The Living Word
“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13)
This uniquely expressive name assigned to Christ, as He returns to Earth in glory, is used also by John in his gospel (John 1:1, 14) and in his epistle (1 John 1:1), referring both to His primeval work of creation and also to His human incarnation. It is well known that “Word” here is the Greek logos. Six times it is applied by John as a name or title of the Son of God (three times in John 1:1), the second Person of the Trinity. Actually, John used it seven times, assuming that the disputed verse 1 John 5:7 (“the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost”) is really a part of the inspired text.
The Greek word logos is a remarkable word, adaptable to many meanings. It is translated in the King James New Testament by about 30 other words (“speech,” “saying,” “reason,” etc.). The lexicons add still other meanings, and some of the Greek philosophers used it to describe the intelligence behind the universe.
As used by John, it becomes much more specific: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Jehovah’s Witnesses, rejecting the deity of Christ, like to translate this as “the Word was a god,” but all knowledgeable Greek scholars agree that the King James rendering is correct. Then, says John, “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Even though “no man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18), He has become knowable through His Son who has “declared him.” Consequently, John also can declare Him to others. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes . . . and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1, 3). HMM
“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13)
This uniquely expressive name assigned to Christ, as He returns to Earth in glory, is used also by John in his gospel (John 1:1, 14) and in his epistle (1 John 1:1), referring both to His primeval work of creation and also to His human incarnation. It is well known that “Word” here is the Greek logos. Six times it is applied by John as a name or title of the Son of God (three times in John 1:1), the second Person of the Trinity. Actually, John used it seven times, assuming that the disputed verse 1 John 5:7 (“the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost”) is really a part of the inspired text.
The Greek word logos is a remarkable word, adaptable to many meanings. It is translated in the King James New Testament by about 30 other words (“speech,” “saying,” “reason,” etc.). The lexicons add still other meanings, and some of the Greek philosophers used it to describe the intelligence behind the universe.
As used by John, it becomes much more specific: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Jehovah’s Witnesses, rejecting the deity of Christ, like to translate this as “the Word was a god,” but all knowledgeable Greek scholars agree that the King James rendering is correct. Then, says John, “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Even though “no man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18), He has become knowable through His Son who has “declared him.” Consequently, John also can declare Him to others. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes . . . and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1, 3). HMM
The Truth in Us
“For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.” (2 John 1:2)
The word “truth” occurs more in the gospel of John than in any other book of the New Testament, and it occurs in the first epistle of John more than in any other book except John’s gospel. Then, it occurs more in John’s two one-chapter epistles (2 and 3 John) than in any other New Testament book save John and 1 John. Surely one of the great themes in John’s writings is truth!
God is, indeed, the God of truth, and His written Word is “the scripture of truth” (Daniel 10:21). “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4). The Lord Jesus Christ is, in fact, the very incarnation of truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He asserted (John 14:6).
Surely truth dwells forever in Christ, for He is Himself the Creator and is thereby the very definition of truth. But how can it be that truth dwells in us and shall be with us forever? This is certainly not the case with the natural man.
It can only be by the Holy Spirit, of course, and this is what Christ—who is the truth—has promised. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).
That being so, with the Holy Spirit of truth indwelling us forever, our words, and deeds, and our very lives should be characterized by truth and complete consistency. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). HMM
“For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.” (2 John 1:2)
The word “truth” occurs more in the gospel of John than in any other book of the New Testament, and it occurs in the first epistle of John more than in any other book except John’s gospel. Then, it occurs more in John’s two one-chapter epistles (2 and 3 John) than in any other New Testament book save John and 1 John. Surely one of the great themes in John’s writings is truth!
God is, indeed, the God of truth, and His written Word is “the scripture of truth” (Daniel 10:21). “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4). The Lord Jesus Christ is, in fact, the very incarnation of truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He asserted (John 14:6).
Surely truth dwells forever in Christ, for He is Himself the Creator and is thereby the very definition of truth. But how can it be that truth dwells in us and shall be with us forever? This is certainly not the case with the natural man.
It can only be by the Holy Spirit, of course, and this is what Christ—who is the truth—has promised. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).
