Further to Sunday's preach and subsequent blog-posting on 1 Peter 5 (find it here), I'm afraid I failed to make one more point clear regarding the devil. This is something I'm certain many of us carry, yet it is a false belief... The true Biblical understanding of this can and will benefit any of you who have struggled with such. I will firstly clarify my point on the inability of Satan to read our minds, and then clarify this extra fact that can make a big difference to our confidence in resisting him:
Firstly, regarding the fact that Satan is not omniscient ("all-knowing") like God, and thus cannot read your thoughts, I'll direct you to Wayne Grudem for elaboration on the subject. He tells it far better than I can:
"With respect to knowing our thoughts, the Bible tells us that Jesus knew people's thoughts (Matt 9.4; Mk 2.8; Lk 6.8, 11.17) and that God knows people's thoughts (Gen 6.5; Ps 139.2, 4, 23; Isa 66.16), but there is no indication that angels or demons [which includes Satan] can know our thoughts. In fact, Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that no one speaking by any other power than the God of heaven could tell the king what he had dreamed (see Dan 2.27-28). But if demons cannot read people's minds, how shall we understand contemporary reports of witch-doctors, fortune-tellers, or other people evidently under demonic influence who are able to tell people accurate details of their lives which they thought no one knew, such as (for example) what food they had for breakfast, where they keep some hidden money in their house, etc? Most of these things can be explained by realising that demons can observe what goes on in the world..." (Systematic Theology, p416)
You see, mediums' knowledge of dead grandparents' details, for another example, are a simple by-product of demonic observation over the years and so on. It's as simple as that. And when you know that your own thought-life is totally secure - private between only you and God - you have far less reason to fear the devil.
But there's that one more important fact:
As well as not being omniscient/all-knowing, neither is Satan omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) like God. We can all have in our heads this picture of the devil watching our every move, ready to pounce, making notes... Nope. He can only be in one place at any one time - he comes and goes (Matt 4.3, 11; Job 1.7-12). And I very much doubt he's bothered enough by me to be spending his precious time troubling me personally, while there's plenty of other brothers and sisters who are far more of a threat to Him. Which I actually take as a bit of a non-guilt-inducing provocation, to be honest!
The devil has many demons on his side that do his dirty work for him. When this work is attributed to Satan - even in the Bible - it is a reference similar to saying "Hitler invaded Poland". Actually, his soldiers did. See? Don't for one second let the devil become bigger in your head than he deserves. He is limited in his power and abilities, he is not all-knowing and he is not all-present. Do not fear. Take courage and know that in Christ we are safe and totally protected. James 4.7: "Resist the devil and he will flee" (which in itself proves that he can't be everywhere, or he couldn't flee, eh?). Just don't let your misunderstanding of him become another of the devil's lies that then holds you back... Stand firm!
Read more!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Beacon Touchpaper #20: "Do (Not) Disturb"
"Now when Jesus heard [of John's death], he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them..." (Matt 14.13-14, ESV)
The world we live in is increasingly fast-paced and introverted. Nearly one tenth of Britons go a week without meeting anybody socially, and 15% go a week without speaking to their neighbours at all. The way garden fences were built in the 1930's allowed for conversations to develop naturally between neighbours; most new developments today are apartment-based or include 2-metre high walls and fences. And when we're out and about, it's an easy thing to get caught up in our errands and rarely stop for more than a passing hello when we recognise a face or see someone who could do with a hand. The danger is to justify ourselves that we're too busy to stop; or we may not have actually noticed that that person would really appreciate just a few minutes of our time.
Jesus, upon hearing of his second-cousin John the Baptist's beheading, withdrew to a remote place. He needed time to grieve, to reflect and to commune with His Father. However, as soon as He saw the crowds that had followed Him, He had compassion upon them and put their needs before His. And his disciples learned from His example...
In Acts chapter 3, there is an amazing tale of Peter and John being willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel. As they were heading into the temple for prayer, a lame man asks them for some money. Immediately, Peter stops and offers him so much more; the man is instantly healed in the name of Jesus and the crowds were filled with wonder as a result. So, having given the man his few moments, does Peter then continue his business? No, he then sees the crowd and begins to preach (with the ex-lame man clinging to him (v11)!). And the result of his preach? They got arrested and thrown into detention! But as for the crowd... many who heard the word believed! The total number of the church subsequently swelled to 5,000 men (= over 10,000 people). Peter and John were, just like Jesus, willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel...
Just imagine for a moment what could happen if we ourselves were more willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel? Of course, we are allowed to "shut the door" when we need to recuperate/ refresh/ spend time with God and family; being inconvenienced for the Gospel is consciously taking off the "Do Not Disturb" sign in our GENERAL everyday life... With that in mind, imagine what could happen if we put our timetable to one side for just a few moments when the opportunities arose? Churches like Abundant Life Church in Bradford are now practising the "Love15 Revolution" - being willing to give 15 minutes of our day to be inconvenienced; taking the "Do Not Disturb" sign off from around our necks... just imagine... "Do Not Disturb"? Make it "Do Disturb!" Go for it!
Read more!
