Who Authorized You to Say That?

 

Who Authorized You to Say That?

If we insist that a person must be qualified to speak on a topic, then generally we would expect a great deal of agreement from the public. With scientific, medical, psychological, law, and even software there are legitimate requirements to be considered a competent professional and quite familiar with those fields before officially addressing an area. We even have entire departments devoted to wording a document or making a formal statement correctly and leaving the ‘right’ impression on the public. There seems to be a reason for such requirements.

However, at the same time there are situations where we dismiss this requirement altogether. We listen to reporters sharing news on various subjects on which they are not experts. On Social Media platforms we subscribe to a view merely because they agree with our position, are popular, they belong to our political party, or they say what we like hearing. In a liberal college classroom, our professors espouse a questionable idea or even an acceptable concept and very few students are equipped to see through the ridiculous propositions. Movies and songs tend to conflate and confuse real cultural issues in a similar manner often villainizing the views they disagree with. A strategy of some reporters is to capture a celebrity’s opinion on the record regardless of whether the person is a real authority on that topic. Many will legitimize an idea because of ‘who’ said it. We often, without any fair questions accept a person (and their views) because they are the ‘right’ color or have assimilated the accepted ‘talking points.’ Even though we say this is our position and we respect others for having a different view, we are not really listening to the arguments that could possibility change our minds.

Perhaps we need to ask again why is anyone qualified to speak on that subject? What makes them such an expert? Has the advisor enjoyed personal success following their own advice? These types of questions are generally good if you accept experience or academic affirmations as the basic criteria. But what if the person had no personal experience but addressed the topics anyway? It even sounds foreign saying it…it feels unsafe and flatly reckless! But this happens all the time. But have we judged too soon? The perspective of numerous pioneers would be silenced if we required experience before they could speak on the topic. Many inventions and life-enriching discoveries have been made by non-academics! Going further…what if those pioneers spoke on a topic with authority that came from God and not necessarily their experience or academic prowess?

I suspect that would change the conversation significantly. ‘Thus saith the Lord’ would take on new meaning and gravity or we would be forced to ignore His counsel, opting for mere human experiences, accreditations, or opinions. In the final analysis people will answer to God for what He stated about a matter regardless of whomever they subscribe to. It behooves us to represent His views accurately because we cannot escape accountability with Him. Certainly, we must observe correctly, interpret precisely, correlate responsibly, and apply truth appropriately. We know no one will do this perfectly every time, but one can be consistently correct. Ultimately the Bible’s (KJV) statements come from God, He is the primary Author and Source of all truth. 

Matthew 21:23, says, “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” The same thought is echoed in Mark 11:28, stating, “And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” Again Luke 20:2, repeats this notion stating, “And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?”

Yes, even our Lord Jesus faced the questions of supposed religious leaders examining His actions, to which he countered by ultimately refusing to reveal His own source and highlighted His holy prerogatives. Beloved, if the statement came from God, then it should be accepted as the standard…the truth.

God’s Order for a Wife (Part II)

God’s Order for a Wife II

1 PETER 3:1-6

SUBJECT: SUBMISSION APPLIED TO MARRIAGE

THEME: each believing wife is to submit to her own husband in God’s order for marriage as a matter of trusting God.

RELEVANCE: though much of marriage is thrilling, our experiences can become unfair and sometimes painful; those who are the most intimate can hurt us deeply. Undoubtedly this is the case in marriage. To further complicate matters, many Christian couples are oblivious of what God calls them to deeming ‘God way’ as outdated. Regardless as children of God we are expected to accept God’s order and conduct ourselves accordingly even in poor circumstances. The obligation to trust God and embrace a better future are thus directed and reinforced in marriage.

INTRODUCTION:

The following counsel is given to wives in less-than-ideal conditions with their husbands and the appropriate emphasis is on authenticity and real substance. The solution for these disadvantaged wives was not taking over becoming more masculine, leaving because the relationship did not fulfill her, manipulating to secure her own way, or nagging to obtain her own desires. She is not a faithless woman scheming her husband to control the circumstances to obtain her will. 

