Truths to Live By

Mar 3 Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts

2012-03-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

James 4:8b Cleanse*~ your hands, you sinners… Make your hearts pure*~, you double-minded.

James, the brother of our Lord, had just delivered a series of exhortations to submit to God, resist the devil and draw near to God. Every regenerated heart longs for close communion with God. The Psalmist wrote, “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psa 84:2).
James is writing to believers as though they were Jewish priests in the Temple who alone could enter into the Temple area, but now is the experience of every believer in the heavenly Temple.
Then James gives two additional commands for the believer-priest as he draws near to God: cleanse your hands and purify your hearts. As the believer goes to prayer, it is with the expectation of understanding the will of God in order to be made ready to depart this encounter to practice His Word and show God’s care for people.
Moral cleanliness, whether ceremonial or moral, was important in the OT in order to teach the requirements of drawing near to a holy God. Isaiah wrote, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen… Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight” (Isa 1:15-16). Let us beware lest we abuse the grace and forgiveness of God to the point that we are no longer even conscious of our personal sins and lose interest in His Word.
   Although James is confident that God has already planted His Word in these readers, who were “brought forth by the Word of truth” (1:18), he is addressing this command to “sinners.” It is sin that separates man from God. David wrote, “The wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous” (Psa 1:5). Believers often lose sight of the awfulness of their sins and their desperate need for constant cleansing. Thankfully, “if we [are continually confessing] our sins (Gk., “missing the mark, wandering from the commands”), He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). May we never lose our need for constant cleansing for acceptance in His presence!
   This Hebraic parallelism between “cleanse your hands” and “make pure your hearts” reminds the reader of Psalm 24:3-4, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” Repentance is not just from outward offenses, but also from inward corruptions. Jesus said, “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness [lies], slanders” (Mat 15:19). The “double-minded” are those who pretend to be spiritual, yet still love the flesh. They are living a lie.
   To be priests unto God we need to continually be cleansed from our actions of selfishness and disobedience, and to purify our motives from self-centered desires, so that we are continually being transformed into the image of the most wonderful Person in the Universe, the Lord Jesus. Do you sincerely want to be like Jesus?

Psa 24:3-4, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…”

Mar 2 Open wide your hearts

2012-03-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

2 Cor 6:13, “Now as a fair exchange- I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts*~ to us also.”
2 Cor 7:2, “Make room for us in your hearts*~; we have wronged no one, we have ruined no one, we have exploited no one.”

   These verses give deep expression to Paul’s feelings towards the Corinthians. Only two other times did he address his readers directly (Gal 3:1 and Phil 4:15). Paul had been deeply hurt by the Corinthians, yet he continued to pour out himself for them.
   He had just described his ministry to the Corinthians: “in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor 6:4-10).
   Paul’s attitude toward the Corinthians is described as “our heart is wide open” (6:11) meaning that he loved them no matter how they responded to him. Then Paul expands his thought in v. 12, “You are not restricted by us” or better, “We do not withhold affection for you,” NIV. Paul did not allow the Corinthians “to be squeezed out” of his affections by their lack of response to him. Naturally, Paul’s heart was expecting a reciprocating response, “Now as a fair exchange…” (our text). It seems apparent that they showed little appreciation for his sacrifices for them. The principle for the church is to love their leadership in the same manner as they love the church. Have you ever been disappointed by the lack of response from others for your service to them?
   Paul again demonstrates his love for them by not making them feel bad or rebuking them, rather he lays down a principle that as a leader, or anyone who sacrifices for his congregation, he should receive their appreciation as well. The aorist command means to “immediately decide to open wide your hearts.” Although directed at the Corinthians in their relationship to their pastor, Paul, the principle transcends the centuries to apply to us today.
   So important is this command that he repeats it in 7:2, “Make room for us in your hearts.” This is the model for the churches everywhere. There must always be a reciprocal expression of appreciation and affection. However, regardless of their response, his affection for the people of God would not change. His heart and self-sacrifice for them would not be affected. This is the love of God in Paul’s life.
   People must be taught how to love regardless of the response they receive, but ideally, it should be reciprocal. God’s grace and closeness can make up the difference.

Psalms 84:5, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”

Mar 1 Serve one another

2012-03-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Gal 5:13b, “… but through love serve one another”~~.

   There is always an argument that supports selfish and self-centered action: “I deserve it,” “Everyone else is doing it,” or “I need it or I will be frustrated.” Such excuses to gratify fleshly desires always destroy relationships, credibility, and character. Paul had warned that we not use our newfound liberty in the unconditional forgiveness in Christ as a license to sin more, and thus destroying our brief life's potential. Rather, in gratefulness to Christ, Paul wrote to “be continually serving one another.”
   Christian freedom is not the freedom to sin, but the freedom to love, which means the liberty to serve others. Paul wrote, “If you must live under the law, live under the law of love—that is, the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). This law is motivated, guided, and empowered by the Spirit within, not imposed by an external authority. It is a new way of thinking about life and others, as the NT commands. The Spirit leads us in how to implement the commands of the NT in hundreds of different ways. It is not legalistic because it is not directly behavioral, nor can it be performed superficially. The NT concepts are attitudinal and unselfish, that is, they benefit others rather than ourselves.
   If we have been bonded to Christ by salvation, then His love for others becomes our love for others. “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom 5:5). If we have the Holy Spirit, then the love of God for others and the world is now a part of our new nature. If we want to be Spirit-led, then we must be willing to “serve one another.” Love means to seek to benefit another without self-interests, regardless of emotional feelings towards the one in need.
   The word “serve” is a strong verb (douleoo), which comes from the common Greek noun for bond slave (doulos, See Gal 1:10 and 2 Cor 4:5). When we yield to the motive of the Spirit-love He has imparted to us, we are able to commit ourselves unselfishly to meeting the needs of those around us.
   The amazing gospel message has resulted in our deliverance from a legalistic bondage to the law, man-made commands, and/or the enslaving addiction to sinful behavior. At the same time, it has freed us to be productive, helpful and reflective of the love of God toward others. Our freedom is not to be exercised in isolated independence. Fulfillment and satisfaction in the Christian life through our relationship with Christ is not an end in itself, but a means for transmitting the love of our Master to others. Jesus cannot touch people today, but we can. He cannot demonstrate His love toward people except through us. What a privilege to be the vessel or funnel of the loving care of Christ for the needy around us daily.
   The passion of Christ as described in Gal 2:20, “the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” becomes the theme of the Christian life: In Christ’s place, we love others and give ourselves for them! He gave Himself for us, so that we could give ourselves for others, especially those who do not know Him. Are we willing to be His vessels? It may cost us everything.

Psalms 119:167 NLT, “My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.”