The world we live in is increasingly fast-paced and introverted. Nearly one tenth of Britons go a week without meeting anybody socially, and 15% go a week without speaking to their neighbours at all. The way garden fences were built in the 1930's allowed for conversations to develop naturally between neighbours; most new developments today are apartment-based or include 2-metre high walls and fences. And when we're out and about, it's an easy thing to get caught up in our errands and rarely stop for more than a passing hello when we recognise a face or see someone who could do with a hand. The danger is to justify ourselves that we're too busy to stop; or we may not have actually noticed that that person would really appreciate just a few minutes of our time.
Jesus, upon hearing of his second-cousin John the Baptist's beheading, withdrew to a remote place. He needed time to grieve, to reflect and to commune with His Father. However, as soon as He saw the crowds that had followed Him, He had compassion upon them and put their needs before His. And his disciples learned from His example...
In Acts chapter 3, there is an amazing tale of Peter and John being willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel. As they were heading into the temple for prayer, a lame man asks them for some money. Immediately, Peter stops and offers him so much more; the man is instantly healed in the name of Jesus and the crowds were filled with wonder as a result. So, having given the man his few moments, does Peter then continue his business? No, he then sees the crowd and begins to preach (with the ex-lame man clinging to him (v11)!). And the result of his preach? They got arrested and thrown into detention! But as for the crowd... many who heard the word believed! The total number of the church subsequently swelled to 5,000 men (= over 10,000 people). Peter and John were, just like Jesus, willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel...
Just imagine for a moment what could happen if we ourselves were more willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel? Of course, we are allowed to "shut the door" when we need to recuperate/ refresh/ spend time with God and family; being inconvenienced for the Gospel is consciously taking off the "Do Not Disturb" sign in our GENERAL everyday life... With that in mind, imagine what could happen if we put our timetable to one side for just a few moments when the opportunities arose? Churches like Abundant Life Church in Bradford are now practising the "Love15 Revolution" - being willing to give 15 minutes of our day to be inconvenienced; taking the "Do Not Disturb" sign off from around our necks... just imagine... "Do Not Disturb"? Make it "Do Disturb!" Go for it!
Read more!
"1 Peter 5: Grace to the Humble" - sermon notes for 28/02/10
(hear the sermon here)
In this chapter, we will study what Peter has to say on humility in church leadership, humility in the church members themselves, and finally humility in life itself. True humility leads to salvation and freedom in Christ...
The Shepherds: (1-4)
Peter was an elder in Jerusalem, handed over to James and the body of elders. He knows what it's like, you can't say he doesn't. And his concern? That all elders serve with the right heart, the right character (lists in 1 Tim 3.1-7 and Titus 1.5-9 are less about status and gifts, but CHARACTER):
The word here “shepherd”, poimaino, refers to not just herding or just feeding, but the whole range of a shepherd's oversight: Elders are not meant to be mere administrators or policy-makers, but truly SHEPHERDS: Shepherds lived with their sheep, cared for them; tended to the weak, the injured, the lost; ensured the safety of the flock; protected the flock: Acts 20.28-35, Paul: “after my departure Fierce wolves will come in among you” – shepherds always went before the flock and searched out the land to ensure it was safe; normally worked in groups...
It is a calling: Acts 20.28 goes on to say “Pay careful attention to yourselves and all the flock, in which the HS has made you overseers” – not simply for those who aspire to it and have ability, or in right place at right time.
Elders need to be learning and growing so they are continually moving forward; else, they stagnate and so does the flock they are leading – if the shepherds don't keep moving forward, neither do the flock. (“leaders = readers”!)
Elders' leadership = about relationship: AMONG and OVER flock (re Jesus, Lk 22.27: “I am among you as one who serves”): not aloof but in authority (hence not LORDING but CARING) – an imbalance of either causes problems – requires a balance of confidence to lead with true humility
The flock: (5-11)
v5-6: ...HUMILITY (here it is again!): humility is a recognition of position and perspective: “under the mighty hand of God”
Humility is not a demeaning of yourself. It is not thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less. It is the willing submission to trust the sovereign King of all things and seek HIS will in all things, HIS heart in all circumstances, HIS character in our own, HIS glory and praise and not ours...
v6 leads into v7 = TRUSTING GOD: Peter continues to say cast your anxieties on Him – he should know! Jesus healed Peter's mum-in-law (Mk 1.29-34), helped Peter to catch fish (Lk 5.1-11), enabled him to walk on the water (Matt 26.47-56) and delivered Peter from prison by sending an angel (Acts 12.1-19; v11=“the Lord has sent an angel and rescued me”).
Casting our anxieties upon Him is not a frivolous act. It is a clear, conscious act. Thus, Peter says: Be sober-minded. Why? The devil “prowls... a roaring lion”... “to devour”. The devil is real, and a far greater theologian than any of us. He knows the Bible inside out, He knows our weaknesses, He knows the lies we'll pay attention to. HE CAN'T READ YOUR MIND, but don't be complacent either. Be sober-minded because He's on the prowl. DO NOT FEAR. But true humility reminds us of Who's in charge here. It ain't us, and it ain't the devil. Just don't be ignorant to His ploys.
v9 “resist” = conscious effort, sober-mindedness again. Be aware, avoid places, times and people where you're weak. Be accountable. Don't play games.
“firm in your faith” - firm in your faith means reminding yourself who you really trust, and following His counsel (via Scripture, HS and church). This verse is also an encouragement to know you aren't alone (“throughout the world”). Then v10 “...called you to His eternal glory in Christ will RESTORE, CONFIRM, STRENGTHEN, ESTABLISH” = IRREVOCABLE! Be encouraged!
