Exiting wandering, entering spiritual growth…

And Joshua said, “Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you (all your enemies). Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan. Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.” So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan. (Joshua 3:10-17)

It is not likely that I would connect this event with Christian baptism, but one of my commentaries does. The link is in the details. Baptism enters believers into a covenant with God by a declaration to be dead to the world and alive to serve Him. For most, it is a turning point and a change of focus. Those who are baptized enter into a life of both blessing and warfare. At the same time, those who believe but do not take this first step seem to remain in wandering.

The commentary says baptism introduces us into new obligations and entitles us to claim the aid of God in our conflict with evil. In other words, it is the starting-point of our sanctification and this is God's work. He alone parts the waters for us to cross from the world into His kingdom. That world can drown all human effort, but declaring our faith enables us to have success in our war against our own and God’s enemies. 

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)

This does not mean baptism gives us anything. This power is from Jesus Christ alone, not our actions apart from faith. Also note that before this event, the people were guided by a pillar of fire and a cloud. Now they would be guided by the Ark of the Covenant. The Law was dark and uncertain in them but faith in a coming Messiah gave light. Now our guide is the person of Jesus Christ, a “better hope.” (Hebrews 12:18-24) The humanity of Jesus reveals the One who is unseen and we can follow Him as we enter into His promises and experience His presence.

Crossing the Jordon when it was overflowing magnifies God's glory and my inability. He is like that — powerful to be with me when I need Him most. Yesterday’s sermon was one of those times. I’ve felt so inadequate in several areas and the preacher pointed to each one and to the adequacy of Jesus Christ and His powerful ability to deal with my enemies, such as fear and hopelessness. What joy to know that He knows just what I need.

The times of trouble are the times when He manifests His power. It is then that He makes His will most “plain before my face.” Both Churches and individuals are apt in their prosperity to say, “I shall never be removed.” But in adversity I run to God in humility, and He makes me a way through the deep waters. “The swellings of Jordan” abate at His presence. “The overflowings of ungodliness” are defeated by His word. When He speaks, sorrow and distress flee away. When I am grieved at life’s events, He makes “straight paths for my feet” to overcome my disappointments and despair.

Thank You, Jesus.

A Prayer Using God’s Words

 

It was a long but short night. Sleep eluded me, but daily saving time turned the clock back one hour. The devotional for today is one of those that charges me to exercise my will to choose to believe God so I can receive His comfort. I’ve already learned, known, and expressed that my will is only concerned about what I want, never what God wants. If I’m filled with His Spirit and living accordingly, then my thoughts will be like those of Jesus when He said, “Not my will but thine be done.”

Enough of that. What about biblical thoughts for today? I opened a book called “Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith” by Scotty Smith. The description begins with: “How would life be different if we could think, see, and do all things in light of the person and work of Jesus?”

This appeals to me. It is about praying the Scriptures and applying them to everyday life. Maybe I’m too tired of moving boxes and sorting stuff to give away, but reading his entry for today takes my mind off my will (a long nap?) and puts it on what God has done for me. With a few changes and personalizing the ESV version of today’s reference, I’m happy to think about this:

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of works done by me in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on me richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace I might become an heir according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4–7)

PRAY: Heavenly Father, Scotty suggested having this inked as a tattoo, but I think of it as a poster on my wall. I need to have this amazing summary of the gospel ever before my eyes. I too easily forget. Even better than a poster is knowing You’ve already written this truth on my heart with indelible ink. You’re such an outrageously generous God. Your kindness and love appeared to me out of nowhere, like a bright light in a very dark place. I was not conscious of seeking You, but You were seeking me, not to harm me but to rescue me from both crippling guilt and stubborn pride. I praise you for your multiplied mercies.

And what a “bath” in the gospel you gave me — washing me once and for all through the new birth. You continue to renew, revive, and refresh me through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, poured forth and gently healing all the painful messes in my life and erasing all the scars. All Your blessings come so freely because you’ve given Jesus so fully.

Because You have justified me by your grace, the rest of my life is defined by heirship and hope. Though I sometimes feel and act like a fatherless, futureless orphan, nothing could be further from the truth. You will bring to completion the good work you’ve begun in me, in others, even the entire universe. I am totally grateful. Amen.

Source of Truth?

