Walking In The Spirit of Life!

Galatians 5:24-6:1

It is easy to talk about the fruit of the Spirit or walking in the Spirit while doing very little about it. This is entirely unacceptable to our Lord Jesus. We need to learn that it is in the concrete situations, rather than in emotional highs, that the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives is demonstrated. One of the great goals of Christian freedom is Spirit-led ministry or service to others in concrete and daily matters (Eph. 5:9; Col. 1:9-13; Phil. 1:11).

While it is true the flesh may manufacture "results" that bring attention to us, but the flesh cannot bear fruit that brings glory to God (Anders). It takes patience, an atmosphere of the Spirit, walking in the light of God’s fellowship, the seed of the Word of God, and a sincere desire to honor Christ. In short, the secret to spiritual freedom is walking in the Holy Spirit! He alone can give us the freedom from sin and self. He enables us to fulfill the law of love, to overcome the flesh, and to bear holy fruit. Will you yield to Him and let Him work in you? Note carefully what Paul said,

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:24–26).  

Now let’s consider some thoughts on Walking in the Spirit based on this incredible statement from God’s Word.

First, Our Fallen Nature Is Rendered “Dead” As We Walk In The Spirit Of Death (Gal.5:24)

Paul lays before us the reality that our fallen nature has been crucified with Christ at His sacrificial and representative death for us. He insists that since we presently have life in the Spirit, it is incumbent upon us to walk in the Spirit. That is, we are obligated to live in complete submission and cooperation with the Spirit of God in our daily relationships and opportunities to serve others. Believers have zero obligations to fleshly carnal living; we are impressed by this passage to identify with Christ’s death through the power of the Spirit of God.

Secondly, Our Fallen Nature Is Rendered “Dead” As We Walk In The Spirit Of Life (Gal. 5:26)

Wiersbe suggests that Paul is probably focusing on particular problems in Galatia. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).  If we walk step-by-step in the Spirit, we will have the spiritual resources to solve any attitude and conflict problems in the church. Additionally, perhaps even walking in the Spirit could be used by some as an occasion for pride. The apostle mentioned three particular problems (Gal. 5:26). They are the opposite of serving others, and they remain three prevalent sins in churches today. So, how do we walk in the Spirit of life?

By Watching Our Own Spirit (Gal. 5:26). 

This is the beginning of very practical challenges and instructions (Gal. 5:26-6:10) on how to actually walk in the Spirit as a church and as individuals. This is the first of a number of specific actions that should characterize Believers who are truly being led by the Spirit. But, it is also a return to the problems and conflicts mentioned in verse fifteen. In Galatians 5:26, there are three attitudes we must strenuously avoided:

              Beware of The Spirit of Pride and Contention —“Let us not be desirous of vainglory” (5:26).  Let us not become conceited, literally holding a false or empty opinion of ourselves. This means “prideful” or “vain” actions because of mere perceived advantages. If we are not careful we too can become conceited; expressing ourselves in favorable terms to boost our reputation and to prop up a sagging ego. In fact many Believers act rather conceited because they believe they are “more spiritual.” The bottom line is conceit causes relational problems. Beloved, do not let personal pride negatively impact your marriage, family, church, or work relationships (Phil. 2:3). But, how can we detect this harmful attitude?

                     It is an Arrogant Attitude.

A palpable spirit of contention dominates this passage and this fact points to the ‘parent sinful attitude’ of the spirit of vainglory or self-promotion (Prov. 13:10; Luke 22:24; Js. 3:14-16; 3Jn. 9, 10). Pride stirs up strife, and conflict fueling contentions like gasoline would a wildfire!            

APPLICATION: God does not want us as Christians to be boastful or conceited braggarts; such behavior is utterly inconsistent with being a sinner saved by grace. People living by human standards often become proud of their personal achievements taunting those who do not come up to their standards. The prideful Believer will often harshly criticize other Christians who do not have the same lists of taboos they condemn. In the opposite extreme are those Believers with zero apprehensions about anything. They categorize everyone, even those with legitimate biblical standards and convictions, as legalists if they possess even a few convictions. They mistakenly view spiritual freedom as permission to do whatever they fancy and pride themselves on their ‘freedom in Christ.’ With them anything goes and they arrogantly flaunt their ‘freedom’ in the face of others. Such unfounded ‘glorying’ is atypical of walking in the Spirit of God!

                    It is a False Advantage (only perceived).

Competition is stimulated and given life because of false supposed advantages. Such empty pride is based on specific imagined requirements by the deceived! Such empty bragging brings no real glory to God; instead it results in shameful pride and church clicks. Consider Webster’s definition of pride:

 Pride is an inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others; insolence; rude treatment of others; loftiness; ostentation. (D. Webster).

