Colin S. Smith's Blog, page 74

The Problem With Rejoicing Always

Many people give advice to engaged couples before marriage. One nugget I remember was, “Don’t ever say ‘never’ or ‘always’,” which means I shouldn’t tell my husband he never takes the garbage out, he always mistreats me, I never mistreat him, and I always put his interests first. No one always or never does things—unless they’re a robot.

Or someone without sin.

Yet the Bible uses this type of language, sometimes as a command, creating an impossible standard for sin-natured humans to perfectly obey.

Always-Imperfect Obedience

I struggle to rejoice in the Lord, in all circumstances, all the time. It shows in my relationships with others, as it overflows from a heart filled with frustration and discontentment. But here is what the Bible says when it mentions the act of rejoicing:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).
“Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
 ”…as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10, all emphases added).

I look at these verses like I look at the commandments of the law: I don’t always do them. Sometimes I covet. Other times I lie. Likewise, I lack joy during moments of suffering, or my heart distorts the source of the joy I have in an abundance of something good, rejoicing in myself or material things instead of the Lord.

Without doubt, I am not always kind to others or joyful in God during certain circumstances—good or bad. Surely, I’m not the only one. Every Christian battles his or her sinful flesh daily, perhaps before their feet hit the floor in the morning, and occasionally gives into it (Romans 7:18).

Why would God’s Word command me to do something always when I can’t? Is something wrong with me for not being capable of constant obedience?

These questions haunt me in the lowest moments of feeling defeated by sin.

The Permanent, Always-Sacrifice

Falling short of the law, according to the Old Covenant, meant death (Romans 6:23; Galatians 2:19). If the commandment was to “rejoice always,” and you complained, pouted, made a snarky remark, or lacked joy, you stood condemned for it. The law proved you a sinner. It also pointed to grace each time you took your perfect lamb to the temple and performed the ritual for cleansing and forgiveness before the high priest (Hebrews 7:19, 28).

Similarly, God commands you to obey in many scriptures, and therefore to live—but you find it impossible to be consistent in your obedience (Genesis 2:17; Leviticus 18:5, 19:2; Romans 7). You need a perfect sacrifice—an atonement for your iniquities. You need the spilling of untainted blood, a permanent kind, one that will always cover you when you sin (Hebrews 9:22).

Old Testament prophecy said there would be a future salvation in Jesus Christ, the coming Passover Lamb, the new High Priest, who would fulfill the law for you, taking your sin to the cross and defeating the death sentence your disobedience and failure wrote (Hebrews 8:20-28).

Jesus Christ did this for you. His work wasn’t temporary like the priestly sacrifices in the temple. His sacrifice proved once and for all your sins cleansed, forgiven, and deleted, if you put your faith in the redemptive work he accomplished on the cross (Hebrews 10:10). No longer do you need to fear your law-abiding incapacities to obey or die. It is done. He finished it, giving you new life, not because of your obedience, but by his gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

But what about when we continue to fail?

Our Always-Sanctification

Although I know I can’t obey my way to heaven, I still disapprove of myself for not always coming through, particularly in rejoicing. I’m currently on bed rest, hoping the baby in my womb doesn’t come too early. No, I will not always be kind. Nor will I always have a rejoicing spirit.

In the future, should the doctor diagnose me with cancer that brings unbearable physical pain, I will not always be thankful. If things go well for a season, bringing no bad reports, no conflict, no suffering or death, still, I will not always rejoice in the true source of joy—my Lord.

I will rejoice in the Lord always, in whatever tribulation I tread or comfort I cradle.
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I will strive to rejoice, but I will fall short—though I have Christ. We all will. We are human, merely dust. And God knows (Psalm 103:14). He sees his Son’s blood, so he doesn’t condemn (Romans 8:1). I will fail to rejoice always, in every moment at least, but he who is faithful when I am faithless will get me to the point of rejoicing (2 Timothy 2:13). Sanctification is sure. Thus, I will rejoice in the Lord always, in whatever tribulation I tread or comfort I cradle. Eventually he will lead me there as I persevere in faith.

In John Piper’s book, The Dangerous Duty of Delight, he says, “In the pursuit of joy through suffering, we magnify the all-satisfying worth of the Source of our joy.” We may not have joy in every instance at every second, but it’s not okay to continue in deficit of it. We must fight for it by the power of the Holy Spirit and trust God to be faithful to produce it in us. “Maximizing our joy in God is what we were created for,” Piper says. Thus, let us do what he created us to do.

