Colin S. Smith's Blog, page 66

Key Connections (August 31, 2018)

Here are your key connections for the week!

10 Things You Should Know about the Garden of Eden (Nancy Guthrie, Crossway)

Nancy Guthrie offers a 10 helpful insights into the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I promise you’ll learn a lot from this post, including why”Moses’ original readers would have recognized that something was lacking [in Adam and Eve’s nakedness” and why “Adam and Eve could have gained the knowledge of good and evil without eating from the forbidden tree.”

Grace Arrives When You Need It (John Piper, Desiring God)

A message excerpt in which Piper discusses the relationship between grace and work. Here’s a preview: 

Grace is the key: the power of grace, moving into our lives, turning our resolves into hard work that’s free and joyful and satisfying and far from legalistic. Grace doesn’t produce legalism. It’s grace; it produces hard work. Christians aren’t lazy, because grace is powerful.

The Idol of Idolatry (Lore Ferguson Wilbert, The Village Church)

A remarkable post that puts words to an issue within the Christian life that maybe you’ve been mulling over in your own head. What does it mean to truly focus on God? Does a focus on eliminating our idols count? Wilbert says no. As a sidenote, Wilbert also reveals her favorite poem is a poem about laundry. 

The Intentionally Welcoming Church (Nick Kennicott, The Christward Collective)

Nick Kennicott on the different between what we think hospitality means and all the implications of the command in the Bible. He also encourages pastors to engage with their congregation after a sermon, even if it means they have to suffer “a short, awkward conversation.”

Christ Will Be Glorified In You (Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible)

The Bible tells us that we will be glorified in Christ, but it’s important to know also that Christ will be glorified in us. We see this idea above, and find the same statement again when Paul prays that “the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you” (1:12, NIV).

What does that mean? How is it possible for Jesus Christ to be glorified in us?

For Those Who Struggle With Guilt

 

I want to speak especially to all who struggle with guilt. King Jesus has something infinitely better for you than placing you on probation. When you come to him in faith and in repentance, he pronounces you “Not guilty!” He forgives! He drops all charges that could be brought against you. He reconciles! Forgiveness is more than probation.

Forgiveness is not God giving you an opportunity to prove yourself. God says to you in Jesus Christ: “Your sins and your iniquities I will remember no more.” No probation. No suspended sentence. No remaining guilt. No proving yourself.

I… am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25 NIV)

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19).

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

In Christ you do not live under a suspended sentence, because the sentence for your sins has been passed on your Savior! The sentence has already been served. That is why there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! Forgiveness is God dropping all charges against you forever and wiping your record clean.

There may come a time in your life when you have to choose between being like David and being like Jesus. Suppose your trust has been broken. You have been sinned against, but the one who sinned comes to you in genuine repentance. Will you choose probation, or will you choose forgiveness?

You could say, “I’m glad you’re sorry, but now you need to prove yourself. If you mess up again, you are gone. And I am going to be watching you like a hawk.” That would be like David.

To forgive would be like Jesus. And to forgive means to reconcile, to embrace, to love and to be at peace.

 

[This sermon clip is adapted from Pastor Colin’s sermon, “Grace,” from the series The Life of David.]

RELATED POSTS:

David’s Story, Part 1
David’s Story, Part 2
Savor Your Forgiveness

The post For Those Who Struggle With Guilt appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

For Those Who Struggle With Guilt

 

Video Transcript:

I want to speak especially to all who struggle with guilt. King Jesus has something infinitely better for you than placing you on probation. When you come to him in faith and in repentance, he pronounces you “Not guilty!” He forgives! He drops all charges that could be brought against you. He reconciles! Forgiveness is more than probation.

Forgiveness is not God giving you an opportunity to prove yourself. God says to you in Jesus Christ: “Your sins and your iniquities I will remember no more.” No probation. No suspended sentence. No remaining guilt. No proving yourself.

I…am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25, NIV)

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19).

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

In Christ you do not live under a suspended sentence, because the sentence for your sins has been passed on your Savior! The sentence has already been served. That is why there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! Forgiveness is God dropping all charges against you forever and wiping your record clean.

