by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Good Friday Truth's
Remembering His Cost was Our Gain
“They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. They spit on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again. After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.” Isaiah 52: 13, 14 says, “See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at Him–His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness.” (Matthew 27:28-31)
In contrast was the atonement day of Christ
When I first got started in the Arabian Horse business, my parents and I attended a special coronation celebration for a beautiful Arabian Stallion. On a Saturday night, in Lincoln, Nebraska we sat in a large indoor arena, excitingly watching this beautiful horse receive the very high honor of “Legion of Merit.”The lights were turned off and a large spotlight appeared at the entrance gate. Music was playing and our hearts beat with anticipation. Then suddenly a beautiful bay stallion with long black flowing mane and tail entered at a gallop. The spot light followed him as he loped through the arena while the announcer told of all the achievements that this horse had accomplished. When the announcer was finished, the horse trainer entered and called the horse to come to him. With lights upon them, a coronation of roses was fastened around his neck and laid across his chest. With a standing ovation this beautiful Arabian Stallion was led from the arena.
In contrast was the atonement day of Christ–the day the perfect man received for a coronation a crown of thorns. He went about accomplishing the complete will of God, healing the sick, feeding the multitudes and raising the dead. If anyone was worthy of honor it was Him. Yet, He was not greeted with lights and music, but darkness came over the land. (Luke 23:44) He did not receive a coronation of roses, a public announcement of achievements and a standing ovation. Rather, He was given a crown of thorns and afflictions from men. “They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. They spit on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again. After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.” Isaiah 52: 13, 14 says, “See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at Him–His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness.”
We have chosen this Sunday to observe Easter by observing the Lord’s command to His church. (1 Corinthians 11:23) The observing of Communion is a blessed occasion and the Lord Jesus was clear in His instructions to the Apostle Paul, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11: 24, 25) I would propose to you that Jesus means for the Communion service to be a lot more than just a religious observance, but to keep fresh in our minds the act of sacrificial love He has for us.
What are we to remember? What are the blessings of His wounds?
Sometimes we need to talk about and meditate on the battlefield wounds our Lord received as He paid the price for the redemption of our very souls.I grew up in home were I did not experience the frustrations and heartaches of war. Most of my life no one ever took time to talk to me about the cost of war. I have watched closely at the “Veteran’s Day Parade” and took notice how the young find their joy in grasping for the candy. The youth are captivated by their friends who ride on the floats. But, it is those who have tasted the bitter fruit of war in some way, they are the ones who appreciate the men and women of whom the Veteran’s Day remembrance parade is for. I have to admit, it took getting to know a veteran who received a purple heart and hearing the story of how he received that honorable medal, before I could grasp the truths of Veteran’s Day. Because I took time to listen and meditated upon the cost of one of our American soldiers, I attend the “Veteran Day Parade” with a much different outlook.
Crown of thorns
The Word of God gives us great details on the “Battlefield Wounds of Christ” which were inflicted upon Jesus Christ as He gave His life for our redemption. Taking time to remember those wounds and understanding what He purchased for us could fan into flames the love we should be expressing all year long to our Lord. The scene of the battlefield of which Christ was on was humanity at his worst and Jesus was inflicted with many wounds, one was a “crown of thorns.” Jesus came to rule in the hearts and souls of men, and the rebellion of man’s soul wounded Him. He came to rule the wills of His people, and the resistance of self-will hurt Him. He came to rule in righteousness, to cast out all unrighteousness, and the wickedness of the world turned against Him. The crown that the soldiers pressed on the brow of Jesus was meant only for insult with the purpose of causing pain and mockery. Yet, even through their view and pleasures, God was pronouncing some power truths. Thorns came in with sin and became part of the curse that was the product of sin. (Genesis 3:18) Therefore Christ, being made a curse for us, and dying to remove that curse from us, felt the pain and hurt of those thorns. Jesus’ bearing the crown of thorns answers the type of Abraham’s ram, which took the place of Isaac. (Barnes Notes; New Bible Dictionary; Matthew Henry’s Commentary) The “thicket” (bak) that the ram had his horns caught in were a dense growth of heavy shrubs or underbrush that are intertwined in a manner that would catch persons or creatures and were very difficult to go through. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary; Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains) The Bible is very clear, God told Adam, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you…” (Genesis 3:18) Thistles (darda) were a very prickly plant having no value for producing life giving fruit. Even though they are a luxuriantly growing plant, they are still a worthless plant. (Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains; Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament) Thorns (qowts) are a non-fruit bearing bush noted for their sharp, wood-splinter-like spines or tines. (Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains)
It has been said that “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.” Sin holds you in bondage and keeps you from having a fruitful relationship with Christ. Sin grows vigorously yet will leave you in a worthless state of mind and heart. It was the custom of some heathen nations to bring their sacrifices to the altars, crowned with garlands; these thorns were the garlands with which the greatest Sacrifice, Jesus Christ was crowned. That garland, the crown of thorns represents all that He was to die for, the sins of the world.
Mocking
Sin, sooner or later becomes public, thus, Christ wore publicly the “Crown of Thorns” a representation of that which brings disgrace on all men. Symbolically Jesus wore our sins so all could see, so that we may receive forgiveness and have our sin no longer to be remembered against us. Another wound that was laid upon our Lord was mocking. Matthew 27:29 says, “They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’” A definition for mock is an object of ridicule. The common mode of showing respect or homage for kings was kneeling or prostration. This showed the tremendous love that Christ has for us. He withstood a false homage from the sinful wicked so that we may not have to remain guilty of sin that always brings mockery in the end. In the workplace it is not uncommon to see co-workers encourage sinful behavior that leads to all kinds of outward manifestation such as lying, adultery, and the misuse of God’s name. Worldly attitudes cause all to eventually misuse gifts, talents, and skills that God has given to mankind. When the manifestations of the sinful nature reach the point of public embracement, mockery comes from the co-workers, who by their actions and words encourage the sinful behavior. I have seen the very ones who encouraged flirting among the man and female sexes, mock those who eventually become involved in adultery. I have heard those who encouraged back biting, telling dirty or off colored jokes, and wrong attitudes, publicly bad mouth those they have encouraged to live a sinful lifestyle. Sin always brings approach, heartache and emotional drain.
Jesus undertook His Father’s will. No one could not find any real fault in Him so they hurled Him with lying accusations and put Him through an unlawful trial. Mockery and reproach is at all times very cutting to a man’s integrity. Yet our Lord took those words and actions of mockery for the sake of God and us. The Holy Spirit spoke through David, a man after God heart, reflecting the heart of Christ regarding His Father’s will, “For I endure scorn for your sake…” (Psalm 69:7; The Treasury of David) That is exactly what Jesus did for His Father and us. Jesus was stripped when He was put on the Cross and no doubt this brought further mockery as He hung there exposed to the cruel gaze of a huge amount of people. (The Expositors Bible Commentary; Barnes Notes) The Romans had learned that this type of mockery is a powerful way to break a person mentally and especially emotionally. Mockery does not affect the body but it puts tremendous strain on the mind and tears at the heart of a person. Woman and children have been scared for an entire life time from emotional and mental abuse. In war or sports, if you can intimidate or break the heart of your opponent the battle is half over. Sin brings destruction to every part of our lives and this includes our emotions. Thus, our Lord suffered in mocking and reproach, being placed on the Cross of Calvary naked. (Barnes Notes; The Expositors Bible Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary)
Salvation is often represented as a garment. (Matthew 22:11; Revelations 6:11; 7:9,13-14) In the Bible those who are bound by sin, those who do not have Christ as Savior and Lord are considered naked. Those who are naked are exposed to cold, storms and shame. The human soul that is not clothed in the Salvation of Christ is in the worst condition that mankind can find themselves in. A soul naked, unclothed in Christ Jesus has no protection from sin. Christ bore our shame on the Cross, so that all who have Jesus as personal Savior and Lord may be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, no longer naked and bearing the shame that comes with sin.
