Render Unto Caesar

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This message is part of a series of messages over the Book of Romans. This sermon introduces the first several verses of Romans 13 concerning submission to governing authorities.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

The message today addresses a topic that is probably considered controversial, which means that there are a variety of views and opinions about how the text should be interpreted for modern Christians.

As you can see by reading just the very first verse of Romans 13, the topic is about the believer’s responsibility to civil authorities or the government.

I want to introduce the subject by sharing some quotes that I’ve found in Draper's Book of Quotations …

Plato, The philosopher (428-348 B.C.) – “The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.”

George Washington – “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Calvin Coolidge – “The foundation of our society and of our government rests so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings should cease.”

Charles Colson – “Government originated as an ordinance of God. It is, in one sense, God's response to the nature of the people themselves. While it cannot redeem the world or be used as a tool to establish the kingdom of God, civil government does set the boundaries for human behavior. The state is not a remedy for sin, but a means to restrain it.”

Charles Colson – “While human politics is based on the premise that society must be changed in order to change people, in the politics of the kingdom it is people who must be changed in order to change society.”

The duties and obligations of government and citizens to each other is the topic of endless debates among Christians and non-Christians alike. Apparently the Apostle Paul realized that there was a need for him to address this issue even with Christians living in the first century. He is writing to believers living in Rome, which was the capital of the empire.

We are studying the portion of Paul’s letter in which he has been talking about how the principles of salvation through Christ should affect the conduct of believers. He definitely believes that faith in Christ should impact the conduct of the believer.

A couple of weeks ago, we noticed in 12:1 that the first priority in the conduct of a Christian is a total and complete consecration of himself to God. Now, it makes sense for him to explain how their respect for civil authority is really connected to their consecration to God, because “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” If they are going to be truly consecrated to God, then that includes giving honor and obedience to God-ordained rulers.

[I didn’t have time to go through the outline as given, so I hit some highlights and “ad-libbed”.]

D. Christian conduct involves respect for authority. (13:1-7)

i. Respect for authority is expected. (1, 5)

Exodus 22:28 (NKJV) "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

a. Respect includes submission. (1, 5a)

The point is, don’t be rebellious or revolutionary against legitimate authorities.

b. Submission involves compelling reasons. (5b)

ii. Respect for authority is explained. (1b-4)

Immediately after commanding that the Christian believers be submitted to the governing authorities, Paul explains why it is necessary and reasonable to do so.

a. Authority is ordained by God. (1b)

“For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

There are several OT passages of Scripture that I think will shed some light on what Paul says in the second part of verse 1.

Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs was written by King Solomon; a man who followed God, so he could say the king’s heart is in the hand of God, but…

The next two passages were written by prophets who lived and prophesied during the times of foreign occupation and under the reigns of kings who were not God-fearing men. And yet, hear what the Word says about God’s authority over them.

 Jeremiah 27:6-7 (NKJV) And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field I have also given him to serve him. ⁷  So all nations shall serve him and his son and his son's son, until the time of his land comes; and then many nations and great kings shall make him serve them.

Daniel 2:20-21 (NKJV) Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. ²¹  And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel 4:17 (NKJV) 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'

b. To resist authority means resisting God. (2)

Since all authority is ordained by God; i.e. He raises up rulers and puts down rulers, then it is only logical to conclude that rebelling against authorities is the same as rebelling against God.

Sometimes in Scripture, God is portrayed as raising up specific rulers to bring judgment upon the nation for their corruption and immorality.

To rebel against the authorities is to rebel against God, which will result in bring condemnation upon ourselves.

God is still sovereign, and while He certainly allows rulers and kings to exercise free will, just like He does all human beings, yet there is nothing a king or ruler can do to frustrate God’s overall plan for the world and humanity.

There is nothing that the Republican Party or the Democrat Party can do to overrule God’s divine purposes for our nation or our world.

c. Authorities serve God by promoting good. (3-4) 

iii. Respect for authority includes appropriate support. (6-7)

a. Support is given through required taxes. (6)

b. Support is given through attitudes and actions. (7)

Conclusion:

We have the responsibility to live as citizens of two kingdoms.

Let us close by singing a hymn that has some very appropriate words, which apply to the topic of today’s message:

We Are Called To Be God’s People    

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Living the Love of Christ

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This message is part of a series of messages on the Book of Romans. This covers Romans 12:9-21.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

If you have an outline, you will notice that last week we began with Roman numeral VI.   God's righteousness is revealed through the conduct of believers. (12:1-15:13)

We discussed points A & B last week as we covered verses 1-8 in chapter 12.

A.   Christian conduct involves consecration to God. (12:1-2)

B.   Christian conduct involves participation in the body. (12:3-8)

Today, I am going to try to cover verses 9-21. As I have stated in the past, I will not be going over every word or even every phrase, but we’re trying to hit the main thoughts that the Apostle addresses in each chapter. I’ve been trying to do about 2 sermons per chapter, so that doesn’t give us time to examine every detail.

I’d just like to restate a small part of what I shared last Sunday for those who might not have been here. In the letter to the Romans, the Apostle has primarily written concerning theological and doctrinal topics during the first 11 chapters.

Now, starting with chapter 12, he is emphasizing the practical aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrating how doctrinal truth affects practical Christian living. Paul is not one who believes that a Christian’s life isn’t really too different from the non-Christian. Paul definitely believes that a person’s faith should have an impact on the way he lives his life.