Our Always-Rejoicing

While we may feel sin’s defeat as we strive to obey, rejoicing always in the Lord, we know this:

…we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52)

Sin will not defeat us. Grace has covered us, so “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 57). Meanwhile, we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who promises to make us more and more into the image of Christ, a holy people, until we stand in perfect holiness before the Holiest of all, crying, “Holy, holy, holy” for all eternity—always—in fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

[Photo Credit: Unsplash ]

RELATED POSTS:

Jesus Calls His People to Obedience
Step Out in Obedience
Not Under Law But Under Grace

The post The Problem With Rejoicing Always appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Key Connections (May 18, 2018)

The Secret to Finishing Well (Adam Ramsey, The Gospel Coalition)

Jesus is not disillusioned with my insecurities or weaknesses, because he never had any illusions about me when he saved me in the first place. Because of his work, I don’t have to hide, and I don’t need to impress. Jesus has eternally secured for me the smile of my Maker.

When We Don’t Get What We Want (Christina Fox, enCourage)

As your Creator who became incarnate, he has walked in disappointment like you have. As the Author of your story, he knows how it ends—he knows “the rest of the story.” And as the Transformer of your life, he has the ability and the will to turn your water into wine.

The Two Reasons Why You Don’t Pray for Yourself (And Why That Needs to Change)

Prayers for yourself don’t have to be vague or selfish. Instead they can be a tool for your sanctification. And that’s something which glorifies God, and blesses everyone around you.

What Is the Place of Eloquence in Christian Preaching? (John Piper, Desiring God)

We should use our creative gifts to say things in interesting, non-boring, clear, truthful, biblically faithful, emotionally engaging, memorable, striking, compelling ways that are suitable to the subject matter.

How the Apostles Changed the World (Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible)

The apostles did not set out to change the world—they set out to proclaim the Christ who had changed them. And through proclaiming Christ, lives were transformed, churches were planted, and the world was changed.

The post Key Connections (May 18, 2018) appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

What’s Wrong With Self-Condemnation?

It’s been a hard day. You’re finally sitting down on the couch; the lights are dimmed and the curtains are shut for the night. Everything has stilled; and though the house is quiet, it’s not peaceful. As you hug your cup of lukewarm coffee to your chest, the voices begin to speak.

Do you remember what you said today to your husband? In front of your children? What kind of wife are you?

Look at that dust on the coffee table. You are such a poor housewife.

Did you hear what your daughter said today? Who do you think she got that from? Probably you and your terrible example.

Did you smell supper tonight? What a mess that was! Sure, they ate it, but only because they were terrified to do otherwise.

You take a slow sip of your coffee and close your eyes to hide the tears that threaten to slide down your cheeks. You already prayed about each of these today, asking for God’s forgiveness, but that doesn’t silence the voices. A heavy sadness lays on your chest; the sense of guilt remains.

And so you listen to condemnation the rest of the night, even as you rest your head on your pillow, until you fall asleep.

How do I know this story so well? Because I’ve lived it. If this is your story as well, I want to help you find joy again, and freedom from this self-condemnation. But first, we need to understand why it’s wrong.

What’s Wrong With Self-Condemnation?
1. You’re trying to pay the price Christ already paid.

We would never tell someone they should condemn themselves—that such self-talk is good for them and they deserve it. But don’t we make that argument to ourselves? When we wish the sadness would go away, we murmur to ourselves that we deserve it. It’s almost as if we believe that self-condemnation  helps pay the price for the sin. We make it more forgivable by suffering for it.

When you believe that, you are saying that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough.

Friend, if you have faith in the Lord Jesus, then the price for each of your sins—future, present, and past—was already paid. Jesus Christ fully atoned for your sins on the cross so that you don’t have to. And because of his atonement, you received his righteousness by faith so that you can stand blameless before the Holy God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says,

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

When you attempt to punish yourself or atone for your own sins with self-condemnation you only diminish Christ’s atonement in your own eyes.

2. You’re believing a lie, rather than God’s truth.

Self-condemnation often rains down lies that you’re worthless and unforgivable. But we know God’s Word says otherwise. It says you have worth because you are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26; 9:6). It says that God has loved you, despite your rebellion (1 John 4:10). It says that you are forgiven as God’s child (1 John 1:9). It says that the Holy Spirit enables you to obey and glorify God (Romans 8:12-14).

Friend, don’t give way to the lies. Fill your heart with God’s true Word; trust him.
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And yet, we choose to listen to lies rather than God’s truth. Though we claim to believe the Bible to be inerrant, in our self-condemnation we slam the Bible shut, put it on a shelf, and say, “That is not true.” And that’s exactly what Satan, the father of lies, wants.

Friend, don’t give way to the lies. Fill your heart with God’s true Word; trust him.

3. You’re focussing on yourself, rather than fixing your eyes on Christ.

Sometimes we believe that our self-condemnation is a good sign of humility. I’m humbly recognizing myself as a sinner. Friend, true humility looks nothing like self-condemnation.

