This past Sunday, we discussed several saints who endured suffering with joy because of their faith in Christ. Just to recap:
* we talked about Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed when she was 17 and now must use a wheel chair and cannot do much for herself. She has dedicated her life though to serving others and sharing her story, and she now considers her paralysis a blessing because it has drawn her near to God.
* We talked about Steve Saint, whose father was killed in the Ecuador mission in 1956 along with Jim Eliot and others. Steve Saint views his father's death as planned by God. He feels that God's purpose in the death of his father was to glorify himself and to ignite foreign missions work.
* Finally, we heard about the Backstrom family who lost 3 sons in a car accident where a drunk driver had swerved into their lane and hit them head on. During a newspaper interview, the father stated in tears that their boys were with their Lord Jesus, and his prayer was that others would be drawn to Christ because of his boy's death and that God would be glorified.
* And, of course, we heard about the very brave soldiers from World War II that were willing to sacrifice their lives for our freedom.
In some of these examples, suffering was brought by circumstances completely outside of the people's control. I know that really everything is outside of our control and in God's hands, but bear with me. In the case of Joni Eareckson Tada and the Backstrom family, accidents occurred during everyday life. However, in the case of Steve Saint's father (the missionary), and the soldiers, they chose to put themselves in situations where they might lose their life. And then, in the case of the missionaries and the soldiers, there was a definitive moment where they had the opportunity to lose their lives for others and rather than running from it, they were willing to lay it down.
I draw these distinctions for a purpose. I think we are called to be willing to sacrifice and lose it all, even our life, for Jesus. It is God's choice whether any risk we take in His cause, will result in suffering or death. He can deliver us from any circumstance and sometimes, as we see in the case of Steve Saint's dad, He did not deliver him from death because He had a purpose that would result in His glory and the salvation of His people.
That's where I'm at right now. God is challenging me to ask myself some difficult questions. I'm not persecuted nor is anyone around me, I have more than I need to live, I'm healthy, and on and on. So, if we are called to be willing to sacrifice everything, including our lives, for the cause of Christ (see Luke 9:23-26 and other verses), what does that mean for me? I think it means being willing to take risks in order to glorify God and save others. Could mean risking reputation, people's approval, comfort, leisure time, money, and many other things. This study has just really challenged to look at my life and start asking, what am I really doing for the cause of Christ? Where I am just coasting by? I'm very convicted to say the least. Thank God for His mercy and patience. It's exciting though (weird, huh) because this study has also been convincing to show that this kind of life will fulfill our deepest desires for joy!
Consider these questions: Do you agree that we are called in the bible to a life of sacrifice, which may result in suffering, for the cause of Christ?
Do you think the American Church as a whole is ready to lay down its life for in the cause of Christ? How about you? Why or why not?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Suffering and the New Birth
For today's discussion, I wanted to focus on something I brought up yesterday. First, let me just say that I'm now convinced by scripture that we are called to a life of sacrifice and at times, suffering, as we carry out our part of the cause of Christ in this world. Here are a few scriptures (there are more):
Luke 9:23-25
23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
1 Peter 2:21
21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Hebrews 13:12-14
12So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
So, because I'm convinced I'm called to sacrifice and, at times, suffer for the cause of Christ, some questions come to mind. Mainly, how do I get past my fears and my struggles with desiring comfort (and whatever else holds me back) so that I can live a life FULLY devoted to the cause of Christ? We've been looking at Paul's life so I think it's useful to think about what motivated Paul? What enabled him to truly surrender it all for the cause of Christ? This is not the only answer, but I do think it's the main answer. That is, the new birth he experienced and we experienced when God saved us. We're new creations in Christ (2 cor 5:17)! We're in the lifelong process of being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). I believe that this new birth we experience in Christ gives us all the desire, courage, endurance, and whatever else we need to sacrifice and suffer for the cause of Christ. Like Paul said, we've been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Gal 2).
