James 5:4-5 "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter."
One of the most sensitive subjects in Christianity and one of the most convicting for us as American Christians, is the subject of money. That is because money is so tied into the fabric of our culture. We are a capitalist nation. Working heard to earn money and spend it on what we choose is the basis of a consumer driven market and in large part has contributed to us living in one of the most prosperous societies in history. However...Can living in such a prosperous society actually be a curse? Often we think that materiel prosperity translates into God's blessings. But when a nation is very prosperous it can be the opposite. People begin more and more to love money and commit the sin of idolatry with that wretched god, mammon.
The text I quoted above from James is written to those who are wealthy. Maybes some of you reading this think, that doesn't apply to me, I am poor. Maybe relative to the top 5% of wealthy Americans you are. But compared to 75% of the human population, you are rich. That is because 75% of the human population lives in abject poverty (They do not have a house, bathroom, clothing, food, medical service etc.) We have it pretty good. In the text quoted we also have a scenario where the wealthy are withholding pay to those who labor in the fields. This can be understood in a literal sense, but I have always thought of this in regards to those who labor in the gospel. Why? Because the bible uses this metaphor in relationship to gospel ministry. Matt. 9:37 "Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” And in 1 Cor. 9:10 "It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop." Those laborers are clearly those engaged in the gospel ministry gathering God's elect. What I see here is a rebuke by James to those wealthy Christians holding back on supporting those who served in the ministry, and I also believe this rebuke carries over today. I think of pastors in foreign countries who live in shacks and huts barely able to feed their families. I also think of pastors in the United States. With the exception of the few pastors who have large ministries that have a lot of money, most pastors receive an income way below the standard salary of a professional according to today's standards, and most pastors are unable to support their families forcing their wives to work to supplement the income. Sadly the rights of a minister are not highly regarded by many church goers in our country. And is a sad commentary of western Christianity.
This is why James gives such a strong warning, it is a warning of those who live luxuriously at the expense of shortchanging those who labor in the gospel. This is where prosperity can be a curse. Ironically, it is a lot easier to be generous when we have little, but when we have a lot it is more difficult. People become dependent and feel secure with their wealth and are afraid to depart with their money. James likens such people to cattle which are fattened to be slaughtered, giving a vivid depiction of divine judgment on such indulgent attitudes. This was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah. While we often think God judged them because of their sexual immorality, it was not the only reason. In fact it was just a symptom of a greater problem. The problem of overindulgence due to prosperity. We read in Ezekiel 16:49-51 "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it"
I wonder sometime if our prosperity in America is not so much God's blessing, but God's curse. Maybe he is fattening us up for the slaughter. Well I am not a prophet nor a son of a prophet, but one thing I am is a person who can perceive. And I perceive as a society we have become very self indulgent and very greedy. May God have mercy on us. I am especially grieved when recent surveys indicate giving has gone down significantly in churches and the average person gives less than 5% of their income to their local church. Even recently due to shortages in the SBC, many missionaries have a cut in funding this year. How can such a thing happen in a nation where we have so much abundance? This is truly sad and truly sinful. God will hold us accountable on Judgment Day for how responsible we were with his money and if we we haven't been generous towards his Kingdom. It will do us all good to pay attention to the teaching of the Lord on this matter:
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12: 15-21
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Dealing with Matters of Conscience
While eating food sacrificed to idols may not be an issue for modern Christians we are faced with many other issues that would fall under the category of : Matter of Conscience. I often get questions like this and it can become challenging jumping theological hurdles in dealing with issues striking that proper balance in not presenting a stumbling block and at the same time not imposing a man made rule or regulation on someone. I decided to post a few examples of questions that I have received recently and over the years to help demonstrate how we can apply the principles of 1 Cor. 8 and also add another strategy in dealing with these issues.
As I outline some of these, let me preface by saying that there are issues that are clearly dealt with in Scripture. When someone come to me and asks is it okay to engage in pre-marital sex? - the answer is obviously no, and that is a matter of fact. However there are issues that are not so clear in Scripture and must be given more thought.
