The People of God

In his book entitled, Between the Cross and the Throne, Matthew Emerson provides a beautiful description of the people of God all taken from the Book of Revelation.   Here’s some quotable quotes:

“John’s description of the Church can be summed up by Revelation 1:4b–5—“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.””

“The Church is the redeemed people of God from all tribes, languages, and nations (Rev 7:9). The entire people of God is possibly indicated by the “twenty four elders” in Revelation 4:4; 11:16; and 19:4. This number is made up of two groups of twelve—one representing the tribes of Israel, and one representing the apostles. This is also exemplified in John’s numbering of the “sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel” at 144,000 (Rev 7:4, 9; 14:1).”

“The people of God are clothed with white robes, which, according to Revelation 7:13–17, means that they are the “ones coming out of the great tribulation,” who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14). In other words, the white robes indicate that their wearers are believers in Christ, those who have repented of their sins, who have trusted Christ for forgiveness, and who have been made new by his Spirit (Rev 4:4; 6:11; 7:13–17; 19:8; 22:14).”

“John also refers to believers as those who have been sealed on their foreheads with the name of God (Rev 7:4; 9:4; 13:8; 14:1; 22:4) and who have had their names written in the book of life before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8). Both of these images assure believers that their salvation, accomplished by Christ and applied by the Spirit, is secure because of God’s great power.”

“Believers are also those who follow the commands of Jesus, keeping themselves pure and blameless (Rev 14:4–5). This includes not only in their individual morality, but also their corporate holiness in the face of economic and political corruption (see the description of the Harlot in Rev 17–18).”

“ John also combines this last image of the Bride with the new Jerusalem, the holy city coming down from heaven (Rev 21:2).”

“John also describes the Church in Revelation 4:5b–5 as reigning with Christ. As with the first description of the Church as redeemed, John uses a number of different images throughout the book to convey this point. He starts and ends the body of his vision by picturing 24 elders (representative of the whole people of God) with crowns on their heads and sitting on thrones (Rev 4:4; 20:4, 6).”

[Emphasis Mine]

Festive Feasting in Community is Impossible Apart from Faithfulness to God.

In Zechariah 8, I have divided the oracles into two halves: A message of restoration (1-17); and a message of rejoicing (18-23).  I have laid out the intent of the chapter in previous Blogs.  Today in verses 18-23 we note the message of hope and joy:

“The word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”” (Zechariah 8:18–23, NIV).

This response of the LORD of hosts is in response to the question posed in Chapter 7:2-3.  These fasts had never been directed by the Lord.  He was not pleased by any of them.  But God promises to turn these fasts into joy and happiness. "They are to discontinue these empty expressions of false piety and to replace them with demonstrations of the true joy that springs from a right relationship to God." [1]   "Therefore love truth and peace," God says.  God always loves moral behavior instead of empty and useless ritual. 

"The manifestation of the kingdom will be attended by such a fullness of salvation that Judah will forget to commemorate the former mournful events and will only have occasion to rejoice in the benefits of grace bestowed by God" (Unger, Zechariah, p. 148)." [2]

This joy and blessing will not be contained in Judah but extend around the world to even the Gentiles. Many nations will come and embrace this joy. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”” (Zechariah 8:23, NIV)

"Ten men represents a complete group from the nations of every tongue who recognize that God is with his people and therefore who come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord." [3]  "The universalism with which the first part of the book ends is therefore not one of expediency, brought about by dialogue or conference. It is the work of God, initiated by him and mediated through his people."  [2]

"This reminds us of God’s priorities for the new Jerusalem, the church. The community blessed with God’s presence is the one that takes seriously their covenant obligations to one another and the culture in which they dwell. The blessing of the nations typified by feasting is not possible if we do not “love truth and peace” (Zech. 8: 19)." [4]

Father, we are so bent on being together.  We exalt the notion of being together.  It's not a bad idea, in fact, I think You have placed that in us.  From united nations to united churches we somehow believe that togetherness -- unity -- is great no matter what the cost.  We are so deceived.  We are like Israel engaging in self-imposed fasts that accomplish nothing.  But I see in this text that when God's people are faithful to Him -- in word and deed, there is great joy.  And great joy attracts people, not because of the idealism of unification, but because within joy, You exist.  May our gatherings be greatly desired because people from all walks of life will say, "God is in this place."  Even today, Father, in my life, may I reflect a winsome holiness that reflects to others, that I have been with Jesus.  For it is in His Name that I pray.

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1821). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.  

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/IV. The Problem of Fasting and the Promise of the Future (7:1-8:23)/E. Kingdom Joy and Jewish Favor (8:18-23), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1761). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

4. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 7920-7923). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

Is There Someone You Call, "My Dear Friend?"

