to establish an immediate context with the reader.
I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to write the first verse in the present tense because Jesus does this even now for us.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14: 26)
and
"And when he [The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: . . .Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more (John 16: 8, 10)
As you read God's Word, let Jesus, through His Holy Spirit dwelling in you, bring you higher up and receive a greater revelation of Christ Jesus in your life!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
In Christ, there are no "What ifs?"
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23: 1)
The LORD -- that is the covenant name of God, the name that God gave to Moses when this shepherd in Midian wanted to know what he would call God when the enslaved Israelites asked who sent him.
The same Lord who made the universe, the same Lord who made you, the same Lord sent His own Son to die on the Cross for you:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3: 16)
Eternal life does not leave out any other need that we may have:
"And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
"But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (Mark 10: 29-30)
In Christ, God has covered all of our needs, so we do not need to worry, nor do we need to ask "What if?" about anything:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God wants us to see His Son as our shepherd:
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10: 11)
This shepherd has laid down his life not just to bring us from death to life, but that He may live His life through us:
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13: 20-21)
Trust in your Good Shepherd, as see every "What if?" vanish in your life.
The LORD -- that is the covenant name of God, the name that God gave to Moses when this shepherd in Midian wanted to know what he would call God when the enslaved Israelites asked who sent him.
The same Lord who made the universe, the same Lord who made you, the same Lord sent His own Son to die on the Cross for you:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3: 16)
Eternal life does not leave out any other need that we may have:
"And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
"But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (Mark 10: 29-30)
In Christ, God has covered all of our needs, so we do not need to worry, nor do we need to ask "What if?" about anything:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God wants us to see His Son as our shepherd:
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10: 11)
This shepherd has laid down his life not just to bring us from death to life, but that He may live His life through us:
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13: 20-21)
Trust in your Good Shepherd, as see every "What if?" vanish in your life.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
We Do Not Maintain but Rather Delight in Peace
"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the
abundance of peace." (Psalm 37: 11)
This peace we do not maintain in our own effort, but receive as an inheritance from our Lord and Savior:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14: 27)
This peace we receive as an exchange for His taking all over sin. The word "leave" is actually the word "ἀφίημι aphiémi, which means released, send away, or forgive -- the same word that indicates that our sins our forgiven!
And our sins are are forever forgiven:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1: 7)
If our sins are so sent away, over and over forever, then so to is the peace that we have in Christ, for Christ is our peace:
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (Ephesians 2: 14)
and
"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3: 16)
This peace we have in Christ, who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5)
We do not have to hold onto something which He gives to us all the time, as peace is one of the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22)
So delight yourself in the abundance of peace, which is Christ in you!
This peace we do not maintain in our own effort, but receive as an inheritance from our Lord and Savior:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14: 27)
This peace we receive as an exchange for His taking all over sin. The word "leave" is actually the word "ἀφίημι aphiémi, which means released, send away, or forgive -- the same word that indicates that our sins our forgiven!
And our sins are are forever forgiven:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1: 7)
If our sins are so sent away, over and over forever, then so to is the peace that we have in Christ, for Christ is our peace:
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (Ephesians 2: 14)
and
"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3: 16)
This peace we have in Christ, who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5)
We do not have to hold onto something which He gives to us all the time, as peace is one of the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22)
So delight yourself in the abundance of peace, which is Christ in you!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Righteous Do Not Fight, but Stand
I did a word study on "righteous" and "fight", and I found nothing.
When I did another search on "righteous" and "stand", I found a number of verses:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6: 11)
Stand established in your righteousness, Beloved. This is a matter of faith, not force:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5: 8-9)
We do not fight with the devil, because he is already a defeated enemy:
"And when he [The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
"Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16: 11)
Your greatest enemy is the devil:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
'Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5)
"We do not war after the flesh" -- we do not fight with our bodies, but relying on the Word of God, our sword (Ephesians 6: 17; Hebrews 4: 12). The Word of God is not for fighting with a physical enemy, but rather for us to renew our minds to the Truth of our victory in Christ:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
James outlines our focus:
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4: 7)
Rest in God's provision and protection for you. In Him we stand, and the devil is forced to flee.
When I did another search on "righteous" and "stand", I found a number of verses:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6: 11)
Stand established in your righteousness, Beloved. This is a matter of faith, not force:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5: 8-9)
We do not fight with the devil, because he is already a defeated enemy:
"And when he [The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
"Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16: 11)
Your greatest enemy is the devil:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
'Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5)
"We do not war after the flesh" -- we do not fight with our bodies, but relying on the Word of God, our sword (Ephesians 6: 17; Hebrews 4: 12). The Word of God is not for fighting with a physical enemy, but rather for us to renew our minds to the Truth of our victory in Christ:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
James outlines our focus:
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4: 7)
Rest in God's provision and protection for you. In Him we stand, and the devil is forced to flee.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Roar Back at the Empty Roars of the Enemy
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. " (Proverbs 28: 1)
When you know who you are in Christ Jesus, then nothing can shake you up.
Jesus is our lion of Judah. Ezekiel had a vision of Jesus:
"As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle." (Ezekiel 1: 10)
The "Lion of Judah" speaks to Jesus' royal lineage with the house of David.