Sabbath Observance: Romans Chapter 14 is the main passage along with 1 Corinthians 8 dealing with issues of conscience. In Rom. 14, Paul deals with the issue of Sabbath observance. In the new church made up of both Jewish and Gentile converts there was definitely a difference on this issue. Jews were still no doubt beholden to the Law, and with a weak conscience felt obligated to observe the (Saturday) Sabbath. But Gentiles on the other hand felt no such obligation. To them "all days were alike" and their conscience was free from guilt in non- sabbath observance. However it is important to note that the early church had already established a tradition of meeting on the first day of the week for corporate worship in accordance with Jesus resurrection. But this was not the same as the Jewish Sabbath. This is one major issue of debate amongst sincere believers today. Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath? I would say no. There is no explicit teaching in the NT that states that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday nor that the observances of the Sabbath was to be maintained by the church. While opponents may argue that Sabbath observance is instituted at creation and ratified in the Ten Commandments, I would argue that the "Saturday' Sabbath was instituted to point to the "rest" we enter, when we come to faith in Christ. (Col. 2:16-17, Heb 4:9) But the point here is this- If someone believes that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath and to go out to eat or do business on Sunday is a sin, I will not argue with them- because I do not want to cause them to violate their conscience and cause a weaker brother to stumble. At the same token- I think those who do hold those views should not seek to impose their beliefs on those who do not agree. As scripture says: "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord." Rom. 14:5-6 As with other issues- this is a matter of conscience.
Alcoholic Beverages: During the industrial revolution in the United States, many churches bought into what is called "cultural holiness." Which simply is a form of legalism in response to cultural trends. When the industrial revolution took place, most men worked out of the house long hours and spent a great deal of time drinking. Consequently business production was weakened, domestic violence increased and crime also was on the rise. The culprit was drunkenness. The response by many Evangelical churches was to completely renounce all forms of drinking as utterly sinful and teach and preach total abstinence. Ever since the prohibition activists were successful in completely condemning the usage of all alcoholic beverages, there has always been a strong position of this maintained in many churches. Such a response was a radical approach to dealing with a larger social problem. The reality is- the bible does not teach total abstinence of alcoholic beverages. In fact everyone in the bible probably drank alcoholic beverages on a daily basis. Why? Prior to modern times, pure water was hard to come by- and the drink of choice was wine. Even in Europe during the middle ages and in early America, beer was a common drink. Why? Once again- pure water was hard to come by. Try to push total abstinence on people in those times and there would not be much to drink. Even in some parts of the world today people still drink wine with their meals as part of a culture, and they are not drunkards. I heard of one story where a group of Evangelicals from America took a trip to Israel. While on tour they celebrated the Lord's Supper at the empty tomb where Jesus was supposedly laid. When some in the group found out that real wine was being served they protested and refused to celebrate communion believing it to be a sin to use wine in the Lord's Supper. Last I checked the bible says Jesus used wine, not grape juice. See how silly? The problem is not drinking- but drunkenness. The bible condemns drunkenness because it take control over someones life and places people into bondage. Eph. 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit," which means we are to be controlled by the Spirit and not by alcohol. However once again, if someone has a weak conscience and drinking alcohol can lead them into irreparable sin - Like Paul said... I will never "eat meat again". Just fill in the blank, "If doing something hurts my brother, I will never ( ) again."
I have been asked many questions about what is sinful and what is not. I have been asked if things like are sinful like, martial arts, tattoos, clothing, music, entertainment, dancing, playing cards, video games, certain career choices, eating blood sausage, eating pork, eating shrimp, etc. etc. Because not everything is clear in scripture as to what is sinful and there are "gray" areas there is a strategy we can use in helping us form our convictions and thereby live accordingly to our own conscience. Each one of us must listen to our own conscience after careful study of scripture and not be told by anyone else what to do. Rom. 14:22-23 "The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."
1) Rom. 14:7-8 "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. " What is our motive? It is what is motivating us in our heart. At the root of everything we can determine why we are doing or not doing something. The most important question must be- is our motivation to honor God? Life is not ours to live but belongs to Christ. We were bought by a price and ultimately we must determine whether or not our conduct is pleasing to him.
2) 1 Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. Is what I am doing helpful to me spiritually, physically, mentally? Is it edifying? Or is going to draw me away from serving God?
3) 1 Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible but I will not be mastered by anything. Is what I am doing going to bring me under bondage? (Years ago I bought a Sony PlayStation. After finding myself addicted to it and playing it for hours a day- I quickly gave it up realizing it was not doing me any good and was mastering my affections.)
4) 1 Cor. 8:13- If eating meat cause my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again. Is what I am doing hurtful to others? Is it going to offend a brother or sister in Christ and cause them to sin? We must be careful we do not exercise our liberty to someone else's hurt.
5) 1 Cor. 10:31 "Do all to the glory of God" Does what I do glorify God? In other words does what I do bring attention to the greatness and person of God? Is what I am doing reflecting God to those around me?
These are good ways to guide our conduct and help us to make wise choices in areas of conscience. Do you have anything that you are wondering about? Is there a matter which you are unsure of?
I would like to hear your comments. Please post any questions on matters of conscience you may have.
As I outline some of these, let me preface by saying that there are issues that are clearly dealt with in Scripture. When someone come to me and asks is it okay to engage in pre-marital sex? - the answer is obviously no, and that is a matter of fact. However there are issues that are not so clear in Scripture and must be given more thought.
