II Peter 3:11-18
I installed a water treatment system on a log house northeast of Durango, Colorado. It is located about four and a half miles off the nearest major road, and the road is so steep that my work truck could hardly climb it. The house sets in the edge of the forest, in a beautiful location, getting it’s water from two wells.
When the county issued the building permit, they required that a fire protection system and sprinklers be put in the house with adequate storage because there was no way the fire department could arrive in time to save the house. The fire system alone required about two thousand gallons of water storage, a huge pump, and a full sprinkler system, costing a huge amount of money.
These requirements were made after the Missionary Ridge fire burned about thirty homes. Such large forest fires are uncommon, but the possibility that another one could happen prompted the requirements. God has warned of the judgment to fall on the earth, including the final burning the earth itself. Believing that it is coming, it is stupid not to take measures to protect ourselves when it happens.
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (II Peter 3:11-13)
We know that the world is going to be destroyed because of the wickedness of mankind. We also know that Christ died to make propitiation for our sins. We can by faith receive that salvation, and deliverance from the power of sin, as Romans 6:6 declares, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” To go back and live in sin after being saved is as if the owner of the house decided it would be alright to start build a campfire in the middle of the living room because the Fire protection system would keep it from burning down the house.
Although the house might be saved, the fire, smoke and water damage would never be completely erased, Seriously reducing the value and pleasure in the home for as long as it stood. Building the fire would be a really stupid thing to do for a person who intended to keep the house. Going back into sin will seriously affect our eternity, and thus is a really stupid thing for a person who believes in eternal life to do. Romans 6:15-16 asks, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
An owner who set his house on fire because the fire protection system would stop it from burning down would almost have to be drunk or high on drugs, thinking only of the moment. A sober person would consider the impact over a longer term. A person who is looking for God’s kingdom will be focused beyond the pleasure of the moment.
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (II Peter 3:14-16)
If we believe that we are going to spend eternity with the Lord, and appreciate what he has done, there will be an effort to find out what he wants and do it. John 14:21 states, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:…” A person who doesn’t care enough to find out what God wants or to do it doesn’t love the Lord. Knowing what God wants requires more than a superficial scanning of the scriptures, and many don’t care enough to study it thoroughly. If we don’t, we may be led to believe something other than the truth ourselves, no longer depending on Christ for our righteousness, but on our own efforts and understanding.
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:17-18)
To avoid falling away, it will be necessary to increase in our knowledge of him, allowing him to produce changes in us. II Corinthians 3:18 states, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” He will get the glory because it is him that changes us. As Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Showing posts with label II Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label II Peter. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It’s Still Going to Happen*
II Peter 3:8-10
Moving to the reservation used to be a real shock to most Americans. Everything was on Navajo time. When we first came, almost no one had a watch. Time was determined by location of the sun or moon. Only the few who had watches knew when it was eight o’clock. For everyone else, it was just around eight. They had no way of identifying the exact time, and as far as herding sheep and raising corn were concerned, it was more than adequate to estimate the hour.
To a society that had been raised where everything started at the exact minute, it was frustrating. Navajos had a different concept of time than most Americans, because they had no way of precise measurement. As a result, most Americans were frustrated in their attempts to impose their attitude about time on the Navajo people.
All humans are bound by time. We are born on a particular day. The sun rises and sets, establishing a period of time called a day. Movements of the earth and moon establish other divisions of time such as months and years. One day we die and our life ends. Time is a major element for us. We have invented accurate clocks that measure minutes and seconds, and some measure millionths of a second. Minutes and seconds are totally human inventions. While they are quite convenient for measuring time, there is no natural standard for it, and thus it is impossible to keep track of without a clock.
On other planets and moons, the standards are different than on earth. A Lunar day lasts twenty eight earth days. A day on Mars is Mars is thirty nine minutes longer than a day on earth, but a year is 687 days long, or nearly twice as long as an earth year. We realize that concepts of time would be different if we lived on Mars than it is on earth.
God is an eternal being, according to Daniel 33:27. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:” He was already there when the world was created according to Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. John 1:1-2 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." He was literally the beginning of the earth, and will be the ending of the earth, as he said in Revelation 22:13. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Hebrews 7:3 describes the priest Melchisedec as “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”
Just as a minute or second has no real meaning without a measure, a day had no meaning until God created the first day. That he uses the present tense I am in revelation 22:13, rather than saying I was the beginning, and I will be the ending implies that to him there is no real binding of time. For us, time is a one way linear progression, like sand running out of an hourglass. We can reverse the hour glass, putting the sand back but not putting time back. God on the other hand is able to reverse the hourglass and put the time back as well. He can also alter our measures of time. Joshua 10:13-14 describes him as stopping the setting of the sun. II Kings 20:9-11 describes him as making it back up about forty minutes on the sundial. He had to change the earth’s rotation in both cases. Unlike humans, God is not controlled by time. Understanding this will affect our faith.
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:8-9)
Just as the Navajo concept of time was difficult for modern Americans to understand, I is difficult for us to understand God’s concept. As a result, we can become frustrated and impatient, deciding he has forgotten his promise, and giving up, just as many other people did in dealing with the Navajos. We need to be aware of the difference in our understanding of time. Too often we are like the little child asking “are we there yet?”.
God has deliberately delayed his coming to give unbelievers an opportunity to change their mind, because he does not want anyone to have to suffer, but if they refuse, he will judge. Romans 2:4-6 explains, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” The delay does not indicate a change in plans.
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (II Peter 3:10)
Jesus said that if a man knew what time a thief would come, it would be easy to stop him. The problem is that we don’t and have to be ready at any time. The fact that he didn’t come when we most expected him doesn’t mean he isn’t coming. We still need to be ready. Jesus told the disciples “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” in Acts 1:7.
God is going to judge the earth exactly as he said. When eh said the earth will be burned up, some question whether that means literally, but he said the elements, the molecular elements such as carbon, helium, silicone, and iron would melt. Pure iron melts at nearly 5,000 degrees, and silicone melts at a still higher temperature. Pure carbon melts at about 6,700 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point everything else has already burned up or evaporated.
Revelation 6:12-14 describes some of the other events that will occur just before the earth burns. “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”
If there was a forest fire headed toward my home, I would prepare to fight the fire or evacuate as needed. Knowing that these things are coming in the future, I do not want to be caught unprepared.
Moving to the reservation used to be a real shock to most Americans. Everything was on Navajo time. When we first came, almost no one had a watch. Time was determined by location of the sun or moon. Only the few who had watches knew when it was eight o’clock. For everyone else, it was just around eight. They had no way of identifying the exact time, and as far as herding sheep and raising corn were concerned, it was more than adequate to estimate the hour.
To a society that had been raised where everything started at the exact minute, it was frustrating. Navajos had a different concept of time than most Americans, because they had no way of precise measurement. As a result, most Americans were frustrated in their attempts to impose their attitude about time on the Navajo people.
All humans are bound by time. We are born on a particular day. The sun rises and sets, establishing a period of time called a day. Movements of the earth and moon establish other divisions of time such as months and years. One day we die and our life ends. Time is a major element for us. We have invented accurate clocks that measure minutes and seconds, and some measure millionths of a second. Minutes and seconds are totally human inventions. While they are quite convenient for measuring time, there is no natural standard for it, and thus it is impossible to keep track of without a clock.
On other planets and moons, the standards are different than on earth. A Lunar day lasts twenty eight earth days. A day on Mars is Mars is thirty nine minutes longer than a day on earth, but a year is 687 days long, or nearly twice as long as an earth year. We realize that concepts of time would be different if we lived on Mars than it is on earth.