Feb 28 Do not abuse your freedom

2012-02-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Gal 5:13a “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use~|  your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh,

   Freedom and liberty are wonderful environments in which to live, but they only last under responsible living. On a cruise liner you can eat six or eight times a day, but by week’s end you might gain 10 to 20 lbs that may take years to loose, if ever. I’ve lived in countries under dictatorships where pornography was unknown until the freedom of democracy permitted it. Corruption is inevitable in an irresponsible society.
   A priest once argued with me over a salvation that was totally by free grace, which he claimed would only result in a license to sin freely. This is the vulnerability of the Good News of the gospel: since man is fully forgiven of all his sins, how then should he live?
   Mankind lives under the lure of addictions to alcohol, drugs, sexual passions, violence, greed and many other forms of bondage from which a person becomes powerless to be free. When someone chooses to engage in a sin, the sensual satisfaction can become addictive as it gains control over body and will. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). The more he indulges in his self-centered freedom, the more he becomes enslaved to sin.
   There is only one escape: “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed”(John 8:36). This is the theme of Galatians and the hallmark of Christianity: there is freedom in Christ both positionally and practically by following His teachings.
   Paul declares that we are “called to freedom [liberty].” The Christian life is neither legalistic bondage nor libertinism. The purpose of the OT law was to reveal sin in its awfulness and lead a person to seek forgiveness in Christ: “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Gal 3:24). No one could keep the law. The only hope for man was that God would provide mercy and a means of forgiveness that did not depend on man's perfection at keeping the law.
   On the other hand, the NT gives the promise of perfect righteousness being imputed or credited to the believer, once and for all eternity, making him acceptable to God. Then the commands of the NT are given to teach us how to think as the forgiven family of God and how to live responsibly and unselfishly for others. They are not for attaining righteousness, but they reveal the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, through which the Spirit can empower believers to live godly and free in a sinful and enslaving world. The commands of the NT yield freedom, not bondage.
   We are commanded, “do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh.” The “flesh” here does not refer to the physical body, but to the sinful appetites that are enslaving. Christ does not give freedom for believers to do whatever they want, but so that they can do what God wants. In this way they show their grateful love for Him and the power of the Spirit they now possess. Peter wrote, “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-slaves of God” (1 Pet 2:16).

Psalms 119:45, “I will walk at liberty, for I seek your precepts”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 27 Greet one another

2012-02-27T06:00:00.003-05:00

1 Cor 16:20 All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another*~ with a holy kiss.

As Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthians he is sensitive to the need to mention several individuals in Ephesus who had ties to those in Corinth. Paul is writing from Ephesus. In that town lived many friends of members of the church in Corinth.
This type of greeting in writing was an extension of the sense of need to personally greet all the brethren when they gathered. These were mostly house churches as evident from the preceding verse: “Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (16:19). They had been with Paul in Corinth establishing house churches, and now are in Ephesus continuing the same work.
The aorist command was to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” This command is repeated in Rom 16:16 verbatim, and slightly varied in 2 Cor 13:12 and 1 The 5:26. In 1 Peter 5:14 this greeting is called a “kiss of love.” Believers were expected to show their affection and respect to each other in the form of a holy kiss.
In most of the world a kiss in the air as the two cheeks touch is a common greeting for family and close friends. Some cultures greet with one, two or three kisses on opposite cheeks. Handshakes are reserved for formal occasions and new acquaintances. Even in cultures that are more reserved, among immediate families, hugs and cheek kissing are common. In more reserved cultures the cheek kissing between men is uncomfortable and seen as inappropriate, even though it was practiced in Acts 20:37 when the elders of Ephesus said good-bye to Paul.
In my experience with overseas churches I learned that it was essential to greet everyone at the beginning of the meeting and at the close of the meeting with a kiss on the cheek. If anyone was not greeted in this way, it was assumed that there was a disagreement or problem between them.
In the Western cultures, public affection in greetings has generally been frowned upon, but in the remainder of the world it is a common practice that is seldom abused.
The basic function, however, is a sign that demonstrates oneness, solidarity and mutual respect for all believers regardless of class, gender or race in the body of Christ. It is to show that the family of God is as important as one’s immediate blood-family, regardless of any superficial differences.
It is called a “holy” kiss because its purpose is not sensual, but spiritual, that is, designed to communicate that we are family one of another.
Whatever the cultural application of this principle, it is a command. We must demonstrate to everyone our acceptance of them as family, as part of the family of God with us. People need to be constantly assured that they are accepted in the family or the body of Christ. This is, in effect, a ministry of encouragement and care for the feelings and needs of each other.
Today will you be sensitive to others, making sure your greetings communicate your bond to them as brothers and sisters?

Psalms 2:12, “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blesses are all those who put their trust in Him.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 26 Live in peace

2012-02-26T06:00:00.003-05:00

2 Cor 13:11d, “…. live in peace~~, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

   Whenever you gather a group of sinners together arguments and disharmony are a natural result. However, when the group is empowered by the Spirit and mutually committed to obeying the Word, a different atmosphere is created. There is no other place on earth that can compare to such a church.
   The result of the aforementioned commands is a sense of peace in the oneness of the believers. It is notable and evident because it is real. The present command to “be continually living in peace” is not a reference to an individual’s peace with God through redemption, but a practical, corporate peace that is to be maintained by individual commitments to obey this command for His reputation’s sake.
   Too often we read the NT as a special letter to us as individuals, but it was never written for that purpose. The NT was written for the church, that is, for corporate obedience. It is how we are to live together, not privately with the Lord. This command is not to be at peace with the Lord, but as a group of believers to live at peace with each other.
   Paul wrote, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Even in the most conflicting relationship between the early Christian Jews and the gentile believers, the objective in the church body was to experience peace: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace” (Eph 2:16). The “new man” is not an individual believer, but a new body of believers, who were as at peace with each other as they were at peace with Christ. If it can happen between Jews and gentiles, it can happen between any two groups of people, if they believe in the value of peace.
   The command is reiterated in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and be thankful.” This is also a plural command; that is, it is a command for a group to obey together. The rule of peace must govern over all gatherings of believers. Anything that would break this peace should be discouraged. Disagreements must be discussed under the umbrella of the rule of peace. When peace is broken Christ is not honored, His church is disgraced, and His Spirit is quenched.
   “Live in peace” is not just a good idea or an impossible dream, but a command to be obeyed. It may mean dying to selfishness, pride, self-exaltation, conceit, and independence, in order to keep peace. It does require a trust in God’s Word that this command is of high value to Christ. Plus, it comes with a special promise, “the God of love and peace with be with you.” This means that God gives His special grace and empowerment to facilitate the manifestation of “love and peace” among His churches. Are you at peace and do you demonstrate peace with the brethren you know? What are you going to do about it today?

