Requirements for Victory – God-centeredness

James 4:6-10

Line from Act 1, Scene 3 of Hamlet: “To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Probably not how Shakespeare meant it, has become common in contemporary culture – statement equals “follow your gut”; “do what’s right for you”, etc. To be genuinely true to self requires accurate self-knowledge. Which requires help and enlightening power of Holy Spirit. Which is never content to stop there, at self-knowledge. But mandates turning to God.

Self-knowledge informs of profound need. God-centeredness provides solution / answer to need. If we are to end our friendship with world, control power of indwelling sin, must be God-centered. Moment-by-moment dependence on God to enable us to please him. James’ searchlight on man’s heart shows not just stuff in corners, under rugs, stashed in closets. Shows up poor quality of construction; makes it obvious we need more than simple spring cleaning. Complete transformation is essential – metamorphosis achieved only by God’s grace and Spirit.

If we are to be God-centered, God himself must change us to be focused on him. We must do what he expects of us also – for starters, James has his own list of 10 commandments coming up. But those commands are given in context of grace (who said grace and law are contradictory? they are complementary!).

A. encouragement v.6

more-than-abundant grace

opposite of what is deserved

Luk 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

can’t be earned either – grace and merit mutually exclusive

more than we desire or use

true believer does desire God’s grace on some level

various “ills” identified by James – doublemindedness, partiality, wrong speech, conflict – clear evidence desire and usage is lacking in constancy or fervor

if always desired all that is available and used to fullest extent – we’d be perfect

God’s grace is that abundant and sufficient, given without restraint to all who seek it

more than sufficient to overcome any obstacle to holiness

think of what Christ has already overcome – nothing that would obstruct our pursuit of holiness greater than that

“There is more than enough grace to enable man to do what he cannot do himself. Just as the love of God in Christ is enough to receive even the vilest sinner to Himself (John 3:16), so also is the grace of God in Christ sufficient to make the child of God victorious over sin. …By all means, remember that God makes all the power of the Savior (Phil. 3:14), and all the power of the Spirit (Rom. 8:13) available in the war against sin.” Krabbendam

reason for lack lies with man not God

routinely make excuses for sinful behavior

ethnic heritage, parental upbringing, just having a bad day

it’s a diversion! not the root cause, real issue

pride’s the biggie

failure to live holy means we’re not God-centered

may even mean actively resisting God’s advances, offers of help

“do it myself, Mommy”

belief that self has sufficient resources, God isn’t essential; if he is, only on my terms

at the root of the rest

because it’s at the root, that is where God focuses his surgical laser

deal with pride and much of rest is non-issue

if pride is root of all other sin, humility is cradle of all other graces

refuses to acknowledge dependence

overestimates human ability

underestimates power of enemy

genuine Holy Spirit-directed self-knowledge remedies both faults

gives understanding of total human inability in face of superior power, points to God and his grace as sole 100% solution

B. essence v.7-8a

10 imperatives in v.7-10; not suggestions, commands. Strong impression on first hearers, all but one verb have same ending. Hammer stroke after stroke as James drives his point home – you want victory, experience holiness God expects to be yours, this and only this is the way. James also presents commands as ones to be obeyed with a once-for-all, no looking back kind of commitment.

submit to God

“To submit to God is to give up ourselves to be governed by his will and pleasure; our thoughts, our counsels, our affections, our actions to be guided according to the strict rules of the word. …by us. Thus you see there is a threefold submission; of our carnal hearts to his holiness, our proud hearts to his mercy, our stormy minds to his sovereignty, that we may be obedient, humble, patient.” Thomas Manton

resist the devil

no options here: God and devil are enemies. To be friend of one is to be aligned against the other.

Satan is defeated, bound, far from harmless

at same time, in power of faith Christian can effectively resist

when believer resists, Satan runs; why??

Satan knows mere mortal man is unable to withstand his assaults

perservering resistance means real opposition is God, not simply the mortal

resist by

refusing to listen

refusing to give opportunity – staying out of sin – “give no opportunity to the devil” Eph. 4:27

feed faith – “resist him, firm in your faith” 1 Pet. 5:9

draw near to God

in his Word

know God and his ways more intimately

understand how to please him more fully

in worship

taking advantage of means of grace

the Word (especially preached), ordinances, prayer

in prayer

corporate, family & closet

where we come boldly to throne of grace, have the ear of God

God promises to reciprocate – draw near to bless

the form: abundant grace sufficient to preserve and purify

bestowed in context of intimate fellowship, personal relationship

indwelling Spirit, exalted brother-King, omnipresent Father

C. evidence v.8b-10

When (not if) Christian draws near to God, will be evident these ways that address both disposition and deeds:

cleanse hands (what we do) & purify heart (who we are)

God expects both heart and hand to be holy – Psa. 24:3-4 “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? …He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”

not just what we do, it’s why and how that count also; in fact, heart condition is primary, hand secondary

key to pure heart: overcome double-mindedness, cultivate/pursue single-minded desire for God

problem perhaps stems from undervaluing seriousness of sin

“Sunday Mass can help us stay clean, but once in a while, we get filthy dirty either from work or play. You know the kind of dirty that I am talking about. The kind where your mother would hose you off before she’d let you come in the house. She’d make you leave your closes in a pile by the door and run you right into the shower. Physical dirtiness can be taken care of pretty quickly. We’ve all removed that kind of dirt. Spiritual dirtiness takes just a little more effort.” http://seminarianonthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/02/homily-l1-b-lent-first-week-cycle-b.html

get serious

grieve & mourn & weep

talk about counter-cultural: LOL, smileys, casino commercials, work so you can party

Servant of Isa. 53:3 identified as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”, our example

also desired his disciples’ joy to be full (John 15:11; 16:24), that his joy be fulfilled in them (John 17:13)

sorrow and joy not mutually exclusive; in fact they are complementary

we grasp measure of joy found in Christ to extent we grasp measure of sorrow for sin

godly sorrow leads to repentance leads to renewed joy over restored fellowship and progress in holiness

turn to God

can’t stay defeated in morbid sorrow over sin; even that is form of pride – my sin too great even for God

his grace and forgiveness more than adequate for our need

Summary:

1 – to see God, must have practical godliness (Heb. 12:14)

2 – even regenerate believer cannot produce godliness (John 15:5)

3 – genuine believer desires godliness

4 – through prayer, cast ourselves wholly on God for both desire and fulfillment

5 – God answers, believer displays godliness

May God deal with our pride and self-sufficiency as we cast ourselves on him, seeking his grace and strength, experience true joy that only he can give.

