In his classic novel, Robinson Crusoe (1719), author Daniel Defoe has his leading character, Crusoe, cast upon a deserted island off the coast of South America following a violent shipwreck.
For more than 28 years he languished under conditions that most would consider unbearable. On a certain occasion, however, the isolated Englishman reflected upon his circumstances — perhaps more deeply than he ever had. Defoe has Crusoe say: “I sat down to my meal with thankfulness, and admired the hand of God’s providence which had thus spread my table in the wilderness. I learned to look more on the bright side of my condition, and less on the dark side, and to consider what I had rather than what I wanted. And this at times gave me such secret comforts that I cannot express them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have!” It would scarcely be possible to overstate the concern that Jehovah has for his people. Job once rhetorically asked: “Does he not see my ways, and number all my steps?” (Job 31:4). Or as David expressed it, “You number my wanderings. Put my tears into your bottle; are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8). Another of the Lord’s prophets declared: “For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). This does not mean, of course, that the child of God will never suffer deprivation, or pain, or even death. It does signify, however, that the Creator is working in our lives, and no matter what comes our way — even when such appears to be tragic — he still is with us and he helps us work towards an ultimate destiny of glory. The dull skeptic can never fathom such a wonderful concept; the one who walks by faith happily embraces it. Every child of God should set aside periods of reflection wherein he meditates upon the operations of divine providence in his life. What an amazing comfort it is. Providence Providence is a mysterious process; one that clearly is affirmed in scripture (cf. Genesis 45:5,7-8; 50:20; Ruth 2:3; Esther 4:14). And yet, the steps of providence are not definitively traceable in the particular events of one’s life. In the final analysis, one can only say, “perhaps” this is the operation of God (Philemon 15), though he may devoutly believe it, and thank the Lord for it — even if it has to be through tears. God’s Providence: An Antidote for Worry Jesus himself affirmed God’s providential operation in the lives of his people. Reflect upon one of his admonitions in the Sermon on the Mount. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”(Matthew 6:25, ESV). The word “anxious” is a term that, in its present grammatical form, suggests the idea of “don’t keep on worrying.” It acknowledges that some “anxiety” is natural to the human mind, and at times, depending upon its object, may even be justified (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:28). But the admonition cautions that one must not let his heart become enslaved by such. Rather, greater levels of faith in God will allow the devout soul to be bathed in a sweet confidence that wonderfully assists even in the most rigorous days of human existence. Life is much more than mere externals, e.g., food and clothing. The Creator has provided us with wondrous bodies and incorruptible souls. Does it not stand to reason that his operations in our lives have a greater goal than the physical aspects? It is an argument from the lesser to the greater. Therefore, trust him! (Job 13:15). The Lord proceeded to introduce several supporting arguments, designed to assist the turbulent mind (read the entire segment, Matthew 6:26-33). Let us briefly note the points made by the Savior in the context just cited. Worry is illogical. If Jehovah feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field, surely he has concern for those made in his very image (Genesis 1:26-27). In another place Christ emphasized this very point. Jesus taught that Jehovah’s interest in even the smallest of his creatures is genuine proof of his concern for those who serve him. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them shall fall to the ground without your Father: but the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). Worry is impractical. Worry is useless for it cannot add to one’s life — either in the quality of that life, or in actual longevity. The truth is, medically speaking, anxiety can precipitate numerous illnesses that shorten one’s physical life. Dr. S. I. McMillen, in his book, None of These Diseases (Fleming H. Revell, 1963, Chapter 10) has a most informative discussion of such matters. Worry is distrustful. Fretfulness is basically pagan in sentiment. As Christ noted, “for after all these things the Gentiles seek.” “Gentiles” here fundamentally stands for the philosophy of heathenism, i.e., those who have no covenant relationship with the Lord. Materialism is the main thrust of the pagan’s life. Unfortunately, far too many, who profess a relationship with Christ, live like the heathen on a practical level. Worry is distracting. Anxiety over material things is a reversal of life’s priorities. God intends more for those made in his image than a mere physical existence. Our earthly sphere is important, but only as an end to a greater goal — the kingdom of heaven. Those who do not recognize this are robbing themselves of life’s greatest treasure. Thus, we are to “seek first” God’s kingdom, and then be confident that he will supply our needs to implement the greater