Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Allow God’s Peace to Rule You – Part 1
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Are you experiencing upheaval in your life? Are you awake nights distracted with anxious thoughts about potential problematic outcomes to life situations? Are you paralyzed by fear? Do you feel like you are falling apart, exhausted by multiple tensions in life? God has help for you. He has a peace that will help you through the anxiety producing circumstances of life. All you have to do is ask for His peace and follow His instructions and it can be yours.
The word “peace” (εἰρήνη ĕirēnē, i-ray´-nay) refers to rest, peace, prosperity, tranquility, harmony, or health. We are talking about a particular kind of peace in this study; “the peace of God.” In the Old Testament “peace” is translated from the Hebrew term shalom. This is more than mere cessation of war. The peace God offers involves positive prosperity as well. We receive such peace by setting our mind on God (Is. 26:3). In the New Testament we gain further understanding and see clearly God offers is peace in the midst of difficulties. His peace helps us to rise above or wade through hardship. We need His peace.
Peace not presumption. This peace is not based on presumption like when the children of Israel thought they could make things right with God after they refused to go into the Promised Land by presuming to go on in their own strength (Num. 14:39-45). That only led to less peace and more defeat. Nor is it peace the false peace of a presumptuous false prophet (Deut. 18:20). ). Peace is not something we can earn or manipulate. Peace is a gift of God’s grace and comes from a close relationship with the Lord.
Peace not procrastination. This peace does not lead to procrastination. Sometimes God will have us “stand still” and watch Him fight for us (2 Chron. 20:17). But more often than not God’s peace is provided for and in the battle. At the very least we need to be in prayer to secure God’s peace. While we should wait on God’s peace in decisions, we need to act in that peace when it is obtained. Where do we find such peace?
Peace from Jesus. Jesus said:
True lasting peace comes through faith in Jesus and is good before, in and after the battles of life. The world offers false peace. The world offers mindless meditative peace or relative peace. But the peace Jesus offers enables us, (no matter how difficult or dark a life situation we find ourselves in), to have a heart untroubled and unafraid. The peace offered by Jesus transcends and surpasses anything the world has to offer.
Peace on Two levels. Through faith in Christ we have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). Outside of Christ we are at war with God (Rom. 8:7). When we put our faith in Jesus and enter into a saving relationship with God in Christ, we then move to being at peace with Him. Our war with God is over when we surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord. This is why Paul opens his letters with the phrase “Grace to you and peace” (e.g. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2; Philemon 3). The one who has received forgiveness for their sins through faith in Christ by God’s gracious gift is one who then enters into and experiences peace with God and eternal life.
But it is possible to be at peace with God and not have the “peace of God.” Peace with God and the peace of God are distinct. Peace with God necessarily comes first. But the peace of God does not necessarily or automatically follow entering into peace with God. As Christians we may allow pockets of resistance to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. These can take many forms. It may be a relational compromise such as a Christian entering into an unequally yoked relationship with an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:11 – 7:1). It can be a compromise in integrity such as gossiping, speaking a half truth or bearing false witness (Eph. 4:29). It may be a disregard of the still small voice of the Spirit or a neglect of a portion of God’s word (Jer. 44:5). Other examples could be listed. Such things create peace-disrupting obstacles. All sin and fleshly behavior is peace disrupting. A person can still have peace with God in that they are saved from their sin. But with such pockets of resistance the peace of God can be lost. Thankfully it can be regained through confession and repentance.
Peace through prayer. The peace of God comes through prayer. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he writes:
Here Paul is writing to believers and recognizing that it is possible for believers to be anxious or not be experiencing the peace of God. His solution is to in every situation pray and in faith be thankful to God and set your situation and requests before God. If we do this the result will be “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The peace offered through Christ goes beyond our understanding because it comes independent of our circumstances. Such peace comes from God and is a work of the Holy Spirit. All we need do is release and surrender our circumstances to the Lord. And as we do that God takes over and bathes us in His peace that surpasses, even defies human explanation. God’s peace transcends “all understanding.”
Peace through pure thoughts. God’s promise to His people is that if they focus on Him He will give us peace (Isaiah 26:3). A little further on in Philippians Paul adds:
Here Paul teaches us that right thinking is intertwined with the peace of God too. He also connects applying the things “you learned and received and heard and saw in me” to not only the peace of God but to “the God of peace” who is promised to “be with you” when in faith you do these things. When we take every thought and submit it to Jesus it clears the channels of communication between us and the Lord (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Wrong thoughts create spiritual static. Right thoughts lead to clear and crisp reception between us and the Lord. That leads to the peace of God.
In the second part of this study we will look at the parameters within which we can experience the peace of God. We will also look at the danger of having a false peace. Until then, apply in the Spirit what you’ve learned and let the peace of God rule you.
Are you experiencing upheaval in your life? Are you awake nights distracted with anxious thoughts about potential problematic outcomes to life situations? Are you paralyzed by fear? Do you feel like you are falling apart, exhausted by multiple tensions in life? God has help for you. He has a peace that will help you through the anxiety producing circumstances of life. All you have to do is ask for His peace and follow His instructions and it can be yours.
The word “peace” (εἰρήνη ĕirēnē, i-ray´-nay) refers to rest, peace, prosperity, tranquility, harmony, or health. We are talking about a particular kind of peace in this study; “the peace of God.” In the Old Testament “peace” is translated from the Hebrew term shalom. This is more than mere cessation of war. The peace God offers involves positive prosperity as well. We receive such peace by setting our mind on God (Is. 26:3). In the New Testament we gain further understanding and see clearly God offers is peace in the midst of difficulties. His peace helps us to rise above or wade through hardship. We need His peace.
Peace not presumption. This peace is not based on presumption like when the children of Israel thought they could make things right with God after they refused to go into the Promised Land by presuming to go on in their own strength (Num. 14:39-45). That only led to less peace and more defeat. Nor is it peace the false peace of a presumptuous false prophet (Deut. 18:20). ). Peace is not something we can earn or manipulate. Peace is a gift of God’s grace and comes from a close relationship with the Lord.
Peace not procrastination. This peace does not lead to procrastination. Sometimes God will have us “stand still” and watch Him fight for us (2 Chron. 20:17). But more often than not God’s peace is provided for and in the battle. At the very least we need to be in prayer to secure God’s peace. While we should wait on God’s peace in decisions, we need to act in that peace when it is obtained. Where do we find such peace?
Peace from Jesus. Jesus said:
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
True lasting peace comes through faith in Jesus and is good before, in and after the battles of life. The world offers false peace. The world offers mindless meditative peace or relative peace. But the peace Jesus offers enables us, (no matter how difficult or dark a life situation we find ourselves in), to have a heart untroubled and unafraid. The peace offered by Jesus transcends and surpasses anything the world has to offer.
Peace on Two levels. Through faith in Christ we have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). Outside of Christ we are at war with God (Rom. 8:7). When we put our faith in Jesus and enter into a saving relationship with God in Christ, we then move to being at peace with Him. Our war with God is over when we surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord. This is why Paul opens his letters with the phrase “Grace to you and peace” (e.g. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2; Philemon 3). The one who has received forgiveness for their sins through faith in Christ by God’s gracious gift is one who then enters into and experiences peace with God and eternal life.
But it is possible to be at peace with God and not have the “peace of God.” Peace with God and the peace of God are distinct. Peace with God necessarily comes first. But the peace of God does not necessarily or automatically follow entering into peace with God. As Christians we may allow pockets of resistance to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. These can take many forms. It may be a relational compromise such as a Christian entering into an unequally yoked relationship with an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:11 – 7:1). It can be a compromise in integrity such as gossiping, speaking a half truth or bearing false witness (Eph. 4:29). It may be a disregard of the still small voice of the Spirit or a neglect of a portion of God’s word (Jer. 44:5). Other examples could be listed. Such things create peace-disrupting obstacles. All sin and fleshly behavior is peace disrupting. A person can still have peace with God in that they are saved from their sin. But with such pockets of resistance the peace of God can be lost. Thankfully it can be regained through confession and repentance.
