But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15 NLT)
It really shouldn't surprise us that not everybody who speaks about Christ speaks the truth about Christ. Just because someone has multiple degrees, a charismatic personality, and a slick presentation doesn't necessarily make them messengers of God. The devil is the master of disguise and his messengers sometimes look like the real deal on the surface. You have to get beyond their public personas to find out their core beliefs. Yeah, doctrine still matters...A LOT!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Consider This...
When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them. (2 Corinthians 10:18 NLT)
Too many people spend way too much time praising themselves and extolling their own virtues. Look at the average bio of the successful people in our society (even in Christian circles) and you'll see a lot of self promotion going on. Don't be too quick to brag on yourself! The praise you really want to hear comes from the Lord Himself when He says on that future day, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Too many people spend way too much time praising themselves and extolling their own virtues. Look at the average bio of the successful people in our society (even in Christian circles) and you'll see a lot of self promotion going on. Don't be too quick to brag on yourself! The praise you really want to hear comes from the Lord Himself when He says on that future day, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Pursuing Gold
Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 5:10
There aren’t many things more exciting for me than the season of the Olympics when the world’s best athletes gather to demonstrate their incredible talents and skills. As an American I love those moments when one of our own athletes steps to the podium to receive his/her medal earned in the heat of battle against the best of the best. I especially like it when it’s a gold medal and our National Anthem accompanies the ceremony.
Imagine for a moment what it must feel like for these gifted young men and women when they’ve conquered their goals and stand at the pinnacle of their sport. After a lifetime of sacrifice, devotion to rigorous schedules, denial of the common pleasures of life, hours of training and exercise, the injuries endured, the single-minded focus on their efforts, they finally stand head and shoulders above the other competitors to be recognized for their athletic prowess. In a mere fraction of a second their entire lives are forever altered by a win, a gold medal hanging around their necks, and the worldwide attention of millions of TV viewers. It has to be one of the most exhilarating experiences any person could ever enjoy in this life (i.e., The Thrill of Victory).
Turn your attention for a moment to another kind of celebration where people just like you and me can be rewarded for devotion, sacrifice, dedication and spiritual accomplishments. The only persons that qualify for this celebration are the ones who have believed on Jesus Christ as their Savior and their competition isn’t with any other believer, but with themselves alone.
There is just such an opportunity for all who know Jesus Christ and the award ceremony is to be held at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”
Don’t let the word “Judgment” confuse you into believing that your sins are what are being judged at this still future event. The truth is that all our sins were judged and paid in full by Jesus Christ when He died on Calvary’s cross. Whether you are forgiven right now or not is dependent on whether you have allowed Christ to credit His payment for sin to your deficit spiritual account. And, that can only happen by you personally placing your faith in Jesus as your Savior.
What I am discussing is the “Judgment Seat of Christ” which is a still future event that occurs after church-age believers are called out of this world. It’s the time when all Christians will have their works evaluated as to whether they are worthy of reward or not. Some Christ-followers may have few works to evaluate on that day, if they have squandered their lives and lived for their own ambition rather than according to God’s plans and purposes. They’ll still spend eternity with Him in Heaven but they’ll miss out on the rewards that could have been theirs and the opportunities that accompany those rewards. Others may have worked diligently in their Master’s service, but not according to the scripture or in the selfless manner He requires for their works to be deemed worthy of reward. Again, they’ll enjoy eternity with God in a place of pure joy and contentment, but they’ll miss the pleasure of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And, others that have worked and given their lives to the service of Jesus Christ may see some accomplishments disqualified for personal rewards, since none of us is perfect, but there will also be much in their works that God will commend and reward at that day.
In other words, just because our sins are forgiven as followers of Jesus Christ, that doesn’t mean that it no longer matters how we live our lives. At least, not if you care about earning the rewards that He has promised to give at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” Getting into Heaven is about the work Jesus Christ has already done on our behalf, but being rewarded in Heaven is about the works we are doing right now and the manner in which we are doing those works.
Let’s take a moment and consider this “Judgment Seat” so that you might understand what is going to happen on that day when Jesus comes for all His children.
There are two passages that specifically use the phrase, “Judgment Seat of Christ,” though there are several others that allude to the events of that day.
READ: Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10
The words “Judgment Seat” comes from the Greek word “bema” and would have been used in the first century for at least two purposes.
According to Greek scholar Joseph Henry Thayer, the judgment seat or “bema” was "a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge, Mt. xxvii. 19; Jn. xix. 13; Acts xvii. 12, 16..." The “bema” was also used to denote a raised stand or platform in Grecian games to award the winning contestants.
When the word is used in the context of...
(A). CIVIL AFFAIRS:
(B). SPORTING EVENTS:
While the Judgment Seat of Christ certainly includes an aspect of regret and/or remorse, it shouldn’t be limited to those experiences alone. In the writings of Paul an emphasis is placed on the encouragement offered to Christians because they will one day stand at the “bema” to receive the crowns and rewards that they have earned. For many, the “Judgment Seat of Christ” will be a day of great honor, even though there will be some that will also “suffer loss” (2 John 8; 1 Corinthians 3:15).
God tells us about this future judgment not primarily to scare us, but to motivate us to reach our fullest potential. Someone has said, “Our potential is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to Him.” Consequently, we should see the “Judgment Seat of Christ” positively, not just negatively.
School teachers understand this concept and it’s the reason they periodically give exams on the material covered in their classes. It isn’t their desire to just make the student’s lives miserable, but it’s a way of motivating them to be prepared. It’s amazing how much students learn in the days immediately preceding a test. If a teacher cares about his/her students then the desire is for them to do well, not poorly on the test. In a similar fashion, God has told us about the upcoming “Judgment Seat of Christ” because He wants us to do well when we are tested. He delights in giving rewards to those who have earned them and have passed the test. It’s His way of helping us to prepare for all the joys He wants to give us on that day.
Some of the misrepresentation of the positive nature of the “Judgment Seat of Christ” may be due to a misunderstanding of some words in the verses that refer to this coming judgment.
