Romans 7:7-11 - "What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death."
The law is not sin. Sin is like this invisible ink they put on your hand at some places. You can not see it or anyone around you. In your mind there is nothing on your hand. Yet, when you bring it under the light, you will see the ink mark. Apart from the light it is unseen. The law does the same work as the light. Paul says, apart from the law sin was dead. This doesn't mean that there was no sin before the law, but it was dead to us for it had not yet been revealed to us through the law.
The law was intended to bring life. Yet, it brought death. The law can bring life or death. If obeyed it brings life. If disobeyed, it brings death. Yet, it is actually sin which brings death upon us. The law is our judge and jury. It is like our law system. If you are found breaking the law, you are penalized. Is it the judges fault? No, he only enforced the law. You brought the judgement on yourself. The law only showed the wrong that you did.
It is very crucial to understand what Christ did on the cross. He did not abolish the law, but sin. (Romans 7:4-6) Since, he abolished sin or the control of sin, we are set free from the law as something that brings death to us. It was not the law that bound us, but sin. The difference between the Old Testament and New Testament is not the law, but the control of sin in our lives. In the O.T. they were slaves to sin, and they or the law were not able to free them or give them victory. In the N.T. because of Christ's work and the Holy Spirit's, we have a way of escape and are now slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6;16-18)
All the laws of the O.T. were there to guide and help them live righteous lives. Yet, it was inadequate because it did not rescue them from the root cause, sin itself. Yet, we can live righteous lives because of the sacrifice of Christ and His Spirit working in us. (Romans 8:2-4)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Worshiping with All your Might
There are many styles of worship usually based on ones personality type. Yet, no matter what style of worship you like, there is one kind of worship that God requires of all. This is to worship Him with all your might or with your entire being.
II Samuel 6:14-15 - "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets."
Now there is moments of quiet and calm in worship, but there should also be moments of getting excited about God, moments of great joy, moments of rejoicing, moments of applause, moments of shouting, and maybe even moments of dancing. We need to be excited about God. Usually when someone gets excited about something they show it some way. Israel's worship was sometimes down right noisy and rambunctious. It was anything but calm. I am not saying we should be shouting or dancing all the time in worship. What I am saying let us get excited about who God is, what he has done for us and what he is still doing.
Think about what you do in the natural and everyday world when you get excited. How do you act when something great happens to you? How do you act when you see someone doing something amazing? How do act when you watch a sport you love live in a stadium and your team is winning? How would you act if you won a million dollars?
All I am saying in all this is that we need to worship God with all our might. We don't need to stand there like a statue or like someone who is frozen with fear. We don't need to be afraid of what other people with think of our worship. We need to fully express ourselves which may include using your whole body, not only your mouth. I think even the most reserved person would applaud someone, and at the very least crack a smile. Sometimes, I think people think they are at a funeral in church. If you didn't know it, God is alive and still on his throne.
Be careful not to criticize the people who act a little crazy in worship even as David. God will not take to kindly to this. (II Samuel 6:20-23) Yes, yes, everything is to be done in order and discipline with reverence.
II Samuel 6:14-15 - "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets."
Now there is moments of quiet and calm in worship, but there should also be moments of getting excited about God, moments of great joy, moments of rejoicing, moments of applause, moments of shouting, and maybe even moments of dancing. We need to be excited about God. Usually when someone gets excited about something they show it some way. Israel's worship was sometimes down right noisy and rambunctious. It was anything but calm. I am not saying we should be shouting or dancing all the time in worship. What I am saying let us get excited about who God is, what he has done for us and what he is still doing.
Think about what you do in the natural and everyday world when you get excited. How do you act when something great happens to you? How do you act when you see someone doing something amazing? How do act when you watch a sport you love live in a stadium and your team is winning? How would you act if you won a million dollars?
All I am saying in all this is that we need to worship God with all our might. We don't need to stand there like a statue or like someone who is frozen with fear. We don't need to be afraid of what other people with think of our worship. We need to fully express ourselves which may include using your whole body, not only your mouth. I think even the most reserved person would applaud someone, and at the very least crack a smile. Sometimes, I think people think they are at a funeral in church. If you didn't know it, God is alive and still on his throne.
Be careful not to criticize the people who act a little crazy in worship even as David. God will not take to kindly to this. (II Samuel 6:20-23) Yes, yes, everything is to be done in order and discipline with reverence.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
God Never Changes
James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
God's nature does not change. This is comforting to know that God is our solid rock. He is not like his creations that is always changing. He still remains a good and loving God. He still is the giver of good gifts. He is still the light that reveals what is evil and shows what is good and true. (Hebrews 13:8)
God is still the infinite, almighty, all powerful, all knowing, all holy, and all wise God. God is still a faithful God who will accomplish what he has purposed in us.
Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
God has a good plan for you and his plans have not changed.
Jeremiah 29:11 - " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Hebrews 6:16-18 - " People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged."