We have boldness because of what Jesus did for us:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
Now, Satan likes to roar:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5: 8)
Lions do not roar in advance, primarily because that would scare away the prey. When we know the truth, that the King of Kings is no longer mad at us, then we can dismiss such roars.
In fact, when we confess who we are in Christ, both kings and priests (1 Peter 2: 9), our words carry a roar far greater, one that resists the devil and causes him to flee.
When you know who you are in Christ Jesus, then nothing can shake you up.
Jesus is our lion of Judah. Ezekiel had a vision of Jesus:
"As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle." (Ezekiel 1: 10)
The "Lion of Judah" speaks to Jesus' royal lineage with the house of David.
We have boldness because of what Jesus did for us:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
Now, Satan likes to roar:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5: 8)
Lions do not roar in advance, primarily because that would scare away the prey. When we know the truth, that the King of Kings is no longer mad at us, then we can dismiss such roars.
In fact, when we confess who we are in Christ, both kings and priests (1 Peter 2: 9), our words carry a roar far greater, one that resists the devil and causes him to flee.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Aware of Christ, Not Ourselves
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Colossians 3: 1)
"And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:33)
Stop looking at the giants in your life, and stop looking at yourself. Look at Christ Jesus, seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father, for you are there with Him:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
What are you conscious of?
Are you conscious of your righteous standing in Christ Jesus? (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
Or are you paying attention to the reproach of men?
The dog can bark and bark at the moon, and the moon still shines (Thank you, Pastor Prince!). In Christ, we are all sons of light and sons of the day (1 Thessalonians 5: 5).
If God is for you, who cares who is against you? (Romans 8: 31)
The problem for many, for me, is that I started to “feel” bad – certain people seemed capable to hurt my feelings, when such folly is just not the case.
Paul tells us to reckon ourselves dead to such empty feeling (Romans 6: 11). Instead of being carnally minded, we are called to mind the things of the spirit, which is life and peace for the believer (Romans 8: 6)
Are you conscious of who you are in Christ, or are you conscious of who you are in yourself?"And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:33)
Stop looking at the giants in your life, and stop looking at yourself. Look at Christ Jesus, seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father, for you are there with Him:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Friday, March 22, 2013
Righteousness is From God's Point of View
"So
these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own
eyes." (Job 32: 1)
Job was a good boy, but not a righteous man, because he was trying to earn his righteous standing before God, whereas Abraham believed in the Lord, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Job expressed the frustration of trying to get to God in his own efforts:
"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:" (Job 23: 80
The righteousness do not move around, but are rather established and steady:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted." (Job 36: 7)
Without realizing it, Job just needed to sit and trust God, yet for many of us, we simple refuse to be simple:
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 11)
When Job was reduced to nothing, even wearying his friends with is self-righteousness, God confronted Job, showing Himself far greater than anything that he could ever understand:
"I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
"Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
"Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." (Job 42: 2-5)
When Job saw that God saw and knew everything, that therefore Job did not have to "do everything on his own", he rested in God, letting God look on him, and by resting, by believing on God, Job was made righteousness.
We are all made righteous in Christ, and as we behold Him in the Scriptures, we receive the gift of righteousness (Romans 5: 17) and we are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18).
Job was a good boy, but not a righteous man, because he was trying to earn his righteous standing before God, whereas Abraham believed in the Lord, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Job expressed the frustration of trying to get to God in his own efforts:
"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:" (Job 23: 80
The righteousness do not move around, but are rather established and steady:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted." (Job 36: 7)
Without realizing it, Job just needed to sit and trust God, yet for many of us, we simple refuse to be simple:
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 11)
When Job was reduced to nothing, even wearying his friends with is self-righteousness, God confronted Job, showing Himself far greater than anything that he could ever understand:
"I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
"Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
"Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." (Job 42: 2-5)
When Job saw that God saw and knew everything, that therefore Job did not have to "do everything on his own", he rested in God, letting God look on him, and by resting, by believing on God, Job was made righteousness.
We are all made righteous in Christ, and as we behold Him in the Scriptures, we receive the gift of righteousness (Romans 5: 17) and we are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18).
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Righteousness is About Being, Not Doing
"But Noah found grace
in the eyes of the LORD. " (Genesis 6: 8)
By reading the first part of the sixth chapter of Genesis, we can learn why Noah found grace:
"That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." (Genesis 6: 2)
The fallen angels slept with the daughters of men and they polluted the earth with the progeny:
"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." (Genesis 6: 4)
These "giants" were mutants: half-men, half-fallen angels, incapable of receiving grace or forming a covenant based on faith, for it was man who was made in God's image. (Genesis 1: 27)
Just by being a human being, through no action or direction of his own, Noah, whose name means "rest" received grace from God.
God's grace then translated into righteousness:
"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just [i.e. righteous] man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6: 9)
Now, while Noah and his family were made righteous, the rest of the world, full of reprobate fallen beings, fared far worse:
"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
"And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." (Genesis 6: 11-12)
In Christ, we have been saved from the corrupt generation of fallen man, dead in his trespasses:
"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts 2: 40)
Today, we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 21), and this is a gift that we are invited to keep on receiving (Romans 5: 17)
Righteousness for us has nothing to do with doing, but with resting in Christ, being a child of God (John 1: 12) and part of Abraham's seed (Galatians 3: 29).