Flogging or scourging
In the battle for the souls of mankind Christ wore the “Crown of Thorns” representing the sins of the world. He took our mocking and bore our shame. Another battle wound laid upon Jesus was flogging or scourging. Matthew 27:26 says, “…he [Pilate] had Jesus flogged.” The New American Standard Bible says, “Scourged.”
Among the Romans it was customary to scourge or whip a slave before he was crucified. This was done to inflict greater suffering and cause a quicker death while adding horrors to the punishment. Our Lord was put to death after the manner of a slave or a criminal therefore He was treated as a slave and a criminal. This is because sin puts mankind into bondage and causes him to become a criminal. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) He took upon Himself the sins of the world. Sin is in the heart of every criminal. Our Lord was scourged with a whip made of leather straps with two small balls attached to the end of each strap. The balls were made of rough lead or sharp bones or small spikes, so they would cut deeply into the flesh. His hands were most likely tied to a post above His head and He was scourged.
The prophet Isaiah catches the reality of what Jesus was to look like when He would be scourged for our sins and he writes, “Just as there were many who were appalled at Him – His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human likeness.” (Isaiah 52:14) The word for appalled (shamem) means to stun, stupefy, to grow dumb. The practical application here is that His body was so disfigured because of His suffering that people would be struck numb or put to silence from sudden astonishment. When we hear of the results of sin on the news today or when sin has brought a tragedy into the lives of family members, people are struck with numbness and they are put to silence from sudden astonishment. We were shocked with the news of a pastor’s wife shooting her husband, of a child killer serving regularly in his local church.
While attending horse shoeing college I listen to a retired homicide detective share how it never gets easy walking in on a homicide scene. Every time it makes you want to cover your eyes, turn and look the other way for you just can’t stand to look on the sight of such a horrific scene. The sight of a loved one suffering the long term effects of addiction, a life without Christ and heading for hell is a horrific sight. John the Baptist spoke a powerful truth concerning Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) The sins of the entire world were being laid upon Jesus. The Bible says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus’ appearance had to be horrible for He was taking on the grief and physical abuse of every sin committed before that first Easter, sins committed since Calvary and sins that will be committed until we get the New Heaven and Earth.
Crucify Him!
Another battlefield wound of Christ is the Crucifixion. The Bible says, “After they had mocked Him… Then they led Him away to crucify Him.” (Matthew 27:31) When Pilate asked the crowd, “What shall I do with Jesus who is the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) The people answered with, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22)
We are often told not to focus upon the physical aspect of the cross; but we cannot possibly have too vivid picture of what Jesus took for us on the Cross of Calvary. Klausner, the Jewish writer, says, “Crucifixion is the most terrible and cruel death which man has ever devised for taking vengeance on his fellow man.” He continues with, “The criminal was fastened to his cross, already a bleeding mass from the scourging. There the criminal hung to die from hunger, thirst and exposure, unable to defend himself from the torture of the gnats and flies that settle on his naked body and on his bleeding wounds.” Our modern day pictures painted of Jesus hanging upon the Cross do not give the full picture of what Christ suffered. The results of sin have affected many and left them unable to defend themselves from the destruction of sin. Many young people are victimized by exposure to pornography, humanistic views and a world despising of the things of God. A great famine of hearing the Word of God is causing many around the world to literally die of spiritual hunger and thirst. For this reason Jesus carried the battlefield wound of crucifixion. The wounds that He was afflicted with in the conquest for the souls of man were a curse for Him but a blessing for us. These blessings do not come as a reward for good works but for God’s name sake. God had given the prophet Isaiah great understanding of the work of the Lord, he writes, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25) The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God had revealed to King David some powerful truths of God’s loving hand, he writes, “[God] does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities… as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10,12) God demonstrated His love for us by giving His son for us (John 3:16) and Jesus showed it by lying down His life for us. (1 John 3:16) Jesus said, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18) He also said, “The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life–only to take it up again.” (John 10:17)
The great news about Easter is that it records the end of the life of Christ upon this present earth before He was taken up to be once again with His father. Yet before He leaves this earth, He opens the way for man to enter into the Holy of Holies for communion with God. The Bible says at the moment Jesus gave up His spirit willingly, the curtain of the temple was torn into from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:38; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; The Bible Exposition Commentary; Daily Study Bible Series) Before His return to the abode of God, Jesus gets victory over death, the grave and all the workings of hell, thus paving the way for Christians to get victory over sin. The Bible says, “…if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
The Apostle Paul lived a Holy Spirit led and empowered life and out of his relationship with Christ and in his revelation of God, the Holy Spirit moved him to write, “…in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) “More than Conquerors” (hupernikao) meaning that through Christ, because who He is and what He has accomplished for us at Calvary and in His resurrection Christians are over comers, able to utterly defeat all that put Christ on the Cross. They can have victory over all that desires to put them in bondage. “The Battlefield Wounds of Christ” were laid upon Him for a reason, because they purchase victory for every man, woman and child that will in repentance turn to Jesus for Salvation and surrender to His Lordship in their entire lives.
Jesus bore the “Crown of Thorns” so you and I can live victoriously over the effects of sin. Instead of living unproductive lives, we can choose to live for Christ producing fruit of eternal life. Instead of facing mockery for a life overcome by sin and the results of it, Christians can enjoy a life that is freed from sin and can see God restore all that sin has taken away. Because Jesus’ body was crushed for our iniquities and His punishment purchased peace with God for Christians, they will receive a new body that is incorruptible in the resurrection of those who lived in Christ.The Holy Spirit of God calls all Christians to be a witnesses to family members, friends and co-workers. Christians are to live in a way that shows the Lordship of Christ over their lives, so they can be seen as children of God who understand fully “The Battlefield Wounds of Christ.” This keeps them from being seen as children at a “Veteran’s Day Parade” who are more captivated by the candy and worldly floats than the veterans who bear the scars of war on their bodies and hearts. We give our Maker and Redeemer a standing ovation by surrendering our entire lives over to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Considering, “The Battle Field Wounds of Christ,” Christians should surrender their businesses, careers, talents and time over to lifting up Jesus Christ for all to see.
In spirit and in truth make this Easter Communion service a new beginning that proclaims, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:11)
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Good Friday Truth's
What Good Friday is All About
Isaiah 53: 1-6, “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Easter season is the time we “Celebrate Jesus’ Life and His Triumph over Sin and Death.”
We are about to enter into the time of the year that should fill the child of God with great joy and expectation. It has been said, “Easter is proof that God’s Messiah had come.” Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and the Easter season is the time we “Celebrate Jesus’ Life and His Triumph over Sin and Death.” I would propose to you that Christians should remember what “Good Friday” was all about. Because of the price Christ paid on the Cross, Christians should live a life that says “We want to stop falling prey to sin. Just how do the children of God live a life that presents the hope of Christ to a lost world? What are the truths to living a life that says I am victorious in Christ, purchased by His blood?
Concept of sin
The key truth to cling to in celebrating Christ’s life and victory over sin and death is the concept of sin. When this is understood, the heart can be made ready to enjoy Salvation found in Christ and victory over that which destroys fellowship with God. Romans 3:23-25 says, “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood…”
Everyone has “sinned” (hamartono) meaning to miss the mark on the way to what God had created you for. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul that sin is a powerful source ruling within people (Romans 7:23) and this battle continues on and on trying to harden the spiritual heart. (Romans 7:21-24) Adam was constituted by God as the head of the generation of mankind and when he fell, that fallen nature was and is passed on to his descendants. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” The New American Standard Bible says, “…so death spread to all men.” The Greek Word for “came” (dierchomai) or “spread” means to extend to. Paul is saying, “Sin penetrated the entire human race. Like water permeates through sand, sin takes effect on the entire man, physically and spiritually.” Sin is often compared to cancer, a living disease, not like a rotten branch which may be easily blown off with a fair wind. Sin is like a living, crawling, poisonous crab in the soul and can only be overcome by Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul the blessedness of having the Spirit of Christ living in the child of God. He wrote in regard to life through the Spirit, “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Christians who understand the truths of sin fear the cost of sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “Death” (thanatos) in the New Testament is treated not as a natural process but always as a destroying power related to sin and all its consequences.