Self-condemnation does the opposite of humility—humility turns our focus outward onto God and others, but self-condemnation turns us inward. Self-condemnation is self-centred. It keeps us from concentrating on God and serving others because we are gazing at ourselves.

Freedom From Self-Condemnation

Freedom from self-condemnation starts with repentance—changing our direction: We trust Christ’s sufficiency for our atonement, we believe God’s Word, and we turn our focus outward.

Preach to yourself.

To do this, we must make it a practice of preaching the gospel to ourselves. Whenever those self-condemning thoughts and voices begin their tirade, shut them up with the gospel.

I am forgiven by God—he has paid the price, I trust in his atonement, he still loves me.

If you have asked for forgiveness and repented of your sins, there is nothing left for you to do for your salvation. Rest in the peace Christ has already worked between you and God.

Memorize Scripture.

Second, hide God’s Word in your heart. When you are tempted to condemn yourself with thoughts of worthlessness, the Holy Spirit will bring God’s Word to mind so that you can fight off those thoughts (John 14:26). Hide God’s Word in your heart by memorizing it, pinning it on your wall, and studying it daily. Like Christ did when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, fight the lies with God’s truth (Matthew 4:1-11).

Look up.

Finally, take your eyes off yourself and look outward. When self-condemnation begins, focus on God and his greatness. Yes I am a sinner, but God is the holy and gracious Savior. Yes I am weak, but God is strong. Think on his perfect attributes rather than the self-condemning accusations. Then, look around and see how you can serve others. I have found that service can be the best remedy for self-condemning sadness.

Ask For Help

Self-condemnation is not easy to put off. You may fight with these thoughts daily. You may feel weak—like you have no strength left to fight them. But cling to Christ; pray each time these thoughts come, remembering that you cannot defeat them in your own strength, but only in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

So when you start to hear those voices, pray for God’s help to be obedient, to trust Christ’s work for you on the cross, believe God’s Word, and turn your focus outward.

[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

RELATED POSTS:

Law Condemns Love Redeems
The Seven Bitter Fruits of Sin
What Jesus Says About Our Failures

The post What’s Wrong With Self-Condemnation? appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

How the Apostles Changed the World

Three men encountered the Lord Jesus Christ, and it changed not only their lives, but the world. Peter, James, and John, among others, are recognized as apostles—a unique and handpicked crew of Jesus’ disciples who personally encountered him, and afterwards, authored portions of the New Testament. Their writings endured the fall of the greatest world power (Rome) and are still, 2,000 years later, published by the millions and distributed worldwide.

How did they change the world? What was their mission? And as followers of Jesus and members of his Church, what is our mission?

What Is the Church’s Mission?

Some might answer that the Church’s mission is racial reconciliation, the pursuit of social justice, or the alleviation of poverty. Though these are all wonderful parts of the Church’s ministry, they are not it’s primary ministry. It was not a mantra for a political agenda that drove these men across the globe, but the memory of Christ’s words they had ringing in their ears:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Kevin DeYoung helpfully paraphrases this verse in his book, What is the Mission of the Church?: “We believe the church is sent into the world to witness to Jesus by proclaiming the gospel and making disciples of all nations” (26).  

15 Scriptures on the Church’s Mission

Proclaiming Jesus Christ is the clear and unchanging ministry that pervades the New Testament—and this ministry is given to the Church today. Here are 15 examples from Scripture to illustrate this truth.

1. In Damascus: “He proclaimed Jesus…saying, ‘He is the Son of God’” (Acts 9:20).

2. In Lystra: “They continued to preach the gospel” (Acts 14:7).

3. In Derbe: “They…preached the gospel…[and] made many disciples…” (Acts 14:21).

4. In Macedonia: “We sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:10).

5. In Thessalonica: “He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ’” (Acts 17:2-3).

The apostles did not set out to change the world—they set out to proclaim the Christ who had…
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6. In Athens: “He was preaching Jesus and the resurrection” (Acts 17:18).

7. In Rome: “I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome” (Romans 1:15).

8. In Corinth: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). “What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord…” (2 Corinthians 4:5).

9. In Troas: “I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:12).

10. In Galatia: “[God] was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” (Galatians 1:16).

11. In Ephesus: “This grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…” (Ephesians 3:8).  

12. In Philippi: “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).

13. In Colossae: “Him we proclaim…that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

This emphasis on proclaiming Christ was not only pervasive in the ministry of Paul. Peter, also, writing to the church, says that it is our ministry too.   

14. In 1 Peter: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

And John, writing to the churches, says that the proclamation of this gospel is for every nation, tribe, language, and people.