Sabbath Observance: Romans Chapter 14 is the main passage along with 1 Corinthians 8 dealing with issues of conscience. In Rom. 14, Paul deals with the issue of Sabbath observance. In the new church made up of both Jewish and Gentile converts there was definitely a difference on this issue. Jews were still no doubt beholden to the Law, and with a weak conscience felt obligated to observe the (Saturday) Sabbath. But Gentiles on the other hand felt no such obligation. To them "all days were alike" and their conscience was free from guilt in non- sabbath observance. However it is important to note that the early church had already established a tradition of meeting on the first day of the week for corporate worship in accordance with Jesus resurrection. But this was not the same as the Jewish Sabbath. This is one major issue of debate amongst sincere believers today. Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath? I would say no. There is no explicit teaching in the NT that states that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday nor that the observances of the Sabbath was to be maintained by the church. While opponents may argue that Sabbath observance is instituted at creation and ratified in the Ten Commandments, I would argue that the "Saturday' Sabbath was instituted to point to the "rest" we enter, when we come to faith in Christ. (Col. 2:16-17, Heb 4:9) But the point here is this- If someone believes that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath and to go out to eat or do business on Sunday is a sin, I will not argue with them- because I do not want to cause them to violate their conscience and cause a weaker brother to stumble. At the same token- I think those who do hold those views should not seek to impose their beliefs on those who do not agree. As scripture says: "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord." Rom. 14:5-6 As with other issues- this is a matter of conscience.
Alcoholic Beverages: During the industrial revolution in the United States, many churches bought into what is called "cultural holiness." Which simply is a form of legalism in response to cultural trends. When the industrial revolution took place, most men worked out of the house long hours and spent a great deal of time drinking. Consequently business production was weakened, domestic violence increased and crime also was on the rise. The culprit was drunkenness. The response by many Evangelical churches was to completely renounce all forms of drinking as utterly sinful and teach and preach total abstinence. Ever since the prohibition activists were successful in completely condemning the usage of all alcoholic beverages, there has always been a strong position of this maintained in many churches. Such a response was a radical approach to dealing with a larger social problem. The reality is- the bible does not teach total abstinence of alcoholic beverages. In fact everyone in the bible probably drank alcoholic beverages on a daily basis. Why? Prior to modern times, pure water was hard to come by- and the drink of choice was wine. Even in Europe during the middle ages and in early America, beer was a common drink. Why? Once again- pure water was hard to come by. Try to push total abstinence on people in those times and there would not be much to drink. Even in some parts of the world today people still drink wine with their meals as part of a culture, and they are not drunkards. I heard of one story where a group of Evangelicals from America took a trip to Israel. While on tour they celebrated the Lord's Supper at the empty tomb where Jesus was supposedly laid. When some in the group found out that real wine was being served they protested and refused to celebrate communion believing it to be a sin to use wine in the Lord's Supper. Last I checked the bible says Jesus used wine, not grape juice. See how silly? The problem is not drinking- but drunkenness. The bible condemns drunkenness because it take control over someones life and places people into bondage. Eph. 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit," which means we are to be controlled by the Spirit and not by alcohol. However once again, if someone has a weak conscience and drinking alcohol can lead them into irreparable sin - Like Paul said... I will never "eat meat again". Just fill in the blank, "If doing something hurts my brother, I will never ( ) again."
I have been asked many questions about what is sinful and what is not. I have been asked if things like are sinful like, martial arts, tattoos, clothing, music, entertainment, dancing, playing cards, video games, certain career choices, eating blood sausage, eating pork, eating shrimp, etc. etc. Because not everything is clear in scripture as to what is sinful and there are "gray" areas there is a strategy we can use in helping us form our convictions and thereby live accordingly to our own conscience. Each one of us must listen to our own conscience after careful study of scripture and not be told by anyone else what to do. Rom. 14:22-23 "The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."
1) Rom. 14:7-8 "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. " What is our motive? It is what is motivating us in our heart. At the root of everything we can determine why we are doing or not doing something. The most important question must be- is our motivation to honor God? Life is not ours to live but belongs to Christ. We were bought by a price and ultimately we must determine whether or not our conduct is pleasing to him.
2) 1 Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. Is what I am doing helpful to me spiritually, physically, mentally? Is it edifying? Or is going to draw me away from serving God?
3) 1 Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible but I will not be mastered by anything. Is what I am doing going to bring me under bondage? (Years ago I bought a Sony PlayStation. After finding myself addicted to it and playing it for hours a day- I quickly gave it up realizing it was not doing me any good and was mastering my affections.)