Peace through prayer. The peace of God comes through prayer. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he writes:
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Here Paul is writing to believers and recognizing that it is possible for believers to be anxious or not be experiencing the peace of God. His solution is to in every situation pray and in faith be thankful to God and set your situation and requests before God. If we do this the result will be “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The peace offered through Christ goes beyond our understanding because it comes independent of our circumstances. Such peace comes from God and is a work of the Holy Spirit. All we need do is release and surrender our circumstances to the Lord. And as we do that God takes over and bathes us in His peace that surpasses, even defies human explanation. God’s peace transcends “all understanding.”
Peace through pure thoughts. God’s promise to His people is that if they focus on Him He will give us peace (Isaiah 26:3). A little further on in Philippians Paul adds:
Philippians 4:8-9 - 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Here Paul teaches us that right thinking is intertwined with the peace of God too. He also connects applying the things “you learned and received and heard and saw in me” to not only the peace of God but to “the God of peace” who is promised to “be with you” when in faith you do these things. When we take every thought and submit it to Jesus it clears the channels of communication between us and the Lord (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Wrong thoughts create spiritual static. Right thoughts lead to clear and crisp reception between us and the Lord. That leads to the peace of God.
In the second part of this study we will look at the parameters within which we can experience the peace of God. We will also look at the danger of having a false peace. Until then, apply in the Spirit what you’ve learned and let the peace of God rule you.
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Mindset for Marital Bliss
In the battle over defining marriage those who are for same-sex marriage contend the state of marriage is so bad that broadening its definition to incorporate homosexual and lesbians can’t make it any worse. Such an accusation, to our shame, is not completely groundless. Marriage is in trouble.
Where have marriages gone wrong? What is at the root of the breakdown in marriage? There are a myriad of studies and articles, as well as books and blog spots on this topic. The basic rudimentary problem is that couples have gotten away from marriage as a particular Christian institution. Marriage can be blissful. But marriage is also a minefield of potential problems. Marriage will test a person’s resolve and reveal a person’s character. Marriage is not easy, without Jesus, without a deep, living, growing, abiding personal saving relationship with Jesus, marriage is near impossible. Why is that?
Not every successful or enduring marriage is Christian. But the qualities of Christ I will mention here are characteristic of successful marriages. I speak from the personal experience of 32 years of blissful marriage and 26 years as a pastor who has counseled many couples. Marriage is a creation of God (Gen. 2:24-25). A marriage fails to fulfill one of its greatest purposes if it is void of Christ. True marriage is Christian marriage. A marriage is one of God’s greatest tools to form Christ in people. God designed marriage to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:21-33). Marriage is the means to form families. Families are living epistles of how Christ works in and through people. Families are the factories to generate new generations of disciples of Christ. Christ-centered marriages hold the fabric of society together. Because of this marriage is under attack; to destroy the God ordained purposes for marriage.
So just what is the mindset that leads to marital bliss? The mindset that leads to marital bliss is scriptural and Christlike. There are three premises or principles that a married couple needs for their marriage to function properly and be a blessing. And then a clear understanding of the role of the husband and wife is needed.
First, the mindset for marital bliss is mutually submissive. Ephesians 5:21 introduces the great marriage passage of the Bible and speaks of a couple submitting to one another. It states, "submitting to one another in the fear of God." The term "submitting" means, "to subject to, to make subject, and to be under obedience, to subordinate, to subdue, to submit, or be in subjection.” The grammar of the term implies an ongoing action of being submitted. The first attitude for a blissful marriage is subordinating your desires to that of your spouse. If you want a joyful marriage, put Jesus first, your other second, and yourself last. A husband and a wife can learn from each other. They strengthen each other. They are a team not competing adversaries.
What drives or motivates us to submit us to one another? "The fear of God" or our mutual respect and reverence for God. Our view of God is motivation for being mutually submitted to one another. Our attitude is to be looking to submit to one another. This should be our objective and aim. Marriages breakdown because partners have bought into the cockeyed carnal notion that they have to look out for number one, me. Instead we need to submit to God and then to each other. Do you believe God enough to submit to and trust Him? Do you trust Him enough to give up your “rights”? Pray about that and answer honestly. And then consider what the Bible says about your “rights.”
Second, the mindset for marital bliss knows it has no rights. 1 Corinthians 6:20 states, "For you were bought at a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." If we have been bought by God, then we have no rights! This verse eliminates all defenses, all excuses, and all alternatives to God's will. If we have been bought, and bought by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet 1:18-19), then nothing, nothing God asks us to do is too much to ask. It is with this in mind that we should approach God's roles for husbands and wives.
Akin to this are Paul's inspired words, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). This is our objective for life and that would include marriage. If you are going to approach your marriage from a Christian perspective, from a spiritual perspective, these two verses should describe your attitude as husband and wife. So pause a moment and maybe write out those verses and prayerfully meditate on them. Do you really take them to heart? Do you take them seriously? Pray about it.
Third, the mindset for marital bliss is loving. 1 Corinthians 13:8a states, "Love never fails." This is not any kind of love. It is not secular self-centered, self-serving love. It is selfless, sacrificial Christlike agape love. This is God’s brand of love (cf. Rom. 5:8). The love that never fails comes from the Holy Spirit who indwells the genuinely saved (Rom. 5:5; 8:9-11; Gal. 5:22-24). This love is defined in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 where it is described as willing to suffer long, kind, wants the best for others, is humble, polite and discreet, selfless, patient and easy going, pure thinking, truthful, faithful, hopeful and enduring. This love is exemplified in Christ who gave Himself for us on the cross (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). This love is the identifying mark of disciples (John 13:35). This is love that counts the cost and pays up. This is love that sacrifices. This is love that gives up self for the sake of glorifying God by doing what is right and in accord with His word. This is love that is demonstrated and validated in obedience (John 14:15, 21). It's easy to claim we are loving. The proof of the reality of such love is obedience to the Lord and His word. Obedience even when it requires we subordinate our “needs.” That's the challenge that reveals the truth.
The wife's submission - "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). The wife is to submit or subordinate herself to her own husband (not men in general). This submission is illustrated in the subjection of the church to Jesus (Eph. 5:23-24). This is further defined as, "let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Eph. 5:33b). This is the greatest need for husbands. It is why Paul singles it out to wives. The heart cry of every husband is for the support and respect of his wife. When a wife removes her support and respect, or when a husband feels that she has, he becomes like a ship at sea with windless sails, dead in the water. Respect and support is the life giving air for the husband-body. It is the lifeblood of a healthy husband.
You as a wife may have numerous reasons to withhold your support and respect from your husband. You may claim to support and respect him in various ways (past and present). But the proof is in whether or not your husband actually feels that support. If he doesn't, then you need to find a way to rectify that. You need to support and respect him in an effective way, a way he feels that support. You need to go before the Lord and ask Him to show you how to do this. Ask Him for wisdom. This is your calling, your challenge. You can take incremental steps; maybe crawling that leads to baby steps and then longer strides. But this is your role in the marriage. As with the husband, this is a product of God's love in you. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. To the extent you love, you are filled with the Spirit. That love compels us (2 Cor. 5:14). It compels us and directs us in faith. Faith always involves risk. That can be scary. But God will guide you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
The Husband's submission - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). As a husband you are directly and clearly called to love you wife. That love entails a giving yourself for her quality. When we accept Jesus as Savior we relinquish all rights. We have been bought at a price, we are no longer our own. If we are no longer our own, and we belong to God, and He commands us as husbands to give our lives for our wives in love, then we have no defense, no excuse, no rational or scriptural reason to act in a way that is less than selflessly loving. If we package this call to selfless loving in subordinating ourselves to our wives then we come to them asking, "Honey, how do you want me to love you?" Her wish (except for something that is sinful) then becomes our command. Isn't this what Jesus said to His followers? "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). That is loving like Christ.
Husband, what is your bride asking you for? As a husband, as a servant leader in the home following in the footsteps of Jesus (Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6) listen to what she says. Then do everything in your power to meet those needs. That is our calling as husbands. Everything else in our lives will be affected by our answer to that call. Look at Jesus. What did He hold back? "He loved them to the end" (John 13:1).
If God entrusts a precious bride to us, and we fail or refuse to treat that bride as He instructs us to, no matter the cost, then how can He entrust anything else to us? Love your wife as Christ loved the church. Love her with your words. Love her with your work. Love her in serving her. Love her. Pray and ask the Lord to show you how to love your wife. But love her. Your marriage begins or ends dependent on your love.
