Should Christians take each other to court?

If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?  Do you not know that we will judge angels?  How much more the things of this life!  Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!  I say this to shame you.  Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?  But instead, one brother goes to law against another – and this in front of unbelievers!  – 1 Corinthians 6.1-6

In chapter 5, Paul explained what to do with open immorality in the congregation.  In chapter 6, he teaches how the congregation should handle smaller problems between believers.  Society has set up a legal system where disagreements can be resolved in courts.  But Paul declares that disagreeing Christians should not have to go to a secular court to resolve their differences.  As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ, so why should we turn to those who lack God’s wisdom?  Because of all that we have been given as believers, and because of the authority that we will have in the future to judge the world and the angels, we should be able to deal with disputes among ourselves.  The saints are believers.  See John 5:22 and Revelation 3:21 for more on judging the world.  Judging angels is mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6.

(‘   Your boasting is not good.  Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?  –  1 Corinthians 5.6  Paul was writing to those who wanted to ignore this church problem.  They didn’t realise that allowing public sin to exist in the church affects all its members.  Paul does not expect anyone to be sinless – all believers struggle with sin daily.  Instead, he is speaking against those who deliberately sin, feel no guilt, and refuse to repent.  This kind of sin cannot be tolerated in the church because it affects others.  We have a responsibility to other believers.  Yeast makes break dough rise.  A little bit affects the whole batch.  Blatant sins, left uncorrected, confuse and divide the congregation.  While believers should encourage, pray for, and build up one another, they must also be intolerant of sin that jeopardises the spiritual health of the church).

(‘   Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are.  For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.  Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. – 1 Corinthians 5.7-8  As the Hebrews prepared for their exodus from slavery in Egypt, they were commanded to prepare bread without yeast because they didn’t have time to wait for it to rise.  And because yeast was also a symbol of sin, they were commanded to sweep all of it out of the house (Exodus 12.15; 13.7).  Christ is our Passover lamb, the perfect sacrifice for our sin.  Because he has delivered us from the slavery of sin, we should have nothing to do with the sins of the past (“old yeast”)).

(‘   I have written to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people – 1 Corinthians 5.9  Paul is referring to an earlier letter to the Corinthian church, often called the lost letter because it has not been preserved).

(‘   not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.  But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  With such a man do not even eat. – 1 Corinthians 5.10-11 Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers – otherwise, we could not carry out Christ’s command to tell them about salvation (Matthew 28.18-20).  But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sin explicitly forbidden in Scripture and then rationalises his or her actions.  By rationalising sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in himself or herself.  A church that includes such people is hardly fit to be the light of the world. To do so would distort the picture of Christ it presents to the world.  Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity).

(What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?  Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside.  “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – 1 Corinthians 5.12. The Bible consistently tells us not to criticise people by gossiping or making rash judgments.  At the same time, however, we are to judge and deal with sin that can hurt others.  Paul’s instructions should not be used to handle trivial matters or to take revenge; nor should they be applied to individual problems between believers.  These verses are instructions for dealing with open sin in the church, with a person who claims to be a Christian and yet who sins without remorse.  The church is to confront and discipline such a person in love.  Also see the notes on 4.5 and 5.1ff.)

(But instead, one brother goes to law against another – and this in front of unbelievers!  The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.  Why not rather be wronged?  Why not rather be cheated?  Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. – 1 Corinthians 6.68. Why did Paul say that Christians should not take their disagreements to unbelievers in secular courts?  (1) If the judge and jury are not Christians, they are not likely to be sensitive to Christian values. (2) The basis for going to court is often revenge; this should never be a Christian’s motive.  (3) Lawsuits make the church look bad, causing unbelievers to focus on its problems rather than on its purpose.)

(‘   Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God [Wall]? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  – 1 Corinthians 6.9-11. Paul is describing characteristics of unbelievers.  He doesn’t mean that idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, slanderers or swindlers are automatically and irrevocably excluded from heaven.  Christians come out of all kinds of different backgrounds, including these.  They may still struggle with evil desires, but they should not continue in these practices.  In 6.11, Paul clearly states that even those who sin in these ways can have their lives changed by Christ.  However, those who say that they are Christians but persist in these practices with no sign of remorse will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Such people need to re-evaluate their lives to see if they truly believe in Christ).

(6.9-11 In a permissive society it is easy for Christians to overlook or tolerate some forms of immoral behaviour (greed, drunkenness, etc) while remaining outraged at others (homosexuality, thievery).  We must not participate in sin or condone it in any way, nor may we be selective about what we condemn or excuse.  Staying away from more “acceptable” forms of sin is difficult, but it is no harder for us than it was for the Corinthians.  God expects his followers in any age to have high standards.)

(6.11   Paul emphasises God’s action in making believers new people.  The three aspects of God’s work are all part of our salvation: our sins were washed away, we were set apart for special use (“sanctified”), and we were pronounced not guilty (“justified”) for our sins).

(‘   “Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything.  – 1 Corinthians 6.12   Apparently the church had been quoting and misapplying the words “everything is permissible for me”.  Some Christians in Corinth were excusing their sins by saying that (1) Christ had taken away all sin, and so they had complete freedom to live as they pleased, or (2) what they were doing was not strictly forbidden by Scripture.  Paul answered both these excuses.  (1) While Christ has taken away our sin, this does not give us freedom to go on doing what we know is wrong.  The New Testament specifically forbids many sins (see 6.9, 10) that were originally prohibited in the Old Testament (see Romans 12.9-21; 13.8-10).  (2) Some actions are not sinful in themselves, but they are not appropriate because they can control our lives and lead us away from God.  (3) Some actions may hurt others.  Anything we do that hurts rather than helps others is not right.)