That being so, with the Holy Spirit of truth indwelling us forever, our words, and deeds, and our very lives should be characterized by truth and complete consistency. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). HMM
Perilous Times
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1)
There has always been some confusion about the biblical term “the last days.” Many times the phrase is associated with the Great Tribulation period. Some commentaries appear to relate the era to the final days just before the Lord returns to put an end to the universe.
It does appear, however, that the “last days” began officially at Pentecost when the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29 was fulfilled and verified by Peter in his sermon recorded in Acts 2:14-21. That same Peter reaffirmed that the Lord Jesus “was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). And, just so there could not be any doubt, the apostle John said simply, “Little children, it is the last time” (1 John 2:18).
Paul’s warning to Timothy was that these last days will be filled with “perilous times.” The Greek term translated “perilous” is chalepos. Its basic meaning is “stress” or “fierce,” coming from a root word meaning to “reduce strength.” Other Bible versions translate the term as “dangerous” or “difficult” times. The word could well be understood as “strength-sapping pressure.”
The “times” that will be perilous are “seasons” or “periods” that will characterize these “last days.” The verses that follow our text contain a list of the kinds of “peril” that will “stress” those who would live godly lives. This warning is not unique. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).
No wonder we are told: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). HMM III
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1)
There has always been some confusion about the biblical term “the last days.” Many times the phrase is associated with the Great Tribulation period. Some commentaries appear to relate the era to the final days just before the Lord returns to put an end to the universe.
It does appear, however, that the “last days” began officially at Pentecost when the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29 was fulfilled and verified by Peter in his sermon recorded in Acts 2:14-21. That same Peter reaffirmed that the Lord Jesus “was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). And, just so there could not be any doubt, the apostle John said simply, “Little children, it is the last time” (1 John 2:18).
Paul’s warning to Timothy was that these last days will be filled with “perilous times.” The Greek term translated “perilous” is chalepos. Its basic meaning is “stress” or “fierce,” coming from a root word meaning to “reduce strength.” Other Bible versions translate the term as “dangerous” or “difficult” times. The word could well be understood as “strength-sapping pressure.”
The “times” that will be perilous are “seasons” or “periods” that will characterize these “last days.” The verses that follow our text contain a list of the kinds of “peril” that will “stress” those who would live godly lives. This warning is not unique. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).
No wonder we are told: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). HMM III
Thoughts on Why Everything ExistsJohn Piper
One of the main points of the book, Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ, is that sin and God's wrath against it were part of God's plan when he created the world. This is different from saying that God sins or that he approves of sinning.
The main reason for making this point is to exalt the revelation of God's grace in the crucifixion of Jesus to the highest place. This is the point of the universe--the glorification of the grace of God in the apex of its expression in the death of Jesus.
Jesus died for sin (1 Corinthians 15:3). The death of Jesus for sin was planned before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; Ephesians 1:4-6). Therefore, sin was part of the plan. God carries this plan through in a way that maintains full human accountability, full hatred for sin, full divine justice, and full saving love for all who trust Christ. And we don't need to know how he does it to believe it and rest in it and worship him for it.
This morning I was meditating for my devotions on Ezra 8 and Ezra 9 . I saw there another pointer to the truth of God's planning for human sin and divine wrath.
In Ezra 8:22, Ezra says, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him." This text leads me to ask: Did God know before creation that his creatures would "forsake him." Yes, he did. The plan for their redemption was in place before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6).
Was Ezra 8:22 true before the foundation of the world? Yes, it was. God did not become holy and just after creation. He has always been holy and just. "His power and his wrath are against all who forsake him" because this is, and always has been, the holy and just thing for God to do.
Therefore, since God knew that his creatures would forsake him, he also knew that his power and wrath would be against them. Therefore, this was part of his plan. He created the world knowing that sin would happen and that he would respond as Ezra 8:22 says he does.
This planning is what Paul means in Romans 9:22 when he says that God was "desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power. . ." And if you ask Paul why God would go forward with this plan, his most ultimate answer is in the next verse: "in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy" (Romans 9:23).
God knew that the revelation of his wrath and power against sin would make the riches of his glory shine all the brighter and taste all the sweeter for the vessels of mercy.
"The riches of his glory" are the riches we inherit when we see his glory in all the fullness that we can bear (Ephesians 1:18) and are transformed by it (Romans 8:30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2). These riches of glory reach their supreme height of wonder and beauty in the death of Jesus as he bore the condemnation of God's wrath and power in our place (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:13).
