Treasuring God’s People

 

 

ROMANS 16:1-16

SUBJECT: APPRECIATION

THEME: honor, appreciate, and celebrate those who have greatly impacted your life and ministry in the church, at home and professionally. We need each other to accomplish the work of God!

INTRODUCTION:                                               

“I did it my way. I didn't have any help from anyone. I was totally on my own. I did a great job by myself. My success is just that—mine alone. It belongs to no one else but me.”

Does that sound egotistical? You're right, it is. Does it sound selfish? Right again. But worse than that, it's simply not true—not for anyone. There isn't a human being—never has been and never will be—who hasn't drawn on someone's help at some time to do something. We come into this world with help, and we get through this world with help. We are dependent people, like it or not, acknowledge it or not.

The apostle Paul knew this. And to his credit, he not only accepted it but reveled in it. He loved the people he depended on. They were family to him, loved ones with incredible value because of who they were and what they did. He believed they deserved honor and respect, especially from fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. Church members, of all people, should embrace and support one another as family. Paul did that himself, and he expected other believers to do the same.

In the closing chapter of Romans, Paul spends the bulk of the space greeting various members of the churches in Rome (16:3–15) and offering greetings to all the Roman Christians on behalf of the believers who were with him, helping him with ministry (vv. 21–23). As we work through these closing verses, may we remember all those who have helped us along the way and renew our appreciation for them. (Source Unknown)

LESSON:

I.   Value People and the Things They Do to Help Us

At first glance the closing chapter of Romans seems to be an uninteresting catalog of names that have little or no meaning for us today. However, upon closer study this neglected chapter yields many important lessons for the believer.^[1]

   A.  Like Paul, We Must Value People

What a remarkable chapter! In it Paul greeted at least twenty-six people by name, as well as two unnamed saints; and he also greeted several churches that were meeting in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter. What is the significance of this? It shows that Paul was a friend maker as well as a soul winner. He did not try to live an isolated life; he had friends in the Lord, and he appreciated them. They were a help to him personally and to his ministry. In my own reading of Christian biography, I have discovered that the servants whom God has used the most were people who could make friends. They multiplied themselves in the lives of their friends and associates in the ministry. While there may be a place for the secluded saint who lives alone with God, it is my conviction that most of us need each other. We are sheep, and sheep flock together.^[2]

          1.  He Remembered Their Names

          2.  He Appreciated Their Helps   

          3.  He Embraced Them as Friends

Some people remember names but not faces, while others have faces etched in their minds but can't recall names to save their lives. It appears that Paul, however, remembered a lot of names and faces. People he had met, worked with, helped, and been befriended by were people he would never forget, no matter how far away they were.

          4. He Tracked Their Locations

The capital city of Rome was a magnet that drew people from all over the empire. In addition Paul’s travels to many of the major population centers—Jerusalem, Syrian Antioch, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus—brought him into contact with the mobile segment of Roman society. These factors help explain the presence of Paul’s many friends in Rome, but his knowledge of their whereabouts remains a tribute to his deep concern for people.^[3]

I think it is also safe to suggest that Paul made contacts with Mariners, Merchants, and traveling Believers and used the contacts to keep abreast with people he knew in varied parts of the world and to get reports on how the many churches were doing throughout the Roman Empire.

Who are some of the significant people in your life? You know, the ones who have really impacted you for good, the ones who have shaped you, been models of faith, manhood, or womanhood to you, run interference for you, stood by you regardless, or reproved you when no one else had the courage to. Some of them may have already passed on; others may have moved away; several may still be at your side. Think about them; then, in the coming days, decide how you would like to thank them for what they have done for you. Then follow through by showing your love and deep gratitude. Imagine how surprise some of them might be, and you will certainly make them feel honored and appreciated.  Maybe a “Thank you Card”, maybe a small but thoughtful gift, maybe a great big hug and a sincere thanks, maybe in a special meal, or some flowers.  Whatever the case let them know you appreciate them.

