"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." (Phil 3:8)
SOME THINGS ARE "LOST" because they are taken away by someone else. Scripture calls this "the spoiling of your goods" (Heb 10:34). It is when a person is plundered or robbed, when possessions are forcefully taken from him against his will. But this is NOT the kind of loss to which our text refers. Here, things were "counted" or "considered" a loss. They were actually still available to Paul, but he forfeited them in preference of something else. He lost them by choice. He chose to take hold of something else.
THE WORD "LOSS" also carries the thought of disadvantage, something that worsens our situation. In this case Paul takes "everything" apart from Christ, regardless of its seeming value, and considers it a loss, disadvantage, and something potentially damaging.
THIS IS NOT INTENDED to be an academic definition. Rather, it is a comparison--a judgment made when "everything" else is laid along side "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul has already told us this was his manner of thinking when his life in Christ began (verse 7). Now he tells us it is still the way he thinks. In the world, it is possible to get swept up in momentary pleasures, forgetting essential and profitable things. When we then come to our senses, we regret that we were so distracted as to forget important matters. But this is not the situation in this text. The things counted loss were REALLY inferior and unworthy of being at the center of our thinking. Something better in every sense of the word has been found.
AND WHAT IS THE BETTER THING? It is "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." It is "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." This "knowledge" is not surpassing or more excellent in appearance, but in reality. It is a superior knowledge and experience with which nothing can favorably compare. Here we see a person can be in Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord, yet be lacking in personal acquaintance with Christ. Redemption has made Jesus more accessible to the saved than ordinarily conceived. Far too much contemporary religion allows the individual to remain at a comfortable distance from Christ, not coming into the greatness of the knowledge and fellowship available to us.
"THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" is not scholastic knowledge or erudition. Such knowledge does not satiate the soul or gladden the heart. This is fellowship with Christ, into which we have been called (1 Cor 1:9). It speaks of a relationship where Christ "manifests" Himself to the individual (John 14:21). It is where the individual actually "learns" from Christ (Matt 11:29) and is "taught by Him" (Eph 4:21). This is transforming and empowering knowledge.
THERE IS A SATISFACTION in this knowledge that brings great peace, joy, and stability to the soul. It equips the person to live triumphantly in this world, serving the Lord with gladness and singleness of heart. This knowledge is, in fact, nothing less than "eternal life" (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20). It is confirmed to be the superior knowledge by experience alone. This is the knowledge referenced in Ephesians 3:19: "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." It is the personal and revitalizing experience of Christ's love.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
GAIN TO ME, LOSS FOR CHRIST
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." (Phil 3:7, KJV)
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO NOTE the things that were "gain" to Paul were not health, wealth, social status, academic achievements, or political successes. Everything he mentions had to do with revealed religion. He was born into a God-chosen nation. From the very first, his parents presented him to the Lord in obedience. His chosen vocation was a spiritual one. He excelled in that pursuit. He personally gave himself to the zealous opposition of those he perceived to be the enemies of God's chosen people. He also engaged in an unrelenting pursuit of personal righteousness, as defined by God's Law.
IF IT WAS POSSIBLE for "flesh" to be approved by God, surely Paul would have gained such approbation. At once we see how utterly foolish it is to claim superiority upon the basis of social, political, or philosophical excellence. It is unfortunate that such measures of superiority have penetrated the church. Men are actually held out as possessing "gain" because of achievements wholly unrelated to revealed religion. They are honored for things that have little or nothing to do with obeying God or pursuing righteousness. If flesh cannot boast at the level of Jewish superiority, it certainly cannot be the basis for confidence at even lesser levels.
WHEN PAUL SAYS "WERE gain to me," he views himself when apart from Christ. It is another way of saying self-centered. Coming into Christ brings a whole new definition of "gain" or benefit. Paul here refers to temporal, NOT eternal, gain. Jesus spoke of this kind of "gain." "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matt 16:26). Salvation radically changes our ideas of gain, profit, and advantage.
"I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST." Moses also had the perspective Paul reveals in this text. It is said of him, "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" (Heb 11:26). By saying "I counted," Paul refers to his personal evaluation of the circumstance. His determination to gain Christ involved judgment and a decision. He was faced with the temporary gains of the flesh, or the gain of eternal life. Once seen, he judged matters relating to the flesh as worthless, zealously discarding them.
THE WORD "LOSS" is an especially strong one. It means Paul let these things go, refusing to allow them to capture his attention. It also means he saw they were competitive, and damaging to the soul. In other words, Christ could not be possessed while retaining a hold on those "things." To gain Christ, all fleshly emphases and distinctions must be forfeited. It is only to the degree this takes place that the individual is capable of appropriating Jesus.
THIS PERSPECTIVE not common in churches with whom I have been affiliated. I fear the world is courted more than Jesus, and appearance is valued more than spiritual substance. Scarcely can a religious person of renown be found that is not distinguished by the flesh. Such a stance excludes one from Divine fellowship, robbing the soul of gaining Christ Jesus. A fellowship with Christ simply cannot be had while a priority is placed on "the flesh." Confidence in flesh cannot exist simultaneously with faith in Christ. They are opposed to each other, and aggressively so. If a person is to gain Christ, a judgment will have to be made concerning temporary gain, or advantages. What is a person willing to keep at the expense of losing his own soul?
– Given O. Blakely
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO NOTE the things that were "gain" to Paul were not health, wealth, social status, academic achievements, or political successes. Everything he mentions had to do with revealed religion. He was born into a God-chosen nation. From the very first, his parents presented him to the Lord in obedience. His chosen vocation was a spiritual one. He excelled in that pursuit. He personally gave himself to the zealous opposition of those he perceived to be the enemies of God's chosen people. He also engaged in an unrelenting pursuit of personal righteousness, as defined by God's Law.
IF IT WAS POSSIBLE for "flesh" to be approved by God, surely Paul would have gained such approbation. At once we see how utterly foolish it is to claim superiority upon the basis of social, political, or philosophical excellence. It is unfortunate that such measures of superiority have penetrated the church. Men are actually held out as possessing "gain" because of achievements wholly unrelated to revealed religion. They are honored for things that have little or nothing to do with obeying God or pursuing righteousness. If flesh cannot boast at the level of Jewish superiority, it certainly cannot be the basis for confidence at even lesser levels.
WHEN PAUL SAYS "WERE gain to me," he views himself when apart from Christ. It is another way of saying self-centered. Coming into Christ brings a whole new definition of "gain" or benefit. Paul here refers to temporal, NOT eternal, gain. Jesus spoke of this kind of "gain." "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matt 16:26). Salvation radically changes our ideas of gain, profit, and advantage.
"I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST." Moses also had the perspective Paul reveals in this text. It is said of him, "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" (Heb 11:26). By saying "I counted," Paul refers to his personal evaluation of the circumstance. His determination to gain Christ involved judgment and a decision. He was faced with the temporary gains of the flesh, or the gain of eternal life. Once seen, he judged matters relating to the flesh as worthless, zealously discarding them.
THE WORD "LOSS" is an especially strong one. It means Paul let these things go, refusing to allow them to capture his attention. It also means he saw they were competitive, and damaging to the soul. In other words, Christ could not be possessed while retaining a hold on those "things." To gain Christ, all fleshly emphases and distinctions must be forfeited. It is only to the degree this takes place that the individual is capable of appropriating Jesus.
THIS PERSPECTIVE not common in churches with whom I have been affiliated. I fear the world is courted more than Jesus, and appearance is valued more than spiritual substance. Scarcely can a religious person of renown be found that is not distinguished by the flesh. Such a stance excludes one from Divine fellowship, robbing the soul of gaining Christ Jesus. A fellowship with Christ simply cannot be had while a priority is placed on "the flesh." Confidence in flesh cannot exist simultaneously with faith in Christ. They are opposed to each other, and aggressively so. If a person is to gain Christ, a judgment will have to be made concerning temporary gain, or advantages. What is a person willing to keep at the expense of losing his own soul?
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, April 26, 2010
ENTHRONEMENT and RESURRECTION
" . . . He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ" (Acts 2:29-31)
DO NOT MISS THE POINT OF REFERENCE. It is God raising up a promised Seed to sit upon David's throne. David received this commitment from the Lord, and believed it! "And it shall come to pass . . . I will raise up thy seed after . . . and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever" (1 Chron 17:11-12). "The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; He will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne" (Psa 132:11). Peter, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, who "searches all things, yea the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10), relates this prophecy to the resurrection of Christ. He does not associate the prophecy with a coming kingdom, a future golden age, or the removal of the church from the earth. Those are all human interpretations. Consequently, they are all to be abandoned in favor of the commentary of the Holy Spirit. Neither, indeed, does point to Solomon and the building of the temple as a fulfillment of the promise. He declared One that was "greater than Solomon." Thus, Jesus is called "the Seed of David"(John 7:42; Rom 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8).
