Missing the Fullness

“And they did not drive out the Canaanites . . . .” – Joshua 16:10

God has given us “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). But it is possible to miss out on the fullness of those promises. God had promised to give His people the Land of Canaan (Joshua 1). In the New Testament Jesus promises abundant life (John 10:10). Why is it then that our life as a Christian so often feels less than abundant? In Joshua 15 through 19 we are given insight into some of the causes of Missing the Fullness of God’s promises.

People miss out on the fullness of God’s promises because of ingrained enemies. In Joshua 15 we are reminded of the good example of Caleb who did experience the fullness of the promise of God’s blessing in the conquest of the territory allotted to him by God (Joshua 15:13-15). “Caleb drove out” the giant impediments to the promise of God. But in verse 63 we are introduced by way of contrast to the first reason why God’s people sometimes miss out on the fullness of His promises. It states, “As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.”  An ingrained enemy is one reason people don’t’ live in the fullness of God’s blessing. Here we see one of the reasons people don’t live in the fullness of God’s blessings. We are told that the children of Judah were unable to drive out the Jebusites. The Jebusites inhabited Jerusalem. It was historically a well-fortified city. The Jebusites were able to withstand efforts to besiege the city because they had built a water shaft that kept the city from dying of thirst. It wasn’t until the reign of David that the Jebusites were defeated (2 Sam. 5).

There are strongholds in our life that sometimes take a prolonged period of time and effort to defeat. Victory is assured (e.g. Rom. 8:37-39). But victory may not come instantaneously. This is one reason for people not experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. Like Jerusalem under the Jebusites there may be a tunnel that this enemy is using to funnel and feed itself so that it remains in place. Like David we need to identify the source that the enemy is using to feed itself and cut it off. Is there an enemy in your life? Are you allowing a tunnel of some kind to feed it? The way to victory is to cut off the source of feeding for your entrenched enemy.

People miss out on the fullness of God’s blessing due to incomplete efforts. In Joshua chapters 16 and 17 we are given the boundaries of the Land of Promise apportioned to the two tribes of Joseph. And in Joshua 16:10 it states, “And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers.” An incomplete work keeps us from the fullness of God’s blessing. In verse 10 we are told the tribe of Ephraim did not follow God’s commandment to completely remove the inhabitants of Canaan (Deut. 7). They allowed pockets of enemy presence to remain in the land. We are not told this was because of a particularly strong enemy resistance. We are simply told they did not drive out these Canaanites. They settled to making them forced labor.

There are times when we think we know better than the Lord. There are times when we think we can take and use those things God has forbidden for us. That always leads to problems and less than God’s best. It results in living in less than the fullness of God’s blessing. It’s important to pay attention to and carry out God’s word in detail; in its fullness. Fully keeping the word of God is the way to experience the fullness of His blessing. God doesn’t bless short cuts, half-hearted, and incomplete sloppy efforts.

People miss out on the fullness of God’s promises because of an eye-for-more. In Joshua 17:1-13 give us the boundaries of the half tribe of Manasseh who did enter the Promised Land. (Remember that half of the tribe of Manasseh decided to take their portion outside the Promised Land – Numbers 32:15). The half tribe of Manasseh who did enter the Land and receive an allotment came to Joshua with a complaint: “Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?” ¹⁵ So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.” ¹⁶ But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.” ¹⁷ And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, ¹⁸ but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.” (Joshua 17:14-18). These verses show us that, an eye for more can keep one from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing.

There are times when we miss out on God’s blessing because we mistakenly seek more outside our lot before we take what is ours in the land in which God has placed us. God had given the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh their lot. They were dissatisfied with what God gave them. They felt they deserved more. Therefore they went to Joshua and complained and asked for a greater inheritance. Joshua’s response was to acknowledge they were indeed a great people and that they would indeed be given more land, but that the land they would be given was not elsewhere but right where they were.

Sometimes we miss the trees for the forest. Sometimes we fail to see what God is giving us right where we are because we are looking (lusting) for more elsewhere. This is a version of the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side mentality. There are times when we are looking for more land before we have completely taken and experienced the fullness of what God has for us where we presently are situated. There are numerous example of this in life. Like the child with two fists full of cookies who cries for “More cookies! More!” There is the person who cries for a promotion before they have proved themselves in their present position. There is the person who church hops to find a spouse when God may have provided their mate right where they are in their local church. There is the person who feels called to be a missionary to the world when they have failed to win their local neighbors. This more-mindset that keeps us from the fullness of God’s blessing is rooted in pride, presumption, a pressure to achieve or get more, a spirit of entitlement, and a general dissatisfaction with what God has given them.

This hindrance to the fullness of God’s blessing also involves a subtle laziness or lack of passion to take the land God has given you. Ephraim and Manasseh didn’t want to put in the effort to take land that would require a battle against giants. They had to be reminded by Joshua that, “You are a great people, and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours” (Joshua 17:17). In other words Joshua said, “You are great and you will receive more, but you will have to work for it in the power the Lord has provided.”

It is also rooted in a misunderstanding about how greatness is defined. Alan Redpath correctly comments:

“Greatness . . . has everything to do with faithfulness to the Lord and constant, persistent endeavor after holiness of life. . . . Are you constantly discontented with your present lot? Do you often pine for greater opportunity to serve the Lord? Is your heart set on some mission field? For it may be that the searchlight of God’s Word will disclose that the enemy is still deeply entrenched in your soul. May the Spirit of God point out to you that perhaps you have not really possessed the lot which God has given you. . . .

 As God speaks to you today, do you not see that the real trouble in your life may be, not that you have not enough scope for your gifts, but that you are not living to capacity where you are? Satan is still sharing the land with you. You may want to leave him behind and move on to greater things, but that is never God’s way. You can strain at the leash just as long as you like, but God’s Spirit will hold you back and focus the searchlight of the Word on your life. He will keep you where you are until you have occupied and lived to capacity just there, and until – in the place in which you are serving, in the lot that He has given you, up to the capacity of your heart for Christ - the enemy has been vanquished. [1]

Have you been seeking greater land from the Lord, different land? Seeking an escape from what God has given you? Perhaps He has work for you to do right where you are.

