Divine Grace

Good News for Sinners and Saints – Part 1

Romans 11:6

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works,

otherwise grace is no longer grace. NASB

I want to highlight 3 matters about Divine Grace.

1.     The Nature of Divine Grace

2.     Good News for Sinners

3.     Good News for Saints

Some of the material for this sermon was taken from or inspired by the book “Transforming Grace” by Jerry Bridges.

The grace of God is one of the most important subjects in all of Scripture. The fact that God shows favor to rebellious sinners, is the central message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what we preach, that God saves sinners by His marvelous grace, displayed to us through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus the Christ. Jesus died in the place of believing sinners, taking the full wrath of God for all their sins, thus paying the penalty in full for their sins. And God has proven how effective this payment is in canceling sin by raising Christ from the dead, showing that He has power over death…. Now this is Good News!  

Good News – The Nature of Grace

We sinners who are hopelessly and desperately lost under weight and guilt of sin, can be rescued by God’s grace to us, and this grace is free! Through no payment of our own, God graciously pardons us on the basis of what Christ has done to earn favor with God, and pay the penalty of death, in our place. This is what we mean when we say we are saved by grace alone, that is, that we did not and can not earn or merit this favor from God, but it is given to us as a gift by His grace.

Romans 3:22-24 – 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB

Grace is a gift…. It is unmerited, unearned. It doesn’t come to us on the basis of any works that we can do, if it did, it would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6 – 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. NASB

Grace is the antonym to works. Not only can we not work for God’s favor, but we have incurred His wrath by countless sins. What we deserve is utter and eternal banishment from His presence because of our rebellious and treasonous actions against His authority. We have shaken our fist in His face and told Him we will do as we please, and this we have done 1000 times. Yet God is filled with grace. This is how the scripture portrays our plight, helplessly under the God’s wrath, but pardoned by His grace. Turn with me to…..

Ephesians 2:1-3 – 2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. NASB

We are all guilty before God-condemned, vile, helpless. He could with total justice have pronounced us all guilty, for that is what we were, and consigned us all to eternal damnation. That is what He did to the angels that sinned….(2 Pet 2:4), and He could have with perfect justice done the same to us. He owed us nothing, we owed Him everything. But because of His grace, God did not consign us all to hell, instead, He acted in His grace to save us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 – 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), NASB

Grace is one of the key attributes of God. The Lord God is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Ex 34:6). In His grace God has reached downward toward people who are rebellious against Him, and saved them out of their sin. He has freely chosen to pardon those who will trust in His Son. Grace is God’s free and unmerited favor shown to those who deserve only judgment.

Now this is Good News! But it doesn’t stop there. Grace doesn’t just rescue us from the penalty of our sins, furnish us with some new spiritual abilities, and then leave us on our own to grow in spiritual maturity. No, grace is in fact the ever continuing state of favor that we live in before God having all our sins forgiven. God is only disposed toward our good now, and never to our ruin. Is this not His emphatic promise in Romans 8:28?

Romans 8:28 – 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. NASB

This is because God’s wrath because of our sins has been fully exhausted on the person of Christ. He bore ALL of our sins in His body on the tree. Christ’s sacrifice of atonement is utterly sufficient to cancel the debt of our sins, past, present and future. In His grace God has so completely discharged and forgiven our sins, He has told us in many different ways how complete and final this forgiveness is. This is such amazing Good News, we can hardly believe it.

Consider some of the passages from Scripture which describe the extent of His forgiveness of the sins of His people.

Into the depths of the sea

Have you ever wondered how deep the sea is? The average depth of the ocean is about 4,267 meters (14,000 feet). The deepest part of the ocean is located in the western Pacific Ocean in the southern end of the Mariana Trench, which is approximately 36,200 feet deep. Well here is what God says in regard to the sins of His people, “I will cast them into the depths of the sea.”

Micah 7:18-19 – 18 Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. NASB

But what does God mean by this expression, or what does He want us to think it means. Well, if you are on a boat, and you toss something overboard into the depths of the sea, guess what? You never see it again. There is a song by Audio Adrenaline called Ocean Floor…. The lyrics read…

Your sins are forgotten, They’re on the bottom, Of the ocean floor
Your sins are erased, And they are no more, They’re out on the ocean floor

This what God says about the sins of His people, “I will cast them into the depths of the sea.” Let me tell you, this is Good News!