ISAIAH ALSO PROPHESIED OF THE COMING SEED that would be exalted to David's throne. He related it to the birth of a Child, not the coming of a glorified Christ. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder . . . Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isa 9:7).
ISAIAH'S PROPHECY IS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRIST'S INCARNATION, not when He appears "the second time," as some suppose. Scripture presents the enfleshment of Jesus as commencing with Him volunteering to "come" to do God's redemptive will (Heb 10:5-10). His exaltation to heaven effectualizes our salvation: i.e., we are being saved "by His life" (Rom 5:9-10). Peter relates this exaltation with the Davidic promise. Elsewhere, the Spirit relates it to the current intercession of Christ in heaven. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25).
THE THRONE TO WHICH JESUS HAS BEEN EXALTED is not upon earth. Thrones here cannot be forever, for the earth is destined for destruction (2 Pet 3:10-13). God promised an eternal throne The Word of God is clear on this subject: Jesus is currently glorified, or exalted, and that exaltation is related to the promised Seed for David's throne! "Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne . . . spake of the resurrection of Christ" (Acts 2:30-31). The promise given to David by the Holy Spirit was claimed by Jesus when He sat down on the right hand of God. "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit . . . " (Acts 2:33).
PETER BOLDLY ANNOUNCES that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promised King and Seed of David. He, and He alone, is the exalted Ruler, and the One appointed to execute the salvational purpose of God. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36).
– Given O. Blakely
DO NOT MISS THE POINT OF REFERENCE. It is God raising up a promised Seed to sit upon David's throne. David received this commitment from the Lord, and believed it! "And it shall come to pass . . . I will raise up thy seed after . . . and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever" (1 Chron 17:11-12). "The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; He will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne" (Psa 132:11). Peter, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, who "searches all things, yea the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10), relates this prophecy to the resurrection of Christ. He does not associate the prophecy with a coming kingdom, a future golden age, or the removal of the church from the earth. Those are all human interpretations. Consequently, they are all to be abandoned in favor of the commentary of the Holy Spirit. Neither, indeed, does point to Solomon and the building of the temple as a fulfillment of the promise. He declared One that was "greater than Solomon." Thus, Jesus is called "the Seed of David"(John 7:42; Rom 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8).
ISAIAH ALSO PROPHESIED OF THE COMING SEED that would be exalted to David's throne. He related it to the birth of a Child, not the coming of a glorified Christ. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder . . . Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isa 9:7).
ISAIAH'S PROPHECY IS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRIST'S INCARNATION, not when He appears "the second time," as some suppose. Scripture presents the enfleshment of Jesus as commencing with Him volunteering to "come" to do God's redemptive will (Heb 10:5-10). His exaltation to heaven effectualizes our salvation: i.e., we are being saved "by His life" (Rom 5:9-10). Peter relates this exaltation with the Davidic promise. Elsewhere, the Spirit relates it to the current intercession of Christ in heaven. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25).
THE THRONE TO WHICH JESUS HAS BEEN EXALTED is not upon earth. Thrones here cannot be forever, for the earth is destined for destruction (2 Pet 3:10-13). God promised an eternal throne The Word of God is clear on this subject: Jesus is currently glorified, or exalted, and that exaltation is related to the promised Seed for David's throne! "Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne . . . spake of the resurrection of Christ" (Acts 2:30-31). The promise given to David by the Holy Spirit was claimed by Jesus when He sat down on the right hand of God. "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit . . . " (Acts 2:33).
PETER BOLDLY ANNOUNCES that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promised King and Seed of David. He, and He alone, is the exalted Ruler, and the One appointed to execute the salvational purpose of God. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36).
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, April 23, 2010
HEAD OVER ALL THINGS
"And He has put all things under His feet and has made Him the Head over all things FOR the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph 1:23, NRSV).
JESUS IS THE "HEAD OF THE CHURCH" and the "Savior of the body" (Eph 5:23). He is responsible for "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10), and bring them He shall! He has been given "power over all flesh" to do so! He has been exalted over all opposing forces so God's purpose will not fail of fulfillment. His personal zeal will accomplish this (Isa 9:7).
CHRIST IS NOT "HEAD OVER ALL THINGS" FOR THE JEWS, but "for the church!" It is the "church" which Jesus "loved," and for which He died (Eph 5:25). God has given Jesus to the church in this capacity; as "Head over all things." And why so? So that He might give it "eternal life" -- eternal life in its fulness, as well as its firstfruits sense. There are inimical powers that are determined to bring us down; but Christ is their Head. He has already utterly defeated them, triumphing over them in His cross (Col 2:15). He will see to it that all who trust in Him will also experience final and complete victory over all the power of the enemy.
THIS MEANS "no testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor 10:13, NRSV). Working through your faith, the enthroned Savior will open the door of escape, so you may become strong through testing and not be overcome by it. It takes "all power in heaven and earth" to accomplish this! Deliverance from temptation is a far greater accomplishment than men are prone to think!
THE MINISTRATION OF GRACE AND PEACE. Grace and peace come to us from God and Christ – from God by purpose, from Jesus by authority. "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior" (Titus 1:4, NRSV). "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love" (2 John 1:3, NRSV). Grace is God's favor, and it comes to us because Jesus has received "power over all flesh."
WHEN GRACE IS RECEIVED, we are well pleasing to God. We are also effectively taught"to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly" (Titus 2:12, NRSV). Peace keeps our hearts and minds from being dislodged by the onslaughts of the devil. We are stabilized by it, thereby being equipped to make progress even though confronted by apparently insurmountable odds. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7, NSRV). It takes an exalted Christ to accomplish this!
HOW GLORIOUS IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT of Christ's exaltation. "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him" (1 Pet 3:22). This is power to bring eternal life to us. It is power to bring to us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). He gives "eternal life" to us by giving us an understanding of God (1 John 5:20), by manifesting Himself to us (John 14:21), and by enabling us to "lay hold on eternal life." His power can rest upon us, sustaining us, and enabling us to hold up under great affliction (2 Cor 12:9). Because He has been exalted, His "mighty power" can work within us for God's glory (Eph 1:19).
– Given O. Blakely
JESUS IS THE "HEAD OF THE CHURCH" and the "Savior of the body" (Eph 5:23). He is responsible for "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10), and bring them He shall! He has been given "power over all flesh" to do so! He has been exalted over all opposing forces so God's purpose will not fail of fulfillment. His personal zeal will accomplish this (Isa 9:7).
CHRIST IS NOT "HEAD OVER ALL THINGS" FOR THE JEWS, but "for the church!" It is the "church" which Jesus "loved," and for which He died (Eph 5:25). God has given Jesus to the church in this capacity; as "Head over all things." And why so? So that He might give it "eternal life" -- eternal life in its fulness, as well as its firstfruits sense. There are inimical powers that are determined to bring us down; but Christ is their Head. He has already utterly defeated them, triumphing over them in His cross (Col 2:15). He will see to it that all who trust in Him will also experience final and complete victory over all the power of the enemy.
THIS MEANS "no testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor 10:13, NRSV). Working through your faith, the enthroned Savior will open the door of escape, so you may become strong through testing and not be overcome by it. It takes "all power in heaven and earth" to accomplish this! Deliverance from temptation is a far greater accomplishment than men are prone to think!
THE MINISTRATION OF GRACE AND PEACE. Grace and peace come to us from God and Christ – from God by purpose, from Jesus by authority. "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior" (Titus 1:4, NRSV). "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love" (2 John 1:3, NRSV). Grace is God's favor, and it comes to us because Jesus has received "power over all flesh."
WHEN GRACE IS RECEIVED, we are well pleasing to God. We are also effectively taught"to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly" (Titus 2:12, NRSV). Peace keeps our hearts and minds from being dislodged by the onslaughts of the devil. We are stabilized by it, thereby being equipped to make progress even though confronted by apparently insurmountable odds. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7, NSRV). It takes an exalted Christ to accomplish this!
HOW GLORIOUS IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT of Christ's exaltation. "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him" (1 Pet 3:22). This is power to bring eternal life to us. It is power to bring to us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). He gives "eternal life" to us by giving us an understanding of God (1 John 5:20), by manifesting Himself to us (John 14:21), and by enabling us to "lay hold on eternal life." His power can rest upon us, sustaining us, and enabling us to hold up under great affliction (2 Cor 12:9). Because He has been exalted, His "mighty power" can work within us for God's glory (Eph 1:19).
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
FINDING FAVOR WITH GOD
"And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in Thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness." (Num 11:15)
THE LAW HAD BEEN GIVEN, the tabernacle and its furniture constructed, and the manner of Israel's appointed journeying established. The ark of the covenant was to go before them, and "the cloud of the Lord was upon them when they went out of the camp." When the cloud moved, the people were to pack up and move out immediately, with the ark of the covenant going before them. When the ark was carried forward, Moses said, "Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee." When it was set down, he said, "Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel" (Num 10:34-36).