For instance, when Paul said that we are going to receive at the “Judgment Seat of Christ” according to our “good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10), some have misconstrued that to mean our sins are being judged at this judgment. As noted earlier, though, the penalty for all our sins was judged on Jesus when He died in our place on Calvary (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The idea of the words “good” and “bad” (in 2 Corinthians 5:10) is not the sense of righteousness versus evil/sinfulness. It’s the idea of valuable (“good” - agathos) as opposed to worthless (“bad” - phaulos). If Paul had wanted to contrast the idea of righteous and evil he would have likely used the words kalos, “good,” and kakos, “evil.” So, what he’s speaking to in 2 Corinthians 5:10 concerns the QUALITY of the WORKS we do (“valuable” or “unacceptable”) as to whether they will be worthy of rewards or whether they are unworthy of them (disqualified).
One of the places in scripture that alludes to the “Judgment Seat of Christ,” though it doesn’t specifically use the phrase, is 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. In that passage Paul makes it clear that this future judgment deals solely with our works done for Christ (not sins) and whether they will be worthy of reward. It is certainly true that living out of fellowship with God and failing to deal with known sin in our lives will have an impact on our works to be judged, but it is not the judgment of our sins specifically that is in view in these contexts. It is about determining whether the works we have done are worthy of being rewarded and the joy that accompanies receiving those rewards.
Having said that, we cannot totally divorce the idea of remorse or regret being felt at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 3:15 Paul says that the Christian whose works (as good as they may look to him and others) are unworthy of reward will “suffer loss.” It’s the idea of the reward being lost because the work was not done according to the rules laid down and the consequent pain the disqualification causes.
Golfer Craig Stadler can tell you something about what it means to be disqualified because of breaking the rules. In the 1987 Andy Williams Open he used a towel to kneel on while hitting a shot from under a tree during the third round of the tournament. He went on to tie for second place, but viewers who saw the replay of that shot called in to say that Stadler had broken a rule. The USGA rule states that you can't "build your stance" and that includes using a towel to protect your pants from grass stains, which is what Stadler was doing. It would have only been a two-stroke penalty for the infraction had he realized what he had done (he should have as a professional golfer). But, he failed to assess himself the penalty strokes and signed for an incorrect score, which always results in an automatic disqualification from a golf tournament and the forfeiture of any prize you might have won ($37,000).
I didn’t hear any of the interviews with Craig Stadler after he learned of his rules violation and subsequent disqualification, but he may have felt like many will feel at the “Judgment Seat of Christ ” as described in 1 John 2:28.
“And now little Children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
The Greek word for “be ashamed” or literally, “not be put to shame” is a verbal form (aorist subjunctive) that points to a future event that is not a continuous state. The “shame” is not a permanent condition, but a momentary experience.
However, there is the prospect that when we stand before Jesus Christ to give account of our works as to whether they are worthy of reward that some of us may well be “ashamed” during the evaluation because we didn’t follow the rules set out to win the reward.
Author Samuel Hoyt writes poignantly about this idea of remorse at the Judgment Seat of Christ. He says, “The elements of remorse, regret, and shame cannot be avoided in an examination of the judgment seat of Christ. But this sorrow must be somewhat relative because even for the finest of Christians there will be some things worthy of unceasing remorse in the light of God’s unapproachable holiness. This would mean that the finest of Christians could be sorrowful throughout eternity. However, this is not the picture that the New Testament gives of heaven. The overwhelming emotion is joyfulness and gratefulness. Although there is undeniably some measure of remorse or regret, this is not the overriding emotion to be experienced throughout the eternal state...The judgment seat of Christ might be compared to a commencement ceremony. At graduation there is some measure of disappointment and remorse that one did not do better and work harder. However, at such an event the overwhelming emotion is joy, not remorse. The graduates do not leave the auditorium weeping because they did not earn better grades. Rather, they are thankful that they have been graduated, and they are grateful for what they did achieve. To overdo the sorrow aspect of the judgment seat of Christ is to make heaven hell. To underdo the sorrow aspect is to make faithfulness inconsequential.” (Samuel Hoyt, “The Judgment Seat of Christ in Theological Perspective,” Part 2, Bibliotheca Sacra, electronic media.)
The fact is that while all of God’s children will enjoy the wonders of Heaven, not everyone will experience it in the same way. With the rewards of Heaven will come opportunities of service in His Kingdom that are determined at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”
One of my favorite preachers and authors was Dr. Lehman Strauss who went to Heaven in 1997. Dr. Strauss was a gifted communicator that blessed literally thousands of churches and believers with his biblical expositions of scripture. On the subject of the “Judgment Seat of Christ” and these future rewards Dr. Strauss writes,
“The Apostle Paul says: ‘There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead’ (1 Corinthians 15:41-42). Every Christian will be given a celestial body in the Resurrection, but these bodies will differ in the glory that each shall possess and enjoy in Heaven. Paul asks us to notice how the stars differ in glory, some shining with a greater brilliance than others. Then he concludes: ‘So also is the resurrection of the dead.’ All believers will have glorified bodies, but there will be difference in glory according to the measure of our diligence and devotedness to Christ and His work. I hold in my hand three coins. One is gold, one is silver and the third is copper. All three bear the same inscription of the United States of America. However, the glory of the gold is one glory, the glory of the silver is a lesser glory, and the glory of the copper is yet a lesser glory than either the gold or the silver. So also is the resurrection of the dead. Each of the bodies of the saved will bear the glorified and heavenly mark of distinction, but the glory of some will differ from the glory of others. Our capacity to serve in Heaven we will take to Heaven with us when Jesus comes.”
Each of us will be judged as to the measure we use the gifts God has given us and as to whether our motivation in using those gifts was proper. God doesn’t ask me to fulfill His purpose or plan for your life any more than He expects you to fulfill His purpose or plan for my life. There is to be no competition between the participants in this race, but everyone is to be striving to receive the prize awarded to those whose works pass the test.
Occasionally I’ll hear someone intimate that working to receive rewards in Heaven sounds selfish. I suppose that might be true if we were competing against each other in a manner that prevented someone else from winning the prize, as is the case with sporting events. But, there are ample rewards for everyone that completes in this race in the fashion God commands and the ones you can win might not be the same ones I can win.
Rick Howard and Jamie Lash in their book, This Was Your Life, have an interesting response to someone that posed the possibility of earning rewards in Heaven as being selfish and unimportant.
