Today's Sufficient Grace

Amos 7:12–16 (ESV),

¹² And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, ¹³ but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” ¹⁴ Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. ¹⁵ But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ¹⁶ Now therefore hear the word of the Lord . . .."

Amaziah is the priest in Israel.  He orders Amos to stop preaching a message of doom and destruction and orders him to leave Bethel.  Here we see a little of the biography of Amos.  I think the point Amos is making is to show Amaziah that this is distinctly a call of God on his life.  He can do no other than what God has called him to do.  So he went right on preaching. "Amos was not prophesying on his own authority but on God’s authority." [1]

This reminds me of the early Church.  “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:27–29, ESV)

Matthew Henry adds this insight: "Having been so meanly bred, he could not have the courage to speak to kings and great men, especially to speak such bold and provoking things to them, if he had not been animated by a greater spirit than his own. If God, that sent him, had not strengthened him, he could not thus have set his face as a flint, Isa. 50:7. Note, God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty; and a herdman of Tekoa puts to shame a priest of Bethel, when he receives from God authority and ability to act for him." [2] [Emphasis mine]

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1672). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2, Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 1515). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Is There A Disaster That The LORD Is Not Behind?

Contemporary society has coined a response to a certain type of question that invites the answer, "D'oh."  

"In general, duh (pronounced DUH , prolonging the UH , pitching the voice a bit low, and inflecting it with an intonation of imbecility or sarcasm or both, depending on the usage) is a colloquial comment on one's (or someone else's) lack of knowledge or brain power. In the Homer Simpson cartoon, duh is spelled 'd'oh.'" [1]   It is a strong suggestion that you're telling someone that something is so obvious and they're rather dumb not to see it.

Some common "duh" statements include: "Do fish swim?"  Or perhaps, "Is the Pope, Catholic?" Amos is a shepherd prophet that comes to Israel and Judah with strong words of judgment. At the time Israel was enjoying unparalleled military success and social prosperity.  He writes, ““You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2, ESV).

Then comes a series of "duh" statements:   ““Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? . . . ..” (Amos 3:3–6, ESV)

Included in these "blinding flash of the obvious" statements the prophet writes this amazing "d'oh": "Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it?" [2]   "The biblical writers were secure in their understanding that Yahweh was the ultimate agent behind all events." [3]  "The Old Testament teaches that the Lord is the Creator of peace and of calamity (Is. 45:7). This does not mean that God is the author of evil, but rather that He sovereignly brings disaster or adversity on individuals and nations as just punishment." [4]

I wonder if in our contemporary culture and church environment, if someone affirmed that the sovereign God of the universe is behind all events that occur, whether good or bad --- I wonder if the response of the believers would be, "Well, duh?"

I wonder if someone read: 

"God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin; nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established."

would the consistent answer of the believing Church be, "Well, duh?"











   

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1. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/duh
2. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Am 3:6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
3. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Am 3:6). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Am 3:6). Nashville: T. Nelson.

“Jesus I Know. Paul I Know. Who are you?” – Part 3

So as we wrestle with this topic of subjective impressions and guidance that we think are from the Holy Spirit that I've written about in Part 1 and Part 2, we continue the discussion here. I believe that my overarching proposition is of critical importance. The point that seems clear in New Testament life in the Spirit is this:

Fallible vessels are the conduit for the infallible work of the Spirit 

and out of necessity must rely on an infallible source to validate their claims.

So we continue to examine some oft cited texts that tend to support a subjective "unmediated" guidance of the Spirit that leads to conclusive authoritative action.

II – EVALUATING THE TEXTS INFERRING THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT.

Here are some more passages cited to support authoritative subjective direction:

2. Galatians 5:18 (ESV), ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

I will choose to make this brief because of the similarities between this and Romans 8:14. Likewise in this passage, Paul described the conflicting pulls of the flesh on the one hand, and the indwelling Spirit on the other. The key to overcoming the lust of the flesh and fulfilling the desire of the Spirit consists in walking by the Spirit (5:16) and being led by the Spirit (5:18).  This is a parallel passage to Romans 8:14. This leading of the Spirit is what enables us not to obey the lust of the flesh, but obey the Spirit resulting in Spiritual Fruit.  How is this leading accomplished from our part?  The answer is found in chapter 6 of the passage:  “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8, ESV)  

This is exactly what Jesus taught in Mark 4:26-29.  The Word of God is what is sown in a person’s life resulting in maturity and fruitfulness.

3. John 16:12–14 (ESV), ¹² “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

These words are often taken in reference to the Holy Spirit's ministry to all the people of Christ. But Jesus' point here is much more specific than that. He is not at all saying that the Spirit will "teach every believer everything" or cause every believer to "remember everything which he said" or "guide every believer into all truth." That was not what he said, and that is not what has happened. His promise is to his apostles. This is the task for which he had called them. They will be taught "everything." The Holy Spirit will remind them of "everything" which Jesus had spoken. The Spirit will guide them into "all truth."

