Category: Christian Living

Serving the Saints: A Primary Evidence of Salvation

9/30/2014

The Bible thoroughly speaks to an important reality when it comes to those who profess faith in the biblical God. This reality is that of false conversion. The basic idea is this: there are some people who may believe that they are Christians, are saved, and will go to heaven when they die, and yet they are entirely mistaken.

This doctrine is essential to a proper understanding of many biblical texts. Without this framework, entire blocks of Scripture are literally impossible to understand. However, this begs a crucial question for the introspective reader: how do I know that I am not one of them?

The Bible fortunately anticipates this critical question asked by its readers. The answer that it gives is that of biblical assurance. Assurance is an interesting topic to study throughout the Bible and the New Testament in particular. There are many answers that the Bible gives to fill out this concept of assurance. In fact, the entire letter of 1 John is almost singularly devoted to this doctrine. However, there is a particular aspect or emphasis to assurance that has been simply hammering me in my recent studies. It is found in essence in several pieces, but is distilled in the book of Hebrews:

Hebrews 6:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Here in context the author of Hebrews has provided his readers with a harsh warning against apostasy. However, he follows that grave warning with the encouragement I have quoted in verses 9-10. Despite his warning, he states that he is convinced that those who he refers to as "beloved" are genuinely saved. He then provides in verse 10 the evidence or assurance of salvation that I want to focus on. This evidence of salvation is the work and love they have shown and continue to show in serving the saints.

Have you ever heard somebody say something to the effect of "I like Jesus, but I just don't like the church." There is a sense in which we can sympathize with their feelings. Oftentimes we recognize that the people that make up the visible church are imperfect and frankly, hypocritical. However, the assurance of salvation that is provided here strikes at the very heart of such thinking. It is precisely because of their devotion to the people of God, the church, that the Christians reading this letter can know that they have salvation.

Getting the order is important here. It is not that serving in God's church is the work that you must do in order to earn your passage into heaven. Rather, salvation comes first and the service and love that flows out of that salvation demonstrates that you have indeed been saved. It follows then that while not everybody who serves in the church and loves the brethren is saved, everyone who is saved will serve in the church and love the brethren.

Again, I must qualify what I am saying at this point. Does everyone who will ever believe have to sign up for ministry opportunities at their church? Does one's lack of participation in church activities indicate that they are damned? Obviously neither of these is unequivocally the case. Membership in God's kingdom is not established by outward actions, but a changed heart. However, we must take seriously the biblical assertion that one way that salvation manifests itself in God's people is through their love for the other people of God. The Bible knows nothing of "lone wolf" Christians. Neither is the concept of those who have a personal relationship with God, but don't spend any time with God's people a plausible one. When someone is saved by the Spirit of God they are adopted into the family of God. Those who are truly adopted into God's family, love God's family and want to spend time with them. Sure the institution of the church may be imperfect at times, but if one would be united to Christ, he must be united to and serve Christ's body as well.

The entire book of first John speaks to this topic as well. John tells us that one of the primary evidences that we have been saved comes from the fact that we love the brethren. In fact, love for the brethren is a constant theme throughout much of the epistle's early chapters:

1 John 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

1 John 3:14–16 (ESV) — 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

I want to leave you with a final passage that really hit home with me. The parable of the sheep and the goats. Look at the primary means that Jesus' uses to determine who is a sheep and who is a goat. Remember again that these means are not how salvation is determined, rather they are one of the crucial indicators that someone has indeed been saved by God.

Matthew 25:31–46 (ESV) — 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

May the Spirit of God cause us to search our hearts and lives to discover whether or not we truly bear this essential fruit.

-tanner

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Devotional Thoughts: Spurgeon on Salvation before Service

9/28/2014

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April 19th, 1885 Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon on the following passage:

Matthew 8:14–15 (ESV) — 14 And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.

This passage has always held some interest for me. In particular, I have often thought of the text in a sort of wordly fashion. What I mean is that Jesus and his disciples have had a long day, and are likely tired and desperately in need of some rest. "Let us go to Peter's house," they might say, "his mother always takes good care of us." When they arrive however, she is incapacitated and sick with a fever. "This will not do," I imagined Jesus saying, "I will heal her so that she may minister to us." You see, it's the immediacy of her service that struck me. Why is she not given a little bit of time to relax? After all, she has just come out of a fever.

