What the Church Needs Now

Jeremiah 7:1-15

507 years ago Martin Luther, 95 theses… in writing… in Latin… on purpose. Did not want everyone to know details of his controversy w/established church. Did not have result Luther wanted, only minimal change in Roman Catholic church. Greatest changes took place outside church, God used to provoke Protestant Reformation. Church of Jeremiah’s day in at least as great need of reformation as Luther’s church. Not far behind today event though specific issues may have slightly different details.

Approach God directed through Jeremiah more “in your face” than early reformers of 15th and 16th centuries. Intention that be no excuse for anyone being in dark about what God expected. God not in hurry yet… not fooling around either. cf. 26:1ff – “at the beginning of the reign of Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim of Judah”, then follows same(?) sermon, 608 BC, 22 years before overthrow. God still inclined to be merciful but not forever – people will stop listening / responding if only threats, no action / follow through.

Had been some mending of their ways during time of Josiah but… had come to end, people falling back into old ways following Josiah’s needless death in battle. Jeremiah one of remnant, minority still faithful to true God. Answered God’s call to perform hard task for sensitive fellow – publicly rebuke crowds gathered for festival, calling them to repentance while door of opportunity still open. Not popular or well-received message – majority not interested in hearing, would take great offense at Jeremiah’s boldness and plain speaking.

A. listen up  v.1-3

call to attention

standing in gate of temple, not gate of city – intended to be heard / heeded by churched, “believers”, more than un-churched

didn’t need to go inside “church” to hear God’s challenge – impossible to ignore, no room to misunderstand what is meant

effective spiritual revival begins first with hearts of those in church – political change should be result/support, not cause

unpopular message

imagine being met at church door and told “you’re not coming the right way, it shows in how you live each day of week”

believed, actually had been convinced checking boxes all that was necessary – but… meeting outward performance standard w/o changed life worthless, even offensive to God

wonderful promise

God makes clear what is wrong, what must change, how he will respond if they have change of heart and please him

remember dedication of Temple, God’s overwhelming glory – really saying if they do right, they can remain close to him

B. don’t trust the lies  v.4-7

false hope

trusting in external performance to make them acceptable to God, trusting external evidence from God to show all was ok

had been assured by religious leaders “the Temple still stands, we’re safe, we’re ok” – God called that untrustworthy lie

clear bullet points

underlying problem: Psa 115:4-8 “Those who make them [idols] are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.”

if they want God’s blessing, must become like him in daily life – iow, Mic 6.8 “to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God”

promise repeated

God’s kindness on display, repeats promise made earlier – ensures they didn’t miss hearing it, assures he is serious about it

at same time, before conversation is over God makes clear promise/land gift not w/o conditions – true always of promised blessing

God w/o question is faithful, keeps his promises but… has no obligation, even desire, to reward persistent sinful behavior

C. you’re trusting them  v.8-11

no profit

examples abound, words that do not / can not deliver what they claim – favorite tactic, always true of what devil says

people really expecting more of the same, if they kept doing the same things, ought to get same results – if not, must be God’s fault, not result of sinful behavior

no change

actually didn’t want to change, instead wanted to keep doing what they wanted and wanted better results from same practices

were behaving deceptively/treacherously toward others including God, outraged/offended when gods treated them same way

same taking place in our own culture… and others – not really surprise, is natural result of sin nature less and less restrained

no hiding

were presumptuous enough to think regular practice of formalities justified, even made fully acceptable their offensive behavior

no secret to God what they were doing – he sees rainbow on sign/over entrance, he hears his word distorted and misused/misapplied to enable acceptance of sin

D. you really need to trust Me  v.12-15

take a trip

v12 along important road (parallel w/King’s Highway and Int’l Coastal Highway) due north 8mi Jerus to border, 12mi further to Shiloh

not only willful rebellion against God, also willful ignorance of his actions toward fellow Jews doing exact same things

take a close look

God expects them to see and understand – evidence is there, their ignoring won’t change it, surely their future unless…

doesn’t matter how long/carefully look at evidence – wrong worldview guarantees wrong conclusions

connect the right dots

can see from what happened to Israel they in grave danger of same… esp. when God says plainly he will do it

God doesn’t say Jewish people will be destroyed/annihilated, instead would be given over to foreign oppressors

Church in our land, many other parts of world needs to learn from ancient Israel. If any culture to “improve”, must begin with new life (reformation) in the church. Need to stop listening to lying words, promises made by those who are not friends of God, instead listen to God and heed his words. Need to be serious about living as child of God, trusting him, doing church and life his way.

Hard at times to do that, esp. when outnumbered, when trends going in unfavorable direction. With his help we can stay true to him, trust him in all circumstances, and remember he “has overcome the world”! (John 16:33)

 

You Foolish People!

Galatians 3:1-5

 

This letter of Apostle Paul contains some of sharpest and plainest language he used. Can gain some idea of his tone of voice, his motivation if consider larger context. Turns attention here from situation with Peter in Antioch to Galatian churches. With great energy calls them out, no mistaking what was on his mind. Determined to get their attention, shock them enough so they would listen, really hear what he had to say. Gives no hint of “trust me, I’m the apostle” – in fact, gives series of six logical reasoned arguments showing how important for them to know how they were saved.

But… was his heart of concern that motivated Paul: Gal 4.11 “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.” See over and over hard-won gains melt away when circumstances change – different teacher in classroom, sidelined by injury, new business owner, and more. Paul didn’t want to see that happen in Galatian churches – that progress in Gospel evaporate b/c of unhealthy influence. Grief over what would mean for current believers and future generations heartbreaking for Apostle to even think about. He knew risk to them was great, consequences both in this life and next of immense importance.