That's what gives Paul the heart to write what he did in Phil 3:7-11. That why all is loss to him compared to knowing Christ. That's why he wants to share in Christ's suffering and by any means possible, attain to the resurrection of Christ. He's been given new eyes to see the glory of Christ, and a hope in Christ that overwhelms him and makes all causes except Christ's rubbish to him.
This gives me hope! When I read or hear about saints sacrificing and suffering for the cause of Christ, my heart leaps. God is giving me more and more of a desire to devote every piece of my life to His cause, but here's the issue I'm dealing with. Even though that's my deepest desire, at times I feel that my progress toward that kind of life is all too slow. However, this give me hope! Since I've been born again, Christ lives in me. Therefore, my deepest desires are His desires. My deepest desire is to live in a way that brings him glory and make my life count in His mission to proclaim his name to all the nations. I can be confident that God will equip me with all I need by the power of His Spirit to sacrifice and endure in suffering for the cause of Christ. Even if on Monday morning, I feel weak and scared saying these things, I can be confident that He will complete my transformation into the likeness of His Son (Phil 1:6). Thank God it's not about me and my abilities!
And finally, knowing that the Spirit of Christ dwells in me, I know that this will be the most pleasing and joyful path for me. What brings Christ joy is what will bring us the most joy and it will be joy that is everlasting. That's what this study has been all about. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Here are some verses on that point:
* For the joy set before him, he endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2)
* Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice (Phil 4:1 -- written from prison by Paul)
* If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:11-13).
Luke 9:23-25
23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
1 Peter 2:21
21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Hebrews 13:12-14
12So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
So, because I'm convinced I'm called to sacrifice and, at times, suffer for the cause of Christ, some questions come to mind. Mainly, how do I get past my fears and my struggles with desiring comfort (and whatever else holds me back) so that I can live a life FULLY devoted to the cause of Christ? We've been looking at Paul's life so I think it's useful to think about what motivated Paul? What enabled him to truly surrender it all for the cause of Christ? This is not the only answer, but I do think it's the main answer. That is, the new birth he experienced and we experienced when God saved us. We're new creations in Christ (2 cor 5:17)! We're in the lifelong process of being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). I believe that this new birth we experience in Christ gives us all the desire, courage, endurance, and whatever else we need to sacrifice and suffer for the cause of Christ. Like Paul said, we've been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Gal 2).
That's what gives Paul the heart to write what he did in Phil 3:7-11. That why all is loss to him compared to knowing Christ. That's why he wants to share in Christ's suffering and by any means possible, attain to the resurrection of Christ. He's been given new eyes to see the glory of Christ, and a hope in Christ that overwhelms him and makes all causes except Christ's rubbish to him.
This gives me hope! When I read or hear about saints sacrificing and suffering for the cause of Christ, my heart leaps. God is giving me more and more of a desire to devote every piece of my life to His cause, but here's the issue I'm dealing with. Even though that's my deepest desire, at times I feel that my progress toward that kind of life is all too slow. However, this give me hope! Since I've been born again, Christ lives in me. Therefore, my deepest desires are His desires. My deepest desire is to live in a way that brings him glory and make my life count in His mission to proclaim his name to all the nations. I can be confident that God will equip me with all I need by the power of His Spirit to sacrifice and endure in suffering for the cause of Christ. Even if on Monday morning, I feel weak and scared saying these things, I can be confident that He will complete my transformation into the likeness of His Son (Phil 1:6). Thank God it's not about me and my abilities!
And finally, knowing that the Spirit of Christ dwells in me, I know that this will be the most pleasing and joyful path for me. What brings Christ joy is what will bring us the most joy and it will be joy that is everlasting. That's what this study has been all about. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Here are some verses on that point:
* For the joy set before him, he endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2)
* Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice (Phil 4:1 -- written from prison by Paul)
* If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:11-13).
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
How do you love?
Here we are again on the topic of love. As we discussed in the beginning, John really only has three overarching themes in 1 John - love, obedience, and truth. He doesn't simply just keep repeating himself though. I've seen in a couple of places a comparison to a spiral staircase. As you make your way up or down, you see the same thing in front of you, but at a different level - from a different perspective.
