DEVOTION
ROMANS
DEPENDS ON WHO
Rom 3:1-4
3:1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge."
NIV
It would seem to me, there have been times when I may have looked to myself thinking, “How smart I am to have accepted Christ as my Lord”. Then there have been times when I have thought the opposite, that is, “why would God choose me?” To be a person of faith or to be a person with no faith, surely does not make any difference to who God is and what He has done for His creation. And if I take that to my relationship with Him, in light of verse 3, can I claim it to be any better because of my faithfulness to Him? I dare say not at all! His faithfulness to me does not depend on my faithfulness to Him. God is not reactionary, He is actionary. Yet, still I cannot go about living my life without regard to Him, no not at all, I must do all I can to find out what pleases my Lord, and my first and foremost thought is I cannot even begin to please Him without faith. However I am back to this, everything does not depend on me, and it depends on Him. After all, in light of Romans 12:3 when He say, “the measure of faith God has given you”, it shows me even my faith is not of my own making, but that of God’s grace to me. I even have to depend on Him for faith. No matter how I look at this, I have to depend on him because He is faithful to the end. He is the only one who I can depend on to be faithful all the time, every time, no matter what time it is.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Who's Who
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WHO’S WHO
Rom 2:17-29
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
This is certainly a lot of verses for a simple devotion, but as usual Paul uses a lot of words to make the point. Who is who, is ultimately the question here which I must ask of me. Am I a man who is circumcised outwardly or inwardly? Is my relationship with God based on my obedience outwardly to the law, in my case, the do’s and don’ts of Christianity or is it based upon the condition of my heart?
Is my relationship with God based on the amount of good works or on faith? What appears here is that simple. If I act like a Christian simply on the outside men will surely praise me for being such a “good Christian” but of what value is that if my heart is not broken before God? Do I relate to these words of Paul?
Gal 1:11
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
NIV
I believe in my heart I do, as times I may offend my fellow believers by saying things which contradict traditional thinking, thinking which may or may not be as God would have us think. But I know in my heart I must speak what God has laid on my heart, to please him, rather than attempting to please the thinking of men. It is God who must be pleased and this matter of the heart is at the center of it all.
To admit to him that I have no power of my own against sin, to admit to him I have no power at all to do good, and my only hope for eternal life is him. That is who I am!
ROMANS
WHO’S WHO
Rom 2:17-29
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
This is certainly a lot of verses for a simple devotion, but as usual Paul uses a lot of words to make the point. Who is who, is ultimately the question here which I must ask of me. Am I a man who is circumcised outwardly or inwardly? Is my relationship with God based on my obedience outwardly to the law, in my case, the do’s and don’ts of Christianity or is it based upon the condition of my heart?
Is my relationship with God based on the amount of good works or on faith? What appears here is that simple. If I act like a Christian simply on the outside men will surely praise me for being such a “good Christian” but of what value is that if my heart is not broken before God? Do I relate to these words of Paul?
Gal 1:11
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
NIV
I believe in my heart I do, as times I may offend my fellow believers by saying things which contradict traditional thinking, thinking which may or may not be as God would have us think. But I know in my heart I must speak what God has laid on my heart, to please him, rather than attempting to please the thinking of men. It is God who must be pleased and this matter of the heart is at the center of it all.
To admit to him that I have no power of my own against sin, to admit to him I have no power at all to do good, and my only hope for eternal life is him. That is who I am!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
With or Without
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WITH OR WITHOUT
Rom 2:12-16
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
I have to go back to 1:18 and grab a hold of that truth telling me all men are without excuse in order to make sense of this passage. It does not matter if people are saved or not, and if saved, living by a certain law and if not saved living by another law, both are without excuse. So what does this all mean to me? Why does it matter, I am saved, I have accepted Christ as my Savior. But these passages do more then divide those who have the divine influence and those who don’t. Here I get a picture of the divine procedure of God. He will judge all, those who know his divine influence and his law and those who have a law of there own, and he will judge them both by that which they live. He does not show favoritism. Because I and those who have been exposed to the divine influence of God, we have heard and responded to the Gospel message, we are responsible to God for living in accordance to the law of the Gospel. Those who have never heard the Gospel message or have heard and not responded have a law by which they are also responsible to God for. This law is their own law, the civil and moral law they live by, it is still a law or code of conduct by which they expect all to abide by and God will judge them on that law. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. This whole section is an oratory of how sinful all men are and how guilty all men are and how in need of Jesus Christ are all men.
And it is without question I need Jesus Christ each and every day I live for the divine influence upon my heart and my mind in order that I may live to please him.
Lord, give me that influence!
ROMANS
WITH OR WITHOUT
Rom 2:12-16
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
I have to go back to 1:18 and grab a hold of that truth telling me all men are without excuse in order to make sense of this passage. It does not matter if people are saved or not, and if saved, living by a certain law and if not saved living by another law, both are without excuse. So what does this all mean to me? Why does it matter, I am saved, I have accepted Christ as my Savior. But these passages do more then divide those who have the divine influence and those who don’t. Here I get a picture of the divine procedure of God. He will judge all, those who know his divine influence and his law and those who have a law of there own, and he will judge them both by that which they live. He does not show favoritism. Because I and those who have been exposed to the divine influence of God, we have heard and responded to the Gospel message, we are responsible to God for living in accordance to the law of the Gospel. Those who have never heard the Gospel message or have heard and not responded have a law by which they are also responsible to God for. This law is their own law, the civil and moral law they live by, it is still a law or code of conduct by which they expect all to abide by and God will judge them on that law. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. This whole section is an oratory of how sinful all men are and how guilty all men are and how in need of Jesus Christ are all men.
And it is without question I need Jesus Christ each and every day I live for the divine influence upon my heart and my mind in order that I may live to please him.
Lord, give me that influence!
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Good, The Bad
DEVOTION
ROMANS
THE GOOD, THE BAD
Rom 2:5-11
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
NIV
It certainly would appear, these Roman Christians know the truth, and yet seem to be having some difficulty in complying with it. In fact they are being darn right stubborn about giving up some of their ways and attitudes. It is a good thing I don’t have any of those problems! No wait, I think I do. Now wait just a minute, there has to be a difference between falling short from time to time and doing evil. But what about the continual behavior which I overlook as evil but excuse it as the human condition? And what about the stubborn self will that refuses to give something up? Do I really refuse or do I repent believing I can do better and simply cannot. Is the key here my attitude toward my imperfect state, wanting to please God and doing what is right in his sight, sorry and ashamed for my failures, asking him to forgive me over and over again when I do fail? Or do I simply go on with my life, falling short and accepting it as the way I am? Can I define my failing, my sin as being someone who seeks to satisfy myself? The Word does define it that way! So what do I do? How do I deal with my sin? I for one, pray I will somehow learn not to be so stubborn and admit to God my sin, and truly give it over to him and repent, knowing I am only harming myself by offending God. I desire to honor God above all else.