People miss the fullness of God’s promises because of neglecting to apply those promises. In Joshua 18 it states, “Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there. And the land was subdued before them. ² But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance. ³ Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?) Joshua 18:1-3). The tribes assembled to worship at the tabernacle of the Lord. But Joshua said there was something wrong; something was left out. They came to worship but they neglected to apply what God had told them. It is good and very important to attend church, worship the Lord, and take in the teaching of His word. But if what is taught is never applied it becomes worthless! Joshua identifies this lapse and problem and exhorts the seven tribes who hadn’t yet taken possession of their allotted land to do so.

We can attend church and study the word of God regularly, but if we never apply in the Spirit what the Spirit has shown us, it is worthless. Without applying what the Spirit teaches and what God promises in His word, we are rendered impotent; a gelding; we become spiritually constipated and bloated. We have to apply in life what is learned in the sanctuary or in our quiet times with the Lord and His word. Failing to apply God’s word in life will result in missing the fullness of the promises of God in life.

Joshua countered the neglect of the seven tribes by sending out three men from each of the seven neglectful tribes to survey the land (Joshua 18:4-7). When we fail to apply or take hold of the promises of God we need to survey the land; restudy what God has promised; and be re-inspired by remembering just what God has promised us.

Joshua sent out the surveyors and they “wrote the survey in a book” (Joshua 18:8-10).  It’s a good thing to write down and record God’s allotted land and promises of God. That helps us know just where we are to apply those promises.

Joshua 19 provides the boundaries for the remaining tribes. Joshua’s personal boundaries for his allotment of land are given in the last part of Joshua 19 (verses 49-51). Notice that Joshua took his allotment last; after the other tribes had received their allotment from the LORD. Joshua was a servant leader. He led by serving God’s people. He was not out to fleece the flock of God but to feed them the promises of God. That is the way of a godly leader. When the Spirit is leading through a leader, that leader will be driven to serve and sacrifice for those God calls them to lead. That is the way a leader leads his people into the fullness of God’s blessing. And that is the way we will experience the fullness of God’s promises and blessing.

More often than not we miss out on what God has for us because of self-centeredness, greed, pride, the flesh. It’s fitting that Joshua received his portion last. He becomes a beautiful Christ-type here as he fulfills the New Testament exhortation to, “Let nothing be one through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3). This is the Christlike mindset we should have (cf. Phil. 2:5-11). Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:23-25). God has more than Land for you to possess. His purposes are more than temporal; they are eternal. Ask yourself, “What are God’s eternal purposes for me?” Seek His will and ask that question, and you’ll experience the fullness of His blessing.

 

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[1] Alan Redpath, Victorious Christian Living, (Calvary Chapel Pub. Santa Ana, CA 2007)   pgs. 181f.

Circumcised Priorities

At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” – Joshua 5:2

Joshua and the army of Israel must have thought they had the enemy right where they wanted them. The kings of Canaan and their people had heard of the exploits of Israel’s God. They knew what God had done in Egypt and the Red Sea crossing (Joshua 2:9-11). They knew of God drying up the Jordan. Their hearts melted. It states, “there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel” (Joshua 5:1). For Joshua and the army of God everything shouted, “CHARGE!”  Their enemy was weak as Jell-O, wobbly as wet noodles, ready to retreat; ready for defeat. They were already defeated in heart. From a purely military outlook when your enemy is defeated in heart, they will soon be defeated in reality. Wouldn’t you too have been ready to charge ahead?

If you charged ahead you would have been ill prepared and out of sync with the LORD. Later in Joshua we see the walls of mighty Jericho fall (Joshua 6). But after that we see a humiliating defeat at the much smaller city of Ai (Joshua 7). The difference between victory and defeat rests in God’s Circumcised Priorities.

Standing before a heart defeated foe, chomping at the bit to lay into them and secure the victory, I’ll bet circumcising your army wouldn’t be at the top of your list of military tactics and strategy. But the account states, “At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” Such a command was likely met with questions. In their shoes we may have sarcastically thought - Yeah, right. Let’s disrobe and get naked before our enemy and perform surgery with homemade flint knives on our private parts. Yup, let’s cut ourselves so that we can’t walk let alone run into battle.  Let’s put ourselves in as extreme a precarious position as possible. Yup, that’s what we should do.   

But God works in unexpected and often unconventional ways. His ways are always measured and purposeful; efficient; effective. His ways are not our ways (Is. 55:8-9). His ways are heavenly. Our ways are earthy. His ways have eternal perspective. Our ways are short sighted. God works in ways to build faith and prepare us for victory. 

God prioritizes the spiritual eternal before the material temporal. He is more concerned with the inward heart condition of His people than any hurried rush to victory. That is because God knows victory starts IN THE HEART. Victory begins in heart trust then faith thrust. Gideon and his army defeated the Midianites not by strength of force but by strength of faith (Judges 6-7). David defeated Goliath not by the size of his armor but by a heart-faith cry of  “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin, But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Sam.17:45). God always prioritizes heart preparation before battle. He does this by requiring we trust Him.

Inner preparation precedes outward readiness. Before we can wield the sword of the Spirit on an enemy, before we can make healing incisions with the scalpel of God’s word, the first cut must be inward on ourselves. Circumcision is not merely a physical cut in our body. Circumcision speaks of heart surgery. “And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live” (Deut. 30:6). The New Testament comment is, “circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit” (Rom. 2:29). Before we go to minister in battle we have to invite God to cut with the knife of His word in our most secret and sensitive places. We have to love Him enough to trust Him to cut. We have to love Him enough to trust that His cuts are for our good.

Present yourself a living sacrifice laid bare on the altar of the cross (Rom 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20). Submit to the Surgeon-God’s transforming spiritual surgery. Come to King Jesus in full surrender vulnerable and obedient to His rule. Lay out completely, openly before Him. No reservations; hold nothing back from His search and surgery. Anesthetized to personal resistance; fully obedient to Him.  Our heart has to be right with God before we go out to battle; before we are ready for victory. Victory begins in the heart.