This week we'll be looking at 1 John 3:11-18, and we will be looking at love from a slightly different perspective. In Chapter 2, we saw love as evidence that we are walking in the light. Now we see love as a matter of life and death. Let's look briefly at four "levels" of love discussed in this passage:
This week we'll be looking at 1 John 3:11-18, and we will be looking at love from a slightly different perspective. In Chapter 2, we saw love as evidence that we are walking in the light. Now we see love as a matter of life and death. Let's look briefly at four "levels" of love discussed in this passage:
- Murder - Okay, I'm good here. I never killed anyone.
- Hate - Come on John, I mean, I don't really hate anyone. What's that? Look at Matthew 5:21-22? Oh.
- Indifference - Uh-oh.
- Christian Love (compassion) - I know this is where I'm supposed to be, and it's where I really want to be, but how do I get there?
Answer: Verse 16 (this week's memory verse) - By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
So how do we love? Seems pretty clear, but what does it mean to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters? Think about that for a minute and then think on this - How do you love?
In Him,
John
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Hope in Jesus Purifies
I'm looking at I John 3:1-10 right now, and a couple of things are really jumping out to me. First, look at the 3:1-3.
1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
I have seen this verse a few times lately, and it really intrigues me. First, just sitting back for a second to say with John -- Wow! Can you believe that we are children of God! We certainly didn't deserve it, but look at the love God has given to us (verse 1). Then, in verse 2, he points out that not only are we God's children now, look at what's ahead. We'll see Jesus and we'll be like Him. Then, what really grabs my attention is verse 3 -- HOPE IN JESUS PURIFIES! Meditate on this for a moment. Everyone who hopes in Jesus purifies himself as Jesus is pure. A few weeks back we discussed how God wants all of our love. He is great and he demands that our love for him be great (see I John 2:15-17; Matthew 10:37-39; 22:37-38). Now, John is dealing with hope. So, continuing our pattern of heart examination:
* What are you hoping in?
* What are your dreams for your future?
* What are your goals in this life?
I need to be reminded everyday just how awesome of a gift God has given me through Jesus. I'm so tempted by the world around me to be be short-sighted and get caught up in the here and now. This is why I need God's Word so desperately (Rom 12:2) along with guidance from the Spirit and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I need to look at verses like I Cor 1:9, which says "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him". Sin seeks to deceive me into trading what God has for me for it's short-lived pleasure.
This has been very convicting. If you read verse 4-10 of chapter 3, you'll see John reiterate that if we are born of God, we will not continue in sin. And one of the reasons why is that a child of God desires God. Scripture says that I've been given eyes to see what a gift God has given me! But what a fight it is to keep my heart, my affections and my hopes in the right place.
Let me know what you guys think. Interested in your thoughts....
In Christ,
Craig
1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
I have seen this verse a few times lately, and it really intrigues me. First, just sitting back for a second to say with John -- Wow! Can you believe that we are children of God! We certainly didn't deserve it, but look at the love God has given to us (verse 1). Then, in verse 2, he points out that not only are we God's children now, look at what's ahead. We'll see Jesus and we'll be like Him. Then, what really grabs my attention is verse 3 -- HOPE IN JESUS PURIFIES! Meditate on this for a moment. Everyone who hopes in Jesus purifies himself as Jesus is pure. A few weeks back we discussed how God wants all of our love. He is great and he demands that our love for him be great (see I John 2:15-17; Matthew 10:37-39; 22:37-38). Now, John is dealing with hope. So, continuing our pattern of heart examination:
* What are you hoping in?
* What are your dreams for your future?
* What are your goals in this life?
I need to be reminded everyday just how awesome of a gift God has given me through Jesus. I'm so tempted by the world around me to be be short-sighted and get caught up in the here and now. This is why I need God's Word so desperately (Rom 12:2) along with guidance from the Spirit and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I need to look at verses like I Cor 1:9, which says "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him". Sin seeks to deceive me into trading what God has for me for it's short-lived pleasure.
