Making Biblical Decisions: Surrendering Our Rights for the Gospel, Part 4 – October 11, 2024
As we make decisions, we must consider surrendering our rights for the gospel’s sake. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul argues that we should surrender our rights because we love people. Loving people means that we will adapt to their culture to have opportunities for the gospel. We observed that this means that we take the interests and joys that others have and make them our own. We observe the non-sinful aspects of the culture we are in and adapt. When I moved to Georgia, it meant that I became a Georgia Bulldogs fan. When I moved to Michigan, it meant that I became a fan of the Maize and Blue.
Sadly, some Christians have used 1 Corinthians 9:20-21 as an excuse to sin. Others have used the text to engage in unwise and unhelpful activities. You have probably heard the excuses. “I am spending the weekend in the bar getting drunk so that I can reach the unbelievers there and share the Gospel with them.” “I am participating in the riots to demonstrate to the community that I love them.” “I am missing the gathering of the body so that I can go out with my friends and maybe have a gospel opportunity.” However, this thinking contradicts what Paul discusses in this crucial text.
We know that Paul is not instructing Christians to adapt to the sinful parts of culture because of texts like Romans 6:1-2. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” And again in Romans 6:14-15. “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law, but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” The idea that a Christian should sin so that he can share the gospel is a laughable thought. As my first-grade teacher always said to my class, “It is never right to do wrong to have a chance to do right.”
The gospel does not advance by Christians surrendering to the sinful culture around them but by standing for the truth of the gospel. We don’t confirm unbelievers in sin but call them to repentance and grace through Christ. This principle of surrendering our rights is not a call to sin but humility. It is not a call to foolishness but to wisdom. We don’t participate in sin with our neighbor but enjoy their non-sinful hobbies with them.
When we consider the gospel as we make decisions, we begin to understand the balance we seek in our cultural engagement. The gospel calls people out of a sinful life into a life of righteousness. But the gospel does not call people out of their unique God-given culture. The gospel redeems culture, but it does not eliminate culture. So don’t use this principle as an excuse to sin. Instead, use it as a reminder that people are more important than your preferences.
Making Biblical Decisions: Surrendering Our Rights for the Gospel, Part 3 – September 27, 2024
Over the past several weeks, we have discussed the need to give up our rights for the gospel’s sake. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul gives us several reasons why we should be willing to do this. We do this because we love the gospel. Through the gospel, we enter into a relationship with the eternal God. Our sins are forgiven, and Christ’s righteousness is placed on our account. Every Christian should desire this same amazing process to take place in other’s lives. As a result, we should be willing to sacrifice our rights for opportunities to proclaim this powerful news. We also give up our rights for the gospel’s sake because we love people. As a result, we are willing to adapt to their culture and proclivities. We seek to remove any unnecessary barriers to Gospel opportunities.
However, giving up our rights and surrendering our desires so that we can share the gospel requires humility. It takes humility to understand that we are not always right. It takes humility to realize that our ways and desires are not always the best. When we come into contact with others whose thoughts and ways differ from ours, we often respond with derisive superiority. So, it takes humility to change our attitude and actions to enter that individual’s life. You may be a person who believes that watching and following sports is a waste of time.
You would much rather read books, fix things, or spend time outside in nature. You cannot understand how someone can spend an entire weekend watching television, investing his emotions in people he doesn’t know. You believe that he is foolishly wasting his time. Yet, that person is your new, unsaved neighbor. To enter his life and seek gospel opportunities, it would be wise for you to humble yourself, learn about the sports he is interested in, watch them with him, talk about them with him, and build a friendship to have opportunities to share the gospel. You may not like sports, but for the sake of your neighbor’s soul, you should consider humbling yourself and entering into his life.
However, this also has ramifications in areas of conflict. It might be that your neighbor has wronged you or annoyed you. It is wise in those moments to consider the cost of demanding your rights. Sometimes, the neighbor’s sin harms others, and you must stand up to defend them. However, our pride often demands that we stand up for our rights. In these moments, we must consider their souls more than our rights. Is your comfort more important than their eternal soul?