4) 1 Cor. 8:13- If eating meat cause my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again. Is what I am doing hurtful to others? Is it going to offend a brother or sister in Christ and cause them to sin? We must be careful we do not exercise our liberty to someone else's hurt.
5) 1 Cor. 10:31 "Do all to the glory of God" Does what I do glorify God? In other words does what I do bring attention to the greatness and person of God? Is what I am doing reflecting God to those around me?
These are good ways to guide our conduct and help us to make wise choices in areas of conscience. Do you have anything that you are wondering about? Is there a matter which you are unsure of?
I would like to hear your comments. Please post any questions on matters of conscience you may have.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Free to Serve God in our Vocation
In last weeks sermon we looked at one of the reformed principles of the Doctrine of Vocation. Here we have the underlying principle that whatever out lot is in life, God has called us to be there to serve him and glorify him in that vocation. Vocation can mean serving God full-time in ministry and also means those who serve God as secretaries, custodians, doctors, lawyers, stay at home moms and students all have a unique and wonderful opportunity to serve God where ever he has called us. The importance of this doctrine is that it adds dignity and honor to whatever we do in life. Society makes distinctions placing some vocations as more dignified than others.Culture can create an attitude of disdain towards certain vocations which leads to a poor attitude in general. Let me give and an example:
Often times when you go to a fast food restaurant you will find disgruntled employees who are slack in their job and treat their customers poorly. This is based on an attitude cultivated by a society that places different degrees of dignity on certain vocations. For a Christian who may be placed in that position for whatever reason, should see this not so much as a low wage job with no dignity but rather as an opportunity to serve God in that particular place and glorify him in that calling. (By the way- the silver lining in a bad economy is that people do their jobs a whole lot better. I notice since the unemployment rates have risen- customer service has improved drastically in many places. People want to keep their jobs now!)
This is reflected in Col. 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." The bible makes it explicitly clear that what ever we do, we are ultimately serving Christ.That means whether we are flipping burgers in a fast food restaurant or working as a professional, we must see our vocation as service to the Lord. If we see things like that it adds dignity to whatever we do, it makes us enjoy our jobs more and ultimately we become a "mask of God" in whatever setting we are in- being a light for the gospel.
This doesn't mean we shouldn't seek to improve our situation. Paul encouraged slaves to obtain their freedom if possible. If we can improve our situation we should by all means do so, but our attitudes need to be right. We must see that even if we do seek to improve our situation in life either by getting an education or professional training, it should be with the intention of having a better opportunity to glorify God. After all we need more godly lawyers who will remain honest and truthful in their practice. We need doctors who genuinely career for their patients and are not in the practice just for a buck. We live in a country where opportunity abounds. But we should see everything in life as a calling from God to serve him regardless of the circumstances. And that is dignified no matter what the circumstances.
The overarching theme in 1 Cor. 7 is the issue of whether to remain single or married. Both are vocations and both have dignity. So we can serve and glorify God in either calling. But there is a special opportunity for single people to serve God unhindered by the responsibilities of family life. I would encourage singles as I do often- don't waste your singleness. Use whatever resources and time you have for the Kingdom of God. The more you invest in the Kingdom the more you will reap in eternity. Keep that in mind. This world is passing away and the time is very short. Eternity is forever- therefore make you home there.
Often times when you go to a fast food restaurant you will find disgruntled employees who are slack in their job and treat their customers poorly. This is based on an attitude cultivated by a society that places different degrees of dignity on certain vocations. For a Christian who may be placed in that position for whatever reason, should see this not so much as a low wage job with no dignity but rather as an opportunity to serve God in that particular place and glorify him in that calling. (By the way- the silver lining in a bad economy is that people do their jobs a whole lot better. I notice since the unemployment rates have risen- customer service has improved drastically in many places. People want to keep their jobs now!)
This is reflected in Col. 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." The bible makes it explicitly clear that what ever we do, we are ultimately serving Christ.That means whether we are flipping burgers in a fast food restaurant or working as a professional, we must see our vocation as service to the Lord. If we see things like that it adds dignity to whatever we do, it makes us enjoy our jobs more and ultimately we become a "mask of God" in whatever setting we are in- being a light for the gospel.
This doesn't mean we shouldn't seek to improve our situation. Paul encouraged slaves to obtain their freedom if possible. If we can improve our situation we should by all means do so, but our attitudes need to be right. We must see that even if we do seek to improve our situation in life either by getting an education or professional training, it should be with the intention of having a better opportunity to glorify God. After all we need more godly lawyers who will remain honest and truthful in their practice. We need doctors who genuinely career for their patients and are not in the practice just for a buck. We live in a country where opportunity abounds. But we should see everything in life as a calling from God to serve him regardless of the circumstances. And that is dignified no matter what the circumstances.