              Beware of The Spirit of Provocations and Challenges— “Provoking one another” (Gal. 5:26).  It is a denial of the Spirit-filled life to provoke or challenge other people to measure up to our own private viewpoints or standards. Please allow me to clarify, we all are profoundly obligated to live up to truly biblical standards, but personal standards cannot and should not be applied to others. Remember we can never anticipate the problems, needs, and temptations of another person’s heart. Therefore, we must refrain from such misguided provocations. Such a challenge is born of pride and entirely unjustified. Refuse to be the source of needless annoyances that only generate more anger and frustration. This is the opposite of the virtues the Holy Spirit desired to evidence in our lives. While many will find the temptation to elevate themselves because of their adherence to some false notion, we must refuse to become embroiled in prideful conflicts. Do not allow yourself to be an irritant in your church.

              Beware of The Spirit of Pinning and Comparisons—“Envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).  Envy is specifically the sin of wanting something that belongs to someone else to which one has no right or claim.  Envy begrudges another person’s superior success, talent, possessions, charisma, opportunities, or personal attractiveness. Persons of few talents or weak character are apt to envy those they deem to be more successful, accomplished, or more ‘committed’ to God. All such self-centered yearnings, greed, and avarice are foreign to grace. A godly Believer should esteem others better than themselves while rejoicing in the blessings of God in another person’s life.  Mere religious performers desire too much attention using their ‘ministry’ opportunities to garner personal attention and the accolades of others. A church is not the place to compete for godless notoriety.

True greatness is a willingness to serve others unnoticed, or in obscurity as long as it is God’s design for us. It is contentment to labor for years virtually unseen sincerely for the glory of God.

These Believers were “envying one another;” they yearned to have what others have earned or achieved. Whether recognition, family, status, money, or even spirituality is the object of envy, such comparisons are not wise. Envy will needlessly divide Believers and ruin a church’s unity in Christ. Refuse to give in to envy, and only compare yourself to God’s revealed will for you.

Pride makes us perpetually vulnerable to certain temptations. When Satan cannot stop our spiritual growth, his tactic immediately changes to the seduction of pride. As soon as we notice our progress, we must place ourselves on alert against pride taking root in our hearts. This will be especially acute if we measure our growth against the progress others are making. Growth should not be a cause for pride, but for humility and thanksgiving because it comes from God.

QUOTE: Popularity Contest

Everyone needs a certain amount of approval from others. But those who go out of their way to secure honors or to win popularity become conceited and show they are not following the Holy Spirit's leading. Those who look to God for approval won't need to envy others. Because we are God's sons and daughters, we have his Holy Spirit as the loving guarantee of his approval. Seek to please God, and the approval of others won't seem so important. (Unknown)

By Working Against Sin (Gal. 6:1). 

Watching our own spirit is half the battle; we must also work hard against sin and its impact. Here is a lovely statement on how a sinning Believer is to be treated by other Christians. Paul says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). No, the first step is not condemnation nor calling down divine judgments upon an offender. Godly Christians are to come to the aid of a failing Believer much like a good doctor would operate to set a broken bone for a patient who is dear to him. With thoughtful reflection on the possibility of our own failures, we give spiritual aid to another in the spirit of meekness. There is no room for pride in this scenario. This is how “spiritual” Believers behave! Yes, they recognize that sinning is utterly wrong and will by no means condone or sanction anything that is truly offensive to a holy God. However, their aim or goal is not merely to be right, nor to condemn. It is to restore the fallen to fellowship with God and the church. Spiritual Believers help failing Believers get back on track in their walk with God. Paul knew how to directly discourage pride and dampen the party spirit that was ripping up the Galatian churches. Walking and working in the Spirit of Grace is the ultimate solution to such evils.              

To be overtaken in any trespass describes a man who has committed an act of sin rather than one who is habitually sinful. Such a person is to be dealt with by spiritual Christians. A carnal brother or sister in Christ might, by a hard, cold attitude, do more harm than good. Then, too, the offender will not likely receive the admonition of a ‘Christian’ who is himself out of touch with the Lord.

Yes, beloved, walking in the Spirit is living in Christian freedom! Such liberty involves developing Christlike character, and giving loving service to others as we follow the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-led Christian thinks of others, especially fellow Believers, and seeks to serve them in concrete work-a-day ways. Walking in the Spirit is not exclusively for preachers; God prescribed this lifestyle for every Believer in Christ. It is not merely for emotional elation in a high-powered church service; instead abiding in the Spirit’s power is a daily practical matter.

Please understand that spiritual fruit is not merely self-effort. A Believer is certain to become completely frustrated when their personal determination does not produce the results she or he wants to see.  Beloved, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of developing supernatural fruit. Again the great benefit of Christian freedom is walking in the Spirit and bearing spiritual character supernaturally and not merely through self-determination. The fruit of the Spirit is character qualities that God has and He desires that we possess them also. This is the Spirit’s transforming work in a Believer’s character resulting in actions and attitudes of ministry.