God is an eternal being, according to Daniel 33:27. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:” He was already there when the world was created according to Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. John 1:1-2 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." He was literally the beginning of the earth, and will be the ending of the earth, as he said in Revelation 22:13. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Hebrews 7:3 describes the priest Melchisedec as “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”
Just as a minute or second has no real meaning without a measure, a day had no meaning until God created the first day. That he uses the present tense I am in revelation 22:13, rather than saying I was the beginning, and I will be the ending implies that to him there is no real binding of time. For us, time is a one way linear progression, like sand running out of an hourglass. We can reverse the hour glass, putting the sand back but not putting time back. God on the other hand is able to reverse the hourglass and put the time back as well. He can also alter our measures of time. Joshua 10:13-14 describes him as stopping the setting of the sun. II Kings 20:9-11 describes him as making it back up about forty minutes on the sundial. He had to change the earth’s rotation in both cases. Unlike humans, God is not controlled by time. Understanding this will affect our faith.
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:8-9)
Just as the Navajo concept of time was difficult for modern Americans to understand, I is difficult for us to understand God’s concept. As a result, we can become frustrated and impatient, deciding he has forgotten his promise, and giving up, just as many other people did in dealing with the Navajos. We need to be aware of the difference in our understanding of time. Too often we are like the little child asking “are we there yet?”.
God has deliberately delayed his coming to give unbelievers an opportunity to change their mind, because he does not want anyone to have to suffer, but if they refuse, he will judge. Romans 2:4-6 explains, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” The delay does not indicate a change in plans.
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (II Peter 3:10)
Jesus said that if a man knew what time a thief would come, it would be easy to stop him. The problem is that we don’t and have to be ready at any time. The fact that he didn’t come when we most expected him doesn’t mean he isn’t coming. We still need to be ready. Jesus told the disciples “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” in Acts 1:7.
God is going to judge the earth exactly as he said. When eh said the earth will be burned up, some question whether that means literally, but he said the elements, the molecular elements such as carbon, helium, silicone, and iron would melt. Pure iron melts at nearly 5,000 degrees, and silicone melts at a still higher temperature. Pure carbon melts at about 6,700 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point everything else has already burned up or evaporated.
Revelation 6:12-14 describes some of the other events that will occur just before the earth burns. “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”
If there was a forest fire headed toward my home, I would prepare to fight the fire or evacuate as needed. Knowing that these things are coming in the future, I do not want to be caught unprepared.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Does The Expert Know?
II Peter 3:1-7
My mom grew up in the heart of the dustbowl, at Campo Colorado. As a child, there were still deserted homes, traces of old buried fence lines, and many old CCC projects still around. While little was said about the dustbowl, most adults remembered it, and became quite tense when dust started blowing. As a child, I remember going to town, and having to shovel dust out of the house when we got home.
I have been interested in reading Timothy Eagan’s book, The Worst Hard Time, describing the experiences of people during the period and comparing it with the experiences of my own family. It is troubling to realize how many hard working and devoted people lost everything they had, often including their lives as a result of the dust.
The really shocking thing are the causes. Long before the area was settled, various Indian tribes had lived in the area, following the buffalo and living well. There are evidences that at times some had tried farming and found it only minimally successful. Spanish explorers surveyed the land and concluded that it was not suitable for farming, but would work well for raising livestock. A few Spanish and Mexican families settled in the area to do so.
When the United States obtained the land as a result of the Louisiana Purchase, Calvary officers and surveyors concluded that the land was not suitable for widespread cultivation because the annual rainfall averaged less than twenty inches per year, and the continual wind evaporated much of the moisture from unprotected ground, which then blew away. Ranchers and cowboys working in the same area came to the same conclusion, soon learning that they had to limit even the number of cattle to keep from overgrazing and causing wind erosion.
Despite the experiences and warnings of those already in the area, real estate people began promoting that the land was cheap and a fortune could be made, enticing thousands into the area. The homestead act was expanded to encourage more people to move into the area as well. A period of a above average rainfall caused great grass crops, making the land look extra productive. Old timers were not able to warn people before they bought, and were ignored when they did.
War and drought in Europe and other areas created demand that pushed the price of wheat to record levels, and the wet years caused bumper crops. Machinery became available to do much of the work and huge profits were made for about five years. Speculators called suitcase farmers rented as much land as possible, and planted wheat with no concern except for the profit they would make.
The war overseas ended, and demand for wheat dropped, leaving huge surpluses an the price dropped below the cost of producing it. Those who were just out to get as much as possible simply walked away leaving the land bare. When the wet period ended, those who remained had trouble producing a crop at all. Huge areas of bare topsoil were exposed to the wind and blew away. It was largest and most expensive disaster our nation ever experienced.
The entire disaster occurred because over three hundred years experience and warnings were ignored. In their pride, people became convinced that the new crops would cause the unusual rainfall to continue., or that special methods of farming, such as dust mulching would overcome the lack. As things began to decline, the Government guaranteed wheat prices, encouraging them to plant more, and ignoring growing concern by farmers, and agricultural experts.
Millions of people fell for the promoters claims and never checked them out. Peter wrote this letter because he was concerned that Christians would fall for claims by those with no real knowledge, who gained a popular following. His intent was to remind them of the reality, and get them to listen to instruction from people who knew the truth.
“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (II Peter 3:1-4)
Promoters and self styled experts convinced people that the rainfall would remain at the abnormally high levels and the demand for wheat would maintain record prices, enabling everyone to get rich. The same attitude has caused the present financial crisis. By looking into history, we can see similar spiritual crises. Man can only go so far before God causes things to be put right. Deliberately ignoring that only results in disaster, yet man chooses not to know.
“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (II Peter 3:5-7)
Evidence for a world wide flood abounds. There are legends in every ancient culture of a worldwide flood. Fossils and petrified wood require rapid burial and hardening of stone. The huge canyons such as Grand canyon indicate they were formed when the rock was not yet hardened. Every evidence of seven ice ages can be explained by a single world wide flood. The formation of coal, and oil are more consistent with a flood than with the evolutionary theory.
A friend of mine married a man who was involved in studying the effects of the Mount St. Helens collapse. He visited and studied the initial collapse, then returned ten years later to document the changes. As a result he became convinced that the modern claims of historical geology to prove evolution are bogus, and became a Christian. Nevertheless, many choose to believe in evolution.
Paul wrote about this in Romans 1:20-23. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” There is no excuse for falling for the lie. Man makes his own choice.
My mom grew up in the heart of the dustbowl, at Campo Colorado. As a child, there were still deserted homes, traces of old buried fence lines, and many old CCC projects still around. While little was said about the dustbowl, most adults remembered it, and became quite tense when dust started blowing. As a child, I remember going to town, and having to shovel dust out of the house when we got home.
I have been interested in reading Timothy Eagan’s book, The Worst Hard Time, describing the experiences of people during the period and comparing it with the experiences of my own family. It is troubling to realize how many hard working and devoted people lost everything they had, often including their lives as a result of the dust.
The really shocking thing are the causes. Long before the area was settled, various Indian tribes had lived in the area, following the buffalo and living well. There are evidences that at times some had tried farming and found it only minimally successful. Spanish explorers surveyed the land and concluded that it was not suitable for farming, but would work well for raising livestock. A few Spanish and Mexican families settled in the area to do so.
When the United States obtained the land as a result of the Louisiana Purchase, Calvary officers and surveyors concluded that the land was not suitable for widespread cultivation because the annual rainfall averaged less than twenty inches per year, and the continual wind evaporated much of the moisture from unprotected ground, which then blew away. Ranchers and cowboys working in the same area came to the same conclusion, soon learning that they had to limit even the number of cattle to keep from overgrazing and causing wind erosion.