While marriage vows are not found in the Bible, they do express a scripturally sound commitment. Those experiencing marital difficulties should review their vows made in the sight of God. They should prayerfully ask the Lord to minister to them in their situation in light of those vows. Do you remember your wedding day vows? Maybe they went something like this:
It only takes a moment to utter such words. It takes a lifetime to fully understand their profound significance. Only a fool makes empty vows before God (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). The pathway to marital bliss is to take God’s word to heart and in the power the Spirit provides, pay your vow to God and to each other. That is the mindset for marital bliss.
Where have marriages gone wrong? What is at the root of the breakdown in marriage? There are a myriad of studies and articles, as well as books and blog spots on this topic. The basic rudimentary problem is that couples have gotten away from marriage as a particular Christian institution. Marriage can be blissful. But marriage is also a minefield of potential problems. Marriage will test a person’s resolve and reveal a person’s character. Marriage is not easy, without Jesus, without a deep, living, growing, abiding personal saving relationship with Jesus, marriage is near impossible. Why is that?
Not every successful or enduring marriage is Christian. But the qualities of Christ I will mention here are characteristic of successful marriages. I speak from the personal experience of 32 years of blissful marriage and 26 years as a pastor who has counseled many couples. Marriage is a creation of God (Gen. 2:24-25). A marriage fails to fulfill one of its greatest purposes if it is void of Christ. True marriage is Christian marriage. A marriage is one of God’s greatest tools to form Christ in people. God designed marriage to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:21-33). Marriage is the means to form families. Families are living epistles of how Christ works in and through people. Families are the factories to generate new generations of disciples of Christ. Christ-centered marriages hold the fabric of society together. Because of this marriage is under attack; to destroy the God ordained purposes for marriage.
So just what is the mindset that leads to marital bliss? The mindset that leads to marital bliss is scriptural and Christlike. There are three premises or principles that a married couple needs for their marriage to function properly and be a blessing. And then a clear understanding of the role of the husband and wife is needed.
First, the mindset for marital bliss is mutually submissive. Ephesians 5:21 introduces the great marriage passage of the Bible and speaks of a couple submitting to one another. It states, "submitting to one another in the fear of God." The term "submitting" means, "to subject to, to make subject, and to be under obedience, to subordinate, to subdue, to submit, or be in subjection.” The grammar of the term implies an ongoing action of being submitted. The first attitude for a blissful marriage is subordinating your desires to that of your spouse. If you want a joyful marriage, put Jesus first, your other second, and yourself last. A husband and a wife can learn from each other. They strengthen each other. They are a team not competing adversaries.
What drives or motivates us to submit us to one another? "The fear of God" or our mutual respect and reverence for God. Our view of God is motivation for being mutually submitted to one another. Our attitude is to be looking to submit to one another. This should be our objective and aim. Marriages breakdown because partners have bought into the cockeyed carnal notion that they have to look out for number one, me. Instead we need to submit to God and then to each other. Do you believe God enough to submit to and trust Him? Do you trust Him enough to give up your “rights”? Pray about that and answer honestly. And then consider what the Bible says about your “rights.”
Second, the mindset for marital bliss knows it has no rights. 1 Corinthians 6:20 states, "For you were bought at a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." If we have been bought by God, then we have no rights! This verse eliminates all defenses, all excuses, and all alternatives to God's will. If we have been bought, and bought by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet 1:18-19), then nothing, nothing God asks us to do is too much to ask. It is with this in mind that we should approach God's roles for husbands and wives.
Akin to this are Paul's inspired words, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). This is our objective for life and that would include marriage. If you are going to approach your marriage from a Christian perspective, from a spiritual perspective, these two verses should describe your attitude as husband and wife. So pause a moment and maybe write out those verses and prayerfully meditate on them. Do you really take them to heart? Do you take them seriously? Pray about it.
Third, the mindset for marital bliss is loving. 1 Corinthians 13:8a states, "Love never fails." This is not any kind of love. It is not secular self-centered, self-serving love. It is selfless, sacrificial Christlike agape love. This is God’s brand of love (cf. Rom. 5:8). The love that never fails comes from the Holy Spirit who indwells the genuinely saved (Rom. 5:5; 8:9-11; Gal. 5:22-24). This love is defined in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 where it is described as willing to suffer long, kind, wants the best for others, is humble, polite and discreet, selfless, patient and easy going, pure thinking, truthful, faithful, hopeful and enduring. This love is exemplified in Christ who gave Himself for us on the cross (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). This love is the identifying mark of disciples (John 13:35). This is love that counts the cost and pays up. This is love that sacrifices. This is love that gives up self for the sake of glorifying God by doing what is right and in accord with His word. This is love that is demonstrated and validated in obedience (John 14:15, 21). It's easy to claim we are loving. The proof of the reality of such love is obedience to the Lord and His word. Obedience even when it requires we subordinate our “needs.” That's the challenge that reveals the truth.
The wife's submission - "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). The wife is to submit or subordinate herself to her own husband (not men in general). This submission is illustrated in the subjection of the church to Jesus (Eph. 5:23-24). This is further defined as, "let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Eph. 5:33b). This is the greatest need for husbands. It is why Paul singles it out to wives. The heart cry of every husband is for the support and respect of his wife. When a wife removes her support and respect, or when a husband feels that she has, he becomes like a ship at sea with windless sails, dead in the water. Respect and support is the life giving air for the husband-body. It is the lifeblood of a healthy husband.
You as a wife may have numerous reasons to withhold your support and respect from your husband. You may claim to support and respect him in various ways (past and present). But the proof is in whether or not your husband actually feels that support. If he doesn't, then you need to find a way to rectify that. You need to support and respect him in an effective way, a way he feels that support. You need to go before the Lord and ask Him to show you how to do this. Ask Him for wisdom. This is your calling, your challenge. You can take incremental steps; maybe crawling that leads to baby steps and then longer strides. But this is your role in the marriage. As with the husband, this is a product of God's love in you. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. To the extent you love, you are filled with the Spirit. That love compels us (2 Cor. 5:14). It compels us and directs us in faith. Faith always involves risk. That can be scary. But God will guide you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
The Husband's submission - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). As a husband you are directly and clearly called to love you wife. That love entails a giving yourself for her quality. When we accept Jesus as Savior we relinquish all rights. We have been bought at a price, we are no longer our own. If we are no longer our own, and we belong to God, and He commands us as husbands to give our lives for our wives in love, then we have no defense, no excuse, no rational or scriptural reason to act in a way that is less than selflessly loving. If we package this call to selfless loving in subordinating ourselves to our wives then we come to them asking, "Honey, how do you want me to love you?" Her wish (except for something that is sinful) then becomes our command. Isn't this what Jesus said to His followers? "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). That is loving like Christ.
Husband, what is your bride asking you for? As a husband, as a servant leader in the home following in the footsteps of Jesus (Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6) listen to what she says. Then do everything in your power to meet those needs. That is our calling as husbands. Everything else in our lives will be affected by our answer to that call. Look at Jesus. What did He hold back? "He loved them to the end" (John 13:1).
If God entrusts a precious bride to us, and we fail or refuse to treat that bride as He instructs us to, no matter the cost, then how can He entrust anything else to us? Love your wife as Christ loved the church. Love her with your words. Love her with your work. Love her in serving her. Love her. Pray and ask the Lord to show you how to love your wife. But love her. Your marriage begins or ends dependent on your love.
While marriage vows are not found in the Bible, they do express a scripturally sound commitment. Those experiencing marital difficulties should review their vows made in the sight of God. They should prayerfully ask the Lord to minister to them in their situation in light of those vows. Do you remember your wedding day vows? Maybe they went something like this:
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I, ______, take you _______to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
It only takes a moment to utter such words. It takes a lifetime to fully understand their profound significance. Only a fool makes empty vows before God (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). The pathway to marital bliss is to take God’s word to heart and in the power the Spirit provides, pay your vow to God and to each other. That is the mindset for marital bliss.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
What is Agape Love - Part 2
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Why is it important that we know what love, agape love is? Jesus said His disciples, His followers would be identified by His love (John 13:35). Scripture also tells us that Christians are to be compelled or motivated by the love of Christ (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). If a Christian is known and identified by love then they can’t really be an effective Christian if they aren’t informed about that which should be the basis of their identity. If agape love is to be our driving motivating force in all we do, then we need to know what that love is so that what we do is done to the glory of God. Agape love is important therefore, because it define who we are and how we live. Christians are a product of God’s agape love (Rom. 5:8). Agape love is God’s will for us. Agape love defines who we are. Agape love is the substance of genuinely saved Christians. That is why understanding agape love is important.
