Love: A Great Lesson From A Limited Law

It is a fundamental tenet of the New Testament that the Law of Moses (basically the entire Old Testament, save for Genesis, the first chapters of Exodus, and Job) was of limited utility. It could not sanctify (Gal. 3:2,3); nor justify (Gal. 2:16; 3:11); nor forgive (Heb. 10:4). So it was replaced. 

Heb. 7,18,19 “For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”

Even though the law was limited, weak and replaceable, it still taught its subjects lessons of the highest importance: Loving God and each other. 

Matt. 22:36-20 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Don’t think that it was a low or limited standard of love for God and man that the law taught its adherents. Jesus explained in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matt. 5:44-48 “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven…Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

If the limited, weak and replaceable law called us to this, how much more the gospel? Should not the love of God and others be even more our goal?

Flesh Or Spirit: A Choice Made For Us — If We Don’t Choose Christ

Rom. 8:5-9“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him..” 

The default setting of this world, once we have sinned, as all have, is fleshly, carnal. This is because the snares of devil cannot be consistently overcome without the help of God. Some consciously choose to walk in the flesh, others get there by the natural course of this world. Those who choose to follow Christ have the forgiveness of sins, and cleansing to set and keep them free and give them the help of the Spirit in their lives. 

So then Christians think not just what “I want” but what does “God want.” Not just “what can I get” but—through God—“what can I give?” “What can I get out of this?” is replaced with “What can I do for God or others?” 

The change of mind and habits that this new life in Christ can take a long time to grow and mature into all that it should be, all that it can be, in Christ. But this “way of life and peace” greatly blessed, and is to be supported by all others on this same path that brings glory to God. 

“It Is Good For The Heart To Be Strengthened By Grace”

Heb. 13:9“Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited.” 

God’s grace is what He has given us to strengthen our hearts. There is some limited benefit of diet or exercise to strengthen the heart (“bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things” 1 Tim. 4:8). Our modern culture is exercise crazed, just as first century Jewish culture was greatly consumed with whether food was clean or unclean (Acts 10:14) or if hands and dishes were appropriately washed (Mark 7:2,3).

The thing about such physical things are that they don’t much benefit the person who concentrates on them. They same thing is true about moral restrictions not given by God, not matter how harsh or restrictive. 

Col. 2:21-23““Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using) --in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” 

In Hebrews 13, we also see that doctrines of men don’t strengthen the heart. The only thing that helps our heart, our faith, our lives is the grace and truth of God. Thankfully for us, in the new covenant, He writes that right onto our hearts and minds (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10). 

“Not My Emperor”?

Today we hear in some circles of society people saying that our new President is, “Not My President.” I pretty sure that sentiment was voiced by some political opponents of our previous President as well.   

When I hear such things, I think of the utter absurdity of New Testament Christians responding to the moral indignities, humanitarian atrocities or vile actions of the Emperors in Rome and responding, “Not My Emperor.” Of course he was, and such talk would have put one in serious jeopardy of life when the charges of rebellion and sedition were passed on to the governing authorities. 

The fact that we have the freedom to say such things should actually make as all the more respectful of authorities, as the apostle admonished: “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Pet. 2:16)

And always remember the general admonitions concerning our rulers:

1 Pet. 2:13,14“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him…” 

Rom. 13:1,5“Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God… Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.”

And we have the luxury of actively participating in choosing another ruler in 4 years, unlike our brethren of old. 

Just And Made Perfect

The Hebrew writers, speaking of the great blessings that come by faith in Christ said that we who live by faith in Him have come to, “to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:23)

It is by faith and in His church that we are perfected. This is part of the great blessing that comes by faith — perfection, inclusion into His church, and fellowship with God. 

This fullness of blessings is something that the law could never do. As Paul told the Galatians:

Gal. 3:2,3“…did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” 

Paul told that that the Spirit made perfect, and the Spirit did not come come by the Law. (Remember those disciples that Paul met in Ephesus who had lived under the law and by John’s teaching who hadn’t even heard of the Spirit yet.) 

So the great blessings that we seek are by the life of faith. As Habakuk prophesied so long ago that great message of the gospel:

Hab. 2:4 “Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.”

Live by faith, justified by faith, perfected by faith. Faith in Christ counts for all. Have and grow that faith.

Did You Make Any New Year’s Resolutions? Do Your Need To?

A resolution to make a change is often the first step in any good change that we make. Recall the prodigal son’s great change when he realized what he should do, and began to do it. 