There may come a time in your life when you have to choose between being like David and being like Jesus. Suppose your trust has been broken. You have been sinned against, but the one who sinned comes to you in genuine repentance. Will you choose probation, or will you choose forgiveness?

You could say, “I’m glad you’re sorry, but now you need to prove yourself. If you mess up again, you are gone. And I am going to be watching you like a hawk.” That would be like David.

To forgive would be like Jesus. And to forgive means to reconcile, to embrace, to love and to be at peace.

[This sermon clip is adapted from Pastor Colin’s sermon, “Grace,” from the series The Life of David.]

Essential Characteristics of a Godly Leader: Part One

A leader is sometimes equated with someone being the best, the first, or the biggest. The best teams will have the best players and the best coaches. If you finish first in sales or competitions, you’re awarded leadership accolades. If your church or business is the biggest in its field or community, proponents will credit great leadership.

But Jesus refused to lead that way. In fact, he often took a path in leadership that was quite the opposite of what you might think. Three essential characteristics that made Jesus the best spiritual leader were his servant heart, his humility, and his godly motivation.

His Servant Heart

Jesus took the route of service. One Gospel writer records:

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)

Jesus helps his disciples understand that the way to lead is not the way the world leads—which tells you to sacrifice whatever it takes to climb the ladder. The disciples wanted to be great; he chastised them to be lowly. They wanted the way up; he pointed them down. But Jesus trained his disciples to understand that this style was not how he was going to lead. In turn, he called them to mimic his example.

He put on a self-disclosed messianic name-tag (Son of Man) and declared he was going to die. They rejected this idea because they did not know what they did not know. They wanted a president; he was going to be a savior. They wanted him to live and rule with earthly power; he was going to die and build his church with divine power.

Paul writes something similar about Jesus’ servant heart in the epistle to the Philippians. Writing to Christians, he wanted to encourage their hearts and minds and encourage an attitude that embraces service:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:3-5)

Philippians 3:6-11 goes on to describe the great humility Christ demonstrated when he set aside his divine attributes to serve humanity by dying for its sin. This was the most significant act in history, flowing from a servant’s heart—and the fuel that drives a servant’s heart is godly motivation.

His Godly Motivation

What would motivate the Creator of the universe to step into his chaotic creation? Have you ever wondered why God did what he did in the story of redemption? Why would the most exceptional leader in history show himself and proclaim his message at a specific point in time? What was the motivation?

The Bible clearly indicates the motive was love (John 3:16). Love is a good and godly motivation. Paul says:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Does this explanation describe the leadership you exhibit? Do you find yourself at odds with specifics in these declarations? We have hope as leaders when we know Jesus never whiffed in his leadership. He modeled love throughout his life.

In fact, Jesus himself said to his disciples, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love was going to be the great identifying mark of a spiritual leader.

But the spiritual leader knows this love can only be achieved by the right, godly motivation. Part of having godly motivation means that you understand there are real eternal consequences for people who do not trust in Jesus as Lord––in other words, justice.

Jesus is motivated by justice and holiness as much as he was motivated by love and mercy. Jesus did not compromise either one:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

We can reflect on these verses as we seek to uphold both love and justice in our leadership.

Look to Jesus as You Lead

The Son of Man had a humble heart, and the life he lived was driven by divine motivation. We can learn a lot about leadership from reading about Jesus. In the environments God has placed you, how will you let the gospel humble you? How will you let it puncture your motivations so they can be exposed for what they are? Follow the great leadership example of Jesus and allow his Spirit to shape the characteristics of your own.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

God’s Peace Is Different From the World’s Peace

People everywhere search for peace. They sing songs about it and travel on pilgrimages to find it. They even wage war to protect it. Many wealthy, famous, and powerful people would trade everything for just one moment of peace. What they often find, however, is the world’s false peace which is different from the peace offered by Jesus:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

The peace offered by the world is an empty promise and can only bring temporary comfort. God’s peace is a permanent peace offered by the only One who can be trusted to keep his Word and heal our sin.

