Author Archives: shepherdbryan

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About shepherdbryan

My passion is to disciple and see men discipled in every area of their life to see the multiplication principle actually work in a 100 year generational blessing. As go men in the church, so goes the church. As go men in the nation, so goes the nation. Fortunately, because men have often not taken their spiritual role to the limit, God has raised up many godly women to carry the torch where men have laid it aside. May God rapidly raise up men for the next generation of leaders to the Fourth Generation of spiritual leaders! As men lead in a godly way, women will follow in a godly way and that people will be blessed of the Lord.

Question: What is Prevenient Grace?

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What is Prevenient Grace?

The word “prevenient” is no longer used today, but is common when discussing theology.  Prevenient is an archaic Latin term that simply means “to go before.”  It refers to the grace of God that precedes a person making a decision for salvation.  However, depending on the theological background of the person, the word can have different meanings.

Most people holding to the Reformed point of view will use the term Prevenient Grace to be the grace of God that goes before God’s work in a person’s life to regenerate and “give faith for salvation.” It will be used as a synonym for “Irresistible Grace,” that is, the grace of God that is irresistible by an elect person to believe.  In this sense, it is often equated with Effectual Grace, that is, the grace of God that is effectual to bring the elect person to the point of salvation.

Most people holding to the Arminian point of view will use the term Prevenient Grace as that which deals with the effects of the fall so that a person can choose to come to Christ or not.  It also can be a synonym for Effectual Grace, but used in a different manner in Reformed Theology.

Catholic doctrine would see Prevenient Grace as “assisting grace,” which assists those who are in the process of believing in Jesus and completing the work necessary for salvation.

Similar to Prevenient Grace is Common Grace, which is the grace of God that is common to all men. It is common, because it is for all mankind, not just those who might be elect as in Reformed Theology. Common grace is undeserved blessings extended to all mankind regarding God’s creative order, the restraint of sin from totally destroying man and man’s universal awareness of right and wrong.  Basically, the word is used according to the theology from which it is described.  It will mean slightly different things based on a person’s presuppositions.

I look at Prevenient Grace as the work of God prior to salvation.  It is unmerited favor that is not deserved and cannot be earned.  God made a universal call to man. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Jesus was in prayer to the Father and He was also just talking to the multitudes about the sinners of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. The disciples of John the Baptist had been sent to ask Jesus if He was the coming One and Jesus turned and spoke to the multitudes about the greatness of John the Baptist and to consider their own lives.  As he rebuked the rejection of God’s light to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, He went into prayer to the Father.  From that prayer, He invited all to come to Him.

When Peter gave the first message in the Church Age, he invited everyone to Christ. He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) Peter was talking to Jewish people who had assembled in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, which came to be known as Pentecost. Peter was not distinguishing between elect or nonelect.

Additionally, when Paul was in prison, singing with Silas, the Philippian jailer realized the potency of the moment, and humbly approached Paul,

  • 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
  • 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Act 16:30-31)

Paul made the invitation to a complete stranger. It was the call of God.  God does not desire than any should perish, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9) That is why the Holy Spirit convicts the entire world of sin,

  • 8 “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
  • 9 “of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
  • 10 “of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
  • 11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:8-11)

In that call and in that conviction, the grace of God works to ensure the certain futurition of God’s decree. The tension between the sovereign decree of God and freewill is the antinomy (literally the incompatibility) that holds us humbly submissive to the will of God.

We could not choose for God, if He did not work His grace in us.  We could not have a relationship with Him, if we had not chosen to accept what He had done.  No one believes apart from His grace (common and prevenient). No one could choose for God apart from His work of calling and conviction. No one is saved if God did not take our nonmeritorious faith and enter us into union with Christ. And God’s grace can be spurned as men suppress the truth in unrighteousness and are therefore without excuse (Rom. 1:18-20).  In that antinomy are the sovereign work of God and the free will of man in harmony.

Q & A: Mirror God’s Character to Lead People: Enough is Enough II

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The following is the insert for the message presented on June 16, 2013. It contains suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions.  The answers are designed to stimulate thought and discussion, not as the final answers.

Mirror God’s Character to Lead People: Enough is Enough II
Malachi 2:1-9
Ezekiel 34:1-7
What are God’s requirements for spiritual leadership?  

1)      Serve glory to God’s name 2:1-2
·         1 Peter 2:9; Malachi 1:8, 13; Galatians 1:10
·         1 Sam. 4:21; Matt. 6:33
2)     Stand in God’s covenant of truth 2:3-4
·         Ex. 29:14
·         Num. 25:12-13
3)      Submit to God’s covenant of life and peace 2:5-7
What will be true of leaders?
______________ of God  2:5
______________to instruct truth 2:6
______________in judgment for others 2:6
______________devotion to the Lord 2:6
Restored many to the Lord  2:6
Preserved the truth  2:7
______________by the people 2:7 
4)      Sanctify your life to disciple others 2:8-9
How had the priests not prepared?
____________from God’s ways 2:8
____________many astray 2:8
Unfaithful in commitment 2:8
Contemptible in reputation 2:9
____________ in duties 2:9
Partial in judgment 2:9 

God’s leaders must mirror God’s character
and lead people in truth to the Lord!

·         Remove leaders who become complacent regarding God’s character and actions. 
·         Choose leaders whose character mirrors God’s character.
·         Develop leaders who are pursuing God’s character and actions.