Simply could not keep quiet, would use every means possible w/i boundaries of godly conduct to bring them back from brink of disaster. Don’t forget: Paul passionate for Christ and Gospel, not own approval ratings, not even concerned with how many friends or followers he could count. Concerned only with growing number and devotion of those following Jesus, would settle for nothing less. One more thing: clear from his philosophy of missions equipping leaders to do work of ministry in each local church high priority. Letter addressed “To the churches of Galatia”, audience included everyone but especially leaders/teachers.

In this portion of argument gives Galatians, indeed all of us an oral exam about details of testimony/personal experience: tell me this, I want to hear from you directly – knows that method would require them to get minds out of neutral, think seriously about these most serious principles related to question: how were you saved?

A. hard words to hear  v.1

senseless

lacking discernment not intelligence – short attention span, difficulty with focus, connecting dots inaccurately, not paying enough attention to what comes next spiritually

likely church activities, Bible study something to check off a list – not essential part of life as whole, list not in any order

failing to see beneath the surface – didn’t realize life like spaghetti, not waffles – pull one end, goes out of sight, moves on opposite side of plate

resulting change in behavior – acting as if thinking really disordered – illogical, irrational, disconnected, going from one thing to another with little evidence of purpose or understanding

bewitched

you can’t be in your right mind – Paul exaggerates (maybe) to get attention – from what he can observe, looks like under a spell

what other explanation possible? w/o considering their history, present actions made little or no sense, even contradictory

words, declared beliefs different from day to day and conflicting with actions – see more of that as people move away from truth

bewildered

conduct incongruous with billboard of Christ you have seen – billboards prohibited ME 1977, can’t blame for distracted driving

as if Paul when carried Gospel to Galatia set up billboard with Jesus’ portrait in exquisite detail on display, used laser pointer as he taught to draw attention to important features

are now acting confused, uncertain of what they saw / learned about Jesus, trying to make up own way of salvation as they go

B. hard questions to answer  v.2-4

how were you saved

think back to time of conversion, not that long ago, I was there, I remember, do you? what were you doing, how did it all happen?

was it a process? you did a little, God did a little, finally got job done? or was it an event? Spirit turned lights on, you understood Jesus’ work and your need, all b/c Holy Spirit present and active in you?

honest answer: sinner declared just/righteous in God’s sight b/c of Jesus’ work, not the sinner’s – no preconditions to salvation

what are you thinking

don’t you see the conflict – started out Christian life well, made good progress in understanding spiritual truths and application

now seems like gone back to old way of trying to please some god with ceremonies, retroactively make up something lacking

if required work of Holy Spirit to bring you into Christ’s kingdom, won’t Spirit be sufficient to keep you in it? don’t you need Spirit to grow in likeness to Jesus?

how is this possible

doesn’t what you have heard, seen, experienced as a Christian mean anything? have been walking this road a while, hasn’t Holy Spirit’s presence and work accomplished something?

just as word of God and Spirit of God necessary for new birth, same are essential (and sufficient, btw) for continued growth

if Galatians in “technology-free” era could be so easily misled, are at even greater risk today, esp. in sound-bite oriented culture

C. hard act to follow  v.5

he gave you his Spirit

John 14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever”

Father did so at your conversion – Jesus told Nicodemus that Spirit essential to new birth, actually the one who makes it happen

doesn’t work so quietly we never know it; more importantly, Spirit given to be a “Helper” – can’t possibly think of competing with him

he gave evidence of his presence

he has done it more since, see 5:22-23 – not evidence we manufacture, is what is present in some measure wherever Spirit abides

take a look, is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,​ gentleness, self-control apparent in your life

how obvious is dependent on how well we cooperate, doing our part in concert with Spirit to grow in grace

he wants only faith

continue building on what he started, using materials he supplies to build according to his plan in dependence on God

don’t forget, requires regular hearing word of God, believing it, receiving it as his word, living according to principles found in it

how can you possibly add value to what God already did? – Jesus said “it is finished”… was he right? or did he leave some undone?

Trying to earn salvation with Jesus’ help no more successful than doing it on our own. Encouraging lost people to clean up their act so Jesus can save them not right either. Encourage them to come to church, Bible study, wherever will hear Gospel truth proclaimed – faith comes by hearing.

Jesus is a complete Savior. Better we understand what it means to be lost in sin, how bound by sin we naturally are, better we grasp just how much Jesus accomplished in our place. Better we understand how dependent we still are on Holy Spirit’s help to do what pleases God. Don’t think of this just on Easter or at Lord’s Table – keep eyes on Jesus, praise and thank him for being such a great Savior.

 

13. The Law?

Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 

What does it say:

Law, Prophets – “or” (ἢ), a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms – can be distinguished but still treated as package – whatever is done to one impacts the other

Law: Law of Moses, Pentateuch; Prophets: former and latter; “the Law and the Prophets” = Jewish Scriptures, the OT

destroy – καταλύω – unloose, set aside (Matt. 24:2), annul or abrogate (formally abolish)

fulfill – πληρόω – carry through to the end, leaving nothing undone

jot, tittle – yod (10th letter Heb.), iota (8th letter Greek); tittle (κεραία, stroke of a letter) — iow, smallest letter or part of a letter

What does it mean:

Jesus moves from basic foundational principles to daily application – these are building blocks of Christian life, how do you put them together to form a proper whole?