Our Great Savior

Isaiah 63:1-14

Live in dangerous world. Didn’t used to be that way, wasn’t that way by design. Began as co-operative relationship between all parties involved: man and woman, animals, forces of nature, even God. Mankind give mandate to act as God’s second-in-command, manage created world to maximum productivity. Then sin reared ugly head, all that changed. In moment when God declared curse on serpent, ground, world has turned into war zone. Ones who started out friends became enemies. Earth resisted man’s attempts to manage it. Later on, animal kingdom no longer easily approached by men; in some cases, wouldn’t want to try!

No great surprise that man turned into key player in conflict. 1st generation – killed wife’s reputation; 2nd generation – killed his brother (Gen. 4:8); 5 generations later – writing songs to celebrate violence (Gen. 4:23-24). Didn’t stop with Cain and Abel or even Lamech; continued on, names you easily recognize – good guys, bad guys, nice nations, evil ones. Animosities that continue to this very day. In every age and generation, God has always had his people. As he promised, they’re involved in the conflict too (Gen. 3:15), one that includes greatest enemies: sin & Satan.

Not getting better, not getting safer. Seems the evil people do is even greater, more in-your-face. True on individual level, also national and international as well. Persecution.org has annual “Hall of Shame”, 11 countries where Christians at greatest risk of persecution. Iraq ……………..Iran ……………..Egypt …………..Nigeria…………Eritrea………….Somalia………..India ……………Pakistan……….North Korea…………China …………..Vietnam….. Could easily become discouraged, think situation is hopeless if didn’t have the Bible. Enemies of God’s people are great; not a single one we can overcome. Given scope of task, must have a great Savior if we are to have hope.

A. great work v.1-6

prophet looks, coming from direction of Israel’s ancient enemy Edom – a warrior (1)

gets attention even from a distance

bright red garments – fit for royalty – striding powerfully and confidently

who can this be?

one with authority to speak, power to save

why are clothes all red? (2)

evidence of work Warrior has done bringing judgment to his enemies – complete victory over them (3)

glory displayed in defending his people, subduing enemies

just as much as in delivering his people from captivity

God is glorious in justice and in grace and mercy

remember v.1 – if God is truly righteous, then must punish evildoers

also important: those crushed in winepress deserve their punishment, obstinately rebellious until bitter end

a hard truth, one in which God takes no pleasure, neither should we

God’s salvation far more than simple extraction from danger; includes eliminating danger (4)

fireman saves child, Marine saves injured buddy – danger still exists

building continues to burn; enemy only temporarily neutralized

possibility or likelihood of future harm still remains

OTOH, God’s plan mandates full & final removal of all danger to his people

achieves complete freedom for his people

from sin and sinfulness

from effects of sin

from sinners who would cause his people harm

only one engaged in this work – the Divine Warrior (5)

no other with sufficient interest

not in this kind of work

average sinner still in sin most interested in making pain go away, hassle/frustration stop

desire goodies God could provide but not interested in God and his ways

only after deliverance that we “get it”

with proper skills

to understand enemy

to know winning strategy

with necessary qualities (6)

good to overcome evil

purity to overcome sin

power to overcome all enemies

B. great love v.7-10

Great Savior makes plain what he is about – great work he must accomplish; prophet responds in praise

many good things and great faithfulness (7)

hear all the words – breaks out in doxology – confident God will win

what you can remember quickly enough to thank God for

brings more to mind, and more, and more

never-ending display of love and mercy toward his people

every last bit of it undeserved – bestowed on those who were his enemies at the start

Rom. 5:8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! HCSB

demonstrated in context of family relationship – my people, children (8a)

God committed to relating to his people as Father

redeeming out of world into family

expecting children to bear family resemblance, behave as family members

no better setting in which to show love

came himself, didn’t send an agent (8b, 9b)

“he became their Savior”; “the Angel of his Face saved them”

“the angel in whom his face is made clear” E J Young

“Not an ambassador, nor an angel, but he, the Lord delivered them, because of loving them.” LXX (9b)

God himself, in person of Lord Jesus, “the exact representation of his being” (Heb. 1:3)

best expression of his love: “he loved us and sent his son” (1 John 4:10)

to do for his people what they couldn’t do for themselves

what none other than God incarnate could accomplish

feels his people’s pain (9)

God in his essence, being, God-ness is immutable, unchanging; pure spirit, not subject to mood swings

at same time: God not distant, remote, disconnected from his people

he is sympathetic, compassionate, relational

he is moved by prayers and predicaments of his people, responds to them in their need

=> because of love and compassion he redeemed and sustains

exhibit A of sustaining: 40 years wandering in desert

all other times he has carried his people when they could not carry themselves

“a love that won’t give up” (10)

even in face of rebellion

not the Father’s love, the love of Holy Spirit; hmm, think on that one

cannot grieve one who doesn’t love

all three Persons of Trinity

active in redemption – see in v.9-10

love those who are God’s – 1 John 4:10; Eph. 5:25; v.10, Eph. 4:30

continues to show his love through correction

Heb. 12:6 “The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own.” CEV

because he loves: he restrains, draws back, corrects, fights against their foolish rebellious choices

does not allow his people to self-destruct in sinful rebellion

C. great name v.11-14

don’t forget God’s great works of the past, his purpose in performing them

everlasting name

removing all obstacles to safety, rest, holiness (11)

gave a shepherd and his Spirit

brought through seemingly impossible situation – Pharaoh and Red Sea

giving direction – internal and external (12-13)

guiding in a specific path

spiritually & morally – by his Spirit

physically – by his shepherd

=> God’s purpose: when remembering great wonders of past, would think of them as things God accomplished

glorious name

true rest comes from Holy Spirit

rest = settledness, security, peace

denied to those who oppose God

intended to be lot of those who settled Canaan

promised those who come to Christ – Matt. 11:28-30

God’s goal his glory, even in dealing with his people

does what He does for his people

for their good (Rom. 8:28-30) especially in their salvation

for his own glory – that he might receive all praise

God’s enemies and our enemies are great and powerful and many. Are absolutely determined not to lose the battle. God is greater, more powerful, will eventually have final and total victory over all his foes. Is God’s patience, desire for more sons and daughters adopted into family that postpones Great Day. Has God demonstrated himself a great savior to you? Give him the glory! Speak of him to others. Live for him in front of others. Show by your life of holiness the overwhelming greatness of God.