ISRAEL HAD JOURNEYED THREE DAYS from Mount Sinai. They began to complain, forgetful of the great deliverance they had experienced. Their complaining greatly displeased the Lord, and "His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp." The people cried out to Moses, "and when Moses prayed to the LORD, the fire was quenched" (11:1-2). Not much time passed until Israel began to crave meat, growing discontent with the manna sent daily to them. They said their whole beings were dried up, and all they could see was manna. They began weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of their tents, "and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased."
IT WAS MORE THAN MOSES COULD BEAR. He called out to the Lord, "Wherefore hast thou afflicted Thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in Thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?" How grievous must be the people who drove the meekest man in all the earth to speak in such a way! With great lament Moses said, "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me." Who is able to measure the impact these recalcitrant people had upon this faithful servant of God? (11:3-14).IT WAS AT THIS POINT that our text occurs. The NASB reads, "So if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Thy sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness." You may remember that Elijah prayed a similar prayer, asking for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). How tragic that the very people to whom leaders and prophets are sent often cause them such great grief!
THERE IS THE GLIMMER OF FAITH, however, in Moses' petition. His great distress and frustration did not cause his faith to die. "If I have found favor in Thy sight," he pled. He appealed to his walk, his response to the Lord, and his manner of life. He did not want to sink lower than he already felt. He did not want to see his own "wretchedness." In other words, he did not want to be crushed by this people, finally dishonoring his God. A noble request indeed, and the Lord hearkened to it, giving him seventy competent men of Israel to share the load created by this burdensome people (11:16).
THERE IS A GREAT LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE. When our troubles become very burdensome, and too difficult to bear, we must know how to approach the Lord on the matter. First, we should not ask God to do things for us if we have been displeasing to Him. Second, we should seek to avoid being brought down further into the quagmire of despair. Just as surely as God answered Moses with relief, so will He do for you! That is something your faith must grasp.
– Given O. Blakely
THE LAW HAD BEEN GIVEN, the tabernacle and its furniture constructed, and the manner of Israel's appointed journeying established. The ark of the covenant was to go before them, and "the cloud of the Lord was upon them when they went out of the camp." When the cloud moved, the people were to pack up and move out immediately, with the ark of the covenant going before them. When the ark was carried forward, Moses said, "Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee." When it was set down, he said, "Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel" (Num 10:34-36).
ISRAEL HAD JOURNEYED THREE DAYS from Mount Sinai. They began to complain, forgetful of the great deliverance they had experienced. Their complaining greatly displeased the Lord, and "His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp." The people cried out to Moses, "and when Moses prayed to the LORD, the fire was quenched" (11:1-2). Not much time passed until Israel began to crave meat, growing discontent with the manna sent daily to them. They said their whole beings were dried up, and all they could see was manna. They began weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of their tents, "and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased."
IT WAS MORE THAN MOSES COULD BEAR. He called out to the Lord, "Wherefore hast thou afflicted Thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in Thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?" How grievous must be the people who drove the meekest man in all the earth to speak in such a way! With great lament Moses said, "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me." Who is able to measure the impact these recalcitrant people had upon this faithful servant of God? (11:3-14).IT WAS AT THIS POINT that our text occurs. The NASB reads, "So if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Thy sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness." You may remember that Elijah prayed a similar prayer, asking for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). How tragic that the very people to whom leaders and prophets are sent often cause them such great grief!
THERE IS THE GLIMMER OF FAITH, however, in Moses' petition. His great distress and frustration did not cause his faith to die. "If I have found favor in Thy sight," he pled. He appealed to his walk, his response to the Lord, and his manner of life. He did not want to sink lower than he already felt. He did not want to see his own "wretchedness." In other words, he did not want to be crushed by this people, finally dishonoring his God. A noble request indeed, and the Lord hearkened to it, giving him seventy competent men of Israel to share the load created by this burdensome people (11:16).
THERE IS A GREAT LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE. When our troubles become very burdensome, and too difficult to bear, we must know how to approach the Lord on the matter. First, we should not ask God to do things for us if we have been displeasing to Him. Second, we should seek to avoid being brought down further into the quagmire of despair. Just as surely as God answered Moses with relief, so will He do for you! That is something your faith must grasp.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, April 16, 2010
A SOUND IN THE TREES
"Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines." (2 Samuel 5:23-24; 1 Chron 14:14-15, NKJV)
THOSE WHO WALK WITH GOD are certainly not confined to conventionality–just normal conditions. Sometimes the saints are involved in most unusual things–matters in which the flesh cannot boast. Thus God showed Moses a tree that was to be cut down and thrown into some bitter waters, in order to sweeten them (Ex 15:25). Elisha threw come meal in a pot containing poison vegetables, thus healing the food (2 Kings 4:41). By Divine direction, Moses made a bronze serpent so people mortally wounded by venomous snakes could be healed by simply looking upon it (Num 21:8-9). During a famine, Elijah was brought bread and flesh every morning and evening by ravens (1 Kgs 17:4-6). Jesus anointed a blind man's eyes with clay made from His own spittle, telling him to wash in the pool of Siloam for healing (John 9:6-7). Those with a disdain for unconventionality will certainly have very limited, if any, spiritual experience.
THE TEXT BEFORE US DEALS WITH another unusual and unconventional experience. David had just been anointed king of Israel, and their enemies, the Philistines, heard about it. The Scriptures tell us that "all the Philistines came up to seek David." Hearing of it, David "went down to the stronghold," where protection was found. In a display of their formidable aggression, the Philistines "came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." It was a most intimidating situation.
DAVID DID NOT RELY on his own military prowess, or on the strength of his armies. He made no delay in placing this matter before the Lord. He asked the Lord, "Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?" Without delay the Lord responded, "Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand." Going up in the strength of the Lord, David and his army soundly defeated the Philistines. Of the occasion David said, "The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters."
IN THEIR FLIGHT, the Philistines left their idolatrous images behind. With dispatch, "David and his men burned them." Surely this would be the end of Philistine aggression!
BUT THE WICKED AND TENACIOUS Philistines did not stop their aggression against David and his armies. Those who imagine the enemies of God's people give up easily, need to rethink the matter. The text continues, "And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." The reaction of David to this show of force is most edifying.
ALREADY HE HAD ROUTED THE ENEMY. Flesh would reason it could easily be done again. After all, the superiority obviously belonged to Israel–at least that is what flesh would think. It is not, however, how a man of God thinks. Immediately "David inquired of the Lord" about the matter. This time, the answer was not the same. God responded, "Thou shalt NOT go up." This time, the tactic would be different. Of course, if David had not inquired of the Lord, he would never have known.
THIS TIME, THE LORD SAID, "circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines." When David did as the Lord commanded him, listening and moving quickly, he "smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer" (2 Sam 5:17-25).
NOTE THE SENSITIVITY of the man after God's own heart. He did not take victory for granted, even after a successful battle. He carefully inquired of the Lord before engaging in battle. Too, he had to listen carefully for sounds in the top of the mulberry trees. His attention could not be drawn away to the valley of Rephaim and the sight of the Philistine armies. Again, he had to move quickly, as soon as the declared sign was detected. Thus he experienced victory again.
THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES of spiritual life seen in this text. First, dependency upon God is to be consistent. Second, keen spiritual attentiveness and hearing are required. Third, we must learn to move quickly when the presence of the Lord is detected. Precious lessons, indeed!
– Given O. Blakely
THOSE WHO WALK WITH GOD are certainly not confined to conventionality–just normal conditions. Sometimes the saints are involved in most unusual things–matters in which the flesh cannot boast. Thus God showed Moses a tree that was to be cut down and thrown into some bitter waters, in order to sweeten them (Ex 15:25). Elisha threw come meal in a pot containing poison vegetables, thus healing the food (2 Kings 4:41). By Divine direction, Moses made a bronze serpent so people mortally wounded by venomous snakes could be healed by simply looking upon it (Num 21:8-9). During a famine, Elijah was brought bread and flesh every morning and evening by ravens (1 Kgs 17:4-6). Jesus anointed a blind man's eyes with clay made from His own spittle, telling him to wash in the pool of Siloam for healing (John 9:6-7). Those with a disdain for unconventionality will certainly have very limited, if any, spiritual experience.
THE TEXT BEFORE US DEALS WITH another unusual and unconventional experience. David had just been anointed king of Israel, and their enemies, the Philistines, heard about it. The Scriptures tell us that "all the Philistines came up to seek David." Hearing of it, David "went down to the stronghold," where protection was found. In a display of their formidable aggression, the Philistines "came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." It was a most intimidating situation.