Spurgeon helped me to see through my flawed perspective on the text and recognize the deeper spiritual truths that are present there. While time prevents us from covering every point that Spurgeon did in his sermon, I would like to bring to your attention something of what is expressed by this small tangent in the text.

In typical Spurgeon fashion, he begins early in the sermon bringing out the spiritual consequences of the passage. His effort is to make the text relevant to his audience and force them to see that there are truths here for them to learn as well. He starts this process by comparing the fever of Peter's mother to the fever that dwells in each and every one of us: sin.

What would the fever represent? Those who are in a fever represent spiritually those who are on fire with sin. . . .

Those who have a fever in their souls are hot after sin, dried up with ill desires, inflamed with evil lusts. What unhealthy energy many even show in the indulgence of their passions, or in the pursuit of their ambitions: they are so inflamed with their desires that their life is consumed. . . .

These fevered people are frequently very restless. It is one effect of the fever that the man cannot lie long together either on this side or on the other, but turns to and fro. Even his sleep is broken; neither by day nor by night can he find rest. He is dried up, and feels as weak as if he were brought into the dust of death and utterly dissolved. . . .

One symptom of a fever is that a man loses appetite for that which would be good for him. Some of our unconverted friends have no taste for the gospel; we cannot easily induce them to come to hear it. . . .

On the other hand, a fevered patient often feels a great thirst, which he cannot by any means allay. He longs to drink and drink again, and with all his drinking the heat is not abated. Sometimes the sick man has an appetite for what he must not taste, he craves after the most injurious and even unnatural things . . .

But the worst point in the case of the sinner is this, that this fever of his will prove fatal. This son, daughter, husband, or wife of yours will perish through the fever of sin, if it be not cured.1

At this point some may question Spurgeon's dealing with the text. Does the fever of Peter's mother truly represent sin? If not, is Spurgeon not taking liberties with the text? This is a fair question. However, the scriptures often describe the malady of sin as a sickness or disease. While that may not be be the primary point of the fever here, it is fair to make at least a reference or comparison. Truly, all sickness and disease in our world point us to the ultimate sickness and disease of sin. In the new heavens and new earth where sin has been abolished forever, sickness and disease will exist no more. Moreover, however Spurgeon's illustration is actually going to serve to bring more clarity to the reaction of Peter's mother, thus shedding more light upon the text at hand.

Spurgeon goes on to describe several points based upon this comparison. I want to focus upon two of them. First, he describes the healing of the fever as the equivalent of a believer being healed by Jesus of his sin. What is the response or the reaction of the one cured of his fatal fever?

Thirdly, it is plainly taught in the text that STRENGTH TO MINISTER COMES WITH HEALING. “Immediately she arose and ministered to them.” Fever causes extreme weakness, and when it leaves the patient, he is for a considerable time greatly debilitated. The cures of nature are slow; but when Jesus cures, he does it at once. Though he uses only a touch and a word, yet he cures so perfectly that no weakness remains. The woman did not lie in bed a week or two, and feed upon nourishing diet, and so recover her strength; but there and then she arose from her bed, girt her garments about her, and went about the duties of the household. . . .

The moment the Lord Jesus Christ saves a soul he gives that soul strength for its appointed service. . . .

I want to call your attention to this, that her service was immediate service, rendered on the spot, without delay. Some of you have been converted during our late special services; let me bid you serve the Lord at once, even as the Lord has served you. “What, get to work directly?” Yes, immediately; for there is something very beautiful about that which is done by new converts. Oh, the beauty of that first look of love! Oh, the sweetness of those first notes of praise! Oh, the power of those first sentences of testimony! . . .

I would not have a converted person wait a week before trying to do something for Jesus. Run as soon as you find your feet.2

Peter's mother did not wait to minister to Jesus and the disciples because she did not need to! When Jesus heals, he does so completely and fully. She was ready and able to serve them at once. Similarly, when we are converted to Christ, we are made ready and able to serve him and his church at once. Now, prudence must be taken in the case of those in leadership positions. Paul rightfully says that elders should not be new converts. However, service need not always be preaching, teaching, or leading. There are many tasks available to those who are newly converted that they are able to accomplish. How often I have heard of those newly converted to Christ who began handing out gospel tracts or attending bible studies or volunteering for the homeless ministries!