15. In Revelation: “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Revelation 14:6).

How God’s Work Gets Done in the World

The apostles did not sit down and say, “Now what are the issues that need to be addressed in the Roman Empire?” The apostles did not set out to change the world—they set out to proclaim the Christ who had changed them. And through proclaiming Christ, lives were transformed, churches were planted, and the world was changed.  

Here is how God’s work gets done in this world: We are the means. Christ is the message.

The work of God gets done by his chosen instruments who act in obedience—even when they are afraid—who are filled with the Spirit, who know and love the Bible, and are able to open it, and who point others to the Jesus who can change the world.

[This article was adapted from Pastor Colin’s sermon, “Ananias” from the series Chosen Instruments. | Photo Credit: Lightstock]

RELATED POSTS:

Seven Reasons to Not Fear Sharing Your Faith
Guarding the Gospel of Grace
Trust God With the Spiritual Gifts He Gives

The post How the Apostles Changed the World appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Husbands, Love Your Wives

I’m a deep sleeper, so it’s unusual for me to see the clock at 2:00 a.m. As my brain shook off the fog I heard the call again. “Mo-mmy! Da-ddy!” I grabbed my glasses and headed for the door.

My daughter had a nightmare. This happens about once a month, so we both know the routine. We prayed, focused on happier thoughts, and turned on some music. She slid back to sleep within minutes.

I can’t say I love these wakeup calls, but they provide a reflex test for my heart. When I know I should get up, will I hesitate? Will I wait for another call, hoping my wife will get up instead? Or will I take this small opportunity to give of myself?

Christ’s Love for the Church

At the end of Ephesians 5, Paul lays out a stunning picture of human marriage. He concludes, “this mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). In sum, the command to wives is to respect their husbands; and husbands, to love their wives (v. 33).

Paul’s command to husbands in this letter is two-fold. He first tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (v. 25). Paul then tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church (vv. 28–29).

We’ll explore the first part of Paul’s teaching in this article. In a later article, the second command will be addressed.

A Word to Non-Husbands

Men make up less than half the church, and not all men are husbands. Is this passage relevant for everyone?

If you are not currently a husband, I hope you will continue reading. This passage in Ephesians will remind you of the love of Jesus for the Church—for you—and will instruct you how to pray for, encourage, and support those who fulfill this role. And, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

A Husband’s Aim

Ephesians 5:25-27 says:

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Christ’s aim for his church is a husband’s aim for his wife—her sanctification. “Sanctify” is just a fancy word meaning “set apart for God’s intended purpose.” God’s plan is to “present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (v. 27).

Husbands are to labor for the holiness and purity of their wives, just like Christ labors for the purity of his church. This means a godly husband will prioritize his wife’s spiritual growth. How can he practically do this?

Each husband should consider some serious questions about his wife on a regular basis:

In what areas is her relationship with God strong? Where is it weak?
What brings her the greatest joy?
What battles with sin does she face? Where does she encounter discouragement, doubt, fear, or despair?
What care, help, or wisdom does she need from me?

Husbands are commanded to “live with your wives in an understanding way” (1 Peter 3:7), meaning they should strive to understand and get to know their wives. Through all of these inquiries, it’s vital that the husband makes his wife a priority, not a project. Love should make no one feel like the target of an investigation.

The answers to some of these questions will come through conversation and simple listening. Other answers will come through experience, advice, and the leading of the Spirit.

Sanctification may seem like a lofty goal, but Paul gives one simple, all-encompassing means to achieve it. Husbands must give themselves up for their wives (vv. 1, 25). This is a broad command begging for specific explanation and illustration.

Give Up Yourself

What does it look like for a husband to give himself up in order to sanctify his wife? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because each person and each marriage is different.

The basic principle is that the husband should set aside what he values to help his wife value most what is most valuable—God himself. As someone has said: “A husband must be willing not only to die for his wife but also to live for her.”

Jesus is committed to his holy church—to making her holy.
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Consider this short list of suggestions, offered to help each husband think specifically about how to lay down his life for his wife.

Give up early mornings to read and study the Bible with your wife. Help each other make specific applications for that day.
Give up devotional time to pray for her; pray with her.
Give up your time and perhaps your finances to encourage the cultivation and expression of her God-given gifts.
Give up your comfort to gently correct her from God’s Word, lest she be found with “spot or wrinkle” (v. 27). (Invite this correction of yourself, too!)
Encourage her to spend time with her friends. Assume the necessary responsibilities and burdens to make this happen.
Affirm her talents, her sacrifices, and her contributions to your family on a regular basis.
Give up potential advancement or praise at work by spending time with her rather than at the office after hours.
Give up your preferences when finding a church for your family. Within the scope of Bible-preaching, Jesus-loving churches, seek out what would be the best fit for your wife. What will help her to grow?
Give up the comfort of being passive. Step into the leadership role God has given you within your family (1 Corinthians 11:3). In love, serve your wife by making plans, asking questions, and stepping out in front in ways that will bless her.

