Life by Rules or Relationship

Posted on March 3, 2010

Life by Rules or Relationship

When the people of Israel sent their leader Moses “up the mountain” to chat with God in Exodus 19, it reflected their spiritual laziness and personal irresponsibility. They exhibited a “herd” or “mob” mentality born out of traditional misconceptions, which is another way of saying they were just plain religious. They wanted Moses to bring back a set of rules to do the “God thing” by. This meant that they saw their “Idol” Moses as a mediator who would excuse their sinful human ways. God had a better idea. He sent Moses back with 10 simple rules.

They were no better than many religious people today who pay a person to rob them from the privilege of ministering themselves. They want someone to hear from God each week because they have other agendas. They will sometimes pay big bucks for such a person. “Pastor, we want you to be this “nice” person who makes us feel good on Sundays….”

God sent Moses back with a set of rules, brilliantly designed to be so difficult to obey that people would cry out for mercy and relationship instead. But He must have anticipated the outcome; Men would come up with a neat system for making the appearance of righteous obedience to the rules, without having to meet the real standards. This system included the many interpretive writings of the Talmud and such “Holy” books. They have their modern equivalent in the many books and media that folk will feed on, rather than personally seek an answer from God.

This does NOT mean that God has given-up on His rules. To the contrary, they stand as the doorway for any person who would “draw near” to Him. Heb 7:18-19: On the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Gal 3:24-25: The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Fortunately for mankind, no-one has to actually fulfill all the rules by their own ability to get close to God, because Jesus did it for us. When our life is “hidden” in Him (Colossians 3:3; “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”), we are fulfilling all of God’s requirements for relationship. He has met all the requirements of the Law for us. (Galations 3:13; “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us”)

All this begs the question, what do the rules serve for after we are in Christ? Do we still need God’s “Top Ten List” and all those other impossible requirements? Why did God leave them in our Bible if we don’t need them? We walk in the light of the Holy Spirit now… don’t we? What possible use are rules for a Wilderness diet or Leprosy in our modern society. What use in knowing the finer points of offering Bulls and Goats when the need for this has been satisfied by the offering of Jesus’ blood? All of these things are interesting and informative but appear to have no relevance to a life of faith.

The Rules, (Law), produced an outward control to change behavior and produce righteousness. We all know what a temptation is presented by “Keep off the Grass!” and the sin nature in us is constantly testing the parameters of every rule. This was frequently and clearly demonstrated for us by those in the bible who sought to live only by the rules. They fell, they failed, they became more religious, but they never found grace and peace with God.

We Christians are seeking for inward control. We want to know; what are the keys to ruling our soul? What does it take to let the Holy Spirit be in command? If the Law won’t do it, what will?

The Nation of Israel celebrated the giving of the Law (10 Commandments) during the feast day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was given on the same feast day and since Jesus has satisfied and transcended all the requirements of the Law, believers receive the Holy Spirit as His gracious provision for all of our life. A much better deal! But again, why the Law now?

We have been looking at the answer! We are exempted from the rule of Law, but not the PRINCIPLE! The same laws that failed to make men righteous are powerful tools of righteousness for the soul. Romans 8:3 4; “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” This means the Law is fulfilled in us WHILE we walk in the Spirit. We need the principles of the Law to help us walk in the Spirit!

God’s plan for our maturity is that we learn to live by the principles of the Law rather than the rules because His principles are designed to produce God-ward response and inward, (rather than outward,) control. This produces in us an environment conducive for the Holy Spirit to be in control of our lives.

2 Timothy 3:16 17; “All Scripture (not some) is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” We are not exempted from the rules unless we are in Christ; who has fulfilled the spirit and principle that they reveal. We have a goal of maturity in Christ and we need all that the Word can bring to our spirit to accomplish this.

The Word may bring reproof from within our own spirit or from another source. These warnings and corrections come when we get off-track. They are the “chastening of the Lord,” (Proverbs 3:11) and utilize our own self made circumstances. Chastening is our obedient response to the Word and produces an inward righteousness. Chastening is never a negative word or punishment; the Holy Spirits gentle promptings are always encouragement to take up our inheritance in Jesus Christ and never words of condemnation.

God begins at the door of our conscience in order to reach into our spirit. This is the reverse of how the world works; we are used to receiving control first to the physical; “I’ll hit you if you do that!” (threats). Next to the emotions: “You’ll hurt me if you do that”; then the will: Promise me you won’t do that again!” (promises.); then the mind: “Explain to me why you needed to do that!” (Reason) and finally to the conscience: “Why did you?” and “were you right?” The Holy Spirit goes straight to the source.

