I know some out there keep up with the blog, however I will be taking a sabbatical from preaching until Sept. 19. By newborn Elizabeth came into the world this past Wed. Aug. 11 and I will be spending time with my family and helping my wife to recuperate.
We appreciate your prayers,
Bob
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Running the Race to Win
1 Cor. 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."
We are in the race of a lifetime, and the finish line will usher us either into heaven or hell. In order to finish this race we must be trained, disciplined and ready to meet the obstacles and challenges set forth before us. If we are not disciplined, we may be disqualified and lose the race. There is an interesting lesson here. Although we believe in the sovereign grace of God in salvation, and sanctification; and although we know we go to heaven because of the finished work of Christ and nothing we do...yet it seems as if scripture is teaching to some degree that we must make an effort. While it seems paradoxical, that we can at once be saved entirely by God's grace and yet at the same time are commanded to make an effort it is not. In Phil. 2:12-13 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Here we see how at once we are commanded to work out our salvation and at the same time realize it is God who is work in us. Recognizing that God is at work in us does not in any way negate the responsibility we have to work out our salvation, run the race and make every effort in our Christian development. The best illustration I have heard used is one of the farmer. In order to produce a crop, the farmer depends on the sun and the rain to yield any fruits. This is God's responsibility. However he must still sow seeds, till the soil and care for the crop. This is the farmers responsibility. God gives the rain and sun which the farmer cannot give and the farmer sows the seed and tills the land which God does not do. Through this cooperation, the farm yields a harvest. In the same way God had given us everything necessary for living a sanctified life though his Holy Spirit. The bible says in 2 Pet. 1:3 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" It's already there. We have all we need to live a godly life, now its up to us to harness the power of God within. The Arminian argues we are free moral agents and can choose God or not. But that is impossible without the divine aid of the Holy Spirit through regeneration. But once we are converted and the Holy Spirit has sealed us, than we are truly free. We are free in Christ and now have the ability to obey God and run the race set before us.
My sermon Sunday was a challenging one- even to myself. But I know "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Don't live in defeat brothers and sisters, but live in accordance with the victory won for us by Christ and trust that he is able to help you run this race by his divine power. See you at the finish line.
We are in the race of a lifetime, and the finish line will usher us either into heaven or hell. In order to finish this race we must be trained, disciplined and ready to meet the obstacles and challenges set forth before us. If we are not disciplined, we may be disqualified and lose the race. There is an interesting lesson here. Although we believe in the sovereign grace of God in salvation, and sanctification; and although we know we go to heaven because of the finished work of Christ and nothing we do...yet it seems as if scripture is teaching to some degree that we must make an effort. While it seems paradoxical, that we can at once be saved entirely by God's grace and yet at the same time are commanded to make an effort it is not. In Phil. 2:12-13 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Here we see how at once we are commanded to work out our salvation and at the same time realize it is God who is work in us. Recognizing that God is at work in us does not in any way negate the responsibility we have to work out our salvation, run the race and make every effort in our Christian development. The best illustration I have heard used is one of the farmer. In order to produce a crop, the farmer depends on the sun and the rain to yield any fruits. This is God's responsibility. However he must still sow seeds, till the soil and care for the crop. This is the farmers responsibility. God gives the rain and sun which the farmer cannot give and the farmer sows the seed and tills the land which God does not do. Through this cooperation, the farm yields a harvest. In the same way God had given us everything necessary for living a sanctified life though his Holy Spirit. The bible says in 2 Pet. 1:3 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" It's already there. We have all we need to live a godly life, now its up to us to harness the power of God within. The Arminian argues we are free moral agents and can choose God or not. But that is impossible without the divine aid of the Holy Spirit through regeneration. But once we are converted and the Holy Spirit has sealed us, than we are truly free. We are free in Christ and now have the ability to obey God and run the race set before us.
My sermon Sunday was a challenging one- even to myself. But I know "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Don't live in defeat brothers and sisters, but live in accordance with the victory won for us by Christ and trust that he is able to help you run this race by his divine power. See you at the finish line.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)