Despite the experiences and warnings of those already in the area, real estate people began promoting that the land was cheap and a fortune could be made, enticing thousands into the area. The homestead act was expanded to encourage more people to move into the area as well. A period of a above average rainfall caused great grass crops, making the land look extra productive. Old timers were not able to warn people before they bought, and were ignored when they did.
War and drought in Europe and other areas created demand that pushed the price of wheat to record levels, and the wet years caused bumper crops. Machinery became available to do much of the work and huge profits were made for about five years. Speculators called suitcase farmers rented as much land as possible, and planted wheat with no concern except for the profit they would make.
The war overseas ended, and demand for wheat dropped, leaving huge surpluses an the price dropped below the cost of producing it. Those who were just out to get as much as possible simply walked away leaving the land bare. When the wet period ended, those who remained had trouble producing a crop at all. Huge areas of bare topsoil were exposed to the wind and blew away. It was largest and most expensive disaster our nation ever experienced.
The entire disaster occurred because over three hundred years experience and warnings were ignored. In their pride, people became convinced that the new crops would cause the unusual rainfall to continue., or that special methods of farming, such as dust mulching would overcome the lack. As things began to decline, the Government guaranteed wheat prices, encouraging them to plant more, and ignoring growing concern by farmers, and agricultural experts.
Millions of people fell for the promoters claims and never checked them out. Peter wrote this letter because he was concerned that Christians would fall for claims by those with no real knowledge, who gained a popular following. His intent was to remind them of the reality, and get them to listen to instruction from people who knew the truth.
“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (II Peter 3:1-4)
Promoters and self styled experts convinced people that the rainfall would remain at the abnormally high levels and the demand for wheat would maintain record prices, enabling everyone to get rich. The same attitude has caused the present financial crisis. By looking into history, we can see similar spiritual crises. Man can only go so far before God causes things to be put right. Deliberately ignoring that only results in disaster, yet man chooses not to know.
“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (II Peter 3:5-7)
Evidence for a world wide flood abounds. There are legends in every ancient culture of a worldwide flood. Fossils and petrified wood require rapid burial and hardening of stone. The huge canyons such as Grand canyon indicate they were formed when the rock was not yet hardened. Every evidence of seven ice ages can be explained by a single world wide flood. The formation of coal, and oil are more consistent with a flood than with the evolutionary theory.
A friend of mine married a man who was involved in studying the effects of the Mount St. Helens collapse. He visited and studied the initial collapse, then returned ten years later to document the changes. As a result he became convinced that the modern claims of historical geology to prove evolution are bogus, and became a Christian. Nevertheless, many choose to believe in evolution.
Paul wrote about this in Romans 1:20-23. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” There is no excuse for falling for the lie. Man makes his own choice.
Monday, August 9, 2010
No Water At The Well
II Peter 2:17-22
Several years ago, I took a group to see the cliff dwellings in St. Michaels, Arizona. Most of the kids didn’t take any water, and after a couple hours of hiking around, became quite thirsty. Driving back we passed the old hand pumped well and stopped so the kids could get a drink. Apparently the pump had lost it’s prime, and would not pump any water. After pumping a while everyone was a lot thirstier, and we were desperate to get back to the house for a drink. The half hour drive seemed to take forever.
The well indicated the water we needed was available and led us to further expend time and energy trying to get it, and making us worse off than before. False teachers are like that old well. They divert us from the truth with promises of things we want, and use our energy in fruitless effort.
“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” (II Peter 2:17-18)
Most businesses use targeted advertising, because they know that the most likely buyers fit a certain profile. Whether you are selling cars, furniture, toys, shoes, or drugs, knowing what the customer wants makes it much simpler. Shoe manufacturer, for example, have found that by making a shoe appeal to a certain age group, they can get a premium price. A pair of five hundred dollar Nike basketball shoes provide the same protection and traction as a twenty-five dollar pair of Spalding basket ball shoes. They do not promise the same social prestige, and it is the prestige some people are after.
In a similar way, false teachers focus on specific desires and adjust their teaching to satisfy those wants, whether for more material belongings, a higher spiritual level than others, or an exclusive place in heaven. There is always that appeal to be better than other people in some way. The idea of being a better Christian than others is especially appealing to those with a sincere desire to serve God, who have turned to Christ and away from sin.
Some false teachers are like Balaam, knowing God, but so craving what they desire that they are willing to modify God’s word to attain it. Others are like Jezebel, not believing in God at all and ths free to teach anything they think will accomplish their goals. More complete descriptions can be found in the Messages to the Churches. While the teachers promise spiritual and financial freedom, they are slaves to their own lusts, and controlled ultimately by sin.
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” (II Peter 2:19)
Romans 16;17-18 to avoid those who deliberately cause division because they are serving their own lusts. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” The problem is that as Romans 6:16 says, when we become slaves to what we serve. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Hebrews 10:26-27 warns of the danger of deliberately turning away from God. “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” When they knowingly and deliberately turn away there is no longer any hope of turning them back to Christ.
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” (II Peter 2:20-21)
Judas Iscariot gives us a great example of what Peter is talking about. In Acts 1:16-17, Peter himself said that Judas was considered one of them and had a part in their ministry. “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.” This despite the fact that in John 6:20, shortly after calling him, Jesus himself said he was a devil. “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 12:6 states that Judas’ interest was in the rewards, not the ministry, because he was a thief. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” While praying in the garden, before he was betrayed Jesus referred to him as the ‘son of perdition,’ in John 17:12. “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”
Judas was one of the twelve who went out, performing miracles and casting out devils in Mark 6:6-13, helping at the feeding of the five thousand, and watching all the miracles. In spite of this Jesus still said he wasn’t one of them, and he turned against the Lord. I John 2:19 makes it clear that while they were considered as part those who turn back really weren’t part. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” As he says, if they had been part of us, they would not have gone back to the old life.
“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (II Peter 2:22)
Though they can act like a Christian for a while, the old nature will eventually overcome the training and they revert back to acting what they really are. They have not lost their salvation, it just becomes obvious they weren’t really saved.
Several years ago, I took a group to see the cliff dwellings in St. Michaels, Arizona. Most of the kids didn’t take any water, and after a couple hours of hiking around, became quite thirsty. Driving back we passed the old hand pumped well and stopped so the kids could get a drink. Apparently the pump had lost it’s prime, and would not pump any water. After pumping a while everyone was a lot thirstier, and we were desperate to get back to the house for a drink. The half hour drive seemed to take forever.
The well indicated the water we needed was available and led us to further expend time and energy trying to get it, and making us worse off than before. False teachers are like that old well. They divert us from the truth with promises of things we want, and use our energy in fruitless effort.
“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” (II Peter 2:17-18)
Most businesses use targeted advertising, because they know that the most likely buyers fit a certain profile. Whether you are selling cars, furniture, toys, shoes, or drugs, knowing what the customer wants makes it much simpler. Shoe manufacturer, for example, have found that by making a shoe appeal to a certain age group, they can get a premium price. A pair of five hundred dollar Nike basketball shoes provide the same protection and traction as a twenty-five dollar pair of Spalding basket ball shoes. They do not promise the same social prestige, and it is the prestige some people are after.
In a similar way, false teachers focus on specific desires and adjust their teaching to satisfy those wants, whether for more material belongings, a higher spiritual level than others, or an exclusive place in heaven. There is always that appeal to be better than other people in some way. The idea of being a better Christian than others is especially appealing to those with a sincere desire to serve God, who have turned to Christ and away from sin.
Some false teachers are like Balaam, knowing God, but so craving what they desire that they are willing to modify God’s word to attain it. Others are like Jezebel, not believing in God at all and ths free to teach anything they think will accomplish their goals. More complete descriptions can be found in the Messages to the Churches. While the teachers promise spiritual and financial freedom, they are slaves to their own lusts, and controlled ultimately by sin.