Does this not betray an ulterior motive of the part of the church however? She just wants people to be saved so that she can press their talents and gifts into their service? It may perhaps, except for what Spurgeon makes clear in his final point:

THE DESIRE TO MINISTER ALWAYS ARISES OUT OF HEALING. Here was a woman, a poor woman, an old woman, a widow woman, one who had just been sick, and she desires at once to minister to Christ, and she can do it, and she does do it. How think you, was she moved to this? Was not it that strength naturally suggests activity as soon as ever you get it? . . .

And then the gratitude for this strength impels you to activity. How can a man be still when Christ has spoken for him and delivered him? . . . Can you ever be silent for Christ now that the Lord Christ has redeemed you from the curse of the law and the penalty of sin? I tell you, if you can be quiet and do nothing for Christ, I am afraid you have never tasted of his love and grace. . . .

Once more, I think I may say that those who are healed by Christ are sure to do something for him of the right sort, because their former habitudes will assist them. I do not mean by this that sinful activity can ever help us into holy activity, but I do mean this; that we can turn our old habits to account for Jesus. I believe that Peter’s wife’s mother was a particularly nice old lady. There is rather a prejudice against a wife’s mother, and if Peter found it the proper thing to have her living in the house, I am sure she was a specially good woman. I have a picture of her in my mind’s eye,—a dear old soul, always busy and happy. . . .

As for you, young men who have been so restless, so vigorous, so dashing in sin, it seems to me that this habitual energy ought to be placed under consecration to Christ. A horse that has no mettle in it is easily managed; still, a horse with a little mettle, though he may kick, and plunge, and do a great deal of mischief, is all the better horse when he is broken in. If he be under proper management, if he answers to the bit, you like the mettle. So it is with a man when he is converted. If he had mettle in him that led him to kick and plunge when he served the devil, if he did so much mischief and damage against the kingdom of Christ, he is the very man to pull well in Jesus Christ’s chariot.3

You see, when Peter's mother was healed of her fever, she wanted to minister to Christ and his disciples. She was not pressed into a service she was unwilling or unfit to participate in. Instead her natural giftings as given to her by God were used in a sanctified and holy way.

The same goes for all who are converted into the kingdom of God. We are not pressed into a service for which we are unwilling or not well equipped. Instead we are called to serve in the capacity that God has created us for. Instead we are able to minister by use of our particular gifts and for our particular calling.

I also love the final point that he makes about the most stubborn of people. It is often these who are the most zealous in their opposition to Christ that upon conversion are most useful to God's kingdom. Look at the apostle Paul who persecuted and attacked Christ's church before he was saved. How great was the impact that he made for God's kingdom once he finally submitted to Christ! Let us pray boldly for those in our lives that we see enslaved by the fever of sin. Perhaps God will grant them repentance, and they will be used mightily for his glory.

Let us together thank God that he healed us, and resolve to serve him for our pleasure and the good of his kingdom.

-tanner

1 C. H. Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 31 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1885), 219-221.
2 Ibid, 225.
3 Ibid, 226-228.

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Politics: What Abortion is Really About

9/6/2014

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Abortion is a hot-button topic in American politics. I will say however, that it seems to have taken a bit of a back seat during our day to more prominent issues. For the liberal left, abortion is a decided issue. Anyone who disagrees hates freedom and ought to be shouted down. This is the same direction the debate over homosexuality is going as well. You can marginalize those who disagree with you by coolly asserting that their opinions are not even worth responding to. In the mind of the typical American, it seems that this tactic has worked. for those who don't think often about these issues, it seems that the most discussed stances are those that people generally side with. It kind of reminds me of how advertising works.
However, just because the legality of something has been determined does not mean that the morality of said issue is decided. That debate continues on regardless of how one may respond to the subject. This is something that we must continue to keep in mind in the political battle over homosexuality as well.

It isn't often that the true issues at hand are debated over an issue. Typically what happens is that a particular stance on an issue is taken by somebody because they can see how the other stance infringes fundamentally on one of their presuppositions. This works both ways as well. What happens typically is somebody fundamentally "feels" that abortion is right or wrong. Then they try to formulate arguments supporting their feelings. This blinds people from discussing the real issues that are fundamental to the debate and discussion. They are too committed to their presuppositions to examine them critically or to try and step into somebody else's worldview to try and understand them.