MESSAGE:

I.               Acknowledge God’s Order as a Wife

The Situation of the Christian Wife with a Lost or Wayward Husband. The husband does not walk with the Lord, “if any obey not the word”. This could also be the Christian wife with a husband who is not sold out for God and on board with God’s plan—He is not leading the family in God’s particulars. It is not his practice to obey the word of the Lord…he may even be ignorant of God’s expectations. He may be self-centered and even jealous of her, questioning her loyalty and trustworthiness…emotionally distant and skeptical, frequently ignoring her, disregarding her feelings by continually criticizing her at least until bedtime, or even taking her for granted as optionless. He is disobedient to the word of the Lord…in such cases God wants us believers to acknowledge His order.

A.    The Case of a Disobedient Husband

                                                    i.     Focus on a Chaste Lifestyle—Be a Women of Purity.

1.     1 Pet 3:1-2, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

2.     Guidance for Such Cases. This is how a believing wife can win her wayward or lost husband to Christ or obedience.  The counsel is the chaste lifestyle of the wife can win the lost husband to Christ and that the wayward husband can be won to an obedient life to his Lord. Wives God will use your authentic testimony as one of His most powerful weapons to convert your husband. This will require your sincerity and faith!

3.     Be a Wife of Purity. “Chaste Conversation” vs 2, means pure from all faults; to be clean and holy and free from all defilement; to act and behave in the most pure and modest way possible.

a.      Chaste refers first to inward purity in nature. It impacts a person’s conduct/behavior (1 Pet. 3:2).

                                                                                                                i.     The word chaste when applied to sexuality refers to innocence or sexual purity, in desire, imagination, and action (2 Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5).

                                                                                                              ii.     When a woman marries a man, she is setting herself apart exclusively for him and him alone. She is truly special because she gives herself exclusively to her husband. This is a non-negotiable standard with her. But sexual promiscuity and infidelity are so prevalent due to feminism; unfortunately, it is normal anymore for ‘girls’ to have high body counts by time they turn 30 years old! However, God still calls his people to purity and chastity in this matter. A wife is to submit only to her own husband.   

b.     Chastity is also a virtuous quality we must teach to our children, boys and girls alike—they are to remain pure until they have married and then remain pure in the holiness of matrimony. God has never approved of adultery, fornication, and premarital sex! God would have us control the flesh before marriage because this allows His Spirit to control us, reinforces self-restraint in marriage, and assure all parties of fidelity and moral restraint.

c.      Heb 13:4, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.  (Prov. 5:1-23)

d.     As a believer, starting a chaste lifestyle is the correct personal standard even when you are no longer a virgin…even after a child and now living in perpetual singleness, until marriage, or until remarriage. You will have some personal and relational challenges, but you can establish celibacy until marriage as normal for you. ‘Worldly people’ will sleep around and live in the gutter trying to manipulate a person’s decisions using their body, but God calls His people to live for His glory and not carnal gratification. Still live for God who is greater than anything else! A person of the ‘world’ will not accept your principles; there is no need to attempt to convince them.   

e.      Body count does matter to God and anyone seeking a real wife. A quality to ask about in any possible bride or groom is purity.

                                                  ii.     Focus on a Real Lifestyle—Be a Woman of Authenticity. “...they behold your chaste conversation” vs 2, This word ‘behold’ indicates that the husband will give keen and careful observation, not a casual glance. 

1.     Her husband will take notice of her spirit, attitude, demeanor, words, gestures, and even the way she carries herself. God will use the wife’s submissive and chaste (pure) lifestyle to soften the husband’s heart, that he can be won to Christ. Her pure heart of authenticity preaches a continuous but silent sermon! It is not her complaining, nagging, or criticizing that will win her husband to God’s will, but her authenticity! If your ‘go to’ is playing ‘the victim’ or ‘turning on the waterworks’ type manipulation, then you may be guilty of blame-shifting, gaslighting, and outright lying to gain control!

2.     Her chaste lifestyle is anchored in her reverence for God (vs2 “coupled with fear”). She lives in reverence of God’s all-knowing ability, power, justice and judgement. Her trust and accountability with Christ are transparently actual!

a.      She is NOT a mere pretender or fake! Yes, she can admit when she is wrong! She does not engage in shifting blame on others, she does not shun responsibility for her miscalculations, she avoids gossip and other fault-finding manipulative tactics, and she has too much respect for God to live a lie! We must trust God’s control and not our own! This reverence—respect--deference to God is what make her freely submit and such a chaste lifestyle could win her husband over to Christ.

b.     She knows she is not perfect and willingly own up to her failures, faults, mistakes, and sin. Because she is growing, she is the kind of person who will earn your trust (Proverbs 31:11; John 10:37), not merely expect it! Trust is foundational to marriage so she fully acknowledges when trust has been broken and must be rebuilt through repentance and trustworthiness. She does not require blind, unconditional acceptance.

