Healthy Attitudes

1Thess. 5:16-18

SUBJECT: Healthy Christian Attitudes

THEME: As Christians our attitudes, motives, and behaviors are vitally important. The most important is our attitude towards God as we anticipate our Lord’s return.

By definition an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.”  Our attitude towards something is the way we think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way we behave.

The first three attitudes in First Thessalonians chapter five seem to relate particularly to our Heavenly Father. These are joy, trust (prayer), and thanks. Our joy is in Him and from Him. Our prayers are directed to Him as our Provider, and we offer our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to God! We have already examined joy, now let us look at prayer and thanks.

As Believers we are transformed by the Word and Grace of God; our attitudes can be stimulated by Christ’s coming for us in the Rapture. Notice now the potential impact of prayer and trusting God.

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER  

1Thes 5:17, Pray without ceasing. 

Continuing to pray unceasingly is a definite expression of trust and confidence in the Lord's love, character, wisdom, and power! Prayer is powerful because it is rooted...deeply rooted in a concrete trust in the awesome Word of God. To hang on to God in prayer...to cling to Him refusing to entertain any other options are serious evidences of a well-founded trust. To utter and mean it when we say, 'Your will, O' Lord, on earth as it is in heaven.' To yearn for His will above all...to cry out to God passionately...to hang on to the Lord while hot tears race down your cheeks are activities of unwavering trust in the Lord above all else.

The word "pray" here means to speak to or to make requests of God. It implies enjoying his company and Presence...conversations involving speaking and listening. Speaking confidently with a much-treasured Friend is the idea. It is not racing through a laundry list of requests but entrusting serious concerns and real needs to Him who cares like no other. God wants us to come to Him as often and continually as possible...as frequently as opportunities present themselves...seizing seasons to be with Him. So, what might this look like in our experiences?

There should be a definite daily scheduled period of prayer. Praying continually does not mean abandoning normal life, duties and responsibilities to pray all the time without ever stopping. It is simply choosing the habit of conversing with God daily once we initially engage Him. It is appropriate to cry out to the Lord early on in our day to greet each day by calling upon Him. For many of us, we start praying as soon as we awake. Our first season of formally praying from a list or from our journal is really a continuation of our “Good Morning Lord” prayer. Still starting our day practicing real faith and recognizing the all-important presence of the Lord is vital. What we start initially we can practice periodically throughout the day. It is an exercise of real trust and confidence in the Lord God.

Then we should maintain an attitude of prayerfulness throughout our day. Continuing in fellowship and sweet communion with God is the idea—He becomes your constant companion in every experience. Call God up early in your day and keep Him on the phone throughout your day! Your relationship with God will become more real and meaningful with this attitude of trust, dependence, and prayerfulness. Beloved, we must never stop looking to the Lord. There is no occasion where we are justified in giving up on the Lord. Periodically, repeatedly, and constantly throughout our days we take all our concerns to the Throne of grace confident we will obtain mercy and secure grace to aid us as the needs arise. 

Clearly, we should pray in a recurring fashion. Extemporaneously praying as needs arise, to confess sins, and to express thanksgiving and praise throughout our day are the habits all of God's people must cultivate. Instead of worrying we pray. Another option to living independently is persisting quite dependently upon the Lord. Refusing to 'handle it yourself', choose to take it to the Lord in prayer. A person with a hacking cough would be a good illustration of this valuable discipline. The audible cough is not always heard, but the tendency to cough is always there, so the Christian who prays without ceasing is not always audibly praying, but praying is always the attitude of his or her heart and life. We live in communion with the Lord; sharing each moment in His company is a sheer honor. If we are truly anticipating His return, we will converse with Him consistently and continually.

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKS  

1Thes 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Thankfulness should characterize the heart of the Christian. We can even be thankful in adverse situations because we are confident that God will bring something good and beneficial out of it though the situation itself is not good. (Rom 8:28)

Certainly, it is good to pause and thank the Lord for how He has worked, is working, and will work in our lives. To appreciate the care and attention He gives us even when we are not as aware of His care. Such practices of gratitude cultivate hope, cheers the heart, and brings our thoughts into a proper balance. Reflecting on past blessings and numerating them perhaps on a note pad or in a journal creates legitimate hopes and anticipations of good outcomes. After all, the Lord came through before and He is well able to do it again. So, real hope rooted in past experiences with the Lord springs up in the soul transforming us into people marked by this excellent quality. We could also read Scriptures where God gave His people hope and positive anticipations to inspire hope in us. Biographies of Christian giants can also be a great source of growing hope in our hearts and personalities.

