1 Peter 4:12-14: The Glory of God Is Always the Issue: the Christian Approach to Suffering

1 PETER 4:12-14

THE GLORY OF GOD IS ALWAYS THE ISSUE: THE CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO SUFFERING

            In our modern context, it is often not popular to discuss the reality of suffering among Christians. In fact, many so-called preachers attempt to add health, wealth, and prosperity to the gospel of Christ which makes it not the gospel. The gospel is quite simply Jesus plus nothing equals everything.[1] We must be careful not to add to what gospel what is not there; this includes adding rules and regulations that are not explicitly stated in Scripture. If you have a personal conviction of something that is not explicitly stated in Scripture, let it be just that: a personal conviction. Something that is explicitly clear in the Bible is the fact that God’s people will face trouble. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). It may vary from one person to another, but we are guaranteed to face trouble, suffering, and persecution. How then are we to deal with suffering? What is the Christian approach?

            Peter likely wrote his first letter from Rome during the reign of Nero[2] so if anyone knew of suffering [particularly through persecution], it was Peter. We know, however, that all the Apostles knew of suffering as did the entire Christian world of that time. Nero was one of the most infamous rulers of all time, burning Christians on posts outside of his palace to give light for his parties. This is why Romans 10:9 is so crucial for believers. A law existed that required citizens to proclaim Caesar as lord and Christians were doing it without realizing the problem.[3] Paul then said that to be saved, you must confess Jesus is Lord even though this may cost your very life.

            We go through different types of suffering in our lives, not just persecution but all of it being the result of humankind’s fall. It is a part of life so Peter gives us three imperatives for how to approach suffering in 1 Peter 4:12-14 (specifically suffering for the name and sake of Jesus Christ).

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV)

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Expect Suffering (v. 12)

            The first imperative is that we must expect suffering. In using such graphic language as “the fiery trial,” Peter tells us not to be surprised when it comes. Fire is interesting because it is certainly painful, but it may also be used to refine. Gold is refined by burning the metal till the dross is removed and all that remains is pure gold. In the same manner, God often refines our lives through trials, and the fire burns. Jesus says it another way in John 15:2 in stating that the Father prunes branches that do not bear fruit. Either way, the concept is that it is a painful experience. James tells us to count our trials as joy (Jas 1:2-4) because they are what complete us. Peter instructs us not to be surprised as if it were some strange thing. Expect suffering, and handle it with godliness, humility, and righteousness.

            We, in the United States, have lived for so long under the subconscious illusion that being a Christian will guarantee a good life. I say it is subconscious because even those of us who openly dismiss this concept as a lie still expect a good life for honoring God whether we realize it or not. The idea is that if we live a moral life, we will get the American dream. For many of us, we have known our society to be one that rewards moral living, and there have often been material blessings for following godly principles. While this might have seemed true in our country for a very long time, God never guarantees a cakewalk for serving him. Those days are quickly vanishing. I believe persecution [although currently limited for most Americans] will increase, and the church must be ready for it. If serving God guaranteed an easy life, the Apostles certainly did not get the message. How would you respond to the following proposition?

Follow me and receive me unto yourself. Oh, but there will be vast persecution among you and those like you who follow me. You will be crucified, killed by the sword, skinned alive, beheaded, dipped in burning oil and lit on fire, stoned, and fed to wild animals.[4] Oh, and I want you to still serve me with joy.[5]

It would not be a terrible thing if the illusion of material blessing was stripped from the Christian faith so that those who truly know Christ may profess him in the midst of suffering, not external happiness. Do you realize how many people identify as Christians in name only even inside the walls of our churches? According to George Barna’s 2016 State of the Church report, only 28% of professing Christians believe that works cannot get you into heaven.[6] 43% do not believe that God is the all-powerful creator who rules the world today.[7] 32% of practicing Christians believe that all religions teach basically the same thing.[8] In 2009 (only eight years ago so this has likely increased), 22% of churchgoing Christians claimed to believe in reincarnation.[9] Furthermore, 15% of professing Christians have consulted with a fortuneteller or psychic[10] (witchcraft). How can we ever expect God to be the Lord of our world when he is not even the Lord of our churches? The acid test for his Lordship is how we handle suffering, and to handle it properly, we must first expect it.

Rejoice in Suffering (v. 13)

            Peter then tells his readers to rejoice in suffering. He is not referring to suffering for our own stupidity, although there is a godly manner which to handle that as well; he is referring to suffering for the sake of Christ. The Greek word for suffering here is redemptive in nature; it implies something that prepares us to know the Lord. It is not inherently negative except when suffering occurs outside of or apart from Christ.[11] It is a word that implies deep emotion for someone or something and is a general word for suffering of all kinds, not just persecution. We are able to share in Christ’s sufferings because we are in him and his glory is revealed in us. None of us are good enough on our own except that we are in Christ and he is in us. We tend to measure ourselves by other people whether we realize it or not. This is played out often when I hear someone say that they know non-Christians who are more righteous than Christians. Sadly, no they are not because no matter how moral they are, it is not good enough. That is a works-based statement. Jesus is the standard for a righteous life (not other people), and we cannot measure up to that standard except through his blood, not our own works. Understanding salvation by grace through faith (and not anything to do with our works) allows us to realize the great truth in some of the hymns we sing in every circumstance, good or bad.