(‘   “Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything. “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” – but God will destroy them both.  The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  – 1 Corinthians 6.12, 13   Many of the world’s religions teach that the soul or spirit is important but the body is not; and Christianity has sometimes been influenced by these ideas [is a math].  In truth, however, Christianity takes very seriously the realm of the physical. We worship a God who created the physical world and pronounced it good.  He promises us a new earth where real people have transformed physical lives – not a pink cloud where disembodied souls listen to harp music.  At the heart of Christianity is the story of God himself taking on flesh and blood and coming to live with us, offering both physical healing and spiritual restoration).  *  [eg. ‘Title’ (?)]

(We humans, like Adam, are a combination of dust and spirit. Just as our spirits affect our bodies, so our physical bodies affect our spirits.  We cannot commit sin with our bodies without damaging our souls because our bodies and souls are inseparably joined.  In the new heart we will have resurrection bodies that are not corrupted by sin.  Then we will enjoy the fullness of our salvation).

(6.12-13 Freedom is a mark of the Christian faith – freedom from sin and guilt, and freedom to use and enjoy anything that comes from God.  But Christians should not abuse this freedom and hurt themselves or others.  Drinking too much leads to alcoholism, gluttony leads to obesity.  Be careful that what God has allowed you to enjoy doesn’t grow into a bad habit that controls you.  For more about Christian freedom and everyday behaviour, read chapter 8.)

(6.13 Sexual immorality is a temptation that is always before us.  In movies and on television, sex outside marriage is treated as a normal, even desirable, part of life, while marriage is often shown as confining and joyless. We can even be looked down on by others if we are suspected of being pure.  But God does not forbid sexual sin just to be difficult.  He knows its power to destroy us physically and spiritually. No-one should underestimate the power of sexual immorality. It has devastated countless lives and destroyed families, churches, communities, and even nations.  God wants to protect us from damaging ourselves and others, and so he offers to fill us – our loneliness, our desires – with himself).

©Kingsway International Church.

Paul’s lost letter:

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God [Wall], and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia – 2 Corinthians 1.1

Paul visited Corinth on his second missionary journey and founded a church there (Acts 18.1ff). He later wrote several letters to the believers in Corinth, two of which are included in the Bible.  Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is lost (1 Corinthians 5.9-11), his second letter to them is our book of 1 Corinthians, his third letter is lost (2.6-9; 7.12), and his fourth letter is our book of 2 Corinthians.  This letter was written less than a year after 1 Corinthians.

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to deal with divisions in the church. When his advice was not taken and their problems weren’t solved, Paul visited Corinth a second time.  That visit was painful both for Paul and for the church (2.1).  He then planned a third visit, but delayed it and wrote 2 Corinthians instead.  After writing 2 Corinthians, Paul visited Corinth once more (Acts 20.2, 3).

(Paul had great respect for Timothy (see also Philippians 2.19, 20; 1 Timothy 1.2), one of his travelling companions (Acts 16.1-3). Timothy had accompanied Paul to Corinth on his second missionary journey, and Paul had recently sent him there to minister (1 Corinthians 4.17; 16.10).  Timothy’s report to Paul about the crisis in the Corinthian church prompted Paul to make an unplanned visit to the church to deal with the problem in person (see 2.1).  For more information on Timothy, see his Profile in 1 Timothy)).

(The Romans had made Corinth the capital of Achaia (the trade centre because of its seaport.  With the thousands of merchants and sailors who disembarked there each year, it had developed a reputation as one of the most immoral cities in the ancient world; its many pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.  In fact, the Greek word “to Corinthianize” came to mean “to practice sexual immorality”.  A Christian church in the city would face many pressures and conflicts.  For more information on Corinth, see the first note on 1 Corinthians 1:2).

(“ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  – 2 Corinthians 1.3-5 Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him.  We must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.  Remember that every trial you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles).

(1.5   The “sufferings of Christ” are those afflictions we experience as we do Christ’s ministry.  At the same time, Christ suffers with his people, since they are united with him.  In Acts 9.4, 5 Christ asked Paul why he was persecuting him.  This implies that Christ suffered with the early Christians when they were persecuted).

False teachers used letters of recommendation:

Are we beginning to command ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?  You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.  You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.  –  2 Corinthians 3.1-3

Some false teachers had started carrying forged letters of recommendation to authenticate their authority. In no uncertain terms, Paul stated that he needed no such letters.  The believers to whom Paul and his companions had preached were enough of a recommendation.  Paul did use letters of introduction, however, many times.  He wrote them on behalf of Phoebe (Romans 6.1, 2) and Timothy (1 Corinthians 16.10, 11).  These letters helped Paul’s trusted companions and friends find a welcome in various churches.

(3.3   Paul uses powerful imagery from famous Old Testament passages predicting the promised day of new hearts and new beginnings for God’s people (see Jeremiah 31.33; Ezekiel 11.19; 36.26).  No human minister can take credit for this process of conversion.  It is the work of God’s Spirit.  We do not become believers by following some manual or using some technique.  Our conversion is a result of God’s implanting his Spirit in our hearts, giving us new power to live for him).