Is that not yet a reality in your life? Do you have yet to experience the transforming power of God’s Spirit? release from captivity in sin? Turn to our Great Savior, the Lord Jesus, in faith believing he is the only one who can save you. Repent of your sin, seek God’s forgiveness, be reconciled to him and become his child. Then you can sing of your redeemer, of his wonderful love to you, how he has set you free from your sin.

Requirements for Victory – Self-Knowledge

James 4:1-5

Task of the believer – pursue holiness; exercise living faith demonstrated by good works; bear fruit; work out salvation. To actually reach the goal, attain the holiness God intends for us, achieve victory in living Christian life – requires knowledge. Have to know the enemy in order to overcome. Since it’s spiritual enemy, warfare, weapons must be spiritual ones to be effective. Means they must come from God, their use be directed by God in strength he supplies.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Chapter 1, Book 1, Section 1

“Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other. …no man can survey himself without forthwith turning his thoughts towards the God in whom he lives and moves; because it is perfectly obvious, that the endowments which we possess cannot possibly be from ourselves. …the infinitude of good which resides in God becomes more apparent from our poverty. …We are accordingly urged by our own evil things to consider the good things of God; and, indeed, we cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves.”

Is a given: true, accurate self-knowledge only possible in any measure for Christian. Unregenerate person deceived by sin and Satan, can’t and won’t recognize/identify source of obstacles to holiness. In addressing issues, James uses shockingly strong language, perhaps to draw attention to seriousness of problem. Shouldn’t dismiss too quickly as not applying; think through what James is saying in context of other biblical instruction as he deals with nature of our condition, why things are that way, what it means for our relationship with God.

A. nature of our condition v.1

a war zone

wars / fights; conflicts / quarrels; battlefield terminology, shocking since directed toward activity inside the church

does not mean there was actual blood on the floor, missing limbs, casualties

far worse than that

begin as sins of the heart, not the hand

often hidden under veneer of smiles, right-sounding words, most of the time

have both human and spiritual consequences – blown relationships with man and God

remember Jesus’ and John’s words: Matt. 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15 “everyone who hates his brother is a murderer”

so,… problem is internal

not result of circumstances

war is already going on within, kept under wraps much of the time

particular circumstances give opportunity for break-out

source: “desires for pleasure” (1) and “lust” (2)

ἡδονή – hedone – enjoyment, pleasure

occasionally used +, most often –, in regard to life focused on “this world”

hedone refers to pleasure derived from the desire acted upon and realized

ἐπιθυμέω – epithumeo – passionately desire, long for, set your heart on (usually pleasure)

not inherently negative, used in Scripture both + and –, more often –

identify the right culprit

problem is not presence of desire, even enjoyment of pleasure

issue is what sin has done to corrupt desires, make pleasure the goal

desires and passions that are self-indulgent, not God-focused, result in conflict

anyone/thing that gets in way of satisfying them is fair game, literally

B. reason of our condition v.2-3

“You lust and have not, so you murder.

You burn with desire to have, and cannot obtain, so you fight and war.

You have not, because you ask not.

You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss so that you may squander it upon your lustful desires.”

point 1 – summary of the issue, points 2-4 outline how you get there

failure to be content; stems from focus on what is lacking, not what is present

determined to have what they believe is deserved, certainly what is desired

will stop at nothing to achieve goal, even murder (figurative or literal)

can be stuff related, doesn’t have to be; power, position, influence, being right, own way, recognition

methods are all the usual: spin, rushed decisions, foot-dragging, manipulation, etc, etc.

point 2 – where it begins: burning desire to have that is frustrated

desire to have, make attempt to get, fail in attempt

try again, turn up the heat, determined to remove opposition, fail in attempt

now it’s open conflict, whatever it takes to achieve goal

point 3 – more of problem is exposed: wrong method

attempting to achieve ends by own means, efforts, not striving in prayer

two aspects that are important

it’s hard (not impossible) to ask God for wrong things, what we know (or are pretty sure) he would not approve

prayer, not fighting, God’s appointed way to achieve right goal right way

point 4 – last but not least, wrong motive

fervent prayer must be God-centered in order to be answered

“May we not seek our own good and benefit? I answer, not ultimately, not absolutely; but only with submission to God’s will, and subordination to God’s glory. The main end why we desire to be saved, to be sanctified, to be delivered out of any danger, must be that God may be honoured in these experiences, in comparison of which our own glory and welfare should be nothing.” Thomas Manton

effectual prayer must follow models given

disciples’ prayer; Jesus’ high-priestly prayer; prayers of Paul

even short portion of Jesus’ prayer for himself had God’s glory ultimately in view

if self-gratification is source of fights and conflict, way to peace must be through self-denial in submission to God’s will

should go without saying: self can’t deny self in own strength; only through living faith instructed by God’s Word and empowered by God’s Spirit that believer can obey Jesus’ command – deny self, take up cross, follow (Mat. 16:24; Mar. 8:34; Luk. 9:23)

C. evaluation of our condition v.4-5

leaves no room for doubt / question what he means – James in echo from OT prophets charges people of God with adultery (4a)

speaking of spiritual unfaithfulness, using language of marriage

equivalent of idolatry

doesn’t have to be issue of “ultimate trust” to count – simple preference is enough

in adultery – prefers someone else to God

in idolatry – have greater thirst / desire for created thing than for Creator

demonstrated in priorities based on preferences where God doesn’t come first

spending time / effort that rightfully belongs to God on something else

further defines it as “friendship with the world” (4b)

subscribe to world’s way of thinking and doing

prefer things world holds important

cultivating relationships with others who do the same

and “enmity with God” (4c)

no gray area, it’s either / or

same as Jesus said in Matt 6:24 “no one can serve two masters”

world is kingdom of Satan, place where he rules men’s hearts, is at war with God and his people

to become friend of the world – eventually get sucked in, become enemy of God, too

to summarize:

Friendship with the world, then, “means to affirm the values, choices, priorities of a meaning system that grounds meaning in material possessions, status and regard.”

Friendship with God, on the other hand, is “to affirm the values, choices and priorities of a meaning system that grounds meaning in the promise of the one who gives every good gift and is both ‘lawgiver’ and ‘judge (Jam. 4:11-12)’” William Brosend

just in case you were wondering if this is at all serious….