To be honest, I started studying 2 John because it has been neglected in my life.  I also heard a speaker suggest that even Google has neglected it. For example, there was a time when you would search for '2 John' on Google and it would take you to John's Gospel, chapter 2.   I tried. That's changed now.   Anyway, what has been astounding to me in this short letter is the profound expression of the Doctrine of the Church.  

Today, we start a journey into the third letter: 3 John.   This is clearly a companion letter, in John's mind.  He takes the topic of hospitality and gives more instruction on it.  Because of the prevalence of false teachers he combines the dual notions of love with discernment, instead of love and truth -- but its still on his mind.  Let's start at the beginning:  3 John 1–4 (NIV),

¹ The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. ² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Again, as in the previous letter, John salutes the recipients with the term "elder".  (“The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—” (2 John 1, NIV)).   As I noted before, this is significant.  It reflects among many things the development of the early church through the establishment of pastors and elders and the withdrawal of the Apostles.  John, we understand was the last of the Apostles.

Who is Gaius? The NIV translates the phrase "my dear friend."  The ESV employs the word "beloved" which is a good rendering of the Greek word  ἀγαπητός [ag·ap·ay·tos]. "Although the name Gaius occurs elsewhere in the NT (cf. Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1Cor 1:14) and is common enough in the literature of the time, his identity, aside from what is said of him in this letter, is unknown to us. He may have been a member of the church Diotrephes appears to have headed. But whether he held any official position in it is uncertain." [1]

It would appear that John and Gaius are friends and John is writing to him, providing some guidance toward a particular scenario in the church Gaius is part of.  How good it is to have a friend when you are going through difficulty and uncertainty?  How good it is to have a friend, period, today.  I am told that especially men rarely bond to genuine friendships.  We have lots of acquaintances and lots of contacts in our Rolodex -- but few if any "friends."  I preached recently from Romans 16 on the point that friends make great ministry partners. They really do!

Friends are not perfect.  Friends can, and will "let you down."  But there are some important blessings that friends bring to the table.  The Bible speaks of great friendships, David and Jonathon to name one (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:14-17). Friends will tell you the truth when others won't (“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6, NIV).  It was common for Paul to address friends in his letters and show his appreciation to them.  There is an expected loyalty among friends, especially in times of trouble (“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV).  Many times you hear Proverbs 18:24 quoted: 

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

It is a rare find in this world for men to have such a friend.  But there is a Friend whom this can always speak to -- man or woman -- His name is Jesus.  To those who trust Him and put their faith in Him, He becomes a true Friend -- closer than any biological relationship. Kevin DeYoung writes [2]:

"Jesus was a friend of sinners not because he winked at sin, ignored sin, or enjoyed light-hearted revelry with those engaged in immorality. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners and was very pleased to welcome sinners who were open to the gospel, sorry for their sins, and on their way to putting their faith in Him."

Father, I am intrigued by this topic because I am one of the many men who has precious view friends. I am thankful for many men in my life who are a blessing to me.  But there are hardly no friends (in the true sense of the word).  I'm introverted.  I'm a loner.  I am independent.  You made me that way. But that is no excuse.  I know that. I pray for me and all my brothers like me, that You would help us break free from our self-imposed limitations -- our sinful, prideful, self-centered limitations; and in Your grace grant to us at least one good friend.   Thankfully You have done that in the Gospel.  Thankfully, we who are in Christ have a Friend -- a Friend who loves at all times; a Friend who speaks the truth in love; and a Friend who will 'never leave nor forsake us.'  Help us to be a christ-friend to others.   Grant by the power of Your Spirit, as much a this sinner is capable of, a spirit of friendship that reflects the glory of the True Friend, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:3 John/Exposition of 3 John/I. Salutation (1), Book Version: 4.0.2

2. http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2014/03/04/jesus-friend-of-sinners-but-how/

 

The Harvest Produces Perseverance

Galatians 6:9–10 (NIV),

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Verse 9 is an important encouragement to Gospel laborers and it leads Paul to the Christians obligation to all people with some specific prioritizing of one's time and resources toward the Church. "As if he should say: Let us be liberal and bountiful not only towards the ministers of the Word, but also towards all other men, and that without weariness." [1] Both the encouragement and the direction are summarized by the phrase: "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

"As if he said: Wait and look for the perpetual harvest that is to come and then shall no ingratitude or perverse dealing of men be able to pluck you away from well-doing: for in the harvest-time ye shall receive most plentiful increase and fruit of your seed. Thus with most sweet words he exhorteth the faithful to the doing of good works." [1]

