Burn Within! Burn Within! Burn Within for Jesus!

“And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32

 

When I was a young boy, and was in a cantankerous mood, (which was not uncommon) I’d do little things to aggravate my mother. I knew how to press her buttons. I knew what to do or not do to aggravate her. You know: going slow when she was in a hurry or going fast when she was sapped of energy and could only go slow. Disregarding, “Now I’ve told you for the last time!” over and over and over again. Purposeful procrastination to her calls to get ready so we could go somewhere. I usually knew just how far I could push Mom before things got dangerous. There was a telltale comment that marked the end of the line for her patience. Those red flag words were, “You burn me up!” When I heard those words I knew it was time to run for cover. The B29 was overhead, the sky was growing dark with her shadow, and the situation was about to go nuclear. This little boy was about to get bombed with “Little Boy.” (Note: I attribute my speed to running from Mommy around the dining room table. I always thought her attempts to catch me quite funny. Funny how the more I laughed and giggled the redder her face got and the more she’d throw the chairs out of the way. Yes, my speed was learned young. That I lived on I attribute to having never been caught!)

Back in 1972 Elvis Presley produced his last top 100 hit song entitled Burning Love. The song, originally written by Dennis Linde, starts with the words, “Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising, higher, higher, it’s burning through my soul. . . .”  and has the famous chorus “Just a hunk of, hunk of burning love. Just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.” There have been a lot of secular songs in history that use fire and burning as a metaphor for sexual passions and hedonism.

When a sports team is on a winning streak it’s described as “They’re on fire!” When the fans of a team are especially worked up into a frenzy they are often described as being, “Fired up!” Starting a race car or even an ordinary engined machine of some kind is frequently described as “Fire it up!”

When people are zealous for a political or social cause they are also often described as being, “Fired up!” When employment is terminated the employer says, “You’re fired!” the employee says, “I was fired.”

The 1986 movie Top Gun about the training of fighter pilots described popularized the phrase, “crash and burn,” to described incidents where test pilots crashed and burned their jets.

All of these uses of fire and burning are examples of a metaphor. A metaphor is defined as, “a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.”

 

The metaphor of fire can be used to describe holy things as well as unholy things. There are probably a lot of other ways the metaphor of fire and burning imagery are used. But I’d like to consider how such a metaphor is used in the Bible.  

Vance Havner, a past Senate chaplain, once said,

            “We are not going to move this world by criticism of it, nor conformity to it, but             only by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.” 

He’s right about that. What we need is more burning hearts, hearts aflame for Jesus in the power of the Spirit.

The early church had hearts burning for the Lord and they turned the world upside down for Jesus (i.e. right side up - Acts 17:6). Unfortunately the church today is too often turned upside down by the world. Why is that? It seems the sinful world is more on fire for their unrighteous causes than the church is for her righteous causes. Where are the burning hearted disciples of Jesus today? If the flames of passion for Jesus have gone out in a Christian, is there a way to relight that flame? How can we get aflame for the Lord? How can we be re-fired? What do we do to have our hearts burn for the Lord?

The key to a burning heart is found in Luke’s gospel account where it states: “And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). This verse is the key to a burning heart. A heart is ignited with a holy flame by getting close to Jesus and listening to Him. Jesus bestows a burning heart to us. The closer we come to Jesus and listen to Him and His word, the brighter and hotter our hearts will burn for Him. Your heart will glow and burn with a holy flame in proportion to how close you are living to Jesus. The closer you get to the fire, the hotter the heat you will feel. You can’t come close to Jesus and not be set to burning for Him. We need a burning heart. This world needs the ministry produced by burning hearts.   We need Jesus.

 “A smoking flax He will not quench” – If you were a candle would you be a bright flame or about to flame out? Is the fire in your belly more heart-burn than burning for Jesus? If you are on fire for the Lord you need to understand that a flame needs to be maintained. If you feel as though you’re spiritual flame is about to go out you need to understand you can be fired up again.

Jesus is gentle. He is waiting for the smoldering ones to return to Him. In Matthew’s inspired gospel account Isaiah 42:3 is quoted in regards to Jesus which says: “A bruised reed He will not break,   And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;” (Matthew 12:20). Jesus doesn’t snuff you out when your flame is weak. When your flame is weak He will help you ignite again.    

The Heart of the Bible - Before we discover how to get our heart burning for Jesus, we have to have an understanding of the heart. The word “heart” used in Luke 24:32 is translated from the Greek term kardia. “Heart” can refer to the physical heart but is also used to refer to that part of the human being that is central, the core, the place where “the thoughts or feelings” reside. ^[1] The heart is your inner most being; the place where you make decisions that determine your life outcomes.

The Bible tells us that the heart is by nature sinful. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who can know it?  I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Sin soaks our heart, quenches God’s fire, and makes us unburnable. We are born with a heart that is spiritually limp. The sinful heart is weak like wet cardboard and provides no fuel for any holy fire. Before a heart can be lit on fire for the Lord it has to be treated and prepared and made a furnace capable of holding God’s fire.

We need a new heart from God. The only way the sinful heart can be made into a furnace for God’s flame is to be exchanged for a new one. That old sinful heart needs to be torn out and replaced with a new heart from God. Such a new heart is available only by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

The new heart we receive from God comes with the perfect fittings for His fire. The first step to a new heart is that God takes the initiative to give us a new heart. God enlightens our heart and exposes its sinfulness and need of cleansing and redemption (2 Corinthians 4:6; John 16:8-11). God is the One who opens the heart to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior (Acts 16:14; 26:18).

The next step in being fitted with God’s new heart is admitting your present heart is weak and sinful. And as we admit that we trust the gospel truth that Jesus died on the cross to pay the just requirement and penalty for our sin.  The only way our sin can be cleaned away is by applying the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9).  God’s new heart is then put in place. When we receive forgiveness for our sins from Him based on trusting Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross the new heart is installed. The new heart is lowered into our chest cavity as we  believe in our heart that Jesus has risen from the dead and confess with our mouth that He is Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

The Bible says: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26). That new heart is empowered, strengthened and fired by the Lord (Psalm 27:14). This new heart is established by the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:13). This new heart runs on the love of the Spirit (Romans 5:5). Its high spiritual octane is measured by its total love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37). This new heart is governed by Jesus as Lord in life (1 Peter 3:15). This new heart serves God totally (Deuteronomy 26:16). This new heart relies on God’s owner’s manual the Bible (Proverbs 3:5). This new heart filters out the dirt of sin (Psalm 66:18). This new heart responds to the Driver God (Ephesians 6:6). A burning heart is a heart maintained and functioning according to God’s manual the Bible and running on the fuel of the Spirit; love.  

