The Kind of Judgment that Helps

MATTHEW 7:1-6

THEME:  When we reject a false righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

RELEVANCE:  The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

INTRODUCTION: “They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.” -- William Penn

The Lord Jesus has been preaching to correct misconceptions about true righteousness and distinguishing God’s righteousness from the popular forms of Pharisaical righteousness familiar to His audience. He has shown repeatedly how the contemporary standards of right fall utterly short of God’s original intent for His Law (Matt. 5). He has also endeavored to express the weight and import of motives surrounding spiritual disciplines like giving, fasting, and prayer (Matt. 6). True righteousness requires love and commitment at the heart level.

True righteousness also supports the sound exercise of judgement (Matt. 7). An understanding of righteous standards and properly motivated godly practices encourages clear thinking discernment regarding our actions and those of others. To have a skewed perception of righteousness leads to skewed judgement. Likewise, a hypocritical standard of righteousness will influence one to judge hypocritically. Naturally, if we have no idea of God’s standard of righteousness, we would demand, “Don’t judge!” I know reading that may feel harsh...but please pause and think deeply about this.

The Pharisees were then judging and rejecting Christ finding Him entirely inadequate. He was not offering the kind of kingdom they anticipated or asking for the kind of righteousness they were exhibiting. So, they rejected Him. Jesus therefore warned them against hypocritical judging. Their false righteousness helped to encourage this false judgment. This explains why our Lord closed this important sermon with a discussion of judgment. In it He discussed an aspect of judgment called discernment. Consider the following....

LESSON:

Discernment: Judge Yourself Before You Judge Others (Matt. 7:1-6)

Discernment is keenness in seeing and understanding for the purpose of good and shrewd judgment. The eyes of our soul require a discernment whereby we can instantly read the character of others, but more importantly our own actions and motives.

The first principle of judgment is that we begin with ourselves. Jesus did not forbid us to judge others, for careful discrimination is essential in the Christian life. Christian love is not blind (Phil. 1:9–10). The person who believes all that he hears and accepts everyone who claims to be spiritual will experience confusion and great spiritual loss. But before we judge others, we must judge ourselves. Remember it is true righteousness that enables righteous judgement; this must of necessity return our focus back to ourselves. There are several reasons for this.

A.    Consider the Personal Repercussions (Matt. 7:1-2)

Here the Lord Jesus turns judgment on His 'judges' indicating the consequences of exercising unrighteous judgment.

We Shall Be Judged (7:1). The tense of the verb judged signifies a once-for-all final judgment. If we first judge ourselves, then we are preparing for that final judgment when we face God. The Pharisees “played God” as they condemned other people; but they never considered that God would one day judge them. Whether or not they acknowledged a righteous standard in this life, they will face God's righteous judgment in eternity. 

We Are Being Judged (7:2). The parallel passage in Luke 6:37–38 is helpful here. Luke 6:37-38, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: [38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Not only will God judge us at the end, but people are also judging us right now; and we receive from people exactly what we give. The kind of judgment, and the measure of judgment, comes right back to us. We reap what we have sown. Fair is fair! It behooves us to shy away from a judgmental and critical spirit. Right?

We Must Not Be Judgmental (7:1-2). The word “judge” can mean evaluate or analyze. It also refers to private, judgmental attitudes that tear down others in order to build up oneself. The command “judge not” does not refer to judging in a court of law, nor is it a blanket statement against critical thinking. Believers should be discerning and make certain judgments. For example, Jesus said to expose false teachers (Matt. 7:15-23) and to admonish others in order to help them (Matt. 18:15). Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1Cor 5:1-5). Judgment is appropriate when confronting sin (1Cor. 5:12). (Wiersbe) Such judgments are clearly guided by the Word of God; it should not be according to a private standard. 

But as followers of Christ, we should not be critical or condemning in our attitudes toward others. A judgmental, critical spirit differs radically from love. Believers’ special position with Christ does not give us license to take God’s place as judge. Those who judge in that manner will find themselves judged likewise by God. As God will have mercy on the merciful (Matt. 5:7) and forgive those who forgive (Matt. 6:14-15), he will condemn those who condemn (Matt. 7:2b). The way we as Jesus’ followers treat others is the way God will treat us. The religious leaders taught that God judged the world by two “measures” -- mercy and justice. Each person receives what he or she measures out, either with mercy or with severity.

“Judge not, that you be not judged” (7:1) may be the most-often-misquoted text from the Bible. People frequently apply it as if it were a flat command against all moral judgment. In fact, people use it to judge what they consider a judgmental attitude on the part of another. Jesus, however, gave these words as one negative application of the Golden Rule. That is, we should not treat others as we do not want to be treated. We should seek to measure ourselves and others by the same standards.

Jesus declared it unacceptable to excuse our personal sin while holding others accountable for similar behavior. When you perceive a fault in others, your first impulse may be to confront or reject that person. But ask yourself first if your awareness of the failure mirrors your own life. Your effort to help will be in vain if the person can point out the same fault in you. Practice your own remedy before you ask others to do it. Jesus tells us to examine our motives and conduct instead of judging others. The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves. Our untamed bad habits and behaviors are the very ones that we most want to change in others. Do you find it easy to magnify others’ faults while excusing your own? If you are ready to criticize someone, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, and then lovingly forgive and help your neighbor.

