Us In Him 1

What is "Us In Him?”

UIH is a ministry dedicated to helping believers new and old grow in their knowledge, understanding and living out of the faith and to equipping them to use their gift for the works of service He has prepared for them.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  (Mar 10:14)

and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.   (Mat 18:3)

The two verses above are at the heart of UIH.  Call it: Basic Christianity, Christianity 101 or Christianity ReBoot. 

Two things parents have taught me.  Children want to know “Why?” and children upon learning the word love, “No!”  Of course they are curious, creative, inventive and persistent. 

Children are fascinating.  Though it’s sometimes hard for grownups, listening to children is amazing.  Art Linkletter had a section on his old TV show called, “Kids say the darndest things.”  I don’t think I’ve ver had such wonderful bouts of laughter in my life. 

Without filters, with few social strictures and boundaries kids in their naiveté have a perspective and insight we sadly lose as we grow and mature.  The greatest thing about kids is they ask a lot of questions.  Sometime we think the question is simple only to discover that there is more to it.  Question – answer and then another question. 

The struggle for us comes when we try to give a single definitive answer.  Kids don’t have all the data we have so a single definitive answer is rarely an answer at all to them.  They need patience and attention as they ask and ask and ask.

When Jesus talks about becoming like little children I think part of that is His encouragement to us to keep asking questions and working for that answer that we understand.  There is an element of letting go of our knowledge and presuppositions that we need, to allow us to ask and answer well, so we can out put it all back together based upon the truth, His truth.

I came to Christ in college and brought all my knowledge and stuff with me.  It was hard to ask what felt like dumb questions.  I had a college degree, I ought to be able to figure it out  I can remember so many times when I had a burning question but held it back because I was afraid of looking dumb. 

UIH wants to be a place where there are no dumb questions.  A place where everyone takes on the demeanor of a child and allows themselves to engage in, well, Christ-child talk.  Every question is important – and important for us all no matter where we are in our walk.

I once worked in a music store where they repaired instruments.  The owner decided that he wanted me to learn to re-cork woodwind instrument – mostly clarinets.  As the repair guy taught me I felt really dumb.  He could do it with his eyes closed.  I watched him do about a dozen intruments and it was amazing.  Then one day I went in and he handed me a clarinet and told me to re-cork and re-pad it.  I went to the work station and began.  When I was done I took it to him and showed him my work.  I can’t remember his exact words but what comes to mind was, “That’s the worst repair job you’ll ever do.”

He expected me to make a mess of it.  He wasn’t surprised, he wasn’t angry he was actually pleased.  Why?  Because in showing him my mess I showed him what I could do and what I couldn’t do.  Now he could work from there in guiding me towards where he needed me to be.

This is the “vision” (I really don’t like that word) of UIH.  The assumption is that we all need guidance, encouragement, correction, admonishment – as Paul says:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17)

And the author of Hebrews writes:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.   (Heb 10:23-25)

UIH is a place where wounded, wandering, wondering and wild followers of the Master are sought, invited and welcomed.  It is meant to serve the church – it is simply where 2 or 3 gather in His name to to grow.

. . . . like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,  (1Pe 2:2)

Last Words - almost Part 12

Last words – almost Part 12

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.   (2Pe 1:5-7)  ESV

ὑπομονή, hupomonē  Thayer Definition:

1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance

1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

1b) patiently, and steadfastly

2) a patient, steadfast waiting for

3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

That quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.  Zodhiates

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

(2Th 3:5) ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (Jas 1:2-4)  ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  (Heb 12:1)  ESV

Again – this is never autonomous!  Ever!!!!! 

This is not a “stiff upper lip,” or a “hang in there baby.”  This is a despondence upon and trust in Him!  I can’t, He can, together we will!  Tattoo that on your eye lids!

My favorite reminder of this is Job.

Though he slay me, I will hope in him;

yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15) ESV

Paul got it too:

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Rom 8:25) ESV

For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. (Gal 5:5)  ESV

What do we know so far?

1.    We ARE redeemed.

2.    We are called to be redeemed and “do” redeemed and grow in it.

3.    We are called to grow in our knowledge.

4.    We are called to submit to His discipline.

5.    We are called to trust in His faithfulness.

6.    And ALL of this is done UN-autonomously or even ANTI-autonomously. We have  - well what have we read already???

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2Pe 1:3-4)  ESV

Oh------yeah!