The optimum burning heart – When your heart is operating the way God intended it to operate it will be like a stable of horses ready to charge out of the barn and be used by God. Your heart horsepower depends on the degree to which you allow God to work on your engine.

Jeremiah was on fire for God. And God sent him on a mission. God sent him to be a prophet to a people that would not listen to him (Jeremiah 6:17). He needed a well maintained heart for such a task. He did get frustrated at times on that mission. So frustrated did Jeremiah become with his situation that he told the Lord he was going to shut up and not speak anymore. But read what his burning heart taught him: “Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.”  But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.” (Jeremiah 20:9).  You see? The burning heart fueled by God and His word burns its way out of complacency, discouragement, and despair. The burning heart is a heart on fire for the Lord.

Lukewarm Hearts - But there’s something else we see in the words of Jeremiah. In these words we see the nature of humanity. Like Jeremiah, in our own strength, we think to and often try to repress or limit the flame of God in us. There are many lukewarm, lackadaisical, and limping Christians who Jesus finds repulsive. There are too many Millard and Mazy Milktoast Christians. That is what Jesus says in a personal letter to the church at Laodicea to whom He writes:  “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:14-17).

What Jesus wrote to this church is very important because the state of those Laodiceans is found in part and even in whole in many churches today. Jesus is writing to Christians. Jesus identifies Himself as “the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God [i.e. supernatural authority over].” There’s no lukewarmness with Jesus. But that’s not the case with His followers in this church. The Laodiceans are lukewarm; they are neither cold nor hot; they can take Jesus or leave Jesus. This is totally unacceptable to Jesus. He says they should be either cold or hot, but not lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-15). Jesus finds lukewarmness repulsive. And in light of the fire of the cross He has good reason for His revulsion. It’s enough to make the Savior “vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

What causes lukewarmness in the heart? According to Jesus the problem is being rich in the things of this world instead of the things of God. It’s being preoccupied with worldly wealth and unaware or uninterested in spiritual needs (Rev. 3:17). If you want the fire of Jesus you have to be willing to adopt His priorities and purposes in your life. There really does need to be an exchange from “old man” to “new man” (cf. Romans 6; Ephesians 4; Colossians 3). The Christian today is trying to live a new life in Christ with the old ways and patterns of the sinful carnal man. Nothing will quench God’s fire faster than dousing the flame with the syrup of secularism. Nothing will hinder God’s fire more than dressing in the flame retardant jingly jacket of worldly bells and whistles.

The Remedy - from Lukewarm to Zealous – What’s the solution? What’s the remedy? Jesus counsels these lukewarm believers to remedy their condition buy advising them, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” (Revelation 3:18).  They need to count the cost and be willing to go through the fires of life that deepen their faith from superficial to substantial. He says get “fire,” from Him; submit to His life lessons. His word is purified in the furnace (Psalm 12:6). There is such a thing as the fires of persecution (Luke 12:49-53).  We must be willing to enter the furnace with the word (e.g. 1 Peter 1:6-9). Jesus says to suit up in “white garments” (which speaks of holiness). He says treat the cataracts of your spiritual eyes with His “eye salve.” Wash your eyes with the water of the word. Let the light of God’s word shine through your darkness (Revelation 3:18).

Jesus tells them, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Jesus loves the lukewarm believer even though He despises their lukewarmness. Jesus loves us too much to leave us lukewarm. A lukewarm believer may be cool toward Jesus, but Jesus is hot for them. He loves them and that is why He takes the time to try and ignite them out of their complacency and lukewarm condition. Jesus calls us out of a lukewarm condition because He loves us! The medicine for lukewarmness is the love of Jesus.

The word “zealous” in Revelation 3:19, (Greek zelos) refers to a fervent on fire condition of holy jealousy and desire for the things of God. Are you zealous for the things of God, or are the things of God easily crowded out or replaced by other things? What are you really on fire for? If you’re not on fire for Jesus and everything connected with Him, then you need to “repent.” Turn from your diversions which distract you from Jesus and listen for His knock.

With repentance in place Jesus then says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ²² “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22). That is a verse we often use to evangelize the lost. But it is in fact a verse aimed at the lukewarm believer! The remedy for a lukewarm heart is opening up and inviting Jesus in. Sweet fellowship with Jesus ignites and stokes the spiritual fire in our heart.

Why not open up your heart right now? If you feel no urgency about the things of the Lord or if they are low on your list of priorities you are lukewarm and in need of a fresh ignition by the Lord. He’s here and He wants to make your heart burn again. Jesus loves you so much and it pains Him and grieves Him to see you in your lukewarm state. The choice is yours.

We need a burning heart - God manifested His presence to Moses in a fiery burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Fire represents the power of God (e.g. the 7^th plague of God on Egypt - Exodus 9:24). Fire marks God’s approval (e.g. of the priestly ministry - Leviticus 9:24). Fire is and instrument of God’s wrath (e.g. Sodom and Gomorrah - Genesis 19:24; Matthew 25:41; Hebrews 12:29; 2 Peter 3:10-12). Fire guides through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). Fire transports us to heaven (e.g. Elijah – 2 Kings 2:11). God’s fire is stronger that the fear of death (Song of Solomon 8:6). God’s fire purifies (Isaiah 6:5-7). God’s word is fiery and fire producing (Jeremiah 5:14). God protects us with a “wall of fire” (Zechariah 2:5). Jesus the Messiah is described as a “refiner’s fire” (Malachi 3:2). The Holy Spirit manifested His presence upon the disciples with tongues of fire over their heads (Acts 2:3). We need God’s fire! We need a burning heart.

The Bible also warns of the dangers of living without God’s fire. It speaks of the fires of affliction which come because of sin (Isaiah 43:2). God warns the fire of lust will burn us (Proverbs 6:27-28). The fire of the tongue’s sinful word-sparks can ignite a forest fire of problems (James 3:6). Fire can either purify us or pummel you; your choice.