Many times in evangelistic ministry we start by showing ourselves friendly. That is literally befriending those we are trying to win to Christ—caring about them as a person. It has been said repeatedly that people do not care what you know until they know that you care. This is extremely true in this age where nobody trusts anyone they do not know already. Yes, this approach will involve more effort, time, energy, creativity, and focus…. Yes, such a strategy may take longer to win them to Christ, but it increases the chances of a genuine conversion and readily facilitates and encourages their growth in the Lord through discipleship.  You show yourself friendly then you will win friends! 

Prov 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Prov 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

   B.  Like Paul, We Must Value Devotion and Service to Christ in Others

Paul was impressed with their Christian service! This is beyond doubt what he appreciated most about these individuals.

              1.  So Often we Value People for the Wrong Reasons….

                        a. He Was Not Impressed With Their Station in Life

                       b. He Was Not Impressed With Their Bank Accounts

                        c. He Was Not Impressed With the Clothes They Wore

                        d. He Was Not Impressed With Who They Network With

                        e. He Was Not Impressed With What They Did For a Living

While some of these reasons for being connected with another can be innocent, the most of them center on using people to advance ourselves and our personal agenda. It is the habit of selecting our association because of what we hope they can do for us.

What impresses you about others? Another way to ask this is, how do you size up people? What’s your criteria? What does your values system reveal about your heart’s motives? Is it all about you or Christ? Answering these questions will tell a great deal about what you deem to be important. Sometimes we have missed placed standards or criteria about people and whether or not we will fellowship with them. Could it be possible that our fellowship with each other has no greater basis than that of the world? Their social status, amount of income, the part of town one lives in, WHO you know, ethnic background, the job they have; these are ALL worldly ties and they provide a weak basis for Christian fellowship and must be rejected!

           2.  But, Paul was Impressed with Their Devotion and Service to Christ.

                        a. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Salvation: Rom. 16:2, 5, 7, 13, 15

                        b. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Devotion: Rom. 16:4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10        

                        c. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Service: Rom. 16:1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 21

How does your CRITERIA compare with Paul’s? How do you measure a person’s worth? Is it selfish or Christ-centered? Do you see any places where you may have misplaced standards? What should you change them to? In other words, what would be some better biblical standards for deciding what really counts and what does not when it comes to people? It appears to me at least that the fact that a person is SAVED, DEVOTED, and SERVING Christ Jesus is a biblical criteria for mutual appreciation and honor among believers. Certainly everyone has intrinsic worth because we bear the very image of God as his human creatures, but all who love and serve Christ should be treasured for their service. This criteria will be expanded later in this same text.

CONCLUSION:   

Like the Apostle Paul, we too must honor, appreciates, and celebrate those who have greatly impacted our lives and ministry in the church, at home, and professionally. What can we do today to put this into practice? Have you expressed your appreciation for someone that has been a help to you along your Christian walk and service lately?  It will be good for you and it will be a blessing to them if you did. We all need each other to accomplish the work of God.

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1740). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 565). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[3] Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 498–499). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

The Anatomy of Justification

ROMANS 3:19-28; 4:24-25; 5:1

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ JUSTIFICATION

THEME: God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God’s glory.

INTRODUCTION:

Justification is a huge topic in the Scriptures, and it with related terms are used with reference to God and people. Large biblical topics are awkward to handle unless they are broken down by some type of anatomy. By anatomy, I am referring to a structure or organization of this great topic, justification, which exposes its constituent parts and their relationship to each other. An anatomy can also disclose the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other. I shall attempt both approaches here in this article, but my focus will remain on how sinners are justified before a Perfect God-Judge.

Therefore, I will not linger on how our actions justify us before each other. That is a great topic of study, but it is not my focus here. You see the first is soteriological pertaining to salvation and the latter is soteriological pertaining to sanctification and Christian service. I wish to advance understanding for the recent convert and enable intelligent conversation through this anatomy of justification. I also hope to bring peace and assurance to the troubled mind by exposing such hearts to the powerful truths of the Word of God relative to our justification before the Perfect God-Judge.   