To those who might prefer a mystical experience at church or a flight of ecstatic-emotional fancy, walking in the Spirit is a most down-to-earth practical matter. It involves personal relationships (Gal. 6:1-5) and the use of money (Gal. 6:6-10) and measuring spirituality by godly actions in these areas (Wiersbe).

It is easy to talk about walking the Spirit while doing very little about it. We Christians must learn that it is in the concrete situations, rather than in emotional highs, that the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives is demonstrated. One of the great benefits of Christian freedom is Spirit-led ministry and service to others in concrete and daily matters.  

A Saved Membership

1THESS. 1:1-4

Subject: A Strong Church 

Theme: The Church of the Thessalonians is a positive example because of its leadership, members, teaching, service, and God’s work among them. The Thessalonians provide us with a wonderful model to imitate.

Introduction:  

That the membership of a New Testament Church would be comprised of saved individuals should be a given…right? Yes, you would think so…. It makes sense to me that many different peoples at very different places in their personal spiritual journeys would darken the doors of a church. The worshiper, the seeker, the curious, the seasoned, the churched, the recent convert and even the skeptic may all have their occasions for attending a church service. To be sure all are wanted, and the church would rejoice to welcome any and all visitors to a given worship service. For a church to sustain a warm and welcoming environment is completely consistent with godly character and a desire to serve the community for Christ’s sake.

The issue I raise is that of ignoring the need for a genuine conversion experience, the requirement of biblical baptism, and the expressed submission to the Spirit of God’s leadership to unite with a specific body of believers. Commitment is a dirty word in the 21^st Century, but God still requires real commitment in conversion, baptism, and church membership. Every believer should have a basic conviction that the Spirit of God led them and placed them in a local church body. Every NT church should have a standard requirement for becoming a church member. The most fundamental requirement is salvation—conversion—candidates for baptism and membership must be people who know the Lord Jesus as Savior.

This is not a recent emerging view, Paul addresses the Church at Thessalonica as saved people who were growing in their commitment to Jesus Christ. First recall some observations from previous articles about a Strong Church Model.

Lesson:

I.  A Strong Church Has Faithful Ministers.  Vs 1, 2

1Thes 1:1, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus… 

II. A Strong Church Exists in the Sphere Of God’s Power. Vs 1

1Thes 1:1, … unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. A Strong Church Engages in Energetic Service.  Vs 3

1Thes 1:3, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

  

IV. A Strong Church Has a Saved Membership.  Vs 4

1Thes 1:4, Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. How can one know he is truly saved?

Paul refers to the church members’ “election of God.” They were genuinely saved folks who were committed to Christ and his church at Thessalonica. They were even suffering some persecution because of their sincere witness and authenticity. These believers were chosen by God; they belonged to the Father who called them unto himself. 

This is the marvelous teaching of election, a doctrine that has confused some and confounded others. A seminary professor once said, “Try to explain election and you may lose your mind. But try to explain it away and you may lose your soul!” (Wiersbe)

In the following thoughts I want to note the simple truth that church members are saved people. No, they are not perfect; in fact, in order to be saved they had to admit their sinfulness. It is here that we witness the ministry of God in a believer’s conversion. Note three vital facts:

1.     The Fact That God Has Chosen us in Grace (Eph 1:4-6).

a.       What Election Is.

                                                               i.      That salvation begins with God, and not with man, all Christians will agree. “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16 see also Matt 9:12-13). The lost sinner, left to his own ways, does not seek God (Rom 3:10-11; 1Cor. 2:14); God in His love seeks the sinner (Luke 19:10; John 6:44, 65).

                                                               ii.      Election teaches that God does choose men to salvation (2Thess. 2:13-14). It addresses believers as those who are “elect according to the foreknowledge of God” (1Pet. 1:2).  It teaches that people can know whether they are elect by their response to the gospel: those who hear and believe are elect (1Thess. 1:4-7).

                                                              iii.      The fact is the same Bible teaches election and free salvation to all who will receive it. Both doctrines are found in a single verse: “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). The first half of the verse speaks of God’s sovereign choice; the last half extends the offer of mercy to all. (MacDonald)

2. What Election Is Not.

                                                               i.      On the other hand, the Bible never teaches that God chooses men to be lost.  The fact that He chooses some to be saved does not imply that He arbitrarily condemns all the rest.  He never condemns men who deserve to be saved (there are none), but He does save some who ought to be condemned.  Compare Rom. 9:23 to 9:22.  God prepares vessels of mercy to glory, but He does not prepare men for destruction: they do this for themselves by their unbelief. God simply respects their decision. (Wiersbe)

                                                              ii.      The doctrine of election lets God be God. He is sovereign, that is, He can do as He pleases, although He never pleases to do anything unjust. If left alone, all men would be lost. Does God have the right to show mercy to some?