Now we continue with our consideration of What is Agape Love? We have seen a lot of what agape love isn’t. Now we will see more of what agape love is. What does agape love do? What positive actions does it take?
Eleventh, love rejoices in the truth (13:6b). Love rejoices when the truth comes out (“truth” – ἀλήθεια alēthĕia, al-ay´-thi-a;” truth). And when the truth does come out, they don’t quip, “They got theirs.” No, love rejoices when the truth of justice bears out, when sinners come to repentance and faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 7:9-16).
Twelfth, love bears all things (13:7a). To bear all things means to cover with silence (στέγω - stĕgō, steg´-o). It means to roof over, to cover with silence, endure patiently, forbear, and suffer.” Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love doesn’t sweep sin under the carpet, but it also doesn’t dig up offenses to use as ammunition against people (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9). Like Jesus, a loving person is willing to suffer in silence when wronged (Matthew 26:62-63; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 2:21-25). A loving person is willing to bear weaker brethren (Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2). Jesus bears us; we should bear with others.
Thirteenth, love believes all things (13:7b). This doesn’t mean that love is stupid or gullible. It means that love is willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. It means that the person who loves, loves God so much they are willing to entrust in faith all things to Him (“believes” – πιστεύω - pistĕuō, pist-yoo´-o). It means to have faith in God enough to entrust people to Him.
Fourteenth, love hopes all things (13:7c). Love looks to the promise of God to make things right in the end. Love looks to the future with a faith and assurance that God will do right in the end. His will is sure to be accomplished to His glory. Hope (ἐλπίζω - ĕlpizō, el-pid´-zo) is faith in God for the future based on God and His word (Romans 15:4, 13).
Fifteenth, love endures all things (13:7d). To “endure” (ὑπομένω - hupŏmĕnō, hoop-om-en´-o) means, “to stay under, remain; to undergo, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere; abide, endure, take patiently, suffer, tarry behind.” Love just doesn’t give up. Love stays and continues under the hand of God no matter what. Love abides in Jesus (John 15). Love finishes well (2 Timothy 1:12).
Agape love rejoices in the truth and bears all things, it believes and hopes all things, it endures all things. These are very beautiful but somewhat abstract descriptions of agape love. But agape love is anything but merely an abstraction. It is concrete, the bedrock of life; the oil that quiets life’s squeaks and that makes the mechanisms of relationships and the church work. What is agape love in action? An unknown writer put it this way:
We’ve spoke in great detail about what love is. But we miss the substance of this description of the more excellent way of love if we fail to realize that this is a picture of Jesus. If we insert the name of Jesus in the place of the word love in these verses, we have a beautiful picture of Jesus. What happens if we try and insert our names in the place of love in this passage? Your answer to that question will go a long way in determining your spiritual maturity. God is love (1 John 4:8). Jesus is God (John 1:1-3, 14; 8:58; 10:30; 14:9). Jesus is love, agape love.
Paul then states, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” If you want what you do for the Lord to be empowered and overcoming, do it in love. If you want what you do for the Lord to endure, do it in love. Love never fails. Think about that. Prophecies fail, tongues will stop and knowledge will disappear, but love and that which is done in love, will endure powerfully. Love overcomes the hard heart that loveless prophecies alone failed to move. Love reaches the throne of God in prayer where loveless tongues failed to break through the clouds of heaven. Love has staying power on the listener where loveless regurgitation of knowledge goes in one ear and out the other vanishing away. That is the anointing of God that is on whatever is done in agape love. That is agape love.
By now only the hardest heart would not be moved by God’s agape love. We need more of this kind of love. But this is not something we can drum up on our own. Agape love is something God must pour into our hearts. He will do that if we invite Him to do so. But first we must turn from our sin, repent, and ask His forgiveness. We must do this through faith in Christ. Jesus alone is our atoning sacrifice. He died on the cross to pay our penalty and sin debt. Salvation from our sins is a gift of God’s grace to be received by faith. When we do that, God then gives us spiritual life by the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Then we embark on a life of holiness worked in us by the Holy Spirit. He conforms us to the likeness of Jesus who “is love.” This is a fantastic prospect and promise. In fact scripture states, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Agape love is a gift of God, received through faith in Christ, worked in and trough us by the Holy Spirit. Receive it now. Live it forever.
Why is it important that we know what love, agape love is? Jesus said His disciples, His followers would be identified by His love (John 13:35). Scripture also tells us that Christians are to be compelled or motivated by the love of Christ (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). If a Christian is known and identified by love then they can’t really be an effective Christian if they aren’t informed about that which should be the basis of their identity. If agape love is to be our driving motivating force in all we do, then we need to know what that love is so that what we do is done to the glory of God. Agape love is important therefore, because it define who we are and how we live. Christians are a product of God’s agape love (Rom. 5:8). Agape love is God’s will for us. Agape love defines who we are. Agape love is the substance of genuinely saved Christians. That is why understanding agape love is important.
Now we continue with our consideration of What is Agape Love? We have seen a lot of what agape love isn’t. Now we will see more of what agape love is. What does agape love do? What positive actions does it take?
Eleventh, love rejoices in the truth (13:6b). Love rejoices when the truth comes out (“truth” – ἀλήθεια alēthĕia, al-ay´-thi-a;” truth). And when the truth does come out, they don’t quip, “They got theirs.” No, love rejoices when the truth of justice bears out, when sinners come to repentance and faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 7:9-16).
Twelfth, love bears all things (13:7a). To bear all things means to cover with silence (στέγω - stĕgō, steg´-o). It means to roof over, to cover with silence, endure patiently, forbear, and suffer.” Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love doesn’t sweep sin under the carpet, but it also doesn’t dig up offenses to use as ammunition against people (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9). Like Jesus, a loving person is willing to suffer in silence when wronged (Matthew 26:62-63; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 2:21-25). A loving person is willing to bear weaker brethren (Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2). Jesus bears us; we should bear with others.
Thirteenth, love believes all things (13:7b). This doesn’t mean that love is stupid or gullible. It means that love is willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. It means that the person who loves, loves God so much they are willing to entrust in faith all things to Him (“believes” – πιστεύω - pistĕuō, pist-yoo´-o). It means to have faith in God enough to entrust people to Him.
Fourteenth, love hopes all things (13:7c). Love looks to the promise of God to make things right in the end. Love looks to the future with a faith and assurance that God will do right in the end. His will is sure to be accomplished to His glory. Hope (ἐλπίζω - ĕlpizō, el-pid´-zo) is faith in God for the future based on God and His word (Romans 15:4, 13).
Fifteenth, love endures all things (13:7d). To “endure” (ὑπομένω - hupŏmĕnō, hoop-om-en´-o) means, “to stay under, remain; to undergo, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere; abide, endure, take patiently, suffer, tarry behind.” Love just doesn’t give up. Love stays and continues under the hand of God no matter what. Love abides in Jesus (John 15). Love finishes well (2 Timothy 1:12).
Agape love rejoices in the truth and bears all things, it believes and hopes all things, it endures all things. These are very beautiful but somewhat abstract descriptions of agape love. But agape love is anything but merely an abstraction. It is concrete, the bedrock of life; the oil that quiets life’s squeaks and that makes the mechanisms of relationships and the church work. What is agape love in action? An unknown writer put it this way:
What is love? It is silence--when your words would hurt. It is patience--when your neighbor's curt. It is deafness--when a scandal flows. It is thoughtfulness--for other's woes. It is promptness--when stern duty calls. It is courage--when misfortune falls.
We’ve spoke in great detail about what love is. But we miss the substance of this description of the more excellent way of love if we fail to realize that this is a picture of Jesus. If we insert the name of Jesus in the place of the word love in these verses, we have a beautiful picture of Jesus. What happens if we try and insert our names in the place of love in this passage? Your answer to that question will go a long way in determining your spiritual maturity. God is love (1 John 4:8). Jesus is God (John 1:1-3, 14; 8:58; 10:30; 14:9). Jesus is love, agape love.