The world’s peace is fleeting and changes with circumstances.

During times of prosperity, nations experience temporary peace. But when economies struggle, countries find themselves on the brink of civil war as well as war with their neighbors. The peace of the world is a precarious thing. Conflict erupts when people are hungry; peace disappears when circumstances turn ugly:

Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. (Micah 3:5)

The world’s peace is built on the weak foundation of compromise.

In the Old Testament, God warned the Israelites that if they inter-married for political reasons, they would face the temptation to compromise their love for the one true God and end up serving false gods. This compromise, though it would create a temporary absence of conflict, would ultimately lead to destruction:

Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you. (Exodus 34:12, NIV)

Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. (Ezra 9:12)

The world’s peace ignores the root of the problem.

When asked, “What’s wrong with the world today?” many will point to volatile stock markets, corrupt governments, disappearing rainforests, poor diets, lack of healthcare, broken families, overcrowded schools, and more. The world tries to fix these problems by doing good: feeding children, building wells, regulating markets, conserving wildlife, funding charter schools, and thereby achieving a type of peace.

The world’s peace tries to fix the symptoms of sin but fails to see how the root of the problem is the sin-disease itself, something that can only be healed by Christ—not by money, regulation, or reform. Dealing with the symptoms of sin but failing to diagnose the sin itself is not new. In the Old Testament, the false prophets treated sin “lightly” and proclaimed the problem “solved” when it wasn’t:

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).

Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash. (Ezekiel 13:10)

In contrast to the world’s promise of peace, God’s peace is permanent and firmly grounded in his Word. He doesn’t ignore our sin—he heals it, making his peace a different kind of peace from what we find in the world.

God doesn’t ignore our sin—he heals it.
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God’s peace is permanent and secure.

When circumstances are free of conflict, we enjoy momentary peace. But when we face difficult relationships, health problems, and financial crisis, the momentary quiet is disrupted and chaos rules the day.

Our God offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with the circumstances; it is secure in spite of the circumstances.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God’s peace is built on the sure foundation of his Word.

Young or old, male or female, we’ve all experienced the pain of a broken promise. No matter how much our families, friends, and coworkers love us, at some point, someone will disappoint us. And despite our best intentions, we are likely to disappoint someone else by saying one thing and doing another. God’s Word, however, can be trusted. He never contradicts himself or acts in a way that is out of character. He will never disappoint.

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

God’s peace is ours because Jesus heals our root of sin.

All religions other than true Christianity have one thing in common: They try to achieve peace with God by doing works and following rules. Christianity is different.

In Christ, we are offered peace with God because we who “once were far off” (Ephesians 2:13) have been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice addresses the root of the problem that the world ignores. By his sacrifice, he bridged the gap that sin inserted between us and God. He took the punishment for our sin and, in exchange, he gives us peace with God.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

While we experience eternal peace through reconciliation with God in Christ, we also receive the gift of his Holy Spirit. Because of him, we enjoy the blessing of peace in our daily lives—even when we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

RELATED POSTS:

The Secret to Peace
How I Found Peace in My Pain
A Glimpse of Eternity

The post God’s Peace Is Different From the World’s Peace appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

God’s Peace Is Different From The World’s Peace

People everywhere search for peace. They sing songs about it and travel on pilgrimages to find it. They even wage war to protect it. Many wealthy, famous, and powerful people would trade everything for just one moment of peace. What they often find, however, is the world’s false peace which is different from the peace offered by Jesus:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

The peace offered by the world is an empty promise and can only bring temporary comfort. God’s peace is a permanent peace offered by the only One who can be trusted to keep his Word and heal our sin.

The world’s peace is fleeting and changes with circumstances.

During times of prosperity, nations experience temporary peace. But when economies struggle, countries find themselves on the brink of civil war as well as war with their neighbors. The peace of the world is a precarious thing. Conflict erupts when people are hungry; peace disappears when circumstances turn ugly:

Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. (Micah 3:5)

The world’s peace is built on the weak foundation of compromise.