My sin, oh, the bliss of the glorious though, my sin, not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord; praise the Lord, oh, my soul.[12]

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.[13]

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.[14]

My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed; I trust the ever-living one, his wounds for me shall plead.[15]

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.[16]

The Christian is found in Christ; this is how we can rejoice in suffering. If you are measuring yourself by Christians who measure themselves by other Christians, you do not understand grace. We are all equally flawed and dead in our trespasses, and it is only through the Son, Jesus Christ, (not anything we have or have not done) that we are made righteous to the Father. We are to consider it joy when we share in the sufferings of Christ because it is for his glory and honor, not our own.

            Feeble attempts to stamp out Christianity have been made throughout history. It was tried during the time Peter wrote this letter; it was tried after; and it will continue to be tried till Christ returns for his own people. Persecution in the early church simply allowed Christianity to disperse to other parts of the world. Before Constantine (306-336 AD), Diocletian (244-312 AD), tried to rid the world of the bible even decreeing that if someone was found with one copy of the word of God, they would be killed. When Constantine became a Christian, he offered a financial reward for copies of the Bible, and within a day, fifty copies were brought to him, thus the word of God continued.[17]

Voltaire, the noted French infidel, who died in 1778, made his attempt to destroy the Bible. He boldly made the prediction that within one hundred years the Bible and Christianity would have been swept from existence into oblivion. But Voltaire's efforts and his bold prophecy failed as miserably as did those of his unbelieving predecessors. In fact, within 100 years, the very printing press upon which Voltaire used . . . was being used to print copies of the Bible. And afterward, the very house in which the boasting Voltaire had lived, was literally stacked with Bibles prepared by the Geneva Bible Society. Voltaire . . . had miserably failed.[18]

God’s word will stand forever; God’s people will persevere; and yes, God is in control. Let us then face suffering with the joy of the Lord. Our external circumstances do not determine our joy but only the glory of God in whom we find all satisfaction.

Count Suffering a Blessing (v. 14)

            Peter lastly tells us to approach suffering as a blessing. We must realize that when we suffer in Christ, it is on his behalf, not ours. The apostle Paul says that our present sufferings do not compare to the glory that will be revealed in us through Jesus Christ (Rom 8:18). We do not suffer merely for suffering’s sake or for ourselves but solely for the glory of God; there is a higher calling and purpose than ourselves. No matter the circumstances that brings our suffering and no matter the degree of our suffering, we must count it an honor because the glory of God is always the issue.[19] It is not our well-being; it is not our happiness; it is not even our protection; but it is only the glory of God. If it glory is not the issue in anything we do, we need to refocus because our motives are wrong. In fact, suffering, as Peter says here, is the evidence that God’s Spirit is upon us. This should beg the question, “am I suffering enough?” It is not that we should seek pain and suffering, but the natural result of following Christ will be some degree of suffering, particularly through persecution. As I have already mentioned, I believe persecution will increase in the church. I also believe many professing Christians will eventually abandon the church because they were never a part of it to begin with. When God’s glory is at the forefront of our lives, all else, including earthly pleasures and sufferings, fade in comparison. As the hymn states, “The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” Suffering for the sake of Christ and in his name is an honor and a blessing.

The Glory of God Is Always the Issue[20]

            We are selfish people by nature. It is part of our ugly fleshly desire to be selfish so we tend to think that everything is about us. Reality is that everything is about God and his glory. We can either get on board and partner with Christ in achieving his glory or fight against it in which case the curveballs life throws at us will make us utterly miserable. Joy does not come from external circumstances. While we might receive temporary pleasures from them, only an all-satisfying God brings lasting and ultimate joy. It is when we find out satisfaction in other people or things that we approach suffering in anger and bitterness and likely end up blaming God instead of facing it with joy knowing the privilege of being counted with Christ and sharing in his suffering. The only way to approach suffering in righteousness is to live in the reality that the glory of God is always the issue.[21]

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[1] Tullian Tchividjian.

[2] ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers), 364089, Kindle.

[3] Clayton King sermon.

[4] Patrick J. Kiger, “How Did the Apostles Die?” National Geographic, accessed April 25, 2017, http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/killing-jesus/articles/how-did-the-apostles-die/.

[5] My personal summary of call to follow Christ.

[6] George Barna, “The State of the Church,” Barna Group, accessed April 25, 2017, https://www.barna.com/research/state-church-2016/.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Barna, “Meet Those Who ‘Love Jesus but Not the Church,’” Barna Group, accessed April 25, 2017, https://www.barna.com/research/meet-love-jesus-not-church/.