Paul then states, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” If you want what you do for the Lord to be empowered and overcoming, do it in love. If you want what you do for the Lord to endure, do it in love. Love never fails. Think about that. Prophecies fail, tongues will stop and knowledge will disappear, but love and that which is done in love, will endure powerfully. Love overcomes the hard heart that loveless prophecies alone failed to move. Love reaches the throne of God in prayer where loveless tongues failed to break through the clouds of heaven. Love has staying power on the listener where loveless regurgitation of knowledge goes in one ear and out the other vanishing away. That is the anointing of God that is on whatever is done in agape love. That is agape love.
By now only the hardest heart would not be moved by God’s agape love. We need more of this kind of love. But this is not something we can drum up on our own. Agape love is something God must pour into our hearts. He will do that if we invite Him to do so. But first we must turn from our sin, repent, and ask His forgiveness. We must do this through faith in Christ. Jesus alone is our atoning sacrifice. He died on the cross to pay our penalty and sin debt. Salvation from our sins is a gift of God’s grace to be received by faith. When we do that, God then gives us spiritual life by the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Then we embark on a life of holiness worked in us by the Holy Spirit. He conforms us to the likeness of Jesus who “is love.” This is a fantastic prospect and promise. In fact scripture states, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Agape love is a gift of God, received through faith in Christ, worked in and trough us by the Holy Spirit. Receive it now. Live it forever.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What is Agape Love? - Part 1
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
What is love? That is one of the greatest questions. And the answer is given in these verses. Let’s examine these verses. The term “love” is translated from the Greek term agape (ἀγάπη agapē, ag-ah´-pay) which means, “love, i.e. affection or benevolence.” This is a word used to refer to the “love feast” of the early church and is often translated, “charity, dear, love.” It is in particular the brand of love associated with God (John 3:16; Rom. 5:5, 8). That is why we aren’t merely asking “What is love?” but “What is Agape Love?”
Paul defines what agape love is and does as well as what love is not. He defines love from every direction here which is why this is such a valuable passage in defining love. So just what is agape love?
First, love suffers long (13:4a). “Suffer long” comes from the Greek term makrothumeo (μακροθυμέω - makrŏthumĕō, mak-roth-oo-meh´-o) which means, “to be long-spirited, forbearing or patient; longsuffering, patiently endure.” Love has staying power. Love keeps at its objective even though suffering and difficulty may be involved. Love is like the Father waiting for the prodigal to return home (Luke 15:11-32). Paul is a good example of this because his compelling love in ministry moved and motivated him to continue on in the face of constant adversity (2 Corinthians 6:2-10).
Second, love is kind (13:4b). The word “kind” comes from the Greek term chresteuomai (χρηστευομαι - chrēstĕuŏmai, khraste-yoo´-om-ahee) which means, “to show oneself useful, i.e. act benevolently; be kind.” Love is an action. A loving person does not sit by and feel sorry for themselves or others, but a loving person takes loving action to help and act benevolently toward those around them. God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were sinners He sent Jesus to die for us and redeem us (Romans 5:8). We ought to do the same in His love (Proverbs 19:22; Luke 6:35; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13).
Third, love does not envy (13:4c). Envy is to covet what another person has (ζηλόω - zēlŏō, dzay-lŏ´-o or ζηλεύω zēlĕuō dzay-loo´-o). A loving person will rejoice and be glad for the blessings of God bestowed on others. Carnal Corinthian Christians are envious and jealous, and therefore unloving (1 Corinthians 3:3). Envy is a trait of the sinful fleshly nature (Galatians 5:21). Love is not self-centered. Love does not see everything and everyone in terms of what “I” have or do not have. Love doesn’t get caught up in keeping up with the Joneses. Love is the fruitful produce of the Holy Spirit working in a person (Galatians 5:22).
Fourth, love does not parade itself (13:4d). The idea of the phrase, “parade itself” (περπερεύομαι - pĕrpĕrĕuŏmai, per-per-yoo´-om-ahee) is to be a “braggart; to boast; vaunt itself.” It is to make yourself the center of attention. Love is not proud. It doesn’t seek the spotlight. The loving person is a good listener who does not feel they have to be the center of attention in a group or a conversation. Pride leads to a host of problems in life and therefore pride should be overcome by way of God’s love (Proverbs 13:10; 16:18).
Fifth, love is not puffed up (13:4e). A loving person is not filled with hot air. The phrase “puffed up” comes from the Greek term phusioo (φυσιόω phusiŏō, foo-see-ŏ´-o) which means literally, “blowing; to inflate.” In a figurative sense it means, “make proud, haughty, puff up.” Love is discreet, humble and genuine. The puffed up person is the person who presents themselves as something more than they actually are. Jesus denounced hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23). Love leads us to be genuine and real before God and people (Romans 12:9).
Sixth, love does not behave rudely (13:5a). The loving person is a polite person who respects others and does not march around uncaringly like a bull in a china shop. To be “rude” (ἀσχημονέω - aschēmŏnĕō, as-kay-mon-eh´-o) is to be (i.e. act) unbecoming; behave self uncomely (unseemly).” Love esteems others as better than themselves (Philippians 2:3).
Seventh, love does not seek its own (13:5b). The loving person is not out for themselves. The loving person seeks the best for others. Love is diametrically opposed to carnality which is rooted in serving self. Jesus gave Himself on the cross so we could be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 8:9).
Eighth, love is not provoked (13:5c). “Provoked” comes from the Greek term paroxuno (παροξύνω - parŏxunō, par-ox-oo´-no) and means, “to sharpen alongside.” It means to always be on edge. It’s like a person looking for a fight with anyone and everyone who might tread on their turf or rights. Remember a loving person is “long suffering” and therefore is not easily provoked but easy going and able to laugh off or not take offense easily at offenses. The loving person overcomes evil and their enemies with love (Luke 6:35; Romans 12:21).
Ninth, love thinks no evil (13:5d). “Evil” (κακός - kakŏs, kak-os´) means, “worthless; depraved, injurious; bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.” Evil means rotten. Rotten things are not on the mind of the loving person. A loving person does not look at those around them with a look that is accusatory of evil. A loving person does not see evil in others or think the worst of people. Love thinks on holy things (Philippians 4:8-9).
Tenth, love does not rejoice in iniquity (13:6a). Love is not happy when injustices occur, even to their enemies (“iniquity” – ἀδικία - adikia, ad-ee-kee´-ah) is a word used to describe “injustice; wrongfulness of character, life or act; unrighteousness, and wrong.” A loving person is grieved over injustice, even when it happens to an enemy (Proverbs 24:17; Matthew 5:44). Fools overlook sin but the one who loves takes its consequences seriously (Proverbs 14:9).
In this first part of answering the question What is Agape Love? We have seen what love is not. In the second part of this study we will see what love is. We have seen the negative. Now we will turn to the positive. Until we do, make sure to love with agape love.
What is love? That is one of the greatest questions. And the answer is given in these verses. Let’s examine these verses. The term “love” is translated from the Greek term agape (ἀγάπη agapē, ag-ah´-pay) which means, “love, i.e. affection or benevolence.” This is a word used to refer to the “love feast” of the early church and is often translated, “charity, dear, love.” It is in particular the brand of love associated with God (John 3:16; Rom. 5:5, 8). That is why we aren’t merely asking “What is love?” but “What is Agape Love?”
Paul defines what agape love is and does as well as what love is not. He defines love from every direction here which is why this is such a valuable passage in defining love. So just what is agape love?
First, love suffers long (13:4a). “Suffer long” comes from the Greek term makrothumeo (μακροθυμέω - makrŏthumĕō, mak-roth-oo-meh´-o) which means, “to be long-spirited, forbearing or patient; longsuffering, patiently endure.” Love has staying power. Love keeps at its objective even though suffering and difficulty may be involved. Love is like the Father waiting for the prodigal to return home (Luke 15:11-32). Paul is a good example of this because his compelling love in ministry moved and motivated him to continue on in the face of constant adversity (2 Corinthians 6:2-10).