Several years ago, I met a man who would quickly become a friend. What is interesting about our friendship is that we have little in common. He is 20 years older than me. He holds political opinions that are directly opposite mine. He loves cars, and I love sports. Yet, we developed a strong friendship. This happened because we determined that our differences were simply differences. We were not enemies. We have open and frank discussions about our differences, but with respect. As a result, I have been able to share the gospel many times over the years without surrendering the truth. At the same time, I look back at all the times I chose my rights and opinions over relationships and lost Gospel opportunities. I look at those moments with shame. Ultimately, as we make decisions, we must humble ourselves and view other’s eternal souls as more important than our rights and opinions.
Making Biblical Decisions: Surrendering Our Rights for the Gospel, Part 2 – September 13, 2024
An often-forgotten aspect of decision-making is the need to surrender our rights for the gospel’s sake. We see our rights and values as something we should fight for, hold onto, and loudly demand. Yet, God calls us to a different life. We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him (Mark 8:34). Self-denial stands juxtaposed to today’s standard fare. From the left’s cry about a woman’s right to choose to the right’s cry about the right to bear arms, culture informs us that our rights are the ultimate treasure of life. The concept that we would deny ourselves, completely surrender our lives, and enslave ourselves to Christ seems foolish.
A primary reason for the gospel’s advance in the first century was the willingness of men like the Apostle Paul to surrender their rights for the gospel’s sake. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul reveals that he was willing to surrender his rights because he loved the gospel. As he continues in the chapter, he reveals that he was willing to surrender his rights because he loved people. Paul was willing to modify his habits and lay aside his rights because he loved people. He recognized what would offend people and what would draw people. So, Paul adapted to each person. He willingly made himself the servant of all people so that he would have the opportunity to share the gospel.
Some Christians misuse this section of scripture as an argument to allow them to participate in sinful activities to “have the chance to share the gospel.” Through this argument, they reveal their selfishness. For we do not continue in sin so that grace can abound (Romans 6:1). Instead, Paul argued in this section that we should be willing to surrender our rights so that we can win the world. As he addressed each group, he adapted to them without sinning.
To the Jews, he became like a Jew. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this statement from first glance is that Paul was a Jew. How would he need to become like a Jew when he already was a Jew? The first statement gives the key to understanding all the others. While Paul was a Jew, he recognized that he was free from the Law through Christ. As a result, he did not always actively follow Jewish religious practices (such as kosher foods and religious feast days). However, when he was among the Jewish population, he willingly restricted his diet. He observed purification laws so that he would not needlessly offend his fellow Jews. His purpose was to relate to them the good news of the Messiah.
On the other hand, to those outside the Law, Paul became as one outside the Law. When he was among a primarily Gentile population, Paul gladly partook of non-kosher foods. He violated the Mosaic purity laws (understanding he was free from them) so that he could share the gospel with those Gentiles. In each culture, Paul adapted to that culture to win those people. He would bind himself to their proclivities to avoid offending them needlessly.
We should also note that this does not mean Paul softened the gospel. If the truth of God’s Word offends, that is to be expected and is not our problem. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 reveals that the Gospel truth will offend the world. However, often, the world is offended more by the Christian’s belligerent, arrogant, selfish attitude than the gospel. Christians are frequently more concerned about their “rights” than the gospel. If people are offended by our unnecessary practices and tertiary opinions, that is our problem, and we must correct it. We often hold onto our rights, opinions, and desires and are unwilling to seek peace with all men. We view those who are different as foolish and dumb. But we should instead adapt to them. As we make decisions, we ought to consider whether this decision impedes sharing the gospel because we are insistent on our rights and opinions.