It is rare to hear straight from the pro-abortion side why they so strongly support their stance. However, I was directed to an article off of facebook where somebody in great support of abortion spelled out clearly what they think the issue is about. The article spoke of actress Sarah Paulson who was challenged by somebody in a "Taco and Beer" challenge. This is a spin-off of the wildly popular ALS Ice Bucket challenge in which the challenge is in support of abortion. What Sarah Paulson said is incredibly revealing:

“It’s about autonomy, it’s about reproductive freedom and a woman’s right to choose,”1

The first sin in the garden of Eden was autonomy. Satan tricked us into thinking that rather than submitting to God in all areas of our lives, instead we could become God. Intellectual and moral autonomy is precisely what Jesus calls us to surrender in order to die to ourselves and become his disciples. At it's core, Paulson's statement decalres that standing up for abortion is about standing up for man's most fundamental characteristic as a fallen creature. Essentially Paulson declares that the issue is about sin.

Notice also the implication of her choice term "reproductive freedom." This is ahint that the real matter is one of sexual freedom and autonomy. You see from a naturalistic or humanistic worldview sex is something that we are allowed to engage in with whomever we want whenever we want (as long as it's consensual, though even that standard is degrading). Nobody has the right to tell us what we are going to do with our bodies. Additionally, babies are simply an unfortunate result of the animalistic and sensual act that is sex. We have rationalized that because they are not born yet, they are ours for the killing.

Truly, the only grounds for any absolute standards in morality and ethics are derived from a moral Creator. Once we have abandoned many of those presuppositions, we fail to find any reasons for some of the standards that previous generations held to. For sinful man, abortion is primarily about asserting our own autonomy in this world - apart from God and his objective standard. Abortion is about rebelling against God's requirements in the area of human sexuality and doing what we see fit with our bodies. Beloved, see abortion for the slap in the face of God that it is, and do not fall prey to a compromised position of allying with the enemy.

-tanner

1 http://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/watch-sarah-paulson-support-reproductive-rights-while-eating#4g69frg

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Christian Living: What is Cultural Relevance?

9/3/2014

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Something that many churches aim to pursue these days is cultural relevance. I believe this is a good thing. Our faith and our religion ought to be relevant to the culture. A religion that is no longer relevant is reduced to traditionalism, and history shows us that such a reduction leads to the death of a movement. However, what exactly it means to be culturally relevant is another matter that is discussed very little. Oftentimes I think those who disagree emphatically over this issue do not take the time to understand each other properly. Defining one's terms is essential to beneficial and understandable discussion.

What then does it mean to be culturally relevant? The primary drive of culturally relevant teaching is to be able to relate material and content in one's cultural setting. This has to do primarily with an issue of context. Context is something that is very important to Christians, especially in their reading of the Scriptures. However, the context we are speaking of when we discuss cultural relevance is one's societal context. Societal context can mean something as basic as using language that your hearers can understand, to respecting traditions and customs, all the way to complex ideas of morality and perceived intentions. Being culturally relevant means communicating in a meaningful way to your hearers and respecting the customs that are in place in your context.

In this understanding or sense of the term, the Bible explicitly promotes being culturally relevant. Paul discusses communication and others understanding what you are saying in 1 Corinthians 14 when he talks about the gift of tongues. People being able to understand what is being communicated is primary for Paul. He also discusses not putting unnecessary stumbling blocks before hearers of the gospel in the same book. Additionally, he describes becoming "all things to all men" in 1 Corinthians 9, which obviously has relevance for respecting societal customs.

However, some take the issue of cultural relevance too far. Some say that when cultural morality and the Bible meet, it is the Bible that must give way - in the name of cultural relevance. This is simply the seed of postmodernism in the thinking of many professing believers. It is clear that in the same letter that Paul so promoted cultural relevance, he also condemned rampant immorality. In chapter 5 he promotes excommunication for those in the church committing adultery. In chapter 6 he lists off many vices and practices that are not appropriate at all for people to engage in and asserts that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

What then is the proper balance for us when it comes to being culturally relevant? The answer is really quite simple for us. There are certain areas that are described in the Bible as non-essentials. Paul speaks to the idea of eating food from the marketplace that had been sacrificed to idols. He says that you should not worry about such things because idols are not real and the food can be received with thanksgiving. At the same time however, Paul declares emphatically that he would not partake if it placed an unnecessary stumbling block in front of others. The key is that where the Bible says we should draw the line, like issues of morality and the gospel, then we do. Where the Bible leaves things open, we do as well, but always with an attitude of love.