Luke 15:18, 19  "‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’

Or Daniel’s resolution within himself to do right.

Dan. 1:8But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

Of course the good fruit that came in the lives’ of these men happened only because they carried their resolutions through. What are some things that we might need to resolve and carry through on? 

☀︎ Become more like Christ.        

☀︎ Read the Bible more

☀︎ Spend more time in prayer     

☀︎ Be more spiritually minded

☀︎ Worship in spirit & truth        

☀︎ Be a peace maker    

☀︎ Keep unspotted from the world    

☀︎ Get along with others    

☀︎ Be more encouraging        

☀︎ Share the gospel more

God Of All Grace, So Receivers With All Humility?

The scriptures emphasize that gracious nature of God: 

Father: Eph. 1:6“…glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed…’”

Son: Phil. 4:23“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Also Acts 15:11,40; 1 Cor. 16:23; 2 Cor. 13:14; Phile. 25, Rev. 22:21)

Holy Spirit: Heb. 10:29“…the Spirit of grace…”

Thus we truly praise Him “…the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ” (1 Pet. 5:10)

This great shower of grace calls us to receive His great gifts humbly.  Thus Peter, quoting Prov. 3:24, reminds us to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Pet. 5:5) So it is not just a humility to Gods that is demanded, but humility towards each other.  Each what they have as God gives.  

We have the saying, “There but for the grace of God…” reminding us to by humble and appreciative when we see those worse off than us. But we often excuse ourselves when displaying bad attitudes towards those more blessed or with our peers who have irked us. But what is always required?

Micah 6:8“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”

What He Did Give, Do We Humbly Receive?

Rom. 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?’”

All our spiritual blessing, capped by the great offering of God’s own son to redeem and reconcile us, is the great free gift of God. He gave all and does continually now give. 

With all His giving, His grace also made us fit vessels for the receiving.  “A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven,” Jesus said. (Jn. 3:27)

With all that He gave, we often speak of our unworthiness to receive it. That is true in the sense of what we can ourselves call upon as an obligation or due owed by God, but it is not true in the sense that His gifts elevate us to rightful reception of His gifts, because this is what He wants fro us. So what is our only proper response? Humble reliving. 

1 Cor. 4:7  For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

The giving was of His grace. The receiving is only in what He has made us fit to be. So do we boast that we were lifted up enough to receive so much? No we humble receive and recognize His double grace, in giving so much and making us able to receive and make use of it. 

Daily, Not Weekly, Monthly, Annual Or Lifetime Provision

Ex. 16:18,19 “When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.’”

Matt. 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.”

The provision of God to all mankind, especially to His people, is a fact that is proven by history, taught in the scriptures, and accepted by faith by all His people. 

The provision is often what businessmen today would call “just in time” inventory management.  His provision is given in such a way that we get what we need, but in such a way that we don’t become unappreciative of it, thoughtless as to it’s origins. One of the worst things that can happen to a disciple is to be thoughtless, thankless and presumptuous in regard to the shower of blessings God gives. 

In hindsight, we can see that God took care of us last week, last month, over prior years, and even through out entire lives. But He does it one day at a time.  

So we have the need of daily requests and daily thanks. And when we think further on spiritual things, daily study (Acts 17:11). daily teaching (Acts 5:42), daily exhortation (Heb. 3:13), and daily self-denial and cross-bearing (Luke 9:23).

Simply Sincere

2 Cor. 1:12“…in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

The word translated as “holiness” is translated as “simplicity” in other versions. One of the reasons for variety of translation is that this word (hagiotēs) appears only once in scripture. Its root is the word commonly translated “holy,” but it seems to have more meaning here. So there are various translations of this verse:

KJV, NKJV, ESV“simplicity and godly sincerity”

ASV“holiness and sincerity of God”  “from God” (NIV)

CEV“honestly and sincerely”

NRSV“frankness and godly sincerity”

CSB“godly sincerity and purity”

Sincerity is in every translation and the variety of translations give the other as “simplicity, holiness, honesty, frankness or purity.” The connecting thread of all of these is open, honest, and right dealing. 

Compare this pure and helpful to others service that is our goal in Christ to what Christ condemned in the Pharisees: 

Matt. 23:14. 27“For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation…you outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness”

In Christ, the conduct towards and serve to others is to be simply good. No pretense. Just sincere and pure and good.