The Gospel:
So, thus far we understand true humility (submitting all to God) as exhorted in our identity (ch1-2), the workplace (2), our home life (3), our social lives (4), now specifically in our church leadership and our submission to that, and Peter reminds us once again of the core Truth that generates true humility. Here's a Truth that underpins this passage, this letter, this Book in my hands:
Peter quotes a proverb in v5: (Prov 3.34 Septuagint version [Greek version of Hebrew Bible]=) “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.
How can we learn humility? Remember this: none of us deserves to live, or deserves another breath. I'm sure we're all very aware that life can be gone just like that. Age bears no relevance. Ecc 12.6 describes life as a silver cord that can simply snap. Why did you wake up this morning? It's because God sustained you through the night. The Bible says so. (Ps 3.5: “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me”)
But why do we deserve to die? Rom 6.23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wages = something we've earned. But it's so much more than simply because of what we do, it's who we are. Which all boils down to pride again. Pride is us placing ourselves before anyone or anything else., the opposite of submission, the opposite of humility. Pride wants to be in control; pride thinks we know better. Pride got us into this mess in the 1st place...
God hates the sin of pride (Prov 16.5: “Everyone who is arrogant is an abomination to the Lord”). Isa 14 described how pride turned Lucifer into Satan. Pride is the reason for Adam and Eve defying God: placed their own desires first, thought they knew better than Him, and defied Him, ripping apart that perfect communion they'd had with Him and fouling it in every way. Sin entered the world and and it's been decaying since.
God opposes the proud. He is SO perfect, SO just, that anything short of perfect is intolerable to Him. Being perfect, He can't settle for anything less than perfection in His character, and that includes setting His heart on His own glory. He's the only Person Who can't be accused of being selfish. So it's impossible for us to please God on our own. Because that's where you stand if you don't have Him. Isa 64.6!
So Peter quoting from Proverbs is not some helpful sound-bite... “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” = The Gospel!
Isa 53.6: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way...” - My pride blames anyone but me, passes the buck, thinks I know better an God. That brings, as we've just seen, judgement and consequences. Humility accepts the truth about ourselves even when it hurts and leads us to God's Good News for us. What Good News? (Isa 53.6 continues): “...and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Glory of the Gospel= the Chief Shepherd (v4) became the sacrificial Lamb.
Heb 9.22: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (remission/ amnesty/ acquittal) of sins.”
Sin is dealt with in Christ's death; TRUSTING in Him as our Lord results in sins washed away through His blood, and we are raised to new life through His resurrection. Here's why Peter, writing to people dispersed and suffering, can say “peace to you” (v14)
TRUE HUMILITY recognises:
Cell Q's:
Read more!
In this chapter, we will study what Peter has to say on humility in church leadership, humility in the church members themselves, and finally humility in life itself. True humility leads to salvation and freedom in Christ...
The Shepherds: (1-4)
Peter was an elder in Jerusalem, handed over to James and the body of elders. He knows what it's like, you can't say he doesn't. And his concern? That all elders serve with the right heart, the right character (lists in 1 Tim 3.1-7 and Titus 1.5-9 are less about status and gifts, but CHARACTER):
- not unwillingly/under compulsion, but WILLINGLY
- not greedy for money, but EAGERLY
- not lording or domineering, but EXAMPLES
The word here “shepherd”, poimaino, refers to not just herding or just feeding, but the whole range of a shepherd's oversight: Elders are not meant to be mere administrators or policy-makers, but truly SHEPHERDS: Shepherds lived with their sheep, cared for them; tended to the weak, the injured, the lost; ensured the safety of the flock; protected the flock: Acts 20.28-35, Paul: “after my departure Fierce wolves will come in among you” – shepherds always went before the flock and searched out the land to ensure it was safe; normally worked in groups...
It is a calling: Acts 20.28 goes on to say “Pay careful attention to yourselves and all the flock, in which the HS has made you overseers” – not simply for those who aspire to it and have ability, or in right place at right time.
Elders need to be learning and growing so they are continually moving forward; else, they stagnate and so does the flock they are leading – if the shepherds don't keep moving forward, neither do the flock. (“leaders = readers”!)
Elders' leadership = about relationship: AMONG and OVER flock (re Jesus, Lk 22.27: “I am among you as one who serves”): not aloof but in authority (hence not LORDING but CARING) – an imbalance of either causes problems – requires a balance of confidence to lead with true humility
The flock: (5-11)
v5-6: ...HUMILITY (here it is again!): humility is a recognition of position and perspective: “under the mighty hand of God”
Humility is not a demeaning of yourself. It is not thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less. It is the willing submission to trust the sovereign King of all things and seek HIS will in all things, HIS heart in all circumstances, HIS character in our own, HIS glory and praise and not ours...
v6 leads into v7 = TRUSTING GOD: Peter continues to say cast your anxieties on Him – he should know! Jesus healed Peter's mum-in-law (Mk 1.29-34), helped Peter to catch fish (Lk 5.1-11), enabled him to walk on the water (Matt 26.47-56) and delivered Peter from prison by sending an angel (Acts 12.1-19; v11=“the Lord has sent an angel and rescued me”).