Jesus: in no way opposed to OT teaching; is definitely opposed to what Pharisees/tradition have made it

US Constitution – 14-1/2 pages; Acts of the First Congress (1791) – 225 pages; United States Code current 03/23/2024 – 90281 pages

US has had 235 years, Jesus lived 1400 years after Moses – 9 generations vs. 56 generations; decided absence of uniformity over interpretation of Constitution, hence Supreme Court… theoretically

Jesus giving summary introduction to remainder of Sermon – will not be laying out new higher standard for Jews to follow in millennial kingdom

will be peeling off all that has accumulated and obscured God’s Law as he gave it and intended for it to be practiced – “You have heard that it was said to those of old” vs “But I say to you”

consider envelope containing intro – “I came… to fulfill” and “unless your righteousness exceeds (abounds above)”

Jesus here didn’t criticize righteousness of scribes and Pharisees – did declare it was insufficient for entry into the kingdom

2nd statement w/o 1st takes away hope – who can possibly outdo those whose life work is to know/understand/keep the Law as means of righteousness

1st statement w/o 2nd takes away (or at least greatly diminishes) perceived need for lawkeeping in order to please God, rightly bear his image before others

together give great hope: Jesus came with mission to do what Adam failed to achieve… full compliance with/satisfaction of God’s Law and not for himself but for his people

don’t forget primary audience… his disciples – giving them instruction in number of categories, first to raise understanding of how to live, then how/what to preach/teach

What is God saying to me:

Jesus begins with:

1. his own example – he didn’t come to set it aside, came to obey it… as we should

2. but… our best effort cannot earn salvation – we cannot do any better than scribes and Pharisees; only Jesus can earn / merit salvation for us

3. however… with Jesus’ help as we trust him, depend on him, our obedience can display desire/effort to keep 1st commandment:
Mark 12:30  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

and then the 2nd commandment, both according to Jesus’ teaching and example

At the Crossroads

Jeremiah 6:16-30

Yogi Berra, “when you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Examples throughout Bible of God’s people coming to fork in the road. Usually presented as choice for people / nation as group – toward end of life, Joshua told people they were at crossroads similar to one in Jeremiah’s day. At same time Joshua made clear individuals not compelled to follow the group: Josh 24:15 “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Could say our nation at similar point: when day comes next November, will have opportunity to choose as much as voters can what direction nation will take for next period of time. Same true for individuals that make up our nation, will make choice for what direction they will pursue. Have before us clear example of what not to do. Jeremiah also gives insight into God’s thinking and purpose, principles with application to nations and individuals in all times and places.

Jeremiah’s message absolutely correct, precisely what his people needed to hear – came directly from God to be faithfully delivered to people of Judah. Jeremiah did so, received disheartening response he knew would lead to greater troubles, more painful suffering for people he loved. Whether defiant rejection or more discreet “I’ll think about it” response, we have received similar from friends and family. Don’t give up, let God attend to results, learn from Jeremiah’s words and actions.

A. get your bearings  v.16-17

ask for directions

your road and mine has more than one fork – most important to take what you believe to be right path, don’t be afraid to ask

both paths have dangers, wrong one has far more (Bunyan) well-worn path often the safest; new paths not always right, may lead to Giant Despair

signs aren’t always clear, may be little to distinguish between choices – shouldn’t be hasty, remember not deciding is a decision

listen for the answer

if asking question, need to not only listen but also act – being teachable essential, otherwise waste of time to ask, try teaching

for places / times when choice not obvious, God appointed watchmen to signal the right direction – are expected to signal clearly

they speak with prophetic voice, not always foretelling future events but often warning of future consequences unless…

the wrong response

are those who cannot see or hear, not ones primarily in view here -we will not go, we will not listen – “will not”, not “cannot”

shows they have basic understanding of who is really speaking, what his intent is, which path they should choose yet refuse

wasn’t really Jeremiah they rebelled against, refused to hear… was God – same true when we try to encourage, warn of danger

B. pick a path  v.18-26

trees bear fruit  (18-20)

tree rotten at heart produces fruit rotten at heart… regardless of how it looks, will taste bad, eventually fruit entirely rots

thoughts lead to actions – expression “do w/o thinking” rarely possible – anything but reflex action purposeful in some measure

reinforces importance of carefully filtering what influences thoughts/minds – be sure will lead to godly actions

actions (fruit of thoughts) lead to consequences – God’s just response to willful rejection of what he has said

2nd rabbit trail: were doing right things but with wrong thoughts/desires unacceptable to God – motive counts

God adds hardship  (21-24)

the wrong road gets rough… and narrow… b/c God makes it that way – not simply “is what it is”, is God’s action

he directs desires and intentions of ungodly people/nations to accomplish his purpose, not always entirely what they want

just b/c instruments have no mercy does not mean same for God – showing great mercy by warning, incentive and opportunity for repentance

turn back  (25-26)

God continuing to plead with his people, don’t barrel ahead into danger – may look safe now but can/will change quickly

God has a point to hardship/suffering for both lost and saved – reason dictates if getting harder, lost should turn around – saved grow more like Jesus

problem is lost person not viewing situation rationally… and doesn’t want to be close to God – rather pursue promised goodies

is what gives strong motivation to worship false god(s) – think they can have benefits w/o needing to deal w/God

C. hardship runs its course  v.27-30

a weak alloy

task of assayer to evaluate sample to determine properties and value of metallic sample, ore for example

possible to make bronze/iron alloy but will have different properties from each base metal – may look like bronze but…

of lesser value / integrity than pure bronze, like fool’s gold – does not live up to promise of its appearance, needs purifying

full of impurities

different materials have different density, melting points – furnace even heated 7x and impurities still there, cannot be separated from one another

purpose of making alloy, mixture of metals, to have something with greater value/better properties than individuals

the assayer perceives no improvement in value – syncretism, mixing 2 religions, never improves religious worship

worshiping false gods in any amount doesn’t just diminish, it completely takes away value from worship of true God

impossible to decontaminate

dross refuses to rise to the top and be skimmed off – iron will not separate from bronze, stays encapsulated, doesn’t belong b/c it has same effect as impurity

more heat simply diffuses contamination more thoroughly – makes individual blobs smaller but more thoroughly dispersed

holds true for individuals/nations that are corrupt at heart – cannot be purified w/o radical change of heart

Not only decisions with national importance people face these days – reaches down to choices made at personal level. Demand for access to Physician-Assisted Suicide on the rise, death with dignity, euthanasia, different designations but all have same concept in view – all represent way for person to escape overwhelming and painful circumstances at time and in way of their own choosing. Fundamental idea is death and anything that might follow must be better than present. No room in their minds for different option – suffering from God with a purpose, that they turn to Him not some way of escape.