DAVID DID NOT RELY on his own military prowess, or on the strength of his armies. He made no delay in placing this matter before the Lord. He asked the Lord, "Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?" Without delay the Lord responded, "Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand." Going up in the strength of the Lord, David and his army soundly defeated the Philistines. Of the occasion David said, "The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters."
IN THEIR FLIGHT, the Philistines left their idolatrous images behind. With dispatch, "David and his men burned them." Surely this would be the end of Philistine aggression!
BUT THE WICKED AND TENACIOUS Philistines did not stop their aggression against David and his armies. Those who imagine the enemies of God's people give up easily, need to rethink the matter. The text continues, "And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." The reaction of David to this show of force is most edifying.
ALREADY HE HAD ROUTED THE ENEMY. Flesh would reason it could easily be done again. After all, the superiority obviously belonged to Israel–at least that is what flesh would think. It is not, however, how a man of God thinks. Immediately "David inquired of the Lord" about the matter. This time, the answer was not the same. God responded, "Thou shalt NOT go up." This time, the tactic would be different. Of course, if David had not inquired of the Lord, he would never have known.
THIS TIME, THE LORD SAID, "circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines." When David did as the Lord commanded him, listening and moving quickly, he "smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer" (2 Sam 5:17-25).
NOTE THE SENSITIVITY of the man after God's own heart. He did not take victory for granted, even after a successful battle. He carefully inquired of the Lord before engaging in battle. Too, he had to listen carefully for sounds in the top of the mulberry trees. His attention could not be drawn away to the valley of Rephaim and the sight of the Philistine armies. Again, he had to move quickly, as soon as the declared sign was detected. Thus he experienced victory again.
THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES of spiritual life seen in this text. First, dependency upon God is to be consistent. Second, keen spiritual attentiveness and hearing are required. Third, we must learn to move quickly when the presence of the Lord is detected. Precious lessons, indeed!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
DELIGHTING IN FATNESS
"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isaiah 55:2)
UNTIL THE ENTHRONEMENT OF "the Man Christ Jesus" on the right hand of God, relatively few people found any true enjoyment in the Lord. With the exception of David, precious few people were ever joyful before the God of heaven. Occasionally, when some great deliverance took place, the people of God would be joyful (1 Kgs 1:40; 1 Chron 12:40; 2 Chron 30:26; Ezra 3:12)–but they were few and far between. For the masses, fear dominated them as they sensed they were contrary to God in their basic natures. The Spirit says of those times and people, "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:15). The word dominating the people was, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek 18:4,20). The Law stated it this way, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" (Deut 27:6; Jer 11:3; Gal 3:10). This condition was not pleasing to God. In fact, He declared curses would pursue and overtake them "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things" (Deut 28:47). But, a better day was coming!
FROM THE BEGINNING, God had determined He would have a people who would serve Him with gladness. The removal of sin and the opening of the way to Himself would be conducive to a joyful disposition. Religion would no longer be a burden, nor would men be content to merely dabble in things pertaining to God. In the Kingdom of His Son, a quest for fulness would be realized.
ISAIAH SPOKE OF THE DAYS of the New Covenant with glowing words. They would be a time of unparalleled satisfaction and joy. Hear the invitation of the Lord. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isa 55:1). Thus one of the great incongruities of our condition would be resolved. Deep within man, though stifled by sin and guilt, there was a deep longing. Yet, there also was a fear that kept men from coming close to God. Now, the call goes out to thirsty souls–to those longing for rich things.
THE CALL IS TO "EVERYONE" who thirsts, or longs, desires, or yearns. Although sin has blasted our race, removing all lasting satisfaction from us, the thirst remains. Now God speaks of "waters"–the source of satisfaction, and the real substance for which the soul pants. Even though men have no resources, and are unable to purchase these much coveted waters, they can come anyway. The invitation is to "he that hath no money." The thing that qualifies one for the waters is thirst itself. Everyone who has the thirst may come, even though they have no resources.
BUT THERE IS MORE THAN WATER. The invitation is to something rich–"wine and milk"–and both can be bought "without money and without price." This speaks of rich spiritual delicacies that go far beyond mere need.
GOD THEN CHALLENGES men to ponder why they waste their resources and efforts on things that bring no lasting satisfaction: "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not?" There is no acceptable answer the question! It is designed to awaken the soul to better things.
THE DIVINE WORD is that we can "eat what is good," and let our soul "delight itself in fatness." Here, with the Lord, excess is in order, and diets are out of order. In Christ Jesus, the more we have, the more joyful we are. The more robust our appetite, the greater our delight. The more we imbibe of the Lord, the more gladness fills our heart. That is the nature of life in Christ Jesus.
THOSE WHO ARE WILLING to settle for a mere sampling of heavenly things are in a dangerous situation. They are sitting at a bountiful table, spread for them by the great God of heaven, and merely nibbling in His presence. Let them seek the delight that comes from "fatness."
– Given O. Blakely
UNTIL THE ENTHRONEMENT OF "the Man Christ Jesus" on the right hand of God, relatively few people found any true enjoyment in the Lord. With the exception of David, precious few people were ever joyful before the God of heaven. Occasionally, when some great deliverance took place, the people of God would be joyful (1 Kgs 1:40; 1 Chron 12:40; 2 Chron 30:26; Ezra 3:12)–but they were few and far between. For the masses, fear dominated them as they sensed they were contrary to God in their basic natures. The Spirit says of those times and people, "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:15). The word dominating the people was, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek 18:4,20). The Law stated it this way, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" (Deut 27:6; Jer 11:3; Gal 3:10). This condition was not pleasing to God. In fact, He declared curses would pursue and overtake them "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things" (Deut 28:47). But, a better day was coming!
FROM THE BEGINNING, God had determined He would have a people who would serve Him with gladness. The removal of sin and the opening of the way to Himself would be conducive to a joyful disposition. Religion would no longer be a burden, nor would men be content to merely dabble in things pertaining to God. In the Kingdom of His Son, a quest for fulness would be realized.
ISAIAH SPOKE OF THE DAYS of the New Covenant with glowing words. They would be a time of unparalleled satisfaction and joy. Hear the invitation of the Lord. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isa 55:1). Thus one of the great incongruities of our condition would be resolved. Deep within man, though stifled by sin and guilt, there was a deep longing. Yet, there also was a fear that kept men from coming close to God. Now, the call goes out to thirsty souls–to those longing for rich things.
THE CALL IS TO "EVERYONE" who thirsts, or longs, desires, or yearns. Although sin has blasted our race, removing all lasting satisfaction from us, the thirst remains. Now God speaks of "waters"–the source of satisfaction, and the real substance for which the soul pants. Even though men have no resources, and are unable to purchase these much coveted waters, they can come anyway. The invitation is to "he that hath no money." The thing that qualifies one for the waters is thirst itself. Everyone who has the thirst may come, even though they have no resources.
BUT THERE IS MORE THAN WATER. The invitation is to something rich–"wine and milk"–and both can be bought "without money and without price." This speaks of rich spiritual delicacies that go far beyond mere need.
GOD THEN CHALLENGES men to ponder why they waste their resources and efforts on things that bring no lasting satisfaction: "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not?" There is no acceptable answer the question! It is designed to awaken the soul to better things.
THE DIVINE WORD is that we can "eat what is good," and let our soul "delight itself in fatness." Here, with the Lord, excess is in order, and diets are out of order. In Christ Jesus, the more we have, the more joyful we are. The more robust our appetite, the greater our delight. The more we imbibe of the Lord, the more gladness fills our heart. That is the nature of life in Christ Jesus.
THOSE WHO ARE WILLING to settle for a mere sampling of heavenly things are in a dangerous situation. They are sitting at a bountiful table, spread for them by the great God of heaven, and merely nibbling in His presence. Let them seek the delight that comes from "fatness."
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, April 12, 2010
SEARCHINGS OF HEART
" . . . For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart . . . For the divisions of Reuben there were great SEARCHES of heart." (Judges 5:15-16)
DEBORAH, THE ONLY WOMAN JUDGE OF ISRAEL, and Barak her military leader, had just experienced a glorious triumph over Jaban, king of Canaan. God had subdued what appeared to be a vastly superior army "before the children of Israel." Deborah, herself a prophetess as well, together with Barak sang a remarkable and insightful song that day (5:1). They praised the Lord for avenging Israel "when the people willingly offered themselves." They shouted to "kings" and "princes," testifying of the greatness of their God. They told of His appearance, and of its effect, at Mount Sinai (5:4-5). They sang of the triumphs of Shamgar, who slew six hundred Philistines "with an ox goad," delivering Israel (3:31; 5:6). They sang of how God had commanded them to "lead thy captivity captive" (5:12).
THEY SANG OF THE TRIBES who sent men to assist them in the battle. Men came out of Ephraim. Benjamin sent men as well. Issachar publicly sided with Deborah and Barak. Zebulun and Naphtali joined in the fray, and even "jeoparded their lives unto the death" (5:14,15a,18). What a marvelous host it was, though small and seemingly inferior!