Oh Lord, without the consist awareness of your presence I am left to my own self, fill me with your presence that I may always experience your grace, your will.
ROMANS
THE GOOD, THE BAD
Rom 2:5-11
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
NIV
It certainly would appear, these Roman Christians know the truth, and yet seem to be having some difficulty in complying with it. In fact they are being darn right stubborn about giving up some of their ways and attitudes. It is a good thing I don’t have any of those problems! No wait, I think I do. Now wait just a minute, there has to be a difference between falling short from time to time and doing evil. But what about the continual behavior which I overlook as evil but excuse it as the human condition? And what about the stubborn self will that refuses to give something up? Do I really refuse or do I repent believing I can do better and simply cannot. Is the key here my attitude toward my imperfect state, wanting to please God and doing what is right in his sight, sorry and ashamed for my failures, asking him to forgive me over and over again when I do fail? Or do I simply go on with my life, falling short and accepting it as the way I am? Can I define my failing, my sin as being someone who seeks to satisfy myself? The Word does define it that way! So what do I do? How do I deal with my sin? I for one, pray I will somehow learn not to be so stubborn and admit to God my sin, and truly give it over to him and repent, knowing I am only harming myself by offending God. I desire to honor God above all else.
Oh Lord, without the consist awareness of your presence I am left to my own self, fill me with your presence that I may always experience your grace, your will.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Rufusing To Know Him
I must apologize as I forget this, and therefore it is out of order.
DEVOTION
ROMANS
REFUSING TO KNOW HIM
Rom 1:24-32
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
NIV
Here we must lump all this bad, godless behavior in one terrible grouping. Now It would certainly appear on the surface that I and my fellow believers I call friends are not involved in any sort of horrific acts such as these listed and therefore have, in fact, been given over to them by our God. So what must I do with this passage, see it in the light of history? Observing the response of God toward those who drive out the knowledge of him by such horrendous acts seems to be the only logical thing to do. However, I must also see this as warnings by my God, to remain so close to him, I would not ever entertain the smallest temptation to begin my path in that direction. According to James, we can see the temptation alone is not the sin, but it is when we entertain, consider, contemplate, wonder, and such upon what it would be like, the process begins. Oh, I know I certainly would never even allow myself to think such things, yet included in this list of lustful behaviors, are boastful senseless, heartless, envy, strife, and gossips. Do I entertain these? Am I proud of my righteousness, boasting, if not only to myself, of how godly I am? Am I without feelings and heart felt concern for the poor and down trodden of this world or those of my own group who are in need of a visit, a prayer, or even a hug? Do I look at others and wish, in some way, I could have the same things or position in life they do? Do I, by either my words, or non verbal communication cause strife between others? Do I wait with eagerness the opportunity to share about another believer’s fault?
It is so easy to believe how those ugly sinful people of the past and the present who do such great sins are going to be subject to the wrath of God and overlook myself and the sin I can be capable of.
Lord, search my heart, and see if there is any wrong, forgive me and give me the spiritual strength to resist such behaviors.
DEVOTION
ROMANS
REFUSING TO KNOW HIM
Rom 1:24-32
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
NIV
Here we must lump all this bad, godless behavior in one terrible grouping. Now It would certainly appear on the surface that I and my fellow believers I call friends are not involved in any sort of horrific acts such as these listed and therefore have, in fact, been given over to them by our God. So what must I do with this passage, see it in the light of history? Observing the response of God toward those who drive out the knowledge of him by such horrendous acts seems to be the only logical thing to do. However, I must also see this as warnings by my God, to remain so close to him, I would not ever entertain the smallest temptation to begin my path in that direction. According to James, we can see the temptation alone is not the sin, but it is when we entertain, consider, contemplate, wonder, and such upon what it would be like, the process begins. Oh, I know I certainly would never even allow myself to think such things, yet included in this list of lustful behaviors, are boastful senseless, heartless, envy, strife, and gossips. Do I entertain these? Am I proud of my righteousness, boasting, if not only to myself, of how godly I am? Am I without feelings and heart felt concern for the poor and down trodden of this world or those of my own group who are in need of a visit, a prayer, or even a hug? Do I look at others and wish, in some way, I could have the same things or position in life they do? Do I, by either my words, or non verbal communication cause strife between others? Do I wait with eagerness the opportunity to share about another believer’s fault?
It is so easy to believe how those ugly sinful people of the past and the present who do such great sins are going to be subject to the wrath of God and overlook myself and the sin I can be capable of.
Lord, search my heart, and see if there is any wrong, forgive me and give me the spiritual strength to resist such behaviors.
Here Comes The Judge
DEVOTION
ROMANS
HERE COMES THE JUDGE
Rom 2:1-4
2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
NIV
There is a certain voice of warning in this passage I dare not pass by. What excuse could I possibility offer for thinking poorly of another believer’s behavior. Is it my own wonderful behavior? Is it my complete ability to keep myself in a perfect sinless state? Perhaps I have an excuse because simply I am not quite as bad as they are? The rub, of course, is whenever I pass judgment on another I am in fact sinning in that action. Ah yes, of course we do not judge, we simply assess what another is doing. Here again is the rub, the Greek word used here for judgment means to distinguish, to decide mentally or judicially. To recognized my own sinful state, my own condition of imperfection, knowing that I have absolutely no righteousness of my own, not one shred of ability within my own being to gain access to the kingdom of God should certainly lead me to a life free from distinguishing the actions of another. We all are in the same boat, being tossed by the seas of life, and I need the Savior to stand up and calm the wind and the sea, to save me from drowning in Hell itself. True, nothing I do is anything as horrific as what must have been going on in Rome at the time Paul wrote this letter as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet can I escape the Word of God that declares if I am guilty of one point of the law I am guilty of all.
James 2:8-11
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
NIV
The point here, is of course, who is perfect enough to stand in judgment? God and God alone! And of course He judges with kindness, tolerance and patience for the purpose of bringing us to repentance not condemnation. So who am I?
ROMANS
HERE COMES THE JUDGE
Rom 2:1-4
2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
NIV
There is a certain voice of warning in this passage I dare not pass by. What excuse could I possibility offer for thinking poorly of another believer’s behavior. Is it my own wonderful behavior? Is it my complete ability to keep myself in a perfect sinless state? Perhaps I have an excuse because simply I am not quite as bad as they are? The rub, of course, is whenever I pass judgment on another I am in fact sinning in that action. Ah yes, of course we do not judge, we simply assess what another is doing. Here again is the rub, the Greek word used here for judgment means to distinguish, to decide mentally or judicially. To recognized my own sinful state, my own condition of imperfection, knowing that I have absolutely no righteousness of my own, not one shred of ability within my own being to gain access to the kingdom of God should certainly lead me to a life free from distinguishing the actions of another. We all are in the same boat, being tossed by the seas of life, and I need the Savior to stand up and calm the wind and the sea, to save me from drowning in Hell itself. True, nothing I do is anything as horrific as what must have been going on in Rome at the time Paul wrote this letter as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet can I escape the Word of God that declares if I am guilty of one point of the law I am guilty of all.