Bible warns of penchant for envy, inordinate desire; means what it says (The present Commentary opts for the following translation. “The spirit that he (i.e., God) caused to dwell in us, lusts to envy” (envies intensely, NIV;) Krabbendam)

if we give in to desire, feed it with world’s friendship, situation is hopeless

no way we can escape power of indwelling sin coupled with external encouragement to sin

don’t despair!

as great as danger is, God’s grace is greater – see v.6

when Christian understands / acknowledges true inward condition, then is ready for God’s solution

Whether we are born again or still in need of conversion, our only hope lies in acknowledging utter inability and total dependence on God. Doesn’t mean we stop working, passively waiting for God to do his thing and make us all better. We have responsibility to do what is right – making right choices, resisting sin and Satan. In words of Luke (describing work of Barnabas in Antioch), may we “remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart” (Acts 11:23, HCSB). May God grant us grace and strength to do that.

Give Him No Rest

Isaiah 62:1-12

Prophet Isaiah lived before blogs, Twitter, on-demand publishing. Time and environment where anyone with library card can write to potential audience of billions. Isaiah primarily a preaching prophet; what we have in 66 chapters – sermon transcripts. Possible exception chapter 6, personal testimony. 40 years of prophetic preaching ministry distilled into 1292 verses, 36120 words (in English). Key points and principles Holy Spirit directed him to record for future generations.

Covered broad range of cultural / theological issues: nation incredibly blessed by God; patient forgiving God; people steeped in rebellion and idolatry; remnant of believers graciously protected and preserved; deliverance from captivity, salvation from sin, future blessing beyond description. It’s all there. Looking far into future, Isaiah saw glory of God at work among redeemed people. Saw fulfillment of promises God had made; promises for our age and age still to come.

Easy to think: God promised deliverer; he came, declared his identity, completed his work, went back to heaven, end of story. Now both God and we just hang on till the end. Not exactly. Gen. 2:2 tells God “rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Doesn’t mean God’s been on vacation for few thousand years. Jesus said, “It is finished” but he’s not on holiday either. Work of creation, work of redemption completed, yes. But, more work to do. No rest even for God, just yet. If you are genuine child of God, think as we work through text how much of this applies directly to you, describes what God has done in your life.

A. no rest v.1-2a

the means

loud proclamation

his word going forth – public preaching / teaching of Gospel

man’s rules & regs governing speech no barrier to God – God speaks, will be heard

ongoing activity

no relaxing, no diminishing of intensity until goal is achieved

the end

glory of his people

righteousness and salvation

Holy One of Israel determined to make his people holy

and witness to the nations of God’s great acts of deliverance

no such thing as secret service Christian

God intends world to see, take notice of what he has done

B. new name v.2b-5

name in Bible/Jewish culture more than label (2b)

usually given by one with authority – this case, God himself

often reveals much about individual – e.g., various names for God

new name replaces old name and its associations

change of nature and character (3)

crown – sign of royalty

important: crown of beauty/glory

God doesn’t work to minimums, close enough for gov’t work

all God does is work of art, beauty, displaying his glory

diadem – sign of sovereignty

his people will show his rule over their lives

what they do, how they live explainable no other way

in the hand of the Lord – not on his head

work is not completed, …yet; still adding jewels to his crown

translation note – v.4 better expressed this way:

“You will no longer be called Deserted, and your land will not be called Desolate; instead, you will be called My Delight is in Her, and your land Married.” (HCSB)

change of status (4)

from “deserted” to “delighted in”

formerly ignored, now object of special attention …in a good way, way of blessing and nurturing

change of relationship

from desolate, alone, neglected, unfruitful, without hope for future – to protected, provided for, surrounded by family

radical change

one in whom God delights, over whom God rejoices

God has done the work, made the difference, accomplished the change necessary

delight and rejoicing are genuine, not company face put on for show

but….. not everyone meets necessary conditions for God to delight in them

means there’s more work to do – work God must do – but not do alone

C. new work v.6-10

pastors (6a)

watchmen on the walls

protect and encourage those within by proclaiming truth, warning of danger

must be alert – to ones inside slacking off, ones outside sneaking up

petitioners (6b-7)

“You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest” (ESV)

Paul said “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17)

God never tires of reminders of his promises

keep on without resting until

the work of building the church is complete

individually and corporately

at home, in families, here with brothers and sisters

unreached people; work of our missionaries; labors of sister churches

preparation (10)

make the place ready; enlarge the tent; remove the roadblocks; make the destination obvious

do what it takes so the sanctuary is big enough for all the worshipers

promised blessing (8-9)

guaranteed promise: sworn by his power

so long as God is God and is omnipotent, what he promises will be done

those who labor with God

enjoy his presence – receive his blessing – give him praise for what he has accomplished

D. divine results v.11-12

look who’s coming (11b)

salvation – deliverer

the one of whom prophet spoke in Isa. 53:10-12 – would see his seed, prolong his days, see the labor of his soul and be satisfied.

look who’s with him (11c)

“the Messiah is here described as coming to his people, bringing with him a vast multitude of strangers, or new converts, the reward of his own labours, and at the same time the occasion of a vast enlargement to his church.” J A Alexander

look what God has done (12)

holy – made his people like himself

redeemed – paid the penalty to redeem them from sin

desirable – made them desirable to himself and others

loved – restored to loving relationship

all brought about by what Suffering Servant accomplished when “he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors”

Whew! Guess we need to get busy. God doesn’t sleep, our job to give him no rest. At every possible opportunity, must be pleading with God, reminding God, praising God. If not happy with forward progress of Gospel in the world, where to look first? People of God – are they doing the work God has given? Basically God is saying here: if you want me to build my kingdom, build my church, pray continually and fervently and persistently that I do it. Expecting Christ’s church to grow without prevailing prayer is like expecting Sally to win a race on square wheels. She might eventually get to the finish line but not in 1st place.

May God stir up in us desire for fervent prayer; may we do our part, in prayer for work of the Kingdom at every possible opportunity. May we give God the praise as we see him work in answer to our prayers.

Nature of Victory

James 3:10-18

Here’s where we’ve come from: first James instructed that God uses trials and his Word to produce holiness in his people. We know the standard – conformity to Law of God as a rule of life; and the motive force that gets us closer to the goal – a living faith. Yet there’s huge obstacle to victory: in v.1-9 of the chapter, James makes it plain that no one, regenerate or not, can achieve holiness on their own. We are utterly helpless, completely unable to make ourselves holy. Even the most committed believer on his own and by himself is dead-end street.

