"The Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel; for I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16).
There is no man on the face of the earth who lives such an unusual life as the man God would see fit to use for His glory and praise. If he is to be God's messenger, Christ's shepherd, the Spirit's vessel, then he of necessity must be an instrument prepared by the hand of God in any way needed to make it fit. The message he bears is a living message, for it is the life of Christ Himself. Since it is a living message he proclaims by the Spirit's power, then he, of necessity, must be made to "live" this message within the confines of his own experience. He may soar to the heights of Mt. Zion's glory today that he might proclaim that he has seen God's King on the holy hill of Zion, and tomorrow he might find himself sinking in the depths of despair that he might learn and reveal to others the sweetest LILY that ever graced the valley of defeat: JESUS!
He may meet with Jesus and Moses on the mount of transfiguration today and tomorrow be laid bleeding and dead in the streets of Jerusalem and made a gazing stock to a Christ-rejecting world, He may wax bold one moment among the philosophers of this world as he eloquently tells the riches of God's grace and in a moment's time be found in weakness and in fear and trembling, having contemptible speech and looked upon by others as a false apostle. All this... that God might mold in his soul an unshakable determination to preach Christ and Him crucified.
God tunes his emotions like a fine harpist before each concert that he might pluck from them the music that thrills the soul and fills his hearers with joy. It may require a tightening on one, a loosening of others, but when all are under the skilled hand of the Master, each one brings forth its hidden message. He is lifted to some height of truth to be smashed on the rocks of unbelief a moment later that he might feel the hopelessness of his hearers and preach to them with a compassionate heart.
He is constantly on the forge, and ere the heat of one battle be passed, the hammer and the tongs begin to fashion a new tool for the glory of God. These experiences try the man of God and often make him a monster of unreasonable proportions. All these violent dealings and his business with God in deep waters tend to turn him without apparent cause to depression and almost unbearable seasons of despondency. His anchor in every storm is the solemn truth that the power of Christ's resurrection can only be transfused through the fellowship of His sufferings.
"God Deals With His Servant"
That these "things" are the work and will of God cannot be denied in the words of Romans 8:28. It might do well to remind ourselves of dear old Elijah, who one day while walking with God, found himself nearer heaven's home than earth's and went on to glory. When he was at last missed by the "clergy" of his day, they wrote his obituary in the ironic words, "...peradventure the SPIRIT OF THE LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some MOUNTAIN, or into some VALLEY" (2 Kings 2:16). Thus had been his earthly portion, and in the end his home-going in the whirlwind brought him the answers to the unanswerable experiences of his soul, for they were found unto praise, glory and honor. Elijah is gone, but his mantle fluttered to earth, and Elisha wore it for a season and went on to glory.
But the rough garment of the wilderness prophet has been handed down from age to age, and yet it is the same. Let the man who would wear it lightly beware, for with the mantle goes the juniper tree experiences, the hatred of all earth's Jezebels and Ahabs, the indifference of the Obadiahs, and also, bless God, the double portion of Elijah's spirit! The chariots and horses of fire and the smiting of Jordan's waters! But let all concerned remember that when the hoary head of the prophet hangs down in defeat, and he weeps under his juniper tree with a homesickness for Heaven, that none less than an angel of God can touch him.
Depression without reason is a monster that cannot be reckoned with. Were it not for the cakes and cruse of water in a needy time, these vessels of God would succumb in the death grip of that undefinable... intangible... unexplainable... unspeakable cloud of gloom and mist of darkness, called DEPRESSION. There are, as the angel said, times when the journey is too great for him, and he must sleep until God ministers to him and enables him to go on for 40 days and nights more in the strength of that ministry.
Our brother Peter warned that we should not think it "strange concerning the fiery trial which IS to try you, ...as though some STRANGE thing happened unto you." No, this is nothing strange to the many who have gone on to glory before us. This was the common lot of them all. We cannot take too lightly Paul's solemn words that he had "trouble" in Asia... that he was "pressed out of measure"... far "above strength", and that when this tempest had reached its zenith, the great heart of the man that shook Rome "despaired even of life!" We cannot soon forget this testimony that while in Macedonia, his flesh had no rest. He was troubled on every side, Without were fightings, and within were fears. Drink deeply from the cup of his sufferings drawn from the well of experience when he says that he was cast down and in desperate need of encouragement.
See Elijah after routing Baal's prophets, weeping like a child and trembling like a leaf in the fall wind. See Moses in his tent, telling God that he can go no further with this stiff-necked people. Listen to the many witnesses that compass us about and see if every man God saw fit to use as a polished shaft in His quiver of arrows was not straightened in the press of circumstances too great to bear and tempered under the weight of despair. Luther often leaped from the mountain peaks of joy into the fathomless depths of discouragement and, I am told, sobbed himself into his last sleep like a frightened child. Some of the means employed in these trying times might give us some insight into the burden of them.
"He Lives a Lonely Life"
"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me." (2 Tim. 4:16). "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world." (2 Tim. 4:10). "Elijah wept... I, even I only, am left: and they seek my life to take it" (1 Kings 19:10).
The man God would see fit, by grace, to use for the blessing of others and the glory of Himself must be made to stand alone in the presence of God. Only a man, who has been ALONE in the wilderness for three and a half years, will ever have what it takes to face an Ahab and a Jezebel. The man God uses to call down fire from Heaven will have to submit himself to the discipline of loneliness. If a man would have the revelation of Jesus Christ shown to him, he must accept the loneliness of Patmos' Isle.
The revelation of the grace of God is almost always and surely learned in the solitude of Arabia, when even the brethren withhold the fellowship of a handshake for 14 years. A man who would know God in the burning bush, must suffer rejection at the hands of the world and brethren alike and retire to the backside of the Midian desert to be ALONE with God. He is called upon to leave "all" to follow Jesus. This often requires that he be forced further outside the camp than others that he might challenge the saints to a higher walk. He learns to worship, leaning on his staff with a look of apprehension at all who would offer to "support" or strengthen him, lest it turn out to be only another broken reed and it pierce his often-pierced hand. This walk and schooling called "loneliness" brings two results in his life.
1. When he tries to explain the source of his sorrow in order to find sympathy or relief, he finds that the inner conflicts cannot be revealed to others, lest men count him mad and God be robbed of the glory of being ALL to him. He must suffer with it alone like a fire that burns in the bones that only God can know, understand and quench. This gives him a tendency to sense no human sympathy or understanding.
2. His burden becomes heavier when, like the Lord Jesus in Gethsemane, in His greatest agony, He looks in vain at sleeping brethren unaware of His dear soul's fear and need. He is often shocked by the apparent indifference of the brethren and returns to unknown agony with a burden heavier than ever. This often leaves him exposed to the sin of a critical, fault finding heart.
"He Lives a Burdened Life"
He carries about in his heart, if he be the Lord's vessel, a burden none can share but those who know it firsthand. The great weight of divine responsibility makes him cry, "Who is sufficient for these things?" He oftentimes would quit his post and flee to a lawful occupation for relief and rest but is bound by an inescapable, "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." He groans in his earthly house, being burdened, and would forsake all and go fishing if it were not for the constant reminder that there will be a day when he must come dripping wet out of the sea of life to face a heavy-hearted Lord and hear Him say, "Lovest thou Me?"