In the Old Testament, God warned the Israelites that if they inter-married for political reasons, they would face the temptation to compromise their love for the one true God and end up serving false gods. This compromise, though it would create a temporary absence of conflict, would ultimately lead to destruction:

Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you. (Exodus 34:12, NIV)

Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. (Ezra 9:12)

The world’s peace ignores the root of the problem.

When asked, “What’s wrong with the world today?” many will point to volatile stock markets, corrupt governments, disappearing rainforests, poor diets, lack of healthcare, broken families, overcrowded schools, and more. The world tries to fix these problems by doing good: feeding children, building wells, regulating markets, conserving wildlife, funding charter schools, and thereby achieving a type of peace.

The world’s peace tries to fix the symptoms of sin but fails to see how the root of the problem is the sin-disease itself, something that can only be healed by Christ—not by money, regulation, or reform. Dealing with the symptoms of sin but failing to diagnose the sin itself is not new. In the Old Testament, the false prophets treated sin “lightly” and proclaimed the problem “solved” when it wasn’t:

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).

Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash. (Ezekiel 13:10)

In contrast to the world’s promise of peace, God’s peace is permanent and firmly grounded in his Word. He doesn’t ignore our sin—he heals it, making his peace a different kind of peace from what we find in the world.

God’s peace is permanent and secure.

When circumstances are free of conflict, we enjoy momentary peace. But when we face difficult relationships, health problems, and financial crisis, the momentary quiet is disrupted and chaos rules the day.

Our God offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with the circumstances; it is secure in spite of the circumstances.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God’s peace is built on the sure foundation of his Word.

Young or old, male or female, we’ve all experienced the pain of a broken promise. No matter how much our families, friends, and coworkers love us, at some point, someone will disappoint us. And despite our best intentions, we are likely to disappoint someone else by saying one thing and doing another. God’s Word, however, can be trusted. He never contradicts himself or acts in a way that is out of character. He will never disappoint.

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

God’s peace is ours because Jesus heals our root of sin.

All religions other than true Christianity have one thing in common: They try to achieve peace with God by doing works and following rules. Christianity is different.

In Christ, we are offered peace with God because we who “once were far off” (Ephesians 2:13) have been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice addresses the root of the problem that the world ignores. By his sacrifice, he bridged the gap that sin inserted between us and God. He took the punishment for our sin and, in exchange, he gives us peace with God.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

While we experience eternal peace through reconciliation with God in Christ, we also receive the gift of his Holy Spirit. Because of him, we enjoy the blessing of peace in our daily lives—even when we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

Five Truths to Help You Rest

When I was a graduate student studying (and teaching) English, my days were often full of work from start to finish. I had papers to write, books to read, assignments to grade, and lessons to plan. I discovered that after these long days, in the late hours of the night, I felt like I had not done enough. Instead of wanting to rest, I wanted to work more.

I knew, even then, that this urge was not Christ-centered but me-centered. During this time, I had my eyes set on my own glory as a writer and a scholar. A break was the last thing I desired, because it meant that I would have to quit working. It felt to me like giving up.

I felt flawed for needing sleep.

Five Truths to Help You Rest

Maybe you can empathize with this need for work. Maybe you struggle with it too. For me, it has revealed something more troubling than simply a lack of appreciation for a good night’s sleep. My need for work was a form of pride: I became too focused on my own laurels. And in my anxiety to improve myself through accomplishments, I failed to recognize the work that Christ accomplished for me.

The Bible illustrates clearly why rest is so important for Christians. When the Bible talks about rest, it highlights not only physical rest but also—and more so—spiritual rest. Here are some truths that I reflect on when I feel pride tempting me to place all my value in my work:

1. God’s perfect nature includes rest.

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:3)

I was mistaken when I considered resting from work to be a flaw. How could it be a flaw if God rested? God not only rested but also blessed the day through it. How amazing is that? Genesis calls the seventh day holy because of God’s decision to rest. It was not another creation that demonstrated God’s glory, it was not an endless work ethic, but a decision to rest.  