God builds faith through the unconventional. God asks us to do things that make us vulnerable. He requires we trust Him. It takes faith to cross the Jordan. It takes faith to be circumcised with your enemies nearby. It takes faith to live in the Promised Land. It takes faith to repent and trust Jesus as Savior. It takes faith to live with Him as Lord. It takes faith to stand for Him. It takes faith to trust in the leading and work of the Holy Spirit both in and through us. We live “from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘the just shall live by faith.’” (Rom. 1:17).

Circumcision symbolizes cutting away the flesh of the sinful nature. That is why we are instructed to circumcise our heart; the place of the will. We aren’t ready for battle until we are freed by God from any self-reliance that might cause us to disregard His orders. Charging into battle without heart circumcision leads to defeat. King Saul proudly disregarded God’s command and lost the kingdom (1 Samuel 15). Samuel’s assessment of Saul’s imprudent incomplete obedience was, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?” (1 Samuel 15:17). Circumcision of the heart cuts us down to size. It makes us useable to God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).

We need revival. Revival will only come when our priorities are circumcised by God. When you go out to battle, you want God with you. He is with the humble whose hearts have been subjected to His circumcision. He does not accompany the self-reliant, self-serving, selfish warrior on his own mission. So what must we do?   We need to follow God’s circumcised priorities.

First, obey the Lord. “So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins” (Joshua 5:3). Obedience is God’s means of removing the flesh. As we obey God in faith, adhering to His word, the flesh/sinful nature/carnality is removed. The Spirit helps us throw off the flesh (Rom. 8:12-14; cf. also Gal. 5:16-25). By submitting obediently to the Lord’s command to be circumcised, Joshua and his men were putting themselves in the hands of the Lord. They put their trust in the Lord rather than the conventional wisdom of military strategy. Choosing to trust God is always the path to victory.

Second, roll away the flesh. The passage goes on to announce, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’ Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.” “Gilgal” means the place of rolling. Egypt is a type of the world; the fleshly life. This circumcision speaks of rolling away the flesh; literally cutting it off and discarding it. Circumcision is known only to God and the circumcised. But the fruit of spiritual surgery is noticed by all. The purity of heart, faith in God, fruit of the Spirit and power to serve are all evidence of such spiritual surgery.

Third, rely on His blood. It continues, “Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover . . . (Joshua 5:10-11). In the wilderness the people didn’t keep the Passover. In the wilderness they were distracted from Passover. But now having crossed the Jordan and in the Promised Land one of the first things they did was celebrate the Passover. Passover is the recognition that deliverance and victory come from God; from the shed blood of His sacrifice; from the blood of Jesus. When we cross our Jordan into the Promised Land of fullness of the Spirit coming to the Lord’s Table becomes even more meaningful to us. We are more sensitive to what God has done and provided for us in Christ. It is Jesus who pours out the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:33). It is the blood of Jesus which saves and sanctifies us (1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7; Eph. 2:13; Heb. 10:19). Remember that. Worship Jesus. Come to Jesus. Eat and drink of Him.

Fourth, be ready to lose anything but Jesus. God removes our crutches so we have to walk by faith with Him (2 Cor. 5:7). That is what happened upon entering the Land. “Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.” (Joshua 5:12). To be filled we need to be emptied. If we want all of Jesus, we must be prepared to set aside everything but Jesus. When we enter the Promised Land of fullness in the Spirit God removes what we had previously trusted in or depended upon. God shakes us, even destabilizes us, and reduces us to teach us to lean all the more on Him.  For Joshua it meant circumcision in a time of conquest. It meant no more easy manna meals. What might it mean for you?

Israel experienced all kinds of miracles in her deliverance from Egypt and wilderness wanderings. But they were still chronic complainers too fearful to enter the Promised Land! (Num. 14; Heb. 3:19). This proves, faith doesn’t come by seeing miracles – faith comes from hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17). In this new Promised Land the Israelites would learn to live by faith in the Father and His word. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” was just as true for God’s people as for Joshua (Joshua 1:8).

Fifth, follow Jesus. After Joshua had obediently circumcised his men he looked up and saw the massively walled city of Jericho. That city and those huge walls must have been intimidating. God had exhorted Joshua to be courageous over and over again perhaps because He knew the fear that was in Joshua’s heart (e.g. Joshua 1). What was God’s solution to Joshua’s fear or lack of courage? He Himself was the solution. “And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand” (Joshua 5:13a). This figure was impressive and intimidating like Jericho. Was this a Warrior of this city or something else? Joshua inquired, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13b).

“So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” (Joshua 5:14a). “No,” interesting response. “No” what? “No, I’m not on your side I’m on their side” or “No, I’m not on their side, but on your side”? “No,” neither, simply “No.” Why such an open ended response? Because the issue was not whose side this Man, the Commander of the Lord’s army was on. The issue was whose side Joshua was on. This was King Jesus. Jesus doesn’t come to be on our side. He isn’t Republican or Democrat. He isn’t Conservative or Liberal. He simply is. He is the Commander. He comes to lead. We take our marching orders from Him. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Sixth, worship Jesus. Lastly, the only proper response to Commander Jesus is what Joshua did. “And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” (Joshua 5:14b). If this was merely an angel, the angel would have stopped Joshua from worshipping him (e.g. Rev. 19:10; 22:8). This is Jesus and He should be worshipped. “Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:15). Just like Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), here Jesus says, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” In telling Joshua to remove his sandal, He is again telling Joshua “as I was with Moses, I will be with you” (cf. Joshua 1:5; 3:7). That was a good in-couraging word to Joshua.

Circumcised priorities of God are meant to bring us on our face humbled in His presence. Only then, with spiritually circumcised hearts, are we ready for battle. Only then are we willing and able to completely follow our Commander’s marching orders. Only then are we ready for victory. Are you ready for Him to cut in the secret and sensitive areas of your heart? If you want to be used by God, if you want revival, it is His circumcised priority for you.