Yet in v.10, James turns the corner: helplessness is not to be equated with hopelessness. Contradictory forms of speech we hear our outside voices say “ought not to coexist (10-11), cannot coexist (12), may not coexist (13-15) and need not coexist (16-18).” Krabbendam God does indeed give blueprint for victory in his Word; primary component of blueprint something first mentioned in James 1:5 -

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Don’t get so focused here on use of the tongue that you overlook: it’s only one example of many that could be given. Both negatively and positively. (Neg.) Wrong use of tongue is awful sin but it’s not alone; see v.14, e.g. (Pos.) What God supplies that enables victory over tongue will surely be effective in other areas as well. As James crafts description of victory over sin, begins at the bottom, that which ought not to be, then builds up from there.

A. Rejection of Contradiction v.10-12

Impropriety v.10

should go without saying – sincere blessing is not improper; in fact, it is good, commendable

what “ought not to be so” is contradictory speech; goes against the grain of oughtness, our design

classic example: Luke 18:11 “‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.”

issue is not crude language, potty mouth; parallels v.9, speaking in way that tears down other person

Impossibility v.11-12

James asks 3 questions, 3 illustrations: spring, fig tree, grapevine, and what they produce

obvious answer to all three: NO; reason why – product possesses characteristics of source

same basic principle Jesus expressed – heart vs fruit ((Mt. 7:16-20; 12:33-35; Lk. 6:43-45; see also 1 John 3:6, 9)

even if perfection not attained, principle holds; consistent pattern should be to get fresh water from Christian

follows also from Jesus’ teaching

one who abides in Christ brings forth fruit; evidence of vine present in the branch

healthy vine (Christ) with healthy branch (Christian) produces healthy fruit (good works)

fruit, more fruit, much fruit and abiding fruit (John 15:2, 5, 16) – anything else is impossible

regenerate heart possessed by one who is totally dependent on God will be evidenced by life-giving speech that edifies hearers

Challenge v.13

offered to teachers (office-holders), those in various teaching capacities – prove me right; show by your works what wisdom can accomplish

wisdom can’t operate in vacuum: requires knowledge and deeds – something to work with, to show for effort

teacher must be, first, example of godly wisdom in operation; second, channel of wisdom to learners

caution: wisdom that doesn’t translate into holiness is worthless. Poster child: Solomon

proper exercise of wisdom requires meekness – characteristic of Christ, trait of those who are his

“a joyful yielding to any and all legitimate authority, and goes hand in hand with a gentleness in one’s general comportment toward the neighbor (Tit. 3:2), especially in one’s efforts to persuade folk of the truth, including those under authority, and in one’s interaction with, or response to, peers and opponents.

In short, meekness indicates radical brokenness before and total yielding to God. Subsequently it displays a radical servant heart before and a total servant hood toward one’s fellowman.” Krabbendam

B. Profile of Defeat v.14-16

Root v.14

it’s possible, know from experience personally or with others, Christians can live spiritually defeated lives – for short or extended time; not experiencing joy, blessing, growth child of God should

root of problem not circumstances, not external; is in the heart, the believer’s “mission control center”

believer has new heart, regenerate heart, heart for God; no longer totally depraved, not perfect in every part either

it’s bent, appetite is for holiness; can be influenced by indwelling sin, will be drawn aside when believer fails to depend on God to make substance of new covenant a reality

what are envy and self-seeking or selfish ambition?

envy – passionate desire to possess what rightfully belongs to another, grudging them pleasure of possession and use

self-seeking – (opposite of meekness) self-promotion, sense of indispensability, withdrawing when not adequately recognized

boasting and lying, how?

envy and selfish ambition malign character of God – individual knows needs and priorities better than God does

ultimately have pride at or very near the root as well, an attempt to usurp place and authority of God

Explanation v.15

how is it possible for genuine believer to practice envy and selfishness?

James says, only one way – NOT from above, IS from below; buying into wrong kind of wisdom

three characteristics

earthly – spiritually dead, trapped in here and now, motivated by things that are understandable to unregenerate; has what world holds important for its goal and reward, an enemy of the cross (Phil. 3:18-19), opposite of heavenly things

sensual – limited to the senses, what can be seen, heard, felt, tasted; natural, opposite of spiritual. In today’s culture, motivated by feelings, divorced from or only loosely connected to reason.

demonic – ultimately sourced in Satan and agents; propagated by satanic forces to serve interests of Satan’s kingdom. Satan’s power to deceive can ensnare even believers, sucker them into being partially / temporarily useful to him.

not entirely one-sided

common grace can be present in wisdom from below; God often moderates Satan’s poison, enabling people to live in all kinds of relationships without destroying one another.

Evidence v.16

is James’ perspective in doubt? check the evidence, look at broader picture

things lead to things – worldly wisdom in one area permeates other areas of life

envy / self-seeking are breeding ground for other evils – that destroy relationships, lead to conflict

C. Blueprint of Victory v.17-18

Explanation v.17a

only hope for victory – 100% reliance on wisdom from above, 100% rejection of any other wisdom, acknowledgment of 100% inability / 100% dependence

primary source of that wisdom: truth of God’s Word illuminated by Holy Spirit applied by his strength

everything necessary for victory is present, available; so what’s the problem?

desire / willingness to attempt life with inferior and ineffectual tools

habit or tendency of self-reliance must be replaced by full effort and full dependence

Evidence v.17b

just like worldly wisdom, presence of divine wisdom obvious by what accompanies it

if purity is quintessence of holiness, wisdom that leads to holiness must be pure

purity of heart is foundation, purity of life the structure built on it

pure life characterized by:

peaceableness – unity in the truth

gentleness – kind, considerate, quick to forgive

yielding – approachable, deferential, accommodating

merciful – diligent to meet needs of others, even the unlikable

full of good works – everything produced (thought, word, deed) morally good and of highest quality in abundance

not divisive – not double-minded, ambiguous, speculative

sincere – without pretense or hypocrisy

Effect v.18

what can we expect for result when child of God lives out these truths?

acquisition and application of godly wisdom to all of life equips and empowers us to be peacemakers – only when we are truly at peace with God first

in context of peace – a field of peace – fruits of righteousness (good works) drop seeds that produce more fruit

peacemaking not the goal/end – it’s a necessary step in process, preparation of environment where holiness can thrive

not just our own holiness at stake; that of entire community/body of believers

May we depend on God the way we ought, striving in his strength and wisdom to reach the goal he has set before us.

Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:1-11

Spoke last week of Wordless Book and its colors. How those colors relate to book of Isaiah. We think of those colors and principles initially with personal connection: my heart, I know, washed me, I’m told, I’ll walk, I read and pray. Isaiah’s message directed not to individuals but the nation; a nation steeped in sinful rebellion, out of which God would preserve a remnant. Yet the nation was made up of individuals. God would indeed deliver nation from captivity in Babylon. At the same time, promised deliverance for those who were captive in sin. Work of Suffering Servant know from Isa. 53 was work accomplished by Suffering Savior on Cross of Calvary.

