Knowing God

Knowledge of the Truth, Part 1

[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4 (KJV)

I was recently asked: “If a person invites Jesus into their life are they saved for eternity—even if they don’t live in a manner that is pleasing to God?” This is a familiar question that has been asked by both believers and nonbelievers. What lies behind their inquiries is genuine concerned for the eternal destiny of their friends and family. My response to this question is framed by the nature of God—His goodness and His greatness and the infallibility of His Word. God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

“Knowledge” (epignōsis) denotes “an exact knowledge that perfectly unites the subject with the object” versus an abstract understanding. The use of knowledge in this passage goes beyond a superficial understanding but reflects a thorough and complete knowledge. Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes knowledge as that which involves “participation by the knower in the object known” thus powerfully influencing him. This is the kind of knowledge God desires that His children have of Him (Eph. 1:17).

In this text, “truth” (aletheia) refers to the truth taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ; subjectively it refers to integrity of character. Such character is only possible by the transformative power of the Gospel and through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:8-13).

“To come to” or attain the knowledge of the truth is God’s desire for all unbelievers. The knowledge of truth—things pertaining to God—becomes the vehicle of understanding whereby unredeemed man can realized his spiritual depravity and acknowledge His need for a Living Savior. Armed with the knowledge of the truth, the unbeliever can see truth. Lies once hidden from his view are now fully exposed. The new believer is then able to participate in an intimate relationship with God and appropriate the spiritual blessings promised to him (Eph. 1:3. This includes their eternal salvation (Heb. 5:9).

With regard to the opening question, some theologians explain the believer’s continuation in sin as proof “they were never saved in the first place.” This explanation is neither for me to accept nor reject. That is a matter to be addressed between that believer and Jesus on the Day when “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Next week we’ll continue discussion of the knowledge of the truth as it relates to believers and its impact on their life and eternal security.

Spiritual Maturity

Stay on the Path

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 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7: 13-14 (NIV)

There was a commercial a few years ago for financial planning that featured a wide green path and arrow to guide the investor along life’s path. As the investor strolls through the city, they were tempted to step off the path to pursue things that could hinder their ability to accomplish their long-term investment plans. The voice of the financial adviser coaches the investor to “just stay on the path.” The implication is that as long as the investor “stays on the path” they will realize their financial goals and live happily ever after. This commercial reminded me of ­­­­­­­Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount concerning the two paths individuals can choose in life.

Jesus tells His listeners to, “Enter through the narrow gate.” The King James Bible version renders narrow as “strait.” Strait (stenos) refers to a narrowness created by obstacles standing close about.   These obstacles could be the world’s view on how we are to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus’ point in this teaching is that the way to life is through a portal providing controlled access along a narrow way defined by God. In contrast, the wide highway represents the world’s “substitute” for the way of life. The end, of course, is death.

As I talk with believers about activities in their local churches, I am disturbed and heartbroken. The Church, which was created to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13), is choosing to “get off the path”.  Churches across this country have abandoned teaching and preaching the “full counsel” of God for “trendy methods” of ministry. The “fervent prayers of the righteous” (James 5:16) have been replaced with small group discussions on why the church should practice religious tolerance. Churches are more concerned with not offending others than with grieving the Holy Spirit. Peter reminded the early church, that Christ Himself was “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence” (1 Peter 2:8).

It is extremely difficult to stay on the path of God when our modern culture and changing social norms are encouraging us to do otherwise. It is critical–life affecting–that we stand fast in our faith (1 Peter 5:12) and resist being lured to “enter through the wide gate.” Stay on the path until you reach your eternal goal of heaven. Remember, it is a narrow path that leads to life, and only a few find it.

 Good to the Last Byte…

Do not be enticed by false teachings with their “faith-by-works, all-roads-lead-to-God” beliefs. Peter reminds us that we are a “peculiar” (God’s own) people chosen to proclaim God’s mighty acts (1 Peter 2:9).

Spiritual Guidance

The Paths of God

What comes to your mind when you think of paths? For me, I visualize the well-worn shortcut I followed as a child, as I ventured to my grandmother’s house on Sunday afternoon.  While hidden from the casual traveler in the area, this path represented a familiar and direct route to my final destination. For believers, the paths of God will also lead to our final destination-eternity with Him. Join the Psalmist David as he explores the paths of God.