In addition, when we focus primarily on the bad, frustrating, and anxious situations, we can become imbalance in our thought life. We will begin to feel like nothing is going well or right. Our thoughts can become almost entirely negative and down cast. However, when we intentionally reflect on the blessings and allow our minds to be filled with these thoughts it helps to restore the balance. Such exercises can prompt us to recognize that which is going well, which counterbalances the ruminations on our disappointments.

Beloved, to note or jot down how God is strengthening, supporting, providing for, encouraging, protecting, teaching, renewing, correcting, empowering, polishing, advancing, and refining me is a great reason to be thankful! Do not miss what He is doing because you allow yourself to think primarily on the frustrating and stressful experiences. Don’t take all the goodnesses of God towards you for granted; thank Him often for what He is doing in you, through you, and with you. We truly are wonderfully privileged to share life with the Most High.

The expression of genuine gratitude will promote humility in our lives. Thanksgiving is an acknowledgment that “I” stand in need.  It is the realization that “I” am not self-sufficient nor independent of God and those He uses to meet my needs. Thankfulness is a sure cure for the disease of pride! Thanksgiving also recognizes that others incurred a cost for me—they sustained an expense to aid or help me. This not only encourages me, but I understand how love has been shown to me. I must accept such love and appreciate the person who was willing to pay whatever price to meet a need in my life. As the receiver of such thoughtfulness it is appropriate to send a thank you card or note. It is advisable to make a call to simply express our gratitude. We must resist the entitlement mentality and show others we genuinely appreciate them and what they are doing to bless and enrich our lives.

An unthankful attitude can lead to spiritual and moral ruin! This is illustrated from the words of the Apostle Paul describing fallen depraved humanity and the decline of civilizations.

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24, Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25, Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26, For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27, And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Rom. 1:21-27)

In this description of the depravity and decline of humanity we see people failed to know God in truth and failed to give Him the glory, honor and praise He deserves. Naturally, this leads to a failure to appreciate and thank Him for His blessings and involvements in our affairs. Meaningless, empty, and biblically unintelligent notions about God will soon displace the truth of Him. At least in the human mind…. Progressing downwardly the pursuit of falsehoods and foolishness replaces real knowledge and wisdom from above. Onward the decline and depravity of humanity continues into various forms of idolatry and spiritual adultery. From here the picture becomes even darker and more godless…issuing into sins of increasing magnitude, pervasiveness, and gravity.

Beloved, the third stage of sinfulness in this dark list of depravity is stated as, “neither were thankful.” My how one grievous sin leads to another! Furthermore, an attitude of ingratitude is not viewed as a serious offense anymore. This fact alone should alert us to the reality that we have declined beyond woeful ignorance of God and giving Him the glory, He rightly deserves. Our descent into sinful attitudes and behaviors are in stage three! How often we overlook His blessings; how many times we forget to say, “Thank You Lord.” We require more and expect more and have little desire to utter the words, “Thank you” to the Lord. We feel ourselves entitled like we deserve God’s highest honors, privileges and blessings. We frequently find ourselves angry with the Lord because we are convinced He is not treating us in a manner becoming of someone of our stature. We are no different than the nine lepers who failed to return to thank the Lord Jesus and give Him praise for His exceptional kindnesses to us. How important it is that we intentionally develop an attitude of gratitude!

Rejoicing, praying, and thanking are known as the standing orders for Christians. We are called on in every situation to exercise ourselves well in these three duties and attitudes. The Scriptures teach us that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”! Yes, God’s plan for your life includes rejoicing, trusting, and appreciating. In the gospel record, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of these truths, he revealed to us God’s will concerning joy, prayer, and thanksgiving! Occupy yourself accordingly in anticipation of our Lord’s coming for us in the Rapture.

Our lives will be significantly transformed if we took these basic instructions seriously making them an integral part of our daily walk. Every Christian’s life should be distinguished by joy, trust, and gratitude. Depression, anxiety, and ingratitude are not Christian at all. While life presents many serious tensions for us all, we can choose to be joyful, trusting, and appreciative. Make the decision to live in joy, confidence, and gratitude.