To be equipped to offer good help to those who are suffering, must be choosing right path for our own walk first. Then we can encourage others to accompany us, follow path of truth and life. Even when is hard, child of God has perfect guide and helper… God himself. At same time, should warn others following different path what it leads to. May be overwhelmed by hard circumstances but next life apart from God unimaginably worse. God and not death is a genuine refuge.

What Will You Do?

Jeremiah 5:20-6:15

This portion reinforces idea that “nothing new under the sun” – much sounds so very familiar, can perhaps assign names/faces to certain issues God brings up. At same time reveals much about character of both God and Jeremiah. God doesn’t cut any slack, calls things as they are from his perspective, says what needs to be said whether popular or not. During 40 years of ministry, Jeremiah saw no lasting improvement, only continued rebellion and wickedness. As frustrated as he got with his countrymen, never abandoned them or his God-given ministry.

God seeing everything Jeremiah did… and more. Yet he kept reasoning with the people, pleading, working to persuade, warning, threatening, all to no apparent avail. 40x God refers to them as “My people” – his love never wavers even though they repeatedly do what is hurtful / insulting / offensive to a holy God. By own foolish actions, one people became divided nation in generation after Solomon. God brought chastisement on Israel at hands of Assyrians but not Judah. God continued to pursue His people in Judah, held door open for Israel too, doing everything but using his power to make them return to him.

We regard prophets as God’s mouthpieces, is how they are portrayed: “word of the Lord” >50x in Jeremiah alone. Yet keep in mind only 10% of verbal communication rests in actual words, rest in how words are delivered… iow “body language”. Jeremiah chosen by God to carry God’s word to the people in way that would prompt same response as if (e.g.) Jesus spoke to them. Was genuine sympathy of feeling along with the words… in both directions! Feelings and emotions present in Jeremiah as he responded to people’s hardness of heart, wickedness a reflection somehow of way God viewed them. Jeremiah not perfect, didn’t always get that part right and God corrected him for it.

A. awful symptoms  v.20-28

without understanding (21)

not without intellectual ability but marked by superficial and badly broken reasoning especially relative to spiritual matters

professed to believe contradictions; assigned wrong causes to events, wrong results to actions… and more serious faults

blind and deaf (21), defiant and rebellious (23)

senses had far more potential than what they were using – were seeing / hearing / reasoning from physical perspective only

truly a heart issue, would violently push away any who tried to help/redirect… like rebellious child in difficulty, all feet / fists

unmoved by God’s pleas (22)

reminded of evidence all around of his power and goodness, their limitations and wickedness… and great dangers (fat cats, 28)

all these symptoms and hardship/frustration they faced was b/c of sin and its corrupting influence through all of life

if man both material and immaterial, physical and spiritual in his being, for them one half was dead – could see/hear w/only one eye/ear, completely unable to recognize spiritual stuff and interpret surroundings accordingly

B. an astonishing thing  v.29-31

serious concern to God

two questions with obvious answers: of course God must do so… unless people repent of sin against him – God’s warning at same time a call to return to him

horrible, shocking, appalling, terrible, grievous – powerful words about things that stir up strong response – things not only bad but unexpected… how can they do this?

corrupt leaders

priests to be examples of right living, doing and declaring what is right and pleasing to God while acting under his authority

prophets primarily guardians, on lookout for danger, warning of calamity based on current conditions and direction of trends

people pleasers

fault on both parts here, people / leaders – prophets / priests acting contrary to God, gratifying own desires for power/influence

people were loving it, were being given license to do what they wanted while giving no attention to God and prophets’ pleas

C. be warned  v.1-8

disaster is coming

place of safety/security will be no longer – Jerusalem no longer to be a stronghold, will instead be weak and defenseless

will be irresistible attackers who come and prevail according to God’s command – his reason not secret, is punishment for wickedness

wickedness abounds

rich keep getting richer, poor getting poorer b/c of increasing evil and violence pouring out in every direction toward one another

like snowball going downhill gaining size / speed / momentum and crushing all in path – must be stopped or nation self-destructs

not too late

even though those who will besiege Jerus. there by God’s purpose, God has not abandoned his people – enemies must act w/i boundaries established and maintained by God

once again God through his prophet warns, gives hope to any who will heed – even though nation persists in rebellion and are punished, all who love/serve God can rest in his care

D. check again  v.9-15

who will listen

God surveys the crowd, looks for those whose ears are open – sees none to encourage him to speak more words of warning

keep in mind God’s motives – not looking for reason to punish but reason to show mercy, hold back on impending hardship

determined ignorance

instead sees those who have no taste for truth, to whom God’s word is offensive – consider what prophet says hate speech

not simply that they cannot hear truth, they will not – ears are closed and they refuse to open and heed God’s warning

God has restrained his anger and so has Jeremiah but… rebellious intentional wickedness through all the culture has gone over the top, can no longer hold back

too proud to blush

have gone beyond point where conscience can have good effect – have convinced themselves evil is good, good is evil

words and example fail to impress when conscience is seared – must be something far more painful to have influence

5:31 “what will you do in the end?” “What will happen to you when it is over?”  6:14 “They say, ‘Everything will be all right!’ But everything is not all right!”