purpose in life. Worry is futile. One must recognize that all problems do not have to be dealt with instantly, or at the same time. Handle life’s difficulties one day at a time. The mistakes of yesterday are gone; correct them. The problems of tomorrow have not yet arrived; wait for them. Meet the challenges of today. Face the ones that will come tomorrow (and they will come) on tomorrow! Jesus did not promise that there would be no difficulties tomorrow; only this, you don’t have to deal with them until then. Each day has its individual challenge. Conclusion These principles are not a magic formula that makes pain and heartaches vanish. If, though, these concepts are absorbed into the “pores” of one’s soul, they can elicit a quality of character that makes human existence much more delightful as we play out earth’s temporary drama. Crusoe knew it; do we? [Note: The core of this article was written thirty-two years ago. I extracted it from the “moth-balls” of my files, and gave it a “fresh coat of paint.” I can say this confidently; the principles enunciated therein have grown increasingly precious over the past three decades.] Scripture References Job 31:4; Psalm 56:8; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Genesis 45:5, 7-8, 50:20; Ruth 2:3; Esther 4:14; Philemon 15; Matthew 6:25; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Job 13:15; Matthew 6:26-33; Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 10:29-31
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by Devadas Prakash
1. What are we justified by? Faith [though, as we’ll address in the notes below, that does not mean “faith only”]: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). · Justified by faith (Acts 13:38-39, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11-14, and Galatians 3:24). · Not justified by faith alone (Matthew 12:37, Romans 2:13, Romans 3:24, Titus 3:7, and James 2:14-26). *We’ll even see this in the same context of our study (Romans 5:9). · Peace with God (Romans 15:33, I Corinthians 14:33, and Colossians 3:15) through Jesus (Acts 10:36 and Philippians 4:6-7). 2. What should we rejoice in? Hope [though, as we’ll address in the notes below, that does not mean we rejoice in “hope alone”]: “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). · We have access by faith into grace (Ephesians 2:16-18; cf. I Peter 3:18). · We stand (I Corinthians 15:1 and I Corinthians 16:13). · We rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12 and Hebrews 3:6), but we also rejoice in other things too (Acts 15:31, Philippians 3:3, Philippians 4:4, and II John 4). 3. Are there things, other than faith, that build us up to hope in God? Yes: “(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:2-4). · Glory in tribulations (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23, Acts 5:40-42, II Corinthians 12:6-10, and I Peter 4:16-17). · Tribulation works patience (James 1:2-4). · Patience and experience [proof; trials (Strong’s # 1382] bring hope (cf. II Timothy 4:16-18). 4. What prevents a Christian from being ashamed? Hope: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). · Hope maketh not ashamed (Psalms 22:4-5 and II Timothy 1:12). · Prior to the word of God being fully revealed and man being fully equipped (II Timothy 3:16-17), the Holy Ghost was given for confirmation of the truth in all things (Romans 8:16, Ephesians 1:13, and I John 4:12-13). · Now, we have the love of God in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17), through the word of God (Colossians 3:16; cf. Romans 10:17). *Remember, faith was a spiritual gift (I Corinthians 12:9) prior to the word of God being complete (I Corinthians 13:8-13). 5. Did Jesus die for righteous people? No, for the ungodly: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). · Due time (Galatians 4:1-5; cf. John 7:6). · For the ungodly (Matthew 1:21, Luke 5:27-32, Luke 19:1-10, John 1:29, Galatians 1:4, I Timothy 1:15, and I John 4:9-10). 6. What stands out about the love of God through the death of Christ? The love of God stands far above what man would do even for a righteous person, yet what Jesus did was for sinners: “(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ( But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8). · John 15:13 and I John 3:16. 7. What saves us from the wrath of God? The blood of Christ: “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9). · By His blood (Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 10:1-18, I John 1:7, and Revelation 1:5). · The shedding of the blood of Christ, if alone, does nothing (I Corinthians 15:12-22). 8. How are we reconciled to God? By the death of Christ: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). · Separation comes through our sins (Isaiah 59:1-3, Jeremiah 5:25, John 9:31, and II John 9). · Reconciliation comes through Christ (II Corinthians 5:18, Colossians 1:18-21, and Hebrews 2:8-17). · Salvation and the resurrection are tied together (John 11:25, I Corinthians 15:23, and I Peter 1:21). 9. Considering the fact that we can be reconciled to God, should we have joy? Yes: “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11). · Joy (Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:4, and I Peter 1:3-9). John King