This burden the man of God tries from time to time to carry for himself. He cries, "This people be too much for me." He would sink beneath its load until he learns that the burden is the Lord's and His burden is light and His yoke is easy. The constant burden to study the Word of God tends to make him weary as the Preacher said in Ecc. 12:12, "Much study is a weariness of the flesh." The word wearied conveys to us the thought of exhaustion and fatigue. A Demas, who forsakes us... a brother, who must be withstood to the face... a professed brother, who lifts up his heel against us while eating the bread of love and fellowship with us can take from us in a few hours what ten years of honest toil with the hands could not.
"He Lives in Weakness"
Then consider that Romans teaches that we all have infirmities, else why would the Spirit of God help us with them? These weaknesses may be physical fountains of despondency. These bodily weaknesses may gnaw at our reservoir of strength until in our weakness we are driven to His strength. If we really knew the heat of the furnaces in which some men labor and walk, we would realize anew that GRACE still has her martyrs being burned daily as living sacrifices at stakes unseen to men. If we could see the inner conflict under which men often preach and labor, we would marvel at the Grace that sustains him and not at the spasmodic depression that overwhelms him. We would glorify God for His many victories instead of magnifying his few defeats. The saints sit at the feet of the man of God as he ministers, and they feast at the spring of living waters; and some never know that those refreshing waters were digged from the rock of his own soul.
He is engaged constantly with a hidden struggle that rages between two convictions, (1) That his body is a living sacrifice to God and as such is the temple of the Holy Spirit and must be cared for as such; (2) That as a living sacrifice, he must spend and be spent... poured out on the sacrifice and service of the faith of the saints. He is badgered by the thought that his Lord's body was broken for him and that he can do no less. While conflict rages, and each passing day he is sure he will reconcile these two opposing thoughts, he drives himself at an unnatural pace. He is driven hour by hour with the incessant whiplash of a burden to know more of God's Word, until sometimes the study becomes a prison and his books iron bands that shackle him to the pillars of responsibility. He forgets, or no one reminds him, that every beast of burden must eventually be turned out to rest and that every field must lie fallow or become fruitless. He forgets that every workman must have a time to sharpen his tools and refresh himself, and often the sweet reasonableness of caring for his body is swallowed by the zeal of the Lord's house.
"He Suffers Frustration"
This is such a fountain of discouragement. Suddenly the man of God sees so much to do... so little time to do it in. He may be in sweet fellowship in and with the Word of God and suddenly blazing from its pages comes the message that "Just one life.. 'twill soon be past, just what's done for Christ will last." He looks upon so much yet undone and sees himself as a "grasshopper" in his own eyes. He falls prostrate in helplessness. He looks upon such a large field (the world) to be plowed and sees how dull his plow point is and how hot the sun and how rough the plow handle. His little efforts seem so futile and he judges himself unfit as he looks back in despair. He hears the Lord God say, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sin." (Isa. 58:1). And he puts feeble lips to the trumpet and too often the trumpet gives forth an uncertain sound. All this results in a seething torrent of frustration suddenly released upon his soul, and it requires the patience of Jesus and the balm in Gilead to restore him to his place of service.
"He is Attacked by Satan"
Like Paul at Philippi, as they went to prayer, a demon possessed girl disturbed them, and this satanic interruption had to be dealt with before there could be any prayer. Wherever there will be a Job, there will be a Satan to falsely accuse him and beg God for the chance to bring unusual trials into his life. The man of God daily wrestles with principalities and powers and learns early in his ministry to recognize that unseen struggle in every innocent appearing in his life. He sees it at work through his own children, other believers, enemies and friends. Good and bad things alike are scrutinized for the unseen attack and snare of the Devil. But many times, instead of watching and praying, he, like the disciples of old, sleeps, and is overcome and carried off captive. These attacks take their toll on the vessel God uses. He may stand before a murmuring multitude one moment and go to his tent to sob himself to sleep in loneliness. Just when he feels that God has blessed his ministry, and he finds himself preaching to multitudes, the thousands suddenly turn away and reveal that they did not really want the words of Eternal Life, and he turns in disappointment to the twelve that are left and realizes with sinking heart that one of them is a traitor, and sometimes it is more than he can bear for an instant.
He withstands a volley of arrows shot from the bow of an infidel only to fall mortally wounded by a dart from the mouth of a brother. He is constantly being accused of one thing or another and the steady drips of criticism and fault finding falls upon the great rock of his heart with apparently no success day after day, and then without warning a single drop sends it crashing in upon him.
"Why Does God Allow These Things?"
I find three unvarying principles at work in this matter.
1. God allows Defeat to Follow Victory: David slew his ten thousands, but the Word of God declares that he waxed faint in battle. Jacob wrestled all night but leaned on his staff the next morning. Elijah prayed fire from heaven and put Satan to flight, and the brook ran red with the false prophets' blood. See him the next day. He is not bragging in his works... see him with his face to the ground... hear him as he sobs in humiliation and fear... hear him as he cries for deliverance. It is God's balance, God's way of bringing His servants low before Him, humbling them under His mighty hand that He might exalt them again in due season. There seems to be a season for victory and also a sanctified season for apparent defeat. I say "apparent," for it is only so to the untrained eye of flesh. Flesh cannot see that the man of God is in the school of discipline and is in the furnace for perfecting... is on the wheel being made a new vessel. Only faith can lay hold of that. Read John 16:20-22 and see God's unchanging rule. Sorrow before joy. He must hide Himself that the revelation of Himself will be even more glorious.
2. Victory is Oftentimes Preceded by a Crushing Defeat: He is many times made to stand at the borders of Canaan and see himself as a grasshopper in his own sight and made to tremble in fear, but another day comes and rightly and properly humbled, he marches on in victory, He looks upon a Nineveh and is ready to flee like Jonah, if only a convenient ship would come along and swiftly and quietly take him to some far away Tarshish. Then he pays the fare in defeat and discouragement and is brought back by the whale's belly in shame and vomited out of his circumstances into the lap of the will of God to deliver a city into His hands.
"These Things Are Necessary"
So our brother Peter assures us. Fiery trials... manifold heaviness... great temptations... if NEED be. Yes, praise God, the man God uses must have a thorn from time to time to keep him from being exalted above measure. You, to whom he ministers, would have a tendency to exalt him above measure, if God from time to time did not allow you to see that he is also a man of like passions. You are driven to prayer by the frailties of him, whom you supposed to be strong. You feel keenly the need of watching in prayer for your own well being and you fear that if the shepherd falls, the sheep may also fall from their own steadfastness. These times are needed that we might bear one another's burdens.
The man of God has the things of Christ revealed to him from time to time. Paul said the abundance of revelation secured for him a constant messenger of Satan to buffet him into humbleness. Oh, praise God for these messengers of mercy and gems of His grace! These, who speak the oracles of God, must be brought to the emptiness of their own devices. These, who would be vessels of glory, must be broken often on the wheel of the potter. If a man would be led by the Spirit, he must of necessity be tempted of the Devil as our Blessed Lord was. He who would be lifted into the third heavens of revelation, must of necessity be brought to the limitations of his own resources by a thorn in the flesh. He, who would share in any measure the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, must be brought to the death of the Cross in his own heart and life. He, who would watch the sheep of Christ, must share the love of the Shepherd, who said, "I lay down My life for the sheep."