Becoming mature is seeking out the principle of the rules affecting us and learning to live balanced lives. There are many examples such as saying grace before meals teaches gratefulness to God. Knowing the principle can cause us to drop the ritual or legal aspect out and enjoy doing such things.

Legalism can color our way of reading the Word and attitude to others: 1Corinthians 7:1. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman - also not to look at women.” Whilst it is understood that touch may arouse a woman and sight may arouse a man we could carry such verses to a ridiculous extreme if we miss the principle which is verse 5; “don’t defraud,” that is don’t arouse and excite without being able to righteously fulfill. Knowing this principle can cause us to have balance in our dealings with the opposite sex. Also, as a counter to legalism, we must tell our children the “why” of rules so that they can formulate a sensible balance for themselves. All of the laws of the Old Testament have their relevant principle today: Deuteronomy 22:9 this whole chapter deals with mixture and principles; don’t sow with diverse seed = don’t mix God’s word and vain worldly philosophy. 22:6 don’t plow with ass and ox together = both walk at a different gait and would get chaffed necks like two Christians at vastly different stages of maturity working together in the Lord (the ox is “broken” and the ass only knows how to find the feed trough). In marriage we can be an unresponsive stubborn partner - an ass. 22:11 - wool/linen too! These wash differently. Wool shrinks Linen typifies righteousness wrought by God as in Priests’ garments. Wool - sweat in it, produced by flesh. We can be “awful sweaty with our labors”! Deuteronomy 22:5 - women’s clothing. Men and women can look identical. Principle here - “Look like a woman.” “Look like a man.” Be feminine - be masculine! Project your destiny!

There are rules to music too and by knowing the principles we can achieve balance that will release blessing:
Melody comes from and appeals to our human spirit. So long as it prevails, we are touched and fed by its natural rise and fall. If there is imbalance, it can produce tension or become depressing.
Harmony emanates from our soul (mind will and emotions) and has a psychological drive. At extremes there is a dissonance or a consonance that will repel us. If harmony becomes imbalanced, it can range from confusion to rebellion or worse it can be showy, gushy or sentimental.
Rhythm is a body thing. If it is throbbing it can be sickening. A concealed rhythm is healthy and no rhythm is dead. While it appeals to our physical senses it can become distracting or sensual.

The underlying principle is our understanding of the triune nature of God. We too who are made in His image are three part beings as spirit, soul and body. All aspects of our life need to balance.

Too much principle is only philosophy, just as too many rules become heavy theology and dry legalism. God will bring the balance when we allow all aspects of the word into our arena of consciousness.

Principles are like spokes in a wheel, if one is too long you get a bumpy ride. There are principles for busy doers like Martha in Luke 11 and those who understand it is important to just “be” like Mary in the same story. Either extreme is activism or pacifism. In all circles there are pragmatic, (practical or businesslike) people such as Martha. On the other hand there are pious people who tend to seem more spiritual or even religious. Note the cake baked on both sides in Hosea 7:8; Let God bring some balance by accepting that every truth has a balancing truth that may seem to contradict the other. Sometimes the Holy Spirit goads us on and at other times He nails us down. Ecclesiastes 12:11. When we find balance we make provision for a Holy Spirit controlled life.

Abraham Lincoln said “after age 40 you are responsible for your own face”. We begin to look like what we are occupied with: Legalist’s look legal, fools look foolish and Godly folk look Godly. The key to this is inward control not outward, and inward control is over to God - if we’ll let Him.

Supernatural Fruit

Posted on February 24, 2010

Supernatural fruit

If what most Christians demonstrate as the Christian life is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galations 5:22&23), why is it you can’t “pick it” from what all religions seem to offer?

Why is it that the “World” and its religions can easily replicate what we see as Godly living and good lives? Does the term “fruit of the Spirit” mean something deeper?

If it is the Holy Spirit’s fruit and not just the fruit of religious fervor or human conviction, then it must mean “super¬natural” fruit! Let’s make a comparison then of both types of fruit, bearing in mind that these are not rigid descriptions but like the Gifts, they are probably better described as categories of fruit since they are expressed by different people in different cultures etc. There is an infinite variety of expressions that are not religiously stereotypical.