There are four truths to grasp as we take time to celebrate all that Christ overcame for His children this Easter season. There are the truths of physical death, spiritual death, eternal death and victory over death.In speaking of physical death Jesus said, “Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:14) It is the curse that came with the sin of Adam spoken of in Genesis 3:19 which says, “…you will return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Just as we see God’s curse on the ground and the curse of pain in childbearing we see the curse of sin today through physical death. All through Biblical history mankind has been plunged into physical death. Sin brought forth physical death and understanding the concept of spiritual death enables people to grasp the frightening state James wrote about, “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15) “Death” here means separation, separated from God thus causing one to miss the resurrection of the righteous in Christ and missing out on fellowship with God. The Apostle Paul writes about the condition of the Ephesians before they were made alive in Christ and about those who are still without Jesus, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:1-2)
The Apostle Paul understood the concept of spiritual death and he writes in great detail about the life they live. He presents this truth, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) The Bible says, “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28) It is imperative to remember we are referring to people who know about God and know about His Word. Because they are spiritually dead, the Holy Spirit is unable to move them from their love of sin to a love for Christ. People who have hearts of stone feel no shame or guilt as they live lives of profanity, jealousy, racism, lies, drunkenness, stealing, (omit going into) fits of rage, greed, cheating, disobeying parents, illegal drug use, lust, gambling, murder, adultery, covetousness, gossip, hatred, dishonoring the Lord’s day, pride or slander. As a matter of fact they think it strange that they can’t get others to follow their lifestyle. (1 Peter 4:1-4) This is a much different state than of the child of God who knows the Lord and seeks God’s forgiveness with a repentant heart as soon as he falls into any kind of sin.
Knowing the concept of sin enables people to fear spiritual death and eternal death. Revelation 20:11-25 says, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
There is going to be the “Great White Throne Judgment” and standing before it will be kings, presidents, democrats, republicans, false preachers, the religious dead, corporate businessmen, common laborers, prostitutes, town drunks and people from the richest and poorest countries in the world. It has been well said, “Physical death is the great leveler.” All who are pushed into the river of physical death apart from Christ will be judged. The end result–everyone whose name is not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.
Opportunity to get victory over sin and death
People who understand the concept of sin have a fear of physical, spiritual and eternal death. They also have the great opportunity to get victory over sin and death. The writer of the Book of Hebrews writes about Jesus in chapter 2:14-17, “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.” Because we were flesh and blood our Lord Jesus Christ took on flesh and blood. Through His death He destroys Satan’s hold on mankind. Satan often uses the sinful nature and the influences of the world to put mankind into bondage to sin, thus birthing forth a life of sin causing separation from fellowship with God, keeping mankind from Christ and, making hearts hard to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says “He had to be made like His brothers in every way…” The writer of the Book of Hebrews says this about Jesus as well, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15)
When visiting with a man who was going through some counseling for an addiction, he told me, “No one understands us, we are all like minded and have the same struggles. We are made the same, we understand each other.” Sadly, this man was finding fulfillment and justification in these counseling meetings. The problem was that those who attended the meetings had a history of being repeat offenders offering the same excuses each time. They were always blaming someone or something for their backsliding. Christians who understand the concept of sin and Christ being fully man so He can pay the penalty of sin on the Cross of Calvary proclaim, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Christians who are Holy Spirit illuminated with this truth are thanking God often for Christ’s incarnation and His death and resurrection so they can get victory over death. The Bible says that Jesus’ death on the Cross literally “destroys” death (2 Timothy 1:10) meaning to render powerless all that deprive and keep people from walking with Christ as He gives enablement by the Holy Spirit.
Apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ mankind cannot overcome that sinful nature that so easily falls prey to this world’s view and the lies of the devil. Understanding the concept behind all that Jesus did enables Christians to proclaim as the Apostle Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) As Representative and Substitute Man, Jesus tasted death for every human being so that Christians pass from death unto life. This life in Christ overcomes physical death at the resurrection of the living, overcomes spiritual death, and escapes eternal death. Jesus spoke of those who have a concept of what He accomplished on the Cross, He said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:24-25)
Desire victory over sin
Enjoying the victory Christ purchased by His blood causes Christians to desire victory over sin and makes them hungry for His righteousness. Forgiveness and salvation from sin is guaranteed to the repentant. The repentant grasp the heart of the Apostle Paul who wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. The fear of offending the Lord and the desire to please Him is within the spiritual heart of Christians who express a life that says, “I want to stop falling prey to sin.” F. W. Robertson wrote, “…Tender motives are not enough to restrain from sin.” Christians who understand what Good Friday is all about set their sights on the holiness of God, however, they say as the Apostle Paul, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)
Christians let the promise of the Lord’s presence, fellowship with God, with Christ and with the Holy Spirit spur them on to a desire to be sanctified by mortifying lust and corruption. The Bible teaches three responsibilities in the sanctification process, 1.) Mortification. 2.) Meditation on the Word of God and 3.) Allowing Manifestation of Christ-likeness. The Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write about our struggle with the sinful nature in Romans chapter 7. In Romans 8 Paul writes about life through the Holy Spirit and instructs us with, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live…” (Romans 8:13) Paul also instructs Christians with Colossians 3:5, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” The words “put to death” or “mortify” means to deliver over to death, to kill. Paul uses the word to indicate a process of deadening the power of the flesh.
I used to ride motorcycles and there is something about them that makes you to want to just give it gas and go. The more gas you give the motorcycle the more power the engine has to satisfy that lust that causes you to disobey your parents, the law and to see just how much you can get by with. One day I went over to Mark McKenna’s house. His parents were not home so we thought we would just race up and down the county road. Over and over again we raced back and forth and every time we would race that lust was being satisfied yet wanted more and more. We would think up everything we could to make the race more exciting and dangerous. Mark’s dad came home so I headed for my house. As I was riding home, without warning the motorcycle engine died and there it sat along the road dead.
When people fail to look to the Cross of Christ and remember the words written by Paul, “put to death… whatever belongs to the earthly nature,” they just keep pouring gas to the inward sinful nature and without warning they find themselves dead to the Holy Spirits promptings. They are dead to fellowship with the Lord thus allowing them to fall farther than they wanted to go into sin, keeping them longer than they ever wanted stay in that sin and costing them more than they ever wanted to pay. Paul is saying, in regard to the price paid for us by Christ on the Cross we are not to feed the sinful nature, we are not to give it the fuel or food it needs to get power over us. Just like the engine of a motorcycle, if we do not give the sinful nature the fuel it is graving, it will not have the power to control our lives. If by the power of the Holy Spirit we feed the soul the Word of God and surrender to the will of the Lord we can mortify our spirit dead to sin and (omit a) live in Christ.
In Closing: Good Friday is approaching and considering the price Christ paid on the Cross Christians should want to live a life that says, “We want to stop falling prey to sin.” No one is above sin’s temptations, so all must take heed of the possible dangers. The Book of Romans tells Christians what their obligation is as Paul writes, “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation–but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13)
God our loving Father and Christ understood the concept of sin. Sin is what Good Friday is all about. Sin came through Adam and carried into all of mankind. It brings physical death, spiritual death and the horror of eternal death. Christ’s crucifixion on the Cross made Him our sin bearer and His atonement (hilaskomai) satisfied the justice of God, opened the veil so we can enter the throne of grace and find mercy in our times of fighting that continual battle against the sinful nature. The great news is that Jesus Christ is the faithful One and is able to lead us victoriously because He was tempted in every way that we are, yet He remained without sin. We do not need to sit in the counsel of those who keep falling into sin. We can enjoy the Holy Spirit of Christ who is the Counselor and live by His power to mortify the flesh putting to death the misdeeds of the sinful nature. Christians who understand the concept of sin and the price Jesus paid for them on Calvary say in their hearts as the old man who sat beside the basketball court at a Bible college reading his Bible. One day Vernon Grounds asked the old man if he understood what he was reading. The old said “O yes, Christ won victory over sin and death so He might live in us and we for Him.” Sin is what brought Good Friday about, so sinful man might be reconciled unto God, man who was a enemy of God may have fellowship with the Lord because of the sacrificial love shown to all mankind through the death of Christ.