 

Message Based Discussion Questions

1)      When you were growing up, what was your view of pastors, priests or spiritual leaders?
Digging Deeper:
2)      Read. Deuteronomy 28:1-14. What did God want to do if Israel obeyed the Lord? _______________ What if they did not obey the Lord (cf. Deut. 28:15-21)?  What areas of life are covered? Did they have a choice?
3)      How important is the concept of blessing to God (cf. Num. 6:22-27)? ________________ Why does a people not receive that?
4)      Note 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-5. Are the characteristics required of spiritual leaders only applicable to those in a leadership position?  ______________ Why or why not?
Making application of the message to life:
5)      How should followers relate to spiritual leaders (cf. Heb. 13:7,17)? 
6)      How can you hold spiritual leaders accountable, while being respectful and helpful?
7)      What are seven things you can do to multiply together to prepare the next generation to lead others to Christ? 

Message Based Discussion Questions

1)      When you were growing up, what was your view of pastors, priests or spiritual leaders?

a)      The pastors were holy men, much more than regular people. 

b)      They were quiet and knowledgeable about God. 

c)      They didn’t get angry, and they appeared to be weak (I was wrong on that perception).

d)     It seemed like they laughed, but didn’t have much fun.  I didn’t realize what fun was as a boy.

Digging Deeper: 

2)      Read. Deuteronomy 28:1-14. What did God want to do if Israel obeyed the Lord? __bless_ What if they did not obey the Lord (cf. Deut. 28:15-21)?  What areas of life are covered? Did they have a choice?

a)      If they did not obey, then they were cursed.  The blessings were reversed in disobedience.

b)      Every area of life was covered.

i)        They were cursed in the city and in the country.

ii)      They were cursed in the economics and food system.

iii)    They were cursed in their children and their agriculture.

iv)    They were cursed in their animal husbandry and production.

v)      They were cursed going in and going out.

c)      They had a choice. Obey the Word or not obey it.

3)      How important is the concept of blessing to God (cf. Num. 6:22-27)? __Very important__ Why does a people not receive that?

a)      God told the priests to do it every time they met.

b)      A people do not receive it because they do not want it, or the leadership is negligent, or the leadership is ignorant. 

4)      Note 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-5. Are the characteristics required of spiritual leaders only applicable to those in a leadership position?  _They must be a part of the leadership, but standards for all people to follow_ Why or why not?

a)      Everyone is growing in the Lord.

b)      These are required of leadership, because these qualities are necessary for ruling over the church and leading the church. 

c)      Other people, who do not have these characteristics, can be in the church, but they may not be in leadership.

d)     As people grow spiritually, they will grow in these areas of life. 

Making application of the message to life: 

5)      How should followers relate to spiritual leaders (cf. Heb. 13:7,17)? 

a)      They should observe the leaders and follow their faith and lifestyle.  If the lifestyle or faith do not align with God’s Word, then they should be held accountable by the Word.

b)      They should submit to the spiritual leadership as overseers.

c)      The leadership must give an account of their influence and impact on the people.

d)     The people should submit so the leadership can serve with joy.

e)      Leadership that serves from drudgery brings no profit to the people. 

6)      How can you hold spiritual leaders accountable, while being respectful and helpful?

a)      Listen well and ask questions to understand if something does not set well.

b)      Pray about it first then approach with confidence.

c)      Pull aside and rebuke in private.

d)     Follow Matthew 18:15-17 if necessary.

e)      Honor the Lord higher than man – any man. 

7)      What are seven things you can do to multiply together to prepare the next generation to lead others to Christ?

a)      Pray for young men to be raised up to manliness and godliness.

b)      Hide the Word deeply in your heart so that you are ready at all times to give a word of hope to those who will listen.

c)      Depend on the filling and empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit.

d)     Get involved in the children’s ministry or youth ministry to build into the lives of young men.

e)      Disciple young men so they learn how to be disciplers of others.

f)       Participate in their activities, so they will entrust themselves to you.

g)      Support your local church, so young men have a place to go to grow spiritually.

h)      Disciple parents of young men so they can provide good training to their sons.

 

Question: Does John say a Christian can enter the Sin unto Death?

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Does John say a Christian can enter the Sin unto Death?

A previous article looked at how James wrote how a Christian could be in the Sin unto Death.1 This article addresses John’s first epistle and how John clearly demonstrates that a believer can be in the Sin unto Death. 

The Gospel of John was written to the world to explain how a person would believe in Jesus and have life in His name (John 20:30-31).  Each of the three epistles of John have a separate purpose.  The first epistle was written to believers regarding the credibility of Jesus as the Christ.  It was written in a time when Gnosticism had taken hold and was drastically influencing the church.  Consequently, John wrote how Jesus was seen, looked upon and touched (1 John 1:1).  The Gnostics believed that Jesus just seemed to be a man, but was really just an aeon as a lower level being from God.  Gnostics taught that He was neither God, nor fully man, but was some kind of spirit being. If that were the case, He could not be the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29), He could not satisfy the righteous requirements of God (1 John 2:2), nor could He be the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).