In fact, such shining examples would be contagious positively touching others for Christ. When these precious qualities refine our character, we are deeply attractive people. People cannot resist such exuberant joy, confident prayerfulness, and rich gratitude! Beloved, these traits showcase what God can do in our lives and we honor Him. We become living commercials of God’s grace and craftsmanship commending Him to everyone we touch. I truly believe more people would be influenced and drawn to Christ as Savior through our lifestyles of joy, trust, and appreciation. We will have more chances to open our mouths and present the gospel when the glory of godly character shines through us and into the lives of the unsaved. Its a matter of attitudes, attitudes, attitudes!

Can We Justify Our Anger?

Ephesians 4:26-27

SUBJECT: ANGER

THEME: Recognize anger in its various forms and root it and its destructive power out of your life.

INTRODUCTION:  The Scriptures admonish us clearly, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephes. 4:26-27). Wrath is linked closely with the work of Satan in our lives.  Accordingly, we should speak truthfully, but free of wrath. Our anger should be restrained, short-lived, and used for righteous ends.

Distinguish Between Righteous Indignation and Ungodly Anger

Some people attempt to justify their anger under the banner of righteous indignation. They often point to the behavior of Jesus when He drove the money changers from the temple. They conclude, “I can be angry because Jesus was angry.”

A.  LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE EXAMPLES OF CHRIST.

  1.  It is True That Christ Expressed Anger on Occasions.

       A.  Christ’s Expressions of Anger Consistently Rejected Sinful Behavior in Others.

             — QUOTE:  “Jesus became angry with his disciples when they forbade children to be brought to him (Mark 10:14) and with the hardhearted member of the Capernaum synagogue (Mark 3:5). Similar expressions of anger were directed at the Saducees (Mark 12:24-27), the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-36), and Peter (Matt 16:23) and on each occasion represented his rejection of unrighteousness.”   — Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

       B.  Our Lord’s Actions in the Cleansing of the Temple on Two Different Occasions Were Expressions of Anger.  Let's look at that incident more closely.

             1.  Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them (Matt. 21:12–14; see also Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46). 

             2.  Mark added in his account that Jesus would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple (Mark 11:16). Immediately upon the removal of those who were buying and selling, Jesus engaged in a healing service.

             3.  His righteous indignation was completely without sin and without any diminishing of His spiritual anointing.

   2.  It is True That Christ Used a Whip to Drive People Out of the Temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

Jesus was in the Temple with a whip whirling and eyes blazing as He cleanses the temple. Jesus is obviously angry. But is it justified?

John 2:13-17,  And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

       A.  Jesus did use a whip and his actions did overturn the tables of the money changers.

       B.  Throughout the incident, Jesus' actions were calculated and measured. No riot resulted. Nobody was out of control.

   3.  It is Not True that Jesus Actions Were Sinful.

Throughout the scene, Jesus' behavior was

      A.  Without Real Violence. We have no record of any person being hurt, but the Savior was forceful and assertive.

      B.  Without Resentment. For example, Jesus did not call upon His disciples to continue the behavior. Nor did He cite any past wrong done to Him as a reason for what He was doing.

      C.  Without Bitterness. Jesus had no heldover feelings against those who were cast from the temple. He never mentioned them again.

Jesus' action was vented not against the individuals themselves but against their actions, and against the system that allowed buying and selling in God's house of prayer. In every way, Jesus acted in accordance with righteous indignation–holy rejection of sin.  (See Eph. 4:26.)

   4.  Jesus Was Indignant or Angry in a Righteous Way.

He did not sin in what He did or the way He did it.

       A.  Righteous Indignation Is a Healthy Response to Evil.

It is an agitation in the spirit against something that is wrong in God's eyes, without any partiality toward or against the perpetrators of the wrong. The behavior or circumstance is wrong, apart from the personality of any person.

       B.  Righteous Indignation Is Expressed in a Measured and Calculated Way. It does not bring physical or emotional harm to another human being. It is thought through in a rational way, and it is behavior that has been pre-approved by God through prayer.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are admonished to speak God's truth boldly and to do so in love. I believe that is what Jesus was doing in the temple those occasions. His words bore great conviction because they were a statement of truth. When we speak the truth boldly, we can expect results, too.

       C.  When You Take an Action or Speak the Truth with Righteous Indignation, you must be prepared to reap the consequences that may be associated with the act. Jesus certainly did. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people sought to destroy Jesus after He took this action in the temple. (See Luke 19:47–48.) God stayed their hand until Jesus' ministry among the people was complete, but very soon after, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus was prepared to die for the good that He had done, including this act of cleansing the temple.