This article can also be read on Pastor Claude’s blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com

Jesus is Coming Back For You

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord"

-         I Thessalonians 4:17

When Paul planted the church in Thessalonica he only stayed there about one month. When you read the Thessalonian epistles it's striking to see the depth of the spiritual foundation Paul (under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit) was able to lay at this church. What is also striking is the emphasis on Christ's return. If you had to instruct people on their faith and only had a month to do it, I'm sure you would focus on the most foundational points. That's what Paul did. One of the most prominent points he taught was that Christ would return. Paul wrote, "Therefore, comfort one another with these words" (I Thessalonians 5:18). May this issue comfort and excite you in your faith.

No one would dispute that Christians experience trials and tribulations in this life. Jesus said we would (John 16:33). The Bible explains that such trials serve a vital purpose in maturing the believer's faith (James 1:2-5; I Peter 1:6-9). God in His sovereign will permits trials because they serve his purposes (Job 1-2; I Peter 4:12-19).  However, it is Satan and the world under his grip that implements such trials and his motivation is to destroy the believer's faith (I Peter 5:8-11).

The trials the believer experiences are not God's wrathful judgment. The trials we face are the result of remaining in a sinful world environment as God awaits the last Gentile to accept His Son as Savior (Romans 11:25; I Peter 3:9). Only God knows the exact number that will complete the phrase, "the fullness of the Gentiles has come in". At this point in history the Bible declares that a final seven years of God's judgment will begin. This is referred to as, "the time of Jacob's trouble" because Israel will go through it (Jeremiah 30:7), and the seventieth week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). The last half of this seven year period is referred to as "the Great Tribulation" (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19; Revelation 7:14). The Great Tribulation is a time in which God pours out His wrathful judgment on an unbelieving world (Revelation 6:17; 11:18; 16:1). This is going to be a terrible time on the earth. So terrible will those times be, that people will "seek death" but God will not permit them to escape in this way (Revelation 9:6). The Great Tribulation is described in the book of Revelation chapters 6-19. But what about us? Will we have to experience God's wrath?

Whether or not believers will have to experience God's wrath raises an important question about the integrity of God's revealed nature. Would it be just, fair and in line with a holy God to pour out His wrathful judgment on believers and unbelievers alike? The answer to this is found in the Old Testament book of Genesis. In Genesis 18 the Lord appeared to Abraham to confirm the promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah even in their old age. As the Lord is leaving, He shares that He intends to judge Sodom and Gomorrah in order to teach Abraham to "keep the way of the Lord" (18:19). God wanted to teach Abraham that He is a righteous Judge. Abraham's nephew Lot lived in Sodom so he then asks, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?" (18:23). Abraham, the man of faith (15:6), "friend of God" (James 2:23) knows it is contrary to God's nature to "destroy the righteous with the wicked”. He states, "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (18:25). The Lord confirms what He has put in Abraham's heart by saying, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten" (18:32). And as we study further, God did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah until Lot and his family were removed. Indeed the implication is that judgment cannot occur until the righteous are removed (19:22-24). On top of this, a study of the life of Lot reveals that he was only minimally righteous. Lot wasn't what you'd call a pillar of faith (13:10-13; 19:1-14). God is merciful. God will not destroy the righteous with the wicked!

The God who is so much for us that He gave His only Son to save us, and says He will "freely give us all things" (Romans 8:31-32), will not pour out His wrath on those who put their faith in His Son. There are clear statements to substantiate this. Listen to God's word: ". . . Wait for His son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come" (I Thessalonians 1:10; "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:9); "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10). Furthermore, in Luke 21 Jesus is concluding His Olivet Discourse on the End Times and instructs His disciples (who were to become the pillars of the Church) to: "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

Jesus would not instruct His disciples to pray for something unless He wanted them to receive it. These verses are conclusive proof that God doesn't desire His people to experience His wrath. God will not pour out His wrath on those in the Church!

Now this raises another question. If God is going to pour out His wrath on this world, and we are living in "this world”, how do we "escape" the wrath to come? Where will we be when God pours out His wrath on this world? The answer is we'll be with Him! How can this be? How will God accomplish this? Jesus is coming back for His church, before the tribulation occurs. The Bible refers to this as the Rapture: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The word "rapture" doesn't appear in Scripture. But that doesn't discount this doctrine any more than the doctrines of the "Trinity" or the "Millennium" whose words also are not found in Scripture. We get the word "rapture" from the Latin translation of I Thessalonians 4:17. The phrase "caught up" in the original Greek is translated from one Greek word, harpazo. When the Latin Vulgate translation was made harpazo was translated by the Latin word raptus. This is how we got the word rapture which refers to Christ's coming for His Church.

The Rapture of the Church is not taught in the Old Testament. This may be in part because the idea of "the Church" is also not taught in the Old Testament. Jesus introduced the idea of the Church in Matthew 16:18 when He said, ". . . On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it". The word "church" is ekklesia in the original Greek text and refers to a general "calling out" or gathering of people to discuss the affairs of state. The word "church" became particularly associated with the gathering of believers early on in Christian history (Acts 2:47). The Church was a "mystery" revealed in New Testament times (Ephesians 3:1-12). Therefore, since the Rapture pertains only to those who comprise the Church, it stands logical that the Rapture would only be revealed when God revealed the purposes and plans for the Church in the New Testament.

While most of Christendom believes Jesus will return for His Church, not everyone agrees that Jesus will rapture the Church before The Tribulation. Those who believe Jesus will rapture the Church midway through the Tribulation are referred to as holding a Mid-Tribulation view. Those who believe Jesus will rapture His Church after the Tribulation are referred to as Post-Tribulationists. Faithful people can be found in all three camps and whatever view you hold to should not become a source of division in the Church.