                                                            iii.      But there is another side to the story. The same Bible that teaches sovereign election also teaches human responsibility. No one can use the doctrine of election as an excuse for not being saved. God makes a bona fide offer of salvation to all people everywhere (John 3:16; 3:36; 5:24; Rom. 10:9, 13). Anyone can be saved by repenting of his sins, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, if a person is lost, it is because he chooses to be lost, not because God desires it.

                                                            iv.      This poses a difficulty for the human mind. How can God choose some and yet offer salvation freely to all men? Frankly, this is a mystery. But the mystery is on our side, not on God’s. The best policy for us is to believe both doctrines because the Bible teaches both. The truth is not found somewhere between election and man’s free will, but in both extremes. W. G. Blaikie summarizes:

Divine sovereignty, human responsibility and the free and universal offer of mercy are all found in Scripture, and though we are unable to harmonize them by our logic, they all ought to have a place in our minds. –MacDonald, William: Believer's Bible Commentary

2.     The Fact That the Chosen are Changed by Grace.

a.       The Way We Were Chosen. How did God choose his people? (Eph. 1:4)

                                                             i.      Before All Creation—“before the foundation of the world.” The time of God’s election is indicated to be before He created the universe, so that our salvation is wholly of His grace and not on the basis of anything we ourselves have done.

1.       The doctrine of election teaches that we are saved only because of God’s grace and mercy; as believers we are not saved by our own merit.

2.       Election and predestination focus on God’s purpose or will (Eph. 1:5, 9, 11), not on ours. God does not save us because we deserve it but because he graciously and freely gives salvation. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; he saved us according to his plan. Thus, we may not take credit for our salvation or take pride in our wise choice (Rev. 17:8). (Wiersbe)

                                                            ii.      He chose us in Christ, not in ourselves (Eph 1:3). There is the positional aspect of the truth, in Him: it is in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus that all God’s purposes for His people are brought to pass.

b.      The Reason We Were Chosen.

                                                             i.      We have a clear purpose of holiness: to be “holy and without blame before him in love” (Eph. 1:4).

1.      In the Bible, election is always unto something. It is a privilege that carries a great responsibility. The purpose is that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

2.      This purpose will not be completely realized until we are with Him in heaven (1 John 3:2), but the process should be going on continually in our lives down here.

3.      Perhaps we all should pray, “Lord, make me holy now, since this is Your eventual purpose for me. Amen.”

                                                             ii.      We have a clear motive of love.  Love fits well with holiness and blamelessness, for this would denote a balance between holiness and love. God is love and believers, because of God’s electing love, should manifest love with holiness. 

                                                            iii.      We have a certain appointment to share the glory of Christ. 

1.      2Thess. 2:14, Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.      God called us to salvation by using the gospel as it was preached. God’s purpose in doing so was that we might one day share the splendor and honor that Jesus Christ now enjoys, seated at the right hand of the Father (2Thess. 1:10-12).

3.      For the “obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here the apostle peers into the future and sees the ultimate outcome of salvation—to be with Christ and be like Him forever. J. N. Darby captures the thought in his beautiful hymn:

a.      And is it so—I shall be like Thy Son?

Is this the grace which He for me has won?

Father of glory, thought beyond all thought!

In glory, to His own blest likeness brought!—Believer's Bible Commentary

3.     The Fact That People Believe and are Fruitful.

a.       Paul Knew That These Believers Were Among the Elect.   But How Did He Know?

                                                               i.      He Knew Because They Received the Gospel (1Thess. 1:4).

1.      II Th 2:13-14, But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2.      Eph 1:13, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

3.      It strengthens a church greatly when every member is truly saved and has evidence in their lives of genuine salvation. Assurance is essential to spiritual strength.

                                                             ii.      He Knew Because of Their Christian Service (1Thess 1:3).

1.      1Thes 1:3, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2.      A genuine conversion should always lead to good works! Titus 3:8, This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

2. Is the Sinner Forced to Respond to God’s Grace Against His Will?

                                                              i.      No, we responded through an act of our choice and will (Jn. 1:11-12). Certainly, this must be in the context of God’s Spirit and the Word of God working in the heart convicting and persuading us.  But, this is not in any way irresistible grace (Matt. 23:37).

                                                             ii.      It is the sinner who must exercise faith (Isa. 45:22; John 3:15, 16; Rom. 1:16; 10:11-13; 2Pet. 3:9; 1John 2:2).

                                                            iii.      The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility will never be solved in this life. Both are taught in the Bible (John 6:37). Both are true, and both are essential.