The 25th Psalm was written by David and given the title, “Prayer for Guidance and Deliverance.” It is fitting then that we speak of the paths of God in the context of guidance and deliverance. The Hebrew translation for path is orach (o’-rakh) and is used to described as a well-trodden road. Orach appears fifty-eight (58) times in the Old Testament; found predominately in the books of Proverbs, Psalms, and Job. Most often it is used in a figurative way, describing the way to life or to death. (Prov. 4:14)

In our text, David is asking God to teach him His paths–the ways to life (to be pursued) AND the ways to death (to be avoided). God’s paths represent His best for our lives, even when we don’t understand where the “end” will take us. We can trust in God. (v.2) We can be confident He will lead us in mercy and truth (vv. 5 and 10) and that His paths reflect His tender mercies and lovingkindness. (v. 6) As we travel the paths of God, “He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths.” (Micah 4:2) Where do we begin?

  1. Meditate on God’s Word.   There we will learn of God’s ways. “They word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths.” (Ps. 119:105)
  2. Spend time with God.   There we better understand God’s path for our life. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)
  3. Listen for His Voice.  There we align our thoughts with the God’s through the Holy Spirit.  “The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)

Knowing God’s paths will relieve worry and concern with the events in the world and in our life. Be aware of the paths God daily chooses for you. Because of His lovingkindness, we can trust that He will always “lead us in the way that you should go.” (Ps. 143:8) All the paths of God are good.

Good to the Last Byte…

Paths are very different from highways. While the later are usually traveled by greater numbers of people, paths offer a more solitary route for arrival. While highways offer a better maintained and smoother journey, paths are found in areas where the terrain is rough and uneven in spots. Paths may be well-trodden by the few who found them both dependable and worthwhile. Following God’s “paths of righteousness” (Ps. 23:3) will get you where you need to go–on earth and through eternity.

The Holy Spirit

Cooperating with the Holy Spirit

“It is God who works in us to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Phil. 2:13 (NKJ)

Last week, we focused our study on Pentecost and the person of the Holy Spirit. It is through His presence that we are empowered for service to the Lord. The work that has been entrusted to us is destined for success because of the Holy Spirit working within us (Phil. 1:6). If this success is underwritten by the Holy Spirit, why aren’t we Christians experiencing greater victory in our personal lives and ministries?

The key to unlocking the gift of the Holy Spirit is our willingness to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Yes, I said cooperate. To cooperate means to work or act together toward a common end or purpose. It also means to acquiesce willingly. Cooperation is critical in every endeavor a person may attempt. Let me illustrate the importance of cooperation with the following illustration. You have recently received your pilot’s license. You have been trained in the areas of aeronautical engineering, flight routing, and are familiar with all the information manuals and charts. However, if you refuse to cooperate with the air traffic controller and the air tower, you are doomed to crash. The Holy Spirit is our “controller.” We must work with Him to insure spiritual success. How do we impede His work?

By grieving the Spirit. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30, ESV) That which causes sorrow in the Holy Spirit is sin in the life of the believer. In Ephesians 4:29 and 31, Paul itemizes some of the sins that grieve the Holy Spirit—corrupt communications, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. While many believers would classify only those grosser iniquities as sin, God mentions matters of the mind and spirit as well as those of the body.

By resisting the Spirit. “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:51) To resist, in Greek, is translated antipipto which means to “oppose.” In Stephen’s defense speech, he chronicles the history of the Jewish people from Abram to Christ—a history marked by consistent refusal to follow the instruction and leadership of God. Stephen called the Jewish leaders “stiff-necked.” This term originated in ancient Israel where the farmers would plow their fields by using oxen. If the ox didn’t want to follow the guidance of the farmer it would stiffen the muscles in its neck thereby making it impossible to guide the ox where it needed to go. We resist the Holy Spirit when we refuse to follow His guidance.

By quenching the Spirit. “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Paul gives final instructions concerning holy living. In verses 16-18, he addresses individual believers’ personal life before God; verses 19-22 focus on life in the assembly of believers. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” references the Holy Spirit as a burning presence within individuals. In particular, it is the impartation of spiritual gifts to individual believers to edify and strengthen the local church. Refusal to uses one’s gifts and talents quenches the Spirit, thereby snuffing out the church’s ability to accomplish its purpose (Matt. 28:19).

I’d like to close by returning to the earlier piloting illustration. As the pilot, you may be assigned to “fly” your individual plane but it is the air traffic controller who “rules” the space in which your plane must operate, both in the air and on the ground. The air traffic controller knows the conditions ahead of you, the obstacles you may encounter, and your final destination, including you ETA—estimated time of arrival. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit is much like piloting a plane—you need to understand who really is in control. If you find yourself grieving, resisting, or quenching the Holy Spirit, seek forgiveness and then resolve to let Him guide your life. Learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit today. Happy landing!

