What about the rebels in the church?

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:7–16)

Yesterday’s description of church leaders put an emphasis on knowing the Word of God and being kind and gentle, not argumentative. This passage recognizes that not all people respond to kindness. They take advantage of it, even attend services for no other reason than to cause trouble. 

Many relocations gave us experience in all sorts of churches, some glorified the Lord and were filled with godly people who served Him and one another. However, that was not always the case. Pastors and leaders must deal with disobedient believers as well as those who say they know God but their way of life is a mockery.

Rather than give examples of such rebels, I’m thinking how important to pray for leaders. The rebels will be critical and even tell lies about them. Rather than listen to such things, far better to support those who need to rebuke those who contradict godly living by their totally selfish and even evil actions. Obeying this discipline often gets more flack than the people being rebuked because some think leaders are supposed to be kind and loving, not negative in any way, or that they are sinners too and have no right to judge.

Jesus tossed the tables of money-changers and charged them with turning the house of God into a den of thieves. He rebuked the Pharisees for their twisted teaching. How much more to speak against hypocrisy, evil, disobedient, liars and lazy people who do nothing but cause trouble in the church?

Being kind and nice to those who dishonor God and ignore His Word gives them a green light. However, like Jesus who died for sinners, godly people must give up what seems more comfortable and “nice” if God asks us to turn that light bright red. It may not stop them but even if they “run through it” the Lawgiver on His throne will ultimately deal with such rebellion.

Lord, today I feel sad. There is so much lawlessness in the world and so much disapproval of those who expose it or stand against it. Sometimes those who do are accused of being the bad guys. I am not without hope. Your Word says, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4) I might not be in a position to rebuke, but You urge me to pray. Only You know who might turn from sin because of those who refuge to rubber-stamp evil.

 

What God approves…

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:15–26)

Most people want to feel useful. If age or illness or other reasons rob a person of a good reason for being here, discouragement, even death thoughts come in. Yet being useful to God has a greater caviet than abilities. I like this passage for it is a clear job description for me. I’m not a pastor nor do I hold a position in our church, yet this makes it clear that is not the criteria for leading others out of darkness and into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The first one is rightly handling the Word of truth. This week we had lunch with a cult member. He has most of the qualities listed here but this one. His belief system is founded on salvation by works, giving Jesus no role except a role model, yet not even that. This means he must ignore plain statements like this one:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Another example is that he believes there is no heaven after death. While he rightly thinks that God’s people will dwell in a renewed earth, he says after someone dies, they are in the grave until that happens. This ignores what Jesus said to the thief on the cross and this: “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) plus other passages.

For those who put their faith in Christ, being useful to Him means avoiding sin, and pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, not arguing over anything but being kind to all. This means correcting errors with gentleness and hope that God 
will bring them to their senses and out of the devil’s snare, and his lies that keep them in the dark.

During that lunch, this cult member asked about my education. When I told him I had a degree in theology, the expression on his face changed drastically. We could not interpret it only that he “needed to go now” so there was no more conversation about his beliefs.

Lord Jesus, You know the heart of this man. Is his understanding lost to many lies, or is he seeking You? Whatever is going on, may Your Spirit convict him that being a nice person is not the criteria for a relationship with You. He needs to recognize who You are and what You have done as well, and put his faith totally in You. His own ideas and works will not grant him the righteousness and eternal life that You alone can give. 

 

God’s Word is never helpless…

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:8–13)

Paul was in prison when he wrote this so there were many things he could not do. He was not free to speak in the local market place or the usual places of worship. But he knew that when he spoke the Word of God, even prison walls could not stop God from using it in the lives of those who heard him.

Corrie Ten Boom comes to mind. She was in prison too, but not only that, the prison was full of fleas. Yet God used that to isolate her and others giving her freedom to share the Word of God to needy hearts.

Joni Erikson Tada was paralyzed from the shoulders down. She needed others to bathe her, comb her hair, and brush her teeth. Yet when she spoke the Word of God, others listened and were saved. She was restricted but the Word of God was not.

While my life is no comparison to those women, I am encouraged that speaking what God says can change lives. My handicap is a damaged heart that needs a pacemaker to keep it beating, yet not enough to restore normal strength. I need far more sleep than the average person and can sleep anywhere, even with much noise. While some envy this, they do not know the weakness that it comes with nor how much I rely on God to do even the simple chores of life.

Prisons are not walls. They are those things that keep a person from fulfilling their dreams, even from living a normal life. Paul had another one:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

Being in a prison of weakness often produces self-pity. No one likes to feel helpless, yet I understand this man’s ability to be content with it. Such a prison forces me to rely on the Lord. He helps me seem normal to others rather than making them feel sorry for me or over-burdened. He gives me a sense of humor when I don’t feel like laughing. Some days He just helps me put one foot in front of the other. In all this I know the truth of:

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29–31)

In the prisons of life, learning their purpose makes them a greater freedom than being able to do anything all by myself. 

Jesus, some days I give in to the helplessness and thank You for a hubby who is able and willing to help me. There may come a day he will not be here to do that, or I will not be here to burden him, but the important thing is realizing that Your Word is not weak or unable to do what You want it to do. You never sleep and You always accomplish Your will. Thank You so much for faith that knows this is true and grace that show me the power of what You say!

 

Trusting God with what He entrusts to me

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:4–14)

We just finished a weekend of celebrating my hubby’s birthday with our three adult children at an incredible location. They sacrificed time and money to make it a wonderful time with a large amount of laughter. 

