The Spirit of Burning

This basic convicting and cleansing work of the Spirit in the life of believers can be illustrated by the words of the prophet Isaiah. He said “When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning” (Isaiah 4:4).  Evidently God is quite interested in washing and purging! Isaiah reveals God’s passionate desire to cleanse His people in Jerusalem.

Since this Old Testament passage is not as familiar, it would be helpful to afford some context and consider the primary meaning of this chapter and verse before applying it to Christian experience.  Accordingly, the prophet Isaiah looks beyond the “Day of the Lord” to that time when “the Branch,” Christ’s, kingdom will be established on earth.  In that day Jerusalem and Israel will be marked by holiness. Their sins will be forgiven. They will be saved and inwardly transformed to show forth the holiness of Christ. These will reside there (Isa 4:3) as citizens of the city. 

Isaiah says “the daughters of Zion” (they represent the nation of Israel) will be cleansed “by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4).  Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Clarke, 1967, p. 1347) clearly explains this judgment and purging work of God metaphorically as the craft of the refiner:

[Isaiah 4:4] The spirit of burning means the fire of God's wrath, by which he will prove and purify his people; gathering them into his furnace, in order to separate the dross from the silver, the bad from the good. The severity of God's judgments, the fiery trial of his servants, Ezekiel (Ezek 22:18-22) has set forth at large, after his manner, with great boldness of imagery and force of expression. God threatens to gather them into the midst of Jerusalem, as into the furnace; to blow the fire upon them, and to melt them. Malachi, Mal 3:2-3, treats the same subject, and represents the same event, under the like images…. This is an allusion to a chemist purifying metals. He first judges of the state of the ore or adulterated metal. Secondly, he kindles the proper degree of fire, and applies the requisite test; and thus separates the precious from the vile (The Bethany Parallel Commentary on the Old Testament).

This is the work of the Spirit of God! His judgment will be like fire that will burn away the nation’s unwanted filth and sin. God’s new order will not prevail until His Spirit has cleansed and purged the city of its wickedness, carnality, worldliness, and idolatry.  It is the sovereign workings of the Lord that must do this.  No human engineering, efforts, or excellence will be able to achieve this.  God by His Spirit will cleanse the nation (Isa. 4:4; see Zech. 12:10–13:1), revive the fruitfulness of the land, and live with them as He did before (Isa. 4:5–6; Ex. 13:21–22).  The glory of God will be evident in Jerusalem (Mount Zion) providing blessing, security, and peace. Again all of this will be accomplished through the Spirit’s purging fire!  God will produce a holy city to be the capital of the world when Christ reigns. Surely this demonstrates a persistent unrelenting pursuit on the behalf of Jehovah to purify and render his people holy.

The brilliant adaptation in Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Henry 2000) affords insight into the spiritual implications of this Isaiah passage to the current Christian experience. Note what he said.

By the judgment of God's providence, sinners were destroyed and consumed; but by the Spirit of grace they are reformed and converted. The Spirit herein acts as a Spirit of judgment, enlightening the mind, convincing the conscience; also as a Spirit of burning, quickening and strengthening the affections, and making men zealously affected in a good work. An ardent love to Christ and souls, and zeal against sin, will carry men on with resolution in endeavours to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Every affliction serves believers as a furnace, to purify them from dross; and the convincing, enlightening, and powerful influences of the Holy Spirit, gradually root out their lusts, and render them holy as He is holy. God will protect his church, and all that belong to it. Gospel truths and ordinances are the glory of the church. Grace in the soul is the glory of it; and those that have it are kept by the power of God. But only those who are weary will seek rest; only those who are convinced that a storm is approaching, will look for shelter. Affected with a deep sense of the Divine displeasure, to which we are exposed by sin, let us at once have recourse to Jesus Christ, and thankfully accept the refuge he affords.

Having recognized the primary interpretation of this passage, and some spiritual implications to modern saints, more specific applications for Christians can now be made. 

First and fundamentally, the spiritual realities of the kingdom age have already begun in the children of God, though not in their entirety (Rom. 8:18-29).  Christians have a foretaste of the glory to come and are spiritual previews, though imperfect, of the reconciliation, righteousness, peace, and fellowship with God that will characterize the kingdom age comprehensively. It is the Spirit of adoption living in the sons of God today who provides the anticipation of worldwide glory for all creation (Rom. 8:14-17).  To draw spiritual implications from this passage in Isaiah is not farfetched at all.  No, not by any stretch of the imagination could it be considered a misapplication.

Secondly, the Spirit of judgment and burning will execute cleansing by convictions, punishments, chastisements, and disciplines.  Today the Spirit of God still judges and condemns sinful behavior and will proceed to chasten wayward believers motivating them to live purer lives.  This is often referred to as conviction by God. Thirdly after such conviction, chastening, and cleansing the glory of the Lord, the character of Christ, will be made evident. This is the Spirit of Grace manifesting Christ in God’s people. Christians can currently enjoy the presence of the Spirit, the production of Christlike fruit, and the blessed peace of the Lord. 

This application is not at all an effort to spiritualize the millennial kingdom predictions or relegate them as unworthy of anticipating.  Not at all, this is simply an application and comparison of these future blessings to the spiritual blessings of Christians today.  Also applying this passage to the Christian experience William Evans (1974, p. 113) in his book The Great Doctrines of the Bible made this observation,

This cleansing is done by the blast of the Spirit’s burning. Here is the searching, illuminating, refining, dross-consuming character of the Spirit. He burns up the dross in our lives….

The “Spirit of Burning” searches the heart, illuminates that which is contrary to Christ, consumes the residual dross in the character, and refines believers for deeper fellowship and service of greater impact and magnitude.  The blessed Holy Spirit actually purifies the Christian’s soul.  Like fire He penetrates the self-assured veneer, probes and pierces the conscious deeply, and He creates aspirations to be right with the Lord and clean.

Often in Scripture fire relates to the process of purification and refinement.  For instance Isaiah 1:25, says “And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin”.  Likewise God endeavors to purge Christians’ attitudes, aspirations, and actions like precious metals to remove impurities and refine them for greater usages—these are chastening and judgment acts of God upon His people (Heb. 12).  Fire is a symbol by which the Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ hearts can be understood.  Taken together the result is spiritually purified hearts by the searching flames of the Spirit of Burning.

The Spirit also purifies the believer by freeing him from the dominance, slavery, and mastery of the carnal fleshly human nature.  Upon the new birth He creates this power and potential in each saint.  But it is through yielding to the Spirit that cleansing can be experienced. Paul conveys this in Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Note also Galatians 5:25. Through a faithful “walk in the Spirit” believers realize the blessings of freedom from sinful practices even when sin seems unmovable and extremely stubborn!  Additionally, the Spirit, like fire, will illuminate the faintest sins hiding in the deepest recesses of the soul and purge it so significantly that it no longer tortures believers through their motivations and desires. Then the Spirit of God affords the people of God the power to refuse and deny those base desires satisfaction, expression, and ventilation. This is victorious freedom as one continually walks in the Holy Spirit’s sin-purging fire! This is the purifying role of the Holy Spirit—The Spirit of Burning. Note the following comment from the Bible Knowledge Commentary (Walvoord & Zuck 1985),

The Promise of Victory Over Sin (Gal. 5:16-18). The answer to the abuses described in the previous verse is to live by the Spirit. The phrase literally means to, “keep on walking.” As a believer walks through life he should depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit for guidance and power. But the Spirit does not operate automatically in a believer’s heart. He waits to be depended on. When a Christian does yield to the Spirit’s control, the promise is that he will not in any wise gratify, “complete, fulfill” in outward action) the desires of the sinful nature. Thus, while no believer will ever be entirely free in this life from the evil desires that stem from his fallen human nature, he need not capitulate to them, but may experience victory by the Spirit’s help.