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” (II Peter 2:19)
Romans 16;17-18 to avoid those who deliberately cause division because they are serving their own lusts. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” The problem is that as Romans 6:16 says, when we become slaves to what we serve. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Hebrews 10:26-27 warns of the danger of deliberately turning away from God. “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” When they knowingly and deliberately turn away there is no longer any hope of turning them back to Christ.
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” (II Peter 2:20-21)
Judas Iscariot gives us a great example of what Peter is talking about. In Acts 1:16-17, Peter himself said that Judas was considered one of them and had a part in their ministry. “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.” This despite the fact that in John 6:20, shortly after calling him, Jesus himself said he was a devil. “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 12:6 states that Judas’ interest was in the rewards, not the ministry, because he was a thief. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” While praying in the garden, before he was betrayed Jesus referred to him as the ‘son of perdition,’ in John 17:12. “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”
Judas was one of the twelve who went out, performing miracles and casting out devils in Mark 6:6-13, helping at the feeding of the five thousand, and watching all the miracles. In spite of this Jesus still said he wasn’t one of them, and he turned against the Lord. I John 2:19 makes it clear that while they were considered as part those who turn back really weren’t part. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” As he says, if they had been part of us, they would not have gone back to the old life.
“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (II Peter 2:22)
Though they can act like a Christian for a while, the old nature will eventually overcome the training and they revert back to acting what they really are. They have not lost their salvation, it just becomes obvious they weren’t really saved.
Friday, August 6, 2010
What Kind of Fruit Do They Have?
I Peter 2:9-16
When I was in third grade. We had the old time desks with had the seat mounted on the desk behind it. Some kids thought it was really funny to wiggle their seat when one was trying to write an assignment, messing up the penmanship and causing mistakes. Some teachers never caught on and blamed the victim for sloppiness or disrupting the class if they retaliated. Other teachers watched more closely, and would straighten the problem out immediately, punishing the one causing the problem.
Like the better teachers, the Lord is alert to what is going on. He knows the ones who are trying to lead others astray for their own benefit. He also knows the ones who have been deceived and are ignorantly leading others astray convinced they are right.
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” (II Peter 2:9-11)
Judgment will be especially severe for those who in their arrogance have boldly condemned true teachers, convinced they could not be wrong themselves. These false teachers go where angels fear to tread, accusing God’s men of heresy and blasphemy, when the angels would not dare to make such accusations against the false teachers. Jesus said, Mt 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” in Matthew 7:20, and their unspiritual attitude gives them away.
"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time.” (II Peter 2:12-13a)*
A wolf, acting on his natural instincts, may attack and kill an entire flock of sheep, having no concept that the sheep belong to a shepherd. To protect his flock the shepherd may be forced to kill the wolf once he finds out how easy it is to kill a sheep. These false teachers, with no understanding of the truth attack true doctrine and it’s teachers in an effort to turn away believers, and will be destroyed by God, just like the rest of the wicked. Their religion will be no protection.
"Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” (II Peter 2:13b-16)
I just opened a repacked box of strawberries I bought at Walmart, and ate one. It tasted horrible. Near the center of the box was a berry covered with what appears to be a fungus. Apparently, though I couldn’t see it, the fungus had spread to the berry I tasted. The false teachers are like the fungus, concealing themselves among those who believe the truth, and infecting everyone possible.
In Romans 16:17-18, Paul instructed the Roman Christians, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Peter describes them as lacking spiritual power to cease from sin, having their eyes full of adultery, whether physical or spiritual, and working for what they covet, rather than to please God.
Numbers 22-24 tells the story of Balaam. After God forbid him to go with Balak, Balaam kept asking God to allow him to go. When God granted permission if certain conditions were met, Balaam ignored the conditions God gave and went anyway because he wanted to attain a high position with Balak’s government, with the accompanying financial rewards. After his donkey had demonstrated more spiritual insight than Balaam, he ignored the angel’s warning not to speak anything except what God had said in an effort to salvage something. Explaining why he couldn’t curse Israel and to justify himself with Balak, he revealed the reason for God’s blessings, and Balak used that against Israel. It cost him his life in Numbers 31.
Like Balaam, these false teacher are more concerned with attaining their goals than with what God actually said. They don’t hesitate to ignore or change the interpretation of scripture that contradicts their position. Titus 3:10-11 instructs us not to waste time trying to change the belief of someone who is committed to their position. “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” He is not interested in the truth, but in promoting his position.
__________
* Notice that the separation of the verses is according to the original punctuation, ending at a period, whereas the verse divisions in both cases end at a semicolon, indicating the thought is not complete. Verse divisions were added by man later for convenience, and were not inspired by God. While it does not greatly affect interpretation of this passage, observing the punctuation can greatly affect the understanding of other scriptures. The punctuation should always be checked.
When I was in third grade. We had the old time desks with had the seat mounted on the desk behind it. Some kids thought it was really funny to wiggle their seat when one was trying to write an assignment, messing up the penmanship and causing mistakes. Some teachers never caught on and blamed the victim for sloppiness or disrupting the class if they retaliated. Other teachers watched more closely, and would straighten the problem out immediately, punishing the one causing the problem.
Like the better teachers, the Lord is alert to what is going on. He knows the ones who are trying to lead others astray for their own benefit. He also knows the ones who have been deceived and are ignorantly leading others astray convinced they are right.
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” (II Peter 2:9-11)
Judgment will be especially severe for those who in their arrogance have boldly condemned true teachers, convinced they could not be wrong themselves. These false teachers go where angels fear to tread, accusing God’s men of heresy and blasphemy, when the angels would not dare to make such accusations against the false teachers. Jesus said, Mt 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” in Matthew 7:20, and their unspiritual attitude gives them away.
"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time.” (II Peter 2:12-13a)*
A wolf, acting on his natural instincts, may attack and kill an entire flock of sheep, having no concept that the sheep belong to a shepherd. To protect his flock the shepherd may be forced to kill the wolf once he finds out how easy it is to kill a sheep. These false teachers, with no understanding of the truth attack true doctrine and it’s teachers in an effort to turn away believers, and will be destroyed by God, just like the rest of the wicked. Their religion will be no protection.
"Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” (II Peter 2:13b-16)
I just opened a repacked box of strawberries I bought at Walmart, and ate one. It tasted horrible. Near the center of the box was a berry covered with what appears to be a fungus. Apparently, though I couldn’t see it, the fungus had spread to the berry I tasted. The false teachers are like the fungus, concealing themselves among those who believe the truth, and infecting everyone possible.
In Romans 16:17-18, Paul instructed the Roman Christians, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Peter describes them as lacking spiritual power to cease from sin, having their eyes full of adultery, whether physical or spiritual, and working for what they covet, rather than to please God.
Numbers 22-24 tells the story of Balaam. After God forbid him to go with Balak, Balaam kept asking God to allow him to go. When God granted permission if certain conditions were met, Balaam ignored the conditions God gave and went anyway because he wanted to attain a high position with Balak’s government, with the accompanying financial rewards. After his donkey had demonstrated more spiritual insight than Balaam, he ignored the angel’s warning not to speak anything except what God had said in an effort to salvage something. Explaining why he couldn’t curse Israel and to justify himself with Balak, he revealed the reason for God’s blessings, and Balak used that against Israel. It cost him his life in Numbers 31.
Like Balaam, these false teacher are more concerned with attaining their goals than with what God actually said. They don’t hesitate to ignore or change the interpretation of scripture that contradicts their position. Titus 3:10-11 instructs us not to waste time trying to change the belief of someone who is committed to their position. “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” He is not interested in the truth, but in promoting his position.