This has been very convicting. If you read verse 4-10 of chapter 3, you'll see John reiterate that if we are born of God, we will not continue in sin. And one of the reasons why is that a child of God desires God. Scripture says that I've been given eyes to see what a gift God has given me! But what a fight it is to keep my heart, my affections and my hopes in the right place.
Let me know what you guys think. Interested in your thoughts....
In Christ,
Craig
Monday, September 24, 2007
Who do you love?
We're still looking at I John this week -- and probably a few more weeks to come ;). This week, I think we'll be looking at Chapter 2:12-17. Maybe more, but we'll just have to see how the week goes and how the Lord leads. I know we will definitely spend quite a bit of our time discussing verses 15-17 (hence, the title). These verses seem to state emphatically that we should not love the world. Take a look:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
How about just some questions to start the conversation (plus, I'm limited on time today).
The first thing that comes to mind to me is wanting to REALLY know what the apostle meant here because he says if I love the world, the love of the Father is not in me. And he also writes that world is passing away, and I want to the eternal life given in Jesus (not passing away).
So, does this mean I can't love a certain kind of food or a football team or a country? We know that we're commanded to love God and others, but what about these other things (things of the world). How do we know if we slipped in to loving the things of the world?
Some obvious questions I'm asking myself are:
1) Are there things in my life that take priority over serving God?
2) Are there things or activities, etc. in my life that I'm more passionate about than God? What makes jump for joy? What makes your heart race (meaning excited not running on a treadmill)?
3) What do I crave or desire that I see shaping the things I do?
I think that John is communicating that we should not have any "loves" or "desires" that are from the World and not God. Hopefully, through discussion, reading of scripture, seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit this week, we can unpack what this means and how it applies to our lives?
As my favorite pastor of discipleship would say: questions, comments, rebukes, or rebuttals? The floor (or the blog) is open.
In Christ,
Craig
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
How about just some questions to start the conversation (plus, I'm limited on time today).
The first thing that comes to mind to me is wanting to REALLY know what the apostle meant here because he says if I love the world, the love of the Father is not in me. And he also writes that world is passing away, and I want to the eternal life given in Jesus (not passing away).
So, does this mean I can't love a certain kind of food or a football team or a country? We know that we're commanded to love God and others, but what about these other things (things of the world). How do we know if we slipped in to loving the things of the world?
Some obvious questions I'm asking myself are:
1) Are there things in my life that take priority over serving God?
2) Are there things or activities, etc. in my life that I'm more passionate about than God? What makes jump for joy? What makes your heart race (meaning excited not running on a treadmill)?
3) What do I crave or desire that I see shaping the things I do?
I think that John is communicating that we should not have any "loves" or "desires" that are from the World and not God. Hopefully, through discussion, reading of scripture, seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit this week, we can unpack what this means and how it applies to our lives?
As my favorite pastor of discipleship would say: questions, comments, rebukes, or rebuttals? The floor (or the blog) is open.
In Christ,
Craig
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Spiritual Constipation
Nice title, huh?
You can thank John C and his King James Version for that. I've been thinking about posting some thoughts after our discussion in 1 John 2:9-11. Those verses basically say that we can't hate our brothers and sisters and walk in the light. If we make a habit of doing so, we walk in darkness, i.e. not with God, i.e. with the devil. We discussed how "hate" has a much more broad meaning that we tend to think of it having. We may say we don't hate anyone, but do we disrespect others? belittle? hold grudges? Things like that are examples of "active hate".
One other form is more passive, and probably more common and more dangerous to Christians - indifference. How many people do we pass by because we just don't care, or maybe we make a judgment call as to whether they really deserve whatever we have to offer (financial help, physical help, our friendliness, our testimony). John C's email reference to 1 John 3:17 is where the title came from. It speaks to this very thing: "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" Ok, so the bowels thing is where I got the title (you can substitute heart there). In all seriousness though, how many people in need do we overlook or make a decision not to help because our heart is not in the right place?