Not Just an Analogy

Paul uses a husband’s love for his wife as an example and explanation in this passage. But we must not miss the glorious truth contained in this analogy!

Jesus gave himself up for the church. He lost his comfort, his friends, his position, his time, his dignity, and he lost his life in a gruesome, humiliating display on the cross.

And because of his resurrection, one day Jesus will present the church to himself “in splendor”, without any spot or wrinkle at all. This gives me tremendous hope! When I look at myself and the church around me, I see lots of spots and wrinkles, lots of blemishes, and lots of evidence that we still need to be sanctified.

But let’s raise our eyes and see what Christ has done in his love for his Bride. He sacrificed himself making the one-time cleansing for her sin, but also secured and provided the power for her ongoing change. Jesus is committed to his holy church—to making her holy. You might think we have a ways to go, but make no mistake—the sanctified church is a certainty.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24)

This is good news for Christians, including husbands who fail to love, fail to give of themselves, and fail to joyfully labor for the sanctification of their wives. The church of God has a heavenly husband who provides all the forgiveness and power we need to joyfully lay down our lives for our wives as he laid down his life for us.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

RELATED POSTS:

Five Ways Jesus Transformed My Marriage
7 Dimensions of the Unity of the Father and the Son—Part 2
Gospel Shaped Marriage

The post Husbands, Love Your Wives appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Husbands, Love Your Wives, Part I

I’m a deep sleeper, so it’s unusual for me to see the clock at 2:00 a.m. As my brain shook off the fog I heard the call again. “Mo-mmy! Da-ddy!” I grabbed my glasses and headed for the door.

My daughter had a nightmare. This happens about once a month, so we both know the routine. We prayed, focused on happier thoughts, and turned on some music. She slid back to sleep within minutes.

I can’t say I love these wakeup calls, but they provide a reflex test for my heart. When I know I should get up, will I hesitate? Will I wait for another call, hoping my wife will get up instead? Or will I take this small opportunity to give of myself?

Christ’s Love for the Church

At the end of Ephesians 5, Paul lays out a stunning picture of human marriage. He concludes, “this mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). In sum, the command to wives is to respect their husbands; and husbands, to love their wives (v.33).

Paul’s command to husbands in this letter is two-fold. He first tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (v.25). Paul then tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church (vv.28–29).

We’ll explore the first part of Paul’s teaching in this article. In a later article, the second command will be addressed.

A Word to Non-husbands

Men make up less than half the church, and not all men are husbands. Is this passage relevant for everyone?

If you are not currently a husband, I hope you will continue reading. This passage in Ephesians will remind you of the love of Jesus for the Church—for you—and will instruct you how to pray for, encourage, and support those who fulfill this role. And, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

A Husband’s Aim

Ephesians 5:25-27 says:

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Christ’s aim for his church is a husband’s aim for his wife—her sanctification. “Sanctify” is just a fancy word meaning “set apart for God’s intended purpose.” God’s plan is to “present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (v. 27).

Husbands are to labor for the holiness and purity of their wives, just like Christ labors for the purity of his church. This means a godly husband will prioritize his wife’s spiritual growth. How can he practically do this?

Each husband should consider some serious questions about his wife on a regular basis:

In what areas is her relationship with God strong? Where is it weak?
What brings her the greatest joy?
What battles with sin does she face? Where does she encounter discouragement, doubt, fear, or despair?
What care, help, or wisdom does she need from me?

Husbands are commanded to “live with your wives in an understanding way” (1 Peter 3:7), meaning they should strive to understand and get to know their wives. Through all of these inquiries, it’s vital that the husband makes his wife a priority, not a project. Love should make no one feel like the target of an investigation.

The answers to some of these questions will come through conversation and simple listening. Other answers will come through experience, advice, and the leading of the Spirit.

Sanctification may seem like a lofty goal, but Paul gives one simple, all-encompassing means to achieve it. Husbands must give themselves up for their wives (v.1, 25). This is a broad command begging for specific explanation and illustration.

Give Up Yourself

What does it look like for a husband to give himself up in order to sanctify his wife? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because each person and each marriage is different.

The basic principle is that the husband should set aside what he values to help his wife value most what is most valuable—God himself. As someone has said: “A husband must be willing not only to die for his wife but also to live for her.”

Jesus is committed to his holy church—to making her holy.
Click To Tweet

Consider this short list of suggestions, offered to help each husband think specifically about how to lay down his life for his wife.

