A Believer’s Attitude Toward Evil – Part Two

July 30, 2011

Eddie Evil, Forgiveness, Persecution, Perspective, Revenge Leave a comment

This is the second installment on this topic adapted from “The Cross of Christ,” by John R. W. Stott

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9 NIV)

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (Romans 12:17 ESV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good…They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4 NIV)

 

It appears that these verses clearly define what our Christian attitude to evil should be:

1) Evil is to be hated.  God hates evil because his love is holy love;  we must hate it too.

2) Evil is not to be repaid. Revenge and retaliation are absolutely forbidden to the people of God.  Instead we are to do what is right.

3) Evil is to be overcome.  Hating evil is one thing; refusing to repay it is still another.  It is still better to overcome/conquer it.  A few verses prior to verse 21, namely verse 14, Paul wrote “Bless those who persecute you.”  In verse 20 he writes, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him.”  Clear echoes of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This is how evil is conquered.  The supreme example of this is the cross!

4) Evil is to be punished.  Stott points out if we stop with the first three we will be very much out of balance.  In these passages and their context we are instructed to not avenge ourselves, God will do that.  We are told to NOT repay anyone evil for evil; God will repay.  Vengeance and retaliation is God’s prerogative, not ours.

How does God punish evil?   …next time.

Not to Us Oh Lord

November 24, 2010

Eddie Adoration, God is Sovereign, Honor, Humility, Perspective, Praise & Thankfulness, Purpose, Service Leave a comment

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! (Psalm 115:1 ESV)

After reading this passage, my mind thinks of how many times I am tempted to seek the glory.  Now I try at times to convince myself that it is for the Lord whom I serve.  But, as Jeremiah says, my “heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  When I intently investigate, there are times when it becomes apparent that it is for selfish reasons I do some of the things I do!

This passage brings humility back into my life and mind.  The psalmist said it twice:  “not to us, O LORD, not to us.”  Oh my!  That is how I feel right now.  Lord, if not for your steadfast love and your faithfulness where would I be?  Your name, O Lord, I give glory for all that is ever accomplished through me.  It is all about YOU!

Don’t You Care?

November 4, 2010

Eddie Encouragement, God is Sovereign, God's Power, Hope, Jesus Christ is God, Persecution, Perspective, Protection, Rescue, Salvation, Savior Leave a comment

Jesus Calms a Storm
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV)

This is one of those events in the life of Jesus we remember from childhood.  The account of Jesus in the boat asleep when a storm comes up and terrifies the disciples.  Matthew and Luke also carry this account, but Mark includes a statement the disciples made to Jesus that the other two writers did not include.  They asked Jesus, “do you not care…?”   Oh, there have been storms occur in my life and at times I wondered if the Lord even cared that this was happening to me.  But He did care and He did get me through the storm.  I ask myself, “Why didn’t the disciples get Jesus sooner?  Why did they wait until it appeared they would capsize?”  They were probably like me in my storms:  “I can tough it out!”  “I can handle it!”

“Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.”

My Shield is with God!

August 9, 2010

Eddie Encouragement, God is Sovereign, God's Power, Persecution, Perspective, Protection, Rescue, Strength Leave a comment

When I read Psalms like this especially from David when he cries to the Lord because of his enemies who are in pursuit of him, I cannot relate to it in natural way.  I mean, I don’t have enemies pursuing me physically.

The thought does cross my mind that I do have spiritual enemies, those of the “underworld” (Ephesians 6:12) who desire to tear my soul apart.  I’ve got to really believe that is true!  I must remember verse 10:  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

My Shield is with God!

Lord in light of Psalm 7:17:  I give thanks to you due to your righteousness and will sing praise to your name, Most High!

When Blind-Sided: “Behold Your God!”

July 27, 2010

Eddie Comfort, God as Father, God is Sovereign, God's Power, God's Word, Hope, Perspective Leave a comment

Summarizing the lessons learned from Isaiah 40,  I am reminded that when I am blind-sided by troubles, that I need to “Behold my God!”  He is the God of might, He will be my shepherd, He will gather me in His arms and carry me next to His heart and with tenderness lead me.