Our discussion centered around whether something should be done if it's not heartfelt or genuine. I think we were talking specifically about personal contact and/or sharing Christ, but it applies in a broader sense. I happened to be reading "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" by John Piper on Monday, and he addresses that subject. He writes that he is often asked what a Christian should do when cheerfulness of obedience is not there (see genuine). His answer is not that we should simply do what we know we should do because our feelings don't matter. Instead he gives these three steps -
Chronically (spiritually) constipated, but set free in Christ,
John
You can thank John C and his King James Version for that. I've been thinking about posting some thoughts after our discussion in 1 John 2:9-11. Those verses basically say that we can't hate our brothers and sisters and walk in the light. If we make a habit of doing so, we walk in darkness, i.e. not with God, i.e. with the devil. We discussed how "hate" has a much more broad meaning that we tend to think of it having. We may say we don't hate anyone, but do we disrespect others? belittle? hold grudges? Things like that are examples of "active hate".
One other form is more passive, and probably more common and more dangerous to Christians - indifference. How many people do we pass by because we just don't care, or maybe we make a judgment call as to whether they really deserve whatever we have to offer (financial help, physical help, our friendliness, our testimony). John C's email reference to 1 John 3:17 is where the title came from. It speaks to this very thing: "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" Ok, so the bowels thing is where I got the title (you can substitute heart there). In all seriousness though, how many people in need do we overlook or make a decision not to help because our heart is not in the right place?
Our discussion centered around whether something should be done if it's not heartfelt or genuine. I think we were talking specifically about personal contact and/or sharing Christ, but it applies in a broader sense. I happened to be reading "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" by John Piper on Monday, and he addresses that subject. He writes that he is often asked what a Christian should do when cheerfulness of obedience is not there (see genuine). His answer is not that we should simply do what we know we should do because our feelings don't matter. Instead he gives these three steps -
- Confess your sin of joylessness and acknowledge the coldness of your heart. Don't say your feelings don't matter. (Psalm 61:2)
- Pray earnestly that God would restore the joy of obedience. (Psalm 40:8)
- Do whatever the duty is in hopes that doing so will restore the delight
This discussion certainly hits me personally. I often am indifferent toward those in need, thinking someone else will take care of them, or at times judgmental in wondering if they are truly in need. That ranges from something as small as welcoming a newcomer at church (they need to feel welcomed) to a needy family member to the guy on the side of the road asking for work.
I'm thankful for a God that will hear my confession of a cold heart and forgive my wretchedness. I'm thankful that by His grace and mercy he still calls me to duty, however large or small. I'm thankful that He promises to turn that duty into delight.Chronically (spiritually) constipated, but set free in Christ,
John
Friday, September 14, 2007
This Week in I John: If we're in the light, we'll love!
Here's the main text we'll be discussing from I John this week.
7Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
In these verses, John goes back to using the imagery of light and darkness. We looked at this in the first lesson over Chapter 1 (see verses 6 and 7). I John 1:5 says that "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." In John 8:12, Jesus says "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." So, we can discern that when John says walk or abide in the light, you can substitute Christ for light (abide in Christ).
Last week, John (both the apostle and my favorite teacher:) clarified some as to what it means to walk in the light. in chapter 2, verses 3-6, we are told that if we truly know him, we will obey his commands. 2:6 sums it up well: "whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked". What a powerful verse! If we say we abide or live or walk with Christ, we will live like He did. If you're like me, you're saying Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.
Now this week, the verses are ever bit as challenging to we who say we follow Christ. We're told "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light" (2:9b-10a). So, quick summary is, if we are truly in Christ (i.e. we know Him), we will love others. Depending on the kind of week you're having, this may not sound too bad. I've read this passage plenty of times and not stopped to think, "do I love my brother?".
