Waiting on God....

  1 JN. 5:14-15; 1PET. 3:7; PROV. 28:9; JS. 1:6-7; MATT. 5:23-25

SUBJECT: HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

                                                           

THEME: God Truly Does Desire to Say “Yes” to Us When We Pray. We must Recognize the “Wait” Answers from the Lord are Opportunities to Grow in our Prayer Relationship.  

When our prayers aren't answered in the way we want—generally speaking, when we receive a wait answer—we sometimes become discouraged, perhaps even resentful. What we fail to recognize is that “wait” answers are tremendous teaching tools. They can reveal to us what actions we should take or how we should grow in our relationship with the Lord.

In this study we will focus on God's wait answers to see what they might tell us. I am assuming that you are in right relationship with God. The person who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Savior or who is in willful rebellion against God is not a person who can expect positive answers from God. God's answer is likely to be a repeated “no” until the person surrenders his or her life fully to Christ.

Being a believer, however, and even desiring to live in right relationship with God does not always ensure that we will have all of our prayers answered with a yes. There are certain practical and specific reasons why God doesn't always say “yes” to Christians.

CONSIDER GOD'S “WAIT” ANSWERS TO OUR PRAYERS....

God desires for us to want Him more than we want any person, position, or object. He wants us to trust Him explicitly and fully. He wants us to be in a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with Him, totally relying upon Him to meet our needs and guide us on a daily basis. Consider these factors as reasons God may say "wait"....

A.  THE FACTOR OF GOD HIMSELF.

Exodus 20:2-3, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  

Exodus 20:5, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

  1. To Refocus Us on God Himself. 

      A.  Sometimes God answers wait so that we will refocus totally upon Him and not on the object of our desire.

      B.  God wants us to see Him as the source of our supply and know that a relationship with Him is far more valuable than any answered prayer could ever be.

   2. To Deepened Our Trust in God.

Sometimes God answers wait so that we might trust Him more fully.

       A.  We Would Become Arrogant If God Answered Every Prayer Immediately.

If God immediately said “yes” to all of our prayers, we might soon think that His answers were based on our own righteousness, rather than upon His mercy and grace.

        B.  We Would Become Stronger in Faith If God Answers “Wait” to Some Prayers.

               1.  In giving us “wait” answers, God is building into us a stronger foundation of faith, one that will endure all circumstances, challenges, persecutions and trials.  (See “grace” & “patience” Rom. 5:1-5).

               2.  God denied Job an immediate answer to his desire to know what he had done to deserve the awesome trials he was experiencing. 

               3.  Certainly his friends’ assertion that all suffering was the result of sin was not true in Job’s case. 

               4.  In fact God never did directly answer the question of human suffering in the book of Job, but God did finally deepen Job’s trust in Him and vindicate his faith. 

Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

               5.  Instead of answering the prayer request, God magnified his Power, Majesty, Glory, Wisdom, Providence, and Sovereignty so vividly that it was tantamount to a sight of the great God.  This was enough for Job!  (Job. 42:1-10).

B.  THE FACTOR OF OUR SPIRITUAL STATE.

Psalm 118:8-9, It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Sometimes God says “wait;” but why?  It is:

   1.  To Adjust Our Attitudes.

        A.  Sometimes God answers wait so that our attitude will be adjusted and refined to more accurately reflect the attitude of Christ Jesus.

        B.  Wrong attitudes may cause us to turn away from God, once we get what we desire.

              — God evaluates our motives and desires when we request things of him.

              — It may be that our attitude about time, money, possessions, and talents isn’t Christ-like and therefore the Lord waits to mature us in the meantime.

        C.  God may need for us to have a different attitude so that we will know how best to use the blessing He is about to give us.

   2.  To Prepare Us to Receive His Answer.

At other times, we must mature in some way so that we can handle the blessing.

        A.  A young child may want a pocketknife, but a wise parent knows that a pocketknife is not an appropriate gift for a young child.

        B.  The parent waits until the child is older and can use the pocketknife properly without causing injury to himself or others.

        C.  Likewise, God may delay His answer to our prayer until we are better prepared to accept it.

   3.  To Train Us in Patience and Obedience.

        A.  Delays Beyond Our Control Test Our Patience and Obedience.

1 Samuel 13:8-9, And he [Saul] tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. [9] And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.

             1.  It Is Difficult to Trust God When You Feel Your Resources Slipping Away.

                   — When Saul felt that time was running out, he became impatient with God's timing.

                   — In thinking that the ritual was all he needed, he substituted the ritual for faith in God.

             2.  When Faced with a Difficult Decision, Don't Allow Impatience to Drive You to Disobey God.

                   — When you know what God wants, follow his plan regardless of the consequences.

