"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:21)
HERE ARE THE FINAL words of the Bible – the last written words to Christ's body, which is the church. They are found in a book many have disassociated from "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." NO small number of people consider the book of Revelation to be filled only with lamentations and woes, accounts of unspeakable tribulations, and dreadful judgements that cause men to tremble in fear. It is true, such things are found in this book – but that is not all that is there.
REVELATION CONTAINS WONDERFUL PROMISES to those who overcome (2:7,10,11,17,26-28; 3:4,5, 10,12,21; 7:16-18; 11:18 21:3,4,6,7,24; 22;4-5). Who we are in Christ Jesus is proclaimed (1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 14:3-4). There are blessing pronounced upon those in Christ (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). This book contains words like "salvation" (7:10; 12:10; 19:1), "redeemed" (5:9; 14:3-4), "washed" (1:5; 7:14), "faith" (2:13,19; 13:10; 14:12), "love" (2:4; 3:19), and "inherit" (21:7). The death of Christ is mentioned (5:12; 13:8), and His resurrection as well (1:5,18).
SETTLE IT IN YOUR MIND, therefore, the final words of this book are suitable, and in full harmony with the message it contains. Such a word could not be a fitting conclusion for a book devoid of grace, which was only filled with gloom and fearful events.
COMPARE THE WORDS of our text with the final words of the Old Testament prophets: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Mal 4:6). Malachi spoke of the introductory ministry of John the Baptist, affirming the necessity of a fundamental change in the character of the people. If this did not take place, the Lord would "smite the earth with a curse." Behold the effectiveness of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! Rather than speaking to people that need to be reconciled, and of a need for moral and spiritual change, John addresses those who ARE reconciled, and in whom a fundamental change has already taken place. He can therefore bequeath a blessing upon them: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ALL. Amen" (Rev 22:21).
IN THE REVELATION, the grace of God has been vividly depicted in the care and sustenance of the church, the overthrow of all of her enemies, and the proclamation of the glory of her future state. A place was prepared for her to be "nourished from the face of the serpent" – while she was in the realm in which Satan worked (12:14). For those who would hear His voice, and open the door to Him, Jesus promised, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev 3:20). To the faithful who were fatigued with fierce warfare He affirmed, "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev 3:10). Three times Jesus speaks of His love for His people (1:5; 3:9,19). There is a lot of grace in this book!
WHY IS IT CALLED "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?" Most of the time, we read of "the grace of God" (24 times). But ten times we read of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 16:20,24; 1 Corm 16:23; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 6:18; Phil 4:23; 1 Thess 5:28; 2 Thess 3:18; Phile 25), and one time of "the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:12). Once the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace" (Heb 10:29).
THE FINAL WORDS of Scripture, however, associate "grace" with the Savior in all of varied capacities. He possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "Lord." When He gives it, none can reverse, delay, or void it. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the MAN Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5). He gives it in tender consideration of those with whom His humanity identified Him. The grace is tailored for their situation by One who is touched by the feeling of their infirmities. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the Christ" – the One anointed to effect the great salvation of God. He gives us grace in strict accord with the will of God, and in keeping with the work His Father gave Him to do – bring many sons to glory.
IT IS CHRIST'S GRACE because He is the Cause and Dispenser of it. He alone has given God the Father a just reason to bless us, lavishing His love and favor upon us. It is ever true, "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God has been favorably impacted by the death of His Son, and so can you! He is "well pleased" with the Son, and you can be also.
AS ETERNITY ROLLS its ceaseless cycles on, God will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:7). Throughout eternity, in honor of God and His great salvation through Jesus Christ, the saints will shout: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Rev 7:10). In this world, we come to believe and embrace that truth. In the world to come, we will see more fully the grandeur of what we have now known only in part. Just as our vision expands, so will our expressions–and it will all be to the glory of the conquering Lamb. It is He that satisfied God, destroyed the Tempter, and brought unspeakable joy to us. So after you have read the Scriptures, taken in its promises and solemn warnings, and determined top believe it all, don't forget the last words that are spoken!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
THE PRIORITY OF PREACHING
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Cor 1:21)
A WORD SHOULD BE SAID concerning the priority of preaching. Our day – a day of falling away – is characterized by a devaluation of preaching. Bible Colleges and seminaries across the land are noted for an emphasis on things other than preaching. Counseling, youth work, and Christian entertainment are popular emphases – attempts of the contemporary church to become "more relevant."
MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THIS: relevance to this world, as commonly perceived, necessarily involves alienation from "the world to come." God does not call us to put one foot in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), and one in "the world to come" (Heb 2:5). Rather, He calls us to occupy "heavenly places," calling upon our peers to "come up higher."
THERE IS NO NEED FOR CONFUSION on this issue. God has spoken plainly. "For the preaching of the cross . . . is the power of God . . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:18,21). Concerning the proclamation of the Gospel, "it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" (Rom 10:15). God has accomplished the work. Man proclaims the work! The Gospel was accomplished by Jesus, it is preached by His ambassadors!