B.    Consider a Personal Examination (Matt. 7:3-5)

Our Lord turns the focus on us; this is where our examination begins.

We Must See Clearly to Help Others (7:3–5). The purpose of self-judgment is to ensure we are right and to prepare us to serve others. Christians are obligated to help each other grow in grace. When we do not judge ourselves, we not only hurt ourselves, but we also hurt those to whom we could minister. The Pharisees judged and criticized others to make themselves look good (Luke 18:9–14). But Christians should judge themselves so that we can help others look good. There is a difference!

Our Lord Jesus Illustrates This Very Point with The Eye (7:3-5). Jesus chose the symbol of the eye because this is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body. The picture of a man with a two-by-four stuck in his eye, trying to remove a speck of dust from another man’s eye, is ridiculous indeed! If we do not honestly face up to our own sins, and confess them, we blind ourselves to ourselves; and then we cannot see clearly enough to help others. The Pharisees saw the sins of other people, but they would not look at their own sins. In Matthew 6:22–23, Jesus used the illustration of the eye to teach us how to have a spiritual outlook on life. Jesus didn't point out our sinfulness, so we would simply let each other off more easily. He made it clear that a problem noticed usually requires more than one person’s response. Both speck and log must be removed. The person with the speck-sized problem may actually be in a better position to help remove the log than the other way around. This means that when you notice a problem in someone else’s life, you may have to ask that person to help you with the same problem in your own. A problem in common can be an excellent starting point for accountability.

We Must Not Pass Judgment on Others’ Motives. We should examine their actions and attitudes, but we cannot judge their motives—for only God can see their hearts. It is possible for a person to do a good work with a bad motive. It is also possible to fail in a task and yet be very sincerely motivated.

When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat, He will examine the secrets of the heart and reward us accordingly. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 2:16, "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." He went on to say in Colossians 3:22-25, Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

We Must Be Loving and Tender When Helping Others (7:5). The image of the eye teaches us another truth: We must exercise love and tenderness when we seek to help others (Eph. 4:15). I have had extensive eye examinations, and I appreciated the tenderness of the physicians. Like eye doctors, we should minister to people we want to help with tender loving care. We can do more damage than a speck of dirt in the eye if we approach others with impatience and insensitivity.

In addition, two extremes must be avoided in this matter of spiritual self-examination. The first is the deception of a shallow examination. Sometimes we are so sure of ourselves that we fail to examine our hearts honestly and thoroughly. A quick glance into the mirror of the Word will never reveal the true situation (James 1:22–25). The second extreme is what I call a “perpetual autopsy.” Sometimes we get so wrapped up in self-examination that we become unbalanced. But we should not look only at ourselves, or we will become discouraged and defeated. We should look by faith to Jesus Christ and let Him forgive and restore us. Satan is the accuser (Rev. 12:10), and he enjoys it when we accuse and condemn ourselves! Our personal priority must be addressing ourselves first (vs. 5). After we have judged ourselves honestly before God, and have removed those things that blind us, then we can help others and properly judge their works. But if we know there are sins in our lives, and we try to help others, we are hypocrites. In fact, it is possible for ministry to be a device to cover up sin! The Pharisees were guilty of this, and Jesus denounced them for it.

C.    Consider Your Personal Perception (Matt. 7:5-6)

The Lord links personal ministry to personal judgement.

The Reason We Must Judge Relates to Our Ministry of ‘Holy Things.’ (7:6). As God’s people, we are privileged to handle the “holy things” of the Lord. He has entrusted to us the precious truths of the Word of God (2 Cor. 4:7), and we must regard them carefully. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Certainly, the Gospel is an extraordinary treasure! Clearly a faithful priest would not throw meat from the altar to a filthy dog, and only a fool would give pearls to a pig. So, who are these “dogs” and “swine”? (Matt 7:6) They are unholy or “unclean” people who, when presented with the gospel, treat it with scorn and contempt. “That which is holy” refers to the special, consecrated food that only the priests and their families ate (Ex 29:33-34; Lev 22:10-16; Num 18:8-19). It would be unthinkable to give this sacred food to scavenger dogs. In the same way, it would also be futile to give pearls to pigs. “That which is holy” and “pearls” picture the teaching of the gospel of the kingdom (see 13:45-46 where the kingdom of heaven is compared to a pearl of great value).

Jesus explained the futility of teaching the gospel to people who do not want to listen; such people will only tear apart what we say. Pigs do not realize the value of pearls; all they know is that they cannot eat them, so they spit them out and then trample them into the mud. Contemptuous, evil people cannot grasp the value of the gospel, so they scornfully cast it away. We should not stop giving God's Word to unbelievers, but we should be wise and discerning so as not to bring scorn to God's message. When Is Evangelism Wrong? Is evangelism ever inappropriate? Sometimes our witnessing requires discretion. There are times and places when witnessing can be rude and offensive. As a result, the gospel will be ridiculed. When you witness, there will always be resistance to the message. Don’t be put off. Resistance is normal. But when your witness provokes anger, slander, or ridicule, consider another time and place. All people need to hear the gospel, but effective witnessing occurs in appropriate settings.