Again – this is not a test!  This is not our proving to God or anyone else that we are redeemed.  This is accepting, humbly and in submission, the grace of God and the “graces” of and in that calling.  Assurance – confidence is like a muscle – use it or lose it. 

Certainly we trust God and grow in assurance in the rocky places – but it is sooooo much more joyous to grow in the smooth places.  Somebody needs to write a thing about, Trusting God When Everything Seems AOK.  The rocky spots are beneficial because they keep us from getting complacent and flabby – but why do we get complacent and flabby – Uhhhhhhh.

We tend to think of perseverance as something that we need when we’re under pressure – but that’s not right.  We need to persevere when we’re bored out of our skulls as well.

I work with a lot of folks who take medication for neurochemical deficiencies (I R 1 2).  They take the medication and the feel – well – normal.  So they quit taking the medication and spiral down.  Uhhhhh – get it?  There is a good analogy here.  OK – some weak believers have strange views of “psychiatric” stuff so let me put it this way.  Should an insulin dependent diabetic person just take their insulin when they’re feeling rocky?  Should someone with hypertension only take their meds when they are about to explode?  I don’t think so.

Well folks – isn’t that the way we tend to treat our relationship with God.  We holler when we need Him – thinking there are times when we don’t.  Have you ever sung, I Need Thee Every Hour? 

Think this through –

Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.   (Pro 30:7-9)  ESV

There’s some subtle power in that prayer – think about it – really strain those little grey cells some.  This is NOT just about stuff or food or things.  This is about ALL the needs we have – good times and bad.

God is not the designated hitter or runner – He is everything and all we need every nano-second.  Right?  Persevere in all times – persevere in glorifying Him by living out His Lordship – our utter dependence upon Him.

To my fellow sheepdogs -----

Helpless?  Yeah – to do the wrong job – of course we’re helpless.

“Ministry is messy!”

I learned this long ago.  I also came to believe that if one’s ministry is not messy, it’s not ministry.  Sin alone is the proof.  But add to that the moment by moment battle we have with the flesh and, well, you have mess.

It’s a mess just to battle one’s own flesh but when one accepts the call to be the shepherd of others one takes on their mess as well.

Add to this the unreasonable and unbiblical expectation that as a shepherd one should have all the answers –especially the answers people prefer and it gets even messier.

We, those called to the care of souls, must accept that we are little more than under-shepherds.  Indeed, I prefer the title “sheepdogs.”  We know what to do in some situations but we are, in the final analysis, simply servants of the Great Shepherd whose commands we await and obey.

The struggle we all have in not being able to be the Great Shepherd is uniquely human.  A sheepdog does not tend the sheep.  He or she simply follows the directives of the Shepherd.  Only in a very few circumstances is the sheepdog able to function without the presence and direction of the Shepherd.

We have to live with the fact that we “CAN’T” provide a lot of what is needed.  Unfortunately many who are indeed called end up moving from living sacrificially to living suicidally  as they go beyond the Shepherds provision or more subtly accept the demands of the sheep as always legitimate.

We look at the misery around us and we ache to relieve it.  Hunger, poverty, cruelty – all these and more we seek to relieve.  Of course there are the more common “miseries” of health issues, relationship issues, debt, etc. that are brought to us for resolution.

I have a new favorite word.  It’s UN-autonomous.  I am UN-autonomous.  I am nothing and can do nothing apart from Him.  Even in those wonderful moments when I do have an answer or a solution I know it is only because of Him that it will be of any benefit.

But another issue is bad aim.  Yes we desire to solve or resolve the issues His sheep bring to us but somehow we forget the fundamental facts.

He did not die, was not resurrected, did not ascend, did not offer sacrifice, “once for all,” and does not interceded continually so His people could have a happy satisfied life here on earth.  He did/does all of this so that we might be redeemed from sin and forgiven.  He did/does all this so we can be His and ultimately be with Him.  The writer of Hebrew seeks to give the aim or perspective of faith.

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Heb 11:10-16)  ESV

The question we must all (sheepdogs) ask either directly or indirectly is, “What are they (the sheep) looking for?”

Are they looking for the promise fulfilled or are they looking for heaven here and now?