[9] Joshua a. Goldberg, “Churchgoers Mix Eastern, New Age Beliefs,” The Christian Post, accessed April 25, 2017, http://www.christianpost.com/news/new-poll-reveals-how-churchgoers-mix-eastern-new-age-beliefs-42215/.

[10] Ibid.

[11] “3804. Pathema,” Bible Hub, accessed April 25, 2017, http://biblehub.com/greek/3804.htm.

[12] “It Is Well.”

[13] “Amazing Grace.”

[14] “Nothing but the Blood.”

[15] “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.”

[16] “The Solid Rock.”

[17] Cecil Willis, “The Indestructability of the Bible,” Truth Magazine XIX 31, accessed April 25, 2017, http://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume19/TM019211.html.

[18] Ibid.

[19] Prominent saying by Dr. Gordon Borror.

[20] Ibid.

[21] Ibid.

Zephaniah 3:8-13: God's Plan for His Own Glory

            In my early twenties, I discovered God’s passion for his own glory, and it profoundly affected the way I thought about things; it completely changed my worldview. Jonathan Edwards wrote a book entitled The End for Which God Created the World about God’s passion for his own glory. Throughout the Bible, we find overwhelming evidence of God’s aim in glorifying himself. He does this through his own people. The entire purpose of God naming a people for himself is so that they would be his and would glorify his name. We see, in the Old Testament particularly, God’s people rebelling and God’s discipline being manifest and then his people once again returning to him. This happens to us. We are disciplined, and then eventually we somehow forget that we exist for God’s glory so we rebel and he again disciplines us because he loves us. My theory [and I believe biblically based] is that pride is at the root of all sin. It is mankind falsely believing that we deserve to act in a certain way or make a certain decision against God’s nature and character so we deceive ourselves and learn the hard way.

            Zephaniah 3:8-13 points to God’s plan for his own glory. Zephaniah, like most prophets, prophesied to the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Josiah. Israel only had three kings before the division into two kingdoms, and if you were to examine a timeline of the kings, Josiah would have been far down the line as one of the later kings. Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah so we see many of the same resounding themes from both prophets, although Jeremiah, being what scholars have deemed a major prophet, had much more to say. Zephaniah has a lot in these few verses to say about pride and specifically how God will destroy it to accomplish his own glory among his people.

Zephaniah 3:8-13 (ESV)

⁸ “Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,
    “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.
For my decision is to gather nations,
    to assemble kingdoms,
to pour out upon them my indignation,
    all my burning anger;
for in the fire of my jealousy
    all the earth shall be consumed.

The Conversion of the Nations

⁹ “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
    to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
    and serve him with one accord. ¹⁰ From beyond the rivers of Cush
    my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones,
    shall bring my offering.

¹¹ “On that day you shall not be put to shame
    because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;
for then I will remove from your midst
    your proudly exultant ones,
and you shall no longer be haughty
    in my holy mountain. ¹² But I will leave in your midst
    a people humble and lowly.
They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord, ¹³     those who are left in Israel;
they shall do no injustice
    and speak no lies,
nor shall there be found in their mouth
    a deceitful tongue.
For they shall graze and lie down,
    and none shall make them afraid.”

            These verses are laid out in such a way that every verse is related thematically to the third verse following. There are four aspects to God’s plan for his own glory I would like to examine. They are 1) pride’s destruction among God’s people, 2) the perseverance of God’s people, 3) provision for God’s people, and 4) the purpose of God’s people which is his own glory.

Pride’s Destruction among God’s People (vv. 8, 11)

            Pride is the direct opposite of God’s character. This may seem like a contradiction since he desires his own glory. However, God’s humility is exemplified in the person of Christ and through his atoning sacrifice on the cross. The purpose of that matchless love then is so that we, as his people, acknowledge his authority as God and as Lord. God’s glory is not a matter of him being prideful, but it is, in fact, about his desire for all people to worship him because he is God. In our pride, we do not rightfully acknowledge God’s sovereign control and preeminence over all things, which then is sin.

            Zephaniah proclaims that pride will be destroyed among God’s people because there is no place for it. Verse 8 ends a section of Zephaniah’s message in which he proclaims God’s judgment on Judah. He tells God’s people to wait for his coming judgment because he is jealous for his people. Note that God is not jealous of people, but he is jealous for his people. In other words, God’s desire is that his people would worship him, which cannot be done in pride. Worship is about God alone. God’s hatred for pride is made evident in verse 8.

Then in verse 11, Zephaniah further proclaims that pride will not be tolerated. “You shall no longer be tolerated in my holy mountain.” How do we show our pride in the context of our churches? This is played out in many ways, not the least of which is our subconscious attitude toward those we think are below us. We may say we love everyone or that God is loving and forgives everyone, but in our minds, we think that we are better than that person who has a different skin color, that person who perhaps lived a promiscuous life before they met Christ, that person who drinks when we don’t, that person who might use dirty language, or that person who watches movies or listens to music we don’t think they should. We often spend so much time looking at the wrongs of others when God is working on us and telling us things we need to change. We should never take our personal convictions that might not be explicitly stated in Scripture and assume they are wrong for someone else. If God has convicted you personally not to listen to secular music, then don’t, but don’t assume that someone else is wrong because they do not share that conviction. We far too often let culture dictate what we see as sin rather than the Bible. As God’s people, pride has no place. Our call is to serve him and to love others, and God will make sure pride is destroyed in our lives. Some of us know that from learning the hard way.

