God's biggest problem.

The greatest problem God has is me! And you! Even the Devil has to work overtime to get us to play ‘ball’ with him. Why is this? Because of what he, as the serpent, offered to Adam through Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Humanity has believed the lie and imagines itself as ‘god.’

There have been numerous rulers claiming this title, Pharaoh being top of the list and the Roman Caesars next. But there is a little of this lie running loose in us all, even when we become disciples of Christ. Such twisted thinking is infused into our nature. We want our own way! We debate with God about matters recorded in His word. Most of our relationship battles can be viewed from the perspective of ‘a battle between the gods.’

When Paul wrote the Galatian letter this underlying problem is the cause of so much personal conflict and interpersonal battles. Why? Because the ‘Sarx’ (human nature) wants its own way despite what God, wisdom or anybody else says. This relates to morality, spirituality, personal and godly integrity. So much sadness and destructive behaviour flows from out of our addiction to obeying our ‘Sarx.’

It has taken all the resources of God, supplied to those who claim Jesus as Lord and Saviour, to deal with our notion of self-rule. As Jesus said ‘Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say’ (Luke 6:46). We cannot pick and choose what we will or will not do when Jesus has ruled on a matter. There isn’t any way we can have fellowship with our Lord if we walk contrary to His expressed will. That is the basis for most of a Christian’s poor witness, sense of estrangement and loss of joy in their worship and faith.

How we treat other people, whether believers or not, impacts upon the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. His grieves and is prevented from fulfilling His ministry within us and through us (Ephesians 4:30). We release Him from this grief when we put things right, humble ourselves and begin walking in agreement with God and His word.

There is a tendency to imagine we can do something for God and earn some bonus points. Trouble is, whatever stems from our Sarx, our self-will, is anathema to God (Romans 8:8). What comes from our Ego and not God’s initiative, stated will or command will not stand in His presence (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). A good example of this is found in Luke 21:1-4. There the difference between a widow’s 2 mites and the rich person’s abundance as a gift to God is highlighted. They did it for show. She did it as unto the Lord.

In Galatians Paul makes a distinction between what flows from our Human Nature and our born again spirit. One is a works program. The other is the fruit of a faith relationship. Our Ego is infected with the ‘Georgie Porgy’ syndrome, ‘what a good boy am I.’ When you consider the fruit of the spirit it is evident that we are unable to make ‘fruit.’ Also, you will notice that fruit isn’t for the ‘tree’s’ benefit. It is for those in need of being fed by such life enriching food. We can fall into the misguided notion that the fruit is for our consumption. No! It is God’s desire that you are His ‘tree’ to feed those in need of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and self-control.

How then are we to be saved from our ‘god syndrome?’ By identifying with Christ and the cross. To deliberately say ‘not my will but yours, Lord’ and choose to obey His word is our safeguard and deliverance. That allows us to walk in step with Christ Jesus and know His joy and companionship. By the grace of God we can be called ‘sons and daughters of the Most high.’ That, however, crushes our independent assessment of our ‘god-ness’ because there can ever only be one God.

Forgive me for those times when I have grieved you, my Lord and my God. Rivet my heart and mind to the cross of Calvary so that I do not forget I’m a sinner saved by grace. Weigh my heart down with this awesome truth so that my walk with you will be with the vibrancy of your joy. Lord, look on me and smile I pray. Amen!

Next week will be a two-part finale. The time has come to exit cyberspace and engage in some other enterprise. My finale is 'This I know...!' and as indicated above will be in two sections.
Hope you will look into it. Thanks.

©Ray Hawkins 11 Feb. 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's dangerous in the Temple.

Who said Jesus was meek and mild? Meek yes, in its true meaning! Mild, not a good word to use about Him. He was and remains passionate for that which is pleasing to the Father and beneficial to His disciples. People also like to major on Christ’s love and bandy it around as a panacea for everything – even a cover for personal misbehaviour. It is more convenient to ignore the fact that Jesus is also our Judge.

