The Public Lives of Successful Christians: Part 3 - Pursuing the Good.

The Public Lives of Successful Christians

Pursuing the good.

(7) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (8) For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (9) Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? (10) Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (11) If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (12) "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. [Mat 7:7-12 ESV]

Ask, Seek, Knock.

If verse seven is taken by itself, it would seem to give God a “vending machine” feature. However, if we look deeper, we see that there is an increase in the intensity of the pursuit of that which is good. The passage starts with instruction to “ask”. Certainly this is a worthwhile instruction. As simple as it may seem, sometimes we do without simply because we fail to ask.[1]

The next instruction is to “seek”. Seeking carries a more intense sense than to simply “ask”. “Knocking” denotes even more persistence on the part of the one who is making petition.

•         Why does Jesus give us this word picture?

•         How do you think a believer’s spiritual maturity affects the way that God responds to them?

The Parental Example.

Jesus uses the example of a caring parent to illustrate our relationship to God. Our petition to  is made on the basis of a child to a loving Father.  The point is this:

•         If fallible, flawed people instinctively care for their children, how much more will a Holy God care for his?

The Qualifying Request-Good Things.

Jesus tells us that if we ask, seek and knock we will receive the “good things” God has for us.

It is quite possible for us to want something good that God has for us, but not be enthusiastic about the process to receive that good thing.

For example, here are good things a parent should give a child.

•         work ethic

•         morality

•         integrity

•         spirituality

The child will someday appreciate these thing, but will often not be enthused about the process to receive them. Similarly, we often do not appreciate God's methods even though we trust his motives. The Lord never leads his children into paths that are destructive. He leads us in ways that are both instructive and constructive.

The link to the “Golden Rule”.

It has been said that whenever you see a “therefore”[2] in scripture you need to see what it is “there for”. In this case, it is drawing a link between good things we receive from God, and our treatment of others. It is fair to say that (most?) often the good things of God come through the hands or hearts of other people.

An example or persistence – Bartimaeus[3]

"As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God." (Luke 18:35-43 ESV)

Questions

•         For what does God really wants me to ask, seek, and knock? What is the good thing that I am to pursue?[4]

•         How have I seen the progressive revelation of God's will in my life?

•         How do cynicism and impatience get me into trouble regarding God's will for my life?

•         My most important pursuit is______________________.

•         Why does God want me to pursue the good things he wants to give to me anyway?

To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.

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[1]James 4:2

[2]In the KJV

[3]Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus - Mark 10:46

[4]Luke 12:24-34, Matthew 6:30-34

The Public Life of Successful Christians: Part 2 - Stewardship of Spiritual Treasures

The Public Life

of Successful Christians

Part 2: The Stewardship of Spiritual Treasures

"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. [Mat 7:6 ESV]

Jesus' lack of explanation of this verse leaves us to assume that its primary application is the obvious point being made. Quite simply he tells us, “Don't throw away the things which are most valuable.”  As absurd as it may seem, to often that is exactly what happens.

Definition: What is “Holy”?

To be “holy” something or someone must be set apart for use or dedication to God. Here are some of the things that the Bible specifically designates as holy.

1.            Our faith.[1]

2.            The house of God.[2]

3.            Knowledge of the Word.[3]

4.            His name.[4]

5.            Our life.[5]

6.            Our bodies.[6]

7.            Our hands.[7]

8.            Our calling and priesthood.[8]

9.            The tithe.[9]

Dogs and Hogs

First, lets figure out who or what is not worthy of our valuables. The image that Jesus is using, is of feral (wild) animals. Let's examine some common characteristics between dogs and hogs.  They both:

1.            Are opportunistic, indiscriminate eaters.

2.            Are cunning.

3.            Have a pack instinct. The activities of one will attract many.

4.            Are mean. They are able to inflict injury and death.

Anything that tries to steal our true riches falls into the catagory of "hogs and dogs". Some things in and of themselves are not evil, but they constantly seek to rob us of our time, talent and treasure that could (and should) be better spent on things eternal.

Pearls, the Rare Treasures

1.            Relationships (spouse, children, etc.).

2.            Talents.

3.            Time.

4.            _________________

Treasure those who treasure the treasure.

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them,

"Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.  And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.  And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 

And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. [Luk 9:1-6 ESV]

Although it may often be overlooked, one of the ministries of the church is to provide physical assistance to those who are carrying the good news of salvation.

Examples to consider

Belshazzar's drunken feast. (Daniel 5)

It is dangerous to defile the things that have been made holy to the Lord.

The Temptation of Christ. (cf. Matthew 4:1-8)

Temptation #1. Turning Stones to Bread / Abuse of Power.

