Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.
Message: Providential Governance of Small Things
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
God is Sovereign which means God actively controls all that occurs in His creation. He works out His purposes in all things. I believe God began this earth and world by creating all. He spoke and ordered creation and the world was created. Once He creates He then sustains that creation. Creation does not exist on its own. God did not simply start the process and then sit back and gets involved or not involved at certain times in history. Instead He is active.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a summary of Christian doctrine written in 1646 and 1647 and was meant to align the Church of England and the Church of Scotland. As such it provides a basis of reformation doctrine to help define our beliefs.
WSC 7 states - "The decrees of God are his eternal plan, according to the purpose of his will, by which, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatever comes to pass." God's plan is perfect and He makes everything work together for good. God does not author sin. Man still has free will or the human desire to act as he wills. Thus each person is accountable to their actions. We are not robots or puppets that God controls.
As I study and learn these principles which are summary statements based upon verses from the Bible, the conclusion is baffling to my finite mind. The Bible states that we choose, but God knows our choices and God works all things out to the purposes of his will. God is not waiting on man and then reacts to what He chooses. Yesterday's verse - Acts 17:26-27 - states that God appoints every nation on this earth for the purpose of seeking God. But, this doesn't mean that every nation seeks God. The point is that God governs the big things - nations and empires rule and have dominion over many and yet the point is that God is in control of those big things.
Just as God controls the big things of life, he also is over the small things. Proverbs 16:33 says that The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord. So as much as we want to think that there is chance even in flipping a coin or casting lots, this verse reminds us that, still, every decision is from the Lord.
Note: I think overall the difficulty is God is infinite and outside of time and we live in time and a sequence of events where the future follows the present. My senses is God knows our choices and the entire picture and in order to achieve His overarching outcomes ordains how all of these free will actions will work together for His glory.
Promise: The unexpected flat tire that delays us on the way to work is not unexpected from God's perspective. Whatever the reason, we can thank God in the midst of unplanned events because we know He has a good purpose for them.
Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the way you orchestrate the events of my life. Many times I have been so close to an accident and even had an accident when it was the difference between a second. Lord, I want to trust You always for the outcomes of life. I still remain focused and work hard, for that is my will but help me always to trust You no matter what.
Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Friday, February 1, 2019
Acts 17:26-27a - Providential Governance of Big Things
Acts 17:26-27a
and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him
Message: Providential Governance of Big Things
Time: Clearly written by Luke, this book follows the lives of Peter and then Paul after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book was completed about 62 AD as Paul sat in prison. It provides an account of the growth of the Church and spread from Jerusalem, from a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and it should help us to be bold and have zeal in our walks with God.
What the Lord is Saying:
This creation that he extends to us is a common grace, meaning it is common to everyone. Everyone in history benefits from His creation, no matter whether they acknowledge God as creator and Lord. Everyone needs His creation. Thus there is providential preservation. Everything that exists in creation exists only because He preserves its very being. Thus, when we talk about the God actively controlling all things that occur, this means that his created order is not simply of the past, but is now.
Additional verses are:
Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.
and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him
Message: Providential Governance of Big Things
Time: Clearly written by Luke, this book follows the lives of Peter and then Paul after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book was completed about 62 AD as Paul sat in prison. It provides an account of the growth of the Church and spread from Jerusalem, from a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and it should help us to be bold and have zeal in our walks with God.
What the Lord is Saying:
This creation that he extends to us is a common grace, meaning it is common to everyone. Everyone in history benefits from His creation, no matter whether they acknowledge God as creator and Lord. Everyone needs His creation. Thus there is providential preservation. Everything that exists in creation exists only because He preserves its very being. Thus, when we talk about the God actively controlling all things that occur, this means that his created order is not simply of the past, but is now.
Another part of his providence, in addition to preservation is governance. He governs all his creatures and their actions. As I study history at various times, it is amazing to see that today we are not very far off from our history. There are events like the British Empire and Ottoman Empire that still affect us today. When we look at our thinking today it is often because of events from the sixties. I've looked at Roman Catholicism and people's thinking about the fact that Bible reading is reserved to bishops and this continues to affect life today. Thus, it seems clear that God has steered the course of human history. He allots specific periods for His purposes. This may mean that he allows earthly powers according to His good pleasure. We like to however think that as time goes on we develop and progress and evolve in the strongest manner, but in actuality the events of our times are still steered by God.
The verse from Acts today states in 17:26-27 that He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. Many in this nation are appalled at the leaders of our nations and what they are doing. Yet, this isn't here by accident.
This is interesting as I think also about the power of prayer. When I pray, what I am asking God to do is steer things in a certain direction. I am asking Him to change direction. But, sometimes I wonder if what I am getting out of this is the idea to trust Him for how He has steered things.
- Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
- Matthew 10:29-30 - Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
To think that the actions of a sparrow are from the Father and he knows the numbers of hairs on our head which means he knows when they are on our head and when they have fallen out. Thus, His knowledge of us is complete.
Promise: Nations do not rise and fall by their own design but succeed and fail only according to the Lord's will. God will preserve His people through all the storms of life and this includes the governments and powers we are under.
Prayer: Lord, as I continue to learn that your providence now is governed, that the events of life are determined for a reason, I see that events of life are steered by You. You order things for your good purpose. I admit my struggle is finding purpose in these events.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Mark 12:13-17 - Giving God and Government Their Due
Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they *sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.
Message: Giving God and Government Their Due
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Preface - Jesus is in Jerusalem. It is the 3rd day or perhaps the 4th day. He has been causing a stir where he goes, but has mostly been on the defense as the leaders of the community, the religious community have been trying to catch him in a compromising situation regarding who he is. They asked him of his authority but really what they are trying to do was trap him with the question. He knew the leaders were out to get him, but he also had the people of God somewhat protecting Him for the leaders didn't want to do anything to Jesus in front of them.
After the chief priests, scribes and elders tried to trap him with the question on authority, the Pharisees and Herodians come to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. These Herodians were a sect of the Jews who supported the house of Herod, and were in favor of giving tribute to the Roman Caesar. They were so called at first from Herod the Great, who was a great supporter of Caesar. The Pharisees took, of course, altogether the other side, and stood forward as the supporters of the Law of Moses and of their national freedom. So the Herodians and Pharisees cover both sides of the issue.
They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. They come to him with words of flattery. But even in those words overstep their bounds. Saying that Jesus defer to no one is getting him to say that he will speak over the Roman authority. Jesus is however often teaching the way of the heart and the motives of the heart. His confrontation with the Jewish leaders of the day has been speaking against their actions to so much the governing authority.
Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay? This was a matter that Jesus had not questioned to this point as he would not for he did not question the governments role and that was not who he was in coming.
But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” Jesus, I think, in a way, laughs at this question, as if it is not even a worthy question to be asking him. Many thought the paying of taxes was a form of idolatry because the coin had the image of Caesar on it and so making payment was in a way paying homage to Jesus, but Jesus does confront this issue and shows that this isn't a form of idolatry. He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
I appreciate this response from Jesus for it is clear that he is come to earth for the things of God and not to speak against the things of Caesar. The government is not the problem, but it is the matters of the heart that is the issue. The matter is fairly simple, as citizens they are to give their government what they request, but then in the same manner they are to give to God what is due Him. If anything, the Christian has the greater responsibility - to give to both what is due.
Summary - The Herodians and Pharisees, each serving two masters and yet each caught up in the legalistic adherence to their respective law, come to Jesus to trap Him. But Jesus responds that the Christian has a responsibility both to God and government. Our beliefs do not excuse us from our responsibilities as citizens.
Promise: The state is not permitted to overstep its bounds and intrude on matters of God and here God says that God is not overstep its bounds into the state. Believers give to God the things that are God's.
Prayer: Lord, help me to show my service to both God and Man in the way that you decree. Lord, at times it seems easier to give to the government because it is a law that if I don't I could get imprisonment, but to you Lord it seems to be an option, but it is not an option and I must surrender to You all that is due to You. Help me to carry this out in my life. I pray that I would be obedient to your calling and glorify you with my time and money.