LESSON:

I. What is The Procedure for Justifying Sinners? (Romans 3:21-26)

Justification is a legal procedure by a completely just and Perfect God-Judge, and it involves several specific elements. It is essentially the procedure by which sinful humanity is made fully acceptable to a holy and just God-Judge.

Justification. The act of God in bringing sinners into a new covenant relationship with himself through the forgiveness of sins. Along with such terms as “regeneration” and “reconciliation,” it relates to a basic aspect of conversion. It is a declarative act of God by which he establishes persons as righteous; that is, in right and true relationship to himself.^[1]

This is a fuller explanation of what God actually did to save undeserving sinners when we place our full confidence in Jesus Christ, the Lord. The procedure involves…

A.       THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PLAN—We are justified according to a Plan (Vs. 21, 22). Romans 3:21, But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

The “righteousness of God” is an aspect of God’s nature which expresses his unique moral perfection and his readiness to save sinners. It is made known especially through the gospel of Jesus Christ—the essential facts are that God is righteous in himself AND his method of salvation/justification is rooted in righteousness.

God’s plan for justifying fallen humanity was not only introduced soon after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15), but the plan was formulated in eternity past…before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:19-21; Eph. 1:4-6).  Yes, the Gospel has always been central to God’s redemptive plan from cover to cover in the Word of God. Through this plan God behaves righteously, justifies on a just basis, and affords his own righteousness to repentant sinners who believe the gospel.

B.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROVISION—We are justified by the Righteousness of a Substitute, Jesus Christ (Vs. 22). Romans 3:22, Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

God’s plan to provide the much needed righteousness involves a Substitute, Jesus Christ, to voluntarily take responsibility for our sins and suffer our punishment in our place at Calvary.

Sin demands judgment and must be dealt with thoroughly and completely. No half measures will suffice.

God’s pattern of bringing people into personal relationship now stands manifest apart from the Law (Rom 3:21–26) in the ministry and death of Christ, whom God put forth as the atoning agent (v 25). Sin is dealt with directly in the death of the sinless one who became sin for us that we might in him become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). In his substitutionary death he bears the guilt of all humanity so that by responding in trust mankind might know God in true relationship.^[2]

He who was utterly faithful to all the Father’s will freely gave himself that we might receive his righteousness, the righteousness of God, in exchange for our faith in his sacrifice (1 Cor. 15:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21). I am so thankful and humbled by this extraordinary provision by God!

C.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A CONDITION—We are justified by Faith (Vs. 22, 25). Romans 3:22, Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Again, we receive justification by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ—his person and his work on our behalf. Faith is the condition and channel through which we receive the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord; salvation is not automatic nor universally applied. Each individual must personally believe the gospel in order to be save.

The doctrine of justification by faith alone affirms the thoroughgoing sinfulness of all persons, their total inability to deal effectively with their own sin, and the gracious provision through the death of Jesus Christ of a complete atonement for sin, to which persons respond in simple trust without any special claims or merit of their own.^[3]

Justification then is purely by faith and not by obeying God’s Law, keeping the Golden Rule, joining a church, being baptized, or participating in a series of rituals and ceremonies. Jesus stipulated faith as the condition for salvation (Jn. 1:12-13; 3:14-18, 36; 5:24; 6:40, 47; Gal. 2:16).

D.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PREDICAMENT—We are justified though guilty (Vs. 23).  Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

This is the incredible situation of every human being ever born on planet earth. We all are sinners and guilty of sin by our very nature and the deeds we have done. There is more proof of this in each of our experience than we care to acknowledge. We lie, we cheat, we steal, we lust, we hurt others, we love things more than people…on the list of charges goes. Our predicament is dire, deadly, and potentially disastrous!

We are also guilty for the deeds we failed to do, but still God requires these duties and actions; his expectations are entirely reasonable. The crimson stain of our sin not only reaches our desires, motives, and actions, but sin has warped, twisted, flavored, and devolved our hearts and minds to the basest forms of depravity. Beyond this the ramifications of our sinful actions not only influence those we love but also mutilates our relationships in the gravest manner.