Because some people approach 1 John with their theology fixed, they do mental gymnastics to make sense of the letter.  IF people would take the natural, literal, historical and grammatical approach to understanding the meaning of the epistle, the interpretation becomes quite easy.  A key verse in the letter is found in 1 John 2:29.  John writes, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”(1 John 2:29)  If the person knows that Jesus is righteous and believers do, because that is part of what makes a person a believer – Jesus is the righteous One- then the one who practices righteousness is born of Him. What about the person who does not practice righteousness, i.e. the one who sins.  Whether the sin is one time or lasts for a few days or weeks, at that point the person is not practicing righteousness. When a person is not practicing righteousness, he is not “born of Him.” In other words, he reveals he is not acting like he is a believer.  When a person is living a spirit-controlled life, then he reveals He has the spirit living through himself and reveals he is “born of Jesus.”

First John is a book of fellowship, not declaring the difference between a believer and an unbeliever.  John makes this clear in the beginning, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) The key is fellowship, not salvation. 

So when John writes in 1 John 5:16, he is writing about a Christian who is out of fellowship with God. In fact, he is in the last stage of the Downward Spiral called the Sin unto Death.  John writes,

  • 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. (1 John 5:16)
People stumble over this verse for two reasons. First, they cannot comprehend how a believer could continue in sin, but that is primarily because they have been taught a theology that does not allow continuous sin in a believer, so they impose that theology on the text.  Secondly, they do not understand the difference between the two words for “ask” and “pray” in the verse.

John writes, like Paul (Gal. 6:1), that if anyone sees a brother sinning a sin, he has some responsibility.  First, note that John calls this person a brother.  He’s not talking about a physical blood brother or a person from the neighborhood. He is talking about a spiritual believer and is called a brother. Secondly, note that brother is “sinning a sin.”  This is not a one time sin, he is “sinning a sin” (present active participle).  In other words it is on-going.  It may be several days, or weeks, or months.  It has to be quite some time, because you observe this is the behavior, not just a one time action. Thirdly, he is sinning a sin, “which does not lead to death.” In this case, he is sinning, but he is not in the final stage of the Downward Spiral.  He could be in the first or second step.  Or he could be in the fourth or fifth step of the Downward Spiral.  The fact is he is not in the stage called the Sin unto Death.2 He may be worried about not paying his bills and is struggling because he wants to provide for his children.  He may have “borrowed” some time from his work, because he was late.  In either case, even though they are both sins, he is still going to church and is somewhat open to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.

If a person is in this case, the observing believer should ask God on behalf of this brother.  The word for “ask” (aiteo-) is a Greek word that denotes asking with a humble awareness of authority.  The believer is to humbly ask God for mercy for his brother, recognizing that God may or may not grant his petition.  The Apostle Paul describes this in his letter to Timothy,

  • 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
  • 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
  • 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
God may or may not grant repentance, but John directs the observing believer humbly to approach God and ask. John says that God will give life to the brother.  This is not eternal life, this is operational Christian way of life, for fellowship with God.  When the person repents, confesses his sin and depends once again on the power of the Holy Spirit, then the sinning brother is restored to fellowship life and can serve the Lord. Again, John clarifies that this is for sin, not leading to death or the Sin unto Death.

However, as John says, “There is a sin leading to death.”  This is the Sin unto Death.  John is not talking about unbelievers here.  John wrote the gospel of John so that the sinning world would respond to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and believe in the name of Jesus (John 16:8-11; 20:30-31). John is writing about believers who have descended the Downward Spiral and are in the holding stage called the Sin unto Death. John says, “I do not say that he should pray about that.”  The word for “pray” here is the Greek word ero-tao-, which means “to pray or ask between two equals.”  This is similar to the first word for pray, but that word aiteo- was pray or ask someone on a different authority level.  This word ero-tao- refers to praying or asking a person who is a peer.  John says, “DO NOT approach God as a peer.”  God may or may not grant the request (2 Tim. 2:24-26). When you approach God, do it with fear and intrepidation on behalf of the sinning brother.  Do not add insult to injury by approaching God like He is your buddy.  He is holy, righteous and just.  He deserves all the honor, respect, reverence and fear a person can muster.  Do not approach God casually when you observe a brother who is in the Sin unto Death.

Does John say a Christian can enter the Sin unto Death? Yes.  He teaches a believer can be in the Sin unto Death and he should be helped or turned back to the truth, just as James said should happen,

  • 19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
  • 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (Jam. 5:19-20)

What does Paul say about a believer in the Sin unto Death?  That is for the next article.

 

1See the previously posted article on the Downward Spiral: http://renewingtruth.blogspot.com/2013/06/question-what-is-downward-spiral.html

2See the following link for a description of the believer’s Downward Spiral: http://renewingtruth.blogspot.com/2013/06/question-how-sinful-can-believer-get.html 

Question: Did James say a believer could be in the Sin unto Death?

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Did James say a believer could be in the Sin unto Death?

It seems incredible that a believer could even be considered in the Sin unto Death,1because a believer should be pursuing God’s righteousness and seeking to please the Lord in thought, words and actions.  Yet, as seen in the Downward Spiral articles, a believer can continue in sin, even though he is still God’s child and going to heaven.  James is one author that supports the view that a believer can enter the Sin unto Death.

The book of James is written to Jewish believers, who are in the dispersion (Jam. 1:1).  Fifteen times, he calls his audience, “brethren.”  James was written at a time when there were no church buildings. Christians were not kindly treated or respected.  They were considered part of a new cult and ostracized by the mainstream population.