The Spirit of the Lord will ‘burn’—convicting of sin and creating a passionate desire for holiness—to purify the hearts and practices of believers (John 16:8–11).  He will not allow anything to coexist with Him in His temple that is not holy, pure, and righteous.  For that reason, the Holy Spirit convicts believers continually when they sin. They may refuse to yield to His convictions for such a long period that it seems His voice has been reduced to a whisper.  Still He will seek to persuade them of their sin until they face it, confess it, judge it, repent of it, are forgiven for it, and are cleansed of it (1Jn. 1:7-2:2). Our sinfulness is revolting to the Holy Father, and the Spirit of Burning will not allow it to stand unchallenged.

The Lord Jesus identified the heart of man as the center of his spiritual problems.  He taught that corruption, impurity and filth come from the inner motives of the fallen mind and heart (Mark 7:20–23).  No doubt the Holy Spirit targets the heart of the believer with a yearning to cleanse it of all base desires and carnal motives.  The fact is the heart of the matter is the heart!  The Spirit not only wants believers to behave correctly, but He longs for them to also have correct beliefs, values, motivations, and godly desires. The Lord Jesus taught that genuine purification is possible by following Him and giving heed to His message (John 15:3; Ps. 119:9-11).  This is the same as walking in the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-21; Col. 3:16-17).

In light of this each believer should be sensitive to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in his life.  Christians should respond to Him with a contrite and humble heart. David the Psalmist said that, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Ps. 51:17).  When the Spirit of God identifies something in the Christian’s heart that does not resemble Christ, they must submissively humble themselves before Him recognizing the gravity of their offense to a holy, righteous, and good God.  Remember all sins, big and small, are a vicious assault on the Majesty and Authority of Jehovah God!  Every sin expresses treasonous rebellion and despises God and His Law (Lev. 16:21; 2Sam. 12:9-10).  The Spirit of the Lord presses the enormity of their sin upon their conscious and encourages them to make things right with the Lord immediately.

Recall when King Josiah humbled himself before the Lord, God responded by saying,

But to the king of Judah…Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; ¹⁹ Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord” (2 Kings 22:18-19). 

Josiah’s reaction to this confrontation with his sin and that of the nation is highly instructive for Christians today.  Many are far too tolerant and permissive regarding personal sin. Clearly this attitude is not from God. Believers can become rather insensitive and harden to what violently offends His Majesty. But when the Spirit convinces us of sins we must face, confess, and forsake them (1Cor. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 1:7-2:2; Tit. 2:14). Thank God there is cleansing and purification through the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1John 1:7-9). Only then can we be forgiven of it and restored to the fellowship necessary for the Lord to use us as He desires.

Influenced by Worldly Wisdom?

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:14-16, KJV)

How would you describe “worldly wisdom”? (Js. 3:14)

Well...the worldly-wise person is characterized by bitter envying and strife—selfish ambition in the heart (3:14). Their singular passion in life is to advance their personal interests--"number one" matters above all others. He or she is jealous of any competitors and ruthless in dealing with them. Such people are proud of their knowledge and intellectual acumen, and they point to these as the primary keys to their success. However, when we take a look at James chapter three we find this is simply NOT the case at all.  What they refer to as a desirable 'wisdom' really is not wisdom at all. Worldly wisdom is NOT the wisdom that comes from God! Such bragging, personal promotion and self-marketing are deceptively empty. In fact, such behaviors are a fundamental denial of the truth that the truly wise person is markedly humble deep within. Personal humility is always a distinguishing characteristic of godly wisdom. So how can we know if we are operating from the position of godly wisdom or worldly wisdom? One answer is to become aware of what worldly wisdom is, how it functions, and what its outcomes are. Consider the following....

Worldly Wisdom is Selfish in Its Strategy (Js. 3:14).

So what are the four distinct characteristics of worldly wisdom? How can I identify or recognize it in myself and others? How can I detect its influence in my soul, relationships, and aspirations? Note the following four features of godless wisdom. 

It is Jealous. “Bitter envying” is endeavoring to exceed the achievements of others motivated by a zealous form of jealousy. Bitterness is driving the internal motives; jealousy and a yearning to have preeminence pervades the mind and soul. These words transmit the meaning of zealous selfish ambition. Such people are "eaten up" with envy and jealousy. Envy is a harsh, resentful attitude toward others and is rooted in unhealthy comparisons of one with another. If you recall James 3:1, where James warned them not to be ambitious for spiritual offices in the church. Some folks are motivated primarily by what others enjoy as they execute a certain office, and they crave the same privileges and honors for themselves. Instead of putting in the time to prepare, educate, train, and be mentored properly for greater responsibility, they are looking for a fast track or short cut to a prominent office or position.

The wisdom of the world says, “Promote yourself. You're as good as the other candidates, maybe better! An even if you aren’t better, you still deserve this opportunity. The wheel that squeaks the loudest gets the grease.” Sad to say, there is a great deal of selfish, carnal promotion among God’s people. Even the Apostles argued over who was the greatest in the kingdom. –Wiersbe, Warren

So many feel they are entitled to advancement and prestige.... They feel cheated when they cannot have the promotions or an office of greater responsibility. They are ready to cry injustice and parade themselves as some kind of martyr.... In fact there is no injustice...there is no unfairness in denying an opportunity to someone who is unqualified to fulfill the objective requirements.
It is easy to go on an ego trip under the guise of spiritual zeal. We must always bear in mind that zeal without knowledge is dangerous! Too many are addicted to the praise and accolades of people, the publicity derived from great achievements, and the lust for fame is startling.  I am convinced that the hunger for prominence and fame drives the reality television industry. I am certain such misplaced ambition drive YouTube video submissions. Why else would so many people make utter fools of themselves? This inordinate craving and pinning for the spotlight by outdistancing others is not godly wisdom in action. This is depraved human jealousy! Remember the Pharisees used their religious activities to garner the praise of men also (Matt 6:1-18). We ought to be zealous in the things of the Lord, but we must be sure that our motives are right. This is the difference between authenticity and hypocrisy. Note again that jealousy can look like spiritual zeal on the surface!

It is Selfish.  James uses the word “Strife,” which is selfish ambition, competing and fighting for individual superiority. It refers to egotistical aspirations that provoke conflict with others and causes divisions. Such individuals cultivate a “party spirit.” It is much like a politician out giving stump speeches to secure more votes. They over criticize the competition and overstate their achievements and intentions. All in the name of some perceived selfish advantage or even survival.

The world’s wisdom says, “Get all the support you can! Ask the people in the church if they are for you or against you!” Of course, this spirit of self-seeking only creates rivalry and division in the church. —Wiersbe 

In order to build themselves up they must resort to tarring others down. They do not have a record of successes, legitimate achievement, consistent track record of selfless service, or authentic godly character to sustain an interest in their merits or candidacy. Therefore, they resort to slinging mud at competitors, exaggerating their achievements, and re-scoping the issues to secure a calculated advantage.  You see everyone else is expendable when "number one" is all important to you!
How clarifying are the words of Paul to the Philippian Church saying, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than [more important than] themselves" (Phil 2:3)? God counsels His people to put others before ourselves and He goes on to instruct us to be willing to serve others sacrificially while seeking no place of prominence for ourselves (Phil. 2:5). It is astounding how much energy is spent attempting to exalt ourselves while so little is invested in honoring, serving, and uplifting others. We get it all wrong when we believe we have been privileged for our benefit primarily. Beloved, this is not the model the Lord Jesus gave us! Christ consciously used His position, privileges, and honor to serve the welfare of the most undeserving in multiple sacrificial ways (Phil 2:5-10). Shame on the Christian who seeks to qualify his involvement or contributions on the basis of, "What's in it for me!"

It is Prideful. Another term revealing the nature of worldly wisdom is the word "glory." “Glory” is, well... just as you might have thought, bragging and boasting about exercising 'wisdom'. A form of self-aggrandizement couched in intellectual acumen, savvy, or shrewdness. Pride may also be rooted in perceived advantages, pedigree, achievements, or a certain lifestyle.