13 Then they *sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.
Message: Giving God and Government Their Due
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Preface - Jesus is in Jerusalem. It is the 3rd day or perhaps the 4th day. He has been causing a stir where he goes, but has mostly been on the defense as the leaders of the community, the religious community have been trying to catch him in a compromising situation regarding who he is. They asked him of his authority but really what they are trying to do was trap him with the question. He knew the leaders were out to get him, but he also had the people of God somewhat protecting Him for the leaders didn't want to do anything to Jesus in front of them.
After the chief priests, scribes and elders tried to trap him with the question on authority, the Pharisees and Herodians come to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. These Herodians were a sect of the Jews who supported the house of Herod, and were in favor of giving tribute to the Roman Caesar. They were so called at first from Herod the Great, who was a great supporter of Caesar. The Pharisees took, of course, altogether the other side, and stood forward as the supporters of the Law of Moses and of their national freedom. So the Herodians and Pharisees cover both sides of the issue.
They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. They come to him with words of flattery. But even in those words overstep their bounds. Saying that Jesus defer to no one is getting him to say that he will speak over the Roman authority. Jesus is however often teaching the way of the heart and the motives of the heart. His confrontation with the Jewish leaders of the day has been speaking against their actions to so much the governing authority.
Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay? This was a matter that Jesus had not questioned to this point as he would not for he did not question the governments role and that was not who he was in coming.
But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” Jesus, I think, in a way, laughs at this question, as if it is not even a worthy question to be asking him. Many thought the paying of taxes was a form of idolatry because the coin had the image of Caesar on it and so making payment was in a way paying homage to Jesus, but Jesus does confront this issue and shows that this isn't a form of idolatry. He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
I appreciate this response from Jesus for it is clear that he is come to earth for the things of God and not to speak against the things of Caesar. The government is not the problem, but it is the matters of the heart that is the issue. The matter is fairly simple, as citizens they are to give their government what they request, but then in the same manner they are to give to God what is due Him. If anything, the Christian has the greater responsibility - to give to both what is due.
Summary - The Herodians and Pharisees, each serving two masters and yet each caught up in the legalistic adherence to their respective law, come to Jesus to trap Him. But Jesus responds that the Christian has a responsibility both to God and government. Our beliefs do not excuse us from our responsibilities as citizens.
Promise: The state is not permitted to overstep its bounds and intrude on matters of God and here God says that God is not overstep its bounds into the state. Believers give to God the things that are God's.
Prayer: Lord, help me to show my service to both God and Man in the way that you decree. Lord, at times it seems easier to give to the government because it is a law that if I don't I could get imprisonment, but to you Lord it seems to be an option, but it is not an option and I must surrender to You all that is due to You. Help me to carry this out in my life. I pray that I would be obedient to your calling and glorify you with my time and money.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Ecclesiastes 10:20 - Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech
Ecclesiastes 10:20
20 Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.
Message: Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This is a verse that confronts me, especially in the workplace. There is a spirit often of discontent that wells up in me and it carries forward to cursing those over me. There are always going to be things that frustrate us about those in leadership for we think that we can do things better. It is one thing to make suggestions, but when you sense your voice is not going to be heard then often people resort to grumbling with others. This sort of speech is foolish. For one, we do not know which people have eyes and ears where we do not expect them and anything we say just might end up making its way to them.
What remains at odds with bitterness is love for one's neighbor. It is hard. Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. How often do I walk around with a bitter heart over very minor things?
The reverse of this is that idea that we are to respect those over us. True, they have vices and they have irritants, but we are still to give respect.
I found this attitude is not encouraged in our world where are communication zones have increased. All of our social media sites, blogs (like this one), media influences, internet news pages, are constantly reporting a commentary on society, on whatever we are experiencing -- and communicating over and over how each person's values and desires should be respected. As I look upon the canvas of social media right now and media in general, there is a constant spirit of attacking going on toward our President. The bottom line is people have not gotten what they wanted. They don't respect the leader. Therefore, they believe they don't have to respect his ways so they take it to the street to convey their displeasure towards him.
I think what is interesting about this all is people are often not taking care of what is most important and instead engaging in activities that have no good outcomes. People have stopped reading their Bible because they are listening to commentaries that the Bible is irrelevant.
The bottom line is I need help with this. I need help not falling into the rhetoric of fear and disrespect towards my elders. What is clear in the Bible.
Promise: God is over all, even kings and rulers. They don't have to adhere to my ways. I can trust God for outcomes.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful with my words and my thoughts.
20 Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.
Message: Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This is a verse that confronts me, especially in the workplace. There is a spirit often of discontent that wells up in me and it carries forward to cursing those over me. There are always going to be things that frustrate us about those in leadership for we think that we can do things better. It is one thing to make suggestions, but when you sense your voice is not going to be heard then often people resort to grumbling with others. This sort of speech is foolish. For one, we do not know which people have eyes and ears where we do not expect them and anything we say just might end up making its way to them.
What remains at odds with bitterness is love for one's neighbor. It is hard. Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. How often do I walk around with a bitter heart over very minor things?
The reverse of this is that idea that we are to respect those over us. True, they have vices and they have irritants, but we are still to give respect.
I found this attitude is not encouraged in our world where are communication zones have increased. All of our social media sites, blogs (like this one), media influences, internet news pages, are constantly reporting a commentary on society, on whatever we are experiencing -- and communicating over and over how each person's values and desires should be respected. As I look upon the canvas of social media right now and media in general, there is a constant spirit of attacking going on toward our President. The bottom line is people have not gotten what they wanted. They don't respect the leader. Therefore, they believe they don't have to respect his ways so they take it to the street to convey their displeasure towards him.
I think what is interesting about this all is people are often not taking care of what is most important and instead engaging in activities that have no good outcomes. People have stopped reading their Bible because they are listening to commentaries that the Bible is irrelevant.
The bottom line is I need help with this. I need help not falling into the rhetoric of fear and disrespect towards my elders. What is clear in the Bible.
Promise: God is over all, even kings and rulers. They don't have to adhere to my ways. I can trust God for outcomes.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful with my words and my thoughts.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Proverbs 8:12-21 - Fruit Better than Gold
Proverbs 8:12-21
Message: Fruit Better than Gold
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
Nothing is more valuable than the wisdom that comes from the Lord. From Tabletalk - Those who seek to learn and apply God's principles of wisdom are in the best position to experience material prosperity. But, that doesn't mean prosperity necessarily on this side of glory.
Leadership is supposed to be wise as well as submit to Godly authority. The intent is for them to judge rightly and punish evildoers (Romans 13).
The perspective of this chapter is still from lady wisdom. As it says in verse 12: I, wisdom. Wisdom is speaking and wisdom is stating that we are to fear the Lord, hate evil, hate pride, hate arrogance, hate a perverted mouth. Counsel, sound wisdom and power belong to wisdom. And wisdom is how kings and rulers and princes and nobles should rule. They should love wisdom and love to carry it out.
Riches, honor, wealth, righteousness -- to have them all a person needs wisdom. Without wisdom those things are chaotic. There is tyranny, even a dictator. Its harder to have than have not.
The fruit of wisdom is better than riches. Its safer. With wisdom we walk in the way of righteousness, the path of justice.
Wisdom is key in life. I don't think we really call out and define that wisdom is what we all need. According to the definition, it is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment. It doesn't mean that we must have experience, but this is what having wisdom looks like. The best source of wisdom is the eternal God.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.
14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.
15 “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
16 “By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.
17 “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.
18 “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield better than choicest silver.
20 “I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
21 To endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.
13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.
14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.
15 “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
16 “By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.
17 “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.
18 “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield better than choicest silver.
20 “I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
21 To endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.
Message: Fruit Better than Gold
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
Nothing is more valuable than the wisdom that comes from the Lord. From Tabletalk - Those who seek to learn and apply God's principles of wisdom are in the best position to experience material prosperity. But, that doesn't mean prosperity necessarily on this side of glory.