Jesus is really teaching us about the distinctiveness of these Twelve.  They are the repositories of God’s full and final revelation. God has spoken fully and finally in no less than his Son. God's climactic word "was declared at first through the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him" (Heb 2:3).  Notice this strand of thought in Jesus' high priestly prayer:

 “For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” (John 17:8, ESV).  “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,” (John 17:18–20, ESV)  

Equipped by the teaching of our Lord himself and via his Spirit, they were our Lord's commissioned spokesmen.  Many of them were the human authors of His written Word. This passage is a specific promise and encouragement to the Twelve, not to us directly.

So neither of these texts support the notion that God's Spirit, in an unmediated way, leads and guides us by subjective feelings, thoughts or impressions -- in a manner that we are to respond to them in unmitigated authority and obedience.

In the next Blog, I will look at a couple of important texts in 1 John.  

Today's Sufficient Grace

Hosea 11:1–4 (ESV),

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. ² The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. ³ Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. ⁴ I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them."

In own of the most endearing statements in the Bible, directed to a nation who is soon to be under judgment, we get a glimpse of God's amazing love.  "In highly anthropomorphic terms, the Lord pours out his irrepressible love; Isa. 49:15 and Jer. 31:20 express the same sentiment. The relationship between God and his chosen must not be viewed as a formality. These emotional outpourings demonstrate that the Lord is a person, filled with compassion—unlike the lifeless Baals." [1]

Here in this passage, perfectly blended with love and judgment, anger and affection, we witness the heart of God.  This God in Christ would weep over a Jerusalem that would be decimated in 40 years. ““O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate.” (Matthew 23:37–38, ESV).

This is the God who both wills that “. . . that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, ESV); and at the same time “. . . he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” (Romans 9:18, ESV).  

John Piper makes this clear:

God's emotional life is infinitely complex beyond our ability to fully comprehend . . .  Or who can comprehend that God is angry at the sin of the world every day (Psalm 7:11), and yet every day, every moment, he is rejoicing with tremendous joy because somewhere in the world a sinner is repenting (Luke 15:7,10,23)? Who can comprehend that God continually burns with hot anger at the rebellion of the wicked, grieves over the unholy speech of his people (Ephesians 4:29-30), yet takes pleasure in them daily (Psalm 149:4), and ceaselessly makes merry over penitent prodigals who come home? [2]

A God that can be understood completely cannot be worshiped completely.  

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1.  Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1638). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/are-there-two-wills-in-god

Why Are So Many Upset By "Biological Wiring"?

I was taken back when I heard that Canada's top soldier, General Tom Lawson had to apologize for what he called an "awkward characterization". In a CBC interview with Peter Mansbridge, Lawson spoke of the problem of military sexual harassment. "It would be a trite answer, but it's because we're biologically wired in a certain way and there will be those who believe it is a reasonable thing to press themselves and their desires on others. It's not the way it should be," he said.[1]

For the life of me I don't know why everyone is getting so perturbed?  Here is some reaction: [2]

Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair called the comment "completely wrong and totally unacceptable," saying "the military brass simply don't get it."

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also addressed the remark on Wednesday afternoon, saying "Gen. Lawson's comments the other day were completely unacceptable. His excuse was completely inadequate . . . Gen. Lawson should be immediately dismissed. His comments are absolutely out of place in 2015 in the society and the country we're trying to build."

Prime Minister Harper responded that he found Lawson's comment "offensive, inappropriate, completely unacceptable."

Lawson said he made the comment in an effort to answer a question about how sexual harassment was still a societal problem in 2015, not just in the military but everywhere.

Again, why the fuss?  The predominant view in our secular nation, a view that perhaps many MPs would hold to, is clearly atheistic.  One well-known scientist and atheist in the world today is Richard Dawkins.  He wrote:

“In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won’t find a rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference … DNA neither knows nor cares. DNA just is. And we dance to its music.” [3]

Whether General Lawson believes this or not or even planned it, he was simply articulating the common worldview of a secular society.  Stated otherwise, these soldiers who were involved in sexually harassing someone, where simply "dancing to their DNA."  That's what Dawkins tells us.  That's the end result of a world without God and any moral prejudice. 

So Mr. Mulcair, Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Harper, if you want a world without God, people are just going to dance to their DNA, or stated otherwise: just follow their biological wiring.  You can't have it both ways.  So please don't harass the General.  He was just following the secular script (the one you've chosen to follow). 

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1, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-sexual-misconduct-due-to-biological-wiring-gen-tom-lawson-tells-cbc-news-1.3115993

2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/biological-wiring-remark-on-military-sexual-misconduct-prompts-strong-mp-reaction-1.3117281

3. Richard Dawkins, River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life (New York: Basic Books, 1995), 133. For a fuller response to Dawkins, see Andrew Wilson, Deluded by Dawkins? (Eastbourne, UK: Kingsway, 2007).