The overarching theme in 1 Cor. 7 is the issue of whether to remain single or married. Both are vocations and both have dignity. So we can serve and glorify God in either calling. But there is a special opportunity for single people to serve God unhindered by the responsibilities of family life. I would encourage singles as I do often- don't waste your singleness. Use whatever resources and time you have for the Kingdom of God. The more you invest in the Kingdom the more you will reap in eternity. Keep that in mind. This world is passing away and the time is very short. Eternity is forever- therefore make you home there.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Remaining Committed in Our Marriages in an Age of Easy Divorce
I must confess, that last Sunday's sermon was not an easy one to preach. First of all the text itself poses its own difficulties and then on top of that there is the added dimension that there are so many circumstances that are not addressed in scripture. That leaves a pastor with the responsibility to interpret what God has revealed and apply it to a variety of circumstances. Obviously not easy. Gordon Fee in his commentary on 1 Corinthians notes: "This issue is so complex, and the individual cases so diverse, that this text with its singular focus on maintaining mixed marriages does not offer much help"
On the subject of divorce and remarriage there is plenty of debate to go around even among the best of preachers, theologians and scholars, and subsequently lay believers. So we must realize we are treading on ground where there is not unanimous assent. There are some things we do agree on; and that is that marriage is a lifelong sacred bond between man and woman, instituted by God, and is to be treated with reverence (Heb. 13:4) by all. It is a commitment that 2 people make to each other that reflects the love and commitment of God for his people. There is unanimous agreement that God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). So the question remains, "Is it lawful to get a divorce?"
In my sermon I treated 1 Cor. 7:10-12 and Mark 10:2-9 as dealing with 2 believing people. I would like clarify something. I would not say this refers exclusively to 2 believers but rather 2 people who are equally yoked as opposed to unequally yoked which was referred to in 13-16. So that can also refer to 2 unbelievers, since marriage is honorable among all. Therefore I believe that the scriptures teaches that apart from adultery, there are no legitimate grounds for divorce whether they are 2 nonbelievers or believers. This would be consistent with Deut. 24:1. (I believe that the "indecency" is a reference to sexual immorality.) Therefore the marriage would be binding in God's eyes until one of the spouses dies. But there are caveats. What if you have divorced for some reason other than adultery and your ex-spouse, remarries. Is their marriage legitimate in God's eyes? Does that free the remaining spouse to remarry? A closer look at Deut. 24 reveals some answers. vs. 2-4 says, "...and if she goes and becomes another man's wife, and the latter man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter man dies, who took her to be his wife, then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the Lord. And you shall not bring sin upon the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance." It seems to me at least, that the woman who was divorced, and then remarried is no longer a consideration for reconciliation, even after her second husband dies. Apparently she is defiled, and to remarry would bring defilement on the land of Israel. This seem a bit complicated, being that Christ teaches that whoever remarries after divorce is guilty of adultery, signaling that the bond from the original marriage is binding, however reconciliation has been ruled out as an option, leaving the innocent party with 2 options- remarry or remain single. This is where disagreement lies. I have heard several arguments in favor of both.
In the end these are issue that can be debated but not divided over. However we can learn some important lessons- 1) That a Christian should not initiate a divorce unless there is a violation of sexual fidelity. Whether a mixed marriage or not, we ought to work hard at maintaining our marriages even in trying circumstances. And we should do our best to discourage divorce in the church and in our families. When we see married couples in trouble, we ought to do everything to help them reconcile. 2) We need to be more understanding of those who have already divorced and remarried. Too often those who are divorced are treated with disdain, and that should not be the case. It is not the unpardonable sin and certainly we have committed sins that are offensive to God as well. Instead we must have an attitude of forgiveness and humility to recognize that apart from God's grace we could be in a worse situation.
A balanced approach should be taken as individuals with a respect towards those with different views. If we take such an approach we will have a more sanctified view of the subject and be more charitable towards each other.
On the subject of divorce and remarriage there is plenty of debate to go around even among the best of preachers, theologians and scholars, and subsequently lay believers. So we must realize we are treading on ground where there is not unanimous assent. There are some things we do agree on; and that is that marriage is a lifelong sacred bond between man and woman, instituted by God, and is to be treated with reverence (Heb. 13:4) by all. It is a commitment that 2 people make to each other that reflects the love and commitment of God for his people. There is unanimous agreement that God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). So the question remains, "Is it lawful to get a divorce?"