I will not remember your sins

Consider the words of Isaiah 43:25 concerning the sins of His people,

Isaiah 43:25 – 25 “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. NASB

Listen dear friends… “I am the One who wipes out your transgressions”…. Who wipes them out? God does. Now just how well of a job at wiping out transgressions do you suppose God can do when He sets out to do such? You guessed it, totally, perfectly and completely. But He goes on…. “I will not remember your sins.” This statement is a conscious deliberate act on God’s part when He says, “I will not.” He is willfully choosing to forget about our sins. What do you suppose God wants us to glean from this kind of promise in Scripture? I would suggest He means for us to think… “I will not remember your sins.” Now let me tell you… this is Good News!

As far as the East from the West

Turn with me also then to the words of Psalm 103:10-12…

Psalm 103:10-12 – 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. NASB

Consider when traveling from South to North, you eventually reach the North pole and start traveling South from there. But this is not true when traveling East to West. If you start East and continue in that direction, you will always be going East. North and South meet at the poles, but East and West never meet. In a sense, they are infinitely apart. So when God says He has removed our transgressions as far as the East is from the West, He is saying they have been removed an infinite distance from us. Jerry Bridges writes, “When God uses this metaphorical expression describing the extent of the forgiveness of our sins, He is saying His forgiveness is total, complete, and unconditional. He is saying, He is not keeping a record of our sins. Yes God actually says that! I know it seems to good to be true. But those gracious words are right in the Bible and they are God’s words. How can God possibly do this? How can He so completely disregard our transgressions as to say He removes them an infinite distance from us? The answer is by His grace through Jesus Christ. God laid our sins on Christ and He bore the penalty we should have borne. Because of Christ’s death in our place, God’s justice is now completely satisfied. God can now, without violating His justice or His moral Law, forgive us freely, completely and absolutely. He can now extend His grace to us. He can show favor to those who, deserve only wrath.”

And I add … this is Good News!

An Infallible Word

The Infallibility and Sufficiency of Scripture

Psalm 19:7-9 – 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. NASB

PART 2 – The Bible….. “is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”

Notice here, the Bible is the ONLY rule…… This is to say that God has not given us any other directives about how we may glorify and enjoy Him other than from the Bible. Therefore, the Bible is sufficient to address the problems we face in life and properly directs us concerning our origin, purposes and destiny in life, and how we are to properly relate to our creator God. It is a complete resource from God about our lives.

The Bible is sufficient as a guide to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy Him.

The Bible is sufficient to address every matter in life. If it has not spoken explicitly to every matter, it has addressed it in principle. In fact God has met the deepest needs of mankind in His Word, for His Word brings about the most necessary changes which are needed for mankind’s fulfillment. The Word of God is sufficient because it has transforming power to change us into the likeness of God.

Consider how the Bible itself describes its sufficiency to address our life and relationship to God.

Turn with me to 2 Peter 1:2-4….

This passage explains that as we come to know God and Jesus through the Word, we become like Him and have everything we need for life and everything we need to be like Him.

2 Peter 1:2-4 – 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

–          We have grace and peace overflowing IN the knowledge of God, that is, coming to truly know Him

3 His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness

            – He has given us EVERYTHING that we need for life and to be LIKE HIM!

3 through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

–          We have everything pertaining to godliness THROUGH the true knowledge of Him,

that is, coming to know Him truly

4 He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature

–          through the promises(that is the Word of God), we become partakers of the divine

nature….God is revealed and we see Him, by the revelation of the Spirit, and therefore know Him, and become like Him because He becomes our delight, and we seek to become what we delight in….this all happens by the transforming power of the Word and the Spirit

4 having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB

             – becoming like God we escape the corruption of sin

Turn with me to Psalm 19:7-11….

This passage explains to us many facets of the sufficiency of Scripture to address our needs in life and our relationship to God.

Psalm 19:7-11 – 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. NASB

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;

            – God’s Word is perfect…it is flawless, it is complete.

– The Word of God is sufficient to restore our soul, that is in our hearts and minds….it is

            able to heal us

7 The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

            – The Word of God is sure, it is settled, not wavering or moving, it is certain…it can be

relied on, as sure as it is God’s own Word

– it makes the simple wise….God’s Word is pure wisdom and gives us clear and practical instruction about how to live and make decisions…

– it makes the simple wise….it instructs us how we are to fear God and relate to him….