However, this topic drives at something much deeper, something that betrays the overwhelming relevance of the Christian worldview. A culturally relevant message is one that means something and makes a difference for the society at which it is directed. The Bible's central theme and message is emphatically relevant because it deals with the most fundamental problems with mankind. You want to know a religion that fails the relevance test? Look at Islam. Far from being focused upon overarching truth that addresses man's fundamental issues and problems regardless of his age or society, Islam is obsessed with imposing 6th and 7th century Middle Eastern culture on a 21st century world. Sure, the Bible has descriptions of similar laws and practices for it's society, but such practices are overtly NOT normative for all time. Rather, Jesus himself makes a sharp distinction between those biblical issues that are traditionally and culturally driven, and those issues that are from God himself. The Qur'an's insistence on the establishment of Sharia Law even centuries later betrays the fact that the book is not divine. It does not speak to all men for all time the way that only God can speak.

Instead, the Bible is primarily wrapped up with one theme: how can man be right with God? Every book and chapter in some way seeks to drive at this problem. The answer is foreshadowed, hinted at, and expressly declared to be Jesus Christ. Christianity is overwhelmingly relevant because men are still sinners that need a Savior. We do not have to tone down our message or sugar-coat the truth. In fact we ought NOT to do so! To engage in such behavior perverts the message and actually takes the power from it. Nothing could be more relevant for our society than the simple preaching of the gospel, and the imposition of the Christian worldview into all areas of life. We need to get back to the Bible. Then we will find that we are more relevant to our culture than we ever could have imagined ourselves to be in our own wisdom and planning.

-tanner

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Christian Living: Should Christians "Party" and/or Spend Time with Those Who Do?

8/30/2014

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College in America is more and more stereotyped as a time of partying and fun. School is less about studies and more about getting to know people and drinking heavily on the weekends. While this experience may not be typical for many American college students, I think certainly some elements of the lifestyle are present for most.

I confess that my college experience was nothing like this. I can recall attending one Halloween party where that type of atmosphere was present. Other than that, I don't believe I ever attended this type of function. It's not that I actively avoided these types of people. It simply was a crowd that I didn't find myself running in.

The party I attended I did so before I became a Christian. When I was saved, the church and atmosphere in the area confronted me with a major question: Can Christians legitimately be in and among and spend time with these types of people and run in these types of crowds?

It is a question that deserves some attention. Depending upon your church background and stance the answer may seem immediately apparent. The ironic thing is the "obvious" answer among Christians is different. For some the answer is essentially: "Of course a Christian should not be actively in the company of such people." Yet others would affirm something along the lines of: "Jesus spent time with sinners. How are we supposed to reach the lost if we don't meet them where they are?" Which answer is correct for the faithful believer? Is it somewhere in the middle?

First, let me address the issue of a Christian partaking in this type of behavior. Is it appropriate for a Christian to drink heavily with and among the company of others? Paul speaks to this issue directly and poignantly in Ephesians 5:18:

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) — 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

This verse is clear, and there really isn't any confusion in the Greek either. Referring to the act of getting drunk, Paul explicitly calls that behavior "debauchery." Paul also utilzes the imperitive form of the verb. We are commanded explicitly to NOT get drunk. Paul is not describing the context in particular either. It's not as though getting drunk at home by yourself is any more acceptable to Paul than getting drunk at a party among friends. Neither is acceptable according to Paul. I would argue that getting drunk among unbelievers is even more unacceptable, as it slanders your witness. However under no circumstances is such behavior acceptable for the Christian. So it is clear that Christians are not to partake in such activity directly.

How about drinking among such people but not getting drunk? This approach is really a slippery slope. How much is too much? Just when is somebody "drunk?" These answers can both be subjective, and we don't have much in the way of biblical answers available to us. I'm going to move on to an even stronger stance so as to answer this question by way of implication.

Are we even permitted to actively hang out with these people in these settings? This is where the rubber meets the road with this question. Fortunately we have biblical instruction explicitly on this topic. Paul gives some general wisdom on the subject when he is discussing the resurrection from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15. Referring to those who disbelieve in the resurrection and who think that when you die it is simply over he describes their motto, and immediately gives some Christian wisdom:

1 Corinthians 15:32–33 (ESV) — 32 If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Note that the attitude of these people is generally the attitude of many in our day and age. Philosophical naturalism and neo-Darwinianism have mostly concluded that there is no afterlife, and when we die it is over. Paul says that the natural consequence of such a perspective is hedonism: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
This is what those people we are discussing this morning are pursuing, The entire scene of partying and drinking heavily promotes this mindset. What is the biblical response to this perspective? Paul tells us in the next verse that “Bad company ruins good morals.” This is the biblical version of "You become like those you hang out with." Paul explicitly explains that we are not to be deceived and those we hang out with will influence us no matter how strong we think we are in our faith. Our good morals will be corrupted and diminished by hanging out in these crowds.