                   — God often uses delays to test our obedience and patience.

                   — Often this is the case with our prayer life, because we are most obedient when we really want something from God.

        B.  Even Difficult Circumstances Can Be God's Training Tools.

James 1:2-3, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

             1.  James Tells Us to Turn Our Hardships into Times of Learning.

Tough times can teach us perseverance and how to pray continually.

             2.  We Can't Really Know the Depth of Our Character until We See How We React under Pressure.

It is easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?

             3.  God Wants to Make Us Mature and Complete, Not to Keep Us from All Pain.

                    A.  Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth.

                            — Thank God for promising to be with you in rough times.

                            — Ask him to help you solve your problems prayerfully or give you the strength to endure them.

                    B.  Then be prayerfully patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow, but you must maintain a prayerful attitude.

C.  THE FACTOR OF GOD’S PLANS.

Isaiah 2:17-18, And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. [18] And the idols he shall utterly abolish. 

   1.  Unprepared Aspects of His Plan.

Sometimes God answers wait because certain aspects of His desire for us are yet to be put into place.

      A.  Unprepared People.

Another person or group of people may be involved in the blessing. God may need to work in their hearts before He can give us what He desires us to have.

      B.  Unresolved Hindrances.

             1.  He needs to remove the hindrances that keep His will from being enacted.

             2.  To “hinder” literally means to break up, or to place an obstacle in the road, so that our way is impeded.

             3.  God may need to do some “removal work” in the heart of another person before that person can share in our blessing.

             4.  Unresolved Hindrances Will Negatively Affect Personal Revival in Our Lives. 

 

                   A.  Revival can be realized in the individual believers life if they meet God’s conditions for revival.  No one but us can hinder this!

Rev. 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

                   B.  But it is quit a different matter when it comes to a church experiencing revival. 

2 Chron. 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

                            1.  One sour saint can spoil it for everyone collectively.

                            2.  Many prayers for corporate revival go seemingly unanswered because of the rotten attitudes of God’s people.

 

                   C. Still yet, personal revival is renewed by obeying God.

2 Chron. 31:20-21, And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. [21] And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. 

                            1.  Because Hezekiah did “that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God,” he influenced the people of Judah in spiritual revival, renewal, and reforms.

                            2.  Hezekiah’s actions serve as a model of personal renewal for us: (1) he remembered God's compassion (2 Chron. 30:9); (2) he kept going despite ridicule (2 Chron. 30:10); (3) he aggressively removed evil influences from his life (2 Chron. 30:14; 31:1); (4) he interceded for the people, asking for the Lord's pardon (2 Chron. 30:18-20); (5) he was open to spontaneity in worship (2 Chron. 30:23); (6) he contributed generously to God's work (2 Chron. 31:3).

                            3.  If any of these are lacking in your life, consider how you might apply them and renew your commitment to God. God will say “yes” when these various aspects are in place in our spiritual lives.

   2.  Unrealized Aspects of His Plan.

Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [4] Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:   

Isaiah 64:4, For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

          A.  Finally, God sometimes answers wait because He is preparing for an even greater blessing than the one for which we asked.

          B.  This certainly was true in the case of Lazarus. Jesus knew that Lazarus was ill, and He could have gone to him to heal him before he died. Instead, Jesus waited until Lazarus had died so that He might raise him from the dead as a definitive sign of His authority over death and the assurance of our resurrection in Christ. (See John 11:1–45.)  

C.     Those who craved the Lord’s presence to prevent death were thinking too small!

·The Lord Jesus had a greater miracle in mind for the glory of God.  If he had answered them according to what they were asking, they would only have known God’s power to heal the sick.

·But because the Lord drew out their faith they received assurance that he is able to also raise the dead. 

          D.  Sometimes the Lord delays because of unrealized aspects of his glorious plan.

E.     God greatly desires to magnify his strength in our lives!

·We must learn to dream bigger and expect greater things from him. 

·2 Chron. 16:9, For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him….

·There is no telling what the Lord would do if he had opportunity through our faith in him!

 Receiving a “wait” answer from God does not signal a time to be discouraged, perplexed, or frustrated with prayer. What we fail to recognize is that “wait” answers are tremendous teaching tools. They can reveal to us what actions we should take or how we should grow in our relationship with the Lord. Instead of resenting the Lord for apparently delaying, reinforce your confidence in His wisdom, love, and power. He really does have our best and highest interest in mind! Use the “waiting period” to draw closer to the Lord Himself—seek His face for who He is and not merely for what He will give us. Think about it…why would God give us anything that we would want more than Himself? Prayer is a relationship nurturing tool with the Lord God. Do not miss this great reality. Enjoy Him as you spend time with Him in prayer. He knows your needs and will meet those needs in His perfect timing. Waiting on the Lord is not a bad thing; it is an opportunity to know the Lord better.