Sinful and fallen is the predicament of every man, woman, boy, and girl. There is nothing we can do to change our nature to good; there is nothing anyone can do to raise ourselves to measure up to the perfections and glory of God. We are desperate sinners who come far short of what a righteous God requires (Rom. 3:9-20).

E.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES GRACE—We are justified freely by God’s grace (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Love, mercy and grace are the fascinating motivations in the heart of the Almighty moving him to devise a redemption plan! We are justified before God entirely and freely through the exercise of God’s underserved favor and blessing. The true source of salvation is in the heart of the Almighty.

Justification is by grace alone. Rooted in the nature of God it is also made available through the work of Christ as God’s gift. Thus we have the often repeated confession that Christ died “for us” (Rom 5:8; 1 Thes 5:10), or “for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3). The means of appropriation is by faith and faith alone (Rom 3:22; 5:1). This faith is a simple trust in the sufficiency of the work of Christ, a trust by which one freely and whole-heartedly identifies with Christ, loves and embraces his Word, and gives himself to the value system expressed in the kingdom of God. The basic self-consciousness of the justified person is that his right relationship with the living God has nothing to do with merit or achievement. It is from beginning to end a gift of infinite love. His own powerlessness is resolved in the power of the gospel in which God’s saving work is revealed (Rom 1:12, 17).^[4]

Salvation and justification can never we achieved, earned, or deserved because we are saved exclusively and only by God’s grace. The origin of salvation is in God and not in human beings. There is nothing we can do and there is nothing we need to do to secure our justification except believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result God acts in grace to save us (Tit. 3:5-6; Gal. 2:20-21; Eph. 2:8-9).

F.     THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PURCHASE—We are justified through Redemption (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Redemption is an associated doctrine to justification; it is clearly not one and the same as justification. The relationship and association is wonderful though. Redemption refers to paying a price or ransom to purchase a slave with the goal of setting the slave free. We all were subject to bondage and enslavement in the market of sin, but Jesus Christ entered the world (this slave market) and paid the price for our redemption at Calvary. When we believe on him, we are set free from sins enslavement—power, guilt, and eventually presence. This payment provides the key basis for our justification by God. Because Jesus paid this price—he made the purchase, God can graciously free sinners once we repent believing the Gospel. Since we are bought with a tremendous price our entire existence belongs to God; we are free from sin to live for God (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23. See also slave and servant redemption in Lev. 25).

G.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PRICE—We are justified by Blood (Vs. 24). Romans 3:24-25, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

This incredible idea of a purchase and payment is echoed in this text! It must be important to our justification. In this instance the price paid is the precious blood of the Son of God.

Nothing But the Blood

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. -Robert Lowry.^[5]

The price the Savior paid that we may be justified was his very own blood. This signifies at the very least suffering and shedding his literal life blood unto death as the payment warranted for our sins. The cost to Him was great, but to us it comes freely—through faith in his blood. Therefore, it was of grace and not because we earned or deserve it. If our love for Christ ever grows cold and indifferent, we need to pause at Calvary and note the bleeding suffering Savior paying a price we desperately owed and could not pay! (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Heb. 9:11-14)

Auction of Lady Anna

A street-preacher was preaching on one of London’s sidewalks when a personal servant of the queen, a woman by the name of Lady Anna, passed by in a gorgeous carriage. She stopped to listen.

The crowd turned its attention to her. So did the speaker. In a voice loud enough for all to hear, he exclaimed: “Brethren, may I have your attention a moment. I am going to have an auction. I intend to sell that young lady to the highest bidder. I know of three who want to buy her: the World, the Devil, and Christ.

“World, what will you pay for her? Riches, honor, and pleasure? Not enough. She is worth more. Devil, what will you bid? All the possessions and riches of this earth? Not enough! Riches disappear like the night when the morning sun comes up.

“I hear the voice of the third Buyer, Jesus Christ. What do you bid, Lord Jesus?” “I give her my grace here and eternal glory hereafter, an imperishable, unstained, unchangeable inheritance!”

