Blog Archives
Holiness Is
Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love. – {OFC 74.6}
Holiness is having Jesus within us, living His life through us. It is not living by every impulse that comes into our brain. It is not living in the moment, but living with an eye to the long term.
Romans 4
These are the thought questions that were shared at our men’s Bible study tonight. You won’t have our discussion, but you can get there on your own.
As David says, be happy in the freedom that God offers us through faith. Abraham shows us that faith sees past the impossible, and we can face the infinite gap between us and God with confidence, knowing that Christ has bridged it for us.
4:1,2 – What would there be to boast about before men, and why wouldn’t it work with God?
4:3,4 – Why are are the wages of works a debt?
4:5-8 – Why are these people blessed?
4:9,10 – What are the implications of which state the blessing comes in?
4:11,12 – Why was circumcision given? (Circumcision = outcome)
4:13-15 – Why would the promise be of no effect?
4:16-19 – How was Abraham’s name (father of a multitude) an illustration of faith?
4:20-22 – How did Abraham model rejecting apparent impossibility?
4:23-25 – How does our faith parallel Abraham’s?
A Faith the World Knows Of
Paul was looking forward to seeing his future new friends in Rome. He told them so and that he always kept them in prayer. He also said something tremendously interesting:
Romans 1:8 – First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
How is their faith so different or strong or big that people a long way away thought, “Wow, that’s some special faith”?
I think it ties into the reality that faith is more than just believing something. Faith is a belief that impacts our actions. We believe that God said such and such, and therefore we’re going to do X. This is borne out in the following verse:
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
We believe that God exists, that His character is desirable, that He will do what He says, and that His promises are sure. Then we act on them.
Noah’s faith built an ark, Abraham’s faith went on a journey, Moses’ faith left a commanding position in the most powerful nation in the world at that time.
What did those in Rome do? At a time when there was persecution against both Jew and Christian in the civilized world, those in Rome were faithful to their calling in the very capitol. In the heart of darkness they were living for truth and their light burned brightly. They were not ashamed.
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Do you want a faith the world knows of? Believe in God, live in harmony with His word, and don’t be ashamed of either of the first two things.
He Leadeth Me
This is one of my top two favorite hymns. It’s good sometimes to sit back and realize that God really is leading in my life.
Stanza One:
He leadeth me! O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
– It really is a relief that God leads me. Life is unpredictable and uncertain enough as it is. It means a lot to know that God has a plan for my life, and that He wants good things for me (Jer 29:11). This guidance meant so much to Moses, that he wasn’t willing to go anywhere until he knew that he had it (Exo 33:14,15).
Whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
– God is with me in whatever walk of life I am in. He is with me at home, at work, in social settings, and when I run errands. He is my good shepherd (Psa 23:2).
Chorus:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me;
– The concept is so profound that the maker of the universe wants to personally lead us that the writer, J. H. Gilmore, says it over and over, almost in disbelief. He leads me. By His own hand He leads me (Isa 41:13).
His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
– His amazing involvement shows a character that I desire worth following. I have been with too many leaders who have left me to wander alone. God’s assistance is wonderful.
Stanza Two:
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
– From the lowest low where we can’t perceive a way out, to the highest high of human experience (Gilmore suggests Eden), God is always with us.
By waters still, o’er troubled sea- Still ‘tis His hand that leadeth me!
– Sometimes God leads us to calm restorative places (Psa 23:2), and sometimes He takes us to terrifying circumstances to realize our own impotence and dependence (Luke 8:24). Yet, as always, God is leading us. The journey is as valuable to Him as a destination.
Stanza Three:
Lord, I would clasp my hand in Thine, Nor ever murmur nor repine;
– The “I would” denotes an “I desire”. This course of action takes in the good and bad, but never questions God’s leading, because He has our best at heart. This peace blocks out whining and discontent.
Content whatever lot I see, Since ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
— This restfulness in God is so amazing (Php 4:11). I wish I could have such total trust in God for myself. This can be our actual experience (Php 4:6,7).
Stanza Four:
And when my task on earth is done, When, by Thy grace, the victory’s won,
– Oh, for a life of faithfulness that ends close to God. To be called a good and faithful is the greatest joy that I can think of (Matt 25:21). To be content to die or to continue to serve is an ultimate indicator of trust in God (Job 13:15).
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
– Death does not paralyze a Christian with fear (Heb 2:14,15). We serve a God that has conquered death, and has told us that He has mansions waiting for us. We will be re-created with new, everlasting bodies. We will someday be in a place where we can see God face to face, and know Him even as He knows us (1 Cor 13:12).
Trust in God. He is real. He will work in your life. He will guide you as a good shepherd to life more abundant. Many have experienced this.