Prayer: Father God, we thank you for Your gift of the Holy Spirit. We resolve to cooperate with His leading and pledge obedience to the guidance He provides. Lord, forgive us when we act like stiff-necked oxen. We gladly receive your yoke which is easy and your burden which is light. It is in the name of our risen Savior that we pray. Amen

Pentecost

The Holy Spirit of Pentecost

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Acts 1:8a (KJV)

This past Sunday was designated as Pentecost on the Christian calendar. It is celebrated in churches across the nation and around the world fifty days after Easter.

Pentecost or the Feast of the Weeks, was one of the three major feasts mandated by God for the Jewish people to observe (Deut. 16:16; Ex. 23:14, 15). It is to be celebrated fifty (50) days after the Passover Feast. With the completed work of salvation by Jesus Christ—His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—Pentecost now takes on a new dimension and meaning for Christians with the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 2). It was the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence that would enable Jesus’ disciples to continue the work He had begun. As importantly, Pentecost marked the availability of the Holy Spirit to everyone who would “call upon the name of Jesus” (Rom. 10:13; Acts 2:38); collectively, individuals responding in faith would form the Church promised by Jesus to His disciples (Matt. 16:18).

While we may know about the various ministries of the Holy Spirit, it is even more important to fully grasp the enormity of His Presence within us. Deity is living within us! I love the way Jesus described this phenomenon: “I (Jesus) in them (Believers) and You (God) in me, (so) that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:23a). Like the disciples on the day of Pentecost we are in need of the Holy Spirit’s power and direction as we live for God’s glory. Pentecost is not only a day on the church calendar but it is an invitation to join with the Triune God in Their ministry of deliverance, wholeness, and grace (Eph. 2:10).

Stormie Omartian describes our ministry with the Holy Spirit this way:

God wants to lead you to places you cannot get to without Him, and He does that by the power of His Spirit. He can bring you into the realm of the miraculous—not as a show, but as a demonstration of His love and compassion for the lost, hurting, or needy. Who among us doesn’t want or need that?

Good to the Last Byte…
The Christian calendar is organized around two major centers of Sacred Time: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany; and Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, concluding at Pentecost. The rest of the year following Pentecost is known as Ordinary Time, from the word “ordinal,” which simply means counted time (First Sunday after Pentecost, etc.). Ordinary Time is used to focus on various aspects of the Faith, especially the mission of the church in the world. Some church traditions break up ordinary time into a Pentecost Season, (Pentecost until the next to last Sunday of August) and Kingdomtide (last Sunday of August until the beginning of Advent).

Eastertide

Everything’s Looking Up, Part 2

“And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” Luke 24:51 (KJV)

We spend a lot of time talking about the incarnation of Christ, the crucifixion and the resurrection but often neglect the ascension, a key element in the ministry and work of Christ. If we stop at the resurrection event, we miss the full power of God. This power that raised Jesus from the grave also lifted Him to heaven. The ascension completes the ministry of Christ as affirmed in our Statement of Faith: “We believe in Jesus Christ…crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He arose from the dead; He ascended in heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.” This statement successfully captures the full efficacy of Jesus’ ministry.

Christ’s ascension is a defining moment in Christianity much like His Advent. While the ascension marked the conclusion of Christ’s ministry on earth, it also initiated three (3) key changes for all who would follow Him as Lord and Savior. The Ascension would result in:

#1. The Holy Spirit’s ENTRANCE. Jesus had earlier reminded the Disciples that His departure was necessary in order that the Holy Spirit would come. This transference of power to the Disciples would occur through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) resulting in “even greater works” than had been accomplished by Jesus (John 14:12). The Holy Spirit’s arrival would also result in the “gifting” of individuals for the edification of the Church (Ep. 4:8). Lastly, the Holy Spirit would bring to remembrance the truths that Jesus had taught the disciples during His time with them. He would add clarity and understanding to many of Christ’s teachings that would later be included in the infallible record of the Gospels.