The steps to a burning heart – A burning heart is one that is filled with the presence, power, approval, purpose, protection, and purity of the Lord.  A burning heart is noticeable. A burning heart is tangible. You can’t be on fire and not know it. Sooner or later you’ll feel the burn. You can’t have a burning heart and not know it. If you’re in doubt, you probably don’t have a burning heart. So how can we get a burning heart? Let’s join Jesus and a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus and observe the steps to a burning heart.  

Luke 24:13–35 (NKJV)

¹³ Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And they talked together of all these things which had happened. ¹⁵ So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

The first step to a burning heart is to be in conversation about Jesus. As we start discussing Jesus He has a way of entering the conversation. And once Jesus is in the conversation we are on the right track toward a burning heart. So open the door of your heart in conversation about Jesus. He just may be in the neighborhood. He just may drop in.

¹⁷ And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” ¹⁸ Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” ¹⁹ And He said to them, “What things?”

 

The second step toward a burning heart is to listen to Jesus and ask questions. Jesus will always enter the home that invites Him in. Jesus introduced Himself into their conversation by asking them a question. Cleopas responded to Jesus with a question of His own. There is a two way conversation going on here. We have to listen to the questions Jesus is asking us and then openly ask Him questions of our own. 

 

Notice also that only one of the two disciples is actually named. Why is that? I think it’s so that we can insert ourselves into this conversation through this unnamed disciple. Are you there with them now? I hope so.

 

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. ²¹ But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. ²² Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. ²³ When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. ²⁴ And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

 

The third step to a burning heart is to lay out before Jesus what you do know. They laid out before Jesus what they did know about the situation. It’s a good idea to lay out on the table the pieces of your life circumstances. Lay everything out before the Lord. Turn it all over to Him. Jesus is a perfect Gentleman. He won’t go where he isn’t invited. He can be trusted. He doesn’t sneakily open the medicine cabinet while using your bathroom. No, He will only work on the pieces you lay out before Him.

 

I think it’s very interesting and telling that God in Christ had just completed the most stupendously significant magnificent victory over sin and death of all eternity and these disciples weren’t even aware of it! In fact, they were actually down and depressed. Jesus had just sustained an incredible brutalization at the hands of sinful humanity. He had gone to the cross and paid the death penalty for the sins of all humanity for all time and history. He had just demonstrated the incredible love of God eternally. They had even heard of the first witnesses’ report of the empty tomb! But they were filled with doubts and dark thoughts. That’s not uncommon; us human beings are often slow on the pickup.

 

We may be discouraged and depressed even though God’s victory is right before us. These disciples were missing the most important ingredients. They hadn’t remembered the words of Jesus. They hadn’t taken Jesus at His word. They were overcome by the giants of human depravity seeing themselves as only crickets of Christ (cf. Numbers 14). They were snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory. They just didn’t get it. We often don’t get what God is doing. That’s why we need to bring it all to Jesus.  

 

When we lay out what we know before Jesus He is able to connect the dots for us. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes (cf. John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14). When we give Jesus free reign in our lives He takes the ingredients and uses them to stoke a fire in us. Sometimes we have flammable material but haven’t unwrapped it for use. We may not even be aware that parts of what we have are fuel for His fire in us. Jesus is an Expert fire starter. Let your life be the fuel for His fire.

 

²⁵ Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

 

The fourth step toward a burning heart is to be open to the correction of the Lord. You have to be open to Jesus’ correction. There are times when the fires go out because we have misinterpreted what God is doing. That’s what happened to these two disciples. They saw defeat where God had worked His greatest victory! We have to be humble and open to the Lord’s correction. We have to be teachable. We need to be surrendered to Jesus to assess and build our faith. It’s no fun to be called “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the [prophets have spoken!” We may have to eat humble pie.  God is opposed to the proud and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).  Taking a humbling rebuke is often a step in receiving a burning heart.

 

²⁶ Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” ²⁷ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

 

The fifth step is to go to the word of God with Jesus. Jesus didn’t take them to a few isolated verses. Jesus started with Moses and then went to the prophets and expounded verse by verse chapter by chapter book by book. And the focus of His revelation and teaching to them was “concerning Himself.” The fires of the heart are stoked and fueled by what scripture says about Jesus. No fire is as bright as it could be or as pure as it should be unless it is fueled by scripture and scriptures testimony about Jesus. There are no short cuts or alternatives to the word of God. The fires of the hearth of our heart are stoked by Jesus with the word of God!

 

²⁸ Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. ²⁹ But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

 

The sixth step toward a burning heart is to actively seek fellowship with Jesus. Jesus made like He would go on without them. There was no way they were going to let this Teacher get away from them. They were fired up by Jesus’ teaching of His word. Oh, I can’t imagine how incredible a time with Jesus this must have been; to have Him explain the scriptures personally to them. It’s no wonder they “constrained” (Greek parebiasanto) Jesus to stay with them. They urged and compelled Jesus to the point of prevailing on Him to stay. They actively sought the presence of Jesus. If you want a burning heart you need to actively pursue Jesus. You can’t be lukewarm if you want a burning heart. You can’t have a take it or leave it attitude about God’s fire in your heart. You have to want it. Prevail on Jesus in prayer and compel Him to give you a burning heart. Hold on to Jesus with every fiber of your being and don’t let go until your heart is burning hot.

 

³⁰ Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

 

The seventh step toward a burning heart is dwelling with Jesus. They recognized Jesus as they spent time with Him. If you want a burning heart you have to take the time to spend time with Jesus. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time for Jesus you can pretty much forget about stoking the fires of your heart. If you think you can fit Jesus into your schedule and have Him light your fire, forget it. It’s going to take more than a minute devotional to get the fire of God. You have to patiently, calmly spend time in fellowship with Jesus. You have to sit with Jesus and pour over His word as if it were the most important thing in your life. And it should be! What is more important than spending time with Jesus?

 

It was when these two disciples and Jesus sat down together and broke bread together that the light when on, the spiritual sparks began to fly and their fire was lit. The first disciples were known for their devotion to “breaking bread” together (Acts 2:42). What’s the big deal about breaking bread? When Jesus broke bread it reminded them of the times Jesus had fellowshipped with them. It may have reminded them of past Passover meals shared with Jesus. The Passover was a time of remembrance of God’s delivering His people from the oppression of the world. It was an illustration of “the Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). It was a time of worship.