But Isaiah doesn’t end with deliverance from Babylon, or even redemption from bondage in sin. Looks beyond simple context of Jesus’ first coming to what comes after. Remember view through telescope – includes near, far and what’s in between. Told in Chapter 60 to “rise and shine”; it’s a new day, actually new age in world history. The Son has arrived, has come with a mission – begin in time and space the process of restoration – rolling back the curse, restoring what was lost in the fall, and of course, ultimately more; far more.

What is character of time of “light and glory”? What makes it that kind of time? Easy to think of the gift of eternal life beginning when we cross the Jordan. Certainly begins a different phase of life but not the beginning. Jesus’ words in John 5:24

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Believer’s eternal life begins at the new birth, moment of conversion; important that there be ongoing signs of life for duration of earthly existence. Bible picture of true believer is not of one who makes profession of faith then flat-lines until they die and miraculously squeak through the pearly gates. In our text, given number of guiding principles about foundation and character of believer’s life. Prophet tells us something dramatic will happen: an anointed one will appear on the scene with a particular ministry; others will follow him to continue his ministry; results of their ministry will cause great rejoicing in the church.

A. ministry of Christ v.1-3

read passage, ask question same as Ethiopian about another passage: does prophet say this of himself, or someone else (Acts 8:34)

follow-up question: is it about social justice, political prisoners, economic inequities, access to healthcare, or something else

people of Isaiah’s day may not have had definitive answer; we do: Luke 4:16-21 Lord Jesus claims to be fulfillment

not once but twice; John the Baptist – are you the Promised One? Jesus stated “that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them” – evidence of his identity.

more to Jesus’ ministry than miraculous acts of healing; necessary to confirm he was sent from God but… (1-2)

central theme was proclaiming the gospel, good tidings; Mark begins account of Jesus: “Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.” (Mark 1:14)

gospel truth that brings healing to brokenhearted

gospel key to liberating captives, that opens door of sin’s prison house

gospel news tells of year of Jubilee – time when liberty, release from debts proclaimed to all (Lev. 25:10)

in order to deliver, Christ had to deal with oppressor – sin, Satan, death; then captives would be truly free

comfort and strengthen those who mourn (3)

again, remember Jesus: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4)

much misery and suffering in world; in good old days, too

what do we mourn – loss of something: of value, importance, that we hold dear, or, despair of ever having

particular emphasis here – mourning over sin, wasted years, squandered opportunities, broken fellowship

promise of the Gospel: those who repent (turn from) sin, turn to God as only one who can save will receive:

forgiveness and restoration – crown of beauty instead of ashes of repentance

cause for joyfulness and joy itself – oil of joy

attitude of worship and thankfulness – garment of praise – outward, visible, obvious

identification as enduring testimonies of God’s grace – trees – pointing to God – that he may be glorified

B. ministry of his people v.4-9

pronouns change from first person to second and third

One acting in v.1-3 began the work, now others must carry it on

Lord Jesus is cornerstone but he builds his church on foundation of apostles and prophets

Master Builder uses means, human instruments to continue work of Gospel ministry

Jerusalem rebuilt after return from captivity, people of God are built up from their sin-ravaged past (4)

once more, picture of God’s people include Jews and Gentiles, side by side, serving together (5)

middle wall of partition removed (Eph. 2:14) – full freedom of access to God regardless of gender, heritage, social status

all of God’s people are priests in this new (read, present) age of redemptive history (6)

not just descendants of Aaron, not even all Jewish believers – all the redeemed

only mediator necessary is Lord Jesus, also our high priest

all God’s people have privilege of offering sacrifices: bodies (Rom. 12:1); praise (Heb. 13:15); spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5)

no longer shameful condition (7-8)

captivity/slavery to wrong master is shameful

whether Israel captive in Babylon

or people enslaved to sin and Satan

good master blesses servants with honor

in this case – promise of honor and blessing beyond this life – everlasting joy, everlasting/permanent covenant

blessings given will never be lost – have been earned for them by Lord Jesus

those united to Christ by faith participate in blessing; not one with Christ, no claim to blessing

promise to Abraham – “in your Seed all families …will be blessed”; Paul tells us that means “in Christ” (see Gal. 3:16, 29) – “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Gospel progress among the nations (9)

Abraham’s seed, the heirs, are tasked with proclaiming message of promise to nations by Word and deed

character of life of Christ’s servants obvious to those around

known as descendants of Abraham, acknowledged as blessed of the Lord

same Spirit that is on Christ – v.1 – poured out on his servants; he (the Spirit) will produce fruit. Gal. 5:22 “the fruit of the Spirit is…”, not sometimes, not might be, is

remember promises of verse 3: God’s people must demonstrate they have received them, are living on them, declaring them to all who will listen

if you turn from reliance on self, …etc., turn to God in faith believing…., he will do this

deal with your sin and shame – forgive and restore fellowship

remove your filthy fig leaves – dress you in righteousness of Christ

fill emptiness of your soul and life with himself

make you a trophy of his grace that he may be glorified

that’s good news which must be lived and proclamed unashamedly to men, women, boys, girls

C. the church rejoices v.10-11

great rejoicing (rejoicing I will rejoice) over what God accomplishes (10)

joy of God’s people is in him because

he has saved them

he has declared them righteous and is making them righteous

he has brought them into close relationship – bride and bridegroom

joy of God’s people is in him because

he has saved others

he has declared others righteous and is making others righteous

he has brought others into close relationship – bride and bridegroom

accomplished as God works (11)

through his people

to advance Gospel throughout world

by his Spirit

to bring about conversion at hearing of the Gospel

Lord Jesus’ declaration that he would build his church (Matt. 16:18) not first time promise was given; it’s a covenant promise that began in Garden, was given further scope and meaning to Abraham, final full revelation given in New Testament. His church not yet complete, why we’re still here.

Lord Jesus didn’t begin his ministry 2000 years ago with idea that it eventually would peter out for lack of support. Intended it to be carried on until every last square foot of planet where there are ears to hear has been blanketed with the Gospel. Requires faithful servants, absolutely sold-out to their Master, holding nothing back, who sacrifice everything for His sake. BTW, applies to all his servants, not just select few.