Psalms 119:165, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 25 Agree with one another

2012-02-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

2 Cor 13:11c, “… agree with one another [be of one mind] ~~“

   Sadly, the main reason for many church multiplications is the disagreement among leaders, instead of having a strategy for church growth. Such disagreements may take several generations before people forget why they divided. In most cases, only then are they able to fellowship with one another again. They have allowed minor issues to justify their disobedience.
   The appeal for unity is frequent in Paul’s writings. He urged the Romans to make every effort for unity especially with such diverse congregations as slaves and the poor with freemen and Jews: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Romans 12:15). The verb phroneo means to think about this, be intent on, develop this attitude of mind or have a high regard for.” This is not a superficial or man-made legalistic conformity, nor an obligated doctrinal agreement, but an attitude of how to think about each other and how to treat each other.
   Paul’s prayer for such harmony is evident in 15:5, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
   Paul tells Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi to resolve their conflicts and live in harmony: “be of the same mind in the Lord” (Phil 4:2). Earlier in this same Epistle Paul had explained the meaning of this oneness of mind: “…fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil 2:2). The next verse goes further in describing this oneness: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better [more important] than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:3-4). Any one who lives out these attitudes can get along with believers of different points of view, and have the same attitude of care and respect toward each other.
   There is an overriding principle for the church to experience and express: the oneness in Christ is not just individual, but corporate. That is, the corporate body of Christ is to mature towards the same unity that is experienced within the godhead itself. John 17:21 is not just a euphemistic expression, but a genuine goal for the churches: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Paul explains in part how this works out in practice, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10). This corporate testimony of unity and agreement is a powerful evangelistic accreditation that God is in charge through His Word in this congregation.
   Instead of splitting hairs over minor issues, let us unite over the main practice of the commands and agree to encourage and help each other to obey them for His honor.

Psalms 34:3, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 24 Perpetually be encouraged

2012-02-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

2 Cor 13:11b, “… Be encouraged “ [Be of good comfort]~~.

   As the old saying goes, “Cheer up, things could get worse.” So he cheered up and sure enough, things got worse!
   Paul expected that the church would be a place of encouragement to every member. They could leave the world’s problems outside the gathering and together celebrate the unchangeable wonder of personally knowing the God of Creation and celebrate together the redemption of the One who cares for them. Paul uses the verb parakaleo only here in the NT in the passive command form: “be comforted, or take our appeal to heart.” The verb form is used 105 times in the NT. It appears to be an important element of our walk with Christ.
   Paul, God’s key apostle, was not exempt from suffering and discouragement. Nothing went the way he had planned. Bearing the greatest news since the dawn of creation, he was still met with hostility and rejection everywhere. After being beaten and left for dead by the road, imprisoned, thrown out of one town after another with only a handful of precious converts who responded to his “Good News” message for all his effort, he arrived in Corinth on his second evangelistic tour extremely discouraged. He wrote, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it” (NLT 2 Cor 1:8). Have you been there?
   His heart’s desire was to see his fellow-countrymen come to Christ, but he wrote, “From the Jews five times I received forty lashes less one, three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning…” (2 Cor 11:25). He went on to write of his experiences, “three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea. I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers, in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Cor 11:25b-28). So you think you have had it bad! I read this often and wonder why I ever thought I had it tough.
   Paul’s despair seemed to reach a peak by the time he got to Corinth. He did not know if he could go on. Then, at that the end of his strength and determination, Paul learned a great lesson again: in the midst of failure and despair, a deeper consolation is waiting for us to claim: Jesus is with us through it all. “Lo, I am with you” is our comfort.
   In 2 Corinthians1:3b-4 NET Paul wrote, “…the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The word “comfort” is the same verb as our study today. Paul “learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased [in need], and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:11-13).
   If Paul could be comforted by walking close to Jesus, so can I, and so can you.

Psalms 119:50, “This is my comfort in my affliction, for your Word has given me life.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 23 Constantly tweak your life

2012-02-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete~~…

   Parents often want to tell their children, “Grow up!” Some things just take time and patient instruction. The command with the nuance of the present progressive tense is , “Be continually becoming complete,” which translates the word katartizo, “adjust, fit, mend, finish or arrange in its appropriate condition.” It is used in Matt 4:21 to describe the process of mending the fisherman’s nets and metaphorically of restoring a person in error (Gal 6:1). Paul is calling on the church (the verb is plural) to fit or conform to the Word of God. Spiritual wholeness comes when the church as a whole, as well as individually, commits to learning and living out complete conformity to God’s Word and His commands.
   Paul would often end his letters with a short list of commands or exhortations that God’s Spirit directed him to give to the churches, such as Colossians 4:2-6 (be continuously in prayer, boldly speak the gospel, be wise toward the unsaved, redeem the time, speak graciously with salt in your answers) or 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (respect your leaders, be at peace, warn the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient, refuse vengeance, pursue kindness with each other, rejoice always, pray without stopping, be thankful, do not quench the Spirit, do not scoff at prophecies, test everything and avoid every kind of evil).
It is hard to remember all these things, so we must constantly be reminding ourselves of each one of them. In the Epistles we are commanded 29 times to put these instructions in constant remembrance. Peter wrote “always be able to remember these things” (2 Pet 1:15).
   Paul had already taught and warned the Corinthians what to do. All they had to do was to listen to his instruction and take his commands seriously. He had said, “If any think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor 14:37). Paul was God's instrument to give the churches the commands of Jesus for His Church.
   The church and its members are to take the commands written in the NT as from Jesus Himself. This is called integrity. As individuals grow in grace they are to constantly check their values and priorities, make sure they are thinking biblically and mend any area that deviates from His commands to restore spiritual wholeness. Sins need to be dealt with among ourselves especially in transparent relationships. Biblical knowledge needs to increase along with practicing and sharing everything we are learning. Apathy, indifference and laziness need to be changed into passionate service as we exhort one another. Paul wrote the Thessalonians that he could help them “complete what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thess 3:10), namely a more complete obedience.
   One author writes, “Powerful evangelism is a by-product of spiritual integrity; it is the natural outflow of a church that is in holy harmony with God’s will.” Pray that God will give you the grace today to conform your life to everything you know of His commands and lead others to do so as well. The greatest life is to know and practice all His wisdom.

Psa 119:4, “You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 22 Please your neighbor

2012-02-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Rom 15:2 Let each of us please~~ his neighbor for his good to build him up.”

   A major conflict area between peoples of any culture is in the arena of personal rights. Should I have restrictions placed on my liberties just because someone else is offended or tempted? If someone does not like my actions, why do I have to change? Why do they not change? What should be our thoughts and actions in regards to this command?
   The context has been dealing with the issue of the weaker brother and the stronger brother. Who is suppose to yield to the conviction of the other when there is a disagreement as to right and wrong? Should meat offered to idols be eaten by Christians? Although this is not a contemporary problem, it can be in some places in the world; however, the principles guiding this decision are applicable to many other convictions.
   The first verse stated, “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Who are the "strong" and who are the "weak?" The weak are noted for their “scruples” (adunatos, “lacking capability in functioning adequately, powerless, impotent”). These are young converts recently repenting of their besetting sins, whose flesh still has a strong grip on them. If exposed too closely to these sins or something associated with these temptations, they are more likely to fall.
   Some may have had problems with drinking and drunkenness. They should not be closely associated with drinking in any way until they are strong enough to be around people who are drinking and not be tempted to drink at all. Some may have been converted out of gambling, prostitution, pornography, carousing, fornication, lying, smoking, and the list goes on. For a period of time these new believers are weak, in that, they could easily be tempted to fall back into the pit from which they were saved. Such weak believers should be kept from exposure to these vices. They must be helped to choose their friends wisely.
   Eventually, they will have to be strong enough to mix with people addicted to all kinds of vices without being tempted, if they want to be effective in evangelizing the lost, especially the addicted. The mark of a strong believer is that he can be around people with such vices and, instead of being influenced to sin, he can influence them to turn to Christ and find liberation from the grip of sin.
   In the meantime, especially the strong believers must “please his neighbor for his good to build him up.” If working with Muslim or Jewish converts, the strong must yield to the conscience of the weak and decide not to eat pork at all. If working with those young believers susceptible to too much drink, then the strong must decide to never drink alcohol again. Paul wrote, “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food [that you are free to eat biblically]. For although all things are pure, it is evil for the man who eats with offense [or who causes another to stumble]. It is good [or better] neither to eat meat [i.e., pork] or drink wine nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak” [to temptation] (Rom 14:20-21). Are you willing to give up your right to food and habits to help a weaker brother to mature?