__________
* Notice that the separation of the verses is according to the original punctuation, ending at a period, whereas the verse divisions in both cases end at a semicolon, indicating the thought is not complete. Verse divisions were added by man later for convenience, and were not inspired by God. While it does not greatly affect interpretation of this passage, observing the punctuation can greatly affect the understanding of other scriptures. The punctuation should always be checked.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
II Peter 2:1-8
As God’s priests, we are responsible for knowing and doing what he wants in a way that is pleasing to him. It is why he gave the instructions he gives about understanding his word and was so detailed in what he commanded. Jesus warned repeatedly that there would be those who deliberately misled people. In their effort to mislead, he said they would disguise themselves to appear as real Christians in Matthew 7:15-16. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" According to Matthew 24:24 they will do things that make them appear to be greater Christians than the real ones. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
When Jesus announced that he would betrayed by one of his disciples, all of them asked if it would be them. Jesus clearly identified Judas as the one, they thought Judas could not be the one. Almost any of the others were more likely. John 13:26-29 tells the story. “Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.” They selected Judas to keep the bag because they trusted him so much, and they couldn’t believe it could be him. False teachers and prophets appear the same way.
Paul says it shouldn’t surprise us that they disguise themselves since Satan himself appears as an angel in II Corinthians 11:13-15. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Peter stresses that the false prophets will be right among us, in our own organizations. They deliberately teach false doctrine, and stir up controversies to gain a following and weaken or destroy the church. Some even go so far as to deny that Jesus is the son of God, or that we are saved by believing in him. They do this while pretending to believe in Christ.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (II Peter 2:1)
Titus 1:7-11 describes the qualifications to be considered before a man is selected to pastor a church. It is essential that he believes and practices sound, proper doctrine because there are so many false teachers according to verses 10-11. “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.” He will need to be securely grounded in the truth to prevent them from leading others astray by sound teaching. The false teachings are taught for profit, either by obtaining money from their hearers, or to improve their standing in their group.
Unfortunately, many have not learned the truth, and are susceptible to their wicked and dangerous ways, doing the same things. They face the same judgment if they do. Because they do wickedly, while claiming to be Christians, they cause Christianity to be hated, using the church to further their own agenda.
“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (II Peter 2:2-3)
In the messages tot eh churches in Revelation, The Lord referrs to three different false teachers who are turning Christians away and warns the churches that they need to stop tolerating them. If they continue to allow their teaching, God will dystrophy both the false teachers and those who adhere to their teachings. The church at Pergamos had two groups of false teachers. Thyatira only had one group, but it was even further from the truth. A more in depth look at their teachings can be found in the Messages to Churches sectionof this blog. That their judgment is sure is clear from how God has dealt with other sin.
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” (II Peter 2:4-8)
Hebrews 10:29-31 asks, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
The best way to protect ourselves or others from being drawn away from the truth is taking the time to study the scriptures for ourselves, and finding out exactly what God meant. According to I Corinthians 2:14, we would not normally be capable of understanding the things of God. Jesus promised that we would receive the Holy Spirit to teach us in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” He will use the things We learned from Christ via the apostles. He will guide us to the truth according to John 16:13. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” As we have already seen, he has provided a way for us to check out our understanding.
Peter tells us that some of these things are going to be hard to understand, especially in Paul’s writings, and that those who don’t take the time to study thoroughly will distort them in II Peter 3:16. “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
As God’s priests, we are responsible for knowing and doing what he wants in a way that is pleasing to him. It is why he gave the instructions he gives about understanding his word and was so detailed in what he commanded. Jesus warned repeatedly that there would be those who deliberately misled people. In their effort to mislead, he said they would disguise themselves to appear as real Christians in Matthew 7:15-16. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" According to Matthew 24:24 they will do things that make them appear to be greater Christians than the real ones. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
When Jesus announced that he would betrayed by one of his disciples, all of them asked if it would be them. Jesus clearly identified Judas as the one, they thought Judas could not be the one. Almost any of the others were more likely. John 13:26-29 tells the story. “Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.” They selected Judas to keep the bag because they trusted him so much, and they couldn’t believe it could be him. False teachers and prophets appear the same way.
Paul says it shouldn’t surprise us that they disguise themselves since Satan himself appears as an angel in II Corinthians 11:13-15. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Peter stresses that the false prophets will be right among us, in our own organizations. They deliberately teach false doctrine, and stir up controversies to gain a following and weaken or destroy the church. Some even go so far as to deny that Jesus is the son of God, or that we are saved by believing in him. They do this while pretending to believe in Christ.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (II Peter 2:1)
Titus 1:7-11 describes the qualifications to be considered before a man is selected to pastor a church. It is essential that he believes and practices sound, proper doctrine because there are so many false teachers according to verses 10-11. “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.” He will need to be securely grounded in the truth to prevent them from leading others astray by sound teaching. The false teachings are taught for profit, either by obtaining money from their hearers, or to improve their standing in their group.
Unfortunately, many have not learned the truth, and are susceptible to their wicked and dangerous ways, doing the same things. They face the same judgment if they do. Because they do wickedly, while claiming to be Christians, they cause Christianity to be hated, using the church to further their own agenda.
“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (II Peter 2:2-3)
In the messages tot eh churches in Revelation, The Lord referrs to three different false teachers who are turning Christians away and warns the churches that they need to stop tolerating them. If they continue to allow their teaching, God will dystrophy both the false teachers and those who adhere to their teachings. The church at Pergamos had two groups of false teachers. Thyatira only had one group, but it was even further from the truth. A more in depth look at their teachings can be found in the Messages to Churches sectionof this blog. That their judgment is sure is clear from how God has dealt with other sin.
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” (II Peter 2:4-8)
Hebrews 10:29-31 asks, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
The best way to protect ourselves or others from being drawn away from the truth is taking the time to study the scriptures for ourselves, and finding out exactly what God meant. According to I Corinthians 2:14, we would not normally be capable of understanding the things of God. Jesus promised that we would receive the Holy Spirit to teach us in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” He will use the things We learned from Christ via the apostles. He will guide us to the truth according to John 16:13. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” As we have already seen, he has provided a way for us to check out our understanding.
Peter tells us that some of these things are going to be hard to understand, especially in Paul’s writings, and that those who don’t take the time to study thoroughly will distort them in II Peter 3:16. “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
II Peter 1:19-21
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” (II Peter 1:19)
If you have read the writings of some of the people who are considered great religious leaders, many of their teaching are vague and unclear as to what was actually intended. As a result, only those who are specially trained or called, the priests, can understand. The Bible is the Word of God, and is in a form that can be readily understood. According to Revelation 1:5-6, Jesus Christ has made each believer a priest. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
As priests, it is our business to know what God has commanded and fulfill those commands. I Peter 2:9 describes the responsibility. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” In order to know what is required, God has given us the scriptures. II Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Peter was very specific that we need to pay attention to what the scriptures teach us. Knowledge of the scriptures will provide everything we need to fulfill our priestly obligations. II Timothy 2:15 commands, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” A priest who hasn’t bothered to learn his responsibilities will surely be ashamed when he stands before God, because the information was available to him. He can’t blame others for not teaching him.
There is a lot of confusion over what various passages mean. Because it is so easy to misunderstand or misinterpret what is meant, God has provided a way for us to check our understanding. Peter explains what is needed to avoid misunderstanding.
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:20-21)
God is the author of the book, directing each writer what to write. If the omniscient God directed all the writing, there can be no contradictions or paradoxes. The word translated “private” means that no passage of scripture can be separated out and interpreted by itself. It must be interpreted in accordance with other scripture. Thus, every doctrine must have more than one passage supporting it. Any apparent contradictions or paradoxes are the result of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Let’s look at an example to see how this works.