(“ Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God [Wall].  Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.  – 2 Corinthians 3.4-5   Paul was not boasting; he gave God the credit for all his accomplishments.  While the false teachers boasted of their own power and prestige, Paul expressed his humility before God.  No-one can claim to be adequate without God’s help.  No-one is competent to carry out the responsibilities of God’s calling in his or her own strength.  Without the Holy Spirit’s enabling, our natural talent can carry us only so far.  As Christ’s witness, we need the character and special strength that only God gives).

(“ He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.  –  3.6 2 Corinthians   “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” means that trying to be saved by keeping the Old Testament laws will end in death.  Only by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ can a person receive eternal life through the Holy Spirit.  No-one but Jesus has ever fulfilled the law perfectly, and thus the whole world is condemned to death.  The law makes people realise their sin, but it cannot give life.  Under the new covenant, which means promise or agreement [on a difference], eternal life comes from the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit gives new life to all who believe in Christ.  The moral law (Ten Commandments) still points out sin and shows us how to obey God, but forgiveness comes only through the grace and mercy of Christ (see Romans 7.10-8.2)).

Why Paul wrote them:

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons –  Philippians 1.1

On Paul’s first missionary journey, he visited towns close to his headquarters in Antioch of Syria. On his second and third journeys, he travelled even farther.  Because of the great distance between the congregations that Paul had founded, he could no longer personally oversee them all.  Thus he was compelled to write letters to teach and encourage the believers.  Fortunately, Paul had a staff of volunteers (including Timothy, Mark, and Epaphras) who personally delivered these letters and often remained with the congregations for a while to teach and encourage them.

(This is a personal letter to the Philippians, not intended for general circulation to all the churches as was the letter to the Ephesians. Paul wanted to thank the believers for helping him when he had a need.  He also wanted to tell them why he could be full of joy despite his imprisonment and forthcoming trial.  In this uplifting letter, Paul counselled the Philippians about humility and unity and warned them about potential problems).

(For more information on Paul; see his Profile in Acts 9. Timothy’s Profile is found in 1 Timothy 6).

(The Roman colony of Philippi was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia in Paul’s day). Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) took the town from ancient Thrace in about 357 B.C., enlarged and strengthened it, and gave it his name.  This thriving commercial centre sat at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.  In about A.D. 50, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke crossed the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor and landed at Philippi (Acts 16.11-40).  The church in Philippi consisted mostly of Gentile (non-Jewish) believers.  Because they were familiar with the Old Testament, Paul did not specifically quote any Old Testament passages in this letter).

(Overseers (bishops or pastors) and deacons led the early Christian churches.  The qualifications and duties of the overseers are explained in detail in 1 Timothy 3.1-7 and Titus 1.5-9.  The qualifications and duties of deacons are spelled out in 1 Timothy 3.8-13.  The saints are all those who believe in Christ).

(“ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy  – Philippians 1.4   This is the first of many times Paul used the word joy in his letter.  The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed.  By helping Paul, they were helping Christ’s cause.  The Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do.  When others think about you, what comes to their minds?  Are you remembered with joy by them?  Do your acts of kindness lift up others?).

( … being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1.4-5   The Philippians first heard the gospel about ten years earlier when Paul and his companions visited Philippi (during Paul’s second missionary journey) and founded the church there).

To the seven churches:

John,

To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne – Revelations 1.4

Jesus told John to write to seven churches that knew and trusted him and had read his earlier letters (see 1.11). The letters were addressed so that they could be read and passed on in a systematic fashion, following the main Roman road clockwise around the province of Asia (now called Turkey) [N.B. Reverse Engineering].

(The “seven spirits” is another name for the Holy Spirit. The number seven is used throughout Revelation to symbolise completeness and perfection.  For more about the Holy Spirit, see the notes on John 3:6 and Acts 1:5).

(The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.  –  Revelation 1.1-3   The book of Revelation reveals future events, but there is not the gloomy pessimism we might expect.  The drama of those unfolding events is spectacular, but there is nothing to fear if you are on the winning side.  When you think about the future, walk with confidence because Christ, the victor, walks with you).

(1.3   Revelation is a book of prophecy that is both prediction (foretelling future events) and proclamation (preaching about who God is and what he will do).  Prophecy is more than telling the future.  Behind the predictions are important principles about God’s character and promises.  As we read, we will get to know God better so that we can trust him completely).

(The typical news reports – filled with violence, scandal, and political haggling – are depressing [pressure], and we may wonder where the world is heading.  God’s plan for the future, however, provides inspiration and encouragement because we know he will intervene in history to conquer evil.  John encourages churches to read this book aloud so everyone can hear it, apply it (“take to heart what is written in it”), and be assured of the fact that God will triumph).

(When John says, “the time is near”, he is urging his readers to be ready at all times for the Last Judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom.  We do not know when these events will occur, but we must always be prepared.  They will happen quickly, and there will be no second chance to change sides).

©Kingsway International Church.

Don’t worry about details beyond your control:

The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God [Wall] had commanded Noah.  Then the LORD shut him in.  – Genesis 7.16

Many have wondered how this animal kingdom roundup happened. Did Noah and his sons spend years collecting all the animals?  In reality the creation, along with Noah, was doing just as God had commanded.  There seemed to be no problem gathering the animals – God took care of the details of that job while Noah was doing his part by building the ark.  Often we do just the opposite of Noah.  We worry about details over which we have no control, while neglecting specific areas (such as attitudes, relationships, responsibilities) that are under our control.  Like Noah, concentrate on what God has given you to do, and leave the rest to God.