By reading the first part of the sixth chapter of Genesis, we can learn why Noah found grace:
"That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." (Genesis 6: 2)
The fallen angels slept with the daughters of men and they polluted the earth with the progeny:
"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." (Genesis 6: 4)
These "giants" were mutants: half-men, half-fallen angels, incapable of receiving grace or forming a covenant based on faith, for it was man who was made in God's image. (Genesis 1: 27)
Just by being a human being, through no action or direction of his own, Noah, whose name means "rest" received grace from God.
God's grace then translated into righteousness:
"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just [i.e. righteous] man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6: 9)
Now, while Noah and his family were made righteous, the rest of the world, full of reprobate fallen beings, fared far worse:
"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
"And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." (Genesis 6: 11-12)
In Christ, we have been saved from the corrupt generation of fallen man, dead in his trespasses:
"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts 2: 40)
Today, we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 21), and this is a gift that we are invited to keep on receiving (Romans 5: 17)
Righteousness for us has nothing to do with doing, but with resting in Christ, being a child of God (John 1: 12) and part of Abraham's seed (Galatians 3: 29).
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Established in Righteousness and Grace
Thank you, Jesus, for the never-ending, ever-giving gifts of righteousness and grace (Romans 5: 17)
Yet these gifts are also ever-present in the life of a believer.
Regarding righteousness:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10: 25)
and
"A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved." (Proverbs 12: 3)
In Christ, we have been made the righteousness of God, and Christ is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1: 30), and Christ Jesus is the most stable of all:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13: 8)
Right after this verse, we read:
"Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13:9)
In Christ, we are established in grace and righteousness.
Yet these gifts are also ever-present in the life of a believer.
Regarding righteousness:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54: 14)
and
"As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10: 25)
and
"A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved." (Proverbs 12: 3)
In Christ, we have been made the righteousness of God, and Christ is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1: 30), and Christ Jesus is the most stable of all:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13: 8)
Right after this verse, we read:
"Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13:9)
In Christ, we are established in grace and righteousness.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
We Do Not Have a Darkened Heart
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened." (Romans 1: 21)
One preacher outline four steps to staying filled with God, which would mean "know" God, glorify Him, be thankful, and keep your imagination full of good things. The biggest problem with any "steps" to "anything" is that the focus falls back on us, when we are called to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3: 18)
His departing verse for his teaching, Romans 1: 21, does not apply to believers:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2: 10)
We are already filled up with God! He is our righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14: 17)
In fact, we do not have a heart that can be darkened:
"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
"That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11: 19-20)
This is a new heart, one which has been replaced in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Hebrews, the writer outlines that all the steps which the writer initially drew from Romans 1: 21 have all been taken care of:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
We are made to know Him, and the more that we know Him, all that He is and has and does for us, the more we glorify and thank Him.
We have received a new heart, a full or good news (the other meaning of "flesh"), for we now have received the Holy Spirit who convicts us of righteousness (John 16: 11).
Instead of trying to maintain our "spiritual level", we are called to keep receiving His overflowing and superabounding grace and righteousness (Romans 5: 17)
One preacher outline four steps to staying filled with God, which would mean "know" God, glorify Him, be thankful, and keep your imagination full of good things. The biggest problem with any "steps" to "anything" is that the focus falls back on us, when we are called to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3: 18)
His departing verse for his teaching, Romans 1: 21, does not apply to believers:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2: 10)
We are already filled up with God! He is our righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14: 17)
In fact, we do not have a heart that can be darkened:
"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
"That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11: 19-20)
This is a new heart, one which has been replaced in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Hebrews, the writer outlines that all the steps which the writer initially drew from Romans 1: 21 have all been taken care of:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
We are made to know Him, and the more that we know Him, all that He is and has and does for us, the more we glorify and thank Him.
We have received a new heart, a full or good news (the other meaning of "flesh"), for we now have received the Holy Spirit who convicts us of righteousness (John 16: 11).
Instead of trying to maintain our "spiritual level", we are called to keep receiving His overflowing and superabounding grace and righteousness (Romans 5: 17)
Monday, March 18, 2013
From Unskilled to Filled in Righteousness
"For every one that
useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe." (Hebrews 5: 13)
How do we get "skillful" in righteousness? The original word in this verse, "unskilful" speaks of "untested," or "unfamiliar."
God sets His love on those who pursue righteousness:
"The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness." (Proverbs 15: 9)
In this verse, "follow after" implies that the pursuit of righteousness is not a fruitless venture. The person will get righteousness.
Jesus told us to make His righteousness our number one priority:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
Yet before this verse, He promised them that they would get what they were looking for:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5: 6)
To be skilled in righteousness is to be filled with righteousness, and in Christ God has more than accomplished this for us:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
Just as we have been made "the righteousness of God", we are also invited to keep receiving the gift of righteousness:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. are receiving] abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
God the Father invites us to keeping being filled with His righteousness, never to settle for trying to get what He so freely gives (Romans 8: 32).
How to be skilled -- keep being filled!