Making Biblical Decisions: Surrendering Our Rights for the Gospel – September 6, 2024
When Hudson Taylor arrived as a missionary in China, he found a culture far different than the one he left in England. They spoke a different language, ate different food, and dressed differently. Very quickly, he recognized that he would need to adapt to reach this people group. So he grew his hair out, braided it down the back in one long braid, and began to wear the customary Chinese robes. Those who visited from England were appalled at his appearance. How could he dress in this crazy way? Yet, Hudson Taylor recognized something that most of us don’t: he needed to give up his rights for the gospel’s sake.
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church reveals a church in turmoil. There was a group within the church that claimed superior knowledge. They then demanded that everyone reject the church leadership and follow what they thought and said because they had superior knowledge. Throughout the book, Paul challenged the church to humble themselves and surrender their rights for the gospel’s sake. At the beginning of chapter 9, Paul reminded the church that he had a right to expect them to care for him financially as a pastor. However, the Corinthians had failed to care for Paul in this way. Yet, Paul did not demand they fulfill his rights. Instead, he did not hold their failure against them but ministered all the more to them for the gospel’s sake.
As Paul turned the corner into the second half of 1 Corinthians 9, he informed the church that he did not write the letter to ensure that he was receiving his rights but rather to surrender his rights. He presented himself as an example of a person who prioritized the gospel and unity. We often care about our rights and desires more than we care for others and the church’s unity. We demand that others notice us and follow our thoughts rather than sacrifice for the sake of others. This text reminds us that the cause of Christ matters more than our preferences and desires as we make decisions. From Paul, we learn three reasons why we should be willing to give up our rights, preferences, and desires for the gospel’s sake in our decisions.
We will cover the first today and the others over the next few weeks. First, we give up our rights because we love the gospel. In verse 15, Paul clarifies that he is not simply rebuking the Corinthian church for failing to care for him as they should have. He is writing to demonstrate that they also should humble themselves and give up their rights. They should do this out of a love for the gospel. Our passion for the gospel should play a deciding factor as we make decisions.
We must remember that our rewards are eternal, not temporal, to accomplish this attitude. Paul reveals that his passion for preaching the gospel was not monetary or laudatory. His motivation in preaching the Gospel was God’s compulsion in his life. He loved the gospel, so he could not help but proclaim it. He loved God, so he could not help but live for Him. If earthly rewards resulted, so be it. However, even if earthly rewards did not come, it did not matter. For Paul recognized that he lived for eternity. Groups vying for praise and power marked the Corinthians church. They threatened to continue to cut Paul off financially if he did not surrender to their control. However, their power plays held no sway over his decisions because he did not live for earthly power, praise, or wealth. A passion for the gospel marked his decisions. A passion for the eternal souls of men being united with God’s Kingdom marked his decisions.
In short, Paul informs us that his reward for proclaiming the gospel was faithfulness to Christ. His reward and boast did not come from any earthly source but from the proclamation of the gospel itself. He lived for God’s glory, so the gospel was the reward. Too many Christians today look to earthly means as the reward. They want the recognition and praise of others. They want people to know them and follow them. They are unwilling to relinquish their rights and humble themselves with a teachable spirit. Sadly, because of this, they have their reward here on earth. On the other hand, when we fulfill our purpose of bringing God glory in all things, we also find contentment and satisfaction.
The average Christian loves many things: family, sports, hobbies, politics, and jobs. We discover these passions simply through time spent with them. Shortly into any conversation, these topics arise. These things dominate the decision-making process. Sadly, many of us should admit that opportunities to proclaim and live out the gospel rarely come into play as we converse or make decisions. This sad reality reveals that, despite our protestations, we don’t love the gospel as much as we think.
We should be willing to surrender our rights for the gospel’s sake. We might need to protest less about our political differences and proclaim more about our spiritual differences (the fact that the individual is headed to eternal judgment while we are headed to eternal righteousness) and plead with them to join us on our side of that vital difference. It might mean that we stay with a job we might not love because we have built a relationship with coworkers that is leading to their salvation. It might mean allowing ourselves to be taken advantage of to keep the relationship open for gospel opportunities. When we love the gospel, it drives all our decisions. Does it drive yours?