BUT DEBORAH AND BARAK also sang of those who did not join the battle. Gilead chose to remain "beyond Jordan," Dan "remained in ships," and Asher "continued on the sea shore" (5:17). They elected to remain where it was more peaceful, and go about their business as usual, even though a fierce and superior enemy had arisen against Israel. Their reluctance to join in the battle had not gone unnoticed.
AMONG THOSE WHO DID NOT CONTRIBUTE to the battle was the tribe of Reuben. They talked about going, apparently holding meetings, making resolves, and the likes – even though there were "divisions" among them on the issues of the moment. However, they chose to remain "among the sheepfolds," preferring to hear "the bleating of the flocks" rather than the abrasive noise of battle. They thought much about the battle – "great thoughts of heart." They probed the possibilities of joining the fray – "great SEARCHES of heart." But in the end, they did nothing. While many of their brethren went forth to battle, jeopardizing their lives, they went about their business as though there had been no threat, no danger, and no cause. Oh, they thought about it. They perused the possibilities. However, that is as far as they got. During the battle, they were at home, listening to "the bleating of the flocks." When there was a mighty triumph, they were "among the sheepfolds." And now, when Deborah and Barak sing their inspired song, they remember the non-participants as well as those who went down to the battle.
THERE ARE STILL SONGS OF VICTORY among the saints of God that are associated with recollections of those who chose to ignore the battle. Such people live out their lives as though there were no cause, no enemy, and no battle to fight. They choose to dwell in peaceful places when a battle is raging, when the faith is being assaulted, and the devil is gaining ground. They are willing to think about the possibilities of their participation. They may even search their hearts and times, perhaps even making good resolves. But in the end, they choose the "sheepfolds" to the field of battle, and the "bleating of the sheep" to the noise of holy conflict.
THESE PEOPLE DO NOT CONSIDER that the enemy has invaded their number, causing a spiritual slumber to settle in among them. Their attitudes are like fertile soil for false doctrine, creating an environment in which profitless preachers and teachers can become dominate, spreading their debilitating dogmas.
IT WAS THIS VERY CONDITION that moved Jude to stir up the people, calling them to get away from the "sheepfolds" of distraction, and the bleating of the false sheep, and "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3). The people had fallen into a state of spiritual sleep – a state aptly described by Solomon, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man" (Prov 6:10-11). This is also the state into which some had fallen in the church at Ephesus. Paul thus shouted to them in the Spirit, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph 5:14). Again, to those who were settling for the quiet meadows of spiritual inactivity Paul cries out, "now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Rom 13:11).
THE THREATS OF THE ENEMY and the noise of battle have not ceased in the land. The call to sally forth to the conflict is still being sounded – to "fight the good fight of faith." May none of our number retreat to the place where the drone of normality fills the air. God has provided us with "the whole armor" required for the battle, and with weapons that are "mighty" through Him "to the pulling down of strongholds" (Eph 6:10-18; 2 Cor 10:4-5). "Be strong," now, and "quit you like men" (1 Cor 16:13). Do not be weak, but strong to "resist the devil," both on a personal and collective level. Make it your aim to be included in the song of praise and thanksgiving – that you have been among those who joined in the victorious battle. Do everything you can do avoid being known for choosing ease.
–Given O. Blakely
DEBORAH, THE ONLY WOMAN JUDGE OF ISRAEL, and Barak her military leader, had just experienced a glorious triumph over Jaban, king of Canaan. God had subdued what appeared to be a vastly superior army "before the children of Israel." Deborah, herself a prophetess as well, together with Barak sang a remarkable and insightful song that day (5:1). They praised the Lord for avenging Israel "when the people willingly offered themselves." They shouted to "kings" and "princes," testifying of the greatness of their God. They told of His appearance, and of its effect, at Mount Sinai (5:4-5). They sang of the triumphs of Shamgar, who slew six hundred Philistines "with an ox goad," delivering Israel (3:31; 5:6). They sang of how God had commanded them to "lead thy captivity captive" (5:12).
THEY SANG OF THE TRIBES who sent men to assist them in the battle. Men came out of Ephraim. Benjamin sent men as well. Issachar publicly sided with Deborah and Barak. Zebulun and Naphtali joined in the fray, and even "jeoparded their lives unto the death" (5:14,15a,18). What a marvelous host it was, though small and seemingly inferior!
BUT DEBORAH AND BARAK also sang of those who did not join the battle. Gilead chose to remain "beyond Jordan," Dan "remained in ships," and Asher "continued on the sea shore" (5:17). They elected to remain where it was more peaceful, and go about their business as usual, even though a fierce and superior enemy had arisen against Israel. Their reluctance to join in the battle had not gone unnoticed.
AMONG THOSE WHO DID NOT CONTRIBUTE to the battle was the tribe of Reuben. They talked about going, apparently holding meetings, making resolves, and the likes – even though there were "divisions" among them on the issues of the moment. However, they chose to remain "among the sheepfolds," preferring to hear "the bleating of the flocks" rather than the abrasive noise of battle. They thought much about the battle – "great thoughts of heart." They probed the possibilities of joining the fray – "great SEARCHES of heart." But in the end, they did nothing. While many of their brethren went forth to battle, jeopardizing their lives, they went about their business as though there had been no threat, no danger, and no cause. Oh, they thought about it. They perused the possibilities. However, that is as far as they got. During the battle, they were at home, listening to "the bleating of the flocks." When there was a mighty triumph, they were "among the sheepfolds." And now, when Deborah and Barak sing their inspired song, they remember the non-participants as well as those who went down to the battle.
THERE ARE STILL SONGS OF VICTORY among the saints of God that are associated with recollections of those who chose to ignore the battle. Such people live out their lives as though there were no cause, no enemy, and no battle to fight. They choose to dwell in peaceful places when a battle is raging, when the faith is being assaulted, and the devil is gaining ground. They are willing to think about the possibilities of their participation. They may even search their hearts and times, perhaps even making good resolves. But in the end, they choose the "sheepfolds" to the field of battle, and the "bleating of the sheep" to the noise of holy conflict.
THESE PEOPLE DO NOT CONSIDER that the enemy has invaded their number, causing a spiritual slumber to settle in among them. Their attitudes are like fertile soil for false doctrine, creating an environment in which profitless preachers and teachers can become dominate, spreading their debilitating dogmas.
IT WAS THIS VERY CONDITION that moved Jude to stir up the people, calling them to get away from the "sheepfolds" of distraction, and the bleating of the false sheep, and "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3). The people had fallen into a state of spiritual sleep – a state aptly described by Solomon, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man" (Prov 6:10-11). This is also the state into which some had fallen in the church at Ephesus. Paul thus shouted to them in the Spirit, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph 5:14). Again, to those who were settling for the quiet meadows of spiritual inactivity Paul cries out, "now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Rom 13:11).
THE THREATS OF THE ENEMY and the noise of battle have not ceased in the land. The call to sally forth to the conflict is still being sounded – to "fight the good fight of faith." May none of our number retreat to the place where the drone of normality fills the air. God has provided us with "the whole armor" required for the battle, and with weapons that are "mighty" through Him "to the pulling down of strongholds" (Eph 6:10-18; 2 Cor 10:4-5). "Be strong," now, and "quit you like men" (1 Cor 16:13). Do not be weak, but strong to "resist the devil," both on a personal and collective level. Make it your aim to be included in the song of praise and thanksgiving – that you have been among those who joined in the victorious battle. Do everything you can do avoid being known for choosing ease.
–Given O. Blakely
Friday, April 9, 2010
THE TEACHING SAVIOR
"And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them." (Mark 2:13)
THE MOST PROFOUND TEACHING of all is that of our Savior. He spoke with perfect clarity and expression. Every person living by faith places a high priority upon the words of Jesus! How appropriate that He said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63. Those who heard our blessed Lord acknowledged, "Never man spake like this Man" (John 7:46). Others "were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Matt 7:28b-29).
WE WILL FIND THIS to be particularly meaningful in the matter of being taught by God. Let us stand alert and focused when we hear the Master speak! All will thus be taught by God. In an extended discourse to the multitudes, Jesus explained why some people came to Him, and others did not. It was not because some were attracted to His manner or appearance, while others simply preferred a different kind of teacher. Christ's explanation brings us into heavenly places, where true causes are generated. "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (John 6:44-45). This saying is abrasive to those who walk "in the flesh," but it is music to the ears of those who are attracted to Christ Jesus the Lord.
THE FATHER AND THE SON ARE IMMINENT in every aspect of salvation. Men do not come to Jesus because they have deciphered His words with worldly wisdom. The Father "draws" them to Jesus, much like He allured Israel into desolate areas, that He might speak comfortably to them (Hosea 2:14). Jesus is emphatic about this matter. "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (NASB). The individual may choose to reject the truth of these words, but everyone will face them in the world to come! The Father does use means to draw people. He does not mysteriously and irresistibly compel them to come to Christ. Through His grace, they are enabled to see the beauty and accessibility of His Son, and are thereby inclined to come to Him. Jesus called this hearing and learning from the Father.