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

– The Word of God sets for the standard for Right and wrong….it explains what righteousness is, and what true moral principles are….it tells us what is GOOD!

– and knowledge of what is true and right and noble and good causes our hearts to rejoice….not in what is fickle and unsure, but in what is truly righteous and Good…

8 The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

– The words of the Lord are pure words…they are holy and undefiled from the beginning to the end, they do not savor anything that is earthly and impure, rather they are holy and command everything that is holy, and they forbid everything that is impure and unholy. It is evident that the Scriptures are the words of the Holy God, and that the holy men that wrote them were obviously move by the Holy Spirit!

– The Bible gives light to the eyes of our hearts so that we can know, see, and relate to God in such a way as to please Him in every respect….

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

– Here the scripture referred to as “the fear of the Lord”….that is what reverences and respects the Lord….the Scriptures teaches us to fear God and hold Him in proper regard, lest we displease Him and be destroyed!

            – The Word of God is fixed in the heavens and will never pass away…..

Matthew 24:35 – 35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.

NASB

9 The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

– The judgments that God pronounces in His Word will surely come to pass. Every assessment that God makes about anything at all is most certainly according to fact and God’s Word is itself the very standard of Truth! God’s Word teaches us about Justice (which is the very character of God), what it means and its importance to life. When we see how God judges and make responses to situations and ethical matters, we learn the true standard of righteousness and justice.

10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

– God’s Word is more valuable than anything we can own. It is to be the thing we delight above all other things, because in delighting in God’s Word, we delight in God.

Psalm 119:24 – 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. NASB

Psalm 119:111 – 111 I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. NASB

Job 23:12 – 12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. NASB

11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned;

            – God’s Word is filled with wise warnings about how to conduct our lives in a manner that pleases God. The Bible warns that when we fail to please God we sin and the Bible warns us that God is the avenger of sin. The most stern and strict warnings that can be pronounced, are proclaimed in the Bible.

Proverbs 8:32-36 – 32 “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways. 33 “Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it. 34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. 35 “For he who finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord. 36 “But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death.” NASB

11 In keeping them there is great reward.

– God promises over and over again in His Word to reward those who seek Him and obey Him. The Bible lays out a great contrast of the two kinds of people in the world. Those who glorify and enjoy God, and those who sin against Him and displease Him and ignore Him. The Lord is indeed a rewarder of those who fear Him and love Him, but those who ignore Him He will destroy.

Psalm 145:18-20 – 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. 20 The Lord keeps all who love Him; But all the wicked, He will destroy. NASB

Joshua 1:8 – 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. NASB

Dear church family, let it be known today and take it to your heart…..“the word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”

Colossians 1:9-12

A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 2

Colossians 1:11 – 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously

A. strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might – Here see where a Christian gets their strength for the supernatural life, from the only supernatural source, God. How can we possibly live in such a way as we have described, unless we do it being “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might.” Therefore see the great necessity that we seek God for His power to “walk in a manner worthy of Him.” See here the great wise plan of God in our sanctification. He has commanded us to live in a manner beyond our power and capability, therefore we must humbly come to Him in faith to receive that “strength” and “power” that is needed to do it. For this the Apostle labors in prayer for the church…. Oh God, give them power, “according to your glorious might!” Here Paul prays for no small thing, and neither is your Christian life no small thing. It will take God’s power for you to live it. Either you will seek Him for it and walk in it, and thus glorify and enjoy Him, or you will wallow in misery and discontentment until you figure out that your purpose in life is to walk in His will, by His power, and to thus glorify and enjoy Him. To this you were called, that is to the supernatural life in the Kingdom of God. Christian life is a privilege beyond all other privileges in the world, but it is also a high, holy and demanding calling. It will cost you everything you have, including your very life (Luke 9:23-24), but the benefits are far beyond even comparing. Isn’t this what Paul told us elsewhere? …