James gives a very practical letter on how to live with a divine perspective. At the end of the letter, James gave a call of hope for those who might stray from the truth of godly living.  James exhorted believers not to trust in their riches (Jam. 5:1-6), to have patience with each other as they waited for the return of the Lord (Jam. 5:7-11), if they were suffering or struggling, to come together for support (Jam. 5:12-15) and to pray together as they worked through conflict (Jam. 5:16-18).  Finally, at the end of his letter he gave these words,

  • 19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
  • 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (Jam. 5:19-20)
Let us look at these verses.

            This is a passage regarding believers who have strayed from the truth and have entered the Sin unto Death. First, he is talking to “brethren.”  They are again affirmed as believers. Secondly, James highlights a believer who has strayed from the truth, “…if anyone among you wanders from the truth…”He is referring to a believer from among them and that believer has strayed from the truth of the faith they have believed. The word “strayed” comes from a word (planao-) from which we get planet, because the ancient people thought the planets wandered across the sky. Thirdly, “someone” refers to another believer who cares and is willing to risk rejection by being a part of the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 6:1).  That person comes alongside and guides him to repent (turn him back). At this point confession of sin and restoration of fellowship is assumed.

            Now in verse twenty, James summarizes the blessing the spirit-controlled believer is to the wandering, but now repentant believer, who has been delivered from the Sin unto Death.  James highlights these godly actions.  First, James exhorts believers to affirm the godly actions of the believer who was willing to restore the wandering, “let him know.”  It’s a big deal to restore a believer to the truth, but it is a believer’s responsibility. Secondly, the believer is called “a sinner,” because that is the description of his life at that point.  He is living according to sin, rather than according to the Spirit. It is a similar exhortation that Paul gives to those who are spirit-controlled in their godly actions toward a brother who has crossed the obvious line of sin, but is being restored.  This is not referring to an unbeliever in this case for the reasons stated above (words gain their meaning from context more than their simple definition). Thirdly, the godly believer has “saved his soul from death,” which phrase must be examined.

            Words have basic meanings.  The word “saved” has a basic meaning of “deliverance.”  When a person is saved, he is delivered from condemnation.  When it refers to the believer who is “saved” from worldly viewpoint and living, it refers to the sanctification process and deliverance from self-control to spirit-control in life. Paul states, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18; cf. 2 Cor. 2:15).  Paul said he was “being saved” (present passive participle) as an on going process which God was working in his life. Paul was talking about sanctification, not positional salvation.

In the same way, the word “death” has a basic meaning of “separation.” There are actually nine different meanings of death in Scripture, depending on the context.  For example, it can refer to physical death (Gen. 24:67), or spiritual death (Gen. 2:17), or divinely operational death (Jam. 2:17). The context determines the meaning of the word.

            When James says that the spiritual believer “will save a soul from death,” he is referring to deliverance from the Sin unto Death.  The believer is already saved and so cannot be spiritually saved again.  That wandering believer is also in the Sin unto Death, the condition where he is facing the misery of a life of sin before he is taken out of earthly living and enters into the heavenly realm.  The godly believer will deliver that person from the final stage of the Sin unto Death. The godly believer also “covers a multitude of sins.”

            When a person is in the Sin unto Death, he is living a life of sin in carnality.  When that person is delivered from carnality, the person is restored to fellowship with God and spirit-controlled living, rather than sin-controlled living.  Hence, the multitude of sins is discontinued (covered).

            Does James teach a believer can enter the Sin unto Death? Yes.  James not only teaches a believer can enter that stage, but can be delivered from that by a godly believer who is willing to risk coming alongside the scoffer.  May God grant us mercy and love as we might be willing to help a believer return to the truth of God’s word in one area of life or in many areas of life.

 

1There are three articles posted on the Downward Spiral.  One summarizes the Downward Spiral: http://renewingtruth.blogspot.com/2013/06/question-what-is-downward-spiral.html

The second records the Downward Spiral for the unbeliever: http://renewingtruth.blogspot.com/2013/06/question-how-sinful-can-unbeliever-get.html

And the third records the Downward Spiral of the believer: http://renewingtruth.blogspot.com/2013/06/question-how-sinful-can-believer-get.html

MSG: Mirror God’s Character to Lead People: Enough is Enough II

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The message was presented on June 16, 2013 as a part of the series on Malachi.

Mirror God’s Character to Lead People:  Enough is Enough II
Malachi 2:1-9 

There are few things worse than being told you’re doing a bad job.   God rebuked the spiritual leadership of Israel prior to the destruction of Israel.  Turn to Ezekiel 34.

Ezekiel was taken into captivity in B.C. 597.  Five years later in B.C. 592, when he was 30 years old, which is the time a priest began ministering in official priestly duties, he began prophesying to the exiles and to those still in Jerusalem.  Jerusalem would not be destroyed until B.C. 586. Even though Ezekiel was in exile, the people were still responsible to hear the word that God gave through Ezekiel.  He was the messenger of God.  It was not his responsibility to determine seven ways to get the information to the people.  They were supposed to go to the prophet and ask what the Word from the Lord was. So God spoke through Ezekiel to rebuke the leadership,

·         And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
·         2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them,`Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
·         3 “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.
·         4 “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.
·         5 “So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.
·         6 “My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”  (Eze 34:1-6)

After pointing out their polluted offerings in Malachi chapter one, God sternly warns them in Malachi chapter two. What should they have been doing that they were not?  What are God’s requirements for spiritual leadership?  