Casting our anxieties upon Him is not a frivolous act. It is a clear, conscious act. Thus, Peter says: Be sober-minded. Why? The devil “prowls... a roaring lion”... “to devour”. The devil is real, and a far greater theologian than any of us. He knows the Bible inside out, He knows our weaknesses, He knows the lies we'll pay attention to. HE CAN'T READ YOUR MIND, but don't be complacent either. Be sober-minded because He's on the prowl. DO NOT FEAR. But true humility reminds us of Who's in charge here. It ain't us, and it ain't the devil. Just don't be ignorant to His ploys.
v9 “resist” = conscious effort, sober-mindedness again. Be aware, avoid places, times and people where you're weak. Be accountable. Don't play games.
“firm in your faith” - firm in your faith means reminding yourself who you really trust, and following His counsel (via Scripture, HS and church). This verse is also an encouragement to know you aren't alone (“throughout the world”). Then v10 “...called you to His eternal glory in Christ will RESTORE, CONFIRM, STRENGTHEN, ESTABLISH” = IRREVOCABLE! Be encouraged!
The Gospel:
So, thus far we understand true humility (submitting all to God) as exhorted in our identity (ch1-2), the workplace (2), our home life (3), our social lives (4), now specifically in our church leadership and our submission to that, and Peter reminds us once again of the core Truth that generates true humility. Here's a Truth that underpins this passage, this letter, this Book in my hands:
Peter quotes a proverb in v5: (Prov 3.34 Septuagint version [Greek version of Hebrew Bible]=) “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.
How can we learn humility? Remember this: none of us deserves to live, or deserves another breath. I'm sure we're all very aware that life can be gone just like that. Age bears no relevance. Ecc 12.6 describes life as a silver cord that can simply snap. Why did you wake up this morning? It's because God sustained you through the night. The Bible says so. (Ps 3.5: “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me”)
But why do we deserve to die? Rom 6.23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wages = something we've earned. But it's so much more than simply because of what we do, it's who we are. Which all boils down to pride again. Pride is us placing ourselves before anyone or anything else., the opposite of submission, the opposite of humility. Pride wants to be in control; pride thinks we know better. Pride got us into this mess in the 1st place...
God hates the sin of pride (Prov 16.5: “Everyone who is arrogant is an abomination to the Lord”). Isa 14 described how pride turned Lucifer into Satan. Pride is the reason for Adam and Eve defying God: placed their own desires first, thought they knew better than Him, and defied Him, ripping apart that perfect communion they'd had with Him and fouling it in every way. Sin entered the world and and it's been decaying since.
God opposes the proud. He is SO perfect, SO just, that anything short of perfect is intolerable to Him. Being perfect, He can't settle for anything less than perfection in His character, and that includes setting His heart on His own glory. He's the only Person Who can't be accused of being selfish. So it's impossible for us to please God on our own. Because that's where you stand if you don't have Him. Isa 64.6!
So Peter quoting from Proverbs is not some helpful sound-bite... “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” = The Gospel!
Isa 53.6: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way...” - My pride blames anyone but me, passes the buck, thinks I know better an God. That brings, as we've just seen, judgement and consequences. Humility accepts the truth about ourselves even when it hurts and leads us to God's Good News for us. What Good News? (Isa 53.6 continues): “...and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Glory of the Gospel= the Chief Shepherd (v4) became the sacrificial Lamb.
Heb 9.22: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (remission/ amnesty/ acquittal) of sins.”
Sin is dealt with in Christ's death; TRUSTING in Him as our Lord results in sins washed away through His blood, and we are raised to new life through His resurrection. Here's why Peter, writing to people dispersed and suffering, can say “peace to you” (v14)
TRUE HUMILITY recognises:
- we are under the mighty hand of infinitely wise, holy, good God
- we can never claim amnesty for our sin and pride
- we cannot save ourselves
Cell Q's:
- Have you ever considered yourself as someone prone to pride? Has Sunday's sermon changed your perception of yourself, either way?
- Do you find it easy to let go and trust God? Why do you think you can or can't?
- Do you find it easy to give up control of things to other people?
- What's the one thing that's most significantly struck you during our study of 1 Peter?
Read more!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Beacon Touchpaper #19: "Hope Eternal"
"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain..." (Heb 6.19, ESV)
In December 1999, Britons voted John Lennon's 'Imagine' as the song of the millennium - perhaps it was meant as more of a spoken thought than a favourite song? "Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too. Imagine all the people living life in peace." Did it reflect a hope that the 21st century might herald a new age?
A decade later and we have seen more wars, earthquakes, famines, floods, global terrorism of an unthinkable scale, and a very steady eroding of Christian values in the UK, let alone elsewhere. Back then, most people hadn't even heard of Al-Qaeda. A global economic meltdown was unthinkable. Here in Britain we now have the unhappiest children in the G20 (Unicef) and the most miserable adults in Europe (WHO). And only 6.3% of us go to church on a monthly basis.
People always "hope for the best", but "hope" and "hope" are two different things. On the one hand, you have: Hope: n. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best, while on the other hand you have: Hope: n. a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. What makes the latter so defined? Jesus. What makes it so secure? Jesus. What makes it so unyielding? Jesus.
In Him we have an assurance that, despite the world we live in, we have an everlasting, irrevocable hope. Yes, there WILL be earthquakes and calamities (Matt 24.7), but Earth WILL be set free from decay (Rom 8.21) and God IS good and does good (Ps 119.68). A Biblical perspective is not naive (which is how the "Imagine" sentiment tends to prove itself); the Biblical perspective is the most honest, realistic, hope-inducing perspective you can ever "hope" to find. And you want to know why? Because it's God's perspective.