Being a Christian is certainly more than intellectually accepting a collection of truths and propositions. It really involves a life that is governed by those truths that provide the foundation for faith.

Let’s go to the 12^th chapter of Romans now to continue our examination of Paul’s admonitions.

C.   Christian conduct involves a demonstration of love. (12:9-21)

I don’t suppose that there is a Christian believer anywhere that disputes the fact that we should live out the love of Christ in our everyday lives. Anyone who knows anything at all about Jesus’ message knows that He preached that we ought to demonstrate love to one another.

Even some secularists and atheists will say that we should “do the loving thing” when asked how people should treat one another. But the real question is, “How is love defined or described?” Is love anything that I say it is? Or, are there some specific qualities and characteristics of love defined in Scripture?

I think you know the answer to that question. The Bible has plenty to say about what genuine love really is. 1 Corinthians 13 (which we heard read in today’s Scripture reading), is one of the best descriptions of love ever written.

i.   Love is demonstrated to fellow believers. (9-13)

In verses (9-13), according to some scholars, Paul writes about showing love to fellow-believers.

There are several characteristics that he describes as true about the kind of love Christians should demonstrate.

a. It must be sincere and morally sound. (9)

When we try to show love to one another, we must make sure that we are not “just putting on an act”.

“without dissimulation” (KJV) – the verb form of this word means to act on a stage, impersonate, or pretend, thus, play the hypocrite.

In other words, the expression of love must be genuinely sincere.

It also must be morally sound. “Abhor… evil; cling to the good.”

In the minds of many liberals today, we are expected to love everything. But God says in order for our love to be genuine and to have virtuous quality to it, we must HATE some things.

Our love for one another has to have a moral quality about it that causes us to “cleave/cling” to that which is classified as “good” and it must cause us to “abhor/loathe” that which is evil.

i.e. Love what God loves, and hate what God hates.

b. It must be unselfish. (10)

Verse 10 speaks of “kind affection” and “brotherly love.” Both of these words are compound words that include one of the Greek words for love, “phileo.”

This is a tender, warm, family-type love we should be demonstrating to one another.

And, it must be unselfish. “In honor, preferring one another.” I don’t believe there is a better way to describe unselfishness.

c. It must be vibrant and spiritual. (11)

Three qualities given in verse 11 all combine together, I believe, to express the idea that our love should have a quality of vibrancy and fervency. “Not slothful, i.e. diligent;” “fervent;” “serving”

When we practice showing love to one another, we ought to do it with a spirit that demonstrates desire and passion; not half-hearted.

The fact that we are told to serve the Lord indicates that our love-inspired deeds of service are to be a spiritual service or sacrifice to the Lord, not merely a deed done for another person.

If we’re doing it for the Lord, then it won’t matter if others notice or not, or if the recipients appreciate it or not. We’ve done it for the Lord! And He always appreciates our sacrifices of love.

d. It must be bathed in prayer. (12)

The Apostle apparently recognizes that even when we attempt to show love to one another, there are plenty of situations where we can be discouraged with the results or outcomes.

The only way to overcome the negative situations we meet as we try to demonstrate love is to bathe every action in prayer. That will enable us to experience joy that is inspired by hope, and to endure even when our efforts have resulted in tribulations (troubles).

e. It must be evident in service. (13)

In this verse, Paul defines one of the practical ways that love should be expressed among us – showing hospitality and meeting needs of other believers as we become aware of them.

ii.   Love is demonstrated to non-believers. (14-21)

It is fairly plain to see that verse 14 begins to talk about our interactions with non-believers because of the reference to “those who persecute you.” It is possible to be persecuted by other believers I suppose, if it is done in ignorance, but Paul is probably speaking about those who genuinely oppose the Christian faith.

a. It is counter-cultural. (14, 17a)

In verse 14 and the first portion of verse 17, Paul is urging the Christians to do something that is completely and totally abnormal for most people – i.e. bless those who persecute you, and don’t seek revenge.

These instructions certainly mirror the message of Jesus when He spoke of the ways we are to treat our “enemies.”

Please understand, dear friends, if we are going to be genuine followers of Jesus Christ, our faith must be lived out in ways that goes completely against what is “normal” in the eyes of the world.

b. It identifies with conditions of others. (15-16)

When we live out the kind of love that God has and the kind of love that Jesus preached, then we will identify and empathize with the feelings and situations of people around us.

We will truly rejoice with those who rejoice, and we will weep with those who weep.

Verse 16 emphasizes the idea that we are to be so filled with humility that our hearts are literally in tune with those around us. We are not arrogant, super spiritual, self-righteous snobs, but we are identifying with the feelings and desires of others.

Religious pride and a haughty spirit certainly damages not only our reputation, but our Lord’s reputation and it hinders our ability to effectively bring others to Him.

c. It plans for opportunities to serve. (17b)

The word “provide” (KJV), is a word that means to perceive beforehand; consider in advance; foresee.

(Wuest's Word Studies) …the translation conveys the sense of providing honestly for ourselves and our families.

“things honest” – goodness that is obvious in appearance.

(Wuest's Word Studies) That is, the Christian is exhorted to take careful forethought that his manner of life, his outward expression conforms to, is honestly representative of what he is as a child of God.

d. It seeks peace rather than conflict. (18)

Living in peace with all men is the goal of the genuine Christian that lives out the love of Jesus.