I always go back to:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."   (Joh 16:33)  ESV

This is what characterizes our lives here.

Θλίψις;  thlípsis; gen. thlípseōs, fem. noun from thlíbō , to crush, press, compress, squeeze, which is from thláō (n.f.), to break. Tribulation, trouble, affliction.  Zodhiates

Though our tribulation is utterly attached to persecution which we suffer for proclaiming and living the faith it is also a result of living in a fallen world and redeemed creatures that are being transformed.

Below Paul gives us the true utility of the sheepdog.  It is in this “tribulation” that we are to ministry.  Yeas, we feed, clothe and house, etc. as we are able (Note-also as the Body of Christ individually and collectively is willing to sacrifice to provide for those in any trouble.)  But here is the bottom line – actually the front line of the battle. 

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

(Rom 7:15-25)  ESV

You, called and commissioned as a sheepdog, must focus on what your God given purpose is:

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Eph 4:11-14)  ESV

This is the “buck,” and the buck ends with you and I.

It is through this, “work of ministry,” that the physical needs of the flock are met and this is to be the work for which we equip the flock.  I don’t provide (apart from how He prospers me) – the “saints” are to provide – what they can, when they can – with His sacrifice as the example and motivation.

Look here:

      So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

      And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

      And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

      And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

      And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.

      And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.  (Act 2:41-47)  ESV

This is the Body of Christ.  This IS the Church.  What happened to her – where did she go?

When did all this become the job of one person? 

No, the sheepdog (whether they are called: apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers) are to equip the saints to follow the example we see in Acts.  He takes care of His own – we take care of His own – first.

Bottom line:

The problem is, well, sin.  We sheepdogs have failed miserable in helping the saints understand, appreciate and engage in the only spiritual war they have a part in.  The battle against the flesh.  Satan – we simply resist – we stand in the armor.  The world we simply say no to – we do not conform. But the flesh – that’s our foe – here we are to engage and do battle.  But we have to keep in mind that the allies of the flesh are the world and the devil and they will work with and through the flesh to make us miserable – unfaithful, hopeless and unfruitful.  They don’t have to win us over – actually they can’t – all they want is for us to be so focused on ourselves that we forget that we are part of His Body and that within that Body is the help (note I say help and not fixes) for our needs.

But is we are looking for “heaven” here; if we are looking for a “good life,” a “comfortable life,” here – maybe we need to really consider whether we are His or not.

Too many who claim (and may be) to be His are really looking to return to Egypt and have everything be good – not gonna happen – at least not by His hand.  We live in a world working hard to create a Hell on earth.  Huh??  Well, what else do you call a place where God is rejected and denied?  As men move forward in building their Hell we have to accept that as long as we’re here it’s gonna be hot and we’re gonna have the stink of sulfur.  AND it’s gonna just get worse.

For you, my fellow sheepdogs, who feel the burdens of each and every sheep – bless you.  For you, my fellow sheepdogs, who feel you, have to relieve the burdens of each and every sheep – repent. 

Remember, your job = “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”  That’s it – that’s all – wow.

Now – you have to look at what “works of ministry” God has presented the flock and you have to determine what “equipping” them look like.  And for god’s sake don’t go buy a book about it!  You have the only book you need – and an inexhaustible source of power.

I hope this helps -- We are all in my prayers – bark at the sheep/bite the wolves!!!!

Last words - almost Part 8

Last words – almost Part 8

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.   (2Pe 1:5-7)  ESV

There are some powerful words in scripture.  Words like grace, redemption, salvation, etc.  Though these are great and powerful words we all too often miss others like:  but, if, therefore, also, in order that (one word in Greek).

In just glossing over these little words, we often miss a great deal of focus and assurance.

Here in verse 5 we find the word “also.”  We’ve looked at the “reasons” in verses 2-4 but Peter tells us there are “also” reasons.  In other words, there are more reasons to follow the guidance he’s about to give than just those reasons he just enumerated.

Scripture is like an elephant.  It’s big!  The only way to eat an elephant is one piece at a time.  The only way to “walk the walk” is one step at a time.

The fact that there are “also” reasons should encourage us greatly.  It should also make us curious about those “other” reasons.  This curiosity only happens when we make it a habit to study the Word of God wisely.