 

If you want to kindle a fire within, worship with Jesus. Even if you don’t feel like worshipping, take a step of faith and worship with Jesus. There is something about worshipping the Lord that turns up the flame of our heart. I’m not only speaking about singing, though that is a good start. Putting on worship music invites the holy flames of God. But worship Jesus in whatever you are doing. Do whatever you are doing for Jesus; as a love offering to Him. Then feel the fires grow (e.g. Colossians 3:17, 23-24). Enter into and enjoy the presence of Jesus and your heart will soon be enflamed with Him.

 

³² And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” ³³ So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, ³⁴ saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” ³⁵ And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

 

The final step toward a burning heart is to tell others about Jesus. Their hearts were burning bright after their encounter with Jesus. But they didn’t sit back and bask in the glow. No, they were burning to tell others of their encounter with Jesus. And when we tell others about Jesus it keeps the fire in our heart hot and glowing. Every word to others about Jesus is another log on the fire of our heart. Don’t settle for secular conversations. Inject some passion for Jesus into your communications. You’ll be amazed how it will fire you up. You’ll be surprised how the fire of Jesus catches on with others.

Are you more a smoldering wick than a flaming heart for Jesus? Go to Jesus. Open up to Him. Invite Him to open His word to you. Stoke the flames with fellowship in the word with Jesus. Take time, make time for Jesus. And then compel Him to light the fire of your heart. Let our rallying cry be “I must BURN WITHIN! BURN WITHIN! BURN WITHIN FOR JESUS!” That’s a determined purpose and request of Jesus He is always happy to fulfill.

---

^[1]Strong, J. 1997, c1996. The new Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words (electronic ed.). Thomas Nelson: Nashville

In What or Whom Do You Trust?

 

“. . . for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” – John 12:43

 

 

Have you ever had someone wave off a conversation about Jesus with the words, “I’m Catholic. . . .” or “I’m Baptist” or “I’m ­­­­­­__________"? Such a comment and wave off is thought to be a decisive and dismissive means of cutting off a conversation that the person saying it doesn’t feel is necessary or of value for them. I want to speak to those who use such tactics. I also want all of us to consider where we have placed our faith. Jesus addressed the very same tactic in the Gospels. On one such occasion Jesus’ listeners tried to dismiss His teaching with the claim, “We are Abraham’s descendants” (John 8:33). They thought their nationality and religious heritage removed them from the idea that they were bound in sin (John 8:31-36). This is a teaching that cuts to an underlying issue. You see, it isn’t your church or religious affiliation that is of prime importance. It isn’t what you trust in but Who you trust in that is of prime eternal import.  You can belong to a church or synagogue and still be bound in sin.

 

John 12 marks the beginning of John the Apostle’s account of the final week of Jesus ministry leading up to the cross and resurrection. The chapter begins with a Triumphal entry and ends with heightening trials of opposition to Jesus and His message. Jesus remains true to the end. But toward the end of the chapter, despite the powerful teaching and signs of Jesus, John is inspired to write, “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42-43).  Jesus was having an impact on the heart of even the ruling elite. But because of the religious leaders and their hold on the people by the shackles of religious affiliation, those who believed Jesus and His message chose to submit to the praise of men rather than surrender to the praise of God. They were in the clutches of a club mentality. They were swallowed by allegiance to the synagogue. And today we see a very similar scenario as people creep away from Jesus using church affiliation.

 

How sad it is when people know Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, they know the gospel message is right and true and real and still don’t follow Him. Here people have “believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.” The synagogue was the center of Jewish life. The synagogue system had been used by God to sustain His people during the seventy years of captivity when Israel as a nation and the center of national pride, the Temple, was laid low. The synagogue system remained prominent even after the Temple was rebuilt. This was a credible and real cost those who believed in Jesus would have to count. But the synagogue, as well as the Temple, is not greater than Jesus.

 

The synagogue’s purpose was to be a place where God’s people could be taught about God. It was in the synagogue that people heard the exposition of God’s word. Although it must be said that rabbinical “exposition” consisted mostly of rabbi’s quoting other prestigious rabbis as a means of garnering authority for themselves and their teaching. When Jesus came the only One He referred to as a root of authority was God His Father (cf. John 12:44-50). Because of this, (and because of the anointing of the Spirit – Luke 4:14-15) Jesus’ teaching was seen as unique and powerfully authoritative (cf. Mark 1:37; Luke 4:32 and 36).  The people saw Jesus and His teaching as holy, unique. When you compare Jesus to an institution and its promoters that will always be the case.

 

There is an extremely important distinction to make when considering the object of our faith. Our eternal destiny depends on this distinction. And that distinction can be summed up with the question: Is your faith in Christ or in a church or similar institution? You might be quick to respond, “Of course my faith is in Jesus!” But wait a minute. Is it really? Let me ask you something. Do you have a thriving, real, genuine, living, personal relationship with the risen Savior and Lord Jesus Christ? Or, are you simply depending on a church for your eternal life? What do I mean by that? Well, let me ask you a few more probing questions and hopefully you’ll catch my drift.

 

Do you regularly spend time alone with Jesus, one on One, with the Word of God open, prayerfully listening for His still small voice, or do you spiritually exist on maybe an hour a week of a sermon? Is what you believe based on a second hand trust in others’ teaching or opinions, or traditions, or is it based on a first hand working and walking through scripture with the Lord? Do you spend time with Jesus or spend time in a church? The two are not necessarily the same. Do you have a “personal” firsthand relationship with Jesus, or do you depend on a human mediator or tradition laden mediatrix? Is your “Jesus” still on a crucifix or is He in your heart? Scripture tells us, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, . . . the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:9-10). The Bible proclaims, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Is Christ in you? When you stand before God on Judgment Day He will not ask you the name of the church you belonged to, He will ask you if His Son, the Savior and Lord, is in you. What will you answer Him on that day?

 

I want to encourage you to engage the Lord Jesus in a personal way. Listen, the church never saved anyone, Jesus, the Head of the church, saves anyone and everyone who has ever been saved from their sin. When we have greater allegiance to the church than to Jesus it’s as though we praise the scalpel rather than the surgeon who performs successful surgery on us. The church, like a scalpel in the surgeon’s hand, is only as valuable and effective as the one using it. In truth, the church is not enough to sustain your faith. An hour or two a week in a church, even if God’s word is faithfully taught, is not enough to sustain you, or your children, or your family; anyone. Your personal relationship with Jesus needs personal attention every day. We need to walk each day with Jesus. So I ask you, “Is your trust in a church or in Christ?”