“Lord, You may have her,” shouted the speaker, “I leave her to You. You are the rightful Owner. May Heaven and earth witness this deal.”

Then, turning to the surprised and embarrassed young lady, the speaker went on: “What do you think of this bargain? Remember, you are eternally the property of the Lord Jesus. He died for you. Can you, will you, dare you, refuse to surrender to Him?”

To her credit, Lady Anna took the words to heart, and lived worthy of her Master.^[6]

H.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROPITIATION—We are justified on a fair basis (Vs. 25). Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

Propitiation is likely not a term we use on a regular basis so some explanation is necessary. Generally, it means to satisfy, appease, or placate. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s wrath, anger, justice, righteousness, and holiness were completely satisfied. All sin was paid for in full by Jesus our Lord and God was propitiated by this means! That is full satisfaction for all the requirements for atonement through Christ’s sacrifice (2Cor. 5:21). Such involved a double imputation—our sins were imputed to Christ and Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us repentant sinners. This reality gives God a fair basis upon which to forgive and justify repentant sinners (1 Jn. 2:1-2). Forgiveness is releasing from the guilt of sin and justification is a declaration of righteous by the perfect God-Judge.

I.      THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROPOSAL—We are justified because of Forgiveness of sins (Vs. 25). Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

As previously indicated God has a just basis for remitting sins—affording forgiveness to the sinner who admits his/her guilt. Accordingly, such behavior demonstrates God’s moral righteousness. The proposition of forgiveness is basically releasing the sinner from responsibility for his sins once he/she admits guilt. So in the preaching of the Gospel, the evangelist offers forgiveness of sins and the repentant sinner receives forgiveness of sins from God. This is essentially God’s proposal to sinners. Yet, I am amazed at the number of gospel presentations to sinners that scarcely even mentions the guilt of sinners before God. Everybody is rushing to offer heaven, and very few actually seek to impress the sinner with their guilt before God—their need for God’s forgiveness. It is a holy God whom we all have offended with our entire existence! Using the Law of God in evangelism helps us greatly to show the sinner that he is a sinner. Take the sinner to Moses first and then to Jesus! (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18)

J.     THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROCLAMATION—We are justified because of a declaration from a just God (Vs. 26). Romans 3:26, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Since we have by faith received credit for the righteousness of Christ, then we are viewed by God as righteous. We now possess the righteousness of God; full credit has been imputed to the repentant sinners account! Again this action declares the moral righteousness of God for all to see. He is no shady dealer! Remember, before trusting Christ we were utterly bankrupt concerning righteousness. Since we stand before God, the righteous Judge, in the righteousness of His Son then this demands that God justify us! This is not a figurative nor fictitious righteousness, we have the very righteousness of God added to our spiritual account! On this extraordinary basis God declares believers as righteous, and by doing so he demonstrates that he is indeed righteous (Rom. 4:1-12). God eliminates any doubts about his character and places his righteous character on full display through the clear preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beloved, we show ourselves very wise by taking him extremely seriously!

K.   THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES A PROCLAIMER—We are justified by a Just Justifier Judge (Vs. 26). Romans 3:26, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Once again God painstakingly shows himself to be just and fair in this spiritual transaction. “At this time” God is vindicated through the provision of Calvary and the preaching of the gospel. For as long as this age endures and as often as the gospel is preached, listeners should be impressed with the righteous character of Almighty God. He is just! He has conclusively—even emphatically dealt with sin on the Cross, and he will not overlook anyone who rejects and disregards such gracious provisions.

In common Greek, justification and justify are frequently forensic terms; that is, they relate to the law court and the act of acquitting or vindicating someone. It has to do with the innocence or virtue of a person. But more broadly it has to do with the norm of any relationship.^[7]

This is the perfect Judge remember…there is absolutely zero shady dealing with Him. He can only do what is right and just and according to justice. For sinners who have been credited with His very righteousness it is only fitting that we be proclaimed righteous by the Justifier. Beloved, this is the unstained and stellar moral character of God we are referring to. This is what he is really like. You and I can trust a God like this!