Peter was preaching to the Jews on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Since we regularly say things such as “I left the car at the garage for repairs” meaning in order for it to be repaired, it is only logical to understand that we must be baptized in order to be saved.
In Romans 10:9-10, however, Paul states, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” His statement is very clear that baptism is not necessary. Just to make sure there‘s no question, Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Either Paul is teaching a lie, or Peter is teaching a lie, or we have misinterpreted one of the verses. Since it was God who directed them what to write, the only possibility is the last one. Since Romans doesn’t allow much room for different interpretation, we look back at Acts 2:38 to see if we made a mistake there.
Since our interpretation hangs on the usage of the word ‘for’, we check that out first. While the usage we tried first is the most common, it is also correct to say “the man was sent to prison for murder.” Obviously, he was not sent to prison to be murdered, or to murder someone, so he must have been sent because he had murdered already. If we use ‘for’ the same way in Acts 2:38, we find that they are to be baptized because they are saved.
Obviously this eliminates the contradiction between Peter’s and Paul’s statements, but does it lead to other problems? It fits better with John 3:16, 18, and 36 than the original interpretation, and eliminates the problem of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43.
What happens if we compare it with Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” If they were saved by believing and got baptized because they were, then they are saved. There’s no problem.
Before I can state categorically that this is the correct interpretation, I need to check it against every other passage dealing with salvation and Baptism, but the results so far indicate that it probably is. Any conflict with other scripture will require checking my interpretation of both passages, and then comparing the results to all the other passages.
The primary reason for doctrinal conflicts is an unwillingness to search the scriptures thoroughly with an open mind. Acts 17:11 says the Bereans were great Christians because they did so. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” If we are to be great Christians, and approved of God, we need to check everything we are taught, with the awareness that we may have been mistaken. Simply finding a few verses that appear to support our position is not enough.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” (II Peter 1:19)
If you have read the writings of some of the people who are considered great religious leaders, many of their teaching are vague and unclear as to what was actually intended. As a result, only those who are specially trained or called, the priests, can understand. The Bible is the Word of God, and is in a form that can be readily understood. According to Revelation 1:5-6, Jesus Christ has made each believer a priest. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
As priests, it is our business to know what God has commanded and fulfill those commands. I Peter 2:9 describes the responsibility. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” In order to know what is required, God has given us the scriptures. II Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Peter was very specific that we need to pay attention to what the scriptures teach us. Knowledge of the scriptures will provide everything we need to fulfill our priestly obligations. II Timothy 2:15 commands, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” A priest who hasn’t bothered to learn his responsibilities will surely be ashamed when he stands before God, because the information was available to him. He can’t blame others for not teaching him.
There is a lot of confusion over what various passages mean. Because it is so easy to misunderstand or misinterpret what is meant, God has provided a way for us to check our understanding. Peter explains what is needed to avoid misunderstanding.
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:20-21)
God is the author of the book, directing each writer what to write. If the omniscient God directed all the writing, there can be no contradictions or paradoxes. The word translated “private” means that no passage of scripture can be separated out and interpreted by itself. It must be interpreted in accordance with other scripture. Thus, every doctrine must have more than one passage supporting it. Any apparent contradictions or paradoxes are the result of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Let’s look at an example to see how this works.
Peter was preaching to the Jews on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Since we regularly say things such as “I left the car at the garage for repairs” meaning in order for it to be repaired, it is only logical to understand that we must be baptized in order to be saved.
In Romans 10:9-10, however, Paul states, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” His statement is very clear that baptism is not necessary. Just to make sure there‘s no question, Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Either Paul is teaching a lie, or Peter is teaching a lie, or we have misinterpreted one of the verses. Since it was God who directed them what to write, the only possibility is the last one. Since Romans doesn’t allow much room for different interpretation, we look back at Acts 2:38 to see if we made a mistake there.
Since our interpretation hangs on the usage of the word ‘for’, we check that out first. While the usage we tried first is the most common, it is also correct to say “the man was sent to prison for murder.” Obviously, he was not sent to prison to be murdered, or to murder someone, so he must have been sent because he had murdered already. If we use ‘for’ the same way in Acts 2:38, we find that they are to be baptized because they are saved.
Obviously this eliminates the contradiction between Peter’s and Paul’s statements, but does it lead to other problems? It fits better with John 3:16, 18, and 36 than the original interpretation, and eliminates the problem of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43.
What happens if we compare it with Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” If they were saved by believing and got baptized because they were, then they are saved. There’s no problem.
Before I can state categorically that this is the correct interpretation, I need to check it against every other passage dealing with salvation and Baptism, but the results so far indicate that it probably is. Any conflict with other scripture will require checking my interpretation of both passages, and then comparing the results to all the other passages.
The primary reason for doctrinal conflicts is an unwillingness to search the scriptures thoroughly with an open mind. Acts 17:11 says the Bereans were great Christians because they did so. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” If we are to be great Christians, and approved of God, we need to check everything we are taught, with the awareness that we may have been mistaken. Simply finding a few verses that appear to support our position is not enough.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Why Do We believe That?
II Peter 1:10-18
Several years ago, I applied for a job with Dineh Construction in Tse Bonito, New Mexico. The owner, Johnny, liked my qualifications, bu the hired me because he had worked alongside my father almost thirty years before. He was sure he could trust me because of what my dad stood for. He also was sure I would learn what ever was needed to do the job, simply because I was my father’s son. While it was a tremendous compliment, it set high expectations. My own actions would indicate whether I really was the man my father was. Living up to those expectations clearly established that I was like my dad, and I was kept on even after most other employees were laid off. When Johnny retired, he was instrumental in my getting a different job.
As children of God, people have reason to expect certain behavior, just as Johnny did of me. Failure to live up to those expectations would have cast serious doubt on my love for my father. A failure to live up to what is expected of God’s children brings our love for him into question. John 14:23-24 explains, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
By consciously trying to live up to the expectations Johnny had, I clearly demonstrated my closeness to my dad, but in addition, I ensured steady employment. In a similar way, living up to the expectations God has set ensures that we will not turn away, and that we will not be embarrassed when we come into the Lord’s presence. A friend of mine, Cecil Hubbard used to say some of the guys he worked with almost had to back up to the pay window to get their check because they’d done so little. A lot of people will have the same feeling entering heaven.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:10-11)
My parents spent a lot of time and effort making sure we knew what was expected of us. They punished us less severely than some other parents, and perhaps the worst was having Dad say, “I’m disappointed in you.” A beating would have been preferred.
Other kids had far harder times because they didn’t know what was expected and so could not be sure what they were doing was acceptable. Many parents are inconsistent, letting behavior slide one time and punishing it severely the next, or getting discouraged with repeated behavior and beginning to ignore it. Some are just capricious, with no real standard other than what appeals to them at the moment. Their children have a hard time determining what is acceptable or not. Consistency is far more important than severity of punishment, but there is a tendency to emphasize severity and neglect consistency, because it is easier.
Just as children need to know exactly what their parents expect, Christians need to know exactly what God expects of them. Not knowing leads to one of three things. It may lead to apathy, because they can‘t do anything right anyway, to fear because they know they are going to be in trouble no matter what they do, or to rebellion because since they are going to be in trouble anyway, they just do something bad enough to make it worthwhile.
Many groups today want to set their own standards. As a result people are confused about what God expects. Romans 14 addresses the general problem, while I Corinthians 4-14 deals with specific examples. Peter is aware of the Christian’s need to know what is required, and that he will not always be there to correct them, although he will as long as he can. As a result, he is putting these things into writing so when he is no longer present, they will have a standard to refer back to. Without a written standard, the message begins to change, just in the old game “gossip,” where a message is whispered to the person next you, and thus passed around the room. The last person then tells what he heard, and it is compared to what was originally said. The message changes as it is passed from person to person, and sometimes the final message is totally different than the original. Only by checking the original can one be sure what was intended.