In other words, God's plan that there be sin and wrath in the universe was ultimately to bring about "the praise of the glory of his grace" in the death of Christ (Ephesians 1:6). What is at stake in the sovereignty of God over sin is the ultimate aim of the universe, namely, the exaltation of the Son of God in the greatest act of wrath-removing, sin-forgiving, justice-vindicating grace that ever was or ever could be. The praise of the glory of God's grace in the death of Christ for sinners is the ultimate end of all things.
Christ is the aim of all things. When Paul says, "All things were created . . . for him" (Colossians 1:16), he means that the entire universe and all the events in it serve to glorify Jesus Christ. May the meditations of our hearts take us ever deeper into this mystery. And may the words of our mouths and the actions of our hands serve to magnify the infinite worth of Jesus and his death. This is why we exist.
The Authority of Our Message
1 Kings 17:1
King Ahab's first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is? Bursting onto the scene out of nowhere, Elijah confronted Israel's wicked king with a message that would soon disrupt life throughout the entire region.
The validity of the revelation rested with the Source, not the mouthpiece. Elijah was a man of great faith who believed what God told him; he could boldly speak with authority because he knew and trusted the One who gave the message. He spent time alone with the Lord and listened as he stood before Him.
Our Father doesn't speak to us in exactly the same manner that He spoke to the Old Testament prophets, but the process of receiving His message hasn't changed. It begins with being alone in His presence and involves listening as He speaks through His Word. But it shouldn't end there.
Prophets had the responsibility of telling the people what the Lord revealed to them. Similarly, we are to share with others what we learn from God's Word. Devotional time with the Lord is not just about our own interests and needs. The Father reveals His treasures to us so that we can share them with others.
Begin each day alone with God in His Word and in prayer, listening as He speaks to your heart. Believe what He says in Scripture, apply it to your life, and then share with someone else what He has revealed. Be bold and remember that the authority of your message comes from Him.
The Priority of Obedience
John 14:23-26
The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve--first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.
The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.
By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life--one entirely without sin--He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.
Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.
The Rewards of Patience
Jesus died for sin (1 Corinthians 15:3). The death of Jesus for sin was planned before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; Ephesians 1:4-6). Therefore, sin was part of the plan. God carries this plan through in a way that maintains full human accountability, full hatred for sin, full divine justice, and full saving love for all who trust Christ. And we don't need to know how he does it to believe it and rest in it and worship him for it.
This morning I was meditating for my devotions on Ezra 8 and Ezra 9 . I saw there another pointer to the truth of God's planning for human sin and divine wrath.
In Ezra 8:22, Ezra says, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him." This text leads me to ask: Did God know before creation that his creatures would "forsake him." Yes, he did. The plan for their redemption was in place before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6).
Was Ezra 8:22 true before the foundation of the world? Yes, it was. God did not become holy and just after creation. He has always been holy and just. "His power and his wrath are against all who forsake him" because this is, and always has been, the holy and just thing for God to do.
Therefore, since God knew that his creatures would forsake him, he also knew that his power and wrath would be against them. Therefore, this was part of his plan. He created the world knowing that sin would happen and that he would respond as Ezra 8:22 says he does.
This planning is what Paul means in Romans 9:22 when he says that God was "desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power. . ." And if you ask Paul why God would go forward with this plan, his most ultimate answer is in the next verse: "in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy" (Romans 9:23).
God knew that the revelation of his wrath and power against sin would make the riches of his glory shine all the brighter and taste all the sweeter for the vessels of mercy.
"The riches of his glory" are the riches we inherit when we see his glory in all the fullness that we can bear (Ephesians 1:18) and are transformed by it (Romans 8:30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2). These riches of glory reach their supreme height of wonder and beauty in the death of Jesus as he bore the condemnation of God's wrath and power in our place (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:13).
In other words, God's plan that there be sin and wrath in the universe was ultimately to bring about "the praise of the glory of his grace" in the death of Christ (Ephesians 1:6). What is at stake in the sovereignty of God over sin is the ultimate aim of the universe, namely, the exaltation of the Son of God in the greatest act of wrath-removing, sin-forgiving, justice-vindicating grace that ever was or ever could be. The praise of the glory of God's grace in the death of Christ for sinners is the ultimate end of all things.