"More Than Conquerors"
Hear the conclusion to the whole matter as Paul freely speaks of his own ministry: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. We are pressed closely on every side, but not cramped; we are unable to find a way out, but not in utter despair; pursued for the sake of vengeance, but not left in the lurch; smitten down, but not killed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live (live unto God, that is) are ALWAYS delivered unto death for JESUS' sake that the life also of JESUS might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you..." (2 Cor. 4:7-12).
Even though there is suffering, it is not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Even though he shares for a moment the fellowship of Jesus' suffering, it shall be followed by the power of His resurrection. Even if he, like Peter, is for a season in great heaviness and many temptations, it shall be followed by joy unspeakable and full of glory. Even though his world be engulfed in a flood of forty days and nights, there will be a rainbow in the cloud, and God will remember His covenant, and he shall come to rest on holier ground. He is more than conqueror through Him Who loved him. The sweet words of Jesus' promise purge his sorrows in a holy flood of joy, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4).
By H.L. Roush
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Humility
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weakness; for when I am weak then am I strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Lest Paul should exalt himself, by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was sent him to keep him humble. Paul's first desire was to have it removed, and he besought the Lord thrice that it might depart. The answer came that the trial was a blessing; that, in the weakness and humiliation it brought, the grace and strength of the Lord could be the better manifested. Paul at once entered upon a new stage in his relation to the trial: instead of simply enduring it, he most gladly gloried in it; instead of asking for deliverance, he took pleasure in it. He had learned that the place of humiliation is the place of blessing, of power, of joy.
Every Christian virtually passes through these two stages in his pursuit of humility. In the first he fears and flees and seeks deliverance from all that can humble him. He has not yet learnt to seek humility at any cost. He has accepted the command to be humble, and seeks to obey it, though only to find how utterly he fails. He prays for humility, at times very earnestly; but in his secret heart he prays more, if not in word, then in wish, to be kept from the very things that will make him humble. He is not yet so in love with humility as the beauty of the Lamb of God, and the joy of heaven, that he would sell all to procure it. In his pursuit of it, and in his prayer for it, there is still somewhat of a sense of burden and of bondage; to humble himself has not yet become the spontaneous expression of a life and a nature that is essentially humble. It has not yet become his joy and only pleasure. He cannot yet say, "Most gladly do I glory in weakness, I take pleasure in whatever humbles me."
But can we hope to reach the stage in which this will be the case? Undoubtedly. And what will it be that brings us there? That which brought Peter there - a new revelation of the Lord Jesus. Nothing but the presence of God can reveal and expel self. A clearer insight was to be given to Paul into the deep truth that the presence of Jesus will banish every desire to seek anything in ourselves, and will make us delight in every humiliation that prepares us for His fuller manifestation. Our humiliations lead us, in the experience of the presence and power of Jesus, to choose humility as our highest blessing. Let us try to learn the lessons the story of Paul teaches us.
We may have advanced believers, eminent teachers, men of heavenly experiences, who have not yet fully learnt the lesson of perfect humility, gladly glorying in weakness. We see this in Paul. The danger of exalting himself was coming very near. He knew not yet perfectly what it was to be nothing; to die, that Christ alone might live in him; to take pleasure in all that brought him low. It appears as if this were the highest lesson that he had to learn, full conformity to his Lord in that self-emptying where he gloried in weakness that God might be all.
The highest lesson a believer has to learn is humility. Oh that every Christian who seeks to advance in holiness may remember this well! There may be intense consecration, and fervent zeal and heavenly experience, and yet, if it is not prevented by very special dealings of the Lord, there may be an unconscious self-exaltation with it all. Let us learn the lesson, - the highest holiness is the deepest humility; and let us remember that it comes not of itself, but only as it is made a matter of special dealing on the part of our faithful Lord and His faithful servant.
Let us look at our lives in the light of this experience, and see whether we gladly glory in weakness, whether we take pleasure, as Paul did, in injuries, in necessities, in distresses. Yes, let us ask whether we have learnt to regard a reproof, just or unjust, a reproach from friend or enemy, an injury or trouble, or difficulty into which others bring us, as above all an opportunity of proving how Jesus is all to us, how our own pleasure or honor are nothing, and how humiliation is in very truth what we take pleasure in. It is indeed blessed, the deep happiness of heaven, to be so free from self that whatever is said of us or done to us is lost and swallowed up in the thought that Jesus is all.
Let us trust Him who took charge of Paul to take charge of us too. Paul needed special discipline, and with it special instruction, to learn, what was more precious than even the unutterable things he had heard in heaven - what it is to glory in weakness and lowliness. We need it, too, oh so much. He who cared for him will care for us too. He watches over us with a jealous, loving care, "lest we exalt ourselves." When we are doing so, He seeks to discover to us the evil, and deliver us from it. In trial and weakness and trouble He seeks to bring us low, until we so learn that His grace is all, as to take pleasure in the very thing that brings us and keeps us low. His strength made perfect in our weakness, His presence filling and satisfying our emptiness, becomes the secret of a humility that need never fail. It can, as Paul, in full sight of what God works in us, and through us, ever say, "In nothing was I behind the chiefest apostles, though l am nothing." His humiliations had led him to true humility, with its wonderful gladness and glorying and pleasure in all that humbles.
"Most gladly will I glory in weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me; wherefore I take pleasure in my weaknesses." The humble man has learnt the secret of abiding gladness. The weaker he feels, the lower he sinks, the greater his humiliations appear, the more the power and the presence of Christ are his portion, until, as he says, "I am nothing," the word of his Lord brings ever deeper joy: "My grace is sufficient for thee."
I feel as if I must once again gather up all in the two lessons: the danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and the grace for humility too.
The danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and that especially at the time of our highest experiences. The preacher of spiritual truth with an admiring congregation hanging on his lips, the gifted speaker on a Holiness platform expounding the secrets of the heavenly life, the Christian giving testimony to a blessed experience, the evangelist moving on as in triumph, and made a blessing to rejoicing multitudes, - no man knows the hidden, the unconscious danger to which these are exposed. Paul was in danger without knowing it; what Jesus did for him is written for our admonition, that we may know our danger and know our only safety. If ever it has been said of a teacher or a professor of holiness, - he is so full of self; or, he does not practise what he preaches; or, his blessing has not made him humbler or gentler, - let it be said no more. Jesus, in whom we trust, can make us humble.
Yes, the grace for humility is greater and nearer, too, than we think. The humility of Jesus is our salvation: Jesus Himself is our humility. Our humility is His care and His work. His grace is sufficient for us, to meet the temptation of pride, too. His strength will be perfected in our weakness. Let us choose to be weak, to be low, to be nothing. Let humility be to us joy and gladness. Let us gladly glory and take pleasure in weakness, in all that can humble us and keep us low; the power of Christ will rest upon us. Christ humbled Himself, therefore God exalted Him. Christ will humble us, and keep us humble; let us heartily consent, let us trustfully and joyfully accept all that humbles; the power of Christ will rest upon us. We shall find that the deepest humility is the secret of the truest happiness, of a joy that nothing can destroy.
