Change Because of Salvation

“Change Because of Salvation”

Prov. 28:13-14; 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2 

SUBJECT: CORRECTION ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE 

THEME: Examine Your Attitude Toward Evil and Sin When Trouble Invades Your Life. 

RELEVANCY: God Desires for Us to Correct Our Attitude Toward Evil and Turn Away from the Practices of Sin. Sin usually leads to even more sin; it is certain that the “hardened heart shall fall into mischief.” God desires to compel all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and to do the difficult work of changing our beliefs and our behavior. 

INTRODUCTION:

The Scriptures tell us, God is a God of absolutes. We are either evil or righteous, based upon what we have decided to do in response to Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross.

 In Thought, Word, and Deed, You, like Everyone Else in the World, Stand Guilty Before God. We must remember who we are in his sight -- alienated sinners. Don't deny that you are a sinner. Instead, allow your desperate need to point you toward Christ.   It is the person who acknowledges their own sinfulness and expresses a willingness to reject sinful behavior who will obtain mercy.  Don’t try to cover your sin with excuses or try to blame others for your failures, this only leads to a hardened heart and more mischief, calamity, and trouble!

Sin Is in Our Nature and must Be Faced by Every Person.

The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, what was your reaction? Denial, argument, and defensiveness?

The Bible tells us the world stands silent and accountable before almighty God. No excuses or arguments are left.

MESSAGE:

TROUBLE COMPELS US TO CORRECT OUR HARBORING OF EVIL.

Proverbs 28:13-14, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. [14] Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Obviously, we invite trouble and mischief into our lives when we harbor sin and evil by refusing to confess and forsake our sins. Again, those who conceal their sins will not prosper, while those who confess and forsake them will receive mercy. Additionally, God emphasizes that a person who fears Him is happy, whereas one who hardens their heart will face “mischief”. It is vitally important to honestly and humbly relate to God.

Hardening one's heart can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God's rest and promises.

Hardening one's heart, as referenced in Hebrews 3, leads to dire spiritual consequences, including disbelief and disobedience. The Israelites' failure to trust in God resulted in their exclusion from entering the promised land, serving as a strong warning for Christians today. When individuals ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the truths of Scripture, they risk becoming spiritually blind and deaf to God’s voice. This hardened state not only deprives them of the joy and peace found in Christ but also results in a lack of assurance and rest, as they attempt to navigate life apart from divine guidance and grace. Believers are encouraged to remain soft-hearted, always responsive to God’s call (Hebrews 3:8-11, Psalm 95:8-11). (From Bill Parker, The Tragedy of Unbelief)                      

A.  CORRECTION THROUGH SALVATION. 

Persisting in sinful patterns and willful disobedience to God is a primary cause of a hardened heart. The Bible warns that those who continue in sin and ignore God’s commands are at risk of developing calloused mindsets. Hebrews 3:7-8 cautions, “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” Continually indulging in sins like sexual immorality, greed, pride, bitterness, and hatred corrodes one’s spiritual sensitivity and receptiveness to God (1 Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 4:17-19). (See Bible Gateway)

God emphasizes the importance and preciousness of remaining receptive to His voice/guidance and warns against setting our interest and concerns against Him; He uses Israel’s rebellion during their time in the wilderness to exhort us today.

   1. Receive Salvation as a Free Opportunity of Grace.

Our salvation is not a matter of works but of a willful receiving of Jesus Christ into our lives. (Eph. 2:4-5,8-9).

Titus 3:5-6, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

2 Tim. 1:9-10, Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, [10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Salvation is fundamentally a gift of grace rather than a result of human effort. This idea is central to Christian conversion, emphasizing that individuals cannot earn salvation through their own actions or merits. Instead, it is granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Understanding Grace is defined as God's unearned favor, which means that salvation is not something that can be achieved through good deeds or adherence to the law. Ephesians 2:8 highlights that salvation comes by grace through faith, underscoring that it is not a result of human effort.
2. The Role of Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ as essential for receiving this grace. It is through faith that believers accept the gift of salvation, which transforms our lives.
3. Misunderstandings of Salvation—A common misconception is that salvation can be earned, leading to a reliance on personal merit or commitment. This belief is countered by the biblical teaching that salvation is God’s gift to believers (Jn. 4:10; 2 Cor. 9:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 6:23).