Prideful people love to boast, and nothing is prouder than the wisdom of men (1Cor. 8:1). Sometimes this form of pride marks those who have more education than the average person, or they may have graduated from a more prestigious university. Such arrogant folks fail to see there is a way to report blessings so that God gets the glory, but there is also an approach that gives men the praise. I personally believe it is healthy to remember the Bible says nothing good about pride (Prov. 16:18, 19; 11:2; 18:12; 29:23; Isa. 2:11, 12; Dan. 4:30-37; Rom. 11:20; 1Tim. 3:6).

 Knowledge is proud that she has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that she knows no more.—Author unknown

“Glory” (3:14) reminds us how pride loves to sing its own praises, but, when God’s wisdom is in operation, there is a sense of humility and submission, and you want God to get all the glory. (Wiersbe)You have no desire to compare yourself with any other Christian, because you see only Christ, and compared with Him, all of us still have a long ways to go!  Even in Christian service, it is possible to be bitterly jealous of other workers, and to seek a prominent place for oneself (3:15). Even at pastor's fellowships and preacher's conferences many are discouraged by 'successful pastors' who glory in their large budgets, attendance, and facilities. I am not suggesting that some of these men are malicious in their intentions, but they cause harm when they seek to be distinguished among their colleagues merely for their personal satisfaction. 

It has well been observed that there is always a danger that worldly-wise men will be given places of leadership in the churches. Some receive desirable ministry opportunities primarily because they are more talented, and not because they are obviously fit for the office. Others occupy highly coveted positions because they have large bank accounts and leverage this fact for promotion options. Yet, others receive more serious consideration for certain ministries because they are physically attractive, and not because they are the most qualified. I am also amazed at the incredible number of individuals who have a "ministry" and a "title," but they have little or no preparation for serving the Lord Jesus and others. They secured a "license" or ministry "certificate" online or from some 'church' that will ordain anybody and they feel legitimized by such procedures. These misguided souls actually intend to use the 'ministry' to become well off or wealthy! They see the big name Televangelists, religious TV show hosts, and prominent "Christian" figures and regards such "success" as something they should have one day. Beloved, this is worldly wisdom on steroids! Those who serve the Lord must first be servants at heart and seek His honor and glory in all things. We must love our neighbor as ourselves and seek to serve them in meaningful ways that actually help them. It is our responsibility to live as real disciples of Christ embodying the Gospel in daily life and ministry. Christian servants must prepare themselves well through rigorous study of the Scriptures, Bible education, and thoughtful mentoring by seasoned servants of the Lord. It is our task to execute the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ...we serve people with what and who we are. Often this requires sacrifice after sacrifice without seeking to establish a reputation for ourselves. While every Christian is to be a servant of God to others, not every Christian should be in leadership positions as they do so. We hurt people by allowing them to think they are ready for leadership in Christian ministry without adequately preparing them. Somehow I cannot help but believe that someone is counting, putting notches in their belt, and building their resume at the expense of the unwary! We must constantly guard against allowing worldly principles and motives to guide us in the spiritual work of our Lord. We must seek the approval of God upon our service; there is no room for senselessly comparing ourselves with other servants of God. We all must come to grips with the truth, that without the Lord Jesus, we can do nothing.

Furthermore, the wisdom of this world exalts man and robs God of glory. In 1Cor 1:17, Paul discussed the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world, and he explained why God works as He does: “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (1Cor. 1:29). He concluded the section with the admonition, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1Cor 1:31). (Wiersbe)

It is healthy to ask ourselves, is our zeal for the Lord spiritual or carnal? Do we rejoice when others succeed, or do we have secret envy and criticism? Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we secretly delighted? When the wisdom of the world gets into the churches, there is a great deal of fleshly promotion and human glorification.  Beware!

It is Deceptive. James gives this admonition, “Lie not against the truth” (3:14). The previously mention boasting is empty. We all can understand how a little bragging can become mild exaggerations and then finally complete distortion of reality. So again James' counsel is "lie not against the truth." What truth? The lie in this instance is essentially a denial of the truth that the person who is truly wise is indeed humble. Wisdom does not lead to arrogant conclusions about ourselves, but honest evaluations and assessments that breed humility of heart. Once again note carefully the progression as stated by Dr. Wiersbe,

The sequence is not difficult to understand. First, there is selfish ambition that leads to party spirit and rivalry. In order to "win the election" we must resort to boasting, and boasting usually involves lies! A man's life is not read in his press releases; it is read by the Lord in his heart.  

Again one incredible consequence is people begin to actually believe their own hype! Outrageous! Is not the instructions of the Apostle Paul fitting when he says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (1Cor 4:5)?

God will personally see to it that the truth is revealed! Consider further the words of MacDonald, "He is proud of his wisdom that has brought success. But James says that this isn’t wisdom at all. Such boasting is empty. It is a practical denial of the truth that the man who is truly wise is truly humble." –MacDonald: Believer's Bible Commentary

Yes, the persons with God's perspective of themselves are deeply humble; the soul marked by godly wisdom does not tolerate inflated ideas of its importance. Clarifying truth is cherished over blinding lies. Actually truth frees us from the bondage of lies, half truths, and calculated misrepresentations. One of the saddest things to witness is a person so given to lying that they have zero inclinations to ever speak a trustworthy statement. Their minds are twisted and warped by deception! Such individuals habitually misrepresent even the simplest things by default.

I think a final word from Dr. McGee will suffice here, 

In fact, an uncontrolled tongue raises the question in the minds of others whether a man is a child of God or not. You cannot make me believe that a genuine believer can curse six days a week and then sing in a choir on Sunday. He cannot tell dirty jokes and then teach a Sunday school class, telling about the love of Jesus. That tongue which you have can do either one, but if it does both, it is that which stirs up strife. We are told here, “Lie not against the truth.” A lying tongue is one that denies the Lord during the week by its conversation. (McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary)

I believe Dr. McGee makes a valid point. A life marked by lies is uncharacteristic of genuine Christianity. There is nothing about falsehoods that is compatible with the Gospel of Truth. It is as un-Christian as the prideful attitudes that spawn it. To be clear, a Believer who has God's wisdom operating in their soul will truly be a humble person. Recognizing this believers under the influence of godly wisdom have an  authentic heart of humility; they refuse to resort to jealousy, self-centeredness, arrogance, and deceptions.

Because godly Christians are humble, they are not controlled by green-eyed jealous, ruthlessly self-seeking motives, an obnoxiously overconfident demeanor, and purposefully disingenuous designs. Humility of heart combats feelings of entitlement and actions rooted in resentment. Christians do not lie to appear to be keeping up with the Jones. A humble Believer does not make a big fuss over themselves because they keep Christ in clear view. What is stated in their resumes is true of them. They do not overestimate their value, nor do they underestimate their potential or capability. They have God’s perspective of their strengths and are deeply thankful for his gifts in their lives. Humble people are able to navigate away from deceptive behaviors and statements because they heartily identify with the truth and fidelity. They have no PR person and fervently reject the ‘spin machine.’ By default integrity is their modus operandi. While envy, selfishness, pride, and lying are primary features of worldly wisdom, it has no place in godly wisdom at all. When we are tempted to employ these motives or designs we are operating under the influence of worldly wisdom.     

So there you have it! According to the Word of God worldly wisdom is jealous, selfish, prideful, and deceptive! We must ask the Lord to examine our hearts to reveal when our actions are motivated by self-aggrandizement and arrogance. Trusting the Spirit of God to show us ourselves as we look into the Scriptures is a healthy habit. A failure to do this will lead to lives marked by worldly wisdom, and we will be oblivious of it because these motives are the typical ways our world function. Everybody thinks in these terms...except believers enlighten by God's Spirit and the Word of God. Unless we are willing to face ourselves in the mirror of God's truth we will live under the deception of worldly wisdom. The consequences of such ‘wisdom’ spell death to our service, relationships, and professional aspirations. We may become prominent in the estimations of men, but never will such motives win the approval of God. So I ask once more...are you influenced by worldly wisdom?