Conclusion:

Yes, this is a great model of a strong church.  We would be wise to follow their example of:

I. Serving as faithful ministers

II. Existing in the sphere and power of God

III. Engaging in energetic service

IV. Sustaining a saved membership

So, again these were truly saved folks. While they belong to the local community they had a personal faith encounter with Jesus Christ that made them a part of God’s family. Being a member of God’s family subsequently led to joining Christ’s body—the Church at Thessalonica. Only saved individuals could become members. Yes, anyone can attend a church and benefit in many ways, but membership is exclusively for those saved, and biblically baptized converts, who follow the Spirit’s leadership to unite or join the church. It is a specific commitment. If you have never made this commitment as a saved person, then you need to. I did not say all churches are the same; I did not say the church you consider must be perfect. There are no perfect churches, but trust God’s Spirit to lead you to join the church of his desire for you. He places the members in the body.

What should we look for when considering a home church? Look for a church with leaders serving as faithful ministers of Christ. Join a congregation that understands it exists in the sphere or God’s power and grace. The church’s first identification and obligation are to Christ and not the community. Choose a church that manifests the characteristics of working in faith, serving in love, and enduring because of hope in Christ. A place that makes much of Jesus Christ, proclaims the entire Bible, develops committed witnesses and disciples, emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit, and reaches out to its community and the world with the Gospel is worth considering. Join, learn, grow, and serve with the people of God.

In light of our calling, pursue this spiritual ideal. Recognize that we are in constant danger of being swept downstream by the currents of our ungodly culture. We are also prone to let the truths we know and the relationships we enjoy with God grow cold. We need to vigorously pursue what we have been taught from God’s Word. Refuse to succumb to the danger of slipping backward in your Christian experience because of the pressures of your trials and the daily negative influences of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Pursue this goal of becoming strong churches with a saved membership.  

I Don't Measure Up...Either

Luke 23:32-47

 SUBJECT: SALVATION/ FORGIVENESS

THEME: The two thieves crucified with the Lord Jesus represent the truth that all of humanity does not measure up to God’s requirements. When considered together, the thieves are guilty of not only serious crimes against society but also egregious sins against a holy God! Again, one thief was guilty of sin and died in his sin; the other was also guilty but died forgiven by God.

INTRODUCTION:

Is everything relative or…are there really absolute standards of morality? Can we state without contradiction that situational ethics are viable standards of virtue? Does the end justify the means? This is moral relativity. By definition moral relativity is “the absence of standards of absolute and universal application.” Basically, moral relativism is the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). This accounts for the differences in moral judgments across different people, cultures, nations, and periods. This philosophy is widely accepted though many people state it differently. Like you I have heard people say, “What’s right for you may not be right for me…and vice versa.” While this view is popular, I find that I cannot accept it.

One problem with this view is how to resolve contradictory views of right and wrong between individuals, families, cities, or countries. Who is to say Hitler’s Holocaust was wrong when Germany felt their actions were justified? Who can condemn Chairman Mao Zedong for the deaths of an estimated 65 million Chinese people during the Great Leap Forward—class based genocidal campaign to establish socialism (Lee Edwards, Ph.D.). Who decides what right is and what wrong is? This is the incredible problem with moral relativism…there is no real standard of morality and individuals and countries can justify nearly any atrocity as long as they view it as right or justified for them. Does might make right? Does the view of the majority make the view right? One review of American and world history demonstrates this can be disastrous. No, we need an absolute standard of morality applicable to all peoples, all times, and all cultures.  

In Luke 23, JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God, is being crucified with two malefactors on either side of him. Our Lord is on the middle cross signifying that he is the greatest offender of the law. Actually, he is totally innocent of any crime or sin, but He died the cruelest death of the vilest criminals to secure salvation for you and me. God does indeed forgive sinners because of Christ’s work on our behalf, but we must turn to Him to receive God’s forgiveness. Receiving divine forgiveness requires admitting guilt, failure and owning our definite violations of God’s absolute standard of right and wrong. That is correct, God does believe in an absolute standards of righteousness and it is applicable to all people, all times, and all cultures--The Ten Commandments. Remember, Jesus appealed to God as forgiving, “Father, forgive them.” Though we all our guilty, there is hope.

LESSON:

Recall in the article “The Two Thieves of Calvary,” we saw the thieves were guilty of violating Roman Law, and we began exploring how they had also broken God’s holy Law. They were facing the death penalty at Calvary because of these violations, and they were staring into the eyes of Hell because they remained unforgiven by God.

THE TWO THIEVES HAD ALSO BROKEN GOD’S HOLY LAWS

Isaiah 53:12, says, Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah details the very nature of the violations committed by these thieves. They had not only broken Roman Law, but they are also TRANSGRESSORS of God’s Holy Law! Violating societies laws is a gravely serious matter, but offenses against a righteous and holy God eternally jeopardizes the soul.