Love
The World says: Pleasure in all forms—sensual, warm, arising from familiarity etc. Sex, music and material things are representations of love. There is also a love of mankind spoken of in humanistic terms; the old song, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love,” could easily be confused with “lust, sweet lust.”
The Bible says: Lay down your life (John 15:13). Obey Christ’s commands (John 14:15). The Holy Spirit gives us power to love the unlovable for no other motivation than Jesus. This love is an inward experience of restorative power that radiates from our lives. It is his love seen through us and the “World” hates it.

Joy
The World says: A happy feeling when you are having a good time.
The Bible says: Joy is a supernatural, life-changing force with a deep sense of pleasure that wells up from within when there is no natural reason for it (2Cor 7:4; John 15:11; 16:20). This joy fills us with a spontaneous hilarity, and transcends all of the world’s understanding of happiness.

Peace
The World says: The ability to forget all the bad things of life; a quiet feeling induced by beautiful surroundings or chemical substances. It seems this can also be achieved through religious pietism. Most worldly people only expect to find peace when they are dead.
The Bible says: A deep supernatural confidence and reassurance that stays with us constantly through life. This incredible sense of confi¬dence becomes stronger in situations of panic or fear, enabling us to over¬came in amazing situations (Isaiah 48:22; Jeremiah 6:14; John 14:27; 16:33).

Long-suffering (Patience)
The World says: A stoical resistance to pain or annoyance that earns a grudging admiration but gets nowhere.
The Bible says: An amazing ability to withhold wrath for all kinds of evil, indeed to repay evil with good. This is the kind of patience God demonstrates towards mankind and prompts unbelievers to ask, “Why does God allow all these bad things to happen?” (Isaiah 7:13; 1Peter 3:20; 2:20). Again, since this is a super¬natural ability, it is released by the Holy Spirit in our lives through prayer and faith.

Gentleness (Kindness)
The World says: Softness, courteousness and sometimes sentimentality. This quality should only be seen in rare contrasting moments after being extremely hard and cold-eyed (like “Rambo”).
The Bible says: Gentleness is a restraining power of God that removes the need for anger or aggression. Jesus demon¬strated this quality whilst being led to Calvary and plainly demonstrated it can send the World into a frenzy of hatred (2Corinthians 10:1; Psalms 18:35; Matthew 21:5; 1Thessalonians 2:7).

Goodness
The World says: Anything positive or “just” that makes us feel right¬eous. Indeed anything that is right by a person’s own standard is considered good.
The Bible says: Things that are totally pure in motivation and therefore initiated by God himself. True goodness then will demonstrate and reveal God (Psalms 14:1; Luke 6:45; Mark 10:18).

Faith (Faithfulness)
The World says: Believing the unbelievable, battling against all the odds; a limited degree of confidence in something.
The Bible says: A completely unnatural confidence in God’s word that enables us to do the unbelievable. It is the very substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1), and the basis of our relationship with God (Hebrews 10:38; Acts 3:16; Galations 2:20). Notice again this quality originates from God, and should not be confused with “believing” that is produced from within our own minds.

Meekness (Humility)
The World says: Weakness, being wishy-washy, backing down, even cowardly.
The Bible says: Knowing who we are in Christ and seeing our¬selves as he sees us. We are redeemed and made righteous, completed. This is true humility of mind and the basis of our self esteem (2 Corinthians 10:1; Philippians 2:1-4).

Temperance (Self-control)
The World says: Its illegal, it’s immoral or it makes you fat! They also say, “rules were made to be broken.” So they push against every restraint and control, testing it, to find a way around it etc.
The Bible says: Temperance is the power to handle anything in life without it becoming the thing that controls our life (James 1:13, 14; 2 Peter 1:6).

It’s clear that if the Church were to exercise the fruit of the Spirit, that persecution would become a factor but so would great revival. What then inhibits this fruit from growing or developing through our lives? Maybe it is because the Holy Spirit himself is not functioning within our lives in other expressions, particularly the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Like a fruit tree rooted and planted well, the life-giving nutrients flow through it and in due season fruit appears. Now is a good time for fruit to appear in his Church.

Supernatural Abilities

Posted on February 7, 2010

Supernatural abilities

Much confusion exists regarding the Holy Spirits supernatural gifts today and this has the effect of stifling the glorious presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, especially corporately; in our gatherings and worship. The Apostle Paul’s comment in 1 Corinthians 12:1 is: “Now concern¬ing the spirituals (gifts), brethren, I would not have you ignor¬ant.” How relevant this statement is today, when we observe so many folk doing their thing in Church services yet there is no clear theme. Sometimes particular gifts are isolated, sometimes they are confused with natural talents, and more often they are not used at all because of fear of abuse.