Leadership is supposed to be wise as well as submit to Godly authority. The intent is for them to judge rightly and punish evildoers (Romans 13).
The perspective of this chapter is still from lady wisdom. As it says in verse 12: I, wisdom. Wisdom is speaking and wisdom is stating that we are to fear the Lord, hate evil, hate pride, hate arrogance, hate a perverted mouth. Counsel, sound wisdom and power belong to wisdom. And wisdom is how kings and rulers and princes and nobles should rule. They should love wisdom and love to carry it out.
Riches, honor, wealth, righteousness -- to have them all a person needs wisdom. Without wisdom those things are chaotic. There is tyranny, even a dictator. Its harder to have than have not.
The fruit of wisdom is better than riches. Its safer. With wisdom we walk in the way of righteousness, the path of justice.
Wisdom is key in life. I don't think we really call out and define that wisdom is what we all need. According to the definition, it is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment. It doesn't mean that we must have experience, but this is what having wisdom looks like. The best source of wisdom is the eternal God.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Ecclesiastes 8:10-11 - Presuming upon God's Kindness
Ecclesiastes 8:10-11
10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.
Message: Presuming upon God's Kindness
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have studied chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes yet. My first reading of these verses sees a view of the wicked buried, in their graves, gone. And there is a connection with them and the holy place, the temple gathering. They have died and they are forgotten now. The outcome of evil deeds is not executed quickly. The wicked know this. Their hearts are given fully to do evil.
Insight from TableTalk for today, August 12, 2015 -- If a society's justice system is known for it inefficiency and for taking far longer than necessary to deal with the criminal element, the criminal element is emboldened.
This is a troubling thing with criminal acts. It is tough to see how long it takes some to merit any consequences, to the point that we expect God to deal with the criminal activity immediately, even at times outside of the justice system.
But, am I not thankful that there are not quick consequences and it is his kindness that leads me to repentance.
Promise: Just may seem to be delayed, but it always comes at the right time. Our just God will set things right, so we have ample reason to trust in Him.
10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.
Message: Presuming upon God's Kindness
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have studied chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes yet. My first reading of these verses sees a view of the wicked buried, in their graves, gone. And there is a connection with them and the holy place, the temple gathering. They have died and they are forgotten now. The outcome of evil deeds is not executed quickly. The wicked know this. Their hearts are given fully to do evil.
Insight from TableTalk for today, August 12, 2015 -- If a society's justice system is known for it inefficiency and for taking far longer than necessary to deal with the criminal element, the criminal element is emboldened.
This is a troubling thing with criminal acts. It is tough to see how long it takes some to merit any consequences, to the point that we expect God to deal with the criminal activity immediately, even at times outside of the justice system.
But, am I not thankful that there are not quick consequences and it is his kindness that leads me to repentance.
Promise: Just may seem to be delayed, but it always comes at the right time. Our just God will set things right, so we have ample reason to trust in Him.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Psalm 72:1-11 - Praying for the King
Psalm 72:1-11
Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.
Message: Praying for the King
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
The idea in this passage, in relation to kings, was originally praying for a king who came from the line of David. Therefore, he was presumed to already have an association with Israel and then there was the expectation that the king would adhere to divine covenants. But, there is also conjecture that this is a Psalm meant for the Messiah and his reign.
Message: Praying for the King
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
The idea in this passage, in relation to kings, was originally praying for a king who came from the line of David. Therefore, he was presumed to already have an association with Israel and then there was the expectation that the king would adhere to divine covenants. But, there is also conjecture that this is a Psalm meant for the Messiah and his reign.
So how would we apply this today? Our kings or presidents very often do not have any direct affiliation with God nor do they desire to be obedient to God's commands. And yet we still must pray for them. We could also think about our church leaders, that in a way mirror a king, and so we can pray for them with these words.
My Words:
O God, give kings and leaders justice over their kingdom and people so their ways are right. May the source of his/her justice be righteousness according to your laws and standards. May this be present for future generations as well. Make our leaders order with your righteousness and rule fair; may those who are afflicted be treated equitably; make our leaders live and act free from any taint or form of sin. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Make peace in the big structures of life, the tall buildings, airports, stadiums, theaters, subways, trains and everywhere many people gather. May those that are receiving wrong and experience afflictions be cleared of any wrong doing; God, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor; protect children and for those that are doing wrong to children, may they get unwelcome outcomes. Deal with those that are creating conflict instead of making peace. Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. May your dominion be far reaching.
Promise: Leaders are to rule by God's ways. Those in need will be delivered. And there will be an all encompassing movement of God throughout the earth.
Leaders are to rule by God's ways
Give the king Your judgments, O God, A king is a maker of laws and the primary role of a king is to exert justice upon his kingdom. The king is to dispense right to all of his subjects.
and Your righteousness to the king’s son. The king's righteousness is not simply to be of his own doing, but a righteousness that mirror's God's righteousness. A king is to display God's righteousness. He is to mirror the laws of the Bible. And may this sort of administration and righteousness pass on from son king to son, so future reigns have the same focus.
Those in need be delivered
May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. May your judgments be free from sin and have abundance of fairness. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. As I read this I am thinking not just about me and where I am, in a big city metropolis, but also all people in all walks of life -- those at school, living in rural areas, primitive situations, poor monetary environments, in all of these we are to think about the idea that the mountains are meant to be peaceful. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Instead of mountains it could say tall buildings; it could say a large barn or a tree. Let these surroundings be pleasing to us. Righteousness is to be free from sin. To have peace and freedom from sin is not necessarily an easy life free of problems.
May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. May he deal with those that do not seek peace. A leader needs to deal with evil. We are in an election time right now and the issues are not necessarily along these lines. The injustices of our life are often more about our comfort, education, and keeping our land free from others. We are now trying to defend all people's rights and yet not everyone can have the same rights and we are redefining right and wrong. We do not seem to focus on taking care of the poor and needy. Those are not the big issues.
An All Encompassing movement of God
Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. God, your influence should always be present. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. May your dominion be far reaching. Give the king Your judgments, O God, A king is a maker of laws and the primary role of a king is to exert justice upon his kingdom. The king is to dispense right to all of his subjects.
and Your righteousness to the king’s son. The king's righteousness is not simply to be of his own doing, but a righteousness that mirror's God's righteousness. A king is to display God's righteousness. He is to mirror the laws of the Bible. And may this sort of administration and righteousness pass on from son king to son, so future reigns have the same focus.
Those in need be delivered
May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. May your judgments be free from sin and have abundance of fairness. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. As I read this I am thinking not just about me and where I am, in a big city metropolis, but also all people in all walks of life -- those at school, living in rural areas, primitive situations, poor monetary environments, in all of these we are to think about the idea that the mountains are meant to be peaceful. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Instead of mountains it could say tall buildings; it could say a large barn or a tree. Let these surroundings be pleasing to us. Righteousness is to be free from sin. To have peace and freedom from sin is not necessarily an easy life free of problems.
May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. May he deal with those that do not seek peace. A leader needs to deal with evil. We are in an election time right now and the issues are not necessarily along these lines. The injustices of our life are often more about our comfort, education, and keeping our land free from others. We are now trying to defend all people's rights and yet not everyone can have the same rights and we are redefining right and wrong. We do not seem to focus on taking care of the poor and needy. Those are not the big issues.
An All Encompassing movement of God
Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
My Words:
O God, give kings and leaders justice over their kingdom and people so their ways are right. May the source of his/her justice be righteousness according to your laws and standards. May this be present for future generations as well. Make our leaders order with your righteousness and rule fair; may those who are afflicted be treated equitably; make our leaders live and act free from any taint or form of sin. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Make peace in the big structures of life, the tall buildings, airports, stadiums, theaters, subways, trains and everywhere many people gather. May those that are receiving wrong and experience afflictions be cleared of any wrong doing; God, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor; protect children and for those that are doing wrong to children, may they get unwelcome outcomes. Deal with those that are creating conflict instead of making peace. Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. May your dominion be far reaching.