Salvation is a divine act of grace, emphasizing reliance on God’s mercy rather than human effort or determination.

   2. Open The Door of Your Life to Christ to Enter God’s Kingdom.

If we shut the door of our souls to Christ, we are outside God's Kingdom. Thus, the door to our lives must be open by us—God does not force His way in nor manipulate us to gain access. While it is true the Father will draw a sinner to Himself, we sinners still must invite the Lord Jesus into our lives.

Rev. 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.    

John 3:3, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5, Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:7, Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:16-17, 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. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1. The concept of the Kingdom of God represents God's sovereign rule over all creation and the realm where His will is perfectly fulfilled. The accessibility of this Kingdom emphasis both the openness of the Kingdom to all who seek it and the conditions required for entry.

2. The Kingdom of God is presented as both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, proclaimed the nearness of the Kingdom, inviting all to enter through repentance and faith. In Mark 1:15, Jesus declares, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” This invitation underscores the accessibility of the Kingdom to those who turn from sin and embrace the good news of Jesus Christ.

3. While the Kingdom is indeed accessible and entrance is free, it does come with the cost of discipleship. First salvation and then discipleship subsequently. Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing. In Luke 9:23, He instructs, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This call to discipleship involves a willingness to forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom, highlighting the depth of commitment required to access its fullness. Unfortunately, this very point confuses so many people; they have failed to distinguish conversion from discipleship—entrance into the kingdom from continuing with the King!

The Kingdom of God's accessibility is a profound truth that invites all to partake in the divine life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a Kingdom marked by grace, requiring a response of faith, humility, and obedience. While the path is narrow and the cost significant, the invitation is extended to all, promising eternal life and communion with God to those who enter. (See Bible Hub)

    3.  Choose Eternal Life Instead of Eternal Death.

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Here we have the ultimate spiritual choice: faith in, “the Son,” Jesus Christ which yields eternal life, while rejecting Him results in eternal separation from God in Hell. It contrasts the believer’s present possession of “everlasting life” with the abiding condemnation of unbelief. “Wrath” describes God’s holy, just, and righteous reaction to sin. The word “abideth” means to ‘remains’ emphasizing God’s judgment is permanent for those who die in their unbelief—sin.

     a.  Without Christ, the Results of Sin are Death.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are free to choose between two masters, but you are not free to manipulate the consequences of your choice. Each of the two masters pays with his own kind of currency. The currency of sin is death. That is all you can expect or hope for in life without God. Christ's currency is eternal life -- new life with God that begins on earth and continues forever with God. What choice have you made? (Dr. C. Stanley)

     b.  With Christ, Sins Are Forgiven and Eternal Life Is Given (John 3:36; Rom. 6:23).

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” requires that true belief is not merely mental agreement; it is active trust and reliance on Jesus as the promised Savior. Believers possess eternal life in the present, securing a restored relationship with God.

            1.  Eternal Life Is a Free ‘Gift’ from God (Rom. 6:23).

If it is a gift, then it is not something that we earn, nor something that must be paid back. Consider the foolishness of someone who receives a gift given out of love and then offers to pay for it.

             2. A Gift Cannot Be Purchased by the Recipient.

A more appropriate response to a loved one who offers a gift is graceful acceptance with gratitude. Our salvation is a gift from God, not something of our own doing (Eph 2:8-9). He saved us because of his kindness and pity, not because we were good enough to be saved (Titus 3:5). How much more we should accept with thanksgiving the gift that God has freely given to us. (Dr. C. Stanley)

    4.  Call Upon Christ to Save You Today.

God is still calling you to trust Christ as your personal Savior today. He still loves you. He still calls you, and His Holy Spirit still attempts to draw you to the Father. You are still an enemy of God, not an heir. Why not call upon the Lord in prayer?

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Sin is like a disease that is beyond human cure. Matthew 8:1-4, When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. [2] And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [3] And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [4] And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.  Leprosy, like AIDS today, was a terrifying disease because there was no known cure. In Jesus' day, the word for leprosy was used for a variety of similar diseases, and some forms were contagious. If a person contracted the contagious type, a priest declared him a leper and banished him from his home and city. The leper was sent to live in a community with other lepers until he either got better or died. Yet when the leper begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease.