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NASB

B. for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously – Here see yet another supernatural attainment of the Christian life, “the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously.” Now it is one thing to exercise patience, it is another thing entirely to do it with joy. Being steadfast in all these virtues can be a very difficult thing at times, and this is another reason we cannot do it apart from God’s power. William Burkitt comments.. “That patience, much patience, very much patience, yea, all patience is needful, nay, absolutely and indispensably necessary, to enable a Christian to bear some trials, and to glorify God in an afflicted condition. All patience, I say, is necessary in order to the cheerful bearing of afflictions, that is, patience at all times, patience under all crosses, patience, if possible, without any mixture of impatience; patience that may give a man the possession of himself, and quiet the whole man, the tongue, the hand, and the heart. Such measures and degrees of patience as will keep the heart from sinking, the tongue from complaining, and the hand from revenging. Lord! grant, that whenever any of thine are called forth to suffer either for thee, or for thine, they may be strengthened with all might, according to thy glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness” Let us therefore look to God for His glorious power that in whatever circumstance He might call us to walk by His Providence, that we might be steadfast, patient and joyful, so that he might be glorified in us!

Colossians 1:12 – 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.   NASB

 A. giving thanks to the Father – See here the blood that runs through a Christians veins, gratitude! Dear saint, have you been saved from sin and death, from the pain and anguish of battle and enmity with God…… Have you been snatched from the eternal fires of hells torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched?….. Have you been cleansed and washed from the guilt of all your sins, and showered with innumerable blessings from the gracious and forgiving God of Heaven?…. Have you received every spiritual blessing in Christ and given the hope of eternal life in God’s glorious kingdom forever where there will be no more dying or crying or mourning or pain? …

Has Christ given you by oath His own holy and happy friendship and made you a fellow heir with Him of all of the Father’s blessings, world without end?…. Has He rescued you from every trial and seen you through to this very day, filling you with His hope and courage to face each day, knowing that He is always with you and will never forsake you, but will uphold you and bring you safely into His Father’s glory?….. Indeed He has. Thus Paul says, “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Are you grateful? What then should you do?….. Stop grumbling and complaining and rather “give thanks” with a grateful heart to the Father! For He sent His Son to live and die in your place, so that He would “qualify” you to share in the inheritance. It is an inheritance beyond our comprehension. So great is it that Paul prays that God would open our eyes to see it…

Ephesians 1:18-19 – 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. NASB

1 Peter 1:3-5 – 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. NASB

Dear Christian consider what the magnitude of this promise is…. “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”…..Let us “saints in light” then, give thanks to the Father for the great things He has done.

Colossians 1:9-12

A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 1

Now here in the first chapter of Colossians the Apostle Paul is greeting and commending the Colossian church for their most holy faith which is prospering and growing. As he writes, he tells them that he has been praying earnestly for them, and then goes on to describe the things he has been praying for in verses 1:9-12..

We then have the benefit of knowing, if Saint Paul were to pray for the church, with all his inspired knowledge, just what would he pray for? And in this we see the great desire of Christ for His church, as these words have been breathed out by His Spirit through the great Apostle. Moreover we have expressed for us here in writing what are the amazing and higher attainments of the Christian life, those things for which we should be longing for and pressing toward as we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have here those great spiritual virtues of the Kingdom of God articulated for us in a way that explains the character and nature of the spiritual life of the children of God, which is in fact a supernatural life enjoyed only by those who have been truly born again and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Here as the Apostle pours out his heart before God longing for the maturity of the church, we have a manual or map for our spiritual growth laid out before us, even a great feast of tasty morsels of the divine and spiritual pattern of the heavenward call of God for our own personal lives and that of our local church fellowship as well.

May we be ever thankful to our God for giving us this rich passage of text for us to feast upon and be spiritually nourished for our journey to Heavens glory!

Colossians 1:9 – 9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

A. For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask – See here the importance of diligence in the Christian life. Paul’s concern for the church causes him to pray without ceasing, and to be continually offering up a prayer to God for their health and growth in the faith. Are we yet so concerned with our own spiritual life that we, with the Apostle continually beseech God for His power and blessing in our lives? Let us not be slothful in our faith, but diligent in seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness, that we may be filled with all of His goodness!