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Father's Day Truth's
Fathers Living Biblically Before Their Children
“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children…” (Proverbs 13:22)
“Inheritance” (nahal) here can be used figuratively meaning to leave a good heritage for our children. A man can choose to leave a good or bad heritage for his children to follow. God’s Word promises to “[punish] the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate [Him], but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love [Him] and keep [His] commandments (Exodus 20:5b-6) .”
Considering that it is Father’s Day, I believe the Holy Spirit of God would have us spend some time getting an understanding on how to live in such away that can plant life giving seeds into the hearts of our children. Just how do we live in a way that leaves a godly legacy? There is no greater heritage to have than that of a Christian family.
Lasting legacy for the Lord
The Bible gives four Christian character traits that can build a lasting legacy for the Lord. The first is to speak and live with Christian integrity. King David, a man whom God called “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22) confessed in a prayer to God, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity (1 Chronicles 29:17).” Psalm 41:12 says, “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever (Psalm 41:12).” A psalmist wrote, “May integrity and uprightness protect me (Psalm 25:21).” The Word “integrity” (tom) used often in the Book of Proverbs and Psalms protects a man’s soul from the flesh, the snares of the world and the lies of the devil because his hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. (The Complete Word Study of the Old Testament; Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee; Dictionary of Biblical Languages)
The Christian father that will enjoy a lasting legacy is the man of God that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit so he may be able to tell the truth, keep his word and live out what he believes. Proverbs 17:7 says, “Arrogant lips are unsuited for a fool – how much worse lying lips to a ruler (Proverbs 17:7).” Christian fathers are to be leaders in the home and express a lifestyle of truthfulness. He must be able to gain the trust of his children. Children will not follow a man who does not tell the truth. If a Christian father wants to pass a Christian legacy down to his children he must learn the joy of speaking and living out truth. Fathers who leave a Christian legacy are fathers you follow through on their promises.
Proverbs 25:14 says, “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.” The promises of a boaster are empty. Children are thirsty for gifts from dad that could give them what they need to help them succeed in the talents and abilities the Lord has given them. Dads are needed to do all they can to help their children obtain certain healthy goals just as rain is needed to bring fruit from the ground. A father must not boast of having a car yet fail to make the time for his son to learn to drive it in the proper season of his life. A father must not boast of having a skill or trade and not take time to teach it to a child who desires to learn it. A Christian father must not promise to take his child somewhere or do something special and not make the time to fulfill the promise. Children will trust a dad who chooses to use his God given resources for the good of the children he is called to raise.
The Christian father who leaves a Christian heritage is the man who says as King David, “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life — when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” (Psalm 101:1-3) When the Lord answers prayer or brings a blessing into the family, dad is to be the first to offer and lead the family in expressions of praise to Jesus. He makes an effort to live a life that expresses a heart of David who longed to let the Word of God and the Holy Spirit guide him. A Christian father lets the Holy Spirit of God place in his heart what the Word of God says about conducting His family affairs and official relationships. He is hungry for Lord’s help and continued presence.
A Christian father with Biblical integrity will not set before his eyes that which is vile. The New American Standard Bible has the best translation with “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes…” A Christian father will not allow wickedness to have dominion in his heart and he forbids it to be even placed before his eyes. Jesus taught, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness (Matthew 6:22).” The father who refuses to look upon that which displeasing to God and useless for the Lord’s glory opens the door to true Christian virtue.
For the past thirty years they have done an annual “Most Admired Men” list in America. While presidents, politicians, stars and athletes have come and gone, one man has been on that list every year for the last thirty years. He has ranged from first to third place, his name, Dr. Billy Graham. There are few men in America who has lived and overseen such a quality ministry with such a powerful expression of integrity. That Christian legacy has been passed down to his son, Franklin Graham. (The truths found in this portion of the message came about as I have studied the NIV Bible; The Expositors Bible Commentary; Barnes Notes; The Treasury of David; The Complete Word Study of the Old Testament)
Serves the Lord with intensity
A father with a heart for Biblical integrity will enjoy a lasting legacy and will live a life that serves the Lord with intensity. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Proverbs 14:22b says, “But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Jesus said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… (Mark 10:43).”
The Holy Spirit’s challenge is to be a servant with a heart that serves Christ in everything he does. Pastor Rick Warren recently read a study of youth that were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Not one child has ever said, “I want to grow up to be a servant.” Our American dreams and way of thinking have caused our children to place their hearts on being celebrities, winners and worldly leaders.
A Christian father will strive to live before his children a life of servant hood with ambitions of serving for the purpose of glorifying Christ before those he serves. He serves hoping that the people he works for might ask about the things of God or take notice that he is actually serving the Lord who gave him his opportunities. Those in the world see employees who are only in it for the paycheck. It is those who serve for the right reasons who leave a Christian heritage. A Christian who has been Holy Spirit taught on how to do his work as working for the Lord is enthusiastic, eager to get to work and do his work. He serves with intensity no matter what he is asked to do. The happiest janitor is one who cleans the office, the shop or bathroom as though Christ is standing right there beside him. The most diligent father is the one who manages his affairs of life and business in way that expresses recognition of daily accountability.
One of the most intense and hardest working preachers I know today is Rick Warren. He writes this about his dad, “My father was an incredible servant of God. He served others and he never became famous. He wasn’t particularly brilliant, but he was a great man because he served with intensity. He was a carpenter and in his lifetime he helped build over 150 different churches all around the world and build water towers in towns ravaged by earthquakes. He paid for most of his personal expenses on those missionary outreaches out of his own pocket, just for the privilege of serving others and Christ.” Rick Warren is a hard working pastor with a heart to serve other pastors, a legacy of his dad who passed on to be with the Lord. Psalm 37:18 says, “The days of the blameless are known to the Lord and their inheritance will endure forever.” The greatest inheritance a Christian father can receive outside of Christ Jesus is sons and daughters who know the joy of doing all their labors as unto the Lord and sharing the message of Christ’s love to a lost a dying world.
Gives with generosity
A Christian father speaks and lives with integrity, serves with intensity and gives with generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work… Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
A Christian father is a man who gives to the Lord’s work in every way because it is the Lord’s work, he does not give to get but for the glory of Christ. He gives much and reaps much. A Christian father gives deliberately to please God, not grudgingly and not from compulsion. He knows that God does not accept a gift of money, talent, time and energy that is not given out of a joyful heart. He gives with purpose in his heart by thinking about the need, how to give sacrificially for the glory of God and knowing exactly what the Holy Spirit prompts him to give. He knows that if there is any begrudging, reluctance or regret in his giving. He asks the honest question, “Why is not my heart to give joyful of my finances, time, energy, talents and abilities to the Lord’s work?” Then he invites the Holy Spirit to give him the faith he needs to be the giver the Lord wants him to be. A Christian father wants his children to see him give with a right heart before God, not to please man or out of personal honor and recognition. A Christian father’s motives for giving to the Lord’s work is for the enrichment of his relationship with God, to meet the needs of the Lord’s work and for the poor, to prove loyalty to Christ, to enhance prayer, and to bring praise to God.
A man who gave generously and enjoyed a legacy that was passed on to his next generation was King David. Solomon, David’s son became king after David and was the one chosen by God to build a house of worship. It is in 1 Chronicles 22 and 28 we read of David’s heartfelt desire to build a temple for the Lord his God and it is there we read of David hearing the Word of the Lord saying that he would not be the one to build the temple, his son Solomon would build it (1 Chronicles 28:3,6). David says, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations… So David made extensive preparations before his death (1 Chronicles 22:5).” Through his authority he appointed stone cutters to prepare dressed stone (1 Chronicles 22:2). He supplied great amounts of iron, bronze and wood (1 Chronicles 22:3-4). In speaking to his son David said, “I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the Lord… You have many workmen: masons, carpenters, as well as men skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron – craftsmen beyond number (1 Chronicles 22:14-15).” David provided marble in large quantities as well as stones of various colors.