If we recognize that the giver of gifts, the Holy Spirit, wishes to be present amongst us, revealing the Lord Jesus, we will give due honor and recognition to him.

•The Father gave the Son (John 3:16).
•The Son gave the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Ac 2:33).
•The Holy Spirit gave the gifts (1Corinthians 12:8-11).

a) There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit (1Corinthians 12:4).
b) There are differences of adminis¬tration (or minis¬tries), but the same Lord (1Corinthians 12:5; 8:6; 3:5; 2Corinthians 3:6; 4:1; 5:18; 6:4; Romans 12:6,7).
c) There are various operations (effects), but the same God works all in all (1Corinthians 12:6; Ephesians 1:19).

But the manifestation (evidence or expression of His power) of the Spirit is given to each one of us for the common good (1Corinthians 12:7).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the means of releasing Gods power and authority upon the Earth and as such are powerful weapons for dismantling Satan’s kingdom. It is little wonder there is confusion and contention regarding their use. Satan would prefer them to be a historical event that is “not for today!” With such tools we can release captives from his domain, alter a person’s destiny, and demonstrate the mighty redeeming love of God in tangible ways.

In order to grow, the Church requires the full spectrum of God’s ability to be manifested. We can notice that there are seasons in which a particular emphasis is being brought to the Church by the Holy Spirit. It is not intended by the Holy Spirit that we “camp” entire¬ly on any one specific gift. Looking back over recent Church history we can see various expressions of the Holy Spirit represented by various movements and denominations; the Word of Faith, the Laughing Movement, the Prophetic Movement and the Healing Movement etc.

A non-traditional perspective:
Pentecostal tradition has required that we refer to the nine gifts of the Spirit. This title has inherent limitations in that really, there is a virtually unlimited range of possibilities, variation and combination of the nine gifts listed in scripture. We must not let tradition lock us into limited expressions of his great love. For example, we never expect young folk or new Christians to exercise the gifts of discerning of spirits or working of miracles. Yet, in my experience, these are the very ones who, unwittingly or by virtue of their openness can experience such gifts on a greater scale.

Another tradition has been the prideful claims of ownership of various gifts: Many have claimed to “have” this or that gift resident in their lives. As though they could dispense it at will. This is nonsense. The gifts are for the recipients, not the vessel. I believe this concept of a resident gift, has grieved the Spirit and kept Him from allowing many to be used since they may think they are something special when they are not. That certain people are more sensitive or available to specific expressions of the Holy Spirit is true, but the fact that we are used by Him to demonstrate His ability, is due to His sovereign grace and not some special favor that qualifies or validates the vessel. The anointing of the Holy Ghost should not be taken for an indication of divine favor upon a gifted few, but as a further revelation of his grace and love to all of the recipients who benefit.

Although the gifts are not resident, the desire and calling to practice them is. God’s will is for us to earnestly desire the best gifts; the gifts most appropriate to the need and occasion. (1 Corinthians 14:1; 12:3 &14:39) If anything is resident, it is the craving that springs from our experience of the anointing when we are used as a mouthpiece to demonstrate God’s love. We become Holy Spirit Junkies! There is joy and excitement when we are used by him to impart the gifts. There is also recognition and appreciation and while this does encourage us to step out again, there is a real possibility of pride and presumption. This can become a limiting factor. However, if there is an impartial opportunity for anyone in the congregation to be used, especially those who feel least esteemed, there is less likelihood of elitism and a consequent restricted flow.

Perhaps an effective antidote to our limiting traditions would be possible; if we saw such a range and volume of manifestations, so that personalities and grandstanding were simply swamped by the magnitude and variety of occurrences. Imagine the entire congregation functioning in the gifts instead of just the usual few performing for the spectators. I believe that is what the Holy Spirit intends. That is why there is such a general description of the gifts in scripture.

Look again at the nine (categories) that are listed and discover that there are no parameters for the way that they function or operate; only the motivation must be for edification, to reveal the love and power of the Lord.

1. The word of wisdom.
2. The word of knowledge.
3. Faith.
4. Gifts of healing.
5. Working of miracles.
6. Prophecy.
7. Discerning of spirits.
8. Different kinds of tongues.
9. Interpretation of tongues.