Promise: Leaders are to rule by God's ways. Those in need will be delivered. And there will be an all encompassing movement of God throughout the earth.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Psalm 45:1-9 - The Divine and Davidic Throne
Psalm 45:1-9
What the Lord is Saying:
My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One, In Your splendor and Your majesty! And in Your majesty ride on victoriously, For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; Let Your right hand teach You awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows. All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad. Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
Message: The Divine and Davidic Throne
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
Message: The Divine and Davidic Throne
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
This Psalm is a love song, written for the celebration of marriage between king and queen, though in the NASB (above) God is recognized throughout this Psalm as the ultimately the God who appoints kings.
This Psalm is also a hard Psalm. I am struggling a little with it, not real sure what I am supposed to get out of it. I have been looking at it for the past couple of days now and I'm not real sure about it.
This is a King or a monarchy that follows the Lord: You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Again, something I have struggled with or rather, found challenging, as I read these Psalms is how my prayer life often doesn't praise God or acknowledge God for who He is. My prayers are all about supplication and requests and needs versus praise and being satisfied for who God is and what He has done.
In a way, this is a Psalm that praises the King that we have in the King of Kings. He is fair. He is upright. His reign is forever and ever. He anoints people and gives His power to them. Grace is on His lips. He blesses earthly kings. He is full of splendor and majesty. People bow down before Him.
Lord, I want to serve You and speak to You through my prayers in a way that honors You correctly. Forgive me for simply coming to you with requests and what I need and not starting out singing your praises. Lord, you are the King of Kings. You are fair. You are upright. Your reign is forever and ever. You anoint people and give them power. Grace is on Your Lips. You bless us and all earthly kings. You are full of splendor and majesty and we bow down before you. You are great indeed.
Promise: Look for leaders that humbly serve God and His people.
This Psalm is also a hard Psalm. I am struggling a little with it, not real sure what I am supposed to get out of it. I have been looking at it for the past couple of days now and I'm not real sure about it.
This is a King or a monarchy that follows the Lord: You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Again, something I have struggled with or rather, found challenging, as I read these Psalms is how my prayer life often doesn't praise God or acknowledge God for who He is. My prayers are all about supplication and requests and needs versus praise and being satisfied for who God is and what He has done.
In a way, this is a Psalm that praises the King that we have in the King of Kings. He is fair. He is upright. His reign is forever and ever. He anoints people and gives His power to them. Grace is on His lips. He blesses earthly kings. He is full of splendor and majesty. People bow down before Him.
Lord, I want to serve You and speak to You through my prayers in a way that honors You correctly. Forgive me for simply coming to you with requests and what I need and not starting out singing your praises. Lord, you are the King of Kings. You are fair. You are upright. Your reign is forever and ever. You anoint people and give them power. Grace is on Your Lips. You bless us and all earthly kings. You are full of splendor and majesty and we bow down before you. You are great indeed.
Promise: Look for leaders that humbly serve God and His people.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Proverbs 21:1 - Lord Over the Hearts of Men
Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Message: The Lord turns the king's heart wherever He wishes
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
How much does God control and direct our lives? And not just our lives, as believers, as those following the Lord, but what about those like a king that may or may not be following after God.
Romans 13:1 states, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." The Christian has a responsibility to subject oneself to the government. Why? Because God establishes authority.
This idea or rather the doctrine that there is divine sovereignty, whereby God is directing all things, is a doctrine of comfort, but it is also a doctrine of confusion. When events are favorable to our interpretation, divine sovereignty makes sense, but when events are seen as unfavorable, I must admit being a little confused over the same doctrine.
Conversion
From the idea of conversion, there are two different views: monergism which is the belief that God’s grace alone is able to raise dead, rebellious sinners to spiritual life without their cooperation, and synergism, the concept that God’s grace is incapable of accomplishing salvation without the assistance and cooperation of man. Those ideas are very sharply distinctive. I do believe in monergism, but I also think that God uses man and sometimes the works of man to draw people to Himself. By doing this, man could then think that he has a part in this action. To me, that is what is often challenging for me to comprehend; that man doesn't have a part. Can man affect change? And while this doctrine is necessary to discuss, I don't believe that people must be on a certain side in order to be saved.
Let me clarify, I definitely don't believe that man has anything to say about his own salvation. Man is not trying to work his way to God. He is incapable. He is a sinner and the moment he sins, he is imperfect and incapable of gaining God's acceptance.
But, can a man, living as a disciple and follower of Christ be involved in the conversion of a person, and if so, at what level is that involvement?
Beyond conversion
Beyond conversion, I have also wondered to what extent God, in general, order the events of the day. I do think God creates laws and rules in society and by setting those rules up, man's choices follow a normal path because of those laws.
And then there is this verse, that is really more specific, in that it states that the Lord is guiding or directing or turning a King's heart.
Psalm 78:15-16 - He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths. He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.
He split - He gave - He brought - He caused.
Once again, here is the text - Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. I notice here that Solomon is using the picture of channels of water. Per TableTalk, farmers in the anticent world--and even today--had to redirect the natural flow of rivers and streams to supply their gardens with life-giving water. This was a difficult task. God ordered this in the world. The Lord redirects and directs the king's heart so that it turns wherever he wishes.
John Piper says, "God "works all things after the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11)." This "all things" includes the fall of sparrows (Matthew 10:29), the rolling of dice (Proverbs 16:33), the slaughter of his people (Psalm 44:11), the decisions of kings (Proverbs 21:1), the failing of sight (Exodus 4:11), the sickness of children (2 Samuel 12:15), the loss and gain of money (1 Samuel 2:7), the suffering of saints (1 Peter 4:19), the completion of travel plans (James 4:15), the persecution of Christians (Hebrews 12:4-7), the repentance of souls (2 Timothy 2:25), the gift of faith (Philippians 1:29), the pursuit of holiness (Philippians 3:12-13), the growth of believers (Hebrews 6:3), the giving of life and the taking in death (1 Samuel 2:6), and the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).
I think what I conclude is God directs the hearts of kings and their outcomes can be good or evil. God is not tempted by evil, but he is also sovereign over wickedness. His sovereignty is not limited to our defined good outcomes.
Promise: Though God exercises his providential rule, man remains accountable to his actions. His grace does not mean that we do not restrain sin.
Message: The Lord turns the king's heart wherever He wishes
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
How much does God control and direct our lives? And not just our lives, as believers, as those following the Lord, but what about those like a king that may or may not be following after God.
Romans 13:1 states, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." The Christian has a responsibility to subject oneself to the government. Why? Because God establishes authority.
This idea or rather the doctrine that there is divine sovereignty, whereby God is directing all things, is a doctrine of comfort, but it is also a doctrine of confusion. When events are favorable to our interpretation, divine sovereignty makes sense, but when events are seen as unfavorable, I must admit being a little confused over the same doctrine.
Conversion
From the idea of conversion, there are two different views: monergism which is the belief that God’s grace alone is able to raise dead, rebellious sinners to spiritual life without their cooperation, and synergism, the concept that God’s grace is incapable of accomplishing salvation without the assistance and cooperation of man. Those ideas are very sharply distinctive. I do believe in monergism, but I also think that God uses man and sometimes the works of man to draw people to Himself. By doing this, man could then think that he has a part in this action. To me, that is what is often challenging for me to comprehend; that man doesn't have a part. Can man affect change? And while this doctrine is necessary to discuss, I don't believe that people must be on a certain side in order to be saved.
Let me clarify, I definitely don't believe that man has anything to say about his own salvation. Man is not trying to work his way to God. He is incapable. He is a sinner and the moment he sins, he is imperfect and incapable of gaining God's acceptance.
But, can a man, living as a disciple and follower of Christ be involved in the conversion of a person, and if so, at what level is that involvement?
Beyond conversion
Beyond conversion, I have also wondered to what extent God, in general, order the events of the day. I do think God creates laws and rules in society and by setting those rules up, man's choices follow a normal path because of those laws.
