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.

Cosmic Warfare – The Woman and the Dragon

Revelation 12:1-17

The seventh trumpet having brought us again to the Second Coming, we begin a new vision/section. It presents in great detail the nature of spiritual conflict of which we are a part. You will remember the seal judgments and trumpet judgments both covered the full scope of this present age ending with the return of Christ. Between the sixth and seventh judgment in each cycle was an interlude, an opportunity for John to offer hope to the persecuted church of his day. It also serves to inform us about the work of the church in this age and the kind of opposition she will face.

John discusses seven main characters–in symbolic form, of course–who are the primary combatants in the cosmic war between Christ and Satan during this present age: the history of the Dragon (12:7-12), the history of the woman (12:13-17), the history of the Beast (13:1-10), the history of the False Prophet (13:11-18), the history of the 144,000 (14:1-5), the history of the angelic proclaimers (14:6-11), and the history of the coming of the Son of Man (14:14-20). The antagonists in the story are the dragon (who is Satan), and his primary henchmen, the beast and the false prophet. Together, these three enemies of God form a counterfeit “trinity” of sorts, and attempt to lead the world away from Jesus Christ. The two main protagonists are the woman (Israel) and the 144,000 (the redeemed people of God).

Like the previous two cycles, this one also covers the period “spoken of by John as the “last days,” “the great tribulation,” “the thousand years,” “the forty-two months,” and the “1260 days.”” We are given this insight into the nature of the present conflict so we will recognize our enemy, be able to resist his attacks, and not lose heart.

As we come to the text: important to maintain correct framework for interpreting what John wrote. Whether this passage or another, some look for parallels outside Scripture, then draw conclusions. For example: Epic of Gilgamesh, epic poem from Mesopotamia written in cuneiform on 12 tablets around 2000 BC, numerous parallels with Flood account in Genesis. Some scholars: Genesis is later, must have been influenced by/come from Gilgamesh. How about: Gilgamesh based on folk stories based in fact, so some resemblance to fact; Genesis inspired by God, full resemblance to fact. Of course they will coincidentally share details in common. Similar questions about present text, same basic answer; Revelation had source in God, intended to be part of canon of Scripture. Basis of interpretation must be Scripture, not folk tales that bear some resemblance.

A. the woman, the dragon and the child v.1-5

the woman

a composite figure, not single individual (NOT mother of God, Queen of heaven as Roman Catholics teach)

striking resemblance to Joseph’s dream: sun, moon, 11 stars bowing down to him (Gen. 37:9-11)

rod from stem of Jesse; root of Jesse (Isa. 11:1, 10)

Zion, the church bringing forth children (Psa. 87:3-5; Isa. 54:1-4; 66:8ff)

includes Mary, mother of Jesus, and child she delivers refers of course to Jesus; but same woman also brought forth other offspring (v.17) who were target of Satan’s assaults

comprehensively: the church, both Old and New Testament; true Israel, which gave birth to both Lord Jesus and NT saints

the dragon

explicitly identified in v.9 – Satan with his various “disguises” removed; not to imply that in reality Satan appears as a 7-headed monster. He was created as angel and would have angelic appearance; description here given to indicate his character and actions

dragon – most feared creature of John’s day, with superhuman strength; heads and horns – extensive power manifested in many ways throughout the age; diadems – blasphemously pretending to mimic God’s completeness, power and authority, rivaling the king about to be born; tail – attacks God and his ordained order throughout the universe, showing his power is not limited to planet earth.

As with the woman, a composite figure – primarily (as identified) the serpent, the devil, Satan; also included, those entities under his direct influence and control – demons, political powers, forces of evil and chaos in general (throughout humanity and nature). Satan the individual evil behind evil in all its forms, evil personified.

the child

an allusion to Psa. 2:7-9, a Messianic Psalm

a male child, a son, God’s son who would rule the nations: indisputably the Lord Jesus

apocalyptic understatement: birth, ascension, everything in between implied and understood – escape to Egypt (from Satan’s tool, Herod) and return to Nazareth, childhood, preparation, temptation, ministry, death, resurrection

another source of frustration for the dragon: his enemy was snatched away out of his almost grasp, unable after numerous Satanically engineered attempts to kill the Redeemer. Herod, temptation, attempted stoning at Nazareth, storm on Sea of Gallilee, various encounters with demons, Garden of Gethsemane, Calvary. Rage and enmity building with each failed attempt.