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” (II Peter 1:12-15)
Like the message in “gossip,” tradition changes as it is passed along, and the only way to keep it pure is by referring back to the original records. Most non biblical writings about the church were written after 300 A.D., and thus are subject to 300 years of potential changes. It is these traditions that the Catholic bases much of their doctrine on. Protestant traditions have 1300 or more years of potential change, except where they have adopted some prior tradition. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for replacing God’s command with their traditions in Matthew 15:1-9, asking, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” Mark 7:9 says, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
The reasons for many traditions are forgotten over time, and they become just a ritual. As a teenager, I could not understand why when someone died in a house, the Navajos moved out, and traditional ones tore out the back wall so no one would live there. Younger Navajos could only explain that it was tradition and they had to do it. Only later did I understand that the pathogens causing Bubonic plague, Smallpox, and many other communicable diseases could remain in the dwelling, and by moving out and making it uninhabitable they could prevent the spread of the disease. What had at first seemed quite silly was very logical when considered in the light of it’s intended purpose. They tradition was not just some capricious standard. Our beliefs have a similar historical basis, if we go back to the original teachings.
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” (II Peter 1:16-18)
John goes into greater detail as to the basis for their teachings in I John 1:1-5. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
It is those teachings and experiences that our traditions or beliefs are to be based on, and to which Paul referred when he said, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” in II Thessalonians 2:15. He commanded, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we(the apostles) have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” in Galatians 1:8-9.
Several years ago, I applied for a job with Dineh Construction in Tse Bonito, New Mexico. The owner, Johnny, liked my qualifications, bu the hired me because he had worked alongside my father almost thirty years before. He was sure he could trust me because of what my dad stood for. He also was sure I would learn what ever was needed to do the job, simply because I was my father’s son. While it was a tremendous compliment, it set high expectations. My own actions would indicate whether I really was the man my father was. Living up to those expectations clearly established that I was like my dad, and I was kept on even after most other employees were laid off. When Johnny retired, he was instrumental in my getting a different job.
As children of God, people have reason to expect certain behavior, just as Johnny did of me. Failure to live up to those expectations would have cast serious doubt on my love for my father. A failure to live up to what is expected of God’s children brings our love for him into question. John 14:23-24 explains, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
By consciously trying to live up to the expectations Johnny had, I clearly demonstrated my closeness to my dad, but in addition, I ensured steady employment. In a similar way, living up to the expectations God has set ensures that we will not turn away, and that we will not be embarrassed when we come into the Lord’s presence. A friend of mine, Cecil Hubbard used to say some of the guys he worked with almost had to back up to the pay window to get their check because they’d done so little. A lot of people will have the same feeling entering heaven.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:10-11)
My parents spent a lot of time and effort making sure we knew what was expected of us. They punished us less severely than some other parents, and perhaps the worst was having Dad say, “I’m disappointed in you.” A beating would have been preferred.
Other kids had far harder times because they didn’t know what was expected and so could not be sure what they were doing was acceptable. Many parents are inconsistent, letting behavior slide one time and punishing it severely the next, or getting discouraged with repeated behavior and beginning to ignore it. Some are just capricious, with no real standard other than what appeals to them at the moment. Their children have a hard time determining what is acceptable or not. Consistency is far more important than severity of punishment, but there is a tendency to emphasize severity and neglect consistency, because it is easier.
Just as children need to know exactly what their parents expect, Christians need to know exactly what God expects of them. Not knowing leads to one of three things. It may lead to apathy, because they can‘t do anything right anyway, to fear because they know they are going to be in trouble no matter what they do, or to rebellion because since they are going to be in trouble anyway, they just do something bad enough to make it worthwhile.
Many groups today want to set their own standards. As a result people are confused about what God expects. Romans 14 addresses the general problem, while I Corinthians 4-14 deals with specific examples. Peter is aware of the Christian’s need to know what is required, and that he will not always be there to correct them, although he will as long as he can. As a result, he is putting these things into writing so when he is no longer present, they will have a standard to refer back to. Without a written standard, the message begins to change, just in the old game “gossip,” where a message is whispered to the person next you, and thus passed around the room. The last person then tells what he heard, and it is compared to what was originally said. The message changes as it is passed from person to person, and sometimes the final message is totally different than the original. Only by checking the original can one be sure what was intended.
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” (II Peter 1:12-15)
Like the message in “gossip,” tradition changes as it is passed along, and the only way to keep it pure is by referring back to the original records. Most non biblical writings about the church were written after 300 A.D., and thus are subject to 300 years of potential changes. It is these traditions that the Catholic bases much of their doctrine on. Protestant traditions have 1300 or more years of potential change, except where they have adopted some prior tradition. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for replacing God’s command with their traditions in Matthew 15:1-9, asking, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” Mark 7:9 says, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
The reasons for many traditions are forgotten over time, and they become just a ritual. As a teenager, I could not understand why when someone died in a house, the Navajos moved out, and traditional ones tore out the back wall so no one would live there. Younger Navajos could only explain that it was tradition and they had to do it. Only later did I understand that the pathogens causing Bubonic plague, Smallpox, and many other communicable diseases could remain in the dwelling, and by moving out and making it uninhabitable they could prevent the spread of the disease. What had at first seemed quite silly was very logical when considered in the light of it’s intended purpose. They tradition was not just some capricious standard. Our beliefs have a similar historical basis, if we go back to the original teachings.
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” (II Peter 1:16-18)
John goes into greater detail as to the basis for their teachings in I John 1:1-5. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
It is those teachings and experiences that our traditions or beliefs are to be based on, and to which Paul referred when he said, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” in II Thessalonians 2:15. He commanded, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we(the apostles) have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” in Galatians 1:8-9.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Producing More Fruit
II Peter 1:5-11
While in Bible college, I rented a small house outside town, adjoining a wooded area. That summer, the landlady told me that there were blackberry bushes, gooseberries, and various fruit trees in the woods, and that I was welcome to pick as much as I wanted.
Growing up on the reservation, I didn’t know much about different fruits, and had to examine the bushes and trees for their different fruit to tell what kind of trees they were. The fruit was nearly all very small, and heavily infested with insects, making much of it unusable, but I was able to save enough to make a huge difference in our grocery bill the following winter. The landlady said I was the first renter to ever go to the trouble of picking and using any of the fruit.
After graduation, I learned several things I could have done that would have significantly improved the yield. Pruning some of the trees would have actually produced more fruit by eliminating dying limbs which sapped the trees of nutrients and protecting the fruit from insects and birds. Not doing those things, I was only able to harvest what grew wild, but that was more than previous renters had gotten.
Nothing I could do would make the fruit. That could only be done by the proper tree or bush. They naturally produced some fruit every year, even though nobody used any most years. Simply for the effort to pick it, I was able to reap quite a bit. By researching and acting on what I learned, I could have gotten a great deal more fruit, possibly supplementing our income by selling the surplus.