Considering actions on world stage and in natural world, the question bears serious consideration, by us and so many around world. Conflicts of one kind or another abound in nearly every nation and universal response seems to be greater use of force. True regardless of size of conflict, whether one-on-one or nation against nation. If any are publicly promoting return to God and seeking his help, not making the news.

At same time seems earth’s labor pains coming closer together – major meteorological events, earthquake interrupts airline schedules NYC, volcanic eruptions. Does that mean birth of new heaven and new earth near? Factor in serious famine, pestilences among people and creatures, and we must be wise and act wisely. Be sure our confidence not in horses and chariots but in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7)

Immediately after that, next should be active encouragement for others to do same. Many may be like those of Jeremiah’s day but… he never stopped talking and neither should we. Whatever else godly wisdom and prudence suggests should come after that. Regardless of specific situation, when you are weary of holding in discouragement/frustration/disappointment over current conditions, tell Jesus. Let him carry the cares, rejoice in what you know he has ready and waiting for you.

 

Straightforward Truth

Galatians 2:14-21 

Seems like long time since considered previous portion of Galatians! Rightly gave consideration to principles associated w/Easter, Jesus’ resurrection. May wonder how close connection is between Easter and current text – closer than might think at first! Really shouldn’t be surprise, God’s Word one story with many details and sub-plots that keep coming back to lead character, Jesus.

Paul already called Peter out for his behavior, acting one way toward Gentile believers… until folks from Jerusalem showed up. Then different story, Gentiles treated as temporary friends, friends of convenience, quickly abandoned when circumstances seemed to justify. Considering appearances, what could be easily seen / interpreted from Peter’s actions along with those who followed him, certainly looked like Peter and Jews behaving as hypocrites. Paul never one to be concerned only with surface issues – went deeper to bring to light issues with great potential for causing harm to Christ and his kingdom.

Sure enough, this situation was biggie with far-reaching consequences. Sad fact, still big one in world today, spread across media outlets worldwide. Richard Dawkins, one of four leading figures actively promoting evolution and atheism, made news: refers to himself as “cultural christian”. Not really new news, said much the same nearly 20 years ago. Yet, has potential to do great damage to true Christianity b/c of what his beliefs / practices take away from the Gospel. Peter and friends could have done as much damage by adding to Gospel, Paul having none of it. Reason for his position? Adding to or taking away from Gospel an insult to Christ himself.

Doesn’t have to be apostle or theologian or pastor to have hurtful influence on Christians. Dawkins an avowed atheist who wants something for nothing – his scientific training should convince him that’s impossible, principle of conservation of energy. Dawkins wants benefits of christian culture, christian buildings, etc., but wants nothing to do with Christ while calling himself a christian. How many who truly can relate to Dawkins will be encouraged wrongly to consider themselves christian while rejecting Christ and his Gospel? In process, will encourage others to drift away, turn back on source of genuine truth.

Gospel something we must not compromise on. As much as we’d like to make life easier for those we love, remember this: are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for glory of God alone.

A. one church  v.14  

cf. Eph 4:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

one body – regenerated/made alive by the Spirit; indwelt by the Spirit; made alive by the Spirit – same Spirit working w/ same mind

one God – one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father – one triune God carrying out his one purpose for all who are in Christ

one purpose – to work all things together for good of those who belong to him, work all things together to bring glory to himself

differing causes division

one against another – so much of NT epistles necessary to deal with Christians working at cross-purposes with one another – sound familiar? elsewhere, of course

should one-another – 44 times (HCSB) exhorted to love one another, outdo in good works, bear burdens, be in agreement with

both claim Christ but… if difference over principle, can’t both be right, trying to set Christ against himself, really just wrong

must be straightforward

walking a straight path – rabbit trails fine on a hike, during discussion, not so much as way of life – should be striving for steady progress in becoming more like Jesus, focus that gives direction to everything else

speaking a straight truth – recent snow great for snowballs, don’t do that with the Gospel – same story all the time, everywhere

only way to make disciples – continually changing mind about something frustrates others, often leads to inappropriate response

B. one Gospel  v.15-18

same Gospel for Jew and Gentile

always has been – looking forward vs behind – before the cross looking to fulfillment of Protoevangelium; after looking back

error resurrected in end times theology – reinstitution of sacrifice in Jerus. Temple – Peter’s wrong all over again

ethnic distinctions don’t matter – all NT clearly declares salvation in no other than Jesus for all humanity – he’s a complete Savior, not only in what he accomplished but who he accomplished it for

how are we justified

not by works of the law – law useful b/c convinces us we cannot satisfy – need Jesus’ perfect satisfaction of Law to remove its burden from us

by faith in Jesus Christ Rom 4.25 he was raised for our justification – faith in anything/one else useless, he must be sole object

worth repeating – written 2x here, more in following chapters – silly people, keep trying to add to what he did, rest in own merit

where do works fit

not justification – our good works of insufficient quality to satisfy God’s just demand of perfection – first Adam could but failed, last Adam, Christ, succeeded

in sanctification – do have a place, evidence of our standing before God, don’t contribute to it but confirm it, motivated by love

remember Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

C. one life  v.19-21

dead yet alive

God’s law kills – can only tell us what is demanded, what consequence is for failure to meet demand, has no way to help sinner