Psalms 110:7, “His acts are characterized by faithfulness and justice; all His precepts are reliable.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 21 Do not be conceited

2012-02-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

Rom 12:16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. [The previous phrases are descriptive participles that derive their imperatival force from the following imperative]. Do not be conceited~|.

   How can sinful people who have built-in self interest and inflated opinions about themselves ever get along with each other? If the only clue man has for building such harmony in marriage and society is to understand and obey the instructions given by revelation to all men, then we need to understand them and believe that they will work.
   The context begins in Rom 12:9 with a series of participles describing conditions that will result in harmony and unity; thus the passage is given imperatival force in translations. Here is a free translation of the description of the Christian community: love or care for each other should be without pretense or self interest, hating pornographic or sensual evil, while adhering to things that are good and wholesome; relationships should be developed with family affection as evident by showing honor and giving priority to each other. Everyone should be diligent or eager to apply these principles, while always passionately motivated to serve each other as in peak season; continually rejoicing in hope; corporately or individually bearing up under pressure or distress; sharing or participating in necessities of the other believers, and especially continuing the pursuit of hospitality to the brethren. Be a help or blessing (the only imperative) to those who persecute (same word as pursue in previous phrase) you; remember to always bless, never wish someone ruin or bad luck. Empathy is shared with those who are glad and rejoicing, but also, we are to weep with those who weep. Everyone should have this same mindset towards each other, not seeking or minding lofty or prestigious things, but rather, be going along with or beside the humble or those of lower social classes, making them feel equal partners in Christ.
   The main imperative is in the concluding statement, “stop being wise in yourselves," i.e., do not be conceited. Proverbs warns of such conceited people:, “Do you see a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Prov 26:12). The conceited person is worse off than a “fool” (kesil), which means someone who is so full of himself that he hates any correction or knowledge that did not originate from him (Prov 18:2). He is immature as a child, always wanting his will. He uses “friends” and destroys them (Prov 13:20). Prov 26:5 says, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” This is the Hebrew word ‘ayin, “paint of the eye,” or how a person sees the world, himself, and others. He sees it all revolving around him.
   This is one of the key symptoms of the biblical “fool.” These are typical narcissistic personalities who are selfish egotists. This attitude creates elitism and indifference towards those in need. The subtitle of a recent book illustrates this trait, “That’s enough about you, let's talk about me!” It is almost impossible to have harmony and unity with a conceited person. Let us recognize this trait, most of all in ourselves, and take steps to be focused on the needs of others more than on what we want. Praise someone today for their ideas or actions, then make it a habit.

Prov 14:16, “A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 20 Receive one another

2012-02-20T06:00:00.003-05:00

Rom 15: 7 Receive one another~~, then, just as Christ also received you, to God's glory.

   Ideally, the church, a fellowship of the followers of Christ, should be the greatest haven and refuge for problem people that could ever exist. Why are many churches more characterized by critical, judgmental and condemning people than anywhere in society? As Paul wrote in 1 Cor 11:17, “for your meetings do more harm than good.” Could this be a reason that many are leaving through the back door of the church? Who is teaching the church how to meet people’s basic needs?
   The key to deeper relationships is the ability to meet the basic needs of a person through personal interaction. One of the main needs of everyone on earth is to have the feeling that someone or a special group of people fully and unconditionally accept him for who he is now. He does not have to change or improve or pretend to be someone else. No matter what he does he will not be rejected or ostracized. He is genuinely secure with this group of folks and/or with a special person. Everyone craves this experience from the depth of his soul.
   Furthermore, this deepest and greatest need of all people is free. It does not cost a penny, yet most Christians are stingy with it, making their acceptance a very expensive commodity to acquire. This attitude is learned from secular social clubs or cliques where the right clothing, right skills, right physique, right financial status, right background, right family heritage, and right acquaintances are all essential to join.
   The context of this passage shows that the church in Rome was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles who naturally despised each other and socially ridiculed each other. In the church this attitude was prohibited. All divisiveness, quarreling, contentiousness, and criticism were considered unacceptable carnal behavior. Jesus had warned in a parable that if one had received grace and forgiveness, he was obligated to demonstrate it to others or risk severe chastisement (Matt 18:23-33).
   The present imperative to "be constantly accepting" (proslambano) means habitually “take to oneself, take along with oneself, receive hospitably, or take as one’s companion.” The degree to which we are commanded to act in this way is described “as Christ also received you,” which , thankfully, was complete and unconditional. This must become our attitude in order to glorify God. Singing praises means nothing without a Christ-like attitude toward others. We must be as accepting, loving and caring as He was to give glory to God.
   Once I gave students in a class on Missionary Relationships the chance for extra credit if they would keep a journal of all their encounters in a difficult relationship. They had to choose the person they least liked in their dorm, who was probably ostracized by others, then intentionally build a friendly relationship with that person by discovering how to meet his/her needs, especially the need of acceptance. Three students did, and it changed their lives by their own testimony.
   Do you intentionally go out of your way to accept others who are different from you? Do they feel accepted by you, rather than judged by you? Do they have to change for you to accept them? Can you show them how Christ accepts them?

Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 19 Treat others as you want to be treated

2012-02-19T06:00:00.004-05:00

Luke 6:31, "Treat~~ others in the same way that you would want them to treat you."