3.     Wisdom prescribes caution and setting boundaries when a spouse is untrustworthy, while ultimately directing us to trust God for healing and strength.

a.      Such authenticity and trust are correctly rooted in God: When confidence in a spouse fails, trust should continue in God’s faithfulness (Psalm 9:10) to sustain the individual and restore the marriage. Trust is the foundation of a healthy, covenantal marriage, enabling security and corporation (Proverbs 31:11, Hebrews 13:4).

b.     Ultimately, take a balanced approach: foster a deeply trusting, faithful relationship while acknowledging that when trust is broken, it must be earned back, not demanded.

c.      Luke 22:42, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

                                                iii.     Focus on a Selfless Lifestyle—Be a Woman of Unselfishness.

1.     Only when we have learned the discipline of ‘submission’ can we come to the place where a selfish spirit no longer controls us. Only submission can free us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self-will. Most things in life are not major issues. If we could see this and accept it, we could hold those things lightly. Often the best way to handle these issues is to say nothing and let enough time pass so that the proper perspective is gained.

2.     William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was once brought to an international meeting when he was very old and infirm. Though too weak to give an address, a microphone was brought to him, and he said one word several times as his final message to the huge, international organization that the Salvation Army had by then become. What was that word? We would expect it to be a terribly important word, given the situation. The word? “Others. Others. Others.”

3.     We find submission easiest when we begin to trust God implicitly and truly value other people. Marriage is not primarily about the individuals; it has always been about the Lord Jesus (Eph. 5:22-28) for us believers. When we truly place importance on the Lord, other people created in the image of God, those for whom Christ died, we’ll submit. When we comprehend that God will use us to touch others, then we find submission easier to live out. Stay focused on the eternal goal of glorifying the Lord even during the tough times. You will grow far beyond the limitations of yourself.

4.     Live as Unto the Lord on Purpose! Wives, Regardless of What Your Husband Does, Decide Now to Live for God! Let your primary motivation in your relationship with your husband be that of pleasing the Lord and not what you hope to see develop in the relationship. Seek to obey God and honor Him regardless of how your husband responds to you and your desire to live for the Lord. Still labor to bear an awesome testimony before your spouse, don’t get frustrated and quit but continue to trust the Lord. Take his advice seriously! It is never a vain effort to live for Jesus Christ even if things don’t turn out the way you desire. This life may last 80 years, but eternity is forever!

                                                iv.     Comprehensive purity, real authenticity, and selflessness! These are the primary character concerns of a wife accepting God’s Order for marriage!

B.    The Traits You Must Avoid as a Wife!

                                                    i.     1 Peter 3:3, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

                                                  ii.     Superficial: God tells wives that their beauty should not come from outward adornments, but rather from inner character, which is precious to God. We must emphasize inner beauty and godly character over superficial appearances (Prov. 31:30-31; 1 Tim. 2:9-10), encouraging wives to focus on cultivating a gentle and submissive character. These ideas pertain to those who want to be wives, not every woman or female…but wives in particular.

                                                iii.     Vain: we must return to valuing godly character instead of appearance!

1.     A wife should naturally be attractive to her husband, and this is healthy and normal; it is a desirable quality in a woman. However, we seem to only emphasize outer beauty anymore and inward gorgeousness is almost never talked about. It is easier to change our appearance rather than change our character! The average girl thinks she must have an hourglass figure, long eyelashes, nail extensions, nail polish or art, a BBL, plump lips, bonnet, hair extensions or several wigs, make-up, fake eyebrows, and a body shaper girdle to be physically attractive. All the emphasis is placed on the external appearance with hardly any focus on the inner character.

2.     On the other hand, descriptions like drama queen, ugly duckling, too emotional/sensitive, overweight, wasteful spend thrift, temperamental or moody, untalented, homely or plain, and unattractive come to mind revealing inner and outer complications. Many women attempt to hide, deny, or mask these undesirable traits instead of trusting God to transform or improve these areas!