I am reminded to come back the God’s Word the the Author seems distant or uninterested.  The Word will clear up my stinkin’ thinkin’.  Who else can handle the troubles I face? Only One!  May I cast may cares on Him.  Let me invite you to do the same today.  (1 Peter 5:7)

A Minister: Sober, Suffering and Serving

July 26, 2010

Eddie Commitment, God is Sovereign, God's Word, Happiness, Obedience, Persecution, Perspective, Purpose, Service, Strength, Truth Leave a comment

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:5 ESV)

Second Timothy is part of what is called the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus).  Although it may be considered books to be read just for the preacher/pastor, one mest remember that all scripture is given to all of us and there will be some principles that we all can get from the teachings within these books.

Let’s begin considering the admonition Paul makes to Timothy to be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Consider ”sober-minded.”  The basic meaning is clear-headed.  It is an imperative.  Thus, we are commanded to be clear-headed.  The NIV translates it “keep your head in all situations.”  This subject could be elaborated on totally by itself, but think of how important it is that we remain clear-headed as we go through our daily lives.  We must have the mind of Christ in all things.  Keep His perspective on our situations, lest we get discouraged and overwhelmed.  Recently I had so many things building up on me, projects to complete, that I began to get foggy in my thinking and discouraged.  I contacted some close people to pray for me and that same day I became clear-headed and got the right perspective on all that needed to be accomplished.  Remember Romans 12:2.  We must be transformed in our *mind* so that we can be sober-minded.  We must make it a point to be in the Word daily so that we can see life’s situations through the eyes of Christ.

The next command is to endure suffering; another imperative.  We are commanded to endure affliction, suffering, evil.  Now remain sober-minded about this command!  We cannot do this in our own strength.  We must let God fight our battles and trust Him to get us through.

Then, do the work of an evangelist.  This is very much directed toward the pastor and his ongoing ministry.  But there is an application to all believers.  We should be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.  That is within the scope of the Great Commission and other Biblical teachings.

Finally, fulfill your ministry.  Dear reader, as Paul was commanding Timothy to fulfill his ministry, you and I have a ministry.  We have a purpose ordained and directed by God.  Maybe you have never considered it, but please do.  Consider the talents and gifts God has given you.  The greatest sense of fulfillment in our life is when we are seeking to fulfill our life’s potential for the One who gave us life.  He must be central in our life.  Our purpose must be coincident with His purpose. Purpose in your heart to fulfill your ministry.  Whatever line of work you are in, God has put you there, equipped you to minister — to serve Him.  Have you given that work to Him?  Have you declared, “Lord this work I am doing, I am doing for you!”  ?

Be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Great is the LORD! He is Most Worthy of Praise!

July 24, 2010

Eddie God as Creator, God is Sovereign, God's Power, Honor, Intimacy with God, Obedience, Perspective, Praise & Thankfulness, Protection, Purpose, Rescue, Salvation, Service, Sins, Truth, Worship Leave a comment

During the last two months I have meditated on five passages of Scripture.  Three centered around Scripture itself (Psalm 1; Psalm 19 and 2 Timothy 3:1-4:8).  Two focuses on God Himself (Psalm 145 and Isaiah 40).  Next week I have one more meditation from 2 Timothy 4:5-8, but otherwise I will be summarizing the lessons learned and impacts received in this series.  In this post, I want to summarize what I have learned in Psalm 145.  Read Psalm 145 and then reflect with me.  Please go back to previous posts and meditate with me the truths from God’s word about Scripture and Himself from these focus passages.

  • Psalm 145
    • Because of God’s greatness, our praise should be the richest that we can offer.
    • Meditation upon God’s greatness should raise the awareness of my sinfulness and my helplessness while at the same time knowing God is there and delights to help me.  I can turn to Him for forgiveness and deliverance.
    • God is the amazing Great I AM.  He is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  He is good to all and His mercy covers all that he has made.  And to think He wants to be with me for eternity!
    • Nature’s sounds may very well be the praise lifted up to the Most High God!  The praise of His saints, those who have accepted His Son as Lord of glory and salvation, should share with others the glory and power of God and His mighty deeds.
    • I’ve been reminded of the importance of calling upon the Lord in full honesty about myself and my circumstances.  Noting areas that are my fault. I’m also reminded about my fear and love of God.  Reverencing Him and living an obedient life.
    • I should praise Him for Who He is, not only for what He has done!

1 I will exalt you, my God and King,
and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure his greatness. (Psalm 145:1-3, NLT)

He Can Handle Them!