I believe these nine represent a basis for identifying the unlimited variety of expressions that occur, whether individually or, more often, coupled; the Word of knowledge is often a component of prophecy etc. However, I do not believe that we can rigidly classify a manifestation within the nine titles or categories; rather they serve us as an illustration of the wide range of possibility. Where would you place the sudden outbreak of laughter that can serve to edify and encourage? What classification will we give to the inspiration provided by a beautiful banner that is paraded during our worship? What about falling down when we are prayed for? Do we exclude it from the possible range of the gifts because it is not listed? Is there a gift of clapping or a gift of weeping? What about interpretation of dreams? Is there room for a prophetic trumpet solo or a prophetic dance? I suggest that many such manifestations are implicit or of latent potential in the nine that are listed and that the nine represent categories rather than a narrow definition.

It has often been suggested that the nine gifts fall into three groups: Revealing, Power and Speaking: This enables the Church to think like God, act like God and speak like God respectively. In this way the Church will grow “unto full stature”. When you consider the three groups, it is not hard to see that there is potential for broad interpretation of the many, (some as yet unseen) variations to their operations. The Tabernacle of Moses was constructed from a great variety of Gifts from the people, prefiguring the Church.

Gifts of power
These three gifts can speak of the Outer Court of the Tabernacle as they represent the demonstration of God to the outside world in ways that attract mankind to His love and mercy.
? Faith .
? Healing.
? Miracles.
These gifts release the awesome dimensions of the supernatural world into the 3 dimensional atomic realms we function in.

Gifts of revealing
This group of three gifts is more applicable to those that serve within the house and speak of the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. In that environment, a heart that is open to the ways of the Holy Spirit can be filled with revelation.
? Word of wisdom.
? Word of knowledge.
? Discerning of spirits.
Negotiating the minefield of life for ourselves and others can be facilitated through the “mind of Christ”. These gifts empower and release the Heavenly counselor within us to provide supernatural solutions for problems beyond human reasoning.

Gifts of speaking
The voice of the lord is pure and is brought forth to the people from those who minister to Him in the Holy of Holies.
? Prophecy.
? Different kinds of tongues.
? Interpretation of tongues.
There is much more teaching in the Bible on these 3 gifts because they are the keys to building establishing and releasing the corporate body of believers into Gods purposes.

We teach competence like it is supposed to be one of the Nine Gifts but it isn’t! The gifts are not given with partiality but by God who looks at the heart. Neither experience or qualification nor human wisdom is the basis of our ability; just simple faith.

The true church of the Bible cannot function without the supernatural ability of the Holy Spirit. Are we to represent an earthly organization or a mighty God? Are we to tough life through with a fatalistic attitude of accepting our miserable lot, without any ability to bring the reality of God into our circumstances? I think not! The Church and the world is yet to see “the best gifts” appropriate to the cynical and secular environment. We must bury our limiting preconceptions and “mini-traditions” that present a “mini-Jesus”. So much is possible!

¬¬¬¬God’s will is for us to desire spiritual gifts (1Corinthians 14:1), we cannot ignore them, as we cannot ignore salvation and baptism etc. Paul encourages us to covet earnestly the best gifts (1Corinthians 12:3, 14:39), that is, those gifts appropriate to the emphasis the Holy Spirit is bringing to the Church, the needs of the particular occasion, and the timing that will reveal Gods compassion.

Is Perfection Possible?

Posted on February 6, 2010

Perfection (Maturity)

Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 6:1 saying, “LET’S go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ our Messiah, and advance steadily toward the completeness and life-perfection that belongs to spiritual maturity” Though we have reserved this subject as the last of the seven First Principles of the doctrine of Christ in Hebrews 6, it is rated first in scripture, since it is really the primary objective for the other six doctrines.

How tragic it is that many Christians experience Christ and never grow from that point. They testify publicly, “I thank you God that I am a sinner saved by grace!” (They sound soooo humble); this is and was a truth in the life of any believer, it is actually an expression represen-tative of the beginning of the new life.

The Lord wants to do much more in our lives, and scripture demonstrates that we don’t “make camp” on every truth about our life in Christ but we progress on to greater revelation. Neither have we arrived when we are actually useful to God and others in the Kingdom: He is more con-cerned with what He accom¬plishes in us than through us so the journey never plateaus.

To understand how the doctrine of perfection or maturity relates to believers, we must also see the demonstration of this truth in relation to God himself. The Bible concept of perfection was expressed by ten Hebrew words and 10 Greek words: (10 = Government, 10 Commandments, 10 Camels etc. 10 Coins demonstrated fidelity, 10 horns on the beast.)