God’s grace makes alive – salvation all of God and all of grace from beginning to end – Paul’s response absolutely correct: Acts 9:6 “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

a frightful price – especially so when we realize what is required to save one sinner: nothing / no one less that Son of God who had to give his life so we could have life

crucified yet living

horrible death – considered to be most inhumane way to die, certainly one we have no real frame of reference for understanding… yet was the one Father chose, made essential part of his determined purpose

horrible malady – OT sacrifice gave understated picture of what payment for sin required, see it in all its ugliness at the cross

glorious result – God was perfectly satisfied with Jesus’ sacrifice including that he took our formal written death sentence out of our hands and nailed it to his cross

by grace alone

really is either-or – to set aside God’s grace leaves only one other option: keeping the Law perfectly; I’m happy with grace

Christ did not die in vain – to add requirements for salvation – you have to do this in order to be saved – means Christ’s death insufficient and we must make up the rest somehow

rejoice in what he did – remember tomb is empty, the Father was satisfied – Jesus’ merit, his righteousness when credited to us by faith makes us right with God

Already said Paul’s Damascus road response was right one… but can’t stop there. When he tells us by Word and Spirit what we are to do, need to get busy… b/c we love him, he has done so much for us and we want to do for him… not to earn points, but to show just how much we love him and want him pleased with us. Takes commitment, attention, hard work, but his love for us makes it so worth it. And be sure when we share Gospel truth with others, it is straightforward truth accurately reflected in life.

12. Bright Light

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Luke 11:33–36 ““No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.”

What does it say:

you – emphatic, plural, same position/function as v.13

are – present active, ongoing continuous action; also no conditional modifier: may/can/might be

light – φῶς –

Gen 1:3-5 – 1st creation, contrasted w/darkness

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Psalm 36:9 – necessary for sight

For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

John 1:4 – associated with life

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

2 Cor 4:6 – knowledge

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Psa 119:130 – understanding

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

John 3:21 truth

But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

world – κόσμος – in this case, humanity without limit; particularly those alienated from God and hostile toward him

city – πόλις – a community of substantial enough size to have walls

hill – ὄρος – mountain or hill raised up above a plain

lamp / lampstand – λύχνος / λυχνία – portable light w/olive oil and wick; candelabrum, e.g. tabernacle/temple (Exodus 25:31ff), John’s vision (Rev. 1:12ff)

basket – μόδιος – dry measure holding about a peck (9 liters), probably some kind of woven basket to hold produce

shine – λάμπω – same verb as “gives light” v.15; Aorist, Active, Imperative

good – καλός – organically sound, beautiful in appearance and morally good

What does it mean:

light of the world

implies worldwide darkness, need for light – entry of sin into the world plunged it into darkness w/o exception

is only light that can “push back” or dispel darkness – useful light doesn’t reach past the horizon, must be multiple “reflectors” to reach all the dark places

light should make things visible and understandable similar to function of God’s Word: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

illuminating dangers as well as safe path – light serves as help to guide, not as means of control – we shine the light, it’s the other person’s responsibility to follow

city on a hill

implies absence of landmarks, lack of (or wrong) direction – deeper the darkness, more obvious/visible the light at greater distance

proper city is gathering place of many people, church to be gathering place of many lights… the branched lampstand and open door

the church not a monastery/cloister no one leaves – when worshipers leave church, they don’t check their lights at the door

lights have been refueled, wicks trimmed at church – light should burn more brightly when leaving than when entering

lamp on a lampstand

implies presence of darkness in small setting in addition to larger setting of the world – is not only charity that begins at home

is same need for knowledge/understanding/sight/life at home… to reach the kingdom, to grow in the kingdom, to enlarge the kingdom

lamp isn’t put away when company comes – they need light as does everyone else, maybe more than some

shining before men

in this way

prominently, brightly, steadily – like the city, the candelabrum, visible at a distance – no place for secret service / undercover Christians

publicly – “before men so they can see” – light-shining for benefit of others, to be done intentionally, intending to stir response

for this purpose

to draw attention, not to itself but to its source – motivation for our good works must be consistent with Jesus’ stated purpose

not wrong for attention/credit to be given to work done, one doing the work, notice given to one receiving the work but… most important: God receives glory due him

What is God saying to me:

“You are the light of the world” stated by same one who declared “I am the light of the world” – statements can be distinguished but not divorced

we cannot be the light of the world w/o close connection with the one who “is light and in him is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5 

as image-bearers we reflect God’s light with increasing clarity as distortions resulting from sin are repaired and image is being restored

as followers of Jesus we have our own light that he gives us: John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

character of light we transmit and what we reflect should match the true source with as little distortion as possible

11. Good Salt

had a foretaste of how the world relates to child of God, now how should child of God relate to the world?

 

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

 

Luke 14:34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?

“There are certain senses in which we can say that this question of the function of the Christian in the world as it is today is one of the most urgent matters confronting the Church and the individual Christian at this present time. …I say it is important because of the world situation.” D M Lloyd-Jones, London, 1959

What does it say:

ὑμείς – you, plural subject of the verb, emphatic by position; same occurs in v.14, directed to disciples who came to him v.1

ἅλας – salt, just what you think: used to season and preserve food from spoilage; also some sources reference using salt in small quantity for weed control

What does it mean:

if first 12 verses are accurate profile of you then… following statements should apply – if they don’t apply then… something not right

Jesus’ primary attention/focus on teaching disciples; esp. in light of Great Commission, applies to all Jesus’ disciples whether among the first Twelve or not, incl. those listening to Sermon

for salt to achieve intended purpose must come into full contact with its target

“For salt is not salt for itself; it cannot salt itself; but this is the use of it, that one salts meat with it, and other things needed in the kitchen, so that they retain their taste, remain fresh, and do not decay.
If we are to salt, it must bite. And although they denounce us as biters, we know that it has to be so, and Christ has ordered this, and he means that the salt shall be sharp and bite away…
If you will preach the gospel and be of use to the people, you must be sharp and rub the salt into the wounds, that is, must show the opposite and rebuke what is not right” Luther