B. the dragon’s defeat v.7-12

refuses to concede defeat – takes the battle to heaven itself, engaging in conflict in spiritual dimension and challenging the rightful King’s place on the throne

Satan had been allowed in heaven previously (Job 1:6; 2:1; Zech. 3:1-2); this act of presumptuous arrogance causes final ejection

rejoicing in heaven because Christ achieved decisive victory at cross and tomb; victory will continue through lives of saints.

Satan’s opportunities to accuse removed by blood of Lamb – priest with dirty clothes; Paul’s rhetorical question: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” Rom. 8:33 No basis for legal charges after pardon.

Satan’s ability to deceive significantly curtailed (he is bound). Achieved through ministry of Word and Spirit – both living Word and written Word, indwelling presence and teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Satan’s defeat in heaven a completed action; defeat on earth an ongoing circumstance. He is overcome by saints as they resist him – James 4:71 Pet. 5:8-9 Saints encouraged to resist because they know he can be overcome/defeated. His sphere of operation took significant hit – no more heaven for him – and can be further limited by activities of saints on earth. A warning, though: Satan’s wrath is intensified, knows he has limited time to achieve his objective.

C. protection for the woman v.6,13-17

v.7-12 cut to camera 2, action occurring in heaven/spiritual realm in view; v.13 cut to camera 1, earth in view, adding further detail to subject introduced in v.6.

Satan has already lost decisive battle, back against wall on which clock is ticking, surrounded on all sides by his enemies and territory under his control is at best being maintained, at times becoming more restricted. His response: lash out with increasing rage at whatever is within reach. Since his real target, the Lord Jesus, the Head, is off limits, Satan directs assaults against the Body.

This occurs during 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week – a period = 42 months = 1260 days = a time and times and half a time. The time between Christ’s first and second advents, a time of “already but not yet”. Christ has inaugurated his kingdom, he has ascended to the throne from which he is ruling, Satan has been defeated, but… “It aint over till it’s over.” Satan’s kingdom must be finally and eternally abolished, evil must be finally and eternally punished, remaining effects of the curse must be lifted.

Meanwhile, where we are, Satan repeatedly assaults the church which is under God’s watchful care. Just as God carried Israel on eagles’ wings away from Egypt (Ex. 19:4), so he provides protection and escape for the church. As God met Israel’s needs during their time in the desert, he will do likewise for the church while she is still in the world.

Satan in attempted imitation of Son of Man and two-edged sword (Rev. 1:16) spews forth flood of deception; continues to do so just as he did during first century, evidenced in letters to 7 churches. In Moses’ day God dealt with rebellious priests Korah, Dathan, Abiram by causing the earth to open “its mouth and swallow[ed] them, along with their households, and all Korah’s men, and all their goods.” (Num. 16:32) God will likewise ensure Satan’s flood of deceit does not overwhelm the church.

God has given us great weapons to defend against Satan’s trickery: the Gospel which sets us free from sin and accusations; the Holy Spirit who leads us in the truth found in God’s Word; the assurance that “whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Rom. 14:8 We need not fear anything man or Devil can do to us, even death itself because “Greater Is He That Is in Me” than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Holiness in the Church

Titus 1

Paul and Titus traveled to Crete probably after release from his first imprisonment, during a fourth missionary journey which occurred after the close of Luke’s account in Acts and between 62 and 64 A.D. After having spent some time on Crete, Paul continued on to Macedonia from where he wrote this letter to Titus (Tit. 3:12). Titus was a regular companion of Paul on his travels, accompanying him on his second and third journeys as well as part of this one. Paul’s extensive description of his apostolic ministry and authority in the first four verses is not for Titus’ benefit but rather to reinforce to the residents of Crete that Titus was serving as Paul’s trusted representative.