Christ is the aim of all things. When Paul says, "All things were created . . . for him" (Colossians 1:16), he means that the entire universe and all the events in it serve to glorify Jesus Christ. May the meditations of our hearts take us ever deeper into this mystery. And may the words of our mouths and the actions of our hands serve to magnify the infinite worth of Jesus and his death. This is why we exist.
The Authority of Our Message
1 Kings 17:1
King Ahab's first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is? Bursting onto the scene out of nowhere, Elijah confronted Israel's wicked king with a message that would soon disrupt life throughout the entire region.
The validity of the revelation rested with the Source, not the mouthpiece. Elijah was a man of great faith who believed what God told him; he could boldly speak with authority because he knew and trusted the One who gave the message. He spent time alone with the Lord and listened as he stood before Him.
Our Father doesn't speak to us in exactly the same manner that He spoke to the Old Testament prophets, but the process of receiving His message hasn't changed. It begins with being alone in His presence and involves listening as He speaks through His Word. But it shouldn't end there.
Prophets had the responsibility of telling the people what the Lord revealed to them. Similarly, we are to share with others what we learn from God's Word. Devotional time with the Lord is not just about our own interests and needs. The Father reveals His treasures to us so that we can share them with others.
Begin each day alone with God in His Word and in prayer, listening as He speaks to your heart. Believe what He says in Scripture, apply it to your life, and then share with someone else what He has revealed. Be bold and remember that the authority of your message comes from Him.
The Priority of Obedience
John 14:23-26
The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve--first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.
The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.
By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life--one entirely without sin--He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.
Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.
The Rewards of Patience
The Scriptures contain many stories of people who waited years or even decades before the Lord's promises came to pass. What modern believers can learn from the patience of biblical saints like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul is that waiting upon the Lord has eternal rewards.
Today let's look at Israel's most memorable monarch. David was the chosen heir to Israel's throne, but he spent years dodging King Saul's wrathful pursuit. Despite having two different opportunities for vengeance, David resisted the temptation and spared Saul's life. He chose to adhere to God's timetable for his coronation instead of dishonoring the Lord by killing the divinely anointed king. David's psalms reveal his intimate awareness of Yahweh's work in his life. The shepherd king not only achieved his objective through patience; he also observed that God's way was always best.
David left behind an incredible testimony of God's faithfulness for each of us to read and meditate upon. He was committed to waiting upon the Lord, and as a result, he had the Father's approval and blessing. We cannot underestimate the reward of living in divine favor. That isn't a special state reserved for "giants of the faith" like David. All who obediently endure until the Lord acts on their behalf abide in His favor.
David didn't receive his blessings because he was special; he was honored among men because he honored the Lord above all. And since he trusted in God's faithfulness, he endured hardship with patience. We, too, can expect to be blessed when we wait upon the Lord.
Time to Pray - By Greg Laurie -
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. -James 4:2
Research has found that people in the United States check their social media accounts 17 times per day, which is about once every waking hour. And teens spend nine hours every day consuming media.
What if we prayed as often as we check social media? As John Piper put it, "One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time."
Some Christians say they don't pray more because they don't have the time. But we do have time to pray. Don't tell me that you don't. We probably would never admit this, but I think we don't pray more because we don't think prayer is all that important.
But if prayer is not that important, then why would Jesus have spent so much time praying? In fact, it was His prayer life that caused His disciples to come to Him and say, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1 NKJV).
Life is a lot easier when we pray about things. Prayer really does matter. Not only are we asking God to help us, but we are also asking God for wisdom. The Bible says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5 NKJV). I need wisdom. Don't you?
We have problems. We have questions. We have needs. This is why we need to pray, because prayer, among other things, is God's appointed way for us to obtain things. Maybe you're wondering why you're going through life never knowing the will of God. Have you prayed about it? As James says, "You do not have because you do not ask."
Abba, Father - By Greg Laurie -
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." -Romans 8:15
My grandkids call me "Papa." The other day one of my grandchildren said, "Uppy, Papa!" which means, "Pick me up!" How can you say no to that? It's a term of affection. Other people can't call me "Papa" because that term is based on my relationship with my grandchildren.