1) šalim Meaning finished, perfect, whole, just (sinless perfec¬tion).
2) tamiym Meaning complete, whole, perfect, up¬right. It is also translated “without blemish” over forty times also. Thus the sacrifices were perfect, or without blemish before God (Lev 22:21).
3. binah Meaning to fully understand
4. gemar Meaning total.
5. kun Meaning prepared.
6. taklith Meaning unreserved and absolute.
7. tam Meaning clear, plain, open, forthright. “A perfect man.”
8. arukah Meaning built up, assembled.
9. kalil Meaning ultimate beauty.
10. minleh Meaning eternal or continual perfection.

The New Testament Greek translates as “perfect”:

1) teleios Meaning complete, initiated, perfect, mature.
2) katartiz? Meaning to fit thoroughly, adjust, perfecting.
3. teleioo Meaning to consummate.
4. akribos Meaning accurate, precise, assiduous.
5. akrebeia Meaning exactness.
6. artios Meaning to fit like a joint.
7. pleroo Meaning to fulfill.
8. epitelio Meaning to finish.
9. exartizo Meaning to “fit out” as ready for any contingency. A ship?
10. hexis Meaning the result of maintaining a habit.

The same Hebrew and Greek words were applied to both God and believers. God is complete and perfect in all that he is and in all his ways, and can realistically expect the same from his creation. The law required perfection: Deuteronomy 18:13 14; “You shall be blameless before the LORD your God; for those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so.” They emulate the wrong Models! We are to emulate the Lord.

Even the concept of grace requires this standard of perfection:
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message: Beatitudes) “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, grow up! You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Therefore you are to be perfect, (exhibit a God-modeled life,) as your heavenly Father is perfect”. It is God who enables this to be possible. God has a perfect plan to bring all believers and all of creation into his own state of sin¬less perfection: being all he has called you to be.

Philippians 3:12-21: I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached complete maturity, but I press on to possess that perfect state for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Perfection is not about some pious religious state. It is about being all we were destined by the Lord to be, without self limitation.

What I see as the Marks of Maturity are:
1/ Continuance: In the Word, Faith, Prayer, Fellowship and Love.
2/ Commitment: Your Way, Your Works, Your Cause and your Spirit.
3/ Faithfulness: “Be found faithful” in everything; full of faith!
4/ Detached: No longer tied to possessions. Available for service.
5/ Exemplary: Mentoring others, not needing propping up.

It is impossible for God to sin or is it? Lamentations 3:37 38 seems to contradict this statement; “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good and evil go forth?” Genesis 2 and 3 reveal that God invented the notion of sin by giving the command “not to eat” concerning the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. The amazing truth is that despite the knowledge of sin, God himself is perfect in all his ways. This is reinforced in passages like Hebrews 6:18; “It is impossible for God to lie.”

We live in universe where it is probably impossible to create something perfectly straight, and yet in James 1:17 we note that God is not limited by the imperfection that limits our human endeavors; “Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow indicating uncertainty.” Such references reveal that God is perfectly straight! Consider Deuteronomy 32:4 Also Matthew 5:48; Job 36:4; Psalms 18:30; 19:7).

Not only is God perfect, but everything He has created is perfect includ¬ing Satan, Adam and Eve and all of creation. Satan fell through rebellious self-will (Ezekiel 28:12-16; Isaiah 14:12-15). So did Adam and Eve (Genesis 2 and 3). Self will is the very essence of sin. The Hebrew word for sin, (in its original root meaning,) means; “To fall short,” and refers to an arrow that has failed to reach the target. Certainly this is due to imperfec¬tion. Ahh, you may say, it was the archer! He misfired. God has perfect intentions toward us: Jeremiah 29:11 Plans for good and not for disaster… The problem is we are not straight yet.

Has Anyone Achieved Perfection?
The Old Testament saints, such as Noah, Abraham, Job etc, were con¬sidered perfect before God (Genesis 6;9; Genesis 17:1; Job 1:1-8; 2:3). This was not a sinless perfection as is quite obvious by the lives they lived, yet God saw them as perfect. What they had was a perfect (or blameless) heart. Despite their own thoughts they exhibited a wholehearted consecration to God’s will and purpose. They were sincere before him, and transparent before him, thus acceptable to him. So we see a typical picture of the essential meaning of perfection or maturity within believers. An example of this is reflected in the Old Testament kings Asa and Amaziah who had a perfect or imperfect heart respectively. (2 Chronicles 15:17; 25:2). Hebrews 11:39-40 declares that men and women of faith walked in ways that were right (perfect) in the sight of God.