L.    THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES POWER—We are Justified by Power (Rom. 4:24-25). Romans 4:24-25, But for us also, to whom it [righteousness] shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

The same power that raise Christ from the dead justifies and identifies the believing sinner to Jesus Christ.  We enjoy a legal status identical to that of Christ who is completely righteous. Remember, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to all who believe on him.

What we believe also matters—God raised up the Lord Jesus from among the dead. This same Jesus who died taking full responsibility for our sin guilt before God; our sins were paid for in full by his sacrifice. Again Christ was delivered to die for our grave offenses against God; Jesus was also resurrected by the Father to the end that we may be justified before God. Therefore, believers also have by faith identified with Christ who has already died for sins, was buried and raised again. Christ has no more obligations to sin or death, nor do we who are identified with Him.

Beloved, we are not justified in a weak system of justice, but in one marked by extraordinary power and force. Our legal status before God is not make-believe, fictional, or a stretch of the facts...nor the overworked product of our active imaginations. Believing in justification by faith alone is not an exercise in mental gymnastics; this is truth! A thousand times no! Our justification is as real as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he is alive then so are we alive in him…so are we guiltless before God…so are we declared as positively righteous in the divine court of law. God declares this to be the case and so it is. Beloved, the perfect righteous God-Judge has the final say. (Read Romans 10:8-17)

 CONCLUSION:

God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God. The Perfect Judge declares believing sinners as righteous! Beloved, He has the final Word in this matter.

Once again an anatomy affords us a structure and some organization of this giant topic in the Bible. Hopefully this article enables conversation on the topic of justification; my aim has been to expose the constituent parts and their relationship to each other. Much like a human anatomy diagram will demonstrate the various internal organs and their approximate relationship to each other. In this anatomy of justification we showed the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other.

Sometimes a simple question only requires a short answer; other times what was perceived as a simple question may actually require a more comprehensive answer. A simple answer in such instances may be insufficient because it may mislead by giving a false impression, or even be deceiving because it misrepresents the full scope of an idea. This is one reason theology is so valuable…it enables us to catalog, break down, distinguish, bisect, digest, correlate, and assimilate huge topics in the Scriptures. Often the purpose for asking the question can help us determine if a short answer or a more comprehensive answer is required. In this instance...we have the long answer. 

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^[1] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, pp. 1253–1254). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[3] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[4] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1254). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[5] Logos Hymnal. (1995). (1st edition.). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (pp. 1204–1205). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[7] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Justification. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1252). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of the Flesh

 

 MATTHEW 4:1-4

THEME: Jesus indisputably triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for physical satisfactions first and foremost.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material needs, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of His victory, we can win against the tempter. 

INTRODUCTION:

From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. Yes, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Jesus was not tested so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval.

Just as the first Adam met Satan, so the Last Adam met the enemy (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam met Satan in a beautiful Garden, but Jesus met him in a terrible wilderness. Adam had everything he needed, but Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. Adam lost the battle and plunged humanity into sin and death. But Jesus won the battle and went on to defeat Satan in more battles, culminating in His final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15).^[1]

Truly the Lord Jesus is a victor, winner, and champion!

John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col. 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-4):

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

It may seem strange that Jesus should be “led up of the Spirit” into temptation (vs. 4:1). Why should the Holy Spirit lead Him into such an encounter? The answer is that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The first Adam proved his unfitness for dominion when he met the adversary in the Garden of Eden. Here the last Adam meets the devil in a head-on confrontation and emerges unscathed.^[2]

The word “tempted” has two meanings: (1) to test, try, prove, or to make proof of (John 6:6; 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 11:17); and (2) to solicit to evil—to entice to do wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Father sought occasion to test, prove or demonstrate the high and unique quality of Christ’s nature and character. But, the “devil” sought to lure Him to do evil. God Himself is never personally responsible for temptations to practice sin (James 1:13), but here—as in the book of Job—God uses even satanic temptations to serve His sovereign purposes. The Scriptures record how Christ was tempted in all points but He remains free of sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 2:16). As typical of him, Satan appeals to our Lord with his favorite tricks, “the lust of the flesh” (vv. 2, 3); “the lust of the eyes” (vv. 8, 9); and “the pride of life” (vv. 5, 6).