Second, love is kind (13:4b). The word “kind” comes from the Greek term chresteuomai (χρηστευομαι - chrēstĕuŏmai, khraste-yoo´-om-ahee) which means, “to show oneself useful, i.e. act benevolently; be kind.” Love is an action. A loving person does not sit by and feel sorry for themselves or others, but a loving person takes loving action to help and act benevolently toward those around them. God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were sinners He sent Jesus to die for us and redeem us (Romans 5:8). We ought to do the same in His love (Proverbs 19:22; Luke 6:35; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13).
Third, love does not envy (13:4c). Envy is to covet what another person has (ζηλόω - zēlŏō, dzay-lŏ´-o or ζηλεύω zēlĕuō dzay-loo´-o). A loving person will rejoice and be glad for the blessings of God bestowed on others. Carnal Corinthian Christians are envious and jealous, and therefore unloving (1 Corinthians 3:3). Envy is a trait of the sinful fleshly nature (Galatians 5:21). Love is not self-centered. Love does not see everything and everyone in terms of what “I” have or do not have. Love doesn’t get caught up in keeping up with the Joneses. Love is the fruitful produce of the Holy Spirit working in a person (Galatians 5:22).
Fourth, love does not parade itself (13:4d). The idea of the phrase, “parade itself” (περπερεύομαι - pĕrpĕrĕuŏmai, per-per-yoo´-om-ahee) is to be a “braggart; to boast; vaunt itself.” It is to make yourself the center of attention. Love is not proud. It doesn’t seek the spotlight. The loving person is a good listener who does not feel they have to be the center of attention in a group or a conversation. Pride leads to a host of problems in life and therefore pride should be overcome by way of God’s love (Proverbs 13:10; 16:18).
Fifth, love is not puffed up (13:4e). A loving person is not filled with hot air. The phrase “puffed up” comes from the Greek term phusioo (φυσιόω phusiŏō, foo-see-ŏ´-o) which means literally, “blowing; to inflate.” In a figurative sense it means, “make proud, haughty, puff up.” Love is discreet, humble and genuine. The puffed up person is the person who presents themselves as something more than they actually are. Jesus denounced hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23). Love leads us to be genuine and real before God and people (Romans 12:9).
Sixth, love does not behave rudely (13:5a). The loving person is a polite person who respects others and does not march around uncaringly like a bull in a china shop. To be “rude” (ἀσχημονέω - aschēmŏnĕō, as-kay-mon-eh´-o) is to be (i.e. act) unbecoming; behave self uncomely (unseemly).” Love esteems others as better than themselves (Philippians 2:3).
Seventh, love does not seek its own (13:5b). The loving person is not out for themselves. The loving person seeks the best for others. Love is diametrically opposed to carnality which is rooted in serving self. Jesus gave Himself on the cross so we could be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 8:9).
Eighth, love is not provoked (13:5c). “Provoked” comes from the Greek term paroxuno (παροξύνω - parŏxunō, par-ox-oo´-no) and means, “to sharpen alongside.” It means to always be on edge. It’s like a person looking for a fight with anyone and everyone who might tread on their turf or rights. Remember a loving person is “long suffering” and therefore is not easily provoked but easy going and able to laugh off or not take offense easily at offenses. The loving person overcomes evil and their enemies with love (Luke 6:35; Romans 12:21).
Ninth, love thinks no evil (13:5d). “Evil” (κακός - kakŏs, kak-os´) means, “worthless; depraved, injurious; bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.” Evil means rotten. Rotten things are not on the mind of the loving person. A loving person does not look at those around them with a look that is accusatory of evil. A loving person does not see evil in others or think the worst of people. Love thinks on holy things (Philippians 4:8-9).
Tenth, love does not rejoice in iniquity (13:6a). Love is not happy when injustices occur, even to their enemies (“iniquity” – ἀδικία - adikia, ad-ee-kee´-ah) is a word used to describe “injustice; wrongfulness of character, life or act; unrighteousness, and wrong.” A loving person is grieved over injustice, even when it happens to an enemy (Proverbs 24:17; Matthew 5:44). Fools overlook sin but the one who loves takes its consequences seriously (Proverbs 14:9).
In this first part of answering the question What is Agape Love? We have seen what love is not. In the second part of this study we will see what love is. We have seen the negative. Now we will turn to the positive. Until we do, make sure to love with agape love.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Above All Put On Love
Colossians 3:14 - 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
“But above all these things,” Paul says. What things? Your world view (3:1-4), putting to death worldly ways in your life (3:5-9), and putting on the attributes of the new man in Christ such as renewing knowledge of Jesus, impartiality, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering and forgiveness. There is something that transcends all of these because in reality this one thing incorporates all of the above. That thing is love.
This “love” (ἀγάπη - agapē, ag-ah´-pay) is not a measured affection but literally a love feast, an overflowing lavishing of love on others. It’s interesting that the Greek word agape was not a commonly used word in the secular world. It took Christ to define such love. In Christ God lavished His love on us. Christians are to communicate that love to others. Christians love God supremely because of His love for us. Christians love others sacrificially in obedience to prove our love (John 14:15, 21). Christians love sacrificially as a love offering to the One who loves us so much. He loved so we love (1 John 4:7-12).
Not only is the love lavishing, it is an overcoming love. It is not a love like the world knows. It doesn’t only love those that reciprocate in love. It goes beyond that, it overcomes to love even our enemies. It loves the unlovable (e.g. Luke 6:32-35). That is what God did for us. He loved us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). This is a full rich kind of love and because it comes from God it is a love that “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:4-8a).
The love of God is incredible. It is powerful. It is what distinguishes the Christian from every other person, (or at least it should.) A case can be made that a loveless Christian is no Christian at all (cf. 1 John 3:14-16). Love is the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of spiritual life (Gal. 5:22-25). If you call yourself a Christian, do you love? Do you love with an agape kind of love? Do you lavish God’s love on others or do you limit its dispersal like the world does?
Love is the “bond of perfection.” The word “bond” (σύνδεσμος - sundĕsmŏs, soon´-des-mos) refers to a ligament, a joint tie, a fastener, or that which ties together. Love is the bond, the glue, that holds us together. Like the cross members that hold a ship together, or like the links in a strong chain, love makes a sturdy relational structure.
How do we define such love? In Jesus selfless sacrificing longsuffering giving of Himself on the cross we see the extent and quality of this love that binds together. It is by viewing His love for us that we are inspired and compelled to love in the same way (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that we receive such love (Rom. 5:5).
Someone has said, “It is natural to love those who love us. It is supernatural to love those who hate us.” That is why love is the glue and bond of perfection. The love of Christ moves us to go beyond what would normally be expected. We need love to hold us together. We are so weak. But the love of Christ is so strong.
For instance, the following piece by an unknown author illustrates love:
You can see how such love will guard relationships and hold them together. Sometimes we need to be silent instead of addressing an issue with someone. They may not be ready to hear. Sometimes God would have us trust Him silently and let Him do the talking. Patience is required to bear the hurts of others. It’s not a bad idea to shut out scandalous tidbits of information. It’s always good to be mindful of other’s needs. A servant is prompt when the Lord calls us to a task. There are times when courage is required to take steps of faith or stand still in faith. All of it is an expression of agape love.
Often I have couples come to me for counseling. Inevitably the root issue is one of love or a lack thereof. There are always different situations with differing details. But the bottom line always comes down to love. Too often the problem stems from one or both of the partners being more concerned about who is right and winning an argument than they are about genuinely loving each other with an agape love.
Husbands, you are called by God to love your wives with an agape love. That means lavishing love on them. That means sacrificing to love them; sacrificing your rights and pride. That means serving in love. That means loving through pain and hurt. And wives, you are called to submit to your own husband in love. Without the love of the Spirit to empower you that won’t happen (Eph. 5:21-33). The question remains for each husband and wife, “Will you count the cost? Will you go to the cross for your mate? For Jesus? Will you deny yourself and walk in the love of the Spirit?”
Both husbands and wives need to put on love in their marriages. And parents and children need to put on love in their relationships. And brothers and sisters in Christ need to put on love in the church. Wherever we are and in all that we do, we need to put on God’s love (e.g. Eph. 6:1-9).