Sin is also an incurable disease—and we all have it. Only Christ's healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ's saving intervention. We need to confess our uncleanness and appeal to the Great Physician to perform a work of internal cleansing and literally transform our lives. Everyone who came to Jesus in genuine faith went away different, improved, transformed, and internally changed forever! (Dr. C. Stanley)

Calling upon Christ for salvation involves recognizing your need for His grace, turning away from sin with a repentant heart, and trusting in His sacrifice as the God accepted payment. It is a personal act of faith where you surrender your life to Him, believing He died, was buried, and rose again to grant you eternal life.

If you want to call upon Him right now, you can do so through prayer, acknowledging your need for His forgiveness and expressing your trust in Him as your personal Savior.

 

 

Our Toleration of Evil

 

“Our Toleration of Evil”

Prov. 28:13-14; 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2 

SUBJECT: CORRECTION ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Examine Your Attitude Toward Evil and Sin When Trouble Invades Your Life. 

RELEVANCY: God Desires for Us to Correct Our Attitude Toward Evil and Turn Away from the Practices of Sin. Sin usually leads to even more sin; it is certain that the “hardened heart shall fall into mischief.” God desires to compel all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and to do the difficult work of changing our beliefs and our behavior. Once more we want to encourage you to, look at your own heart and life to see what you may need to correct when adversity comes your way. Our goal is to live in total harmony with what Jesus would believe and do.

INTRODUCTION:

The Scriptures tell us, God is a God of absolutes. We are either evil or righteous, based upon what we have decided to do in response to Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. If we accept that what Jesus did on the cross was for us and for the remission of our sins, and we receive Him as our Savior, then we move from the classification of sinner to the classification of saved.

Sin is the Worldwide separation of people from God.

 Romans 3:9-10, What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Paul uses these verses to show that humanity in general, in its present sinful condition, is unacceptable before God.

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Well, I'm not too bad.’ I'm a pretty good person?

Have you ever lied? Have you ever hurt someone's feelings by your words or tone of voice?

Are you bitter toward anyone? Do you become angry with those who strongly disagree with you?

The Bible tells us the world stands silent and accountable before almighty God. No excuses or arguments are left. Have you reached the point with God where you are ready to hang up your defenses and await his decision? If you haven't, stop now and admit your sin to him.

MESSAGE: 

WHY DO WE CARELESSLY TOLERATE SIN AND EVIL?

We answer this question by asking another one.  What does the Bible say about God's holiness? Our view of sin is directly related to our view of God’s perfect holiness.  With a low opinion of God’s holiness we tolerate and harbor more sinful attitudes and actions.  When we have a high admiration for God’s holiness, we are far less passive regarding our sin.  The following are some principles that help us quickly grasp the infinite holiness of God.

A.  WE DISMISSED GOD’S HOLINESS WHICH IS BEYOND COMPARISON.  

1 Peter 1:14-15, As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Being holy in the sense of superior moral qualities and possessing certain essentially divine qualities in contrast with what is human—‘holy, pure, divine.’^[1]

We are called to abandon our former, sinful lifestyles and align our daily behavior with the perfect holiness of God. This radical transformation as followers of Christ replaces worldly ignorance with active obedience and moral purity.

The moral excellence of God that unifies his attributes and is expressed through his actions, setting him apart from all others. Believers are called to be holy as God is holy. —Systematic Theology

    1.  God Sets the Standard of Morality.

The God of Israel and of the Christian churches is holy—he sets the standard for morality.

The believers’ living hope based on their new birth should lead to a lifestyle of holiness. Those chosen for new birth are also called to be holy. Peter exhorted his readers to prepare to meet the challenge of obedience by adopting a new mind-set. The price paid for a believer’s redemption calls for reverence and obedience. Obedience involves purifying oneself and practicing holy living, while offering spiritual sacrifices as a royal priest.^[2]

Unlike the Roman and Greek gods, God is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. These ancient gods acted like spoiled, jealous, and powerful humans; many ancient religions featured immoral and unethical gods and goddesses. They supposedly had superpowers but also bad habits like stealing, lying, and cheating. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, Jehovah is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Our holy God expects us to imitate him by following his high moral standards. Like him, we should be both merciful and just; like him, we should sacrifice ourselves for others.