Let the Holy Spirit enable you to catch the heart of a father who has a heart after God. After David had provided through his political authority the Bible says David in “…his devotion to the temple of [his] God [gave from his] personal treasures gold and silver… as well (1 Chronicles 29:3).” I like how the King James Bible puts it, David said, “…I have set my affection to the house of God…”
1 Chronicles 29:3-4 tells us that David gave from his personal funds “…over and above everything [he] had [already] provided…” through his political authority. The amount he gave personally was in modern day measurements 3.6 million ounces of gold and 8.4 million ounces of silver. This means that David gave generously 110 tons of gold and 260 tons of silver. After making such a generous donation David asked the question, “…Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord? (1 Chronicles 29:5) The Bible says, “…the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes… officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly… toward the work on the temple…” (1 Chronicles 29:6-7) 1 Chronicles 29:9 goes on to say, “…the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.”
Today the New Testament church is not a building but people who have in repentance accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Christians give to the Lord by supporting any work that glorifies Jesus Christ before the children of God and those in the world. Just as God used David in one part of his work, in provision and then He used Solomon in the tasked of getting the work accomplished, the Lord has set people in different places of service unto Him. A Christian father who wishes to leave a legacy of providing for the Lord’s work will been seen by his children as a generous provider and worker unto the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. (The truths found in this portion of Scripture came about as I have prayerfully studied The NIV Bible; King James Bible; Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary; New American Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; Barnes Notes)
In His prayer of praise David prayed, “But who am I, and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:14).” David also prays to the Lord to keep this desire in the hearts of the people (1 Chronicles 29:18). David being a loving father wanted a Godly legacy to be passed on to his children prays for Solomon saying, “And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build [the kingdom of God, worshipers for the Lord] (1 Chronicles 29:19).
Succeeds with humility
A Christian father speaks and lives with integrity, serves with intensity, gives with generosity and succeeds with humility. A Christian father lives by the instruction of Colossians 3:12, “…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” “Humility” (tapeinophrosume) as it is used here means to have the correct estimate of ourselves. This involves the confession of sin and deep realization of our unworthiness to receive God’s grace.
Glad Tidings ran the story of Doctor James Simpson, the man who discovered that chloroform could be used to render people insensible to the pain of surgery. This discovery made it possible for people in the late 1800’s and many years beyond to go through the most dangerous operations without pain and suffering during the procedure. Once during a lecture at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Simpson was asked by one of his students, “What do you consider to be the most valuable discovery of your lifetime?” To the surprise of his students, who had expected him to refer to chloroform, Dr. Simpson replied, “My most valuable discovery was when I discovered myself a sinner and that Jesus Christ was my Savior.”
A Christian father knows ultimately what matters is what God thinks about him. The Holy Spirit has illuminated the truth of Proverbs 15:33 deep within his heart, “The fear of the Lord teaches man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” He knows that if he serves the Lord with his God given talents, abilities and Holy Spirit given gifts, the Lord will lift him to the place in life where God’s wants him to be. He knows the truth of 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourself, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” A Christian father recognizes the Lord’s presence in all his ways. In order for a tree to grow upward and withstand the storms that are thrown at it, it must strike down roots deep; so it is with the Christian father, to be exalted he must have his mind and heart rooted down in a spirit of humility totally depending on the Providence of God in every part of his life. (The truths found in this portion of the message came about as I have studied the NIV Bible, The Complete Word Study Dictionary; Encyclopedia of 7000 Illustration; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory)
A legacy of Biblical proportion must be based
A legacy of Biblical proportion must be based on speaking and living lives of high integrity, serving with intensity, giving generously and succeeding with humility. Psalms 103:17-18 says, “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness is with their Children’s children – with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”
One such Christian father who left a Christian legacy for his descendants to follow was Jonathan Edwards. He was an uncompromising theologian and pastor who lived to please God and was a man of prayer. His descendants included thirteen college presidents, sixty-five prominent lawyers, thirty-two noted authors, ninety physicians, eighty-six state senators, thirty judges, three congressmen, one vice-president of the United States and two hundred ministers of the gospel. The family line of Jonathan Edwards experienced the promised blessings of God. (Exodus 20:4) Fathers, God gives you this day an opportunity to choose your family’s legacy. It must be established in a relationship with Jesus Christ!
Let us pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Easter Truth's
Restoring Spiritual Life This Easter
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
Easter is about coming alive
When Jesus was crucified on the Cross, and was raised again on the third day, He got victory over sin and death and that purchased the abundant life in Christ which is available to all who will but surrender to His Lordship. The Apostle Paul, moved by the Holy Spirit wrote a powerful truth that should govern the lives of all Christians who desire to enjoy the “Ever-flowing Life of Easter,” Listen as I read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) I would propose that Easter has a whole lot more for you than just a special Sunday for family meals. Easter is about coming alive. The heart that understands what Jesus accomplished on the first Easter births forth a “Life Filled with Meaning,” and “Life Freed by Grace.”We live in an area that if we are willing to work hard we can enjoy pleasure, money, acceptance, recognition, position, possessions, and recreation. And compared to many parts of the world, we really do have the good life. “The Good Life” has a way of hiding the truth for a while, which is that life that is not supposed to work unless it is Christ-centered. A Christ-centered life is lived by allowing the Holy Spirit of God to move you to live in a way that shows God’s grace upon your life. A Christ-centered life reflects a heart that is concerned about the testimony of Jesus among those who claim His name.
What is the “New Life” that Jesus offers? The life that reflects all that Christ purchased for the children of God.
Life with Real Meaning
The Word of God has some good news. There is an antidote. It is called the “New Creation.” Living as a new man in Christ will enable you to live a “Life with Real Meaning.” The greatest tragedy in life is not death, it is to go through your entire life without knowing and living out your purpose. The Easter Story is God taking a life which was being spent on self, the pleasures of this world and was blinded by the devil, and turning it around to achieve all of His good purposes. You will find the real meaning of your life as you let the same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwell within your heart. Allowing Christ to be both Savior and Lord of your life literally brings your soul, which was once dead in sin, back to life. The apostle Paul gives us this exhortation, “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” (Rom. 8:11)
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is also for us today, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Eph. 3:16-17) One of the secrets to finding meaning in this life that satisfies the soul is to understand what God’ means in regards to having Christ dwell in your hearts. To “dwell” (katoikeo) means to give Christ full permission to take up full residence by His Spirit in your heart. (Zodhiates) It means to literally “house down.” The idea is of letting Christ come into your heart and life that He may be a ruling master, so that He may take every part of your body and life and use it for His Father’s purposes. Your first and most important meaning of being created is that you become an inhabitant of the Lord, reflecting the likeness of Christ through all you do. You are created for His glory not your own. What God is saying, “Let Me tell you what your purpose for living is and then you can start to enjoy your life.” This is why the Holy Spirit moved the apostle to write, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)
Pastor Rick Warren told a story of a couple who knew that their purpose was to serve the Lord in all they did, found real meaning for their lives, and enjoyed the benefits of it. This true story finds its place in Bodaga Bay, just north of San Francisco. In this town was a Christian couple who owned and ran a little deli in a store. There also lived a homeless man, in fact he was considered to be the town tramp, his name was Garland. Garland dressed poorly, acted a little strange and slept in the city park. Being Christians, Ken and His wife C.J., owners of the little Deli befriended Garland by offering him food and many kind words for a lot of years. When the Deli was broken into, the entire town blamed Garland. But Ken and C.J. knew that it wasn’t Garland, so they prepared a very expensive gift basket for Garland and gave it to him in hopes to assure him of their trust in Him. The very next morning the police showed up with Garland and the expensive gift basket, feeling certain they had caught the burglar of the store. The police had words with Ken and C.J and after confirming that the basket was a gift from them they let Garland go. A few days later Garland died in the park. Not long after Garland’s death, Ken and C.J. were called to an attorney’s office. It seems that Garland had left a will giving everything he owned to Ken and C.J. Garland owned a traveling bag. In the traveling bag was a Bible and there was a placed clearly marked, so that whoever would find it could read these brightly marked Scripture;
‘For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ The King will reply [referring to Jesus] ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ (Matt. 25:35-40)
Ken and C.J. found and understood the meaning of life by allowing the Holy Spirit of Christ to live through them. Not only did they have meaning in their walk with the Lord, they experienced the blessings of living a life of obedience to their Lord. In the traveling bag, was a bank book along with a legal will which was used to mark Matthew 5:35-40 which was the Scripture I just read. That bank book led them to savings accounts which held three million dollars and which put Ken and C. J. in great financial position to help many more people like Garland. Garland had hidden wealth that nobody knew about. When Jesus hung on the Cross with His arms stretched out, most of those who looked at Him knew nothing of the wealth that He has for the children of God. The Bible says, He was the Creator of the universe, He owns a cattle upon a thousands hills. (Psalm 50:10) The most valuable gift that Christ can offer goes unnoticed by most people in this world which is eternal life and a close personal relationship with Him. Jesus is also righteous, holy, and pure, and knows the joy of achieving the purpose for which God His Father sent Him. Christ knew all that He was doing had meaning and the apostle Paul knew that meaning as well, for he writes, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) The price Jesus paid for you on the Cross and the victory He won for us on that first Easter means that we are no longer slaves to sin, rather we are adopted children and are heirs of the Son of God. (Galatians 4:7) Being adopted children of God we are given every spiritual blessing in Christ that we need. (Ephesians 1:3) For those who will but ask of the Lord, He will show them His will for them. They will know their purpose as Christ knew His purpose and they will enjoy a meaningful life, a life that satisfies the soul. They will hear at the judgment seat of Christ “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21) Does your life have eternal meaning? Are you living self, chasing the world and the things in it or are you deceived by the devil? Does your life reflect a heart that is seeking God’s will for you? Are you enjoying all the spiritual blessings that are to be found in Christ Jesus? Christians find their meaning when they allow the Lord to show them their Holy Spirit given gifts and use those gifts through sacrificial love. They sacrifice time, self and the pleasures of this world to develop their gifts and to exercise their gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ.