However, John Piper had a good observation in his sermon on these verses. That is, the Apostle John (man, all these John's to keep up with) leaves us no middle ground here. If you love, you're in the light. If you hate, you're in the darkness. What about when I'm indifferent to my brother in need? What about the fact that I don't really have a heart at times for the lost around me? He used Mark 4:4 as an example. Here, Jesus was preparing to heal a man with a lame hand. The Pharisees were against this action because it was the Sabbath and Jewish law states that no work can be performed on the Sabbath. Christ responded to them with a question:
"Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?".
Of course, we also know from Matthew 5 that Jesus said:
"You have heard it was said Do not murder ... but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment".
So, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that we are commanded as followers of Christ to love like Christ did. No middle ground. This really convicts me. I know that many times I am indifferent to those around me, just too caught up in my own little life to even pay attention. Since I've read this passage this week, I've noticed on many occasions the lack of love in my heart. It's pretty discouraging when I really examine myself in comparison to the kind of love Christ commands of me. I know I am far from where I need to be.
However, I also know that on my own, I'll get nowhere in my quest to love my neighbor as myself. Thank God for his grace! If I confess my sin of a lack of love, he is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). I can pray "may the Lord make my love increase and overflow to each other and to everyone else" (I Thes 3:12) as Paul did for the church of Thessalonica. Will God not answer that prayer? I believe he will. Where are you at? John (the apostle) is calling us to test whether we are walking in the light by whether we are loving or hating, and there doesn't seem to be middle ground to stand on.
I'm looking forward to our discussion on Sunday. Or, maybe on the web prior to then. YAMS Blog!
In His Grace Alone,
Craig
7Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
In these verses, John goes back to using the imagery of light and darkness. We looked at this in the first lesson over Chapter 1 (see verses 6 and 7). I John 1:5 says that "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." In John 8:12, Jesus says "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." So, we can discern that when John says walk or abide in the light, you can substitute Christ for light (abide in Christ).
Last week, John (both the apostle and my favorite teacher:) clarified some as to what it means to walk in the light. in chapter 2, verses 3-6, we are told that if we truly know him, we will obey his commands. 2:6 sums it up well: "whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked". What a powerful verse! If we say we abide or live or walk with Christ, we will live like He did. If you're like me, you're saying Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.
Now this week, the verses are ever bit as challenging to we who say we follow Christ. We're told "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light" (2:9b-10a). So, quick summary is, if we are truly in Christ (i.e. we know Him), we will love others. Depending on the kind of week you're having, this may not sound too bad. I've read this passage plenty of times and not stopped to think, "do I love my brother?".
However, John Piper had a good observation in his sermon on these verses. That is, the Apostle John (man, all these John's to keep up with) leaves us no middle ground here. If you love, you're in the light. If you hate, you're in the darkness. What about when I'm indifferent to my brother in need? What about the fact that I don't really have a heart at times for the lost around me? He used Mark 4:4 as an example. Here, Jesus was preparing to heal a man with a lame hand. The Pharisees were against this action because it was the Sabbath and Jewish law states that no work can be performed on the Sabbath. Christ responded to them with a question:
"Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?".
Of course, we also know from Matthew 5 that Jesus said:
"You have heard it was said Do not murder ... but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment".
So, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that we are commanded as followers of Christ to love like Christ did. No middle ground. This really convicts me. I know that many times I am indifferent to those around me, just too caught up in my own little life to even pay attention. Since I've read this passage this week, I've noticed on many occasions the lack of love in my heart. It's pretty discouraging when I really examine myself in comparison to the kind of love Christ commands of me. I know I am far from where I need to be.
However, I also know that on my own, I'll get nowhere in my quest to love my neighbor as myself. Thank God for his grace! If I confess my sin of a lack of love, he is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). I can pray "may the Lord make my love increase and overflow to each other and to everyone else" (I Thes 3:12) as Paul did for the church of Thessalonica. Will God not answer that prayer? I believe he will. Where are you at? John (the apostle) is calling us to test whether we are walking in the light by whether we are loving or hating, and there doesn't seem to be middle ground to stand on.
I'm looking forward to our discussion on Sunday. Or, maybe on the web prior to then. YAMS Blog!
In His Grace Alone,
Craig
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