The call to love like Jesus is not an easy calling to answer. In fact it can be one of the most difficult if not the most difficult things the Christian does. That is why we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to provide us that love and empower us to love (Rom. 8:26a). No matter how difficult loving others is, it is always worth it. And God is able to cause every circumstance to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That is God’s promise. That is God’s purpose; to love. God is faithful. He will do what He promises to do. Trust Him. Love.
When we trust God and put on this love, it becomes for us the bond of “perfection” (τελειότης - tĕlĕiŏtēs, tel-i-ot´-ace) or perfectness, completeness, maturation. It is through love that we realize our purpose as Christ’s disciples. Love is what distinguishes a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus (John 13:34-35). As we follow in the steps of Jesus and love we find it is often a very difficult road. But with the power of the Spirit, like Jesus, we love to the end (John 13:1). And in the end, like Jesus, we will come through victorious. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. And empowered by the love of the Spirit we can be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). That is a glorious thing to experience. That is an enriching edifying way to live. Those who live to love like Jesus are His instruments to bring glory to His name. Above all put on love.
“But above all these things,” Paul says. What things? Your world view (3:1-4), putting to death worldly ways in your life (3:5-9), and putting on the attributes of the new man in Christ such as renewing knowledge of Jesus, impartiality, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering and forgiveness. There is something that transcends all of these because in reality this one thing incorporates all of the above. That thing is love.
This “love” (ἀγάπη - agapē, ag-ah´-pay) is not a measured affection but literally a love feast, an overflowing lavishing of love on others. It’s interesting that the Greek word agape was not a commonly used word in the secular world. It took Christ to define such love. In Christ God lavished His love on us. Christians are to communicate that love to others. Christians love God supremely because of His love for us. Christians love others sacrificially in obedience to prove our love (John 14:15, 21). Christians love sacrificially as a love offering to the One who loves us so much. He loved so we love (1 John 4:7-12).
Not only is the love lavishing, it is an overcoming love. It is not a love like the world knows. It doesn’t only love those that reciprocate in love. It goes beyond that, it overcomes to love even our enemies. It loves the unlovable (e.g. Luke 6:32-35). That is what God did for us. He loved us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). This is a full rich kind of love and because it comes from God it is a love that “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:4-8a).
The love of God is incredible. It is powerful. It is what distinguishes the Christian from every other person, (or at least it should.) A case can be made that a loveless Christian is no Christian at all (cf. 1 John 3:14-16). Love is the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of spiritual life (Gal. 5:22-25). If you call yourself a Christian, do you love? Do you love with an agape kind of love? Do you lavish God’s love on others or do you limit its dispersal like the world does?
Love is the “bond of perfection.” The word “bond” (σύνδεσμος - sundĕsmŏs, soon´-des-mos) refers to a ligament, a joint tie, a fastener, or that which ties together. Love is the bond, the glue, that holds us together. Like the cross members that hold a ship together, or like the links in a strong chain, love makes a sturdy relational structure.
How do we define such love? In Jesus selfless sacrificing longsuffering giving of Himself on the cross we see the extent and quality of this love that binds together. It is by viewing His love for us that we are inspired and compelled to love in the same way (2 Cor. 5:14ff.). It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that we receive such love (Rom. 5:5).
Someone has said, “It is natural to love those who love us. It is supernatural to love those who hate us.” That is why love is the glue and bond of perfection. The love of Christ moves us to go beyond what would normally be expected. We need love to hold us together. We are so weak. But the love of Christ is so strong.
For instance, the following piece by an unknown author illustrates love:
What is love?
It is silence--when your words would hurt.
It is patience--when your neighbor's curt.
It is deafness--when a scandal flows.
It is thoughtfulness--for other's woes.
It is promptness--when stern duty calls.
It is courage--when misfortune falls.
You can see how such love will guard relationships and hold them together. Sometimes we need to be silent instead of addressing an issue with someone. They may not be ready to hear. Sometimes God would have us trust Him silently and let Him do the talking. Patience is required to bear the hurts of others. It’s not a bad idea to shut out scandalous tidbits of information. It’s always good to be mindful of other’s needs. A servant is prompt when the Lord calls us to a task. There are times when courage is required to take steps of faith or stand still in faith. All of it is an expression of agape love.
Often I have couples come to me for counseling. Inevitably the root issue is one of love or a lack thereof. There are always different situations with differing details. But the bottom line always comes down to love. Too often the problem stems from one or both of the partners being more concerned about who is right and winning an argument than they are about genuinely loving each other with an agape love.
Husbands, you are called by God to love your wives with an agape love. That means lavishing love on them. That means sacrificing to love them; sacrificing your rights and pride. That means serving in love. That means loving through pain and hurt. And wives, you are called to submit to your own husband in love. Without the love of the Spirit to empower you that won’t happen (Eph. 5:21-33). The question remains for each husband and wife, “Will you count the cost? Will you go to the cross for your mate? For Jesus? Will you deny yourself and walk in the love of the Spirit?”
Both husbands and wives need to put on love in their marriages. And parents and children need to put on love in their relationships. And brothers and sisters in Christ need to put on love in the church. Wherever we are and in all that we do, we need to put on God’s love (e.g. Eph. 6:1-9).
The call to love like Jesus is not an easy calling to answer. In fact it can be one of the most difficult if not the most difficult things the Christian does. That is why we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to provide us that love and empower us to love (Rom. 8:26a). No matter how difficult loving others is, it is always worth it. And God is able to cause every circumstance to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That is God’s promise. That is God’s purpose; to love. God is faithful. He will do what He promises to do. Trust Him. Love.
When we trust God and put on this love, it becomes for us the bond of “perfection” (τελειότης - tĕlĕiŏtēs, tel-i-ot´-ace) or perfectness, completeness, maturation. It is through love that we realize our purpose as Christ’s disciples. Love is what distinguishes a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus (John 13:34-35). As we follow in the steps of Jesus and love we find it is often a very difficult road. But with the power of the Spirit, like Jesus, we love to the end (John 13:1). And in the end, like Jesus, we will come through victorious. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. And empowered by the love of the Spirit we can be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). That is a glorious thing to experience. That is an enriching edifying way to live. Those who live to love like Jesus are His instruments to bring glory to His name. Above all put on love.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Apply Jesus' Name in Everything
Colossians 3:17 - 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In these words Paul gives us a truth to be applied in, “whatever you do in word or deed.” Whatever you say and whatever you do, this is how to do it according to the inspired words of Paul. And how are we to say and do things? We are to govern what we say and what we do according to, “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
What does it mean to say and do “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”? In scripture we see the name of someone associated with the nature of that person. When Jacob wrestled with the Lord and submitted to His Lordship in his life, God gave him a new name. He went from Jacob the heal catcher to Israel governed by God. Names hold definitive purpose in scripture. God Himself reveals His nature through the various names He gives in scripture.
There are approximately 117 names in the Bible used to refer to Jesus. In the Old Testament some of the names Jesus is referred to are: The Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15); “the Angel of the LORD” (Gen. 16:9-14; Judges 6:11-14); The Captain of the LORD’s Army (Joshua 5:4); the “Anointed” (Psalm 2:2); Child, Son, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); Commander (Isaiah 55:4); Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16); Desire of nations (Haggai 2:7); the Branch (Zechariah 3:8); and Messiah (Daniel 9:25).
In the New Testament Jesus is referred to as: our Advocate (1 John 2:1); Almighty, Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6), the Amen (Rev. 3:14); the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); The Bread of Life (John 6:35); the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15); Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16); The Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); Christ (Matthew 1:16; 2:4); Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20); Deliverer (Romans 11:26); the Door (John 10:7, 9); Emmanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23); the Express Image of God (Hebrews 1:3); the Friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19); the Gift of God (2 Cor. 9:15); The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14); The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); Head of the Church (Col. 1:18); Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2); High Priest (Hebrews 3:1; 7:1); Holy One of God (Mark 1:24); Jesus (Matthew 1:21); King of Israel (Matthew 27:42; John 1:49); Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36); Light of the World (John 9:5); Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16); Master (Mat. 8:19); Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5); our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7); Physician (Matthew 9:12); Potentate (1 Tim. 6:15); Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24); Prince (Acts 3:15; 5:31); Propitiation (1 John 2:2; 4:10); Ransom (1 Tim. 2:6); Resurrection and life (John 11:25); Sacrifice (Eph. 5:2); Savior (Luke 1:47; 2:11); Servant (Mark 10:45; cf. also Isaiah 42:1; 49:5-7); Son of God (Luke 1:35; Matthew 16:16); Son of Man (Matthew 18:11); Stone (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:32-33; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7); Teacher (Matthew 26:18; John 3:2); True Vine (John 15:1); the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6); and the Word (John 1:1; Rev. 19:13).