Confronting Anger I

1 Samuel 18:5-16

SUBJECT: ANGER 

THEME: Recognize anger in its various forms; this is the first step towards rooting its destructive power out of our lives.

  

Unfortunately too many people live in close proximity to anger and its damaging impact. Researchers have found that angry perpetrators often use violence and emotional abuse to control their families. Such individuals may feel they have the right to behave in whatever way they choose while in their own home. Far too often they do not take responsibility for their actions and prefer to think that loved ones or circumstances provoked their angry outbursts. They notoriously make excuses for their anger and violence–for instance, they may point to alcohol, frustration, or stress as the real culprits.

According to surveys some report ‘losing control’ when angry around their families, but can control their anger around other people. They do not tend to use violence in other situations. If around friends, bosses, work associates or authorities they tend to keep their anger under control. As you may have anticipated angry persons try to minimize, blame others for, justify or deny they resort to anger and violence. They typically deny the impact of their ferocity on family members. (Better Health Channel)

Few people in the Scriptures exhibited as much anger as did King Saul. His jealousy over the blessings of God in David's life drove him to violent outbursts also. Saul's anger was first evidenced when David returned from battle and the women greeted him with this song: “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” The Scriptures tell us, “Saul was very wroth [anger], and the saying displeased him” (1 Sam. 18:7–8).

Because of his anger and jealousy, Saul's behavior, though shocking, is typical of an angry person:

   A.  On two occasions he threw his spear at David, trying to pin David to the wall (1 Sam. 18:10–11; 19:9–10).

   B.  He placed David in a position of authority, hoping that David would fail to lead wisely and be discredited (1 Sam. 18:12–15).

   C.   He assigned David ridiculously dangerous tasks hoping  that David would die while fighting the Philistines. For example he charged David to kill one hundred Philistines before he would give him his daughter in marriage (1 Sam. 18:25–29).

   D.  Saul even resorted to pursuing David continually for more than a decade, forcing David to live in exile and move frequently from hiding place to hiding place (1 Sam. 24; 26).

   E.  Not only did Saul pursue David without mercy, but he ordered the murder of people who helped David.  
   F.  He even turned on his own son with murderous intent (See 1 Sam. 20:30.). Saul's anger had no end. (C. Stanley)

It is easy to see anger at work in a person such as Saul. The outbursts are violent, and the rage continues to boil and manifest itself repeatedly over time. The angry person often has visible changes in physical appearance—dilated eyes and tense muscles. Internally, blood pressure rises, and the stomach tends to feel as if it is in knots. (C. Stanley)

It is far more difficult for us to recognize anger in ourselves. We are such an angry nation as a whole, we tend to tolerate a great deal of anger in our personal lives, families, and neighborhoods. Some even see anger as a sign of strength or power.

This tolerance for anger is contrary to God's Word, and it is damaging to emotional health and well-being. It is also damaging to spiritual growth and witness.

Get the Insider Story on Anger: 

The Scriptures admonish us clearly, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephes. 4:26-27). Wrath is linked closely with the work of the evil one in our lives.  Accordingly, people should speak truthfully, but their anger should be restrained, short-lived, and used for righteous ends. The following observations give us some insight into the very nature of anger.

A.  CONSIDER THE NATURE OF ANGER.

Anger is a powerful emotion. If it is not handled appropriately, it may have destructive results for you and those closest to you. The long-term physical effects of uncontrolled anger include increased anxiety, high blood pressure and headache. Uncontrolled anger can lead to arguments, physical fights, physical abuse, assault and self-harm. On the other hand, recognizing anger could be the key that motivates you to make positive changes. (Better Health Channel)

   1.  The Meaning is To React With Displeasure.

“Anger is a sudden feeling of displeasure and antagonism in response to an irritating factor. The irritation may be created by a person or a situation. The irritation itself may have been felt for some time, but the response of anger nearly always has an eruption factor. It is not a planned response. The angry person is momentarily out of control—no longer operating according to reason or God's principles of love.”  –Charles Stanley

   2.  People Tend to Become Angry Because:

      A.  They Aren't Allowed to Have Their Own Way.

      B.  They Are in Pain, Either Physical or Emotional.

      C.  They Are Jealous (1Sam. 18:8-10).

            1.  People can become so jealous of other people's possessions, position in life (including relationships), privileges, and personal traits (such as appearance and personality) that they feel others' good fortune somehow spells their own bad fortune.