The “Golden Rule” is not the gospel. That is, no one will go to heaven by following the Golden Rule or the Sermon on the Mount. These sermons are policies for living out the Christ-life today. The teachings in this context focus on attitudes: our attitude toward circumstances (Luke 6:20-26), people (Luke 6:27-38), ourselves (Luke 6:39-45), and God (Luke 6:46-49). We must look at these instructions as a series of standards for today. These are Christ-like dispositions, not a legal duty. Do we want to be like Him?
   Luke had been describing how we are to demonstrate God’s unconditional love in our attitudes towards others: (1) love your enemies (6:27a); (2) do good to those who hate you (6:27b); (3) bless those who curse you (6:28a); (4) pray for those who mistreat you (6:28b); (5) do not retaliate (6:29a); (6) give freely (6:29b-30); and treat others the way you want to be treated (6:31). These are the distinctive marks of a follower of Jesus. The disciples were exhorted to have the same merciful attitude towards others that God displayed toward them.
   Relationships are built on trust, that is, a trust that each party will protect the interests and needs of the other. People love those who love them in return. When you love your enemies they may feel guilty in their resistance, and respond with greater rejection and hatred – as Christ suffered (Rom 5:7-8). On the other hand, some will respond to our love with the measure of love we demonstrated to them (6:37-38).
   Some have claimed that Buddha, Confucius and a few rabbinical writings prior to Christ contained the same teaching. However, their statements occur only in the negative: “Don’t do to someone else what you wouldn’t want him to do to you.” But no positive or proactive action is contemplated. Jesus requires his disciples to initiate beneficial actions toward others. Furthermore, these were not to be ordinary actions common in any culture, but surpass those of the “sinner.”
   The secular tendency of reciprocity as the basis of social relationships is motivated for selfish personal benefit in return. That is, one acts in a generous way in order to make friends, so that in the future the favor to them can be returned. This type social interaction is shallow and self-serving and corrupting. It is merely another form of manipulation, which builds resentment instead of relationship.
   Our command is similar to saying “love your neighbor,” but extends to anyone in your proximity, not just your friends. The present tense imperative, poieo, means "to be continuously producing, bringing about, causing something to happen," especially for the benefit of another person in this context. The Golden Rule has no restrictions, because biblical love is not dependent on the response of the other person.
   The overarching principle that governs our actions towards others is not determined by their reaction to us. Our objective is to be a reflector of the attitude of God towards others. His patience, love, forgiveness, commitment, and care for sinners becomes our attitude at all times towards all people.
   Think of the worse person in your acquaintance. How can you help or benefit that person? It does not matter if you do not like this person. Be a principle-driven person, not a reactive, get-even kind of a person. Be a follower of Christ who seeks to honor His name in every circumstance of life.

Psalms 142:4-5b, “Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 18 Flee from idolatry

2012-02-18T06:00:00.005-05:00

1 Cor 10:14, "Therefore, my beloved, flee~~ from idolatry"

   Paul used the present progressive command to “be constantly fleeing” from idolatry, from greediness (1 Tim 4:10-11), from “youthful lusts” (2 Tim 2:22), and from “sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18). Christians have no liberty regarding these things. These are not grey areas or questionable sins. They have no part in the Christian’s life.
   Paul begins his exhortation with an assurance of intimate friendship, “my beloved.” He had been their founding pastor for almost two years while at Corinth, and was a spiritual father to most of them.
   There are some things you warn children about without having to explain every detail; for example, “Don’t touch the hot stove!” John wrote similarly in 1 Jn 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
   Idolatry is worshipping or trusting in something other than the true God, which carries with it many contaminating sins. Those who submit to an idol are saying that someone or something is more valuable, more powerful and more trustworthy than the God of the Bible. By this act they declare that the only true God is weak, self-seeking, and insufficient for meeting their needs, thus cannot be fully trusted. This view opens the door to every temptation and self-satisfying act.
   Since the fall of man by Adam’s sin, man has sought to make God into his own image, instead of man becoming like the revealed image of his true God. We will become like whatever god we decide to serve.
By refusing to honor God as He has revealed Himself to be, we refuse to be grateful to Him. Since man’s god is too weak to create all things, man must, therefore, speculate as to how things must have come to be by chance. When we develop a theory that supposedly answers our questions, we become vain and proud, believing our theory to be fact. Man figured it out, so man’s reason is the god we choose to serve.
   Idolatry is more than a man-made wooden image. It is any false god – any object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, sport or anything that has become the primary focus of one’s life and loyalty. Whatever becomes the source of fulfillment, the resource for dependency, the focus for happiness and the answer to all questions about life, has become our god. Whatever we trust in most is our god.
   However, there is no other God but the God of the Bible. God cannot be reduced to an image, nor can He be visualized by human minds. Likewise, depending on or worshipping angels is idolatry (Col 2:18). Worshipping demons is idolatry (Rev 9:20). Worshipping men, however pious, is idolatry, which includes human saints or other intermediaries (1 Tim 2:5). Supreme loyalty to personal ambitions, desires, possessions, fame, etc. can become idolatry (Matt 6:21).
Covetousness is idolatry as evidenced by greedy materialism (Eph 5:5). Inordinate desires, or lust are idolatry as Paul described the “enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (Phil 3:18-19). Idolatry is the lie that men have insisted on believing rather than trust in the infallible Word of God as the revealer of the only true God.
Do you see how contemporary idolatry actually is? Have you substituted your dependency and loyalty to anything other than God? Be sure to tell Him regularly where your heart is focused, but be honest!

Psalms 53:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 17 Be glad and rejoice together

2012-02-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Phil 2:17, "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad~~ and rejoice~~ with me."

   Paul is calling for the Philippian church to be as joyous as he was in his imprisonment and service for them. Paul had referred to his potential death (v. 17) as being “poured out as a drink offering" [a Jewish offering] as an “the sacrifice and service of your faith,” that is, without compromising and unashamedly he would stand firm for the clarity of the gospel, regardless of the criticism, ostracism, ridicule, torture and possible martyrdom. This was not expressed in a morbid, self-pity sense, but in the sense of privilege, honor and glory for being a part of the salvation of the Philippians.
   How can we be glad and rejoice when our world is falling apart, when God seems so distant and silent, when we are disillusioned with people and life in general, when nothing seems to be going right in our lives? Maybe our focus is wrong. Could we be thinking more about ourselves than how to benefit others? Regardless of what it would cost Paul, he found great delight in helping others come to Christ and learn to walk with Him in the midst of their problems of life.
   Many believers only experience joy or gladness as the world does. When situations are favorable, they are happy; but when life is contrary, they are sad and resentful. The only thing that brings them joy is receiving personal benefits or having fun or good experiences. On the other hand, when other believers seek to do the Father’s will and to please Him, they view sacrifice for Him with great joy.
   Worldly, self-serving believers find it difficult to understand how missionaries can live for years under primitive, demanding or dangerous conditions, yet maintain their joy. Ironically, the offering of one’s life for the Lord and others brings a deep joy that external circumstances cannot quench. These believers live in the presence of the Lord all the time and find it wonderful. Peter had this attitude when he, and the other apostles, were flogged and ordered “not to speak in the name of Jesus,…went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:40-41). Oh, to be counted worthy!
   Selfless service for Christ and others is not a loss, but an offering to God. Anything given up for Christ is replaced with something infinitely more valuable and gratifying as Paul wrote, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17). Peter challenged his readers: “To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation” (1 Pet 4:13).
Paul wanted his readers to share in the profound joy that he experienced in serving Christ regardless of the outcome for him personally. Can you look up from your circumstances and rejoice in Christ, then continue to pour out your life for others with joy today?