Freed by Grace A life connected to the “Ever-Flowing Life of Easter” is a meaningful life and it is a life “Freed by Grace.”
Romans 11:6 says, “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”…. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” “Grace” (charis) means that we are justified freely by God’s own hand, nothing done by us. The application is we have free forgiveness through Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross and thus we have reconciliation to a holy God. (Zodhiates) Ephesians 2: 8-10 is one of the greatest evangelistic summaries of the Bible. (The Preacher’s Outline Sermon Bible) F.F. Bruce points out, this passage is the watchword for the reformation theology: “By grace alone, through faith alone, to God alone be the glory.” When we really meditate upon it, God has “Amazing Grace.” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Sin is that condition and activity of human beings that is offensive to God, their Creator.The first book of the Old Testament reveals how human beings were created by God without sin but chose to act in rebellion to His revealed will and thereby caused sin to become the natural feature of all human existence. (Psalm 14:1-3) Sin is revolt against the holiness and sovereign will of God as the result of the condition of the heart and mind. (Isaiah 29:13; Jeremiah 17:9; The International Dictionary of the Bible)
The apostle Paul writes about this sinful nature that wants to rebel against the Lord, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” (Romans 7) It is impossible to achieve victory over sin merely by striving to do things. All salvation is by God’s grace. It is unmerited divine help that even causes a sinner to have a desire to want to seek the Lord, to inquire about the Christ and then have the ability to live a life pleasing to Him. If you know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, or if you have been given the opportunity to consider what you will do with Christ, then it is by God’s grace alone. Without Him there would be no drawing to Christ or ability to respond to the gospel and live it out. He is willing and wanting to give us all grace. The Holy Spirit moved the apostle Paul to write about this powerful truth, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) God’s saving grace is available to all who desire to become part of His family. There is a wonderful adoption story that illustrates what Christ did for us on the Cross and shows how He longs to have us be a part of the family of God. In Thailand there was a Caucasian missionary couple who adopted a child from Thailand. The little boy’s parents became so poverty stricken that they were going to sell the little boy into slavery in order to pay off their debts. The Holy Spirit so moved on this missionary family, and they became grieved over the little boy’s future, a life bound by slavery. At great expense they used all their own money and they purchased the little boy. Then they adopted him so he could grow up free and become a very special part of their family. You see the little boy became their son no longer to be sold as a slave. That is exactly what Christ wants to do for you! On the Cross of Calvary he paid the only payment that could purchase your freedom from the bondage of sin. Robert Lowry wrote a Hymn with this stanza, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
The apostle Paul wrote about this redemptive work of Christ upon the Cross and victory that is available to the children of God through the resurrection of Christ. He writes, “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) On the Cross of Christ, the price was paid in full for your freedom, so you can be freed from the bondage to sin. There is a Biblical term for this freedom that the Lord purchased for those who have Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The term is “redemption.” Redemption (apolutrosis) here means to let go free for a ransom. (Zodhiates; Vines) There are many forms of this word for “redemption” in the New Testament. (lutroo): One is “The recalling of captives, referring to sinners from captivity, the bondage of sin, by the payment of a ransom for them through Christ’s death. (Zodhiates) It is important to note that in a least four passages of Scripture sin is presented as slavery. (John 8:34; Romans 6:17,20; 2 Peter 2:19) Another form of the Greek word for “redemption” (lutron) means “Deliverance on account of the ransom paid” as spoken of the deliverance from the power and the eternal consequences of sin which Christ purchased by lying down His life as a ransom for those who believe. (Zodhiates; Vines) Redeemed (lutroo) by the highest cost possible, through the shed blood of Christ. Redeemed, (agorazo) literally set free from the slave market of sin, death, and hell. Redeemed (exagorazo) literally delivered out of the enslavement to sin. (Practical Word Studies of the New Testament) The child of God has been set free and is at liberty to live a life of real meaning, freed from the sinful passions that destroy fellowship with the Lord and devastates lives. In the first century whenever the Greek Word (lutron) for “redemption” was used, people would naturally know that it was referring to the price being paid to free slaves. (Vines; Rick Warren) Angel Share News Letter, ran the true testimony of a couple who came to understand the price paid by Jesus Christ for the redemption of lost souls. This couple writes; “Eleven years ago we were losing our home and our marriage and our children were so sad that no one would ever see them smile. We needed Jesus in our life but did not know how until we went to church after a dear sister kept on pestering us to go. My husband sat on one side and I on the other. We were both so mad. God showed us that night His power and just how much He loved us. He gave the pastor a message on true Biblical love. We received Jesus that night, we were delivered from drugs and alcohol and today we walk with Him daily. Our marriage is truly one made in heaven as we love each other more than the day we got married and our children are saved happy and secure. We have been blessed since then with 3 adopted children and desire to raise them according to God’s Holy Word and help them to walk with Him. Without the Lordship in both of our lives and marriage we truly would not be here today.”
What the world needs to see are Christians who are connected with and living out “The Ever-Flowing Life of Easter.” Christians need to be seen as the redeemed living like they know that they have been purchased at a very high price. When the world looks at the church, they need to see a people who were once in the bondage of sin, yet now have been set free to live a life that is pleasing to God. They need to see a people whom express a life that has been freely given a new life in Christ. Have you accepted God’s free Gift? Jesus Christ is God’s gift to you. It must be noted that a gift is not yours until you take it and receive it. Suppose I hand you this Bible and say, “Here, this is yours, I give it to you as a free gift. Take it, it is yours. What is necessary for the Bible, the gift, to become yours? You have to believe it is yours and reach out and receive it. You could say, “No thank you” or “I do not believe you!” You can deny its existence or say “I do not want it, I do not have the time to use it.” If this is your attitude, what happens to the gift? It never becomes yours. In my mind and heart and in truth I gave you the gift, yet you never received it. You never had the faith to receive the gift I offered you. The Holy Spirit is saying clearly, it is by grace you must be saved through active faith. (Ephesians 2:8-10) God, in wisdom and out of His heart of compassion has given the Gift, Jesus Christ. He is not a Gift until He has been received into the heart of a repentant sinner. Have you reached out and truly received God’s gift of grace found through Jesus Christ? Have you been freed from the from the guilt of sin, redeemed, literally set free from the bondage’s that can keep you out of fellowship with God, with Jesus Christ and walking in step with the Holy Ghost? Can people look at you and just know that you are one of the redeemed?