Can cause us to forfeit peace with God:

And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”  – Genesis 21.7

After repeated promises, a visit by two angels, and the appearance of the Lord himself, Sarah finally cried out with surprise and joy at the birth of her son. Because of her doubt, worry, and fear, she had forfeited the peace she could have felt in God’s wonderful promise to her. The way to bring peace to a troubled heart is to focus on God’s promises.  Trust him to do what he says.

Who could believe that Abraham would have a son at 100 years of age – and live to raise him to adulthood? But doing the impossible is everyday business for God.  Our big problems won’t seem so impossible if we let God handle them.

Can reveal a lack of faith in God’s control:

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. – Psalms 37.8-9

Anger and worry (fretting) are two very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control.  We should not worry; instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safekeeping.  When you dwell on your problems, you will become anxious and angry.  But if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace.  Where do you focus your attention?

Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything:

A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?  – Proverbs 20.24

We are often confused by the events around us. Many things we will never understand; others will fall into place in years to come as we look back and see how God was working.  This proverb counsels us not to worry if we don’t understand everything as it happens.  Instead, we should trust that God knows what he’s doing, even if his timing or design is not clear to us.  See Psalm 37:23 for a reassuring promise of God’s direction in your life.

(The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.  – Proverbs 20.23. “Differing weights” refers to the loaded scales a merchant might use in order to cheat the customers.  Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid.  It is easy to cheat if we think no-one else is looking.  But dishonesty affects the very core of a person.  It makes him untrustworthy and untrusting.  It eventually makes him unable to know himself or relate to others.  Don’t take dishonesty lightly.  Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life.  If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now).

(It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. – Proverbs 20.25. To dedicate something meant that you intended to give it as an offering to God.  Dedicated means set apart for religious use.  This proverb points out the evil of making a vow rashly and then reconsidering it.  God takes vows seriously and requires that they be carried out (Deuteronomy 23.21-23).  We often have good intentions when making a vow because we want to show God that we are determined to please him.  Jesus, however, says it is better not to make promises to God because he knows how difficult they are to keep (Matthew 5.33-37).  If you still feel it is important to make a vow, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking that vow.  (In Judges 11, Jephthah made a rash promise to sacrifice the first thing he saw on his return home.  As it happened, he saw his daughter first.)  It is better not to make promises than to make them and then later want to change them.  It is better still to count the cost beforehand and then to fulfil them.  (For a list of other Bible people who made rash vows, see the chart in Judges 11).

Its ill effects:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  – Matthew 6.25

Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, (3) disrupt your productivity, (4) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (5) reduce your ability to trust in God.  How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing?  Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern – worry immobilises, but concern moves you to action.

(“No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money. – Matthew 6.24. Jesus says we can have only one master.  We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money.  They spend all their lives collecting and storing it, only to die and leave it behind.  Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters.  Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about.  Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6.10).  Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master?  One test is to ask which one occupies more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.   … Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out.  We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us.  This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us.  Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting).

Difference between planning & worrying:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6.34

Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference.  Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance.  When done well, planning can help alleviate worry.  Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God.  They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God.  Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

(But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6.33. To “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” means to turn [map] to God for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything.  What is really important to you?  People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority.  Any of these can quickly push God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in every area of your life).

Holy Spirit helps us stop:

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. – Matthew 10.19-20

Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defence – God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4.8-14 and elsewhere.  Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything.  Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared, thoughtful statements (Colossians 4.6).  Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing but to stop worrying.

(“Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. – Matthew 10.17, 18. Later the disciples experienced these hardships (Acts 5.40; 12.1-2), not only from without (governments, courts), but also from within (friends, family; 10.21).  Living for God often brings persecution, but with it comes the opportunity to tell the good news of salvation.  In times of persecution, we can be confident because Jesus has “overcome the world” (John 16.33).  And those who stand firm to the end will be saved (10.22)).

Other ways to resist:

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God [Wall] feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  – Luke 12.22-34

Jesus commands us not to worry. But how can we avoid it?  Only faith can free us from the anxiety caused by greed and covetousness.  It is good to work and plan responsibly; it is bad to dwell on all the ways our planning could go wrong.  Worry is pointless because it can’t fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because the Creator of the universe loves us and knows what we need.  He promises to meet all our real needs, but not necessarily all our desires.

(Seeking the kingdom of God means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. He must control every area – your work, play, plans, relationships.  Is the kingdom only one of your many concerns, or is it central to all you do?  Are you holding back any areas of your life from God’s control?  As Lord and Creator, he wants to help provide what you need as well as guide how you use what he provides).

(Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves.  Does God’s love touch your wallet?  Does your money free you to help others?  If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven.  If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into perspective).

(If you concentrate your money in your business, your thoughts will centre on making the business profitable. If you direct it towards other people, you will become concerned with their welfare.  Where do you put your time, money, and energy?  What do you think about most?  How should you change the way you use your resources in order to reflect kingdom values more accurately?).