“A woman saw me working on this book and asked what it was about. When she learned that the topic was the Judgment Seat and eternal reward, she said, ‘I’m not concerned about reward. I’ll be satisfied just being in heaven.’ I thought of a good answer for her—about three years later. ‘Not concerned about reward? Do you think that just because you get into heaven, everything’s going to be fine? Don’t you realize the Bible says Jesus will be ashamed of some of us [Mark 8:38]? Don’t you realize some of us will shrink back from Him...because we’re not prepared [1 John 2:28]? You treat God’s rewards as if they don’t matter, but the Bible says they are worth enduring suffering, false accusation, exclusion and hatred for [Luke 6:22–23]. Indeed, they are worth dying for [Revelation 2:10]!’
Some people think it is selfish to seek any reward. It is not selfish. Jesus commands it (see Matthew 6:1–20)! It is a healthy ambition, a holy calling, one that frees us from selfishness. It trains us to seek the pleasure and glory of God. Those rich in heavenly reward will not be sifting gold coins through their fingers as they giggle uncontrollably. They will be rich in God’s pleasure, able to enter into the joy of their Master. They will enjoy wonderful intimacy with God. They will be useful to Him. They will be able to ‘take hold of the life which is life indeed’ (1 Timothy 6:19).” (Kindle Edition-location #852, 854, 860)
So, let’s have at it and begin focusing on this future judgment and the rewards we can all earn. Don’t waste your life just doing things that have temporary value. Start looking to the end of the race and see the rewards that can be yours for doing works of eternal value.
On our summer vacation our grandchildren had fun building sandcastles on the beach. They’d dig, place the sand in just the right fashion to stack it ever higher, run down to the water and fill their buckets with water to put in the mote they’d dug, and complain about being covered in sand from head to foot. As the tide rose each day their little design on which they had worked so hard would begin to disappear as the water lapped against it again and again. In a matter of minutes all the work they had put into their design was completely erased and there was no evidence left of the hard work they had expended.
That’s an analogy for what many Christians are going to experience at the “Judgment Seat of Christ” because they that have been building their lives in all the wrong places and with all the wrong materials. When God’s judgment is revealed and their works are tried there will be little or nothing left of their accomplishments. They may have trophy rooms full of expensive hardware, but they have no eternal treasures. Opportunities abounded for them to earn these rewards but they chose to pursue things in life that won't last the test of His divine holiness. Thankfully, in that blessed city we’ll quickly forget what was lost and enjoy all that He has provided. But, eternity could have been even more for them had they only given themselves to things that mattered to God.
It was the famous reformer Martin Luther who said that on his calendar there were just two days: “Today and That Day.” He understood that his earthly existence was all a preparation for that momentous day when he would give an account of himself to God for the works of his life.
How will you fare on “That Day” and what works are you doing right now to earn the rewards He wants to give you?
Application:
Closing Poem:
When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ,
And He shows His plan for me,
The plan of my life as it might have been,
Had He had His way—and I see
How I blocked Him here, and checked Him there,
And I would not yield my will,
Will there be grief in my Savior’s eyes,
Grief though He loves me still?
Would He have me rich and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I cannot retrace?
Lord, of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand;
Take me and break me and mold me
To the pattern that Thou hast planned! --Author unknown
There aren’t many things more exciting for me than the season of the Olympics when the world’s best athletes gather to demonstrate their incredible talents and skills. As an American I love those moments when one of our own athletes steps to the podium to receive his/her medal earned in the heat of battle against the best of the best. I especially like it when it’s a gold medal and our National Anthem accompanies the ceremony.
Imagine for a moment what it must feel like for these gifted young men and women when they’ve conquered their goals and stand at the pinnacle of their sport. After a lifetime of sacrifice, devotion to rigorous schedules, denial of the common pleasures of life, hours of training and exercise, the injuries endured, the single-minded focus on their efforts, they finally stand head and shoulders above the other competitors to be recognized for their athletic prowess. In a mere fraction of a second their entire lives are forever altered by a win, a gold medal hanging around their necks, and the worldwide attention of millions of TV viewers. It has to be one of the most exhilarating experiences any person could ever enjoy in this life (i.e., The Thrill of Victory).
Turn your attention for a moment to another kind of celebration where people just like you and me can be rewarded for devotion, sacrifice, dedication and spiritual accomplishments. The only persons that qualify for this celebration are the ones who have believed on Jesus Christ as their Savior and their competition isn’t with any other believer, but with themselves alone.
There is just such an opportunity for all who know Jesus Christ and the award ceremony is to be held at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”
Don’t let the word “Judgment” confuse you into believing that your sins are what are being judged at this still future event. The truth is that all our sins were judged and paid in full by Jesus Christ when He died on Calvary’s cross. Whether you are forgiven right now or not is dependent on whether you have allowed Christ to credit His payment for sin to your deficit spiritual account. And, that can only happen by you personally placing your faith in Jesus as your Savior.
What I am discussing is the “Judgment Seat of Christ” which is a still future event that occurs after church-age believers are called out of this world. It’s the time when all Christians will have their works evaluated as to whether they are worthy of reward or not. Some Christ-followers may have few works to evaluate on that day, if they have squandered their lives and lived for their own ambition rather than according to God’s plans and purposes. They’ll still spend eternity with Him in Heaven but they’ll miss out on the rewards that could have been theirs and the opportunities that accompany those rewards. Others may have worked diligently in their Master’s service, but not according to the scripture or in the selfless manner He requires for their works to be deemed worthy of reward. Again, they’ll enjoy eternity with God in a place of pure joy and contentment, but they’ll miss the pleasure of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And, others that have worked and given their lives to the service of Jesus Christ may see some accomplishments disqualified for personal rewards, since none of us is perfect, but there will also be much in their works that God will commend and reward at that day.
In other words, just because our sins are forgiven as followers of Jesus Christ, that doesn’t mean that it no longer matters how we live our lives. At least, not if you care about earning the rewards that He has promised to give at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” Getting into Heaven is about the work Jesus Christ has already done on our behalf, but being rewarded in Heaven is about the works we are doing right now and the manner in which we are doing those works.
Let’s take a moment and consider this “Judgment Seat” so that you might understand what is going to happen on that day when Jesus comes for all His children.
There are two passages that specifically use the phrase, “Judgment Seat of Christ,” though there are several others that allude to the events of that day.
READ: Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10
The words “Judgment Seat” comes from the Greek word “bema” and would have been used in the first century for at least two purposes.