In New Testament times the Lord Jesus himself set a high standard of perfection in his call to you and I; “Be per¬fect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect,” (Mt 5:48). This is a divine standard. And the work of Christ has made it possible, “. . . that we present every man perfect in Christ,” (Colossians 1:27-29). (See also 2 Corinthians 7:1; “Perfecting holiness.” Hebrews 13:21; “Make you perfect in every good work;” Philippians 3:12-13; “Not that I have attained it yet.” Ephesians 4:12-13; 5-fold “For the perfecting of the saints.”)

What is expected of a perfect (Mature) man or woman?
Primarily a perfect heart such as demonstrated by king Josiah (2 Kings 22:2), a perfect way of living, walking (Psalms 101:6), a perfect holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1), a perfect tongue (James 3:2), a perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), a perfect love (1 John 4:11&17-18). Is this standard attainable?

The seed of perfection is placed within the believer at the new birth, this is the incorruptible seed of the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). As the believer walks and lives in the Holy Spirit in obedience to these expectations, he is counted perfect in Christ. Whilst it may take some time to walk in the reality of it, we can walk in the provision of it (Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Our obedience will bring us to the fullness of perfection and maturity, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (maturity), until the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6).

Is There a Moment When All Will be Per¬fect?
The feasts of the nation of Israel had a perfect day called The Day of At-one-ment: (Leviticus 23:27-32). This day is still celebrated by Jewish people. It is a literal day in the Jewish calendar each year when people attempt to live perfect¬ly sinless lives. Whilst this day has been fulfilled in Christ, the realization of it is yet to be manifested in the Church. Many scriptures allude to this possi¬bility (Ephesians 5:27 “a glorious Church” etc.), and certainly the notion of a spotless, sinless (not religious!) bride for Christ is a wonderful goal to inspire the heart of every believer.

Jesus is not returning for a defeated, sinful, shameful Bride, but a glorious, mature, complete bride. What the Law has failed to do through sacrifice, the Lamb has accomplished once for all. Proverbs 4:18 refers to “the perfect day!” Psalms 138:8; “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me!” 1 Corinthians 13:10; “When the perfect is come.” John 17:23; “Perfect in one.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “All scripture is given that the man/woman of God may be made perfect.” Hebrews10:14; “For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are sanctified by His offering!” We are called to press on into this perfection that is provided in Christ!

Surviving Eternal Judgement

Posted on December 5, 2009

Living through Eternal Judgment

1 Corinthians 11:31 A vital component of communion is that we invite the Holy Spirit to remove from our lives all that can cause us to be judged by God.

John 12:44-50 (read loud!) The fact that God is just and righteous in all his deal¬ings with mankind, demands that He must judge all unrighteous¬ness in his creation.

God is judge of all. He will judge everything relating to sin and Satan (John 16:7-11
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (HS) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you and when he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
In regard to sin, because men and women simply do not believe in me (and need to own that responsibility); in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer (so you cannot excuse yourself by observing some imagined fault in me); and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned (so all who unwittingly follow him are judged with him.)”

Unlike the world, Jesus will deliver true justice. The World deals out the due penalty of its laws and calls it justice, but there is no equity or impartiality. Consequently there is always some aggrieved party, claiming injustice and we are left with two sides to every story, and a sense of futility.

Concerning judgment, our heavenly father’s motivation is LOVE and not just the need to satisfy the demands of His rules. “He so loved… that He gave what we did not deserve!” More love! (John 3:16). He is righteous, holy, omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; his judgment will be perfect. He knows all, sees all and understands all. “He will not slay the righteous with the wicked, He will do right!” (Genesis 18:25) Nevertheless, the righteous also must realize that while God is “without respect of persons” in regard to his judgment. (1 Peter1:17.) He will judge ALL, appropriately. This is already accomplished in Christ so we move inexorably toward this great and final conclusion.