 

The church is the Bride of Christ and we should do everything we can to support it and keep it a place of holiness. But we are not saved by faith in a church. We are saved by faith in Christ. The church is only the church as long as it is in alignment with and in submission to its Head, Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). The “church” is only the church as it is in submission to and guided by God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Apostle Peter put it this way, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Sometimes that “dark place” is the church.

 

The church of Jesus, the only true church, is a scripture based, scripture oriented church. The “church” is only the church as it fulfills God’s definition of “church.” Peter also says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). It was the move of the Spirit that inspired men to write the scriptures. The Spirit moved these human penmen like a wind blows into the sails of a ship and drives it. And it is a current move of the Spirit to direct members of the church to live by God’s word that determines the genuineness and authenticity of the “church.” The Spirit will never, never, never, contradict Himself or the Holy Word He has inspired. Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit led people will never disregard, dismiss, redact, or edit out portions of God’s word in order to appease secular trends no matter how offensive God’s truth becomes. God’s truth and His word is settled in heaven and eternity (Psalm 119:89). God’s word has God’s Holy Name stamped on it (Psalm 138:2). Therefore, a “magisterium,” “church council,” or any “church” official is only as valid and worth obeying in that they bow to and serve God in obedience to His Holy Word.

 

The authority and foundation of the church is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). The “church” of Jesus Christ is a church steadfastly devoted first to “the apostles teaching” or word of God, second, to the “fellowship” of believers, third, to the “breaking of bread” or worship, and finally, “to prayer” (Acts 2:42). That; that is the “church.” The true “church” is depicted in Acts. That is the church you can trust. But we have to constantly guard against getting off course from God’s word. The church must maneuver within the parameters of God’s word. And the sad reality is we have, as a church, strayed very far from the New Testament scriptural definition of the “church.” 

 

Unfortunately, people, due in part to laziness or ill-placed trust, have supplanted a possible personal relationship with Jesus with a second hand walk in and walk out of a church. It takes time and effort to maintain a relationship. The breakdown of the marriage and shack-up mentality of our present time is evidence that people aren’t willing to work on or work through the often puzzling parts of relationship. And that mentality has infected the church of our day.

 

People shack-up with churches. They exit out of their church at the first sign of something they don’t like. They enter into another one and stay until that new car smell wears out. All the while they are looking in a church for something they can only find with Jesus. Like those new cars driven off the lot, that “new” church depreciates pretty quick. In fact, to many people, a church loses its worth when through the teaching of the word of God it becomes challenging or discomforting. People take offense at the preaching and teaching of the word. What did they expect? Sound Scriptural teaching speaks of “the offense of the cross” (Galatians 5:11). If you are offended that may be a sign that something good and true is being taught. Don’t leave it, embrace it and be crucified with Christ! (Galatians 2:20).

 

The church should introduce people to Jesus. The church should never take the place of Jesus. When people look to the church rather than to Jesus for fulfillment the result is exactly what we see today. Today we see an epidemic of church transience as people date instead of commit to churches. There is little to no loyalty to a church family. Just like people choose to trash their family for adulterous trysts, they do the same by hopping from one church to the next lusting for something or someone to quench a thirst that only Jesus can quench. Jesus is and can only be our true love. The church is a vehicle to bring people to Jesus. Do you love the limo at the wedding or the Groom?

 

The church is the Bride of Christ. The church is the people in it. “Now you are the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). The church is not the organization. The church is not the name given to it. The church is the instrument Jesus uses and ordains as the place to unite people in Himself (Ephesians 2-3). Love the church and its people like Jesus loved them (2 Corinthians 5:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 Peter 3:18-19). But don’t worship the church. Worship Jesus, the Head of the church. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus, not the church (Philippians 2:9-11). The church is only powerful and of value inasmuch as it is “My church” (Matthew 16:18). Is your church His church?

 

The church because it is filled with weak and limited human beings, Christians who are walking according to their own understanding rather than the Spirit and His Word, are for the most part carnal like the Corinthians (cf. I and II Corinthians). The epistles of the New Testament were inspired by the Spirit to a great extent to address problems in the church. If you look at the seven churches of Revelation to which Jesus wrote letters you find that 5 of the 7 churches had some serious problems (Revelation 2-3). By the end of the first century, less than 100 years after the birth and ministry of Jesus, the church had problems and had strayed. If that is true of the early church, how true might it be of the church of today?

 

The Apostle Peter spoke of the root of such problems when he received the inspiration of the Spirit and wrote about people who followed the, “aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers” (1 Peter 1:18). Human tradition is too often merely human explanation and worse, embellishment of faith and practice. And because of that it frequently leads people astray from God’s word. Tradition is second to scripture in terms of authority. Any tradition that contradicts or deviates from scripture must be discarded by the church and those who attend it.

 

Jesus confronted manmade traditions that contradicted and undermined God’s Holy Word (Matthew 15:1-20). Jesus told the religious leaders that the reason they erred was that they didn’t understand the scripture (Matthew 22:29). Scripture points us to Jesus. Tradition can sometimes stray off course from Jesus. Sometimes tradition points us to the church. Sometimes traditions subtly sway us from looking to Jesus and His word. The church can be self serving. The church and its tradition must always bow to Jesus and His Word. It bears repeating, the church is only as authoritative as it is in alignment with God’s word.

 

Not all tradition is wrong or bad. Good and acceptable tradition is rooted in and based on scripture. Paul referred to his delivered message as “traditions” (Greek paradosis e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:2). A tradition is something handed down from generation to generation. Paul therefore was referring to the teaching and instruction he had been led in by the Spirit and was passing on to the church. Tradition that is scripturally sound is good.

 

All traditions and every church needs to be appraised and seen through the lens of scripture. Tradition and churches are acceptable only in as much as they comply and conform to God’s Holy Word. Tradition that contradicts scripture ceases to be acceptable tradition. The church that contradicts scripture ceases to be the church acceptable to Christ. This is why we must give priority and allegiance primarily to Jesus and His Word over and above human tradition and the church. 

 

 

It is faith in Christ alone that saves. If our loyalties to a church exceed our loyalty to Jesus we are in great danger. Jesus endorses His word as the supreme authority for the church. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The church is only the church in as much as it is in alignment with and submitted to the word of God. The true church serves and submits to Jesus Christ. The true church introduces people to Jesus. The church steps aside and never gets in the way of people coming to Jesus Christ. So again, I ask you, is your faith in Christ or the church? Hopefully your faith is in the Person Jesus Christ. Hopefully you have been introduced to and encouraged to grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Hopefully this has been done through the faithful teaching of scripture by a church faithful and fully surrendered to Her Groom Jesus Christ. 