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PREACHING
There is no substitute for preaching – proclaiming what the Lord has done. Every epistle is marked by such a proclamation. It made no difference what the issue was, the man of God brought the Gospel of Christ to bear upon it. Duty was not the primary message! The resolution of personal, domestic, and political issues was not the focus. The accomplishments of Christ and the blessing that flows from them were the heart of the Apostolic message – the "Apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). Their emphasis was not the resolution of difficulties, but the establishment of people in the faith. Whenever they dealt with problems, they did so to bring people back to the place where they were sensitive to God. That is the place where real ministry begins!
GOD HAS PLACED THE EMPHASIS UPON "PREACHING"
Preaching is proclamation; the announcement of accomplished realities! The preacher is a reporter; someone who is letting the people know "what the Lord hath done!" (Psa. 66:16). These things have to be said to be appropriated, and preaching is the activity through which they are communicated!
PREACHING IS VITAL TO OUR ESTABLISHMENT
The establishment of believers has a high priority in the kingdom of God. If men and women are not established, they are sure to fall, drawing back to perdition. The preaching of Jesus Christ will ground and mature the saints! "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).
GOD'S WORD MADE KNOWN THROUGH PREACHING
By divine appointment, the Word of God is manifested by preaching, or proclamation. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Titus 1:3).
THE SAVIOR WAS INTRODUCED BY PREACHING
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching. His dynamic proclamations raised spiritual valleys and lowered moral mountains. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea" (Matt 3:1).
JESUS CAME PREACHING
The primary activity of our Lord was that of preaching. His prodigious miracles complemented that chief work. "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" (Matt 4:23).
PREACHING PROVOKED NINEVEH TO REPENT
The repentance of the city of Nineveh is one of the great occurrences of history. It was not accomplished by a brilliant strategy, but by preaching! "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here" (Matt 12:41).
THE PEACE JESUS MADE IS PREACHED
Jesus made peace through the "blood of His cross" (Col 1:20). The liberating knowledge of that peace does not come by praying! It is not conferred by the miraculous laying on of hands! It comes through preaching! "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all") (Acts 10:36).
THE WORD THAT BEGETS FAITH IS PREACHED
The "word of faith" is the word that begets faith. It is the word through which the Lord "opens" the heart, enabling the hearer to "attend" to the Word of the Lord (Acts 16:14). How does this begetting Word come to the individual? Through preaching! "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach" (Rom 10:8).
PREACHING IS NEVER OUT OF ORDER
From heaven's perspective, the proclamation of the Word of God is always in order, never out of order. Proclaimers, or evangelists, are urged by the man of God to be noted for their preaching. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 4:2).
– Given O. Blakely
A WORD SHOULD BE SAID concerning the priority of preaching. Our day – a day of falling away – is characterized by a devaluation of preaching. Bible Colleges and seminaries across the land are noted for an emphasis on things other than preaching. Counseling, youth work, and Christian entertainment are popular emphases – attempts of the contemporary church to become "more relevant."
MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THIS: relevance to this world, as commonly perceived, necessarily involves alienation from "the world to come." God does not call us to put one foot in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), and one in "the world to come" (Heb 2:5). Rather, He calls us to occupy "heavenly places," calling upon our peers to "come up higher."
THERE IS NO NEED FOR CONFUSION on this issue. God has spoken plainly. "For the preaching of the cross . . . is the power of God . . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:18,21). Concerning the proclamation of the Gospel, "it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" (Rom 10:15). God has accomplished the work. Man proclaims the work! The Gospel was accomplished by Jesus, it is preached by His ambassadors!
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PREACHING
There is no substitute for preaching – proclaiming what the Lord has done. Every epistle is marked by such a proclamation. It made no difference what the issue was, the man of God brought the Gospel of Christ to bear upon it. Duty was not the primary message! The resolution of personal, domestic, and political issues was not the focus. The accomplishments of Christ and the blessing that flows from them were the heart of the Apostolic message – the "Apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). Their emphasis was not the resolution of difficulties, but the establishment of people in the faith. Whenever they dealt with problems, they did so to bring people back to the place where they were sensitive to God. That is the place where real ministry begins!
GOD HAS PLACED THE EMPHASIS UPON "PREACHING"
Preaching is proclamation; the announcement of accomplished realities! The preacher is a reporter; someone who is letting the people know "what the Lord hath done!" (Psa. 66:16). These things have to be said to be appropriated, and preaching is the activity through which they are communicated!
PREACHING IS VITAL TO OUR ESTABLISHMENT
The establishment of believers has a high priority in the kingdom of God. If men and women are not established, they are sure to fall, drawing back to perdition. The preaching of Jesus Christ will ground and mature the saints! "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).
GOD'S WORD MADE KNOWN THROUGH PREACHING
By divine appointment, the Word of God is manifested by preaching, or proclamation. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Titus 1:3).
THE SAVIOR WAS INTRODUCED BY PREACHING
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching. His dynamic proclamations raised spiritual valleys and lowered moral mountains. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea" (Matt 3:1).