Let me put it another way: if you were hauled into court today on charge of being “servant of Christ”, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you? Would witnesses from among family, workplace, community, as well as church be able to go beyond opinion, offer solid evidence and convince a judge beyond reasonable doubt? And when the judge renders verdict, would God agree with it?

That is sort of servant Lord Jesus desires to do his work. Those who will carry a credible message of forgiveness and salvation and hope to corner store, local school, professional building, inner city mission, around the world. Will be true of us when beauty of Jesus is seen in us. May that be true of us.

Obstacle to Victory

James 3:1-9

James => Pursuit of Holiness

Pathway to Holiness => Trials/Temptations + the Word (1:2-27)

Principles of Holiness => Substance (Law) + Dynamic (Faith) (2:1-26)

Procurement of Holiness => Obstacle to Victory / Nature of Victory / Requirements for Victory (3:1-4:10)

Panorama of Holiness => Your world / Your self / Your circumstances (4:11-5:18)

Chapter 3 begins new phase in James’ argument – issue is how to procure holiness on personal level. Like other places in Bible (and also human experience), author first demolishes and then rebuilds. James first demonstrated how trials/temptations coupled with God’s Word form two rails of railway to holiness. God’s Law defines the right direction for travel, faith is fuel that powers the engine resulting in forward motion – moving individual toward Christ-likeness, holiness demonstrated in daily life.

Even this far into what James has written, still possible for someone to say/think they can have their version of faith, perform works to their own standard, make the grade on their own. James disagrees, chooses particular sphere of responsibility/authority structure in which to make his point. In that sphere, quickly becomes obvious even regenerate man is unable to bring about his own holiness (3:1-9). Any holiness he does achieve/procure must come from above (3:10-18). Means to procure it: acknowledge man’s “nothingness” and F.R.O.G. (fully rely on God) to supply all needs (4:1-10).

A. spheres v.1

no sigh of relief yet!

we’ll get to who’s a teacher and how it fits but first – spheres and authority structures

in general

what they encompass

all of life beginning with three God-ordained institutions: family, church, state

within institutions, various authority structures

participation not optional – part of created fabric of life

some voluntary: husband-wife; employer-employee; elder-member

some involuntary: parent-child; government-subject

the divine model

order in society reflects order in Trinity; same also of relationships

Son does will of Father (John 6:38); Father gives all authority to Son (John 17:2); Holy Spirit doesn’t speak on own authority (John 16:13)

Son denies himself (John 17:5), sacrifices himself (John 10:17-18); Father denies himself (John 10:36) sending and sacrificing the Son

human responsibility

emulate the divine model in all our spheres: starts with self-denial

followed by practical godliness – sacrificial submission and service to others

starting with that standard, model – is it surprising James makes case it is impossible in human strength to achieve??

teaching in particular

context

risk of associated trials

riches and poverty both; knowledge God supplies, what is lacking but desired

essential to weather both riches and poverty in way pleasing to God

requirement to be a “hearer” and “doer”

practical godliness in teaching mandates teachability – must hear the lesson first

hearing must be followed by doing – teaching is as much (maybe more) by example as instruction

application

teaching intrinsic in various spheres – both involuntary and voluntary exercise

comes with territory of being a parent; experienced; older

relationship presumes a teaching function

special circumstances – particular office

teaching office within the church sphere

carries great risk/responsibility

should only be entered in strict dependence on God’s help

B. the problem v.2-5

stumbling

two prongs: who and how

“we all” – original audience, the church, plus the inspired author James; now, any who can claim fellowship with 1st century church

stumble/sin “in many things” – no one is free from sin, tendency to live by sight not faith

e.g., speech/the tongue (2)

tongue presented as pivotal issue – if that is under control, everything else is, hence a perfect individual

makes sense – who we are underneath all the wraps eventually finds expression; Jesus’ words: “out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luk. 6:45)

well-regulated speech a sign of well-regulated person; not implying we should begin with speech control, swapping chap stick for super glue. Speech is the symptom, not cause.

two views of problem

controllable

bit and bridle (3)

small piece of “equipment”, horse’s mouth, governs direction of entire horse

rudder and ship (4)

30′ rudder can control direction of 1200′ iron ore carrier (Berge Stahl)

out-of-control (5)

wildfire

Wallow Fire, Arizona, 2011 – abandoned campfire, burned 538,000 acres

but wait

seems like there might be a chance – the bit/horse’s mouth, the rudder, they can be controlled; means we can control tongue, right?

think a minute: does the horse hold the bridle? does the ship turn the wheel? there’s another force at work there, just as with bringing wildfire under control. Problem is internal, solution must be external. Tongue has power of life and death; which one results from its use depends on who is governing it.

C. the root – the enemy within v.6-9

its nature (6)

is a fire

not like, but is; by nature destructive and consuming, nearly impossible to stop so long as there is fuel

defiling – a world of wrongdoing; indwelling sin concentrated and focused

“The tongue is a one member wrecking crew that leaves a mind-boggling devastation in its wake. It turns the whole body into a garbage dump!” Krabbendam

pipeline to hell

capped landfill torches – methane gas; James gives similar picture of the tongue

hellish poison comes up the pipe, permeates rest of body and life

only hope for relief comes from Christ and divinely installed/maintained blowout preventer

its power (7-8)

just in case you thought you might be able to get it under control…. all different kinds of animals can be tamed, so…NOT. tongue not only a fire, more ferocious than wild animal. Remember, too, tongue is just an example, given by James to demonstrate our utter helplessness, total inability in human strength to subdue indwelling sin.

untameable – just as demon-possessed man (Mark 5:4) could not be restrained/subdued (tamed)

unruly (ακατασχετον) or restless (ακαταστατον) – lawless, always on the move, impossible humanly to restrain or steer

full of poison – death-dealing, worse than snakes that can be tamed; wrong use kills speaker, listener and object

all this expressed as reality, not potentiality; the way it is, not might be or could be or will be if…

its effectiveness (9)

melt-down with all its consequences

fine upstanding Christian, saying all right things in genuine praise and worship of God

something triggers melt-down, speaks in condemning way about neighbor

bless God but curse his image

doesn’t have to be ongoing condition to be a problem

that it happens at all in Christian life shows power of sin, depth of even regenerate man’s inability to overcome power of sin

So where’s the hope? If in the Fall mankind was stripped of knowledge, righteousness and true holiness, what hope do we have? God expects us to grow in holiness but how? That which was lost will be restored as God uses trials/temptations and his Word to conform us to image of God in Christ. As we recognize our dependence on God for all things, we must cast ourselves completely on him, relying on him moment by moment to enable us to please him in all things.