Jesus Really Understands Us

Theme: Christ, through His humanity, secured our great salvation which involves exalting believers, freeing us from the fear of death, and affording us the help of a compassionate High Priest in Heaven during temptations.  In addition, Christ’s humanity enables Him to understand our needs, challenges, and pains fully.

Introduction:

Where do you usually turn for comfort when you are hurting?

Perhaps you would say, “my spouse,” “my Bible,” or “prayer,” maybe “my Lord,” or your parents.  If things get bad enough (usually as an absolute last resort) we will turn to our pastor.  It is good if we turn to one of these especially if we go to the Lord Jesus first. 

There are; however, some less honorable options we sometimes resort to, like food (chocolate, cheesecake), shopping, a movie (escape), or travel (escape). Anything to escape being alone with our thoughts, anxieties, fears, and pain…. Unfortunately, these do not really change anything…they only exacerbate the problem. They mask the pain, but they cannot heal it.

Some of us even retreat within ourselves to nurse our wounds. Sulking in silence, brooding in utter bitterness, and refusing to admit we are hurting deeply. The problem is such bitter existence will only result in spreading our pain in the lives of others. Some people also seek comfort in the abuse of alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and even prescription drugs. Even Christians sometimes deal with pain in ways that seldom include looking to Christ for comfort.

It may surprise you to know how deeply the Lord Jesus understands our pain. Actually He suffered more deeply, persistently, and pervasively than anyone who has ever walked the earth. He is also the key to triumph over pain. Would you like to know how? Consider Hebrews 2 verses 10 through 14.

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:10-15)

Lesson:

Why did God allow his Son to suffer? (Heb. 2:10-14) To answer this question honestly reveals the answers to our own pain. Yes, there were incredible situation changing purposes for the pain of our Lord Jesus Christ! The same is true for every genuine Child of God. Consider four biblical realities that reveal this vital and strengthening reality.

The Character of God 

Suffering is entirely consistent with the holy character of God, the Great Planner (2:10)—“For it became Him [Father]”.

The Plan. It was completely in keeping with the righteous character of God that man’s dominion should be restored through the humiliation of the Savior.  

Christ must suffer, bleed, and die to put away sin. Sin had disturbed God’s order. Before order could be brought out of chaos, sin must be dealt with righteously; that is in a manner worthy of a holy God (Rom. 3:21-26; 2Cor. 5:21). He sent His only begotten righteous Son to die in our place (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-10; 8:31-32). Thus God remains “just” and can “justify” the ungodly who trust Christ.

The Planner. The Father as the wise Planner is described as the One for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things. First the Father is the objective or goal of all creation; all things were made for His glory and pleasure. This defines the purpose of all men and everything else. But He is also the Source or Originator of all creation; nothing was made apart from Him (2:10). To live in His will is an expression of his design for us. Because everything belongs to God, He determines what sacrifice is necessary for sin. He, the Creator of the world, determined what was needed for our “great salvation.” (MacDonald)

The Purpose. His great purpose is bringing many sons unto glory. What does this glory consist of? Glorification includes immortality, moral perfection, spiritual power, liberty, reigning in the Kingdom of God, and sharing God’s glory forever! This incredible truth is well attested in the Scriptures (Rom 8:23; Phil 3:21; Rom 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:43-44; 1Thess 2:12; 2Tim 2:10-12; Rom 5:2; 1Thess 2:12; 2Thess 2:14; 1Peter 5:10).

When we consider our own unworthiness, it staggers us to think that Jehovah would have even bothered with us, but it is because He is the God of all grace (Heb. 2:9) that He has called us to His eternal glory (Heb. 2:10). Truly this is a “great salvation!”

We are destine to share in Christ’s glory and honor as fellow sons of God—what a marvelous-dignified-elevated future is ours (Rom. 9:23-24; 2Cor. 3:18; 2Cor. 4:17-18; Col. 3:4; 2Tim. 2:10; 1Pet. 1:5, 10).

In life or in death, God’s purposes will be accomplished and his promises to believers will be fulfilled because believers have been called into God’s eternal glory. God called—this was his initiative; therefore, he will do as he promised.  Why did Christ suffer?  Because it is the character of God to endure remarkable sufferings to secure our salvation—our highest eternal good!  How can I be comfortable with giving Him token and convenient service? Is it my purpose to bring many sons unto glory in concert with the purpose of God? (Wiersbe)

“Just A Little While”

For believers, suffering will not last forever. If you're under stress, if food is scarce, if disease is spreading, God promises that suffering will last "just a little while more."

No matter what trouble you face, hard as it is, God has stamped your life "temporarily out of order," with emphasis on "temporarily." A day is coming when the Great Repairman will wrench evil from the world and restore your life so that it works as God intended. You will be in mint condition, guaranteed to function as God designed.

Many times all we can do is trust God and look forward to Jesus' return, when God will restore us. Our hope is in him! –The Life Application Commentary Series 

The Captain of God 

Suffering was necessary to prepare Christ to be our perfect Captain of salvation (2:10).

His Passion. This is the cost of our glorification! The captain of our salvation had to be made perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10 says: “Make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

Jesus Christ was perfect throughout His earthly experience (Heb. 4:15; 2Cor. 5:21; 1Pet. 2:22). As far as His moral character is concerned; the Lord Jesus was always sinlessly perfect. He could never be made perfect in this respect.

The word “perfect” means “complete, effective, and adequate.” According to Ex 29:33, 35, “to perfect” describes the consecration of the priests, and indicated the qualifying of a person for priestly service.  Jesus qualifies as High Priest because he has completely fulfilled his role as Messiah.

Jesus could not have become an adequate Savior and High Priest had He not become Man and suffered and died. (Wiersbe)

He was made perfect or adequate as our Savior and Intercessor. What does sufferings mean? Basically it means enduring hardship, affliction, pain, persecution, and Calvary. In order to purchase eternal redemption for us, He had to suffer all the punishment that our sins deserved. Christ’s death was punitive.

Besides being forsaken by God, and the extreme sufferings of His physical body, He was also brought into waters so deep, there was no place to stand. He endured extraordinary punishment, arising from the awful visions of the sins He had of His people, and of the wrath such sins deserved, and felt all those inward and painful sensations which such views provoked. In these things, no doubt, the sufferings of His soul far exceeded His physical agonies on the Cross, though these must have been colossal also.—The Biblical Illustrator

We could not be saved by His spotless life; His substitutionary death was an absolute necessity.

He must be made perfect for this role “through suffering.” Since His brethren must suffer, so must He if He is to be the kind of Captain we need. By having done so, He can give us the help we need (v. 18). (Walvoord)

Always bear in mind that God has a glorious purpose in sufferings and He uses such experiences to prepare us for ministry and leadership (2Cor. 1:3-7). Be mindful of this the next time you are dealing with the pains of this life; suffering is preparatory (Rom. 8:17-18).

Sharing with Jesus Christ … involves more than anticipating the glories of heaven. For Jesus Christ it involved suffering and abuse and crucifixion; therefore, being co-heirs with Christ requires that believers share in His sufferings (cf. John 15:20; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12). In fact believers do share in His sufferings… (cf. Rom. 8:9). Then after the suffering they will share in His glory (2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Peter 4:13; 5:10). –The Bible Knowledge Commentary

His Pioneering. Christ as the Last Adam is our Representative, but He is our Restorer as the Captain of salvation. That word Captain literally means “pioneer—one who opens the way for others to follow—a leader.” Christ gave up His glory to become man. He regained His glory when He arose and ascended to heaven. Now He shares that glory with all who trust Him for salvation (John 17:22–24). He is literally bringing an entire band of redeemed children to glory—great is our Restorer!

As lost children, we were once held in servitude by our enemy, Satan (2:14-15). Since we were human, our Captain had to become human and die for us, in order to rescue us.

