Time in the Word: Romans 3, Proverbs 27

It is not unusual for a growing disciple to say to me from time to time, “Pastor I am so unworthy. I fail so much in my Christian walk. The more I learn, the more I realize how ‘jacked up’ I really am.” It is also…even more so…common to observe an attitude among some professing believers in Christ who have “figured out” the “ins and outs” of church life…that they have somehow arrived and have risen above the fray and are now really rocking out their walk with Jesus. [Honestly, I know how different I am today than I was even a year or two ago...much less how I was in the early days of my growth as a disciple...but the more I look forward rather than back...the more I realize how far I have to go. Now that may be scary to you when you think of a pastor...if you are an outsider...or if you "have arrived," but if you are on the journey as I am...you know exactly what I just said and you can appreciate it.]

This third chapter in Romans is one I have quoted from many times…at least parts of it but there are still truths that God shows me. A few observations:

• 3:19-20. The Law is written for those under the Law…to remind them that they cannot be justified by the Law. It is not written to those outside the Law…for they know that they are not under the Law and that they are not justified by their adherence to the Law. They are not under it. [It is important to realize that Christians can easily fall into a trap of developing our own "law code" by which we feel justified. We don't "drink, smoke, or chew...or vote democrat!" (Easy tiger...I'm using an extreme illustration...to make a point). This code extends to church attendance, giving, witnessing, serving in the nursery and sacrificing for missions.) The problem is...once we develop this code- and we developed it, not God...we wonder why the "lost world" doesn't adhere to our OBVIOUSLY RIGHTEOUS standard. Here's the answer...it doesn't apply to them! Furthermore, just like the legalists of Jesus' day, the Pharisees, we can focus on what we have accomplished to such a degree...that our accomplishments become a means of self-justification and a litmus test to examine other peoples' lives by. The Pharisees were wrong...and so are Christians who adopt a "christianized law code" for themselves.]
• 3:21. Justification in the OT…yes, during the “LAW era” was also and always by faith in God which was seen in seeking to observe the Law and offering sacrifices in repentance as testimony that one was unable to keep the Law…but salvation was and is always a “faith” issue (3:21-23,24)
• 3:27. If we “amen” (agree) with the above statement, then there can never be a basis for boasting. The law of faith demonstrates that God alone justifies…not God and us. We accept. We yield. We trust in faith. We respond…but the work of salvation is done by God alone according to grace alone and is appropriated by faith alone.
• Again…keeping with the theme of the previous two chapters…this leads us to a humble submission and an acute awareness of our obligation to live without judgment toward others…and to proclaim the gospel to all peoples everywhere that God would send us! To do otherwise…or, if you prefer, to FAIL to do this…is to proclaim in our actions that we have judged others unworthy of that which by grace made us worthy before God. There is NEVER…no NEVER a justified argument for a believer who does not constantly, intentionally, and willfully share his faith in the gospel and seeks to bring all men everywhere to obedience to the faith (1:5).

Proverbs 27:14 is the takeaway today. “He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.” [My applied transliteration: You can do the right thing with the right intention in the wrong way and your efforts will be lost. How you do something is as important as the what and why.]

Time in the Word: Romans 2, Proverbs 26

In this second chapter, it is hard to make it past the first eleven verses. A quick observations in light of the first chapter. In the first chapter we saw that preaching the gospel and bringing men to obedience to the faith is an OBLIGATION in light of the grace of God’s calling. In these first verses we see that failing to fulfill this obligation is equivalent to casting judgemnent…to judging those separated from God as unworthy of the grace of God.

Such JUDGEMENT renders us JUDGED and unworthy of the grace of God.

Preaching the gospel is not a good idea. It is not a suggestion. It is our only appropriate response to the grace we’ve received. Failing to preach the gospel…evangelizing…is the most judgmental thing we could ever do…since the gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes…

I know that we live in a “live and let live world.” Our allegiance and obligation though is to another world…another Kingdom…one in which the Lord alone stands as Supreme.