Jesus said, "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9 NKJV). The Bible tells us, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'" (Romans 8:15 NKJV). The word Abba is more or less the Hebrew equivalent of "Papa" or "Daddy." Don't think of your heavenly Father as distant or disinterested. Rather, think of Him as a warm, loving Father.
Perhaps the most vivid illustration of what our heavenly Father is like is found in a story Jesus told in what is called the parable of the prodigal son. Usually, this story's emphasis is on the son, but we could just as easily call it the parable of the loving father. It's the story of a father who had two sons. One son went astray, wrecked his life, wasted his inheritance, came to his senses, and returned home. While he was still a great way off, his father saw him, ran to him, and threw his arms around him and kissed him. Then he restored him to full sonship.
Our Father in Heaven is like a father who misses his son or daughter. He longs for communication with us. And He will welcome you with open arms if you'll come to Him.
We have a heavenly Father who will always be there. We have a Father who listens. We have a Father who loves. We have a Father in Heaven.
Abusing God's Patience
Have you ever ignored the press of conviction upon your heart? Maybe you rationalized your wrongdoing with the thought that if God were really upset, He'd put a stop to things by disciplining you. Psalm 50:21 reminds us that the silence of heaven does not mean approval. Remaining in sin is an abuse of the Lord's patience.
When God seems slow to react, we might hope He's overlooking our transgressions--we'd like to continue in sin because the momentary pleasure is more appealing than obedience. But thankfully, the Father knows our weaknesses, our innate carnality, and the state of our spiritual growth, and He therefore measures His response. Motivated by love and a desire to gently restore His children to righteousness, God refrains from doling out immediate punishment. Instead, He waits for the Holy Spirit's proddings to impact the believer's heart. The weight of conviction is actually an invitation to turn from wrongdoing and return to godliness.
However, we're a stubborn people. There are times when we persist in sin because the sentence against an evil deed isn't executed quickly (Eccl. 8:11). In this dangerous situa-tion, it's possible to immerse ourselves in sin and harden our hearts against the Lord. Then the Holy Spirit's call to repentance falls on spiritual ears rapidly going deaf.
As we learn and understand more about God and His ways, we are increasingly responsible to live righteously. The Lord is not slow; He's patient. Do not abuse His patience with callous disregard for His statutes. Repent and be holy in the sight of the Lord.
Ungodly Lifestyles
�For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.� (2 Timothy 3:2-4)
The warning in the previous verse to our text for today insists that �perilous times� will characterize the last days. This list describes the types of people who will dominate the last days, and it is frightful.
The �self love� of these people is demonstrated by internal motivations driven by the sin nature. Such people will be �covetous�; the Greek term means �fond of silver.� They will also be �boasters� (braggarts) who revel in their sinful behavior. That boasting is driven by a �proud� spirit that is arrogant, willing to show off gaudy ostentations of their conquests. Such behavior, of course, leads them to be �blasphemers,� speaking evil with low, vulgar taunts designed to be injurious.
Part of this list includes Greek words with an �un� prefix. There are those who are un-persuadable by parents, obstinate, stubborn, and inflexible. Many are un-thankful, without grace, without thanks, and without any pleasantry. All are un-holy, without the nature to be just or moral. Some are un-affectionate, without a natural love for family or friends. There are also those who are un-reconcilable, not able to make or keep a promise.
Finally, there will be those who are diabolos (like the devil). They are slanderous liars, �incontinent� (without self control), savage �despisers� who are opposed to �those who are good.� They will be treacherous, rash, and �high minded� people who are �lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.�
�For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.� (2 Timothy 3:2-4)
The warning in the previous verse to our text for today insists that �perilous times� will characterize the last days. This list describes the types of people who will dominate the last days, and it is frightful.
The �self love� of these people is demonstrated by internal motivations driven by the sin nature. Such people will be �covetous�; the Greek term means �fond of silver.� They will also be �boasters� (braggarts) who revel in their sinful behavior. That boasting is driven by a �proud� spirit that is arrogant, willing to show off gaudy ostentations of their conquests. Such behavior, of course, leads them to be �blasphemers,� speaking evil with low, vulgar taunts designed to be injurious.