James 2:8-11
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
NIV
The point here, is of course, who is perfect enough to stand in judgment? God and God alone! And of course He judges with kindness, tolerance and patience for the purpose of bringing us to repentance not condemnation. So who am I?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
To Know Him Not
DEVOTION
ROMANS
TO KNOW HIM NOT
Rom 1:21-23
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
NIV
Certainly a continuation of thought from the preceding verse and devotion “to know him” is this statement. The danger here of course is to just think of these people and not consider the possible actions of myself. It is possible for one to know God, to see His invisible qualities, to experience His eternal power and be guided by His divine nature, but not to glorify Him and give Him thanks? How can we become futile in our thinking, and allow our hearts to be darkened? Is it the same thing as having our mirror so clouded we do not reflect him to the world? Do we always point to those men who once were high in the kingdom realm and fell into immorality becoming headlines to the world, and not consider how we, even in much smaller ways, might become the same? Having some form of Godliness, thinking we are doing the right things, going to church, Sunday morning and Night, attending Sunday school and Wednesday night midweek services, going to a small group, and even giving in the offering. If we begin to think these actions, these outward sights of righteousness are what make us holy and acceptable to God our thinking has indeed become futile and foolish which certainly will allow our hearts to become darkened.
Can we claim to have knowledge, quote the scriptures, even chapter and verse, expounding on the meaning, but in reality becoming fools. Can we actually exchange the glory of God for the things of the world? Can we become so distracted by just making a living, collecting worldly objects, objects we place so much value upon, guarding them from others with locks, alarms, secret passwords and such, all the while thinking of being a good steward? Careful my heart, never, ever allow myself to believe what I have is mine, it all belongs to God. He gives and He can take away, what I have is simple on loan for a short time because of His great love. I praise your name, I give you Glory, and I thank you daily for who you are and what you have done and are doing for me, in me, and through me.
ROMANS
TO KNOW HIM NOT
Rom 1:21-23
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
NIV
Certainly a continuation of thought from the preceding verse and devotion “to know him” is this statement. The danger here of course is to just think of these people and not consider the possible actions of myself. It is possible for one to know God, to see His invisible qualities, to experience His eternal power and be guided by His divine nature, but not to glorify Him and give Him thanks? How can we become futile in our thinking, and allow our hearts to be darkened? Is it the same thing as having our mirror so clouded we do not reflect him to the world? Do we always point to those men who once were high in the kingdom realm and fell into immorality becoming headlines to the world, and not consider how we, even in much smaller ways, might become the same? Having some form of Godliness, thinking we are doing the right things, going to church, Sunday morning and Night, attending Sunday school and Wednesday night midweek services, going to a small group, and even giving in the offering. If we begin to think these actions, these outward sights of righteousness are what make us holy and acceptable to God our thinking has indeed become futile and foolish which certainly will allow our hearts to become darkened.
Can we claim to have knowledge, quote the scriptures, even chapter and verse, expounding on the meaning, but in reality becoming fools. Can we actually exchange the glory of God for the things of the world? Can we become so distracted by just making a living, collecting worldly objects, objects we place so much value upon, guarding them from others with locks, alarms, secret passwords and such, all the while thinking of being a good steward? Careful my heart, never, ever allow myself to believe what I have is mine, it all belongs to God. He gives and He can take away, what I have is simple on loan for a short time because of His great love. I praise your name, I give you Glory, and I thank you daily for who you are and what you have done and are doing for me, in me, and through me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
To Know HIm
DEVOTION
ROMANS
TO KNOW HIM
Rom 1:18-20
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
NIV
It is clear that each and every person, who is a creation of God, starts out with the knowledge of him within themselves. This we clearly see by the simple fact that those who are considered as the ones who are doing godlessness and wickedness have suppressed the truth. They once had the truth, they knew about God and here we see why, even without someone, a missionary or evangelist coming to share the Gospel with them. Every man, woman and child may know all they need to know about God because God, himself, has made it plain to them. Within the very core of each person on this Earth, the knowledge of God resides, the truth about God is instilled within. For us to think for one moment that any person has not been knit together in the womb, no matter what time or place, by the creator, we do not know the truth. And having been knit together in the womb, God knit the knowledge of himself in that person as well. No matter how evil or wicked or sinful a person seems to us on the outside, he started out with the knowledge of God on the inside. But we also see even with that knowledge, some have suppressed it by their own desires and actions of wickedness. They choice to disregard that truth for their own form of truth and because of this choice God will reveal his wrath upon them. It is because of this choice to suppress the truth, God declares they are without excuse, they knew him and had every opportunity to know about him through all he created but they refused to accept that truth. The most interesting thing here is God has revealed himself to his creation in three areas, his invisible qualities, his eternal power and his divine nature.
However, for those who do, for those individuals who respond to the Spirit of God, who woes all men to a deeper understanding, and enlightens their eyes to be able to see God because of all he created, they will be saved.
It is incredibly important I always remind myself never to allow the distractions of this world to draw me away from His truth. In fact I want to know Him more.
ROMANS
TO KNOW HIM
Rom 1:18-20
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
NIV
It is clear that each and every person, who is a creation of God, starts out with the knowledge of him within themselves. This we clearly see by the simple fact that those who are considered as the ones who are doing godlessness and wickedness have suppressed the truth. They once had the truth, they knew about God and here we see why, even without someone, a missionary or evangelist coming to share the Gospel with them. Every man, woman and child may know all they need to know about God because God, himself, has made it plain to them. Within the very core of each person on this Earth, the knowledge of God resides, the truth about God is instilled within. For us to think for one moment that any person has not been knit together in the womb, no matter what time or place, by the creator, we do not know the truth. And having been knit together in the womb, God knit the knowledge of himself in that person as well. No matter how evil or wicked or sinful a person seems to us on the outside, he started out with the knowledge of God on the inside. But we also see even with that knowledge, some have suppressed it by their own desires and actions of wickedness. They choice to disregard that truth for their own form of truth and because of this choice God will reveal his wrath upon them. It is because of this choice to suppress the truth, God declares they are without excuse, they knew him and had every opportunity to know about him through all he created but they refused to accept that truth. The most interesting thing here is God has revealed himself to his creation in three areas, his invisible qualities, his eternal power and his divine nature.
However, for those who do, for those individuals who respond to the Spirit of God, who woes all men to a deeper understanding, and enlightens their eyes to be able to see God because of all he created, they will be saved.