This passage made me wonder if I taught them enough or did all that I should have done as a Christian mother, yet it does have an encouraging word for that concern. Paul points to Jesus: “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . . . for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 

God gave me motherhood, and He gives me additional tasks, not “because of my works but because of His own purpose and grace” and I know that “He is able to guard…that which has been entrusted to me.”

In other words, their faith life, maturity included, is in His hands. It always has been, from and even before they were born. While other parents look for church attendance or other Christian actions, I see in them the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, even self-control. They do not practice some spiritual disciplines like others, yet I see an attitude toward life and lack of fear that many do not have, and a loving care for people that is even rarer.

This displays what I want to see but it is not up to me. God is taking care of what I was entrusted with. This is an example of His sovereignty that assures His people that no matter what is going on, He is still in charge, still God, and still working out His plan. It may not look like it at times, but His ways are not my ways. 

Paul knew that and told Timothy that he could share in suffering, whatever kind of suffering he might experience, because of the power of God. His mom shared her faith with him and that meant he was now under the plan and care of God, no matter what happened in his life. 

Lord Jesus, I’d like to see ‘heaven on earth’ at times, but that is not Your plan for most of us. I need the trials to not only test my faith, but develop it and guard all that You have entrusted to me. Some need to see my example. Some need to know that You use all things for good. Whatever You allow in my life has value — not just to keep my heart in the right place, but so I can say to others that I am convinced You are guarding all that has been entrusted to me and that I am able to entrust back to You.

 

Godly and mature leaders required…

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1–7)

This topic is out of my territory except to say how important to have exemplary leaders. How can I be a sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable person without models? My mentor, a lovely woman, was such a blessing. She modeled all that she taught.

However, I recall reading Christian books as a new believer and felt like the people in those books were fictional characters. Thankfully, my husband’s work took us to many places and we attended many churches where it was easy to drop the “fictional” tag because there were leaders who fit the above description.

Yes, there are failures too. Consider how most of the biblical leaders failed too. The only plus side of that is that confession and forgiveness along with cleansing reveals the  merciful grace of God.

Even with that understanding, how important to rely on the Holy Spirit and live as He directs. This is not legalism or any sort of rule keeping. Godliness excludes all hypocrisy. I am thankful for godly leaders in our current church who rely on the Word of God to put priority on the important things. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

This is an incredible goal that draws me and that I long to reach.

Jesus, thank You that Your life in us makes possible the attitudes and qualities necessary to live in such a way that others are motivated to do the same, but not only that, to glorify You.    

 

When Jesus comes…

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12)

This person is often called the ”Antichrist” yet that term is more about an attitude according to several verses in 1 John For example:

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. (1 John 2:18)
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)
… and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (1 John 4:3)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. (2 John 7)
It is as if the attitude of being against Christ makes a person antichrist. So does that practice of lawlessness that goes with that attitude: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)

While Jesus described signs of the times as events, this deception could be a greater indication when He will return. For one thing, lawlessness in the world is a greater threat to His people. Law has protected many, at least in some countries, so that Christians can worship freely. However, “law” is now making illegal the proclamation of some Bible truths. When will lawlessness be preferred over faith in the Lord?

The Christians of Thessalonica thought Jesus had already come. That is a deception of a kind, but worse is the delusion of not being able to believe in Him  because sin is the preferred choice. God can open blind eyes, yet there is no hope for those who love sin. 

Jesus, there are a few people on my prayer list who have mocked You or openly set in a sinful pattern. Yet past history shows that You can show mercy. You died for us while we were still sinners. I pray that those who are locked in to a strong delusion would be miraculously released… for their good and Your glory.

Praising the One who earns it…

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. . . .  when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:3–12)

A few weeks ago a friend praised another Christian and I responded that God is amazing for doing that work in her life. My words were ignored, maybe unexpected, but at the time I was frustrated with people getting credit for what God has done.

When I read the first part of this passage, it surprised me that Paul was boasting about the Christians in Thessalonica, yet as it goes on, he made certain that his readers knew their godly lives gave glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. They would not be steadfast in their faith apart from Him.

Praising people was bothering me because of being aware how I  like having my ego stroked. This not what being a strong Christian is about. Those who received this letter were praised because of the power of God. So was the woman I heard being praised. She has endured much, things that would make the average person likely flee or fall apart. However, she herself knows that her survival is due to Jesus Christ, not her own resources, and she would be the first to say so. 

Actually, I’ve no idea what goes on in the hearts of others when they are given the praise that Jesus deserves. I just know that my focus is diverted from adoring Him and being thankful to the strong sense of pride seeping in, and soon I will have sinful ideas about my own goodness. 
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)

It is easier to be a Pharisee than to be humble. Could it be that people would rather associate with those who impress them with their lives than those who admit their sinfulness? Perhaps. Other passages come to mind. 

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)

My spiritual is life is not helped by being told that I am amazing. Praising Jesus builds my faith. Besides…

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Not only that, hanging around people that impress me misses out on helping those who need encouragement, or even learning that exalting Jesus is the way to do it. Jesus even said, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

Jesus, I know what praise for me does to my fleshy heart. Others argue that making people feel good about themselves and about their walk with You is edifying. Perhaps there are times when I need that sort of encouragement, yet when it points to me instead of You, it can feed the flesh and do nothing to build my faith. Help me convey Your greatness to built others up and not shoot them in the foot.