SPIRIT-TAUGHT BELIEVERS

There is a difference between "knowing about something" and "knowing something first hand." I like to fish for steelhead, I’ve been doing it for most of my life. But there was a time when I only “knew about” steelhead fishing. I had read books. I had gone steelhead fishing on a few occasions. I had heard what others had to say about it. Back then, however, I didn’t really “know” steelhead fishing because I hadn’t experienced it.

There are a lot of professing believers in the modern church who "know about" the Bible. They have heard sermons by Pastors, they have been to Sunday school classes and Bible studies and they know a lot about the Bible. They can repeat, as a Parrot would, whatever it is that they have heard. Sad to say, however, there are far too many who don’t “know” the Bible.

It is one thing to hear what a Bible teacher has to say about any given passage, it is another thing to study the Word of God for oneself. There is a need for teachers, numerous verses of Scripture speak to that (Eph. 4:11; James 3:1; 1 Cor. 12:29), but ultimately it is essential for believers in Christ to be “Spirit-taught.”

The Spirit-indwelt believer has been given all that is necessary to understand and apply the Bible to his or her life. 1 John 2:27, “And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” It is a ministry of the Spirit of God to apply the Word of God to the heart of the believer. In response to His ministry it is essential that we, as believers in Christ, endeavor always to “let the word of Christ richly dwell within” (Col. 3:16).

There is a great need for believers in our day to study the Word of God for themselves. In the “tickle-my-ears” climate of our day believers need to be challenged anew to think Biblically. I can still remember the day when Christian book stores sold mostly Bibles, commentaries, and such. Today they sell as much fiction as anything else. The serious study of God’s word by individuals within the church is becoming increasingly rare. The end result is that many are being “tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14).

Good teachers of God’s word don’t just teach God’s word they teach that their students might be equipped to study it for themselves. They encourage their students to examine all that they hear through the “What does the Bible say?” filter (1 Thess. 5:21). It is the task of the Bible teacher to inspire a “Berean-like” approach to the Word. Those “noble-minded” believers were commended inasmuch as they were with “great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

I remember one of our elders sharing with me the story of how he first came to understand the importance of studying the Word of God for himself. Years ago he had come across a difficult and much debated portion of Scripture. He went to his Pastor to get his opinion as to what it was saying. The Pastor response was that he could give an answer as to his opinion, but that it would be much better for our elder to search the Scriptures for himself and arrive at his own conclusion. That is the kind of “Spirit-taught” approach that is so needful in our day.

We’ve been given, as born-again believers; all that we need to study the Word of God for ourselves. To be sure, it is good for us to have Spirit-led teachers to help us. And, it is helpful for us to have a sound approach to hermeneutics. The four-step approach to Bible study--preparation; observation; interpretation; and application—serves us well. It is also helpful to have good tools such as Bible dictionaries, and commentaries, and other tools. But ultimately the Spirit of God is our teacher, and He “teaches us about all things.” If we have the Spirit for a teacher, then there is no limit to what we can learn of God’s truth. But there is, on the other hand, no amount of lesser teachers, books, or tools that can make up for His absence.

The believers in Corinth were admonished because they elevated earthly teachers (1 Cor. 3:4-6). Their ill-founded approach accomplished no growth in Christ (1 Cor. 3:4). Let us be careful to elevate the Spirit and the Word and the Christ we yearn to know through our Spirit-led instruction. Let us be careful to be good students of the Word who earnestly seek to know for ourselves what the Bible says about any particular matter of faith and practice. Let us endeavor to be “Spirit-taught” believers in Christ!

Pastor Jerry

THE NATURE AND TOLL OF MINISTRY

The following quote is from William Attersol’s book “The Nature of Pastoral Ministry, and its Toll on the Man of God” (1630). Great quote on the breadth of the various aspects of pastoral ministry...

“We may see by experience, that to study with constantness, to instruct with diligence, to exhort with carefulness, to reprove with zeal, to comfort with cheerfulness, to convince with boldness, to watch over people with a godly oversight, as they that must give an account for their souls, to conceive godly anger and great sorrow for sin, to pray in public and private, to go in and out before the people of God in the doctrine of faith and in example of life, to prepare themselves to handle the Word and to deliver it with power and evidence of the Spirit and with earnest affection being thus prepared I say, to perform all these duties does more consume the inward parts, waste the body, impair nature, decay strength, spend the vital spirits and cause them to be subject to sundry infirmities, sicknesses and diseases than any of the strongest labour that is used among men.”

GOOD DIRECTIONS

Modern technology has worked to make traveling by car both safer and easier. Remember the days when the only option available to lost drivers was to stop and ask for directions (Something a male driver would do reluctantly and only out of sheer desperation)? Now you can program your Auto GPS so that it might give to you audible and detailed directions to your ultimate destination. In large cities radio and television both give updates regarding traffic situations so that you can avoid traffic jams or hazards.