It is incredibly important I always remind myself never to allow the distractions of this world to draw me away from His truth. In fact I want to know Him more.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Righteousness
DEVOTION
ROMANS
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Rom 1:16-17
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
NIV
How much better can it be said? The only power there ever was, and ever will be to ensure an individual’s salvation is from God. As much effort as man puts forth to advance himself, he cannot save himself from eternal death. As much as most, if not all, believers agree with this concept, a more deceptive plot is at foot, a plot deployed by the very root of evil himself. This is the idea I can have a certain righteousness of my own, which is to say, I can achieve a life without sin. This Gospel Paul talks about here is righteousness from God, Jesus Christ is that righteousness, he and he alone is all and the only righteousness I will need and will ever have. If I think for one moment I have any righteousness of my own, I am deceived and I call God a liar. When I start saying to myself I am completely free of sin, claiming perfection, a perfection which only Christ was and is, the perfect Lamb without blemish, a perfect sacrifice for my sins. If I claim any form of perfection or righteousness, Christ need not to have gone to the cross for me, for my perfection, my righteousness has gained me the right to eternal life. I have saved my own self. Now just doesn’t that sound ridiculous? Because it is!
Jesus told this parable regarding just this kind of thinking:
Luke 18:9-14
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
NIV
It is my faith in Christ which gives me righteousness, by faith and faith alone am I saved and by faith and faith alone I live.
ROMANS
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Rom 1:16-17
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
NIV
How much better can it be said? The only power there ever was, and ever will be to ensure an individual’s salvation is from God. As much effort as man puts forth to advance himself, he cannot save himself from eternal death. As much as most, if not all, believers agree with this concept, a more deceptive plot is at foot, a plot deployed by the very root of evil himself. This is the idea I can have a certain righteousness of my own, which is to say, I can achieve a life without sin. This Gospel Paul talks about here is righteousness from God, Jesus Christ is that righteousness, he and he alone is all and the only righteousness I will need and will ever have. If I think for one moment I have any righteousness of my own, I am deceived and I call God a liar. When I start saying to myself I am completely free of sin, claiming perfection, a perfection which only Christ was and is, the perfect Lamb without blemish, a perfect sacrifice for my sins. If I claim any form of perfection or righteousness, Christ need not to have gone to the cross for me, for my perfection, my righteousness has gained me the right to eternal life. I have saved my own self. Now just doesn’t that sound ridiculous? Because it is!
Jesus told this parable regarding just this kind of thinking:
Luke 18:9-14
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
NIV
It is my faith in Christ which gives me righteousness, by faith and faith alone am I saved and by faith and faith alone I live.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Respect Who?
DEVOTION
ROMANS
RESPECT WHO?
Rom 1:14-15
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
NIV
What system do we employ to determine which of us is worth more then another? Is it our level of education, or professional level of achievement? Perhaps it might be our financial success, the size and location of our home, what kind of car we drive and the label on our clothes. Maybe it might even be our position in the body of Christ, having achieved a particular level of recognition. One thing I know for certain, we, the bulk if not all of humankind, use a system based on the outward evidences, as we see in this passage.
1 Sam 16:7
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
NIV
And yet we see Paul may well have worked through this valuation process based on the outward appearance and see these people, all people as having the same value to God and thus to himself. Should I not take a lesson from this? Should I not then respect everyone? As I will discuss in further detail latter,
Rom 2:11
1 For God does not show favoritism.
NIV
If all are equal in His eyes, then…….who am I to think differently?
O Lord, help me to see all people through your eyes, and though your heart.
Those who are smarter, those who are not
Those who are richer, those who are not
Those who are thinner, those who are not
Those who are more successful, those who are not
Those who know you, those who do not
Those who are big shots, those who are not
Those who are Americans, those who are not
And whatever else differences there are
ROMANS
RESPECT WHO?
Rom 1:14-15
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
NIV
What system do we employ to determine which of us is worth more then another? Is it our level of education, or professional level of achievement? Perhaps it might be our financial success, the size and location of our home, what kind of car we drive and the label on our clothes. Maybe it might even be our position in the body of Christ, having achieved a particular level of recognition. One thing I know for certain, we, the bulk if not all of humankind, use a system based on the outward evidences, as we see in this passage.
1 Sam 16:7
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
NIV
And yet we see Paul may well have worked through this valuation process based on the outward appearance and see these people, all people as having the same value to God and thus to himself. Should I not take a lesson from this? Should I not then respect everyone? As I will discuss in further detail latter,
Rom 2:11
1 For God does not show favoritism.
NIV
If all are equal in His eyes, then…….who am I to think differently?
O Lord, help me to see all people through your eyes, and though your heart.
Those who are smarter, those who are not
Those who are richer, those who are not
Those who are thinner, those who are not
Those who are more successful, those who are not
Those who know you, those who do not
Those who are big shots, those who are not
Those who are Americans, those who are not
And whatever else differences there are
Friday, March 19, 2010
Encourage Who
DEVOTION
ROMANS
ENCOURAGE WHO
Rom 1:11-12
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith
NIV
Is there some secret to this spiritual gift? I think not, it is surely so clear to see the gift which Paul speaks he wishes to impart to those faithful believers in Rome is encouragement and to be encouraged. A mutual encouragement spawned by the faith of another. Words of encouragement might do well to boast a fellow believer’s ego, making him think more highly of himself then he should or spur him onto more deeds, deeds which could be done through the humanist as well, but does it actually bring true encouragement. These words spoken to endeavor to bring encouragement might actually have a negative impact. True encouragement as we see in this passage comes from one believer being in the presence of another believer whose faith in Jesus Christ is so strong and so outwardly expressed it builds the other’s faith. Are you not so encouraged when you stand in the presence of someone who has that unwavering trust in our Lord? When for no apparent humanistic reason, this person is so happy and content, believing beyond the physical evidence in the incomparable love and provision of our Lord that your faith is build. To be encouraged by another’s faith. Here in this passage this faith, the Greek word is defined as one’s persuasion such as moral conviction and when used in the Christian or religious sense, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. It is also used abstractly in the sense of one’s consistency is such a profession. So in both senses Paul and those in Rome will be encouraged by each other. Will we?
Lord, help me to demonstrate my faith, my complete total trust in you, first of all my salvation, and also for every aspect of my life, in order that others may be encouraged.
ROMANS
ENCOURAGE WHO
Rom 1:11-12
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith
NIV
Is there some secret to this spiritual gift? I think not, it is surely so clear to see the gift which Paul speaks he wishes to impart to those faithful believers in Rome is encouragement and to be encouraged. A mutual encouragement spawned by the faith of another. Words of encouragement might do well to boast a fellow believer’s ego, making him think more highly of himself then he should or spur him onto more deeds, deeds which could be done through the humanist as well, but does it actually bring true encouragement. These words spoken to endeavor to bring encouragement might actually have a negative impact. True encouragement as we see in this passage comes from one believer being in the presence of another believer whose faith in Jesus Christ is so strong and so outwardly expressed it builds the other’s faith. Are you not so encouraged when you stand in the presence of someone who has that unwavering trust in our Lord? When for no apparent humanistic reason, this person is so happy and content, believing beyond the physical evidence in the incomparable love and provision of our Lord that your faith is build. To be encouraged by another’s faith. Here in this passage this faith, the Greek word is defined as one’s persuasion such as moral conviction and when used in the Christian or religious sense, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. It is also used abstractly in the sense of one’s consistency is such a profession. So in both senses Paul and those in Rome will be encouraged by each other. Will we?