And then there is this verse, that is really more specific, in that it states that the Lord is guiding or directing or turning a King's heart.
Psalm 78:15-16 - He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths. He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.
He split - He gave - He brought - He caused.
Once again, here is the text - Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. I notice here that Solomon is using the picture of channels of water. Per TableTalk, farmers in the anticent world--and even today--had to redirect the natural flow of rivers and streams to supply their gardens with life-giving water. This was a difficult task. God ordered this in the world. The Lord redirects and directs the king's heart so that it turns wherever he wishes.
John Piper says, "God "works all things after the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11)." This "all things" includes the fall of sparrows (Matthew 10:29), the rolling of dice (Proverbs 16:33), the slaughter of his people (Psalm 44:11), the decisions of kings (Proverbs 21:1), the failing of sight (Exodus 4:11), the sickness of children (2 Samuel 12:15), the loss and gain of money (1 Samuel 2:7), the suffering of saints (1 Peter 4:19), the completion of travel plans (James 4:15), the persecution of Christians (Hebrews 12:4-7), the repentance of souls (2 Timothy 2:25), the gift of faith (Philippians 1:29), the pursuit of holiness (Philippians 3:12-13), the growth of believers (Hebrews 6:3), the giving of life and the taking in death (1 Samuel 2:6), and the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).
I think what I conclude is God directs the hearts of kings and their outcomes can be good or evil. God is not tempted by evil, but he is also sovereign over wickedness. His sovereignty is not limited to our defined good outcomes.
Promise: Though God exercises his providential rule, man remains accountable to his actions. His grace does not mean that we do not restrain sin.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Romans 15:1-3 - Bearing with the Weak
Romans 15:1-3 - 1We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
Message: Pleasing my neighbor
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
It's funny. In my post on the previous verse, from Chapter 14, I made mention that Paul chose to close that chapter not with verse 22, but with verse 23, and yet, reading this first verse reminds me that Paul was just writing, verse divisions and chapter divisions came much later.
So here I am looking at a new set of verses, even though, I will call it a new chapter. What was said in the previous verses:
Thus, verse 1 of chapter 15, looks for like a conclusion. This is something Paul does often. He restates something he has said earlier. Yet, he is a little clearer here. It is those that are strong that must be sensitive to those who are weak. I think he is talking about maturity levels and young versus more mature Christians.
At time, the young Christian has the freedom of Christ and so thinks that this freedom allows them to do what they want. The last thing that young Christian wants to see is their new faith be a long list of do's and do not's. And yet this is often what they see and in seeing that, they often turn away. The mature Christian needs to be careful in how he approaches the weaker one. Verse 1 says it great, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." The goal isn't self-gratification for the Christian. It isn't supposed to be about me. I am my brother's keeper.
Further, verse 2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." The reason we don't get baptized and go down and never get raised is because my life is about not me, but my brother. We are selfish creatures. We go to church thinking it is about us and getting our needs met. It is about the other person. That doesn't mean that every message is for someone else, because I can take personal application, but the music, preaching, church government, it's not about me. I am to please my neighbor.
And what better example do we have than Christ? Verse 3, "For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”" Christ took on the sins of all. All the sins of mankind fell on him. He is our royal ambassador that my walk is about other people.
I need this reminder daily. Selfishness and pleasing yourself is slammed into us day after day.
Promise: I can hold onto the promise that I am serving God and my goal is to please Him and not myself, so I can look past my personal comfort and instead, focus on my brother or sister in Christ.
Message: Pleasing my neighbor
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
It's funny. In my post on the previous verse, from Chapter 14, I made mention that Paul chose to close that chapter not with verse 22, but with verse 23, and yet, reading this first verse reminds me that Paul was just writing, verse divisions and chapter divisions came much later.
So here I am looking at a new set of verses, even though, I will call it a new chapter. What was said in the previous verses:
- Remember the weak in faith and do not quarrel over opinions.
- People have different convictions. Respect those differences. Let God be the judge.
- If you have a conviction, be fully convinced.
- If you have a conviction, honor the Lord and give thanks to Him.
- Make sure your acts in response to your conviction don't cause other brothers to stumble or hinder their walk.
- Don't let what you call as good be called evil by someone else.
- The goal in all of this is peace.
- Everything is clean, but that doesn't mean partaking of everything is correct. Look at your motives.
- Be careful, what is good may in fact be sin if it is done with the wrong motives.
Thus, verse 1 of chapter 15, looks for like a conclusion. This is something Paul does often. He restates something he has said earlier. Yet, he is a little clearer here. It is those that are strong that must be sensitive to those who are weak. I think he is talking about maturity levels and young versus more mature Christians.
At time, the young Christian has the freedom of Christ and so thinks that this freedom allows them to do what they want. The last thing that young Christian wants to see is their new faith be a long list of do's and do not's. And yet this is often what they see and in seeing that, they often turn away. The mature Christian needs to be careful in how he approaches the weaker one. Verse 1 says it great, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." The goal isn't self-gratification for the Christian. It isn't supposed to be about me. I am my brother's keeper.
Further, verse 2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." The reason we don't get baptized and go down and never get raised is because my life is about not me, but my brother. We are selfish creatures. We go to church thinking it is about us and getting our needs met. It is about the other person. That doesn't mean that every message is for someone else, because I can take personal application, but the music, preaching, church government, it's not about me. I am to please my neighbor.
And what better example do we have than Christ? Verse 3, "For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”" Christ took on the sins of all. All the sins of mankind fell on him. He is our royal ambassador that my walk is about other people.
I need this reminder daily. Selfishness and pleasing yourself is slammed into us day after day.
Promise: I can hold onto the promise that I am serving God and my goal is to please Him and not myself, so I can look past my personal comfort and instead, focus on my brother or sister in Christ.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Romans 13:6-7 - Paying our Taxes
Romans 13:6-7 - 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Message: Render to all what is due
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
My responsibility - a review
A Christian has responsibilities. We are to "present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God" from verse 1 of chapter 12. We have a responsibility first and foremost to God. We have a responsibility to "not to think more highly of oneself than he ought to think (12:3)." And "let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities (13:1)." These are simply marks of a Christian. I am not to link myself (conform) to the world but my mind is to be renewed daily. This is what I am to do, not because I am trying to receive something or gain something, but because God is good and I am his servant and I am to uphold the ways of God.
Paying Taxes
Because rulers have been set up by God, I "also pay taxes." My role is to not only be subject to the rules and the authority of the government, but I am also to pay them taxes or pay my portion in supporting the government. These are individuals serving the people and they are to be compensated for their work. It is possible that one is paying taxes to support a regime that is not acting in a moral manner, but our duty is first to surrender to God, and pay the tax, but I still have a responsibility to vote in a better representative.
Being a Christian does not de-obligate us from being servants to the government. I am to be a cheerful giver in supporting the individuals supporting the community and the welfare of the community. Understood in these verses is individuals are paying taxes and they are to continue in this discipline. It has already been discussed that the role of government is to uphold good and punish evil and so our tax paid is supporting this cause.
To me, one of the big challenges in these verses is that I am called to pay taxes, but often I don't want to because I don't believe in the mission or the way in which my taxes are being spent. I notice I do this at church as well. I must be careful because first and foremost I am servant of God and my payment of taxes/tithes is because these are the individuals God has set up to govern my life. Whether they do it properly is a different story.
Promise: I fulfill God's command when I pay taxes.
Message: Render to all what is due
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
My responsibility - a review
A Christian has responsibilities. We are to "present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God" from verse 1 of chapter 12. We have a responsibility first and foremost to God. We have a responsibility to "not to think more highly of oneself than he ought to think (12:3)." And "let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities (13:1)." These are simply marks of a Christian. I am not to link myself (conform) to the world but my mind is to be renewed daily. This is what I am to do, not because I am trying to receive something or gain something, but because God is good and I am his servant and I am to uphold the ways of God.