His Path. In God’s eyes, Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for God’s people, pioneering their salvation through his suffering and death. Because humans experience suffering and death, Christ became fully human and experienced these aspects of being human as well. That Christ both lived and died gives us confidence that we have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (4:15). We have confidence that because Christ conquered death, he also can save us from death.–The Life Application Commentary Series

The Children of God

Suffering was necessary to sanctify and identify with God’s children (2:11-13). The next three verses emphasize the perfection of Jesus’ humanity. If He is going to regain the dominion which Adam lost, then it must be demonstrated that He is true Man.

Christ Sanctified Us. First, the fact is stated: For both He that sanctifieth and they who are [being] sanctified are all of one, that is, they are all possessors of humanity, and have the same origin; meaning that in our humanity, we all have one God and Father.

Christ is the One who sanctifies, that is, He sets apart or separates men to God from the world. Blessed are all those whom He thus sets apart! A sanctified person is set apart from ordinary uses to be for God’s own possession, use, and enjoyment. The opposite of sanctification is profanation.

Lookout for the various passages in Hebrews where sanctification is mentioned, and carefully determine which type of sanctification is in view.

Christ Identified with Us.  He is united to us, and we are united to Him: we are spiritually one. We are His “brethren” (Heb. 2:12). This quote from Psalm 22:22—a messianic psalm— refers to Christ and His church as His brethren. This means we and the Son of God share the same nature and belong to the same family! What a marvel of God’s grace!

He became a true Man therefore He is not ashamed to speak of His followers as brethren. Is it possible that the Eternal Sovereign of the universe should become man and identify Himself so closely with His creatures that He would call us brothers?

The answer is found in Psalm 22:22 where we hear Him say, “I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren.” The same verse also pictures Him as identified with His people in common worship, “in the midst of the church [assembly] will I sing praise unto Thee.” In His dying agony, He looked forward to the day when He would lead the ransomed throng in praise to God the Father.

We are all believers (Heb. 2:13). Christ’s humanity is demonstrated by the fact that He placed His trust in God. Implicit confidence in Jehovah is one of the greatest marks of true humanity.

Jesus lived in utter dependence on God and with complete confidence in God.  All of his brethren must live in the same faithful manner even in the midst of hard sufferings.

He can also speak to us of His own trust in God (v. 13a, quoting Isa. 8:17) and can regard us as the children God has given Him (Heb. 2:13b, quoting Isa. 8:18). Like an elder brother in the midst of a circle of younger children, the Captain of our salvation can teach us the lessons of faith along the pathway of suffering. (Walvoord)

Like those faithful to God in Isaiah's day, we should stay true to Christ and ignore the advice that would distract us from following him. –The Life Application Commentary Series

We are His “children” (Heb. 2:13).  Not only are believers His brethren, but we are also His children: “Behold I and the children which God hath given Me” (Heb. 2:13).

The Lord quoted Isaiah 8:18, which refers to the Prophet Isaiah and his unique sons who were given significant names (see Isa. 7:3; 8:1–4). But the ultimate reference is to Jesus Christ.

The thought is that we are members of a common family, acknowledging a common Father. If Jesus Christ had not come to earth and become man, He could not take us from earth to share in His glory. The Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection must go together. They all lead to glory for you and me.

The Conquest of God

Suffering was necessary to destroy Satan and the power of death (Heb. 2:14).

This exaltation, vaulting us far above the angels to be Christ’s brothers in God’s family, is also our deed to freedom. Satan, who held the power of death, was destroyed by Christ’s self-sacrifice. Now we are free.

By dying Christ was able to destroy …the devil. The author did not mean that Satan ceased to exist or to be active. Rather the word he used for “destroy” indicates the annulment of his power over those whom Christ redeems. –Bible Knowledge Commentary

Thus our greatest enemy has been subdued through Jesus Christ’s mighty Cross and resurrection! Christ did indeed suffer to demonstrate the character of God, to become the great Captain of our Salvation, to completely identify with the children of God, and to conquer Satan and his devices. Thus we are not alone in our pain…whatever it may be.

During the winter of 1777–78 the Continental Army of the rebelling American colonies shivered in Valley Forge while the British forces occupied and rested in Philadelphia. Conditions at Valley Forge were so miserable and supplies so inadequate that the desertion rate from the ranks of the Continentals exceeded the rate of arrival by new recruits.

The only reason the Continental Army survived at Valley Forge was because George Washington was with it. The impression Washington’s character had made on his men through months of service together inspired enough loyalty to keep the Continental Army intact and the British army bottled up.

Washington suffered with his men. He endured their privations and continually interceded with the Continental Congress for provisions and supplies. The troops in the huts who lacked boots, blankets, and food knew the General was their fellow-sufferer and champion with the powers-that-be.

Washington had come out of retirement to lead the Continental forces, and once the Revolution was successfully completed he tried to retreat once more to the beauty of Mount Vernon. (Source Unknown)

The letter to the Hebrews opened with grand assertions about the deity of the Son of God, His role in sustaining all of creation, and His superiority over the angels as the Revealer of the Father to humanity. This tribute of praise set the stage for the main idea Hebrews wants to express about the Son. This awesome Being has shared human nature and experience so fully that He is both Jesus the Son of God and the Son of Man. Hebrews emphasizes the genuine humanity of Jesus as well as Christ’s deity. It was this unique combination of humanity and deity that enabled Him to be both our Savior and our High Priest. Hebrews 4:15 states, “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.”

Whatever the test, pain, or form of suffering you are facing; turn to Jesus Christ the Son of God—the Son of Man. Why? Because He knows all pain fully, deeply, and pervasively! As the suffering Savior he understands. As our Great High Priest He provides help at our moment of need. You are not alone in your pain. Christ is with you in all of them. No, He does not shield us from all suffering…He instead uses pain to make us more like Himself. God uses suffering to prepare us for leadership and greater responsibility. Remember your destiny is glory through Jesus Christ! Trust Him with what hurts…. Approach Him with complete confidence in His unique ability to strengthen and sustain you through the ugliest and worst this broken world can belch out at us.

Yes, it is time to stop looking to temporary fixes, quick fixes, cheap substitutes, and mere brooding…. Step out of the darkness and enter the fellowship of grace, love, and power Jesus Christ affords those who trust Him with their pain.  

Scandalous Behavior in High Places

1 Samuel 2:11-21

Our recent US Presidents have certainly generated a good deal of negative press. The mere mentioning of their names revives memories of continuing investigations for unconstitutional, immoral and unethical behaviors. This is a pervasive theme throughout our federal and state governments. Whether it is Hillary Clinton’s Benghazi investigation or police brutality, everyone is justifiably more skeptical of public officials! The business world is another sector where scandals have made international news. Names like Martha Stewart, WorldCom, British Petroleum, Enron, Xerox, Volkswagen and too many others have been charged with illegal and unethical business practices. Though we are accustom to scandals related to the lives of entertainers still we find ourselves dumbfounded by the behaviors of ‘superstars’ like Bill Cosby, and NBC’s former anchorman Brian Williams. Such negative developments create unholy ripple effects in society!    

Unfortunately this kind of behavior is not limited to politics, business, and entertainment. It has also permeated the “religious” world. Catholic priests have been publicly charged with the horrible crime of sexually abusing children. The Anglican Church has a homosexual priest serving as the head bishop. Prominent television evangelists and other well-known religious leaders have been charged with double lives indulging in pornography, adultery, and homosexuality.

Never before in the history of our own culture have we experienced so much “wickedness in high places.” Surprisingly in contrast, the Bible indicates this is not new; throughout Israel’s colorful history God exposed sinful leaders for the whole world to see.

Lesson:

I.  The Scandalous Behavior of Eli’s Sons.   1Sam. 2:11-17

A.  THEY WERE WICKED SONS OF BELIAL.

   1.  Sons of The Priest and Judge.

Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were extremely wicked men. Eli served both as a judge and as high priest in Israel.

   2.  They Were Priests Also.   (2:12)

We first meet these men in the opening verses of the book of 1 Samuel, where they are also identified as "priests of the Lord" (1:3). Sadly, these two men did not measure up to the spiritual qualifications that God had established for spiritual leaders (Lev. 21:1-15). Rather than living righteous and holy lives, they were very wicked the “Sons of Belial.”(1 Sam. 2:12a).