Paul’s primary concern was for the proper behavior of the saints in Crete, that is, their holiness or holy living; in this epistle he specifically addresses the issue of holiness in the church, in the family, and in the world or community. This is in keeping with the principle that God has ordained three institutions with particular responsibilities in the affairs of men – the family sphere, the religious sphere, and the civic sphere of life. It is essential that the Christian live in accordance with biblical principles in all three spheres.

A. Salutation v. 1-4

If the order in which Paul treats the subjects is significant, he implies by addressing the church first that how one lives in the home and the community is directly associated with what he believes, what principles act as the foundation of his faith. Paul makes a specific connection between faith and practice in his greeting to Titus in verse 1 when he refers to “the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness” (NKJV) or “the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness” (1:1, NIV, HCSB) — belief governs behavior and right belief is based on truth as revealed ultimately through the living Word, Jesus Christ, and recorded in the written Word.

Paul has a specific body of truth in mind here; we understand that from the characteristics Paul applies to it. It is truth which:

1. leads to godliness v. 1b
2. provides hope of eternal life v. 2a
3. has its source in God v. 2b
4. was made apparent by Christ v. 3a
5. revealed in the Gospel v. 3b

Paul in a previous letter instructed Timothy that the church was the “pillar and foundation of the truth. Through the ministry of the Word by faithful pastors, the truth of God is communicated to mankind. The church through her God-given ministry preserves and maintains the purity of the truth in the world, transmitting it from one generation to another. Here in Titus 1, Paul reminds Titus what has been entrusted to the church and why it is important that the church be in good health. If it was essential for the first-century church to have her feet firmly planted on the truth, to maintain and proclaim a pure Gospel truth, how much more vital is it now in a culture which expresses great disdain for absolute truth.

B. Instruction: Well-qualified elders must be appointed in every town. v. 5-9

1st admonition – ordain Elders in every city v.5

Although Paul had spent some time on Crete working to establish churches with the help of Titus, it was necessary for him to go on to Macedonia before the task was complete. Consequently Paul was convinced the church and those dependent on it remained at risk from those who would cause it harm by their false and deceptive teaching. There on the island were churches gathered together but not fully organized, having members but without the necessary officers who would oversee and guard the individual flocks.

A local church, gathered and fully organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members. By Christ’s appointment the officers to be chosen and set apart by the church as called and gathered, are bishops (otherwise called elders) and deacons. It is their special responsibility to arrange for the carrying out of what the Lord has ordained, and to use the powers entrusted to them for the execution of their duties; and such arrangements are to continue in the church until the world ends. LBCF, XXVI.8

Paul in verse 5 reminds Titus of the task for which he left him there on the island, to finish establishing the churches by appointing or, perhaps a better description would be overseeing the appointment, of elders in each church town by town. As the apostles found it necessary to install deacons nominated by the members of the Jerusalem church, Titus was to do likewise in Crete. In each of the approximately one hundred towns on the island where there was a gathered church, Titus would need to guide each congregation in their search among their members for those leaders whom Christ had given them.

To aid both Titus and the various congregations, Paul gave particular qualifications by which to judge if potential candidates for leadership were biblically qualified. Both Paul and Peter address the issue of who is fit according to God’s standard for service in the office of elder – in 1 Timothy 3, here in Titus 1, and also in 1 Peter 5:1-3. Of the nearly two dozen words and phrases used by Paul and Peter, the vast majority deal with issues of character, not technical training. Godly character is critical in an elder since he is to be an example to the rest of the flock; remember Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian church, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Phil. 3:17 Similarly he told the saints in Corinth, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1

2nd admonition – faults Elders must not have, virtues they ought to have v.6-8

The overriding quality an elder must have is that of an unblemished reputation, not perfect and without any flaws, but possessing a good character which deserves the respect, love and admiration of the church. Because he holds a position of authority and trust he must be of irreproachable moral character and proven integrity. The first characteristic Paul lists as necessary for a married elder is that of marital faithfulness and sexual purity; if God has blessed them with children, they should be well-mannered and respectful. The other qualities emphasized by Paul focus on the integrity, self-control and spiritual maturity which must be found in an elder.