Reading the work of someone who thinks that our will is key to being saved has been a helpful exercise. This author warns against letting feelings dictate their theology, yet needs a warning also. Christians should not let their experiences dictate their theology either. Nor should we decide that all the warnings in the Bible apply to those who have experienced new life in Christ as a result of His gift of faith.

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8–10)

Faith in Christ is a gift. It is given to those that are chosen by God to bear fruit that glorifies Him. Also, He supplies all we need to do His will — all we need to do is ask.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

However, there are people who hear the gospel and know it is true, but their faith is not the same as saving faith. It is more like the demon’s who believe and tremble, or the seed that falls on non-fertile soil in the parable of the sower. It is a faith that does not last. The OT illustrates it and the NT describes this and warns any who have this temporary or inadequate ‘faith’ by giving examples and describing true, lasting faith and what it looks like:

(Many Israelites) were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. (Romans 11:20–22)

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. (John 15:2–6)

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26–27)

As the NT says, the test of true faith is what happens when I have it. Fruit is described in Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 13 and throughout the Bible. Without it, any ‘faith’ is not in the saving work of Jesus Christ with this gift that makes it possible. On the other hand, it is possible to think “my faith saves me” by having faith in faith rather than in the Savior. Satan’s lies are abundant and subtle. However, the NT writes to those who fall for them and says this:

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (Hebrews 10:36–39)

PRAY: Jesus, I know emotions can side-track me, my will is willy-nilly and not like Your will, and my mind comes up with many non-biblical and selfish ideas. Yet in all this, Your Holy Spirit keeps me trusting You and not all that fleshy nonsense. This is because my salvation depends on You, not my will, not my feelings, and certainly not my ability to always think rightly. You are the living Word and Your book is the written Word, saving and keeping me just as You promise. Nothing I think, do, or experience can stop You from this, or even ‘help’ You do what You alone can do and have done. Eternal means eternal.

Being set apart for God is His doing!

I’m puzzled this morning how the writer said yesterday that we need to give ourselves fully to God before we can enter heaven and then makes this statement for today:

How few of us know that we are not our own and that we actually do belong to God! We have heard it and read of it often and have perhaps thought we believed it; but really knowing it is a different matter. It is essential to our peace and well-being that we do know that we belong to God. Any doubt about our position in relation to God is a grievous hindrance to our spiritual prosperity and development. To make us in His own image is the object of God’s workmanship, and nothing short of this will accomplish His divine purpose in our creation.

This writer says on one day we need to give ourselves totally to God to enter heaven, and on the next that we belong to Him and He is transforming us into the image of His Son. Again, I think of the hand in the glove. The hand does the actions, the glove is useless without its presence and power. The devotional seems to promote two kinds of Christians, those that choose only to believe and those that are fully obedient as if the glove does all the work.

The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith. Good works follow, motivated by a life that God has changed, and those works are the hand moving in the glove. Even though it seems that some Christians are not moving much and are less involved than others, their growth is up to Him. He says:

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4)

Other readings add to this statement. One says that her life of faith grows better every month as her Savior cleanses her from all unrighteousness. Another says God’s care is such that all evil must pass through Him before it touches us, and even if it comes, God uses it for good. A third reading starts with this:

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Jesus is my sanctification. This reading adds these thoughts: “The mystery of sanctification is that the perfections of Jesus Christ are imparted to me, not gradually, but instantly when by faith I enter into the realization that Jesus Christ is made unto me sanctification. Sanctification does not mean anything less than the holiness of Jesus being made mine manifestly.”

In other words, my holiness is not about imitating Jesus but letting His perfections manifest themselves in my body — like a hand in a glove. I read these words with delight. This gives me even greater desire to cooperate in that process in which Jesus is the perfection of all things and those perfections are mine as I learn to live in faith and am kept by the power of God.

PRAY: Jesus, I rest in the reality that You are my Savior and my sanctification. Being told I have to make any of this happen is defeating for I already know that I cannot. I need You. All the time. Every day, every hour. The good news is that You are available, here with me, giving me all that I need to do whatever You ask of me, and to love You with all my heart.