If you truly act in righteous indignation against evil, then you must be prepared to put your life on the line for what you believe and do. The angry person doesn't do this. To the contrary, an angry person tends to act in hopes of destroying the enemy and then to live with a sense of smugness at the victory. The angry person isn't at all interested in suffering or dying for the very person who has done wrong in his eyes.

B.  THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN BE ANGRY WITHOUT SINNING.

Ephes. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

   1.  Anger Can Be a Holy Response to Sin.

Mark 3:5, And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 

         A.  Jesus was angry about the Pharisees' uncaring attitudes. Anger itself is not wrong. It depends on what makes us angry and what we do with our anger. Too often we express our anger in selfish and harmful ways.

         B.  By contrast, Jesus expressed his anger by correcting a problem -- healing the man's hand. Use your anger to find constructive solutions rather than tear people down.

         C.  We may react to sin in the way that Christ did-in holiness and without desire for personal vengeance (Rom 12:19-21).

   2.  Anger Does Not Have to Lead to Sin.

Mark 11:17, And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.  

        A.  Jesus became angry, but he did not sin. There is a place for righteous indignation.

        B.  Christians are right to be upset about sin and injustice and should take a stand against them.

        C.  Unfortunately, believers are often passive about these important issues and instead get angry over personal insults and petty irritations. Make sure your anger is directed toward the right issues.

   3.  Anger Is a Danger Signal Though.

Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

        A.  Moses said, "Thou shalt not kill [murder]" (Ex 20:13), Jesus taught us to avoid anger because it is committing murder in your heart. The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves.

        B.  Killing Is a Terrible Sin, but Anger Is a Great Sin Too Because it Also Violates God's Command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.

        C.  Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God. Have you ever been glad that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Trust the Lord to Overcome Sinful Anger

Unchecked anger acts as acid on the soul—eating away at your spirit and eventually destroying all feelings of love toward others. You must neutralize anger as soon as you are aware that you are experiencing it. (Stanley)

A.  TURN TO YOUR PASTOR OR A GODLY FRIEND FOR HELP.

If you don't, you may very well

   1.  Restrain or repress it, which is dangerous to you internally, both physically and emotionally.

   2.  Restrict or suppress it, which is like burying anger alive. It will erupt eventually.

   3.  Reveal or express it, generally in a way that is hurtful to others.

The Lord has capable servants available to you who understand how to help you overcome the anger and learn to love again. It is vital for you to understand that you are not alone. Victory over anger is more than possible in Christ.

B.  TRUST GOD TO HELP YOU CHANGE.

The alternative to repeating failures is God; He provides grace, strength, power, and the very real hope of positive changes. First there are some things you need to do. 

   1.  Confess Your Anger.
We turn to God immediately upon learning we have failed Him in some way. 

      A.  Admit to God that you are angry. Ask for His forgiveness, help, power, and healing. Denying your anger will only make things worst! 

      B.  If you have manifested your anger to another person, go to that person and confess that you have acted in a way contrary to God's plan and desire for your life. Ask the person's forgiveness. Realize they have been hurt deeply by your actions. 

      C.  Make certain that your confession to the other person does not turn into another bout of confrontation. The potential for further conflict is very high because hurting people tend to hurt others--they will lash out because they feel disrespected and violated. They may have become defensive or self protective in the wake of you angry actions. They may have difficulty trusting you for quite some time. Do not permit these developments to anger you further.          
      D.  The point of your confession is not self-justification. Do not make excuses or minimize what you said or did. Once you have confessed your sin to the person, walk away. Thank God for His forgiveness!

  
  2.  Choose to Trust God Fully.

Anger is one evidence that you aren't trusting God fully.

       A.  Many people who are angry with others are really angry with God for something they think God has done to them or has failed to do for them. If you are angry with God, you cannot trust God. The cycle is deadly, and the consequences may be eternal; deep anger at God can keep a person out of heaven.

       B.  Don't let that happen! Confess your anger to God, and ask Him to forgive you for it. Make a new commitment in your heart and mind to trust God with your entire life, and in following through on that commitment, ask the Holy Spirit daily to lead you, guide you, and protect you from all evil.

       C.  Also, go to God's Word and read every verse you can find that promises God's sure and ready help to His children.

Deut. 32:35-36, To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. [36] For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Romans 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 22:8-9, He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. [9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

No, we cannot use the Lord Jesus' example of righteous indignation as an excuse for our ungodly anger! Yes, there is a great difference between holy anger and unholy wrath. Jesus was burning hot with a high regard for the honor of His Father God. He moved intentionally and forcefully without losing control. He was entirely free of malice, resentment, and hatred.