JESUS CAME PREACHING
The primary activity of our Lord was that of preaching. His prodigious miracles complemented that chief work. "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" (Matt 4:23).
PREACHING PROVOKED NINEVEH TO REPENT
The repentance of the city of Nineveh is one of the great occurrences of history. It was not accomplished by a brilliant strategy, but by preaching! "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here" (Matt 12:41).
THE PEACE JESUS MADE IS PREACHED
Jesus made peace through the "blood of His cross" (Col 1:20). The liberating knowledge of that peace does not come by praying! It is not conferred by the miraculous laying on of hands! It comes through preaching! "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all") (Acts 10:36).
THE WORD THAT BEGETS FAITH IS PREACHED
The "word of faith" is the word that begets faith. It is the word through which the Lord "opens" the heart, enabling the hearer to "attend" to the Word of the Lord (Acts 16:14). How does this begetting Word come to the individual? Through preaching! "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach" (Rom 10:8).
PREACHING IS NEVER OUT OF ORDER
From heaven's perspective, the proclamation of the Word of God is always in order, never out of order. Proclaimers, or evangelists, are urged by the man of God to be noted for their preaching. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 4:2).
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, December 10, 2010
THE MARK
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:14)
"I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK," Paul confessed. "THE mark!" So far as he was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. "The MARK!" Something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings. Elsewhere he used glorious phrases to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).
THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. This is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving – the future.
BUT WHAT OF "THE MARK" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). This is why people believe. It is why they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is why they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).
THE "MARK," FROM ONE POINT OF VIEW, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into as single promise. "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort!
FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW, you might see "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
HIS WARFARE WAS GOOD! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him going! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!
HE WAS DOMINATED BY THE SAME SPIRIT as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God!
IN OUR TEXT, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "every whit whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated.
SALVATION IS NOT AN END OF ITSELF!
It may come as a startling surprise to many to hear this. Salvation is the appointed means to the end! It prepares us for the future by removing our past and giving us power in the present. But it is "the mark" that is the real issue! It is "the mark" that must be reached. It does no good to enter this race if you do not finish it! A "heavenly call" offers no consolation prize for those who do not end up there!
"THE MARK" IS EXPERIENCED NOW in a firstfruits sense. The righteousness for which we "wait" will be fully experienced there, if tasted by faith now (Rom. 4:20-24). The presence of the Lord which will be "face to face" then. It is enjoyed by faith now as we "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). The devil who will be banished there may be successfully resisted now! These firstfruits experiences are what keep us pressing. Without them, we would soon fall by the way.
– Given O. Blakely
"I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK," Paul confessed. "THE mark!" So far as he was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. "The MARK!" Something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings. Elsewhere he used glorious phrases to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).
THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. This is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving – the future.
BUT WHAT OF "THE MARK" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). This is why people believe. It is why they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is why they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).
THE "MARK," FROM ONE POINT OF VIEW, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into as single promise. "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort!
FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW, you might see "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
HIS WARFARE WAS GOOD! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him going! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!
HE WAS DOMINATED BY THE SAME SPIRIT as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God!
IN OUR TEXT, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "every whit whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated.
SALVATION IS NOT AN END OF ITSELF!
It may come as a startling surprise to many to hear this. Salvation is the appointed means to the end! It prepares us for the future by removing our past and giving us power in the present. But it is "the mark" that is the real issue! It is "the mark" that must be reached. It does no good to enter this race if you do not finish it! A "heavenly call" offers no consolation prize for those who do not end up there!
"THE MARK" IS EXPERIENCED NOW in a firstfruits sense. The righteousness for which we "wait" will be fully experienced there, if tasted by faith now (Rom. 4:20-24). The presence of the Lord which will be "face to face" then. It is enjoyed by faith now as we "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). The devil who will be banished there may be successfully resisted now! These firstfruits experiences are what keep us pressing. Without them, we would soon fall by the way.
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
THE PROMISES OF GOD
" . . . the promises of God . . . " (2 Cor 1:20; Gal 3:21)
The promises of God are an elixir for the soul wearied by "this present evil world." They lift the veil sin has spread over the future, causing the light of the glory of God to flood our souls. The promises of God, when believed, connect us with the glorious future. The Word of God is filled with promises, and they are intended to lighten the burden of life, bring assurance of participation in the world to come, and neutralize temptation. You should read the Word of God with the promises of God in mind! Look for them.
BECOMING PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURETo become like Jesus is not a moral goal, but a spiritual reality. This is the determined purpose of God – for His children to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). How does one become like Christ? How can we "participate in the Divine nature?" The promises of God are the appointed means to this realization. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that BE THESE ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet 1:4). The well from which the promises have come is God's "glory and excellence" (verse 3). The Lord has, in His promises, exhibited His most comely traits. More of His Person is in the promises. There His will for humanity is most precisely expressed. In the promises proper objectives for mankind are identified.The promises are "precious and magnificent," or, as the King James Version translates it, "exceeding great and precious." They dwarf everything with which they are compared. When placed beside the very best the world has to offer, they tower high above them. Once you see the "precious" promises, it is easy to abandon even "the treasures of Egypt," as did Moses (Heb 11:26), to obtain them. The promises are transcendent to everything that is made.