Paying Taxes
Because rulers have been set up by God, I "also pay taxes." My role is to not only be subject to the rules and the authority of the government, but I am also to pay them taxes or pay my portion in supporting the government. These are individuals serving the people and they are to be compensated for their work. It is possible that one is paying taxes to support a regime that is not acting in a moral manner, but our duty is first to surrender to God, and pay the tax, but I still have a responsibility to vote in a better representative.
Being a Christian does not de-obligate us from being servants to the government. I am to be a cheerful giver in supporting the individuals supporting the community and the welfare of the community. Understood in these verses is individuals are paying taxes and they are to continue in this discipline. It has already been discussed that the role of government is to uphold good and punish evil and so our tax paid is supporting this cause.
- Custom - this word has also been translated tribute and it appears to mean the tax on real estate, land, or merchandise.
- Fear - I should stand in awe of those that wear the badge or sword. It is clear and true that I serve out of fear of being punished. There is nothing wrong in wanting to avoid punishment.
- Honor - I am to be reverent towards those in authority.
To me, one of the big challenges in these verses is that I am called to pay taxes, but often I don't want to because I don't believe in the mission or the way in which my taxes are being spent. I notice I do this at church as well. I must be careful because first and foremost I am servant of God and my payment of taxes/tithes is because these are the individuals God has set up to govern my life. Whether they do it properly is a different story.
Promise: I fulfill God's command when I pay taxes.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Romans 13:5 - Submission for Conscience's Sake
Romans 13:5 - Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Message: Be in subjection
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
It is clear from these verses the government has a purpose and God set up government because at the moment man sinned people would need to be restrained and protected. And when his people get out of line punishment would be necessary. And as we talked about yesterday, the government are God's representatives to avenge wrongdoers. But it must be clear that as I look at these verses, my thinking should not simply be how other people are supposed to be. I am not pointing the finger at the government, wanting them to get their act together. But I am to look at myself as a citizen and how I am supposed to respond in a world that is set up with governments. The tendency often in reading anything, any sort of instruction, it to determine how that reading affects others. We are quick to self justify and we are also quick to point the finger as we often say, "the problem is not with me, but the problem is with other people." This is often our outcry: "if other people would just get their act together, then all would be fine and dandy."
But in verse five Paul reminds us of our personal responsibility. Verse one told us that "there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God." In verse 2, a "resistance to authority" means then we have resisted God. Paul says in this book that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" and yet by resisting authority we receive condemnation ourselves. If we do good we should have nothing to fear. But if we do evil we should not be surprised at the wrath that comes from it.
And now in verse five, because of this, because of what God has established we are to be in subjection to it. This is it, first and foremost submission is to happen because God has established it. Yet, Paul reminds us that people are not just motivated because of God's authority. In verse five, Paul reminds us that we are in subjection also because of the wrath upon the individual when they do not practice what is good but instead practice evil. Bad things will happen when we disobey the law. Law disobedience often results in fines where our money that is earned is now to be paid to the government. Our job is to protect our family and to glorify God but we can't do this if we were stuck in the cell serving a sentence. And then Paul also concludes that we are to be in subjection to our authority because our conscience move us in this direction.
Man has been given a conscience. This confidence comes from God as we saw in Romans two verse 15, "their conscience bearing witness and thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them."
So again in these verses God tells us that we are to be obedient to the law because God institutes it, God chooses the penalty or the wrath that comes from being disobedient but also he has given us a conscience to know right and wrong. Is not this conscience amazing? It is tragic to see people that do not ascribe this to God but rather somehow our own personal faculties just developed this conscience or that it is through trial and error. Again, as it says in Romans one verse 25, "they exchange the truth of God for a lie." This is why I like the law and grace method of evangelism because it appeals to the conscience.
Promise: Doing good for any reason is better than doing evil, but the Lord does not find our doing good pleasing unless we are doing it for the right reasons.
Message: Be in subjection
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
It is clear from these verses the government has a purpose and God set up government because at the moment man sinned people would need to be restrained and protected. And when his people get out of line punishment would be necessary. And as we talked about yesterday, the government are God's representatives to avenge wrongdoers. But it must be clear that as I look at these verses, my thinking should not simply be how other people are supposed to be. I am not pointing the finger at the government, wanting them to get their act together. But I am to look at myself as a citizen and how I am supposed to respond in a world that is set up with governments. The tendency often in reading anything, any sort of instruction, it to determine how that reading affects others. We are quick to self justify and we are also quick to point the finger as we often say, "the problem is not with me, but the problem is with other people." This is often our outcry: "if other people would just get their act together, then all would be fine and dandy."
But in verse five Paul reminds us of our personal responsibility. Verse one told us that "there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God." In verse 2, a "resistance to authority" means then we have resisted God. Paul says in this book that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" and yet by resisting authority we receive condemnation ourselves. If we do good we should have nothing to fear. But if we do evil we should not be surprised at the wrath that comes from it.
And now in verse five, because of this, because of what God has established we are to be in subjection to it. This is it, first and foremost submission is to happen because God has established it. Yet, Paul reminds us that people are not just motivated because of God's authority. In verse five, Paul reminds us that we are in subjection also because of the wrath upon the individual when they do not practice what is good but instead practice evil. Bad things will happen when we disobey the law. Law disobedience often results in fines where our money that is earned is now to be paid to the government. Our job is to protect our family and to glorify God but we can't do this if we were stuck in the cell serving a sentence. And then Paul also concludes that we are to be in subjection to our authority because our conscience move us in this direction.
Man has been given a conscience. This confidence comes from God as we saw in Romans two verse 15, "their conscience bearing witness and thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them."
So again in these verses God tells us that we are to be obedient to the law because God institutes it, God chooses the penalty or the wrath that comes from being disobedient but also he has given us a conscience to know right and wrong. Is not this conscience amazing? It is tragic to see people that do not ascribe this to God but rather somehow our own personal faculties just developed this conscience or that it is through trial and error. Again, as it says in Romans one verse 25, "they exchange the truth of God for a lie." This is why I like the law and grace method of evangelism because it appeals to the conscience.
Promise: Doing good for any reason is better than doing evil, but the Lord does not find our doing good pleasing unless we are doing it for the right reasons.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Romans 13:4b - The Government and the Sword
Romans 13:4b - But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Message: The government's vocation is to carry the sword (badge) and execute God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
Doing wrong
It seems that the primary role of government--found here in these verses--is to uphold good. The Scripture says, "but if you do wrong, be afraid." We must uphold the rules of our society and if we do wrong in our own accord, we should not be surprised of the penalty. This is the essence of these verses. Yet, we are not to submit to the government when they uphold terror or do things that are contrary to the word of God.
The sword or badge
The passage also says, "for he does not bear the sword in vain." The sword in this verse is similar to a badge that a sheriff would wear. The badge is emblematic, informing people of the authority of the person wearing it. Now I remember watching movies--westerns--where the sheriffs wore this badge and yet was on the side of evil. That was one of the tensions in the movie. And this is a tension in life sometimes because we half to decipher what good and evil are.
The tension in our society today
This issue of homosexuality and gay marriage is something that is difficult to decipher. Our government is moving more and more toward a leadership that upholds this as good. And yet, at one level, what they are intending to do or the outcome is often one of fairness by simply allowing the citizens to share in the benefits, such as tax benefits, afforded other married people. So on the one hand that doesn't appear to be something that is evil. But in so doing it communicates a message of approving the citizens choice for these unnatural relationships.
So the government that we are commanded to uphold now in these verses is moving more and more toward upholding things that conflict with the Bible (and yet there is even discussion now that these verses have different meaning today). In some ways right and wrong, 100 years ago, was more clearly defined. But now with the ever increasing rights of each person and the affirmation of the individuality of each person, the application of this verse seems to get tougher.
People should see the badge or the sword and its authority and desire to keep the law just by that viewing of authority, even if there was no other motive.
Exacting vengeance
In verse 4, it states that the one who is in authority is "the servant of God, and avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." The Scripture says, "vengeance is Mine, declares the Lord" and yet God appoints government to carry out wrath on the wrongdoer. But now in this world in which right and wrong becomes more blurry, men start not seeing the government carrying out wrath on the wrongdoer but instead see the need to do it themselves.