Perseverance of God’s People (vv. 9, 12)

            In verses 9 and 12, we see hope for God’s people. This is not hope for those who do not belong to our Lord. Ultimately those who are not his or who falsely take the name of Christ will be destroyed. Every person in history will glorify God by either receiving his just wrath poured out on Christ or on themselves. Ultimately the church will persevere, not the visible church but the remnant. There are those who profess the name of Christ who are truly not his, but those who are his will persevere. Zephaniah proclaims here that after the destruction of pride, God will leave a unified people who call upon the name of the LORD (YHWH – Adonai lower case is the name above all names to the Hebrews), who serve him, and who take refuge in his name. The prophet, Isaiah, gives a similar claim in Isaiah 57:13 when he says, “…he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.” God’s people give evidence that they are his by honoring him and seeking him as a people. We are the people of God so do we honor him in humility together? I have heard people acknowledge that they do not believe they need the church to live for God or that they love God but hate the church. This is impossible because the church is the bride of Christ; one cannot love Christ and hate his bride. Those who truly belong to the Lord will persevere always. God will destroy pride, and we do not want to be on the side of pride when he does. The way then to fight pride is to take refuge in the Lord. How do we fight sin? In the refuge of the Lord. How do we serve God faithfully even when times are difficult? In the refuge of the Lord. How do we squash pride? In the refuge of the Lord. We must acknowledge that we are nothing without him. When we realize our weakness and our dependence on God, then and only then will be persevere as God’s people.

Provision for God’s People (vv. 10, 13)

            Why do we ever doubt God? Why is our faith so shaky? We have vast promises from God in his word, not the least of which is his promise to always provide for us and to take care of us. Verse 10 reads, “…beyond the rivers of Cush…,” implying that God’s people are vast, many, and diverse. A humble people will worship him; he will see to it, and these worshipers will not be limited by skin color, by ethnic background, by culture, or by money, for they will rely on their God to provide for them and worship him. We are promised in verse 13, “…they shall gaze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” God provides for his people. Part of killing pride in our lives is a realization of God’s abundant mercy and his continuous provision in the midst of our incredible weakness. We have no power of our own apart from Christ. Even in our salvation, we did absolutely nothing to gain it. The Apostle Paul stated many times that we were dead in our trespasses. Many have the idea that we were drowning in sin when the reality is we were completely dead until God himself awakened us. That is everyone equally with no one being better than another. Part of God’s plan for his own glory is not only his people’s perseverance but also his provision for his people. As he provides for and takes care of us, we praise his name and glorify him by acknowledging his control and lordship over our lives.

God’s Purpose for God’s People: His Own Glory

            There is an age of philosophical question that asks what the meaning of life is. Even Monty Python tries to answer it. Our purpose though is none other than the glory of God. While this is carried out in many avenues, as his people, we are called to his glory. God removes pride from our lives and then allows his people to persevere through incredible trials while always providing for us so that we may glorify him. The purpose for God’s people then is his glory, his worship, and his fame. May we be a people ever changed in our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection by a merciful and loving God who is jealous for his people whom he loves and calls to worship him.

Philippians 2:1-11: The Manner of Humility

            Today we are going to examine the concept of humility found throughout Paul’s letters but particularly in today’s passage of Philippians 2:1-11. It is certainly no secret that God’s people are called to humility, but what is the foundation upon which that calling is based? This passage of Scripture might be familiar to many believers, but I would encourage you to allow it not only to enter your ears but to also let it penetrate your heart and change your attitude in all circumstances so that the humility of Christ is exemplified in your personal life. The reason we are called to humility is because it is in the very character and nature of God himself, realized through the person of Jesus Christ, which Paul here gives a vivid description of.

            Paul, in writing to the Philippians from prison, meant to encourage the Church at Philippi by pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the Law. Like many young churches in the 1^st century AD, the Philippians found it easy to incorporate the authority of the Law along with the authority of Christ. Paul, in this letter, desires to move his readers away from that practice and into a realization that Christ has been given all authority and has fulfilled the Law; we, therefore, are now under his grace. But this is a grace that should not give us freedom to do anything we desire apart from Christ; it should rather cause us to live lives of holiness as Christ continuously conforms us into his image. Part of that conformity involves having the same attitude and mind as Christ Jesus. This is the manner of humility which we are to walk and live in.

Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

            There are four aspects to godly humility I would like to examine here: 1) the mind of humility, 2) the model of humility, 3) the mode of humility, and 4) the mandate of humility.