Too often we get upset for entirely selfish or self-focused reasons. Our anger has nothing to do with righteousness, holy honor, or the injustices of  the helpless, weak, or oppressed. Many times we simply want to intimidate others or hide our insecurities. We have used our anger to manipulate and control people to get what we want. The alternative to trusting your ability to manipulate and control people is to trust God! Fully and deeply trust the Lord with your fears and anxieties. Trust Him with those issues that are really beyond your control. God says this is sinful behavior and we need to repent.

There is no excuse we can offer or reason we can present to justify ungodly wrath. No, God's solution is confession, repentance and making it right with those we have hurt. Get in the Word and allow the Spirit of God to change the way you think and behave. God will empower you to overcome wicked anger! Trust Him for victory.

Jesus Was Available...Are You?

MATT. 9:9-13

One key to being used of God is being available to Him. Still many Christians conveniently excuse themselves from serving our Lord faithfully.  Availability for Christian ministry and service is not a matter of convenience; it is focused commitment to follow, be completely open to, the Lord Jesus out of love—it is genuinely engrained in our character.

Character has been defined in a number of ways. One description says, “Character is who you are when nobody's watching!” That is…when you are being most real and authentic. It could be good or bad character and the element of authenticity could be either positive or negative. We often use adjective to describe a person’s character. We’ll say he is ‘dependable’; she is always ‘punctual’; or they are easily ‘excitable.’ In such statements we are noting a pervasive quality, aspect, attribute, or habit of behavior. 

Christian Character refers to those Christ-like traits impressed or engraved into our hearts by the Spirit and the Word, and these issue into good motives, attitudes, actions, and habits. Christian Character is developed in us when we obey the Word, the Spirit, and when we intentionally form godly habits.  It is doing right because it is right and not just because it is convenient! Positive character development requires disciplined decision making, and negative character changes usually follow the path of least resistance, but this does not exclude intentionality. 

The great Apostle Paul reminds us a holy character is rooted in our new nature/new birth in Colossians 3:10 saying, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed [invigorated, refreshed, perfected] in knowledge after the image of him that created him”. This is absolutely essential to Christ-like character development.

The ‘New Man’ is the person we become as a result of conversion: we possess a new nature; therefore, we can acquire wholesome values, perceive spiritual aspirations, and embrace a new God-honoring life-style.  This ‘New Man’ is constantly being renewed or restored to freshness to reflect the image of Jesus. We are developing to attain a mature knowledge of the God who recreated us. The more a Believer knows and understands God, the more opportunities we have to be influenced by that insight. To the degree we adhere to such grand knowledge, we will become like Jesus in character and conduct.  Simply stated there are certain qualities, traits, and characteristics that are prominent in the Lord Jesus that God wants to stamp onto our innermost being.  He wants to impress these same traits and qualities on our lives also. We must make ourselves available to that kind of life transforming and progressive experience. The question is not how my life compares with other Christians, but how my life compares with Jesus Christ!

Years ago when we would mail out our prayer and update letters, often a few of them would come back with a post office stamp on the envelop indicating that there had been an address change. “Return to Sender,”   “Change of Address,” or “Forwarding Time Expired,” and often these little messages were placed on the letter by a stamp. As a result the letter bears the words, message, and images of the original stamp. This is what it means for God to develop Christ-like Character in us.  We begin to bear the image of Jesus Christ—that is we act, live, interact, and respond, just like Jesus would in our given situation. His qualities are stamped on our minds, emotions, and decisions. We are deeply impressed with Him. Matthew chapter nine presents us with a single opportunity to see what that looks like in real life.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.10, And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.11, And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12, But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13, But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt 9:9-13, KJV)

It was Dr. MacDonald who gives us some understanding of the situation in Mathew chapter nine saying,

Matthew was a Tax collector or a custom house officer, he and his fellow officials were hated intensely by the Jews because of their crookedness, because of the oppressive taxes they exacted, and most of all because they served the interests of the Roman Empire, Israel’s overlord.  As Jesus passed the tax office, He said to Matthew, “Follow Me.”  The response was instantaneous; he arose and followed; leaving a traditionally dishonest job to become an instant disciple of Jesus.As someone has said, “He lost a comfortable job, but he found a destiny.  He lost a good income but he found honor.  He lost a comfortable security, but he found an adventure the like of which he had never dreamed.”  Not the least among his rewards were that he became one of the twelve and was honored to write the Gospel which bears his name.