As we enter this new decade, let us as His children remember our hope eternal - Jesus and His victory - and press on into pursuing all He has prepared for us and the people around us. Let us not be dissuaded by statistics and news items, but encouraged to living out lives that demand a Gospel explanation. For Him, our hope eternal.
Read more!
In December 1999, Britons voted John Lennon's 'Imagine' as the song of the millennium - perhaps it was meant as more of a spoken thought than a favourite song? "Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too. Imagine all the people living life in peace." Did it reflect a hope that the 21st century might herald a new age?
A decade later and we have seen more wars, earthquakes, famines, floods, global terrorism of an unthinkable scale, and a very steady eroding of Christian values in the UK, let alone elsewhere. Back then, most people hadn't even heard of Al-Qaeda. A global economic meltdown was unthinkable. Here in Britain we now have the unhappiest children in the G20 (Unicef) and the most miserable adults in Europe (WHO). And only 6.3% of us go to church on a monthly basis.
People always "hope for the best", but "hope" and "hope" are two different things. On the one hand, you have: Hope: n. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best, while on the other hand you have: Hope: n. a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. What makes the latter so defined? Jesus. What makes it so secure? Jesus. What makes it so unyielding? Jesus.
In Him we have an assurance that, despite the world we live in, we have an everlasting, irrevocable hope. Yes, there WILL be earthquakes and calamities (Matt 24.7), but Earth WILL be set free from decay (Rom 8.21) and God IS good and does good (Ps 119.68). A Biblical perspective is not naive (which is how the "Imagine" sentiment tends to prove itself); the Biblical perspective is the most honest, realistic, hope-inducing perspective you can ever "hope" to find. And you want to know why? Because it's God's perspective.
As we enter this new decade, let us as His children remember our hope eternal - Jesus and His victory - and press on into pursuing all He has prepared for us and the people around us. Let us not be dissuaded by statistics and news items, but encouraged to living out lives that demand a Gospel explanation. For Him, our hope eternal.
Read more!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"Everyday Living in the Shadow of the Cross" - sermon notes for 31/1/10
(hear the sermon here)
1 Peter 2.13-25
1.“Honour everyone” - v13-17
Note: Peter starts at the top of pile: the Emperor; not condemning the ultimate authority, nor demanding all believers seek to overthrow him. P says “be subject to”/”honour” (to hold in high respect). If he's telling us to submit to the guy at the top, then it goes without saying: honour all beneath him too. If we're called to submit to the PM, then MP's, councillors, employers, etc too. Rom 13.1: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
This is a call to honour ALL, so our lives advertise & glorify Christ within us. And the will of God is: v15= “SILENCE ignorant talk” ('silence' = lit. to “muzzle” yelping dogs!)
v15-16: “Live as free men” = not absolute freedom! TERTULLIAN: “as Christ was crucified between 2 thieves, so the doctrine of justification (the Gospel) is ever crucified between 2 opposite errors” = Legalism/Antinomianism (“anti-law”) = we are free to submit/obey. See the difference?
2.“Suffer well” - v18-20
Peter's stressing to slaves that although they're saved, it does not give them veto to announce their own political freedom (1 Cor 7.20-24). We still have a God-given station in life, whether we like or not. Peter's message = understanding suffering & position in life (if you're always comparing yourself with others, you'll always end up full of pride or jealousy)
Our lives are meant to advertise the Gospel. We're called to live honourable lives: easy when it's Obama/Brown. But Hitler/Stalin/Idi Amin/Mugabe? Surely there's a get-out clause? God's Word does not give us that.
Take another look at v20b: “a gracious thing in sight of God”: we must remember that perspective! Our life is a life of faith – the things we do not see. This world is focussed on what is seen/stuff and we get sucked into same line of thinking. We must remember what the Holy Spirit shows us, the bigger picture that our physical eyes can't comprehend.
3.“Christ: our example” - v21-25
The cross is described as “the great jewel of the Christian faith”: all precious jewels have many facets. Christ's work on on the cross means He's our sacrifice, our ransom, our expiation, our propitiation, our victor, our reconciliation, and so on... and our example. Christ was slighted over & over again, to the point of beating, torture, death. And still He lived honourably.
Phil 2.5-8 and Heb 12.2-3
Ever been rejected? Despised? Accused? Discriminated? Treated unfairly? Abandoned? Called names? Bereaved? Jesus was. And how did He respond?
But it's easy for our reaction to be, “Yeah, but He was Jesus, He was God.” Note: He was “fully God and fully man” (“hypostatic union”) It took the church 100's of years to get to grips with this. The two dangers are treating Him as only man = liberal, dangerous, wrong; or as a kind of Superman. Again, wrong! Answer this: if He was simply GOD in flesh and bone, then why sweat blood before His arrest? Why the need to sleep? Why would an unchanging eternal God be described as growing in wisdom and stature (Lk2)? Get hungry (Matt22.18)? Thirsty on the cross (Jn19.28)? Because he chose not to lean on His divinity.