            2.  Intense jealousy and anger manifest themselves in similar ways—with explosive, erratic, sometimes violent, and always irrational overtones. Intensely jealous people are also angry people.

   3.  Angry People Tend to Feel Their Being Attacked (1Sam. 18:8-9)

In each example, angry people to some extent feel themselves to be under attack.

       A.  The attack may be against the will, reputation, status, physical body, marriage, possessions, integrity, or personal sense of well-being.

       B.  Sometimes the perceived attack is only a matter of perception.

           1.  People may see a connection between a current circumstance or behavior and an incident that happened many years ago (for example, abuse as a child).

           2.  In other instances, people may totally misread others' behavior or motives.

           3.  The anger that is felt, however, is the same whether the situation that triggered it is real or imagined.

   4.  Ultimately, Angry People Seek to Get Rid of the Perceived or Real Attacker (1Sam. 18:10-19:1).

       A.  King Saul desired to kill David. Violently angry people sometimes resort to physical violence—all forms of which, to some degree, are a prelude to murder.

      B.  In other cases, they seek to put distance between themselves and the persons causing the irritation (1Sam. 18:13).

Sinful anger is quite different from righteous anger. There are times when a believer may be righteously angry for God’s honor or against evil. There are; however, other times when anger is sinful. For instance, when it is an emotional reaction involving malice, jealousy, resentment, vindictiveness, or hatred because of personal wrongs, it is sinful. God clearly forbids such responses in Ephesians 4:26, 27. (MacDonald)

B. CONSIDER THE EXPRESSIONS OF ANGER.

Anger triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. The adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.(Better Health Channel)

The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles, in preparation for physical exertion. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration increase, the body temperature rises and the skin perspires. The mind is sharpened and focused. (Better Health Channel)

Many people express their anger in inappropriate and harmful ways, including at least one of two ways:

   1.  As a Physical or Verbal Outburst (1Sam. 18:11).

Angry explosions are the first of two general expressions. These folks have very little control over their anger and tend to explode in rages. Raging anger may lead to physical abuse or violence. A person who does not control their temper can isolate themselves from family and friends. Some people who fly into rages use their anger as a way to manipulate others and to feel more powerful.(Better Health Channel)

        A.  A person may throw a punch, pound a fist against the wall, slam a door or phone receiver, swear, or shout, among other physical manifestations.

        B.  Anger may even manifest itself as gossip. Every form of abuse that I can name—sexual, physical, emotional, verbal—can be linked to anger. (C. Stanley)

   2.  As a Brooding Silence (1Sam. 18:9).
Anger repression is another manner; this form can be more difficult to detect. Such individuals view anger as an entirely evil emotion, and choose to suppress it. However, bottled anger often turns into depression and anxiety. Some people vent their bottled anger at innocent parties, such as children or even their pets. (Better Health Channel)

        A.  The Person Internalizes the Anger and Allows it to Seep into the Subconscious. Sometimes this anger displays itself as boredom or an aloofness from other people.

        B.  The person who broods in silent anger may manifest an eruption of that anger at a later date.

       C.  The anger may even erupt within the body in the form of disease. The Better Health Channel records, "The constant flood of stress chemicals and associated metabolic changes that go with recurrent unmanaged anger can eventually cause harm to many different systems of the body." Unless one deals positively and in a godly way with anger, anger will manifest itself in some way.

C.  CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANGER. 

Nothing good comes from anger, and that is why it is contrary to God's plan for spiritual maturity.

   1.  There are Spiritual Consequences.

      A.  Jesus warns that angry people will face God's judgment (Matt 5:22; Gal 5:20; Col 3:6-8).

      B.  James reflects the wisdom of God when he tells us to "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath [angry]" (Js. 1:19).

      C.  Provoking another person to anger without reason is in itself a sin (Eph 6:4).

      D.  Anger can divide a church (2 Cor 12:20) and frustrate prayer (1 Tim 2:8).

      E.  It is disqualify from spiritual leadership because a pastor must not be quick-tempered (Titus 1:7).

   2.  There are Relational Consequences.

Outbursts of anger injure other people. Internalized anger injures the angry person. Both expressions of anger are closely linked to hate. Thus, anger is diametrically opposed to love. When we are angry,

     A.  We cannot respond with sensitivity to the needs of others.

     B.  We lose our ability to feel compassion.

     C.  We cause estrangement.

     D.  We create strife and enmity in relationships.

     E.  We cease to give generously.

     F.  We require unrealistically high standards of behavior from others to compensate for the way we feel we have been injured or attacked.