            -Failure to depend on God.

            -Neglecting Divine direction. (He was led to fast.)

Temptation #2. Jump from the pinnacle of the Temple / Abusing the Promise of God.

Temptation #3. Worship Satan and be given the Kingdoms of the world / Abuse the Plan of       God.

            -This would (according to the devil) create an end run around the cross.

            -Violate the first commandment.

 Closing

When we accept the redemption found in the cross, we surrender all ownership of ourselves. We are Christ's. In that purchase he set us free from sin. He makes us holy, set apart unto Himself. 

Jesus purchased us with a great price. We, and everything we have, are his. May we ever be good stewards of heaven's treasures. You are that treasure.

To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.

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[1]Jude 20. Read in the context of verses 16-23.

[2]Psalm 5:7, 11:4, 65:4.

[3]1 Corinthians 2:13-14

[4]Psalm 33:4, 99:3

[5]Colossians 3:12. Read following context.

[6]Romans 12:1.

[7]1 Timothy 1:8.

[8]1 Peter 2:5, 2 Timothy 1:9.

[9]Leviticus 27:32

The Public Lives of Successful Christians: Part 1 - Compassion instead of Condemnation

The Public Lives of Successful Christians

Part 1: Compassion vs. Condemnation

[Mat 7:1-5 ]

1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.

2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

This passage is perhaps one of the most quoted (and misquoted) verses of the Bible. Standing alone, it might seem to indicate that to follow Christ, one must have no moral judgment about anything; however, no verse stands alone.[1]

Definition: Judge/judgment

The word krino implies “to try, condemn or punish”.[2] Further definition involves criticism and censure.

Judgment in itself is not evil. God is the Supreme Judge of all the earth.[3] Jesus is also referred to as Judge both prophetically and by commandment.[4] It is clear that he will judge the affairs of men.[5]

Other passages in the Bible make it clear that Christians cannot live their lives free of making moral decisions.[6] There exists in all of our lives realms of influence and authority which require wisdom and judgment.[7] Abraham was chosen by God (in part at least) because he exercised good judgment.[8] Likewise, God still promises to guide the meek in judgment.[9] The book of Proverbs was in fact written with the purpose of instilling good judgment into its readers.[10] The Lord expects us to exercise judgment in our own lives.

Jesus is teaching us not to try to usurp the role of God. When we position ourselves as someone's judge we are usurping the authority of God. He has the authority condemn and sentence. You and I do not.

[Jas 4:11 ESV]

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Because we know that God stands in judgment against sin, we should be motivated by mercy. Several sources suggest that the Jewish Rabbis of Jesus' day taught that inherent in the scriptures there was evidence that God judged mankind with two different “measures”. One was a measure of judgment. The other was a measure of mercy. Whether or not Jesus was referring to such a rabbinical teaching, it is clear that he is telling us that “what goes around comes around” in terms of judgment. Sin is sin because only God says so. My opinion is of no weight in matters of eternal judgment.

Questions to ask when making judgment calls.

1.            Do I have direct authority or responsibility in this instance?

2.            Do I have a general authority or responsibility in this instance?

3.            If I insert myself can I have a positive influence?

4.            Are my actions/statements fueled by pride, self-righteousness, hurt, or embarrassment?

5.            Are my actions/statements fueled by compassion?

6.            Am I more concerned about my brother's behavior or the condition of his soul?

Do we ever speak out against sin?

The answer, of course, is “yes”, but we never cite his judgment in hopes of invoking his execution of that judgment. Instead, we should hope in invoke his mercy. Our voice is not one of condemnation. Ours is a voice of redemption and deliverance.

The splinter and the beam.

Notice, Jesus is not forbidding the removal of eye irritants. He is forbidding blind eye surgeons. If we seek to stand in judgment of others it is most likely that we are totally blind to our own sins. As long as a person tries to operate under the illusion of self-righteousness, he or she will be useless in the Kingdom of God.

It is only by grace that any of us are saved. When we truly realize this, we can then genuinely help those around us.

To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.