In my sermon I treated 1 Cor. 7:10-12 and Mark 10:2-9 as dealing with 2 believing people. I would like clarify something. I would not say this refers exclusively to 2 believers but rather 2 people who are equally yoked as opposed to unequally yoked which was referred to in 13-16. So that can also refer to 2 unbelievers, since marriage is honorable among all. Therefore I believe that the scriptures teaches that apart from adultery, there are no legitimate grounds for divorce whether they are 2 nonbelievers or believers. This would be consistent with Deut. 24:1. (I believe that the "indecency" is a reference to sexual immorality.) Therefore the marriage would be binding in God's eyes until one of the spouses dies. But there are caveats. What if you have divorced for some reason other than adultery and your ex-spouse, remarries. Is their marriage legitimate in God's eyes? Does that free the remaining spouse to remarry? A closer look at Deut. 24 reveals some answers. vs. 2-4 says, "...and if she goes and becomes another man's wife, and the latter man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter man dies, who took her to be his wife, then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the Lord. And you shall not bring sin upon the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance." It seems to me at least, that the woman who was divorced, and then remarried is no longer a consideration for reconciliation, even after her second husband dies. Apparently she is defiled, and to remarry would bring defilement on the land of Israel. This seem a bit complicated, being that Christ teaches that whoever remarries after divorce is guilty of adultery, signaling that the bond from the original marriage is binding, however reconciliation has been ruled out as an option, leaving the innocent party with 2 options- remarry or remain single. This is where disagreement lies. I have heard several arguments in favor of both.
In the end these are issue that can be debated but not divided over. However we can learn some important lessons- 1) That a Christian should not initiate a divorce unless there is a violation of sexual fidelity. Whether a mixed marriage or not, we ought to work hard at maintaining our marriages even in trying circumstances. And we should do our best to discourage divorce in the church and in our families. When we see married couples in trouble, we ought to do everything to help them reconcile. 2) We need to be more understanding of those who have already divorced and remarried. Too often those who are divorced are treated with disdain, and that should not be the case. It is not the unpardonable sin and certainly we have committed sins that are offensive to God as well. Instead we must have an attitude of forgiveness and humility to recognize that apart from God's grace we could be in a worse situation.
A balanced approach should be taken as individuals with a respect towards those with different views. If we take such an approach we will have a more sanctified view of the subject and be more charitable towards each other.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Greatness in Serving
In our last sermon we examined the teaching of Jesus on true greatness. True greatness, as Jesus said, was not based on being served but on serving others. Serving others is not something that comes easy. Even though we have the Holy Spirit and have been given the mind of Christ, we still have sinful tendencies in us that inspire us to want to be served. By nature we are selfish and self serving people. But Christ has set us free from living under the domination of our sinful nature. If we are going to serve others and "be the slaves of all" we must first die to ourselves. When the apostle Paul gathered the Ephesian elders to wish them farewell before he journeyed to Jerusalem he exhorted them and testified of his own ministry. In testifying of his own ministry he explained to them that the Holy Spirit has testified to him that he was going to face imprisonment. What was his response to this?
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."Acts 20:24
This sounds bizarre and self deprecating. Paul does not value his life? Isn't life a gift from God? What Paul meant was that he "didn't count his life dear to himself" He knew that wasn't living for himself, but for God. Saul of Tarsus had died. Life had new meaning now for Paul. It had meaning and purpose in regards to living for God. So how did Paul's life manifest itself? As we read further in the text, we see Paul recount and describe his ministry..
33-35 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Wow. Not only was Paul a faithful minister of the gospel, but he worked with his own hands and labored to "help the weak". Why? Because he was mindful of the teaching of Jesus, "It is better to give than receive" which is Paul's way of articulating, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all."Mark 10:44
The only way we can truly serve others with a joyful heart and give of ourselves freely is if we have died to ourselves and do not count our lives as dear to ourselves. This is the only way we can truly be great in the Kingdom of God. Jesus put it another way, "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." John 12:25-26
Serving Christ, Serving others = reward of eternal life and being found honorable in the sight of the Father.
Signing off..
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."Acts 20:24
This sounds bizarre and self deprecating. Paul does not value his life? Isn't life a gift from God? What Paul meant was that he "didn't count his life dear to himself" He knew that wasn't living for himself, but for God. Saul of Tarsus had died. Life had new meaning now for Paul. It had meaning and purpose in regards to living for God. So how did Paul's life manifest itself? As we read further in the text, we see Paul recount and describe his ministry..
33-35 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Wow. Not only was Paul a faithful minister of the gospel, but he worked with his own hands and labored to "help the weak". Why? Because he was mindful of the teaching of Jesus, "It is better to give than receive" which is Paul's way of articulating, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all."Mark 10:44
The only way we can truly serve others with a joyful heart and give of ourselves freely is if we have died to ourselves and do not count our lives as dear to ourselves. This is the only way we can truly be great in the Kingdom of God. Jesus put it another way, "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." John 12:25-26
Serving Christ, Serving others = reward of eternal life and being found honorable in the sight of the Father.