IN CONFIRMATION OF THIS, our Lord cited the prophet Isaiah; "AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD."
EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY GOD. The evidence of Divine tutelage is a preference for Jesus! Drawing near to Him to appropriate salvation is a manifestation of the Father's effective teaching. That is what Jesus said! It is true that He uses the Gospel, and even circumstance – but it is the Father who teaches people to have enough sense to come to Christ! Divine drawing is accomplished in a manner altogether consonant with our moral nature. We are not coerced, or forced, to come to Christ, but effectively "taught" to do so.
THOSE WHO HAVE COME TO CHRIST, therefore, are to give God the glory! They have come to Jesus because they heard and were taught by the Father.
TEACHING THROUGH THE SON. The reality of Divine instruction is further expounded by the Lord Jesus. With a full and unmixed grasp on reality, He affirmed that no one really knows the identity the Father and the Son. Without Divine intervention, men grope for God and Christ. Because both the Father and the Son are beyond the perimeter of our senses, we cannot identify or come to them on our own.
HERE ARE THE POWERFUL WORDS OF JESUS. "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light" (Matt 11:27-30, NASB). Everyone who "knows the Son" has experienced the revelation of God. The Father has "revealed" the Son to them. Again, He has used appointed means, but the means do not obviate the involvement of the User of the means – the Living God. The Scriptures are employed, and they are powerful. Their power, however, is due to Divine influence, not human ingenuity. As it is written, the Word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17).
NOTICE, JESUS INVITES US, "Come and learn from Me!" What soul is there that would rob us of this blessing? Jesus has something to say, and it is what the Father has given Him to say (John 8:28). He is even forward to teach us, showing us the way, illuminating life, and opening the Scriptures. Thus, the promise is fulfilled, "They shall all be taught by God."
THE GENIUS OF SALVATION IS CONFIRMED by its marvelous effects. In the schools of men, students can be taught day after day, and yet remain unlearned and obtuse. But this is not the case in the school of Christ. His words are "spirit, and they are life." Therefore, to be taught by Christ results in life – spiritual life. It only remains to give your ears to Him!
– Given O. Blakely
THE MOST PROFOUND TEACHING of all is that of our Savior. He spoke with perfect clarity and expression. Every person living by faith places a high priority upon the words of Jesus! How appropriate that He said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63. Those who heard our blessed Lord acknowledged, "Never man spake like this Man" (John 7:46). Others "were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Matt 7:28b-29).
WE WILL FIND THIS to be particularly meaningful in the matter of being taught by God. Let us stand alert and focused when we hear the Master speak! All will thus be taught by God. In an extended discourse to the multitudes, Jesus explained why some people came to Him, and others did not. It was not because some were attracted to His manner or appearance, while others simply preferred a different kind of teacher. Christ's explanation brings us into heavenly places, where true causes are generated. "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (John 6:44-45). This saying is abrasive to those who walk "in the flesh," but it is music to the ears of those who are attracted to Christ Jesus the Lord.
THE FATHER AND THE SON ARE IMMINENT in every aspect of salvation. Men do not come to Jesus because they have deciphered His words with worldly wisdom. The Father "draws" them to Jesus, much like He allured Israel into desolate areas, that He might speak comfortably to them (Hosea 2:14). Jesus is emphatic about this matter. "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (NASB). The individual may choose to reject the truth of these words, but everyone will face them in the world to come! The Father does use means to draw people. He does not mysteriously and irresistibly compel them to come to Christ. Through His grace, they are enabled to see the beauty and accessibility of His Son, and are thereby inclined to come to Him. Jesus called this hearing and learning from the Father.
IN CONFIRMATION OF THIS, our Lord cited the prophet Isaiah; "AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD."
EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY GOD. The evidence of Divine tutelage is a preference for Jesus! Drawing near to Him to appropriate salvation is a manifestation of the Father's effective teaching. That is what Jesus said! It is true that He uses the Gospel, and even circumstance – but it is the Father who teaches people to have enough sense to come to Christ! Divine drawing is accomplished in a manner altogether consonant with our moral nature. We are not coerced, or forced, to come to Christ, but effectively "taught" to do so.
THOSE WHO HAVE COME TO CHRIST, therefore, are to give God the glory! They have come to Jesus because they heard and were taught by the Father.
TEACHING THROUGH THE SON. The reality of Divine instruction is further expounded by the Lord Jesus. With a full and unmixed grasp on reality, He affirmed that no one really knows the identity the Father and the Son. Without Divine intervention, men grope for God and Christ. Because both the Father and the Son are beyond the perimeter of our senses, we cannot identify or come to them on our own.
HERE ARE THE POWERFUL WORDS OF JESUS. "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light" (Matt 11:27-30, NASB). Everyone who "knows the Son" has experienced the revelation of God. The Father has "revealed" the Son to them. Again, He has used appointed means, but the means do not obviate the involvement of the User of the means – the Living God. The Scriptures are employed, and they are powerful. Their power, however, is due to Divine influence, not human ingenuity. As it is written, the Word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17).
NOTICE, JESUS INVITES US, "Come and learn from Me!" What soul is there that would rob us of this blessing? Jesus has something to say, and it is what the Father has given Him to say (John 8:28). He is even forward to teach us, showing us the way, illuminating life, and opening the Scriptures. Thus, the promise is fulfilled, "They shall all be taught by God."
THE GENIUS OF SALVATION IS CONFIRMED by its marvelous effects. In the schools of men, students can be taught day after day, and yet remain unlearned and obtuse. But this is not the case in the school of Christ. His words are "spirit, and they are life." Therefore, to be taught by Christ results in life – spiritual life. It only remains to give your ears to Him!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A CHALLENGING EXHORTATION
"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Phil 3:15).
THE EXHORTATION IS CHALLENGING. Mind you, Paul is not writing to fellow Apostles! He is writing to a body of believers – just like us! The "mind" we are to have has been described as the one Paul Himself possessed: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14). Concerning the things that he has forsaken, he forgets! Concerning the appointed things that are ahead, he stretches forward to obtain them. Concerning the prize that is set before him, he presses relentlessly toward the goal. That is a sort of summation of spiritual life: cutting the chords to the past, fervently seeking to obtain what God has set before us, and making every effort to gain the prize to which God has called us in Christ.
THERE IS NO MANNER OF RELIGIOUS LIFE can compensate for failure in these areas. No religious achievement can make up for their absence. No church affiliation can take the place of these things: forgetting, reaching, and pressing. This spiritual aggression is essential if we are to "take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of" us (Phil 2:12).
THE ATTITUDE OF PRESSING toward the mark is to be possessed by all who are "perfect," or spiritually mature. However, if there are some who are not able to see the sense of this admonition, Paul does not give up on them! He says that God will "reveal that also to you." A person may choose to reject this reasoning, but that does not remove its power for those who receive it. If we will only be in earnest in our quest to know and fellowship with Christ, engaging in a sustained effort for Him, God will correct our minor misconceptions.
IF THAT SEEMS TOO GOOD to be true, hear the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, your King. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself" (John 7:17). The NRSV reads, "Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own." The NIV translates the verse as follows: "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."Mark it well, Paul teaches, but revelation comes from God – "God shall reveal even this unto you!" However well a teacher may teach, and however powerfully a preacher may preach, true wisdom comes "down from above" (James 3:17).
THOSE WHO "WALK HUMBLY" with their God, will soon be "taught" by Him! It makes little difference how this may impact upon personal or corporate theologies. God has spoken on this matter, and there is no room for varying opinions. That is why God will "reveal" the truth of a matter to those who walk according to the same "rule" or principle as Paul – seeking above all else to "know Christ!" If you are firmly anchored in the faith, the Lord will help you to understand otherwise troublesome matters. It is ever true, "They shall all be taught by God!"
A CHANGED LIFE. Spiritual growth is the result of Divine tutoring. There are people who "become callous," having"given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness" (Eph 4:19, NASB). Often, such individuals wear the name of Jesus, tragic though it is to consider.
WHEN SPEAKING OF THIS unfortunate consideration (being dominated by the flesh), Paul states, "But ye have no so learned Christ (Eph 4:20). There is a consistency in spiritual life that forbids lapses into the flesh. Learning Christ is appropriating the Divine nature. It involves Divine instruction and human learning. Here are the words of the Spirit; "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph 4:21-24). Considering this passage, it is apparent that no one has really heard and been taught by Christ who remains dominated by the flesh, being enslaved to the "old man." Such a person has actually spurned Christ and grieved the Holy Spirit.