"Two imperatives govern Paul's warning: "do not be weary" and "do not faint." These are not identical but are directed against the temptations to become discouraged and give up . . . The best reason for resisting them is that if the necessary preparation is done, the harvest is sure."[2] 

"The primary focus should be on serving those in the church, but never to the exclusion of people in the wider world." [3] "All born-again believers belong to the same spiritual family. For these we are under special obligation to work good, whenever we have an opportunity." [4]

Father, I sense that there are some things that are very certain in this life.  One is that tiredness is a ministry partner.  Another is that I am obligated to serve anyone where I have opportunity, but I have a specific obligation to serve the Church, my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Lastly it is sure and certain, Father, that there will be a harvest.  Like all Your exhortations, I read with absoluteness that there will be a harvest (indicative), so work for the harvest (imperative). I confess that tiredness and a lack of ambition with discouragement plague my day.The older I get the more I experience this.  Father, by Your Spirit create in me energy and focus.  Jesus is coming again and there will be a massive harvest of souls. This is given to us by Your Spirit as our encouragement.  Let us dig in, press on and not slack off.  For the glory of Christ, keep us busy for the Kingdom.  Even so come, Lord Jesus. 

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:9). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Galatians/Exposition of Galatians/III. The Call to Godly Living (5:1-6:10)/D. Two Practical Exhortations (6:1-10)/2. The use of money (6:6-10), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2401). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Sinners Helping Sinners.

Galatians 6:1 (NIV),

¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Paul now moves to another area of what it means to walk in the Spirit.  In the previous Blog we saw that Paul believes that walking in the Spirit produces humility and peace.  In this verse we can readily see that walking in the Spirit also creates a climate of restoration. We note that this is addressed to the whole Church.  It could easy to think that this was a leadership responsibility.  

The NIV correctly interprets the phrase "you who are spiritual" to avoid an idea of spiritual elitism, but rather those who exude the fruits of the Spirit. "The adjective “spiritual” means “living and walking according to the Holy Spirit” (see 5:16; also 1 Cor. 2:15; 3:1; 14:37) and includes, but is not limited to, the qualities listed in Gal. 5:22–23." [1]

The "fault" spoken of here is not a willful premeditated sin.  This is a incident that can be described as "sudden temptation seized him unawares before he could escape . . . falling beside, a trespass, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness." [2].  This is a lapse of judgment that entraps an individual and they need to be restored.

The word to be "restored" is word katartizō. It refers to fixing, mending, setting in place. It's a similar verb used of setting a broken bone. "The present imperative signifies to keep on having the habit of restoring the offender to his former condition." [2] This means that it is the attitude and the habit of Spirit-filled Christians to be about the business of restoring fallen brothers and sisters.  

"Forasmuch then as the saints in this life do not only live in the flesh, but now and then also through the enticement of the devil, fulfil the lust of the flesh, that is to say, fall into impatiency, envy, wrath, error, doubting, distrust, and such-like (for Satan always assaileth both, that is, as well the purity of doctrine, which he laboureth to take away by sects and dissensions, as also the soundness of life, which he corrupteth with daily faults and offences); therefore Paul teacheth how such men that are fallen should be dealt withal, namely, that they which are strong, should raise up and restore them again with the spirit of meekness." [3]

People who are led by the Spirit are not perfect.  They too are susceptible to sin and temptation.  So it behooves them to take great care while they are busy in the ministry of restoration.  "Those who live by the Spirit should restore those who sin with the gentleness and humility of the Spirit." [4]  They must do so "lest they be tempted."  "'There is no sin (saith Augustine) which any man hath done, but another man may do the same.' We stand on a slippery ground; therefore if we wax proud and leave off our duty, there is nothing so easy unto us as to fall." [3]  “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12, NIV).

So Spirit-filled people not only exhibit humility and peace-able-ness, but they in fact live with a mindset of restoring their brothers and sisters who get caught in a fault. But they do that with a gentleness and meekness, a lack of self-confidence and sufficiency that keeps them aware of their own weaknesses -- sometimes very much the same as the one who has fallen.

Father, I come to You as one who has been culturally honed to "live and let live".   It is not my default position to push my way into other's lives.  To butt in.  To interfere.  I am deeply challenged by this passage that teaches me that part of my loving, Spirit-inspired response to my brothers and sisters is to provide aid and encouragement when they get blind-sided by their own flesh and weakness. How I am to do it requires a huge amount of grace from You, Father.  I am as well to butt out if I go to them in pride and self-exaltation. Sinners are to help sinners.  Grant me eyes to see the fallen.  Grant me a will to restore the fallen.  Grant me grace to help the fallen.  Grant me humility to acknowledge that I am at times the fallen and I need help.  Amen!

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2399). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

4. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 6:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.