Full-Proof Ministries

Archive for the ‘Devotional’ Category

2 Thessalonians 3:13 – As for you, brothers [and sisters], do not grow weary in doing good.

Just a couple weeks ago I was on my way to work when I stopped at the gas station to fill up. I knew I was no more than a couple trips back and forth before I’d be out of gas and I didn’t want to risk having to stop on the way home in the morning – when it was bound to be twenty degrees colder. More than that, I would have just gotten off a twelve to thirteen hour shift and at that point would want nothing more than to go to sleep. As I finished pumping the gas and replaced the nozzle, I noticed out of the corner of my eye an elderly woman approaching my vehicle. There were a lot of people coming and going so I payed no attention until she made more obvious eye contact in an effort to get my attention. I smiled in that “Can I help you?” sort of way (not certain I truly meant it as I was running late for work already). At that point she made her request: “Could you jump my car?” Though uncertain, she believed her car to be stalled due to a dead battery, which in turn was due to the fact that she left several accessories on while she rested at the gas station from a long drive.

At this point you may be wondering what the big deal is – I helped an old lady get her car started. And you’d be right…if I were writing to tell you that the big deal was the help I offered. The big deal in fact was the hesitation I felt before telling this kind lady that I would help her. The big deal was that while I preach and teach basic Bible principles to those around me, putting them into practice is often another thing entirely. I was so wrapped up in the ME ME ME of my situation – possibly being late to work, the fact that I was only wearing a light jacket and it was around 25 degrees out, etc., that I almost wanted to think of a reason why I couldn’t help her. I was almost relieved to tell her that I had no jumper cables in my car (which was true). It was at that point that I was reminded of the grim reality of our fallen human nature. Even though I’d been brought up in a home that taught Bible basics like “do not grow weary in doing good,” my default was to look for an out. Quite ashamed of myself, I made the decision that, late for work or not, I was going to try to help this lady. I didn’t have jumper cables, but that didn’t mean someone else at the station wouldn’t. Though no one around us seemed to have any (or so they said), a gas station attendant was kind enough to let me borrow a set that the store had for sale. Within minutes, we had this kind old lady’s car running again. A look of relief quickly replaced the nervous and slightly panicked look she had worn from the time our paths crossed. We said our goodbyes and I was once again on my way to work. And would you believe it…I made it to work on time and even got a decent parking spot. No more than fifteen minutes were required of my time in order to render the aid this woman sought so desperately.

Here’s the point – with all of life’s distractions, we need to be mindful of why we’re here in the first place. Our priorities, if not checked, will get so out of whack that we’ll confuse our loyalty to some nebulous “organization” we are employed by as being more important than the real flesh and blood life of another human being. Are we first employees who happen to be Christians or are we first and foremost Christians who happen to be employed somewhere? Obviously the question was rhetorical…you know the answer. Now here’s where the rubber meets the road – while the answer to a simple question like that is obvious, would your actions on a regular basis reflect your knowledge of the answer? Would it be as obvious to someone watching you that you supposedly had those priorities? Make an effort to align your priorities with God’s…and never grow weary of doing good.

After doing a little studying of the seven letters, it’s easy to understand why Ephesus would have been the first addressed.  Geographically, politically, religiously, and demographically, it stood preeminent among the rest.  While we don’t know for sure that this is why Ephesus is addressed first, it seems a likely conclusion.

A general structure is set up in the letter to Ephesus that will be followed pretty closely with the next six.  This pattern is as follows:

1. A Title for the Risen Christ

2. Praise of the Church

3. Rebuke / Criticism of the Church

4. Solution to the Problem Faced by the Church

5. Penalty for Disobedience

6. A Promise for those who Overcome

7. A General Admonition

With only one exception, all titles for the Risen Christ come from chapter one.  In this particular letter, Christ is referred to as “[He] who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” (Rev. 2:1).  This title comes from Revelation 1:16 and is explained just 4 verses later.  The seven stars are said to be the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

In verses two and three of chapter two we see the praise offered to the Ephesian church.  They are said to have worked, toiled, patiently endured.  Christ goes on to say that the Ephesians cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, finding them to be false.  They had been bearing up for Christ’s name’s sake and had not grown weary.  Later, in verse six, we find it said of them that they “hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans,” a group of false-teachers misleading the people.  All in all, this sounds like a pretty healthy church – intolerant of error, hard working, discerning.  So what was the problem?