This still however may not answer the question for many. It is a general warning, and doesn't explicitly say the behavior is absolutely wrong. It tells us generally at very least, that such scenes and crowds we should not spend the majority of our time with, but it does not rule out the behavior entirely. Fortunately, we have another text from the Bible to clarify the subject for us.

Proverbs 23:19–21 (ESV) — 19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. 20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

This text is very explicit. It tells us not to be among drunkards or gluttonous eaters of meat. The picture of those who "party" in excess often and spend much of their time and energy feasting. To me this picture captures the spirit of "partying" perfectly. As such, the command explicitly condemns such practice for those who would order their lives after an image of godliness.

What then do we make of Jesus? Does he not violate this very command? Did Jesus not actively spend times with each of these types of people and meet them where they were? This is a legitimate concern and I would like to bring two thoughts to bear on such a topic.

First, Jesus was sinlessly perfect. To say that we are permitted to go to these places because Jesus went to these places, fails to recognize this fundamental difference between Jesus and us. I do not grant that Jesus went to these places (as I will argue next), but even if I did, I am corrupted by sin in a way that he is not. As one of my professors said, I am not permitted to even mess around with sin because it will corrupt me. Yet, our heavenly father can work it together for good because it does not corrupt him. In a sense, he can "handle" it to shape and mold it to the good of his people though he is not the author.

Secondly, and more importantly, we have no evidence whatsoever that Jesus actively spent time "partying" with sinners in the manner that is prohibited by Proverbs, in the manner that people in our day often pursue it.

Yes, Jesus turned water into wine at a party. However, was that party the 1st century equivalent of a modern frat party? Perhaps a night in the VIP lounge of the hottest club? Hardly. In the context of John 2, Jesus was at a wedding. This is a time that calls for celebration and moderate drinking of alcohol is perfectly appropriate in this context. Jesus turns water into wine not because he didn't want the party to stop, but because he was assisting in the celebration! What is the righteous occasion that modern "partying" celebrates? Friday? Equating these two is absurdity. The fact the we party just because it is the weekend displays the wicked excess to which our society has fallen, and is exactly the denunciation that Proverbs refers to.

Yes, Jesus ate with sinners. However he did not do so in such a way to affirm them in their sin. Jesus' call to those who would follow him was a call to die. A call to give up everything and follow him. Jesus does NOT ask people to continue on in their lifestyles and add on a little bit of relationship with him from time to time. Yet this is primarily the image that we paint for people if we go and party with them while trying to simultaneously tell them about Jesus. We are affirming them in their lifestyle and saying to them that as Christians we can live in this manner as well. Rather, Jesus calls for radical abandoning of one's sinful lifestyles to pursue and follow him wholeheartedly.

Matthew 11:18–19 (ESV) — 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Here Jesus' detractors accuse him of exactly what we are talking about. Is Jesus' point that, yes indeed they have judged correctly, but they didn't understand that he was doing God's work among the sinners while he "partied" with them? Again, hardly. His very rebuke to them betrays the fact that he did not conduct himself in this way. He notes that his deeds will justify himself. What is his point? His point is that the charges of the Pharisees are incorrect! He did not conduct himself in this manner. He did not engage in the behavior they are charging him with. Instead, Jesus spent time with sinners, yes, but he certainly did not violate Proverbs in the process. He did not actively involve himself with gluttony and drunkeness, but rather ministered to those who had fallen victim to the sins of gluttony and drunkeness. It is the very fact that he was associating himself with such people that caused the Pharisees to level their charge, and yet Jesus affirms that his own actions betray the fact that they are not judging rightly.

In conclusion, the "partying" atmosphere that is so common in our day is not something that Jesus would promote or be involved with at all. However, Jesus would seek to minister to these people and call them to radical repentance and faith. As believers, we are to conduct ourselves with the same mindset of our Savior to be sure, but the appropriate place to call sinners to repentance is NOT from the other end of the beer pong table. Examine your heart and the Scriptures before God to make sure that you are conducting yourself in a manner worthy of our Lord.