Andrew Murray
Lest Paul should exalt himself, by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was sent him to keep him humble. Paul's first desire was to have it removed, and he besought the Lord thrice that it might depart. The answer came that the trial was a blessing; that, in the weakness and humiliation it brought, the grace and strength of the Lord could be the better manifested. Paul at once entered upon a new stage in his relation to the trial: instead of simply enduring it, he most gladly gloried in it; instead of asking for deliverance, he took pleasure in it. He had learned that the place of humiliation is the place of blessing, of power, of joy.
Every Christian virtually passes through these two stages in his pursuit of humility. In the first he fears and flees and seeks deliverance from all that can humble him. He has not yet learnt to seek humility at any cost. He has accepted the command to be humble, and seeks to obey it, though only to find how utterly he fails. He prays for humility, at times very earnestly; but in his secret heart he prays more, if not in word, then in wish, to be kept from the very things that will make him humble. He is not yet so in love with humility as the beauty of the Lamb of God, and the joy of heaven, that he would sell all to procure it. In his pursuit of it, and in his prayer for it, there is still somewhat of a sense of burden and of bondage; to humble himself has not yet become the spontaneous expression of a life and a nature that is essentially humble. It has not yet become his joy and only pleasure. He cannot yet say, "Most gladly do I glory in weakness, I take pleasure in whatever humbles me."
But can we hope to reach the stage in which this will be the case? Undoubtedly. And what will it be that brings us there? That which brought Peter there - a new revelation of the Lord Jesus. Nothing but the presence of God can reveal and expel self. A clearer insight was to be given to Paul into the deep truth that the presence of Jesus will banish every desire to seek anything in ourselves, and will make us delight in every humiliation that prepares us for His fuller manifestation. Our humiliations lead us, in the experience of the presence and power of Jesus, to choose humility as our highest blessing. Let us try to learn the lessons the story of Paul teaches us.
We may have advanced believers, eminent teachers, men of heavenly experiences, who have not yet fully learnt the lesson of perfect humility, gladly glorying in weakness. We see this in Paul. The danger of exalting himself was coming very near. He knew not yet perfectly what it was to be nothing; to die, that Christ alone might live in him; to take pleasure in all that brought him low. It appears as if this were the highest lesson that he had to learn, full conformity to his Lord in that self-emptying where he gloried in weakness that God might be all.
The highest lesson a believer has to learn is humility. Oh that every Christian who seeks to advance in holiness may remember this well! There may be intense consecration, and fervent zeal and heavenly experience, and yet, if it is not prevented by very special dealings of the Lord, there may be an unconscious self-exaltation with it all. Let us learn the lesson, - the highest holiness is the deepest humility; and let us remember that it comes not of itself, but only as it is made a matter of special dealing on the part of our faithful Lord and His faithful servant.
Let us look at our lives in the light of this experience, and see whether we gladly glory in weakness, whether we take pleasure, as Paul did, in injuries, in necessities, in distresses. Yes, let us ask whether we have learnt to regard a reproof, just or unjust, a reproach from friend or enemy, an injury or trouble, or difficulty into which others bring us, as above all an opportunity of proving how Jesus is all to us, how our own pleasure or honor are nothing, and how humiliation is in very truth what we take pleasure in. It is indeed blessed, the deep happiness of heaven, to be so free from self that whatever is said of us or done to us is lost and swallowed up in the thought that Jesus is all.
Let us trust Him who took charge of Paul to take charge of us too. Paul needed special discipline, and with it special instruction, to learn, what was more precious than even the unutterable things he had heard in heaven - what it is to glory in weakness and lowliness. We need it, too, oh so much. He who cared for him will care for us too. He watches over us with a jealous, loving care, "lest we exalt ourselves." When we are doing so, He seeks to discover to us the evil, and deliver us from it. In trial and weakness and trouble He seeks to bring us low, until we so learn that His grace is all, as to take pleasure in the very thing that brings us and keeps us low. His strength made perfect in our weakness, His presence filling and satisfying our emptiness, becomes the secret of a humility that need never fail. It can, as Paul, in full sight of what God works in us, and through us, ever say, "In nothing was I behind the chiefest apostles, though l am nothing." His humiliations had led him to true humility, with its wonderful gladness and glorying and pleasure in all that humbles.
"Most gladly will I glory in weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me; wherefore I take pleasure in my weaknesses." The humble man has learnt the secret of abiding gladness. The weaker he feels, the lower he sinks, the greater his humiliations appear, the more the power and the presence of Christ are his portion, until, as he says, "I am nothing," the word of his Lord brings ever deeper joy: "My grace is sufficient for thee."
I feel as if I must once again gather up all in the two lessons: the danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and the grace for humility too.
The danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and that especially at the time of our highest experiences. The preacher of spiritual truth with an admiring congregation hanging on his lips, the gifted speaker on a Holiness platform expounding the secrets of the heavenly life, the Christian giving testimony to a blessed experience, the evangelist moving on as in triumph, and made a blessing to rejoicing multitudes, - no man knows the hidden, the unconscious danger to which these are exposed. Paul was in danger without knowing it; what Jesus did for him is written for our admonition, that we may know our danger and know our only safety. If ever it has been said of a teacher or a professor of holiness, - he is so full of self; or, he does not practise what he preaches; or, his blessing has not made him humbler or gentler, - let it be said no more. Jesus, in whom we trust, can make us humble.
Yes, the grace for humility is greater and nearer, too, than we think. The humility of Jesus is our salvation: Jesus Himself is our humility. Our humility is His care and His work. His grace is sufficient for us, to meet the temptation of pride, too. His strength will be perfected in our weakness. Let us choose to be weak, to be low, to be nothing. Let humility be to us joy and gladness. Let us gladly glory and take pleasure in weakness, in all that can humble us and keep us low; the power of Christ will rest upon us. Christ humbled Himself, therefore God exalted Him. Christ will humble us, and keep us humble; let us heartily consent, let us trustfully and joyfully accept all that humbles; the power of Christ will rest upon us. We shall find that the deepest humility is the secret of the truest happiness, of a joy that nothing can destroy.
Andrew Murray
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Spirit of Antichrist
The following is transcribed from a recent message given to a group of believers in Oregon on 3/10/10
Hebrews 12:26-27; Matt.7:24-27
I want to spend a few minutes in the beginning of our study looking at the issue of the coming “shaking” prophesied in Heb. 12:26-27 and at what the implications are for us.
In Matt. 7 both houses are visible but the foundations are invisible. One is sand; one is rock. The only way to know which is which is to test them in the storms, floods, and winds.
That is “shaking” and that is what’s coming (and to some extent now is).
The shaking will leave only one house standing – everything else will be removed. God’s plan is to remove everything from the church that is not representative of the rock of Christ.
In the context of Hebrews this removal is not directed at immorality, but at religious substitutes for the spiritual life of the Christian. The shaking intends to remove that which is seen and temporal to leave only that which is unseen and eternal (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
As we will see, Satan is going be involved in this shaking; so, what’s in it for him?
We know what God is after; but why is Satan so committed to the testing and tribulation the church goes through? Why the hatred?
When Adam fell Satan became the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4). He was granted the authority Adam would have had (Gen. 1:26).
God’s punishment on Satan for deceiving Adam and Eve was stated in Gen. 3:14-15. Christ is the seed of the woman (Gal. 3:16, 19). So, Satan sought to destroy Him at birth, throughout His life, and then on the Cross.