Paul’s statement seems to imply that it is not possible to be at peace with some people because they will not have it so. But, that doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility to seek peace everywhere and every time we can.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Do you wonder why Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are the peacekeepers?” “Making peace” is usually much more difficult than “keeping the peace.”

e. It seeks reconciliation rather than revenge. (19-21)

Finally, Paul urges his Christian brothers and sisters to do away with any thought of revenge against those who have mistreated them or wronged them.

If you “avenge yourself” (v. 19), you will have been overcome by evil (v. 21)

When he says, “give place to wrath,” he is saying we need to step back and allow God to take care of the situation. “Pay backs” and “vengeance” are His responsibility. We need to let go and leave it to him, even if He chooses not to “punish” to the extent we think is appropriate.

Conclusion:

Well, we have come to the end of chapter 12 and I don’t know about you, but I feel like I still have a lot of growing in grace to do in order to live up to all these qualities.

Let me be bold to say, that we should not just shrug this off and excuse our selves by saying, “Oh well, no one can live up to that standard anyway.”

No, as genuine people of faith, we need to be digging deeper and asking God for His grace to become more and more like Jesus in our daily interactions with other Christians and with the people of the world around us. Amen? Amen!

I think there is a hymn that would be an appropriate testimony and even a prayer for all of us.

That is: “I Want to Be Like Jesus” 

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Let's Be Reasonable

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This is a message that is part of a series of messages on the Book of Romans. This message speaks concerning Romans 12:1-8.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Well, some of you might have been thinking this day would never come! We actually are getting back into our series of messages on the NT book of Romans.

It’s hard to imagine that we actually started this study nearly a year ago in September of 2013, then took time off around Christmas & Easter.

As we begin our study in chapter 12, we are heading into a section of Paul’s letter that is quite different from the first 11 chapters.

Most of the first 11 chapters covered deeper theological and doctrinal topics regarding the salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ.

Now, he is changing his emphasis and focusing on how Christian believers ought to respond to God’s saving grace in the way that we live out our faith.

Some have pointed out that Paul, as in most of his letters, has been using a lot of verbs in the indicative form, which shows general statements of fact, but now he is going to use many verbs in the imperative form, which denotes commands, and instructions. The idea seems to be that he is saying, “Because this is true, do this.”

From now on to the end of the book we will be focusing on how Christian behavior should reflect Christian beliefs.

 The title I have chosen for today’s message reflects the words found at the end of verse 1, “which is your reasonable service.”

Let’s take a look at the first several verses of chapter 12 in order to discover what is involved in “reasonable service” to God.

For today’s message I haven’t really developed an outline that fits the pattern I have been using. I’ll try to have that ready for next Sunday.

There are two main thoughts I want to discuss with you today: First, What does “reasonable service” mean? And Second, what does “reasonable service” involve?

I. Reasonable Service Defined

II. Reasonable Service Described

What is the Apostle talking about when he uses the terms that are translated, “reasonable service?”

I. Reasonable Service Defined

“reasonable” – This is the same word from which we get the English word “logical.”

(Wuest's Word Studies), says, “The word "reasonable" is logikos, "rational, agreeable to reason, following reason." Thayer says, "the worship which is rendered by the reason or the soul." This is in contrast to the worship of the priests which consisted of outward forms, symbolic in themselves of spiritual truth, and yet not rational in the sense that this worship was not devoid of a material connection. Vincent says, "Reasonable, not in the popular sense of the term, as a thing befitting, or proper, but rational, as distinguished from merely external or material. Hence nearly equivalent to spiritual…. Israel preached the gospel through the use of object lessons, the Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Offerings. The Church preaches the same gospel in abstract terms.”

“service” – (Wuest's Word Studies) … in the LXX, "the service or worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law." It is used in Hebrews 9:6 of the priests who performed the sacred service. Thus, it speaks of priestly service. Doubtless, in the thinking of Paul, the word was used here to speak of the believer-priest's sacred service, not as the Levitical priests, offering a burnt sacrifice which was apart from themselves, but a living sacrifice which was not only part of themselves but also entailed the giving of themselves in connection with the giving of their bodies to the service of God, for a person cannot act independently of his body.

So, the Apostle is admonishing his readers to engage in service to God that is a sacred form of worship, but it is also that which goes beyond the external or material. It is sacred worship that is coming from the heart and soul rather than outward ceremony and ritual.

What is the basis or motivation for this “reasonable service” or “rational” “worship?”

It is the “mercies of God.” (See 11:30-32)

(Clarence Bence, Wesleyan Bible Commentary) Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, former president of Asbury College, would remind his students that the motivations which prompt unbelievers to turn to Christ are based largely upon self-interest and gain. People come to Christ to escape hell, gain eternal life, or put their shambled lives together….

However, Kinlaw suggests it can be otherwise with the believer whose sinful nature has been crucified and replaced by the presence of the Spirit. This individual is capable of a truly selfless act—an act of spiritual worship. The believer offers himself or herself to God, not so much for what can be gained, but rather as an expression of pure devotion in view of God's mercy, which has already been experienced.

The mercies of God include all the aspects of salvation that the Apostle has already explained in the previous chapters.

i.e. – calling, justifying, adopting, sanctifying, filling with Spirit…

II. Reasonable Service Described

The Apostle doesn’t just admonish his readers to engage in rational worship service to God, then leave them in the dark about what that involves.