So, what's His secret? How did Jesus the man, not leaning on His Divinity, live the life He lived? It was by the Holy Spirit:
Lk1-2: conceived by the Spirit
Lk3: John declared Jesus would baptise in Spirit & Spirit descended on Jesus @ baptism
Lk4: “full of the Holy Spirit” & “led by the Holy Spirit”
Lk4: began His 3-yr ministry by reading “Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me”
Lk4: returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit”
Then came healings, raisings from dead, calming storms, casting out demons...
Lk10.21: “rejoiced in the HS”
Then His arrest & death, and then He rose again BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Rom 8.11)
This same Spirit that empowered Christ to live such a great example is available to us. You really think His Word would tell us to follow His example and not let it be possible?
So, just as Christ exemplified, we are called to sacrifice self daily/hourly/continually. As we turn the other cheek, as we honour those who may not deserve it, we present the Gospel in our actions. It is NOT weakness. It may look like that to the world, but why should we care? We do, but shouldn't. It's how Christ lived – and as far as I'm concerned He's the strongest, most forthright, most honourable man the world would ever know. What an example. And it is Biblically possible to follow in His footsteps.
(Jeff Vanderstelt on 1 Peter 3.15): “To 'be prepared to give an answer... for the hope that is in you' starts with living a life that demands a Gospel explanation.”
Cell Q's:
1.Share personal testimony of times you've suffered unjustly or as a result of circumstances and how you reacted (be honest and brave!)
2.How has the sermon enabled you to change your perspective on any current situations/circumstances?
3.Do you feel your life demands a Gospel explanation? What do you think you can do to enable that? Think of specific areas in your life.
4.Minister to each other for an increased outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your lives.
Read more!
1 Peter 2.13-25
1.“Honour everyone” - v13-17
Note: Peter starts at the top of pile: the Emperor; not condemning the ultimate authority, nor demanding all believers seek to overthrow him. P says “be subject to”/”honour” (to hold in high respect). If he's telling us to submit to the guy at the top, then it goes without saying: honour all beneath him too. If we're called to submit to the PM, then MP's, councillors, employers, etc too. Rom 13.1: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
This is a call to honour ALL, so our lives advertise & glorify Christ within us. And the will of God is: v15= “SILENCE ignorant talk” ('silence' = lit. to “muzzle” yelping dogs!)
v15-16: “Live as free men” = not absolute freedom! TERTULLIAN: “as Christ was crucified between 2 thieves, so the doctrine of justification (the Gospel) is ever crucified between 2 opposite errors” = Legalism/Antinomianism (“anti-law”) = we are free to submit/obey. See the difference?
2.“Suffer well” - v18-20
Peter's stressing to slaves that although they're saved, it does not give them veto to announce their own political freedom (1 Cor 7.20-24). We still have a God-given station in life, whether we like or not. Peter's message = understanding suffering & position in life (if you're always comparing yourself with others, you'll always end up full of pride or jealousy)
Our lives are meant to advertise the Gospel. We're called to live honourable lives: easy when it's Obama/Brown. But Hitler/Stalin/Idi Amin/Mugabe? Surely there's a get-out clause? God's Word does not give us that.
Take another look at v20b: “a gracious thing in sight of God”: we must remember that perspective! Our life is a life of faith – the things we do not see. This world is focussed on what is seen/stuff and we get sucked into same line of thinking. We must remember what the Holy Spirit shows us, the bigger picture that our physical eyes can't comprehend.
3.“Christ: our example” - v21-25
The cross is described as “the great jewel of the Christian faith”: all precious jewels have many facets. Christ's work on on the cross means He's our sacrifice, our ransom, our expiation, our propitiation, our victor, our reconciliation, and so on... and our example. Christ was slighted over & over again, to the point of beating, torture, death. And still He lived honourably.
Phil 2.5-8 and Heb 12.2-3
Ever been rejected? Despised? Accused? Discriminated? Treated unfairly? Abandoned? Called names? Bereaved? Jesus was. And how did He respond?
But it's easy for our reaction to be, “Yeah, but He was Jesus, He was God.” Note: He was “fully God and fully man” (“hypostatic union”) It took the church 100's of years to get to grips with this. The two dangers are treating Him as only man = liberal, dangerous, wrong; or as a kind of Superman. Again, wrong! Answer this: if He was simply GOD in flesh and bone, then why sweat blood before His arrest? Why the need to sleep? Why would an unchanging eternal God be described as growing in wisdom and stature (Lk2)? Get hungry (Matt22.18)? Thirsty on the cross (Jn19.28)? Because he chose not to lean on His divinity.
So, what's His secret? How did Jesus the man, not leaning on His Divinity, live the life He lived? It was by the Holy Spirit:
Lk1-2: conceived by the Spirit
Lk3: John declared Jesus would baptise in Spirit & Spirit descended on Jesus @ baptism
Lk4: “full of the Holy Spirit” & “led by the Holy Spirit”
Lk4: began His 3-yr ministry by reading “Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me”
Lk4: returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit”
Then came healings, raisings from dead, calming storms, casting out demons...
Lk10.21: “rejoiced in the HS”
Then His arrest & death, and then He rose again BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Rom 8.11)
This same Spirit that empowered Christ to live such a great example is available to us. You really think His Word would tell us to follow His example and not let it be possible?