According to Greek scholar Joseph Henry Thayer, the judgment seat or “bema” was "a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge, Mt. xxvii. 19; Jn. xix. 13; Acts xvii. 12, 16..." The “bema” was also used to denote a raised stand or platform in Grecian games to award the winning contestants.
When the word is used in the context of...
(A). CIVIL AFFAIRS:
- (Gospels and Acts) It was the place where Roman magistrates/rulers sat to make decisions and pass sentences (Matthew 27:19; John 19:13).
- Rulers and leaders of the city also used it to make public speeches and declare official decrees to the citizens.
- A person on trial could be condemned or acquitted at the “bema.”
- War heroes were honored and rewarded at the “bema.”
(B). SPORTING EVENTS:
- Paul alludes to the Greek athletic contests often and used this word to speak of the place where the judges of sporting events sat to make sure the contestants followed the rules of the games (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5).
- The victor of a particular event would be led to the “bema” to receive the crown (laurel wreath/cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25) from the judges.
- It was the place where the athletes were publicly honoured and rewarded.
While the Judgment Seat of Christ certainly includes an aspect of regret and/or remorse, it shouldn’t be limited to those experiences alone. In the writings of Paul an emphasis is placed on the encouragement offered to Christians because they will one day stand at the “bema” to receive the crowns and rewards that they have earned. For many, the “Judgment Seat of Christ” will be a day of great honor, even though there will be some that will also “suffer loss” (2 John 8; 1 Corinthians 3:15).
God tells us about this future judgment not primarily to scare us, but to motivate us to reach our fullest potential. Someone has said, “Our potential is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to Him.” Consequently, we should see the “Judgment Seat of Christ” positively, not just negatively.
School teachers understand this concept and it’s the reason they periodically give exams on the material covered in their classes. It isn’t their desire to just make the student’s lives miserable, but it’s a way of motivating them to be prepared. It’s amazing how much students learn in the days immediately preceding a test. If a teacher cares about his/her students then the desire is for them to do well, not poorly on the test. In a similar fashion, God has told us about the upcoming “Judgment Seat of Christ” because He wants us to do well when we are tested. He delights in giving rewards to those who have earned them and have passed the test. It’s His way of helping us to prepare for all the joys He wants to give us on that day.
Some of the misrepresentation of the positive nature of the “Judgment Seat of Christ” may be due to a misunderstanding of some words in the verses that refer to this coming judgment.
For instance, when Paul said that we are going to receive at the “Judgment Seat of Christ” according to our “good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10), some have misconstrued that to mean our sins are being judged at this judgment. As noted earlier, though, the penalty for all our sins was judged on Jesus when He died in our place on Calvary (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The idea of the words “good” and “bad” (in 2 Corinthians 5:10) is not the sense of righteousness versus evil/sinfulness. It’s the idea of valuable (“good” - agathos) as opposed to worthless (“bad” - phaulos). If Paul had wanted to contrast the idea of righteous and evil he would have likely used the words kalos, “good,” and kakos, “evil.” So, what he’s speaking to in 2 Corinthians 5:10 concerns the QUALITY of the WORKS we do (“valuable” or “unacceptable”) as to whether they will be worthy of rewards or whether they are unworthy of them (disqualified).
One of the places in scripture that alludes to the “Judgment Seat of Christ,” though it doesn’t specifically use the phrase, is 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. In that passage Paul makes it clear that this future judgment deals solely with our works done for Christ (not sins) and whether they will be worthy of reward. It is certainly true that living out of fellowship with God and failing to deal with known sin in our lives will have an impact on our works to be judged, but it is not the judgment of our sins specifically that is in view in these contexts. It is about determining whether the works we have done are worthy of being rewarded and the joy that accompanies receiving those rewards.
Having said that, we cannot totally divorce the idea of remorse or regret being felt at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 3:15 Paul says that the Christian whose works (as good as they may look to him and others) are unworthy of reward will “suffer loss.” It’s the idea of the reward being lost because the work was not done according to the rules laid down and the consequent pain the disqualification causes.
Golfer Craig Stadler can tell you something about what it means to be disqualified because of breaking the rules. In the 1987 Andy Williams Open he used a towel to kneel on while hitting a shot from under a tree during the third round of the tournament. He went on to tie for second place, but viewers who saw the replay of that shot called in to say that Stadler had broken a rule. The USGA rule states that you can't "build your stance" and that includes using a towel to protect your pants from grass stains, which is what Stadler was doing. It would have only been a two-stroke penalty for the infraction had he realized what he had done (he should have as a professional golfer). But, he failed to assess himself the penalty strokes and signed for an incorrect score, which always results in an automatic disqualification from a golf tournament and the forfeiture of any prize you might have won ($37,000).
I didn’t hear any of the interviews with Craig Stadler after he learned of his rules violation and subsequent disqualification, but he may have felt like many will feel at the “Judgment Seat of Christ ” as described in 1 John 2:28.
“And now little Children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
The Greek word for “be ashamed” or literally, “not be put to shame” is a verbal form (aorist subjunctive) that points to a future event that is not a continuous state. The “shame” is not a permanent condition, but a momentary experience.
However, there is the prospect that when we stand before Jesus Christ to give account of our works as to whether they are worthy of reward that some of us may well be “ashamed” during the evaluation because we didn’t follow the rules set out to win the reward.
Author Samuel Hoyt writes poignantly about this idea of remorse at the Judgment Seat of Christ. He says, “The elements of remorse, regret, and shame cannot be avoided in an examination of the judgment seat of Christ. But this sorrow must be somewhat relative because even for the finest of Christians there will be some things worthy of unceasing remorse in the light of God’s unapproachable holiness. This would mean that the finest of Christians could be sorrowful throughout eternity. However, this is not the picture that the New Testament gives of heaven. The overwhelming emotion is joyfulness and gratefulness. Although there is undeniably some measure of remorse or regret, this is not the overriding emotion to be experienced throughout the eternal state...The judgment seat of Christ might be compared to a commencement ceremony. At graduation there is some measure of disappointment and remorse that one did not do better and work harder. However, at such an event the overwhelming emotion is joy, not remorse. The graduates do not leave the auditorium weeping because they did not earn better grades. Rather, they are thankful that they have been graduated, and they are grateful for what they did achieve. To overdo the sorrow aspect of the judgment seat of Christ is to make heaven hell. To underdo the sorrow aspect is to make faithfulness inconsequential.” (Samuel Hoyt, “The Judgment Seat of Christ in Theological Perspective,” Part 2, Bibliotheca Sacra, electronic media.)
