There is great wisdom in learning to rest. In fact, one of the Ten Commandments is about resting on the Sabbath day (Deut. 5:12-15). This is not a command to simply go to church on Sundays. This is a command to make sure that your Sabbath day (and you must take one every week) is different from every other day. Of all the sins we commit, this one is certainly one we do not take seriously. Yet God views all sin in the same light.
Resting is not the same as being lazy. Rather, our weekly Sabbath is a time for us to remember and reflect on God and to take a step back from our busy lives. Regardless of how much work you accomplish today, you will always have more tomorrow. Psalm 46:10 declares, "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God.'" It is in the stillness and silence that God asks us to dwell on Him.
God wants us to have active lives, but He also demands times of rest. J.C Ryle writes, "Let us pray for a right understanding of the law of the Sabbath. Of all the commandments that God has given, none is more essential to the happiness of man, and none is so frequently misrepresented, abused, and trampled under foot."
Rest is a gift from God, not a burden. God is not amused when we reject His gifts. Exodus 31:14 states, "Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people." God takes the Sabbath seriously. His wrath remains on the who do not.
Living Life
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Responding to Trials and Temptation
Do you know the Ten Commandments (Deut. 5:1-22)? In many ways, these ten laws describe how we should live our lives. They are very easy to understand, and they seem easy to follow. However, no one is perfect, and Christ has revealed that sin is not simply a matter of our physical actions. Sin is an issue of the heart as well as the thoughts and desires of our inner most being. Sin is evil, and therefore, those who sin are evil.
Everyone sins, and at various times, we will all be confronted here on earth with our sins. When you are confronted with the consequences of your sin, what do you do? When you fall into the hands of temptation, into the clutches of painful trials, or are pushed into uncomfortable corners, how will you respond?
In the end, the righteous and the wicked will act differently. Thomas Watson writes, "The afflictions of the godly are fruits of covenant mercy. Afflictions on the wicked are effects of God's wrath... Affliction on the godly is like bruising spices-which makes them give off a most sweet and fragrant aroma. Affliction on the wicked is like pounding weeds with a pestle-which makes them give off a foul stench."
Everyone is faced with difficulties in some shape or form, whether they are mental, physical, emotional or spiritual. Yet not everyone reacts the same way. When God presents us with trials of persecution or temptation, we can either act in pride and rebellion or in humility and submission.
God's wrath remains on the wicked and their pride and rebellion. Although no person is wholly holy or righteous, through Christ's righteousness we are made holy and righteous.
Living Life
Everyone sins, and at various times, we will all be confronted here on earth with our sins. When you are confronted with the consequences of your sin, what do you do? When you fall into the hands of temptation, into the clutches of painful trials, or are pushed into uncomfortable corners, how will you respond?
In the end, the righteous and the wicked will act differently. Thomas Watson writes, "The afflictions of the godly are fruits of covenant mercy. Afflictions on the wicked are effects of God's wrath... Affliction on the godly is like bruising spices-which makes them give off a most sweet and fragrant aroma. Affliction on the wicked is like pounding weeds with a pestle-which makes them give off a foul stench."
Everyone is faced with difficulties in some shape or form, whether they are mental, physical, emotional or spiritual. Yet not everyone reacts the same way. When God presents us with trials of persecution or temptation, we can either act in pride and rebellion or in humility and submission.
God's wrath remains on the wicked and their pride and rebellion. Although no person is wholly holy or righteous, through Christ's righteousness we are made holy and righteous.
Living Life
Miss (Interpreting) the Point
There are people who watch movies and enjoy them for what they are. There are others who watch movies but get distracted by bad acting, bad lines or silly production mistakes. These create a distraction from the rest of the movie and its underlying purpose: to all too often translates into religion as well. One bad experience with a Christian or one disagreement over how the Bible should be interpreted may make people walk away from the faith forever.
God's wrath is just one reason why some reject the Gospel. It does not fit well with their ideology of a loving God. Or perhaps, they find God to be too barbaric and evil. As terrible as it is, there people reject God because they do not understand Him. The primary message of the Bible is not about God's impending wrath upon the world; it is about His love story to us, not His letter of intent to kill.
Understanding how God's wrath fits into His great love for us important. Michael Horton writes, "That God's wrath required punishment underscores his justice, but the fact that he himself gave what was required in the place of our punishment underscores his merciful love. And in both cases it is God who gives up his Son to the cross and the Son who gives himself up in the Spirit." God's wrath is the product of His just nature. He must fulfill the requirements of the law. After all, God's wrath upon us is not unjustified.