The negative v. 7

not arrogant

not quick-tempered

not a drunkard

not violent

not greedy for money

The positive v. 8

hospitable

a lover of or devoted to what is good

sober-minded or self-controlled, acting with discretion

upright or virtuous

holy or devout

disciplined

These qualities should be found in significant measure (if not to perfection) in an elder. Further, if an elder is not arrogant, he will be continually striving to develop his character in a godly direction and improve in those areas which are lacking.

Since an elder is responsible for leading and serving the household of faith, he must first have demonstrated the ability to do so in his own household. The nature of a church is that it requires family skills foremost over business skills; single elders are not automatically disqualified but elders with families do have practical experience that will prove invaluable for the flock. An elder must be the sort of godly example that others can and should follow, especially important since example carries a far greater weight of influence than position or title.

3rd admonition – Elder must hold fast the apostolic doctrine v. 9a

An elder must be firmly committed to biblical doctrine and have the ability to communicate it clearly to others; that quality alone prevents someone new to the faith from serving as an elder. This does not necessarily require an elder to have a theological degree but it does require him to be a mature and diligent student of the Bible. An elder must have sufficient understanding and experience of God’s love that it flows from him to the flock, inciting in them a love for Christ. If a primary task of an elder is to point others to Christ and draw them closer to him, he must have an intimate knowledge of the Word of God which is not stagnant but continually growing.

4th admonition – apply knowledge of true doctrine: governing apt learners, refuting the obstinate v. 9b

As you might expect an elder is not to pursue knowledge of biblical doctrine simply for the sake of adding to his supply of Scripture Factoids. Christ expects him to use that understanding for the benefit and growth of the Church, encouraging and enabling believers to grow in godliness while correcting those speak against the truth. In the words of one commentator, “This faithful word is a lever in his hands for moving the hearts of men.” William Graham, Commentary on Titus

The elder’s first task is to guide believers into a greater understanding of the truth, to use biblical principles when providing counsel, to hold up the standard of God’s Word as the completely sufficient rule of faith and practice. His second task is to correct those who distort the truth of Scripture, confirming true believers in their understanding and persuading those who deny the truth to turn from their errors. “The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.” John Calvin, Commentary on Titus

C. Reason: Crete is not lacking in disreputable people who must be sternly rebuked. v. 10-16

Sadly, but not surprisingly, there were those in Crete who professed with their mouths to be Christians but whose lives spoke a different profession. It would be relatively easy for those in the church to be fooled by smooth-talking “Christians”, especially if there was a lack of strong leadership in the churches. Claiming to speak for the church and proclaiming their version of the truth, they were really spreading distortions which resulted in whole families leaving the church and following the false teachers.

You don’t have to look far today to find self-appointed ambassadors who declare that their views are representative of the Christian community as a whole. In the name of love they promote an “anything goes” approach to marriage and family values, encouraging local legislators to redefine who’s who in the family. Just as it was necessary for Titus and his fellow pastors to stand against distortions of biblical truth, so it is necessary for pastors and elders to do the same in our present culture.

D. Encouragement: Christ is not destitute of resources out of which to supply his Church. Eph. 1:22-23; 4:7-12

There is great encouragement for the saints who are still pilgrims in the world; when Christ returned to glory and the seat of honor at his Father’s right hand, he remembered the Church. The one “who fills all things in every way”, who ascended to heaven “so that he might fill all things”, personally gave “some pastors and teachers for the training of the saints in the work of ministry”. Christ knows the needs of his people, of his Church and has committed to doing all that is necessary for its perseverance. He declared to his disciples that he would build his Church and the forces of even Hell itself would not be able to overpower it. Matt. 16:18 It is Christ who gathers his Church, who builds his Church, and who meets all her needs. He does all this from the place of honor and authority in heaven, lavishing blessings on his people from the vast and glorious riches of his grace. Eph. 1:7-8, 18-19

…one of the things, dear pastor reader, that you must take to heart is that God really did intend that the local church have local pastors. That is, pastors and not vigilante theological or political brawlers. Or, if I may say it without stepping on too many toes, a face on a jumbotron. Men who are, well, like the next part of this passage who are frankly charged with the well-being of Christ’s people for the sake of teaching them who Christ is, who He has made them, and what that means in their daily life.