Today we are focusing on the character quality of ‘availability’! To be available means present or ready for immediate use. It includes being usable, accessible, and obtainable. Possessing this trait also involves a qualification or willingness to do something or to assume a responsibility. Any honest discussion of character necessarily requires agreement between the motives and the deeds.

For example, I love Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.  I could easily eat several of them for lunch dessert…that is if I allowed myself to indulge. I must admit, that I do experience great pleasure while eating these little chocolate and peanut butter treats.  It uses to be my specific design to have them close by and readily available for my consumption. You see, I did not want to search for them wondering where they are! Ideally they were to be immediately at my disposal. Beloved, this is availability! It would be wonderful if we could become so available to God! That is, He does not have to search for us, or labor to get us into the mood to serve Him.  It would be great if we did not require so much preparation! Beloved, think about it…we could live so intimately with Him, well within His reach and prepared to be used by Him for anything His heart desires. We should aspire to become available to execute God’s purposes, plans, and pleasures (Eph. 1:9; Phil. 2:13). That is what our Lord modeled and what Matthew illustrates for us in Matthew chapter nine. 

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE OF AVAILABILITY

Consider thoughtfully what Matthew records in Matthew 9:9, saying, “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” Jesus invited, actually commanded, Matthew to “Follow Me” and this meant that He Himself would serve as Matthew’s model for true Christian character formation!  (Also read Matt 4:19). Knowing who the Lord Jesus is this is an incredible opportunity for Matthew and he had the wisdom to accept it. Jesus made Himself available to Matthew and the rest of the Twelve. What hope these words hold for you and me because our risen exalted glorified Lord extends the same invitation to you and me? Do we have the perception that so marked Matthew? Will we make ourselves available to Him as He has availed Himself to us?

Matthew was handed the chance of his lifetime and he was available to the Lord Jesus who makes Himself available to us all! Perhaps it would be beneficial to broaden our theme slightly to appreciate in a fuller way our Lord’s availability to us.  

JESUS WAS AVAILABLE FOR REDEMPTION

That is correct our Lord Jesus was available when Father God called on him to live as a man, die for our sins, and be raised again as Lord and Savior (Phil.2:5-11). Beloved, Jesus was open to this chance and eagerly executed it to God’s satisfaction and our salvation. We had zero hope without the Lord Jesus’ humiliation, services, and sacrifices. Even though this was not convenient for our Lord he still followed through because desired to serve the plan of God. Looking closer, we see that redemption….

Redemption Required Total Humiliation.  (But Jesus Still Did It for Us)

The Apostle Paul recounts the fascinating humiliation our Lord endured to serve our interests saying,

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.(Philippians 2:5-11, KJV)

To serve God’s plan required our Lord’s sacrifice of some of the privileges and prerogatives of God to become a human. As a human he freely sacrificed many of the privileges and prerogatives of humanity to serve as the slave of God and humanity. As a human slave Christ died for our sins even though he was entirely and consummately innocent. His death was that of Calvary’s Cross: a form of execution reserved for the vilest offenders! His death was for my sins and yours! Though Jesus remained God for His entire earthly humiliation he served His Father and us with extreme abandonment to God’s plan. How in the world could we seriously consider opting out when Jesus has a task, ministry, assignment, or mission for us?

Beloved, we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ the Righteous! We have been purchased back to God and are free from sin’s guilt, power, dominion, and eternal consequences! My Friend, Jesus was ready, usable and on the job when our needs were most dire. And who objects to being His servant?

Redemption Required Total Abandonment.   (But Jesus Still Satisfied the Father’s Will)

The Book of Hebrews recounts the astounding attitude of our Lord Jesus presenting Himself as the chief executor of God’s redemptive plan in Hebrews 10:6-14,

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. [10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 

The Lord of Glory abandoned Himself to this mission! Thank God that Jesus was available for our redemption.  Praise the Lord He was willing to go all the way to Calvary in my stead.  We are saved today because the Lord Jesus was available to do the will of God—die for the world of sinners! Not matter what was required of Him Jesus gave himself without any reservations or considerations for himself. As a result, the hopeless, destitute, wretch, harlot, pimp, gangster, extortionist, embezzler, abortionist, religionist, molester, thief, liar, moralist, and average regular Joe or Jane have hope in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.        