Verse four brings us their downfall.  Christ says of the Ephesian church that they had abandoned the love they had at first.  There are two schools of thought as to the object of the love they had lost.  Some commentators see this as the love they once had for Christ.  Others would refer you to Ephesians 1:15 as grounds to interpret this as love for one another.  I would submit the the latter (love for each other) is a natural byproduct of a love for Christ – like two streams issuing from a single fountain.  However adept they were at combating false teaching at this time, they had ceased doing so with the same motivation they had at first – whether love for Christ or for each other.  From the founding of the church at Ephesus around AD 52, they had battled with unorthodox teachings creeping into their congregations.  We see examples of this in Ephesians 4:14, both of Paul’s letters to Timothy, possibly in 1 John, and now here in Revelation 2:2,6.  Slowly, but surely they seem to have found a method for dealing decisively and effectively with the poison of false teaching, but orthodoxy for the sake of orthodoxy had become their motivation and the process was mechanical and empty.

But their rebuke came coupled with a remedy to the new problem they were made aware of.  Christ gives them in the first part of verse five a three part solution – Remember, Repent,  Do.

1. Remember – they are exhorted to remember the place from which they had fallen.  Often it is easy to forget how far we have fallen until we look at where we started.  Many of us have experienced the cycle of coming to the cross in amazement of what Jesus has done for us.  We are thrilled to tell others about His work on the cross and its accomplishment in our lives.  We are motivated to show the same love to others that our Lord had shown to us.  But after a while, time has a way of dulling the initial excitement.  We continue to go through the motions, but only for the sake of saving face or being “religious.”  We may be experiencing the exact same problem as the Ephesians in that orthodoxy has become our motivation, feeding on the pride of being right rather than the love that would compel us to share God’s truth with others.

2. The Ephesian church is next exhorted to repent.  Repentance will never come without realizing we have something to repent of. Ephesus is made plainly aware of their problem, commanded to remember the distance they had fallen, and are now told to repent.  Repentance doesn’t come easy for most of us – it involves admitting we were wrong about something.  It becomes especially difficult when we are supposed to repent of doing the right thing, but for wrong reasons.  Never is sin more easily justified than when it can be made to “look good” on the outside.  Often we find comfort in the motions when the love that ought to drive the motions is gone.  Never does the Christian life mean less or become less effective, however, than when we are motivated by looking right or playing the part.  Christ wanted them first to recognize that there was a problem (Remember) and then repent of it.

3. Do.  The Ephesians’ final word of instruction to turn this thing around was to do the works they did at first.  Since love was the motivation of the works they did at first, whatever the actual works were, had to be better than the ones they were currently performing without love.  We are not told specifically what they were, but we do know that they lie in stark contrast to the “works” that the church is currently doing.

If, we are told, the Ephesian church failed to do what the Lord told them to do to correct the problem, the penalty would be severe.  They are told that if they fail, Christ will remove their lampstand from its place.  You may remember that the lampstand was a symbol for the church.  You see, the lampstand itself was not the light, it was only privileged for a time to hold the light.  We, as the body of Christ, have nothing in and of ourselves worth sharing.  We can offer no life-transforming truth apart from that which was imparted to us.  Our jobs as individual Christians and collectively as the body of Christ is to shine the light of the Gospel to a dark and dying world.  Like I said, we are privileged to be used by God, but that is no inherent right.  The Ephesians were told that their lampstand would be removed if they did not correct their problem.  You see, God is not in any way dependent on us to accomplish His will.  While He is gracious enough to allow us to be a part of His plans, they will come to fruition with or without our cooperation.  Ephesus had been given their ultimatum.  The consequences of their decision would be severe and lasting.

The general admonition given in every one of the letters (though some receive it in a slightly different order) is for “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  There are a couple of interesting points to be made from this phrase that we will see in all seven letters.  The first, and I believe the more obvious of the two, is that each of the churches seem to be given direction to read each others’ mail!  All of the churches were not only to learn from their own particular situation, but also from the trials or triumphs of those surrounding congregations.  Second, I think it is crucial to see the individual aspect of this admonition – let him who has an ear to hear, not let the church who has an ear.  While collectively we form the whole body of Christ, our responsibility as an individual is no lessened by the corporate aspect of these letters.  Even if your entire church seems to be headed in the wrong direction, you have the individual responsibility of heeding the Spirit’s warnings.  It may prove to be a lonely road you end up walking, but you are to walk it nonetheless.  We will all be judged one day as individuals; there will be no discount for the price of “corporate” sins.