What I mean by wisely is taking into account (which means we need to know) the contexts, the history, the audience, the circumstances – as much about what we are reading as we can know.  Otherwise, we are reading the Word with a very narrow, if not myopic, view.

When we read the scripture that way, it tends to be all about us.  Now that’s not bad, but it isn’t healthy either.  Our faith is not about us, it’s about Him and His plan for His creation.  That’s a lot bigger than me.  If my focus is primarily on me, what I will get is a lot less than what is available – crumbs – really great crumbs – but crumbs nonetheless.  

In Paul’s writing alone he uses the word “also” 258 times in 257 verses.  Hmmmm.. I wonder what his “also’s” are all about.

“In order that,” is found 12 times in the NT.

“Therefore,” is found 268 times in the NT.

“That you may,” is found 53 times in the NT.

“One another,” is found 108 times in the NT.

“Because,” is found 407 times in the NT.

“Also,” is found 584 times in the NT.

Small words and phrases can point to important things.  These things can make a difference in our understanding, appreciation and application in our lives and our world.

Peter admonishes us to:

Apply all diligence:

“Apply”:  παρεισφέρω,  pareisphérō;

Para: alongside, beside

Eisphero:

Eis: into

Phero:  to bring

To bring forth something additional, to contribute in addition to. yield more, add to.

“all”  in the Greek – means, well, ALL

“Diligence”:  σπουδή,  spoudḗ; σπουδάζω, spoudázō [to make haste, be zealous],

·         spoudḗ, from the original sense of 'haste,' takes on such meanings as 'work,' 'effort,' 'zeal,' 'seriousness,' 'readiness,' 'dedication.'

·         In the NT spoudḗ first means 'haste' (cf. Mk.  6:25 ; Lk.  1:39 ). It then means 'zeal' or 'commitment' in Rom.  8:12 ; 12:11 . It takes on the sense of 'zealous concern' in 2  Cor. 7:11  KTD

·         In Heb.  6:11 the readers must show ongoing earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope. This is part of being a Christian, for believers know who they are and where they are going, and will not lose what they have been given. 

·         The use is similar, but with a bigger moral stress, in 2  Pet.  1:5 . The zeal here relates to the whole Christian ethos unfolded in vv. 6-10. It relates to the basic orientation of those whose mind is set on the good.  KTD

That we are admonished to bring our best game to our walk should in no way be a surprise.  What difference is there between being told to work hard at living as His and being told to take up a cross or lay down our lives?  God does not just load a new program or an update when He makes us His.  He calls us and enables us to live as His, and part of that are the skills, knowledge, talents and energy WE bring to the effort – and effort it is.

Perhaps the hardest part for us to sink our teeth into is that this is a choice – not a once and for all choice, but a moment by moment one.  He chose, called and claimed us one forever.  We, however, must choose to battle the flesh and to grow in righteousness over and over again.  Come on, let’s be honest.  We all know that a moment’s inattention to serving and honoring Him can be catastrophic.  We all know the slipperiness of that walk which lacks diligence and intention.

The diligence we are admonished to apply is not a feeling or affection.  Our feeling/affection for Christ is the energy, the cause of our diligence, but it is NOT automatic – sorry.

Last Words Part 4

Last Words – almost  Part 4  Uhhhhhh – More Ouch~!

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

“is so nearsighted that he is blind”

Lit.: is blind or short-sighted

Blind:  τυφλός,  tuphlós; to envelop with smoke, be unable to see clearly. Blind Figuratively in respect to the mind as being blind, ignorant, stupid, slow of understanding.

• The adjective typhlós denotes human and animal blindness. It then refers to objects without light or access (cf. blind alleys) and also to what is invisible or concealed.
•  In 2  Pet.  1:9 it is the unfruitful rather than the ignorant who are blind and shortsighted (cf. vv. 5-6). Rev.  3:17 complains that the Laodicean church thinks it is spiritually rich but is really blind. Only Christ (v. 18) can cure this blindness of self-deception and complacency. KTD

Nearsighted:  muōpázō;  muōpásō, from múōps, shortsighted, which is derived from múō , to shut, and ōps, the eyes. To shut the eyes, blink, to squint like one who cannot see clearly; hence by implication to be nearsighted. Used metaphorically in 2Pet. 1:9.