   3.  They Knew Not the Lord.   (2:12)      

This phrase, “they knew not the LORD” is very revealing regarding their spiritual status.  Even though Eli’s sons had not turned from God to worship the false gods of Canaan, they did not know God personally. Even though they were involved in a religious profession as priests in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, they were not true followers of the Lord. (Getz)

   4.  Not All Jews Were Saved.

When Paul addressed the Jews in his epistle to the Romans, he made it clear that there are Jews who are Believers and those who are not. More specifically, Paul said: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29).

 

Eli’s sons were not true Jews by God’s definition. They were no doubt circumcised according to the Law of Moses, but they had cold and calloused hearts. Their wickedness is almost incomprehensible.

B. THEY WERE DISRESPECTFUL OF GOD’S OFFERINGS.    1 Samuel 2:15-16

   1.  They Ignored Bible Guidance. Vs. 16

They Treating the Lord’s Offering with violent Contempt!  Moses had clearly outlined God's plan for the priests (Lev. 7:30-34). They were not to take the fat portions of the meat that was being offered. They were legally allowed to have the "breast" and the "right shoulder," but only after the fat portions of the sacrifice had been burned upon the altar.

  2.  They Established Personal Preferences.   Vs. 15

Instead, Eli's sons had set up their own rules in order to get the best meat while the sacrifice was being boiled (1 Sam. 2:13-14).

  3.  They Asserted Their Will.

But they took another step out of the will of God. We read that “Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.” (2:15). In addition, if anyone resisted, the servants would “take it by force” (2:16).

 

C.  THEY WERE LITERALLY ROBBING THE LORD.

   1.  Their Actions Were Robbery.

God was very displeased with Eli’s sons. God viewed their actions as taking for themselves what belonged to Him. As Keil & Delitzsch state: "To take the flesh of the sacrificial animal and roast it before the offering had been made, was a crime which was equivalent to a robbery of God."

   2.  Their Actions Were Frustrating Worship.  Vs. 17

But more so, these men were stealing the LORD’S offerings with zero appreciation for the worship of Jehovah. Not only were they taking from God what belonged to Him, but they were keeping people from offering sacrifices to atone for their sins. Consequently, what they did affected all Israel. They were treating with contempt what God had established as a means of having fellowship with His people and a way in which His people could have fellowship with Him. (Getz)

 “Just Suppose!” Though I cannot think of any contemporary illustration to describe the gravity of the sin Eli's sons committed, let me share one idea that may help. The church I serve has seventeen paid pastors. Suppose we ordered our secretaries to meet our people at the door on Sunday mornings and demand they give directly to the pastors the money they had planned to give to the Lord. Though what a person gives to the Lord financially has nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins, we would certainly be taking from God what belongs to Him and hindering our people from worshiping God. Though the Lord has given us biblical guidelines specifying that pastors should be paid from the offerings of the people (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6), those salaries should be paid from a portion of the offerings after the money has been first and foremost given to God.—Gene Getz

This illustration, multiplied many times, describes the seriousness of the sin committed by Hophni and Phinehas. Such behavior grieved God. Sadly, modern so called servants of God are taking money people believe they are giving to God for themselves. This too is scandalously disrespectful of the God’s offering!  

To be sure God still uses imperfect Christians, but sin in our lives leads to serious consequences. God used Eli even though he at times disobeyed the Word of the Lord, and today God may even use us when we deliberately disobey Him. He honors His Word. But ultimately we’ll pay a serious price for our sins. We will eventually reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7).  Galatians 6:7, unmistakably says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

I know a number of former pastors who had built very prominent churches. Thousands of people professed faith in Christ under their preaching and ministries. At the same time, they were living scandalously immoral double lives. They got involved with pornography, their secretaries, and young ladies in their Christian schools, social media outlets, ladies they were counseling, and in some instances multiple affairs through dating services. But eventually their worlds came crashing down because sin had caught up with them. It always does! Unfortunately, too many of their confessions of sin and repentance were superficial, dishonest, and manipulative. Eventually, they lost their pastorates, some of them lost their marriages, and their families.   

Please do not misunderstand me. Not all crises of this nature are the result of sin. But in Eli’s case—the cause-effect relationship seems quite clear. These men violated God’s will again and again over lengthy periods of time. It did not all happen at once or suddenly…gradually their unrepentant sinfulness led to greater and deeper sin. Beloved, this should not surprise us. Really bad things do happen because God promises He will discipline His children who habitually practice sin (Heb. 12). In Corinth, some church members’ sins were so flagrant that God allowed them to become terribly ill and some of them actually died. In other words, God took them home to heaven prematurely. First Corinthians 11:30, clearly warns, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

II. The Spiritual Development of Hannah’s Son.  1Sam. 2:18-21

A.  SAMUEL WAS GROWING PHYSICALLY. (2:18-19).

In stark contrast, little Samuel was growing up and ministering before the Lord in truth. In spite of the terrible wickedness and outright hypocrisy that existed in the tabernacle at Shiloh, Samuel continued his spiritual journey. Eli served as his mentor, even though his own sons were woefully wicked. As a young boy, he actually performed spiritual tasks alongside Hophni and Phinehas—“ministered before the LORD” (1 Sam. 2:18). Once a year when his parents traveled to Shiloh to worship, Hannah brought him a “little coat” she had made—obviously a bit larger each year to fit his growing body. (Getz)

B.  ELKANAH’S FAMILY WAS GROWING NUMERICALLY. (2:20-21)

And each year, Eli pronounced a blessing on Elkanah and Hannah, asking the Lord to give them more children to replace Samuel. God graciously responded to Eli’s prayers and blessed Hannah with “three sons and two daughters.” That is a five hundred percent increase on the initial investment of little Samuel. I love God’s math!

C.  SAMUEL WAS GROWING SPIRITUALLY. VS. 21

Meanwhile, we read, “The child Samuel grew before the LORD” (2:21). Again in spite of his immediate climate, circumstances, and culture this little servant was thriving in the Lord his God!

    1.  God Protected His Heart.

In some miraculous way, God protected young Samuel from being negatively influenced by the corruption that existed in the house of the Lord.

   2.  Hannah’s Prayers Shielded Him.

I have no problem believing that Hannah’s faithful prayers afforded him a measure of protection and grace. A godly mother’s and father’s prayers can still avail protection for our children in this evil permeated culture we must traverse. If we must send them off into the public school system and secular colleges, then please shield and guard them with your prayers!  

It is possible for children to grow up to be godly men and women, even though they have lived in an environment that is permeated with evil. This is one of the most encouraging principles that grow out of this unique story. In spite of his evil environment, Samuel continued to mature to become a man of God. If this could happen to this young man in his environment, it certainly can happen to our own children.  However, this does not happen automatically. We must adhere to God’s strategies, plans, and ways. Most importantly, we must live consistent Christian lives in front of our children from the very time they are born. We must dedicate them to the Lord early and pray for them consistently. It is also incumbent upon us to do all we can to protect them from evil influences without attempting to remove them completely from the broader society. This, of course, is one of the greatest challenges we face as parents in the world today. But, when we join together as Christian parents and encourage and pray for one another,  I am confident God will help us to bring up our children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). If this was possible in the first-century world, it is certainly possible in our deteriorating twenty-first century world.

College Massacres: Freedom Versus Security

Like many Americans, I was absolutely astonished when I heard about the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16^th, 2007 (Hauser & O’ Conner, 2007). It was difficult to believe we were facing another heinous crime on another academic campus. I remember viewing the news coverage and staring at the television in utter unbelief. While glaring at the screen, I asked myself repeatedly, “Who would do this? Why would anyone do such an awful thing?” A student of Virginia Tech, Seung-Hui Cho, took two hand guns and killed 32 people, wounded 17 others, and then took his own life. It was the worst act of mass murder on a college campus in the USA. Clearly something substantial must be done to prevent this from ever happening again.