July 15, 2010

Eddie Comfort, Encouragement, Fear, God is Sovereign, God's Word, Guidance, Hope, Perspective, Promises Leave a comment

[12] Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
[13] Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD,
or what man shows him his counsel?
[14] Whom did he consult,
and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice,
and taught him knowledge,
and showed him the way of understanding? (Isaiah 40:12-14 ESV)

Does God seem small or at least uninterested in the things going on in your life?  “Been there, done that and got a T-shirt!”  The lesson the Lord has taught me from those episodes in life is coming to the Word and letting the Spirit renovate my mind with the right thoughts.  Here is a passage that can do that.  We have a series of rhetorical questions presented by God Himself (vv. 12-14):

  • Who has measured the waters (of the planet) in the hallow of his hand?
  • Who has marked off the heavens with a span(a distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinkey finger when you hand is open; it is 9 inches on the hand of the average person.  I wonder how long it is on God’s hand!!)?
  • Who has enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure?
  • Who has weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
  • Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD?
  • What man shows him (God) his counsel?
  • Whom did he (God) consult?
  • Who made God understand?
  • Who taught God the path of justice?
  • Who taught God knowledge?
  • Who showed God the way of understanding?

We could break out 11 questions asked by God.  How many different answers are there?  Just one!   “NO ONE!”

That’s how big God is!!  Here is a final question:

Who else can handle the troubles you are facing today?  “NO ONE!”

“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

My Associations and My Happiness

July 13, 2010

Eddie God's Word, Happiness, Perspective, Purity Leave a comment

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2 ESV)

Just a pure reflection on verses one and two.

“Lord, if I am going to be happy, I mean truly happy…which is not what the world offers but what comes from you…a satisfaction, peace and contentment that all is well with my soul and walk with you, then I must guard myself from some external influences.  When you mention wicked, those are folks who reject your Son (which is huge).  Some may consider these people “good people,” but when I think of what Jesus went through to pay for sin debt that everyone owes…a person who rejects Christ Jesus is not a good person.  I need to be careful not to let my life be guided by those individuals.

If I am going to be truely blessed/happy, I must not allow myself to get into a position of being enticed.  Should people I associate with try to entice me to do that which would be displeasing to you, I need to do some “re-associating..”

Then there is the sitting among scoffers.  Scoffers and scorners are those who ridicule or make fun of the things of God, that which is right, pure or holy.  I need to be alert to those who may call some of the instructions you give for holy living as “old fashion,” “puritanical,” or “prudish.”  Sitting in the company of scoffers can have a detrimental effect upon my outlook and my ambassadorship for Christ.

True happiness will be found by taking delight in your Word, Lord.  It is there I will find godly counsel, guidance and wisdom.  May it be a daily part of my life!

The Source of Our Troubles

July 9, 2010

Eddie Comfort, Encouragement, God is Sovereign, God's Word, Hope, Persecution, Perspective, Protection, Rescue Leave a comment

“my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ” (2 Timothy 3:11-15 ESV)

Today’s devotional is about persecution.  Paul talks about the persecutions and sufferings at the hands of his enemies in particular cities.  What we know about Paul, we know he endured much persecution for his Lord.  In each case, the Lord rescued him until it was time for Paul to come home, after completing God’s mission for Him.

I have it soooo good!  I do not know what it’s lke to suffer like Paul.  So my thoughts today are concerning the fact of persecution and its source.  Our enemies are three-fold:  the flesh, the world and Satan who is the god of this world and both tempt the flesh!  Whew!  Arguably the greatest Biblical Greek scholar of the 20th century, A.T. Robertson, pictures the translation of the word for persecution here as “shall be hunted as wild beasts.”  No doubt Paul was in the classical sense of persecution from human enemies.  Yet I want to take this to more of the spiritual warfare.  Under the God-breathed work of inspiration, Paul says, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  We must remember that Satan is our enemy, this world system caters and entices our flesh and our flesh is our fallen nature that would be enough of a problem without the first two, right?

Now look at verses 12-15.  The evil people and imposters (of this world) are going to continue to get worse.  They are deceiving and being deceived!  So, how are we to survive?  Note, verses 14-15:  “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with  the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  What we learn from the sacred writings of Scripture will keep us with the correct perspective when “bad things happen to good people.”  We are made wise.  We understand that just as Paul was rescued each time from his persecution, we have the promise of our Father that so will we!  He makes a way of escape from the flesh (temptation), “greater is he that is in us that he that is in the *world* and Satan is a defeated enemy.  I can’t defeat him.  I must resist him and let my Savior defeat him.

So, yes we will be persecuted, if not from flesh and blood, then from a spiritual level.  But the victory is ours in Christ!!

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