The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—famished from a necessary privation. The number forty in Scripture is frequently indicative of situations of testing or probation. This natural appetite of hunger, like so many others, provides the tempter with an advantage, which in many people he can exploit and manipulate. The Devil often perverts what God intended for good and uses it for evil. It is vital we understand this experience was absolutely necessary according to the Holy Spirit’s direction—a time of testing, endurance, and obedience until the tests are complete.  

Hebrews 5:8, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

THE FIRST ATTACK—THE TEMPTATION TO LIVE FOR PERSONAL NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD (Matt. 4:2-4) 

The Temptation of the Flesh (Matt. 4:2-3):

Satan challenges Jesus to change the stones into loaves of bread!

Matthew 4:2-4, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Satan suggests that Jesus use his miraculous power to convert the stones of the desert into loaves of bread. The words, “If Thou be the Son of God,” does not mean that Satan doubted who Jesus was. No, Satan knew full well and exactly who he was dealing with. Satan was actually saying, “Since You are the Son of God.” The devil is alluding to the words of the Father to Jesus at the baptism, “This is My beloved Son.” The devil accepted the statement as true and, called on Jesus to exercise His power to satisfy His hunger. You know, sometimes the idea of wanting a miracle comes from the Devil and not our Lord. Miraculous solutions are great to witness and sometimes escape from difficulty or suffering is the Father’s will. But, not always! Please note the following observations. 

To fulfill a natural appetite by using divine power in response to Satan’s encouragements is a direct act of disobedience to God. As Christians we do not take marching orders from the Devil! This is the same appeal Satan enticed Eve with in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:6 (“good for food”). John classifies this temptation as “the lust of the flesh” (1 Jn. 2:16). Our corresponding temptation is to live for the gratification of natural desires, to choose a pathway of comfort instead of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The devil says, “You have to live, don’t you?” Instead of trusting God for all our needs, we sometimes reserve the right to control matters that relate to our legitimate needs. We must resist the desire to be controlling and self-sufficient. It is always right to depend on God, His way and timing.

Temptations to live to satisfy personal needs and desires presents a challenge to our love for God, involves doubts and questions relative to the love of God and proposes a path that rivals the will of God. “Since You are God’s beloved Son, why doesn’t Your Father feed You?” Why does He put You into this terrible wilderness?” This temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3! It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us. In affect Satan says, “If God loved his children then why does he allow them to suffer?” “Why doesn’t your Father shield you from all painful experiences?” If Satan can provoke us to doubt God’s love and care for us then we will find it difficult to trust Him with our needs and the timing for His provisions in our lives. We will pursue our own will and methods to secure whatever we feel we need in whatever ways that produce the desired results. Such independent behavior does not honor the Lord.

Still there is another suggestion from the Devil: “Use your divine powers to meet your own needs.” When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. All needs do not have the same priority or gravity. Spiritual concerns are far more important than our physical concerns. Both of these areas matter to the Lord, but spiritual needs are clearly weightier in God’s economy. We cannot allow the Devil to dictate our values system. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Too many of us look no further than to the situation, circumstances, or natural conditions to make decisions, but life is to be sanctified unto the purpose and glory of God. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising His powers independently of the Father; and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). When we use our abilities, talents, strengths and skills in a manner that does not acknowledge God’s will, we sin. My sweet mother use to emphasize how we must use our powers wisely—just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Too many of us justify greed, excess, avarice, gluttony, extravagance, and luxurious living because we deem these lavish extras as needs. 

The Triumph Over the Desires of the Body (Matt. 4:4):

People have greater needs than their physical life; we must feed on every word of God to satisfy the spiritual life needs as a first priority. When this is the case, we will have the spiritual understanding to make sound decisions concerning our needs. Jesus’ answer directs us to trust God to provide for our needs…He can speak and our supply will be available to us. Now note what Jesus did in response to the Devil to defeat him concerning this temptation in the area of the flesh. 