The Mind of Humility (vv. 1-5)

            Paul discusses the mind of humility in the verse five verses of this passage. Paul begins with a rhetorical statement. “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy” is not intended to show his wondering of those elements. He knows and is, in fact, implying that they do indeed exist in the body of Christ. They exist not by themselves and apart from Christ but, in contrast, only because of Christ. He is essentially saying that because these exist in Christ, do the following. He asks the Philippians then to make his joy complete by being of the same mind. In the Epistles, we often see Paul’s concern for the people he is called to minister to. We see it so much so here that he concludes his joy is made complete in the Philippians’ humble love for each other. How often do we make ministry about us rather than about Christ? All believers are called to serve, but when service becomes about us rather than about the Lord, we need to refocus. Paul receives joy not from compliments but from the people he ministers to being so profoundly affected by the gospel that they are conformed into the image of Christ.

            What then is the mind Paul mentions here? He makes clear that those who bear the name of Christ are to live in humility, thinking of others first because this is indeed the mind of Christ. If we are to be like Christ, we must have the same mind. As impossible as that may sound, Paul says elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 2:16 that we have the mind of Christ. Understand that this is not our own doing though. Apart from Christ, there is nothing good in us. The concept that human beings are good by nature is a lie from Satan. There is nothing good in us except for Christ, which is why conforming to his image is so crucial. As Christ lived and walked in humility, so we should too.

The Model of Humility (vv. 6-8)

            Paul does not stop with the mind of humility; he goes on to give us a model for humility seen in Christ. It is made clear in verse 6 that prior to the incarnation, Christ was in the form of God. The Greek here implies the preexistence of Christ in human form here on earth. It is made clear that Jesus was equal to the Father, is equal to the Father, and always will be equal to the Father. The model we see in Christ then is that he emptied himself. In Greek, the word, empty, can mean to empty or pour out, but it can also mean to “give up status or privilege.”[1] This, in no way, means that Christ was not God while here on earth; nor did he give up being in the “form of God.” Rather Christ gave up the privileges of being God to serve here on earth and ultimately to be the atoning sacrifice to the sins of his bride, the church.

            Humility is a topic that we discuss often in the church, but we rarely take it seriously enough to move away from our futile attitudes of entitlement. We often hear of Gen-Xers and Millennials having entitled attitudes, but I would dare say that everyone does to some extent. Do we remember Christ’s example of humility when someone makes us angry? When the restaurant server does a horrible job when we are out to eat? Or when we somehow think that we are better than people of other religions because we are Christians? Do we need to be reminded that we once were lost in our transgressions to and that only by the blood of Christ and nothing of our own doing are we saved? We would do well to remember the humility of Christ. He is the very model.

The Mode of Humility (vv. 9-11)

            In these last few verses, Paul reveals the mode of humility. A mode is a way in which something occurs or is experienced of practiced. How do we practice humility? We have the model in Christ so how do we put it into play? The answer might seem a bit simpler than you realize. We practice humility by exalting Christ as Lord. Verse 9 begins with, “Therefore God has highly exalted him…” “It was precisely Jesus’ humiliation that became the grounds for his exaltation. By humbling himself on the cross out of love, he demonstrated that he truly shared the divine nature of God, who is love.”[2] What was the purpose of this love; what was the purpose of this humility? It was all for the glory of God, namely that at the name of Jesus, every knee would bow and every tongue would confess he is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Did you know that every person in the history of this world will glorify God? We will either do so through receiving Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross or by receiving God’s wrath in an eternity apart from him. Christ’s humility made it possible for us to not have to endure God’s wrath though. He was our substitutionary atonement, but even in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, his ultimate aim was the glory of God. In other words, it was his own glory. The first time I realized this, I was shocked. To think that God was all about himself and his own glory made me think he was stuck on himself. The harsh reality [to some] though is that he is stuck on himself. Do you realize that God is all about himself and his glory? He is not stuck on you or me or someone less. That may seem contradictory to the humility of Christ, but even in the love of Christ on the cross, the purpose and aim was the glory of God, and it now because of his exemplification of God’s character in love that he is exalted. The way then that we live in humility is to remember that our very lives exist for the God’s glory, not our own.

            I used to read these verses and think that the name referred to is the name of Jesus, but that is not what Paul says. He has been given the name above all names, but that name is not Jesus; the name is Lord. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. There is a huge difference in making Jesus our Savior and in making him our Lord. When he is Lord, he quite literally is the master of our lives. I think if we examine our own lives, we would all find areas where Christ is not Lord. When he is Lord, we live in holiness even when it is tempting not to; when he is Lord, we live in humility no matter how difficult that may be or how much we want to boast, be arrogant, or act in anger toward those we disagree with. The mode by which we live in humility is the exaltation of Christ so that we can say through any circumstance and any trial, “Christ is enough. He is my joy. He is my strength and salvation, and my heart will rejoice in my sufferings, for his glory is the issue above all pleasures of this world.”