Let us commit again to not judging others as unworthy. Let us commit again to proclaiming the Hope of God without prejudice and with great passion. Let us embrace our obligation and may God receive the glory.

Proverbs 26:8 is the takeaway today. “Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.”

Time in the Word: Romans 1, Proverbs 25

This morning, I decided to take a trip back to the NT and visit Romans in a chapter a day study. Honestly, I could probably do more or less Scripture, but this pace allows for some deeper meditation on some principles of God’s Word.

A few observations:

• 1:1. Paul’s calling as an apostle (lit: a “sent one”) involved being set apart for the GOSPEL…which is clearly defined as communicating the message of God’s eternal plan to save through CHRIST, the Son of God (1:2-3). [Now is some ways, Paul is unique because he was a SENT ONE (think...missionary), but in other ways...his calling and activity are like ours. There is an inherent responsibility and privilege to proclaim the gospel...if we are in fact "called" by God as His people.
• 1:5. The objective of Paul's ministry...to bring about obedience to the faith among all of the Gentiles. Gentiles are no more valuable than Jews...so this speaks of the focus that God gives us in our specific callings. We are not ALL called to do everything for ALL as individuals; however, we are ALL called as a Body (church local and universal) to engage ALL. When we do what we can, with what we have, to the glory of God...we experience the fulfillment of this idea. Peter was an apostle (sent one) to the Jews, whereas Paul was a "sent one" to the Gentiles. Together, they had the people groups covered! However, if they had both tried to reach ALL...the effectiveness would likely have been greatly diminished. FURTHERMORE: Effectiveness of ministry is measured here by OUTCOME...not ACTIVITY. Paul's objective was to bring about obedience to the faith...not hand out tracts, get a TV ministry, giveaway water bottles, or have 59 minute church services. These are MEANS to the end...but they are not the measure of success. (There is a dangerous strain of theology out there that makes is seem like OUTREACH is the same as IMPACT. It is not. IMPACT is where we're going...and OUTREACH is the way we get there.
• 1:12. There is great encouragement in being with other believers and hearing/seeing how God works in all corners of the world. (I love this part of my missions activity. I love to see God at work...and while humbling, it is an encouragement to know that he uses me to encourage other who I think pay a far greater price for their faith than I likely ever will.
• 1:14-15. There is an obligation to preach the gospel to ALL. It is not a suggestion. It is not a good idea. It is an obligation...a responsibility.
• 1:18-32. These passages have been the focus of preaching and thought and an individual unit...in many ministries...including my own. They speak of the consequences of sin and how God "gave them [unbelievers] over” to the consequences of their sin. If we’re not careful…we read these verses and we justify the imminent destruction of sinners. We say…”All are without excuse and they are going to be justly punished for their sins!” Yes…this is true…but we were supposed to be justly punished for our sins too…and yet someone, under obligation…set apart for the gospel…called by God…proclaimed the good news to us…and we responded. If we’ve responded…we are UNDER OBLIGATION to preach the gospel to those to whom we are sent. To focus on their sin and not on our own salvation and obligation…does violence to the heart of this chapter. Paul begins with grace, preaching, ALL, and obligation. He then shows us the cost of our disobedience.

APPLIED: May God stir our minds to think grace and obligation far more often and far sooner than we think just consequences. May we focus on obligation and IMPACT more than God’s judgment being rightly deserved. May we remember…that but for grace…we too would remain “given over” to depraved minds, degrading passions, and lusts of the heart.

Proverbs 25:12 is the takeaway today. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 40, Proverbs 24

In this final chapter from Exodus, we finally see the erecting of the Tabernacle. In parts are all assembled and laid out just as the Lord had prescribed. Two observations…and an application thought.

First, the consecration of the Priests, Aaron and his sons, was to separate them as ministers to God (40:13-16). Their service was to God. They ministered on behalf of the people, but they served God. This is a subtle choice of terms…since in our church culture today…the “view from the pew” is that the ministers/pastors serve the people. The pastors are there to counsel the people…to visit with the people…to entertain the people…and to teach the people what the people want to know. (Now I know this may sound a bit abrupt…and you may argue that this is not your particular view or the consensus in your church; however, trust me in this…it is far mor common than you’d like to believe and represents the majority of churches that I have ever known.)