Psalms 9:2, “I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 16 Examine yourself then eat and drink communion

2012-02-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

1 Cor 11: 28 A person should examine himself~~ first, and in this way let him eat~~ the bread and drink~~ of the cup.

   When believers gathered in the early church they shared a meal and the Lord's Supper. How they practiced this meal became and issue.
   The KJV warns that “whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (11:27), which latter translations have translated “in an unworthy manner.” The problem has been that some interpreters miss the fact that the word “unworthily” is an adverb, which modifies the action of the verb, not an adjective, which would modify the subject of the verb. The focus is not whether we are worthy or not, but rather, is the symbolism of the Lord’s Supper being shared in a manner that demonstrates the oneness of the body of Christ.
   The historical situation was described in 11:17-22 where the Lord’s Supper, which was like a “pot-luck” supper, was creating more harm than good (11:17). They had allowed social distinctions (i.e., slaves and freemen) or other divisions to be evident in the church, especially at the Lord’s Supper (11:18-19). The ones who could bring food would go ahead and eat their food without sharing or waiting on others who might have needs (11:21-22), thus making some feel unwanted because of how they were treated. Paul scolded them, “Do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?” (11:22).
   This is the key to the instruction on the Lord’s Supper, which concludes with the exhortation to each member of the church to “examine himself.” In this context the word dokimazo means to continually or habitually “prove, scrutinize, or test” one's self to see if his actions are building the unity of the body of Christ or being divisive or hurtful to any members of the body. This is the issue.
   It is a little more difficult today to demonstrate this unity since we generally do not practice a meal (sometimes called a “love feast”) with the Lord’s Supper. However, the sense of the context can be extended to the principle of the passage: do all our actions convey to every member of our body that he/she is an important part of the body of Christ, the church? Have we done things that hurt others in the body? This is the meaning of 11:29, “Anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” It is not the “body” of Christ in the elements, but the body of Christ as the church unity that is the issue. The failure to discern the unity of the church as the body of Christ on earth, regardless of social distinctions, while treating it as just another organization or club, which often criticizes and ostracizes one another, is not permitted in His Church. Ignorance of this command can bring serious chastisement (11:29-30).
   If there are offenses and judgmental attitudes towards other members of the body of Christ, then Matt 18:15-17 should be practiced: go to that person personally and discuss the issue to forgive one another, thus resolving the issue. The church is to be a haven of acceptance and caring for one another. Let’s constantly watch our attitudes towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember: it is His Church.

Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 15 Take the Lord's Supper

2012-02-15T06:00:00.003-05:00

1 Cor 11:24, "and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take*~, eat*~; this is My body which is broken for you; do~~ this in remembrance of Me."

   There are only two acts that Jesus told His disciples to practice in obedience and honor to Him: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Paul received the instruction concerning the Lord’s Supper directly from Jesus during one of his appearances to Paul, likely during his three-year stay in Arabia (Gal 1:17). Paul explained, “I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you…” (11:23). Paul had already taught the Corinthians all these aspects of the Lord’s Supper in person, but they allowed destructive practices to creep into their gatherings.
   As this last meal with His disciples got underway, Jesus “took bread and gave thanks” (eucharisteo, from which we get the word "eucharist") for the meal to come, then He made a statement., “This is my body which is for you.” At the conclusion of a regular meal time (see verse 25) He took a cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
The meanings of these words vary by major Christian traditions, but the Bible does not point toward the mystical view (Christ is somehow mystically present in the elements) or magical view (Christ is physically present in the elements).
   The command is the key to this passage: the churches are to continually “be continually doing this [action] in remembrance of Me” (i.e., to habitually remember the body and blood of Jesus which was given for the redemption of all sinful people). Could we ever forget what He did for us on the cross? The answer apparently is "yes," for He knows human nature better than we do. Devotion to Christ and passion for service are the results of this constantly renewed memory in our minds and grateful hearts.
   A New Covenant was promised to Israel in Jer 31:31-34 which included putting “My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God…” Jesus now opens this covenant to all who put their trust in His death and the shedding of His blood for the cleansing of their sin. Jesus’ sacrifice of a once-and-for-all payment for sins demands a perpetual refreshing in our minds (Heb 9:23-28).
   The sign of this new covenant is that He will put His commands in our hearts; thus, the delight of the redeemed is to do His will, which includes the perpetual, habitual practice of remembering His death in His body and the shedding of His blood for our sin’s payment.
   Praying Hyde, who was a missionary to India, wrote a book on prayer. He described his daily goal was to never leave his knees until “Christ’s death on the cross is once again fresh in my mind and heart.” This is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper. It is not a focus on us or the elements, but a habitual focus on Christ’s death for us on the cross of Calvary. Does meditation on the cross still break your heart that God had to go to such extremes so He could forgive your sins?

Psa 119:76-77 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live,  for your law is my delight.

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 14 Draw near to God

2012-02-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

James 4:8a Draw near*~ to God and he will draw near to you. …

   Have you ever had the feeling that someone was looking over your shoulder? Do you remember how uncomfortable it made you feel? We generally like to live our lives in privacy, thinking and doing whatever we want, especially when no one is around. The whole issue of a relational salvation is whether we want Someone with us all the time, living inside us, knowing all our thoughts throughout every day. Salvation is not a prayer, but a statement to Christ that, yes, we want Him to be an intimate part of our whole life without exception.
   There is no possibility of faking this commitment. Matthew warned of seeking God for selfish motives when he wrote, “These people draw near with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt 15:8-9). Do you really want to get closer to God?
   David encouraged living in God’s presence when he wrote, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psa 145:18). He later counseled his son Solomon with similar words to this command: “Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him” (1 Chron 28:9).
   There is nothing that God delights in as much as intimate fellowship with His creatures. John wrote, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” (6:44), but later he explained “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth [ref. to the cross], will draw all people to Myself” (12:32). The Spirit of God is drawing people to seek to know Him, to worship and commune with God in a meaningful and satisfying relationship. There is no question that God wants us to walk close with Him, agreeing with everything He says, and trusting that His way is best.
   In Hebrews we read, “Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need… Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb 4:16; 10:22).
   The heart cry of the redeemed is for deeper communion with God. The psalmist describes this passion for God: “My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek” (Psa 27:8). Then he wrote, “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live…” (Psa 63:1-4).
   The more one is assured of the complete forgiveness of all his sins and understand the horrible price our Savior paid to be able to forgive him, the more he wants to trust in and be in perfect accord with the living Savior.

Psalms 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 13 Submit yourself to God

2012-02-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

James 4:7a, "So submit*~ to God."

   Just as the Army teaches a soldier that he must submit to orders regardless of the risk to his life because of his duty and love of country, so the believer is to submit to God’s directives. Submission is measured by obedience to expressed commands. When a commander in war says, “Take that hill,” there is no debate, doubt if it will be worthwhile nor personal consideration of risk. Immediate action begins.
The next three verses contain ten aorist imperatives demanding immediate and urgent action. The series begins with the command to “immediately decide to submit yourself” to God. The term is a military term meaning “to be subordinated” or “to render obedience.” The word used is hupotasso, literally meaning, “to submit to someone’s control, to yield to admonition or advice, to surrender voluntarily, or to obey.” It is a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader.” In a non-military usage it means “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden” (STRONG).
   Submission is a key characteristic of the Christian community: children are to be submissive to their parents; wives to husbands; slaves to masters; everyone to governing authorities and to the rules of society; all believers are to be submissive to their elders/pastors and to the biblical rules within their congregation, and mutually submissive to one another, especially the married couple. Rebellion to authority in your sphere of life is contrary to God’s intended order.
   Submission to God is the expression of humility, which has great promise. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:6-7). Humility is the evident manifestation of one's submissive spirit to God. Later James wrote, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (4:10).
   Submission to God means to have resigned one's self-will in this life and to be subject to Him, ready to listen to Him and obey Him. He will certainly show us His will in the revealed Word of God and likely applications of His desire with a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12-13) in our inner man. We can choose to ignore or fail to learn the former, and quench the latter when it is inconvenient, which it usually will be. But these actions will mean that, as far as God is concerned, we have ceased to want to walk with Him. We become rebellious children pretending to be a Christ follower. A cross is never popular and that is where He is heading.
   If we are to submit to God, then we must learn all that He expects of us and yield our will to think and practice His directives. Can we say to God, “Your wish is my command?” Can you say, "I love your commands?" Tell Him so now.