B. that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding – Here Paul’s first and greatest request. Let us not overlook the importance of this great virtue in Christian life. It is to “be filled with the knowledge of His will.” That is, to know what God wants, what He prefers, what is consistent with His desires, and more, to be informed about His threatenings, commandments, and judgments, His precepts and requirements. This is foremost in the Christian life and from it flows all blessing, happiness, and comfort in time of need. We do not know the mind of God naturally, and we only learn about Him what He chooses to reveal. Now this “knowledge of His will” comes through an understanding of God’s will as he has revealed it in Holy Writ. What we know about God’s desires and precepts, His commandments and judgments, are revealed to us by God an in the manner which He has chosen to deliver it to us in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are filled with such holy and majestic pronouncements that only God could speak; duties are therein prescribed, which none but God can require; sins are therein condemned, which none but God can prohibit; threatenings of punishments are therein denounced, which none but God can inflict; promises of rewards are therein made, which none but God can bestow; and all in such a majestic way, as does evidence God to be the author of this book of the Scriptures, and it is here where we learn the revealed “knowledge of His will.” Moreover, Paul prays that we posses this “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Notice it is “spiritual wisdom,” which means it comes only by the Spirit of God, it is not of the natural unspiritual man. For the natural man cannot grasp them; …. turn with me…

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 – 9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. NASB

Since we have the Spirit of God living in us and performing His ministry of revelation to us, we now have the ability and capacity to believe and to grasp “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” and to therefore rightly see our world, our purpose, and the real reasons why things exist in the world and what they are for. The eye of sinful man thy glory may not see…the natural man gropes in the darkness of sin, not even realizing that it is God who holds his very life together and his next breathe in His hand, every moment of everyday. But the Christian has knowledge of the meaning and purpose of all things, knowing that it all exists by God, and for God and that His ends and purposes are chief in everything. God is ruling the circumstances of human history by His mighty Providence, and for the ends and purposes which he has designed.

Proverbs 16:4 – 4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. NASB

If this be true of the grand scheme of the world and the nations, how much more for our everyday life, God’s people, whom He bought and redeemed with the precious blood of Christ? This is why Paul prays that we would be filled with his knowledge, “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” The word for understanding here in the Greek is sunesis, and means to put together. Calvin calls it, “that discrimination that proceeds from intelligence.” It is to grasp and comprehend God’s “knowledge” and His “spiritual wisdom” with the “understanding.” Not to be foolish or ignorant of God’s will but to understand it.

The Psalmist wrote…

Psalm 143:10 – 10 Teach me to do Thy will, For Thou art my God; Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground. NASB

And Paul says in Romans…

Romans 12:2 – 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NASB

And again he said in Ephesians…

Ephesians 5:15-17 – 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NASB

Hear then this great request of the Apostle, that we would indeed attain to a more distinct, clear, and practical knowledge of the mind of God in Christ, and a greater measure of conformity to what he requires, desires, loves and approves!

Clarke comments – “The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it.  As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to illuminate their whole souls, and fill them with Divine splendor, so that they might know the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; in a word, that they might have such a knowledge of Divine things as the Spirit of truth can teach to the soul of man.”

Dear Christian, let us be longing for this knowledge and spiritual wisdom! Let us always and ever be mining these jewels as precious treasure and longing for and delighting in our God as we come to know Him better and better!

Solomon wrote…

Proverbs 23:23 – 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. NASB

Proverbs 4:5-9 – 5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. 7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. 8 “Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. 9 “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” NASB

Colossians 1:10 – 10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

A. so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects – Here now Paul gives the reason why he wants us to “be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.” It is “so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.” What good is all our learning and all our knowledge if we do not apply what we have learned? Jesus said…

Luke 11:28 – 28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it.” NASB

And so Christ’s great desire for His church, that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.” This is to say that we obey Him, and live in such a way that our thoughts, words and deeds are in accord with His good character and nature. This is to say that we do not disobey Him and live in a manner that is sinful and shameful in the sight of God. Did He save you and wash you and cleanse you from your shame so that you could go back out and swim in the mud hole of sin once again? No instead He wishes that you would “please Him in all respects.” Oh Christian, that you would fear the Lord and obey His commandments, that you would be loving and gracious and kind and forgiving, just as He has been with you. The Psalmist wrote….