Lord, help me to demonstrate my faith, my complete total trust in you, first of all my salvation, and also for every aspect of my life, in order that others may be encouraged.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What's My Reputation
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WHAT’S MY REPUTATION?
Rom 1:8-10
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
NIV
It certainly appears those even without the wall street journal, or foxnews.com or, for that matter all the media of today, the news of those believer’s faith was reported all over the world. They had a reputation of being Christ followers and this reputation had spread from town to town, country to country until the whole known world which Paul was speaking of was keenly aware of who they were, their faith and what they believed and of whom they believed in. How did this happen? How did the faith of a small band of believers stuck at almost the bottom of a large peninsula, in the city of Rome, a city of immense population, reach all over the known world? Inherent within mankind it seems is the need to gossip, and gossip people did. Stories of these faithful few spread possibly, because of Roman soldiers who reported for duty in far off lands, or maybe because of traders bringing and taking goods into and out of Rome, to and from parts unknown. However, one thing was for certain, these Christians did not stay secluded from their society. They must have been a force to reckon with. They had to have had a divine influence upon their hearts and it must have been reflected to the world around them. Has this kind of faith dwindled? Have I, we as believers of today either secluded ourselves completely out of view of unbelievers or have I, have we so embraced the lifestyle of the ungodly world around us, no one knows who we are?
What is my reputation? What is our reputation? And I speak not of a reputation of lists of good deeds or works performed in human standards. Many unbelievers do good deeds and have a reputation among other men, unbelievers also claim in working for the benefit of mankind, laboring to achieve a better society such as habitat for humanity and the like. No, I ask; is my reputation of one who demonstrates faith, as it was the faith, not the human efforts of these in Rome which was reported. It was faith, do I, do we have a reputation of having faith which is defined within the Greek word used here as a persuasion or moral conviction especially the reliance upon Christ for salvation. Do people know for what I stand? Do people see me, reflecting Christ? What reputation do I have? Not just with other believers, but with unbelievers.
ROMANS
WHAT’S MY REPUTATION?
Rom 1:8-10
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
NIV
It certainly appears those even without the wall street journal, or foxnews.com or, for that matter all the media of today, the news of those believer’s faith was reported all over the world. They had a reputation of being Christ followers and this reputation had spread from town to town, country to country until the whole known world which Paul was speaking of was keenly aware of who they were, their faith and what they believed and of whom they believed in. How did this happen? How did the faith of a small band of believers stuck at almost the bottom of a large peninsula, in the city of Rome, a city of immense population, reach all over the known world? Inherent within mankind it seems is the need to gossip, and gossip people did. Stories of these faithful few spread possibly, because of Roman soldiers who reported for duty in far off lands, or maybe because of traders bringing and taking goods into and out of Rome, to and from parts unknown. However, one thing was for certain, these Christians did not stay secluded from their society. They must have been a force to reckon with. They had to have had a divine influence upon their hearts and it must have been reflected to the world around them. Has this kind of faith dwindled? Have I, we as believers of today either secluded ourselves completely out of view of unbelievers or have I, have we so embraced the lifestyle of the ungodly world around us, no one knows who we are?
What is my reputation? What is our reputation? And I speak not of a reputation of lists of good deeds or works performed in human standards. Many unbelievers do good deeds and have a reputation among other men, unbelievers also claim in working for the benefit of mankind, laboring to achieve a better society such as habitat for humanity and the like. No, I ask; is my reputation of one who demonstrates faith, as it was the faith, not the human efforts of these in Rome which was reported. It was faith, do I, do we have a reputation of having faith which is defined within the Greek word used here as a persuasion or moral conviction especially the reliance upon Christ for salvation. Do people know for what I stand? Do people see me, reflecting Christ? What reputation do I have? Not just with other believers, but with unbelievers.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Grace and Peace
DEVOTION
ROMANS
GRACE AND PEACE
Rom 1:7
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I must first understand what joy and complete truth is within the greeting of suggesting, no implying, no declaring that grace and peace are for those in Rome and also as I accept this word, for me as well.
Grace, the Greek word “charis” which is defined as the divine influence upon our heart and its reflection in our life.
Peace, I think first is the opposite of war, the freedom from the havoc of war. And of course I must internalize this to within my soul, the freedom of war that wages within me, to have peace. Yet this word even carries a deeper, richer implication. The Greek word “eireenee” is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its Earthly lot, of whatsoever that is.
What more in life, this and my eternal life could I ever ask for? This, of course demands I ask myself; have I allowed myself to become distracted by the things and ways of this world? Have I been dulled by this world so I cannot feel His divine influence? Perhaps I might even have been deceived so subversively, I am being influenced by something else. Am I paying too much attention to the loud calls of this world, I cannot hear the still small voice of the Lord? Has my desire for worldly concepts so dulled or clouded me, I am no longer reflecting God to others, to the world?
In addition, do I truly embrace this peace, this contentment with my earthly lot? The world spends extreme amounts of effort to instill within the human spirit the need for more, better, bigger and lots of it. The world uses all possible power to devour its prey, to entice me into not being content with my lot in life. I must be clear and single minded in order to see those traps and avoid them. I must be influenced by my divine creator and I must be content with His plan for me and be so filled with Him, so I am a clear and shining mirror, reflecting Him to the world and reflecting His image, not mine. Lord Help me, polish my soul, so I shine for you.
ROMANS
GRACE AND PEACE
Rom 1:7
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I must first understand what joy and complete truth is within the greeting of suggesting, no implying, no declaring that grace and peace are for those in Rome and also as I accept this word, for me as well.
Grace, the Greek word “charis” which is defined as the divine influence upon our heart and its reflection in our life.
Peace, I think first is the opposite of war, the freedom from the havoc of war. And of course I must internalize this to within my soul, the freedom of war that wages within me, to have peace. Yet this word even carries a deeper, richer implication. The Greek word “eireenee” is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its Earthly lot, of whatsoever that is.
What more in life, this and my eternal life could I ever ask for? This, of course demands I ask myself; have I allowed myself to become distracted by the things and ways of this world? Have I been dulled by this world so I cannot feel His divine influence? Perhaps I might even have been deceived so subversively, I am being influenced by something else. Am I paying too much attention to the loud calls of this world, I cannot hear the still small voice of the Lord? Has my desire for worldly concepts so dulled or clouded me, I am no longer reflecting God to others, to the world?
In addition, do I truly embrace this peace, this contentment with my earthly lot? The world spends extreme amounts of effort to instill within the human spirit the need for more, better, bigger and lots of it. The world uses all possible power to devour its prey, to entice me into not being content with my lot in life. I must be clear and single minded in order to see those traps and avoid them. I must be influenced by my divine creator and I must be content with His plan for me and be so filled with Him, so I am a clear and shining mirror, reflecting Him to the world and reflecting His image, not mine. Lord Help me, polish my soul, so I shine for you.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Obedience Through Faith
DEVOTION
ROMANS
OBEDIENCE THROUGH FAITH
Rom 1:5-6
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
It would make sense to most of us in order to obey someone we first must believe this someone has authority to give us a command. Then also if we believe a person has the authority to command us, then we must conclude it is our duty to obey.