Traveling through life has its hazards too. Obstacles, breakdowns, and detours are all a part of the journey. The days in which we live are filled with perils. 2 Timothy 3:1, "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." We live in a day in which "everyone (does) what is right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The well traveled "broad path" is deceivingly attractive (Matt. 7:13). Apart from God's intervention we are all prone to follow that route (Prov. 14:12).

How are we to find our way? Paul counseled Timothy regarding the journey. "Continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of" he said (2 Tim. 3:14). He was speaking of the "sacred writings" (2 Tim. 3:15) which Timothy had first learned as a child and then later through the Apostle Paul Himself. The truth of God's Word is able "to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

It is impossible to successfully find one's way through life apart from the truth that is found exclusively in God's Word. Despite this, warnings are frequently posted along the "broad path" regarding the Bible. One such warning was displayed recently in a Sacramento Public library where a painting depicted a large Bible with a label reading "Warning: May Impair Judgment." It is important to the enemy to keep "broad path" travelers on his route.

But through the ages the Scriptures have proven themselves to be the sole source of good judgment. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God's Word shows us the way, reproves us when we wander from it, corrects us that we might return to it, and works to keep us on it.

Distracted driving is dangerous. As travelers through life's journey we need to take care lest we be distracted--we need to pay attention to God's word. 2 Peter 1:18, "And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." This world is a dark place, so we need a spiritual lamp to guide us. God's word is that lamp (Psalm 119:105).

You can have an Auto GPS in your car, but it won't do any good if you don't turn it on or if you pay no attention to it. The Bible is profitable to us personally only inasmuch as we endeavor to hear it, read it, memorize it, meditate upon it, and obey it. Without it we can never hope to travel safely on the "narrow path" that leads to life. "It is," as the Gideon Bible flyleaf points out, "the traveler's map, the Pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass"..."read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy."

Pastor Jerry

GOD, GOVERNMENT, AND THE GOSPEL, Part 2, "God is the Ruler Yet"

REVIEW

1. It is natural for us, as believers, to be grieved by injustice and immorality.

2. How are we to respond? Fear, worry, and/or grumbling are not the answer. To what extent should we concern ourselves with politics and/or engage in political activism?

3. What is needful is a Biblical perspective leading to a God-honoring response that enhances, and does not undermine, our witnessing efforts.

INTRODUCTION

1. The four words, ”In God we trust,” are etched on US coins and printed on US bills.

2. To what extent do we, as believers, live by these four words?

3. What effect will an abiding trust in God’s sovereignty have on our thinking about, concern for, and involvement in political matters?

LESSON

1. God is sovereign over all:

Ÿ “Why should nations say, ‘Where, now, is their God?’ But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Psa. 115:3).

Ÿ “He works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

2. God is sovereign over all the affairs of this world:

Ÿ He is sovereign over Satan and sin (Job 1:12; 2:5-6; Luke 22:31).

Ÿ Over governments and military powers (2 Chron. 20:6; Rom. 13:2).

Ÿ Over nature and natural disasters (Psa. 107:29; Nah. 1:3-6).

Ÿ Over sickness and disease (John 9:3; 11:4; Rev. 21:4).

Ÿ Over every human being (Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:17-18).

Ÿ Including, you and me (Prov. 16:9; 19:21; James 4:13-15).

3. God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility:

Ÿ Man is still responsible for his sin (Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23).

Ÿ Believers are still exhorted to serve (Eph. 1:11 vs. Eph. 4:1f). Example: Nehemiah was confident of God’s purpose to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, but the people still had to do the work (Neh. 2:18).

4. In His sovereignty God appoints rulers:

Ÿ We have, in our country, the freedom to vote, but God is the one who ultimately appoints rulers (Dan. 2:21; 4:17). Note: Biblical Elders are appointed by men (Tit. 1:5), but ultimately are first made elders by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28).

Ÿ God providentially directs the affairs of nations (including ours) to accomplish His purpose (Dan. 2:36f; Jer. 27:5-6; Matt. 2:13-15).

Napoleon, at the height of his career, is reported to have given this cynical answer to someone who asked if God was on the side of France: “God is on the side that has the heaviest artillery.” Then came the battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon lost both the battle and his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas Kempis, “Man proposes, God disposes.”

5. The fact that God is in control should relieve us of anxiety and worry:

Ÿ Though we may not agree with our earthly leaders, we are still commanded to respect them (1 Pet. 2:17).

Ÿ They have no more power to do harm than that which is permitted to them by God (1 Pet. 2:13-17; 4:19).

Ÿ God is ultimately in control of the affairs of our lives (Matt. 5:25f; Phil. 4:6-7).

Margaret Clarkson, “The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God...All evil is subject to Him, and evil cannot touch His children unless He permits it. God is the Lord of human history and of the personal history of every member of His redeemed family.”

CONCLUSION

1. How are we to reconcile the apparent dichotomy that exists between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility?