The Bible says, “…if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11) Easter is about coming alive. Your life can be an expression of the truths of the Easter Story, a life that reflects the “Ever-Flowing Life of Easter.” Let the Holy Spirit restore a spiritual life within you this Easter. Let your life reflect its own Easter story, one that reflects a life that has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, a life that is born again, a spirit that is dead to sin but now alive to Christ. Choose to live a life that has given Jesus Christ full permission to take up full residence through the Holy Spirit within your heart. The death of Christ is the redemptive price. Those who have connected to the “Ever-Flowing Life of Easter live a “Life full of Meaning” and have a “Life Freed by Grace,” God’s call for you is simply, live no longer to please self, but live a life that reflects the truths of Easter, God’s redemptive work in your life.
Let us Pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Easter Truth's
Walking on the Winning Side
This is the day that I like to refer to as “Resurrection Sunday Celebration.” It was on the first day of the week, very early in the morning that women took spices to the tomb where Jesus’ Body was laid. It was on that morning they discovered that the tomb was empty, it was on that day two men dressed in clothes that gleamed like lighting stood beside them and asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:1-6) It was on that same day two of the followers of Jesus were on their way back to Emmaus, a town about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked they talked about everything that had happened. As they walked and talked, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them, however, they were kept from recognizing Him. Jesus wanted to know what they were talking about so they took time to tell Him everything. They told about how the chief priest and the rulers handed Christ over to be sentenced to death by crucifixion. They told Jesus that it was now the third day since all this took place and they said, “In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but did not find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said, ‘He was alive!’ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said…” (Luke 24:13-24) After listening, Jesus Christ sets the example for us all. He exercises His Holy Spirit anointing of prophet and responds to their statements. In His introduction to their statements He does not present a joke or emotional story. He says, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26) After showing true love by pointing out a major spiritual heart problem, Jesus goes on with the charge to the soldier of Christ, “Preach the Word.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Luke 24:27 says, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.”
After reaching the village Jesus took bread with them and gave thanks. As the two were taking the bread their eyes were open and they recognized Him, then He disappeared from their sight. I love their response, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) Naturally, these two disciples were very excited, they made their way back to Jerusalem, found the eleven and those with them. Upon their arrival they were told the Lord had appeared to Simon. The two told their story about seeing Jesus. The Bible says, “While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (Luke 24:36) During this meeting some powerful truths were presented. These truths are, Jesus proving He was physically alive, the giving of the Great Commission and Jesus giving the promise of the Holy Spirit for empowerment of the New Testament Church.
The truth the Holy Spirit wants you to grasp today from this meeting that was held on Resurrection Sunday lays the foundation for Christians to enjoy the abundant life in Christ and live a victorious life over the flesh, the world and the lies of the devil. During that meeting the Bible says, “[Jesus] opened their mind so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45) I would propose to you that the foundation to living a victorious life in Christ is to have the risen Savior open your mind so you can understand the Holy Scriptures. The beloved John tells us Jesus breathed on the disciples in that meeting and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22) Just what does the Holy Spirit, who raised Christ from the dead and now lives in you (Romans 8:10) have to enable you to live a victorious life in this sin-stricken world? The Christ who never sinned and got victory over sin and death sets the example for beating temptation. Satan lies to people, and he has the amazing ability to use the sinful nature and the lures of the world to cause people to walk outside of God’s will.
Listen closely as I read Jesus’ example in Matthew 4:1-11, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ He said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to Him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.” (Matthew 4:1-11) The truths found in our key text today lay the foundation for enabling Christians to live victoriously over the flesh, the lures of this world and the lies of the devil.
Led of the Holy Spirit of God
One key truth to catch today is being led of the Holy Spirit of God. Our key text says, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit…” (Luke 4:1) Romans 8:14 says, “…those who are led by the [Holy] Spirit of God are sons of God.” Our key text is powerful teaching on how Jesus was able to stay sinless before God our Father and Romans 8:14 is found in the context of winning over the sinful nature. (Romans 8:1-17) There are two key words in Romans that are worth grasping the meanings of so we can lay down a firm foundation against all that Satan and this sin cursed world can throw against us.The first word is “sons” (huios) referring to Christians who have the character of the Lord. It is not only belonging to the family of God but living like or acting like being part of His family. This word describes those who are governed by the Holy Spirit of God. Spiritually this word is describing Christians who belong to God and are in close relationship with the Lord. “Sons” here has the application of meaning mature enough in the Lord to take on adult family privileges and responsibilities. “Sons” in Romans 8:14 is that unique character describing Christians who are submitted to the guiding of the Holy Spirit and enabled to walk in obedience as the Lord leads them into all truth and in their duties to Christ Jesus. This Spirit of adoption gives the children of God a great privilege. Christians are led by the Holy Spirit as scholars are led in learning by a tutor, as travelers are led on a journey by their guide and as soldiers are led in their engagements by their commanding officer. Holy Spirit illumination of the Greek Word for “led” (ago) enables Christians to live victoriously because they are being carried along by the power of the Holy Spirit in life’s trials and empowered to overcome temptations. The Holy Spirit literally enables Christians to keep their faith and grasp His strength in all trials of life. This intimate relationship with the Lord makes accessible all the power needed for beating temptations of all kinds.
1 John 5:3-5 says, “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Nearly twenty years ago, my mother-in-law, Doris Stump was selling her house out on the farm. The people came by and looked. Being the honest woman she is she told them everything she could remember. The buyers looked the house over and decided to buy. After they left she remembered that there might be some termite damage in a portion of the home. She thought, “well I should call them. Then that worldly thinking came in, “They looked things over real good and it wasn’t on purpose that I forgot.” The Holy Spirit started working on her heart, and she trusted the Lord to give her strength to love truth. She knew if the people backed out, the Lord was able to raise up a buyer in His timing. She called and apologized and told them of the possible termite problems. They thanked her and I can’t remember how it all worked out, but the house was sold. I do remember Doris driving up to go to church with us and take us out to eat. After dinner she told of this incident. Doris just glowed with so much Holy Spirit joy, saying so excitedly, “That means, I am an over comer, I beat the flesh and the world’s view and was able to cling to truth.” Every child of God has the opportunity to enjoy the Lord’s pleasure in everyday life situations if they would just desire being led of the Holy Spirit in every situation of life. Holy Spirit illumination of the Greek Word for “led” (ago) enables Christians to live victoriously because He guides the children of God. John 16:13 says, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”
Bible reading is not enough. The Holy Spirit must become our “Counselor.” The individual indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the specific privilege of Christians for receiving revelation and illumination so they can understand and fulfill the will of God for them. Just as the Holy Spirit guided the apostles in their proclaiming and writing of the Word of God Christians can grasp God’s truths for living. The Word of God is quite clear on how to live for the Lord, love our wives, raise our children, treat our fellow man and conduct our affairs down here. The Holy Spirit reveals Christ through the written Word, presents Him as the Head of the Body of Christ, tells about His ministry unto God and tells of things to come. Christians realize that revelation does not come from a creed or book, but a living person who is the exact representative of God the Father and Christ. He speaks only what He hears from God and He works only to glorify Christ to a lost world and enable Christians to be Christ-like.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans a course, but the Lord determines his steps.” The Lord sovereignty determines the outworking of our plans. The whole counsel of God’s Word teaches, “It is plans of the heart which meet the Lord’s approval that will succeed. The Greek word for “determines” (kun) is best translated as “direct’ his steps.” Christians who enjoy this have the heart of the psalmist who wrote, “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.” (Psalm 119:133) Christians who know and enjoy the Holy Spirit’s leading pray as Jeremiah, “I know, O Lord, that man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice…” (Jeremiah 10:23-24) The Apostle Paul trusted Lord Jesus and was surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s leading thus, he enjoyed the guiding hand of the Lord. Reading the Biblical account of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul we see that the Lord’s work is a combination of planning and sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 16:6-10 we read the “Holy Spirit” prevented Paul and his companions from preaching the Word of God in province of Asia. When they tried to enter Bithynia, the “Spirit of Christ” would not allow them. As Paul and his companions submitted to the will of the Lord, during one night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him to come and preach the Gospel to them, thus they went, concluding that God has called them to preach there.