Some liberal scholars as well as Jehovah's Witnesses and New Age proponents opt for a spiritualized interpretation of End Times Scripture. Liberal scholars who hold to an amillenial view of Scripture do not believe in taking the Bible literally and see such doctrines as the Rapture in a symbolic way. Amillenialists tend to see the promises of Israel fulfilled in the Church. It's my opinion that such a view destroys the original intent of the Scripture and opens the door to the twisting of Scripture to one's own subjective predispositional whims. Roman Catholicism tends to opt for an amillenial view of Scripture. Jehovah's Witnesses spiritualized the Coming of Jesus after their numerous prophecies of His Coming didn't appear. New Agers believe "Jesus" and "Christ" are separate. They believe Jesus was a "Christ" in that he was a reincarnated avatar (i.e. a messenger or channeler who connects mankind with the reservoir of cosmic consciousness). To them Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and Confucius were "Christs”. They believe there is a "Law of Avatars" in which each "new age" is ushered in by "The Christ" of that age who will give new revelation which will guide one through that age in an ascending evolutionary path. (Sounds like a good deal for someone who would want to set themselves up to be Anti-Christ!)

There was a time in my spiritual walk when I held to a Post-Tribulation view. But as I have studied, clarified, and "rightly divided" (2 Timothy 2:15) God's Word, I have come to believe firmly in the Pre-Tribulation position. What changed my mind? The following are three basic reasons for my change of heart.

First, the pre-tribulation rapture coincides with God's nature. Nowhere in Scripture does God pour out His wrath on the faithful! I used to mistakenly believe that Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were examples of going through tribulation like circumstances. But God didn't light that fire! Nebuchadnezzar lit that fire and turned the heat up in an attempt to destroy the three faithful of God. God will allow us to go through fiery trials, but He will never be the direct Source of them. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:8-9).

When that Scripture says, "from the wrath to come" that includes any wrath whose source is God whether during the Great Tribulation or in eternal hellfire!

Second, the pre-tribulation rapture exalts Christ. If you hold to a Post-Tribulation Rapture position the natural consequence is to look for the appearing of the Anti-Christ because he is the mark of the beginning of the final seven year period preceding the coming of Jesus. A Pre-Tribulation view puts our focus on looking for Jesus' return. I'd rather be looking for Jesus than Anti-Christ, wouldn't you?!

It should also be said that if you believe in a Post-Trib position, you have a host of markers that must occur before Jesus returns. That means the Rapture couldn't be imminent or coming at any time. That contradicts what the Bible says. The Bible says no one knows the day of Christ's coming and that the Rapture could occur at anytime (Mark 13:35-37; Luke 21:36; I Thessalonians 5:1-2). The Bible implies that if you knew when Jesus was returning you could bide your time (Matthew 25; I Thessalonians 5:4). But you don't know the time and therefore the believer should live in a constant state of readiness: "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. But you brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief…. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober" (I Thessalonians 5:2, 4, 6; see also I John 3:2-3)

Finally, the pre-tribulational view is logical Scripturally. In his book No Fear the Storm (p.240), Tim LaHaye states, "When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, but take every word at its primary, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context clearly indicate otherwise." Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (5:21). If the Church is to go through the Tribulation why is there no instruction on how to survive it? If the Church is to go through the Tribulation why in Revelation 6-19, (which contains the most elaborate details of the Tribulation period) is the Church not mentioned? In fact there is good reason to believe that the first three chapters of Revelation give the full history of the Church up to the point of the Rapture and then in Revelation 4:1 John, who may be representative of the Church is called to "Come up here" - "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" (4:1).

From that point on the Church is mentioned as in the heavenly presence of Jesus in the book of Revelation. Would the Rapture be a "blessed hope" if Christians had to go through the Tribulation? Paul wrote to Titus to teach about the "blessed hope" of Jesus' "glorious appearing" (Titus 2:13). What makes the Rapture blessed is the fact that God will save us from "the wrath to come"!

In I Thessalonians 4:13-18 we have one of the clearest references to the Rapture of the Church. The Rapture is something Paul did not want people to be "ignorant" of (4:13). The Rapture is something you need to know about! Those who die in the faith before the Rapture will be "with" Jesus at the Rapture (4:14-16). Those of us who are alive at the Rapture will be "caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (4:17). This distinguishes the Rapture from the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation period. At the Rapture Jesus comes for His Church who meets Him "in the clouds . . . in the air". At the Second Coming, Jesus will return with His saints (Jude 14), and come upon the earth to judge the earth and set up His 1000 year reign (Zechariah 14:1-7; Revelation 11:15; 20:4). These are words that should be a comfort to us (4:18).

Is the Rapture a "comfort" to you? Are you ready? You may hold a different view than stated in this piece. There is a lot more evidence than what was presented in this short article. Just remember, God is for you and

He's coming back for you. If you don't hold to a Pre-Tribulation view now, those of us who do will explain it on the way up! He could come tonight.

Rapture References	Second Coming References
Luke 21:36	Daniel 2:44-45; 7:9-14; 12:1-3
John 14:1-3	Zechariah 14:1-15
Romans 5:9	Matthew 13:41; 24:15-31; 26:64
I Corinthians 1:7-8; 15:1-53; 16:22	Mark 13:14-27; 14:62
Colossians 3:4	Acts 1:9-11; 3:19-21
I Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 4:13-18; 5:9,23	I Thessalonians 3:13
II Thessalonians 2:1	II Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2:8
I Timothy 6:14	II Peter 3:1-14
II Timothy 4:1	Jude 21
Titus 2:13	Revelation 1:7; 19:11-20:6; 22:7,12,20
Hebrews 9:28
James 5:7-9
I Peter 1:7,13
I John 2:28-3:2
Jude 21
Revelation 2:25; 3:10; 4:1

[1]

This study can also be read on  Pastor Claude’s other blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com

 

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[1] For further information -
Hunt, Dave. How Close Are We? Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Pub., 1993.
Missler, Chuck. From Here to Eternity. Coeur d'Alene, ID: Koinonia House, 1995.
LaHaye, Tim. No Fear The Storm. Sisters, Oregon: Multimomah, 1992.
Ludwigson, R. A Survey of Bible Prophecy. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1973.
Smith, Chuck. The Tribulation and The Church. Costa Mesa, CA: Word For Today, 1994.
Walvoord, Dr. John F. Prophecy - 14 Essential Keys To Understanding The Final Drama. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Pub., 1993.