    2.  God's Holiness Is Our Universal Standard for Pure Living.

God is holy; He is utterly unique, distinct from all of creation, and entirely perfect in moral purity. It is the defining characteristic of His nature; His absolute purity—He is completely unstained by sin or evil. There is no darkness or falsehood in his thoughts, statements, and activities—He is perfectly good and just.  

After people commit their lives to Christ, they usually still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father -- holy in everything we do. Holiness for us means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for his special use, and set apart from sin and its influence. Rev. 15:4, says,

“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

We’re to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different is having God’s qualities in our life. Our focus and priorities must be his. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways (1Pet. 1:14). We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin. Call on God's power to free you from sin’s grip.

Commonly God’s standard of holiness is trumped by the “new morality” which is a wide-ranging cultural and ethical shift from traditional, Bible-based absolute moral frameworks toward bases centered on individual self-fulfillment, situational ethics, and bodily self-government. That is moving in favor of flexible, context-driven ethical notions—from God-centered to human-centered ideas! (See Christianity Today). These modern principles emphasize living an authentic, personally rewarding life, prioritizing happiness and emotional well-being over self-denial. Current morality relies increasingly on psychological and observed characterizations of right and wrong. It is closely tied to required concerns for others' welfare, fairness, and justice, driven by secular humanist philosophies rather than traditional biblical views. Our society is presently feeling the woes of that mistake!  

B.  WE DISMISSED GOD’S HOLINESS WHICH CANNOT ALLOW SIN.

Isaiah 59:1-2, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: [2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

God is always willing and able to save His people, but our willful sins create a spiritual barrier. Instead of God losing His power or ignoring prayers, our iniquity breaks fellowship, causing Him to withhold His deliverance until repentance occurs.

There is widespread perversion of justice and dishonesty. People conceive evil and bring forth crime. Their activities are as dangerous as vipers’ eggs and as useless as a spider’s web. Sin controls every area of their lives—what they do, where they go, what they think. They care nothing for peace and justice, preferring what is crooked. What was true of Israel is also true of the entire human race (Rom. 3:15–17).^[3]

God's inability to tolerate sin is mentioned in Habakkuk 1:13, saying. "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity..."

Sin prevents prayer from being answered (cf. Ps. 66:18). Those sins included murder, lying, injustice (cf. Isa. 59:9, 11, 14–15), and planning evil (vv. 3–4). Their actions were like those of deadly poisonous snakes (vipers and an adder), for they were harming each other. ^[4]

God is absolutely holy. In fact, his moral perfection is so vast that He cannot look upon sin with approval or tolerate its presence. Psalm 5:4, says, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” This embraces the concept of God’s zero-tolerance policy toward sin and wickedness.

    1.  There Is a Colossal Problem with All of Us Before a Perfect God—our sins have cut us off from any relationship with Him. Because of our sinful attitudes and actions, he has completely turned away from us and utterly refuses to listen.

    2.  Sin Offends Our Holy God and Separates Us from Him. Because God is holy, he cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn't matter. Sin cuts people off from him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people he loves.

No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes God angry and forces him to look the other way. People who die with their life of sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from God. God wants them to live with him forever, but he cannot take them into his holy presence unless their sin is removed. Have you confessed your sin to God, allowing him to remove it? The Lord can save you if you turn to him.

    3. Beloved, this is God’s Second Correction—the Purging Away of Sin from Our Lives. Proverbs 28:13, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

There is a stark contrast between two responses to sin—concealment versus confession—and their ultimate outcomes.

1. “Covereth” (this is hiding/excusing sin). Trying to hide, deny, or justify wrongdoings. God warns that this approach “shall not prosper”. Hiding sin requires constant energy, leads to inner turmoil, and ultimately blocks spiritual success or peace.
2. “Confesseth” (relates to admitting/owning our sin). Honestly acknowledging faults to God and taking responsibility for those wrong actions.
3. “Forsaketh” (is turning away from sinful behavior). True repentance involves not just saying sorry, but actively abandoning or changing that sinful behavior.
4. “Mercy” (refers to God’s forgiveness and compassion). The reward for complete repentance is God's grace, pardon, and compassion.

1)    Choose Transparency with God over denial. God already sees everything, so attempting to hide sin is foolish. Admitting fault brings peace and breaks the hold that the secret has on your life.