Where do we fit in?
The final instrument of God’s judgment on Satan is not only the first body of the Christ, but also the second.
Christ and the church are in spiritual union (John 17:21-22, Eph. 5:29-32). We share His life, His destiny, and His authority (1 Jn. 5:11-12; Rom. 8:29-30; Lk. 10:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:2-3).
The “seed of the woman” which will crush the enemy’s head as prophesied in Gen. 3, is now corporate (1 Cor. 12:12)
The church is the second “body of Christ”. Satan attempted to destroy the first body but the resurrection thwarted this. Now he has turned his attention to the second body because the church is the only threat on this planet to Satan regarding the loss of the godhood he achieved through the fall of Adam.
As we get closer to the time of the rapture (the second body’s resurrection – 1 Thess. 4:16-17), Satan’s anger and attacks increase, as does his attempts at deception and limitation in our spiritual lives.
At the rapture Satan’s destruction is secured because at that point, the body of Christ is fully glorified in her final position of authority in the heavenlies.
But the church won’t be raptured until she reaches the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). For this to happen, those who intend to move to this goal must understand the issues at stake and be refined by the fires of life, just as Jesus was (Hebrews 2:10). Only a remnant will see this realized this side of eternity, hence Paul’s use of the term perileipomai in 1 Thess. 4:15,17 (see blog article entitled The Coming Purification and Rapture of the Church).
Now you know why life is difficult and will only become more so as this final generation runs its course.
Let’s spend a few minutes on the deception part of Satan’s assault against us.
When asked what the signs of His coming would be, Jesus answered that global deception would be the predominant sign (Matt. 24:4).
Antichrist will seat himself in the temple of God, claiming to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He does not compel the world to pay him Divine homage by brute violence; it is done voluntarily. That he can present himself to men as the object of Divine honor, and receive it, shows a community of belief already existing between him and his worshippers. They see in him the representative of their own religious ideals. He will not come as a specter of the night, but as an angel of light, the morning start of a new day; and the generation that will welcome and worship him will not think itself irreligious but the most religious of all the generations. In him the modern man will find it truest representative and exponent. We may believe that he will be regarded by his generation as the highest type of our developed humanity, the noblest embodiment of its dignity, its consummate flower. He will be recognized as a natural king of men, and his kingdom, rising grandly before the world, will be welcomed as the full evolution of the democratic idea, the realization of popular aspirations, the end of social strife, the unity of nations, the natural outcome and highest product of our civilization, and the ultimate goal of human history and evolution. S.J. Andrews
Satan has always been the great impostor. He is preparing to bring about the ultimate deception of humanity in the kingdom of antichrist. He is also working overtime on the church to prevent her from reaching spiritual maturity.
As we saw earlier, the ascension of the church and her glorification in Christ results in the dethronement of the “god of this world” (1 Corinthians 4:4). Satan will do all he can to prevent this.
To see some of the specifics of how this plays out in this last generation we need to briefly look at the person of antichrist and the spirit of antichrist as revealed in the Scriptures.
As used in the Bible, this term antichrist combines the Greek word, "anti", with the title commonly given to Jesus. The main meaning of this word is, "instead of" or, "in place of". Antichrist, therefore, means literally "someone who stands instead of, or in place of, the real Christ". My intent is this writing to demonstrate how complex and far reaching Lucifer’s attempt at imitation will go.
As related to the virgin birth of our Savior, as the offspring of implanted divine seed (Hebrews 10:5; Luke 1:35), Satan’s imitation will be to impregnate a virgin and produce the antichrist. The first example of this is found in Genesis 6:4 when the “sons of God” (a term used in the Old Testament for angels, in this case fallen angels, cp. Job 1:6) impregnated the “daughters of men” and produced the Nephilim - half demon, half human hybrids. Incubus provides the “body” and Satan’s indwelling during the tribulation provides the power (Revelation 13:4).
As Jesus was indwelt by His Father, the beast will be indwelt by Satan.
As Jesus was the God/man, the beast will be both demon (Satan) and human.
As Jesus was savior, the beast will profess to be the savior of mankind.
Jesus will ultimately receive the worship of the world (Philippians 2:9-11). Satan will, for 3 ½ years accomplish this for himself (Revelation 13:8).
Jesus has a congregation and Satan has luciferian covens.
The followers of Jesus pray to understand and obey His will; the followers of Satan do rituals to discover and implement the will of Satan.
The trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The unholy trinity is Satan, the false prophet and the beast (Revelation chapter 13).
The “new race” of humanity in Christ is comprised of those in Jesus’ spiritual bloodline (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45-50; Romans 8:29). Satan also has an extensive bloodline, both literal (elite, royal families – the bloodline of luciferian initiates) and spiritual, who comprise his followers and ultimately his army (Revelation 19:19).
As Archbishop so aptly wrote in the last century,
We learn that evil and not, as so many dream, gradually to wane and disappear before good; but is ever to develop itself more fully, even as on the other side good is to unfold itself more and more mightily also (Jas. 5:7, Eph. 4:13). Thus it will go on until at last they stand fact to face, each in its highest manifestation in the persons of Christ and antichrist.
Finally, some comments on the work of deception as directed to the church. As noted in 2 Timothy 3 verses 1 and 8, “perilous times” in the last days include the rise of spiritual deception similar to that of Jannes and Jambres. These were the magicians of Pharaoh who withstood Moses (Exodus 7:8-13). We need to notice the nature of their resistance to the truth. The mode in which “Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses” was simply by imitating, as far as they were able, whatever Moses did. What Moses did, they could do, so from an objective observer’s viewpoint, there was no significant difference. A miracle is a miracle. If Moses wrought miracles to get the people out of Egypt, they would work miracles to keep them in.
The most powerful satanic resistance to God’s testimony in the world “in the last days” is offered by those who, though they imitate the effects of the truth, have “a form of godliness,” but not “the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5).
People like this can do the same things, adopt the same forms, use the same theology, phraseology and profess the same convictions as others. If the true Christian feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, visits the sick, teaches the Scriptures, witnesses to the lost, engages in prayer, sings worship songs - the imitator can do every one of these things. Again, this is the special character of the resistance offered to the truth in our generation.
The church in America is not spiritually weak because it is comprised of unbelievers; it is weak because it is comprised of infants who no longer understand how to grow to maturity.
The true path of spiritual advance has been replaced by an imitation – a deception. We have been offered an alternate, “anti” Christianity and we have embraced it with great zeal.
Satan is the deceiver of the nations. He is also the deceiver of those within the church whose spiritual stature has not prepared them for the incredible subtly of end-time deception.
The shaking we speak of in not just outward – it is also inward; the shaking of the mind and soul (i.e. the spiritual realms; the heavenlies). To withstand the outward we need a rock solid faith in the love and sovereignty of God; to withstand the inward we need to know the truth in our inward parts – not partial or distorted truth, the full counsel of God (Eph. 4:14, Acts 20:27), or when the winds come our house will fall.
Hebrews 12:26-27; Matt.7:24-27
I want to spend a few minutes in the beginning of our study looking at the issue of the coming “shaking” prophesied in Heb. 12:26-27 and at what the implications are for us.
In Matt. 7 both houses are visible but the foundations are invisible. One is sand; one is rock. The only way to know which is which is to test them in the storms, floods, and winds.