While it is true that we must carry the Gospel “to every creature” (Mark 16:15) …. It is also true that we must not cheapen the Gospel by a ministry that lacks discernment and appropriateness. Even Jesus refused to talk to Herod (Luke 23:9), and Paul refused to argue with people who resisted the Word (Acts 13:44–49). Often in my evangelism efforts I am looking for someone ready and willing to listen to the Gospel.

The Reason we must Exercise Judgment is to Have a Discerning Life and Ministry (7:6). It is not that we might condemn others, but that we might be able to minister to them appropriately. Notice that Jesus always dealt with individuals according to their needs and their spiritual condition. He did not have a one-size-fits-all canned presentation for everyone. Memorized speeches have a certain usefulness, but Jesus was aware of the principles of salvation and He worked these principles. He discussed the new birth with Nicodemus, but He spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman at the well. When the religious leaders tried to trap Him, He refused to answer their question (Matt. 21:23–27). It is a wise Christian who first assesses the condition of a person’s heart before sharing the precious pearls.

As Christians we must exercise discernment; for not everyone is a sheep. Some people are dogs or hogs, and some are wolves in sheep’s clothing! We are the Lord’s sheep, but this does not mean we should let people pull the wool over our eyes!  

Share a Little Hope Today

1THESS. 4:18

Subject: The Rapture

Theme: Our Rapture Hope gives encouragement and strength when facing challenges, and the coming of our Lord Jesus fills each day with strengthening  anticipations.  

Introduction:

If you asked the average well-informed person, “What is hope?” They would basically say, “Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large.” (Wikipedia) Natural “hope” is typically used to indicate a wish: its potency rests in the strength of the person’s desire. Also, it is largely dependent upon positive external developments or conditions. This is the extent of natural hope. In contrast, it is in the Bible that spiritual Hope is presented as the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in the well-documented faithfulness of Almighty God.

“Hope” is commonly nothing more than wishful thinking or earnest desires. Again the Word of God; however, portrays the confident expectation of what God has promised. The Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary says,

Hope: Confident expectancy. In the Bible, the word hope stands for both the act of hoping (Rom 4:18; 1 Cor 9:10) and the thing hoped for (Col 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3). Hope does not arise from the individual's desires or wishes but from God, who is Himself the believer's hope: "My hope is in Thee" (Ps 39:7). Genuine hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future (Rom 8:24-25; Heb 11:1,7).

“Hope” then is a fascinating concept found throughout the Scriptures and certainly in this passage (1Thess. 4:13-18). Biblical hope points to a sure expectation of good and positive developments; it is far more than merely desiring or wanting something favorable to happen. God primarily uses the term to give promises and discuss events that will occur...it’s just a matter of when and not if. God gives His people hope; He is the Source of all meaningful hope in this life and the next! With regards to our salvation, believers have a joyful and confident anticipation of full eternal salvation—forever with the Lord. Repeatedly, in our New Testament, hope is identified with the consummation of our redemption promises at the coming of the Lord Jesus in the Rapture. Beloved, we have glorious anticipations because of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Hope is a much-needed ingredient in our modern culture. Despair is the sense of no hope or of not having any hope left. Despair means to lose hope and often refers to the complete loss or absence of hope. Desperation, despondency, and hopelessness are painfully very real, and even people of great wealth, fame, and celebrity have fallen prey to its incredible power. Actor and comedian Robin Williams, actress and model Marilyn Monroe, famous novelist Ernest Hemingway, Olympic medalist skier Jaret “Speedy” Peterson, and scores of other celebrities took their own lives while in the grips of despair and depression. Suicide is the fruits of despair and persists as an alarming problem in the USA and the world,

There is 1 suicide for every 25 attempted suicides. Males make up 79% of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal thoughts. 1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 dies by suicide each year. There are 2 times as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS. Over 38,000 Americans die by suicide every year. In the U.S., suicide rates are highest during the spring. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and 2nd for 24 to 35-year-olds. On average, 1 person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes. (DoSomething.org)

Atheism and other systems of non-belief not only deprive its adherents of viable faith-answers but leave them with zero hope. This is difficult because hope is what helps people continue without giving up or quitting on life. Hope moves us to dream big and pursue our greatest aspirations. Hope enable us to complete the degree programs, launch meaningful careers, and envision a better future. Hope gives us reason to live...to continue to live--suicide ceases to be an option where hope thrives. Too many young people take their lives essentially because they have no sense of hope. With that being the case, how can we share a little hope today?

Lesson:

The Obligations to Share Our Hope (Vs 18)

1Thes 4:18, Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The word "wherefore" points us back to the Rapture hope Paul has just disclosed. This hope comforts us in death and affords us a wonderful anticipation every day of life. Knowing this incredible truth is great, but it is better to share it with others.

The word “comfort” means to console, encourage, and strengthen by consolation or instructions. It is similar to the Holy Spirit who comes along side His people as the Great Comforter. God is telling us to become ‘comforters,’ Purveyors of Hope, to each other with our Rapture Hope!! Our obligation is to spread, tell, and transmit this hope to others, especially the hopeless. Beloved, we are to seize occasions to spread the hope of Jesus Christ and His coming for His people in the Rapture. So, when should we be busy with this ministry of comfort and encouragement?