Paul wanted Titus to establish elders. That was the plan. God says it’s a good idea, and you should agree with him. Frank Turk

Progressive Truth

2 John 1

From an article in the February, 2007 issue of Christianity Today entitled Five Streams of the Emerging Church by Scot McKnight, professor of religious studies at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois and who is happy to consider himself part of the emerging “conversation”:

“The emerging movement tends to be suspicious of systematic theology. Why? Not because we don’t read systematics, but because the diversity of theologies alarms us, no genuine consensus has been achieved, God didn’t reveal a systematic theology but a storied narrative, and no language is capable of capturing the Absolute Truth who alone is God. Frankly, the emerging movement loves ideas and theology. It just doesn’t have an airtight system or statement of faith. We believe the Great Tradition offers various ways for telling the truth about God’s redemption in Christ, but we don’t believe any one theology gets it absolutely right.

Hence, a trademark feature of the emerging movement is that we believe all theology will remain a conversation about the Truth who is God in Christ through the Spirit, and about God’s story of redemption at work in the church. No systematic theology can be final. In this sense, the emerging movement is radically Reformed. It turns its chastened epistemology [theory or science of the method or grounds of knowledge; Ed.] against itself, saying, “This is what I believe, but I could be wrong. What do you think? Let’s talk.”"

As sincere and heart-warming as this sounds, is it a biblical view of truth and theology? Did God reveal only a “storied narrative” or does his revelation include systematic theology? Does the idea that language is incapable of capturing the Truth who is God mean that no truth concerning God is unchanging and knowable? Does the absence of consensus and the diverse claims of various theologies preclude the possibility of a single theology that “gets it absolutely right”, that “[n]o systematic theology can be final”? Did the author of The Shack get theology right?

Perhaps the question should also be asked, “What ought our mindset to be toward our Christian brothers and sisters who out of love for the lost can be found toward the emergent (or postmodern) end of the ecclesiastical and philosophical spectrum?”

“It is much more popular to be tolerant of error than to try to correct it. Sentiment might dictate a less stern stand against falsehood.

A French proverb says, “There are times when to be only kind is to be not even kind.” John demonstrates, in his firmness motivated by love, that the sort of kindness which in our day answers to tolerance is not a manifestation of real Christian love in the presence of error.” Bible Study Textbook

A. a passion for the truth v. 1-4

1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.

Jesus spoke of truth in absolute terms: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 John similarly speaks of truth in the first four verses of his letter to the church, using the term for truth that indicates: truth as the opposite of a lie or mere appearances, the reality rather than the appearance. In other words, Jesus and John both indicate that there is a reality and specific truth which corresponds with that reality.

John and Jesus both narrow the concept of truth by making it exclusive: “the truth” (John 17:17; 2 John 1:1-2 ) in contrast with “truth”. It is not any collection of truth, something that is mostly truth, a system of truth that is accurate but not comprehensive, of which John and Jesus speak. It is instead an exclusive, specific and comprehensive truth which corresponds to reality both natural and supernatural. Jesus declared himself to be the truth (John 14:6) and identified the Word of God as revealed truth. John, in the concept that the truth can abide in us (2 John 1:2), parallels Jesus’ thought about the Holy Spirit whom he identified three times as the “Spirit of Truth” (John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13), the one whom he and the Father would send.

Jesus and John further describe the truth as something which can be objectively known. Jesus says the Spirit will guide believers into all the truth (John 16:13); John addressed his epistle to those who “know the truth”, that is, those who have an intimate experiential knowledge and understanding. Thus truth can be known, it can be understood, and it corresponds to reality. If God’s Word is revealed truth, then, since God’s word is forever settled (or firmly fixed) in heaven (Psalm 119:89) some category of revealed truth must be absolute and unchanging.