#2. The Disciples’ ENGAGEMENT. The forty days prior to Jesus’ ascension provided a critical transition period in which Jesus could prepare the Disciples for their new commission. During that time Jesus answered their questions, banished their fears, and opened their minds to the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-48). The ascension marked the beginning of the Disciples apostolic calling. After receipt of the Holy Spirit, they would be empowered to be the primary propagators of the Gospel beginning in Jerusalem and then expanding to Judea and Samaria and finally to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

#3. Jesus Christ’s EXALTATION. After the ascension, Jesus Christ was placed on the throne at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus’ position of honor signified the acceptance of His “once for all” sacrifice for sin (Heb. 10:12) and His triumph over the forces of evil and Satan (Heb.2:14). Jesus has ascended to heaven where He now reigns as Lord and King (Rev. 19:16). It is there that He: (1) governs the universe, (2) rules the Church, (3) gives aid to believers, and (4) intercedes for believers. The ascended Christ is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that named” (Ep. 1:21). In 2015 Jesus Christ reigns!

And what does all this business of ascension have to do with believers living in the 21st century? Everything! Although Christ’s entered through the filter of time, the impact of His life and ministry extends throughout eternity. Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension provide the foundation on which believers appropriate God’s grace—His mercy and His power. Our response is seen in a life style that reflects our Lord and King.

The Holy Spirit’s entrance provides believers with a litany of gifts and powers to successfully navigate in a chaotic and tumultuous world—much like that which the Disciples faced. He is there to provide guidance and direction to accomplish the purpose for which God has created us. The Holy Spirit is the source of truth in all things protecting us from the world’s deception and Satan’s lies (John 16:13).

The Disciples engagement is the same for believers today. Our commission is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ within our sphere of influence. We too have received the call to faithfully evangelize whenever possible. We can begin our commission by witnessing to what we personally have seen Christ do in our lives and his love for others—love that was demonstrated by His death, resurrection, and ascension (Rom. 5:8). Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we too can turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

The knowledge of Christ’s exaltation is the place where believers can respond with great joy and confidence. Christ seated in heavenly places (Eph. 1:20) reigning as Lord and triumphant King of the universe. It is because of this fact that we can be assured that the world is not spinning out of control because He is sovereignly overseeing current history and our destiny (Ps. 103:19). In addition, Jesus love and benevolence doesn’t end with His ascent into heaven for it is there that He acts as our High Priest continually making intercession before the Father on our behalf (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

Jesus ascended “materialistically, physically, and bodily” into heaven. This is no fable or folklore; neither is this an illusion or the result of some mass hysteria. It happened then and Jesus will “return in like manner” (Act 1:11). Christ is ascended. And what should our response be? Like the Disciples let us worship and praise Him (Luke 24:52).

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own
Awake my soul and sing
Of Him who died for thee
And hail Him as the matchless King
Through all eternity.

Eastertide

Everything’s Looking Up, Part 1

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (KJV)

I have now added the Book of Acts to my list of favorite Bible books. Why? Because it bears witness to the fact of what can happen when ordinary people (and the Church) cooperate with supernatural power (the Holy Spirit). And what is the result? Extraordinary ministry! I’m sure the disciples felt that things were “looking up” since once again Jesus was present with them. But they had much to learn from Jesus before He ascended to heaven.

It had been forty days since Resurrection Sunday and Jesus wasted no time in completing His earthly ministry. After His ascension, Jesus would give His commandments to His “sent ones”, the newly commissioned apostles through the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:2). Knowing His departure was rapidly approaching, Jesus directed His energies to two activities: presenting evidence of His resurrection and teaching concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).

How did Jesus prove His resurrection? Not only by the witness of others (1 Cor. 15:4-7) but Jesus Himself would offer “infallible proofs.” Perhaps He showed unbelievers His nail scarred hands and His pierced side. For those who challenged the stories of His resurrection, Jesus might have walked through closed doors as He did Easter afternoon with his disciples (John 20:19) or suddenly joined scoffers at their evening meal and ate in their presence to prove He was no ghost or apparition (Luke 24:41-43).

What did Jesus teach His disciples concerning the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God was the future Millennial Kingdom—the thousand year bodily reign of Jesus upon the earth (Rev.20:1-6). Jesus had spoken to the disciples before about an earthly, literal kingdom (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:28-30). Through the Millennial Kingdom “God would burst into human history in a spectacular way to establish His rule on earth.” [1] Perhaps He reminded the disciples of the faithfulness of God in His promise to establish the throne of David’s kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:13; Jer. 33:17-21). Knowledge of God’s faithfulness and eternal promises would outweigh any deterrent they might face in the future (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

Jesus left his disciples two instructions. First they were to wait for the “Promise of the Father”, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Jesus also waited for the Holy Spirit before beginning His ministry (Matt. 3:16). The new apostles would need the Spirit’s power to accomplish their work. Second, they were commanded to be witnesses of Jesus “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The spreading of the Gospel would require the disciples to move from the familiar to the unknown, expanding their territory and their audience. However, if they followed Jesus’ instruction and the Holy Spirit, the result would be “extraordinary ministry.”