                                                iv.     Materialistic: High fashion with luxurious branding, extravagant jewelry, and exorbitant prices, seems to be fashionable and common sense seems outdated and impractical! The fact is the average man cannot afford this spoiled little princess’s lifestyle!

1.     I am afraid we have allowed materialism to supplant bible mandates! In the fray femineity has been lost, the nurturing softness of female maturity is gone, and the receptive intelligent smoothness of womanhood has disappeared. Compassion, empathy, supportiveness, intuition, sensitivity, gentleness, vulnerability, connection, creativity, and cooperation have vanished into a business tilting feminism mindset.

2.     Women today are more like men: hard-strong-stubborn, overly masculine, aggressively rough, assertive, logical-analytical, independent, goal-oriented-calculating, uncompromising, and competitive.

3.     Wives have forgotten they are the means to shaping the next generation of children for the Lord. The character of the wife must be correct for her to fulfill one of her primary roles as a mother. The next generation’s potential lies in their fathers’ leadership and their mothers’ ability to follow.

                                                  v.     Mission Ignorant: Yet a Christian home exists to serve God and to advance His kingdom throughout the world with the gospel! Many couples mistakenly believe the home exists to make them happy, fulfilled, or pleased. God calls us as believers to His mission in this world and seeks to reign as King from each life consciously submitted to Him. His will is to be done on this earth as it is correctly done in heaven.

God Still Values Humility

 

God Still Values Humility

Luke 1:29, And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

Mary was troubled because she did not understand how God could so greatly favor a person like herself. She never expected to be greatly favored by Him. This was deep humility before the Lord and such humility should mark each believer.

Lesson:

I.       Mary Was Not Self-Centered; She Cherished God’s Honor.

Mary was not a proud, self-centered, flighty, or frivolous young lady who was way to conscious of herself or felt that she merited and deserved the attention of others.

            A.  Satan Thinks Primarily of Himself.

Many Bible students believe that the fall of Lucifer is a description of the fall of Satan.

                  1.  He once was the highest of the angelic beings, close to the throne of God (Ezek 28:11-19), but he desired to be on the throne of God!

                  2.  Lucifer said, "I will!" but Jesus said, "Thy will."

                  3.  Lucifer was not satisfied to be a creature; he wanted to be the Creator! Jesus was the Creator, yet He willingly became man. Christ's humility is a rebuke to Satan's pride.

            B. Adam and Eve Thought Primarily of Themselves.  

Lucifer was not satisfied to be a rebel himself; he invaded Eden and tempted man to be a rebel. Adam had all that he needed; he was actually the "king" of God's creation ("let them have dominion," Gen 1:26). But Satan said, "Ye shall be as God!" Man deliberately grasped after something that was beyond his reach, and as a result plunged the whole human race into sin and death. Adam and Eve thought only of themselves; Jesus Christ thought of others.

We expect unsaved people to be selfish and grasping, but we do not expect this of Christians, who have experienced the love of Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit (Phil 2:1-2). More than twenty times in the New Testament, God instructs us how to live with "one another." We are to prefer one another (Rom 12:10), edify one another (1 Thess 5:11), and bear each other's burdens (Gal 6:2). We should not judge one another (Rom 14:13) but rather admonish one another (Rom 15:14). Others is the key word in the vocabulary of the Christian who exercises the submissive mind.   Who is it that your thoughts commonly turn to?  Others or yourself?

 

II.    Mary Was Christ-Centered and Non-assuming. (Genuinely Humble)

She was a young lady who loved God and had determined to live a pure and responsible life. Apparently, from her response throughout this passage, she had a sweet spirit that was full of softness, warmth, and tenderness, and was responsive and willing, subjective and giving, thoughtful and kind. However, Mary never dreamed she was anyone special. Therefore, when she heard that God was to favor her and use her in a very special way, she was troubled. How could she, so ordinary and humble, do anything special for God? What a striking example Mary was!

Christ As Live-In

When Queen Victoria reigned in England, she occasionally would visit some of the humble cottages of her subjects. One time she entered the home of a widow and stayed to enjoy a brief period of Christian fellowship.

Later, the poor woman was taunted by her worldly neighbors. "Granny," they said, "who's the most honored guest you've ever entertained in your home?" They expected her to say it was Jesus, for despite their constant ridicule of her Christian witness, they recognized her deep spirituality. But to their surprise she answered, "The most honored guest I've entertained is Her Majesty the Queen."