Most will seem trivial in the future:

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. – Luke 22.24

The most important event in human history was about to take place, and the disciples were still arguing about their prestige in the kingdom! Looking back, we say, “This was no time to worry about status.”  But the disciples, wrapped up in their own concerns, did not perceive what Jesus had been trying to tell them about his approaching death and resurrection.  What are you major concerns today?  Twenty years from now, as you look back, will these worries look petty and inappropriate?  Take your eyes off yourself and get ready for Christ’s coming into human history for the second time.

(The world’s system of leadership is very different from leadership in God’s kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top.  (Some kings in the ancient world gave themselves the title “Benefactor”.)  But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves best.  There are different styles of leadership – some lead through public speaking, some through administering, some through relationships – but every Christian leader needs a servant’s heart.  Ask the people you lead how you can serve them better).

Turn your worries into prayers:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God [Wall]. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4.6-7

Imagine never being “anxious about anything”! It seems like an impossibility – we all have worries at work, in our homes, at school.  But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers.  Do you want to worry less?  Then pray more!  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

(God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (see John 14.27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in the absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  It comes from knowing that God is in control.  Our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.  Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.)

(Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4.5. We are to be gentle (reasonable, fair minded, and charitable) to those outside the church, and not just to fellow believers.  This means we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly, nor are we to be too vocal about our personal rights.)

(Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4.8. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions.  Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams?  Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, films, and magazines.  Replace harmful input with wholesome material.  Above all, read God’s word and pray.  Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.  It takes practice, but it can be done.)

(Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practicum. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4.9. It’s not enough to hear or read the word of God, or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice.  How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said.  How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.  Exposure to God’s word is not enough.  It must lead to obedience.)

What they believed:

A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?”  Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.”  They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.  – Acts 17.18

The Epicureans and Stoics were the dominant philosophers in Greek culture.  The Epicureans believed that seeking happiness or pleasure was the primary goal of life.  By contrast, the Stoics placed thinking above feeling and tried to live in harmony with nature and reason, suppressing their desire for pleasure. Thus they were very disciplined.

(The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. – Acts 17.15 Athens, with its magnificent buildings and many gods, was a centre for Greek culture, philosophy, and education.  Philosophers and educated men were always ready to hear something new, so they invited Paul to speak to them at the meeting of the Areopagus (17.18, 19).

(Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? – Acts 17.19 For a time the Council [Church] or Court (here called the Areopagus) met on a low hill in Athens near the Acropolis.  As Paul stood there and spoke about the one true God, his audience could look down on the city and see the many idols representing gods that Paul knew were worthless).

©Kingsway International Church

Don’t get so secure you miss God’s plan:

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. –  Genesis 12.1

When God called him, Abram moved out in faith from Ur to Haran and finally to Canaan. God then established a covenant with Abram, telling him that he would found a great nation.  Not only would this nation be blessed, God said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram’s descendants.  Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow God and influence those with whom it came in contact.  Through Abram’s family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity.  Through Christ, people can have a personal relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure.

(Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. – Genesis 11.31.  Terah left Ur to go to Canaan but settled in Haran instead.  Why did he stop halfway?  It may have been his health, the climate, or even fear.  But this did not change Abram’s calling (“the LORD had said to Abram”, 12.1).  He had respect for his father’s leadership, but when Terah died Abram moved on to Canaan.  God’s will may come in stages.  Just as the time in Haran was a transition period for Abram, so God may give us transition period and times of waiting to help us depend on him and trust his timing.  If we patiently do his will during the transition times, we will be better prepared to serve him as we should when he calls us).

(“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. – Genesis 12.2.  God promised to bless Abram and make him great, but there was one condition.  Abram had to do what God wanted him to do.  This meant leaving his home and friends and travelling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from Abram’s family.  Abram obeyed, walking away from his home for God’s promise of even greater blessings in the future.  God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him.  Don’t let the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God’s plan for you).

Found in God:

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ “

God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name for ever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.   –  Exodus 3.13-15

Yahweh is derived from the Hebrew word for “I AM”.  God reminded Moses of his covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12.1-3; 15; 17), Isaac (Genesis 26.2-5), and Jacob (Genesis 28.13-15), and used the name I AM to show his unchanging nature.  What God promised to the great patriarchs hundreds of years earlier he would fulfil through Moses.

(3.13-15. The Egyptians had many gods by many different names.  Moses wanted to know God’s name so the Hebrew people would know exactly who had sent him to them.  God called himself I AM, a name describing his eternal power and unchangeable character.  In a world where values, morals, and laws change constantly, we can find stability and security in our unchanging God.  The God who appeared to Moses is the same God who can live in us today.  Hebrews 13:8 says God is the same “yesterday and today and for ever”.  Because God’s nature is stable and trustworthy, we are free to follow and enjoy him rather than spend our time trying to figure him out)

(3.16, 17. God told Moses to tell the people what he saw and heard at the burning bush.  Our God is a God who acts and speaks.  One of the most convincing ways to tell others about him is to describe what he has done and how he has spoken to his people.  If you are trying to explain God to others, talk about what he has done for you, for people you know, or for people whose stories are told in the Bible).

(3.17 “A land flowing with milk and honey” is a poetic word picture expressing the beauty and productivity of the promised land).

(3.18-20 The leaders of Israel would accept God’s message, and the leaders of Egypt would reject it.  God knew what both reactions would be before they happened.  This is more than good psychology – God knows the future.  Any believer can trust his or her future to God because God already knows what is going to happen).