That is “shaking” and that is what’s coming (and to some extent now is).
The shaking will leave only one house standing – everything else will be removed. God’s plan is to remove everything from the church that is not representative of the rock of Christ.
In the context of Hebrews this removal is not directed at immorality, but at religious substitutes for the spiritual life of the Christian. The shaking intends to remove that which is seen and temporal to leave only that which is unseen and eternal (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
As we will see, Satan is going be involved in this shaking; so, what’s in it for him?
We know what God is after; but why is Satan so committed to the testing and tribulation the church goes through? Why the hatred?
When Adam fell Satan became the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4). He was granted the authority Adam would have had (Gen. 1:26).
God’s punishment on Satan for deceiving Adam and Eve was stated in Gen. 3:14-15. Christ is the seed of the woman (Gal. 3:16, 19). So, Satan sought to destroy Him at birth, throughout His life, and then on the Cross.
Where do we fit in?
The final instrument of God’s judgment on Satan is not only the first body of the Christ, but also the second.
Christ and the church are in spiritual union (John 17:21-22, Eph. 5:29-32). We share His life, His destiny, and His authority (1 Jn. 5:11-12; Rom. 8:29-30; Lk. 10:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:2-3).
The “seed of the woman” which will crush the enemy’s head as prophesied in Gen. 3, is now corporate (1 Cor. 12:12)
The church is the second “body of Christ”. Satan attempted to destroy the first body but the resurrection thwarted this. Now he has turned his attention to the second body because the church is the only threat on this planet to Satan regarding the loss of the godhood he achieved through the fall of Adam.
As we get closer to the time of the rapture (the second body’s resurrection – 1 Thess. 4:16-17), Satan’s anger and attacks increase, as does his attempts at deception and limitation in our spiritual lives.
At the rapture Satan’s destruction is secured because at that point, the body of Christ is fully glorified in her final position of authority in the heavenlies.
But the church won’t be raptured until she reaches the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). For this to happen, those who intend to move to this goal must understand the issues at stake and be refined by the fires of life, just as Jesus was (Hebrews 2:10). Only a remnant will see this realized this side of eternity, hence Paul’s use of the term perileipomai in 1 Thess. 4:15,17 (see blog article entitled The Coming Purification and Rapture of the Church).
Now you know why life is difficult and will only become more so as this final generation runs its course.
Let’s spend a few minutes on the deception part of Satan’s assault against us.
When asked what the signs of His coming would be, Jesus answered that global deception would be the predominant sign (Matt. 24:4).
Antichrist will seat himself in the temple of God, claiming to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He does not compel the world to pay him Divine homage by brute violence; it is done voluntarily. That he can present himself to men as the object of Divine honor, and receive it, shows a community of belief already existing between him and his worshippers. They see in him the representative of their own religious ideals. He will not come as a specter of the night, but as an angel of light, the morning start of a new day; and the generation that will welcome and worship him will not think itself irreligious but the most religious of all the generations. In him the modern man will find it truest representative and exponent. We may believe that he will be regarded by his generation as the highest type of our developed humanity, the noblest embodiment of its dignity, its consummate flower. He will be recognized as a natural king of men, and his kingdom, rising grandly before the world, will be welcomed as the full evolution of the democratic idea, the realization of popular aspirations, the end of social strife, the unity of nations, the natural outcome and highest product of our civilization, and the ultimate goal of human history and evolution. S.J. Andrews
Satan has always been the great impostor. He is preparing to bring about the ultimate deception of humanity in the kingdom of antichrist. He is also working overtime on the church to prevent her from reaching spiritual maturity.
As we saw earlier, the ascension of the church and her glorification in Christ results in the dethronement of the “god of this world” (1 Corinthians 4:4). Satan will do all he can to prevent this.
To see some of the specifics of how this plays out in this last generation we need to briefly look at the person of antichrist and the spirit of antichrist as revealed in the Scriptures.
As used in the Bible, this term antichrist combines the Greek word, "anti", with the title commonly given to Jesus. The main meaning of this word is, "instead of" or, "in place of". Antichrist, therefore, means literally "someone who stands instead of, or in place of, the real Christ". My intent is this writing to demonstrate how complex and far reaching Lucifer’s attempt at imitation will go.
As related to the virgin birth of our Savior, as the offspring of implanted divine seed (Hebrews 10:5; Luke 1:35), Satan’s imitation will be to impregnate a virgin and produce the antichrist. The first example of this is found in Genesis 6:4 when the “sons of God” (a term used in the Old Testament for angels, in this case fallen angels, cp. Job 1:6) impregnated the “daughters of men” and produced the Nephilim - half demon, half human hybrids. Incubus provides the “body” and Satan’s indwelling during the tribulation provides the power (Revelation 13:4).
As Jesus was indwelt by His Father, the beast will be indwelt by Satan.
As Jesus was the God/man, the beast will be both demon (Satan) and human.
As Jesus was savior, the beast will profess to be the savior of mankind.
Jesus will ultimately receive the worship of the world (Philippians 2:9-11). Satan will, for 3 ½ years accomplish this for himself (Revelation 13:8).
Jesus has a congregation and Satan has luciferian covens.
The followers of Jesus pray to understand and obey His will; the followers of Satan do rituals to discover and implement the will of Satan.
The trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The unholy trinity is Satan, the false prophet and the beast (Revelation chapter 13).
The “new race” of humanity in Christ is comprised of those in Jesus’ spiritual bloodline (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45-50; Romans 8:29). Satan also has an extensive bloodline, both literal (elite, royal families – the bloodline of luciferian initiates) and spiritual, who comprise his followers and ultimately his army (Revelation 19:19).
As Archbishop so aptly wrote in the last century,
We learn that evil and not, as so many dream, gradually to wane and disappear before good; but is ever to develop itself more fully, even as on the other side good is to unfold itself more and more mightily also (Jas. 5:7, Eph. 4:13). Thus it will go on until at last they stand fact to face, each in its highest manifestation in the persons of Christ and antichrist.
Finally, some comments on the work of deception as directed to the church. As noted in 2 Timothy 3 verses 1 and 8, “perilous times” in the last days include the rise of spiritual deception similar to that of Jannes and Jambres. These were the magicians of Pharaoh who withstood Moses (Exodus 7:8-13). We need to notice the nature of their resistance to the truth. The mode in which “Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses” was simply by imitating, as far as they were able, whatever Moses did. What Moses did, they could do, so from an objective observer’s viewpoint, there was no significant difference. A miracle is a miracle. If Moses wrought miracles to get the people out of Egypt, they would work miracles to keep them in.
The most powerful satanic resistance to God’s testimony in the world “in the last days” is offered by those who, though they imitate the effects of the truth, have “a form of godliness,” but not “the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5).
People like this can do the same things, adopt the same forms, use the same theology, phraseology and profess the same convictions as others. If the true Christian feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, visits the sick, teaches the Scriptures, witnesses to the lost, engages in prayer, sings worship songs - the imitator can do every one of these things. Again, this is the special character of the resistance offered to the truth in our generation.
The church in America is not spiritually weak because it is comprised of unbelievers; it is weak because it is comprised of infants who no longer understand how to grow to maturity.