However, this issue of recognizing the person who has that authority stands at the core of this statement by Paul. The scripture clearly says I must make this judgment by faith, not by seeing an individual who may, in the case of the military, be wearing a symbol denoting his rank which gives him the right to command those under his particular rank or command. In this issue, in this passage I must recognize Jesus Christ as He who has the authority to command us me by faith. Jesus, himself, declared to me, faith is of great value.
John 20:29
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
NIV
So, now the issue stands, if I truly do believe, if I really do have faith that Jesus is my lord and my savior and he is the one who has the right to command me and in fact has, then what is the reason for my disobedience? If I disobey the authority of this law, surely I could and most likely would be punished. If I disobeyed a military commander, I would be punished for sure. Yet God does not treat me that way because Jesus already paid the price for my disobedience, past, present and future. That still does not make it right, why can’t I obey completely? I am weak, I am not perfect, I am human are all good answers, but seem like more of an excuse rather than an answer. I simply need Jesus.
ROMANS
OBEDIENCE THROUGH FAITH
Rom 1:5-6
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
It would make sense to most of us in order to obey someone we first must believe this someone has authority to give us a command. Then also if we believe a person has the authority to command us, then we must conclude it is our duty to obey.
However, this issue of recognizing the person who has that authority stands at the core of this statement by Paul. The scripture clearly says I must make this judgment by faith, not by seeing an individual who may, in the case of the military, be wearing a symbol denoting his rank which gives him the right to command those under his particular rank or command. In this issue, in this passage I must recognize Jesus Christ as He who has the authority to command us me by faith. Jesus, himself, declared to me, faith is of great value.
John 20:29
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
NIV
So, now the issue stands, if I truly do believe, if I really do have faith that Jesus is my lord and my savior and he is the one who has the right to command me and in fact has, then what is the reason for my disobedience? If I disobey the authority of this law, surely I could and most likely would be punished. If I disobeyed a military commander, I would be punished for sure. Yet God does not treat me that way because Jesus already paid the price for my disobedience, past, present and future. That still does not make it right, why can’t I obey completely? I am weak, I am not perfect, I am human are all good answers, but seem like more of an excuse rather than an answer. I simply need Jesus.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Is Satan mentioned in the Old Testament?
Is Satan mentioned in the Old Testament?
It would appear Satan is mentioned in the Old Testament more than one time, which would indicate he is a real being, the fallen Lucifer, which is documented in
1 Chron 21:1-2
21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
NIV
Job 1:6-7
6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan , "Where have you come from?"
NIV
This whole story of Job has Satan all over the complete book, mentioned way too many times to include.
Zech 3:1-2
3:1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan , "The LORD rebuke you, Satan ! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?"
NIV
Indeed, Satan is referred to as the morning star in:
Isa 14:12-15
12 How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star , son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
"I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High."
15 But you are brought down to the grave,
to the depths of the pit.
NIV
In the Hebrew text the word translated morning star is really two words which would be directly translated son of the dawn.
In Peter, the text reads:
2 Peter 1:19
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
NIV
Note morning star in not capitalized and the Greek text reads:
The light bearer…..rises in your hearts.
But in Rev 22:16 Jesus does refer to himself as the Morning Star
Rev 22:16
16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star ."
NIV
And note Morning Star is capitalized. The Greek text reads I am the star, bright, morning
The one over the skies, brilliant, radiant, dawn. He is the one who is radiant and will bring about the dawn, the beginning of the new age, the age of eternity.
This has, in no way anything to do with the Hebrew term used to describe Lucifer.
In fact Lucifer is a son in the respect of being created by God, the true dawn, the true bearer of light.
I hope this helps some, again those who oppose the truth of God, will find any reason to attempt to confuse and diminish the truth of scriptures. They oppose because they know it is true and it is light and therefore would expose their sin, if they were to admit its truth.
Man love the darkness and Hide from the light for fear of being exposed. If they can try to prove it to not be the truth, then they believe they do not have to be held accountable to it.
It would appear Satan is mentioned in the Old Testament more than one time, which would indicate he is a real being, the fallen Lucifer, which is documented in
1 Chron 21:1-2
21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
NIV
Job 1:6-7
6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan , "Where have you come from?"
NIV
This whole story of Job has Satan all over the complete book, mentioned way too many times to include.
Zech 3:1-2
3:1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan , "The LORD rebuke you, Satan ! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?"
NIV
Indeed, Satan is referred to as the morning star in:
Isa 14:12-15
12 How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star , son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
"I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High."
15 But you are brought down to the grave,
to the depths of the pit.
NIV
In the Hebrew text the word translated morning star is really two words which would be directly translated son of the dawn.
In Peter, the text reads:
2 Peter 1:19
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
NIV
Note morning star in not capitalized and the Greek text reads:
The light bearer…..rises in your hearts.
But in Rev 22:16 Jesus does refer to himself as the Morning Star
Rev 22:16
16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star ."
NIV
And note Morning Star is capitalized. The Greek text reads I am the star, bright, morning
The one over the skies, brilliant, radiant, dawn. He is the one who is radiant and will bring about the dawn, the beginning of the new age, the age of eternity.
This has, in no way anything to do with the Hebrew term used to describe Lucifer.
In fact Lucifer is a son in the respect of being created by God, the true dawn, the true bearer of light.
I hope this helps some, again those who oppose the truth of God, will find any reason to attempt to confuse and diminish the truth of scriptures. They oppose because they know it is true and it is light and therefore would expose their sin, if they were to admit its truth.
Man love the darkness and Hide from the light for fear of being exposed. If they can try to prove it to not be the truth, then they believe they do not have to be held accountable to it.
In answer to comment by Joann
Harden Hearts
The question at hand is: Does God harden hearts or do we harden them?
There has been much discussion about this topic some people, some believers have used one or maybe two verses of scripture to defend one position or another. I think we have to be careful and discover the whole of the truth.
The first instance which is used is the story about the Pharaoh, which we see in Exodus 4:21. God says He will harden his heart. The scripture does not tell us that Pharaoh’s heart was already hard, which I believe is the case. So it was a case of God allowing pharaoh to harden his heart even more.
The whole issue about who does the hardening has some controversy, but I think it is clearer when we look into:
1 Sam 6:6
6 Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When he treated them harshly, did they not send the Israelites out so they could go on their way?
NIV
It is apparent from this verse, that both the Egyptians and Pharaoh did the hardening of their hearts based on the actions of God, the harsh treatment He was giving them in order to bring about Glory for Himself.
We know it was to bring glory to Him because of:
Ex 14:16-18
17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The
NIV
We can also see in the following verses that it is man who hardens his own heart. It is man who has the choice to respond to situations either it be from life itself, the actions of other men, or the actions of God.