1)      Serve glory to God’s name  Mal. 2:1-2 

  • “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. (Mal. 2:1)

This is the second part of God’s rebuke to the priests.  You might be sitting there thinking, “Whew, this applies to pastors, not me!”  Before you shut down for the morning, consider what Peter wrote to Jewish believers scattered in what is called the Dispersion in Asia Minor.  He said, “…But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,… (1 Pet. 2:9) Peter was talking to believers in general and he called them all a “royal priesthood.”  They were all priests.  In other words, they represented themselves to God and were called to lead others to God, just as Jesus commanded all believers to disciple people to the Lord (Matt. 28:19-20).  They were priests, but they were also called a “royal priesthood.” They were royalty, because they shared in the blood of Jesus Christ, who was the King of kings. Therefore, the application of this passage impacts every believer, not just those in leadership positions.

Specifically it is given to the priests, the spiritual leaders. It is not just the pastoral leadership who is accountable today. It is the remnant of believers.  The priest represented people to God, and was a teacher of the law on behalf of God.  Prophets declared God’s Word to the people regularly and on special occasions. What were they doing in Malachi’s day?

We saw in Malachi chapter one, that they had made light of God’s name. Malachi said, “And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil?” (Mal. 1:8a) God had given precise instructions on the kind and quality of the offering that was to be made in Leviticus 22:19-22.

Furthermore, Malachi said, “You also say,`Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” Says the LORD of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering!” (Mal. 1:13) They were tired of making offerings and caused others to have a bad attitude toward worship. Additionally, the priests were more concerned about the feelings of people than the holiness of God. So whatever the people brought to offer, that is what the priests offered. What could a priest say? They were all far more concerned about entertainment, play and stimulation than in offering a holy offering to God.

Imagine if I could read your heart. And let us say you spent $200 on an Indianapolis Indians or Pacer game and you just bought a $900 television this weekend. You come to church and pull out your wallet for the offering and all you have is $20.00, so you put that in the offering bag. However, imagine I can read your heart. So I walk up to the bag, take out the 20.00 and say, “This is leftovers and no good here.  God does not need this.” How would you respond?  Do I need to be more concerned about you or the holiness of God?

Paul rightly said to the Galatians, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. (Gal 1:10) Paul was not trying to persuade God to accept men’s actions the way they were. Paul was trying to persuade men that God was holy and they should act in accordance to God’s holiness. Paul was saying that if he were still trying to please men by accommodating men, then he’d have to make light of the holiness of God. He would not do that. He was a bondservant of the Lord, not to men. Malachi explains himself in verse two. 

  • 2 If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name,” Says the LORD of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart. (Mal. 2:2)

God is saying through Malachi, first, you are not listening, or you would obey me.  He said second, you do not take it to heart, or you would be transformed and your purpose and priority would be to give God glory.  The word, “glory” means “to make big, to honor, to give an abundance, to make heavy or weighty.”

 It’s the story, in reverse, of when Eli heard that his two sons, Hophni and Phineas died in battle against the Philistines.  Upon hearing the news, Eli fell over and broke his neck.  The wife of Phineas was pregnant and gave delivery to her baby boy.  She named the boy an unusual name, “Ichabod.”  Ichabod comes from the Hebrew word cabod or “glory” and the prefix “I”, negates the meaning and thus she was saying “No glory.” The glory had left Israel, because the Ark of the Covenant was gone.  God admonished the Israelite priests to give glory to God, because God would curse them if they didn’t.

If they did not give glory, then God would send a curse on Israel.  The word for ‘send” is the Hebrew word “shalach” and means he would “shalach-d” them or send a missile to reap destruction.  He would, first, send a curse on the people.  Secondly, He would send a curse on their blessings, and that cursing had already begun! When God curses blessings, life becomes horrible. Your chariots will have transmission trouble, your harvest will rot, your streams will dry up and your septic systems will back up.

Let me give an illustration.  Let’s say a person wants a job and goes for an interview.  But he doesn’t dress for the interview, doesn’t do his research on the company, doesn’t show up on time and doesn’t look very interested.  Would you hire someone like that?  Would you accept that person, because his work will probably reflect how he approaches the interview? God looked at the priesthood in the same way.  He did not want their offerings.  They led, but not to holiness. They had no passion.  

You can tell what someone’s priorities are by first, how they spend their time;  secondly, how they spend their money, and thirdly how often they connect to worship God, become equipped to be like Jesus and multiply themselves for the kingdom.  God wants us to be “ate up with His kingdom.”  He wants us to pursue His righteousness and He’ll take care of the details (Matt. 6:33). Serve glory to God’s name, not yours. It’s about Him, not you. 

2)      Stand in God’s covenant of truth Mal. 2:3-4

  • 3 “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces, The refuse of your solemn feasts; And one will take you away with it. (Mal. 2:3)
God says, “You aren’t teaching your children, so I will have to rebuke them.”  No one wants to hear a stranger rebuke their children.  There is something inside that says, “That is my responsibility as a parent.” Those parents who don’t care are far down the downward spiral of indifference.  Parents were not able to bring the children under control.  The word “refuse” is a horrible word referring to dung, entrails, or undigested food. Moses wrote about this when he said, “But the flesh of the bull, with its skin and its offal, you shall burn with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering.” (Ex. 29:14) Yes, the offalis awful and is to be removed from the camp.  Do not let it be a part of your life.