Give up early mornings to read and study the Bible with your wife. Help each other make specific applications for that day.
Give up devotional time to pray for her; pray with her.
Give up your time and perhaps your finances to encourage the cultivation and expression of her God-given gifts.
Give up your comfort to gently correct her from God’s Word, lest she be found with “spot or wrinkle” (v.27). (Invite this correction of yourself, too!)
Encourage her to spend time with her friends. Assume the necessary responsibilities and burdens to make this happen.
Affirm her talents, her sacrifices, and her contributions to your family on a regular basis.
Give up potential advancement or praise at work by spending time with her rather than at the office after hours.
Give up your preferences when finding a church for your family. Within the scope of Bible-preaching, Jesus-loving churches, seek out what would be the best fit for your wife. What will help her to grow?
Give up the comfort of being passive. Step into the leadership role God has given you within your family (1 Corinthians 11:3). In love, serve your wife by making plans, asking questions, and stepping out in front in ways that will bless her.

Not Just an Analogy

Paul uses a husband’s love for his wife as an example and explanation in this passage. But we must not miss the glorious truth contained in this analogy!

Jesus gave himself up for the church. He lost his comfort, his friends, his position, his time, his dignity, and he lost his life in a gruesome, humiliating display on the cross.

And because of his resurrection, one day Jesus will present the church to himself “in splendor”, without any spot or wrinkle at all. This gives me tremendous hope! When I look at myself and the church around me, I see lots of spots and wrinkles, lots of blemishes, and lots of evidence that we still need to be sanctified.

But let’s raise our eyes and see what Christ has done in his love for his Bride. He sacrificed himself making the one-time cleansing for her sin, but also secured and provided the power for her ongoing change. Jesus is committed to his holy church—to making her holy. You might think we have a ways to go, but make no mistake—the sanctified church is a certainty.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24)

This is good news for Christians, including husbands who fail to love, fail to give of themselves, and fail to joyfully labor for the sanctification of their wives. The church of God has a heavenly husband who provides all the forgiveness and power we need to joyfully lay down our lives for our wives as he laid down his life for us.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

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The post Husbands, Love Your Wives, Part I appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

‘Made Under Pressure’: Staying Strong Under Trial

“Made Under Pressure” is a t-shirt slogan I remember seeing on a recent gym trip. Unsurprisingly, it’s a shirt made by Nike, the company that forged the can-do creed, “Just Do It.”

From a physical standpoint, muscles in the arms and legs are made under the pressure of physical weights, and the added pressure of gravity makes weight lifting all the more challenging.

Likewise, God forges our spiritual formation under pressure. As he works in our heart, how do we hold up under the pressure of trials that sporadically come our way?

Don’t Lose Sight of Your Identity

Tim Tebow knows about pressure. After playing for the Florida Gators and winning two national championships and the Heisman Trophy, Tebow was cut from three different NFL teams as a professional. Despite these momentous setbacks, Tebow has remained grounded in his faith, even when the ground around him shook. He writes in his latest book [1]:

I like to say that identity comes not necessarily from who we are, but whose we are. I am a child of God. My foundation for who I am is grounded in my faith. In a God who loves me. In a God who gives me purpose… (Tebow, 28)

As pressure intensifies in our lives, we need to maintain a clear sense of identity so that we have the right perspective about our circumstances. As the difficulties multiply, it’s paramount that we steadfastly trust God and subsequently submit to his will for us. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes,

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

It’s difficult to look beyond the imminent and crushing pressures of momentary afflictions. We can be short-sighted in our perspective as Christ followers, as the hardships of the here-and-now obscure our sense of eternity. Trials may rattle our faith, but we remain grounded in our identity in Christ as God’s children destined for glory, unequivocally anchored by a strong, good God who helps us in times of struggle.

Draw Near to God

Tebow references the story of Job in his book, and this compelling Old Testament narrative gives us reason to pause and consider a man intimately acquainted with pressure. In a conversation with the tempter (A.K.A. the Devil), God says,

“Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1:8)

Pressure on Job’s life – lots of pressure – results from their dialogue. The devil snatches all of Joseph’s property and wealth, his sons and daughters perish, and he is personally afflicted with “loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” (Job 2:7). Dismissing his wife’s remarks to curse God and die, Job instead seeks his God. He prays and asks God pointed questions (Job 13:15).

But Job’s queries about the pressures that are overwhelming his life are not all answered. Tebow writes:

In response to Job’s queries, God doesn’t give him a list of reasons why he had to go through so much, nor does he show him the purpose in the plan.

God left Job with unanswered questions, but it’s imperative to recognize that God never left Job. For, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit,” writes David (Psalm 34:18).