I see this type of thinking present everywhere. I see this in movies when a father's child is kidnapped and rather than waiting for the government/law/police he wants to take matters into his own hands and the movie often even paints the picture that if the person would have waited for the law the matter would not have resolved and life would not have been spared. I see this in my job when a coworker does something that I don't like, rather than waiting for my boss to do something, I take vengeance into my own hands. Why do I do this? Often it is because (1) I am inpatient and don't want to wait for my boss, (2) but it is also because my boss does not execute vengeance in the manner in which I want it done. I see this in life when a courts decision is not to punish an offender because they get off on a technicality and so people take the matter into their own hands. Recently, there has been an eruption of police officers getting shot because the courts did not execute vengeance upon these officers in the way the people wanted and so "an Oxbow Incident" erupts.
It is interesting because I even see this in the TV shows that we watch. I see this in shows like Hawaii 5O, a special task force is assigned by the governor, and this task force often carries out wrath on the wrongdoer in ways that are not in line with the laws, but we like it because the person is 'getting what they deserve.' Chicago PD is another show that does this because criminals with the use of lawyers and their inalienable rights have figured out how to get around the law so the Chicago PD officers threaten or use excessive violence in order to save a person. It is subtle but authority is continually being compromised.
Conclusion
And so being a Christian and upholding these verses makes us look even more backwards to society and our peers. Reading and studying God's word is a challenge. How much more do we need the fellowship with one another, the talking about these verses and prayer.
Promise: God's promise and his plan is correct. The state is to uphold good and carry out wrath on the wrongdoer.
Message: The government's vocation is to carry the sword (badge) and execute God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
Doing wrong
It seems that the primary role of government--found here in these verses--is to uphold good. The Scripture says, "but if you do wrong, be afraid." We must uphold the rules of our society and if we do wrong in our own accord, we should not be surprised of the penalty. This is the essence of these verses. Yet, we are not to submit to the government when they uphold terror or do things that are contrary to the word of God.
The sword or badge
The passage also says, "for he does not bear the sword in vain." The sword in this verse is similar to a badge that a sheriff would wear. The badge is emblematic, informing people of the authority of the person wearing it. Now I remember watching movies--westerns--where the sheriffs wore this badge and yet was on the side of evil. That was one of the tensions in the movie. And this is a tension in life sometimes because we half to decipher what good and evil are.
The tension in our society today
This issue of homosexuality and gay marriage is something that is difficult to decipher. Our government is moving more and more toward a leadership that upholds this as good. And yet, at one level, what they are intending to do or the outcome is often one of fairness by simply allowing the citizens to share in the benefits, such as tax benefits, afforded other married people. So on the one hand that doesn't appear to be something that is evil. But in so doing it communicates a message of approving the citizens choice for these unnatural relationships.
So the government that we are commanded to uphold now in these verses is moving more and more toward upholding things that conflict with the Bible (and yet there is even discussion now that these verses have different meaning today). In some ways right and wrong, 100 years ago, was more clearly defined. But now with the ever increasing rights of each person and the affirmation of the individuality of each person, the application of this verse seems to get tougher.
People should see the badge or the sword and its authority and desire to keep the law just by that viewing of authority, even if there was no other motive.
Exacting vengeance
In verse 4, it states that the one who is in authority is "the servant of God, and avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." The Scripture says, "vengeance is Mine, declares the Lord" and yet God appoints government to carry out wrath on the wrongdoer. But now in this world in which right and wrong becomes more blurry, men start not seeing the government carrying out wrath on the wrongdoer but instead see the need to do it themselves.
I see this type of thinking present everywhere. I see this in movies when a father's child is kidnapped and rather than waiting for the government/law/police he wants to take matters into his own hands and the movie often even paints the picture that if the person would have waited for the law the matter would not have resolved and life would not have been spared. I see this in my job when a coworker does something that I don't like, rather than waiting for my boss to do something, I take vengeance into my own hands. Why do I do this? Often it is because (1) I am inpatient and don't want to wait for my boss, (2) but it is also because my boss does not execute vengeance in the manner in which I want it done. I see this in life when a courts decision is not to punish an offender because they get off on a technicality and so people take the matter into their own hands. Recently, there has been an eruption of police officers getting shot because the courts did not execute vengeance upon these officers in the way the people wanted and so "an Oxbow Incident" erupts.
It is interesting because I even see this in the TV shows that we watch. I see this in shows like Hawaii 5O, a special task force is assigned by the governor, and this task force often carries out wrath on the wrongdoer in ways that are not in line with the laws, but we like it because the person is 'getting what they deserve.' Chicago PD is another show that does this because criminals with the use of lawyers and their inalienable rights have figured out how to get around the law so the Chicago PD officers threaten or use excessive violence in order to save a person. It is subtle but authority is continually being compromised.
Conclusion
And so being a Christian and upholding these verses makes us look even more backwards to society and our peers. Reading and studying God's word is a challenge. How much more do we need the fellowship with one another, the talking about these verses and prayer.
Promise: God's promise and his plan is correct. The state is to uphold good and carry out wrath on the wrongdoer.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Romans 13:3-4a - God's Servant for Our Good
Romans 13:3-4a - 3 For
rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no
fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good.
Message: The purpose of the civil ruler
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
On one hand, these verses speak to the fact that government is instituted by God and we are to be obedient to the government we are in. But, there is also a purpose for those in government. They are to detect and punish evil and uphold those that do good. But, unfortunately, many oppress the good. But, this is not God's intent. He does not establish government so as to hurt good people. But, it could be true that he establishes terror to deal with a country that has evil people.
If a government protects evil doers and oppresses the good, then the support of that evil government should cease. But, I think we need to be careful still in our judgment of government and how we speak of it.
Relative Duties
I. Of rulers-to protect the good-to restrain the evil-to reward merit.
II. Of subjects-to respect authority-to do good and thereby to merit praise.
The functions of the ruler
I. To maintain law and order-as the minister of God--for the benefit of man.
II. To punish crime; for this purpose he is invested with the power of life and death-must use it righteously-as responsible to God-for the supression of evil. - Lyth
"For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad" - Even the most wicked, godless governments act as a deterrent to crime. Could it be that God, at times, does institute a terror government, in order to carry out a purpose he has?
"Do what is good" - Peaceful, law abiding citizens need to fear the authorities. Few governments will harm those who obey their laws. In fact, governments usually commend such people.
"God's servant for your good" - By helping restrain evil and protecting life and property, Paul took advantage of his government's role in promoting what is good when he exercised his rights as a Roman citizen to obtain justice.
Promise:My revenge could be a government's justice. Trust God and authorities He has set up and His timing.
Message: The purpose of the civil ruler
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
On one hand, these verses speak to the fact that government is instituted by God and we are to be obedient to the government we are in. But, there is also a purpose for those in government. They are to detect and punish evil and uphold those that do good. But, unfortunately, many oppress the good. But, this is not God's intent. He does not establish government so as to hurt good people. But, it could be true that he establishes terror to deal with a country that has evil people.
If a government protects evil doers and oppresses the good, then the support of that evil government should cease. But, I think we need to be careful still in our judgment of government and how we speak of it.
Relative Duties
I. Of rulers-to protect the good-to restrain the evil-to reward merit.
II. Of subjects-to respect authority-to do good and thereby to merit praise.
The functions of the ruler
I. To maintain law and order-as the minister of God--for the benefit of man.
II. To punish crime; for this purpose he is invested with the power of life and death-must use it righteously-as responsible to God-for the supression of evil. - Lyth
"For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad" - Even the most wicked, godless governments act as a deterrent to crime. Could it be that God, at times, does institute a terror government, in order to carry out a purpose he has?
"Do what is good" - Peaceful, law abiding citizens need to fear the authorities. Few governments will harm those who obey their laws. In fact, governments usually commend such people.