He provides some pretty specific descriptions about what it means.

I want to acknowledge first of all, that the specific “reasonable service” he is talking about is restricted to verse 1. However, I am going to include the main thoughts from vv. 2-8 as well, because they also are part of the instructions that Paul issues.

The description can be obtained by looking at the instructions that Paul gives to the readers.

v. 1 – “present”; v. 2 – “don’t be… be”; v. 3 – be involved by exercising God-given gifts

A. A Complete Consecration

Paul urges his readers to surrender themselves in a complete and total consecration to God. The language in verse 1 compares to the presentation of sacrificial animals for sacrifice to the Lord.

The word, “present” is used in a verb tense that indicates a once-for-all event. In a very real sense, it is just like putting the animal on the altar knowing that it is an irreversible sacrifice/offering. This sacrifice, however, is not a sacrifice of a “dead” animal, but it is a sacrifice of our living bodies; ourselves.

Perhaps Paul uses the term “bodies” here to emphasize that this is more than just a mental or spiritual exercise that is suggested by the words “reasonable service” we mentioned earlier.

God wants more than our intellectual and spiritual devotion to Him. He wants our bodies to be surrendered to Him as well.

It seems to me that this would include all the appetites and passions of the flesh. Now they are sacrificed to the will and purposes of God.

It is to be a “holy” sacrifice. Holy = separated and pure.

It will be “acceptable” or well-pleasing to Him, like a “sweet-smelling aroma” i.e. OT sacrifices.

B. A Complete Transformation

Not only is it reasonable for us to completely and totally surrender our lives to God, but it is also important for believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ to have a complete transformation.

Paul urges them to “not be conformed” but to “be transformed.”

This is a popular text and many of you may have already heard plenty of sermons on it.

My studies on this verse have revealed that the word “conformed” means “to be squeezed into a mold.” (present tense)

“world” – lit. age

“transformed” – same Greek word from which we get the word metamorphosis; the process a caterpillar experiences when it changes into a butterfly. (also present tense)

“renewing of our mind” – the thought processes and modes of thinking need to be changed before behaviors can be modified. (ie, “stinkin’ thinkin’”)

C. A Complete Participation

Going on the verses 3-8, it seems that the Apostle is logically explaining, “If you have totally consecrated your life to God, just like an animal that has been sacrificed, and if you are being transformed into a new person, then this is how you should be working that out into your life.”

Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. (He certainly isn’t saying that we should think of ourselves more lowly than we ought either.)

We’re not superior to any other person, but we’re not a filthy piece of garbage either. We may have made some very wrong choices in life, but we’re still human beings created in the image of Christ…

When we have the right perspective about ourselves, then we will realize that we are part of the body of Christ and we are meant to fit in and perform our function just like every other part does.

This is one of the passages in the NT that emphasizes the use of spiritual gifts within the context of the church of Jesus Christ.

God doesn’t expect us or approve of us independently living our lives any way we please without getting “plugged in” to His family of believers and contributing to the overall health and benefit of the whole family.

As part of the “body” you have a contribution to offer that other members need. And, other members of the body have contributions to offer to you that you need. We were never meant to “go it alone.”

I saw some computer files recently which indicated that Pastor Allen had apparently done a study on spiritual gifts to encourage people to use their gifts for the benefit of the church.

Perhaps we will need to do that again sometime soon and help each Christian believer here to become actively involved in ministry.

The point I want to make today is this: it is “reasonable” for Christians who have been redeemed and made new by the blood of Christ to use their gifts and abilities to serve God in the context of the whole church body.

Conclusion:

In closing, let me just complete the circle and come back to the phrase in v. 1 “by the mercies of God.” The mercies of God provide the basis and motivation for all we give back to God. He has given infinitely more than we could ever give Him.

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Rev. Dale Henneman

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Rev. Dale Henneman was the guest speaker while Pastor Les was on vacation. His message can be heard by following the instructions above.

Forgiveness: God's Remedy for Guilt

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This is a sermon that attempts to give biblical and practical insights regarding the subject of forgiveness.

Written Excerpts:

Psalm 32:1  “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

Isaiah 43:24b-25 “...you have burdened Me with your sins, you have wearied Me with your iniquities. I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”

Jeremiah 31:33-34 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel… I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts….I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Introduction:

The Scripture that was read earlier in the service (Matthew 18:21-35), recounted the story that Jesus told to illustrate the principle of forgiveness.

In the account, there were two different cases of forgiveness (or lack of it). (1) The forgiveness offered by the lord to his servant; (2) the forgiveness withheld by the servant toward another servant.

As we see illustrated in this story, forgiveness is something that we all hope to received, but sometimes we’re not so eager to offer.

I understand that last Sunday, Pastor Dale Henneman told a story or two about me! So, I suppose I’m going to have to forgive him before I go on with this sermon!! J

I trust that the Lord will help us understand more about this blessing of forgiveness, and that we will receive help for the struggles that some of us may be dealing with today.

Are you carrying a load of guilt and remorse or anger over some of your sins of the past? Have there been actions in the past (either committed by you or committed against you) that always weigh you down? Do they seem to influence all your actions and reactions? Do they cause you to lose heart and lose hope?

I’ve got good news for you today. God has a remedy. It’s called forgiveness.