Though God is omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time), James indicates that as we actively pursue him in seasons of both pressure and calm, God draws near to us too. He writes, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). And the way we draw near to God is through his son, Jesus, who is also named Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; John 14:6).

Consider the Pressure Jesus Endured

The pressure and subsequent loss that Job experienced foreshadows the pressure that Jesus felt as he bore the weight of our sin in his broken body on the cross. God poured out his wrath for the sin of those who would believe in him on Jesus, so that he would not have to draw near to them in judgment. As the prophet Isaiah notes, “It was the Lord’s will to crush him” (53:10).

The death of Jesus relieves his followers of the most crushing pressure—God’s wrath for sin. Paul writes that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) We who are in Christ will physically die one day as we’re under the curse of sin by the holy and righteous God, but Christ provides forgiveness and atonement so that we will not experience the second death of an eternity spent under God’s judgment.

The full pressure of the guilt and penalty of our sin was placed on Jesus so that we would be restored to God. Accordingly, this sacrifice frees us to face the toughest of pressures, because we can draw near to the Almighty time and again.

God Is With You and For You

What pressures are you facing today? What’s keeping you up at night?

Currently, my niece is in the NICU, and my middle-school Sunday school teacher went home to God. I have career decisions to make, a wife to love and serve, and an infant to raise in the ways of Jesus.

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul,” writes the psalmist in Psalm 94:19. Rest assured, this life is filled with pressure and difficulty and loss. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”(John 16:33). God is with us and for us because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Draw near to God. Give your pressures to him in both questions and tears. Repeatedly return to Scripture for strength. Enlist the prayers of your family, friends, colleagues, and church. As achingly difficult as it is to worship through the hardest pains, let go of your own strength and control, and instead abide in God’s endless supply (Isaiah 40:28). Finally, remember that Christ endured the greatest pressure on the cross for my sin and yours.

Tebow encourages us:

God will come through in some way or another. Sometimes in the form of an answer to prayer, other times in the form of comfort, peace, and perspective far above what’s possible in our human strength…

[1.Tim Tebow, Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms”  (Place of publication: WaterBrook, 2016), page 28.][Photo Credit: Unsplash]

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The post ‘Made Under Pressure’: Staying Strong Under Trial appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Key Connections (May 11, 2018)

Pastor, Don’t Avoid Uncomfortable Topics (Brett McCracken, The Gospel Coalition)

…the whole counsel of God—revealed to us in his Word—is challenging to preach. But preach it we must. Otherwise, we as pastors have the blood of our congregations on our hands (Acts 20:26).

Does the New Testament Misquote the Old Testament? (Peter Krol, Knowable Word)

Remember: The original languages don’t function like a code to be cracked. They were real documents written by real people in ordinary languages.

The Exposing Power of Mother’s Day (Abbey Wedgeworth, Unlocking the Bible)

We spend most of our days wiping noses, changing poopy diapers, rising at our middle-of-the-night summons…and putting ourselves last to make sure that the needs of our families are met. But not Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t Mother’s Day be a day about us?

The Ninth Commandment and the Pain of Social Media (Nate Bingham, Nathan W. Bingham)

Our perfect social media lives not only isolate those who are suffering, they deny the reality of our fallen world. And without a fallen world, where is the need for a Savior?

The Better Question Believers Should Ask about God’s Will (Jen Wilkin, Crossway)

If I do not conceal my will from my earthly children, how much more our heavenly Father? His will does not need discovering. It is in plain sight.

The post Key Connections (May 11, 2018) appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

The Exposing Power of Mother’s Day

Flowers. Jewelry. Breakfast in bed. A trip to the nail salon. A sentimental card. Dinner out. Many of us have some sort of idea of how we would like to be celebrated on Mother’s Day.

We spend most of our days wiping noses, changing poopy diapers, rising at our middle-of-the-night summons, hoisting children in and out of car seats and on and off the toilet, driving the shuttle, cooking, laundering, cleaning up all kinds of messes, and putting ourselves last to make sure that the needs of our families are met.

But not Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t Mother’s Day be a day about us?

The one day of the year when we should be able to put up our feet and be served? The one day of the year when someone else should take over and pour out praise for all the thankless tasks we perform every other day of the year?

Exposing Our Selfish Hearts

It’s uncomfortable to admit, but I bring plenty of expectations to the table for this holiday. My chosen method for guarding my heart is to remind my husband several weeks in advance that Mother’s Day is coming and present him with a list of not-so-subtle “options” to ensure the day is special.

While some of them feel a little less self-serving than others, the demand for quality time isn’t any more noble than the desire for gifts or pampering. The fact that this list exists at all reveals a lot about my heart.