The fact is that while all of God’s children will enjoy the wonders of Heaven, not everyone will experience it in the same way. With the rewards of Heaven will come opportunities of service in His Kingdom that are determined at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”
One of my favorite preachers and authors was Dr. Lehman Strauss who went to Heaven in 1997. Dr. Strauss was a gifted communicator that blessed literally thousands of churches and believers with his biblical expositions of scripture. On the subject of the “Judgment Seat of Christ” and these future rewards Dr. Strauss writes,
“The Apostle Paul says: ‘There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead’ (1 Corinthians 15:41-42). Every Christian will be given a celestial body in the Resurrection, but these bodies will differ in the glory that each shall possess and enjoy in Heaven. Paul asks us to notice how the stars differ in glory, some shining with a greater brilliance than others. Then he concludes: ‘So also is the resurrection of the dead.’ All believers will have glorified bodies, but there will be difference in glory according to the measure of our diligence and devotedness to Christ and His work. I hold in my hand three coins. One is gold, one is silver and the third is copper. All three bear the same inscription of the United States of America. However, the glory of the gold is one glory, the glory of the silver is a lesser glory, and the glory of the copper is yet a lesser glory than either the gold or the silver. So also is the resurrection of the dead. Each of the bodies of the saved will bear the glorified and heavenly mark of distinction, but the glory of some will differ from the glory of others. Our capacity to serve in Heaven we will take to Heaven with us when Jesus comes.”
Each of us will be judged as to the measure we use the gifts God has given us and as to whether our motivation in using those gifts was proper. God doesn’t ask me to fulfill His purpose or plan for your life any more than He expects you to fulfill His purpose or plan for my life. There is to be no competition between the participants in this race, but everyone is to be striving to receive the prize awarded to those whose works pass the test.
Occasionally I’ll hear someone intimate that working to receive rewards in Heaven sounds selfish. I suppose that might be true if we were competing against each other in a manner that prevented someone else from winning the prize, as is the case with sporting events. But, there are ample rewards for everyone that completes in this race in the fashion God commands and the ones you can win might not be the same ones I can win.
Rick Howard and Jamie Lash in their book, This Was Your Life, have an interesting response to someone that posed the possibility of earning rewards in Heaven as being selfish and unimportant.
“A woman saw me working on this book and asked what it was about. When she learned that the topic was the Judgment Seat and eternal reward, she said, ‘I’m not concerned about reward. I’ll be satisfied just being in heaven.’ I thought of a good answer for her—about three years later. ‘Not concerned about reward? Do you think that just because you get into heaven, everything’s going to be fine? Don’t you realize the Bible says Jesus will be ashamed of some of us [Mark 8:38]? Don’t you realize some of us will shrink back from Him...because we’re not prepared [1 John 2:28]? You treat God’s rewards as if they don’t matter, but the Bible says they are worth enduring suffering, false accusation, exclusion and hatred for [Luke 6:22–23]. Indeed, they are worth dying for [Revelation 2:10]!’
Some people think it is selfish to seek any reward. It is not selfish. Jesus commands it (see Matthew 6:1–20)! It is a healthy ambition, a holy calling, one that frees us from selfishness. It trains us to seek the pleasure and glory of God. Those rich in heavenly reward will not be sifting gold coins through their fingers as they giggle uncontrollably. They will be rich in God’s pleasure, able to enter into the joy of their Master. They will enjoy wonderful intimacy with God. They will be useful to Him. They will be able to ‘take hold of the life which is life indeed’ (1 Timothy 6:19).” (Kindle Edition-location #852, 854, 860)
So, let’s have at it and begin focusing on this future judgment and the rewards we can all earn. Don’t waste your life just doing things that have temporary value. Start looking to the end of the race and see the rewards that can be yours for doing works of eternal value.
On our summer vacation our grandchildren had fun building sandcastles on the beach. They’d dig, place the sand in just the right fashion to stack it ever higher, run down to the water and fill their buckets with water to put in the mote they’d dug, and complain about being covered in sand from head to foot. As the tide rose each day their little design on which they had worked so hard would begin to disappear as the water lapped against it again and again. In a matter of minutes all the work they had put into their design was completely erased and there was no evidence left of the hard work they had expended.
That’s an analogy for what many Christians are going to experience at the “Judgment Seat of Christ” because they that have been building their lives in all the wrong places and with all the wrong materials. When God’s judgment is revealed and their works are tried there will be little or nothing left of their accomplishments. They may have trophy rooms full of expensive hardware, but they have no eternal treasures. Opportunities abounded for them to earn these rewards but they chose to pursue things in life that won't last the test of His divine holiness. Thankfully, in that blessed city we’ll quickly forget what was lost and enjoy all that He has provided. But, eternity could have been even more for them had they only given themselves to things that mattered to God.
It was the famous reformer Martin Luther who said that on his calendar there were just two days: “Today and That Day.” He understood that his earthly existence was all a preparation for that momentous day when he would give an account of himself to God for the works of his life.
How will you fare on “That Day” and what works are you doing right now to earn the rewards He wants to give you?
Application:
- It’s impossible for us to judge the value of someone else’s works, so we should pay attention to what we are doing and leave the judgment of other’s works to Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:16) Butt out of everybody else’s business!
- Don’t compare your works to those of others thinking that your works will be less rewarded because you estimate them to be less important than those of others. (cf. Luke 19:11-27)
Closing Poem:
When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ,
And He shows His plan for me,
The plan of my life as it might have been,
Had He had His way—and I see
How I blocked Him here, and checked Him there,
And I would not yield my will,
Will there be grief in my Savior’s eyes,
Grief though He loves me still?
Would He have me rich and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I cannot retrace?
Lord, of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand;
Take me and break me and mold me
To the pattern that Thou hast planned! --Author unknown
Friday, July 27, 2012
Consider This...
We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. (2 Corinthians 8:20, 21 NLT)
It does matter what others think about you no matter how often you've been told otherwise. Paul went out of his way to make sure that he could not be called into question for mishandling an offering that was entrusted to him to be delivered to the suffering saints in Jerusalem. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your testimony. You don't always have to be guilty, you just have to be accused to lose your good name.