     G.  We become highly judgmental.

   3.  There are Emotional Consequences (1Sam. 18:12,15).  

When people feel anger, bitterness, or resentment over a period of time against a particular person, institution, or circumstance, they feel a constant agitation or irritation in their spirits.  This cause of anxiety and fear is internal. The anxiety is real, and is extremely damaging.

   4.  These Qualities Are Certainly Not Christ-like.

“But what, about the little bursts of anger we all feel from time to time?”

         A.  People who ask this are usually referring to brief outbursts of anger or daylong pouts. All of these expressions of anger are equally wrong before God.

         B.  Ask God to forgive you for all expressions of anger against other people and to cleanse you of an angry spirit.

         C.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His love, joy, and peace—so that you might manifest these and all the other fruit of the Spirit in your dealings with others.(C. Stanley)

D.  CONSIDER SOME WISDOM ON ANGER.

When does anger become sin?

“Anger is sinful when it rises too soon, without reflection; when the injury that awakens it is only apparent; when it is disproportionate to the offense; when it is transferred from the guilty to the innocent; when it is too long protracted and becomes revengeful (Matt 5:22; Eph 4:26; Col 3:8). ” — The New Unger's Bible Dictionary

   1.  Uncontrolled Anger Will Lead to Sin.

Genesis 4:6, And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?   

       A.  The Bible Does Not Say Why God Rejected Cain's Offering.

Perhaps Cain's attitude was improper, or perhaps his offering was not up to God's standards. God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer him. When we give to God and others, we should have a joyful heart because of what we are able to give.

       B.  How Do You React When Someone Suggests You Have Done Something Wrong?

Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? Do you attack the messenger?

             1.  After Cain's offering was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do this! But Cain refused, and the rest of his life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes.

              2.  The next time someone suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of Cain's.

   2.  Ungodly Anger Is Often the Result of Bad Decisions.

Genesis 27:41, And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.  

       A.  Esau was so angry at Jacob that he failed to see his own wrongs.

              1.  He should never have given away his birthright in the first place. Jealous anger keeps us from seeing the benefits we have and makes us dwell on what we do not have.

              2.  When Esau lost the valuable family blessing, his future suddenly changed. Reacting in anger, he decided to kill Jacob. When you lose something of great value, or if others conspire against you and succeed, anger is the first and most natural reaction.

       B.  But you can control your feelings by:

             1.  Recognizing your reaction for what it is;

             2.  Praying for strength; and

             3.  Asking God for help to see the opportunities that even your bad situation may provide.

If you find yourself dealing with people who are not playing by the biblical rules, who are underhanded, deceptive, dishonest, and self-serving, can you learn to see the advantage you have over them? In refusing to use their tactics and choosing to abide by biblical principles, you are under God's protection, and He has promised to honor you and to prosper you.

A few years ago, while in the process of purchasing a newly built home, I found myself engaged in a conflict with one of the employees of the building firm. She was arrogant, rude, and terribly disrespectful to me, the customer. I responded as I knew a businessperson should: I was assertive, refused to talk to her, went to a higher authority, and demanded my rights.…

Instead of raising my voice and demanding my rights, I could have been just as assertive by calmly repeating my concerns, refusing to allow the conversation to deteriorate to that low level. I could have been kind and polite; I could have stopped and quickly prayed for the woman; I could have thought about what bitterness and anger there was inside her to cause her to behave the way she did and allowed God to give me compassion for her. I could have done all that, but I missed the opportunity because I was too concerned with the way she was treating me.

I'm not suggesting we become doormats, but we can control our reactions and respond in a Christlike manner, we actually have the advantage over the other person. When we take the world's way out, we often lose our Christian advantage, not to mention our testimony for Christ.

When our business dealings are guided by biblical principles, it gives us a great advantage. (Workday Meditations by Mary Whelchel)

   3.  Anger's Favorite Tool Is the Tongue.

James 3:6, And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

      A.  James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire -- the tongue's wickedness has its source in hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another.

      B.  Idle words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. We dare not be careless with our words, thinking we can apologize later, for even if we do, the scars remain. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build.

      C.  Before you speak, remember that words are like fire -- you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do.

If a believer gives way to unrighteous anger, he or she should confess and forsake it quickly. Confession should be made both to God and to the victim(s) of our anger. There should be no nursing of grudges, no harboring of bitter resentments, no carrying over of such irritations. We are not to allow the sun to go down on our wrath. Anything that mars fellowship with God or with our brethren should immediately be made right. (MacDonald)

Recognize anger in its various forms; this is the first step towards rooting its destructive power out of our lives. Stop making excuses for your sinful behavior and invite the Lord's grace and power to help you change. Stay tuned for the next article on this subject because it will also communicate helpful principles to help you change for the glory of God. Remember, your first step to positive change is confronting your anger honestly before God.