2)    Engage the two-step path to forgiveness. Genuine repentance requires both confession (admitting it) and forsaking (turning away from it).

3)    Take the biblical promise to heart. Align yourself with 1 John 1:9, where God promises that if we confess our sins, He is “faithful and just to forgive us”.

Admitting our faults and actively turning away from these behaviors are the only path to forgiveness and grace. Remember God will never admit a sinful, arrogant soul, into his kingdom. But if we confess our sin, with a broken heart, forsake every evil way, and we give proof that we are serious with God. The sincerity of the confession is proved by our forsaking sins (Job 34:31-32). Then mercy is guaranteed to such a soul (Ps 32:5; 1 John 1:8-10).

     4. God deals with our Shame effectively in Salvation!

These two previous discussions bring us to the unavoidable subject of shame. This is a painful relational consequence of sin that causes a person to feel worthless, exposed, and alienated from God and others. While guilt is about breaking a rule, shame is about feeling that your core identity is irreparably flawed—a valid moral conviction.

Spiritually, shame is often viewed as a heavy burden on the soul rather than a mere character flaw. It is defined as an internalizing force that attacks your core identity, whispering that your whole self is flawed and unworthy of love.—Unknown

Shame causes individuals to hide their authentic selves from God and from their community (like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden—Gen. 3:7-10). It emerged immediately after the Fall when Adam and Eve realized their nakedness, felt exposed, and hid from God. Again, shame is not just an internal feeling; it is a degraded, defeated, or outcast state within a community (e.g., poverty, barrenness, or disease). Experiencing brief shame can motivate a straying believer to repent and return to godly standards.

Practice God's Solution for Shame!
God seeks to remove our shame. Through Christ, God replaces our disgrace with honor, grace, and a new identity.

• Isaiah 54:4: Assures us we will no longer remember the shame of our youth.
• Romans 10:11: says, “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (this persistent theme is also promised in 1 Peter 2:6).
• Hebrews 12:2: Highlights that Jesus “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” to secure victory over sin and restore us to fellowship with God.

Guilt is judicial in character; shame is relational. Though related to guilt, shame emphasizes sin's effect on self-identity. Sinful human beings are traumatized before a holy God, exposed for failure to live up to God's glorious moral purpose. The first response of Adam and Eve to their sinful condition was to hide from God, and consequently from one another (Gen 3:7-8; 2:25). Christ's unhindered openness to the Father was both a model for life and the means of removing humanity's shame. Christian self-identity is transformed "in him."

When one confesses Christ and openly rebels against him, however, the work of Christ is publicly shamed (Heb 6:6). Christians must be diligent to renounce shameful behavior, though tempting because of its hidden character (2 Cor 4:2).

Shame is a godly motivator. A virtuous life shames the ungodly, providing a context for evangelism (Titus 2:8; 1 Peter 3:16). A believer's shame for past sin is a spur to forsake sinning (Rom 6:21), to renounce disobedience (2 Thess 3:14), and to minister the gospel (2 Cor 4:2).

Shameless people flaunt their unholiness, calloused to God (Zep 3:5) and glorying in their shame (Php 3:19). Yet no one is shameless ultimately. "Shameless Acts" receive the judgment inherent in the act (Rom 1:27). Also, at the final judgment the nakedness of those not clothed with Christ' righteousness will be exposed (Rev 3:18; 16:15).—Bradford A. Mullen

 

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^[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 744.

^[2] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 842.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 984.

^[4] John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1114.

Going Further…

Going Further…

Jn. 11; Matt.19:26

 

Sometimes ‘going further’ entails taking a few steps back at first. Perhaps progressing in the Lord feels more like standing still…pausing…to learn key factors well before moving any further. It is very likely we perceive different outcomes than God does…we want something quite unlike God’s intentions. The current situation seems to dictate our existing posture and beliefs…. To be more protective, judicious, and cautious just feels right about here…it even makes good logical sense…right? By taking a step back, we sometimes realize we are guilty of wanting outcomes that are far too small when God is thinking much bigger, grander, and strategic. Further, our expectations may even be more focused on ourselves and not necessarily the broader plan of God. ‘Going further’ requires joining our Lord on this journey of faith.