        1. “Transgression” is a Violation of an Established Standard. It means to go beyond or to exceed the limits; to step beyond or across. Essentially, it is behaving as a criminal—breaking with the norms...defiance. These men have violated God’s righteous character and just laws—their lives are marked by violations. You see, God’s absolute standards enable us to understand what a violation is. It defines right and wrong for all peoples and times. The Lord has zero appreciation for arbitrary rubber rulers for measuring morality based on the ever-changing moorings of society. With God judgment is based on a clearly defined universal standard that reflects His character and nature. God has even written these standards on the human conscious (Rom. 1:18-23; 2:12-16); honest people immediately acknowledge God’s fundamental Law as viable. We must also become willing to admit our need for God's forgiveness.  

        2.  In Order to Be Saved We Must Realize That We Have Lived Beyond God’s Limitations. We must come to the awareness that we need God’s guidance and governance. In fact, life beyond His limitations is not only immediately dangerous but eternally hazardous. We cannot come to God to be saved by Him until we first realize that we have an incredible need for His forgiveness and salvation. No patient will accept chemotherapy treatments without first being convinced of their cancerous condition. Further, who will submit to a leg amputation medical procedure while remaining convinced that all they need is a band aid for their small toe?

The following observations will help us conclude that we desperately need God’s forgiveness because we have violated His holy, righteous and just laws. Subject yourself to the following examination from God’s holy Law. Please take seriously the following confessions....

               a. We Have Made Ourselves, Pleasure, Money, and Things Our Idols.

Deut. 5:6-8, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. [7] Thou shalt have none other gods before me. [8] Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:

God forbids idolatry of all forms (Rom. 1:19-32; 1Jn. 5:21). The question is have we put other things before the Lord God? The worship of self, pleasure, money, and material possessions is raging like a wide fire in our culture. Everything and almost anything is regarded, respected, and honored above the God of the Bible. Sports figures, Hollywood stars, TV personalities, recording artists, political officials, and accomplished business figures are routinely referred to as icons, idols, demigods, gods, and heroes. Certainly, they are talented and even gifted, but still extremely human...only people! Yet, young people and adults alike view these individuals as bigger than life. Money is perhaps the greatest 'god' in our materialistic culture; every one seems to have a price.... People have a price at which they will ditch their morals to do nearly anything and everything to seize more wealth. I do mean they will do ANYTHING.... Why? Money is their god.

Furthermore, any view, perspective or opinion about God is acceptable in the public square except God’s view. He has revealed himself in the Scriptures and only his perspective is authoritative. The rest is pure conjecture. To put our ideas of God above the Bible’s revelation of God is extremely hubris at best and pagan idolatry at the worst. To perceive or imagine God with qualities and characteristics that are not supported by the Scriptures is erecting a false idol in our imaginations. This is just as reckless as building a statue and praying to it or worshiping it as divine. God is not pleased with false conceptions or portrayals of Himself. Just as we are offended when people say things or believe ideas about us that are not true, God has zero appreciation for misconception regarding His person, nature, character, ways, and activities. He is not the 'man upstairs,' cosmic killjoy,' or adorable grandfather who will never send anybody to Hell. He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures and he insists on our recognizing him for who he is! Beloved, Bible ignorance is not a condition we can afford. Such practices are deliberate transgressions of God’s Laws that forbid destructive idolatry. Understand, without a correct view of God, we cannot know where we came from, why we are here, how we should live, and where we are going. Yes, the truth about God directly impacts our understanding of our origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. 

               b. We Have Taken and Misused God’s Name in Vain.  

Deut. 5:11, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

We are not to take, carry, bear, or raise up the Name of God to justify engaging in worthless purposes and empty pursuits—we are forbidden to do evil in God’s Name or as His representatives while advancing sinful practices (1Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25; 3:11-14). The question is are we taking God's Name in vain? Such violations misrepresent a holy God and provoke people to reject and despise the things of God. Claiming our actions in the Name of the Lord is a serious matter; how much more so if the claim is false, uncharacteristic of God, sinful, or a violation of God’s standards? 