Psa 112:1-2a, “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed…”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 12 Do not make an offering without reconciling

2012-02-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

Matt 5: 23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave*~ your gift there in front of the altar. First go~~ and be reconciled*~ to your brother and then come*~ and present ~~ your gift.

   So many believe that they can perform a spiritual act that will be valued regardless of the condition of their hearts, and secondly, even more deceptive is the belief that our relationship with God is separate from our relationship with our fellow believers.
   In the first case, there is no ceremony or sacrificial spiritual act of worship that can change one's spiritual relationship with God. The validity of any spiritual act is only a symbol or illustration of the reality in one’s heart. If the heart is insincere, one's worship means nothing or worse, provokes the chastening of the Lord (1 Cor 11:29-31). Jesus is saying that one's sacrificial offering does not cause God to blink or overlook our disobedient behavior, especially that which hurts other believers. We can never buy God's favor.
   Secondly, we are only pretending, that is, faking it, in any act of worship if we have offended a brother, because the body of Christ is one. Any brother, whether we like him or not, is part of the body of Christ. Just as Paul was persecuting Christians, and Jesus asked him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9), so anything done (whether good or bad) to a Christian brother, it is equally done directly to Jesus.
   The overarching principle is this: A believer’s relationship with the Lord is no better than his relationship with his brothers in Christ. If we have gossiped against, criticized, or verbally abused a brother hurting them or their reputation, then we have done the same damage to Jesus, with the result that He is grieved just as the brother is grieved by our actions.
Anyone, leaders included, who think they have the right to hurt, crush or humiliate a subordinate brother, whether they are in their rights or not, are inflicting the same hurt to the Savior. If grieving Jesus means anything to a believer, then repentance is in order.
   The tense of the aorist command “urgently decide to be reconciled” to your brother means to decide now to make amends. The verb diallasso means to “change the mind of anyone, or to renew friendship with one.” Do not wait around until the other person changes, or comes and asks forgiveness. Do not believe that it will pass, be forgotten, or get better with time. Go and humble yourself immediately asking for forgiveness. Just as you would humble yourself before the Lord for having offended Him, so you should go and reconcile with whomever you have offended, persuading him of your sorrow for hurting him (with no attempt to justify your actions or words). The objective is to restore the relationship, brotherhood and sense of oneness in Christ. Only then can we worship our Lord with sincerity, and it be accepted by Jesus.

Proverb 18:19, “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 11 Do not be surprised if the world hate you

2012-02-11T06:00:00.003-05:00

1 John 3:13 Therefore do not be surprised~|, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

   By the end of the first century there was a renewed persecution as John himself suffered as pastor of the church at Ephesus. He was targeted, captured, tortured, then exiled to the island of Patmos, from which he wrote his Gospel, 3 epistles and the Revelation. Jesus had warned His disciples that they would be hated (John 15:18-19) just as He had been. These warnings today in the west would seem to be meaningless, because of the relative popularity of Christianity, but there is a strong undercurrent of disdain for Christians everywhere that is inevitable.
   Having said that, a search on Google for “Hate Christians” yielded 1.23 Million sites describing what people hate about Christianity! This is still a shock to new Christians. How could any religion, so known for its humanitarian relief to the poor and orphans, be so despised? The answer is not in what it does, but what it stands for and what it believes.
   The implication of the negative present tense verb is “cease being surprised,” implying that these believers had been surprised or astonished by how much the world hated Christians. The author is telling them to stop being surprised. Just as Cain hated Abel and sought to kill him, so the world would be delighted to be rid of all Christians. It is more than remarkable that such hatred is seldom expressed toward any other religion (with the exception of Judaism). A core part of Christianity is its willingness to be rejected by the majority. Attempting to be popular and acceptable leads to compromise, syncretism or excessive temptations. This must be an understood characteristic of the Christian life. It is the cross we are commanded to bear.
   The attempts of believers to minimize this hatred against Christians by seeking “friendship with the world” James declares as “enmity with God…Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). The word “friend” (philos) means “beloved, dear, follower, or supporter” (TDNT), thus refers to wanting a deep bond with the world. This is distinct from being friendly or loving the world as God loves the world. It means to seek and desire what the world offers for selfish satisfaction and pleasure.
   Since true believers do not need worldly things or pleasures for meaning and fulfillment in life, they seem strange and different. Pagans of the first century would have come out of many evil and perverse practices, which were considered normal. When the believers decided not to participate in the world’s excesses, they become unsociable, anti-culture, or an anomaly that is seen as rejecting the traditions of the nation. They suddenly are viewed as aliens, enemies and virtual traitors.
   The writer to Hebrews put it this way: “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Heb 13:12-14). Don’t be surprised by the world’s “reproach,” rather anticipate it; yea, welcome it as an honor to be despised as Jesus was. This is the band of true brotherhood.

Proverbs 8:13, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 10 Don't loose God's persepctive of time

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

2 Peter 3:8, Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice~|, that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day.

   Peter paraphrased a verse from Psalms 90:4, “For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night.” The command is to gain meaning from the fact that God’s perspective of time is different from the way man thinks in his day-to-day life. What does this mean for us?
   Peter has been discussing the return of Christ, which may seem like He has delayed His return a long time. Some may be tempted to doubt whether He will ever return. The Lord Jesus will return to earth, as promised, but in God’s timetable as determined before time began. His Word promises that He will return (Acts 1:11), but has delayed that return “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (3:9). There is a plan to His delay, and it has to do with the increased salvation of believers worldwide.
   Jesus was asked, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matt 24:3). After giving a number of catastrophic signs Jesus concluded with a categorical statement: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations [ethnos or ethnic people groups], then the end will come” (24:14). The following context of chapter 24 deals with the horrible days of “great tribulation” (24:21), which will begin after Jesus returns to rapture all the believers living on earth (1 Thess 4:15-17).
The fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20), which mandates that the task of the church is to make at least some disciples in every people group on earth, defines when Jesus will return. At the date of 2010 there are approximately 1,640 people groups with no gospel message in their language. These “nations” or people groups must become the priority of the global church. This must be why Jesus is delaying His return. Jesus waits for the church at large to complete the one thing He told them to accomplish: “make disciples of all nations” (that is, all people groups).
   Why does Christ not return? He is committed to letting every language group on earth hear of His sacrificial death on the cross before He returns. Peter literally writes, “Stop letting this one thing escape your notice,” because he wants us all to recognize that there is a purpose to Jesus’ delay. It is not arbitrary or purposeless.
   In the 1990’s the 10/40 Window became the target of the AD 2000 Movement, which motivated the global church to commit to reaching the major 2,400 unreached people groups of the world (100,000+ pop.). The Seed Company of SIL now seeks to begin translation in all minor people groups by 2025. We are getting close. At the beginning of the opening of the seven-sealed Book in heaven or at the beginning of the Tribulation, there are already some from “every tribe, language, people and nation (ethnos)” (Rev 5:9). Someone accomplished the mission! Pioneers and translators are still needed. Will you pray for this mission? Lets be part of the solution.