Politically, I am a conservative with some moderate views and positions. With regards to civil liberties, I loathe arbitrary government interference, and specifically any denial of guaranteed Bill of Rights freedoms. I am a civil libertarian of moderate degree; I respect and value personal privacy. Like many Americans, I hate the idea of the government needlessly prying into the business of private citizens. As long as they live legally and ethically, leave people alone. However, I do support the Patriot Act, and those measures by the FBI, CIA, and other law enforcement agencies prosecuting the war on terror. I basically embrace the idea that safety and national security are worthy values and are just as important as our civil liberties. Admittedly, embracing both realities creates a critical tension that is undeniable. So I trust government agencies to execute their responsibilities without needlessly prying into American lives. Congress must hold them accountable on our behalf to protect our civil liberties. Regarding college campuses, US law makers, college administrators, teachers, and students must not only protect civil liberties, but by all means seriously endeavor to prevent such massacres.

Regarding law-makers, Second Amendment rights need to be protected, but effective gun control legislation must be passed and diligently enforced. It is imperative that law-makers take responsible actions concerning gun control legislation because this will impact campus security. The US Constitution provides for gun ownership as protection against hostile government takeover and private hand gun ownership for self-defense.  The US Supreme Court upheld this provision in District of Columbia vs. Heller (2008) and McDonald vs. Chicago (2010). Government is not to interfere with this guarantee to responsible law-abiding citizens; this must apply to eligible teachers and students. Simultaneously effective gun control legislation needs to be adopted on the state and federal levels to keep guns out of the wrong hands. Over 28,000 people die annually from gun violence. There are “more than 100,000 people each year who are killed or wounded with a gun in our country,” according to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence (http://www.bradycenter.org). Since 1980 approximately 300 people have lost their lives in school shootings in the United States (http://www.slate.com). Responsible reflection on these facts leads us to no other alternative; more must be done to bolster safety of children and young people on American campuses. It was Bill O’Reilly who advocates the federalization of all hand gun crimes with extended prison terms. He believes this will effectively reduce the number of criminal elements in society (http://www.foxnews.com). In the USA, it must be universally established that gun purchases can only be transacted after a Brady criminal background check. This involves any and all gun purchases to include those by ‘unlicensed merchants’ at gun shows. Furthermore gun owners who fail to secure their weapons properly should be regarded as complicit in crimes committed with their weapons. The aim is not to ban guns altogether, but to call Americans to responsibility regarding the sale and ownership of guns for the safety of students. Gun owners and potential gun owners must be willing to face a fair amount of scrutiny to achieve this goal.

Not only must campus safety be sought through legislation, but college administrators can make an important contribution to campus security also. While they uphold the importance of civil liberties, they must also craft policies to enhance campus security.  Enhancing safety in our educational institutions must become a higher priority and administrators establish priorities.  In addition, measures that support conceal and carry gun licenses should be revisited and reinforced particularly for qualifying teachers and college students. Campus security forces need to increase and be specifically trained to reduce the threat of murder on campus. Colleges should bring in subject matter experts to inform, train, and heighten awareness on campus relative to gun violence. Such information could be incorporated into students’ orientation packages, briefings, or official communications from the college. I have a daughter who will be off to college soon, and I certainly want the assurance that everything that could be done to protect her is being done.

Another major high-tension concern is the privacy of individual students. To some degree, teachers and student must honor individual privacy, but simultaneously emphasize community member’s responsibility for the safety of the whole (Goldstein, 1997). A certain level of privacy must be sacrificed for greater safety. Goldstein in an article entitled “Why It’s OK to Rat on Other Students,” rightly advocates, both ideals saying, “we can begin a long-over-due discussion about how we encourage and defend our students’ civil liberties—while doing a lot more to enhance their safety” (1997, para. 6). He further purports that both teachers and students identify and “rat out” students with strange behavioral patterns (para. 16). Both parties have a vested interest in detecting and reporting students or faculty that could pose a threat to the institution. Students must be encouraged to inform on fellow students for the sake of campus safety (para. 15). Looking the other way when something suspicious happens or merely minding one’s own business is no longer a luxury we can afford. If one sees something, then report it to someone in authority. While civil liberties, including the right to privacy, should remain as free as possible of arbitrary government or private interference, students must do more to safeguard themselves on college campuses.

Clearly American college campuses must undertake thoughtful measures to address gun violence and campus security.  American law makers on the state and federal levels, education administrators, teachers, and students must take this matter seriously. Every reasonable initiative to ensure safety on college campuses must be diligently considered. This demands vigorous exploration because valuable bedrock civil liberties are at stake. Yes, protecting students’ civil rights and privacy are important, but so is protecting college campuses from mass murderers. The inherent tension is significant, but law-makers, college administrators, professors, and students must meet this challenge with common sense workable solutions. Without a doubt, we need God’s wisdom to decide for a more hopeful future on our campuses.

References

Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Retrieved from http://bradycampaign.org

Goldstein, W. 1997, “Why Its OK to Rat on Other Students.” Chronicles of Higher Education, Vol. 53, Issue 35.

Hauser, C. & O’ Conner A. (2007, April 16) Virginia Tech shooting leaves 33 dead. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com

Kirk, C. (2012, Dec. 19) “Since 1980, 297 people have been killed in school shootings.” Retrieved from http://www.slate.com

Muller, G. & Wiener, H. S. (2009). To the point reading and writing short arguments, (2nd ed.) Pearson Education, Inc., NY: Pearson Longman

O’Reilly, B. (Political Commentator). (2013, February 08). Bill O’Reilly on gun control: all gun crimes should be federal offenses, Guns, Football, and Murder [Cable television series episode]. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com

Faith Pleases God

Heb. 11:1-6

Theme: We please God when we live by faith instead of by fears. 

Introduction:

As we have stated in previous articles, living by Faith is one of the highest guidelines for Christian experience. By doing so, we please God, sustain a distinctively Christian confession of faith, secure eternal rewards in Heaven, and effectively face the challenges and hazards of a righteous lifestyle.  Though we sometimes face staggering challenges, our faith in Christ gives us the ability to respond to them with confidence instead of fear.  True faith enables us to triumph in all of our challenges. But, we must focus more on the Lord than on the challenge. Too often we forget God and focus more on our difficulties.  This leads to anxiety and worry.

Doubts, fears, anxieties, and unbelief seem to characterize the average person anymore. Mental breakdowns, anxiety attacks, heart attacks, suicide attempts, and a general hopelessness characterize the western world. The sobering truth is we live in an age of terrorism, radical Islam, multiple wars, Geo-political unrest, potential nuclear holocaust, a stagnant US economy, home foreclosures, and high unemployment. All of these problems give people many reasons to be concern about their future. Times really are tough….

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-6, KJV)

This incredible passage offers us practical insight into what faith is and how it operates in the Christian experience. Throughout Hebrews 11, we discover excellent illustrations of believers who trusted God deeply and pleased Him greatly because they lived acknowledging His will and presence. Through faith we can know, see, understand, and experience daily relationship with God. By the exercise of confidence in His statements in the Scriptures, we have occasion to interact with Him. In doing so, we experience life with Him day by day. Beloved, life was not designed for merely surviving endless series of fearful epics, but in trusting communion and fellowship with the Almighty. Once again the Scriptures prescribe a life of faith for the children of God as the strategy for handling the tough times!

Thesis Statement: Live by faith to be sure your life is pleasing to God. God wants us to become people who are full of faith instead of fear!

Message:

I.                  Are We Living in Fear and Doubt?

Some of us already know that we live more by fear than by faith. The obvious evidence from our lives and perhaps recent events have punctuated this fact for us. Others may be convinced they truly do live by faith in God. How can we know from God’s perspective whether we are pleasing to Him because we are indeed living with confidence in His biblical statements? Really the best way to answer this question is to subject ourselves to an examination. Yes, a test of sorts can help us understand where we are on this matter of faith versus fears.  