 

In His Image – Grace, Faith, and Love

“So God created man in His own image” – Genesis 1:27

We are created in the image of God. What does that mean? In part it means we are a reflection of God and who He is. We get a picture of who God is and what He is like when we look at the human makeup. Of course, that image has been marred by sin. Adam went from being created in the image of God to having offspring “in his own likeness,” that is, in his own fallen sinful nature likeness (Gen. 5:3). But there is still a lot we can learn about God and His ways by looking at His image in us. 

We see; God sees. We hear; God hears. We touch; God touches. “So do animals,” you say. Some would argue that primates are very human-like. They would go so far as to say they are simply less evolved than humans. That is a discussion for another day. Suffice it to say that humanity is so far beyond primates in intellect, creativity, and volition as to make comparison gross. Humanity is uniquely created by God in His image. What really sets humanity apart?

I like the comment of Pastor Chuck Smith in the Word for Today Bible for Genesis 1:26. He states, “What does it mean to be made after God’s likeness? The chief governing characteristic of God is His self-determination – His will and His ability to choose and to determine His own destiny. So man was created a self-determinant being. The chief emotional attribute of God is love. God made man in His image with a beautiful capacity to love – both to give it and receive it.” [1] The image of God in us is most clearly seen in our will and capacity to love.

Understanding the image of God in humanity is important because it sheds light on our accountability before God. Because we are created by God with the capacity to make decisions and to love others, we are accountable before Him for those decisions and our love or lack thereof.

Our existence is completely due to the sovereign determination of God. We exist because He chose to bring us into existence. “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16b, 17). “You are worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11). That is grace. We don’t deserve to be created. But God created us by grace; undeserved favor. Grace is God acting according to His own nature of love. God created us graciously; according to His own nature of love. He created us in His image.

Created by His grace and in His image we have the capacity to make decisions. God’s image in us manifests itself in our capacity to choose right from wrong. We trust this or that. We exert the faith He has built into our being. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). “’How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21).

The greatest decision we make is to love. “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD our God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Mat. 22:37-40). The love God speaks of is not cheap love. It isn’t a love that is in word only. Love is not mere lip-service. “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.” (John 14:21a). “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18).

Human choice and love are inextricably connected. If humanity does not have the capacity to choose, it cannot love. Love forced is an oxymoron. That’s important because some theology discounts the human will. It removes the image of God in humanity that provides the capacity to choose and make decisions. There are some who would remove human decision from the equation of salvation. And yet Christ’s call to repentance screams for decision (e.g. Mark 1:15). I understand the motive of those who discount human free will and the capacity for decision. I understand the desire to exalt God and make salvation completely and totally of Him, of His grace. But even if the salvation plan of God is viewed as incorporating a decision from human beings, salvation is still totally of God. God created us in the first place. He created us in His image with the capacity to choose. He reasons with us and draws us to Himself (Is. 1:18; John 6:44). He persuades us and convicts us of our sin (John 16:8-11). It’s all by His grace. We wouldn’t know we fall short of His glorious requirements unless by grace he revealed and exposed our depravity (Rom. 3).

Removing the decision required of humanity by God from the salvation equation serves to desecrate the image of God He has placed in the human creation. It makes God’s creation less than He created it to be. It diminishes God’s creativity. It doesn’t exalt God’s sovereignty, it lessons it. Is God only able to rule those He has programmed a certain way to be ruled? Or is God so great and glorious that He can field humanities’ questions and even their accusations and then respond, “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me” (Job 38:2-3).

To say humanity must respond to the gospel with faith or trust should not be viewed as incorporating a human “work” in salvation. Faith is not a work. When a person repents and puts their faith in Jesus they have nothing to boast about. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9). Faith is part of God’s image in humanity. It is there by grace. But humanity is responsible for using that capability.

Some say salvation circumvents a willful decision by people. Some say people cannot make a decision one way or the other. They affirm the only people who are saved are those who have been predestined to salvation by God beforehand. They say salvation is separate from any decision on the part of humanity. Such a view removes the image of God from humanity. Such a view reduces humanity to automatons; robots. Unable to choose, we are unable to love. Thank God this is not the truth! For God has given us a will and capacity to choose. Praise God we can choose to receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord! Praise God we can love! By His grace we can choose. By His grace we can love. Choose wisely.

This study can also be read on Pasto Claude’s blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com

 

 

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[1] Pastor Chuck Smith,  Word for Today Bible. (Costa Mesa CA: Word for Today Pub. 2012)  note on page 3 for Genesis 1:26. 

For This is God’s Will – Part 2

 

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3a

 

 

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3a). One of the most common questions asked by people is “What is God’s will for me?” Paul’s words show it is possible to know God’s will. To understand God’s will we need to first consider that there are two aspects of God’s will: the general and particular aspect. In part one our focus was how to discern the particular will of God. In this second part we will consider an important general aspect of God’s will for us. The context of this verse is pertinent to contemporary issues. Lately there has been a great deal of discussion about sexuality. In this letter to the Thessalonians Paul speaks very clearly about God’s will as it pertains particularly to sexual interaction.

 

Paul is inspired to write the Thessalonians that their sanctification involved, “that you should abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified” (4:3b-6). While this may pertain to a particular situation in the lives of the Thessalonians, it certainly is God’s desire for all His children. What do we learn about the sanctified life from these verses?

 

First, God’s will to be sanctified involves abstaining from “sexual immorality” (4:3b). Paul says being sanctified involves, “that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” “Sexual immorality” is translated from a single Greek term porneia which is translated by the words fornication, adultery, unchastity, prostitution, immorality, and even idolatry. We derive the word pornography from this term. Sexual immorality is something that comes from a state of the heart (Mat. 15:19; Mark 7:21). It is a result of rebelling against God (Rom. 1:28-32). It is a work of the sinful nature (Gal. 5:19). It is a grief to God and those who serve Him (2 Cor. 12:21). It should not have any place among God’s people (Eph. 5:3). In Christ we should put sexual immorality to death in our lives (Col. 3:5).