It is for this sort of truth that John had a passion, a determination to follow and uphold. John was so concerned for the truth especially as it was perceived by his loved ones in the church that he felt compelled to issue a strong warning to them. John greatly rejoiced to see some of his spiritual children living according to the truth (see also 3 John 1:3) and was determined to do all he could to encourage them to persevere in the truth.

B. walking in the truth v. 4-6

4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady-not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning-that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

If the approach to truth is “This is what I believe, but I could be wrong. What do you think? Let’s talk.”, how do you get beyond conversation to action? While it may not be rank skepticism, it certainly sounds like a prime breeding ground for indecision. In fact, it puts me in mind of Paul’s description of spiritual “little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.” (Ephesians 4:14)

John leaves no room for debate here, he urges his readers to follow the command to love one another. John repeats the command given by Jesus in John 13:34 when he instructed his disciples to love one another as he had loved them, repeated by John in 1 John 2:7-8 and then again here. It is described as a command which is not new, yet new, the same as first given, yet different. The command from the beginning was to love God and love neighbor, the greatest commands according to Jesus and from which all other commands were derived. And in principle those two commands dated to the Garden, since to disobey even the one explicit command regarding the fruit immediately resulted in breaking the two Great Commands.

John’s reference to the beginning probably had the start of their Christian life in view; the application he makes is that what they believed about the truth was evidenced by their lives. If they believed Jesus was the truth, then they would keep his commands; if they believed the Bible was truth, they would obey its precepts. Again, John leaves no room for debate as he declares that the command which was in force at the beginning is still in force; the standard which was operative when they came to faith is still the standard.

John also makes it clear he believes that truth can be effectively communicated from God to man and that man can fully understand it. He didn’t rely on Jesus to filter and process the communication, making it intelligible to man on God’s behalf. John rejoiced to find saints within the church obeying the truth as “commanded by the Father”. The saints possessed the truth, it had been commanded, communicated, by God the Father, and it was unchanging. Although they possessed the truth, John was concerned that they maintain it, that they continue to walk in the truth, that they continue to love one another.

C. upholding the truth v. 7-11

9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. ESV

9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. NASB

Finally John issues a strong warning about those who perhaps had started out in the church and then left, going out into the world to spread their ideas about religion. Because of what they accomplish John compares them to Satan, the ultimate Deceiver, since they are busy doing his work for him. The particular error John has in view here is that of docetism, that Jesus only appeared to be human and thus there was no real incarnation and no substitutionary atonement.

John’s concern was that the saints would be seduced, drawn into the error and thus lose their grasp on the truth. While their salvation was secure, their sanctification and progress in holiness was by no means guaranteed. This is especially true if they departed from a right understanding of the truth and started behaving in ways inconsistent with the commands of God. Apparently there were sufficient elements of truth in what the deceivers taught that even the saints could be tricked, if not at first,then by repeated contact.

These Gnostics claimed to be the progressives, the advanced thinkers, and were anxious to relegate Christ to the past in their onward march. This struggle goes on always among those who approach the study of Christ. Is he a “landmark” merely or is he our goal and pattern? Progress we all desire, but progress toward Christ, not away from him. RWP

How like the mindset that is often expressed in liberal churches, in Supreme Court decisions, and in scientific debate: “biblical Christianity is primitive and outdated, we’ve moved beyond that in our thinking. As humanity has progressed and developed, we have reached new heights and must develop new and better paradigms in order to reach our full potential.” The same is true in the postmodern or emerging church: “we’ve moved beyond the need for a fixed and rigid theology, beyond an unchanging version of the Truth supposedly held by the historic church. At this stage of our culture we need a new paradigm, a more relaxed understanding that there may not be a single overarching explanation (metanarrative) of reality. Let’s talk about it and see what we come up with.”

Nowhere do we see any evidence in Scripture for Jesus using dialogue and the creative process to develop his theology. At the risk of personal harm, he staked out biblical territory in concrete and absolute terms, making it plain that the foundational truths of God’s Word were not negotiable or even open for debate. Repeatedly Jesus reinforced the old truths, correcting modern innovations and taking his hearers back to the foundations laid in the “Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms”. (Luke 24:44) To think that we have progressed beyond that way of thinking means that we have progressed beyond Christ, something which John denounces. In his inspired view, such a person was not a follower of Christ, a child of God.