IN TIMES OF SORROW, RECALL YOUR COMFORTING HOPE (Jn. 14:1-6)

We are not to let our hearts be troubled; instead we are to believe God and Christ Jesus! Our Lord said He would come for us and He will in due time. The Rapture is the reason we do not sorrow in a hopeless and despairing fashion (1Thess. 4:13). While it is perfectly normal to grieve over deceased love ones, we have no reason to hopelessly despair. God and Christ are our HOPE! We have the wonderful hope of seeing our family members and fellow church family again. God gave us such hope in the promise of the Rapture. We must take responsibility to hope in the Lord and draw encouragement from truths like these biblical promises. 

                      1.  Learn to Encourage Yourself with This Hope

Remember David in Ziklag—1Sam. 30:1-10, (v. 6) “...but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” As much as possible, cause your mind to concentrate and meditate on Rapture passages along with other hope-filled promises of God. Use these to lift your own spirits...to think on the truth, which frees us from despair. Concentrate on passages of assurance and faith to ally your hope in the Lord.

                     2. Once again consider what the Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary says about the sources of hope,

Christian hope comes from God (Rom 15:13) and especially His calling (Eph 1:18; 4:4), His grace (2 Thess 2:16), His Word (Rom 15:4) and His gospel (Col 1:23). Hope is directed toward God (Acts 24:15; 1 Peter 1:21) and Christ (1 Thess 1:3; 1 Tim 1:1). Its appropriate objects are eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7), salvation (1 Thess 5:8), righteousness (Gal 5:5), the glory of God (Rom 5:2; Col 1:27), the appearing of Christ (Titus 2:13) and the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:6; 26:6-7).

                     3. Passages like Romans 15:13-14 are a tremendous help stating,

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (KJV)

Our God is the author and designer of hope, and through our faith He can cause hope to overflow in our experiences through the grand workings of the Spirit of God! Such hope will issue out in joy and peace. That is a joyous anticipation stirred by hope and a tranquil assurance also afford by this potent hope from God. Beloved, there is tremendous delight and grace ushered into our lives through confidence in the God of hope!

                      4. Also consider 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, where Paul says,

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (KJV)

God graciously gives everlasting consolation and good hope to His trusting and abiding people. Look to Him!

                      5. This glorious hope revives our courage for the way,

When each in expectation lives and longs to see the day

When from sorrow, toil, pain and sin, we shall be free,

And perfect love and joy shall reign throughout all eternity.—John Fawcett

IN TIMES OF STRUGGLE, GIVE OTHERS THIS COMFORTING HOPE

In all the challenges of life become God’s instrument of encouragement in light of our Lord’s return for us.

                      1.  Determine to Encourage Others with This Hope in Times of Suffering, Great Trials, and Persecution. We have Hope beyond this life, which cannot be taken away; therefore, we can boldly stand for our Lord and His truth.  (Paul & Timothy in 2Tim. 4:1-8)

                      2.  Determine to Share This Hope with the Lost of Your Family & Community Before it is Eternally to Late for Them! People desperately need the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and a relationship with the Father. Point them to the Source of Hope! 

Sweet By-And-By

The gifted Christian musician Joseph T. Webster was often tormented by deep feelings of depression. On one occasion, when he was in a melancholy mood, he received a visit from his close acquaintance Fillmore Bennett.

Knowing that one way to keep Webster from brooding over his problems was to interest him in writing a hymn tune, Bennett decided he’d try to pen some lyrics that would direct his friend’s thoughts heavenward. The despondent man himself unwittingly supplied the theme, for when he was asked, “What’s the matter now?” he replied, “Oh, it will be all right by and by!” “That’s true,” exclaimed Bennett, “trials do generate great glory for us in the sweet by-and-by!”

Inspired by this thought, he immediately sat down and wrote several poetic verses on the subject. When his friend read them, a new look of hope came into his eyes, and his whole attitude changed. After jotting down some musical notes, Webster took up his violin and played the melody he had composed to fit the words. Within half an hour the enduring hymn “In the Sweet By-and-By” was born. –Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

Conclusion:

Our Rapture Hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us through life and death. It brings encouragement and strength in the face of death and fills our lives with the enduring prospect of our coming Lord Jesus. Give God praise for the certainty about your eternal destiny that you as a child of God enjoy. Live this day in that confidence. Share this Rapture Hope with others, that no one you love will be left behind!

Unsinkable Ship

At the time of the sinking of the Titanic, one of our great American preachers was in Belfast, Ireland. The Titanic had been built in Belfast, and there was a great local pride over the mighty ship. She had been heralded far and wide as “the unsinkable ship.” Sixteen members of the church in Belfast, all skilled mechanics, went down with her. The mayor said that Belfast had never been in such grief as that which came over this terrible tragedy. When the news finally was verified that the gallant ship was certainly lost, so deep was the grief that it is said strong men met upon the streets, grasped each other’s hands, burst into tears, and parted without a word.

