March 3
Read: Deuteronomy 31:14-30
A church we once attended had a special prayer group that prayed during the morning service. There were typically three persons assigned at a time. They went into a basement room during the service and prayed for God’s blessings and power on the preaching, the singing, the praying and the entire service. One morning when my wife and I had a turn in the closet, we were accompanied by a businessman who was a member of the church. The conversation wandered onto investments and savings, and the businessman was lamenting a significant loss in recent months. After he spoke of it, he looked at us and said, as if he were just thinking of it, “Oh, but you guys live by faith.”
I understood what he meant. He was simply saying that as supported missionaries, we probably didn’t or couldn’t rely on a monthly dividend check to get us through. And he was right. We were accustomed to going to God for our needs and seeing his blessings upon our lives. Certainly he had enough money in the bank that he never had such concerns.
But the Bible says a number of times, “The just shall live by faith.” That doesn’t mean we should all take a vow of poverty, but it does mean we should be looking to God as the supplier of our needs and not our bank accounts or our employer or especially the state. The danger in having too much is that we cease to see God as the source of everything and start to rely on ourselves or on someone else.
Moses, in Deuteronomy 31:20, predicted what would happen to the Israelites when they got into a land of plenty. “For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.” He essentially says when they achieve affluence, they will forget me. What was true of the Israelites has been true of every civilization God has chosen to bless. Western Europe, blessed of God and affluent, has reached a point where they rely on themselves. Respect and love for God is nearly dead in those countries, and evangelizing in them, according to one well--known preacher, is like planting okra on concrete. Unfortunately we seem to have forgotten the penalty for apostasy is judgment (see Judges, entire book; and consider the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities).
Trying to keep your balance when everyone else is losing his can be quite a challenge. I suggest we consider carefully the words of the wise man in Proverbs, who wrote in chapter 30:8-9, “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Showing posts with label Balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Balance. Show all posts
The Limit of Liberty
February 23
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.
In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.
For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.
Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.
In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.
For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.
Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Add Thou Not...
February 22
Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-10
The last act of Moses prior to Israel’s entrance into Canaan was to preach his way through the law. This sermon is recorded as the book of Deuteronomy. In the midst of all the rules and regulations and exhortations to remember and obey, there is one statement which should not be overlooked. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
The Jews have historically had trouble with the first part of this command. In their zeal to follow God, they drew lines which God never gave. Much of their disagreement with Jesus was over His refusal to honor the traditions of the elders. These traditions, written to “enhance” the law, ultimately overthrew it. Even today, the Jews give as much credence to their traditions and the teachings of the elders as to the Word of God itself.
The Mishnah and the Talmud are written collections of interpretations, case studies, commentaries and sermons that are frequently used as guidelines for interpreting the Law, or Torah. To the extent they provide additional understanding, they stand in the same place as expository sermons. When they begin to have authority over the revealed Word of God, they have gone too far.
Modern fundamentalists frequently fall victim to the same process. In our desire to be separate and holy (not an unworthy goal), we add things to the Word of God. Every church has its little list of do’s and don’ts equivalent to the old saying “I don’t drink, smoke or chew nor go with girls who do.” When pushed on the biblical relevance of one of these issues, we will invariably end up exactly where the Pharisees did, “But it’s our tradition.” And also like the Pharisees, we are susceptible to falling into the ditch of tradition.
Proverbs 30:6 has a similar warning, “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” God’s word is pure. It will be vindicated. It will pass through the fire. Our word has no such guarantee. Let’s be careful not to add our own spin to the Scriptures. They are sufficient. If they don’t say it, it doesn’t need to be said. If they do say it, we should proclaim it from the housetops.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-10
The last act of Moses prior to Israel’s entrance into Canaan was to preach his way through the law. This sermon is recorded as the book of Deuteronomy. In the midst of all the rules and regulations and exhortations to remember and obey, there is one statement which should not be overlooked. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
The Jews have historically had trouble with the first part of this command. In their zeal to follow God, they drew lines which God never gave. Much of their disagreement with Jesus was over His refusal to honor the traditions of the elders. These traditions, written to “enhance” the law, ultimately overthrew it. Even today, the Jews give as much credence to their traditions and the teachings of the elders as to the Word of God itself.
The Mishnah and the Talmud are written collections of interpretations, case studies, commentaries and sermons that are frequently used as guidelines for interpreting the Law, or Torah. To the extent they provide additional understanding, they stand in the same place as expository sermons. When they begin to have authority over the revealed Word of God, they have gone too far.