“Jesus I Know. Paul I Know. Who are you?” – Part 2

In the previous Blog, I introduced the concern that some Christians seem to rely inappropriately on subjective impressions and feelings. 

My concern is not that there is a degree of subjectivity to our Christian experience, but that it is too often treated as unquestionably authoritative.  There was a person in my ministry that seemed often to do this.  I tried to nail down specifically how they were attempting to relate to the Spirit. The best I could come up with is that if this person prayed, or was in prayer, the first thought that came into their mind, they took as God telling them something.  They would then seek to obey without question.  They also treated the unusual or even the spontaneous as indicators of God's guidance. 

I had a pastor friend who was infamous for preparing sermons on Saturday night.  Several times he would come to preach on Sunday and announce that the Lord changed his message.  Can God do that?  Yes.  But normally when a pastor attends to the Word of God with diligent study, the message doesn't fly in like a PowerPoint transition:  the message comes from the careful exegetical work in the text.  This man was often applauded for his spontaneity rather than exhorted for his laziness.

Treating subjective experiences as authoritative concerns me.  I plan to cover this subject by guiding us through these main points:

1. I will make a propositional statement.

2. Evaluating the texts inferring the leading of the Spirit.

3. Subjectivity implied in Scripture.

4. Offering some practical and pastoral advice.

I – PROPOSITIONAL STATEMENT

The point that seems clear in New Testament life in the Spirit is this:

Fallible vessels are the conduit for the infallible work of the Spirit 

and out of necessity must rely on an infallible source to validate their claims.

II – EVALUATING THE TEXTS INFERRING THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT.

The following passages are often cited to support authoritative subjective direction.   Let’s look at some of them:

1. Romans 8:14 (ESV), ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Undoubtedly the casual reader would quickly affirm that God’s children are those who are guided by the Spirit.  This verse seems to make that clear.  But is this giving sanction to make decisions based on subjective revelation?  Let’s examine the context.  We, of course, would agree that Paul has been discussing sanctification.  From chapter 6-7 he has given to us the framework for dealing with sin in our lives.  Chapter 8 is truly about the alternative to a life of sin as contrasted with a life in the Spirit.   He has just established that to be a Christian is to have the Spirit of God (8:9) and it is only through this Spirit that we can truly mortify (kill) sin in our lives (8:13).

The immediate context is verses 12-14.   Let’s read it:

 “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:12–14, ESV)  

The sentence “For as many …” is part of the whole thought starting: “So then, brothers . . ..”  These verses form an exhortation regarding the two ways to live, the consequences of which Paul had already fully outlined. To live after the flesh is death; to live after the Spirit is eternal life.  Stated otherwise, to be led by the Spirit is synonymous with “if by the Spirit ye put to death …” The reality is that the evidence that one is a Christian is that they put to death sin in the body by the Spirit. 

John Murray[1] comments correctly on this:

“Those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body are led by the Spirit of God. But those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. . . .  It is taken for granted that those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body are led by the Spirit of God and it is categorically asserted that as many as are led by the Spirit these are the sons of God."

So, in this case, if someone said, “I am led by the Spirit”, the result ought to be the mortification of sin as the Spirit is putting to death the misdeed of the body.  Contextually, we are not talking about a choice of college or a life’s marital partner.  This leading of the Spirit is what He does to kill sin in our lives.

In the next Blog we will consider another text referring to the leading of the Spirit.

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[1] Murray, John, The Epistle to the Romans, Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., 1975, Page 295

Today's Sufficient Grace

Hosea 4-9 is a litany of charges brought by the faithful, covenant-keeping God against the northern nation of Israel for unfaithfulness, spiritual prostitution and rebellion.

The prophet Hosea appeals to the nation in Hosea 6:1–2 (ESV),

¹ “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. ² After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.

"The reference to "two days" and "the third day" means only that the restoration mentioned in v.1 will come surely and quickly. A similar use of numbers occurs in Job 5:19; Proverbs 6:16; 30:15, 18; Amos 1:3, 6, 9; et al." [1]   But surely there is a veiled prefiguring of the resurrection of Christ in this promise.   Not to suggest that Hosea intended that, but more that the Holy Spirit would use this occasion to grant us a parallel meaning.

Perhaps this is why Christ's Apostles could claim the following: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,” (Luke 24:46, ESV).   Jesus Christ is the true Israel. What Israel failed to accomplish, Christ did through His active obedience.  Jesus Christ is the true Israel and all who find their rest in Him become the Israel of God.

Therefore Paul could say, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4, ESV).

Those that come to Christ in faith are promised, with the true Israel, resurrection unto new life, that commences immediately upon repenting and turning to Christ; and finds it's glorious culmination at the Second Return of our Lord.

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11, ESV)  

 

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1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Hosea/Exposition of Hosea/II. Israel's Indictment, Punishment, and Restoration (4:1-14:9)/A. Israel's Indictment (4:1-7:16)/6. Words of repentant Israel (6:1-3), Book Version: 4.0.2