Gen 1:1 - Ps 95:8 Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the desert, NIV
Heb 3:7-8
Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
NIV
Heb 3:15
15 As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."
NIV
Heb 4:7
7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
NIV
Now to deal with the idea that an evil spirit came from God to Saul is a little different than a hardening of a heart.
But I think we can have some clarity if we examine the Hebrew text.
I think this is the verse you are referring to:
1 Sam 16:14
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.
NIV
In the Hebrew the word translated into from actually does not really have an English word for the Hebrew.
OT:853
sign (marker) of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative case
So in other words it indicates that God was responsible for an evil spirit to torment Saul.
This would indicate to me, God allowing the evil spirit access to Saul much in the same way He allowed Satan access to Lot. It does not specifically imply God directed the evil spirit or created the evil spirit or the evil spirit was a part of God’s army or arsenal to inflict torment on His people.
There is, in most cases, actions by God to bring us to repentance. Correction, discipline, teaching, rebuking or in this case a situation which should bring about the desired result of Saul harkening to the voice of God. We do not want to put God in a box, nor diminish His authority over His creation. In actuality, He can do whatever He desires to do, at any time to anyone, in any way He wants to. He is the creator, we are the created. If he desires to destroy us, that is His call, not ours. But I do believe He has given us the ability to disobey His commands, harden our hearts, to His voice, and in doing so, better acknowledge the fact there could be consequences.
I hope this helps, not sure I dealt with everything, but rather a brief explanation of my short look into it.
The question at hand is: Does God harden hearts or do we harden them?
There has been much discussion about this topic some people, some believers have used one or maybe two verses of scripture to defend one position or another. I think we have to be careful and discover the whole of the truth.
The first instance which is used is the story about the Pharaoh, which we see in Exodus 4:21. God says He will harden his heart. The scripture does not tell us that Pharaoh’s heart was already hard, which I believe is the case. So it was a case of God allowing pharaoh to harden his heart even more.
The whole issue about who does the hardening has some controversy, but I think it is clearer when we look into:
1 Sam 6:6
6 Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When he treated them harshly, did they not send the Israelites out so they could go on their way?
NIV
It is apparent from this verse, that both the Egyptians and Pharaoh did the hardening of their hearts based on the actions of God, the harsh treatment He was giving them in order to bring about Glory for Himself.
We know it was to bring glory to Him because of:
Ex 14:16-18
17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The
NIV
We can also see in the following verses that it is man who hardens his own heart. It is man who has the choice to respond to situations either it be from life itself, the actions of other men, or the actions of God.
Gen 1:1 - Ps 95:8 Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the desert, NIV
Heb 3:7-8
Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
NIV
Heb 3:15
15 As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."
NIV
Heb 4:7
7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
NIV
Now to deal with the idea that an evil spirit came from God to Saul is a little different than a hardening of a heart.
But I think we can have some clarity if we examine the Hebrew text.
I think this is the verse you are referring to:
1 Sam 16:14
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.
NIV
In the Hebrew the word translated into from actually does not really have an English word for the Hebrew.
OT:853
sign (marker) of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative case
So in other words it indicates that God was responsible for an evil spirit to torment Saul.
This would indicate to me, God allowing the evil spirit access to Saul much in the same way He allowed Satan access to Lot. It does not specifically imply God directed the evil spirit or created the evil spirit or the evil spirit was a part of God’s army or arsenal to inflict torment on His people.
There is, in most cases, actions by God to bring us to repentance. Correction, discipline, teaching, rebuking or in this case a situation which should bring about the desired result of Saul harkening to the voice of God. We do not want to put God in a box, nor diminish His authority over His creation. In actuality, He can do whatever He desires to do, at any time to anyone, in any way He wants to. He is the creator, we are the created. If he desires to destroy us, that is His call, not ours. But I do believe He has given us the ability to disobey His commands, harden our hearts, to His voice, and in doing so, better acknowledge the fact there could be consequences.
I hope this helps, not sure I dealt with everything, but rather a brief explanation of my short look into it.
Not Mine But His
DEVOTION
ROMANS
NOT MINE BUT HIS
Rom 1:5-6
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
Oh how sweet the sound, through Him and for His name’s sake. I have to ask myself, do I often consider that which I have receive as a benefit for me, a talent or ability as something I should use for the advantage of my own being, to be used to advance my position in society or improve my living conditions, or increase my financial security. But here I see it was not of Paul’s doing, but rather through Him and for Him that Paul received grace and apostleship. The Greek word used here for grace is of great importance, it is the accusative case of ‘charis’, ‘charin’ which insists the divine influence upon his heart and how that is reflected in his life is subject to, or on account of or due to Christ. In other words the reason Paul received the divine influence on his heart, was for Christ’s sake, not for his own sake. And this imparting of divine influence was accompanied by apostleship, or a commission, a special calling for a special task for the sake of the kingdom, not for Paul himself.
And this commission was to call people from among all the gentiles. Now, although most, if not all, of the people I know, as well as myself have not been commissioned to call people, such as an evangelist would, but I know I have been called or commissioned to be a witness.
Acts 1:7-8 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
NIV
And, of course I have to ask in this case, do I testify to bring attention to me, or do I witness of God’s work in my life to bring attention to Him. Do I tell of His work for His names sake? Do I always give Him the glory? When God influences my heart do I reflect Him to the world so He will be the center of peoples focus? I pray this is the result of my life. People will see the Lord, not me. Whatever I have or do is a result of God’s grace and it is for His sake, not mine.
ROMANS
NOT MINE BUT HIS
Rom 1:5-6
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
Oh how sweet the sound, through Him and for His name’s sake. I have to ask myself, do I often consider that which I have receive as a benefit for me, a talent or ability as something I should use for the advantage of my own being, to be used to advance my position in society or improve my living conditions, or increase my financial security. But here I see it was not of Paul’s doing, but rather through Him and for Him that Paul received grace and apostleship. The Greek word used here for grace is of great importance, it is the accusative case of ‘charis’, ‘charin’ which insists the divine influence upon his heart and how that is reflected in his life is subject to, or on account of or due to Christ. In other words the reason Paul received the divine influence on his heart, was for Christ’s sake, not for his own sake. And this imparting of divine influence was accompanied by apostleship, or a commission, a special calling for a special task for the sake of the kingdom, not for Paul himself.
And this commission was to call people from among all the gentiles. Now, although most, if not all, of the people I know, as well as myself have not been commissioned to call people, such as an evangelist would, but I know I have been called or commissioned to be a witness.
Acts 1:7-8 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
NIV
And, of course I have to ask in this case, do I testify to bring attention to me, or do I witness of God’s work in my life to bring attention to Him. Do I tell of His work for His names sake? Do I always give Him the glory? When God influences my heart do I reflect Him to the world so He will be the center of peoples focus? I pray this is the result of my life. People will see the Lord, not me. Whatever I have or do is a result of God’s grace and it is for His sake, not mine.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Devotion Romans 1:1-6
This is the beginning, I am setting a stage right now, but I promise you will actually get to some real devotions, so bear with me for a few of these.