The fact is that the pastor cannot minister to the people primarily and God secondarily. Once a pastor is consecrated, He serves the Lord. He ministers before the Lord. One of the ways he does this is by ministering to the Lord’s people…but it is only one of the ways. The NT teaches us that the pastor is an equipper of men so that they may serve God. (The presumption seems to be that they wanted to serve the Lord and relied on the pastors to equip them to do it properly…and according to the will of God.)

A question to reflect on is this: “Does my attitude about God reflect that of a servant or a spectator? Am I waiting for God to help me…or am I serving His interests?

The second observation is that the erected Tabernacle became the focal point of God’s presence. He dwelt there…visibly in the manifestation of the cloud. The Shekinah glory of God rested on the Tabernacle.

God’s presence and power was visible to the people and really…to anyone who was inside the camp. God’s power was evident to the world THROUGH His working in the people, but it was clear to all who looked on the Tabernacle…that God was there.

QUESTION: Is it clear to all who come to your church meeting that God is there? Is His presence known and evident? If not…why not? Is it because there is no consecration (setting apart for God?) Is it because of “sin in the camp? Is it something else? Is it because God has moved on and you failed to join Him?

Application: The ministry of the Tabernacle is still a vital and biblical ministry today. God still manifests His presence among His people. There are some in Christian circles today who want to diminish the role of “church”. They argue for the priesthood of the believer and the in dwelling presence of God. Some see them doing “church” in every individual activity of life. In some respect this is true…but often times, it is merely an excuse for unbiblical and radical individualism stemming from pride and a rebellious spirit. In the end we must know that “we are the church and don’t just go to church,” AND we must prioritize the corporate assembly and corporate approach to fulfilling the mission of God. Show me someone who focuses on his own thing and diminishes the role of the corporate ministry, and I’ll show you someone who has a wrong view of the Tabernacle/church ministry to God.

Proverbs 24:11 is the takeaway today. “Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. (this is one of the strongest commands for the intentional initiative of evangelism. It is never good enough in God’s mind for us to not get involved.)

Time in the Word: Exodus 39, Proverbs 23

This chapter details the fabrication of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons…down to the most intricate detail as instructed by the Lord through Moses. Following this (39:32), the craftsmen brought all of the fabricated items of clothing and those of the construction of the Tabernacle to Moses for inspection. This is the key I want to drill down on today.

In 39:43, Moses examined the work and it was all done according to God’s instrcutions…so Moses blessed them.

The standard our lives are measured by is not an internal one or a cultural one. We are measured by a divinely given standard. We find that standard in God’s Word. Moses had given the Word of God and he examined how the people had applied the Word. In the end, he blessed the people…not because of the intention of their hearts, or the attempts they had made…but because they had adhered to the Word of God.

Sometimes I wonder in our “i’m ok, you’re ok” society has not hurt us. We live in a world (especially our Christian subculture) where we don’t want to say to anyone that they failed to meet the standard. When my children were really young, our church league sports did not keep score of the games…because we wanted to focus on “how well they played” not on who won or lost. The problem is…you can play well (relatively speaking) and still not meet the standard (put more points on the board than the other team). Everyone cannot be a winner just because they had good intentions. They must meet an objective standard.

I read this week where the majority of Americans struggle over whether or not homosexuality is a sin. GOOD NEWS! Struggle no more! The Word is in…and it is an objective Word from God who is above us and as Creator…is Sovereign over us. He says, it is a sin…a lifestyle contrary to design. (By the way…so is lying, lust, gossip, adultery, drunkenness, gluttonous living, stealing, failing to live according to any aspect of God’s revealed Word…and the like.) We don’t get a vote on it. We cannot mitigate against it. All we can do is measure our conduct against this standard and agree with God. If we choose to disagree with God…we cannot call that “higher learning” or “informed expression.” We must call it outright rebellion. After all, God is still God and we are still beneath Him in the created order.