2. God gives rest to his people.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Compare this passage to the truth that God gives good gifts (Luke 11:13). When God calls for us to “lie down,” it’s a perfectly good and edifying act. So why do I choose to reject his gift? This psalm seems to provide an answer: The path God leads us down leads to his glory, not ours. I know in my heart that when I want more than what God gives, instead of choosing to rest in what he has given me, I am leading myself down a path meant for my name’s sake.

How could I ever match the worth Christ gave me? It’s impossible.
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3. Jesus’ mission included rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus’ words could not have been more counter-cultural. Many spiritual teachers at the time, on top of preaching the Law, gave their followers even more commands supposedly designed to help them sanctify themselves (Luke 11:46). We let this lie sneak into our theology as well. I often feel like I need to add accomplishments to maintain my right standing with God. But that idea misses reality completely. Jesus cuts all of this away and reminds us that salvation cannot come from our action, but from his action. Yes,we are called to do good works, and, yes, we must follow the Law, but Jesus came so we could do these things in a spirit of peace, not in a spirit of constant worry for our salvation.

4. Jesus died to give us complete rest.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:8-9)

Praise the Lord! The reason Jesus provides peace to those who follow him isn’t because he was an amazing speaker or leader. Christ died for us. He gave his righteousness to us as he took on our sins. How could I ever match the worth Christ gave me? It’s impossible. How the world sees me doesn’t matter, but what matters is how God sees me. Through Christ, God sees me as righteous. What need do I have then of working late, anxiously trying to accomplish more?  

5. Heaven is rest.

…for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest… (Hebrews 4:10-11)

I love how the Bible describes our future paradise as “God’s rest.” Our true citizenship is in a place of perfect rest, and we glorify God when we rest in him while on earth. I love this passage because it calls us into a paradox: We are encouraged to strive for that rest. This passage seems to say that, yes, we should be working; we should be ambitious. But those movements should be leading us down paths that glorify God and honor Christ, instead of ones that are meant to glorify ourselves.

How does the knowledge of Christ’s work bring peace into your life? How can you be striving for God’s rest on a daily basis? Let’s strive not for our own fame, but for the rest that Christ gives us through his loving sacrifice on the cross.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

RELATED POSTS:

Faith Is Resting on the Word of God
Why Do We Struggle to Rest?
The Secret to Peace

The post Five Truths to Help You Rest appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Five Truths to Help You Rest

When I was a graduate student studying (and teaching) English, my days were often full of work from start to finish. I had papers to write, books to read, assignments to grade, and lessons to plan. I discovered that after these long days, in the late hours of the night, I felt like I had not done enough. Instead of wanting to rest, I wanted to work more.

I knew, even then, that this urge was not Christ-centered but me-centered. During this time, I had my eyes set on my own glory as a writer and a scholar. A break was the last thing I desired, because it meant that I would have to quit working. It felt to me like giving up.

I felt flawed for needing sleep.

Five Truths to Help You Rest

Maybe you can empathize with this need for work. Maybe you struggle with it too. For me, it has revealed something more troubling than simply a lack of appreciation for a good night’s sleep. My need for work was a form of pride: I became too focused on my own laurels. And in my anxiety to improve myself through accomplishments, I failed to recognize the work that Christ accomplished for me.

The Bible illustrates clearly why rest is so important for Christians. When the Bible talks about rest, it highlights not only physical rest but also—and more so—spiritual rest. Here are some truths that I reflect on when I feel pride tempting me to place all my value in my work:

1. God’s perfect nature includes rest.

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:3)

I was mistaken when I considered resting from work to be a flaw. How could it be a flaw if God rested? God not only rested but also blessed the day through it. How amazing is that? Genesis calls the seventh day holy because of God’s decision to rest. It was not another creation that demonstrated God’s glory, it was not an endless work ethic, but a decision to rest.  

2. God gives rest to his people.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Compare this passage to the truth that God gives good gifts (Luke 11:13). When God calls for us to “lie down,” it’s a perfectly good and edifying act. So why do I choose to reject his gift? This psalm seems to provide an answer: The path God leads us down leads to his glory, not ours. I know in my heart that when I want more than what God gives, instead of choosing to rest in what he has given me, I am leading myself down a path meant for my name’s sake.