Living Life
God's wrath is just one reason why some reject the Gospel. It does not fit well with their ideology of a loving God. Or perhaps, they find God to be too barbaric and evil. As terrible as it is, there people reject God because they do not understand Him. The primary message of the Bible is not about God's impending wrath upon the world; it is about His love story to us, not His letter of intent to kill.
Understanding how God's wrath fits into His great love for us important. Michael Horton writes, "That God's wrath required punishment underscores his justice, but the fact that he himself gave what was required in the place of our punishment underscores his merciful love. And in both cases it is God who gives up his Son to the cross and the Son who gives himself up in the Spirit." God's wrath is the product of His just nature. He must fulfill the requirements of the law. After all, God's wrath upon us is not unjustified.
Living Life
The Godly Were Destined for Wrath
When we die, our souls do not cease to exist, nor do they re-enter the cycle of life. Our souls go to either or hell. As Christians, we should have a ready understanding of this. Hell was designed to torment and punish the extremely powerful entities of Lucifer and his followers. Hell is not Satan's kingdom, it is his eternal prison. Those that reject God will end up ther. Unfortunately, "There is a Saviour, who delievers from this death. There is a friend, who bestows heavenly life. Jesus appears, and on the cross endures the death, and by His righteousness brings in new life."
God is righteous, and He must do something about unrighteousness. Since God is truly just, HE has to judge the world for its actions. But our God is not so far removed from us that He cannot sympathize with our hopeless plight. Because of God's Holy and Righteous Law, judgement must occur. Amazingly, our God poured out His own terrible judgement on Himself.
Jesus not only saved us from our destructive tendecies, but He also saved us from the eternal consequence of sin. Jesus took dreadful wrath upon Himself because of love. He took every drop of God sized anger and rage. Take some time to reflect on that.
Living Life
God is righteous, and He must do something about unrighteousness. Since God is truly just, HE has to judge the world for its actions. But our God is not so far removed from us that He cannot sympathize with our hopeless plight. Because of God's Holy and Righteous Law, judgement must occur. Amazingly, our God poured out His own terrible judgement on Himself.
Jesus not only saved us from our destructive tendecies, but He also saved us from the eternal consequence of sin. Jesus took dreadful wrath upon Himself because of love. He took every drop of God sized anger and rage. Take some time to reflect on that.
Living Life
God's Wrath against Murder
Murder is something that is recognised as being universally evil. James Smith states, "Murder is the greatest crime that we can commit against our fellow-men, and it is a crime that calls for punishment, both from God and man." While different people will argue over what is and is not murder (war, self-defense, execution, abortion, manslaughter,etc.), no one wants to be called murderer. Murderers are evil, and taking some one's life in cold blood is something that should never be done. This, of course, has not prevent murder from ever happening. wars break out and enemies kill each other. Many people have been killed in the name of hate, prejudice, intolerance, and inequality.
But murder is more than the physical act of killing someone. True murder, like every other sin, is a heart issue. While many of us have never actually killed someone, we have murdered people by the anger in our hearts. 1 John 3:15 pronounces, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him."
God calls us not to hate but to love. "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD" (Lev. 19:18). This includes those who have hurt and abused us. this includes everyone who has ever betrayed us or left us broken and bitter. Love is not easy, but it is absolutely necessary to surrender hate (even well-deserved hate) at the foot of the cross.
Living Life
But murder is more than the physical act of killing someone. True murder, like every other sin, is a heart issue. While many of us have never actually killed someone, we have murdered people by the anger in our hearts. 1 John 3:15 pronounces, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him."
God calls us not to hate but to love. "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD" (Lev. 19:18). This includes those who have hurt and abused us. this includes everyone who has ever betrayed us or left us broken and bitter. Love is not easy, but it is absolutely necessary to surrender hate (even well-deserved hate) at the foot of the cross.
Living Life
Wrath Delayed and Grace Revealed
God is good. Therefore He hates what is evil. But if this is the case, why does God not uproot evil here and now? Why would God allow evil to persist? This is one of the arguments against existence of God, but it is flawed in some of its assumptions. God expressly answers this question in the parable of the weeds found in Matthew 13:24-30, as well as in Revelation 22:11-12. God hates sin, but He has also given everyone the gift of free will, and He judges us on the basis of eternity, not momentary time on earth.