"Did you say the Queen? Ah, we caught you this time! How about this Jesus you're always talking about? Isn't He your most honored guest?" Her answer was definite and scriptural, "NO, indeed! He's not a guest. HE LIVES HERE"! Her hecklers were put to silence.

-Our Daily Bread

 

III.      Jesus Modeled Humility Through Service for Us!

Have you noticed as you read the four Gospels that it is Jesus who serves others, not others who serve Jesus? He is at the beck and call of all kinds of people - fishermen, harlots, tax collectors, the sick, the sorrowing.

                    A.  He Described Himself as a Servant. 

 Matt 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Luke 22:27, For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

                    B.  He Conducted Himself Like a Servant.

In the Upper Room, when His disciples apparently refused to minister, Jesus arose, laid aside His outer garments, put on the long linen towel, and washed their feet! (John 13) He took the place of a menial slave! This was the submissive mind in action - and no wonder Jesus experienced such joy!

During the American Civil War, Gen. George B. McClellan was put in charge of the great Army of the Potomac, mainly because public opinion was on his side. He fancied himself to be a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the people call him "a young Napoleon." However, his performance was less than sensational. President Lincoln commissioned him General-in-Chief, hoping this would get some action; but still he procrastinated. One evening, Lincoln and two of his staff members went to visit McClellan, only to learn that he was at a wedding. The three men sat down to wait, and an hour later the general arrived home. Without paying any attention to the President, McClellan went upstairs and did not return. Half an hour later, Lincoln sent the servant to tell McClellan that the men were waiting. The servant came back to report McClellan had gone to bed!

His associates angry, Lincoln merely got up and led the way home. "This is no time to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity, " the President explained. “I would hold McClellan's horse if he will only bring us success."  This attitude of humility was what helped to make Lincoln a great man and a great President. He was not thinking of himself, he was thinking of serving others. Service is the second mark of the humble and submissive mind.

IV.      God is Looking for Humble Servants Still!

God still looks to the humble person to bless, revive, strengthen, inform, encourage, enlarge, and use greatly.

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.   

Isaiah 66:2, For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalm 138:6, Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

2 Chron. 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Potter's House

To the Potter's house I went down one day,

And watched Him while moulding the vessels of clay,

And many a wonderful lesson I drew,

As I noted the process the clay went thro

 

Trampled and broken, down trodden and rolled,

To render more plastic and fit for the mould,

How like the clay that is human, I thought,

When in Heavenly hands to perfection brought,

 

For self must be cast as the dust at His feet,

Before it is ready for service made meet.

And pride must be broken, and self-will lost--

All laid on the altar, whatever the cost;

 

But to! by and by, a delicate vase -

Of wonderful beauty and exquisite grace.

Was it once the vile clay? Ah, yes; yet how strange,

The Potter has wrought so marvelous a change!

 

Not a trace of the earth, nor mark of the clay,

The fires of the furnace have burned them away.

Wondrous skill of the Potter-the praise is His due,

In whose hands to perfection and beauty it grew;

 

Thus with souls lying still, content in God's hand,

That do not His power of working withstand.

They are moulded and fitted, a treasure to hold;

Vile clay now transformed into purest of gold.

- Selected

Conclusion:

Real humility pursues the glory and honor of God intentionally and looks out for the welfare of others (Colossians 3:12-14; Philippians 2:3-8). Our Lord Jesus affords us a perfect example of humility by going to the cross to give His life for our salvation that we might live for God.

How do I know if I am truly humble? Evaluating humility before God involves reflecting on my dependence on Him, obedience to His will, and my attitude toward sin and others. I may ask myself: Do I rely on God’s power rather than my own limitations? Am I eager to obey Him even when it's costly, difficult, or sacrificial? Do I genuinely admit my faults with a spirit to turn away from sin? Am I characteristically grateful rather than self-focused and demanding? 

A humble person is also ready to be taught something new about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. They then move forward believing that truth and exemplify it in their lifestyles. Each occasion is potentially a learning experience provided by the Lord or a chance to serve. Humility means we understand that everyone has their own story and a portion of God’s will to execute; we know each believer is a servant of Christ and they live for Him and not us. We are thus freed from any baseless judgments of other servants of Christ because we know we are not the standard.