There is a similarity between the fruit trees and the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can produce spiritual fruit, and he will produce regardless of any persons efforts. Our efforts, on the other hand, can greatly enhance the results of the Holy Spirit’s action. We can simply settle for salvation through faith, or we can actively participate in maximizing the fruit Just as I could have done with the fruit trees. Galatians 5:22-25 describes the fruit and our need to participate in it’s production. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
For lack of a better way of describing it, the fruit of the Spirit is a collection of attitudes he produces in us. No one benefited from the trees producing fruit until someone picked it, Spiritual fruit produces little or no benefit until some effort is put into walking in the Spirit, actively doing what the Spirit directs. Peter lists essentially the same fruit and promises similar results.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (II Peter 1:5-9)
The Holy Spirit produces the attitude in our heart, but unless we trust God by faith and act on that attitude, it serves no useful purpose. The actions are our works. Just as James 2:19-26 describes our actions as completing and perfecting our faith, they complete and perfect the fruit in our lives. A lack of action leaves the reality of our salvation into question.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:10-11)
Philippians 2:5-11 directs us to have the attitude which Christ had, reviewing what it was like. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all describe the Holy spirit coming on Christ, and Luke 4:1 describes him as “being full of the Holy Ghost,” and “led of the Spirit.” Philippians 2:12-13 directs us to act in accordance with that attitude, completing and establishing evidence of our salvation. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The Greek word translated ‘work out’ means ‘to work fully, to finish, or to accomplish’. Our works do not save us but they do demonstrate whether our faith is real. Without the attitude, the works are just a pretence, much like a guy buying a girl flowers in order to seduce her with no intention of marrying her.
While in Bible college, I rented a small house outside town, adjoining a wooded area. That summer, the landlady told me that there were blackberry bushes, gooseberries, and various fruit trees in the woods, and that I was welcome to pick as much as I wanted.
Growing up on the reservation, I didn’t know much about different fruits, and had to examine the bushes and trees for their different fruit to tell what kind of trees they were. The fruit was nearly all very small, and heavily infested with insects, making much of it unusable, but I was able to save enough to make a huge difference in our grocery bill the following winter. The landlady said I was the first renter to ever go to the trouble of picking and using any of the fruit.
After graduation, I learned several things I could have done that would have significantly improved the yield. Pruning some of the trees would have actually produced more fruit by eliminating dying limbs which sapped the trees of nutrients and protecting the fruit from insects and birds. Not doing those things, I was only able to harvest what grew wild, but that was more than previous renters had gotten.
Nothing I could do would make the fruit. That could only be done by the proper tree or bush. They naturally produced some fruit every year, even though nobody used any most years. Simply for the effort to pick it, I was able to reap quite a bit. By researching and acting on what I learned, I could have gotten a great deal more fruit, possibly supplementing our income by selling the surplus.
There is a similarity between the fruit trees and the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can produce spiritual fruit, and he will produce regardless of any persons efforts. Our efforts, on the other hand, can greatly enhance the results of the Holy Spirit’s action. We can simply settle for salvation through faith, or we can actively participate in maximizing the fruit Just as I could have done with the fruit trees. Galatians 5:22-25 describes the fruit and our need to participate in it’s production. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
For lack of a better way of describing it, the fruit of the Spirit is a collection of attitudes he produces in us. No one benefited from the trees producing fruit until someone picked it, Spiritual fruit produces little or no benefit until some effort is put into walking in the Spirit, actively doing what the Spirit directs. Peter lists essentially the same fruit and promises similar results.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (II Peter 1:5-9)
The Holy Spirit produces the attitude in our heart, but unless we trust God by faith and act on that attitude, it serves no useful purpose. The actions are our works. Just as James 2:19-26 describes our actions as completing and perfecting our faith, they complete and perfect the fruit in our lives. A lack of action leaves the reality of our salvation into question.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:10-11)
Philippians 2:5-11 directs us to have the attitude which Christ had, reviewing what it was like. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all describe the Holy spirit coming on Christ, and Luke 4:1 describes him as “being full of the Holy Ghost,” and “led of the Spirit.” Philippians 2:12-13 directs us to act in accordance with that attitude, completing and establishing evidence of our salvation. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The Greek word translated ‘work out’ means ‘to work fully, to finish, or to accomplish’. Our works do not save us but they do demonstrate whether our faith is real. Without the attitude, the works are just a pretence, much like a guy buying a girl flowers in order to seduce her with no intention of marrying her.
Getting to Know the Lord
II Peter 1:1-4
I Peter was written especially to Gentile Christians living in Gentile cities with little Jewish influence, focusing especially on situations they would face. II Peter, also written by the apostle, is written to deal with problems every Christian faces. It is for everyone who depends on Christ for their righteousness, through faith.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” (II Peter 1:1)
It is generally conceded that we tend to become more like those we associate with. We begin to adopt their standards of dress, speech, and morality, as well as their attitude if we are not careful. Choosing our associates has a tremendous effect on how we will develop in life. Wise parents try to help their children find friends who will encourage proper behavior and attitudes.
Who we associate with as Christians will have a singular effect on our spiritual development. For example, Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Many Christian leaders are in constant conflict, trying to convince others they are right. James 3:16 warns, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” II Timothy 2:24-25 commands, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
To avoid being led into such behavior we need to associate with people who do not do them. Jesus Christ is the example we are to follow, a perfect example. II Corinthians 3:18 promises that Getting to know the Lord will result in our becoming increasingly like him. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Friendship depends on getting to know the attitudes and opinions of the other person. That takes communication, listening and understanding what is being said. Far too often the focus is all on talking, rather than listening. We talk to the Lord by prayer, but we listen primarily by reading his word and allowing him to speak to us through it. Real friendship cannot develop if one refuses to listen, insisting on doing all the talking, because they never get to know the other person. Christ already knows us far better than we will ever know him on earth. but if we listen, the Holy Spirit will teach us, and the fruit of the Spirit will begin to develop in our life.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (II Peter 1:2-4)
Our very existence is dependent on God’s action, as Acts 17:28 states, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being;…” He has made us holy and given us salvation by his power, not our efforts, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
He has made us independent from the power of sin, giving us power to live a sin free life as Romans 8:2- 13 states. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:2-13)
God has provides every thing for both our physical and our spiritual life. Getting to know the Lord and observe his attitudes changes our attitudes, and develops and understanding of how to apply his teachings. We stop resisting the Holy Spirit’s efforts to change us so much, becoming more like him.
I Peter was written especially to Gentile Christians living in Gentile cities with little Jewish influence, focusing especially on situations they would face. II Peter, also written by the apostle, is written to deal with problems every Christian faces. It is for everyone who depends on Christ for their righteousness, through faith.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” (II Peter 1:1)
It is generally conceded that we tend to become more like those we associate with. We begin to adopt their standards of dress, speech, and morality, as well as their attitude if we are not careful. Choosing our associates has a tremendous effect on how we will develop in life. Wise parents try to help their children find friends who will encourage proper behavior and attitudes.
Who we associate with as Christians will have a singular effect on our spiritual development. For example, Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Many Christian leaders are in constant conflict, trying to convince others they are right. James 3:16 warns, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” II Timothy 2:24-25 commands, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
To avoid being led into such behavior we need to associate with people who do not do them. Jesus Christ is the example we are to follow, a perfect example. II Corinthians 3:18 promises that Getting to know the Lord will result in our becoming increasingly like him. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Friendship depends on getting to know the attitudes and opinions of the other person. That takes communication, listening and understanding what is being said. Far too often the focus is all on talking, rather than listening. We talk to the Lord by prayer, but we listen primarily by reading his word and allowing him to speak to us through it. Real friendship cannot develop if one refuses to listen, insisting on doing all the talking, because they never get to know the other person. Christ already knows us far better than we will ever know him on earth. but if we listen, the Holy Spirit will teach us, and the fruit of the Spirit will begin to develop in our life.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (II Peter 1:2-4)
Our very existence is dependent on God’s action, as Acts 17:28 states, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being;…” He has made us holy and given us salvation by his power, not our efforts, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
He has made us independent from the power of sin, giving us power to live a sin free life as Romans 8:2- 13 states. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:2-13)
God has provides every thing for both our physical and our spiritual life. Getting to know the Lord and observe his attitudes changes our attitudes, and develops and understanding of how to apply his teachings. We stop resisting the Holy Spirit’s efforts to change us so much, becoming more like him.
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