Yet, some 'religious' institutions have historically endeavored to 'sell' salvation for money, and sell out the truth for pragmatic 'results.' Many justify their meanness, harshness, rude demeanor, hatred, and verbosity on 'standing for the truth.' They grossly misrepresent the God of the Bible while over-emphasizing only one facet of The Faith. Some groups only emphasize God's love and blessings because this attracts crowds, but these crowds are primarily interested in their own narcissistic dreams and goals. They are set on using God to achieve their ends. People will sometimes say that God and them have a mutual understanding...they insist they do not need Jesus or forgiveness because God understands them. Some justify their obviously sinful attitudes/actions while clinging to some notion that God does not regard their behavior as sin. Their perspective of God's holiness, perfection, and righteous nature is incredibly skewed! This is more than merely using God’s Name rather indiscriminately in conversation, but instead this is justifying evil by God’s Name—authority, reputation, character, glory and purpose. Such perspectives and behaviors are gross violations and transgressions of God’s Law. We must be extremely careful not to falsely attribute wrong notions and actions to God. The reality is we routinely take God's Name in vain while justifying or advancing evil--while associating Him with our sinful attitudes/aspirations/actions.

               c. We Have Not Consistently and Fully Honored Our Parents. 

Deut. 5:16, Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

God also established honoring parents as a national law for Israel. This imperative stipulates genuine respect—valuing one’s parents highly and is applicable to all of us as children (Eph. 6:1-4). There is even the sense of regarding the office of parents as weighty, heavy, glorious and venerable. The question is are we honoring/respecting our parents? While all human beings deserve some respect because we all possess the image of God, parents are worthy of higher and more significant reverence. They are also God’s esteemed representatives to their children…especially us fathers. Decidedly prizing parents is the foundation of obedience to them and care for them when they can no longer live independently. A longer life and a better quality of life are the rewards of esteeming our parents in this manner. Our obligation is to obey our parents while under their care in their home and to honor them throughout their lives.

Today many young people disrespect their parents by routinely speaking of them in the most derogatory terms. Back talk, cussing, barking and sassing routinely marks exchanges between parents and their children. Young people have not cultivated an attitude of obedience and submission to their mother’s and father’s authority. Even the courts and states seem to have incredible difficulty with parental authority. Parents often feel so guilty about their parenting failures that they bomb the training of their children in these important matters as well. It should not be shocking to see pervasive gross disrespect in society…towards the elderly…towards authorities…towards police officers…towards elected officials…towards just laws of the land… towards the unborn…towards one’s person. It has become normal in our culture for the parents to respect and obey the children while the children become increasingly self-indulgent and obstinate. Too many mothers and fathers sub-contract their familial responsibilities to the day care, public schools, and youth groups at church. Often the career and personal interests are used to abrogate or negate natural family roles.

God prescribed that parents be honored as they execute the fundamental duties of this esteemed office. He endowed parents with such weight and gravity because they function as the very pillars of society and its healthy perpetuity. As the family goes, so goes the nation! We need a revival in this area because we have significantly depreciated the incredible role of parenting in our society. I know the descriptions above do not account for all families in our land; praise God for devoted mothers and fathers who raise heritage unto the glory of God. Parents who lead their children to Christ and disciple their hearts to follow the Lord. Mom’s who pray with the heart of Christ with the young ones, and Dads who use the Word to train their children to know God and walk with Him daily. Parents who model righteousness, faith, love, integrity, authenticity, hope and Holy Spirit power. This we can use more of as a nation.

              d. We Have Not Treated Everyone with the Greatest Love and Respect.

Deut. 5:17-21, Thou shalt not kill. [18] Neither shalt thou commit adultery. [19] Neither shalt thou steal. [20] Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. [21] Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.

These five prohibitions are against murder, adultery, theft, lying, and coveting. These are serious requirements, and we have violated every single one of them repeatedly during the course of any single month of life! Shocking isn’t it? No doubt, many will respond to this claim with loud denials and self-justifying statements. I would have you reflect on the teachings (Matt. 5-7) of our Lord Jesus where he clearly indicated that hatred and anger in the heart is murder, lusting after women or men is adultery in the heart, stealing and stinginess as opposed to giving generously, needing oaths to support our statements is indicative of habitually lying, and trying to keep up with the Jones is rank lust-ridden ungodly discontentment.

If we stated these prohibitions in a positive way as Jesus did, we would say love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:34-40). This is exactly what the Apostle Paul prescribed for churches and ministry relationships within the church body (Romans 13:8-10). He said the same thing in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. When we love as God loves we will not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, or covet. But our love is so often purely human, conditional, full of reservations, utilitarian, emotional, shallow, skeptical, manipulative, and temporary. However, the “LOVE OF GOD” has been “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (see Romans 5:5, 6). It is possible to exercise God’s love towards others. His love is unconditional, everlasting, giving, merciful, discerning, hope-filled, abiding, sacrificial, and pursuant of the highest good! Honestly, we have not treated everyone with the greatest love and respect like God has. Are not these accusations true of us? Beloved, we have habitually violated God’s standards of righteousness…we have routinely transgressed His laws…we stand guilty and in need of God’s pardon and forgiveness. We are so much like these two thieves on either side of our Lord’s cross.  