How do we get "skillful" in righteousness? The original word in this verse, "unskilful" speaks of "untested," or "unfamiliar."
God sets His love on those who pursue righteousness:
"The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness." (Proverbs 15: 9)
In this verse, "follow after" implies that the pursuit of righteousness is not a fruitless venture. The person will get righteousness.
Jesus told us to make His righteousness our number one priority:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
Yet before this verse, He promised them that they would get what they were looking for:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5: 6)
To be skilled in righteousness is to be filled with righteousness, and in Christ God has more than accomplished this for us:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
Just as we have been made "the righteousness of God", we are also invited to keep receiving the gift of righteousness:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. are receiving] abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
God the Father invites us to keeping being filled with His righteousness, never to settle for trying to get what He so freely gives (Romans 8: 32).
How to be skilled -- keep being filled!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Not Luck, but Favor for the Righteous
"For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as
with a shield." (Psalm 5: 12)
As believers, we do not need luck, nor do we have to seek the favor of any traditional saint, for in Christ we are made saints:
"Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you." (Philippians 4: 21)
In Christ, we are made not just righteous, but the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
That is the highest standard possible, and in Christ we receive this blessed justification.
What are some of the good that awaits the righteous?
"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted." (Proverbs 10: 24)
and
"As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10: 25)
and
"The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish." (Proverbs 10: 28)
This and more await the righteous in Christ.
Forget the rabbit's foot, forget the four-leaf clover, and forget the blarney and the kiss of the Irish.
Look to the Cross, the sign of our victory for all time, and receive all the blessings which come with being made righteous in Him.
As believers, we do not need luck, nor do we have to seek the favor of any traditional saint, for in Christ we are made saints:
"Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you." (Philippians 4: 21)
In Christ, we are made not just righteous, but the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
That is the highest standard possible, and in Christ we receive this blessed justification.
What are some of the good that awaits the righteous?
"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted." (Proverbs 10: 24)
and
"As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10: 25)
and
"The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish." (Proverbs 10: 28)
This and more await the righteous in Christ.
Forget the rabbit's foot, forget the four-leaf clover, and forget the blarney and the kiss of the Irish.
Look to the Cross, the sign of our victory for all time, and receive all the blessings which come with being made righteous in Him.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Self Pity has No Place in a Saint
Self-pity, what a terrible way to live.
Self-pity, the wrong attitude, the wrong take to have on this life.
If you are a believer, then you have no reason to feel sorry for yourself:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Ephesians 1: 3-5)
Wow! You are a child of God, and in Christ we receive all the Spiritual blessings!
You have no reason to feel sorry for yourself.
But you and I, Beloved, do have a part to play, one which is so simple that people seem to pass it by without even realizing that they have skipped over it:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6: 29)
and
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. are receiving]abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
and
"That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 6)
We need to renew our minds (Romans 12: 2) to the truth of who we are in Christ Jesus!
Self-pity is a pit of self, but we are called to live life in the Way, the Truth, and the Life:
"As he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Self-pity, the wrong attitude, the wrong take to have on this life.
If you are a believer, then you have no reason to feel sorry for yourself:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Ephesians 1: 3-5)
Wow! You are a child of God, and in Christ we receive all the Spiritual blessings!
You have no reason to feel sorry for yourself.
But you and I, Beloved, do have a part to play, one which is so simple that people seem to pass it by without even realizing that they have skipped over it:
and
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. are receiving]abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
and
We need to renew our minds (Romans 12: 2) to the truth of who we are in Christ Jesus!
Self-pity is a pit of self, but we are called to live life in the Way, the Truth, and the Life:
"As he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Friday, March 15, 2013
From Immaturity to Security in Christ
What defines "immaturity"?
I used to think it had something to do with how many people you knew.
Then again, perhaps maturity depended on how well a person could manage his emotions.
I am now convinced that maturity depends to a greater extent on --- security.
How secure do you feel in your own skin?
How secure do you feel in the truth of who you are?
Do you define who you are by what you do, what you have, what you are?
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt -- that who I am has nothing to do with who I am:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
For God's grace to flow in my life, I learned that I had to be established in righteousness:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
This was a promise in the Old Testament, fulfilled in Christ:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
This gift of righteousness, this new identity of grace, these two God invites us to receive and keep receiving:
"For if by the offence of the one the death did reign through the one, much more those, who the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness are receiving, in life shall reign through the one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17, Youngs Literal Translation)
There is no surer sense of security than a life of receiving and receiving again by faith the imputation of no condemnation and power to do all things through Christ!
So immaturity will melt away in the life of a believer who is transformed from glory to glory, who receives righteousness from faith to faith in Christ Jesus!
I used to think it had something to do with how many people you knew.
Then again, perhaps maturity depended on how well a person could manage his emotions.
I am now convinced that maturity depends to a greater extent on --- security.
How secure do you feel in your own skin?
How secure do you feel in the truth of who you are?
Do you define who you are by what you do, what you have, what you are?