The Mandate of Humility

Our call as Christians is not to defend Jesus; he does not need defense; nor does he need us, but we have the privilege of serving him. We can become so worked up over political issues that we forget to live as ambassadors of Christ, which means living in humility. It is not our job to convince anyone; it is our job to reflect the character and attitude of Christ. Certainly, we fail at it sometimes because we are not yet perfected, but we must ask ourselves if Christ is making us more like him including in our mind and attitude. We have been given a mandate to live in humility, and until we completely sell out to Christ with him as Lord, we will fail at that responsibility. Perhaps it is time to give up all areas where Christ is not Lord so that he reigns supreme in all facets of our lives and we begin to live as Christ has called us to in humility.

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[1] The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008), 346634, Kindle.

[2] Ibid., 643664.

The Church Enables Lies of Abuse More than Abuse: A Response to Gary Thomas

The Church Enables Lies of Abuse More than Abuse: A Response to Gary Thomas

            Author Gary Thomas recently published an article entitled “Enough Is Enough: Why the Church Has to Stop Enabling Abusive Men.” I find it interesting that he says nothing about abusive women which likely exists far more than people realize. I am responding to his article perhaps from a disparate perspective other than his own. To make a long story short, I was married to a woman who cheated and left me for another man. I later discovered that she accused me of abusing her not only verbally and emotionally but also physically. I was astonished at the magnitude of that lie. I have not remarried since then, but I was engaged for a period of time. It is not the only engagement that has been broken off, but again I was astonished to discover that my ex fiancé told people she was afraid I was going to kill her. In both of these situations, what they said contrasted everything they ever said to me and about me for the entirety of our relationship, and I never gave any indication I would ever do anything to hurt them in any way. After replaying the events of our relationship and considering why they might have said such things and after much struggle with it, I concluded that I was very good to them, said kind things to them, treated them incredibly good even when I might have had more reason to claim verbal abuse, and they were either delusional or trying to save face. Either way, it was wrong. There is not a perfect relationship because there is not a perfect person, but there are some who are more willing to commit than others. In my situation, at the first sign of any significant or insignificant trouble, they bailed. I think this is more common than people realize. This is the approach I am coming from. Gary Thomas’ article might have done more damage than good. It seems to me that more and more the church is not enabling abusive men but rather women who lie about abusive.

The Bible Says It, Not Us

            Thomas makes the point that women need to be protected from grotesque abuse. I would not disagree, and most wouldn’t either. However, he goes on to say, “…if divorce is the only weapon to protect her, then the church should thank God such a weapon exists.” First of all, this concept is nowhere in the Bible. As far as can be seen in Scripture, there are two grounds for divorce. Jesus permits it in the case of unfaithfulness (meaning sexual unfaithfulness), and Paul gives allowance in case of abandonment. Some interpret abuse as abandonment, but that is a stretch with little biblical backup. Some lump lust into unfaithfulness as well which again is a stretch. What Gary Thomas says here is a matter of his very emotional and just anger toward abusers. He rightly feels that way. What he says though is contrary to Scripture. Many of us who view things this way struggle with why abuse is not mentioned in the Bible. Whatever the case, it is not. I will discuss this more later, but this does not mean to support or abuse nor stay in the same house with an abusive spouse. If you disagree with the biblical grounds for divorce, you disagree with the Bible, not those of us who try to obey it. I believe Thomas is wrong in this assumption.

Unhappiness Is Relative and Not Biblical Grounds for Divorce

            Thomas quotes a wife who asked, “So I’ve just got to accept what’s happening in my marriage, right?” I think anyone would answer no to that question, but Thomas takes it a step further by saying, “If the cost of saving a marriage is destroying a woman, the cost is too high.” I would like him to tell that to Jesus Christ who destroyed himself to save a marriage, namely the marriage between the Son and his bride, the church. Christ and the church is the ultimate model for marriage, and earthly marriages are but pictures of that marriage. My ex-wife told me before leaving that she knew she was wrong but that she believed God wanted her to be happy and she should not have to work hard at loving me. First of all, that is nowhere in the Bible. Secondly, there is no biblical concept that God wants us happy except that our joy is found only in him. A big problem is using the unhappiness argument is that happiness is relative. Thomas says, “Jesus said what he said about divorce to protect women, not imprison them.” He derives this from history and the culture of the time. Nevertheless, it is not backed up biblically. The fact is he said it like it or not. It was allowed in that day for men to divorce their wives for very minimal reasons. Jesus clarified and gave only one acceptable reason though. We can either obey what he said or make excuses and try to explain it away. This is not to say that many situations would be difficult to stay in. Most of us would not blame a spouse for leaving some situations, but Jesus made it very clear what is acceptable and what is not. Using happiness as a standard for marriage cheapens what the relationship represents. Any form of unhappiness is not a biblical grounds for divorce.