Now we don’t have to wonder if God loves us. He does. (Romans 5:8). In the midst of our active rebellion against His standard (the Word) and the One who gave the standard (Himself), Christ gave His life for us that we might appropriate the righteousness of Christ before God by seeking forgiveness and yielding control of our lives to Him. (This is…an affirmation of yieldedness to the Standard). To resist the Standard is to declare that we will have no part of yielding to God and experiencing God’s love and forgiveness. PERIOD. (I know that seems hard and matter-of-fact like…but the reason for this is because IT IS.) I am not hard…I am inspecting and measuring according to the Standard.

Moses’ role was to examine the lives/applied living of the people according to the given standard…then pronounce it good or lacking. He then blessed them because they had done all that was commanded. To expect a blessing apart from their careful obedience…is baseless and contrary to the character of God.

Now some will say, “We cannot keep the standard. Only Christ can! Are we not blessed?” Yes, those who realize this…and yield CONTINUALLY to God’s leadership/Standard do keep God’s Standard…not in their own efforts but by the accomplished work of Christ which is imputed to them. Yes…by Grace.

So…are you measuring up? Are you continually yielded or do you openly rebel? If rebellion…do not expect a blessing. There is no evidence to support your position. God’s Word teaches otherwise. If yielded…even though you are not fully accomplishing the Standard…your sanctification through repentance and faith serves as evidence of your acceptance before God…not by your efforts but by your yieldedness to Christ and His imputed righteousness to you.

Proverbs 23:17 is the takeaway today. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 37-38, Proverbs 22

In these two chapters, we find the execution of the instructions regarding the construction of the utensils and the court of the Tabernacle. Here is what stuck out to me (and it is a general impression, not an exegetical approach to any particular verse). I wonder how the workers saw their labors? For the most part, Bezalel and his right hand man, Oholiab (37:1; 38:22-23) oversaw nearly every aspect of this construction and fabrication project. For them…the assembly of acacia wood and overlaying of gold was more than another carpentry assignment…or was it? You have to land on one side or the other.

Some of US place hard divisions between the “sacred” and the “secular” areas of our lives. We are spiritually minded at church, when we read our bibles during the week, at prayer times, etc. When we are at the office though…we don’t always function from a spiritual mindset. We think that our recreation time or our hobby/entertainment time is our own. But is it?

Bezalel could have been a master craftsman who was hired to simply build furniture. He could have been like the people (all of us at times) who had hard divisions between the secular and the sacred. Perhaps he worked all day building boxes and cabinets…and this was a job for the church (so to speak). Perhaps God chose him because he was the BEST at fabricating stuff.

Or…as I personally have come to believe…he was a man who did all that he did as worship to the Lord. It did not matter if he was building a cabinet or a box for “brother Bob,” he did it to the best of his ability as unto the Lord. It was no different when he fabricated the furnishings of the Tabernacle. He did his best as unto the Lord.

When we separate the secular from the sacred, we start to see pastors and church workers as different from the rest of us. (On some level that is true…they are set apart by calling and serve almost exclusively in ministry to others who are ministering to the Lord in their everyday lives. On the other hand…a pastor is just doing what he is called to do. No more significant or important…just different in calling. If you’re a construction worker or an accountant, a nurse or a truck driver…you have a calling and you’re to pursue it in all you do to the glory of God.

When we understand our lives in this way…each of us could be Bezalel. Each of us serves God in every moment and with every breath. We are Christ’s Ambassadors…in business, government, and service. We represent Him and serve Him…regardless of where our “check” comes from. He is the approving authority in every aspect of our lives…not our employer, or our co-workers.

So…how is your WORSHIP? Not just what you do on Sunday…but the way you respond to God while serving your employer, interacting with your neighbors, and impacting your community?