The true path of spiritual advance has been replaced by an imitation – a deception. We have been offered an alternate, “anti” Christianity and we have embraced it with great zeal.
Satan is the deceiver of the nations. He is also the deceiver of those within the church whose spiritual stature has not prepared them for the incredible subtly of end-time deception.
The shaking we speak of in not just outward – it is also inward; the shaking of the mind and soul (i.e. the spiritual realms; the heavenlies). To withstand the outward we need a rock solid faith in the love and sovereignty of God; to withstand the inward we need to know the truth in our inward parts – not partial or distorted truth, the full counsel of God (Eph. 4:14, Acts 20:27), or when the winds come our house will fall.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Our Highest Priority
I recently observed an unfortunate reality that seems to be a growing phenomenon in the contemporary church. We went to a “ministry leaders” meeting. The auditorium was filled with home group leaders and others. The gathering was divided up into tables of 5-10 leaders. During the time of corporate discussion intended to establish what our priorities in ministry to others should be, each table was to discover together the importance of a variety of spiritual and ministry ideas. We talked about inreach and outreach, about the needs of our city and church, about how to build relationship with the lost and the saved, and many other ministerial concepts. But the one thing the Scriptures demonstrate over and over again as God’s highest priority for His children was never even mentioned – the importance of being taught the Word of God.
I would have said that this was a given and that perhaps it was simply assumed by everyone that it was occurring, but I don’t believe that is the case. Whether from the pulpit or in home groups, the Bible isn’t actually taught, it’s simply used as a springboard to deliver messages of practical application to the realities of the daily grind. There is a vast difference between being instructed in the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and hearing the latest Biblical theories on outreach, marriage, suffering, joy, the victorious Christian life or whatever.
I honestly believe, as harsh as this sounds, that the contemporary church no longer understands what “teaching” is. They understand what preaching, sharing, messages, sermons, etc. are, but teaching, as it was done in the Bible, and as it has been done throughout history in healthy churches, is not only absent, but undesired. If someone actually did systematically and faithfully “rightly divide the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and teach something (say, Ecclesiology), most would be bored out of their minds and demand that this sort of thing remain in seminaries where it belongs. There is no longer an understanding of why it’s important, of why there can be no real spiritual maturity without it, and of what needs to happen to restore real depth and integrity to the Body of Christ through it’s recovery. Satan has done an incredibly good job of holding the church in spiritual infancy by taking away her number one priority and replacing it with a thousand reasonable distractions.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.
“Only one thing” is another way of saying, “This is your highest priority”.
Peter reiterated this truth in Acts 6:1-3;
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, "It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint over this business".
Teaching trumps service.
At least it did for the Apostles who were trained under the ministry of Christ. Whether we look at Moses, the prophets, Jesus, or the apostles, it is apparent from Scripture that Scripture is to be the most important thing in our lives. It is through the Word of God that we come to know Him and come to understand what this is all about.
Why would God make His Word the highest priority for us? Why would this be more important than anything else and why has Satan labored so hard to remove or redefine teaching from our churches?
First is the issue of recovery. After the fall, man in rebellion sought independence from God. Man’s authority was made supreme and God’s authority was set aside. In recovery God must once again bring man back to a place of submission, both in his nature and in his behavior. So, from Abraham to Moses to the apostles, the Lord has established representative authority among His people. Those who submitted to this authority grew spiritually and were blessed just as those who rebelled were cursed (Numbers 16; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Corinthians 10:8).
We learn under authority, both for the sake of unity, clarity and consistency, and for the sake of developing the character of humility and teachability. The word “disciple” (mathetes) means “student” or “learner” and that is what we must be first - before anything else.
Remember those who have authority over you, who have taught you the Word of God . . . Obey those who have authority over you, and submit yourselves.
(Hebrews 13:7, 17).
Next, as shown consistently in the Bible, it’s our minds, our thinking, which determines the success (or failure) of our spiritual life and growth. In Romans 12:2Paul tells us that we must be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Jesus is much less concerned about the outside of our cups than He is about the inside. If the inside is renewed and cleansed by the washing of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) the outside will take care of itself.
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7).
If we grow spiritually to become like Christ, seeing life as He does, we will be able to do His will in all things, both inwardly and outwardly. Spiritual service must come from within if it’s to be real. It must be based on who we are, not simply on what we do. If it’s based on observance to commandments on tablets of stone its religion not spiritual life – not the expression of the life of Christ within us.
We are constantly on a stretch, if not a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel. This trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man, or sink the man, in the plan or organization. God’s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God’s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. (E.M. Bounds)
God will never put work or service in the place of character; and if we do that, eternity will reveal that however much we may have done, we are very small among the inhabitants of the Land, whose stature will be measured by the measure of Christ. . . the ultimate test is not how much work is done, but how much of Christ is present. (T.A. Sparks)
Again, learning trumps service. Now we know why.
All spiritual advance has the study of Scripture as its foundation. There is no spiritual growth without it. And since our growth from infancy to maturity spiritually is the most important thing in our lives as followers of Christ, the study of His Word must be our highest personal priority.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for corrections, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly equipped for all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).
One final comment: Personal study is important (Acts 17:11) but coming under the authority of the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher is the only way to see the fulfillment of the principle of Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
First comes “the perfecting of the saints” then comes “the work of the ministry”. We have reversed those priorities. We serve in infancy (like Martha) and never reach spiritual maturity (like Mary) because we are too busy helping Jesus to sit down, stay still, and submit to the teaching of the Word.
Even if we did get our priorities straight and placed the teaching of God’s Word above everything else (Psalm 138:2, Proverbs 3:13-15) we have to know we are being taught not just messaged or sermoned. If we don’t know the difference nothing will change. Those whose authority we come under must be teaching what Paul calls “the full counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We can’t come into spiritual maturity and fullness with only bits and pieces of God’s Word, even if those pieces are presented to us with great passion and creativity. If, as one commentator put it, we are only getting “sermonettes for Christianettes” (i.e. random topical messages and ‘series’), we will never be able to fully comprehend the life we have entered into in Christ.
The ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4b) must be recovered if the church is to move from division, infancy, defeat and confusion to fullness of life in Christ.
I would have said that this was a given and that perhaps it was simply assumed by everyone that it was occurring, but I don’t believe that is the case. Whether from the pulpit or in home groups, the Bible isn’t actually taught, it’s simply used as a springboard to deliver messages of practical application to the realities of the daily grind. There is a vast difference between being instructed in the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and hearing the latest Biblical theories on outreach, marriage, suffering, joy, the victorious Christian life or whatever.
I honestly believe, as harsh as this sounds, that the contemporary church no longer understands what “teaching” is. They understand what preaching, sharing, messages, sermons, etc. are, but teaching, as it was done in the Bible, and as it has been done throughout history in healthy churches, is not only absent, but undesired. If someone actually did systematically and faithfully “rightly divide the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and teach something (say, Ecclesiology), most would be bored out of their minds and demand that this sort of thing remain in seminaries where it belongs. There is no longer an understanding of why it’s important, of why there can be no real spiritual maturity without it, and of what needs to happen to restore real depth and integrity to the Body of Christ through it’s recovery. Satan has done an incredibly good job of holding the church in spiritual infancy by taking away her number one priority and replacing it with a thousand reasonable distractions.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.
“Only one thing” is another way of saying, “This is your highest priority”.