THE PROMISES OF GOD HAVE A VALUE OF THEIR OWNThey are not "precious" by comparison alone. Nor, indeed, are they "precious" because they are scarce. They are to be found in abundance, yet remain priceless. They are also "precious" because they enhance our spirits, gladden our hearts, and satisfy our inner thirst. No wonder they are the means through which we become like our Father! Contemplate the promises of God. Look for them! Feed upon them! Believe them!
ALL OF THE PROMISES ARE YES AND AMENThere is a universality to the promises. What Jesus brings is for "all men." The message of salvation is truly "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). With this in mind, the Spirit witnesses, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Cor 1:20, NIV). If we wonder if the promise of remission of sin (Jer 31:34) is for us, the answer is "YES!" If you question if the promise of "seasons of refreshing" (Acts 3:19) is for you, the answer is "YES!" Dare to believe the promises are for you – that God says "YES!" to you! Then shout the "AMEN!" back to Him, glorifying Him for His grace!
THE PROMISES BECOME AN INCENTIVE FOR GODLINESSIf people are lagging behind spiritually, the promises become an incentive to recover from the devil's snare, and go on to perfection. How vividly this is depicted in second Corinthians. The words speak for themselves. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore THESE PROMISES dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 6:16-7:1)
IN CHRIST, YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF AS ABRAHAM'S SEEDIn Christ, you can see yourself as Abraham's seed. One of the aspects of God's marvelous promises is their total fulfillment in Christ. There are two verses in the book of Galatians that reveal this in a foundational way. Dare to believe these things are true – for you! "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." There is no question about the intended receivers of the promises; Abraham and his seed, or offspring. That Seed is particularly identified as Christ. However, the Spirit is not finished with this thought. He continues in the 21st verse. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:16,29).The people of God have every reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus and be full of hope!
– Given O. Blakely
The promises of God are an elixir for the soul wearied by "this present evil world." They lift the veil sin has spread over the future, causing the light of the glory of God to flood our souls. The promises of God, when believed, connect us with the glorious future. The Word of God is filled with promises, and they are intended to lighten the burden of life, bring assurance of participation in the world to come, and neutralize temptation. You should read the Word of God with the promises of God in mind! Look for them.
BECOMING PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURETo become like Jesus is not a moral goal, but a spiritual reality. This is the determined purpose of God – for His children to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). How does one become like Christ? How can we "participate in the Divine nature?" The promises of God are the appointed means to this realization. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that BE THESE ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet 1:4). The well from which the promises have come is God's "glory and excellence" (verse 3). The Lord has, in His promises, exhibited His most comely traits. More of His Person is in the promises. There His will for humanity is most precisely expressed. In the promises proper objectives for mankind are identified.The promises are "precious and magnificent," or, as the King James Version translates it, "exceeding great and precious." They dwarf everything with which they are compared. When placed beside the very best the world has to offer, they tower high above them. Once you see the "precious" promises, it is easy to abandon even "the treasures of Egypt," as did Moses (Heb 11:26), to obtain them. The promises are transcendent to everything that is made.
THE PROMISES OF GOD HAVE A VALUE OF THEIR OWNThey are not "precious" by comparison alone. Nor, indeed, are they "precious" because they are scarce. They are to be found in abundance, yet remain priceless. They are also "precious" because they enhance our spirits, gladden our hearts, and satisfy our inner thirst. No wonder they are the means through which we become like our Father! Contemplate the promises of God. Look for them! Feed upon them! Believe them!
ALL OF THE PROMISES ARE YES AND AMENThere is a universality to the promises. What Jesus brings is for "all men." The message of salvation is truly "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). With this in mind, the Spirit witnesses, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Cor 1:20, NIV). If we wonder if the promise of remission of sin (Jer 31:34) is for us, the answer is "YES!" If you question if the promise of "seasons of refreshing" (Acts 3:19) is for you, the answer is "YES!" Dare to believe the promises are for you – that God says "YES!" to you! Then shout the "AMEN!" back to Him, glorifying Him for His grace!
THE PROMISES BECOME AN INCENTIVE FOR GODLINESSIf people are lagging behind spiritually, the promises become an incentive to recover from the devil's snare, and go on to perfection. How vividly this is depicted in second Corinthians. The words speak for themselves. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore THESE PROMISES dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 6:16-7:1)
IN CHRIST, YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF AS ABRAHAM'S SEEDIn Christ, you can see yourself as Abraham's seed. One of the aspects of God's marvelous promises is their total fulfillment in Christ. There are two verses in the book of Galatians that reveal this in a foundational way. Dare to believe these things are true – for you! "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." There is no question about the intended receivers of the promises; Abraham and his seed, or offspring. That Seed is particularly identified as Christ. However, the Spirit is not finished with this thought. He continues in the 21st verse. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:16,29).The people of God have every reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus and be full of hope!