Making Biblical Decisions: Sharing the Gospel – August 30, 2024
Brandon was the all-American kid. He was incredibly athletic, intelligent, and good-looking. He was, without question, the most popular kid in our high school. He was one grade behind me, and a teammate on my soccer team. This particular season, we played a tournament against several other high schools in the Denver area. We had some time between two games and Brandon and I were hungry. Since no one else wanted to come, Brandon and I went together to get a sub and enjoy the great weather. As we sat eating at an outside table, we began to talk and get to know one another better. Immediately, the Holy Spirit began to press on my heart that this was my opportunity to share the gospel with Brandon. Soon an opening in the conversation gave the opportunity to present the gospel. He listened with attention and asked insightful questions. As the conversation progressed, I finally asked what he thought of all I had said. My heart dropped at his question. He asked, “Isn’t Jimmy[1] a Christian too?”
Jimmy’s dad pastored one of the local churches, and Jimmy regularly spoke of being a Christian. However, Jimmy was also one of the biggest reprobates on the team. He spoke of his sexual and alcoholic escapades as much as he spoke of being a Christian. From all outward appearances, Jimmy had fallen in love with the world and its desires of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16). If you did not know his dad or hear Jimmy speak of youth group, you would never imagine that he claimed to be a Christian.
I pondered how to answer Brandon’s question. Jimmy indeed claimed to be a Christian, but he did not live like one. Finally, I replied, “Well, Jimmy says he is a Christian. I am not sure he is by the way he acts.” After thinking for a minute, Brandon asked, “If he’s a Christian, why would I want that?” With that final statement, he got up, we disposed of our trash and headed back to the soccer fields. I will never forget my heartbreak and frustration in that moment. Brandon appeared to be so close to the Gospel. And yet, a Christian who made decisions without the Gospel in mind had pushed him away.
Brandon was not only an outstanding soccer player, he was also an elite wrestler. Just a few months after our conversation, Brandon made the state tournament in wrestling. That season, as a sophomore, he placed third in the state. The morning after the wrestling tournament, as I came down to the breakfast table, my dad handed me that morning’s copy of the Rocky Mountain News. Brandon’s face was on the cover. I assumed that it was because of his accomplishments. However, to my horror, I discovered it was for another reason altogether.
The previous night, he and a couple of classmates went out to celebrate his win. In youthful foolishness, Brandon began to street race against one of them. In the process he lost control of his car, hit the supports of the interstate overpass, and was killed instantly. As I sat at the table, considering that my friend was now in eternity, I could not help but reflect on my conversation with him a few months prior. I don’t know if he ever accepted Christ. I do know that blame lies at Jimmy’s feet.
All too often, Christians give little consideration to how their decisions impact gospel advancement in the world. Christ called us to be a light to the world. Yet, we become focused on our lives and the things of this world. So, we fail to consider the way our actions impact the Gospel’s reputation. As we enter this final principle of decision-making, we will look at several texts of Scripture which point to our responsibility to live with the Gospel in mind. As you consider your life, can you share the Gospel effectively with the decisions you make and the character you show?
[1] I have changed the name to preserve as best as possible the man’s reputation.
Making Biblical Decisions: Glorifying God In All of Life, Conclusion – August 23, 2024
Most people make decisions with little to no regard for others. They may consider the implications on their family but very little else. People make decisions and come to convictions based on their personal feelings and desires. However, we, as Christians, have been called to something greater. God calls us to live for His glory.
Because our view of God impacts how we view life, each believer must develop a biblical view of God. For many of us, our view of God is too small. We falsely think that we worship a God who is not in complete control but is simply doing the best He can. Perhaps we even falsely believe that man’s sin causes God to allow things to happen because He can’t stop the decisions that people make. Yet, examining Scripture, we come to a most glorious conclusion. God is greater than anything we could imagine. Nothing is beyond his control. He is working everything for His glory and our good.