Some interpret this as saying that those referred to are so shortsighted they may as well be blind.  Other insert the word “or” in the verse differentiating between shortsightedness and completely blind.  I prefer the view that these folks are so shortsighted they may as well be blind.

There’s no big reason for my preference except that the overall indication is that these people are believers and as such I have a hard time considering them utterly blind.  They see but are unable to see clearly.

I am disgustingly short-sighted.  The greatest problem I have is in recognizing people when I am not wearing my glasses.  I’ve looked right at someone I know well and have not acknowledged them because although I could “see” them I could not distinguish them from anyone else at the same distance.  I have often used the phrase, “without my glasses, I’m blind.”  This, I believe, is what Peter is referring to.  It is a lack of clarity, the inability to make close distinctions, an inability to recognize things for what they are.

Ah, but it gets worse.

“having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins”

Forgotten:  “ληθη  λαβων”

• Ληθη, lḗthē:  from lanthánō , to forget. Forgetfulness, oblivion (2Pet. 1:9). This is the word from which "lethal" and "lethargy" are derived.
• Λαβων from λαμβάνω,  lambánō
•  From the basic sense 'to take,' lambánō acquires the active senses a. 'to take to oneself,' 'to receive,' 'to collect,' and b. 'to seize.'  It also takes on the more passive sense 'to acquire' and middle 'to hold or grasp something or someone.' KTD
•   Sometimes means to receive as merely a self-prompted action without necessarily signifying a favorable reception. In the NT, to actively take, and, partially in the passive sense, to receive.

The gist here is that they have not seized the fact and implications of their:

Purification (from their former sins): καθαρισμός,  katharismós; gen, to make clean.

It actually refers to the process of purification, the sacrifice of purification.

The purification of women (Luk_2:22; Sept.: Lev_14:32; Lev_15:13; see Lev. 12); ritual purification (Mar_1:44; Luk_5:14; Joh_2:6). The baptism both of John and the Lord Jesus is designated as katharismós in Joh_3:25, not that the ritual of physical baptism brought about spiritual results or spiritual purification, but only as a parallel in its results. As water cleanses the body in baptism, the grace it symbolizes cleanses the soul. Its designation as a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mar_1:4; Luk_3:3; Act_2:38) means an identification with the forgiveness of sins. In Heb_1:3, the word denotes the objective removal of our sins by Jesus Christ (see Heb_9:22-23; Sept.: Exo_30:10; Job_7:21). In 2Pe_1:9, it refers to the actual purification accomplished in man, while in Heb_1:3 to the propitiation provided by the Lord Jesus.

•  katharós, katharízō, kathaírō, katharótēs.  The group denotes physical, religious, and moral cleanness or purity in such senses as clean, free from stains or shame, and free from adulteration.
•  The purity required of the NT community is moral and personal. It consists of a dedication to God that renews the inner being. Purity of heart - which is far above purity of hands - is what counts before God.
•  Hebrews opposes to the older ritual purity the superior moral purity of the new order (9:13). Cleansing is still needed (cf. 9:22), but only Christ's blood can achieve this with its cleansing from sin (1:3) and liberation from sinful impulses (9:14).

Now, here I see an interesting thing.  The blindness suffered is a blindness to their condition in Christ as well as their obligation in Christ.

We’ve seen Peter’s admonition to practice in order to make one’s election and calling sure.  Perhaps (and I hold this) the biggest problem in not practicing is that we are not sure in our election and calling.  In this state we suffer a lack of clarity – an inability to make sound distinctions.

Not only a lack of clarity, but we are constantly tormented with a lack of assurance of which the world, the flesh and the devil all take advantage.  We don’t know, we can’t say, so in fear we freeze in place, a stationary target.

We get caught in between our Rock and a hard place (the Flesh).  Our Rock says we are His forever.  Our flesh (along with the world and the devil) says otherwise.  We are sure one moment and then terrified the next.  We are confident one day and hiding the next.  We’re a lot like Israel in the wilderness wandering around between Egypt and the Land of the Promise.  Back and forth, back and forth………

But like Israel in the wilderness, God is with us and for us.  We are His by the Word of His promise and NOT by anything we have or have not done. 

Practice = living in the truth of our election and call.  If not perfectly, at least consistently as we are able. 