Psalm 119:1-6 – 119 How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Thy statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Thy commandments. NASB

Obedience to God’s Word is the fruit and evidence that we have been reconciled to God, and that we love Him properly as He has commanded us. Paul goes on…

B. bearing fruit in every good work – If then we are walking “in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,” surely we will be “bearing fruit in every good work.” As a mature fruit tree bears much fruit, here see the product of a mature Christian life, that we would “bear fruit in every good work.” But what of these good works, what are they? Well surely they fall into several categories. William Burkitt comments; “By good works, he undoubtedly means works of piety towards God, works of righteousness towards our neighbors, works of sobriety towards ourselves, works of charity towards all. By fruitfulness in these good works, he means an unwearied diligence, and persevering constancy in the doing of them, that our fruitfulness be an universal fruitfulness, an humble and self-denying fruitfulness, a proportionate fruitfulness, an abounding and abiding fruitfulness; that is to be fruitful in every good work.” Well to that I say amen, and I would like to add some further description. By these things see the good works of a Christian’s life….

·        works of piety towards God – In seeking to Love God with all that is within us, regular fellowship with God’s Holy Church, where we worship God through Word and Sacrament (that is through preaching and through the Lord’s Table), and where we exercise those God given gifts that we have in service to His church, in evangelizing and the making of disciples, in loving and serving the church

·        works of righteousness towards our neighbors – This would include helping our neighbors and coworkers and friends and acquaintances in all kinds of work, or of giving when they are in need, serving them through hospitality, supporting the cause of justice in its various forms in our community, serving our neighbors in various means and ways as befits a Christian, with all goodness and integrity

·        works of sobriety towards ourselves – This would include daily meditation on the word of God, daily communion with God in prayer, regular fellowship with godly Christians, being a good spouse and a good parent, exercising our God given roles with much patience and kindness

·        works of charity towards all – This would include meeting the needs of anyone and everyone when it is within your power to do it, defending the fatherless, helping the widow and the helpless, coming to the aid of the defenseless

Good works are the product of a Christian’s life, and that which we seek to grow in, and delight in carrying out. This Paul has said to us many times….

Ephesians 2:10 – 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. NASB

Titus 3:1-2 – 3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. NASB

Titus 3:7-8 – 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. NASB

Titus 3:14 – 14 And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful. NASB

Therefore let us Christians walk in this manner which is worthy of the Lord, that we “bear fruit in every good work.”

C. and increasing in the knowledge of God; – Here see Christ’s desire for your higher attainment in Christian virtue, that you be “increasing in the knowledge of God.” This is the never ending joy and privilege of the saints, that the knowledge of God and His Christ and His kingdom in inexhaustible and therefore we are to constantly engage in this activity. He says we are to be “increasing,” that growing in and learning more of the knowledge of God. This was the pattern of our Lord, He was always and continually teaching His disciples. And they followed suit as they were daily from house to house and in the temple teaching. This is the nature of the Christian Faith. It is a didactic enterprise, a teaching fellowship, a learning community. Paul wrote in this very book of Colossians…

Colossians 1:28-29 – 28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. NASB

Colossians 3:16 – 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. NASB

This is the ongoing state of a Christian’s supernatural life, that we be always and evermore learning and “increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Contentment and Providence- Part  3

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content

in whatever circumstances I am. NASB

In this brief study I would like to:

1)    Show briefly that God is in His Providence is governing and ordering all the circumstances of our lives

2)    Remind us of His great and precious promises to care for us and meet all of our needs, and also that His Providence is loving and always has our highest good in mind, not necessarily our earthly comfort

3)    Show briefly that discontentment is a embittering sin which greatly hinders our enjoyment of God and our ability to glorify Him

4)    Exhort us to contentment through Philippians 4:11-13

I will be offering comments from Thomas Watson’s book “The Art of Divine Contentment.” It can be purchased at www.christianbook.com or read here…. http://www.fivesolas.com/watson/content.htm

 4 )    Exhort us to contentment through Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11 – 11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. NASB

A. 11 Not that I speak from want – Here Paul is simply commenting on verse 10 where he is commending the Philippians for providing for his welfare. Here he is saying that he is currently in a situation where he has unmet needs, but rather that he is amply supplied.