The visiting American preached the Sunday after the tragedy in the church to which the sixteen members who had been lost belonged. Not only was the building packed with peoples but on the platform were lords, bishops, and ministers of all denominations. In the audience, many newly-made widows were sitting and orphans were sobbing on every side. The great preacher took as his subject “The Unsinkable Ship.” But he did not apply that term to the Titanic which on her first voyage had gone out into the Atlantic and crashed into an iceberg, carrying her precious cargo of human lives down to watery death.

No, the preacher’s message was about that other “unsinkable ship”—the frail boat on the sea of Galilee, unsinkable because the Master of land and sea was asleep on a pillow in the afterpart of the vessel. Thank God He still lives and rides the billows and controls the storms, and when the children of men take their only true Pilot back on board, we will ride out the present storms and He will bring the vessel through to the fair harbor of our hopes. —American Fundamentalist

I challenge you likewise to be “unsinkable.” Refuse to drown in the sorrows and hard times life will hit you with. No matter how high the waves of despair may tower over you...and how hard and often they crash on the shore of your conscience, you are not defenseless. Use the hope of Christ’s coming to keep you afloat when your heart is breaking, and the pain seems too much to bare. Use God's hope like a life preserver to rescue those who are sinking in discouragement, depression, frustration, pain and sorrow. Refuse to sink under the waves of sorrows and billows of desperation; be unsinkable! Use this Hope in Christ to lift you until Christ comes and catches us away!

In every life there will be some “dark valleys.” Difficult days cannot be avoided. In fact, the lives of some believers seem to be filled with affliction and suffering. But for the child of God, there is glorious relief just ahead … the return of Christ and the promise of a land of endless delight. The prospect of Gods’ tomorrow also means a time of joyous reunion with loved ones who have preceded us. Truly “there’ll be songs of greeting when Jesus comes…”—Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace

Today...this day...share a little hope. First encourage yourself in the Lord, and then carry a little hope everywhere you go. You will find that you will always have a robust ministry as you whisper comfort to discouraged hearts with hope in Jesus. Be God's ambassador of HOPE today!

Believers are Not Exempt from Pain

Hebrews 12:12-17

How can a loving heavenly Father permit such pain to befall His much-cherished children?  

The natural disasters—earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, wildfires, and tsunamis of recent weeks and months often raise these questions because many of God’s children were involved in these terrible events and gravely impacted like all others. You may be aware that some of the most difficult challenges with family, health, employment, and our nation have occurred in the lives of some of God’s choicest servants. Perplexing? It should not be, Joseph, Daniel, Paul, Moses, and Job were fascinating servants of the “Most High,” yet they endured some of the most challenging situations in biblical history! Beloved, God’s children are not exempt from lost, pain, suffering, diseases, and family struggles….

So, why does God permit us, His children, to suffer?

LESSON:

I.                God Allows Suffering for the Purpose of Sanctification: Make the Adjustments to Pursue a Holy Lifestyle (Heb. 12:12-17). In terms of persevering in the spiritual race of Faith (Heb. 12:1-4), what is the meaning of God’s commands in Hebrews 12:12, 13, and 14? What must we do when hardness strikes?

A.    Adjust Your Attitude to Renew Your Strength (Heb. 12:12). God understands our tendency to spiritual weakness, discouragement, and quitting as believers (12:12), and in the light of the truths God has expounded He encourages us to renew our strength. Beloved, we are not to cave in under the adverse circumstances of life; our lapse of faith might have an unfavorable influence on others.

                                                  i.      Shake the discouragement. Drooping hands should be reinvigorated to serve the living Christ.

                                                ii.      Strengthen your resolve. Feeble knees should be strengthened for persevering prayer (12:12).

B.     Adjust Your Course to Continue in Godly Disciplines (Heb. 12:13). If we respect this and pursue the level and “straight paths” which entails real righteousness, transparent prayer, trusting the Word, and spiritual power that the weakest among us (the lame) would not be further disabled, but rather healed. Our lives strengthened in the Lord would benefit weaker Christians.

                                                  i.      Faltering feet should be guided in straight paths of Christian discipleship.

                                                ii.      Williams writes:

All who follow the Lord fully smooth the path of faith for feeble brethren; but those who do not follow fully, roughen the path for others’ feet and create spiritual cripples.

                                              iii.      G. H. Lang gives a fine illustration:

A weary traveler, tired of the road and the buffeting of the tempest, stands dispirited and limp. With shoulders bowed, hands hanging slack, knees bent and shaking, he is ready to give up and sink to the ground. Such can God’s pilgrim become, as pictured by our writer.

But one comes to him confident of mien [demeanor], with kindly smile and firm voice, and says, “Cheer up, stand erect, brace your limbs, take heart of grace. You have already come far; throw not away your former toils. A noble home is at the end of the journey. See, yonder is the direct road to it; keep straight on; seek from the great Physician healing for your lameness. ... Your Forerunner went this same hard road to the palace of God; others before you have won through; others are on the way; you are not alone; only press on! And you too shall reach the goal and win the prize.”