A.     Do our apprehensions and worry please God? 

Will our Lord be pleased with a believer too paralyzed by their cares that they are unresponsive to Him? The Bible says, “But, without faith it is impossible to please Him.” It is not that it is extremely difficult to please God, much like winning a marathon. No, it is utterly and emphatically impossible to satisfy God’s will outside of a life of faith—a trusting interaction with Him. It is as impossible as it is for us to grow wings and fly! God has not changed. He is still the one absolute constant! He expects us to believe Him always. The more consistently we live with Him in trusting interaction—in responsive belief in His Word—the more pleasing we are to Him. 

B.     Have you ever wondered how God feels about our living in fears and worry instead of by faith? 

How does the Lord Jesus feel about this?  What would He say to us? Christ’s interactions with believers on the subject of faith are quite revealing.

1.      Mark 4:40 …Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
2.      Luke 8:25 …Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
3.      Matthew 8:26 …Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
4.      Matthew 14:31, And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
5.      Matthew 17:17, Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

Our Lord’s interactions with real believers inform us that He is not pleased when we are more attuned to the challenges than to His promises in the Word. The Lord Jesus consistently expects His people to trust Him even in life-threatening storms; He expects us to face those storms by faith. When we believers cannot impact our communities and culture for Christ, it raises serious questions about the legitimacy and veracity of our claims of faith in God. Beloved, with these scandalous developments…how can the Lord be pleased with Christians who believe their fears more than they believe Him?

    C.     The Lord is Not Pleased When we Live in Doubt. 

It is quite obvious that there are different levels of faith and that the Lord wants us to be people of faith.  It is also plain to see that He is not pleased with Christians who are filled with doubt, anxiety, worry, fears, and unbelief. There should be a holy desire in every believer to please the Lord whom we love! Beloved, with every facet of my being I want to please the Lord--I want to obtain a good report like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and the others (Hebrews 11). Obviously, they according to God's testimony on their behalf "obtained a good report" (Heb. 11:2, 5, 6, 39).  What can we do?

II.                  What Does Living by Faith Involve? (Heb. 11:6)

Faith is knowing God is honest and all He says is true. Therefore, whatever He communicates we accept as fact, whatever He promises we anticipate, and whatever He commands we follow obediently. What are the major characteristics of living by faith? What does trusting interaction with the Lord look like?

     A.     Living by Faith Involves Believing God and Acting on It.

                    1.      Faith is Confidence in The Trustworthiness of God

                          i.      Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
a.                   Faith knows the things hoped for are already ours, and it provides unshakable evidence that the unseen, spiritual blessings of Christianity are absolutely certain and real.  Faith enables us to understand what God does. Faith enables us to see what others cannot see (note Heb. 11:7, 13, 27). As a result, faith enables us to do what others cannot do!
b.                  People laughed at these great men and women (Heb. 11) when they stepped out by faith, but God was with them and enabled them to succeed to His glory.

                                                  ii.      Faith is the conviction that what God says is true and that what He promises will come to pass (11:1). God is totally worthy of our most profound trust!
a.                   Heb 6:17-18, Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
b.                  Titus 1:2, In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
c.                   Num 23:19, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

                          iii.      Faith is not limited to possibilities but invades the realm of the impossible. Someone has said, “Faith begins where possibilities end. If it’s possible, then there’s no glory for God in it.”

2.      Faith Is Always Based On Some Communication From God (Rom. 10:14, 17; Luke 16:29-31). 

                                                       i.      It is never a mere whelm, an inner hunch, or a nebulous feeling.  Faith is not positive thinking; that is something quite different. Faith is not a hunch that is followed. Faith is not hoping for the best, hoping that everything will turn out alright. Faith is not a feeling of optimism. Faith is none of these things though all of them have been identified as faith.

                                                       ii.      Faith always demands the most reliable foundation—“Thus saith the Lord.” It is only faith if it takes something God said or promised to heart.

a.                   Why did Enoch walk with God? God told him to.

b.                  Why did Noah build an Ark? God told him to.

c.                   Why did Abraham leave his family and idolatry? God told him to.

d.                  Why did Moses lead Israel out of Egypt? God told him to.

3.      Faith Believes God and Controls the Believer. It is a confident attitude toward Him; a persuasion that His statements are true (Heb. 11:13). We are so convinced by what God says in the Word that we are moved, motivated, and controlled by it.  

                                                                           i.      The primary idea is trust and there are many degrees of faith all the way up to full assurance of faith –being fully persuaded and absolutely free of doubt (Heb. 10:22).

                                                                         ii.      Jesus commended the Gentile women for her great faith—“O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (Matt. 15:28).

                                                           iii.      Stephen in Acts is described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 6:5) and “full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles” (Acts 6:8). He was controlled by his great confidence in God! Some have described him as being bold and brilliant for Christ. Though he had many reasons to be intimidated and afraid, he still spoke and acted with incredible confidence in the Lord Jesus. 

4.      Faith Is A Trust In God That Generates Commitment and Action (Heb. 11:13; Js. 2:17, 20)! Faith involves commitment to God’s will and plans for our life.  The believers listed in Hebrews 11 were people of active commitment and faith.

                                                                           i.      Consider Abel who offered a blood sacrifice to God (11:4),

                                                                         ii.      Enoch who walked with God in righteousness while his contemporaries wallowed in wickedness (11:5),

                                                                        iii.      Noah building the Ark to save his family from the Flood (11:7), and then

                                                                       iv.      Abraham followed the call of God and left his homeland unsure of his actual destination (11:8).

These believers were not perfect, but they did act on God's commands, promises, and prescriptions for life. They actually did something based on God's guidance. They faced incredible odds, total impossibilities, new challenges, un-pioneered territories, deep perplexities, physical limitations, popular opinions/perspectives, serious oppositions, and on the list goes. In every single instance, a life of faith triumphed! Faith in the trustworthy character of God and the specific statements of God enabled these ordinary believers to experience extraordinary things as they interacted with the Lord God by faith! Perhaps our lives are so boring because we do not live interacting with God daily!         

B.     Living by Faith Involves Giving God His Proper Place, And Putting Man In His Place Also (Heb. 11:6: 10:22).

Someone has said that faith is not "believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence." When you read Heb 11, you meet men and women who acted on God’s Word, no matter what price they had to pay. Faith is not some kind of nebulous feeling that we work up; faith is confidence that God’s Word is true, and conviction that acting on that Word will bring His blessing.—Warren Wiersbe

 Faith, mighty faith the promise sees,

And looks to God alone; 

Laughs at impossibilities 

And cries, “It shall be done.” —Author unknown. 

He Expects us to Become a diligent seeker He can reward (Heb 11:6).  Faith not only believes that God exists, but it also trusts Him to reward those who “diligently seek Him.” Believe God will reward our faith in Him with forgiveness and righteousness, because He has promised to do so (Heb. 10:35; Deut. 4:29; 1 Chr. 28:9).

He wants us to Attempt great things for His glory by faith! (Heb. 11:32–40; Matt. 21:21; John 14:12). Note the wonderful things done by the men of faith as recorded in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Jesus attributes a kind of omnipotence to faith (John 14:12). The disciple, by faith, will be able to do greater things than his Master. Faith is a mighty Niagara of power for the believer. The great question for the Christian to answer is not, “What can I do?” but “How much can I believe?” for “all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) 

Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good. Faith is not a mystical experience or a midnight vision or a voice in the forest.… It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn’t left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. –Max Lucado

    

Conclusion:

How does your life reflect faith on a daily bases? When it comes to real faith, is yours a question mark or an exclamation point? What Does God Expect Of Us In Relation To Faith?

He Expects us to Become a diligent seeker He can reward (Heb 11:6). He wants us to Attempt great things for His glory by faith! (Heb. 11:32–40; Matt. 21:21; John 14:12). He wants us to face our future with confidence in Him. 

Ask God to make you a vivid demonstration to your associates and friends of a triumphant faith in Christ—an exclamation of faith, not a question mark.

He wants us to live daily by faith to overcome the doubts and fears that assail us.