In this time and place, there is both the need and the possibility to create extraordinary ministry. Jesus has given us the commission to go and to make disciples, to teach and to witness, just as He did (Matt. 28:19-20). We need not wait for the Holy Spirit. He is living within every believer and is ready to empower us to complete the work that Jesus began. Jesus has provided us witnesses and infallible proofs within the Gospel narratives and the Bible in general. We have the guarantee of eternal promises that begin now and extend into eternity. It’s time to move out of our comfort zones and embrace the work that Jesus has gifted us to do. Let us live each day with intentionality creating extraordinary ministry. Are you ready?

Good to the Last Byte…
John’s disciples had baptized (dipped or immersed) with water. Jesus disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit–here the idea is one of “uniting with” Him (1 Cor. 10:1, 2). This supernatural power would also become the means for doing “signs and wonders” therein demonstrating Christ’s authority and power. Uniting with the Holy Spirit is still possible today and is the only means of accomplishing the mission and vision of Christ in the world.

Lenten Season

Our Sinless Saviour

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

During Lenten season, many questions are put forth concerning Jesus, His purpose, and His role in God’s plan of salvation. One such question that seems to top the list is, “how does one reconcile Christ’s deity His humanity?” This is not a new question and has been argued by religious scholars since the advent of Christ. Even today I have heard ministers “infer” that Christ was not sinless. Perhaps they do this to help parishioners identify with their personal struggles to “live holy lives” (1 Pet. 1:15). Instead of being helpful, these misguided efforts, instead lead many believers astray.

It is true that Christ in His humanity experienced similar feelings and emotions we face daily. He wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41). He expressed frustration and anger (Matt. 21:12-13; Matt. 12:34). He loved (John 11:5; Mark 10:21; 2 Thess. 2:16). He exhibited His greatest humanity in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-37). One could say Jesus was overwhelmed (Mark 14:34) yet He set His face steadfastly to the Cross, affirming His commitment to God’s divine purpose (John 12:27). So why is Christ’s sinless nature so important? How does Christ’s sinlessness fit in God’s plan of salvation? Most importantly, was Christ really sinless?

Why is Christ’s sinlessness so important? The Levitical system of sacrifices and offerings was established to outline how God was to be worshipped and how Old Covenant ritual was to be fulfilled. This system included sacrifices and offerings, which symbolized the worshiper’s desire to express faith in and love for God as well as their desire to be purged of sin (Leviticus1:1-7:38). When animal sacrifices were required they were to be free from deformity, defect, or disease (Lev. 1:3; 4:3). To satisfy God righteous requirement for sin (Heb. 9:22), Jesus acted as the perfect, sinless sacrifice (sent from God) to take away (not to cover) sin (Heb. 9:28).

Was Christ sinless? I leave you these Scriptures to commit to memory so that you have no doubt that Jesus is our Sinless Savior.

• Christ our High Priest. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, YET WITHOUT SIN.” Hebrews 4:15

• Christ our Reconciler. “God made him WHO HAD NO SIN to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

• Christ our Redeemer. “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and IN HIM THERE IS NO SIN.” 1 John 3:5

• Christ our Eternal Sacrifice. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself WITHOUT SPOT to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14

• Christ our Example. “(Christ) WHO DID NOT SIN: neither was guile found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22)

Good to the Last Byte…
Jesus modeled for us what sinless living looks like. Does He expect the same from us? Perhaps He doesn’t expect “sinlessness” (I John 1:9), but He does desire that we be “sanctified and holy” (Eph. 5: 27). He does expect us to daily strive for the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ (Phil. 3: 14). Christ’s work upon the Cross rendered sin “inoperative” in our lives, therefore, we are not to let sin have dominion over us (Rom. 6:14). As Christ died to sin, we too are dead to sin and now proclaim we are no longer under its control. (Read Romans 6:1-14).

Lenten Season

Perfecting Holiness

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV)

Is holiness possible? Does God really expect us to be holy? Only God is holy. Holiness is more like a goal that everyone should strive for but no one really expects to attain, right? Wrong! God would not ask us to do anything that is impossible and He has told us to be holy (Lev. 11:45). As enter into the second week of Lent, I’d like to focus our attention on perfecting holiness.