                                              iv.      Happy is he who knows how to sustain with words him that is weary (Isaiah 50:4). Happy is he who accepts exhortation (Hebrews 13:22). And thrice happy is he whose faith is simple and strong so that he finds no occasion of stumbling in the Lord when His discipline is severe. –MacDonald: Believer's Bible Commentary

C.    Adjust Your Relationships to Pursue Peace with Others (Heb. 12:14).

                                                  i.      As we run the Christian race, what is our goal? The writer explained the goal in Hebrews 12:14: Peace with all men, and holiness before the Lord. (Remember “the peaceable fruit of righteousness,” Heb. 12:11.) These two goals remind us of our Lord’s high priestly ministry—King of peace and King of righteousness (Heb. 7:1–2). –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

                                                ii.      Pursue Peace with all people (14).

1.      Peace with all men as well as personal holiness must be vigorously sought since without holiness no one will see the Lord. Christians should strive for peaceable relations with all people and at all times (Ps. 34:14; Matt 5:9; Mk 9:50; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; Js. 3:17-18).

2.      But this exhortation is especially needful when persecution is prevalent, when some are defecting from the faith, and when nerves are frayed. At such times it is all too easy to vent one’s frustration and fears on those who are nearest and dearest. This is the first danger.

D.    Adjust Your Surveillance to Pursue Righteous Values and Principles (Heb. 12:14-17).

What dangers must a strong Christian avoid, and why must we avoid them? (Heb. 12:14-17). The dangers Christians must avoid are all related to some degree of apostasy. These include: lack of spiritual diligence—failing to watch over their lives, bitterness against the Lord or others (see Deut. 29:18), sexual immorality, and decision making that reflect worldly and fleshly priorities.  How can we avoid these dangers?

                                                  i.      By Habitually Pursuing Practical Holiness (12:14).

1.      Pursue a holy lifestyle before God constantly (14).

a.       We should also strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (12:14).  Since no sin can stand in God’s presence, Christians must—and will be—sinless when we see the Lord (1 John 3:2). That realization offers motivation for pursuing holiness here and now (Ps. 15:2; 94:15; Rom 6:22; 2Cor 6:17; 7:1; Phil. 3:12; 1 Thess. 4:7; 1 Pet 1:15-16).

b.      It is not that we earn the right to see God by living holy lives; Jesus Christ is our only claim to heaven. But there must be a pursuit of practical holiness as this evidences new life within. A pursuit of holiness and growing in righteous living, is proof the Spirit is leading the believer and the Spirit’s life is within (Rom. 8:11-14). When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, He manifests His presence by a separated life. It is a matter of cause and effect; if Christ has been received, the rivers of living water will flow.

2.      Pursue holiness to see God more clearly. I believe something else is intimated here…. The thought that our perception of God even now is conditioned by our real measure of personal holiness (see Matt. 5:8; 1Jn. 3:2-3). 

3.      Pursue holiness continually. Practical or progressive holiness is something that involves our obedience and cooperation; we must cultivate such devotion continually. The fact that we must follow it is proof that we do not fully attain it in this life. The second danger is a failure to progress in holiness. 

                                                ii.      By Diligently Walking in Grace to Avoid the Dangers (12:15-17).

It requires diligence to run the race successfully lest we “fail of the grace of God” (Heb. 12:15).  To fail means to fall behind in the race and/or fail to reach the goal. Grace is once more emphasized at the end of the chapter (Heb. 12:28). If we fail to take advantage of God’s grace, we will face the following conditions.

1.      Lest we fail of the grace of God (15).

a.       God’s grace does not fail, but we can fail to take advantage of His grace and therefore not finish our course or reach our spiritual potential. We are encouraged to depend on the grace of God by considering the failure of Esau.

b.      Esau certainly failed to act on God’s grace. The account is given in Genesis 25:27–34; 27:30–45.  God’s grace will never let you down or prove inadequate for any obstacle or challenge we face, but we can choose to get angry instead of trust God or blame God for all our problems and not depend on God’s grace (Gal. 5:4). Esau is a warning to us not to live for lesser things.

2.      Lest we are troubled by bitterness (15).

a.       As a grim reminder of what can happen among believers, we are warned that if we fail to use the grace of God we may become like a bitter root whose infidelity to God affects others. Deuteronomy 29:18 comes to mind where an OT apostate was called a “root that beareth gall and wormwood;” the “root” produces a bitter poison that negatively influences others. It is clear from Moses that the “root’ is a person who is inclined towards apostasy and departing from the True and Living God. Perhaps they are inclined to revert back to Judaism or the pursuit of some form of sensuality. They perhaps view apostasy as a safe and easier way to handle the persecutions and troubles instead of continuing in faithfulness to Christ. This is another warning against the single sin of apostasy and these sins are all related to it.

b.      Full apostasy is a root of bitterness; such individuals may have failed to obtain the grace of God. They may look like a Christian, talks like a Christian, professes to be a Christian, but they have never been born again. Such a person turns sour against the Lord because of suffering and repudiates the Christian faith (Matt 13:20-22). His defection can become contagious. Others are defiled by his complaints, doubts, and denials.