 

And that is what Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers to do, abstain from sexual immorality. The word “abstain” (Greek apĕchŏmai) means to hold oneself off, to refrain from, to abstain. The grammar of this term (Present/Middle/Infinitive) refers to a constant ongoing (Present tense) action. It refers to an action a person does to or for himself (Middle voice). It is an action as in to abstain (Infinitive Mood). When we put it all together we are to always hold off sexual immorality for our own good. It is a work of the Holy Spirit in us to live a sanctified life. But there is a part we play in this; something we are responsible to do; a cooperation with Him.

 

Sexual immorality is not only a physical act but also involves mental fantasy. Jesus said, “you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Mat. 5:27-28). Jesus said we should make every effort and take drastic measures to avoid such sins of the mind and heart (Mat. 5:29-30). We aren’t to literally pluck out our eyes or chop off body parts like some religions do. But we are to take drastic measures that may include throwing out a TV, computor, IPad, or IPhone if it is being used to watch pornography.

 

“Sexual immorality” refers to and is defined as any sexual interaction mental or physical outside of the marriage bond. To be clear, this would involve anything that stimulates people sexually outside the marriage bond. The marriage bond is sacred and holy. Marriage was instituted by God for the union of one man and one woman in a life covenant lived out in the sight of God (Gen. 2:23-25). Marriage was created by God for procreation (Gen. 1:27-28). Marriage was created by God so that a man and a woman in a life commitment to each other made in the sight of God could freely and guiltlessly enjoy sexual pleasure (Heb. 13:4). That alone is holy sex.

 

Second, God’s will to be sanctified involves taking care of our own bodies (4:4). Paul writes, “that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.” The term “vessel” (Greek skĕuŏs) simply refers to an instrument, a vessel, implement, equipment, apparatus, or utensil. Paul is obviously referring here to our bodies and in particular our sexual equipment. We should know how to use our sexual body parts with sanctification and honor. The word “honor” (Greek teemay) is interesting. It means here to treat our bodies and particularly our sexual organs, with dignity, respect, honor, and in a valued way. Are you treating your body and the body of your spouse in an honorable way? Is your spouse treating your body in an honorable way?

 

Our bodies are not for the purpose of sexual immorality (cf. 1 Cor. 6:13, 18). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 cor. 6:19). We, including our bodies, belong to God (1 Cor. 6:20). We have been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus! Therefore we have no right to take what God has made holy and use it for unholy purposes such as sexual immorality.

 

Third, God’s will to be sanctified involves having an unworldly standard (4:5). Paul tells the Thessalonians that their attitudes should be, “not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.” The word “passion” (Greek pathos) means inordinate, uncontrolled emotion. The word “lust” (Greek ĕpithumia) means yearning or longing for what is forbidden. If you watch TV or go to the movies it’s not difficult to deduct “passion of lust.” Everywhere people are portrayed as struggling with or giving into their uncontrolled passions for what is forbidden. Adulterous affairs, crimes of passion, stealing, cheating, it’s all a part of what is done “like the Gentiles who do not know God.” What is your standard of living? How do you approach the area of sex? Like the world with no limits, no true godly love, carefree sex with no commitments, indulging in sexual fantasy that pays no attention to the persons involved? What is your standard? Is your standard sanctified; it is holy?

 

Fourth, God’s will to be sanctified involves honesty with others (4:6). Lastly Paul says, “that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.” The words “take advantage of” come from a single Greek term (hupĕrbainō) and literally mean to step out of line with, to go beyond acceptable limits or parameters of decency, or transgress. The term “defraud” (Greek plĕŏnĕktĕō) means to be covetous, to manipulate someone in an unjust way, to take advantage of someone, or to exploit. Paul is defining sanctified behavior as not being selfishly aimed at profiting off of others. The sanctified person does not seek to profit themselves at the expense of others. Instead the sanctified person should be others oriented. Paul in another epistle said, “esteem others better” than yourself (Phil. 2:3). We are to have the mind of Christ, not a selfish, carnal, others-using attitude toward people (cf. Phil. 2:1-11). The things warned against by Paul are all contrary to the love that disciples of Jesus are supposed to have (John 13:34-35; Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 13:4-8). The sanctified life is a life that leads to honesty with others and looking out for the best interest of others. Are you others oriented or a me-first type of person? Do you take advantage of people sexually? Do you manipulate people to serve your own purpose and passions? Or do you live within the scriptural parameters of God’s word; especially as it pertains to sex?

 

What about the will of God in your life? Are you living in a way that even considers discerning or finding God’s will for you? Are you a living sacrifice, fully surrendered to God? Are you saying to God, “Not my will but Your will be done in my life?” This is all part of living a life of sanctification. Is this life yours? Now that you know God’s will, will you obey it, will you do it, will you live it? God’s will is for us to live sanctified lives. 

 

This article can also be read on Pastor Claude’s blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com

For This is God’s Will – Part 1

 

 

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3a

 

 

“For this is the will of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3a). Is it possible to definitely know God’s will? One of the most common questions asked by people is “What is God’s will for me?” Paul’s words show it is possible to know God’s will. To understand God’s will we need to first consider that there are two aspects of God’s will.

 

There is the general will of God. This is what is God’s will for everyone. For instance, God desires salvation for every person (Ezek. 18:23, 32; Mat. 18:14; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). It is also God’s will for people to live a sanctified holy life (1 Thess. 4:3).

 

Then there is the particular will of God for each particular circumstance of each individual person. This has to do with such questions as a person’s work, daily and life decisions. A lot of times determining the individual will of God for our lives can be discerned by asking five simple questions:

 

1. Will it build me up spiritually? (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:23; Hebrews 12:1-2)

                    

2. Will it bring me under its power? (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:12; Romans 6:14)

 

3. Do I have an uneasy feeling about it? (cf. Romans 14:23)

 

4. Will it cause someone else to stumble? (cf. Romans 14:15)

 

5. Will it bring glory to God? (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17,23)

 

Ask yourself these five questions and you’ll be on the way to choosing the right fork in the road and making a decision that will help you press on in your spiritual journey in life.