I want to take a little while this morning to discuss the nature of forgiveness and how it relates to our spiritual relationships with God and our fellowman.

I.     The Fundamentals of Forgiveness

II.    The Foundation of Forgiveness.

III.   The Fruits of Forgiveness.

I.  The Fundamentals of Forgiveness

A. Forgiveness is NOT…

In describing some of the fundamental qualities of forgiveness, I want to start off by explaining what forgiveness “isn’t.”

1. Forgiveness is not forgetting.

There are some passages in the Bible which declare that God will not remember our sins and iniquities. So if forgetting past offenses is possible by anyone, it would only be God, not us. (cf. Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 10:16-17)

However, even with God, I’m not positive that the verses really teach that God cannot recall our offenses any longer, once their forgiven. It may simply be a way of saying that He will no longer hold them against our record or account.

In any case, the Bible is clear about the fact that God doesn’t just say, “Oh well, everybody messes up. We’ll just forget that ever happened.”

No, the only reason God can forgive and “forget” is because He created a specific plan for dealing with all our offenses, which we will talk about a little later.

When we speak of forgiveness between people, we definitely acknowledge that forgiveness does not mean a person must somehow get to the point where the offense has been forgotten, and if it’s not forgotten, then it must not be forgiven.

True forgiveness and the healing it produces simply means that when we do remember what happened and the hurt we experienced, we do so without feeling anger, revenge and bitterness.

2. Forgiveness is not excusing.

Some people will try to rationalize away their pain by attempting to make up excuses for the offender. They did it because….

If the behavior can be excused, then forgiveness is unnecessary.  If there really is a justifiable reason for the behavior then forgiveness is not needed.

In relation to the forgiveness offered by God for our sins, we affirm that He does not excuse them. They cost the blood of His Son, so sin cannot be excused, but God can forgive.

3. Forgiveness is not ignoring.

This is somewhat related to the previous points. But we’re talking about minimizing the situation; pretending it didn’t really happen or it didn’t really matter.

No where in the Bible are we taught that God ignores sin. God did exactly what we must do – face it and deal with it.

4. Forgiving is not the same as trusting.

I think I can support from the Bible the idea that even though God offers forgiveness immediately, He may still require us to go through various situations to prove ourselves faithful to Him.

Not long ago I used a passage of Scripture in my sermon that would apply to this point. (Judges 2:21-22 ²¹  I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, ²²  so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.")

This doesn’t mean that God hadn’t forgiven them, it just means that there may still be some consequences. In this case, the people of Israel were going to be “tested” to see if they really desired to serve the Lord or not.

The same is true between people who have been offended and hurt. Forgiveness is a gift that cannot be earned, but trust is something that must be earned, especially when we’re talking about significant levels of trust.

If you have seriously offended someone, don’t be surprised that they don’t trust you yet, even though you have sought and received their forgiveness.

If someone else has seriously offended you, don’t put yourself through a guilt trip just because you don’t feel you can trust them yet.

However, having said that, anyone that has truly forgiven, ought to be willing to start rebuilding trust. That ought to be the ultimate goal of forgiveness and healing, but it is a process.

B. What Forgiveness Is

1. When we speak about the forgiveness offered by God, it is very close to the biblical concept of justification – the wiping clear of our record of offenses.

(Not using justification in the way it is often used regarding personal behavior, i.e. making justifications or excuses for conduct.)

No, we are speaking in legal terms much like the term “expunge” that is used today to refer to one’s criminal record being wiped clean. When God forgives us, He justifies us and eliminates our record of sins.

2. In regards to interpersonal relationships, True forgiveness is letting go of my hatred (bitterness, revenge), my right to retaliate, and my right to hang on to the emotional consequences of the hurt. 

I give up the claim I feel I have on the one who hurts me.  I consider the account to be balanced or the score even.  I relinquish whatever I felt I could justifiably hold over the other person. 

In reality, for a Christian, it means releasing them to God and trusting Him to handle everything about them from now on. If God decides to bring consequences upon them or not is entirely His business and I’m okay with it.

True forgiveness involves relinquishing the emotional consequences of the hurt.  Recurring waves of pain and anger may remind me that healing is not yet complete, but they are not to be savored in self-pity.  Rather, they are to be released to God in faith that He will bring more healing.

II.     The Foundation of Forgiveness.

A.   Forgiveness is founded in the nature of God.

The underlying implication in the very first account of sin in the Bible is that God is a forgiving God. When Adam and Eve sinned we don’t read about God coming down and wiping them off the face of the earth and starting over with someone else. No, the Bible tells us that God had a plan from before the foundation of the world to provide for the forgiveness and redemption of sinners. (1 Peter 1:18-20)

Because of His love, grace and mercy, God offers pardon and forgiveness to everyone who trusts in Jesus. That is God’s very nature. He is not willing for any to perish (suffer judgment) but wants all to come to repentance and experience His forgiveness.

B.   Forgiveness is founded in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The writer of Hebrews tells us “…without shedding of blood is no remission.”  (Heb. 9:22)

Jesus Himself told his disciples in the upper room at the Last Supper, “This is my blood of the New Testament (Covenant) which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)

This is what I was referring to earlier when I said that God doesn’t just tell us He’s going to forget about our sins and act as if they never happened.

No, the only reason God can forgive and forget is because the sin and the offenses have been atoned for through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave up His life and His blood so that our forgiveness could be “purchased.”