God's promises do not change. We can take them to the bank. His credit is good.
What an awesome God we serve.
God's nature does not change. This is comforting to know that God is our solid rock. He is not like his creations that is always changing. He still remains a good and loving God. He still is the giver of good gifts. He is still the light that reveals what is evil and shows what is good and true. (Hebrews 13:8)
God is still the infinite, almighty, all powerful, all knowing, all holy, and all wise God. God is still a faithful God who will accomplish what he has purposed in us.
Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
God has a good plan for you and his plans have not changed.
Jeremiah 29:11 - " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Hebrews 6:16-18 - " People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged."
God's promises do not change. We can take them to the bank. His credit is good.
What an awesome God we serve.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Resting in God
Psalms 91 is a great psalm of comfort for those who are facing trouble and a psalm of hope for those who are not. It begins with, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty".
This verse says it all. Everything else in the psalm expounds on this one idea that as we dwell in the Lord, we will be at rest under his protection. In the midst of danger we can rest in Him. In the midst of trouble, we can rest in Him. The primary root of this word "rest" here in Hebrew is to "stop" (usually over night). When we stop at God's house we will have a good night sleep because we will be secure and calmed in our spirit. We will stop worrying. We will stop being afraid. We will stop our toil and struggle. We will stop fighting in our own strength. We will stop using our own wisdom. We will stop trying to do things in our own strength.
Why do we stop doing all these things? We stop them because we understand God is control. We stop them because we trust in His love, power, and protection. We stop these things because we are in His glorious presence. We stop them because God is our refuge and fortress.
Those who are in an abiding relationship with God. Those who are in God's will. Those who walk in obedience. They can rest in Him for He will cover them even as a mother hen covers her chicks. They can rest because He has commanded His angels to watch over you. They can rest in Him because He loves them.
This verse says it all. Everything else in the psalm expounds on this one idea that as we dwell in the Lord, we will be at rest under his protection. In the midst of danger we can rest in Him. In the midst of trouble, we can rest in Him. The primary root of this word "rest" here in Hebrew is to "stop" (usually over night). When we stop at God's house we will have a good night sleep because we will be secure and calmed in our spirit. We will stop worrying. We will stop being afraid. We will stop our toil and struggle. We will stop fighting in our own strength. We will stop using our own wisdom. We will stop trying to do things in our own strength.
Why do we stop doing all these things? We stop them because we understand God is control. We stop them because we trust in His love, power, and protection. We stop these things because we are in His glorious presence. We stop them because God is our refuge and fortress.
Those who are in an abiding relationship with God. Those who are in God's will. Those who walk in obedience. They can rest in Him for He will cover them even as a mother hen covers her chicks. They can rest because He has commanded His angels to watch over you. They can rest in Him because He loves them.
Monday, March 26, 2012
In the suffering
None of us like suffering, but the Bible talks a lot about it. Paul believed in suffering for the gospel.
Philippians 1:12-14 - "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
In the suffering, the whole palace guards saw Christ in Paul. Of course, this may not have been the case if Paul had not suffered well. I am sure to that Paul told everyone in prison and who worked in the prison about Christ.
In the suffering, the saints we encouraged to proclaim the gospel without fear. When others see that we are not afraid to suffer for Christ, and remain true to Him in the suffering, this strengthens their faith and boldness.
In the suffering, we find deliverance.
Philippians 1:19 - "for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
What deliverance is Paul speaking of here? He could be speaking of a heavenly reward. He could be speaking of it being for his good. When we suffer the name of Christ, there is a heavenly reward. Yet, their is a reward even now for those who suffer. The deliverance of our soul. Deliverance from pride, self centeredness,independence, and other fleshly desires. Suffering has a purifying affect. Things that go through the fire are purer and stronger if they are made of lasting material. Yet, the fire can destroy if the material is of inferior quality. Yet, there is always hope, Christ can bring back even that which isn't.
How are we taking our suffering? Are we using it for good? If we are grumbling, complaining or acting in a manner that is not Christ like, than our suffering will be of no value to others or Christ.
Philippians 1:20 - "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
The purpose of suffering that God instigates or allows is that Christ be exalted in our bodies. In order for this to happen, we need to suffer well. We need to suffer in a way that we will not be ashamed. This will take courage which comes from prayer and given by the Holy Spirit.
Lord help me to suffer well and allow the work you want to accomplish in and through me.
Philippians 1:12-14 - "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
In the suffering, the whole palace guards saw Christ in Paul. Of course, this may not have been the case if Paul had not suffered well. I am sure to that Paul told everyone in prison and who worked in the prison about Christ.
In the suffering, the saints we encouraged to proclaim the gospel without fear. When others see that we are not afraid to suffer for Christ, and remain true to Him in the suffering, this strengthens their faith and boldness.
In the suffering, we find deliverance.