3. Jesus’ mission included rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus’ words could not have been more counter-cultural. Many spiritual teachers at the time, on top of preaching the Law, gave their followers even more commands supposedly designed to help them sanctify themselves (Luke 11:46). We let this lie sneak into our theology as well. I often feel like I need to add accomplishments to maintain my right standing with God. But that idea misses reality completely. Jesus cuts all of this away and reminds us that salvation cannot come from our action, but from his action. Yes,we are called to do good works, and, yes, we must follow the Law, but Jesus came so we could do these things in a spirit of peace, not in a spirit of constant worry for our salvation.

4. Jesus died to give us complete rest.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:8-9)

Praise the Lord! The reason Jesus provides peace to those who follow him isn’t because he was an amazing speaker or leader. Christ died for us. He gave his righteousness to us as he took on our sins. How could I ever match the worth Christ gave me? It’s impossible. How the world sees me doesn’t matter, but what matters is how God sees me. Through Christ, God sees me as righteous. What need do I have then of working late, anxiously trying to accomplish more?  

5. Heaven is rest.

…for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest… (Hebrews 4:10-11)

I love how the Bible describes our future paradise as “God’s rest.” Our true citizenship is in a place of perfect rest, and we glorify God when we rest in him while on earth. I love this passage because it calls us into a paradox: We are encouraged to strive for that rest. This passage seems to say that, yes, we should be working; we should be ambitious. But those movements should be leading us down paths that glorify God and honor Christ, instead of ones that are meant to glorify ourselves.

How does the knowledge of Christ’s work bring peace into your life? How can you be striving for God’s rest on a daily basis? Let’s strive not for our own fame, but for the rest that Christ gives us through his loving sacrifice on the cross.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

Key Connections (August 24, 2018)

Here are your Key Connections for the week!

Why I Thank God For Chronic Pain (Kristen Ryken, The Gospel Coalition)

“My body could no longer cope with my constant state of mental and emotional distress.” Kristen Ryken writes a powerful blog post with The Gospel Coalition in which she thanks God for her chronic pain. Be inspired and encouraged by her Gospel-centered post!

How Can I Know That I’m Saved? (Paul Twiss, The Master’s Seminary)

Paul Twiss writes on how assurance is a fruit of faith, what John has to say about salvation, and why Christians should show the same love toward the Heidelberg Catechism that we give to the Westminster.

5 Surprising Ways That Enjoying God Benefits Us (Tim Chester, The Good Book Blog)

A great post in which Tim Chester asks the provocative question: “Do you like God? Perhaps you find that an odd question. We know we’re supposed to love God. But liking God?”

10 Obscure (Yet Interesting) Bible Characters and Their Stories (Kevin Halloran, Unlocking The Bible)

A throwback to a previous post by Kevin Halloran. Do you know names like Korah, Jethro, and Jabez off the top of your head? If not, read more about them here!

What Is The Church? (Colin Smith, Unlocking The Bible)

If three Christians meet at a bus stop every morning, are they a church? What if they talk about the Bible on the train or at Starbucks? Is your small group a church? And if not, why not?

A growing number of Christians have the idea that “church” is simply the plural of “Christian.” They feel that any group of Christians meeting at any time or place is a church.

Are they right?

Christ Will Be Glorified In You

[Christ comes] to be glorified in His holy people…This includes you, because you believed… (2 Thessalonians 1:10, NIV)

The Bible tells us that we will be glorified in Christ, but it’s important to know also that Christ will be glorified in us. We see this idea above, and find the same statement again when Paul prays that “the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you” (1:12, NIV).

What does that mean? How is it possible for Jesus Christ to be glorified in us?

Three Ways Christ Will Be Glorified in His People

The apostle John was given a marvelous vision of what is to come, recorded for us in the book of Revelation. John saw God’s people in the presence of Jesus, and he wrote down what was most striking to him. In his words, we learn how Christ will be glorified in his people:

1. By the vast number of the redeemed

I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people and language. (Revelation 7:9, NIV)

The first thing John writes about is the sheer number of these people. Christ has redeemed people from every corner of the planet. They have been drawn from every generation of history. John is given a glimpse of the day of their gathering, and he says nobody could possibly count them!