Is It OK To Celebrate Christmas?

Romans 14:1-12

SUBJECT: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE

THEME: today I want to identify the boundaries of Christian liberty and the proper exercise of Christian love regarding Christmas holiday observances.  

In this study series, I hope to articulate the approach a Christian should take regarding holiday observances. Secondly, and in full disclosure, I aim to steer you clear of the two major pitfalls of license and legalism regarding holidays. That is we cannot allow nor forbid all aspects of any holiday observance as a standard practice for all believers. Some aspects may be morally acceptable while others are concretely violations of biblical truth. In those facets that are truly neutral, we must afford liberty to others. Thirdly, we hope to encourage you to live with a voluntary self-restraint regarding gray area issues that may offend others or hinder our efforts of reaching and helping people. We do not want our freedom in Christ to be regarded as evil or needlessly offensive. All of these are worthwhile goals; therefore, exploring this subject, though it came be volatile,  is still a worthwhile time investment.

The way a person observes the Christmas holiday can be a matter of controversy and unnecessary hard feelings or resentment. For example, someone may inquire, "Can I drink eggnog at the office Christmas party?" Another may ask, "Why erect a Christmas Tree? It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ...." Yet someone else may wonder if participation in any part of Christmas observances are pleasing to God...especially since its origin is pagan. Well, the Apostle Paul in Romans 14 gives us valuable guidance and relational principles in the areas of questionable things and practices. He shares powerful guidelines to enable believers to disagree on nonessentials (gray area issues) while maintaining love and unity in the churches and Christian homes.

With as much as Fundamental Christians agree upon, it's quite amazing what we can fight about, and even split churches over. Unfortunately, it has been this way with Christianity from its inception. And in those early days, God gave His people a way to handle these matters so they would not become divisive. His plan? Liberating love. This solid plan is delineated for us all in Romans 14:1–15:13 (also 1 Cor. 8-10), which describes two groups who are at odds with each other over two areas of concern. So let's keep open minds, laying aside our differences so we can hear what God has to say to us from these passages.  

HOW DO WE KNOW CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES ARE “GRAY AREA ISSUES”?

Simply stated we know that Christmas is a Gray Area Issue Because the Bible Does Not Address the Subject At All; therefore, the Christian Can Exercise Liberty in the Matter.

In other words, God does not forbid nor command us to observe the holiday. We cannot require another to honor this day, nor can we forbid another’s observance. The choice is up to you whether or not you participate or refrain. It is a matter of personal persuasion. Note what the Apostle Paul actually says in Romans 14:5-6,

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

It is up to the individual believer as to whether or not she or he will celebrate the holiday of Christmas. But let every believer be “fully persuaded in his own mind” that what he or she does is completely pleasing to God.  The choice is yours but it must be made in faith! Note that Romans 14:23, requires, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

While there are a number of things associated with the observance of the Christmas Holiday that are biblically wrong like lying to children about Santa Claus and the godless parties promoting drugs and alcohol, there are many traditions that are healthy. Time reflecting on the actual meaning of Christ's birth, giving thanks to God for the "gift" of His only begotten Son, and worship services devoted to celebrating the incarnation of God are all worthwhile. Any Christian should be able to subscribed to worship emphasizing these truly scriptural realities without any difficulty. However, if a believer objects to Christmas trees, traditional Christmas tales like Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer, and swapping gifts then they are free to do so as a personal matter. We all must be careful to separate the biblical from the traditional in many matters. Each individual needs to be persuaded about these matters of conscious as a matter of faith. We must be watchful against imposing our personal convictions on another person; they must also be free to act according to their own conscious with impunity.
 

THERE ARE "GRAY AREAS" THAT ARE NOT EXPRESSLY RIGHT OR WRONG FOR EVERY BELIEVER. 

Some may view these as black and white matters while others disagree referring to them as gray areas. Consider these suggestions:

    1.  Consider Just a Few of the Gray Area Issues of Our Day.

         a. Consider the Issue of Christians in The Military and Fighting in War.

         b. Consider the Issue of Christians Holding Government Offices.

         c. Consider the Issue of Christians Attending an Office Christmas Party.

         d. Consider the Issue of Christians Playing or Owning a Pool Table.

         e. Consider the Issue of Christians Owning a Gun or Advocating for Guns.

         f. Consider the Issue of Christians Playing Card Games.

         g. Consider the Issue of Christians Working on the Lord’s Day– Sunday.
         h. Consider the Issue of Christians Working at Stores that sell Liquor and Tobacco. 