LIKE THE THIEVES, WE ALL HAVE TRANSGRESSED GOD’S LAW

Luke 23:32, And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

The two thieves illustrate the universal guilt of humanity before a perfectly holy God (Rom. 3:9-20; 5:12; Gen. 3). Like these men we stand accused before a righteous God-Judge who understands our every thought, motive, intention, and action. We deserve eternal condemnation for our crimes against His heavenly Majesty. Is there any hope of forgiveness and salvation?

        1. The Person Who Wants to Be Saved Must Acknowledge His/Her Sinfulness.

1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

While these passages where written directly to Believers, they have wonderful application to us sinners craving God’s forgiveness and pardon. God’s forgiving nature is illustrated repeatedly in the Scriptures and such revelation encourages us to turn to Him in sincere attrition and brokenness over our sinful behavior and condition.

The prodigal son freely confessed his sin to his father and as a result he received forgiveness and restoration. Read the account of Luke 15:14-24, where it says,

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. [15] And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. [17] And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, [19] And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. [20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. [21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. [22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: [23] And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

  

God welcomes the wandering soul back to Himself. He forgives us when we honestly acknowledge our sinfulness against Him. He cleanses and grants us a new beginning!

Consider also the account of the publican who willingly acknowledged his sinfulness before God and sought his mercy. Note what Luke 18:9-14, says,

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

God will justify the sinner who turns to Him in faith and repentance. Why not humble yourself before the Lord even now asking for His forgiveness?

A businessman brought a thirty-year-old man to a summer Bible conference who was paralyzed from his hips down. As he sat beside the soul-winner on a bench under the trees, he expressed his desire to be saved. He said, "I believe everything in the Bible," but it gave him no peace. The Christian then inquired of him whether he knew he was lost, to which he replied he did. The inquiry was then made as to whether he knew that Christ is the One who saves and the only One who can save. He replied also to this that he believed it. Just at this point a public bus drew up in front of the conference grounds and the Christian said to his lame friend, "that bus is intended to carry everybody into the city, is it not?" "Yes," he replied. "Does it carry everyone?" he asked. "No," he said, "only those who get into the bus." He had hardly made this statement when the light of God broke into his soul. "I see!" he said. "Christ came to save everybody, but He saves only those who take Him: The light of heaven flooded his soul. The peace of God filled his heart. His face became radiant with joy. He had entered into the Lord Jesus by faith.  –Those Christ Saves, Source Unknown    

     2. Every Person that Ever Lived Has Been Impacted by Sin– We All are Sinners.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

So, you see we all are sinners—transgressors of God’s law and under the divine death penalty. We are guilty and desperately need God’s forgiveness. Do you sense your need for God’s forgiveness for your life of sin? Remember, confession is acknowledging God's standards of morality and the truth that we have not lived up to his requirements. It is admitting, "I don't measure up...either." 

     3.  The Results and Consequences of a Life of Sin is Death. 

Ezek 18:4, Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

If you spend your life serving Master Sin, then you can expect to receive the wages of Master Sin. The wages of Sin are the death penalty!

              a.   Physical Death—Rom. 5:12,14

              b.   Spiritual Death—Eph. 2:1; 4:18

              c.   Eternal Death—Rev. 20:15

The evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die physically. Physical death is also indicative of pervasive spiritual separation from God as a human condition. Eternal death is nothing short of suffering forever in the Lake of Fire--Hell. When making a decision it is best to have all the necessary information. I have give you all you need to know to understand your guilt before a holy God. I know how this must feel. I do NOT measure up either...I am not good enough for God to accept me without accepting his forgiveness. God promises to save all who will acknowledge their sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior. Remember sin is defined as violations of God's Laws. We have put idols before the true and living God. We are guilty of taking God's Name in vain. We have not honored our parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfection of God's standard of morality. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us forgiveness not condemnation. With this being the case...condemnation is something you chose by refusing Christ.

Just like these two thieves at Calvary we are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. We all have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible and as a result we must now receive the proper punishment for our awful crimes of sin. We are all facing the death penalty, just like these two thieves. The only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Beloved, it was Jesus who died for our sins, was buried because he actually did die and satisfied the death penalty against sin. He also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly stated he would. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan through his cross and resurrection. He is alive to save you if you turn to him confessing your sins and receiving his sacrifice for you (Rom. 10:8-17). Trust the living Lord Jesus as Savior to be forgiven as God promised. 

Yes, the two thieves at Calvary aptly represent you and me as guilty of breaking God’s holy Law. We all are transgressors.... Honestly, we do not measure up...I don't measure up either. God uses his Law--an absolute standard of morality to help us understand that we do not measure up. He is not motivated to condemn, but to help us see our incredible need for His forgiveness. Thank God there is forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. Do not put your trust in a church, a membership, a denominational affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of service, your self, or a religious creed. These methods will only fail…. You need Jesus, the Savior.