All God’s Promises Are True

Think of all the comforts of God’s word. In an unstable and shifting world that are not many thing that we can rely on with absolute certainty. Only God is constant and true. His words and promises are a “strong encouragement” and the hope that we base on them are “an anchor of the soul...both sure and steadfast.” (Heb. 6:18,19)  

Yet even as we take comfort in the surety of God’s promises for help and good, we make take with equal seriousness all His promises that warn of punishment. So often we like to think of only the nice things. This is illustrated in the fact that poll after poll shows that a much greater number of people believe in heaven than in hell, even though we have equal evidence and authority for both. Jesus often speaks of rewards and punishments in the same sentence, yet only one is remembered.  But His promises of curses and consequences are just as sure as His promises of blessings and rewards. 

Both the righteous goodness and righteous severity of God has been equally spoken and equally proven. All of God’s word is confirmed. Will those living by the gospel faith go to heaven? Surely they will.  Will those who are not obedient to it go to hell? Just as surely they will also. Salvation and condemnation are based on the same sure word of God. The scriptures, history and experience all confirm that we must give heed to all that God has said. Let His word be a dreadful and fearful thing to those who won’t live by it – and let them not ignore it – even as His word is wondrously comforting to those who will live by it.

Realize This Could Always Go Either Way

Believers. expect that the life of faith to be a blessed one. And it is. But we often have a very physical expectation of what they life will be. 

Heb. 11:33-35“who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

34  quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

35  Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection”

Faith! Victory! Conquering! Vanquishing! Whoo Hoo for the life of faith!  But…

Heb. 11:36-28“and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

37  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

38  (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.”

This were as faithful, but had trials, suffering, mocking, scourging, chains. These are just as possible for the faithful. Both lists were marks of the faithful. Both share the same reward in heaven and the approval of God. Don’t confuse the physical blessings with approval, or suffering like Christ as disapproval. Realize that either life is possible. “The LORD gives, the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job. 1:21)

Our Ancestor’s Great Walk With God

Heb. 11:5,6“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

In the great list of faithful people in Hebrews 11, there are only two who are ancestors to us all. Since the descent of all mankind began anew after the flood with the family of Noah, only he and his great-grandfather Enoch are ancestors to all mankind and in the list of the faithful examples. 

It’s encouraging to know that one of our people was such a faithful man. We’ve all learned a lot from our forebearers and through them have had much to live up to. In this case, our faithful ancestor “walked with God” (Gen. 5:22,24) and showed us that we can to walk in the same way and what the result of doing so will be. 

So our goal is to be as he was: 

Col. 1:10 “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work…”

And our goal is to be taken up by the Lord to be at home with Him. 

1 Thess. 4:16,17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

None Of These Things Move Me

In Acts 20:24, the apostle Paul makes a most incredible statement. He says, “But none of these things move me.” The notable thing was what didn’t move Paul or cause him to flee to save his life. 

Acts 20:22-24“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,

23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

24[But none of these things move me - KJV] nor I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

This is the very definition of courageous and selfless service. Paul knew that bonds and afflictions waited in Jerusalem. He’s going anyway. He was “bringing alms to his nation” (Acts 24:17) for the “poor saints in Jerusalem” (Rom. 15:26), and nothing was going to stand in the way, not even the need to be “rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea” (Rom. 15:31) Paul later received more details about what he would face: being bound and turned over to the Gentiles. (Acts 21:11) Brethren cried and pled for him not to go. This did not change his resolve all.  

Acts 21:13“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”

Are we so dedicated to the serving others that “nothing would move” us to keep us from it?  It’s highly unlikely that serving others will cost us much. But it might, and we should do it even if it does.

The High And Holy & The Poor And Lowly

Ps. 113:4-7The LORD is high above all nations;  His glory is above the heavens.

5  Who is like the LORD our God,  Who is enthroned on high,

6  Who humbles Himself to behold  The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

7  He raises the poor from the dust  And lifts the needy from the ash heap”

The Great God, higher than all the nations, and even all the heavens that are available for us to see, and the great and amazing thing is that He cares for us.  

Ps. 8:4,5 What is man that You take thought of him,  And the son of man that You care for him?

5  Yet You have made him a little lower than God,  And You crown him with glory and majesty!

But it isn’t just that the Great and Exalted One cares from mankind generally, He cares for people individually and particularly—and those of low station and lowly in spirit—not favoring those who are esteemed in this world. 

Ps. 138:6For though the LORD is exalted,  Yet He regards the lowly,   But the haughty He knows from afar.