Signing off..
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Gift of Marriage
In this weeks sermon we looked at a very explicit passage in the scripture which teaches how sexual intercourse is to be enjoyed, celebrated and pursued in the context of marriage. It is a wonderful blessing that two people enjoy and is a genuine gift of God. As we ended the sermon we looked at how single people should approach marriage. The question was to marry or not to marry. Certainly remaining single has advantages in that one is completely free to serve God in the ministry. But for most people, remaining single is not an option. God's word states:
1 Cor. 7:9 "But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."
Today in many Christian families and circles, we are discouraging young people from marrying, and instead encouraging them to go to college and get and education. There is nothing wrong with this and I will certainly encourage my daughter to do the same thing when she is of age. But one thing I find a problem is when young people are burning with passion, and then discouraged form being married. Now certainly it is not the best reason to marry, but nevertheless, it is a command of scripture. The problem with many young adults is that the temptations to sin sexually abound. Besides their biological urges, they are bombarded from every angle. College life is notorious for sexually charged environments. From spring break to the dorm life, it can be very different for young believers to remain pure in light of such temptations. At the work place and in general there is a great pressure to cave in. So the question is, "Would we rather have young Christian adults are who defiled sexually but are on the fast track to an education? Or have young Christian adults who may have the slow track to an education but be morally pure?
If we are serious about God's word, than we are more concerned about what scripture says than what society mandates. It is better marry than to burn. That is because the bible makes so clear that no sexually immoral person will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Now I am referring to extreme circumstances. The ideal thing is to have young Christians who can go to school and get a career and wait to get married afterwards. But if they cannot why hinder them.
I write this article in light of the reality of what a low view of marriage we have in our society today. And that low view has trickled into the church. On the other hand society has a very liberal view towards sexuality and that likewise has trickled into the church. This is where we as Christians must take a stand and go against the grain of society and trust and obey God's word. God is more concerned with his peoples holiness than he is about what degree they hold. He is more concerned with family life that exalts him than he is about a secular career. And he is more concerned with his people enjoying the gift of sex within its proper context, than the fleeting pleasures of sexual immorality.
For those people who are single- If you can remain single and pure- Praise God!! But if you cannot- it is better to marry. But know this- marry in the Lord. Many people have made a shipwreck of their faith by entering into an unequally yoked marriage. They may have satisfied their carnal cravings, but at the cost of a lifetime of grief. What a blessing when a Christan man and Christian woman marry each other and enjoy the gift of sexual intercourse to the glory of God!
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Sacred Body
The 1960's brought us the Beatles, the hippy movement and sexual liberation. In the name of love and peace, many young people part of the counterculture movement of the 60's indulged themselves in sexual immorality rejecting the notion of fornication being a sin, because they had rejected all forms of authority and moral norms. Some have lived though it and some, like myself, are the children of that generation. But we do not have to look back tot he 1960's to look for evidence of a sexually charged culture. Right now in our day, sexual immorality is at a high point. According to recent data, because of the information available to young children through technology, they are beginning to "experiment" with sex as young as seven and eight years old and inventing new forms of immorality through things like "sexting". Forget about premarital sex, and living together- that's old school- the new thing is to be homosexuality. Pop culture icons like Lady Gaga, Brittney Spears, Adam Lambert, and even now Miley Cirus (Yes Hannah Montana, the cute show on Disney that you let your little girls watch) have promoted and openly participate in the gay lifestyle. Is this freedom?
No- This is bondage. At least that is what scripture teaches us. This is bondage to our passions and lust, allowing every impulse of our flesh to control and dominate our thoughts actions and beliefs. The bible says we have been set free from sin as believers. Yet there seems to be an epidemic even in churches these days with professing Christians engaging in immoral activity.Whether is an addiction to pornography, or extramarital affairs, or people living together outside of marriage, or member of our youth group "experimenting" with homosexuality, our churches are not immune. So how do we respond? Some have made the argument the Corinthians made, "Food is for the belly, the belly for food" implying that sexual activity is as natural as eating and we should just simply accept it. But I like the way Rick Warren responded to such a suggestion by Ann Curry about 2 years ago on 20/20. This is not verbatim, but here it goes, Ann, "Rick, how can you say that homosexuality is a sin, when there seems to be evidence that some people are naturally inclined toward the same sex? Isn't it true some people are born gay?" Warren, "Yeah, some people may be born with a disposition towards homosexuality. And some people may be born with a greater disposition to be angry and violent people. And some like myself were born with a natural disposition to sleep with every women I see....That is because we are all born sinners. And it is our natural inclination to want to sin against God." "Sin can manifest itself in many different ways. Just because I was born with a natural disposition to have sex with every women I see doesn't mean it's right. No. I am restrained by the law of God that forbids me and am faithful to my wife."