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, December 6, 2010
THE WAY TO BLESSING
" . . . And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26)
JACOB WAS ON HIS WAY to meet Esau. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother, and when they had parted, they were not on good terms. He brought some presents for Esau, and told his servants how to speak to him, smoothing the road before him. He had two wives, two women servants, and eleven children with him. Concerned about their welfare, he sent them "over the brook." Now, he was left alone. That night, however, would not be spent alone. It is written, "there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day." The mysterious man did not prevail against Jacob. Confirming he was no ordinary person, he "touched the hollow" of Jacob's thigh, throwing it "out of joint." Still, Jacob wrestled on until the day began to break. The messenger then said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." It was then that Jacob said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me" (NKJV). Later Jacob said of that night, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." He received the blessing he sought (Gen 32:20-30). To this day, the main thing is still to get the blessing.
A WORD CONCERNING THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS of appropriating the blessing is in order. 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, or blessing to you.
HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED in God's Word. " . . . making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph 1:16b-17, NASB). " . . . seeing that His Divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him . . ." (2 Pet 1:3, NASB). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). "For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a, NASB).
THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. The word "knowledge," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says, "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. Jesus has promised identity with the individual who 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).
THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY WITH THE LORD. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to a 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 eternal life, that they may 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"), He has moved holy men to write frequently and powerfully of the Lord Jesus. In those sacred writings, Jesus will be proclaimed in His present 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 all manner of departures and drawing back will be realized. 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. They are the chief means through which we will come know Him.
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 makes Jesus clear, 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 – i.e. "The record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10). That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!
IN KNOWING JESUS, the ultimate blessing will be experienced, for God has sent Him, to bless us (Acts 3:26).
– Given O. Blakely
JACOB WAS ON HIS WAY to meet Esau. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother, and when they had parted, they were not on good terms. He brought some presents for Esau, and told his servants how to speak to him, smoothing the road before him. He had two wives, two women servants, and eleven children with him. Concerned about their welfare, he sent them "over the brook." Now, he was left alone. That night, however, would not be spent alone. It is written, "there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day." The mysterious man did not prevail against Jacob. Confirming he was no ordinary person, he "touched the hollow" of Jacob's thigh, throwing it "out of joint." Still, Jacob wrestled on until the day began to break. The messenger then said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." It was then that Jacob said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me" (NKJV). Later Jacob said of that night, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." He received the blessing he sought (Gen 32:20-30). To this day, the main thing is still to get the blessing.
A WORD CONCERNING THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS of appropriating the blessing is in order. 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, or blessing to you.
HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED in God's Word. " . . . making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph 1:16b-17, NASB). " . . . seeing that His Divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him . . ." (2 Pet 1:3, NASB). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). "For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a, NASB).
THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. The word "knowledge," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says, "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. Jesus has promised identity with the individual who 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).
THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY WITH THE LORD. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to a 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 eternal life, that they may 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"), He has moved holy men to write frequently and powerfully of the Lord Jesus. In those sacred writings, Jesus will be proclaimed in His present 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 all manner of departures and drawing back will be realized. 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. They are the chief means through which we will come know Him.
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 makes Jesus clear, 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 – i.e. "The record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10). That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!
IN KNOWING JESUS, the ultimate blessing will be experienced, for God has sent Him, to bless us (Acts 3:26).
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, December 3, 2010
LAY IT ASIDE!
" . . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us . . ." (Hebrews 12:1b)
THE "RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US" is possibly long, and leads through treacherous terrain. It requires agility of soul, and does not allow for excess baggage. Every believer will confront moral and spiritual "weights" that make it difficult to live by faith. Often, these "weights" are not unlawful of themselves. It is not so much that they contradict the Word of the King. Rather, they tend to detract from the goal, tempting the individual to make this world primary. These "weights" are personal matters, and thus are not precisely defined. Their identity requires the assessment of the hearer more than the writer.
THE NATURE OF THE FAITH-LIFE, or running the race set before us, demands that we run with as few hindrances as possible. A cross country runner who carries a backpack laden with rocks, in the key race, is not wise, to say the least. A fighter who places a hundred-pound weight on one of his hands should not expect to win the contest. Yet, I have witnessed people attempting to navigate from earth to glory with unnecessary weights and encumbrances. It was not long until they dropped out of the race from spiritual fatigue. That fatigue was owing more to the conflicting weights that they carried than the length or hardship of the race itself. Some will counter that runners do, in fact, practice with weights on their ankles. This is true. But none of them run for the prize with those weights – and you are running to "obtain" the prize (1 Cor 9:26), which is eternal life.