Peter reiterated this truth in Acts 6:1-3;
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, "It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint over this business".
Teaching trumps service.
At least it did for the Apostles who were trained under the ministry of Christ. Whether we look at Moses, the prophets, Jesus, or the apostles, it is apparent from Scripture that Scripture is to be the most important thing in our lives. It is through the Word of God that we come to know Him and come to understand what this is all about.
Why would God make His Word the highest priority for us? Why would this be more important than anything else and why has Satan labored so hard to remove or redefine teaching from our churches?
First is the issue of recovery. After the fall, man in rebellion sought independence from God. Man’s authority was made supreme and God’s authority was set aside. In recovery God must once again bring man back to a place of submission, both in his nature and in his behavior. So, from Abraham to Moses to the apostles, the Lord has established representative authority among His people. Those who submitted to this authority grew spiritually and were blessed just as those who rebelled were cursed (Numbers 16; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Corinthians 10:8).
We learn under authority, both for the sake of unity, clarity and consistency, and for the sake of developing the character of humility and teachability. The word “disciple” (mathetes) means “student” or “learner” and that is what we must be first - before anything else.
Remember those who have authority over you, who have taught you the Word of God . . . Obey those who have authority over you, and submit yourselves.
(Hebrews 13:7, 17).
Next, as shown consistently in the Bible, it’s our minds, our thinking, which determines the success (or failure) of our spiritual life and growth. In Romans 12:2Paul tells us that we must be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Jesus is much less concerned about the outside of our cups than He is about the inside. If the inside is renewed and cleansed by the washing of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) the outside will take care of itself.
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7).
If we grow spiritually to become like Christ, seeing life as He does, we will be able to do His will in all things, both inwardly and outwardly. Spiritual service must come from within if it’s to be real. It must be based on who we are, not simply on what we do. If it’s based on observance to commandments on tablets of stone its religion not spiritual life – not the expression of the life of Christ within us.
We are constantly on a stretch, if not a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel. This trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man, or sink the man, in the plan or organization. God’s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God’s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. (E.M. Bounds)
God will never put work or service in the place of character; and if we do that, eternity will reveal that however much we may have done, we are very small among the inhabitants of the Land, whose stature will be measured by the measure of Christ. . . the ultimate test is not how much work is done, but how much of Christ is present. (T.A. Sparks)
Again, learning trumps service. Now we know why.
All spiritual advance has the study of Scripture as its foundation. There is no spiritual growth without it. And since our growth from infancy to maturity spiritually is the most important thing in our lives as followers of Christ, the study of His Word must be our highest personal priority.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for corrections, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly equipped for all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).
One final comment: Personal study is important (Acts 17:11) but coming under the authority of the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher is the only way to see the fulfillment of the principle of Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
First comes “the perfecting of the saints” then comes “the work of the ministry”. We have reversed those priorities. We serve in infancy (like Martha) and never reach spiritual maturity (like Mary) because we are too busy helping Jesus to sit down, stay still, and submit to the teaching of the Word.
Even if we did get our priorities straight and placed the teaching of God’s Word above everything else (Psalm 138:2, Proverbs 3:13-15) we have to know we are being taught not just messaged or sermoned. If we don’t know the difference nothing will change. Those whose authority we come under must be teaching what Paul calls “the full counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We can’t come into spiritual maturity and fullness with only bits and pieces of God’s Word, even if those pieces are presented to us with great passion and creativity. If, as one commentator put it, we are only getting “sermonettes for Christianettes” (i.e. random topical messages and ‘series’), we will never be able to fully comprehend the life we have entered into in Christ.
The ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4b) must be recovered if the church is to move from division, infancy, defeat and confusion to fullness of life in Christ.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Who, Then, Can Be Saved?
The accessibility of the gospel is the greatest wonder of the world. Salvation is offered to those who believe (those who put their trust in Christ to save them) - it is by faith only. No strings attached.
The examples of Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, Peter, and other Biblical writers show us our bankruptcy so that we would enter our relationship with God on honest ground. When we reach that point, God can begin to fashion us into something beautiful.
The faith required is no greater than the least faith we can muster - as a mustard seed, the smallest seed.
Jesus said, "I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved." (Jn. 10:9). The gate is always open!
Let's say one hundred people enter that gate in the next ten minutes.
One may come hopping on one foot, tired out and wondering if he can make it, but he hops through the gate at last into the arms of the Lord.
Another, his head up and shoulders straight, does a little march through the gate.
One comes with purpose and vision for a lifetime of serving Christ.
Another comes with the bare thought, "Just don't let me burn in hell."
One hears the invitation, and runs for the gate.
Another loiters around outside for years, and finally steps across the line, not entirely sure he made the best decision.
Still another starts for the gate, turns back, changes her mind, starts for the gate again, and repeats this process numerous times before realizing she needs help getting through the gate. "Lord, help me decide,", she prays. A compassionate, tender hand reaches through the gate and helps her through.
A mother won't go in without her children. She gets them ready and as they pray to receive Christ together they enter the faith-gate to eternal life.
Another stands restlessly outside the gate. "He doesn't want me like He wants the others," he bemoans. "Maybe if I stand here he'll notice me." "Come," Jesus cries out to him. "It was for you I died." With awe the fellow passes through the gate.
Still another, hurt by the years, stands at the gate, angry with the Master for the way her life has gone. "I don't want you," she thinks, "but I have no other place to go; so I must go through the gate."
Jesus takes them all, because that's how we come - as needy, blind, hungering, frightened, confused, Satan-dominated, lost human beings. Jesus is the only One who can save us. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)
The examples of Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, Peter, and other Biblical writers show us our bankruptcy so that we would enter our relationship with God on honest ground. When we reach that point, God can begin to fashion us into something beautiful.
The faith required is no greater than the least faith we can muster - as a mustard seed, the smallest seed.
Jesus said, "I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved." (Jn. 10:9). The gate is always open!
Let's say one hundred people enter that gate in the next ten minutes.
One may come hopping on one foot, tired out and wondering if he can make it, but he hops through the gate at last into the arms of the Lord.
Another, his head up and shoulders straight, does a little march through the gate.
One comes with purpose and vision for a lifetime of serving Christ.
Another comes with the bare thought, "Just don't let me burn in hell."
One hears the invitation, and runs for the gate.
Another loiters around outside for years, and finally steps across the line, not entirely sure he made the best decision.
Still another starts for the gate, turns back, changes her mind, starts for the gate again, and repeats this process numerous times before realizing she needs help getting through the gate. "Lord, help me decide,", she prays. A compassionate, tender hand reaches through the gate and helps her through.
A mother won't go in without her children. She gets them ready and as they pray to receive Christ together they enter the faith-gate to eternal life.
Another stands restlessly outside the gate. "He doesn't want me like He wants the others," he bemoans. "Maybe if I stand here he'll notice me." "Come," Jesus cries out to him. "It was for you I died." With awe the fellow passes through the gate.
Still another, hurt by the years, stands at the gate, angry with the Master for the way her life has gone. "I don't want you," she thinks, "but I have no other place to go; so I must go through the gate."
Jesus takes them all, because that's how we come - as needy, blind, hungering, frightened, confused, Satan-dominated, lost human beings. Jesus is the only One who can save us. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)
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