This brings great glory to Christ. Isaiah speaks about how, on the last day, Christ will see the fruit that came from all his suffering, and he will be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11)—not disappointed, satisfied.

I’d been a pastor for two years when I received a letter inviting me to speak at “The Greater Clacton Convention for the Deepening of Spiritual Life.” The letter sounded very grand. I showed it to Karen and said, “This sounds like something! I think we should go.”

We drove 100 miles and arrived at a rather grand looking church in the town of Clacton. It was closed. So we drove up and down the street, until we spotted a narrow lane going off the main street. At the end of the lane was a little wooden hut, and on the door of the hut was a sign that said, “The Greater Clacton Convention for the Deepening of Spiritual Life.”  

We went inside, and including the two of us, we found a grand total of five people. My wife reminds me of this story often, and says it’s for the purpose of promoting humility!

We’ve all been at events when only a few people showed up. We say, “Is this it?” On the authority of the Word of God, no one will be saying “Is this it?” in the presence of Jesus. This will be larger than any gathering we have ever seen or imagined, and every person there will have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

2. By the unique difficulties his people have endured

These [people] have come out of great tribulation. (Revelation 7:14, NIV)

Christ is glorified by the unique trouble his people have endured. It’s a vast company, but let’s move a little closer:

Here is someone who has struggled with depression all her life, but not now. There is a light and joy in her face that she never knew a single day of her life in this world.
Over there is someone who lacked confidence. He battled fear all his life, but not now. There’s no fear in him—he stands certain in Christ.
You look further and you see someone who was scarred by a great evil inflicted on them by another person. It troubled them, it haunted them, it dogged them all of the days of their life, but not now. There they stand in the presence of Jesus, and every tear has been wiped from their eye.

Each of these people has faced unique difficulties in life. Some have endured a lifelong struggle that arose from their temperament or from their background, but in every case Christ has brought them through. That’s what we’re to think about when we’re in the middle of the battle.

3. By the complete transformation of inveterate sinners

I use the word “inveterate” not only because I want you to remember how our sins are not a small thing. “Inveterate” means long-established, deep-rooted, or habitual, so it’s a good word to describe the human condition. By nature we’re inveterate sinners.

Think about it. We read that sinners are “shut out from the presence of the Lord” (1:9, NIV). But these people are all in the presence of Jesus, and they were sinners too. So why are they here?  What are they doing in the presence of the Lord? Why are they all dressed in white?

John gives us the answer: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb” (7:14, NIV). That’s why these people are here—not because they have lived some perfect life, but because they have been washed by Christ.

Look at who’s here in this crowd: David the adulterer, Moses the murderer, Peter the denier, Paul the persecutor, you, me, and all the stuff we’ve done.

This crowd will be there because they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. Christ has cleansed them, and look at them now! They’re dressed in the white robes of his righteousness; they’re holy as God is holy. They are in his presence, without fault and with great joy.

The complete transformation of inveterate sinners brings glory to Jesus because only he could accomplish such an amazing transformation.

Come to Christ

Charles Spurgeon was a wonderful evangelist, and he uses this marvelous truth to give hope to people who have done terrible things, people who would say, “I feel so bad—there is no hope for me.” In his sermon, Spurgeon replied this:

I put it to you…If Jesus Christ is to be glorified in saved sinners, would he not be glorified indeed if he saved you? If he were to save such a rebel as you have been, would it not be the astonishment of eternity?…What if my Master were to make a saint of you? (7)

If your sins are many, you have every reason to come to Christ today: Your salvation will bring great glory to Christ. Put your trust in Christ, and he will be glorified in you forever. And if you are a believer in Christ, this will help you to stay the course when you’re tired of the battle. Lift up your mind; see what is yours in Jesus Christ. This is your future in him.

[This article is adapted from Pastor Colin’s sermon, Christ Will Be Glorified In You, from the series Staying The Course When You’re Tired Of The Battle. | Photo credit: Unsplash]