It does matter what others think about you no matter how often you've been told otherwise. Paul went out of his way to make sure that he could not be called into question for mishandling an offering that was entrusted to him to be delivered to the suffering saints in Jerusalem. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your testimony. You don't always have to be guilty, you just have to be accused to lose your good name.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Consider This...
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT)
Jesus sacrificed the things that were rightfully His in order to give us the things that could never be ours otherwise. The willing surrender of His life on the cross was the greatest display of selflessness known to mankind. And, it was all because He loved us that He paid such a high price for our souls. Take a moment and read the verse again taking in carefully what it says, then tell Him...THANK YOU!
Jesus sacrificed the things that were rightfully His in order to give us the things that could never be ours otherwise. The willing surrender of His life on the cross was the greatest display of selflessness known to mankind. And, it was all because He loved us that He paid such a high price for our souls. Take a moment and read the verse again taking in carefully what it says, then tell Him...THANK YOU!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Consider This...
May the LORD judge between us. Perhaps the LORD will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. (1 Samuel 24:12 NLT)
David was being hunted like a wild animal by King Saul all because of his insane jealousy of him. When David had the opportunity to avenge himself on the king he refused and left any punishment of him to the justice of God. It's so easy to let self-imposed vengeance spin out of control! But, the right thing to do toward those that have wronged you is to give them over to God. Only He can deal with them justly, do it at the appropriate time, and utilize the proper means.
David was being hunted like a wild animal by King Saul all because of his insane jealousy of him. When David had the opportunity to avenge himself on the king he refused and left any punishment of him to the justice of God. It's so easy to let self-imposed vengeance spin out of control! But, the right thing to do toward those that have wronged you is to give them over to God. Only He can deal with them justly, do it at the appropriate time, and utilize the proper means.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Consider This...
But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. (2 Corinthians 7:6 NLT)
When Paul needed a lift to his spirits God chose Titus to be his encourager and sent him at exactly the right moment. Sometimes the greatest thing we can do for someone is to just be with them when they need us. Obviously, a word spoken at the right time never hurt anyone, but the physical presence of a friend is invaluable. Having Titus "arrive" made all the difference for Paul.
When Paul needed a lift to his spirits God chose Titus to be his encourager and sent him at exactly the right moment. Sometimes the greatest thing we can do for someone is to just be with them when they need us. Obviously, a word spoken at the right time never hurt anyone, but the physical presence of a friend is invaluable. Having Titus "arrive" made all the difference for Paul.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Consider This...
After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10 NLT)
Parents can't be satisfied with merely imparting a "theoretical faith" to their children. They must lead them into genuine encounters with the living Lord where their faith becomes personal and alive to them. Christianity is not about religious ceremonies, but about an "intimate relationship" with the person of Christ.
Parents can't be satisfied with merely imparting a "theoretical faith" to their children. They must lead them into genuine encounters with the living Lord where their faith becomes personal and alive to them. Christianity is not about religious ceremonies, but about an "intimate relationship" with the person of Christ.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
From A Survivor In Theatre #9
The following link is to a blog post by a woman that was in theatre #9, in Aurora, CO, when the shooting started. Her indomitable faith is seen as she writes about how she is dealing with the trauma of the whole event. I would encourage you to read her follow-up blog where she responds to some of those that criticized her and the things she said. Christians can respond differently to the tragedies of life because they know the God who is sovereign over all things.
http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/
http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/
Blessed Are The Persecuted
1 Peter 4:12-19
A 68-year old bus monitor in upstate New York was severely ridiculed by several middle school children using a stream of profanity, insults, jeers and physical taunts, that was all caught on a cell phone video. From the moment the incident became public knowledge there was an almost universal condemnation of the children’s behavior and a call for their punishment. It served as a visual reminder of the reality of bullying that is apparently increasing in many segments of our society.
Bullying isn’t new to Christians, though, and has been part of their experience since the beginning of the church. The Bible calls “bullying” persecution and it’s primary motivation is an individual’s/government’s malevolent feelings toward the Christian faith and Christ. The history of the church is strewn with the blood of martyrs who gave everything to follow Jesus. Even the word for “witness” comes from the Greek word for “martyr,” with Stephen being the first “witness” of Christ to lose his life in His service.
Sadly, persecution of Christians is prevalent around the world and increasingly so in America. As our society becomes more secular and atheistic, Christians are finding themselves “bullied/persecuted” for no other reason than that they hold to biblical values and follow the Christ of Christianity.
If you don’t believe persecution/bullying of Christians exists, just make a public statement about abortion, gay marriage, biblical morality, creation science, etc., and you’ll quickly learn that Paul’s words were accurate when he said:
“...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)
From scowls, taunts, verbal abuse and even physical attacks, it’s increasingly more dangerous for Christians to express their beliefs and practice their faith openly.
A prime example of this type of behavior can be found recently in the news when the president of Chick-fil-a, Dan Cathy, made a statement about gay marriage. Listen to one report and a small sampling of the fallout:
“Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy sparked a social media firestorm among gay marriage supporters and opponents after taking a public stance on the divisive issue this week.
“Speaking to Christian news site Baptist Press, Cathy called Chick-Fil-A ‘guilty as charged’ in response to past criticism of its position on same-sex marriage; he said the company is ‘very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.’
“Cathy later added: ‘We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.’
“Many customers and offended observers took to Twitter to blast the chicken sandwich fast food chain. Online cooking show host Hilah Johnson posted a YouTube video on how to make a homemade “Chick-Fil-Gay” sandwich and avoid shopping at the chain. Actor Ed Helms of The Office and The Hangover tweeted that he would begin a boycott saying: ‘Chick-fil-a doesn’t like gay people? Hate to think what they do to gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.’” http://mashable.com/2012/07/19/chick-fil-a-gay-marriage/
And these comments are only the tip of the iceberg of what opponents of biblical values said about Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a. Many more vile and perverse things were posted online and on social media that can’t be mentioned in this setting.
It always amazes me that the people that cry out for others to be tolerant are themselves so often the intolerant ones.
Another example of the drift toward “bullying” Christians happened to a Bible study leader by the name of Michael Salman who found himself sitting in jail after his home was raided by more than a dozen Phoenix, Arizona, police officers and city officials. What was his offense? The city says people aren’t allowed to hold private Bible studies on their own property.