THE WAY LEADING TO LIFE is "strait (difficult) and narrow" (Matt 7:14). It will not allow for a lot of excess baggage. For one rich young ruler, his possessions proved too personally significant for him to follow Jesus (Matt 19:16-22). For another, wrapping everything up at home stood between him and discipleship (Luke 9:61-62). For Judas, thirty pieces of silver proved too large a weight to allow entrance into life (Matt 26:15-16). For Esau, a desire for food was a "weight" that disqualified him for the inheritance (Heb 12:16). Whatever makes it more difficult to run the race is a "weight." If it impedes your progress, it is a "weight." Things requiring attention and commitment that belong to God alone are "weights." Such things deplete your spiritual energy, but offer no corresponding spiritual value or resources.
AND WHAT ARE WE TO DO with such "weights?" We are to "lay aside every weight" (KJV, RSV, NASB). The NIV reads "throw off everything that hinders." The word translated "lay aside" or "throw off" means to be done with; take off. It is a strong one, and is not to be seen as a casual activity. In this form, it is used three other times in the Apostolic writings. (1) "Therefore, putting away lying . . . " (Eph 4:25). (2) "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness . . . " (James 1:21). (3) "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Pet 2:1). The language suggests deliberation and firm resolve. This is not something done rashly or in haste. Neither, indeed, can it be done casually and with disinterest. Our perception of the nature of this race, together with the recollection of the saints who have gone before us, will compel us to discard what hinders us.
THIS IS AN INTENSELY personal thing. It is not something we are to apply to our brethren, but an activity in which we ourselves are to regularly engage. Our hearts are to be tender enough, and our vision clear enough to assess what is making it difficult for us to run the race that is set before us. Our decision is to be based upon spiritual understanding. We might suppose working for a living impedes our progress. Then, upon quitting our job, we find we have even greater hindrances. Live close enough to the Lord to be able to make this assessment, and receive strength to thrust impeding weights from you. Your effort to cast aside such things will be undergirded by Divine power!AND THE SINWe are also to "lay aside . . . the sin which doth so easily beset us,: or "easily ensnares" )NKJV), or "clings so closely" (RSV), or "so easily entangles" (NIV). Each of us have areas of especial vulnerability – areas where Satan can more easily make inroads into our thinking.
THE LANGUAGE OF THIS VERSE is arresting. It is the sin itself that is to be thrown off, aggressively cast away from us. We are not to allow it expression, suffocating it with the love of the truth and the shield of faith.
THE CORRUPT FOUNTAIN of nature must not be allowed to boil. It must be removed from the fire of preference, and smothered by an affection set on things above, and not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-3). This is HOW we put off the "sin that so easily besets us." As long as we allow our affection to be prostituted by the things of this world, sin will cling to us like an impeding weight, forbidding us to make progress to glory. Throw it off by saying "‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions" (Tit 2:12, NIV). Grace will "teach" you to do this by giving you insight into "so great salvation" (Heb 2:3).
HOW MAN I HAVE SEEN who started the "race" with a burst of energy. They appeared to grasp great Kingdom truth rapidly, and soon put a distance between themselves and those who chose spiritual mediocrity. But, alas, after a time, they were "beset" in their race. Soon, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19, NKJV). It all happened so "easily," because they did not "cast off" the weight and sin which so easily beset them. Take the admonition seriously!
– Given O. Blakely
THE "RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US" is possibly long, and leads through treacherous terrain. It requires agility of soul, and does not allow for excess baggage. Every believer will confront moral and spiritual "weights" that make it difficult to live by faith. Often, these "weights" are not unlawful of themselves. It is not so much that they contradict the Word of the King. Rather, they tend to detract from the goal, tempting the individual to make this world primary. These "weights" are personal matters, and thus are not precisely defined. Their identity requires the assessment of the hearer more than the writer.
THE NATURE OF THE FAITH-LIFE, or running the race set before us, demands that we run with as few hindrances as possible. A cross country runner who carries a backpack laden with rocks, in the key race, is not wise, to say the least. A fighter who places a hundred-pound weight on one of his hands should not expect to win the contest. Yet, I have witnessed people attempting to navigate from earth to glory with unnecessary weights and encumbrances. It was not long until they dropped out of the race from spiritual fatigue. That fatigue was owing more to the conflicting weights that they carried than the length or hardship of the race itself. Some will counter that runners do, in fact, practice with weights on their ankles. This is true. But none of them run for the prize with those weights – and you are running to "obtain" the prize (1 Cor 9:26), which is eternal life.
THE WAY LEADING TO LIFE is "strait (difficult) and narrow" (Matt 7:14). It will not allow for a lot of excess baggage. For one rich young ruler, his possessions proved too personally significant for him to follow Jesus (Matt 19:16-22). For another, wrapping everything up at home stood between him and discipleship (Luke 9:61-62). For Judas, thirty pieces of silver proved too large a weight to allow entrance into life (Matt 26:15-16). For Esau, a desire for food was a "weight" that disqualified him for the inheritance (Heb 12:16). Whatever makes it more difficult to run the race is a "weight." If it impedes your progress, it is a "weight." Things requiring attention and commitment that belong to God alone are "weights." Such things deplete your spiritual energy, but offer no corresponding spiritual value or resources.