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt -- that who I am has nothing to do with who I am:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
For God's grace to flow in my life, I learned that I had to be established in righteousness:
"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. " (Isaiah 54: 14)
This was a promise in the Old Testament, fulfilled in Christ:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
This gift of righteousness, this new identity of grace, these two God invites us to receive and keep receiving:
"For if by the offence of the one the death did reign through the one, much more those, who the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness are receiving, in life shall reign through the one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17, Youngs Literal Translation)
There is no surer sense of security than a life of receiving and receiving again by faith the imputation of no condemnation and power to do all things through Christ!
So immaturity will melt away in the life of a believer who is transformed from glory to glory, who receives righteousness from faith to faith in Christ Jesus!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
See Jesus as Everything, Not Just "Something"
The truth is that we are called to walk by faith -- not to figure everything
out in our lives.
We are called to trust God with everything -- and why shouldn't we?"
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
"it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1: 15-20)
Wow! This same Jesus who made and holds and rule the Universe, also lives in me!:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1: 27)
Why has this been so difficult for people like me to accept? The slave, work, earn everything mentality punishes so many of us. I had no idea of my identity in Christ, until I learned that He came not just to die for my sins, but he came also to free me from myself, granting me His life!
No wonder I was so frustrated --- no wonder I had lived life so depleted and enraged. This life of grace in Christ is the very thing that makes me what I am, and gives me the strength to do all that I am called to do:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
I love this verse, and now more than ever this verse has become so real and apparently to me. It is God's grace that moves in me, and Jesus lives in me to do all:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4: 13)
This assertion is no fluffy nicety, but a declaration of complete dependence and honor.
The only question left -- will you believe Him or not?
We are called to trust God with everything -- and why shouldn't we?"
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
"it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1: 15-20)
Wow! This same Jesus who made and holds and rule the Universe, also lives in me!:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1: 27)
Why has this been so difficult for people like me to accept? The slave, work, earn everything mentality punishes so many of us. I had no idea of my identity in Christ, until I learned that He came not just to die for my sins, but he came also to free me from myself, granting me His life!
No wonder I was so frustrated --- no wonder I had lived life so depleted and enraged. This life of grace in Christ is the very thing that makes me what I am, and gives me the strength to do all that I am called to do:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
I love this verse, and now more than ever this verse has become so real and apparently to me. It is God's grace that moves in me, and Jesus lives in me to do all:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4: 13)
This assertion is no fluffy nicety, but a declaration of complete dependence and honor.
The only question left -- will you believe Him or not?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
In Bondage to Righteousness
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:
for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." (2 Peter 2: 19)
Peter was attacking false believers who were infiltrating the Body of Christ.
Yet the point he made about "overcome" and "bondage" holds true for good as well as bad:
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
"I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness." (Romans 6: 18-19)
Righteousness brings forth life and fruit:
"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1: 11)
and
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12: 11)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
In the gift of Christ is both righteousness and grace (Romans 5: 17)
We are servants of righteousness, which is not only not a laborious demand, but the life of greatest rest and ease in Christ Jesus.
Enjoy your bondage in Christ!
Peter was attacking false believers who were infiltrating the Body of Christ.
Yet the point he made about "overcome" and "bondage" holds true for good as well as bad:
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
"I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness." (Romans 6: 18-19)
Righteousness brings forth life and fruit:
"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1: 11)
and
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12: 11)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
In the gift of Christ is both righteousness and grace (Romans 5: 17)
We are servants of righteousness, which is not only not a laborious demand, but the life of greatest rest and ease in Christ Jesus.
Enjoy your bondage in Christ!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
He's In Control -- So Rest in Him!
"The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make
thine enemies thy footstool." (Psalm 110: 1)
This same verse Jesus quoted during His ministry on earth, and Peter referred to this witness on the Day of Pentecost. Even the writer of Hebrews cites this powerful truth.
Now, we are in Christ (Romans 6: 8), and in Christ we are seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2: 6).
Since as Christ is, so are we in this world (1 John 4: 17), we can reap the reward of this telling promise. All of our enemies are being brought under our feet in Christ!
We are not called to put out the fires, solve the problems, take down the enemies. We have one calling:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
In receiving His gift of righteousness every day (Romans 5: 17), we are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18), for in Christ we are both kings and priests (1 Peter 2: 9)
The same Jesus who holds the entire universe and everything in it (Colossians 1: 18) holds you and me:
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10: 28)
He has given you life, and in Christ you receive all things with Him (Romans 8: 31-32)
He's in control -- so rest in Him!
This same verse Jesus quoted during His ministry on earth, and Peter referred to this witness on the Day of Pentecost. Even the writer of Hebrews cites this powerful truth.
Now, we are in Christ (Romans 6: 8), and in Christ we are seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2: 6).
Since as Christ is, so are we in this world (1 John 4: 17), we can reap the reward of this telling promise. All of our enemies are being brought under our feet in Christ!
We are not called to put out the fires, solve the problems, take down the enemies. We have one calling:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
In receiving His gift of righteousness every day (Romans 5: 17), we are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18), for in Christ we are both kings and priests (1 Peter 2: 9)
The same Jesus who holds the entire universe and everything in it (Colossians 1: 18) holds you and me:
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10: 28)
He has given you life, and in Christ you receive all things with Him (Romans 8: 31-32)
He's in control -- so rest in Him!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Righteousness: Your True Peace and Quiet
"And the work of
righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and
assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32: 17)
Did you know that the righteousness that you are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), the same that He is ever giving to us (Romans 5: 17) also works on your behalf?