In a classic sermon, S. M. Lockridge gave a memorable description of God we would do well to contemplate. Here is a portion of what he said:
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He’s the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes, and He saves. He’s the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent, and He beautifies the meek. That’s my King.[1]
That’s your God! How can we fail to live for the glory of this Great King? The amazing byproduct is that we find fulfillment when we live for God’s glory. We accomplish our created purpose and discover that life begins to work the way God designed it to work. Even when life seems to fall apart from a human perspective, we live with fulfillment because Christ holds us fast in our relationship with Him.
As you make decisions and come to convictions in your life, it is vital that you consider God’s glory. You must think beyond yourself and your desires. You must consider more than your present comfort and ease. You must contemplate what God thinks about the issue. And you must do all to the glory of God. So, as you make decisions and come to convictions in your life, ask, “Does this bring glory to God?” “Does this make God look as good as He really is?” If the answer is “no,” don’t do it. If the answer is “yes,” then we consider the final principle.
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[1]Lockridge, S. M. “That’s My King! Do You Know Him?”, RPM Ministries, https://rpmministries.org/2009/12/thats-my-king-do-you-know-him/ accessed: 8/20/2024
Making Biblical Decisions: Glorifying God In All of Life, Part 3 – August 16, 2024
We don’t find fulfillment in bringing God glory because we don’t prioritize bringing God glory. We don’t prioritize bringing God glory because we have not seen and do not understand God’s glory. Last week, we began a brief look through Scripture to help us understand the majesty of God’s glory. We started by looking at the change in Moses when we observed God’s glory. Today, we want to examine a second important Old Testament text.
Hundreds of years have passed since Moses saw God’s glory. Israel went on to conquer the promised land, and God created a great nation. At its height of power under David and Solomon, Israel dominated the Middle East. During this time, the people worshiped God faithfully and built a Temple to worship God. However, as time and kings passed, Israel turned from God. Ultimately, God informed Israel through various prophets that He would judge them for their rebellion. Isaiah was one such prophet.
As Isaiah began recording God’s words in his book, he proclaimed God’s judgment on Israel and the surrounding nations (Isaiah 1-5). Yet, Isaiah experienced a life-changing event in chapter 6. God revealed His glory to Isaiah. As the vision unfolded, Isaiah saw God’s majesty. He saw the throne of God exalted above all else. God’s throne is “high and lifted up.” He is over everything. He is absolutely sovereign. No earthly power can compare to or overrule God’s throne.
Isaiah also saw God’s honor. God was magnified, and so God was worshipped. In Isaiah’s vision, he saw Seraphim. These special angels dwell before God’s throne in worship. They have six wings. Two wings cover their face because they cannot look upon the glory of God. It is so great. Two wings cover their feet lest they mar God’s glory with disrespect. And with two wings, they fly around God’s throne. As Isaiah observed them, they cried out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). Holy means to be sacred or set apart from all else. There is nothing else in the universe like God. Why are gold, silver, and precious stones so valuable? Because of their rarity. We place value on things that are rare and unique. The reality is that there are many of everything. But there is only one God. And so, He is holy.
The Seraphim also cried that the whole earth was full of God’s glory. This statement is in line with Psalm 19. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2). Even nature displays the glory of God. The problem is that while we know much about God, we don’t take the time to let these facts sink in and impact our lives. We live as though they are mere facts. While we know a lot about God, we don’t know God. We have horrible views of God. And your view of God dictates your view of life.
As Isaiah observed God’s majesty and honor, God revealed His power. As Isaiah took in this scene, he noticed that the door posts were shaking, and smoke filled the room. Picture in your mind’s eye this vision that Isaiah is having. I picture him standing in the hall outside of the throne room of God. The doors to the throne room open, and Isaiah sees God on His throne, exalted above all else. Isaiah sees angels flying around the room crying, “Holy, sacred is the Lord. The earth is filled with His glory.” Then, Isaiah notices that the door posts are shaking at the cry and that the room is filled with smoke.