 

There is a final feature of misplaced faith. The reason they did not follow Jesus was peer pressure. “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” They cared more about what their religious leaders or fellow affiliates to a religious institution thought of them than they did of what God incarnate invited them to be a part of. That is about the saddest reason for not following Jesus that can be. It’s simply a question of God versus man. The early genuine church was powerful and proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). What would you proclaim?

 

The dynamic involved with peer pressured decisions is pride. It was because of pride that they “loved the praise of men.” Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). The serpent Lucifer rebelled against God Almighty in pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). At the center of “sin,” is “I.” “I” and life revolving around yourself or anyone other than Jesus is sin. This has been true from the start. Holding Jesus and His word off at arm’s length because of a proud religious affiliation is nothing more than pride. It is the same temptation the serpent used with Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3). The serpent’s enticing of  Eve could be translated, “Come over to my side.” The serpent coaxed Adam and Eve with a false promise. The serpent wanted to break God’s heart by luring our first parents into breaking their covenant contract with God. That serpent agent used every trick he knew to get Adam and Eve to sign a contract with him. That serpent slithered his way into the hearts of our first parents and he used pride to do it. It’s as though he were saying, “Come to me, come to my side, come to my gathering, my church and I’ll see that you have cushier seating, more alluring worship, and no one will ever get in your business. Just come to my side and you’ll be your own ruler. No restricting rules with me. You’ll be free to do what you want; you’ll be ‘God’!” Sound familiar? People leave one church for another; people leave Jesus for another all the time for stuff like that.

 

The serpent tempted Eve to disobey God by insinuating God didn’t want what was best for Eve. The serpent promised that if Eve ate the forbidden fruit she would be “like God.” In other words Satan the serpent was saying, “Eat the fruit and you won’t have to take any orders from God anymore. You’ll be just like Him. You’ll be your own master.” And that idea, self-rule, is at the heart of misplaced faith. People don’t want a personal relationship with Jesus as their Lord because they don’t want to count the cost. People are afraid of what Jesus might call them to give up. They don’t want to give up self-rule. That is sin. That is the sinful nature in its essence.

What the serpent and those who want to take the place of Jesus in people’s lives don’t tell you is that there is no greater slavery than slavery to someone or something other than Jesus. And what they try to shield you from is the truthful reality that lasting fulfillment, eternal fulfillment only comes through Jesus. The church and those connected to it shouldn’t be drawing people to themselves; they should be pointing people to Jesus. Jesus spoke the truth when He said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32). The church is the means to that end. The church should never be the end of that means. Is your trust in a church or is your trust in Jesus Christ? How you answer that question could determine your eternal destiny. In what or Whom do you trust?

 

 

Protection in the War of Words

Protection in the War of Words

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” - Psalm 27:14

Have you ever been in a word war? A “war of words,” like a nuclear blast, can cause massive damage and continuing fallout contamination. Just as there is stealth and secret maneuverings in an actual war the same is true in wars where words are the weapons. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). We are jolted by the brutality of mixed martial arts  and cage fighting, but the strikes and choke holds found there are nothing in comparison to a tongue that can break a bone (Proverbs 25:15). Words as weapons can have potentially devastating effect.

When some people speak they fire for explosive effect. They want to bomb you into obliteration with words. Leaders are especially in their cross hairs. To them leaders have a bulls-eye on their back and they take aim. A leader needs to defend against direct assaults as well as rear ambushes. Really anyone who crosses those who war with words is in danger of a banzai attack of words. “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:11). “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28). “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered” (Proverbs 11:9). Violence, hate, crushing, destruction are words that describe what is left in the rubble of wars of words. But God has provided “knowledge” in His word that where and how we can be protected in the war of words. 

What protection does God offer from this war of words? In the Wisdom literature of the Bible God exhorts, “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you” (Proverbs 4:24). The words “deceitful” and “perverse” mean to distort or bend to make crooked that which is straight. Ever bend the truth or present an account in a slanted way to favor your position? We may be especially tempted to do that when the fiery war arrows are flying at us. But God says to put that kind of talking away. Such use of words may be found in politics and back room scheming but should not be among the persons seeking wisdom and righteousness. Just think of what the world would be like if politicians, lawyers and everyone spoke words of life and truth. “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23). How good it would be!

The person who bends the truth, devises evil against others, and acts deceitfully is a person God describes as “wicked” and “worthless” (Proverbs 6:12-14). “Worthless” and “wicked” mean to be headed for destruction, having no profit, evil, ungodly, and wicked. “the LORD hates, . . .  a lying tongue . . . a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:17, 19). The LORD exhorts, “My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live” (Proverbs 7:1-2a). The war where words are the weapons is in reality a war about whether or not a person will keep God’s words. It’s a choice between wicked words and God’s Holy Word. “He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded” (Proverbs 13:13). The choice is ours.

“Under attack” is an interesting phrase. It speaks of being under, being besieged, beaten down, covered over, being on the bottom with an assailant on top pummeling away. I’m older now and I have come to the conclusion that the old rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names [or words] will never hurt me,” is a bunch of bologna. A knife can pierce skin and hit an organ, but words can pierce much deeper depths of your heart. Words can inflict a much deeper and more painful hurt than any stone ever could.

Words can be potent weapons or a perfect scalpel used in healing surgery. “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18). “An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue” (Proverbs 17:4). There is a choice before us. Will we listen to and learn the cutting ways of adversarial combat in a war of words? Will we return evil for evil or rely on God’s good. Wisdom teaches, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

What makes a war of words so devastating is that you can be in such a war and not even know it. What do I mean? Attacks come by surprise like a nuclear submarine prowling beneath the surface of the sea and then, whoosh! The torpedo or missile is fired. A salvo of gossip can be fired from far away. You only hear the whistling missile as it fast approaches. There’s little time to duck and shout “incoming!” so you and others can run for cover. A war of words can occur in a whisper. In fact, the most devastating war words are spoken out of earshot of the target.