3.      Lest we become profane (godless and worldly) fornicators (16-17).

a.       Esau was “a profane person,” which means “a common person, one who lives for the world and not God.” (Our English word literally means “outside the temple,” or not belonging to God.) A profane person is a godless, unholy, secular, desecrated person with zero respect for spiritual things—a reprobate. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob, and he missed the blessing because it was given to Jacob. (It was supposed to go to Jacob anyway, but it was wrong for Jacob to use trickery to get it. See Gen. 25:19–26.) Afterward, Esau tried to get Isaac to change his mind, but it was too late. Even Esau’s tears availed nothing.

b.      What sins will rob us of the enabling of God’s grace? These verses tell us: lack of spiritual diligence, bitterness against others (see Deut. 29:18), sexual immorality, and living for the world and the flesh. Some people have the idea that a “profane person” is blasphemous and filthy; but Esau was a congenial fellow, a good hunter, and a man who loved his father. He would have made a fine neighbor—but he was not interested in the things of God. –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

Conclusion:

We are clearly warned not to yield to temporary pressures and forfeit our spiritual blessings and inheritances. If some do, they will ultimately regret the foolish step and might find their inheritance privileges irrevocably lost as were Esau’s. This would of course be true of any believer who ended his Christian experience in some backslidden state. The book of Hebrews has continually warned against this possibility. –Adapted from MacDonald,

So, why does God allow His children to suffer? Well, he permits suffering to correct and change us. Holiness, righteousness, faith, and continuing with holy power are His grand designs for us. He is wise and patient in this task and there is much we need to learn…. Trust Him still, Beloved. Trust Him still.

Jowett explains:

The purpose of God’s chastening is not punitive but creative. He chastens “that we may share His holiness.” The phrase “that we may share” has direction in it, and the direction points toward a purified and beautified life. The fire which is kindled is not a bonfire, blazing heedlessly and unguardedly, and consuming precious things; it is a refiner’s fire, and the Refiner sits by it, and He is firmly and patiently and gently bringing holiness out of carelessness and stability out of weakness. God is always creating even when He is using the darker means of grace. He is producing the fruits and flowers of the Spirit. His love is always in quest of lovely things. –MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary

Victory Over Death and Discouragement

1THESS. 4:15-17

Subject: The Rapture

Theme: Our Rapture Hope gives believers assurance of victory over death and discouragement.

Introduction:

Our Christ-filled hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us for the entire course of our lives and not even death can extinguish it. As we trust God’s promise of the Rapture, we are encouraged and strengthened as we face death; and we are powerfully filled with the anticipation of our coming Lord Jesus—HOPE. Our lives are marked with real hope. 

Spiritual Hope is presented as the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in the well-documented faithfulness of Almighty God. In our culture, “hope” is commonly nothing more than wishful thinking or earnest desires. The Word of God; however, portrays the confident expectation based on the promise of God. The word hope refers to both the act of hoping (Rom 4:18; 1 Cor 9:10) and the thing hoped for (Col 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3). Hope does not arise from the individual’s desires or wishes but from God, who made the promise.

Four times “Hope” appears in this letter (1Thess. 1:3; 2:19; 4:13; 5:8). All of these references point to complete salvation with the coming of the Lord Jesus. Hope is our glorious anticipations because of salvation in Christ. This compelling assurance of the Rapture is one of the greatest blessings for every Christian. Victory over death and discouragement is realized when we place absolute confidence in our Rapture Hope. Comfort replaces despair about the death of saved love ones. Beloved, when the trumpet sounds whether we are still alive or asleep in Jesus, we will be made completely alive and fully united with our Lord and each other forever. This is the Hope that Thrills, Cheers, and Comforts!

Lesson:

Note how Specifically and Clearly God Declares our Rapture Hope (1Thess. 4:15-17)

This is the clearest explanation in Scriptures regarding the order of events related to the Rapture of believers. It is here that Paul gives the sequence of these interconnected epics of the Rapture.  Let’s study the details to realize the full comfort and encouragement of our Hope.

A REVELATION: The Living Believers Will Not Have Any Advantage Over the Sleeping Believers When Our Lord Returns. 1Thes 4:15, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, [This is the Direct Revelation] that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede, come before] them which are asleep.

This is significant because….

                    1.   They Will Not Miss the Rapture! Those who have died in the Lord will not miss the great events of the return of Christ, the Rapture, and they will have a part in the Lord’s Millennial Kingdom. The living will not have any advantages! Those who sleep in the Lord will not miss the Lord’s coming!

                   2.  The Lord’s Return is Also Imminent!  He could come at any moment!

1Thes 4:15, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (Read 1Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:20-21)

Paul fully expected the Rapture in His day, and so much the more should we! The point is to be READY, RIGHT, RESTING, AND WORKING when He comes!

A RETURN: The Lord Jesus Will Come Down from Heaven. Vs 16

1Thes 4:16, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout….

                   1. It’s A Return of the Lord Himself.

This is a Literal, Physical Return of the Lord Jesus Christ to our atmosphere. He is not a spirit or phantom.  The Day of Pentecost nor salvation is synonymous with Christ’s Return. This is a separate event on God’s prophetic calendar—Christ’s Return in the Rapture. What makes the rapture thrilling is the Lord Jesus!