NKJ Psalm 40:16, Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!"

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 9 Arm yourself with realistic thinking

2012-02-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

1 Peter 4:1 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm*~ yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin,

   In the past 25 years nearly 20 million have been martyred for their loyalty to Jesus Christ. Peter was preparing the Early Church with the mind-set that would take them through the next three-hundred years of intense Roman persecution, then future readers throughout the Church Age where the gospel has been rejected.
   Peter is calling the churches to “urgently decide to arm” itself (hoplizo, “furnish with arms” or metaph. “to take on the same mind”) with a positive attitude towards dying for our Lord. Today this seems so remote that is seldom discussed in the west, but it is a common experience in the rest of the world. In the Early Church believers took this concept to heart. Many eagerly anticipated when it would be their turn to die for Christ, considering it the highest honor that a follower of Christ could experience.
   Jesus spoke about this attitude frequently. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). We like to spiritualize the “cross” to mean anything from physical hardships we suffer in life to giving up a couple of hours on Sunday morning to go to church. However, Jesus made this even more serious when He said, “he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life [guarding it for himself] will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it” (Matt 10:38-39). His readers knew Jesus was talking about being executed for refusing to deny or abandon Christ.
   Many missionaries prepare themselves before leaving to go overseas with the realistic possibility that they will not survive on earth their service for Christ. They openly discuss this reality with each other and make all the possible preparations should it occur. This minimizes the fear, and empowers a freedom to stand boldly in the face of persecution and threats.
   The phrase “has finished with sin” is in the perfect tense, meaning that a past completed action continues to have present effect. Thus, this mental preparation results in fleshly sins having no attraction or meaning.
   Jesus came to earth intentionally to die for others bearing their sins (which we cannot do), but we can arm ourselves with His attitude who “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb 12:2). The worst that could happen to a believer is to suffer death, which is simultaneously the best thing that could happen to the believer because it means that the battle with sin is finally over.
   Most believers die from accidents or diseases, but the glorious possibility of dying for Christ gives these verses richer meaning and deeper encouragement:  “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:54-56). Can you meditate on these concepts until death, especially if for Christ's testimony, is welcomed?

Psalms 79:11, “Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You. According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die.”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 8 Resist the devil

2012-02-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

1 Peter 5:9, Resist him*~, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

   “Satan is alive and well in the planet earth,” described the ongoing battle for the minds and souls of mankind. His work is to destroy all that God has created and he is good at it. You are his target too. It is vital that the believer knows the tactics of the enemy and how to resist him. The word, “resist” (antihistemi), means to “stand against or oppose.” We are promised in James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.“ We have to trust God’s Word that we have authority to resist this powerful and deceitful creature and that he will flee.
   He uses the alluring temptation of sensuality, fame or greed for what the world system offers. He wants to us to believe that his way is the most satisfying and that we deserve everything he has to offer, but he insists that we follow his impulses and urges. He relies on our curiosity and sensuality. For this reason we must fortify our minds against the lie that the world can genuinely meet our needs. “Love not the world nor the things in the world… For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever" (1 Jn 2:15-17).
   A second area Satan attacks God’s creatures is in marriage and family relations. God’s design is that man’s sensual satisfactions, and soul-mate companionship, are met in a healthy, passionate marriage relationship for life. No one should look for this satisfaction in any other relationship. “The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife [sexually], and likewise also the wife to her husband. … Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Cor 7:3,5).
   A third area of Satan’s attacks is false ideas, arguments or teachings that occur to our minds. Satan cannot read our minds (he is not omniscient), but he can introduce ideas or concepts that appear to be reasonable, right or novel. Paul wrote in 1 Tim 4:1, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” These attacks seem so spontaneous, enlightening and reasonable that they are hard to resist. It is a mind-game that rages constantly with demonic forces who seek to get us to believe lies or a divisive thought or deviant teaching that contradicts God’s Word. “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor 11:3).
   In every realm of attack, it is the justification for selfish, self-centered, self-exaltation and self-will that Satan seeks in our lives. Can you recognize this? Satan wants us to be like him, and not like Christ. We must bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Be faithful always.

Psalm 71:3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

Feb 7 Be sober and alert against the devil

2012-02-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober*~ and alert*~. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour."

   In some companies the competition and desire to eliminate others who might impede their own opportunity for advancement makes for an aggressive and dangerous environment. Anything you do or say can and will be used against you. Only the “survivors” succeed.
   In the Christian life we are called to "urgently decide to be sober and alert” because an enemy is on the prowl. To be “sober” (nepho) means to be “calm and collected in spirit, temperate and dispassionate.” This attitude allows one to look at reality with a clear mind, in full control of one’s own disposition. In the fullness of the Spirit the attribute of "self-control" becomes one of the characteristics that marks a Spirit-filled person (Gal 5:22).
   There is some confusion about this point from Eph 5:18, “Do not be drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.” Some teach that as the individual looses control of himself under the influence of wine, likewise he should loose control of himself under the filling of the Spirit. However, a careful observation of the passage takes note of the connective word between the two clauses: “but.” This word introduces an aversive or opposite meaning, not a similarity or comparison. Thus the second clause does the opposite of loosing control of one’s self under the influence of wine, rather under the Spirit, the effect is maximum control of one’s self, i.e. temperance or self-control (Gal 5:22).
   To "be alert" (gregoreuo) means to “arouse, watch, give attention to [especially to God’s revelation], or being watchful for opportunities and dangers (both internal and external forces seeking to harm or destroy him). Jesus warned Peter just before his betrayal: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith not fail’ (Luke 22:31-32). A few hours later Peter failed to watch and pray (Matt 26:41), which led to his denial of the Lord Jesus.
   Satan, we are told, accuses the Christian in the presence of God (Rev 12:10) as he did in the OT times (Zech 3:1-5 and Job 1:6). Furthermore, the world is under the power of the “evil one.” The psalmist wrote, “Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me” (Ps 22:13). Peter likewise described Satan as a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Humans are no match for this most powerful enemy.
   Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:31). John declared that believers “have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Rev 12:11); nevertheless, the believer must always be alert “against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11) and protected with spiritual armor (Eph 6:11-18).
Martin Luther wrote:
  "The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure,   One little Word shall fell him."

Psalms 119:86, “All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!”

For a year's daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.