Part of this list includes Greek words with an �un� prefix. There are those who are un-persuadable by parents, obstinate, stubborn, and inflexible. Many are un-thankful, without grace, without thanks, and without any pleasantry. All are un-holy, without the nature to be just or moral. Some are un-affectionate, without a natural love for family or friends. There are also those who are un-reconcilable, not able to make or keep a promise.
Finally, there will be those who are diabolos (like the devil). They are slanderous liars, �incontinent� (without self control), savage �despisers� who are opposed to �those who are good.� They will be treacherous, rash, and �high minded� people who are �lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.�
Understanding the Word of God
�So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.� (Nehemiah 8:8)
Most people�even most Christians�devote very little time to the Scriptures, complaining that they are either too hard to understand or too uninteresting. Yet, when Ezra read �the book of the law of Moses� to the whole congregation of Israel, he read �from the morning until midday,� even �one fourth part of the day,� and �all the people stood up� as he read (Nehemiah 8:1, 3, 5; 9:3). Such a scenario is almost impossible to imagine today.
Ezra�s congregation evidently understood what he was reading and found it of vital interest. �For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law� (Nehemiah 8:9). For �another fourth part [of the day] they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God� (Nehemiah 9:3).
Yet, all they had were the books of the Pentateuch! How much more concerned we should be, and how much better we should understand, when we have the entire Bible.
Note that Ezra and his colleagues simply read the Scriptures and gave a straightforward exegesis. That was enough to enable the people to understand, and this brought repentance, confession, and worship. No emotional appeals, no gimmicks, no technology, just the Scriptures�taken naturally and literally.
The Scriptures are not hard to understand�just hard to believe, and even harder to obey. Like any book, the Bible is intended to be understood, and its author�the Holy Spirit�was able to say what He meant. The secret is in the attitude of heart with which one approaches it. �O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. . . . Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way� (Psalm 119:97, 104). HMM
�So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.� (Nehemiah 8:8)
Most people�even most Christians�devote very little time to the Scriptures, complaining that they are either too hard to understand or too uninteresting. Yet, when Ezra read �the book of the law of Moses� to the whole congregation of Israel, he read �from the morning until midday,� even �one fourth part of the day,� and �all the people stood up� as he read (Nehemiah 8:1, 3, 5; 9:3). Such a scenario is almost impossible to imagine today.
Ezra�s congregation evidently understood what he was reading and found it of vital interest. �For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law� (Nehemiah 8:9). For �another fourth part [of the day] they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God� (Nehemiah 9:3).
Yet, all they had were the books of the Pentateuch! How much more concerned we should be, and how much better we should understand, when we have the entire Bible.
Note that Ezra and his colleagues simply read the Scriptures and gave a straightforward exegesis. That was enough to enable the people to understand, and this brought repentance, confession, and worship. No emotional appeals, no gimmicks, no technology, just the Scriptures�taken naturally and literally.
The Scriptures are not hard to understand�just hard to believe, and even harder to obey. Like any book, the Bible is intended to be understood, and its author�the Holy Spirit�was able to say what He meant. The secret is in the attitude of heart with which one approaches it. �O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. . . . Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way� (Psalm 119:97, 104). HMM
Thou Hast Rejected Knowledge
�My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.� (Hosea 4:6)
This lament over the ancient apostasy of Israel embodies an agelong principle that surely applies to those nations today that once professed Christianity but are now dominated by humanism. Our own nation is experiencing an awful scourge of moral anarchy among our children and young people, and the reason why is because their parents and grandparents have largely �forgotten the law of thy God.�
America�particularly its intellectual leadership�has �rejected knowledge,� so its people are being �destroyed for lack of knowledge.� This ignorance exists despite an abundance of supposed actual knowledge (i.e., �science�) in our educational institutions, for such facts are almost universally taught in a secular context. Our teachers have forgotten that �the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge� (Proverbs 1:7).
Even in evangelical and fundamentalist churches and schools today, there is often too little emphasis on knowledge and too much on experience. Christian faith is not �feeling�; it is volitional commitment to a true intellectual understanding of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. �Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,� said Christ (Luke 13:5). The Greek word for �repent� means �change your mind!� One can only believe right if he first thinks right, and this requires true knowledge.