AND WHAT ARE WE TO DO with such "weights?" We are to "lay aside every weight" (KJV, RSV, NASB). The NIV reads "throw off everything that hinders." The word translated "lay aside" or "throw off" means to be done with; take off. It is a strong one, and is not to be seen as a casual activity. In this form, it is used three other times in the Apostolic writings. (1) "Therefore, putting away lying . . . " (Eph 4:25). (2) "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness . . . " (James 1:21). (3) "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Pet 2:1). The language suggests deliberation and firm resolve. This is not something done rashly or in haste. Neither, indeed, can it be done casually and with disinterest. Our perception of the nature of this race, together with the recollection of the saints who have gone before us, will compel us to discard what hinders us.
THIS IS AN INTENSELY personal thing. It is not something we are to apply to our brethren, but an activity in which we ourselves are to regularly engage. Our hearts are to be tender enough, and our vision clear enough to assess what is making it difficult for us to run the race that is set before us. Our decision is to be based upon spiritual understanding. We might suppose working for a living impedes our progress. Then, upon quitting our job, we find we have even greater hindrances. Live close enough to the Lord to be able to make this assessment, and receive strength to thrust impeding weights from you. Your effort to cast aside such things will be undergirded by Divine power!AND THE SINWe are also to "lay aside . . . the sin which doth so easily beset us,: or "easily ensnares" )NKJV), or "clings so closely" (RSV), or "so easily entangles" (NIV). Each of us have areas of especial vulnerability – areas where Satan can more easily make inroads into our thinking.
THE LANGUAGE OF THIS VERSE is arresting. It is the sin itself that is to be thrown off, aggressively cast away from us. We are not to allow it expression, suffocating it with the love of the truth and the shield of faith.
THE CORRUPT FOUNTAIN of nature must not be allowed to boil. It must be removed from the fire of preference, and smothered by an affection set on things above, and not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-3). This is HOW we put off the "sin that so easily besets us." As long as we allow our affection to be prostituted by the things of this world, sin will cling to us like an impeding weight, forbidding us to make progress to glory. Throw it off by saying "‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions" (Tit 2:12, NIV). Grace will "teach" you to do this by giving you insight into "so great salvation" (Heb 2:3).
HOW MAN I HAVE SEEN who started the "race" with a burst of energy. They appeared to grasp great Kingdom truth rapidly, and soon put a distance between themselves and those who chose spiritual mediocrity. But, alas, after a time, they were "beset" in their race. Soon, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19, NKJV). It all happened so "easily," because they did not "cast off" the weight and sin which so easily beset them. Take the admonition seriously!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
WE ARE SURROUNDED!
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . " (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV)
THE WORD "SURROUNDED," or "compassed" (KJV), means to lie all around, i.e. enclose, encircle. The expression denotes something presently experienced. It is not a historical perspective. We "ARE" compassed or surrounded by the witnesses of reference in our text. The imagery is that of a great amphitheater, with the arena of the runners, and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. They form a circumference, and are among a gallery of witnesses that even include the holy angels, who themselves camp round those fearing the Lord (Psa 34:7).
WHILE THE ANGELS protect and minister to believers (Psa 91:11; Heb 1:13-14), the faithful who have gone before us testify to us. They do not do so person-to-person, but through the record of their faith. Their lives provide a resounding confirmation of the effectiveness of faith. It is as though they were shouting to those devoting themselves to the good fight of faith, "You can make it! Run! Fight! Don't give up! God is with you! Consider us! Consider us! We went through fire and water, and made it to the other side! We did the impossible! Divine power was given to us because we willed to believe God! Do not look at the circumstance, but to the Lord!" O, we need to hear these witnesses!
THESE ARE CALLED A "cloud of witnesses" because of the vast number of them. Millions kept the Passover, came out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and drank from a rock in a wilderness! From Abel through the period of the Judges and the Kings, there have been people who lived by faith. In Elijah's day, there were "seven thousand" who, by faith, refused to bow their knees to Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Rom 11:4). Every age has had its "remnant" (Isa 10:20; Ezek 6:8; Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12; Zech 8:12; Rom 11:5), and God has never left Himself "without witness" (Acts 14:17). Now, they ALL surround us.
WE ARE TOLD OF MARTYRS who presently are conscious, active, observant, asking questions, and receiving answers(Rev 6:9-11).
THE "RICH MAN" who died and lifted up his eyes in torment knew about his brothers upon the earth. He sought their welfare from the region of the damned. Do you remember his words? "Then he said [to Abraham], 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'" (Luke 16:27-28). Abraham himself had some awareness of things upon the earth. He answered the rich man. "'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'" (Luke 16:29-31). Think! Both Moses and the prophets lived a considerable time AFTER Abraham. He knew nothing of either when he was in the world. Yet, he was fully aware of them on the other side.