Living in Michigan, I occasionally attend a University of Michigan football game at “The Big House.” Over one hundred thousand people pack the stadium to cheer on their favorite team. I will never forget the first time I entered the stadium. Because the stadium is a bowl dug into the ground, you enter the stadium from the top. As you enter the scene, you observe a sea of rabid fans dressed in blue and maize. When Michigan scores, the sound is deafening. The stadium shakes with the noise. The experience creates a feeling of euphoria that defies description. Yet, this experience is nothing compared to Isaiah’s experience when he entered God’s throne room.
That experience changed Isaiah. Up to this point, he had proclaimed God’s judgment on everyone around him. Yet, when he observed God’s glory, he recognized his inadequacy. In chapters one through five, Isaiah proclaimed woe on everyone else. But in Isaiah 6:5, he proclaimed woe (or God’s judgment) on himself. Confronted with God’s perfect, majestic glory, Isaiah recognized his sin and failure. When we see God, we do not walk away unchanged. We acknowledge our need for God.
Thankfully, God’s glory also contains God’s mercy. As Isaiah recognizes his sin in repentance, God cleanses him. He takes a coal from the altar, representing Christ’s sacrifice, and touches Isaiah to take away his guilt. So, through Christ, we also stand before God without condemnation. And this reconciliation results in change.
Isaiah’s subsequent response is to beg God to allow him to serve. He volunteers to be sent out by God into Israel to proclaim His glory. Isaiah did not do this because it would result in a life of ease. The second half of Isaiah 6 reveals that no one would listen to Isaiah, and he would be persecuted for speaking the truth. Yet, Isaiah willingly volunteered because he recognized the surpassing value of God’s glory.
Christians live in crisis and frustration because we fail to see God’s glory. We make decisions that lead us into trouble because we do not consider the need to glorify God. But we willingly face hardship and trial when we see God in His majestic glory. Because God is greater than anything we can imagine, and He is worth our allegiance and dedication.
Making Biblical Decisions: Finding Fulfillment in Bringing God Glory, Part 2 – August 9, 2024
As we observed in last week’s letter, when we live for God’s glory, our situation does not define us. We often allow our circumstances to dictate our joy and destiny. Yet, when we recognize and live for God’s glory, we understand that our circumstances are inconsequential. We don’t lose heart with our lot in life. Instead, we realize that the things of this world are temporal. Instead, we live for the eternal things of God. When we make decisions purely to advance our present comfort or perceived wants, we end up sadly disappointed. We ask these things to do something they were never intended to do. However, when we live for God’s glory, we can find fulfillment because the things of God never pass away.
So, Paul concludes 2 Corinthians 4 with the reminder that we do not lose heart in our circumstances. Instead, we look to the unseen things of eternity. Yet, looking at the unseen things of eternity instead of the visible things of life proves much more challenging in our day-to-day activities. As Paul begins 2 Corinthians 5, he acknowledges this struggle. He notes that in this tent (referring to our physical body and physical life), we groan because of our hardships and trials. This mortal life brings burdens hard to carry. Yet, when we focus on God and eternity, we can maintain courage (5:6). What is the reason for this courage? We walk by faith, not by sight. We do not live by what we see and experience but by faith in God.
How can we maintain this attention and faith in God in the middle of struggle and trial? When the water heater bursts and floods the house, it is hard to view eternity in that moment. When people we thought were our friends stab us in the back, it is hard to see eternity in that moment. When the doctor gives us the news that our loved one has a terminal disease, it is hard to see eternity in that moment. Yet, Paul confidently states that we can be (and indeed are) people of good courage in those moments. We must understand God’s glory to find fulfillment in bringing God glory and be of good courage while groaning in this life.