 

The word “will” (Greek thelema) means will, desire, determination, choice, purpose, inclination or pleasure. When we speak of God’s will we speak of His desire, determination, choice, purpose, inclination, and pleasure for us. Since He loves us (e.g. John 3:16; Romans 5:8) we can be secure in thinking that He only wants what is best for us. This is why we should always submit our will to His will for us. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy [God’s] will be done” (Matthew 6:10). Jesus Himself prayed “not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:36-46). We are called to imitate Christ (Rom. 8:29; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). Therefore we too should be praying and seeking God’s will for our lives. And as we do we can rest in the fact that, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31-32).

 

The most important step in determining God’s will for our lives is to come to Him in a state of full and complete surrender of our will to His will. In the letter to the Romans Paul lays out the glorious gospel of grace in the first 8 chapters. In chapters 9-11 he speaks of God’s election to service using Israel as an example. Then in chapter 12 he makes the transition to practical material that will involve the rest of the letter. He transitions to application by stating the way to determine God’s will and how He would use you in life is to first fully surrender to Him. Paul states: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).  

 

In light of the glorious gospel of grace, life in the Spirit, and the prospect of serving the Lord (Romans 1-11), the only reasonable thing to do is to present ourselves to God in full surrender as a living sacrifice. He warns against conforming to the world. Don’t try to determine God’s use of you by worldly standards or priorities. Instead we are to be transformed by the mind renewing word of God. The purpose in this is, “that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Full surrender precedes finding God’s will. God’s will is described by Paul as “good and acceptable and perfect.” Isn’t that what we all want?  

 

We live in an evil fallen world. How can we discern God’s will with so much darkness and sin around us? How can God’s will and evil be reconciled? In Genesis 45-46 the life circumstances of Joseph provide the environment to answer such questions. (I encourage you to read these chapters as a backdrop for the rest of this study.) In Joseph’s life we see: treachery against him by his siblings; his slavery; his imprisonment under false accusations; his being forgotten in prison and his eventual rise to power in Egypt. In all of this God is at work. How was God’s will present in Joseph’s life when bad things were happening to him? To understand God’s will in connection with evil we need to see it in the following ways.

 

The intentional will of God - God always providentially opposes evil and seeks to bring about “good” (Hebrew – TOV). God used the evil circumstances in the life of Joseph to save his entire family (Genesis 45:5-9; 50:20). Every good thing comes from God (James 1:16-18). Our position in life is from God (John 3:27). Growth and progress of the gospel comes from God (1 Corinthians 3:7).

 

The circumstantial will of God - If and when men inwardly choose to do evil, God tries to influence them away from evil by getting them to express it in the least evil way. Through Reuben (Genesis 37:21-22) and Judah (Genesis 43:9; 44:33) God minimized evil. God desires none to perish. Therefore, God waits patiently for sinners to repent (2 Peter 3:9). This goodness and longsuffering of God is meant to lead people to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

 

The ultimate will of God - When evil is overtly expressed, God is able to bring good even from intended evil actions. Though evil befell Joseph, God brought good from it (Genesis 45:5-9). All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). God can bring good from any situation (Romans 8:28). God’s will, will get done!   Job was inspired to say, “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” (Job 42:2). Remember what Joseph said about his life circumstances, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20).

 

 

Who can know God’s will? The Bible states that God reveals His will to: the meek (Psalm 25:9); the wise (Proverbs 23:19); the good (Psalm 112:5); and those who depend on His strength (Exodus 15:13).

 

What is the nature of God’s revealed will?  The Bible describes God’s revealed will as: thorough (2 Chronicles 32:22); intimate and personal (Psalm 32:8 - like a couple communicating by eye contact); as counsel (Psalm 73:24); safe, skillful, like a Shepherd (Psalm 78:52-53, 72); continuous, ongoing, and revealed step by step (Isaiah 58:11).

 

How does God reveal His will to us? God reveals His will to us through: circumstances (Jeremiah 32:6-8; Acts 16:6-8); in various ways (Hebrews 1:1); through life illustrations (Psalm 19:1; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 1:19-20); through dreams (Genesis 31:11; 37:5-11; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:19); through visions (Daniel 8:1,17; 10:7; Acts 9:10-17; 10; 16:9-15; Revelation 1); through an audible voice (Genesis 46:2-4; Exodus 3-4; 1 Samuel 3:1-10); through angels (Genesis 18; Luke 1-2; Hebrews 13:2); through people (Genesis 45:8; Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12,14); through God’s written word (Psalm 119; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21); through Jesus (Genesis 18; 32; Joshua 5:13-15; Ezekiel 40:1-4; Daniel 3:25; 10:4-9;  John 1:1-5,14; Hebrews 1:1-3); and through the inner presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13;  2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16;6:19-20).

 

In the context of 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul identifies sanctification as an aspect of the general will of God for all people. He says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” It is God’s will that we be sanctified! The term “sanctification” (ἁγιασμός hagiasmŏs, hag-ee-as-mos´) means purification, the state of purity, holiness, sanctification. Sanctification involves heart purity. Sanctification is being purified from anything and everything that would impede our relationship with God and His plan for our lives. Sanctification is being cleansed from sinfulness so that we can be set apart for His use. Our prayer for sanctification should be, Lord, cleanse and purify my heart from anything displeasing to You, anything that would deter or impede Your will in my life; anything that would prevent me from being set apart for Your use. Lord, make me all You desire me to be, so I can  do all You’ve called me to do, for Your glory, until You return.

 

Sanctification involves a step of faith (Acts 26:18). Our sanctification is rooted and grounded in Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30). Sanctification involves victory over sin (Romans 6:19, 22). It involves purification of the heart by faith (Acts 15:8-9).  Sanctification is an act of faith by which we surrender to God those things that either would displease Him or run contrary to His will and plan. To a great extent sanctification is living out God’s will in every area of your life.

 

At the end of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he gives a prayerful benediction stating: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

 

We will discuss this verse more in part 2 of For This is the Will of God. Suffice it to say that the sanctification God desires is a thorough deep and complete work. And God promises to do for us what He asks of us. We simply have to trust Him to do it.

 

This article can also be read on Pastor Claude’s blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com