What does character of salt and proper application of it according to Jesus suggest about the earth? For starters, that it needs salt

for: flavor improvement; slowing/preventing spread of corruption; biting off things that are harmful to self and others

What is God saying to me:

Christian monasticism not the answer for either church or world – tempting to seek reservation life with secure borders

not possible to carry out all duties of follower of Christ when completely surrounded by other followers of Christ

The Christian is not someone who lives in isolation. He is in the world, though he is not of it; and he bears a relationship to that world. In the Scriptures you always find these two things going together. The Christian is told that he must be otherworldly in his mind and outlook; but that never means that he retires out of the world. Lloyd -Jones

if state of world is troubling as it is now, imagine what would be like without activity of Holy Spirit and presence of Christ’s church doing its rightful work

as much as world’s behavior – thoughts, words, actions – are offensive and hurtful, are still God’s people in the world – they just don’t know they’re his yet

our job to do our piece of holding world back from headlong rush into utter depravity until all of those Christ died for come to him

so how do we do that? Must have salt in the shaker, then use where needed

thought, word, deed informed by truth from God’s word and ministry of Holy Spirit

two targets, saved and lost – disciples have been and are being saved, not yet complete – have similar needs to lost

one-anothering adds flavor to life of other believers, makes them / their deeds more savory to God, helps to guard against regressing into former corrupt behavior

by word and deed fanning flames of conscience in unbelievers to do more right and less evil against God and others

is most effective when we give thought / intentionality to how we interact with those around us – just living like faithful Christian has value, with effort can have greater impact

 

That the World May Know

John 17:20-26

 Once upon a time, death-bed conversations were common and treasured. Family and friends treated them as significant, worthy of attention. No longer common in Western culture, dying person often unable to communicate. Jesus not privileged to die in his bed yet we have inspired record of conversation he had with his Father shortly before his death. Gives insight into what was on his mind as he approached greatest and most difficult work of his life – having victory over sin and death. His thoughts mostly directed toward others… after his resurrection. Was thinking beyond Easter morning and empty tomb, all that must take place over many centuries for his prayer to be answered.

Jesus knew significance of what he would experience during time between prayer in Garden of Gethsemane and morning in garden of the tomb. Nothing about his death, burial, resurrection was for own benefit – was for sake of sinful men, women, boys, girls he would pay penalty for sin and be victorious over death. Desire expressed in his prayer: that his work of redemption would indeed achieve all he and Father intended and God would receive glory. Jesus really had firmly in mind time still future when he would be present with all those he saved for all eternity.

Apostle Paul does not hesitate to inseparably link fact of Jesus’ resurrection, our own future hope:

1 Cor 15:13-14, 17, 19 “if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. …if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! …If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

For it to be more than wishful thinking, Gospel truth must be made known and sinners must embrace it, believing “in their heart that God has raised him from the dead” (Rom 10:9). Call to worship:

Psalm 98:1-2 “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.”

God has indeed done all that but more needs to be done – Paul goes on in Romans 10:14 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Are today countless people in our world who haven’t heard the news, more who have heard but not yet believed, have not embraced truth of salvation through faith in Christ. In his prayer Jesus said nothing about theoretical possibilities – was praying about real people saying and doing important things with observable results, “that the world may believe” and know truth.

A. that the world may believe  v.20-21

through their word

has just prayed for eleven of Twelve (6,9,12) sent to pass on words Father gave the Son gave the men, asks for their protection

was fully confident they would do as they were called, declaring words of truth at every opportunity in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria

knew also would leave their testimony in more durable form, written down and copied so later generations would hear truth also

everything presented as God’s truth must be traceable to his Word, word of apostles… later including Apostle Paul, treasure he left behind for us

one in Us

Lord Jesus highly gifted teacher, knew his followers would have different learning styles – some by hearing, seeing, others doing

used all to advantage in his teaching ministry, continues today – intends we should be visual aid to the world that displays Jesus

he will make that happen as we are one… in him – unity we have with one another to be so extraordinary when world sees Christ in us will know it must be a “God thing”

the Father sent the Son

here’s the problem: recognizing a “God thing” not enough for salvation – result of their seeing must include believing important truth that leads to another truth and another

seeing needs hearing to know what to believe, takes words: our words, apostles’ words must tell story matching what they see

is when they ask questions, give an opportunity to explain, we can tell them who we represent, whose family we are part of

B. that the world may know  v.22-23

knowledge

God not really interested in people who recite religious facts w/o understanding what they mean, why important, how they fit

Google/chatGPT can answer questions, sometimes, maybe accurately, information stored electronically can never experience love

knowledge God intends world to know goes beyond facts to understanding why Father sent the Son, how it matters personally

intimacy

three times in this portion of prayer Jesus brings up oneness – is presently incomplete, flawed, yet it is real, can be experienced

as we work out our salvation in unity with Christ and one another, his power is free to work through us, produce amazing results

when God does that kind of work through us and at same time is working in others, God will bring about the outcome he intends

relationship

what he intends is that others will know from personal experience and relationship the love that God has already lavished on us

God doesn’t expect or want us to be billboards, static signs to be read and forgotten – are to be living loving people in relationship with others

C. the world has not known  v.24-26

our relationship

when sin first came into world, one of first things came along with it: barriers, between Adam and Eve, between them and God

still the way of it for the world, esp. between them and God – not the same for believers, Lord Jesus jumped right over that barrier and now is in us

imagine life w/o that, w/o Father’s love in us, same love he has for his Son – that is completely foreign to those far from God

our reward

day will come when we will be with our Savior, see his glory, experience perfect oneness with him… b/c he is risen from the dead

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)

our responsibility

just as his Disciples followed him, were witnesses to him, made more disciples, Jesus expects we will follow their example

loved ones, neighbors need to see / hear truth from us, experience love of Christ as we extend it to them

if Christ is truly in us, have full access to everything we need to be faithful witnesses of a risen, living, exalted Lord Jesus who is coming back for his own

Hours of daylight may be getting longer but days are getting shorter until Jesus does come back. We know he will b/c he said he would, two angels at his Ascension said he would. Meanwhile, we have heard good news of Gospel. Have embraced it in faith, trusting in Jesus’ righteousness to make us acceptable to God. Know from personal experience he is alive and at work in us, has a glorious future for those who are his.