Ending on a positive note, the Lord promise the conquerors in Ephesus that heed His warning (verse 7) that He will grant them to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  While we can only speculate as to the exact interpretation of this phrase, this and all the following letters seem to emphasize a contrast between the physical world and the spiritual world as if to remind us that our focus should be on heavenly things and we should place far less emphasis on the here and now.  This mention of the tree of life is possibly a reference to the return of the Edenic state in which the world was originally created, and that state to which it would eventually return, when Christ takes His seat on His eternal throne.  Whatever the exact implications of this promise are, we certainly want to be a part of it!

So learn what you can from the letter to the church at Ephesus.  Do the right things, yes, but first make sure that the underlying motivation for doing so is love – love for Christ and love for one another.  If you find yourself just going through the motions, stop.  Take a step back and recognize it for what it is – cold, lifeless, mechanical.  Remember the point at which you first embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the thrill it gave you to serve Him simply because you loved Him.  Realize the distance you’ve fallen and repent.  Decide at that point that you will no longer seek to just look the part, but to be wholly devoted to Christ and to others.  Only when you’ve done these things, is it possible for your to do again the things you did at first.  Ephesus was a real, historic church with real problems.  That first century church is no longer here, but its problems are.  Let’s learn from their mistakes.

Though most, if not all commentators agree that the 7 letters of Revelation 2 and 3 were written to literal churches in the first century, we modern Christians could learn much from the struggles they faced and the problems they were exhorted to overcome.  It comes as no surprise that these passages are the most frequently preached in all of the Apocalypse.

I’m currently teaching through the book of Revelation to a group of teenagers in the area.  It would be impressive enough if these teens were just to come faithfully to any Bible study, but at this particular study, Joe and I are asking them to tackle subjects that many adults would rather avoid.  I’ve already mentioned that I’m teaching through Revelation.  On alternate weeks, Joe is teaching through a course on logic.  Like I said, it’s an impressive thing that they continue to come week after week to learn to rightly divide God’s Word.  Joe has obviously done a good job with them.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand.  I am going to start a series of posts on the seven churches we just covered, with points of application for each.  Every one of them offers something we can learn from – whether it is something to emulate or something to avoid.  It would be good to try to relate each of the items addressed to both the current climate of Evangelicalism in general, and to us (individuals) in particular.  I, for one, know that I struggle with many of the same issues these first century churches dealt with.

Before I do so, however, I want to give you a chance to “chew” on the passage yourself.  The Holy Spirit’s guidance far outweighs any insight I may have and is better than any commentary.  The passage, again, is Revelation 2:1-3:22 (though it would be helpful to read Revelation 1:1-20 as well since it sets the stage for the seven letters.)  Just mouse over the highlighted text and it will pop up on your screen in the English Standard Version.  For now, here’s a sneak peak at the upcoming posts for the 7 churches:

1.  Error-Free in Ephesus
2.  Standing in Smyrna
3.  Placating in Pergamum
4.  Thoughtless in Thyatira
5.  Sleeping on the Job in Sardis
6.  Faultless in Philadelphia
7.  Lukewarm in Laodicea

Each letter follows a similar structure wherein the Risen Christ is given a portrayal or description that unmistakably refers to His deity – most of them coming from titles used of God in chapter one.  Next, the church addressed is given praise for something they have done well (all but two receive some sort of praise).  The commendation is followed by a rebuke (two are excluded from rebuke).  The church is then given a solution to the situation they are facing, a consequence of disobedience and a promise for over-comers.  All the letters include the exhortation “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  It is noteworthy that although each letter was addressed to a specific church, each of the churches is invited to read the others’ mail!  The idea here is probably that each church could learn from the mistakes of the others even if they were at the time innocent of any of the particular problems of the others.

We’ll include links to some helpful resources as they become available to help you get the most out of your study of the seven churches.

Blank Chart for filling out the attributes of the 7 churches / Same Chart with Answers

Map of the seven churches of Asia

In a previous post, we critiqued a common [mis]use – or more appropriately under-use – of 1 Peter 3:15.  In this post, we’ll be considering a similar tendency we have with another verse – James 4:7.