Isaiah 5:22 (ESV) — 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,

-tanner

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Christian Living: Finances and Our Lives

8/27/2014

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Money is a major stumbling block for much of the world. Some never feel like they have enough of it and are always having difficulties with budgeting properly and spending on things they don't need. Still others seem like they have plenty, and yet their hearts are in bondage to the idea of accumulating more and more. There are even those who genuinely have plenty of money, but they place so much value and security in the idea of it that it has become a secret idol in their lives. While this is a very full topic that is not at all simple to deal with, today I hope to shed a small amount of light on what the Bible has to say about our finances.

The world for the most part makes finances a sort of high score to life. Those who are truly successful are able to accumulate great wealth in their lives. The entire structure of our society is built around the idea of amassing great wealth. If you consider college and the majors that people focus upon, they are often centered around the idea of success. That success is nearly always defined in some terms as accumulating wealth. We sign up for majors and complete degrees that will get us good jobs so that we can have money. I am convinced that many end up pursuing careers that they are not made for simply because the career affords the opportunity of financial stability and wealth.

While the world has developed such an idea of financial gain, what about God's people? Unfortunately many people in the church visible have a very similar mindset or attitude. There are those who look no different from these that we have described in their pursuit for money and wealth. Still others have taken the pursuit a step further and preach a "prosperity" gospel that affirms God's desire for all of us to be prosperous and wealthy. Where can we find clarity and help on this issue in such a confusing world? God's Word is truly a light for our path.

The biblical emphasis for Christians in regards to their finances is contentment. This is something that people can wrestle with regardless of how many funds they actually possess. Rich people can be consumed with accumulating more wealth, and poor people can be obsessed with the idea of what they would do if they had more wealth. 1 Timothy 6 has great insight into this idea:

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. -1 Tim 6:3-8

Here Paul's truth has a few things for us. First note the association of false teachers with the concept that godliness is a means of financial gain. This rebuke comes directly against the prosperity preachers of our day. Those who use the church and the Bible as a means to try and promote their financial gain are described by Paul here as false teachers. We should reject their ideas and promotion as worldly pursuit and vanity.

Note also that Paul emphasizes one main point for us to combat this perspective: contentment. First, in verse 6 he describes what is truly a great gain for the believer. It is not those who have accumulated wealth who have gained much, but rather those who have attained godliness mixed with contentment. What does this look like? Jesus mentioned this in other places as well, but ultimately it looks like seeking God's kingdom first in your life. Jesus speaks to this idea in Matt 6 when he emphasizes that we should not be worried about finances or our futures. Rather Jesus emphasizes that our first task and responsibility is to seek God's kingdom first, and then God will see to it that our needs are provided for.

You see, money is not an end, it is simply a means to an end. When it is used in this fashion, as a tool, then it has taken its proper place in our lives. Money is not something that should be pursued, instead we should pursue God's kingdom. If you are caught up in the pursuit of personal holiness and the calling of people into God's kingdom, then we will have enough money for what we need, because God will provide it for us.

One ultimate truth can protect you from the love of money: All money is God's money. Every single dollar, quarter and penny on the face of the earth belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. He distributes the wealth as he sees fit, some money is given to the godly, and it is used for his glory and good. Still other money is given to the ungodly for their lives and needs. He shows no partiality in that respect. However, sometimes great wealth is given to the ungodly. This can actually be a form of God's judgment on wicked and sinful mankind. How? Because there is a sense in which this wealth can be a "handing over" (see Rom 1:24-28 ) of God to the lusts and passions of unbelievers' lives and they can be consumed with their finances. For these people their wealth is a stumbling block to them that keeps them from God, and it will be to their great condemnation.

Beloved, do not buy into the lie of the world. Money and wealth is not an end, it is simply the means to an end. Seek God and his kingdom and all of your needs will be provided for you. These needs often will be provided through the work of your hands and the sweat of your brow. God's provision does not absolve you of the responsibility to be faithful. However, you don't have to spend all of your efforts and mind worrying about how you are going to make ends meet. Pursue God and work hard, and he will provide for you. Remember the snare of the love of money, and diligently keep watch over your heart. Be content, and it will go well for you.

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity." -Ecc 5:10

-tanner

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Christian Living: Finances and Our Lives

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