The Lord Quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, to Defeat Satan’s First Temptation.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

When Israel was in a desert place and could not provide for their most basic needs, it was God who merely spoke and their needs were supplied. God gave them manna in the wilderness wanderings. Depending on God first and foremost for our physical needs must become our priority as well. Food is a need, companionship is a need, for some marriage is a need, a means of employment is a need, shelter is a need, and on the list goes. We must look to God to supply our physical and relational needs; we must not resort to compromise, shacking up, sleazy hock-ups, and lying on government applications to secure a social benefit.

We can follow God’s leadership and guidance obediently because we are confident of His love and care…we do not doubt that He will provide for our needs in His way and timing. We are less tempted to resort to lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, or even working excessively to supply our needs independently of God. Remember, we can survive and be satisfied by the bread which God supplies, but bread acquired independently of God will leave you still wanting and longing for something more.

Jesus Answered The Temptation By Quoting Audibly The Word Of God to the Devil (Matt. 4:4). Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It is written (γέγραπται). The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.” The first recorded words of Jesus after his entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.^[3]

The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) is the Word of God and here Jesus shows us how to weld this most powerful sword in spiritual combat! Yes, it is an offensive weapon when used properly by God’s people. Give the devil the pure undiluted Word of God; our arguments are not wise or cleaver enough to win the day. Use God’s Book; quote it to the wicked one. The imagery of a sword relative to the Bible, the Word of God, is a primary idea the Bible repeatedly highlights (Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15). It denotes examination, judgment, and warfare!

Jesus’ example instructs us to speak God’s Word with insight and practical application to everyday situations, temptations, and challenges. Yes, even at times directly to the Devil also to remind him where our loyalties lie. The disciples of our Lord followed this example of addressing devils directly with a keen and practical understanding of the Scriptures and to cast them out (Matt. 17:14-21). However this ability was not to be taken presumptuously, it was only honored when genuine faith filled disciples of our Lord were on His mission and executing His will (Acts 19:11-18).  

In addition, always maintain uppermost in your mind the very character of the Word of God. It is faithful (2Tim. 2:11), confirmed (Heb. 2:3; 2Pet. 1:19) and it endureth forever (1Pet. 1:24-25). You are always correct to trust God’s prescriptions for everything that ails this life or afflicts our experience!

Our Lord’s example teaches that we don’t have to live without physical hungers, but we do have to live to obey God! Getting bread or being filled with bread is not the most important thing in life. While full obedience to every word of God is truly paramount. We should hunger for righteousness and thirst for obedience far more than mere material provisions! Sometimes it is the will of the Father for us to be hungry or to go without whatever to train us to trust Him to supply our needs. God revealed Himself throughout the Scriptures as the Lord God Almighty who meets and satisfies our deepest needs and desires. He has not changed! W. MacDonald says, “Since Jesus had received no instructions from the Father to turn stones into bread, He would not act on His own and thus obey Satan, no matter how intense His hunger.”

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil, and our Lord indisputably triumphs over Satan’s temptation to live for physical satisfaction as our first priority. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. Are you convinced of this truth? Have your convictions about the Lord Jesus being a winner deepened and advanced? 

You may recall also that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. God still uses such testing and challenges to prove our fitness and demonstrate our readiness to lead! 

Matthew’s record of these events exposes Satan and his tactics. What have you learned about the enemy’s attacks and seductions? Finally, please do not miss the all-important lesson that because of Christ’s victory, we can have victory over the tempter as well. But how? Well… by understand that nourishing the soul with the written Word and obeying God’s Word supersedes consuming physical food or satisfying temporal needs. Exalt spiritual pursuits in your value system! Yes, accordingly God’s Book is our spiritual food. 

In closing consider and even meditate on the values and priorities of the Lord Jesus in John 4:32-34, But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. [33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.     

 

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1212). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 28). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.