"God's servant for your good" - By helping restrain evil and protecting life and property, Paul took advantage of his government's role in promoting what is good when he exercised his rights as a Roman citizen to obtain justice.
Promise:My revenge could be a government's justice. Trust God and authorities He has set up and His timing.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Romans 13:1-2 - The Christian and the Government
Romans 13:1-2 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Message: The Christian is subject to government.
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
Background
Chapter 12 was the first chapter on straight application by Paul after 11 chapters on doctrine. The chapter was broad, covering many subjects on how we are to treat other people. One of the subjects that stood out to me was our response toward evil.
Hard verses here
It is clear in these verses that Paul is abdicating that we are to "be subject" to our government. This is a very important text for us. It is also very difficult to apply and make a part of our lives. Yes, our complete authority is to God. I am not to obey the governing authority no matter what, but I am also not to ridicule or gossip about them. I am to be subject to them and that doesn't mean talking ill of them behind their backs.
It is interesting that whenever I hear these verses referenced in a discussion or in a sermon, the first thing that is said about them is the exceptions to the rule. This tells me that this is a very difficult subject to practice and people immediately want to know what the loopholes are with the verses. I love social media but I am also amazed at how much it seems to be a medium to bring together a crowd of people to talk about the ills of our government and leaders.
Why are these verses hard?
I am to submit as a soldier submits to the officer above them. I am submitting to higher powers or governing authorities. Paul must have been referring to the Roman magistrate here. And I am to be subject to the laws established by that government.
Why?
Paul's reason for me submitting is that these magistrates or higher powers have been appointed by God. The government has been set up by God. It is his plan. I am first to submit.
Psalm 75:7, "But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another."
Daniel spoke this words about God in 2:21, "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." And repeatedly in chapter 4 he mentions that God is the ruler of all mankind and he bestows his rule on who he wishes.
These verses remind me that God establishes kings and removes kings. Though he establishes, he does not necessarily direct the actions of these kings. He may not approve of their conduct. This doesn't mean that they can do no wrong. It is possible that wrong is what they do. Because he establishes these rulers doesn't mean we are to be obedient to them.
Peter and John before the council said in Acts 4:19, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?" And Peter states in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
Consequence of resisting
Paul then speaks the consequence of not obeying. As if it even needs to be said. It is somewhat tragic that verse 2 is even necessary here. Why can't I and why can't man just be obedient and submit? Why must there be a consequence. The word and command of God should be enough to move us to obedience. A child often hears from the parent not simply a command but a consequence if the command is not heeded. But, isn't it tragic that the command is not enough? It just seems unfortunate that a command is seen more as an option than a decree.
Result: Judgment
The King James Version renders the word here as damnation and damnation we view as eternal punishment, as in hell. But, this word is not that meaning, but rather it is punishment. The punishment could come from God, but more likely, the punishment will come from the magistrate or the governing authority that is resisted.
In Conclusion
Nowhere in these verse do I see a condition. I am not to obey only if they align with my beliefs. I am to obey first and count them as my authority first and then let God lead me down the path He has for me.
In Romans 12:1 I "present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" and in verse 2, "I am to renew my mind." These are commands and attributes that do not come naturally to me. Paul often writes in opposition to the natural way of man. As I see people get older and older in age, I also watch many people get more and more negative toward the leaders of the government. My concern is we have such a tendency as people to lay blame on others. And we also have a tendency to want to make ourselves out better to be than other people. This is why I am leery about talking ill of my leaders.
It's interesting because I notice that young people often don't have much to say about politics or leaders. Most, anyway.
Promise: Power is derived from God, is an ordinance of God and is established by the providence of God. - John Lyth 1821-1866, first Wesleyan minister to Germany
Message: The Christian is subject to government.
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
Background
Chapter 12 was the first chapter on straight application by Paul after 11 chapters on doctrine. The chapter was broad, covering many subjects on how we are to treat other people. One of the subjects that stood out to me was our response toward evil.
Hard verses here
It is clear in these verses that Paul is abdicating that we are to "be subject" to our government. This is a very important text for us. It is also very difficult to apply and make a part of our lives. Yes, our complete authority is to God. I am not to obey the governing authority no matter what, but I am also not to ridicule or gossip about them. I am to be subject to them and that doesn't mean talking ill of them behind their backs.
It is interesting that whenever I hear these verses referenced in a discussion or in a sermon, the first thing that is said about them is the exceptions to the rule. This tells me that this is a very difficult subject to practice and people immediately want to know what the loopholes are with the verses. I love social media but I am also amazed at how much it seems to be a medium to bring together a crowd of people to talk about the ills of our government and leaders.
Why are these verses hard?
- Allegiance to Christ seems like it gives way to question other forms of authority.
- Leaders often have no allegiance to Christ
- How much authority are we really under? Can we debate obedience to man-made laws?
- Hard to differentiate between when to submit and when to not submit.
I am to submit as a soldier submits to the officer above them. I am submitting to higher powers or governing authorities. Paul must have been referring to the Roman magistrate here. And I am to be subject to the laws established by that government.
Why?
Paul's reason for me submitting is that these magistrates or higher powers have been appointed by God. The government has been set up by God. It is his plan. I am first to submit.
Psalm 75:7, "But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another."
Daniel spoke this words about God in 2:21, "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." And repeatedly in chapter 4 he mentions that God is the ruler of all mankind and he bestows his rule on who he wishes.
These verses remind me that God establishes kings and removes kings. Though he establishes, he does not necessarily direct the actions of these kings. He may not approve of their conduct. This doesn't mean that they can do no wrong. It is possible that wrong is what they do. Because he establishes these rulers doesn't mean we are to be obedient to them.
Peter and John before the council said in Acts 4:19, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?" And Peter states in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
Consequence of resisting
Paul then speaks the consequence of not obeying. As if it even needs to be said. It is somewhat tragic that verse 2 is even necessary here. Why can't I and why can't man just be obedient and submit? Why must there be a consequence. The word and command of God should be enough to move us to obedience. A child often hears from the parent not simply a command but a consequence if the command is not heeded. But, isn't it tragic that the command is not enough? It just seems unfortunate that a command is seen more as an option than a decree.
Result: Judgment
The King James Version renders the word here as damnation and damnation we view as eternal punishment, as in hell. But, this word is not that meaning, but rather it is punishment. The punishment could come from God, but more likely, the punishment will come from the magistrate or the governing authority that is resisted.
In Conclusion
Nowhere in these verse do I see a condition. I am not to obey only if they align with my beliefs. I am to obey first and count them as my authority first and then let God lead me down the path He has for me.
In Romans 12:1 I "present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" and in verse 2, "I am to renew my mind." These are commands and attributes that do not come naturally to me. Paul often writes in opposition to the natural way of man. As I see people get older and older in age, I also watch many people get more and more negative toward the leaders of the government. My concern is we have such a tendency as people to lay blame on others. And we also have a tendency to want to make ourselves out better to be than other people. This is why I am leery about talking ill of my leaders.
It's interesting because I notice that young people often don't have much to say about politics or leaders. Most, anyway.
Civil government an ordinance of God by E. P. Rogers (pastor of the South Reformed Church, Fifth Avenue and 21st Street, New York, 1862-1881) - "It seems very plainly and explicitly taught here, that civil government is an ordinance of God, and that obedience to our lawful rulers is a Christian duty. We say again, God does not ordain any particular form of government, but He does ordain government. He does not say you must be ruled by an emperor, a king, a generalissimo, or a president. But He does say you must have a ruler and administrators of law. They must exist and administer in the form best adapted to secure the highest good of the people. God does not say you must have a king, and "the king can do no wrong." But He says government must exist, and be respected and obeyed, so long as it sub-serves its true end — the general good. If it fails to do this, you must not run into anarchy and chaos, but wisely and firmly, in proper ways, reform or revolutionize, and establish a better system, or choose better men."
Promise: Power is derived from God, is an ordinance of God and is established by the providence of God. - John Lyth 1821-1866, first Wesleyan minister to Germany
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