By resting in your righteousness, you can trust that He is working on your behalf, for Christ Himself is our righteousness:
"But of him are
ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1: 30)
Christ is your rest, as well (Matthew 11: 28), in which He literally says: "I will rest you!"
In Christ, you can trust that God will meet all your needs, as well:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)
What is the key that makes all of these wonderful gifts manifest in your life? His righteousness:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
From this righteousness, receive Christ your peace and rest!
Did you know that the righteousness that you are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), the same that He is ever giving to us (Romans 5: 17) also works on your behalf?
By resting in your righteousness, you can trust that He is working on your behalf, for Christ Himself is our righteousness:
Christ is your rest, as well (Matthew 11: 28), in which He literally says: "I will rest you!"
In Christ, you can trust that God will meet all your needs, as well:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)
What is the key that makes all of these wonderful gifts manifest in your life? His righteousness:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
From this righteousness, receive Christ your peace and rest!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Abide in Christ, Your Mercy and Truth
"He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may
preserve him." (Psalm 61: 7)
"Mercy" is also "'grace", and "grace and truth" are one whole which we receive in Jesus:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1: 17)
In this verse, "came" is singular, signifying that "grace and truth" are one -- we cannot have grace without truth, and there is no truth without grace.
Jesus calls us to abide in Him:
"Abide in me, and I in
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no
more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
His grace empower us (1 Corinthians 15: 10), and we prosper as we walk in His Truth (3 John 2-4).
Abide in Him, your mercy and truth, and watch His Life bear fruit in yours!
"Mercy" is also "'grace", and "grace and truth" are one whole which we receive in Jesus:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1: 17)
In this verse, "came" is singular, signifying that "grace and truth" are one -- we cannot have grace without truth, and there is no truth without grace.
Jesus calls us to abide in Him:
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
His grace empower us (1 Corinthians 15: 10), and we prosper as we walk in His Truth (3 John 2-4).
Abide in Him, your mercy and truth, and watch His Life bear fruit in yours!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
In Christ, We Can Say "Bring it On!"
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12: 9)
Most people in the Body of Christ are convinced that then where there is trouble, something wrong is happening, or they must do something about it.
Earlier in the same chapter, Paul wrote:
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." (2 Corinthians 12: 7-8)
How many of you face trials at home, in your work place, or out and about in the world? Instead of asking God to remove these troublesome elements in your life, just keep receiving God's grace in your life:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. keep receiving] abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
In fact, whenever you face trouble, take that challenge as another opportunity for God's grace to grow in you:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
So, when there's trouble in your life, when you feel the fiery attacks or the empty roars of the enemy, just thank God for more of His grace:
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12: 10)
In Christ, you can say to every problem in your life:
"Bring it on! His grace is sufficient for me!"
Most people in the Body of Christ are convinced that then where there is trouble, something wrong is happening, or they must do something about it.
Earlier in the same chapter, Paul wrote:
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." (2 Corinthians 12: 7-8)
How many of you face trials at home, in your work place, or out and about in the world? Instead of asking God to remove these troublesome elements in your life, just keep receiving God's grace in your life:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive [lit. keep receiving] abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
In fact, whenever you face trouble, take that challenge as another opportunity for God's grace to grow in you:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
So, when there's trouble in your life, when you feel the fiery attacks or the empty roars of the enemy, just thank God for more of His grace:
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12: 10)
In Christ, you can say to every problem in your life:
"Bring it on! His grace is sufficient for me!"
Friday, March 8, 2013
Humility is Receiving Him
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you
in due time:
'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7)
This verse gives the impression that we must humble ourselves and then cast our cares on God.
In fact, the original reads: "Humble yourselves, having cast your care upon Him."
It takes humility to receive Him, because it sends the clear signal that of ourselves we are insufficient:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
When we accepted that we could not be obedient to God's law in our strength, when we accepted that we were without strength:
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5: 6)
By His death, we receive His life:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3: 16)
Through Him we also receive, and are called to keep receiving His righteousness and His grace:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
Christ is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1: 30) and He is grace and truth (John 1: 17). Humility is to receive Him, His righteousness and grace in your life, for to receive means that we have nothing of ourselves.
Let Him be everything in your life, draw from Him without reserve!
'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7)
This verse gives the impression that we must humble ourselves and then cast our cares on God.
In fact, the original reads: "Humble yourselves, having cast your care upon Him."
It takes humility to receive Him, because it sends the clear signal that of ourselves we are insufficient:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
When we accepted that we could not be obedient to God's law in our strength, when we accepted that we were without strength:
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5: 6)
By His death, we receive His life:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3: 16)
Through Him we also receive, and are called to keep receiving His righteousness and His grace:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)
Christ is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1: 30) and He is grace and truth (John 1: 17). Humility is to receive Him, His righteousness and grace in your life, for to receive means that we have nothing of ourselves.
Let Him be everything in your life, draw from Him without reserve!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Quality Life Starts Now -- In Him
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the
life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Matthew 6: 25)
Jesus tells us to "take no thought" or rather "do not worry" about your life.