(3.22 The jewels and clothing were not merely borrowed – they were asked for and easily received.  The Egyptians were so glad to see the Israelites go that they sent them out with gifts.  These items were used later in building the tabernacle (35.5, 22).  The promise of being able to plunder the Egyptians seemed impossible to Moses at the time).

The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; event he blind and the lame can ward you off.”  They thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captures the fortress of Zion, the City of David. –  2 Samuel 5.6-7

The Jebusites had a clear military advantage, and they boasted of their security behind the impregnable walls of Jerusalem, also called Zion. But they soon discovered that their walls would not protect them.  David caught them by surprise by entering the city through the water tunnel.

(Only in God are we truly safe and secure. Anything else is false security.  Whether you are surrounded by mighty walls of stone, a comfortable home, or a secure job, no-one can predict what tomorrow may bring.  Our relationship with God is the only security that cannot be taken away).

Real security is knowing God never changes:

The pride of your heart has deceived you,

you who live in the clefts of the rocks

and make your home on the heights,

you who say to yourself,

‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’  –  Obadiah 3

The Edomites self secure, and they were proud of their self-sufficiency. But they were fooling themselves because there is no lasting security apart from God.  Is your security in objects or people?  Ask yourself how much lasting security they really offer.  Possessions and people can disappear in a moment, but God does not change.  Only he can supply true security.

(Edom was Judah’s southern neighbor, sharing a common boundary. But neighbours are not always friends, and Edom liked nothing about Judah.  Edom’s capital at this time was Sela (perhaps the later city of Petra), a city considered impregnable because it was cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap.  What Edom perceived as its strengths would be its downfall: (1) safety in their city (vv. 3, 4) – God would send them plummeting from the heights; (2) pride in their self-sufficiency (v. 4) – God would humble them; (3) wealth (vv. 5,6) – thieves would steal all they had; (4) allies (v. 7) – God would cause them to turn against Edom; (5) wisdom (vv. 8, 9) – the wise would be destroyed).

(Obadiah 1 Obadiah was a prophet from Judah who told of God’s judgment against the nation of Edom.  Two commonly accepted dates for this prophecy are (1) between 853 and 841 B.C., when King Jehoram and Jerusalem were attacked by a Philistine/Arab coalition (2 Chronicles 21 .16ff), or (2) 586 B.C., when Jerusalem was completely destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36).  Edom had rejoiced over the misfortunes of both Israel and Judah, and yet the Edomites and Jews descended from two brothers – Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25 .19-26).  But just as these two brothers were constantly fighting, so were Israel and Edom.  God pronounced judgment on Edom for their callous and malicious actions towards his people).

Do you know what real security is?

“ But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands.  –  2 Kings 9.35

Jezebel’s skull, feet, and hands were all that remained of her evil life – no power, no money, not prestige, no royal finery, no family, no spiritual heritage. In the end, her life of luxury and treachery amounted to nothing.  Power, health, and wealth may make you feel as if you can live for ever.  But death strips everyone of all external security.  The time to set your life’s course is now, while you still have time and before you heart becomes hardened.  The end will come soon enough.

“ I have set the LORD always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I shall not be shaken.   –  Psalms 16 .8

By saying that he “will not be shaken”, David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers. God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life.  Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times (Matthew 5.45).  Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth.  Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God’s eyes.  They know that God will keep them from being moved off of his chosen path.

Comes from humility:

Though you soar like the eagle

and make your nest among the stars,

from there I will bring you down. – Obadiah 4

The Edomites were proud of their city carved right into the rock. Today Sela, or Petra, is considered one of the marvels of the ancient world, but only as a tourist attraction.  The Bible warns that pride is the surest route to self-destruction (Proverbs 16 .18).  Just as Petra and Edom fell, so will proud people fall.  A humble person is more secure than a proud person because humility gives a more accurate perspective of oneself and the world.

(Obadiah 4-9  Esau was named here (v. 6) because he was the father of the nation of Edom.  God did not pronounce these harsh judgments against Edom out of vengeance but in order to bring about justice.  God is morally perfect and demands complete justice and fairness.  The Edomites were simply getting what they deserved.  Because they murdered, they would be murdered.  Because they robbed, they would be robbed.  Because they took advantage of others, they would be used.  Don’t talk yourself into sin, thinking that “nobody will know” or “I won’t get caught”.  God knows all our sins, and he will be just).

Seeking it in the wrong places:

The word of the LORD came to me: “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:

“ ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,’ “  declares the LORD.

Hear the words of the LORD, O house of Jacob, all you clans of the house of Israel.

This is what the LORD says:

“What fault did your fathers find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD, who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of desert and rifts, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no-one travels and no-one lives?’  I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce.  But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.   The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me.  The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.

“Therefore I bring charges against you again,” declares the LORD.

“And I will bring charges against your children’s children. Cross over to the coasts of Kittim and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this: Has a nation ever changed its gods?  (Yet they are not gods at all.)  But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.  Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,”  declares the LORD.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.  Is Israel a servant, a slave by birth?  Why then has he become plunder?  Lions have roared; they have growled at him.  They have laid waste his land; his towns are burned and deserted.  Also, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown on your head.  Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the LORD your God when he led you in the way?  Now why go to Egypt to drink water from the Shilhor?  And why go to Assyria to drink water from the River?  Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you.  Consider then and realise how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

“Long ago you broke off your yoke and tore off your bonds; you said, ‘I will not serve you! Indeed, on every high hill and under every spreading tree you lay down as a prostitute.  I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock.  How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?  Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign LORD.