This kind of thing happened repeatedly in the Bible (Gen. 6; Gen. 17:1-27; 21:1-8; 2Sam. 7), but it was especially punctuated in John 11 with the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Often, we impose our limitations on God restricting Him to fit into our expectations, when God is not limited like that at all. Our need for Him and the opportunity to transcend normality are presented through life’s very real challenges (Jn. 11:1, 4, 14-15), but few believers seldom realize the chance to trust Him and surpass the restrictions imposed by society or our own understanding. It is true death, the grave, and the stench of death (Jn. 11:39-40) are very real limitations we cannot overcome no matter how sincere we are. It is also true that we allow ourselves to ‘think’ within the confines of those limits and we don’t even consider possibilities beyond them…. We err when we impose those same limits onto God only expecting or even requiring Him to operate within our ‘level’ of comprehension (Jn. 11:24). He is NOT obligated to function that way, and further He really knows what He is doing with each occasion. He has a strategic plan in mind (Jn. 11:4, 40)!

It is precisely at this juncture we feel acutely the frustrations…not realizing God is itching to introduce an opportunity that is mind-blowing and life changing! Such an occasion summons us to trust the Lord in this matter. Jesus requires ‘faith’—believing Him to realize the greater realities!  For instance, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11:25-27). He declares Himself as the source of eternal life and tests Martha’s faith. He assures her that He has absolute power over physical and spiritual death. He guarantees eternal life to whoever believes in Him, prompting Martha to confidently confess her ‘faith’ in Him as God’s Messiah. Trust is always appropriate when interacting with the Lord.

But what tends to interfere with such simple faith? Sometimes we are so consumed with the past… ‘what we perceived should have been’ (Jn. 11:21-22, 32, 40), we haven’t even begun entertaining future possibilities yet. There are times all we can see is the gigantic problems…dwarfing others…sometimes more significant…legitimate factors. Perhaps we are even convinced we know what needs to happen. The solution is so obvious to us that we gently suggest ‘our’ remedies. Certainly, we would have been happy with a simple ‘healing’, but God wants a ‘resurrection!’ Often working together with the Lord is ‘imagined’ a certain way…with ‘our ideal’ outcomes given the details we observed…. We may even envision the local impact of a ‘resurrection’ miracle but not yet perceive the farther-reaching shock waves of such a witness for future disciples (Jn. 11:41-42, 45, 51-52). We may influence a ‘healing’ through our prayers, but only God can work His divine plan for our future which may involve another miracle or two. The first instance may court our pride, but the second option clearly illuminates the ‘grace’ of God! We are invited to join Him on this journey of faith; we dare not embark upon it alone!

“With God all things are possible” Jesus insists in Matthew 19:26, referring to the fact that God is unlimited, unrestricted, boundless…His great power transcends all the boundaries that we in our limitations must respect. Child of God, we have assurance…yes, even a guarantee that absolutely no obstacle is too great for God and that He may still intervene in seemingly impossible situations. God’s infinite ability and authority are not bound by natural, human, or earthly restrictions. Again, in Matthew 19:26, Jesus unmistakably says, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” So whatever God calls us to do, He will empower and equip us to accomplish it. Trust Him for such power, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or mental (2Cor. 12:1-10). Away with our restrictive inhibitions, fears, anxieties, vision for the future, expectations, requirements, and experiences. God is inviting each one of us to go further…so much further with Him by faith in His designs. Beloved, let us align ourselves with His holy character, divine purposes, and eternal plans, rather than merely granting our personal whims, notions, or schemes. 

You and I must trust Him to do the impossible…He abides by no such limitations like us. Prepare yourself for different, astonishing, unanticipated, growth, life investment, adjustments, misunderstanding, and yes even rejection—unfortunately most people will not get it. Learn to be ‘flexible’ as you enter the yoke with God! Be willing to accommodate Him and His designs. You will be glad you did! We must stop thinking too small…too logical…too selfish…too historic; start living by ‘faith’ in God’s limitless power and strategic design—pursuing His glory. Please join the ‘club’ if you feel challenged or intimidated by all of this. I honestly confess I am scared to death, but I must trust Him even when I cannot track Him! Beloved, illegitimate fears tend to limit us…especially our faith. We will experience far less real confusion and continue to ‘go further’ when we ‘believe’ God.