Perhaps no texts reveal the splendor and majesty of seeing God’s glory more than two pivotal texts in the Old Testament. God sent Moses to free Israel from slavery in Egypt. Through the striking signs and wonders of the plagues, God broke Pharaoh’s heart to free Israel. Yet, Pharaoh remained depraved and almost instantaneously regretted his decision. So, he pursued Israel to the edge of the Red Sea. Again, God miraculously freed Israel by parting the Red Sea so the nation could cross safely to the Arabian Peninsula. When the Egyptians attempted to follow, God closed the Red Sea, and the soldiers drowned.
Israel proceeded to trek towards the promised land until they arrived at Mt. Sinai. There, God met with Moses and gave him the Law for Israel to follow. In a stunning turn, while Moses met with God, the people of Israel turned from God and began to worship a golden calf. Only through Moses’ intercession did God spare the nation of Israel. Moses descended the mountain and confronted Israel for their rebellion. In retribution, God informed Israel that they could proceed to the promised land, but He would not go with them (Exodus 33:1-6). In response, Moses entered the Tabernacle to intercede for the people again. He implored God to remember His people and maintain his reputation by caring for them. Because of Moses’ obedience, God relented.
Yet, the problem of “stiff-necked” and rebellious people remained. Moses was tired of dealing with constant, ignorant criticism and rebellion. So he requested God. “Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory'” (Exodus 33:18). God granted the request and instructed Moses to return to the mountain. He would see God’s glory there and receive the commandments on the tablets again. Moses ascended Mt. Sinai the following day and received the commandments over the next forty days. While there, God revealed his glory to Moses.
The description of Moses when he descended Mt. Sinai after seeing God’s glory is astounding. He began to radiate the glory of God. Exodus 34:29-30 reveals that his skin shone to the extent no one wanted to come near him. The experience of seeing God’s glory was so majestic that the emotional and spiritual renewal he experienced was reflected through a supernatural glowing.
When we see God’s glory, it impacts every part of us. It changes every thought process, action, and even our physical being. Moses faced intense criticism and rebellion from Israel for the rest of His life. Yet, over the next forty years, he maintained his faith and trust in God because of the foundation on Mt. Sinai. Because Moses saw God’s glory, he lived for God’s glory. The trials he faced paled compared to the reality that he would live for eternity, reveling in God’s glory. Thus, Paul reminds us that the present light affliction is not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
You can find fulfillment when you see and live for God’s glory. Next week, we will examine a second seminal passage in the Old Testament that helps us see and understand God’s majestic glory.
Making Biblical Decisions: Finding Fulfillment in Bringing God Glory – August 2, 2024
Sally returns home again to an empty apartment after attending a party with friends. As she turns the light on and sits alone on the couch, she wonders if she could ever be happy. If only a guy would take an interest in her. Then, she could find some fulfillment in life. Hank exits his boss’s office. Once again, his boss passed him over for a promotion. Although Hank works hard, he can’t seem to get ahead. He needed the raise that promotion would bring, but now he is back to pinching pennies. If only his boss could recognize his value. Then, he could find some fulfillment in life. Frank and Ann look on with a tinge of jealousy as their neighbor pulls into the driveway with a new car. Their cars are ten years old. They still work, but certainly don’t look as nice. If only they had more money to buy some new things. Then, they could find some fulfillment in life. Conner is excited to head to college and play basketball. The college he will attend has a chance to win some championships while he is there. If they do that, he will certainly find some fulfillment in life.
To a certain extent, we can all see ourselves in these situations. We look to the things of this world to bring us fulfillment in life. Yet, as we get older and experience life, we discover that these things do not bring fulfillment. Marriage proves to be just as hard (and perhaps harder) than singleness. The new position at work brings new headaches and more expectations. The new vehicles get older, break down, and must be replaced in a few years. And no one cares about the athletic feats of your youth. The things of this world cannot bring satisfaction. This is why it is so essential to consider God’s glory as we make decisions. God’s glory is our hope and fulfillment in life and death.
Paul reminds the Corinthian church of this reality in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5. As Paul begins chapter four, he reminds us that the gospel and our lives are about God’s glory. “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).