B. for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am – Contentment is a lesson that we must learn, “I have learned to be content.” It does not come naturally or by easy means. It only comes after we have found ourselves in plenty and in need, in happiness and in sorrow, on the mountaintop and in the valley, and in all of these places have learned that God is our source, He is our shield, He is our comfort and our hope. Through these ups and downs we learn to be content that God is on the throne, and ordering the events of our lives according to His wise Providence and for our highest good and His greatest glory!

Philippians 4:12 – 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. NASB

A. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; – Here Paul explains he knows how no to be distressed or anxious when he is in need, nor to complain against God when resources are meager. But in contrast, he knows how to “live in prosperity,” that is, to be content with what he has and not driven by a continual lust for more, but rather humble and thankful to God for the many blessings. Notice that there is temptation in either circumstance, whether having barely enough or plenty, we are tempted to either complain against Providence or take it for granted.

B. in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need – Here see that his knowing how to get along deals with “any and every circumstance,” which means beyond just having food and shelter. See here that contentment is necessary in all the situations of life we find ourselves in. This means being content with our spouses, our careers, our children’s temperaments, our health or sickness, our homes, our in-laws, our neighbors and any other things in our lives. Learn here that Paul calls it “the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” Consider, could one actually be content in “going hungry” or “suffering need”? Or what about “being filled” and “having abundance,” can we be content in that and not lusting for more? Surely we can, and Paul tells us “the secret” in the next verse.

Philippians 4:13 – 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. NASB

A. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me – Now this grand statement of the apostle begs the question, “How many things is all things?” And, in this context of being contented, surely Paul means to say that no matter what circumstances we face, we can be contented before God, and happy in Him. Consider Job, even though Providence had dealt him a very bitter hand, yet he did not lose his faith and trust in God. In the midst of his terrible suffering he says,

Job 1:20-22 – 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. NASB

In all of this, “Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Consider, if Job can face what he faced and still worship God and not blame God, but rather trusted in and praised God no matter what he faced, how much more can we, who have the knowledge of Christ and the indwelling Spirit to comfort? In fact, we “can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Barnes comments… “I can do all things. From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity.  His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. In Paul, this declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was to be obtained by which to do all things, and on that arm that was able to uphold him he confidently relied.”

Dear Christian, shall you poison your blessed days with the sour water of discontent? Why not look beyond the “light and momentary affliction” (2 Cor 4:17) to Christ, your strong Savior, and there find all of the comfort and grace needed to endure. In fact, your trial is designed by God’s good Providence to drive you to the feet of Jesus, and in humble trust for you to cast your cares upon Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. NASB

Let us therefore learn Paul’s secret here….it is Christ who strengthens us in this life. If you want to be happy, if you want to be settled and peaceful no matter what you face, if you desire to be content in “any and every circumstance,” you “can do all things through Him who gives you strength!” Will you trust him?

Remedies and exhortations to contentment

1) Learn to delight in God and be thankful (1 Thes 5:16-18). Count your blessings ever and always!

2) Be careful not to get too attached to things in this world (1 John 2:15-17), for you do not know when they will be taken from you. You must be willing to part with anything, should the Lord require it of you.

3) Be sure that you are valuing Christ above all other things in your life. If you are not, your value system is broken and in desperate need of repair, because He is most valuable.

4) Remember always that God knows what is best for you and will never give you more than you can bear (1 Cor 10:13), but will always be a refuge for those who call upon Him for deliverance (Psalm 145:18-19). God has designed your suffering to work for your good, and will at the proper time give you relief. His will shall never lead you where His grace will not keep you.

5) Let a Christian often think with himself, “who hath placed me here, whether I am in a high sphere, or in a lower. Not chance or fortune, as the purblind heathens imagined; no, it is the wise God(Lam 3:37-38) that hath by his providence fixed me in this orb.” Thomas Watson

6) When facing a bitter trial, remember that God has promised never to leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5-6), but will be your strength and hope no matter what you face. You must come to Him personally for strength…. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!”

7) Prayer gives vent to your sufferings. Pour out your compliant to God, with humility and contrition ask Him what response He might be seeking from you. Then leave you care at His feet, as often as possible, expecting either His deliverance or His grace to endure. He is worthy of your trust and you can believe his promises to care for you.

8) Your sufferings are not so great as your sins: put these two in the balance, and see which weighs heaviest; where sin lies heavy, sufferings lie light. A carnal spirit makes more of his sufferings, and less of his sins. Thomas Watson