All of this makes for a devastating blow. You may see signs of the effect. Your friends are no longer so friendly. People look at you with scornful looks that denounce you as well as communicate they know something you don’t. We begin to wonder things like, why was so-and-so so short with me? Why are they walking away shaking their heads? Why are they so distant? Where are they? I haven’t seen them around for some time? Maybe there are those “you ought to be ashamed of yourself,” or “how could you,” looks that befuddle the unsuspecting victim. By the time the hidden scheme is exposed the campaign of deceit has usually been so thoroughly laid that no matter what the unsuspecting victim responds it doesn’t matter; a character has been assassinated and reputation destroyed. And even if a correction or apology follows, it usually winds up on the back pages. The damage has been done.

A war of words or a campaign of gossip and deceit are ruthless and effective instruments of the enemy. Satan is the father or author of lies; “there is no truth in him” (John 8:44). When people lie and gossip they cross the line into the devil’s territory. That’s not a safe place for anyone. So you really want to follow a strategy that is authored by Satan? Do you really want to murder and destroy like Him. Has your heart been so deceived and darkened that Satan is more your father that God is?

But all is not lost for the innocent or the targeted. God has a way of bringing truth to light. “You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance” (Psalm 90:8). God never approves deceit. “You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’ son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes” (Psalm 50:20-21).  Just because God hasn’t stopped you doesn’t mean He approves of your war of words. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account” (Hebrews 4:13). The slanderer should be very uneasy and nervous given these words from the Lord. Jesus is “the truth” (John 14:6). Jesus is not lies.

So what is a proper response to wars of words? What protection has God provided? In His Word God tells us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). God’s word tells us very clearly, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25). We need to realize we are “members of one another.” Jesus died to unite people in Him (Ephesians 2-3). The church of Jesus Christ is God’s instrument to unite people under the banner of His love and in the name of Jesus. Evil speaking, gossip, deceit and manipulating facts to win an argument or outright attack another, especially a fellow believer and follower of Jesus Christ, THAT IS OFENSIVE TO GOD AND A SERIOUS SIN. If you are involved in that sinful activity you need to repent, seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of the one or ones you have been attacking with your words. Do that and there is opportunity for reconciliation and restored unity (cf. Ephesians 4:32).

Our part is to speak God’s truth in the love of the Spirit. Ultimately the fight is the Lord’s. He has promised to fight for us. He has promised to defend His people. He alone is the proper Arbitrator between offended parties. He alone is qualified to preside in a court marshal concerning a war of words. His word is the plumb-line separating right from wrong; the Spirit from the flesh. You may respond, “So are we to do nothing? Are we to just let people assassinate our character?” Well I’m sure the Spirit will direct you about what to say and when to say it. But if we simply entrust our circumstances to the Lord we are in good company. “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not His mouth” (Acts 8:32; Isaiah 53:7). Walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6; 1 Peter 2:21).

Psalm 27 is a source of promise and great encouragement for those who suspect or who know of a war of words being waged against them. This is a psalm of David. David as a king and leader must have known all too well the devastating effects of wars of words against him. His own son waged such a war against him. When family members turn to warring with words it is particularly painful. Absalom started a strategy of deceit against his father that led to his father’s being temporarily dethroned, greatly shamed, and greatly pained (cf. 2 Samuel 15-18). God fought for David and brought victory over his treacherous son eventually, but broad deep scars were left as furrows in his heart.

Mean words may not win the day, but they always leave their mark. Maybe that incident between David and his son was one of the experiences that led to David penning Psalm 27. What can we learn from this psalm about our God provided protection when under attack?

First, turn to God when under attack. David is inspired to open the psalm, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Light dispels darkness. Light helps one see for direction. Light helps one avoid dangers. Light and salvation are connected because when there is light one can see or handle one’s enemy or other dangers. The light of God’s word leads us out of the darkness of our sin and into the light of saving gospel of Jesus Christ. If we aren’t saved from sin then surrendering to Jesus in faith and receiving forgiveness for our sins is the place to start in finding protection in any war. If we are saved and walking in a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord then we need to remember and hold on to that reality.

The LORD (note Tetragrammaton – God’s holiest name: He is all He needs to be in order to do all He purposes to do) is the Person David attributes his light and salvation too. Therefore, he concludes, “Whom shall I fear?” The minister or one called by God as His instrument is promised light and salvation in the LORD. If God is for us who of any consequence can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32).

David knows God is the source of his strength. The LORD is “the strength of my life.” Any strength we have comes from the LORD. We don’t rectify life problems by our might or our power but only by the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6; Acts 1:8). We stand in the power of His might with His weaponry (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Twice David is inspired to mention the idea of fear. Fear is the common link in this first verse. David wouldn’t have mentioned fear unless he was afraid. Life can get scary at times; even for a minister of God. There is the fear of “failing,” the fear of a lack of provision, or a fear of gossiping attacks. There are many reasons that tempt us to fear. We need not fear though when we hold on to Jesus by faith. Fear is the foe of faith. Faith in Jesus overcomes fear.

Second, understand that adversaries can be ruthless. David describes his attackers as, “When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell” (Psalm 27:2). David’s opponents were going for the jugular. They were fleshly flesh eaters. Here are some real walking dead. “Wicked” (Hebrew ra’a) means literally spoiler, one who breaks to pieces, a good for nothing. A wicked person is a relationship killer. Wicked words wreck relationships.

The person called by God can expect to be attacked. David was, Jesus was, the Apostles/disciples were, so will we. But we need not fear because God is for us (cf. Psalm 62:8; Romans 8:31-32). God will cause our enemies to stumble and fall. He will trip them up in their own deceptions. The more lies one tells, the harder it is to keep tract of them. We are not in life or ministry alone. God is with us. God is for us. He will watch over us. God will defend us.

Third, the size of an enemy is not the most important factor. David said, “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident” (Psalm 27:3). The size of our enemies force is not of primary concern. David said, “My heart shall not fear.” This is a declaration of faith. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is faith to overcome fear. “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” We can be “confident” while under attack. “Confident” (Hebrew batah) means trust, refuge, certainty, trust. David says, “I will”; this is a step of faith. Take a step of faith and keep on stepping in faith. Trust in God no matter the size of the attacker.

Fourth, the one thing you NEED to do when under attack; stay in fellowship with God and His people. David said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). When under attack we need to keep our eyes on the LORD. Keep your eyes on “the beauty of the LORD.” Add to that “inquire in His temple.” In other words, go to church and seek the LORD. Get into God’s place of worship and focus on the LORD. Be still and quiet before the LORD. Go to church when a service is not going on and just sit in the presence of the LORD.