Light and Glory

Isaiah 60:1-22

Colors are important in life: navigation on air, land and sea. Red/green: air – high/low; land – stop/go; sea – right/left. Highlighters help to identify patterns. Color clothes tell us whether baby is boy or girl. Are indication of person’s health and perhaps mood. Can’t forget the Wordless Book:

My heart was black with sin / until the Savior came in; His precious blood I know / has washed me white as snow; And God’s Word I’m told / I’ll walk the street of gold; To grow in Christ each day / I read my Bible and pray.

We could use those colors to code Isaiah’s prophecy, too. Black for chapters 1-39; addressing Israel’s sin and coming judgment. Red for chapters 40-53; Holy One of Israel adds to his name – title of Redeemer. White for chapters 54-59; declares effects of redemption applied to God’s people. Gold for chapters 60-66; describes light that would come, glory associated with it. As Isaiah with eye of faith looked through his glass at that glory, two events and their outcomes blended together: Lord Jesus’ first coming for redemption, second coming for judgment. From Isaiah’s viewpoint this age merges into the next with no clear dividing line.

v.10 pivotal verse – explains paradigm shift from darkness of judgment to light of glory: “in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you.” Tide turned not because people smartened up, started doing it right. Was because of God’s mercy; true for all mankind in all situations – because of God’s mercy, his gracious compassion that any see the light. This chapter full of light and glory – absolutely, without exception has all its source in Lord God, the Holy One of Israel (9). It’s his glory, the Lord who must be praised, his name that is lifted up, his city where his glory is focused and concentrated.

A. the glory of the Lord (1)

a new day – Son rise has come (1)

Isaiah declares with absolute confidence (prophetic perfect): Light has come, glory has risen

not told to “look within themselves” for light; people had no lights, oil, matches, bulbs, batteries

only way would have light is from another source: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

darkness dispelled (2)

“a cloud of ignorance and sin so dense and obscure that no light can penetrate” Barnes

no area of world, no segment of humanity exempt from darkness of sin

one light can penetrate – the Lord and his glory

did indeed come into the world – “the true Light which gives light to every man” (John 1:9)

great attraction (3-4)

nations will see light and by God’s power be drawn to it (3)

those from far away or who have wandered far away – brought back to the light

world will serve the church (5)

Zion rejoices over increase in population

God works all things, including affairs of pagans, for good of his people

intends to “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10); “has made Christ head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22); has been working toward that end from the beginning “to the praise of his glory”

B. the praises of the Lord (6)

unselfish worship (6)

response to seeing the light and glory of God:

get close

devote all to him, starting with most precious, without reserve

tell the story: proclaim good news of the Gospel

praise the Lord for greatness and goodness

acceptable sacrifice

God responds to true worship:

accepts the sacrifice (7a)

even from, of all people, descendants of Ishmael

Kedar, dark or black skinned, commonly known as Arabs; second son of Ishmael, claimed ancestor of Muhammad

glorifies the house (7b)

beautify his already beautiful house; add glory to already glorious

Jewish church was glorious, church that spans globe geographically and culturally far more so

C. the name of the Lord (9)

from a distance (8)

geographically – beyond the horizon

theologically – “off the reservation”, steeped in idolatrous worship

from a “difference” (9a)

different family – Gentile

different allegiance – devoted to the world

worshiping – lifting up the name of the Lord – with their substance as well as spirit

drawn to God by name – the Holy One of Israel (9b)

worshiping not just any God – Memorial Day prayers, other public prayers even in the church

particular God – Holy One of Israel – revealed in Bible, not other holy books – goes by name YHWH

when church experiences what Paul wrote about: “to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations” (Eph. 3:21), when God glorifies his church, people are drawn to her.

D. the City of the Lord (14)

resident “aliens” (10)

once again God makes it plain – church is bigger than Israel; includes Israel, for sure, and far more. Remember covenantal promise to Abraham – stars and sand.

“there’s a wideness in God’s mercy / like the wideness of the sea” – extends to all nations

place of continuous growth (11)

“converts from all parts shall be always coming in, and the gates of the church will stand open always to receive them; they will be welcome, come as many as will; there will be no objection to them, no hinderance of them; ministers and people will gladly embrace them; see Isa 26:2 and likewise of the capacity of the church to receive them; for though they will be continually coming in great numbers, yet still there will be room; the gates will not be shut upon them, as unable to receive more; place will be given for them to dwell in; her tents will be enlarged; the curtains of her habitation stretched out; her cords lengthened, and stakes strengthened; so that though she breaks forth on the right hand, and on the left, there will be room for them all.” John Gill

enjoying God’s protection (12)

no casualties inside the church

no survivors outside the church

glory throughout (13)

even lowliest place, footstool, will be honorable and glorious

again, because God makes it so

called God’s City because he and his people dwell there – the church (14) (Heb. 12:22-24)

promise to Solomon – “I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.” (1 Ki. 9:3)

declaration of Paul – “you are the temple of the living God.” (2 Cor. 6:16)

“it is the most desirable place that can be to live in, which is the city of the Lord, which He owns, in which He dwells, in which religion is uppermost.” Matthew Henry

the place of God’s blessing and favor

the joy of generations (15)

when God blesses in way promised, for the long term

generation after generation experience joy of redemption and restoration

knowledge of the Lord…your Savior and Redeemer (16)

people of God will know who delivered them

knowledge of experience, instruction and relationship

characterized by peace and righteousness (17-18)

theme of God’s city – Salvation and Praise

salvation initiated by God is key to citizenship in his city

continual praise is natural behavior of citizens who have experienced his salvation

those who are at peace with God and have received Christ’s righteousness

an everlasting light (19, 20)

no darkness in this dwelling of God’s people – either of day/night or good/evil

God is light and glory and his city takes on his character – pure, righteous

inhabited by a righteous people (21)

those dissatisfied with own unrighteousness

desiring true righteousness

living righteously before God and in his strength

in God’s time (22)

sent the Light into the world in his time

gives awakening light to individuals in his time: “Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray, I woke – the dungeon flamed with light! My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.” Charles Wesley

Is that true for you? Has God released you from prison house of sin and are you following the Lord Jesus? Once God has given us the Light he expects us to walk in it – live and think and choose according to God’s rules, not our desires. As you walk in that light, thank and praise the Lord for his grace, doing for you what you could not for yourself. And then tell the world about it- they need to know God’s truth, be released from bondage and brought out of their darkness in sin, and be brought into his marvelous light.