NO PERSON, THEREFORE, should think it strange that we could be surrounded with a "great cloud of witnesses" who are intensely interested in the race to glory we are running. If the rich man could be interested in his brothers in the world, why could not departed saints have a vital interest in the warfare of fellow believers in the world? Are we not told that we have come into fellowship with a family that has representatives in "heaven" as well as the "earth" (Eph 3:15)? Is it not written that we are "COME . . . to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb 12:22-23)?
THIS CLOUD, OR VAST ASSEMBLY of witnesses, is very real. Their observation of us is very real. In a very substantial sense, they lived out their lives for us – as a testimony to us of the unwavering effectiveness of faith. A specific journey was laid out for each of them, and they traversed treacherous and threatening surroundings to complete it. You are in the same situation, and are called to hear their testimony!
LISTEN TO THEIR CONFESSION, and doubt not the ability of your faith to carry you through. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Joseph, Gen 50:20). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass" (Joshua, Josh 21:45). "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (Samuel, 1 Sam 7:12). "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (David, Psa 37:25). "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise" (Solomon, 1 Kgs 8:56). HEAR THEN, CHILD OF GOD! Hear them! They testify to the faithfulness of God and the victory of faith. They are witnesses that it is not vain to serve the Lord, and that He will not forsake His own. It is not necessary for you to suffer the same setbacks as those before you. Their record has been written to give us the advantage in the good fight of faith. You honor them by believing their record and running your race with patience, or endurance and perseverance. Run, saint of God, run!
– Given O. Blakely
THE WORD "SURROUNDED," or "compassed" (KJV), means to lie all around, i.e. enclose, encircle. The expression denotes something presently experienced. It is not a historical perspective. We "ARE" compassed or surrounded by the witnesses of reference in our text. The imagery is that of a great amphitheater, with the arena of the runners, and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. They form a circumference, and are among a gallery of witnesses that even include the holy angels, who themselves camp round those fearing the Lord (Psa 34:7).
WHILE THE ANGELS protect and minister to believers (Psa 91:11; Heb 1:13-14), the faithful who have gone before us testify to us. They do not do so person-to-person, but through the record of their faith. Their lives provide a resounding confirmation of the effectiveness of faith. It is as though they were shouting to those devoting themselves to the good fight of faith, "You can make it! Run! Fight! Don't give up! God is with you! Consider us! Consider us! We went through fire and water, and made it to the other side! We did the impossible! Divine power was given to us because we willed to believe God! Do not look at the circumstance, but to the Lord!" O, we need to hear these witnesses!
THESE ARE CALLED A "cloud of witnesses" because of the vast number of them. Millions kept the Passover, came out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and drank from a rock in a wilderness! From Abel through the period of the Judges and the Kings, there have been people who lived by faith. In Elijah's day, there were "seven thousand" who, by faith, refused to bow their knees to Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Rom 11:4). Every age has had its "remnant" (Isa 10:20; Ezek 6:8; Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12; Zech 8:12; Rom 11:5), and God has never left Himself "without witness" (Acts 14:17). Now, they ALL surround us.
WE ARE TOLD OF MARTYRS who presently are conscious, active, observant, asking questions, and receiving answers(Rev 6:9-11).
THE "RICH MAN" who died and lifted up his eyes in torment knew about his brothers upon the earth. He sought their welfare from the region of the damned. Do you remember his words? "Then he said [to Abraham], 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'" (Luke 16:27-28). Abraham himself had some awareness of things upon the earth. He answered the rich man. "'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'" (Luke 16:29-31). Think! Both Moses and the prophets lived a considerable time AFTER Abraham. He knew nothing of either when he was in the world. Yet, he was fully aware of them on the other side.
NO PERSON, THEREFORE, should think it strange that we could be surrounded with a "great cloud of witnesses" who are intensely interested in the race to glory we are running. If the rich man could be interested in his brothers in the world, why could not departed saints have a vital interest in the warfare of fellow believers in the world? Are we not told that we have come into fellowship with a family that has representatives in "heaven" as well as the "earth" (Eph 3:15)? Is it not written that we are "COME . . . to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb 12:22-23)?
THIS CLOUD, OR VAST ASSEMBLY of witnesses, is very real. Their observation of us is very real. In a very substantial sense, they lived out their lives for us – as a testimony to us of the unwavering effectiveness of faith. A specific journey was laid out for each of them, and they traversed treacherous and threatening surroundings to complete it. You are in the same situation, and are called to hear their testimony!
LISTEN TO THEIR CONFESSION, and doubt not the ability of your faith to carry you through. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Joseph, Gen 50:20). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass" (Joshua, Josh 21:45). "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (Samuel, 1 Sam 7:12). "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (David, Psa 37:25). "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise" (Solomon, 1 Kgs 8:56). HEAR THEN, CHILD OF GOD! Hear them! They testify to the faithfulness of God and the victory of faith. They are witnesses that it is not vain to serve the Lord, and that He will not forsake His own. It is not necessary for you to suffer the same setbacks as those before you. Their record has been written to give us the advantage in the good fight of faith. You honor them by believing their record and running your race with patience, or endurance and perseverance. Run, saint of God, run!
– Given O. Blakely
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