All of these issues have been debated for years with little or no resolution or coherency. My aim here is not to revisit them all individually, but to demonstrate that the subject of observing Christmas is categorized with them. In addition, I merely hope to emphasize that true matters of conscious can be real hot button subjects. They can generate much heated debate and drive deep the wedge of division in a family or church. People tend to be quite passionate about their position; they will vigorously defend their perspective. It seems to me the more deeply one's position is rooted in tradition, the more tenaciously it is held. Christmas observances typically present a vast array of secular traditions and of course teachings deeply rooted in biblical truth. It is a potentially explosive subject when a secularist and a believer address the subject to each other. It is also a challenging portion of discussion when two believers haggle over the significance of the holiday and devotion to biblical emphasis. I am simply contending that the proper balance can be struck if we observe the principles of Christian Liberty. Perhaps we need to visit the subject of "Christian Liberty" to help us understand how to handle all such matters.

     2.  “Christian Liberty” is Applied to These Areas of Moral Indifference.

To avoid confusion, please allow me to explore the subject of Christian Liberty so that we all understand what I am actually saying here.

Liberty Means that Believers Are Emancipated from the Bondage of Satan, the Domination of Sin, Guilt, and the Fear of Death. Christians are entirely free of any obligations to sin and its condemnation. Spiritual union with Christ, involving the service of Christ, is compatible with perfect freedom; inasmuch as we are thus restored to the right relationship to God and brought into harmony with His will (see Matt 11:28-30; James 1:25). The season of bondage and fear of death is over for genuine believers. Note that Hebrews 2:14-15, says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (see John 8:31-36; Acts 26:17-18; Rom 7:24-25; 8:15; Heb. 2:14-15). 

Liberty Means that Christians Are Not under Obligation to Observe the Distinctly Jewish Regulations in the Bible. Paul says in Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."  We are not required to embrace the Jewish traditional holidays mentioned in the Old and the New Testaments. Christians should insist on liberty concerning such matters of culture, observing holidays, feasts, and ceremonies. All the while we accept the fact that Christianity will look and feel differently in different cultures, but the essential truths and message remain in tact. The result is not a watered down version of Christianity, but real Christianity in another cultural context. I certainly am not encouraging perversions of our Faith, but simply recognizing that Christianity is designed by God to be indigenous, lucid and relevant on many levels regardless of the people group. The Liberty we have through Christ tolerates such nuances as the Faith is expressed through a certain cultural setting. It will differ slightly in other social/ethnic situations without any violation of essential or fundamental truths.     

You see, circumcision, Animal Sacrifices, with the whole body of ceremonial requirements essential to the chosen nation, Israel, during the period that was preparatory to the gospel,  are set aside under the gospel. These features of religion were annulled by the incoming of the new dispensation in Christ. They were not in keeping with the dignity and inward liberty of redeemed souls, our new moral elevation and illumination, or our relationship as children of God. (see John 4:20-24; Acts 15:1-29; Gal. 2:1; 5:1-6; Heb. 8:10,13).  Hebrews 8:13, says, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." The Old Covenant requirements were satisfied through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. They are accomplished on the behalf of every believer, thus they are nullified. These elements were not transferred to other people groups, but many Jewish converts still continued to observe these traditions for a while. 

                                                           

The Phrase, Christian Liberty, Also Refers to the Privilege of Christians to Regulate Their Lives as Individuals with Respect to Matters That Are Morally Indifferent. The NT instructions upon this point were developed for the most part on account of the attempt to impose Jewish regulations upon converts of Christianity. Again Christians are not obligated to observe these regulations or holy days. We must also understand the principles set forth by Paul have a much broader application and are still of great importance to us today (see Rom 13; 14:14; 1 Cor. 7:8; also Scriptures referred to above). He repeatedly advocated for Christian Liberty concerning days and diets.  

With Respect to Such Things that Are Not Commanded or Forbidden in the Word of God, Christian Liberty May Be Exercised and Should Be Allowed. Actions are not to be pronounced sinful that are not sinful. Different does not mean wrong or a perversion of the Faith. Often there is more than one way to obey a biblical requirement. Any scriptural injunction can be executed in a number of ways; multiple strategies could be employed by any congregation even. Nonessentials are not to be elevated to the place of essential virtues. Some things concerning our Faith are vital and necessary while others are not. Essentials (relative to Christmas) are fundamental teachings like the nature of God, the nature of Christ's birth, salvation by grace, propitiation through one ultimate Sacrifice, the inspiration and veracity of Scripture, and the significance of Christ's birth. Nonessentials are things like Christmas trees, a white Christmas (snow), sleigh rides, turkey dinners, Santa Claus (a lie), gift swapping, gingerbread cookies, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Each Christian is free to choose for themselves before their Lord on these matters that are truly neutral. Regarding the essentials, every believer should advocate for these truths, but all the rest is not worth bickering over except to demonstrate they are not fundamental to biblical Christianity.  