Furthermore, God said He would “spread refuse on your faces.”  What could be worse than on the face?  This was a visible sign of God expressing shame on the leadership.  It’s like God said, “Shame on you!” They would be rendered unclean for service. Just as you would want to wipe it away, so God was saying, “You will be carried away to the dung heap; treated as filth by the people. Shame on you!” God was saying, “Enough is enough!” 

  • 4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the LORD of hosts. (Mal. 2:4) 

            In the midst of the shame and misery, God says, “It will not be because others have become powerful.  It will be because you have turned from Me and I have given you over to them.” Why?  God made a covenant – a promise.  The sons of Levi stood with Moses in Exodus 32 and killed 3000 men at the golden calf incident.  Years later, just before Israel was to enter the Promised Land, the Levites were still making a name for the Lord. There were a number of Israelite men who were attracted to Midianite women and one decided to present a woman to Moses and the leadership. Without approval, the Jewish man led the woman into the tabernacle and performed the woman’s fertility cult rite.  Phinehas , who was a Levite, said, “Enough is enough!” and went into the tabernacle and thrust a spear right through the man and the woman.  Phineas was more concerned about the holiness of God, than the feelings of the man and the woman.  You can imagine how the man and woman felt.  But God said this about Phineas,

  • 12 “Therefore say,`Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace;
  • 13 `and it shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.'” (Num. 25:12-13)
When you serve glory to God, it will lead you to stand in the covenant of truth.  When you stand in the covenant of truth, it will be because you have submitted to the covenant of life and peace. 

 

3)      Submit to the God’s covenant of life and peace Mal. 2:5-7
 
  • 5 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me And was reverent before My name.
  • 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.
  • 7 “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. (Mal. 2:5-7)
God gave the covenant with Levi of life and peace.  God gave the covenant that he might fear the Lord. Fear is appropriate with God.  We do not deserve anything from God.   Yet, for many people, He is like a genie. But God is not a genie.

God delineates in these next three verses what is required of leaders. First, leaders must have the fear of God (Mal. 2:5).  God gave life and peace, that they would be reverent before His name.  This makes us think of Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Pro. 1:7)

Secondly, an ability to instruct truth. The law of truth was in his mouth (Mal. 2:6a). These are the duties of equipping and discipling. Leaders must know it, so they can teach others what they have learned (Matt. 20:28).

Thirdly, integrity in judgment on behalf of others (Mal. 2:6b). This is self- control, not selfish-control.  He is just in his judicial functions.

Fourthly, intimate devotion to the Lord (Mal. 2:6c). His walk matches his talk.  God’s leaders walk in peace.

Fifthly, he restored many to the Lord (Mal. 2:6d). They turned from sin.

Sixthly, he preserved the truth (Mal. 2:7a). The lips are a part referring to the whole life.  The lips have truth, because truth is hidden in the heart. And the lips provide what was fresh every morning.

Seventhly, he is honored by the people (Mal. 2:7b). The people seek from their leaders the message from God.  God put Malachi and Israel’s leadership there to give God’s Word. 

Spiritual leadership is to serve glory to God’s name and stand in God’s covenant of truth.  That will happen, because they submit to the covenant of life and peace and as that happens, they will pursue sanctification.  One of the purposes of sanctification is to disciple others. 

4)      Sanctify your life to disciple others Mal. 2:8-9 

  • 8 But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts.
  • 9 “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.” (Mal. 2:8-9)
The priests had failed. There were six indictments against them. First, they turned from God’s ways (Mal. 2:8).

      Secondly, they led many astray (Mal. 2:8b).  Contrary to how Phineas turned people to the Lord, the spiritual leadership in Malachi’s day were not helping to sanctify the people.  Twenty years ago, Episcopalians ordained women.  Now they ordain homosexuals to the spiritual leadership.  What will they do next?

      Thirdly, they were unfaithful in their commitment (Mal. 2:8c).

      Fourthly, God made them contemptible in reputation (Mal. 2:9a).  This is just the opposite of what God did with Elijah.  Elijah was confronted with 450 prophets of Baal. So, Elijah set up a contest to see whose God was God.  Both sides took an ox and were to prepare the ox for sacrifice, but neither side could light the fire.  The real God Himself, would consume with a fire.  Elijah had some fun with this.

When the 450 prophets of Baal set up their altar and sacrifice, they started chanting, singing and shouting.  They started hopping and hobbling around the altar.  Elijah decided he had seen enough and yelled out, “Maybe Baal has gone on vacation, or maybe he’s relieving himself!” 

When Elijah set up his altar and ox, he directed that water be poured over the sacrifice. When Elijah prayed that God would exalt His name,  God sent fire down that licked up the entire sacrifice, including the ox, wood, stones and water.  The people were so moved, they bowed in worship of God and killed the false prophets of Baal. God exalted Elijah’s reputation, because Elijah honored God.  The spiritual leadership of Malachi’s day had dishonored God’s name, so God made their reputation contemptible.

Fifthly, they were negligent in their duties (Mal. 2:9b).

Sixthly, they showed partiality in judgment (Mal. 2:9c). They favored people rather than God.  This is what Eli the priest did for his sons in 1 Samuel 2-4.  While Eli rebuked his sons, he did not insist that they do the right thing nor pull them from serving the Lord. “You respected people over my truth.  You have not kept My ways. You have picked and chosen what you wanted.  You find some Scripture exciting, but are bored with others.”  God was saying, “Enough is enough.”