People have been making excuses to live immorally since ancient times. Freud didn';t give us anything new, just repackaged. We have a natural tendency towards sex because God created us with that. But in our sinful nature we have perverted it through unlawful desires. Fulfilling those desires is not the path to freedom, but to bondage. God created sex to be enjoyed in its fullest sense in marriage. Any departure from that is a perversion of sex's natural purpose.
If you are a Christian you have the Spirit of god living in you and that makes your body holy before God. Are bodies are not to be used for sexual immorality but for God.(1 Cor. 6:18-21). It is put another way in 1 Thess. 4:3-5 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God"
If we profess to know God and our bodies have been consecrated by the indwelling presence of the holy spirit than we are to yield to the control of the Spirit, not the flesh. Rom. 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
In fact the NT teaches us that "sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints." Eph 5:3.
As Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:11, "Such were some of you, but you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified." If we have experience the grace of God than we are no longer to live like the world. We are no longer driven by our natural passions, but driven by the Spirit of God. The "natural world" is passing away and under God's judgement (Rom.1:18, 1 John 2:17) but the Kingdom of God is everlasting. We who belong to the Kingdom have no business engaging in sexual impurity and can expect "not to inherit the Kingdom" if we practice such things.
Maybe you are tangled up in sexual sin. Maybe you know someone that is. No matter who it is- Flee Sexual Immorality!!! Run Like Hell!!!!! Don't give in, don't give up and don't quit. God's grace is able to renew you, forgive you and set you free- but you have to surrender and repent, or else you will be a slave to your passions forever.
No- This is bondage. At least that is what scripture teaches us. This is bondage to our passions and lust, allowing every impulse of our flesh to control and dominate our thoughts actions and beliefs. The bible says we have been set free from sin as believers. Yet there seems to be an epidemic even in churches these days with professing Christians engaging in immoral activity.Whether is an addiction to pornography, or extramarital affairs, or people living together outside of marriage, or member of our youth group "experimenting" with homosexuality, our churches are not immune. So how do we respond? Some have made the argument the Corinthians made, "Food is for the belly, the belly for food" implying that sexual activity is as natural as eating and we should just simply accept it. But I like the way Rick Warren responded to such a suggestion by Ann Curry about 2 years ago on 20/20. This is not verbatim, but here it goes, Ann, "Rick, how can you say that homosexuality is a sin, when there seems to be evidence that some people are naturally inclined toward the same sex? Isn't it true some people are born gay?" Warren, "Yeah, some people may be born with a disposition towards homosexuality. And some people may be born with a greater disposition to be angry and violent people. And some like myself were born with a natural disposition to sleep with every women I see....That is because we are all born sinners. And it is our natural inclination to want to sin against God." "Sin can manifest itself in many different ways. Just because I was born with a natural disposition to have sex with every women I see doesn't mean it's right. No. I am restrained by the law of God that forbids me and am faithful to my wife."
People have been making excuses to live immorally since ancient times. Freud didn';t give us anything new, just repackaged. We have a natural tendency towards sex because God created us with that. But in our sinful nature we have perverted it through unlawful desires. Fulfilling those desires is not the path to freedom, but to bondage. God created sex to be enjoyed in its fullest sense in marriage. Any departure from that is a perversion of sex's natural purpose.
If you are a Christian you have the Spirit of god living in you and that makes your body holy before God. Are bodies are not to be used for sexual immorality but for God.(1 Cor. 6:18-21). It is put another way in 1 Thess. 4:3-5 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God"
If we profess to know God and our bodies have been consecrated by the indwelling presence of the holy spirit than we are to yield to the control of the Spirit, not the flesh. Rom. 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
In fact the NT teaches us that "sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints." Eph 5:3.
As Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:11, "Such were some of you, but you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified." If we have experience the grace of God than we are no longer to live like the world. We are no longer driven by our natural passions, but driven by the Spirit of God. The "natural world" is passing away and under God's judgement (Rom.1:18, 1 John 2:17) but the Kingdom of God is everlasting. We who belong to the Kingdom have no business engaging in sexual impurity and can expect "not to inherit the Kingdom" if we practice such things.
Maybe you are tangled up in sexual sin. Maybe you know someone that is. No matter who it is- Flee Sexual Immorality!!! Run Like Hell!!!!! Don't give in, don't give up and don't quit. God's grace is able to renew you, forgive you and set you free- but you have to surrender and repent, or else you will be a slave to your passions forever.
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