God’s Part and My Part

 

One professor in seminary stated that Christians need to verbalize what they believe because in saying it, it becomes a deeper reality in our lives. This is much like these NT words:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9–10)

These two things go together — believing in my heart and saying it with my mouth. For me, believing it in my heart and writing it on paper has much the same effect. I’m more visual than verbal and remember written truths far better than hearing the same truths. For that reason, I take sermon notes and write what I hear from God during my devotions and Bible studies.

Today, the topic is sanctification. The devotional author says it has two sides to it. I would not term it that way. It is more like the union between faith and verbalizing what I believe; both are necessary. That is, God sanctifies me and that sanctification is completed by obedience. I need to do what He puts in my heart or the sanctifying process is not complete. However, according to NT verses like this, both parts require the work of God:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

I need to do my part in being sanctified (the word means to be set apart for God) yet it is God who works in me so I want to do His will.

Nevertheless, when God works, my part is not about being “zapped” but cooperating with what He puts in my heart. I see that in these verses…

…For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (Romans 6:19–22)

In my new life, I have all I need to be set apart from sin, death, and this world — to serve Him. I know I cannot do godly actions without His enabling. My part includes listening to Him.

Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:22–25)

My part shown here is to say NO to evil and pray for other Christians to do the same. Jesus is faithful to set me apart for Himself and I need to cooperate..

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. (Hebrews 13:12–13)

Jesus suffered that I could be set apart for Him. My part is to go to Him and rely on Him even if it means I may suffer too.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. (1 Thessalonians 4:3–6)

My part in this is obvious. Being set apart for God means I don’t mess around with this or any other kind of sin. Instead, I need to be thankful that I and other Christians belong to Him and can let that show up in godly living. We know that sin has consequences, even forgiven sin.

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

PRAY: Oh Lord, because of You, I am in Christ Jesus and cannot boast about anything, not even my obedience because Jesus is my wisdom, as well as my righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). I am so grateful for this incredible salvation and that You have set me apart from the world, my old nature, and the devil’s deceit and adopted me to be Your child and to serve You.

Set apart for a reason . . .

 

A friend started a new job where she is responsible for filing literal and electronic documents in such a way that others working for the same company can find them as they need them. Her tasks are specific. She is not told to make coffee, park cars, dust the furniture, or knit sweaters, play with her dog, write a book, or surf the Internet because she is set apart to oversee the company library.

In the same way, God’s people are set apart for Him, doing what He has put us in His kingdom to do. While none of the distractions and other activities that interest us are evil things, we are called to stick to our job description, the very things that He called us to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Besides being His priests, Christians are to proclaim His excellencies as we live here as His possession. Holiness can also be called sanctification but either term means to be set apart for God, to do His will and to become free from the power of sin. It is both a positional truth: I am set apart for God — and a progression: I am being set apart for God. He declares me holy — and He is making me holy.

He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. (Colossians 1:22)

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

When God saved me, I became His possession, not perfect but no longer ‘employed’ by sin and the devil and busy doing my own thing. Positionally, I am totally His. Practically, I’m learning the joy of my task. I get distracted by other activities and most do not seem evil, but if they are motivated by ‘I want’ rather than the Holy Spirit, they are still part of what is called sin — and something I was not saved to do.

Holiness is not some sort of attitude that I’m better or more devoted to God and therefore above others. Sanctification is not isolation from the world nor is it a pious refusal to do the ordinary responsibilities of life. Instead, it is paying attention to God and refusing to rule my own life or let anyone else draw me away from Jesus. Jesus is the reason I live, the One who calls me to live a holy life, to be like Him rather than do my own thing. And because I am in Christ Jesus and He is my wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, I am to boast in Him and not myself. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Jesus does the work. His offering to God at Calvary “perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds.’ ” (Hebrews 10:14–16) and “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1:15–16)

He gave me Himself so I have His eternal life, but also so I can be holy in this life. The first was instant. The second takes a lifetime to perfect, and will not be 100% until I die.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are . . . . We are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:1–3)

PRAY: Lord, the battle against sin and particularly the sin of trying to run my own life without Your input or enablement, is a real battle. I thank You for my positional holiness in Christ. How amazing that by it I am perfect in Your sight, yet so imperfect in my own view. I also thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me to listen to You and obey You, a steep learning curve with many distractions and temptations. Thank You for promising that You will finish what You started in me.

PONDER: Ephesians 1 tells what I have in Christ. Read it again today and be grateful!