Philippians 1:19 - "for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
What deliverance is Paul speaking of here? He could be speaking of a heavenly reward. He could be speaking of it being for his good. When we suffer the name of Christ, there is a heavenly reward. Yet, their is a reward even now for those who suffer. The deliverance of our soul. Deliverance from pride, self centeredness,independence, and other fleshly desires. Suffering has a purifying affect. Things that go through the fire are purer and stronger if they are made of lasting material. Yet, the fire can destroy if the material is of inferior quality. Yet, there is always hope, Christ can bring back even that which isn't.
How are we taking our suffering? Are we using it for good? If we are grumbling, complaining or acting in a manner that is not Christ like, than our suffering will be of no value to others or Christ.
Philippians 1:20 - "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
The purpose of suffering that God instigates or allows is that Christ be exalted in our bodies. In order for this to happen, we need to suffer well. We need to suffer in a way that we will not be ashamed. This will take courage which comes from prayer and given by the Holy Spirit.
Lord help me to suffer well and allow the work you want to accomplish in and through me.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Not Distracted by the Moths
Not to long ago I heard a message by my pastor John Meadth I would like to share with you. He talked about the moths in our lives. The moths in our live are those things that distract us and even hinder us from serving God.
We are often focused on poor modeling, negative media, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and critical input.
Yet, we need to rebuild a positive outlook. This begins with recognizing God is good and cultivating a thankful heart.
Psalms 34:8 - " Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."
Psalms 100:4-5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Hebrews 12:28 - " Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"
Secondly we need to take responsibility for ourselves. We must stop the blame game.
Matthew 7:3 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" See also Ezekiel 18:20.
Thirdly, we need to be discerning with our media.
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Fourthly, We need to keep ourselves physically and mentally fresh. Job did a lot of complaining because he was suffering physically and mentally. Job 10:1
Fifthly, deal with unforgiveness. Matthew 6:14
Finally, we must practice positive and thankful speech.
Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
When we practice these truths we will be people of impact. A person people will want to follow.
We are often focused on poor modeling, negative media, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and critical input.
Yet, we need to rebuild a positive outlook. This begins with recognizing God is good and cultivating a thankful heart.
Psalms 34:8 - " Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."
Psalms 100:4-5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Hebrews 12:28 - " Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"
Secondly we need to take responsibility for ourselves. We must stop the blame game.
Matthew 7:3 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" See also Ezekiel 18:20.
Thirdly, we need to be discerning with our media.
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Fourthly, We need to keep ourselves physically and mentally fresh. Job did a lot of complaining because he was suffering physically and mentally. Job 10:1
Fifthly, deal with unforgiveness. Matthew 6:14
Finally, we must practice positive and thankful speech.
Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
When we practice these truths we will be people of impact. A person people will want to follow.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Our Life is Worth to Much
I love Matthew 4:18-22 when Jesus calls Simon, called Peter and his brother Andrew. Then in the same day calls James and John. They were all fisherman and fishing when Jesus passed by and told them to come and follow him. What is so powerful about this story is that they immediately left there livelihood and family to follow Jesus. They had no idea what was in the calling, but they followed. They had no idea what the following would cost, but blindly followed Jesus, the man of God.
God is seeking those who will hear His voice and immediately obey it without considering all the ramifications. We like to analyze, speculate and consider the whole picture. I am not saying this is a bad thing, but often after considering the whole picture, we don't obey. Why do people often not obey the Word of the Lord or the calling of God? I think Acts 20:24 has the answer to this question.
" However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
The answer to this question is that we put to great a worth on our lives. We put to great a worth on ourselves. We are unwilling to change. We don't want to change our plans. We don't want to change our ways. We don't want to abandon our comfortable way of life. We like our life how it is.
What does it take to obey immediately. It requires us taking our eyes off of self and onto God. It requires thinking less of ourselves and more of God. It requires us believing that God's plan is better than our plan.
We need to consider our life worth nothing compared to the life we have in Christ. This runs contrary to everything in our human nature. The human nature is to survive no matter what the cost. The human nature is live no matter what the cost. Yet, Christ say it is those who die that will live. Lord help us to die to ourselves.
God is seeking those who will hear His voice and immediately obey it without considering all the ramifications. We like to analyze, speculate and consider the whole picture. I am not saying this is a bad thing, but often after considering the whole picture, we don't obey. Why do people often not obey the Word of the Lord or the calling of God? I think Acts 20:24 has the answer to this question.
" However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
The answer to this question is that we put to great a worth on our lives. We put to great a worth on ourselves. We are unwilling to change. We don't want to change our plans. We don't want to change our ways. We don't want to abandon our comfortable way of life. We like our life how it is.
What does it take to obey immediately. It requires us taking our eyes off of self and onto God. It requires thinking less of ourselves and more of God. It requires us believing that God's plan is better than our plan.
We need to consider our life worth nothing compared to the life we have in Christ. This runs contrary to everything in our human nature. The human nature is to survive no matter what the cost. The human nature is live no matter what the cost. Yet, Christ say it is those who die that will live. Lord help us to die to ourselves.
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