James 4:7 is a very popular verse to cite when dealing with spiritual warfare.  Whether you’re trying to motivate yourself in difficult times or encourage a friend who’s down.  James 4:7 is no doubt a great verse to do just that, but I think often we leave the most important part of the verse out.

In the physical world, motivating statements can sometimes trigger just the adrenaline rush we need to finish strong.  That’s what is so important about half-times in sporting events.  The coach is given one more opportunity to say something inspirational or motivating to the team that just might be all they needed to get the job done.  We often use James 4:7 in similar fashion.  So what’s wrong with that? you might ask.

Well, when it comes to spiritual warfare, the best way to win is to admit defeat right off the bat.  I know, I know – that doesn’t sound very encouraging.  But the first step in victory in the spiritual realm is to admit that we don’t have it in and of ourselves to get the job done.  We have to rely on the supernatural aid God grants us.  I believe that is why it is so important to focus on the opening words of this verse:  “Submit yourselves therefore to God…”  You see, that is the vital component of spiritual victory.  Only then does “resisting the devil” go from futile to forceful.

The truth of this teaching can be seen as early as the Genesis 3 when Eve attempts to match wits with the Serpent in the Garden.  Because she was not submitted to God, she was unable to resist the devil.  How important it is for us today with all the temptation all around us to not miss that vital piece.  You wouldn’t go to battle without the proper armament.  Don’t go to spiritual battle without the proper spiritual armament either.  God bless you as you

The end result is a fleeing Devil and a spiritual victory.

Jeff wrote a commentary on 1 Peter 3:15 in which he pointed out (somewhat amusingly) that he had highlighted the part about always being ready to give an answer, but did not highlight the part about doing so with gentleness and respect.  Readers may not always pay attention to comments on posts Jeff or I do, but one reader brought up something that others may think about from time to time that I think is worth addressing.

What about when Paul apparently wasn’t gentle or respectful?  What about how Jesus sometimes dealt with people such as the Pharisees and other religious leaders?  Is there a time for us to use “stronger” words?

My approach is that Paul is an apostle.  I am not an apostle.  Jesus is the Christ.  I am not the Christ.  Since I am neither the Christ, nor an apostle of the Christ, I simple obey the apostle of Christ in 1 Peter 3:15.  That’s my approach.  I’m not saying that someone may not have a better thought than I.  However, whenever I use “stronger” words, it seems to close more doors than open them.  Rather than using stronger words, I study to find better, more effective words.  I ponder what may be a better question I could ask someone to get them to think outside their box a little more than they have thought before.

I installed a Bible verse application to my Facebook account a few days ago. The second day of having it, the verse for the day was 1 John 3:16. I think we should look at that verse and some context on both sides of it. So here we go . . .

^11For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. ^12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. ^13Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. ^14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. ^15Anyone who hates a fellow believer is a murderer, and you know that no murderers have eternal life in them.

^16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another. ^17If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? ^18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

The Holy Bible : Today’s New International Version. 2005 (1 Jn 3:11-18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

1 Peter 3:15

Often apologists for the Christian faith wave the banner of 1 Peter 3:15 in justification of their “no holds barred” defense of it.  As an amateur apologist myself, I stand as guilty as those I charge with that statement.  You see, we have a tendency to clamor to the “Be ready always to give an answer (defense)…” portion, but to the compromise of the very method by which that defense is to be given-”…with gentleness and respect.” [emphases mine]  To further emphasize this point, as I consulted my NIV study Bible for its rendering, I noticed that I only had part of the verse underlined.  As you may have guessed, it was the portion of the verse dealing with the defense of the faith, neglecting the latter half that gives instruction on the intended methodology.

I believe that simple (I dare not call it “innocent”) overlooking speaks volumes of human nature in general, and mine in particular.  When I was serving in the armed forces, I remember it dawning on me that I was always focused on molding those under me to be good at the things that I was good at.  I remember even justifying my lack in one area with my strength in another, instead of dealing with the weakness to get rid of it.  It is a natural human tendency to focus on what we are good at or what appeals to us and disregard areas that don’t come as easy.  Likewise in the Christian faith, it is easy to become inspired about rushing to the defense of the One, True God (as if He somehow needs our help), but to completely neglect the greater principles laid out for us so clearly in Matthew 22:34-40. In this passage, Jesus is asked by a Jewish lawyer what the greatest commandments were.  He told them to hang all of the law and the prophets on these two things: that we are to first love the Lord with all of our heart, soul and mind and, second only to this, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  That includes, much to our fleshly chagrin, those neighbors with whom we disagree the most and are often called to refute.