Proper Room must Be Left for the Exercise of Individual Judgment or of Enlightened Christian Conscience. That is correct, in these gray area matters it is permissible to allow your conscious to be your guide. Individual preference is appropriate as long as it is exercise with loving consideration for how our actions will impact others. 

But remember, this Liberty with Respect to Things Indifferent Is Not Absolute; There are Limitations. Its exercise is under the limitations of the principles of self-preservation, of expediency, of duty, and of love. Healthy concessions should be made for the sake of "the weak," though care should be taken not to make them in a way, or to such an extent, as to perpetuate their weakness or to promote superstition. If the former is not done "the weak" are needlessly injured. If the latter is omitted the principle of evangelical liberty is violated, Christians are reduced to un-Christian slavery, and the progress of Christ's kingdom is obstructed. Always keep the principles of expediency and edification in mind as you grapple with these matters. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:23, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." Is it expedient for the cause of Christ? Does it edify my brother or sister in Christ? These are good questions to grapple with. 

MANY BIBLE SUBJECTS ARE BINDING WHILE OTHERS ARE GOVERNED BY GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

     1.  Some Activities We Know Are Wrong, Because the Bible Clearly Condemns Them.  For instance we do not have to wonder or worry about whether drug usage, immorality, stealing or lying are wrong.  When we are faced with these temptations we do not have to stop and pray about whether or not we should indulge.  We do not need to analyze the situation to see if we should participate; no, we just simply believe God and refuse.  God already said NO about immorality, substance abuse, lying, and stealing.

     2.  Other Activities We Know Are Right, Because the Bible Clearly Commands Them.  Things like faithful church attendance, tithing one’s income, evangelizing the lost, living holy, being honest and beyond reproach, Bible study, and encouraging others with the Scriptures are clearly the expressed will of God as prescribed in the Bible.

But when it comes to areas that are not clearly defined in Scripture, we find ourselves needing some other kind of guidance. Paul gave Christian Liberty principles for this guidance. He explains how believers could disagree on nonessentials and still maintain unity in the church. He gave his readers three important admonitions. We will consider two of them in this series.

     3. Some Matters Can Be Settled Based on General Biblical Principles.

The following are general principles that can be applied to many of these gray area matters. Consider these as questions for personal examination:

       a. Will what I’m about to do raise questions about my motives? (1 Thes. 5:22; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18)

       b. Will what I do have a positive effect on others for the Lord? (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23)

       c. Will what I do clearly bring glory to God? (1 Cor. 10:31)

       d. Will what I do result in the salvation of souls? (1 Cor. 10:33)

       e. Will what I want to do master or enslave me? (1 Cor. 6:10)

       f. Will what I want to do promote peace in the fellowship? (Rom. 14:19)

       g. Does what I want to do make me feel uneasy in my conscience? (Rom. 14:23)

Again through this study I hope to clarify what position a Christian should take on such holiday observances.  Secondly, I wish to steer you clear of the two major pitfalls of license and legalism regarding the holidays.  Thirdly, I want to encourage you to live with a voluntary self-restraint regarding gray issues that may offend others or hinder our efforts of reaching and helping people. Remember in all matters Christian Love is applicable and prescribed by our Heavenly Father. 

Yes, the way a person observes the Christmas holiday can be a matter of controversy and unnecessary hard feelings or even resentment. It may appear as hypocrisy to observe it or to refrain from observing it. The Apostle Paul gives us helpful guidance and relational principles in the areas of questionable things and practices. Study carefully the passages mentioned above in their original context. Then do the profitable work of working out how these principles apply to us today. You will be gloriously enriched! 

Yes, believers can disagree on nonessentials (gray area issues) and still maintain love and unity in the churches and Christian homes. If we understand and faithfully apply these principles we will not find ourselves tearing up our churches and our homes about things that are neutral before God. We will also learn to tolerate the different preferences of other believers; how to govern ourselves when dealing with “gray” issues are necessary relational skills.  

As always, I am not advocating the sacrifice of biblical truth and important principles of the Scriptures, but I am saying that we should be willing to give up our personal rights in order to win souls to Christ and build-up other saints in Christian love. It is not about what I want, but what is edifying, expedient, or others centered. I realize some folks want to make every subject an absolute matter with universal application. We all function a little bit better when we know the clearly defined boundaries.... In matters of conscious the boundary is the individual's choice or preference under the authority of Christ the Lord. That is the standard Beloved, for us all.