Morgan To Be Interrupted

G. Campbell Morgan, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.” –Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

                   2.  It’s A Return with The Lord’s Shout

By this Shout Christ will call the Sleeping Believers to Life Again. John 5:25-27, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26, For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27, And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

John 11:25-26, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26, And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

During the Resurrection of Lazarus in Jn. 11:43-44 “....He [Jesus] cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” The next time he will call His ‘Christians’ to Himself, the "Resurrection and the Life!"

                   3.  It’s A Return with The Voice of Michael the Archangel

This call will summon the angelic host as a Military Escort to accompany the Lord and His people through enemy territory back to Heaven (See Matt. 24:31; 25:31; 2Thess.1:7; Jude 9). Some believe this angel is Gabriel because he is more closely associated with the Christian Age than Michael.  I believe the Bible only refers to Michael as ‘the archangel.’

                   4.  It’s A Return with The Blowing of the Trumpet of God

This is the ‘Last Trump’ of the Christian Age, which has to do with the resurrection of believers at the time of the Rapture. 1Cor 15:52, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair— When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, and the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.—James M. Black; When the Role is Called Up Yonder

This is not the seventh and last trumpet of the Tribulation period in Revelation 11:15-19. The Seventh Trumpet of the Tribulation Period is a Trumpet of Judgment not Rapture.  Christians will not go through the tribulation period.  The Tribulation is for the Lost World and to prepare Israel for her Messiah, not the Christian (1Thess. 5:9-11)!  We must realize that God is not done with Israel! (Dan. 9:24)

A RESURRECTION: The Dead “In Christ” Shall Arise First (Vs 16)

1Thes 4:16 … and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

                   1. Not all of the Dead, but Only “the dead in Christ” will Arise.

This excludes O. T. Saints who will be raised after the Tribulation Period according to Dan. 12:2.   

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise and the glory of His resurrection share— When the chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, and the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there. –James M. Black; When the Role is Called Up Yonder

       2. Obviously, the Christian Dead will Arise “First”—before the Living Christians are Raptured!

A RAPTURE: The Living Believers Will Be Caught Up Next (Vs 17)

1Thes 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ….

                  1.  The Phrase “Caught Up” is where we get our word ‘rapture,’ and it means to carry off. Thus, the Rapture means snatching away or catching up. The Greek word is ‘harpazo’ (har-pad'-zo); means to seize, catch (away, up), pluck, pull, and take (by force). The space travel of today with all its wonders will not even compare to the Space traveling we’ll experience in the twinkling of an eye!

                  2. Believers will be wonderfully Changed and Glorified in a Moment (1Cor. 15:50-53)!  Body and Soul will be perfected; this will be a first in the experience of the Christian. No more sin nature, sickness, disease, cancer, heart attacks, or strokes to contend with!

A REUNION: We All Will Be Reunited with The Lord In The Air (Vs 17)   1Thes 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (A Revelation, Return, Resurrection, Rapture)

                1. Our Reunion with Deceased Believers (family, friends, church family) of the Christian Age. Those of our loved ones that died in the Lord are not lost we know where they are, and we will be with them again.  Now that is real comfort to the bereaving heart!

                2.  Our Complete Union with Our Lord Forever! Finally, we will see and be with our Lord Jesus! For some the concept of heaven is a place of peaceful resting. Others envision it as filled with golden streets and sounds of beautiful music. For most of us the thought of reuniting with loved ones is comforting. However, the most thrilling anticipation for every believer when he reflects on heaven is surely the moment of seeing our Savior “face to face.”

Face to face with Christ, my Savior, face to face—what will it be? When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me!Only faintly now I see Him, with the darkling veil between; but a blessed day is coming, when His glory shall be seen.What rejoicing in His presence, when are banished grief and pain, when the crooked ways are straightened and the dark things shall be plain.Face to face—O blissful moment! Face to face—to see and know; face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so.Chorus: Face to face I shall behold Him, far beyond the starry sky; face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!

     

Anticipate the joy it will be to greet our Savior and to fully “see and know”—when the “crooked ways are straightened” and the “dark things shall be plain.” Share this hope with someone. –Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace

                3.  Who Can Describe the Combustible, Boundless, and Spontaneous Joy We ALL Will Experience at this Grand Reunion Occasion.  We will see our loved ones again, never to say goodbye again. We will finally see Jesus our Lord, Savior, King, and Salvation! 

Conclusion:

So, there you have it. Our Christ-filled hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us for the entire course of our lives and not even death can extinguish it. As we trust God’s promise of the Rapture, we are encouraged and strengthened as we face death; and we are powerfully filled with the anticipation of our coming Lord Jesus—HOPE. Our lives are marked with real hope. 

How can we respond correctly to such clearly defined hope? Perhaps we all could do a lot more to give God praise for the certainty surrounding our eternal home and destiny. Through this passage, God answered all of our questions and quieted all of our doubts. We know where we are going through death, and we know where our loved-ones (in the Lord) are presently. Yes, and some of us may never experience physical death! These are matters or certainty to us. Our great heavenly Father wanted all of His children to enjoy such assurance. Beloved, let us also live this day in that confidence. Share this Rapture Hope with others, that no one you love will be left behind!