Salman was sentenced to 60 days in jail, three years probation and received a $12,180 fine for “the crime.” According to Suzanne, his wife, the city told her that her husband was arrested because the Bible study was at a private house...and that essentially, it’s a church. Since they weren’t zoned for church, they were told they were breaking the law.
Suzanne said, “It defies logic, honestly. I don’t understand … that something so small got so large like this...People do it all over the United States all the time.”
David Barton, Founder and President of “WallBuilders,” gives numerous examples on his web site of how our government is becoming increasingly more hostile towards religious freedom. The sampling below comes from various news sources specifically concerning our military. But, there are many other examples listed at his site where “bullying” is taking place toward Christians and the free exercise of religion. (http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=106938)
Presently, according to the U.S. Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because they follow Christ. This persecution involves things like: rape, torture, mutilation, family division, harassment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment and even death.
Thank God America hasn’t reached the level of “persecution/bullying” that many of our Christian brothers and sisters endure in other parts of the world, but we are seeing a continued decline in tolerance toward Christianity.
The Bible is replete with references about persecution and how we should respond to these attacks on our faith. It’s been estimated that there are as many as 50 passages in scripture relating to the subject of persecution.
Some of those are found in the book of 1 Peter, which has been called by some, “The Handbook On Suffering Persecution.” It was likely written just before the outbreak of the Roman persecution under Nero in 64 A.D., making 1 Peter 4:12-19 a prophecy of how their present persecution was only going to increase in the days ahead.
There are three things that we can take away from the scripture to help us in our struggle with “bullying/persecution” in our own lives.
1. Don’t let it surprise you. (1 Peter 4:12)
2. Don’t let it shut you up. (Acts 5:22-33, 40-42)
3. Don’t let it sadden you.
Application:
A 68-year old bus monitor in upstate New York was severely ridiculed by several middle school children using a stream of profanity, insults, jeers and physical taunts, that was all caught on a cell phone video. From the moment the incident became public knowledge there was an almost universal condemnation of the children’s behavior and a call for their punishment. It served as a visual reminder of the reality of bullying that is apparently increasing in many segments of our society.
Bullying isn’t new to Christians, though, and has been part of their experience since the beginning of the church. The Bible calls “bullying” persecution and it’s primary motivation is an individual’s/government’s malevolent feelings toward the Christian faith and Christ. The history of the church is strewn with the blood of martyrs who gave everything to follow Jesus. Even the word for “witness” comes from the Greek word for “martyr,” with Stephen being the first “witness” of Christ to lose his life in His service.
Sadly, persecution of Christians is prevalent around the world and increasingly so in America. As our society becomes more secular and atheistic, Christians are finding themselves “bullied/persecuted” for no other reason than that they hold to biblical values and follow the Christ of Christianity.
If you don’t believe persecution/bullying of Christians exists, just make a public statement about abortion, gay marriage, biblical morality, creation science, etc., and you’ll quickly learn that Paul’s words were accurate when he said:
“...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)
From scowls, taunts, verbal abuse and even physical attacks, it’s increasingly more dangerous for Christians to express their beliefs and practice their faith openly.
A prime example of this type of behavior can be found recently in the news when the president of Chick-fil-a, Dan Cathy, made a statement about gay marriage. Listen to one report and a small sampling of the fallout:
“Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy sparked a social media firestorm among gay marriage supporters and opponents after taking a public stance on the divisive issue this week.
“Speaking to Christian news site Baptist Press, Cathy called Chick-Fil-A ‘guilty as charged’ in response to past criticism of its position on same-sex marriage; he said the company is ‘very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.’
“Cathy later added: ‘We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.’
“Many customers and offended observers took to Twitter to blast the chicken sandwich fast food chain. Online cooking show host Hilah Johnson posted a YouTube video on how to make a homemade “Chick-Fil-Gay” sandwich and avoid shopping at the chain. Actor Ed Helms of The Office and The Hangover tweeted that he would begin a boycott saying: ‘Chick-fil-a doesn’t like gay people? Hate to think what they do to gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.’” http://mashable.com/2012/07/19/chick-fil-a-gay-marriage/
And these comments are only the tip of the iceberg of what opponents of biblical values said about Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a. Many more vile and perverse things were posted online and on social media that can’t be mentioned in this setting.
It always amazes me that the people that cry out for others to be tolerant are themselves so often the intolerant ones.
Another example of the drift toward “bullying” Christians happened to a Bible study leader by the name of Michael Salman who found himself sitting in jail after his home was raided by more than a dozen Phoenix, Arizona, police officers and city officials. What was his offense? The city says people aren’t allowed to hold private Bible studies on their own property.
Salman was sentenced to 60 days in jail, three years probation and received a $12,180 fine for “the crime.” According to Suzanne, his wife, the city told her that her husband was arrested because the Bible study was at a private house...and that essentially, it’s a church. Since they weren’t zoned for church, they were told they were breaking the law.
Suzanne said, “It defies logic, honestly. I don’t understand … that something so small got so large like this...People do it all over the United States all the time.”
David Barton, Founder and President of “WallBuilders,” gives numerous examples on his web site of how our government is becoming increasingly more hostile towards religious freedom. The sampling below comes from various news sources specifically concerning our military. But, there are many other examples listed at his site where “bullying” is taking place toward Christians and the free exercise of religion. (http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=106938)
- June 2011 – The Department of Veterans Affairs forbids references to God and Jesus during burial ceremonies at Houston National Cemetery. --(http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/29/houston-veterans-claim-censorship-prayers-ban-on-god-and-jesus/)
- August 2011 – The Air Force stops teaching the Just War theory to officers in California because the course is taught by chaplains and is based on a philosophy introduced by St. Augustine in the third century AD – a theory long taught by civilized nations across the world (except America). --Jason Ukman, “Air Force suspends ethics course that used Bible passages that train missle launch officers ,” Washington Post, August 2, 2011.
- September 2011 – Air Force Chief of Staff prohibits commanders from notifying airmen of programs and services available to them from chaplains. --"Maintaining Government Neutrality Regarding Religion ," Department of the Air Force, September 1, 2011.