So, just as Christ exemplified, we are called to sacrifice self daily/hourly/continually. As we turn the other cheek, as we honour those who may not deserve it, we present the Gospel in our actions. It is NOT weakness. It may look like that to the world, but why should we care? We do, but shouldn't. It's how Christ lived – and as far as I'm concerned He's the strongest, most forthright, most honourable man the world would ever know. What an example. And it is Biblically possible to follow in His footsteps.
(Jeff Vanderstelt on 1 Peter 3.15): “To 'be prepared to give an answer... for the hope that is in you' starts with living a life that demands a Gospel explanation.”
Cell Q's:
1.Share personal testimony of times you've suffered unjustly or as a result of circumstances and how you reacted (be honest and brave!)
2.How has the sermon enabled you to change your perspective on any current situations/circumstances?
3.Do you feel your life demands a Gospel explanation? What do you think you can do to enable that? Think of specific areas in your life.
4.Minister to each other for an increased outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your lives.
Read more!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Beacon Touchpaper #18: "Plans and Purposes"
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'” (Luke 14.28-30, ESV)
Yes, it's the New Year again... The Noughties have been and gone, and here come the... um... err... "Tens"? "Teens"? "Twenty-tens"?
Whatever they may be called, one thing is for sure: we have a choice in how we apprehend this decade. We can wait and see what happens, "letting" God do His will in Herne Bay and beyond while we enjoy the show, or we can decide to participate in pursuing all He has prepared for us. Guess which of those God would prefer us do?
The above verses relate some everyday common-sense regarding a deliberate attitude to the Christian life: you want to follow a certain career path, or ensure certain values are established in your family/home/lifestyle, or you intend to grow in the giftings God has prepared for you. All of these are available, God-willing, but we do have to become serious about it ourselves. Planning, setting goals, putting routines into place, setting aside specific times to study, none of these are counter to trusting in God's sovereignty. His rule over all things does not mean we should do nothing and become spectators, nor does it mean we are puppets with no say in the matter! It means we get the unbelievable opportunity to labour alongside the King of all kings in His endeavours! We get to explore His adventure as it unfolds!
Luke's text in chapter 14 is in the context of not taking the decision to follow Christ lightly. As we prayerfully "work out our salvation" (Phil 2.12), we unfold His purposes for us. As we plan how we approach the next year and further - personal goals are a great way to start - we unearth God's own plans for us too. I'm determined to be more deliberate in pursuit of what God has prepared for myself, my family and His church than ever before this year. How about you?
("You won't accidentally get close to God" - On this same Touchpaper theme, check this link for a great help on developing stronger devotional times)
Read more!
Yes, it's the New Year again... The Noughties have been and gone, and here come the... um... err... "Tens"? "Teens"? "Twenty-tens"?
Whatever they may be called, one thing is for sure: we have a choice in how we apprehend this decade. We can wait and see what happens, "letting" God do His will in Herne Bay and beyond while we enjoy the show, or we can decide to participate in pursuing all He has prepared for us. Guess which of those God would prefer us do?
The above verses relate some everyday common-sense regarding a deliberate attitude to the Christian life: you want to follow a certain career path, or ensure certain values are established in your family/home/lifestyle, or you intend to grow in the giftings God has prepared for you. All of these are available, God-willing, but we do have to become serious about it ourselves. Planning, setting goals, putting routines into place, setting aside specific times to study, none of these are counter to trusting in God's sovereignty. His rule over all things does not mean we should do nothing and become spectators, nor does it mean we are puppets with no say in the matter! It means we get the unbelievable opportunity to labour alongside the King of all kings in His endeavours! We get to explore His adventure as it unfolds!
Luke's text in chapter 14 is in the context of not taking the decision to follow Christ lightly. As we prayerfully "work out our salvation" (Phil 2.12), we unfold His purposes for us. As we plan how we approach the next year and further - personal goals are a great way to start - we unearth God's own plans for us too. I'm determined to be more deliberate in pursuit of what God has prepared for myself, my family and His church than ever before this year. How about you?
("You won't accidentally get close to God" - On this same Touchpaper theme, check this link for a great help on developing stronger devotional times)
Read more!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Beacon Touchpaper #17: "Eyewitness"
"...wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him..." (Matt 2.1-3, ESV)
Picture it: you're simple folk, living in a hill-country village some 6 miles south of the capital city. Your village has a population of barely one hundred people and you all know each other exceptionally well. You work together, play together, share together. Some are family, some are close friends, some you don't like very much. But you and your families have lived in close proximity together for a lifetime.
There's nothing special about your village; it's unassuming and poor. But you do have one notable feature that is renowned across history: King David, the great king of your land, was born here 1000 years ago. Your humble community has a famed royal heritage. And then some shepherds from the hills appeared one night a couple of years ago to visit a newborn child during the census, claiming him to be King David's awaited descendant, THE King of the Jews that your nation have been waiting for: is he really the answer to your prayers and a fulfilment of the words of the prophets? He just seems a normal child, born to parents from elsewhere but who have stayed with relatives for the duration of his early years. And now strange astrologers from Persia have just arrived and announced exactly the same. You talk to the couple, you let your children play with this little boy. They're just another family. How can this be?
It's a question all of us may struggle to know how we may have answered had we been around then. But the fact is that at the time of Christ's birth "...all Jerusalem..." was troubled along with the despot Herod. The whole city had taken notice, but how many then chose to look away? How many truly allowed the facts to change something internally? Consider also how many folk 30 years later were also faced with the adult Jesus' ministry, example, miracles, death (when the temple's curtain was torn in two, an earthquake shook the city and dead bodies came to life) AND by His resurrection - over 500 eyewitnesses could not deny that particular fact.