Yet, Paul acknowledges that this message we proclaim is in the middle of a broken world. We have the treasure of Christ in us, but we are mortal. Paul uses the illustration of a clay jar. We are fragile and prone to be broken. Yet, our condition does not matter if we live for God’s glory. In fact, our condition as broken people magnifies God’s glory. God uses us to show his surpassing power. Recognizing this reality means that all that goes on around us cannot impact our fulfillment in life. So Paul rightly notes that “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12).
When we live for God’s glory, our situation does not define us. We often allow our circumstances to dictate our joy and destiny. Yet, when we recognize and live for God’s glory, we understand that our circumstances are inconsequential. We don’t lose heart with our lot in life. Instead, we realize that the things of this world are temporal. Instead, we live for the eternal things of God. When we make decisions purely to advance our present comfort or perceived wants, we end up sadly disappointed. We ask these things to do something they were never intended to do. However, when we live for God’s glory, we can find fulfillment because the things of God never pass away.
Making Biblical Decisions: Glorifying God in All of Life, Part 2 – July 19, 2024
Our entire life should reflect God’s glory. Every aspect, every deed, and every thought should bring God glory. So, what might it look like when we seek to glorify God in every part of life? As each life is different, applying this principle is different for everyone. However, we can examine some distinct biblical principles to illustrate what this might look like.
Speaking to business owners around the country, we are in a work crisis. Finding individuals who will show up when scheduled and do the job the company hired them to do has become challenging. We are not even speaking about individuals who would go above and beyond in their work ethic. With this reality as a backdrop, what does it mean to glorify God in my work? To make God look as good as He is, we can examine and understand a couple of seemingly forgotten principles.
First, we should consider the principle in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” As a Christian worker, we should give our entire energy to our job when we are doing our job. There seems to be no place for the Christian worker who punches the time clock and steals from their boss through inefficient, lazy work. God is not lazy, so we should not be either.
Second, we should consider the principle found in Luke 16:1-13. In this parable, Jesus tells of a steward wasting his master’s possessions. When the master learned of this, he called him in to demote him and place another servant over his possessions. When the unfaithful steward knew he would be demoted, he worried about his future. Suddenly, he started to do his job and collect the back payments owed to his master. He would receive a cut of the payment, which assured him that he would be taken care of. The master commended the steward for collecting these debts and commented that this is what should have happened all along. Unfortunately, the steward (motivated only by selfishness) failed to do this until it would personally benefit him. Christ then comments that Christians should be faithful despite having little or much. In other words, Christians should be trusted to do their job. They should be faithful to accomplish what they are called to do.
These two principles show that the Christian worker glorifies God by working hard, efficiently, and faithfully. They accomplish what they are asked to do to the best of their ability. These are just two of many principles which you can take from Scripture and apply to your work. You need to ask, how can I make God look good doing this?
How do we glorify God in the church? Again, there are numerous principles. We must ask, what would make God look good here? When we do this, we discover the importance of edifying one another through speech and song (Psalm 148:14; Colossians 3:16). We find out the importance of seeking unity and not taking up offenses for others (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-3). We discover the importance of submitting to spiritual authority (Hebrews 13:17). In short, we glorify God in the church when we don’t make it about us but about God.
How do we glorify God in the home? We look at the family roles and structures in texts like Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3. These texts show the importance of loving one another as Christ loves us. We see the importance of submitting to one another and sacrificing for one another. We know the call to complete commitment that overlooks hurts. It changes everything when we seek to make God look good in how we interact as a family.
Hopefully, you see how glorifying God is to encompass every area of life. Glorifying God is not simply something we do in the Sunday service or our personal quiet time. Glorifying God is to become a lifestyle for the believer. Even in the areas we mentioned, the principles we examined are not exhaustive. Every thought, action, and reaction should point to the goodness of God. Your clothes, music, speech, and even your food should make God look as good as He is. Examining God’s Word, you should ask how those texts inform you to live for God’s glory.