God doesn’t say, “Oh just forget about it. It doesn’t really matter.” No, He simply assures us that the awesome penalty for our sin has already been satisfied in the death of Jesus and because of His death, we can be forgiven. The Debt has been paid! Hallelujah!

III.    The Fruits of Forgiveness.

The fruit of forgiveness is the simple fact that guilt and condemnation is removed. Peace is offered and received. Healing and wholeness replaces pain and devastation.

We read in 1 John 1:9 that forgiveness is available when we confess our sin.

Ps. 32:5 “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

In Matt. 18, The servant who was forgiven such a huge debt by his lord received a huge benefit that he could never earn. He ought to have shown that same grace to his fellow servant, but he didn’t.  

Receiving forgiveness from God or from others is a great relief from a terrible weight of guilt and condemnation.

However, it is often much more difficult to forgive myself or to offer forgiveness to others.

But, forgiveness is the only route to healing.

Conclusion:

A number of years ago, someone put up a poster at the treatment center where I used to work. The poster simply read:

“Forgiveness: Giving Up All Hope for a Better Past”

When we go against God’s will and break His commandments, we find ourselves under a heavy burden of guilt and condemnation. We experience feelings of regret and remorse. We wish we could go back and undo the past and make different choices.

However, no matter how earnest our desires and wishes, there is no way to undo the past. There is no way to go back and reverse the choices and the consequences.

The only logical thing to do is throw ourselves on the mercy of God, admit our guilt and seek His forgiveness. We give up all hope for a different past or a better past, and we allow God to wipe the slate clean and help us find a better future.

When we deeply offend someone else or when we are deeply injured and offended by someone else, there is no way to go back and undo what has been done. The past is gone and it can never be better than it is.

Forgiveness is the only option. It is the logical response when we’ve reached the point where we’ve given up all hope for a better past.

I may be speaking to people here today that are burdened down with guilt and remorse over sins and disobedience against God. God promises everyone forgiveness if we will come to Him and confess our need and put our trust in Him.

I may be speaking to people who been deeply injured and scarred by the senseless (and in some cases, evil) conduct of another person. The pain and sorrow has nearly driven you to despair.

God has a remedy for all of that. It is forgiveness. Letting it go and letting Him deal with it. Releasing my control and my revenge to God’s healing and grace.

 

Worth Fighting For

(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown.)

This message has a patriotic theme as it was given during July 4th weekend. It highlights principles of faith that are worth fighting for and even dying for.

Written Excerpts:

I wanted to use this week’s sermon to speak about a topic related to the Independence Day holiday that we just celebrated on Friday.

I thought I would introduce the sermon by sharing a few quotes from leaders of the past. I think you will find these interesting and appropriate for our consideration. This first one speaks specifically about freedom and liberty.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! (Patrick Henry) http://www.brainyquote.com

The latter part of that quote is probably familiar to most of us. These words of Patrick Henry illustrate the sentiments of many of the patriots in the early history of our country. They truly believed that dying free was far better than living in slavery and tyranny. Those people clearly felt that there was something worth dying for.

This quote by Patrick Henry and others like it are especially appropriate in connection to the celebration of our nation’s Independence. Freedom and liberty are certainly valuable in the eyes of God. I tried to emphasize that truth last year with a sermon titled, “Liberty Is God’s Idea.”

I found a few other quotes that I think are certainly relevant for our modern situation in America.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults. (Alexis de Tocqueville, French political writer) www.brainyquote.com

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. (Edward Abbey, Author) www.brainyquote.com

The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher plain. (George McGovern) www.brainyquote.com

As you probably remember, George McGovern was a liberal candidate for president of the US many years ago. While his words are certainly appropriate, it must be pointed out that the “higher plain” to which he says our country must be called can only be measured by a permanent, objective standard of morality and truth, which many classic liberals even in McGovern’s day were all too willing to deny.

Finally, I want to share some quotes that relate to the matters of faith, morality and God. Yes, freedom and liberty are invaluable, but there is something else that is just as valuable and certainly “worth dying for” as well.

I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God. (Robert E. Lee – www.brainyquote.com)

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. (James Bryce, English Diplomat – www.brainyquote.com)

He who is void of virtuous attachments in private life, is, or very soon will be void of all regard for his country. There is seldom an instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections. (Samuel Adams: Letter to James Warren, November 4, 1775, www.foundingfatherquotes.com)

Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments. (Charles Carroll: Unknown, www.foundingfatherquotes.com)

We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments. (James Madison: Unknown, www.foundingfatherquotes .com)

… he is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind. (John Witherspoon, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Clergyman and President of Princeton University --Sermon at Princeton University, "The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men," May 17, 1776., http://christianity.about.com/od/independenceday/a/ foundingfathers_3.htm)

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." (Patrick Henry, Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution --The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii. http://christianity.about.com/od/independenceday/a/ foundingfathers_3.htm)

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: Address to the Military, October 11, 1798, www.foundingfatherquotes.com)

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever…." (Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence --Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237. http://christianity.about.com/od/independenceday/a/foundingfathers.htm)

I have taken up considerable time to share these quotes from various leaders in the early years of our nation, but I felt that they were well worth sharing.