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[1]2 Timothy 2:14-16, Isaiah 28:9-10

[2]Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

[3]Hebrews 12:23, Genesis 8:25, Psalm 75:6-7

[4]Micah 5:1-2, Acts 10:42

[5]Psalm 9:7-8, Proverbs 29:26, Matthew 12:36, John 5:26-29, Hebrews 9:27

[6]1 Peter 4:7, 1 Corinthians 11:31,

[7]James 1:5

[8]Genesis 18:19

[9]Psalm 25:9

[10]Proverbs 1:3

The Secret Life of Successful Christians: Part 5 - Knowing What to Treasure

_{The Secret Life Of Successful Christians}

_{Part 5: Knowing what to Treasure}

_{Introduction:}

_{"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 6:1}

_{In chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus is giving us practical instruction on Christian living. Specifically, He causes us to focus on our motives. Whom, exactly, are we trying to please? It is entirely possible, it seems, to spend a lifetime doing "righteous" things and yet, not be right with God. Jesus tells us to "beware" of the temptation to live for the applause of people. He further tells us, that if that is our motivation, we forfeit any heavenly reward.}

_{Part 5: Treasuring the Right Things}

_{[Mat 6:19-21 ESV] 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.}

_{What does it mean to "Treasure"?}

_{As a noun, "treasure" means: wealth stored up or hoarded, riches, a store of money in reserve}

_{As a transitive verb, it means:  to collect and store up (something of value) for future use :  hoard:  to hold or keep as precious :  cherish, prize .}

_{An example, [Mat 19:16-29 ESV]}

_{The big question about eternal life:}

_{16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"}

_{The impossible answer:}

_{17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself."}

_{At first, Jesus chooses to focus his attention on those commandments that govern human relationships, in essence, he says, "love your neighbor." The man assures the Lord that he has kept these commandments.}

_{20 The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?"}

_{Jesus then challenges him at his greatest fault. He was living in violation of the commandment, "You shall have no other God's before me..." :}

_{21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.}

_{The teachable moment:}

_{23 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"}

_{In other words, if the wealthy (whom they assumed to be favored by God) could not enter, who could? Jesus then delivers the moral:}

_{26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."}

_{The practical application:}

_{27 Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.}

_{When we take the whole body of scripture, and view this verse in the light of other passages we realize that Jesus is not advocating the physical abandonment of a person's family (1 Timothy 5:8). However, our allegience to Jesus must be greater than our allegience to any other person or possession. Jesus is calling us to settle this allegiance in our hearts long before a choice is necessary. If forced to choose between Jesus  and people or possessions, we must choose Jesus ( 1 Corinthians 7:15 give us an example of this).}

_{Things to consider}

_{1. Are wealth and possessions inherently evil?}

_{2. How am I to view wealth and possessions?}

_{3. How do I know if I am "treasuring" these things?}

_{4. Where should my treasures be? How do I get them there?}

_{5. For what reason, would God want me to have earthly wealth?}

_{6. For what reason, would he want me to lose it?}

_{7. If God removed all wealth and possessions from my life, how would it affect me spiritually?}

To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.

The Secret Life of Successful Christians: Part 6 - Replacing Worry with Trust

The Secret Life

of Successful Christians

Introduction:

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 6:1

In chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus is giving us practical instruction on Christian living. Specifically, He causes us to focus on our motives. Whom, exactly, are we trying to please? It is entirely possible, it seems, to spend a lifetime doing "righteous" things and yet, not be right with God. Jesus tells us to "beware" of the temptation to live for the applause of people. He further tells us, that if that is our motivation, we forfeit any heavenly reward.

PART 6: Replacing Worry with Trust

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. [Mat 6:25-34 ESV]

The Context: Money

Money is the context of this passage about worry. Whether in a modern American setting or in Judea 2000 years ago, worry about finances seems to be a constant of the human condition. Fear of poverty can drive people to do many things. Such as:

1.                   Neglect the ones they love in pursuit of money.

2.                   Neglect the things of God in pursuit of money.

3.                   Behave stingily toward charity.

4.                   Fail to meet today's needs because they are hoarding “for a rainy day”.

Jesus states very bluntly, “You cannot serve God and money.”

Three specific things Jesus tells us not to worry about.

Jesus lists specifically what he does not want us to worry about.

1.                  Life. The word Jesus uses here is the Greek word “psyche” and it refers to the human soul.  He tells us (as believers) not to worry about our life, for it is an eternal thing. Your body may waste away with sickness, but your soul never will. He is telling us not to fret about things like position or purpose. Only in eternity will we know why he guided our steps as he did, and the impact our lives have had.

2.                  Eat and Drink. If God is able to feed the birds who do not even have a concept of tomorrow, can't he feed us also?

3.                  Clothing. If God clothes the grass of the field with flowers, can't he clothe us?

Our Pursuit: The Kingdom of God

He tells us to seek first His kingdom and leave the rest to Him. Now the practical question is this: “What does my pursuit of his kingdom look like?”

1.                  How do I spend my time?

2.                  How do I spend my money?

3.                  What are my priorities in life?

4.                  What are my instincts when I am faced with a crisis?

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” [Phl 4:5-6 ESV]

To go to the next series "The Public Lives of Successful Christians" click HERE.