Women Are Abused: Personal Experience Says Otherwise

            I mentioned my personal experience earlier. Not to discredit real situations of abuse, but in my experience, far too many women make accusations of it. This has not only happened with me but also with other godly men I know, and the fact is that women have the advantage. They are often believed far more than men. For Gary Thomas to post an article like this is to encourage women to exaggerate anything negative thing that happens in their marriage and turn it into abuse to gain the sympathy of those around them. It is a difficult situation for a man who is falsely accused of abuse. I have even heard comments like this: “Maybe you should examine yourself because you either chase after intensely deceitful women or you are an abuser in denial.” If you think through the logic of that statement after what I have said, you realize that opinions are already drawn on the issue and men are at a disadvantage when they are accused of abuse. Fortunately I handled my situations well and people knew better than to think I would ever hurt anyone. I never as much as even raise my voice. Other men I know went through similar situations, and people eventually saw these women for what they were: liars. No one is perfect. However, to exaggerate the truth or even create a malicious lie to save face is incredibly wrong.

What Should an Abused Spouse Do?

            Biblical grounds for divorce is not a mandate. Someone recently disagreed with me on this. In fact, if we follow the example of Christ, we give till we have nothing left for marriage. Christ did not divorce his spouse, the church, even when we rejected him and were unfaithful to him. Divorce too often becomes the easy way out. The tendency is to try to make it seem like everything was tried to work through it, but was it really? Did you give the best until there was nothing left? Usually, no matter how it seems, you did not.

What is a spouse to do if they are truly abused then? This is a very relevant and important question. If there are no biblical grounds for divorce, should a spouse stay in their marriage. I suggest that staying in a marriage and staying safe are two different things. Staying in a marriage does not mean staying in the same house. There are times when a spouse likely should leave and particularly in times of physical abuse. Make sure that you and your family are safe from the abuser. This does not mean automatically file for divorce though. If Christ is the model, make sure you do everything possible to work through the marriage. Whether or not you have is between you and God. Safety is the key issue here though. Leave, but do everything possible to avoid divorce. Sometimes it is inevitable unfortunately, but make sure you honor God in your commitment first and foremost.

Conclusion

            In writing this, I believe Gary Thomas comes from a passionate and concerned perspective. He is concerned for women who are abused and facing very difficult situations and rightly so. I am also concerned for those woman and men who face the same things as well. I am trying to take a biblical approach more than an emotionally driven one though. For those who wrongly left a spouse, there is forgiveness, and Christians should offer it as well. However, the church should not stop fighting for the institution of marriage. It is so important. I do not see the church enabling abusive men but more than that enabling women who lie about abuse. We need to be people of the light and honor the institution of marriage as well as protect those who are endanger. The two are compatible. God is honored when lives are changed and imperfect marriages between imperfect people made whole.

Church, We Are Not God: The Flaws of Gospel Ministers

Church, We Are Not God: The Flaws of Gospel Ministers

            No one is perfect. This is said so often by nearly everyone in our society that it has become just about meaningless to most people including the church. We tend to say one thing but live another; we speak of the grace of God as if it only applies to the best people or who we at least consider to be the best. If we are honest, “the best” is very relative. What is not relative though is all of humanity’s inherent sinfulness and inability to ever choose righteousness apart from Christ. Every single person in existence is equally flawed; no one is better than another. This is truth and fact. Yet we so often forget that this is applicable to even those called to the holy work of God. The common subconscious view is that because one is called to gospel ministry, he or she is exempt from radical and total depravity or that he or she is not worthy of God’s grace if a mistake is made. Nothing could be further from the truth.

God’s Anointed Fight Human Nature Just Like Anyone Else

            The tendency in most churches is to place ministers on a higher plane than the lay member. The truth is, however, that we are just as fallen and wretched as anyone else. We are simply engaging in and accomplishing a task God has called us to, no different from what anyone else should be doing. Paul considered himself the chief of sinners. I personally can relate to that, not as a matter of low self-esteem but as complete realization of where I have been. I am no better (and am probably worse in many regards) that anyone else. This is true for all ministers. God has delivered us from the stench of sin, but we continue to fight through our struggles. It is difficult for many people to think of Christianity as a toil or a struggle. I don’t know where the idea comes from that resisting sin should be easy once we are saved and especially for those who are ministers of the gospel, but it exists. We say often that everyone struggles, but when someone actually does, particularly when they are a minister, we write them off as if they should not have struggled with sin.

            I have seen many ministers fall in my life, and I have been one who fell. Does that negate the fact that God called me to serve him? No. Once I thought it did, but God showed me otherwise. Paul, in Romans 7, says that he does the things he does not want to do and does not do the things he wants to do. Even Jesus himself, in Matthew 26:41, said that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We are in a constant battle against our human nature that does not stop because of salvation. No, it continues and perhaps to an even greater degree because our flesh is constantly being killed and there is an ever-present awareness of God’s work in our lives. For those who struggle, you are in good company. Consider King David. If he committed the sins he committed in a modern context, society would completely write him off and perhaps even apply labels to him thinking that he is not worthy of anything, especially God’s grace. It is not a matter of who is worthy of God’s grace (because no one is), but it is a matter of the desperate need of his grace. Ministers are no different.