Believers admit in a recent Barna Research report that they do not know what holiness looks like in their daily life. It isn’t surprising that there is much confusion and anxiety about personal holiness. Believer’s inability to accurately communicate what holiness looks like is usually the results of misinformation they have received in the form of legalistic lists of “do’s and don’ts” which individuals attempt to satisfy in their own strength. These lists do little to move believers closer to achieving personal holiness.

Holiness in the New Testament means to be set apart. In our text, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Church at Corinth to cleanse themselves from “filthiness” and demonstrate life styles of moral purity and dedication to God’s purposes. God’s Word, as communicated by Paul, is still true for believers in the 21st century. So how is the believer to achieve holiness?

Holiness begins as we accept God’s plan of salvation for our life. Once saved, we can come boldly into His Presence at His throne of mercy (Heb. 4:16). In His Presence we renew the relationship that was severed during The Fall (Gen. 3). In relationship with God we learn “His ways” and the paths He has chosen for us (Ps. 24:4-5). In relationship with God, we begin to be transformed. As we stand in the presence of His holiness, we become holy.

Holiness increases as we demonstrate obedience to God the Father. Christ, who was equally with God, submitted Himself to His Father and was obedient even to death on the Cross (Phil. 2:7). Obedience (hupakoe) infers a “willing subjection” to the will of God. Unlike the animals used in sacrifices, Christ came willingly to the Cross, as He expressed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not My will but Yours be done” (Matt. 26:39). Through obedience to God, we become conformed to the image of Christ. We take on the holy character of Christ.

Holiness flourishes as we are filled by the Holy Spirit. We cannot live holy lives in our own physical strength. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we are able to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). We trust that “it is God who is at work in us, enabling us both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). Through the filling of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled and empowered to walk holy.

While it is true that God is holy, He has told us that we too are to be holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). We are to live a lifestyle that reflects our faith and that glorifies His name. Christ will return someday to “present to Himself His glorious church, not having spot nor wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). Holiness is not perfection but it is an expectation.

God's Word

The Power Behind the Word

“Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18 (NKJ)

How do you read the Bible? Do you read it intent on analyzing its meaning? I must admit, this is the lens I most frequently use. I invest in Bible commentaries and lexicons, with great intentionality and expense, to insure that I am “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Though all these efforts are important in accurately interpreting Scripture, the “power and wonder” of the Word is best understood when we realize its “supernatural origin and source”—God Himself. Viewed from this perspective, God’s Word will quickly become a greater influence and authority in our lives.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). “Given by inspiration of God” in Greek is one word, theopneustos which means “God breathed” (theo=God and pneo=to breathe). What does that mean? God, through the Person of the Holy Spirit and the personality of the biblical writer, enabled every letter, word, and sentence that is included in each biblical text. Through His Word, God gives believers everything they need to live “profitable and righteous” lives. God’s Word is the authoritative source for truth, encouragement, and correction. It comes not only with meaning and purpose but also with God’s absolute power. This is witnessed in the power of His Word to “covert souls” (Ps. 19: 7) and “enlighten eyes” (Ep. 1:18).

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish …” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word is not simply a means of communication. It is “The Means” whereby God makes “things happen.” In Genesis, God spoke and it was accomplished. Darkness separated from light and the result He called night and day (Gen. 1:4-5). God said “let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven” and the sun and the moon came into existence (Gen. 1:15-16). Throughout the Old and New Testament God spoke and His Word was accomplished (Num. 23:19; Ep. 1:4-5). God has spoken to us in these last days through His Son Jesus Christ, the Living Word, who came to release us from the penalty and power of sin (Heb. 1:2). Jesus’ cry from the cross, “It is finished” witnessed the fact that God’s Living Word accomplished His divine purpose.

God’s Word is best appreciated and celebrated as we personally experience its transforming power. Upon hearing the Gospel of Salvation (Ep. 1:13), we are instantaneously confronted with the Power of God (Rom. 1:16-17). Rescued from the kingdom of darkness, we are transplanted into the kingdom of love (Col. 1:13). The penalty of sin is removed and our identity is immediately changed from a child of disobedience to joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). As we grow in Christ through reading and meditating on His Word, we are moment by moment changed into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18), our mind renewed (Ro. 12:2) until we have the same mind as Christ (Phil. 2:5). As we read God’s Word, let us remember the power and authority behind it—God the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth.

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12