You see, all Scriptural mandates then are to flow from a heart of first, love for God and second, a love for our neighbors at least commensurate with the love we have for ourselves.  Think about these principles the next time you have an opportunity to “give a defense.”  Will you obey the entire verse or just the part that comes easy?

My wife and I are currently reading The Cross-Centered Life, by C.J. Mahaney as part of our weekly activities as members of the Launch Team for an up and coming Harvest Bible Chapel of Joliet.  This short, but powerful book has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to me as we do our readings, week by week.  The title says it all – we are to keep the Cross as the centerpiece of our lives.  Easier said than done!  But getting a copy of this great book would be a great start for any Christian feeling the need to realign themselves with what this Christian life is to be all about – The Cross!

The reading for this week (chapter six) has been a particular blessing to me.  In the whirlwind that often our daily lives become, we lose site of what is important.  The chapter is entitled “The Cross Centered Day: Practical Ways to Center Every Day Around the Cross.”  Because the Cross is so fundamental to our Faith, it’s familiarity often breeds a measure of complacency concerning it.  We understand intellectually how important the events surrounding the Cross are to our Faith, and we are quick to share those Truths with others.  But often, in our personal lives, the Cross takes a back seat to the day’s to-do list or any number of other distractions.  This chapter has provided 5 practical methods for re-centering the Cross in our daily lives.

1. Memorize the Gospel

The Author in this section stresses the importance of memorizing key passages that really emphasize the significance of the Cross as a way of helping us to both keep that truth in the forefront of our minds for our own benefit and for helping us to communicate it effectively to those who have never heard the Good News.  Some of those key passages are:

- Romans 8:31-34
- Isaiah 53:3-6
- Romans 3:23-26
- Romans 5:6-11
- Romans 8:32-39
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Galatians 2:21

2. Pray the Gospel

This one may not be as easy to understand taken at face value, but it is no less vital to a daily Cross-centered life.  You see, it is the Gospel that gives us the very freedom to, as the author of Hebrews tells us – approach boldly the Throne of Grace to find grace and help in time of need.  The most central event of Christianity and our free pass to the Throne of Grace ought then also to be a central part of our prayer life.  We need to be in a constant state of gratitude to God for that most precious provision.  We also have the Gospel to thank for the atonement of our sins – without which, we would still stand condemned before a Righteous God.  On top of all that, we have Jesus as our High Priest, making intercession continually on our behalf!  Author C.J. Mahaney sums these truths up well:

“The Gospel should be woven in throughout our praise, our petition, and our intercession.”

3. Sing the Gospel

I only sing well when the music is up to loud to hear myself!  But few things in life will provide the type of spiritual charge to our daily lives that will be realized by singing and listening to good, Cross-centered music.  Time and time again I can recount spiritual slumps in my life where God used good Cross-centered music to begin the process of pulling me out.  Perform a little preventive maintenance and find time daily to listen to this kind of music and avoid falling into those slumps!

4. Review how the Gospel has changed you

This one has been very effective in my own life.  I have been keeping now, for some time, a spiritual journal of sorts – chronicling victories, defeats, moments of complacency, petitions to God for help or direction.  All these entries would be utterly meaningless without first having established the relationship with Jesus Christ that is made possible through the Cross.  I enjoy this daily walk with all its ups and downs simply because I was first saved by the Gospel – saved by the Cross.  Take a moment to recap what your story was when Jesus found you.  And as author Mahaney tells us – don’t just repeat the steps of your conversion, but take some time, and a page or two, to really capture and meditate on that powerful experience.

5. Study the Gospel

We have never learned enough about the Gospel.  Daily, in order to keep the Cross central, we need to be striving to learn more about it.  If you feel like you understand the Gospel well, then learn to communicate it more effectively.  If you feel like you have that down, then learn to exemplify the Cross-centered life in everything you do.  We’ve never “arrived” when it comes to the Gospel.  We are only saved once, but God desires to constantly grant us a better and deeper understanding of the most important Truth He’s given us – the Gospel.

I hope that my recapping of this most helpful chapter will motivate you to take these practical steps to daily centering the Cross in your life.  I would strongly encourage you, if this recap was a blessing, to pick up the book at any number of websites or Christian book stores.  It will be well-worth the nominal price tag attached to it.  God bless you in your pursuit of a Cross-Centered life!