Proverbs 22:2 is the takeaway today. “The rich and the poor have a common bond, the Lord is the maker of them all.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 35-36, Proverbs 21

Chapter 35 opens with another strong word about observing the Sabbath. On at least two other occasions prior to this, the Sabbath has been emphasized in similar ways. I tis a command to be observed perpetually as an act of worship. God demonstrated the rest and we, as His people, are to obey Him and to imitate Him in observing the Sabbath.

35:2 states that those who neglect to observe the Sabbath shall be put to death. This command in to the community, not to the observer…or in this case, the one failing to observe. The community is to enforce the Sabbath observance.

NOTE: I have said a few times along the way…that we struggle a bit thinking in “community” terms. We live in a highly individualistic world…focusing on our worship, our needs, our comfort, etc. We hold to our beliefs and do not desire to impose our beliefs on anyone else. We have a “live and let live” philosophy…except when we don’t .

In our NT understanding, I fear we may have de-emphasized the Sabbath to the point that we have actually dishonored God. Yes…we read where the “Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” However, that was never intended to move us to the center of God’s universe and Him to the “cosmic concierge desk” to await our instructions or requests. It was intended to remind us of the fact that God gave us a Sabbath for our good…and we are to observe it in trust of Him.

Recently, I met some folks who are rigid Sabbath observers. I believe them to be believers…and enjoyed meeting with them. They were so rigid about observing the Sabbath that they said they would not even discuss business (much less do it) on the Sabbath. Even during tax season (and he was an accountant), they observed the Sabbath rigidly. For them…it was an act of worship…and a statement of trust. By the way…it seemed to me that God blessed them in their worship.

My point is not to impose some “legalistic” standard on myself or others…but to offer for consideration: “Do you observe the instructions of God as He intended or do you justify not doing so…in order to fit better into the rest of the things you have going on?” Perhaps our “witness” would be strengthened if we were a bit more “peculiar” in comparison to our neighbors in the way that we observed and practiced our worship.

The balance of the chapter and chapter 36 bore out the priority of this worship. Moses instructed the people to engage in a “freewill” offering for the construction of the tabernacle…in giving their money/resources, as well as dedicating their talents (35:5, 29; 36:3-7). Their worship was set (Sabbath observance) and then their hearts were moved by God and for God…in such a way…that Moses had to ask them to stop giving…because there was too much to store up in the abundance of their generosity. [Consequently...I have no illustrative point of reference for this.]

Proverbs 21:2 is the takeaway today. “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but  the Lord weighs the hearts.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 34, Proverbs 20

As I read this today, two big ideas came into focus. First…the mercy and grace of God to renew a covenant that we have broken. Yes…I know these events happened thousands of years ago…but God has not changed…and for that matter…neither has the character of people. We blow it and God is merciful, gracious and good. He restores those who are fallen. Notice in the verses (34:6-9), the God’s character precedes the request for forgiveness. God does not “forgive” in response to our asking…we ASK in response to knowledge of God’s forgiveness.

The second big idea…which also follows the proclamation of God’s character…is the fact that we are to “give no quarter” to sin and sinful influences (34:11-17). When we make allowances for sinful influences, we set ourselves up for failure. Holiness is radical…and it requires a radical response toward unholiness.

Proverbs 20:7 is the takeaway today. “A righteous man who walks in his integrity, how blessed are his sons after him.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 33, Proverbs 19

In this chapter, we find the people being instructed to proceed to Canaan. However, the Lord stated that His presence would not go with them since they were obstinate (33:3).

Now remember that the people had been complaining all of this time about the condition in the desert. They would rather have been enslaved in Egypt than be in the desert. Now God tells them to proceed to the land of promise, only that He will not go with them. (I see this as another great test of faith and also as an example for us today. )

What is it that makes the Promised Land so promising? What is it that makes the People of God so different from all other people? Moses states that it is the presence of God (33:13-16). Moses says, if You do not go with us, we’ll stay here, because You are the reason we exist.

Then Moses says some powerfully instructive things for us:

The evidence of God’s favor is God’s presence. (The evidence of God’s presence is God’s power.)