“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? See how you behaved in the valley; consider what you have done.  You are a swift she-camel running here and there, a wild donkey accustomed to the desert, sniffing the wind in her craving – in her heat who can restrain her?  Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves; at mating time they will find her.  Do not run until your feet are bare and your throat is dry.  But you said, ‘It’s no use!  I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.’

“As a thief is disgraced when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced – they, their kings and their officials, their priests and their prophets.  They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’ and to stone, ‘You have me birth.’  They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say, ‘Come and save us!’  Where then are the gods you made for yourselves?  Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble!  For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.

“Why do you bring charges against me?  You have all rebelled against me,” declares the LORD.

“In vain I punished your people; they did not respond to correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets like a ravening lion.

“You of this generation, consider the word of the LORD:

“Have I been a desert to Israel or a land of great darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to you no more’?  Does a maiden forget her jewellery, a bride her wedding ornaments?  Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.  How skilled you are at pursuing love!  Even the worst of men can learn from your ways.  On your clothes men find the lifeblood of the innocent poor, though you did not catch them breaking in.  Yet in spite of all this you say, ‘I am innocent; he is not angry with me.’  But I will pass judgment on you because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’  Why do you go about so much, changing your ways?  You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria.  You will also leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not be helped by them.

“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled?  But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers – would you now return to me?” declares the LORD.

“Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished?  By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert.  You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.  Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen.  Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame.  Have you not just called to me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth, will you always be angry?  Will your wrath continue for every?’  This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can.”  –  Jeremiah 2.1-3 .5

In this section, the marriage analogy sharply contrasts God’s love for his people with their love for other gods and reveals Judah’s faithlessness. Jeremiah condemned Judah (he sometimes called Judah “Jerusalem”, the name of its capital city) for seeking security in worthless, changeable things rather than the unchangeable God.  We may be tempted to seek security from possessions, people, or our own abilities, but these will fail us.  There is no lasting security apart from the eternal God.

Jesus is the source of:

I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”  –  John 1.34

John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus, their long-awaited Messiah. Today people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world.  Our job is to point them to Christ and to show that he is the one whom they seek.

(This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ – John 1.30. Although John the Baptist was a well-known preacher who attracted large crowds, he was content for Jesus to take the higher place.  This is true humility, the basis for greatness in preaching, teaching, or any other work we do for Christ.  When you are content to do what God wants you to do and let Jesus Christ be honoured for it, God will do great things through you).

(I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptise with the Holy spirit.’  I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” – John 1.31-34.  At Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist had declared Jesus to be the Messiah.  At that time God had given John a sign to show him that Jesus truly had been sent from God (1.33).  John and Jesus were related (see Luke 1 .36), so John probably knew who he was.  But it wasn’t until Jesus’ baptism that John understood that Jesus was the Messiah.  Jesus’ baptism is described in Matthew 3.13-17; Mark 1.9-11; and Luke 3.21, 22).

Recognizing false security:

I’ve refused to type these verse up… “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.  People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark.  Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

“It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.  But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and Sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

“It will be just like on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no-one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them.  Likewise, no-one in the field should go back for anything.  Remember Lot’s wife!  Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.  I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”  – Luke 17.26-35

Jesus warned against false security. We are to abandon the values and attachments of this world in order to be ready for Christ’s return.  His return will happen suddenly, and when he comes, there will be no second chances.  Some will be taken to be with him; the rest will be left behind.

(Luke 17.23-36 Life will be going on as usual on the day Christ returns.  There will be no warning.  Most people will be going about their everyday tasks, indifferent to the demands of God.  They will be as surprised by Christ’s return as the people in Noah’s day were by the flood).

False security of wealth:

“ When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing.  Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”

When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.   –  Luke 18.22-25

This man’s wealth made his life comfortable and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, Jesus was touching the very basis of his security and identity.  The man did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth.  Jesus does not ask all believers to sell everything they have, although this may be hi swill for some.  He does ask us all, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important than God.  If your basis for security has shifted from God to what you own, it would be better for you to get rid of those possessions.

(A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked.  “No-one is good –except God alone. Luke 18.18-19 Jesus’ question to the ruler who came and called him “Good teacher” was, in essence, “Do you know who I am?”  Undoubtedly the man did not catch the implications of Jesus’ reply – that the man was right in calling him good because Jesus truly is God).

(Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”  – Luke 18.24-27 Because money represents power, authority, and success, it is often difficult for wealthy people to realise their need and their powerlessness to save themselves.  The rich in talent or intelligence suffer the same difficulty.  Unless God reaches down into their lives, they will not come to him.  Jesus surprised some of his hearers by offering salvation to the poor; he may surprise some people today by offering it to the rich.  It is difficult for a self-sufficient person to realise his or her need and come to Jesus, but “What is impossible with men is possible with God”).

©Kingsway International Church.

Important aspect of spiritual growth:

Moses summoned all Israel and said:

Hear, O Israel, the decrees and the laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.  – Deuteronomy 5.1

The people had entered into a covenant with God, and Moses commanded them to hear, learn, and follow his statutes. Christians also have entered into a covenant with God (through Jesus Christ) and should be responsible to what God expects.  Moses’ threefold command to the Israelites is excellent advice for all God’s followers.  Hearing is absorbing and accepting information about God.  Learning is understanding its meaning and implications.  Following is putting into action all we have learned and understood.  All three parts are essential to a growing relationship with God.