The father God has given this judgment into the hands of his son Jesus, so that He may receive honor through the one, through whom He was dishonored (by crucifixion) and thus be fully vindicated. (John 5:22-30) Because the father spoke through His son, those very words are the words that bring judgment to all mankind on the basis of what we did with them. (John 12:44-50). Hebrews 9:27 Makes it clear that after death there is certainty of judgment. This is described in Acts 17:31; “At the time of the resurrection, all mankind will appear before God on the appointed day in which he will judge the world by that man (Jesus), who he has ordained” Jesus is pre-figured in Exodus 28 as the high priest who wears the breastplate of judgment, He said of himself; “the word that I have spoken will judge you in the last day,” (John 12:48.) Isaiah 11:4 declares that “He will smite the earth with the rod of His mouth!”

Two Purposes of Judgment

1) Judgment brings restoration: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 & vs’12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 details the matter of sin and indifference in the Corinthian Church. The outcome of their judgment in this case was restoration (2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and 2 Corinthians 7:8-11). God the Father deals lovingly with us in order that he might restore us to fellowship with himself. For this reason he also encourages the Church to facilitate this: Galations 6:1″You who are spiritual.. Restore.” There is correction with restoration. This is modeled in the first three chapters of Revelations as the LORD deals with His Church prophetically, (as also in Isaiah 4:4 “a spirit of judgment.”). Since Jesus Christ was made sin for us at Calvary and has been subsequently judged already, this means that, “in Christ,” we too have already been judged and may now be restored and recon¬ciled to God. (John 3:14-21). The sin that brings judgment to mankind now, is unbelief, that is failure to accept our restoration in Christ (John 3:36.)

2) Judgment brings damnation (John 5:24-29; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; John 3:36). If men refuse to accept God’s judgment given upon sin at Calvary, and refuse to be judged by the word of God, then there is nothing left but divine judgment to ultimate damna¬tion (1 Peter 4:17,18 “Judgment begins with the family”). If God would not spare his son, who was made sin for us, what wrath will surely come upon the willful and rebellious? This is the unpardonable sin. To Resist the Fathers love finally.

There are many examples of God’s judgment throughout the Old Testament bringing restoration or damnation; from the judgment of Cain in Genesis 4, Achan in Joshua 7, Korah in Numbers 16 etc, to the judgment of the earth in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-8). Until Jesus took the punishment for our sins, God’s hand was extended to judge the individual, commu¬nities and nations. Now in the New Testament age, Judgment is a consequence of self determined actions where no appeal is made for the Lords grace and mercy. Such was the case of the event involving Ananias and Sapphira: (Acts 5:1-11). They resisted every opportunity for repentance demonstrating their unregenerate state. They were simply “coat-tail” Christians, going along for the ride and caught up in the emotions but had no real experience of the Lord. A very dangerous state!

The nebulous and subjective term; “An act of God,” used by Insurance companies to avoid paying claims, illuminates the fear of judgment inherent in all of us. When some catastrophe of Nature occurs, the superstitious fears that we have carried from ancient times, arise. We want to attribute the event to some agency other than the consequence of our human inadequacy. Current weather patterns or the state of the economy are a consequence, not God’s judgment. Nevertheless, consequences do demonstrate the inevitability of the judgment that is “reserved” for mankind. (2 Peter 2:9)

Judgment Day:
Although God’s judgment process is available to us now and should be appropriated now, there is still coming a day of judgment for all mankind: 1Timothy 5:24 “The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.”

1) For believers: At the judgment seat of Christ where “we must all appear, to be recompensed.” (2 Corinthians 5:10¬) Fortunately, because of grace, “we may have confidence on that day.” (1 John 4:17). Matthew 12:36 & 37 Point out that our own words are the basis for judgment since they determine the direction our life takes; our tongue is the rudder. Typical of the sort of words that bring Judgment to us are when we “pass sentence” on others and thus bind ourselves to the same sentence. (Romans 14:10-12). This is a judgment of the believer’s works. The believer is rewarded accordingly (1 Corinthians 3:13). We can “Judge ourselves” now or be judged later. (1 Corinthians 11:31.)

2) For unbelievers: There will be the great white throne judgment of Rev 20:11-1¬5. At the end of the one thousand year millennial age, there will be a final judgment, where everything that has not yet been judged, will be judged. This will include the unregener¬ate, fallen angels, demons, and Satan himself. This is the eternal judgment promised by the LORD (to crush the enemies head, Genesis 3:15) throughout the Bible 2 Peter 3:7; 2:1-22; Jude 6,7,14,15; Revelations 14:9-11; Matthew 10:15; 11:20-25; 12:38-42; Daniel 7:10, 22-26. This will involve the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). There is no system of appeal from the verdict of a righteous God.

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