God has declared that no one is righteous, no even one. Psalm 143:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20 ad Romans 3:9-11 are just some examples of God declaring this to us. If God states that we are all evil, then by this logic God should uproot and destroy everyone right now. Yet God does not wish to see all His creation destroyed. God confronts His creation, and, as W.J.Grier states, "When men see God's righteousness and His wrath, it is then that they becomes earnest seekers after grace."
Could God stop all forms of evil here on earth? Of course! But this life is not about what magic tricks God can do. God does no exist to live our lives for us. Rather, our lives are about what He has already done for us and how we accept this message.
Living Life
God has declared that no one is righteous, no even one. Psalm 143:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20 ad Romans 3:9-11 are just some examples of God declaring this to us. If God states that we are all evil, then by this logic God should uproot and destroy everyone right now. Yet God does not wish to see all His creation destroyed. God confronts His creation, and, as W.J.Grier states, "When men see God's righteousness and His wrath, it is then that they becomes earnest seekers after grace."
Could God stop all forms of evil here on earth? Of course! But this life is not about what magic tricks God can do. God does no exist to live our lives for us. Rather, our lives are about what He has already done for us and how we accept this message.
Living Life
God's Wrath against Unbelieft
We already know that God's wrath remains on those who refuse to accept His Word. Since they have not accepted His grace, they must feel the weight of His wrath. But unbelief is a sin that many believers struggle with today.
We might believe in God, and we might have accepted His offer of salvation. But that does not mean we necessarily trust Him every step of the way. There are circumstances in which we are uncertain. There are situations that we call "impossible." For example, if our best friend were to diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, would God heal it? We know God can, but do we believe God will? This is an issue that divides Christians, and whether or not God will heal is not exactly the point. The point is our faith. Ruth Bryan writes, "It [Unbelief] is the sin which most suits with our sense of feeling;The coming sinner feels the workings of sin and wretchedness in his flesh, and the wrath and judgment of God due to sin, and often staggers under it."
Do not confuse unbelief with humility. God calls us to be humble before Him, but He also calls us to trust Him as well. Consider Israel, which was forced to roam around the desert for forty years before it could enter the promise land. Why? What grievous sin did they commit? They did not hold firm to God. They committed the sin of unbelief (Heb. 3:7-19).
We have no good reason to doubt God, and yet we continually find reasons to do so. We lose faith because we are still single or because we do not have children to call our own. Whatever the reason, do not doubt God's ability or timing in your discouragement.
Living Life
We might believe in God, and we might have accepted His offer of salvation. But that does not mean we necessarily trust Him every step of the way. There are circumstances in which we are uncertain. There are situations that we call "impossible." For example, if our best friend were to diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, would God heal it? We know God can, but do we believe God will? This is an issue that divides Christians, and whether or not God will heal is not exactly the point. The point is our faith. Ruth Bryan writes, "It [Unbelief] is the sin which most suits with our sense of feeling;The coming sinner feels the workings of sin and wretchedness in his flesh, and the wrath and judgment of God due to sin, and often staggers under it."
Do not confuse unbelief with humility. God calls us to be humble before Him, but He also calls us to trust Him as well. Consider Israel, which was forced to roam around the desert for forty years before it could enter the promise land. Why? What grievous sin did they commit? They did not hold firm to God. They committed the sin of unbelief (Heb. 3:7-19).
We have no good reason to doubt God, and yet we continually find reasons to do so. We lose faith because we are still single or because we do not have children to call our own. Whatever the reason, do not doubt God's ability or timing in your discouragement.
Living Life
God's Wrath on Good People
One distinct feature of Christianity that makes it so different from other religions is that it is not based on what you do. For most if not all other religions, what happens to you after you die is not necessarily based upon how fervent your faith is, but on how well you perfom. Your "good deeds" are weighed against your "bad deeds," and the better you are, the better your reward will be.
God makes it clear, however, that there is no such thing as "good enough." While this osunds like a nice theory on how to get into heaven, it simpy is not valid. There is only one way in: through Jesus Christ. Simply claiming to know Jesus is not sufficient either. You must have a real relationship with Jesus Christ, and that relationship will be made evident through your actions.
But to those who are expecting mercy and grace from God simply because you are a "good person" who goes to church on Sundays, Jams Smith writes, "You have no future to presume upon, no promise that God will meet you on the bed of death; you may be taken away with a stroke, in a moment, in the midst of your sins! The wicked are taken away in their wickedness; only the righteous have hope in their death. Do not presume on the mercy of God, for it is expressly said in his word, ' He hates all workers of iniquity.' And you are a worker of iniquity at present!"