May prevent you from acting wrongly:

She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant may say.  – 1 Samuel 25.24

David was in no mood to listen when he set out for Nabal’s property (25.13, 22).  Nevertheless, he stopped to hear what Abigail had to say.  If he had ignored her, he would have been guilty of taking vengeance into his own hands.  No matter how right we think we are, we must always be careful to stop and listen to others.  The extra time and effort can save us pain and trouble in the long run.

Are you listening to opinions of others:

David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.  – 1 Chronicles 13.1

David took time to confer with all his officers. As king, he had ultimate authority and could have given orders on his own, but he chose to involve others in leadership.  Perhaps this is why there was unanimous support for his decisions (13.1-5).  When we are in charge, it is tempting to make unilateral decisions, pushing through our own opinions.  But effect leaders listen carefully to others’ opinions.  Of course, we should always consult God first.  We can run into big problems if we don’t talk to him (see the note on 13.10).

God is listening to you:

Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint;

protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,

from that noisy crowd of evildoers. –  Psalms 64.1-2

We may believe that God wants to hear only certain requests from us. While it is true that we should offer praise, confession, and respectful petitions, it is also true that God is willing to listen to anything we want to tell him.  David expressed himself honestly, knowing that God would hear his voice.  God will always listen to us, and he will fully understand what we say.

With the mind and heart:

Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Mark 4.9

We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding from Jesus’ words. Some people in the crowd were looking for evidence to use against Jesus; others truly wanted to learn and grow.  Jesus’ words were for the honest seekers.

Must be followed by obedience:

But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.  – Luke 6.49

Why would people build a house without a foundation? Perhaps to save time and avoid the hard work of preparing a stone foundation.  Possibly because the waterfront scenery is more attractive or because beach houses have higher social status than cliff houses.  Perhaps because they want to join their friends who have already settled in sandy areas.  Maybe because they haven’t heard about the violent storms coming, or because they have discounted the reports, or for some reason they think disaster can’t happen to them.  Whatever their reason, those with no foundation are shortsighted, and they will be sorry.  When you find yourself listening but not obeying, what are your reasons?

How to listen to Christ:

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?  This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.  – Hebrews 2.1-3

The author called his readers to pay attention to the truth they had heard so that they wouldn’t drift away into false teachings. Paying careful attention is hard work.  It involves focusing our minds, bodies, and senses.  Listening to Christ means not merely hearing, but also obeying (see James 1.22-25).  We must listen carefully and be ready to carry out his instructions.

Important part of communication:

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  – James 1.19

When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas [mathematics] are much more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse this process.  Put a mental stopwatch [Bernard] on your conversations and keep track of how much you talk and how much you listen.  When people talk to you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value?

©Kingsway International Church.

Expect it from unbelievers:

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God [Wall]?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. – Psalms 79.10

In the end, God’s glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. For reasons that we do not know, pagan people are often allowed to scoff at believers.  We should be prepared for criticism, jokes, and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of scoffers.

(He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham. –  Psalms 78.51  This was the Passover described in Exodus 12.29, 30 when all the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain.  The “tents of Ham” refers to Noah’s second son, who was the ancestor of the Egyptians.  Ham is sometimes used as a synonym for Egypt).

(from tending the sheep of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.  – Psalms 78.71-72 Although David had been on the throne when this psalm was written, he is called a shepherd and not a king.  Shepherding, a common profession in biblical times, was a highly responsible job.  The flocks were completely dependent upon shepherds for guidance, provision, and protection.  David had spent his early years as a shepherd (1 Samuel 16.10, 11).  This was a training ground [Antagonist] for the future responsibilities [for your Gold] God had in store for him.  When he was ready, God took him from caring for sheep to caring for Israel, God’s people.  Don’t treat your present situation lightly or irresponsibly; it may be God’s training ground for your future).

(Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name – Psalms 79.6 According to the Old Testament, God’s wrath and judgment often fell on entire nations because of the sins of people within those nations.  Here Asaph pleaded for judgment on kingdoms that refused to acknowledge God’s authority.  Ironically, Asaph’s own nation of Judah was being judged by God for refusing to do this very thing (2 Chronicles 36.14-20).  These were people who had sworn allegiance to God but were now rejecting him.  This made their judgment even worse.)

(Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth – Psalms 80.1 Cherubim are mighty angels.)

(Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.  .. Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.  ..  Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.  – Psalms 80.3, 7, 19 Three times the writer calls on God to “restore us”.  Before restoration must come repentance, turning away from sin.  Repentance involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness.  As we turn to God, he helps us see ourselves, including our sin, more clearly.  Then, as we see our sin, we must repeat the process of repentance.  Only then can we constantly be restored to fellowship with God).  [“Muscles of the Body gets handed back in to us” thru a qualifications-Chase].

(Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.  – Psalms 80.17 “The man at your right hand” is probably not the Messiah, but Israel, whom God calls elsewhere his “firstborn son” (Exodus 4.22).  The psalmist is making a plea that God would restore his mercy to Israel, the people he chose to bring his message into the world).

©Kingsway International Church.