Thank God that Jesus was not too busy to be bothered with dying for our sins—the chef need of sinners. Thank God Jesus did not offer a cheap excuse as to why He should be excused from serving God as Redeemer. Praise the Most High God the Lord Jesus did not object to the Cross because it was inconvenient or required too much. Hallelujah for Jesus our Redeemer Extraordinaire!

JESUS WAS AVAILABLE FOR RELIEF

In the service of the Lord we will have opportunities to make extraordinary sacrifices to execute God’s plan. We will also have daily on-going chances to be available to God and the needs of others. No honest person will argue against the conclusion that humanity is a broken race. We certainly do have incredible technological and scientific advancements to be sure, but we are spiritually and morally broken as a race. Sin manifests itself in a multiplicity of painful ways. Any serious consideration of serving God must take the hurting masses into account.

Once more Jesu provides and excellent example of what it looks like to be available to the hurting to provide meaningful relief and solace.

During His Vacation. Jesus was available when planning a vacation after a heavy and extended evangelistic campaign.  Instead of resting He feed the hungry multitude. Such selflessness also reveals his wiliness to serve when he could really use a well-deserved break (Mark 6:30-45). Instead of complaining Jesus placed needy people before himself habitually. He was genuinely selfless. 

During His Devotions. Jesus was available even when he stole away to pray.  His disciples informed him that all men sought for him.  He stopped praying to minister to the needs of those around him (Mk 1: 35-38). Again we witness no complaints, no restrictions—total availability to minister to others. I am not suggesting that we should minimize needed vacations or spiritual devotions. I am saying Jesus made a point of going out of His way to serve the needy and hurting.  

Perhaps these thoughts from Max Lucado, On the Anvil will further clarify,

When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it “sings,” it's ready. If it “thuds,” it's placed back in the oven. The character of a person is also checked by thumping.Been thumped lately?Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. “You've got to be kidding” deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor … Thump. Thump. Thump. How do I respond? Do I sing? Or do I thud? Jesus taught that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

Yes, the Lord Jesus was available to serve during vacations and devotions; now let us consider one more….      

During Our Desperation. Jesus was available to the Canaanite women who appealed to him to heal her daughter who was demon possessed (Matt. 15: 21-28). After a brief period of questioning and reasoning with this Gentile woman, Jesus granted her the desire of her heart. Her faith was real and so was the miracle her daughter experienced. In doing so the Lord Jesus was available to her desperate cry for help and intervention. Jesus, as he commonly did, evidenced compassion, mercy, grace, and enormous power over demons, sickness and disease!

If you are anything like me, you also cherish deeply the reality that you can turn to Jesus at any time and from anywhere with deeply felt needs. You also treasure the fact that your cries to Him will fall upon compassionate ears and a loving heart. Jesus was there for you on countless occasions…through deaths, jail sentences, joblessness, rejections, failed marriage, bankruptcy, homelessness, depression, bodily pain, disease, injury, hunger, accidents, and on the painful list goes into our futures. The reason we can face the future with any measure of hope is the fact that HE WILL BE THERE! Yes, Jesus will be available to us when we are most anxious and the pain is unbearable.

God is asking us as His servant to be available also to the desperate. I realize we all recoil with concerns for self-preservation…I know we live in a dangerous world. It is true that desperate people can be dangerous. Yes, we are also wise to take some precautions. We also must still trust the Lord to lead us into real situations of desperation to help those we find there. Can you be that listening ear? Will you use your power and authority to benefit another? Are you really available? I understand all too well the strong inclination to recoil at this. It is not something I am proud of…. Jesus still made a difference in the life of some deeply hurting folks. Are we available?

The Lord Jesus made himself available to Matthew when He said “Follow Me.” Likewise, He invites us along to learn of Him and from Him. He was available and ready for Father God’s usage concerning redemption and relief. He gave Himself entirely without any reservations to God’s plans for Him. He remains available to us today to help us become like Him in character. So that our motives and deeds reveal that we too are ready for God to use us to touch the world. There are the multitudes of unredeemed and hurting peoples all over the world. I believe we can make a difference. Volunteer. Get involved. Sign up. Ask if you could help. Become creative. Follow the Lord Jesus. Matthew was never the same after answering the Lord’s invitation positively. Nor will you and me if we follow his and our Lord’s example of availability.  

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.