Then Jesus expounded on the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, God's creatures whom he feeds and clothes. Now, the birds do go and get their food, and the flowers take in the sun and produce their lovely flowers.
We are not called to do nothing in our lives:
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3: 10)
When Jesus said:
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them." (Matthew 6: 26)
He was pointing out to an agrarian and domestic audience that they went about their lives prompted by the life force within them. Birds by nature sing and forage for food, they do not toil or strive contrary to their nature in order to live from day to day.
In short, they do not "worry" about their lives, but live!
Jesus then said:
" Are ye not much better than they?" ((v. 26)
We can answer "Yes" because God gave His Son for us (John 3: 16).
Through His Son, we receive His Life:
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10)
and
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14: 6)
Jesus now lives His life in every believer, and through Him, we receive all things:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
and
"According as his [God's] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" (2 Peter 1: 3)
As we walk by faith in His righteousness, letting Jesus live through us, we find that He leads us to do the very things that will cause us to prosper:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. " (Matthew 6: 33)
Jesus tells us to "take no thought" or rather "do not worry" about your life.
Then Jesus expounded on the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, God's creatures whom he feeds and clothes. Now, the birds do go and get their food, and the flowers take in the sun and produce their lovely flowers.
We are not called to do nothing in our lives:
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3: 10)
When Jesus said:
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them." (Matthew 6: 26)
He was pointing out to an agrarian and domestic audience that they went about their lives prompted by the life force within them. Birds by nature sing and forage for food, they do not toil or strive contrary to their nature in order to live from day to day.
In short, they do not "worry" about their lives, but live!
Jesus then said:
" Are ye not much better than they?" ((v. 26)
We can answer "Yes" because God gave His Son for us (John 3: 16).
Through His Son, we receive His Life:
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10)
and
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14: 6)
Jesus now lives His life in every believer, and through Him, we receive all things:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
and
"According as his [God's] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" (2 Peter 1: 3)
As we walk by faith in His righteousness, letting Jesus live through us, we find that He leads us to do the very things that will cause us to prosper:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. " (Matthew 6: 33)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
His Grace is Enough -- and Everything!
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)
"His grace is enough" -- How many of us have heard this or other terms in our lives?
For many, the grace of God seems like an after-thought, or something that is ubiquitous and ordinary, like wall-paper.
Indeed, it is everywhere, yet also essential, like the very air that we breathe:
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2: 11)
This grace is for our salvation, as Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
"Not of works, lest any man should boast.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2: 8-10)
Grace saved us from death in our sins to eternal, reigning life in righteousness. If we cannot even be saved but by grace, then without a doubt we can do nothing else without God's grace, either:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
and
His grace is enough -- and for the believer, His grace is everything!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Keep Rowing the Boat? -- Let Him Row You!
"So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus
walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid." (John 6: 19)
The disciples toiled to cross the sea of Galilee, yet even as they were rowing, they saw Jesus.
In many circles, when people are lost or have no idea what they must do, they receive the following advice:
"Keep rowing the boat."
The Bible teaches not to do more, but to believe and see Jesus:
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." ((Exodus 14: 13)
Instead of doing more, God calls us to "fear not", and rather trust, see God by faith, and rest in Him:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 9-11)
We are called to rest in Him, ceasing from our own works:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
Stop rowing the boat in your own strength, and let Jesus steer you!
The disciples toiled to cross the sea of Galilee, yet even as they were rowing, they saw Jesus.
In many circles, when people are lost or have no idea what they must do, they receive the following advice:
"Keep rowing the boat."
The Bible teaches not to do more, but to believe and see Jesus:
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." ((Exodus 14: 13)
Instead of doing more, God calls us to "fear not", and rather trust, see God by faith, and rest in Him:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 9-11)
We are called to rest in Him, ceasing from our own works:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
Stop rowing the boat in your own strength, and let Jesus steer you!
Monday, March 4, 2013
God Gives -- We Need to Be Persuaded
"What shall we then
say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God did not have to be moved to send His Son:
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8)
This takes time for us to accept.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8: 1)
This translation is inaccurate. A proper translation reads:
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8: 1, NASB)
The King James Translators could not believe that salvation and sanctification are as simple as being "in Christ".
Paul spoke of his concern with the Corinthians:
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11: 3)
The battle is in our minds, then:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10: 4-6)
Our minds, then, need to be renewed to the truth of who we are in Christ:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12: 2)
We do this through God's Word, which sets us free (John 8: 32), being skilled in righteousness (Hebrews 5: 12), which we have been made in Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
For this reason, Paul wrote "I am persuaded" -- God has indeed given us all things, starting with His beloved Son (John 3: 16). The challenge is to ask God to open our eyes to believe and receive (Ephesians 1: 17-19)
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God did not have to be moved to send His Son:
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8)
This takes time for us to accept.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8: 1)
This translation is inaccurate. A proper translation reads:
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8: 1, NASB)
The King James Translators could not believe that salvation and sanctification are as simple as being "in Christ".