Make sure you know where you stand with Christ. You either stand with Him or against Him. Have you given up your citizenship on earth for a citizenship in heaven? If so, you ought to live like it.
Living Life
God makes it clear, however, that there is no such thing as "good enough." While this osunds like a nice theory on how to get into heaven, it simpy is not valid. There is only one way in: through Jesus Christ. Simply claiming to know Jesus is not sufficient either. You must have a real relationship with Jesus Christ, and that relationship will be made evident through your actions.
But to those who are expecting mercy and grace from God simply because you are a "good person" who goes to church on Sundays, Jams Smith writes, "You have no future to presume upon, no promise that God will meet you on the bed of death; you may be taken away with a stroke, in a moment, in the midst of your sins! The wicked are taken away in their wickedness; only the righteous have hope in their death. Do not presume on the mercy of God, for it is expressly said in his word, ' He hates all workers of iniquity.' And you are a worker of iniquity at present!"
Make sure you know where you stand with Christ. You either stand with Him or against Him. Have you given up your citizenship on earth for a citizenship in heaven? If so, you ought to live like it.
Living Life
God's Wrath on Liars
IS it always better to tell the truth? There are times when lying seems to be an easier way out that avoids the most problems. There are times when telling the truth avoids the most problems. There are times when telling the truth will have very adverse and painful repercussions. Even so, we must tell the truth. As painful as the truth can be, lies are always worse.
God clearly shows us His thoughts and opinions about lies: He hates them. God is truth, and He expects His people to live in truth and love. When it comes to lies and liars, Thomas Brooks writes, "Dreadful are the threatenings that the great God has given out against liars: Psalm 5:6, 'You shall destory those who tell lies.' ... God, by one judgment or another, in one way or another, will cut off all flattering lying lips, as a rotten member is cut off from the body."
This does not mean that we must answer every question we are asked. We need to exercise wisdom and descernment. Wisdom is knowing what to say, and discernment is knowing when to say it. We are called to be people of integrity in all that we do and say. Do not answer rashly or sarcastically. But above all, "Do not lie. Do not deceive another" (Lev. 19:11b)
God clearly shows us His thoughts and opinions about lies: He hates them. God is truth, and He expects His people to live in truth and love. When it comes to lies and liars, Thomas Brooks writes, "Dreadful are the threatenings that the great God has given out against liars: Psalm 5:6, 'You shall destory those who tell lies.' ... God, by one judgment or another, in one way or another, will cut off all flattering lying lips, as a rotten member is cut off from the body."
This does not mean that we must answer every question we are asked. We need to exercise wisdom and descernment. Wisdom is knowing what to say, and discernment is knowing when to say it. We are called to be people of integrity in all that we do and say. Do not answer rashly or sarcastically. But above all, "Do not lie. Do not deceive another" (Lev. 19:11b)
God's Wrath against Idolatry
Idolatry is a very real sin that is prevalent today. It comes in many forms, from idolizing celebrities to idolizing actual idols of gods. God detest all forms of idolatry. William Plumer writes, "No doubt idolatry is exceedingly offensive to God...And it is true that the most terrible denunciations of Heaven's wrath, made in Scripture, or executed in providence, are against idolatry and kindred sins." God intensely desires to be glorified. When we set up idols, we give praise to things that cannot do anything for us and that certainly do not deserve glory. Everything found on earth has come into existence through the power of God. Every single thing on Earth has its origin in God. To take these things and worship the created instead of the Creator is nothing short of insulting.
Idols can do nothing. They are simply pieces of rock, wood or metal. They hold no more power than any other piece of rock, wood, or metal. These practices are still very common in Eastern cultures, but the West is just as guilty of idolatry. Western idolatry comes in the form of various addictions and hobbies. They idolize athletes, who are just as imperfect as they are. They glorify technology, and they devote their time to the Internet.
Whatever form idolatry comes in, God is greatly displease by it. Technology might be amazing, but we ought not to give glory to technology itself. We ought to give glory to God, the One who created it. Actors and musicians might be incredibly skilled, but we ought not to give praise and glory to these people alone. God is the One who gave them these skills, and He rightfully deserves the glory and praise.
Living Life
Idols can do nothing. They are simply pieces of rock, wood or metal. They hold no more power than any other piece of rock, wood, or metal. These practices are still very common in Eastern cultures, but the West is just as guilty of idolatry. Western idolatry comes in the form of various addictions and hobbies. They idolize athletes, who are just as imperfect as they are. They glorify technology, and they devote their time to the Internet.