We can declare these truths confidently but not arrogantly. We can encourage ones who are lost graciously but not condescendingly to turn to Christ. And we can assure them he is a great Savior and turns no one away who comes to him for salvation. We can be absolutely certain he will go on saving lost people until the moment of his return.

 

The Savior of The World

1 John 4:10-15 

Our world a mixed up one. Pray for peace yet conflict increases daily. Not new, certainly, but seems like rhetoric following tragedy outside Moscow trying to compete with Lamech – Cain was bad, I’m ten times badder than him. Certainly righteousness in short supply everywhere, so is truth and mercy, many think that’s no way to get ahead. Yet we read this

Psa. 85:10 Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.

Adam Clarke:

Mercy and peace are on one side; truth and righteousness on the other. …They meet together on the way; one going to make inquisition for sin, the other to plead for reconciliation. Having met, their differences on certain considerations are adjusted …on which peace and righteousness immediately embrace. Thus, righteousness is given to truth, and peace is given to mercy. Now, Where did these meet? In Christ Jesus. When were they reconciled? When he poured out his life on Calvary.

Regardless of what takes place in world or what individual circumstances might be, Jesus promised this: “in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 We know with certainty Jesus has won the victory because tomb is empty, distinguishes our Savior from all others regarded as great religious figures. Jesus’ resurrection significant enough that w/o it Paul declares our faith is useless.

Burt Bacharach, 1965, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love; It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” He was behind the curve, God gave greatest demonstration of love 2000 years ago and it was for the world. God planned it all before he created. He promised to send a Savior over and over. God prepared the world for the Savior’s arrival. He produced the perfect fulfillment of his promise when the time was right. God proved his acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice by raising him from the dead. And he did all that for the world, not just select few from obscure people group.

A. he loved us

he sent his Son

John restating what Jesus said in Gospel: “For God in this way loved the world: He gave His only begotten Son for the purpose that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

clarifies Jesus’ commission, to be sin offering for his people – curse of death lifted off all who believe, life granted in its place

not theoretical possibilities here – was sent to save people of all kinds hopelessly lost in sin, sacrifice sufficient for all who believe

he accepted his sacrifice

had Jesus remained in tomb, inescapable conclusion… had to die for own sin – that he is alive gives him right to give life to others

Rom 4:25 “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” – by removing curse from sinners, God views as not guilty

what Jesus accomplished by death, burial, resurrection is applied to those who believe in him w/o any other consideration

Paul’s prayer: “that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,”  Eph 1:18-20 

B. he abides in us

we love one another

no dumbed-down curriculum God put in Bible, is full-strength, requires level of performance beyond ability even as believers

even though cannot see God, evidence clearly presents his love and power – evidence should clearly show his presence in us

Jesus identified love for one another as distinguishing mark of his followers, made possible by resurrection power active in us

we have his Spirit

confidence-giving – assures of God’s enduring abiding presence within – not distant but actively taking away fear, uncertainty, doubt

energy-supplying – gives strength / energy to live faithfully and obediently whatever circumstances, wherever in world we are

direction-guiding – as good as they are, GPS’s give wrong directions – never true of Holy Spirit, if end up in wrong place fault on our side not his

since he abides in all who are his, matters not where we go among 8 billion people currently, almost certain to recognize another believer b/c we recognize Spirit’s presence

C. he speaks through us

we testify

requires words – actions can prepare way, give cause for questions / opportunity for answers, why what Holy Spirit supplies is essential

from personal experience – remember what is being testified, power and work of our great God changing lost sinners into living believers devoted to him

from God’s Word – is what we testify traceable to Bible that God uses to change hearts, is his Word not our persuasive ability does it

others hear

those who hear what we testify, receive it and embrace it as true, will give evidence of their faith: will “confess that Jesus is the Son of God”

Paul adds another key principle: “believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved” Rom 10:9

John adds “God abides in him, and he in God” – that person now one of the family, we recognize as in group of “one another”

D. he loves the world

Israel is too small

Isaiah 49:5-7 clear from this Servant Song he is great Savior with large mission, to bring everlasting life to men, women, boys, girls from every part of world of 8+ billion people

Israel not unimportant, Jewish people only part of total picture in God’s view, picture we talk about but cannot fully grasp

makes sense, if size of Jesus’ mission truly reflection of size of God’s love then… God is infinite, God is love, his love must be big

big enough for all families

Genesis 12:1-3 through one descended from Abraham, Lord Jesus, would bring blessing to all families of the earth

does so one person at a time, through witness of believers and power of Holy Spirit, yet as large task as it is, should not be discouraged

If you tell two people And I tell two people, Then four more people will know.
If they tell two people And we tell two people, Then more and more people will know.
God gave us His Son; He died for each one, But not all have heard the Good News.
So you tell two people And I’ll tell two people, And God’s family will grow.

One final question: what is end result God has in view? John saw and heard that in his vision:

Rev. 5:9 “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation”

God’s purpose is that he be worshiped by countless number redeemed from every tribe and tong and people and nation. From the whole world that he loved and sent his son to save.