There is an old saying that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. I would add that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the present are doomed to commit them, also. Consider this: Teachers, today, are expected both to teach and to raise our children. Such things as family values, courtesy, work ethics, and many other responsibilities of parents now fall on the shoulders of educators. Parents feel that the paying of school taxes relieves them of much responsibility. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:4, Paul says that fathers are to raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Parents always have had the individual responsibility of teaching their children the word of God. However, this responsibility has been “bought off” also. Today, many parents hold the congregation responsible for educating their children. I once heard a parent state, “My kids have been coming to this congregation for several years and haven’t learned a thing.” A responding elder reminded them that the congregation was just supplemental Bible study and that the main classroom was at home. Again, similarly, how many Christians have “bought off” their individual responsibilities by the hiring of a preacher? In the New Testament, I see congregations being started by Paul and others. Paul then moved on, sometimes leaving a helper behind for a short time only. Then, the congregation with its elders would grow and prosper through their own efforts. We do not read of located preachers as we have today. I am sure we preachers today have a role to play in the kingdom of God, but I am equally sure that we cannot be used to relieve Christians of their personal responsibilities. By Robert Rushmore
As defined by Webster, faith is an “unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence.” Unfortunately, this is the definition most of the world uses. It is unfortunate because this definition is a false one in that it implies faith is a “leap in the dark.” New Unger’s Bible Dictionary gives a better definition of faith, “the body of truth, moral and religious, which God has revealed–that which men believe.” This is a true definition as it corresponds to the biblical definition of faith. Unger’s definition uses the phrase “body of truth,” which correctly implies a need for evidence that comes from God. The Bible also shows faith requires evidence. Hebrews 11:1 actually gives a definition of faith, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” According to Strong’s, the Greek word for “substance” in this verse means “a setting under,” implying a support or a foundation. Using Strong’s for the meaning of “evidence” one finds it means “proof.” So the verse is saying that faith is the “foundation” of things hoped for and the “proof” of what is not seen. Another Bible text showing faith requires evidence is 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Prove all things.” The Greek word for “prove” means “to test.” This verse shows every teaching should be tested before it is believed by man. The testing process implies a need for evidence. Thomas is sometimes called “Doubting Thomas” because he desired proof before believing Jesus was risen (John 20:25-29). Man has ridiculed him for this desire, but the Lord did not. Jesus gave Thomas the proof he needed, thus causing him to believe. Thomas then took his faith to the next level and confessed Christ. This account, as do the above texts, shows the biblical teaching of faith based on evidence. We now know faith requires evidence, but where does one acquire this evidence? The answer is simply “the Bible.” Romans 10:17 tells us faith comes from hearing the Word of God. The Bible gives us faith based on proof contained therein. Further, John 20:31 states Jesus did many things not recorded in the Bible, but the ones recorded were recorded as evidence so that we might believe. The evidence of these events is proof that will lead one to faith that Jesus is the Son of God. Clearly, the evidence for faith comes from the Word of God, the Bible. Biblical faith is necessary for salvation. Romans 5:1 says we are “justified by faith.” One who is justified has been rendered just or innocent. According to the verse, this faith gives us access to peace with God, which is salvation or eternal life in heaven. John 8:24 informs that a lack of faith results in spiritual death. Salvation depends on biblical faith. Biblical faith is necessary for salvation, but faith alone is not enough. James 2:17 says “faith without works is dead.” Quite simply, our works show our faith. James 2:19 says even the devils believe and tremble. If faith were all that is necessary for salvation, devils would have a place in heaven. Further, the Book of Romans indicates faith is more than a noun–it is a verb because it requires action or obedience. Romans 5:1 speaks of justification by faith. The beginning of the book (Romans 1:5) speaks of “obedience to the faith.” The end of the book (Romans 16:26) mentions “obedience of faith.” Context dictates the middle of the book (Romans 5:1) must refer to an obedient faith when it discusses justification by faith. Biblical faith is different from man’s view of faith in that it requires evidence. Faith is not a “leap in the dark.” Evidence for our faith comes from the Bible. Faith is required for salvation, but faith only is not enough. Biblical faith, based on evidence, must be acted upon. Do you have biblical faith? What will you do with that faith? The devils believe and tremble. Thomas believed and confessed Jesus. What will you do with your faith? |
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