John’s antidote for deceivers is twofold: (1) abide in the teaching of Christ and (2) provide no hospitality whatever for their teaching and no encouragement for them in their work. The order here is essential; in order for the saints to stay the course, they must remain fixed on the foundation which “no one can lay …other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11) They must stay true to the teaching which pointed to Christ and that which he himself taught. Christ and his revelation is the “only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving Knowledge, Faith and Obedience”. (LBCF I.1) To go beyond Christ is to abandon him as the foundation and that which he showed by his example teaching to be all-sufficient. To stay with Christ requires as extensive an understanding of Scripture and knowledge of Christ as we can possibly achieve.

Second, he instructed the saints to be on guard against them, to be discerning and recognize the deception – “watch yourselves” – and not be sucked in by it. They were not to be wowed by the new ideas but to understand that what was being presented represented a departure from the historic faith of the church. As such, it was not to be encouraged or promoted in any way; the saints were not to be uncivil but neither were they to treat the deceivers as brothers. In John’s view, to promote their efforts directly or indirectly was equivalent to being one of them, actually involved in their work of deception.

What does that mean for us? Obviously we should use great care in directing our support, financial and otherwise. Things I try to avoid (besides the obvious ones – don’t invite the local cult missionaries in the door, etc.):

buying new books when I don’t want to encourage the author by running up their sales numbers. Buy used or borrow from a less discerning friend! Besides, we are to be good stewards of our finances.

reading a book or paper when good reviews from reliable sources will suffice.

filling your mind with questionable material. It’s one thing to be informed about error, it is quite another to become saturated with it. If you must get informed, be sure to intentionally intersperse material from a trusted source.

visiting websites that promote error. Many if not most have hit counters and running the numbers up will add to their revenue and encourage them.

So, is truth progressive? Well, it can be as long as it causes us to progress in our understanding of Christ and conformity to him. Diligent study of God’s Word with an eye to personal application accompanied by a regular use of the means of grace will surely cause a child of God to progress in sanctification. The study and application of any truth that draws us closer to Christ should be welcomed by the Christian; any “truth” which claims to improve our lot in life but serves to divert our attention or love away from Christ must be shunned. We MUST begin with God’s Word and filter all that we see and hear through the lens of Scripture; praise the Lord he has revealed himself to us in his Word and we have copies of our own to study and use.

The Tabernacle – The Boards

Exo 26:15-30 Exo 36:20-36

A. Their construction

“planks” 27″ wide, 15′ long

20 planks each for the north and south sides; 6 planks with 2 additional corner pieces for the west (back) side

5 crossbars for stability running the length of each side

a central crossbar which spanned the entire length, running through the center of the planks (Ex. 26:28; 36:33)

the other four crossbars on the outside running through gold rings or staples

outside dimensions of the tabernacle – 15′ x 45′

planks and crossbars made from acacia wood overlaid with gold

2 cast silver “bases” for the tenons on the bottom of each plank – a total of 96 bases or sockets each containing a talent or approximately 75 pounds of silver (Ex. 38:27)

B. Their use

make a house with two apartments

support the four coverings

blue, purple and scarlet linen
white goat’s hair
red ram skin
manatee skin

if they were solid rather than simple frames, provide a reflective surface to magnify light from the lampstand

assemble to make a sturdy yet portable structure

C. Their significance

David: “I’ll build You a house.” God: “I’ll build you a house; Your son will build me a house.” 2 Samuel 7:4-14

God to Solomon: “If Israel rejects me, I will reject my house.” 1 Kings 9:6-9

The OT saints: looked for a city with real foundations, aspiring to a better land. Hebrews 11:10; 11:13-16 ; 13:14

The enduring spiritual house: the saints 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 1 Peter 2:4-5

The sockets/bases: two things toward which they could point

1. the foundation of the church – Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:16); the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19-20)

2. strangers/pilgrims in the land but not taking root in it: Psalm 39:12 Hebrews 11:13