A name defines who the named is. We learn various aspects of a person by how they are referred to. Therefore we learn about Jesus from how He chooses to name Himself. But what does it mean to say and do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
We see in the Bible that the followers of Jesus took on His name (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). To be called a “Christian” meant you identified yourself with Jesus as well as lived in service of Jesus. Paul is defining what it means to be a Christian when he tells the Colossians to say and do all that they do in the name of Jesus. This means primarily four things.
First, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to live holy and Christlike. It means whatever we say or do should be in line with, in agreement with that represented by the name of Jesus. When we think of the name of Jesus, when we think of Jesus, we think of love, sacrifice, redemption, servanthood, humility, and a host of other holy attributes. To say and do everything in the name of Jesus means to walk as He walked, follow in His steps, and be Christ’s representatives in all we do.
Second, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to rely on Jesus’ authority. When you sign a check you authorize the bank to pay out a certain amount of money from your account. Authority can be transferred to another. Pharaoh delegated his authority over Egypt to Joseph by giving him his authoritative signet ring (Gen. 41:38-42). Similarly, Jesus gives us the authority found in His name. He said if we pray for anything in His name we would receive it (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26). This of course presupposes we seek for things in a holy Christlike way as mentioned above. There is power in the name of Jesus (Mark 9:39; 16:17).
Third, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to abide in His presence. Jesus said where two or three gather in His name, He would be there (Matthew 18:20). When we talk or walk in the name of Jesus we do so in His presence. Jesus spoke about receiving little ones in His name and that to do so was “to receive Me” Matthew 18:5; Mark 9:37, 39; Luke 9:48). To talk and walk in Jesus’s name means all service for Jesus should be done in the presence of Jesus.
Fourth, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to live thankfully. Paul states, “giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to “our Father in heaven” (Mathew 6:9). And as we have seen in the above second point Jesus instructed us to pray in His name. Paul says we are to give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. We are to thank God the Father for His Son, salvation and eternal life that comes as a gift of His grace through faith in Jesus His Son. We are to ever be thankful for all God has done for us in Christ. We witness, serve, forgive, and grow in our relationship with God all through Christ and with a thankful heart for this gracious provision of God in Christ. In other words, we don’t live out the Christian life by a sense of duty; we live the Christian life out of a sense of thanksgiving. Our Christian life should be our love offering to the Lord. We are to live with thankful hearts toward God.
Warren Wiersbe writes: “All that we say and do should be associated with the name of Jesus Christ. By our words and our works, we should glorify His name. If we permit anything into our lives that cannot be associated with the name of Jesus, then we are sinning. We must do and say everything on the authority of His name and for the honor of His name.” Apply Jesus name in all you say and do.
In these words Paul gives us a truth to be applied in, “whatever you do in word or deed.” Whatever you say and whatever you do, this is how to do it according to the inspired words of Paul. And how are we to say and do things? We are to govern what we say and what we do according to, “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
What does it mean to say and do “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”? In scripture we see the name of someone associated with the nature of that person. When Jacob wrestled with the Lord and submitted to His Lordship in his life, God gave him a new name. He went from Jacob the heal catcher to Israel governed by God. Names hold definitive purpose in scripture. God Himself reveals His nature through the various names He gives in scripture.
There are approximately 117 names in the Bible used to refer to Jesus. In the Old Testament some of the names Jesus is referred to are: The Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15); “the Angel of the LORD” (Gen. 16:9-14; Judges 6:11-14); The Captain of the LORD’s Army (Joshua 5:4); the “Anointed” (Psalm 2:2); Child, Son, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); Commander (Isaiah 55:4); Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16); Desire of nations (Haggai 2:7); the Branch (Zechariah 3:8); and Messiah (Daniel 9:25).
In the New Testament Jesus is referred to as: our Advocate (1 John 2:1); Almighty, Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6), the Amen (Rev. 3:14); the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); The Bread of Life (John 6:35); the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15); Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16); The Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); Christ (Matthew 1:16; 2:4); Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20); Deliverer (Romans 11:26); the Door (John 10:7, 9); Emmanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23); the Express Image of God (Hebrews 1:3); the Friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19); the Gift of God (2 Cor. 9:15); The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14); The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); Head of the Church (Col. 1:18); Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2); High Priest (Hebrews 3:1; 7:1); Holy One of God (Mark 1:24); Jesus (Matthew 1:21); King of Israel (Matthew 27:42; John 1:49); Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36); Light of the World (John 9:5); Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16); Master (Mat. 8:19); Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5); our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7); Physician (Matthew 9:12); Potentate (1 Tim. 6:15); Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24); Prince (Acts 3:15; 5:31); Propitiation (1 John 2:2; 4:10); Ransom (1 Tim. 2:6); Resurrection and life (John 11:25); Sacrifice (Eph. 5:2); Savior (Luke 1:47; 2:11); Servant (Mark 10:45; cf. also Isaiah 42:1; 49:5-7); Son of God (Luke 1:35; Matthew 16:16); Son of Man (Matthew 18:11); Stone (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:32-33; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7); Teacher (Matthew 26:18; John 3:2); True Vine (John 15:1); the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6); and the Word (John 1:1; Rev. 19:13).
A name defines who the named is. We learn various aspects of a person by how they are referred to. Therefore we learn about Jesus from how He chooses to name Himself. But what does it mean to say and do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
We see in the Bible that the followers of Jesus took on His name (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). To be called a “Christian” meant you identified yourself with Jesus as well as lived in service of Jesus. Paul is defining what it means to be a Christian when he tells the Colossians to say and do all that they do in the name of Jesus. This means primarily four things.
First, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to live holy and Christlike. It means whatever we say or do should be in line with, in agreement with that represented by the name of Jesus. When we think of the name of Jesus, when we think of Jesus, we think of love, sacrifice, redemption, servanthood, humility, and a host of other holy attributes. To say and do everything in the name of Jesus means to walk as He walked, follow in His steps, and be Christ’s representatives in all we do.
Second, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to rely on Jesus’ authority. When you sign a check you authorize the bank to pay out a certain amount of money from your account. Authority can be transferred to another. Pharaoh delegated his authority over Egypt to Joseph by giving him his authoritative signet ring (Gen. 41:38-42). Similarly, Jesus gives us the authority found in His name. He said if we pray for anything in His name we would receive it (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26). This of course presupposes we seek for things in a holy Christlike way as mentioned above. There is power in the name of Jesus (Mark 9:39; 16:17).
Third, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to abide in His presence. Jesus said where two or three gather in His name, He would be there (Matthew 18:20). When we talk or walk in the name of Jesus we do so in His presence. Jesus spoke about receiving little ones in His name and that to do so was “to receive Me” Matthew 18:5; Mark 9:37, 39; Luke 9:48). To talk and walk in Jesus’s name means all service for Jesus should be done in the presence of Jesus.
Fourth, to talk and walk in the name of Jesus means to live thankfully. Paul states, “giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to “our Father in heaven” (Mathew 6:9). And as we have seen in the above second point Jesus instructed us to pray in His name. Paul says we are to give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. We are to thank God the Father for His Son, salvation and eternal life that comes as a gift of His grace through faith in Jesus His Son. We are to ever be thankful for all God has done for us in Christ. We witness, serve, forgive, and grow in our relationship with God all through Christ and with a thankful heart for this gracious provision of God in Christ. In other words, we don’t live out the Christian life by a sense of duty; we live the Christian life out of a sense of thanksgiving. Our Christian life should be our love offering to the Lord. We are to live with thankful hearts toward God.
Warren Wiersbe writes: “All that we say and do should be associated with the name of Jesus Christ. By our words and our works, we should glorify His name. If we permit anything into our lives that cannot be associated with the name of Jesus, then we are sinning. We must do and say everything on the authority of His name and for the honor of His name.” Apply Jesus name in all you say and do.
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