Listen again to Hosea�s warning: �The LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy [i.e., kindness], nor knowledge of God in the land� (Hosea 4:1). �They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind� (Hosea 8:7). HMM
�My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.� (Hosea 4:6)
This lament over the ancient apostasy of Israel embodies an agelong principle that surely applies to those nations today that once professed Christianity but are now dominated by humanism. Our own nation is experiencing an awful scourge of moral anarchy among our children and young people, and the reason why is because their parents and grandparents have largely �forgotten the law of thy God.�
America�particularly its intellectual leadership�has �rejected knowledge,� so its people are being �destroyed for lack of knowledge.� This ignorance exists despite an abundance of supposed actual knowledge (i.e., �science�) in our educational institutions, for such facts are almost universally taught in a secular context. Our teachers have forgotten that �the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge� (Proverbs 1:7).
Even in evangelical and fundamentalist churches and schools today, there is often too little emphasis on knowledge and too much on experience. Christian faith is not �feeling�; it is volitional commitment to a true intellectual understanding of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. �Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,� said Christ (Luke 13:5). The Greek word for �repent� means �change your mind!� One can only believe right if he first thinks right, and this requires true knowledge.
Listen again to Hosea�s warning: �The LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy [i.e., kindness], nor knowledge of God in the land� (Hosea 4:1). �They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind� (Hosea 8:7). HMM
Delusion from God
�And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.� (2 Thessalonians 2:11)
This is a startling declaration! Why would God want to deceive people and cause them to believe a lie? The �cause� that would activate such an extreme decision on God�s part must be very serious. The preceding verse states it plainly. It is �because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved� (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Because they �resist the truth� (2 Timothy 3:8), they will �believe the lie�!
The specific context refers to those who elect to follow the coming �man of sin,� but the principle is timeless. It tells us that God�s attitude toward men is determined by their love of the truth rather than by their knowledge of the truth. When people love God�s truth, there is no limit to the amount of truth and blessing they may receive from God. Note the attitude of the writer of Psalm 119: �How sweet are thy words unto my taste!� �Thy testimonies . . . are the rejoicing of my heart.� �I love thy commandments above gold.� �Thy law is my delight� (Psalm 119:103, 111, 127, 174).
But when people begin to exhibit a disdain for God�s truth, there may soon come a time in their lives when they find it impossible even to comprehend the all-important truth of God�s saving gospel (creation, salvation, and reconciliation through Christ).
Because they refused the love of His truth when it would have been easy to believe, a blindness gradually engulfs their minds until they love the deceptive philosophies of the world, and they never escape the strong delusion that God has allowed to engulf them. Henceforth, though they are �ever learning,� they are �never able to come to the knowledge of the truth� (2 Timothy 3:7). How important it is, as early in life as possible, to receive from God His proffered gift of the love of His truth! HMM
�And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.� (2 Thessalonians 2:11)
This is a startling declaration! Why would God want to deceive people and cause them to believe a lie? The �cause� that would activate such an extreme decision on God�s part must be very serious. The preceding verse states it plainly. It is �because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved� (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Because they �resist the truth� (2 Timothy 3:8), they will �believe the lie�!
The specific context refers to those who elect to follow the coming �man of sin,� but the principle is timeless. It tells us that God�s attitude toward men is determined by their love of the truth rather than by their knowledge of the truth. When people love God�s truth, there is no limit to the amount of truth and blessing they may receive from God. Note the attitude of the writer of Psalm 119: �How sweet are thy words unto my taste!� �Thy testimonies . . . are the rejoicing of my heart.� �I love thy commandments above gold.� �Thy law is my delight� (Psalm 119:103, 111, 127, 174).
But when people begin to exhibit a disdain for God�s truth, there may soon come a time in their lives when they find it impossible even to comprehend the all-important truth of God�s saving gospel (creation, salvation, and reconciliation through Christ).
Because they refused the love of His truth when it would have been easy to believe, a blindness gradually engulfs their minds until they love the deceptive philosophies of the world, and they never escape the strong delusion that God has allowed to engulf them. Henceforth, though they are �ever learning,� they are �never able to come to the knowledge of the truth� (2 Timothy 3:7). How important it is, as early in life as possible, to receive from God His proffered gift of the love of His truth! HMM
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