- September 2011 – The Army issues guidelines for Walter Reed Medical Center stipulating that “No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading materials and/or facts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.” --"Wounded, Ill, and Injured Partners in Care Guidelines ," Department of the Navy (accessed on February 29, 2012).
- November 2011 – The Air Force Academy rescinds support for Operation Christmas Child, a program to send holiday gifts to impoverished children across the world, because the program is run by a Christian charity. --"Air Force Academy Backs Away from Christmas Charity ," Fox News Radio, November 4, 2011.
- November 2011 – The Air Force Academy pays $80,000 to add a Stonehenge-like worship center for pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans. --Jenny Dean, "Air Force Academy adapts to pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans ," Los Angeles Times, November 26, 2011.
- February 2012 – The U. S. Military Academy at West Point disinvites three star Army general and decorated war hero Lieutenant General William G. (“Jerry”) Boykin (retired) from speaking at an event because he is an outspoken Christian. --Ken Blackwell, "Gen. Boykin Blocked At West Point ," cnsnews.com, February 1, 2012.
- February 2012 – The Air Force removes “God” from the patch of Rapid Capabilities Office (the word on the patch was in Latin: Dei). --Geoff Herbert, " Air Force unit removes 'God' from logo; lawmakers warn of 'dangerous precedent' ," syracuse.com, February 9, 2012.
- February 2012 – The Army orders Catholic chaplains not to read a letter to parishioners that their archbishop asked them to read. --Todd Starnes, "Army Silences Catholic Chaplains ," Fox News Radio, February 6, 2012.
Presently, according to the U.S. Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because they follow Christ. This persecution involves things like: rape, torture, mutilation, family division, harassment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment and even death.
Thank God America hasn’t reached the level of “persecution/bullying” that many of our Christian brothers and sisters endure in other parts of the world, but we are seeing a continued decline in tolerance toward Christianity.
The Bible is replete with references about persecution and how we should respond to these attacks on our faith. It’s been estimated that there are as many as 50 passages in scripture relating to the subject of persecution.
Some of those are found in the book of 1 Peter, which has been called by some, “The Handbook On Suffering Persecution.” It was likely written just before the outbreak of the Roman persecution under Nero in 64 A.D., making 1 Peter 4:12-19 a prophecy of how their present persecution was only going to increase in the days ahead.
There are three things that we can take away from the scripture to help us in our struggle with “bullying/persecution” in our own lives.
1. Don’t let it surprise you. (1 Peter 4:12)
The Bible never commands or exhorts Christians to pray for persecution. But, the Bible very definitely says that Christians should expect persecution.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
“...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)
Bruce Shelly says in his book, Church History In Plain English, that “the main cause of the hatred of early Christians in Roman society lies in their distinctive life-style. ‘We have the reputation,’ said Tertullian in His Apology, ‘of living aloof from crowds.’”
Shelly continues, “The word used to describe the Christian in the New Testament is highly significant. It is the term hagios, often translated ‘saints.’ It means holy ones, but the root suggests ‘different.’ So a holy thing is different from other things. The temple is holy because it is different from other buildings; The Sabbath is holy because it is different from other days. The Christian, therefore, is a person who is fundamentally different.
“Men always view with suspicion people who are different. Conformity, not distinctiveness, is the way to a trouble-free life. So the more early Christians took their faith seriously the more they were in danger of crowd reaction.
“Thus, simply by living according to the teachings of Jesus, the Christian was a constant unspoken condemnation of the pagan way of life. It was not that the Christian went about criticizing and condemning and disapproving, nor was he consciously self-righteous and superior. It was simply that the Christian ethic in itself was a criticism of pagan life.”
(cf. John 15:17-25)
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
2. Don’t let it shut you up. (Acts 5:22-33, 40-42)
Peter and the apostles were placed in prison because they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After they were miraculously set free they continued speaking boldly in His name and refused to be silenced.
Persecutors wish to stop the message of “Good News” we proclaim by their “bullying” tactics. They think that if they can’t eradicate us that they should at least contain us.
A newlywed couple became the target of one of these “bullying” campaigns in June 2012, simply because they supported traditional marriage.
The cyber bullying began after Rhys and Esther Curnow took part in handing over a petition...containing more than half a million signatures in support of traditional marriage.
A Facebook message sent to the couple said in block capitals: "GO DIE AND ROT IN HELL."
Another user said: “I really hope you & your husband turn out infertile & die of cancer. That would be something to celebrate.”
One Twitter user wrote: “Esther Curnow needs a punch in the face. That is all.”
Colin Hart, campaign director of the group responsible for the petition, said: “The level of abuse that this young couple have been subjected to is shocking. Having people going out of their way to trawl through the internet to find personal facebook pages, just so they can send vile and hate filled rants is appalling.
“Rhys and Esther are a lovely couple who agreed to take part in the presentation of our petition because they care about this issue."
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/newlyweds.receive.hate.mail.over.marriage.stance/30130.htm (Saturday, June 23, 2012)
As scary as it is...don’t let the persecutors shut you up! Keep declaring the truth even when the bullies threaten and taunt you!!
3. Don’t let it sadden you.
It’s natural to be saddened by the unfair and harsh treatment received from persecutors. However, we must make a definite choice to respond differently than is our first inclination.
Paul and Silas were beaten and placed in the harshest conditions possible in the inner prison at Philippi. What makes their experience memorable is how they responded to their persecutors and their persecution. (cf. Acts 16:22-25)
When you are being “bullied” for following your faith:
A. Rejoice in the Lord (1 Peter 4:13-16; cf. Matthew 5:11-12)
There is a reward that God will give to those that suffer for righteousness sake. We don’t take pleasure in persecution, but we take pleasure in the promised “crown” He will give us for being persecuted.
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer...But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 - Smyrna))
B. Refocus on His coming
Christ is coming again and when He is revealed you will experience “exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:13) All of these present troubles will quickly be forgotten when we see Christ and we have to focus on the promises of that day.
C. Rely on His strength (1 Peter 4:19)
Trust God to strengthen you and speak through you. (cf. Luke 12:11-12) But, don’t let the persecutors steal your faith or silence your voice.
Application:
- Be sure your convictions are grounded in scripture, not personal preferences.
- Hold your convictions courageously, but not caustically.
- Don’t become like the ones bullying you by bullying them in response. (cf. 1 Peter 2:23; Luke 6:27-28)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
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