The Lord Jesus created a unique Fellowship when He was crucified and resurrected. The Holy Spirit gave it breath on the day of Pentecost. This body of people comprises the Church –the Body of Christ on earth. For Jesus, we who belong to Him through faith in Him and a transformed life by the Holy Spirit are precious. In fact, the New Testament describes us, individually and corporately as ‘His Temple.’ The term actually means ‘the Shrine’ – the inner sanctum of the temple, the Holy of Holies. This is exciting, beautiful to the mind and at the same time, dangerous.

‘If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy (defile); for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple you are.’ 1 Corinthians 3:17. Jesus is very passionate about the Temple – both the literal historical one and His spiritual one. Remember what He did to those traders who abused the courts of the temple by their making it a den of thieves. In righteous anger, and for the honour of His Father’s name Jesus overturned their tables, fashioned a whip and drove them out. Do you think He will do anything less to any who abuse His spiritual temple?

History records depressing illustrations of the desecration of Christ’s Body! Not all of it from opponents of Christ. Too often ego driven, self-opinionated, ambitious and self-righteous individuals have defiled what Christ holds as precious. Their salvation status may not be in question, but they will be ashamed in Christ’s presence. As they stand before His judgement set – the Bema – His presence will consume what they imagine is worthy of a good report. Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

In the New Testament are written instructions, advice and warnings to prevent us, any of us, from defiling Christ’s Temple. This applies both to the individual as to the local congregation. Such instructions are a chilling warning to all, but especially to those in leadership. The Lord Judge of all the earth isn’t interested in what wealth, fame or materialism you have accumulated. He searches the heart. He weights your deeds in the light of His Word, His character, His calling and the health and treatment you, I, have given to His Temple.

To lacerate, fracture or poison the spiritual Body of Christ on earth, or any of its members brings ‘defilement’ upon self. That is the spirit of Diotrephes’ (3 John 9-11). If there is a dispute that cannot be resolved it is better to weep, walk away and but pray for those by whom you have been hurt, and undoubtedly hurt them also. The account of Ananias and Sapphira is another troublesome story. Acts 5 details this as a warning not to play fast and loose with the truth, stewardship and ministry. I wonder how many funerals would be performed each week if the Lord still did this. Maybe on occasions He does, but only He will know that. Better not to take the gamble for you will lose if not now, when you and the Lord are face to face.

There are so many blatant and insidious ways to defile that which Christ loves or has designed. None of us will be one hundred percent innocent. However, we can be one hundred percent repentant and make restitution where possible. Read 1 Corinthians at least and read how they defiled their worship, relationships and Scripture. From envying, strife and division to Communion disorder and ungodly lifestyle the ‘whip of the Lord’ must have been itching to crack! Those in leadership are under a heavy burden to set the tone as well as honour, cherish and protect the ‘Body of Christ.’ Hebrews 13:17 is a good summary. If they are not worthy of this trust, pray for them as you seek out one who is (1 Peter 5:1-6).

Paul’s advice to Timothy to ‘guard that which has been committed to you’, is still relevant for us. Guard our mind, guard our tongue, guard our relationships, guard our worship, guard our faith and guard the honour of our Lord and His Temple. Guard it graciously, mercifully and biblically.

© Ray Hawkins June 25^th 2017.
[Next week the spirit of Diotrephes - read 3 John. 'What's in a Name)

The Power of 'Oneness.'

There are any number of ‘how to’ books on the market offering steps to success. This could be for personal lifestyle, business, church, sport or relationships. Each will have varying degree of usefulness. What they endeavour to do is emulate what the Bible has already outlined. Funny thing is, people would rather spend big sums for conferences, DVD’s etc. than read God’s word.

Whenwe embark upon any ministry adventure as a team of mixed personalities, backgrounds and strengths/weaknesses what principle do we need to grasp? The reading from Philippians offers us some clues. In this letter by Paul from prison he seeks to encourage the church in its mission. In chapter 1:27 he urges them to live their lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel. We may adapt that for our purposes and say ‘let us serve each other and the community in a worthy way for Christ’s honour. The way it begins is in the same verse. Stand in one spirit, strive with one mind.