HERE IS AN ASPECT of being taught by God that is exceedingly precious! The Lord effectively teaches us to subordinate the sinful nature and give heed to the Divine nature – a most remarkable achievement! Because this comes to us through the channel of God's grace, it is written, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Tit 2:11-12). Grace instructs us through a Person. We are "taught by God," and He does it through His grace and by His Son. While a change in life involves the discipline and activity of the believer, it actually happens because of the teaching of the Lord! Christ, through His grace, teaches us to effectually say "NO" to the flesh and "YES" to the Spirit! In this way, we are most wonderfully "taught by God."
– Given O. Blakely
THE EXHORTATION IS CHALLENGING. Mind you, Paul is not writing to fellow Apostles! He is writing to a body of believers – just like us! The "mind" we are to have has been described as the one Paul Himself possessed: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14). Concerning the things that he has forsaken, he forgets! Concerning the appointed things that are ahead, he stretches forward to obtain them. Concerning the prize that is set before him, he presses relentlessly toward the goal. That is a sort of summation of spiritual life: cutting the chords to the past, fervently seeking to obtain what God has set before us, and making every effort to gain the prize to which God has called us in Christ.
THERE IS NO MANNER OF RELIGIOUS LIFE can compensate for failure in these areas. No religious achievement can make up for their absence. No church affiliation can take the place of these things: forgetting, reaching, and pressing. This spiritual aggression is essential if we are to "take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of" us (Phil 2:12).
THE ATTITUDE OF PRESSING toward the mark is to be possessed by all who are "perfect," or spiritually mature. However, if there are some who are not able to see the sense of this admonition, Paul does not give up on them! He says that God will "reveal that also to you." A person may choose to reject this reasoning, but that does not remove its power for those who receive it. If we will only be in earnest in our quest to know and fellowship with Christ, engaging in a sustained effort for Him, God will correct our minor misconceptions.
IF THAT SEEMS TOO GOOD to be true, hear the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, your King. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself" (John 7:17). The NRSV reads, "Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own." The NIV translates the verse as follows: "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."Mark it well, Paul teaches, but revelation comes from God – "God shall reveal even this unto you!" However well a teacher may teach, and however powerfully a preacher may preach, true wisdom comes "down from above" (James 3:17).
THOSE WHO "WALK HUMBLY" with their God, will soon be "taught" by Him! It makes little difference how this may impact upon personal or corporate theologies. God has spoken on this matter, and there is no room for varying opinions. That is why God will "reveal" the truth of a matter to those who walk according to the same "rule" or principle as Paul – seeking above all else to "know Christ!" If you are firmly anchored in the faith, the Lord will help you to understand otherwise troublesome matters. It is ever true, "They shall all be taught by God!"
A CHANGED LIFE. Spiritual growth is the result of Divine tutoring. There are people who "become callous," having"given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness" (Eph 4:19, NASB). Often, such individuals wear the name of Jesus, tragic though it is to consider.
WHEN SPEAKING OF THIS unfortunate consideration (being dominated by the flesh), Paul states, "But ye have no so learned Christ (Eph 4:20). There is a consistency in spiritual life that forbids lapses into the flesh. Learning Christ is appropriating the Divine nature. It involves Divine instruction and human learning. Here are the words of the Spirit; "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph 4:21-24). Considering this passage, it is apparent that no one has really heard and been taught by Christ who remains dominated by the flesh, being enslaved to the "old man." Such a person has actually spurned Christ and grieved the Holy Spirit.
HERE IS AN ASPECT of being taught by God that is exceedingly precious! The Lord effectively teaches us to subordinate the sinful nature and give heed to the Divine nature – a most remarkable achievement! Because this comes to us through the channel of God's grace, it is written, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Tit 2:11-12). Grace instructs us through a Person. We are "taught by God," and He does it through His grace and by His Son. While a change in life involves the discipline and activity of the believer, it actually happens because of the teaching of the Lord! Christ, through His grace, teaches us to effectually say "NO" to the flesh and "YES" to the Spirit! In this way, we are most wonderfully "taught by God."
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, April 5, 2010
CHRIST’S CENTRALITY
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)
A WORD CONCERNING the Divinely appointed means of appropriating salvational benefits is in order. This is particularly relevant as we consider the Spirit's exaltation of the Son of God. It is not enough to have an academic understanding of Scripture – particularly as it relates to Jesus. Mind you, we are not to despise such knowledge, but it is elementary, and incapable of bringing eternal benefits to you.
HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED. "making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM" (Eph 1:16b-17). "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM" (2 Pet 1:3). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). " . . . have escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a).
THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge – an understanding that is ministered to us while we are walking in the light and fellowshipping with Jesus. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. Involvement is a word of intimacy, when unusual familiarity is realized. Thus men speak of becoming "involved" with someone or something. In such a case, their preferences center around that in which they are involved.
THE WORD ":KNOWLEDGE," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. The technical meaning of the word "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well." This is knowledge that comes from acquaintance with Christ Himself, not merely the record about Him. It necessarily includes Scriptural knowledge, but it extends beyond that. Faith goes further than the intellect. It is rational, but goes beyond rationality.
THIS MEANS THAT our exposure to the text of Scripture must be coupled with a believing heart – when hearing is "mixed with faith" (Heb 4:2). Jesus has promised personal identity and fellowship with the individual that is intent upon knowing Him. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him . . . Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:21,23). This is the "knowledge" that characterizes the New covenant. " . . . they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest" (Heb 8:11). Where this knowledge is not found, the benefits of the covenant are not being realized – including God remembering their sins no more (Heb 8:12).
THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY with the Lord. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to culmination by means of our faith, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no salvation without this type of knowledge. In fact, eternal life, which is salvation in its totality, is knowing the Lord. As it is written, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). BECAUSE THE SPIRIT WORKS with the Word of God (which is His "sword"), the testimony of Jesus will be found there. He will be declared in His exalted state, which is altogether glorious. Further, this proclamation will exert a compelling influence upon the hearts of men, drawing them into the circumference of Divine influence. There, in the light of the Son of God, recovery from withdrawals to a system of Law will be experienced. No longer will we merely view information in Scripture. Rather, we will perceive an undiluted proclamation of our Savior. These words will become the building blocks for our perception of Christ. That perception, if true, will be the vehicle through which the Lord will make Himself known to us.
ALLOW ME TO EMPHASIZE this important point. Our view of Christ is not based upon personal daily experiences. It is not what Jesus has done "for me" that brings the greatest degree of clarity, but how the Spirit declares Him in the Scripture. Without laboring this to the point of distraction, let me affirm it one more time. Our spiritual familiarity with the Person of Christ is the means through which we are being saved. In the Gospel, God is providing a lofty view of His Son. That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!
THE "TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS SPIRIT OF PROPHECY" (Rev 19:10), and the Scriptures DO testify of Him (John 5:39). The person who perceives this is blessed indeed!
– Given O. Blakely
A WORD CONCERNING the Divinely appointed means of appropriating salvational benefits is in order. This is particularly relevant as we consider the Spirit's exaltation of the Son of God. It is not enough to have an academic understanding of Scripture – particularly as it relates to Jesus. Mind you, we are not to despise such knowledge, but it is elementary, and incapable of bringing eternal benefits to you.
HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED. "making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM" (Eph 1:16b-17). "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM" (2 Pet 1:3). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). " . . . have escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a).
THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge – an understanding that is ministered to us while we are walking in the light and fellowshipping with Jesus. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. Involvement is a word of intimacy, when unusual familiarity is realized. Thus men speak of becoming "involved" with someone or something. In such a case, their preferences center around that in which they are involved.
THE WORD ":KNOWLEDGE," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. The technical meaning of the word "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well." This is knowledge that comes from acquaintance with Christ Himself, not merely the record about Him. It necessarily includes Scriptural knowledge, but it extends beyond that. Faith goes further than the intellect. It is rational, but goes beyond rationality.
THIS MEANS THAT our exposure to the text of Scripture must be coupled with a believing heart – when hearing is "mixed with faith" (Heb 4:2). Jesus has promised personal identity and fellowship with the individual that is intent upon knowing Him. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him . . . Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:21,23). This is the "knowledge" that characterizes the New covenant. " . . . they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest" (Heb 8:11). Where this knowledge is not found, the benefits of the covenant are not being realized – including God remembering their sins no more (Heb 8:12).
THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY with the Lord. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to culmination by means of our faith, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no salvation without this type of knowledge. In fact, eternal life, which is salvation in its totality, is knowing the Lord. As it is written, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). BECAUSE THE SPIRIT WORKS with the Word of God (which is His "sword"), the testimony of Jesus will be found there. He will be declared in His exalted state, which is altogether glorious. Further, this proclamation will exert a compelling influence upon the hearts of men, drawing them into the circumference of Divine influence. There, in the light of the Son of God, recovery from withdrawals to a system of Law will be experienced. No longer will we merely view information in Scripture. Rather, we will perceive an undiluted proclamation of our Savior. These words will become the building blocks for our perception of Christ. That perception, if true, will be the vehicle through which the Lord will make Himself known to us.