I hope that we can see more clearly that many of these patriots who willingly laid down their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, held religious and moral convictions that provided the foundation for their opposition to the tyranny and injustices they confronted. Their commitment was not simply to freedom alone, but to freedom as understood and defined by the moral standards revealed in the Word of God.

They obviously felt that there were some things that were worth dying for! Or, to put it another way, some things aren’t worth living for.

So, today I would like to use these ideas to transition to a challenging passage of Scripture in the Gospels.

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus had just engaged in a conversation with his disciples concerning his true identity. Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, for which he was highly commended by the Lord.

Then in verse 21, Jesus begins to tell them more plainly and openly than ever before how that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer and die.

Peter, the man who had just been highly commended for his confession of faith about Jesus, begins to rebuke the Lord. The things that Jesus just revealed did not fit in with Peter’s idea of Messiah.

But Jesus knew that His death and the atonement by His blood was absolutely essential for the salvation of the world. So, He rebukes Peter and tells him that he is not being mindful of the things of God, but only the things of man.

In other words, Peter’s concept of Savior, Messiah, and salvation were all tainted with human ambition, not divine motivation.

According to Matthew’s account, Jesus immediately begins to teach His disciples more thoroughly about the cost of discipleship. If He was going to give up His life, then they would be expected to lay their lives on the line as well.

I. Discipleship requires a new behaviors.

(William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary) To deny self is not the same as self-denial; it means to yield to [Christ’s] control so completely that self has no rights whatever. To take up the cross means the willingness to endure shame, suffering, and perhaps martyrdom for His sake; to die to sin, self, and the world. To follow Him means to live as He lived with all that involves of humility, poverty, compassion, love, grace, and every other godly virtue.

(Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament)  Mark 8:34 - Let him deny himself. The word is aparneomai. … it means "to forget one's self, lose sight of one's self and one's interests." The [tense of the] verb … speak[s] of entrance into a new state or condition. It is "Let him at once begin to lose sight of himself and his own interests." Take up his cross. The cross was the instrument of death. Here it speaks of death to self. Follow Me. The word "follow" is akoloutheō "to take the same road as another does." It is used with the associative instrumental case. It is, "Let him follow with Me." The idea is not that of following behind another, but that of accompanying the other person, taking the same road that he takes and fellowshipping with him along that road. The first two imperatives are aorist, giving a summary command to be obeyed at once. The "coming after" and the "taking up" are to be obeyed at once and are to be a once-for-all act. That is, these acts are to be looked upon as a permanent attitude and practice of life… The word "follow" however, is in the present imperative, which commands the doing of an action and its habitual, moment by moment continuance.

II. Discipleship produces new principles.

Saving one’s life, means losing it.

Losing one’s life means saving it.

To live, one must die.

III. Discipleship reveals eternal values.

What profit in gaining all earthly wealth, but losing eternal soul?

Conclusion:

Jesus clearly believed that you and I were worth dying for! Do we feel the same about Him?

Do we feel the same about His Word and His commands?

Do we believe that principles based upon the Word of God are worthy fighting for and doing what we can to not only preserve them, but to promote them and propagate them as well?

I find myself repeatedly coming across articles and stories that reveal just how little I have been willing to risk for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am sure that some of you have been aware of a Christian pastor who is also an American citizen that is in prison in Iran. I want to read a short article about him and his wife that I just got from the American Center for Law and Justice.

This pastor is only one example. I’m sure that many of you have also heard reports in the news lately about the woman who was sentenced to die in Sudan because she had married a Christian and her biological father was a Muslim. She was repeatedly given ultimatums to give up her faith in Jesus or be executed. She hasn’t been executed, because of the intense pressure that has been put on the gov’t in Sudan for her release, but she was willing to die rather than deny faith in Jesus.

Most, if not all, of the patriots who played important roles in the early establishment of our nation were men and women who sincerely believed that there were universal and timeless principles that were worth dying for.

Freedom and liberty were values that they considered so valuable. But a significant portion of those patriots also believed that God’s Word, the Ten Commandments, and moral principles were essential to the establishment of true liberty in this nation. They were willing to give up their lives to make religious liberty a gift that every American would share.

The question that challenges my own heart this morning is this: “Do I hold any moral and spiritual values so dear that I am willing to give up my life for them?” “Do I especially consider my faith in Jesus and allegiance to His will so important that I am willing to give my life?”

When the Going Gets Tough

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown.)

This is a sermon based on various Scriptures that speak about trial and testing that Christians are sometimes called to endure.

Introduction:

I want to introduce my subject today first before we look at some Scriptures. What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, “When the going gets tough?”             The tough get going. I didn’t know who was credited with coming up with that phrase, but a couple of different websites gave credit to Joseph Kennedy, the father of President Kennedy.

The expression refers to the fact that you can tell which people have strong character, because when life gets hard and they are confronted with extreme difficulties, they don’t give up and cave in, but they rise to the challenges and come through with courage and victory.

When we witness this kind of character in others we admire them and hold them in esteem in our minds and hearts. The question naturally arises, “How did they get to be so tough?”

Well, there obviously was something deep within them that tends to accept challenges rather than run from them. (Perhaps it was a personality trait they were born with.)

But, in addition to that, they acquired some of the toughness by going through tough experiences that prepared them for more trouble ahead.

Every person that has ever lived has discovered sooner or later that life is not always easy. Some have discovered that it is almost never easy. We’ve all learned that there are physical challenges, intellectual challenges, spiritual challenges, etc. The question is how are we going to respond when the going gets tough?