One-ness is a Biblical principle for effective teamwork, ministry, worship and fellowship. This isn’t easy as we all have our histories, strengths, weakness, pride, prejudices, fears and dreams. Any such gathering is fraught with danger. How does the Holy Spirit take such a diverse group and make us an effective team? By dealing with each of us and drawing our lives into line with His will and our minds focused upon Him as Lord.

Throughout Philippians there is this ‘oneness’ stated and implied. Chapter 2:2 stresses it with ‘be of the same mind, having the same love being in full accord and of one mind.’ Oneness isn’t ‘blandness.’ It is actually refreshing, creative, therapeutic and evangelistic! Oneness gives direction but allows each the privilege of helping the other by endorsing their strengths and compensating for their weakness. Being focused on and obedient to Christ means we esteem the other team members more than we value our egos. Should there be a clash about anything it needs to be faced and remedied. As in the case of Syntyche and Euodia (Philippians 4:2) this may require the wisdom of a third party.

This principle is the outworking of the Lord’s High Priestly prayer in John 17:21 – 23. There He prays for this oneness to be known and shown for it reflects the oneness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One of the out-workings of this oneness is to make the world believe the Father sent the Son as Saviour.  What the anti-Christ forces aim to do it cause division and thereby hinder the testimony of the Gospel. Unfortunately the carnal nature of self- intoxicated believers unintentionally offers assistance to Satan's endeavours. That's judgement reserved for a future date unless repented of and restitution made.

In chapter 2:5 Paul puts the onus upon each person to be committed to this principle. How it comes about is reinforced by the word ‘let’. Each of us are accountable for giving the Holy Spirit permission to focus our minds on Christ. The cross should always humble us, thrill us and motivate us. Because of it we by faith proclaim Him Lord. One glorious day we will join with all the redeemed and holy angels and liberated creation and proclaim Jesus as Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, within ministry and cogreational worship we have the privilege and challenge to live out the oneness the Holy Spirit has worked in. Amen!

©Ray Hawkins Oct 9^th 2016.

Ministry is a Love Affair.

Ministry is a love affair with Jesus.

Ministry is also a burden unable to be relinquished without a sense of loss.  Paul cried out ‘…I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.’

1 Corinthians 9:16.  The burden, no matter how great is carried because of love for the Lord. In fact it is when our love is weak that we notice the burden. Once our eyes are off the Lord we see the magnitude of the task: the wretchedness of sinfulness: the fickleness of people and our own weaknesses. Such burdens are simply too much to bear.                                                                                                                                                   

When my devotion to the Lord is weak and waning then too my capacity to love others is weakened. From a Biblical viewpoint all relational breakdowns really stem from fading love. When John said we love because Christ first loved us it also implies the reverse. When our love for the Lord is dim so too our capacity to love others. When we refresh our love for Jesus the statement by Paul to the Thessalonians will happen. ‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else…May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.’ 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13.

When Jesus took Peter aside after the resurrection, it was to love a failure back into his calling. Peter thought he could find fulfilment back on the water, catching fish, being unencumbered by apostolic responsibilities. Would he have ever been satisfied? He had tasted the Lord’s call. Love may have a price tag but a bigger price is paid when love’s call is sidestepped. Was that what Peter was realising when the Lord appeared on the scene? Peter’s exuberance of jumping overboard and wading ashore to be in Jesus’ presence could point to this fact. But the terrible hash Peter had made of things the days before the crucifixion needed healing attention. Would his mouth and behaviour cancel out any prospects of serving the Lord?

 We will all have our own imaginative scene of Jesus and Peter sitting on the sand side by side. The Lord getting Peter to probe his own heart and confront the issues is tender yet direct. The question ‘Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ cuts deep. In other words, ‘would you really be happy doing anything else than following me in service?’ Here the challenge of love’s commitment was being offered anew to deal with the defeatism of guilt, shame, self-pity and self-interests. ‘Is there anything you would rather do than accept my invitation to follow me’ seems to be what Jesus is getting at. This is ever the battle ground in the soul. Do we love the Lord more than ‘these’ – whatever ‘these’ may be?  Ministry, true ministry first and foremost has to be an affair of the heart. Anything less is either being a mere hireling, a prestige thing (that’s an illusion) or someone with ulterior motives.