God’s leaders must mirror God’s character
and lead people in truth to the Lord! 

What kind of leadership does America have? We are still dealing with the deceitful cover-up of the American Embassy in Benghazi. We are still dealing with the attack on the freedom of the press by seizure of the reporter’s phone records, and spying on media outlets to root out leakers. We are still dealing with the IRS intentionally and maliciously targeting conservative groups and leaking personal and private taxpayer information.  We are still dealing with IRS officials, who threw lavish million dollar  parties for themselves, even as Americans struggled to keep their jobs and pay their taxes. Those officials cannot account for their expenses – imagine that? We are still dealing with Pro-life and Christian groups, who report extreme and intrusive demands from the IRS.  The IRS demanded one group to promise not to picket Planned Parenthood. We are still dealing with the IRS, who conducted 100,000 audits of adopting families in 2011 alone – because they adopted a child. The IRS just purchased coffee trays and plants with hidden cameras. Not everyone in the IRS is included.  There are many law-abiding people.

What about the healthcare, that was voted in so that we could allegedly find out what is in it and now all parties are backing away because what was promised was false.

While the government is trying to disarm you, they’re arming up with millions of weapons, ammunition and executive orders.

A tyrannical government is rising up out of the ocean of people with an entitlement attitude.

But the problem is really the American Church.  There have been so many deviants in pulpits abusing their position, abusing their power and abusing the people around them.  It is no wonder that many denominations are experiencing a decline. But it is not just the leadership in the church, it is also the people in the pew, who allow this foolishness, this wickedness, these leaders to continue. Enough is  enough!

Jesus said, “Do not be like them.” (Matt. 6:8).  Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33). God loved Israel. That is why in His mercy He would become silent, so they would say, “Where is the voice, the message of the Lord?” Beloved, God loves you.  Are you hearing from the Lord in His Word everyday? 

God’s leaders must mirror God’s character
and lead people in truth to the Lord! 

  • Remove leaders who become complacent regarding God’s character and actions.  You cannot afford not to remove them if they are complacent or they do not respond to rebuke. Some need to be tested to see how they will respond to rebuke.
  • Choose leaders whose character mirrors God’s character.
  • Develop leaders who are pursuing God’s character and actions.
It’s all about character, not just talent or looks.  Find the right character in a man, and the other superficial things will take care of themselves.  Let God develop your character and you will experience more blessing from God that you can imagine.

 

 

Message Based Discussion Questions

1)      When you were growing up, what was your view of pastors, priests or spiritual leaders?

Digging Deeper:

2)      Read. Deuteronomy 28:1-14. What did God want to do if Israel obeyed the Lord? _______________ What if they did not obey the Lord (cf. Deut. 28:15-21)?  What areas of life are covered? Did they have a choice?

3)      How important is the concept of blessing to God (cf. Num. 6:22-27)? ________________ Why does a people not receive that?

4)      Note 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-5. Are the characteristics required of spiritual leaders only applicable to those in a leadership position?  ______________ Why or why not?

Making application of the message to life:

5)      How should followers relate to spiritual leaders (cf. Heb. 13:7,17)? 

6)      How can you hold spiritual leaders accountable, while being respectful and helpful?

7)      What are seven things you can do to multiply yourself to prepare the next generation to lead others to Christ?

 

Question: What is the Downward Spiral of the unbeliever?

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            Everyone knows an unbeliever can be sinful.  There are unbelievers like Hitler who are responsible for the murders of millions.  There are far more civilized unbelievers like Madalyn Murray O’hare, who may have not hurt anyone physically, but have spiritually deceived thousands with the American Atheists organization she founded.  Why is this even important?  It’s important to understand the downward spiral of an unbeliever and understand the spiritual bridge that needs to be built in order to share the gospel.  Continue reading →

Question: What is the Downward Spiral?

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What is the Downward Spiral?

The Downward Spiral is a practical, theological concept that is important for every believer.  It describes the stages a person descends away from God as he chooses sin instead of faith.  The Downward Spiral is a pattern the Apostle Paul describes in two passages of Scripture; one for the unbeliever and one for the believer.

            Whenever a person acts independently of the Lord, he begins the Downward Spiral.  As he continues to seek understanding, purpose and contentment apart from God, he will continue down the spiral until he gets to the stage called the Sin unto Death.  At this point, the person stays in the Sin unto Death, until God takes him home in grace to be in heaven (the believer) or removes him from earth to torments until the Great White Throne judgment (the unbeliever).

            There are seven steps of the Downward Spiral and they follow the acrostic NEBISCOS (this is no reflection on the food manufacturing company – Nabisco). Each of the letters in the word NEBISCOS refer to a step in the Downward Spiral,

N – Negative Volition

E – Emptiness of the Soul

B – Blackout of the Soul

I – Induced Ignorance

S – Separation from God

C – Callousness of the Soul

O – Occupation with Evil

S – Sin unto Death

I do not consider the final stage of Sin unto Death as a step, but as the holding pattern for the person who is living his life in rejection of God’s plan, purpose and will.