I felt drawn to this subject because of several interesting passages of Scripture that apply to this issue.

I want to refer to several different passages of scripture today to express and explain what God’s Word says about the tests we face in life.

1. Many Scripture references like James 1 teach us that tests and trials are a normal part of life; even for a Christian.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV) ²  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

I have preached from this text before, but let me just say this much. James is telling us that this life is full of trials, temptations, disadvantages and challenges. He does not say, “IF” we meet up with trials, but “WHEN” we do.

It is impossible to escape them, so what are we going to do about them? Well, James says that the appropriate response is to look at them as a reason for joy.

What??? Why would we rejoice over tests and trials? Because we know what it will do for us if we successfully overcome them. We will get stronger.

We will become better. We will improve in endurance and patience.

2. Some Scriptures reveal that there are people who follow the Lord only because of the benefits they hope to receive.

John 6:26 (NKJV) ²⁶  Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

This verse appears in a narrative about Jesus leaving one area where the crowds of people had been and went to Capernaum. The people sought for Him and eventually found Him there, and asked Him when He came there? Jesus’ response to them is a revelation of their true motives. “You seek Me because you ate of the loaves and were filled; [not because you were convinced by the signs I have demonstrated].

His observation about them indicates that some people really are not interested in the significance of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, but they’re only interested in what Jesus can do for them to make their life better or easier.

Some people are not interested in being a disciple and learning to exemplify the character of Christ. They merely want enough religion to ensure that God will answer their prayers and get them through the rough times of life.

They only want enough of God to satisfy their earthly and physical desires while they’re here on earth and then take them to heaven where everything will be peace and pleasure forever.

But, I believe the Bible teaches us that God is not so nearly interested in making our lives comfortable. I believe He is much more concerned with helping us develop His character and mimic His love and grace to a world that is lost.

3. Some Scriptures teach us that God allows tests to come to us for the specific purpose of revealing how much we really want Him.

There are several examples in the Bible, but let me share just two.

Deuteronomy 8:11-20 (NKJV) ¹¹  "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, ¹²  lest--when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; ¹³  and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; ¹⁴  when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; ¹⁵  who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; ¹⁶  who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end-- ¹⁷  then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' ¹⁸  And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. ¹⁹  Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. ²⁰  As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.

Judges 2:20-22 (NKJV) ²⁰  Then the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and He said, "Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not heeded My voice,  ²¹  I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, ²²  so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not."

In these two passages of Scripture, it is as though God is saying to His people, “I provided peace, prosperity and blessings for you, but rather than honor Me and serve Me with gratitude, you have forsaken Me and deserted Me. So now I will take away the benefits and blessings in order to test you and reveal whether you really want Me or not.”

I’m afraid that the Christian churches here in America are facing the same crossroads and the same consequences. I personally believe that God has abundantly blessed America, not only because of our foundation on biblical values and faith, but because of our commitment to Him and our spreading of the Gospel to other lands. However, our society, in general, and many Christian churches, in particular, have abandoned biblical truths and eternal principles of godliness. We have forsaken God’s Word and God’s ways in order to appease and accommodate the perverted passions of the world.

I believe God is ready to tell His people in America, “I’ve provided many benefits and blessings for you to serve Me in peace and prosperity, but you have abandoned My ways. Now, I will take away your blessings, and I will test you to see if will truly seek Me and walk in My ways or not.

I know that many people don’t really like to think about it or talk about it, but I am more convinced than ever that the “storm” is about to come. The testing is about to begin.

4. How can a person stand through the test?

When the testing comes, there is only one thing that will matter. When the blessings we have enjoyed in this life have been taken away, we will be forced to recognize that only eternal values matter. Bank accounts won’t matter. Reputation won’t matter. Material possessions won’t matter.

The only thing that will truly matter is a personal vibrant faith in God and a knowledge deep within our hearts that no matter what happens in the world around us, we belong to God and we trust in Him to get us through.

There is a verse in Daniel that I have used before in a sermon, but it is appropriate for our consideration here.

Daniel 11:32 (NKJV) ³²  Those who do wickedly against the covenant [the willful king] shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

According to this passage, it is the people who truly know God that will be able to remain strong and stand firm in the midst of severe tests. It is only the people who truly know God that will be able to carry on the work of God and the work of faith in spite of great opposition.

The song writer wrote these words, “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.”

Someone else once wrote, “When I got to the place where God was all that I had, I discovered that He was all I needed.”

I felt led to bring this truth today, because I believe that the day is coming when many of us will discover in a new way, just how important our faith is, and how important our Christian family is. We will learn that the only way we will be able to cope with the darkness and despair around us is because we believe the Word of God and we know that Jesus already has won the victory and He is going to win the final victory over all evil. Without that confidence and knowledge we will crumble in doubt, defeat and despair.

Conclusion:

I want to simply say that the signs are all around us and the stage is set for some huge global changes, and we are getting nearer to the coming of our Lord just by the passing of time. Some people interpret that to mean that Jesus is going to come and rescue us out of this world so we won’t have to endure any of this pending trouble, but I’m not so sure.

Just like God tested Israel, and just as God has permitted many other countries to go through the fires of testing, I believe God may very well allow America to go through times of tremendous testing, just to see how many of us really are committed to Him.

Or, are we just “following him for the loaves that he feeds us?”