Paul spoke of his concern with the Corinthians:
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11: 3)
The battle is in our minds, then:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10: 4-6)
Our minds, then, need to be renewed to the truth of who we are in Christ:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12: 2)
We do this through God's Word, which sets us free (John 8: 32), being skilled in righteousness (Hebrews 5: 12), which we have been made in Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
For this reason, Paul wrote "I am persuaded" -- God has indeed given us all things, starting with His beloved Son (John 3: 16). The challenge is to ask God to open our eyes to believe and receive (Ephesians 1: 17-19)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Diligent to Rest, Graced to Do Great Things
"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." (Proverbs 21: 5)
We are called to be diligent in all that we do, right?
What is the priority for every person?
Jesus tell us:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
His righteousness is a gift which we keep receiving (Romans 5: 17) through the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
This righteounsess is based on all that Jesus has done, and so instead of our striving, we are called to believe on Him whom the Father sent (John 6: 29) to die for us and save us from our sins and give us eternal life (John 3:16)
Instead of striving for righteousness, we are to make every "effort" to rest in His righteousness:
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4:11)
Instead of looking for more things to do, we are called to receive more of God's grace in our lives, to see Him more and more at work in our lives (2 Peter 3:18)
If we want to see plenty in our lives, let us first stop trying to get right with God (for no flesh can glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1: 29), then we begin to rest and receive His righteousness and grace in our lives (Romans 5 :17), and this grace labors within us to do great things (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
We are called to be diligent in all that we do, right?
What is the priority for every person?
Jesus tell us:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33)
His righteousness is a gift which we keep receiving (Romans 5: 17) through the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
This righteounsess is based on all that Jesus has done, and so instead of our striving, we are called to believe on Him whom the Father sent (John 6: 29) to die for us and save us from our sins and give us eternal life (John 3:16)
Instead of striving for righteousness, we are to make every "effort" to rest in His righteousness:
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4:11)
Instead of looking for more things to do, we are called to receive more of God's grace in our lives, to see Him more and more at work in our lives (2 Peter 3:18)
If we want to see plenty in our lives, let us first stop trying to get right with God (for no flesh can glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1: 29), then we begin to rest and receive His righteousness and grace in our lives (Romans 5 :17), and this grace labors within us to do great things (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Grace is Your Teacher -- Right Now!
"For the grace of God
that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2: 11-12)
In this verse, Paul writes that the grace of God is "actively, continuously" teaching us. The translation suggests that the grace teaches us first to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, when in truth the implication is that we have already denied those empty habits and activities:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
Jesus brings with Himself grace and truth (John 1: 12, 17), and as He is, and as He is in us, so are we in this world, and so we reign in this life.
The grace of God, a gift which we are called to keep receiving (Romans 5: 17)
"to live soberly": to live lives based on God's faith.
"righteously": His righteousness is also a gift that we keep receiving in Him:
"godly": with an inward holiness.
The emphasis on this verse directs us to have a well-understood recognition that we have been transformed from the inside:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
This grace works in us and moves us to do all things (1 Corinthians 15:10)
This grace we live "in this present world" -- literally, RIGHT NOW! This grace is taking care of you right now, and leads us also to trust God to take care of our yesterdays and our tomorrows, too!
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2: 11-12)
In this verse, Paul writes that the grace of God is "actively, continuously" teaching us. The translation suggests that the grace teaches us first to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, when in truth the implication is that we have already denied those empty habits and activities:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
Jesus brings with Himself grace and truth (John 1: 12, 17), and as He is, and as He is in us, so are we in this world, and so we reign in this life.
The grace of God, a gift which we are called to keep receiving (Romans 5: 17)
"to live soberly": to live lives based on God's faith.
"righteously": His righteousness is also a gift that we keep receiving in Him:
"godly": with an inward holiness.
The emphasis on this verse directs us to have a well-understood recognition that we have been transformed from the inside:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
This grace works in us and moves us to do all things (1 Corinthians 15:10)
This grace we live "in this present world" -- literally, RIGHT NOW! This grace is taking care of you right now, and leads us also to trust God to take care of our yesterdays and our tomorrows, too!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Do Not Fall in with the Fallen Man
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not
sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him
that was to come." (Romans 5: 14)
This death has been finished forever in the Body of Jesus Christ, we died our death in order to free us from the curse of the law:
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6: 6)
In Christ, we are born again in our Spirit man:
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8: 9-10)
As believers, we still walk around in a fallen body:
"[God] shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Philippians 3: 21)
We also have a fallen mind:
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8: 6)
So, we are called, therefore, to renew our minds to the truth of who we are in the Spirit:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12: 2)
Every day, we are called to submit our lives to the Life of Christ within us. We need no longer fallen in with the fallen man. Yet even if we do fail:
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5: 20)
This death has been finished forever in the Body of Jesus Christ, we died our death in order to free us from the curse of the law:
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6: 6)
In Christ, we are born again in our Spirit man:
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8: 9-10)
As believers, we still walk around in a fallen body:
"[God] shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Philippians 3: 21)
We also have a fallen mind:
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8: 6)
So, we are called, therefore, to renew our minds to the truth of who we are in the Spirit:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12: 2)
Every day, we are called to submit our lives to the Life of Christ within us. We need no longer fallen in with the fallen man. Yet even if we do fail:
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5: 20)
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