Modern fundamentalists frequently fall victim to the same process. In our desire to be separate and holy (not an unworthy goal), we add things to the Word of God. Every church has its little list of do’s and don’ts equivalent to the old saying “I don’t drink, smoke or chew nor go with girls who do.” When pushed on the biblical relevance of one of these issues, we will invariably end up exactly where the Pharisees did, “But it’s our tradition.” And also like the Pharisees, we are susceptible to falling into the ditch of tradition.
Proverbs 30:6 has a similar warning, “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” God’s word is pure. It will be vindicated. It will pass through the fire. Our word has no such guarantee. Let’s be careful not to add our own spin to the Scriptures. They are sufficient. If they don’t say it, it doesn’t need to be said. If they do say it, we should proclaim it from the housetops.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
All Things
February 21
Read:1 Corinthians 6
A wise pastor once told me the two most difficult things about living the Christian life are keeping your balance and waiting on God (I would add to that list maintaining a consistent, disciplined prayer life). The longer I live as a child of God, the more convinced I am of the truth of his statement.
It’s so easy to get out of balance. It’s much like driving a car down the road; there’s a ditch on either side. For example, we must always keep God’s love balanced by His holiness and justice. To go too far on the love side takes us to a place where all will be saved, regardless of what they believe. To go too far on the holiness side results in pharisaical legalism. Both are heresy. Both are ditches waiting to trap the unwary Christian.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul, inspired of the Holy Spirit, writes an incredible thing. To the Corinthian believers he says, “All things are lawful unto me.” In one sentence Paul has effectively destroyed the law of commandments and ordinances by which the Jews literally ordered their lives. With one sentence, shrimp came back on the menu, Gentile was no longer synonymous with leper and it was okay to make your bed on the Sabbath. Can’t you hear the Judaizers screaming? You can’t say that! They will never live holy lives! You are making a mockery of God!
If Paul had stopped writing there they probably would have been right. But he didn’t, and they weren’t. The balance is placed in the remainder of the verse. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Sure, Paul says, all things are lawful. But friends and neighbors, all things are not helpful. All things are not edifying. All things will not strengthen my walk with Christ. And yes, all things are lawful, but none of those things should be allowed to control our lives. It would be tempting to limit this to things that are addictive, but the meaning is much broader. All things are lawful, but I will allow nothing to control me other than the sweet Spirit of God.
Talk about balance. Paul gives us the recipe for life apart from the law with the Holy Spirit in residence. Let Him guide. Limit yourself to those things that are edifying. You will find yourself in a life more abundant and more powerful than the law could ever give. Enjoy the things God has given you, and let the Holy Spirit, and your own Christian walk, be your guides.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read:1 Corinthians 6
A wise pastor once told me the two most difficult things about living the Christian life are keeping your balance and waiting on God (I would add to that list maintaining a consistent, disciplined prayer life). The longer I live as a child of God, the more convinced I am of the truth of his statement.
It’s so easy to get out of balance. It’s much like driving a car down the road; there’s a ditch on either side. For example, we must always keep God’s love balanced by His holiness and justice. To go too far on the love side takes us to a place where all will be saved, regardless of what they believe. To go too far on the holiness side results in pharisaical legalism. Both are heresy. Both are ditches waiting to trap the unwary Christian.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul, inspired of the Holy Spirit, writes an incredible thing. To the Corinthian believers he says, “All things are lawful unto me.” In one sentence Paul has effectively destroyed the law of commandments and ordinances by which the Jews literally ordered their lives. With one sentence, shrimp came back on the menu, Gentile was no longer synonymous with leper and it was okay to make your bed on the Sabbath. Can’t you hear the Judaizers screaming? You can’t say that! They will never live holy lives! You are making a mockery of God!
If Paul had stopped writing there they probably would have been right. But he didn’t, and they weren’t. The balance is placed in the remainder of the verse. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Sure, Paul says, all things are lawful. But friends and neighbors, all things are not helpful. All things are not edifying. All things will not strengthen my walk with Christ. And yes, all things are lawful, but none of those things should be allowed to control our lives. It would be tempting to limit this to things that are addictive, but the meaning is much broader. All things are lawful, but I will allow nothing to control me other than the sweet Spirit of God.
Talk about balance. Paul gives us the recipe for life apart from the law with the Holy Spirit in residence. Let Him guide. Limit yourself to those things that are edifying. You will find yourself in a life more abundant and more powerful than the law could ever give. Enjoy the things God has given you, and let the Holy Spirit, and your own Christian walk, be your guides.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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