When motherhood feels like slavery, remember: Jesus gives us what we need in himself.
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Our expectations give Mother’s Day an exposing power. While we may claim that we selflessly pour out all year, the way we approach this day reveals the desires of our hearts. Perhaps those desires are uncovered by reactions to a lack of attention or recognition or, for those of us with more type-A spouses or doting children, by our lack of humility in being honored well.

If we are honest, for many of us, Mother’s Day uncovers the true object of our worship—self. It lays bare the self-seeking motives behind the performance of our “selfless” daily tasks. It exposes the true cry of our hearts to be, “I deserve glory, honor, and praise.”

Although it is written in possessive form, Mother’s Day doesn’t belong to us any more than any other day does. Each day is the day the Lord has made, created by him and prepared in advance with good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). And what good work can we perform apart from abiding in him (John 15:5)? What title or task can we obtain for ourselves that he does not bestow? Did we become mothers by opening our own wombs, or that of our child’s birth mother?

He alone is the author and sustainer of life (Psalm 139). For any child’s life, for any task done well, God alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

Exposing Our Lack of Understanding

Christianity is a race to the bottom. Jesus teaches his followers that whoever would be great among us must be a servant, and whoever desires to be first must be a slave of all (Mark 10:43-44). This is excellent news for the days when motherhood feels like slavery. Because even Jesus himself, with his pure motives and perfect righteousness, came not to be served, but to serve.

The posture of a believer’s heart every day of the year should be, “I exist to serve. It’s my delight to tend to the needs of my children and husband. Not for their sakes, but for the sake of my faithful Savior, who is always serving me.” Joining with John the Baptist, we say, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”

If that doesn’t sound anything like the posture of your heart this Mother’s Day, be encouraged. Motherhood, and the service it necessitates, offers richly-tilled soil in which the Lord can cultivate humility.

There is so much grace available to us. Grace to save and grace to change.

Exposing Our Misplaced Hope

Moment by moment, as our hearts are revealed in our reactions, our great High Priest stands ready to intercede for us as we confess our false motives and repent of our grumbling attitudes.

More than we need flowers or jewelry, our souls need the gift of lasting peace and rest that comes from receiving that assurance of pardon (Matthew 11:28-30). More than we need to be refueled by time alone or a spa treatment, we need the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead (which lives within us), empowering us to serve with glad hearts for the glory of God alone (Romans 8:11). More than we need breakfast in bed or dinner out, we need to feast on the Word of God, our daily bread, which thoroughly equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

And on the days we feel unappreciated and unseen, more than we need a card with accolades and praise from our families, we need to hear the benedictions of our Father in heaven who sees and knows all, like whom we become more and more in service and suffering, and who we will one day rejoice to hear speak, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

May our desire to be near him and like him make us glad to serve. May we look to him alone for everything we need to carry out the tasks to which he has called us. And may the cry of our hearts this Mother’s Day, and every day, be, “You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise!”

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

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The post The Exposing Power of Mother’s Day appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Bible Q&A: What’s the Difference Between the Spirit and the Soul?

Question: Can you give me some clarity about the spirit and the soul? Are they the same thing? Or are they different?  

Answer: There’s a longstanding debate about the relationship between the soul and the spirit. Sometimes they seem to be the same. For example, in Mary’s song she says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). But other times the soul and the spirit seem to be distinct.

The Inner-Life from Two Sides

For example, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). While the soul and the spirit may be distinguished, they are closely bound up, rather like joints and marrow.

I’ve found it helpful to think of soul and spirit as your inner-life viewed from two sides. Your soul speaks of your inner-life in relation to your own experience: your mind, heart, will, and imagination. It also includes your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams. But your spirit speaks of the same inner-life in relation to God: your faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance.

When the Spirit and the Soul Are Tested

Throughout your life in this world, your soul and your spirit will be subjected to great strain. You will be tested and tempted. You will face great trials, and sometimes you may wonder, How can I stand under this pressure? How will I sustain my faith?

Here’s the important question: Have you committed your soul and your spirit into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ?

If your soul is committed to him, then you can trust him in relation to your soul. He will guard your soul when your mind is spinning in confusion. He will guard your soul when your emotions are rising like waves on the sea.

If your spirit is committed to him, then you can trust him in relation to your spirit. How will your faith survive the pressures of life? Because Christ will guard your faith. How can you continue to have hope? Because Christ will guard your hope. How can you continue to love? Christ will guard your love. He will guard all that you have entrusted to him.

Here’s the picture: Nothing in your hands can ever be secure. But everything in his hands must always be secure. So the way of victory in your life is to get everything out of your hands and into the hands of Christ.

[This article is an excerpt from Pastor Colin’s message “Final Security” from the series One Thing I Know.]
[Photo Credit: Unsplash]

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