ALLOW ME TO EMPHASIZE this important point. Our view of Christ is not based upon personal daily experiences. It is not what Jesus has done "for me" that brings the greatest degree of clarity, but how the Spirit declares Him in the Scripture. Without laboring this to the point of distraction, let me affirm it one more time. Our spiritual familiarity with the Person of Christ is the means through which we are being saved. In the Gospel, God is providing a lofty view of His Son. That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!
THE "TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS SPIRIT OF PROPHECY" (Rev 19:10), and the Scriptures DO testify of Him (John 5:39). The person who perceives this is blessed indeed!
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, April 2, 2010
THE “ISM” SYNDROME
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God . . . " (1 Peter 4:11)
The "Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation . . . " (Rom 1:16). It is "the power" for several reasons. First, it is a MESSAGE, heralding the accomplishments of the Lord Jesus Christ in behalf of lost humanity. Because those accomplishments were the fulfillment of God's will, He underwrites their proclamation. Through the Holy Spirit, God works through the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (1 Tim 1:11). Second, this message is couched in WORDS taught by the Holy Spirit. Thus it is written, "which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words" NASB (1 Cor 2:13). The words themselves, taught by the Holy Spirit, are powerful. They fulfill the declaration of our blessed Lord, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The Word of God is so powerful it can uncover "the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Thus, the Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation" because of the thrust of its message, and because of the words used to communicate it.
THIS POWERFUL GOSPEL is neutralized by human additions and subtractions. From the beginning, men have attempted to systematize the Gospel message, shaping it into a mold that will promote man's private thinking rather than Divine purpose. Now we come to what I call the "ISM" syndrome. Men develop a philosophy concerning God's Word and work (often independently of Scripture). They then place that philosophy as a template over the Bible. They read God's Word with their preconceived notions in mind. When they preach, they preach with these notions dominating their thoughts. Knowing this is an extremely sensitive area, allow me to provide some examples of this erroneous, and thus sinful, approach of some.
THE COMING OF THE LORD. Jesus spoke succinctly about His return, as well as did the Apostles. It was associated with the end of the present heavens and earth (2 Pet 3:10-12), the gathering of His people (Matt 24:30-31), judgment (Matt 25:31-32), the rewarding of all men according to their work (Rev 22:12), the punishment of the wicked (2 Thess 1:10), the glorification of His people (Col 3:4; 1 John 3:1-2), and the dawning of a new day (Matt 19:28). The thrust of Scripture was not the development of a philosophy about the day of the Lord, but a determination to prepare for it, and that is quite clear.Notwithstanding, men have superimposed philosophical templates over the teaching of the Spirit concerning Christ's return. Without getting into the particulars concerning these approaches, they generally fall into four "isms." Premillennialism, Post-millennialism, A-millennialism, and Preterism. There is one thing all of the views have in common. The coming of the Lord is not the pivotal proclamation in any of them. Rather, there is a theological pattern that is central – an "ism." The presence of that factor has seriously divided the body of Christ over the central truth of Christ's return.
HUMAN RESPONSE. Consider the matter of human response to God. The Word of God presents both sides of the coin, and powerfully so. "No man can come unto Me," Jesus said, "except the Father draw Him" (John 6:44). The call also goes forth, "whosoever will may come" (Rev 22:17). But this is not sufficient for many. Even though each of these sayings is invested with the power of God, men choose to again systematize their message. Some have chosen to divide the approach to this subject into two categories, Calvinism and Arminianism. Even though neither term is employed by God, and even though both views represent a purely human conception of the truth, men are still judged and classified by their peers according to these terms. These become templates through which the Bible is read, and yardsticks by which God's people are measured. The danger of such an approach ought to be very obvious.
CONCLUDING WORDS. This could turn into an endless dissertation, which would serve no purpose. Suffice it to say, template theology does not have the power of God. That is reserved for the Gospel, preached in "words that the Holy Spirit teaches." That involves identifying spiritual experiences with spiritual words. It includes preaching the Word itself, leaving it to God to help the individual with any supposedly required systemization. It means refusing to pass everything through the filter of humanly- conceived concepts. We must call Bible things by Bible names, and refer to events declared in Scripture in the language of Scripture.
AWAY WITH THE "ISM" SYNDROME. It has robbed the church, divided believers, and produced a host of unacceptable things – works of the flesh,"hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies" (Gal 5: 19).
LET EVERYONE BE COURAGEOUS enough to speak "as the oracles of God" (1 Pet 4:11). We are all free to receive any truth proclaimed by any person; to embrace any imagined spiritual expression or thought from any people. But none of us have been freed to replace spiritual language with philosophical jargon, or the Word of God with the word of man.
– Given O. Blakely
The "Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation . . . " (Rom 1:16). It is "the power" for several reasons. First, it is a MESSAGE, heralding the accomplishments of the Lord Jesus Christ in behalf of lost humanity. Because those accomplishments were the fulfillment of God's will, He underwrites their proclamation. Through the Holy Spirit, God works through the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (1 Tim 1:11). Second, this message is couched in WORDS taught by the Holy Spirit. Thus it is written, "which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words" NASB (1 Cor 2:13). The words themselves, taught by the Holy Spirit, are powerful. They fulfill the declaration of our blessed Lord, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The Word of God is so powerful it can uncover "the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Thus, the Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation" because of the thrust of its message, and because of the words used to communicate it.
THIS POWERFUL GOSPEL is neutralized by human additions and subtractions. From the beginning, men have attempted to systematize the Gospel message, shaping it into a mold that will promote man's private thinking rather than Divine purpose. Now we come to what I call the "ISM" syndrome. Men develop a philosophy concerning God's Word and work (often independently of Scripture). They then place that philosophy as a template over the Bible. They read God's Word with their preconceived notions in mind. When they preach, they preach with these notions dominating their thoughts. Knowing this is an extremely sensitive area, allow me to provide some examples of this erroneous, and thus sinful, approach of some.
THE COMING OF THE LORD. Jesus spoke succinctly about His return, as well as did the Apostles. It was associated with the end of the present heavens and earth (2 Pet 3:10-12), the gathering of His people (Matt 24:30-31), judgment (Matt 25:31-32), the rewarding of all men according to their work (Rev 22:12), the punishment of the wicked (2 Thess 1:10), the glorification of His people (Col 3:4; 1 John 3:1-2), and the dawning of a new day (Matt 19:28). The thrust of Scripture was not the development of a philosophy about the day of the Lord, but a determination to prepare for it, and that is quite clear.Notwithstanding, men have superimposed philosophical templates over the teaching of the Spirit concerning Christ's return. Without getting into the particulars concerning these approaches, they generally fall into four "isms." Premillennialism, Post-millennialism, A-millennialism, and Preterism. There is one thing all of the views have in common. The coming of the Lord is not the pivotal proclamation in any of them. Rather, there is a theological pattern that is central – an "ism." The presence of that factor has seriously divided the body of Christ over the central truth of Christ's return.
HUMAN RESPONSE. Consider the matter of human response to God. The Word of God presents both sides of the coin, and powerfully so. "No man can come unto Me," Jesus said, "except the Father draw Him" (John 6:44). The call also goes forth, "whosoever will may come" (Rev 22:17). But this is not sufficient for many. Even though each of these sayings is invested with the power of God, men choose to again systematize their message. Some have chosen to divide the approach to this subject into two categories, Calvinism and Arminianism. Even though neither term is employed by God, and even though both views represent a purely human conception of the truth, men are still judged and classified by their peers according to these terms. These become templates through which the Bible is read, and yardsticks by which God's people are measured. The danger of such an approach ought to be very obvious.
CONCLUDING WORDS. This could turn into an endless dissertation, which would serve no purpose. Suffice it to say, template theology does not have the power of God. That is reserved for the Gospel, preached in "words that the Holy Spirit teaches." That involves identifying spiritual experiences with spiritual words. It includes preaching the Word itself, leaving it to God to help the individual with any supposedly required systemization. It means refusing to pass everything through the filter of humanly- conceived concepts. We must call Bible things by Bible names, and refer to events declared in Scripture in the language of Scripture.
AWAY WITH THE "ISM" SYNDROME. It has robbed the church, divided believers, and produced a host of unacceptable things – works of the flesh,"hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies" (Gal 5: 19).
LET EVERYONE BE COURAGEOUS enough to speak "as the oracles of God" (1 Pet 4:11). We are all free to receive any truth proclaimed by any person; to embrace any imagined spiritual expression or thought from any people. But none of us have been freed to replace spiritual language with philosophical jargon, or the Word of God with the word of man.
– Given O. Blakely
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