When under attack, especially if we feel an injustice has been done, our inclination is to isolate ourselves from people; even God’s people. The temptation is to pout and have a pity party. This psalm tells us we should do just the opposite of that. It is the enemy that wants to isolate us. You’re easier to attack and defeat when you are alone. It is the animal separated from the herd that is easy prey for the predator. Fellowship is a pillar of spiritual health (cf. Acts 2:42). It’s in fellowship that we can help each other with the burdens of life that are too heavy for any one person to bear (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25). And even if the source of the attack you are experiencing is from your fellowship, you need to stay plugged in. Don’t let the enemy run you off. Let the enemy leave. You stay. Work it out. Grow from the situation.

David had a heart that steadfastly sought the LORD even when under attack. This was his key to survival. He did temporarily leave Jerusalem when attacked by his son. But he always had dependable friends around him. And eventually he returned. It’s easy to run away when attacked. But when we run off no true resolution or healing can take place.

Fifth, when under attack, find a secret place to pour out your heart to the LORD. It’s so important to have, “a place.” You need a place that is your place to meet with the LORD; just you and Him. David knew this as he said, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5). Constant and persistent attack can be debilitating and exhausting. Because of that we need to tap into God and let His presence course through our spiritual veins. This is where we are empowered by the LORD.

When we meet with God it also helps us keep things in perspective. When troubles arise it is God who hides and protects us from the troubles and the enemies. God does this as He will “set me high upon the rock.” God provides an advantageous position for us to see. God gives us perspective. That’s why David was inspired to testify in another psalm – “You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. . . . Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:20, 24). Get alone with God. Come into His presence. He will give you rest. He will heal your wounds.

Sixth, when under attack, by faith, be thankful for victory ahead of time. David states by faith, “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD” (Psalm 27:6). This is a declaration of faith by David. He is not looking retrospectively on what has already happened. He is looking ahead to what he believes by faith God will do to bring him victory. The evidence of this hope is his worship of the LORD. It’s easy to worship God after victory is secured. It’s faith to worship God in the midst of the storm before victory is secured.

Seventh, when under attack pray and seek the face of the LORD! David says, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me” (Psalm 27:7). David expresses his reliance on prayer and his call for mercy. Sometimes enemy attacks can be overwhelming so like David we cry for mercy. Then David describes the content of his prayer  saying, “When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation” (Psalm 27:8-9). God called David to “Seek My face.” He calls out to the LORD. Then he listens. He takes in God’s response. And then David obeys. David applies to life what God reveals to him. David’s prayer is a two way conversation.

God told David, “Seek My face.” God tells the hurting overwhelmed David and He tells us “Look at Me.” In other words, “Seek My presence.” David responds in obedience, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” When you seek the face of the LORD it is enthralling. Once you seek and see the face of the LORD, you don’t ever want to look away. That is what David says. He begs God to not hide His face from him. David acknowledges God “has been my help.” It is in such a memory of God’s past faithfulness that David cries to God for salvation in the present. David knows how dependent he is on God. To David, a worse idea than an attacking enemy is the thought of God forsaking him. What’s most important to you, vanquishing your attacker, or leaving that to God and seeking His face?

Eighth, when attacked remember God is most faithful. David makes this point when he says, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10). David says God is more reliable and faithful than even his own parents. God is our primary and most important relationship. Even if everyone forsakes us, God never will. Rest in that truth. Even, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

Ninth, when attacked be teachable. David humbly prays, “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies” (Psalm 27:11). He is teachable. He knows there are lessons to be learned in such difficult situations. David doesn’t proudly insist there is nothing for him to learn. Humbly David seeks God’s teaching and direction to learn from his life circumstance. Nothing teaches so thoroughly as a hard trial (cf. 1 Peter 1:6-9).  

Tenth, when attacked bring the specifics of the attack before the LORD. David prays, “Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence” (Psalm 27:12). David states the specific danger to the LORD; “false witnesses.” The LORD already knows what David is facing so he is not led by the Spirit to do this for the LORD’s sake. David states his request for his and our sake. When we pray specifically we know when God answers specifically. Pray generally and we might miss God’s answers. Bring the details before the LORD. Ask Him for recollection and insight. Let the Spirit open your eyes (1 Corinthians 2:9-14).

The Christian, (and especially those in ministry) can be sure to expect “false witnesses” to rise against them. That is reality. People will make false statements in varying degrees. Sometimes it will be due to self deception (1 John 1:8, 10). Other times it will be a purposeful use of misinformation or lies to reach a desired end. Just remember, if someone complains or talks negatively about a predecessor or someone else, chances are they will do the same about you when they leave. No accusation should be received that can’t be corroborated by reliable witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28).

Eleventh, when attacked don’t lose heart; trust in the goodness of the LORD. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). David expresses the value of a close and constant relationship with the LORD. This is emphasized over and over in this psalm. Take that to heart. He says he would have “lost heart” or given up if it weren’t for God. Similarly, we will lose heart if we don’t go to the LORD when under attack.

We need to go to God and believe that we will see the goodness of the LORD. “Goodness” (Hebrew tub) means God’s goodness in the widest sense, concrete actual goodness, beauty, gladness, joy, or things going well. This is what we need to believe in and anchor our hope to (Heb. 6:19). And this promised goodness comes in the “land of the living.” It will come in this life. This is not a dream of eternity, (though God’s goodness will overflow there too) but this is something we can expect in this life. We will experience God’s goodness. That is encouraging truth for the one under attack.

Twelveth, when under attack wait on the LORD to deliver. Lastly David says, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). David exhorts the person under attack to “wait on the LORD.” He exhorts the attacked to “be of good courage.” “Courage” (Hebrew hazaq) means to fasten upon, be strong, courageous, get strength from, conquer, cleave to, be constant in. Hold on to the LORD when you’re under attack! “Strengthen” (Hebrew amas) means to be alert physically and mentally, be courageous, be steadfastly minded, determined, prevail, strengthen and make strong, and steadfast. Rely on God to get you through the war of words.

Take courage and persevere in light of David’s psalm. Wait courageously on the LORD when you’re under attack. Load up with the ammunition provided in this psalm and weather the storm of the war of words.  It’s tough in the trenches. There will be times of hand to hand combat. But you aren’t alone. Remember, God has your back!