Knowing God is more than knowing God’s Name. (33:13). It is knowing and keeping God’s ways.

God ‘s presence is the power in our witness of God (33:16).

God’s graciousness toward us is connected to our obedience to Him. We do not earn His favor, but He certainly is no rewarded of disobedience; so, our obedience is somewhat connected to His presence, power, and grace in our lives.

God’s graciousness is also seen sometimes in what God does not reveal to us about Himself (33:20-23).

God’s grace and compassion is wholly His call and completely according to His initiative (33:19). At the same time, God is responsive to our petitions for Him to be gracious and compassionate.

I know it is Old Testament…but we can learn a lot from Moses and these people. I fear that we get comfortable without the presence of God. I fear that sometimes we move forward in our “wisdom” and expect God to bless it by joining us. I fear that we manufacture “God sightings” at times to give the appearance that God is with us…when He has been gone for quite some time. I fear that we have, at times, lost our hunger for His presence…as if we are okay without Him. Then…we simply spiritualized our feelings by acting like we should be content with some anemic idea of what it is to walk with God. I fear that the world looks at us while we claim to be “blessed” by the power and presence of God…and they see us an an “emperor with no clothes.” They KNOW that there is nothing different about us. Finally, I fear that we won’t do the necessary and humbling things that we must to experience the power of God with us.

Proverbs 19:16 is the takeaway today. “He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of conduct will die.”

Time in the Word: Exodus 32, Proverbs 18

This chapter in Exodus is one of the most sobering for me…as a pastor. In the time Moses was absent from the people, they came to convince Aaron that Moses was probably dead…and he (Aaron) needed to act like a leader and make them a god to lead them out of the wilderness at Sinai. [Now...I doubt this took place out of the blue and all at once. I imagine there was an ongoing "meeting" of smart guys coming to Aaron to "counsel him" on what was wise for the people. {smile}] They wore him down and convinced him of their need for an idol. (Now they were just reverting to their own experience in Egypt. They had the “truth” of God’s Word…but that was at war with the experience fo their cultural experience. It is not that they set out to offend the God of Heaven…but they never really got that far into the conversation. Their lack of obedience and lack of reverence for God’s Word was offensive…but their intent (I imagine) was not to offend God.)

God pointed out that these were Moses’ people (vv.7-8). Yes they were God’s people. Yes God had given instructions. Yes it was God’s instructions that were being violated…but they were Moses’ people. [God wanted Moses to OWN the responsibility for these people. He was not to be disconnected from them. He was not above them. He was their leader.] [It would seem to me that some leaders lack the commitment to their people that God expects. For some of them...the people are an assignment. They are a duty station. They are a necessary "evil" until the leader moves on to the next ministry. NOT SO! God wanted to cement in Moses' mind that these were his people.]

Notice that God, after reaffirming that these were Moses’ people, threatened to destroy them and start over. Moses objected and argued that doing so would defame God’s Name! (Moses interceded for these people for the glory of God’s Name.) And now we see the intended motivation for every godly leader…lead YOUR people in the right path for the glory of God’s Name. Doing so (contra to Aaron’s actions) means not taking an opinion poll from the people. People cannot lead themselves…lest they not need a leader at all. It means NOT acquiescing to political pressure or personal fears. It means doing the right thing…if only understood by you and God alone. PERIOD!

Notice 32:21. “Aaron, what did these people do to you (that was so bad) that you would lead them to this destruction (which they willingly asked for)? WOW! What a convicting question.

Aaron’s lack of action as a leader led the people to cast off restraint (32:25) and to begin acting as if they were in charge of themselves. What a horrible commentary. The results…and yes, I believe this is reflective of the leader’s inaction as well as the actions of the people…is the death of 3,000 men of the people (32:28).

The next major statement that strikes me is in 32:32. “God, if you won’t forgive them…then condemn me as well.” [Now there is a leader who knows that these are his people.]

Proverbs 18:17 is the takeaway today. “The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.”