DEVOTION
ROMANS
INTRODUCTION FOR MYSELF
Rom 1:1-6
1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
Gospel He promised beforehand…….through His prophets
Regarding His son………
Human nature….descendant of David
Through the spirit…….declared with power the Son of God
By the resurrection from the dead…..Jesus Christ our Lord
Is there any question who Jesus is from this introduction in the letter to those in Rome.
When we here those words, fully man….which are not in the scriptures….but rather Jesus refers to himself as the son of man, we see and understand this person, rather this entity is a human being, of the same genetic makeup as His creation, Adam. Conceived in the womb of a woman and delivered into the world as an infant in need of being cared for, provided for, loved and nurtured. The difference of course is no human man provided the male side needed for conception, but rather the spirit of God. Here is Him who was declared with power the Son of God.
Conception without a human man is certainly a demonstration of power in and of itself, but this is only a part of this declaration. We see the formal introduction in the gospels
Matt 3:16-17
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
NIV
This must certainly be what Paul refers to as declared with power the Son of God…for God provided the male component needed to create the person of Jesus as a man and then declared to the world verbally Jesus was his son, it certainly seems to have been with much power, a voice from heaven surely demonstrates power.
His lordship over mankind was established without question by His conquering death itself. I believe man was created as an eternal being, Adam was not supposed to die, when God created him, he had the choice to either eat from the tree of life, or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Had he eaten from the tree of life, he would be alive today as all mankind would still be within a paradise with God. But we know that is not the truth of it, Adam chose unwisely and in disobedience to his creator to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, perhaps thinking this would make him more like God himself as the serpent suggested. And because of this action death of mankind was the result.
Gen 2:15-17
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
NIV
We, through Adam, exchanged life for death, immortality for mortality and incorruptibility for corruptibility. However, through Christ, through His resurrection from the dead, that result was reversed. Through Christ, we exchanged death for life, mortality for immortality, and corruptibility for incorruptibility.
1 Cor 15:50-58
50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
NIV
Through Christ we will indeed live forever….we will eat from the tree of life.
Rev 2:7
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
NIV
DEVOTION
ROMANS
INTRODUCTION FOR MYSELF
Rom 1:1-6
1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
NIV
Gospel He promised beforehand…….through His prophets
Regarding His son………
Human nature….descendant of David
Through the spirit…….declared with power the Son of God
By the resurrection from the dead…..Jesus Christ our Lord
Is there any question who Jesus is from this introduction in the letter to those in Rome.
When we here those words, fully man….which are not in the scriptures….but rather Jesus refers to himself as the son of man, we see and understand this person, rather this entity is a human being, of the same genetic makeup as His creation, Adam. Conceived in the womb of a woman and delivered into the world as an infant in need of being cared for, provided for, loved and nurtured. The difference of course is no human man provided the male side needed for conception, but rather the spirit of God. Here is Him who was declared with power the Son of God.
Conception without a human man is certainly a demonstration of power in and of itself, but this is only a part of this declaration. We see the formal introduction in the gospels
Matt 3:16-17
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
NIV
This must certainly be what Paul refers to as declared with power the Son of God…for God provided the male component needed to create the person of Jesus as a man and then declared to the world verbally Jesus was his son, it certainly seems to have been with much power, a voice from heaven surely demonstrates power.
His lordship over mankind was established without question by His conquering death itself. I believe man was created as an eternal being, Adam was not supposed to die, when God created him, he had the choice to either eat from the tree of life, or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Had he eaten from the tree of life, he would be alive today as all mankind would still be within a paradise with God. But we know that is not the truth of it, Adam chose unwisely and in disobedience to his creator to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, perhaps thinking this would make him more like God himself as the serpent suggested. And because of this action death of mankind was the result.
Gen 2:15-17
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
NIV
We, through Adam, exchanged life for death, immortality for mortality and incorruptibility for corruptibility. However, through Christ, through His resurrection from the dead, that result was reversed. Through Christ, we exchanged death for life, mortality for immortality, and corruptibility for incorruptibility.
1 Cor 15:50-58
50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
NIV
Through Christ we will indeed live forever….we will eat from the tree of life.
Rev 2:7
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
NIV
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Did God Create Evil?
I was asked this question and I wanted to add my response to the blog in case some others wanted to express an opinion on the topic. I was not complete in my response but brief, but still I think it is worth something, and the truth as well.
So here it is for your review:
Did God create Evil
A age old question which many people fall into the trap of trying to explain how a completely holy God who is without any shred of evil could or would create it. Some may say because He wanted man to have a choice to serve Him out of free will, but the scripture does not declare that. It is true man can choose, and so could the angels.
Scripture does not declare the angels to be without free will either. Psalm 103 shows us the angels were created to do His bidding, to listen to His voice and to fulfill His commands
Ps 103:20-22 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion.NIV
But they had the choice to not do that, we know that Lucifer had pride, he did not want to submit to Gods commands, and he wanted to be like God. Pride…..
Isa 14:12-15 12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." 15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. NIV
God created them, the angels to be able to make a choice about doing His will, and thus because of that pride entered into Lucifer. God did not create evil as we think of evil. God allowed the angels to have their own determination. Now once cast out of Heaven Lucifer because of his own nature developed into what we would call evil. Desiring to fight back against the action God took by casting him out.
Unlike man, angels cannot be redeemed by the blood of Christ.
Jude 6-7 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home — these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. NIV
These verse also shows us they abandoned their own home, they made the choice.
God allows man choice, God allowed the angels choice, but He did not create the evil as a source of choice. Lucifer was allowed to be prideful, God did not make him prideful, God did not create evil.
So here it is for your review:
Did God create Evil
A age old question which many people fall into the trap of trying to explain how a completely holy God who is without any shred of evil could or would create it. Some may say because He wanted man to have a choice to serve Him out of free will, but the scripture does not declare that. It is true man can choose, and so could the angels.
Scripture does not declare the angels to be without free will either. Psalm 103 shows us the angels were created to do His bidding, to listen to His voice and to fulfill His commands
Ps 103:20-22 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion.NIV
But they had the choice to not do that, we know that Lucifer had pride, he did not want to submit to Gods commands, and he wanted to be like God. Pride…..
Isa 14:12-15 12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." 15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. NIV
God created them, the angels to be able to make a choice about doing His will, and thus because of that pride entered into Lucifer. God did not create evil as we think of evil. God allowed the angels to have their own determination. Now once cast out of Heaven Lucifer because of his own nature developed into what we would call evil. Desiring to fight back against the action God took by casting him out.
Unlike man, angels cannot be redeemed by the blood of Christ.
Jude 6-7 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home — these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. NIV
These verse also shows us they abandoned their own home, they made the choice.
God allows man choice, God allowed the angels choice, but He did not create the evil as a source of choice. Lucifer was allowed to be prideful, God did not make him prideful, God did not create evil.
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