            The Downward Spiral is explained in two passages: Romans 1:20-23 and Ephesians 4:17-19.  Romans 1:20-32 is the passage used to explain the Downward Spiral for the unbeliever,

·         20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
·         21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
·         22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
·         23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man– and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
·         24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
·         25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
·         26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
·         27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
·         28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
·         29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
·         30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
·         31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
·         32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  (Rom 1:20-32)

Ephesians 4:17-19 is the passage used to explain the Downward Spiral for the believer,

·         17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
·         18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
·         19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Eph. 4:17-19)

The next two articles, posts to this blog, will describe each of these passages related to the Downward Spiral and how both passages describe the exact same steps, even though one is for the unbeliever and one is for the believer.  Can a believer descend same Downward Spiral as the unbeliever?  Yes he can and you can refer to that post. to understand more.

Life Insights: Look at me!

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Look at me!
I love my grand-daughters.  The oldest is almost four and she loves to say, “Grandpa, look at me!” Or she will say, “Grandpa, watch my new dance!”  Now most of the time, it looks like one of the previous “dances” that she has done.  Usually it is standing on her toes, doing a twirl and kicking up her foot, or some variation. I try to always be excited and give her good marks on her little ditty.  Sometimes, she will come downstairs like today and say, “Grandpa, look at my dress!”  And I will respond how nice her dress looks on her and how she is ready for where she is going – church, in this case. People need encouragement as they grow.  It is pretty normal for children to want that kind of attention.
I have noticed that the attention getting does not stop with young children.  Adults have their own way of saying, “Look at me!”  Certainly, people don’t say it, but their actions – what they do, wear, drive, or own – say it very loud.  Not everyone seeks that attention, but most do in our society.  Often it might be a particular car we choose to drive like a Lamborghini (that must follow the same speed limits posted as a Yugo). Often it is the style of clothes that attracts attention to the owner.  Lack of modesty will always attract more attention from foolish men than proper clothing.  Adults are more subtle about calling attention to themselves, usually.  How should a mature believer live?
Scripture describes something quite different for those who are mature believers. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) Instead of “look at me,” the attitude should be, “I die to myself, so people can see that I am following Jesus.”  Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”(Gal. 2:20) Instead of “look at me,” that attitude should be, “I no longer live, it is Christ who should be seen in me.”  Again Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) Instead of “look at me,” the attitude should be, “My life is centered on Christ and people should not see anything but Jesus in my life.  People should see Jesus, not me.”
This might seem a little extreme, but consider Jesus’ own words.  When Jesus was in the upper room with the disciples during the Last Supper, Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus responded,
 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say,`Show us the Father ‘?        10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. (John 14:9-10)
Jesus explains that Philip sees the Father when He sees Jesus.  Jesus is not referring to His flesh and blood, because Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman that God is Spirit and has no face or body (John 4:24).  Jesus is referring to His works. 
            When we draw attention to our dress or transportation or looks, we draw attention to the wrong thing and reveal that we are still a spiritual child at heart.  Of course this takes discernment to understand the balance.  I cannot draw a line for people, or it would quickly become a legalism.  Take, for example, jewelry.  You could take the Amish approach and not wear any jewelry at all.  Yet, Scripture has plenty of examples that jewelry was worn in Israel and God did not condemn it.  However, when Jacob led his family to worship, he made the women remove all the earrings that had been significant in idolatry (Gen. 35:4).  Peter made it clear that adornment for women should not have an external emphasis, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward– arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-” (1 Pet. 3:3) Peter emphasizes that external adornment would draw attention to it rather than the “quiet and gentle spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4)  And we see in God’s judgment on Israel, God removes the jewelry,

18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; 19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; 20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, 21 and the rings; The nose jewels, 22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, 23 and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes. (Is. 3:18-23)

There must be a balance. It is likely at the point where the believer is seeking God’s righteousness, depending on God’s guidance and humbly submitting to God’s will.
            The real issue is, “how should I look, dress, or live so that attention is drawn to Jesus instead of me?”  How are people supposed to see Jesus in me? The answer is found in the internal heart expressed in works.  It cannot be in what is seen.  Jesus is described as less than humanly good looking.  Isaiah wrote, “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” (Is. 53:2) Jesus would likely not be chosen as a leader, or a television anchor man, because He was not good-looking from the human perspective. But the real person is the soul, not the looks. 
            When God gave Israel their first king, King Saul, he was a handsome man and taller than everyone else.  That was a normal human choice, because the people rejected God.  God gave them what they wanted, instead of what they should have had.  King Saul was a disaster.
            The Apostle Paul is described historically as the last person who would be leading churches.  History records Paul was short, rotund, bandy-legged, bald and had a high squeaky voice.  That is not the person people naturally choose to follow.
            As we already noted in John 14:9, Jesus told Philip that he saw the Father when he saw Jesus.  Jesus was referring to His works, not His looks.  His works exalted the Father, not even Himself.  Jesus said, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19)
            Instead of saying, “Look at me!” we should be saying, “Do my works mirror the Father’s work in life?”  How should we dress, wear jewelry, choose a car or house, or live in such a way that we are not the recipient of attention, but God is the obvious One who is living through us?
            I am certainly going to enjoy my grand-daughter every time she says, “Grandpa, look at me!”  I am going to affirm and help disciple her.  At well-chosen points, I will help her parents see that the issue is not her, but the Lord.  I will also help to prepare her, so whatever she wears or how she fixes herself, she is drawing attention to her soul devoted to Jesus and serving others, rather than to herself.