A. W. Tozer (in referring to the analogy of a ship headed in a certain unchangeable course, but with passengers on board having the freedom to walk about the ship and make decisions): “Both freedom and sovereignty are present here and they do not contradict each other. So it is, I believe, with man’s freedom and the sovereignty of God. The mighty liner of God’s sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history. God moves undisturbed and unhindered toward the fulfillment of those eternal purposes which He purposed in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

2. Define “fatalism.” Distinguish between “fatalism” and a proper response to the doctrine of God’s sovereignty?

3. Distinguish between God’s determined will (God’s decree) and God’s permissive will. Is it possible to thwart God’s determined will?

4. Is it possible to stop the degradation of society through political activism or legislation? Why or why not?

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams, October 11, 1798

5. To what extent is it appropriate (or profitable) for us to involve ourselves, as believers, in political affairs? Is that in keeping with our mandate? What is our mandate?

6. NEXT WEEK: Lesson Three, “What is this World Coming To?”: Differentiating between a postmillennial and premillennial approach.

GOD, GOVERNMENT, AND THE GOSPEL

LESSON ONE - INTRODUCTION

1. Presuppositions:

Ÿ America was founded by Christian men and on Christian principles.

Ÿ America, through its history, has been an unrivaled source for much good to its citizens and to the world.

Ÿ It is good and proper for a believer to be a good and active citizen--to be respectful of governing authorities, to obey the laws of the land, to be knowledgeable of political candidates and issues, to vote, etc.

Ÿ Many of us have served our country in the military (some have fought for our country).

Ÿ America, as a nation, is in decline. Immorality and injustice are increasingly . Much of what we witness and observe is contrary to the intent of our founding fathers, and more importantly, to God and to His Word. It is easy to believe that we will soon face a national crisis of some sort.

Ÿ The ever increasing immorality and injustice that exists in our nation grieves our hearts.

2. We should not be surprised by the immorality and injustice that exists in our world:

Ÿ Man is sinful by nature (Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:6,8,10; Col. 1:21).

Ÿ “The days are evil” (Eph. 5:16).

Ÿ Scripture warned that these last days would be “difficult times” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Ÿ We, as believers, exist in “the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15; Cf. Acts 13:10; Isaiah 5:20).

3. It is natural (and beneficial) for us, as believers, to be grieved by injustice and immorality (wherever we find it):

Ÿ Habakkuk was grieved by the injustice he witnessed (Hab. 1:1-4).

Ÿ The Psalmist implored God to intervene (Psa. 94:1-7).

Ÿ Lot’s righteous soul was vexed by the lawless deeds of unprincipled men (2 Pet. 2:8).

Ÿ Paul was burdened by his own sin (Rom. 7:24).

4. The question is: “How do we direct our thoughts and activities in response?”

Ÿ Complaining is not the answer (Phil. 2:14; Col. 2:7).

Ÿ It will do us no good to worry (Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 5:6-7).

Ÿ We dare not take matters into our own hands (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Ÿ Or make the lost our enemy (Matt. 5:44; 2 Tim. 2:24-26).

5. How does God want for us to respond to the current state of affairs that we find ourselves in? We need to be careful not to allow ourselves to be driven by the dictates of our flesh or the opinions of others. We need to formulate a Biblical response (2 Tim. 2:13-14; 2 Pet. 1:19):

Ÿ That reflects our dispensational and premillenial viewpoint.

Ÿ That takes into account the true nature of lost humanity.

Ÿ That trusts sincerely in the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men.

Ÿ That focuses on God’s mandate for His church.

Ÿ That understands the true nature of the warfare we are engaged in.

Ÿ That is not deterred from the clear and faithful proclamation of the gospel.

Ÿ That fixes its hope on heaven as the ultimate goal and object of salvation.

Ÿ That does not diminish our witness or unnecessarily limit opportunities to share the gospel with others.

CONCLUSION

1. What bothers you the most about the current direction of our country?

2. How are you prone to respond to political decisions or issues that are contrary to your own ideas?

3. To what extent are your responses governed by: the flesh? the opinions of others? the Scriptures?

4. What steps can you take to help ensure that your responses will honor and please God?

5. How might political discussions with others lead to opportunities to share the gospel? What kinds of attitudes and actions work to limit or undermine your witnessing efforts?

THORNS OF GRACE

Follow this link to a great article by Steve Cornell on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and Paul's "thorn in the flesh" experience:

http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/thorns-of-grace/

Pastor Jerry

WASHINGTON'S FORESIGHT RE: MAN'S DEPRAVITY VS. OUR CONSTITUTION

From George Washington's proposed address to congress (April 1789):

"The blessed Religion revealed in the word of God will remain an eternal and awful monument to prove that the best Institutions may be abused by human depravity; and that they may even, in some instances be made subservient to the vilest of purposes. Should, hereafter, those who are entrusted with the management of our government, incited by lust of power and prompted by the supineness or venality of their Constituents, overleap the known barriers of this Constitution and violate the unalienable rights of humanity; it will only serve to show, that no compact among men (however provident in its construction and sacred in its ratification) can be pronounced everlasting and inviolable, and if I may so express myself, that no Wall of words, that no mound of parchment, can be so formed as to stand against the sweeping torrent of boundless ambition on the one side, aided by the sapping current of corrupted morals on the other." Sacred Fire, Peter A. Lillback; p. 1015.