As the Lord drew Peter out of regret Jesus heard the words I’m sure Peter said with emotion and tears: “Lord you know all things, you know that I love you [phileo = as a friend]”. Whilst it can be said this was a stepdown from the majestic word for love, agape, it seems a more intimate and therefore person response. Was Peter reminded by the Lord’s using “phileo” of Jesus wonderful term for him the other disciples in John 15:15. Peter was still ordained (chosen) to serve. He was still capable of bearing fruit favoured by the Lord. He may have fallen but it was a pruning experience used to enrich his love for the Lord Jesus, his Friend! Now he was commissioned.

The instructions Jesus gave to Peter about ministry are informative. He was to feed the lambs, shepherd the little sheep and feed the little sheep. Imagine that. A fisherman is turned into a shepherd. Years later Peter writes to Church leaders and tells them to shepherd the flock of God. This should not be by compulsion or, worse still, because of monetary gain or for ego domination. (1 Peter 5:1–4) What implications can you see colouring his comments? Surely one of them must be we are shepherds of the flock because we are the friends of Jesus.

Love won the day on the sands of Galilee and we are the richer for it.

Ray Hawkins Jan 11 2016

Love's deflation power.

Self-promotion is an art form today. It’s made easier with so much computer technology available. Such self-promotion may be advisable for job interviews but doesn’t do anything for personal relationships. In this part of 1 Corinthians 13 two close knit words are used to describe what Love isn’t. Boasting implies the flaunting of one’s abilities. Proud, or as the King James version has it, ‘puffed up’ implies vanity and self-deception. Both seem to arise out of Envy’s craving to be recognised, acclaimed, unrivalled. The aspect of Pride will be considered next.

The Corinthian believers had fallen into the spiritual snare of comparing their gifting and positions in the Church. “My gift is better than yours” smells of immaturity. Such childishness, as Paul alludes to in 1 Corinthians 13:11, was making a mockery of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. A grieved Holy Spirit does not produce a joyful saint. 

In relationships, self-promotion is the surest way to paralyse intimacy and cripple respect. Self-praise fills up the mind allowing no room to consider the needs or interests of others. It also breeds a form of loneliness, not always recognised, for few enjoy being around such an intrusive, careless, diseased ‘universe.’  Such a disease of the soul has unfortunate life-long consequences including, strife, resentment and disrespect. This fall-out from self-obsession is usually blamed on other things, or people.

The glory of the most excellent way is its ability to cure the “I” disease. If self-exaltation makes us deaf to the pain and needs of others, Love cleans out our ears. It helps us hear their tears and sighs. If self-adulation blinds, Love opens eyes to see how others are travelling. How does that come about? Love creates a sense of awareness of others whilst not denying the facts about personal ability or achievement. Love simply rearranges their priority. Now they see the worth of others. Now the mouth applauds their skill and achievements. This soul readjustment by the most excellent way begins with understanding who God is and what He has done.

In His presence we realise that no matter how important we think we are, in God’s sight we were slum tenements. The awesomeness of what He does in our life through our conversion experience is seen in what we are now called. We are Temples of the most High God. He has made us beautiful. That which the Lord has done for us, He can do for others. That old hymn still rings true today when it states, ‘Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.’ All within the community of grace are undeserved recipients of Christ’s favour and transformation. That’s an eternal remedy for ego’s ‘I’ disease. The one we should be boasting about is Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31.)

The most excellent way allows the Holy Spirit to unleash His word and influence through us without embarrassment. Love delights in the Lord. Therefore it can appreciate what He has made of others and equipped them to do. Through us, Christ in us ennobles others within our spheres of influence. He does this by His attitude and encouragement dominating our nature by our submission to Christ and His word. Mutual appreciation, intimacy and unity begins at that moment.

That’s the most excellent way!