Isa. 66:2 “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Labor Day

In the United States, since the 1880s, we have set aside the first Monday of each September as a “tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country” (USDOL website).

As the church, we have no mandate to celebrate secular observances, but we certainly have to obligation to give tribute and honor to those who work for the Lord in His kingdom. 

1 Thess. 5:11-13“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.”

Just as this country, its infrastructure, and its prosperity were built by those who have gone before, and it maintained and added to be the divergent efforts and great labor of those of the present day, so it is with the church as well. In the church, we stand on the foundation that was laid in Christ and the apostles, and worked diligently by those of generations past, and that work continues today in every functioning congregation. 

As Paul reminded the Corinthians that the body was made of many parts (1 Cor. 12:.12-16), so the laborers in the kingdom as a varied as the labors. Some teach, some organize count and prepare, some sing, some encourage, some give, some do many things, some do a few. But it they work and help, esteem them for that labor.

Jesus’ Love And Sickness, Death And Hope

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. And it was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. The sisters therefore sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” But when Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”  Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.  (John 11:1-5)

Even though the Lord loved Him, He still was sick. Righteousness protects the soul — not the body from all infirmity. Yes, even though Jesus loved him — he still became sick and died. This is not what the love of Jesus protects of from. This is what the love of Jesus gets us through.

So never think that sickness and death mean that Jesus doesn’t love you — know in the comfort of the hope of the resurrection that Jesus l loves you!

Jesus went to His grieving friends. He cried with them at the cemetery. Then He made a great hopeful promise that all believers ever since have shared:

Jesus said to her, “Your brother shall rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 2She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world. (Jn. 11:23-27)

And then He raised His friend from the dead.

Running To Win

The Olympic track and field competition currently underway. We will surely see much joy and sadness among the competitors as they win or lose, but none of them will show any more spirit and courage than an athlete who will be a very minor footnote in the 100 meter dash, the race that crowns “The World’s Fastest Man.” 

A Palestinian runner named Mohammed Abu Khousa, age 22, had little chance to win. His best times are about 1 second behind the elite, an eternity in a 10 second race. He gained to right to run in the main stage only by placing in a qualifying race. Unfortunately he hurt his hamstring in doing so.

Given the chance to race the world’s best on the world’s biggest stage, Modhammed ran injured, with both legs heavily taped. His pain could be seen from his first step out of the block. Far behind the others, he nearly stumbled, but continued and finished far behind the rest. After the race he was unable to walk off the track and was carried away by the medical staff. He couldn’t win, he could barely compete, but he could give it his all. 

The admonition for Christians is “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col. 3:23) The sacrificial determination of the worst timed sprinter in the Olympic stadium is a lesson for us all.  

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  —    1 Corinthians 9:24,25

“Speak Evil Of No One” Titus 3:2

The King James, and the translations closest to it, translate Paul’s instruction that Titus was to teach the disciples as “Speak evil of no one.” 

This is a passage that we especially need to be mindful of as we enter this election season. The worldly-minded who have a partisan position and interest are often willing to say the most profane, disrespectful and horrific things about those in power and about those who seek power if they are on the opposite side. There seems to be no limit to the insults and accusations once some have entered the fray of partisanship.  

Do such things slander and malign the other side?  Often, but it seems of no consequence to the partisan.  But “slander” and “malign” are the translation of Paul’s instruction here. (see NIV, HCSB, NASB).  

Let us look at the entirety of Paul’s instruction for the disciples, remembering that it is based on the kindness of God that He has shown to all mankind to save us; to us: to those of opposing political views, and to the rulers who have been elected or appointed. 

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” (Titus 3:1,2)

Secret Sin

The scriptures clearly teach that salvation is for the faithfully obedient. 

Heb. 5:9“And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation”

So we boldly deny and decry the doctrine of “once saved always saved.” As a result of this constant teaching and our desire to live circumspectly, or biggest problem with sin is not members living openly it —not that it never happens, but it is the exception—rather is is living in sin in ways that few, especially the brethren, will ever know about. 

The consequences of this is the appearance of holiness without it’s real substance or power. It is hypocrisy to knowingly continue in this situation. The only cure is to whole-heartedly seek the things of God: 

Heb. 12:14-16“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.”

Sanctified hearts are necessary. But sanctified hearts are wrecked when there is bitterness or any sin in the heart. All can see that when it’s done openly. But it works just the same if you cover it up.