Like Israel in the wilderness, these “blind” folks have seen but they don’t see.  Their shoes never wear out and yet they doubt.  They are well fed yet they fear hunger.  They are well fed but are dissatisfied with their fare.  God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness and yet they don’t SEE it.

Of course you never know if the bridge will support you until you walk on it.  This is the purpose of practice.  As we practice (however poorly), we should remember it is all in His hands, under His control.  He isn’t up there with a stop watch or a tape measure.  He grades not on the curve but on the cross. 

Have you ever seen an adult throw a child into the air and catch them and then heard the child cry out, “Do it again, do it again!!?”  This is a great picture of how you and I need to work on trusting Him.  As we practice, we are (from our point of view) taking a risk, we’re walking by faith.  While we’re in the air it might be a little frightening – but – He has promised He will be there to catch us.

Now I’m not talking about some ill-considered action taken without prayer, study and counsel.  Yes, if you step of the roof of your house, God can catch you – but when did He tell you to step off your roof?  I am talking about practicing what Peter admonishes us to practice in the verses we’re coming to.

I can sympathize with the believer who feels overwhelmed as God calls them to a mission field or a new undertaking of any sort.  It’s a little (to say the least) intimidating.  But that is not what Peter is calling us to.  And yet, all too many forget they are utterly redeemed and hesitate to risk not getting it perfect.

Near-sighted so as to be blind having too much lethargy to grasp the truth of their Redemption and live it???

Next time  - - - -

Last Words - almost Part 3

Last Words – almost  Part 3  Uhhhhhh – Ouch~!

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

1.     Lacks:  μη παρεστιν  (mḗ parestin)

a.    Μή, mḗ; neg. particle. Not.

b.    Πάρειμι, pareimi: 

                                          i.    1) to be by, be at hand, to have arrived, to be present

                                         ii.    2) to be ready, in store, at command

 (2Pe1:9, meaning the person who has not these things).

This is a little tricky.  The main force is the idea that these things (qualities) are readily available for use.  They are there but of little use or effect.

This indicates a lack of – well – practice.  Again, practice does not make perfect but it does produce improvement, endurance, strength, etc.  The implication is that, at least to some degree, these qualities are present or at least available to the believer.  What he or she does about or with them (or does not) is the individual’s prerogative.

But harking back to the relationship of belief and obedience – we can see the problem.

Now I want to briefly  (Yeah, fat chance of briefly.) address the “lack” of these qualities in the life of the believer – or rather the condition where these qualities are not readily at hand or possibly not even apparent.

Too many of us were chosen and called in an environment where there was nothing after we walked the aisle.  We surrendered our lives to Christ’s call and were patted on the back and told, “Go live for Jesus.”  But no one ever told us what that looked like.  Somebody dropped the ball on the “teaching them to obey,” part of the Great Commission.  

So we were left to our own devices.  We read all the “popular” books about the faith and the Bible.  We went to all the popular conferences.  We went to revivals and missions and we did a lot of good things.  In the interval we suffered.  In temptation we struggled and fell.  In trials we were overwhelmed with doubts and fears.

Why?  Somebody dropped the ball!!!!  

Now, some will say that the individual should have disciple themselves – but ya know, that’s not really – well – biblical.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,   (Eph 4:11-12)  ESV

That is biblical!!!

None of us answered His call in a vacuum devoid of any access to a mature believer.  Most of us answered His call right in the middle of the Body of Christ whether that was at church, camp, a revival, a conference or even a movie.  That was the “make disciples” part.  Where was the “teaching them to obey,” part????

Well, most of us ended up (some may still be there) in this condition, we were,

. . . children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.   (Eph 4:14)  ESV

Unfortunately, over time, we became elders or deacons or Sunday School teacher, even Pastors.  As we did, we brought the waves and winds with us.  And so we have a “church” today that bears little if any resemblance to that for which Christ died.  We have brought adultery into the body of Christ:

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jas 4:4) ESV

         For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we 

         proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you 

         received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, 

         you put up with it readily enough. (2Co 11:4) ESV

        Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, 

        so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.     

        They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, 

        they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become 

        plain that they all are not of us.  (1Jn 2:18-19) ESV

This is where the “lack” of these things has gotten us.