This coming Christmas, some people will again ignore the truth and choose to look the other way. But there will also be locals (shepherds), people from different backgrounds (Persians), and many more who will sit up and take notice. We are His eyewitnesses. We are called to point the way.
Read more!
Picture it: you're simple folk, living in a hill-country village some 6 miles south of the capital city. Your village has a population of barely one hundred people and you all know each other exceptionally well. You work together, play together, share together. Some are family, some are close friends, some you don't like very much. But you and your families have lived in close proximity together for a lifetime.
There's nothing special about your village; it's unassuming and poor. But you do have one notable feature that is renowned across history: King David, the great king of your land, was born here 1000 years ago. Your humble community has a famed royal heritage. And then some shepherds from the hills appeared one night a couple of years ago to visit a newborn child during the census, claiming him to be King David's awaited descendant, THE King of the Jews that your nation have been waiting for: is he really the answer to your prayers and a fulfilment of the words of the prophets? He just seems a normal child, born to parents from elsewhere but who have stayed with relatives for the duration of his early years. And now strange astrologers from Persia have just arrived and announced exactly the same. You talk to the couple, you let your children play with this little boy. They're just another family. How can this be?
It's a question all of us may struggle to know how we may have answered had we been around then. But the fact is that at the time of Christ's birth "...all Jerusalem..." was troubled along with the despot Herod. The whole city had taken notice, but how many then chose to look away? How many truly allowed the facts to change something internally? Consider also how many folk 30 years later were also faced with the adult Jesus' ministry, example, miracles, death (when the temple's curtain was torn in two, an earthquake shook the city and dead bodies came to life) AND by His resurrection - over 500 eyewitnesses could not deny that particular fact.
This coming Christmas, some people will again ignore the truth and choose to look the other way. But there will also be locals (shepherds), people from different backgrounds (Persians), and many more who will sit up and take notice. We are His eyewitnesses. We are called to point the way.
Read more!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Beacon Touchpaper #16: "Forget-me-not..."
"Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people... Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done... Remember this also in my favour, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love... Remember me, O my God, for good" (Neh 5.19, 13.14, 13.22, 13.31, all ESV)
A regular request that appears through the book of Nehemiah is when the man himself keeps reminding God to remember him; Nehemiah makes rather a habit of it.
I don't know about you, but I've never considered God to be One Who forgets much; I have a funny feeling that's never been something He's really struggled with. The only time God forgets something is when He chooses to forget (Isa 43.25, Jer 31.34). So why on earth would Nehemiah ask God to remember him? What's he really saying here? Is it a demonstration of arrogance in the man?
The key is in understanding this: Nehemiah does not say this "out loud". Each of these four petitions are relayed as a part of the narration, they are personal prayers between Nehemiah and his God that are recorded within the passing narrative. Never are they uttered in front of other people. You see, Nehemiah was having a private conversation with his King that we are allowed to eavesdrop on and we see a man who - in genuine humility - has set his heart on God above all other things (oooh, sounds familiar... Ezra?). And in so doing, he is able to say, "Remember me for my good... my good deeds..." without arrogance, without hypocrisy and without condemnation. Paul demonstrates similar in Philippians 4.9.
But why does he still petition God to remember him? Because Nehemiah recognises that God is sovereign, that God is the only One Who can instigate true change, that God alone is the One we need to seek after. Nehemiah requests success in God's purposes, and strength to do so, but not once does he ever ask God to bless him personally in return for what he's done. He is simply verbalising his perspective: that it's all about God. Nehemiah had a one-track mind.
Jesus too demonstrated the same focus: everything He did was in order to please ONE, to be accepted by ONE. The Father. Why do you do what you do?
Read more!
A regular request that appears through the book of Nehemiah is when the man himself keeps reminding God to remember him; Nehemiah makes rather a habit of it.
I don't know about you, but I've never considered God to be One Who forgets much; I have a funny feeling that's never been something He's really struggled with. The only time God forgets something is when He chooses to forget (Isa 43.25, Jer 31.34). So why on earth would Nehemiah ask God to remember him? What's he really saying here? Is it a demonstration of arrogance in the man?
The key is in understanding this: Nehemiah does not say this "out loud". Each of these four petitions are relayed as a part of the narration, they are personal prayers between Nehemiah and his God that are recorded within the passing narrative. Never are they uttered in front of other people. You see, Nehemiah was having a private conversation with his King that we are allowed to eavesdrop on and we see a man who - in genuine humility - has set his heart on God above all other things (oooh, sounds familiar... Ezra?). And in so doing, he is able to say, "Remember me for my good... my good deeds..." without arrogance, without hypocrisy and without condemnation. Paul demonstrates similar in Philippians 4.9.
But why does he still petition God to remember him? Because Nehemiah recognises that God is sovereign, that God is the only One Who can instigate true change, that God alone is the One we need to seek after. Nehemiah requests success in God's purposes, and strength to do so, but not once does he ever ask God to bless him personally in return for what he's done. He is simply verbalising his perspective: that it's all about God. Nehemiah had a one-track mind.
Jesus too demonstrated the same focus: everything He did was in order to please ONE, to be accepted by ONE. The Father. Why do you do what you do?
Read more!
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