In October of 2003 we partnered in prayer with Times Square Church in New York City. They felt led of the Lord to take the gospel to what many refer to as “No Man’s Land” in Kingston, Jamaica. We spent weeks praying with them and the Lord led them in completing every detail as 200 members of Times Square Church held a pastors’ conference, an evangelistic crusade, and put up tents so Christian doctors and dentists could minister to the sick and dying. The Lord did a great work there. Pastors and teachers of the Word of God were encouraged and empowered and found real direction for their work with the Lord. The sick and needy were ministered to and many people from Jamaica received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. One girl who ministers to orphans in New York prayed this prayer as she prepared to be a part of the ministry outreach, “God give me what I need and not what I want.” The Lord led her not to an orphanage, but to an abused girls’ home. The young lady was very nervous, but prayed for Holy Spirit strength minister to the abused girls. From her testimony, several girls put their faith in Christ to get them through their pain and hurt. (Page 10 in “Jamaica Field Report”) The Holy Spirit will lead and use anyone who has a heart of surrender to God’s will and lets Him open and shut doors. Finally, Holy Spirit illumination of the Greek Word for “led” (ago) enables Christians to live victoriously because Jesus Christ, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, is able to bring to completion the work He begins in them.
Jude 24 says, “To Him who is able to keep your from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” This is one of the greatest doxologies in the Word of God. It shares the truth of God’s power to present before Himself a people of God who with great joy have found Him faithful to enable them to live a victorious life. In these days of living among hypocrites and the unfaithful, the Holy Spirit shares what place Christ can have in our lives. Holy Spirit illuminated Christians literally have a Savior who creates them into Christ-likeness. I know literally many Christians who stand on the foundation of this passage of Scripture. They know the Christ who has set them free. (John 8:36) Many born again Christians know the Christ of this passage of Scriptures. Those who have committed adultery, commit adultery no more; those who stole, steal no more; habitual liars lie no more; those once lured away by the world now hunger for the things of God, those who fell prey to the lies of the devil, discern his lies and flee from them. Christians who stand on a “Victorious Foundation” take to heart what Jesus told the adulterous woman, “…go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) These Christians know the truth to Psalm 85:8, “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints – but let them not return to folly.” Please note a crucial point, Christians who establish a “Victorious Foundation” ask themselves these questions, “Do I let the Holy Spirit of Christ carry me through the trials and temptations of life? Do I let the Holy Spirit lead me in righteous paths of life? Am I allowing the Spirit of Christ to do His work within my heart that I might increasingly be made Christ-like?”
Battle all temptation with the sword of the Spirit
Grasping the truth of a Spirit led life as Christ did when He walked this sin trodden earth enables Christians to battle all temptation with the sword of the Spirit which is the written Word of God. In His battle against temptation with our most dangerous enemy, the devil, Jesus said “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) “It is written” (gegraptai) is one word in the Greek and can be translated, “It has been written and still stands written” (Word Meanings in the New Testament) giving us this application, “Thus was written then is still binding now.” This word denotes an indisputable and legal authority when any passage of Scripture is quoted. Jesus the eternal Word in the flesh could have just thought in His mind the truths of God’s Word but chose the authority of God’s Word being spoken forth. By doing this Jesus sets the example on how to publicly honor the Word of God and sets forth the method of defeating temptation to sin and resisting Satan. Jesus uses the only offensive weapon in all the Christian armor found in Ephesians 6:17. It should be noted that these temptations coming from Satan were experienced after Jesus was obedient in fulfilling the righteousness His Father had set before Him. (Matthew 3:15) The Holy Spirit had ascended up Christ in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
It must be understood that great favors from God and special tokens of the anointing of the Holy Spirit will not secure Christians from being attacked by the devil. When new Christians make that public profession of faith in Christ they are often attacked by Satan in some way. When Holy Spirit anointing for service and special revelations from God’s Word come to the children of God they had best live humbly, thus putting the sword of the Spirit within the spiritual hearts. The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment him so he would not become conceited by his great revelations. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Although it is a fact that the obedient children of God are in the Lord’s hands at all times, it does not change the fact that their enemy, the devil prowls around seeing whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
A “Victorious Foundation” is established by knowing Christ as Savior and Lord, by being led of the Holy Spirit and feeding upon the written Word of God. When Christ was starving, Satan tempted Jesus to prove His deity by using His power for personal purposes. Our Lord simply chose God’s best. The Lord knows when the flesh becomes hungry it craves for satisfaction, mankind is tempted to take his own course. Jesus sets in motion what is needed so mankind will hunger first for the righteousness of God so he may enjoy God’s provision. Jesus says, “…Man… [lives] on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Christians who stand victorious say with the prophet Jeremiah, “When your words came to me, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight…” (Jeremiah 15:16) In His teachings on not to worry about your life, what you should eat or drink, your body and clothes Jesus said, “…s eek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” (Matthew 6:25-34)
When Bonnie and I first came to Christ we were told by the Lord perform a certain act of obedience. That obedience left us with literally no money to buy food for one of our boys. There was nothing we could feed him. There was food in the house that three of us could eat, but nothing for the youngest. That same night after our obedience was tested, I was asked to share about my conversion to Christ. After that testimony, a man followed us out to our car and said, “We make it a custom to give a love offering to our speakers.” It was just enough money to buy some milk for our baby and gas so I could get to my next place to work. A hunger for the Lord’s kingdom will always bring satisfaction of physical needs.
The second temptation from Satan was at the temple where he tempted Jesus to prove His deity by the spectacular. Satan wanted Jesus to throw Himself off the highest point of the temple so he could prove that he was the son of God. (Matthew 4:5-6) It would have been sin for the Lord to test His Father and even worse, Satan used the Word of God to justify what he wanted the Lord to do. Even today Christians and certain church movements spend much time in creating a church atmosphere. They quote Scripture to get the Lord to prove Himself through the spectacular, professing certain promises in Scripture yet not getting the whole counsel of God’s Word. Christians who are victorious over false teaching do so by painstaking hours of prayerful study and meditation on God’s Word just as Jesus did.
The third temptation was for the Lord to prove His deity through compromising and giving worship to someone other than God the Father. God had set the only way for Jesus to secure the kingdoms of the world and His Word says worship is to be given to Him only. Jesus defeats this temptation by obeying Deuteronomy 6:13, “Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only.” It was lust of the eyes and the pride of life by which sin first entered this world we live in today. Satan often uses the lures of this world and speaks to the flesh of man saying, “You can have it all by doing your own thing and it will not affect your eternal relationship with God.” Christians maintain their “Victorious Foundation” by following the example of Christ saying, “I will choose this day to fear the Lord and worship Him only.”
Today Christians celebrate “Resurrection Sunday” and enjoy His victory over sin and death by, asking the Lord to enable them to be joyfully led by the Holy Spirit. Their “Victorious Foundation” is laid by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is kept strong by feeding upon the written Word of God, thus making them hungry for the righteousness of Christ. They win their battles against Satan who attacks the flesh and uses the world’s lures and clever lies by knowing the Word of God so well they say with confidence, “Away from me Satan, it is written.” Christians who have a “Victorious Foundation” to stand on are redeemed by the blood of the lamb of God, live by the leading of the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead and have had Jesus open their minds so they can understand the Holy Scriptures.
Recent Comments