Whatever form idolatry comes in, God is greatly displease by it. Technology might be amazing, but we ought not to give glory to technology itself. We ought to give glory to God, the One who created it. Actors and musicians might be incredibly skilled, but we ought not to give praise and glory to these people alone. God is the One who gave them these skills, and He rightfully deserves the glory and praise.
Living Life
Not a Drop of Injustice
What is justice, and how do you know when you encounter it? Many people think they know what justice is: it is about getting what is fair. This sounds simple enough, but "fair" is often based on our own perception and ability to empathize.
Exodus 21:23-24 states, "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot," While this passage may be familiar to most people, the intent behind it is less so. God was not granting the right to revenge by taking an eye for any eye; instead, He was placing restriction on it. It is our human tendency to overreact and to take more than what was taken from us. When people harm us, we want to hurt them more. this is often why arguments escalate in the manner they do. Our perceptions of our circumstances cloud our judgment of what is really "fair" and "just".
God, however, is perfect. Therefore His judgments are always perfect. Thomas Watson writes, "God's wrath is just. The wicked shall drink a sea of wrath-but not one drop of injustice! God is justified in condemning sinners at the last day. They deserve wrath, and it is no injustice to give them that which they deserve." God is not vengeful. If anything, He often withholds from us what we deserve. But there will come a time when the full weight of God's wrath will be poured out on Earth and when God will no longer hold back. When that time comes, mankind will finally witness what it really deserves, and it will learn just how much God truly detest sin.
Living Life
Exodus 21:23-24 states, "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot," While this passage may be familiar to most people, the intent behind it is less so. God was not granting the right to revenge by taking an eye for any eye; instead, He was placing restriction on it. It is our human tendency to overreact and to take more than what was taken from us. When people harm us, we want to hurt them more. this is often why arguments escalate in the manner they do. Our perceptions of our circumstances cloud our judgment of what is really "fair" and "just".
God, however, is perfect. Therefore His judgments are always perfect. Thomas Watson writes, "God's wrath is just. The wicked shall drink a sea of wrath-but not one drop of injustice! God is justified in condemning sinners at the last day. They deserve wrath, and it is no injustice to give them that which they deserve." God is not vengeful. If anything, He often withholds from us what we deserve. But there will come a time when the full weight of God's wrath will be poured out on Earth and when God will no longer hold back. When that time comes, mankind will finally witness what it really deserves, and it will learn just how much God truly detest sin.
Living Life
God's Wrath on Foolishness
Adam is unique among all men. He was the first men to ever be created. His father was God the Father, and he is the only man to have no mother. He walked with God in paradise, and for a time experience a world without sin. No one knows how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. They could have live there one day or fifty years. Regardless of how long they lived there, Adam and eve are the only humans to have experience a world that was not under God's wrath. Imagine then, being kicked out of paradise.
James Smith writes, "He [Adam] could only expect the fulfillment of the sentence, 'You shall surely die!"... It[righteousness] was, like suitable clothing-his defense, his comfort, and his ornament. But it was gone! He had willfully cast it away-and he was naked. He felt defenseless, miserable, and degraded." Adam and Eve committed a simple, foolish sin. They ate something they were not supposed to. Even so, they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and were fully subject to the wrath of God.
Adam and Eve are not the only ones who sin foolishly. Whether it is through ignorance or foolishness, we all inevitable do something we know we should not. Ignorance is not an acceptable defense before God. Neither is foolishness. God calls us to self-control so that we might always be clear-minded and alert. Do not make foolish or rash decisions. God gave you a mind to use, not abuse.
Living Life
James Smith writes, "He [Adam] could only expect the fulfillment of the sentence, 'You shall surely die!"... It[righteousness] was, like suitable clothing-his defense, his comfort, and his ornament. But it was gone! He had willfully cast it away-and he was naked. He felt defenseless, miserable, and degraded." Adam and Eve committed a simple, foolish sin. They ate something they were not supposed to. Even so, they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and were fully subject to the wrath of God.
Adam and Eve are not the only ones who sin foolishly. Whether it is through ignorance or foolishness, we all inevitable do something we know we should not. Ignorance is not an acceptable defense before God. Neither is foolishness. God calls us to self-control so that we might always be clear-minded and alert. Do not make foolish or rash decisions. God gave you a mind to use, not abuse.
Living Life
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