We are not super humans; nor do we have special powers or the ability to resist temptation more than anyone else. It is time that people stop placing unrealistic expectations of ministers of God. Trust me; we don’t get paid enough for that. In all seriousness though, we are fallen people just as anyone else, and our sanctification process is the same as anyone else. We go through trials; we are depressed; we struggle; we have angry thoughts; we use bad language; we lust; and we fight through these things, and sometimes we fail. God’s grace is not only for lay members but also for clergy. Let us experience his grace just as you do, and pray for us.

Satan Attacks Those Serving the Lord More

            Satan’s attacks are heavy and difficult, especially for those serving in ministry. It is not that Satan does not attack those who are not in ministry and sometimes just as much if not more, but because the church is the honored and loved bride of Christ, the enemy spends much of his time attacking the church and her leaders, namely preachers of the gospel. This means that often the attacks are heavier and perhaps even more than the typical person. If Satan can win over the ministers, he can live under the illusion that he has defeated the church. Nothing could be further from the church. The church is not built on people or ministers but only on Jesus Christ so the church will stand firm for all time. Satan’s attacks are in vain then, and when God’s people live in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, we show it to others including our ministers who make mistakes far more than people expect them to. What a testimony to the world when we actually forgive as Christ forgave and see God working through fallen ministers who are in desperate need of God’s grace just as much as anyone else. Let us be a people of mercy.

There Is No Disqualification from Ministry Except that One Is Not Called to Begin With

            I grew up under the illusion that if someone committed an atrocious sin (which might be very relative to what people consider atrocious), they were automatically disqualified from ministry. I thought this even when I had a great fall while serving in ministry. I became OK with the thinking that because of what I had done, I was now disqualified from ministry. I took some time off from ministry thinking it was permanent and pursued other endeavors till the Lord slowly began to open doors of opportunity for me unexpectedly and without me pursuing them. Eventually I was reminded that when he called me to ministry, it was not because of what I had done. Nothing I had done qualified me for ministry, and nothing I had done disqualified me. Certainly I needed a break, but after struggling through whether or not God could ever use me again as a minister of the gospel, I stopped resisting and came to a point where I trusted God and committed to serving him no matter the cost and no matter what people thought of it. The truth is that there is not a disqualification from ministry unless that person is not called to begin with.

Paul told Timothy that overseers or pastors should be above reproach. The problem is that the interpretation of what that means varies. Some might say that to be above reproach means not having a disreputable past; others might say that the past doesn’t matter but only what one’s life is like after salvation; still others might even say that it is a matter of a repentant heart after one makes mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes; this is a well-known truth that not many would deny. Where is the line drawn then? What does it mean to be above reproach?

            I submit that to be above reproach is a matter of a repentant heart. I say this for a few reasons. 1) God looks at the heart above the outward appearance, and 2) the Greek text in 1 Timothy 3:2 suggests this. It is to the church’s detriment that manmade standards have been placed on gospel ministers. This does not include only educational standards (which I believe are often bogus) but also standards of morality. When dealing with the morality of ministers, there are two things to keep in mind. First of all, our morality must be measured first and foremost and God through his word. This means that no one can truly measure up to being a moral person. Secondly, we must rid ourselves of personal convictions applied using a general scope. In other words, if it is not strictly forbidden or commanded in Scripture, we should not apply it to everyone, and this includes ministers. This is done often in the selection process of a pastor. Sadly standards are placed on ministers that are not only impossible but also have little to no biblical foundation, only personal convictions. God does not look at outward manmade standards. When God selects someone to serve him, it is not because of their character at all, in fact. It is because he desires to glorify himself by using that person in a particular way. This is irrespective of what they have done or even will do.

            The Greek text also suggests a general concept of morality in being above reproach. It, in no way, implies perfection. The morality of a minister is measured against a holy God so we fail every time. Is the minister’s heart repentant though? The church should stop looking at only the mistakes of fallen ministers but look more at the heart of the person who committed the sin. God’s grace is sufficient for all, yet all who receive his grace are recipients of it including ministers. We are not exempt from receiving the grace of God or fellow Christians simply because we serve in such a capacity.

            Ministers are called to a holy task and one that must be taken seriously. Nevertheless, ministers will still struggle and, yes, sin and perhaps even sin greatly. It does not negate the call though. Whether one is called of God or not is between that person and God. Maybe they are; maybe they aren’t. There are surely times when one must take time off from ministry, but the call is irrespective of what has or has not been done. The evidence of God’s work in their life then is found in repentance.

Never Forget God Is Strong in Human Weakness, Not Strength

            A scripture that is so very evident in my life is 2 Corinthians 12:10. Paul, when speaking of his thorn in the flesh, says that God is strong when he is weak. This is applicable to every single person, but we often do not realize it until we experience our deepest weakness. At that point, the mature and repentant Christian is thankful for weakness because then and only then can we truly express God’s abundant mercy and work in our lives. It has nothing to do with us or our ability. What would happen if churches called pastors based on God’s strength in their weakness rather than their abilities? I think we would see more humility among God’s people and, therefore, a greater work. Ministry is accomplished on God’s strength, not our own. If it is our own, it is not ministry, and it is ineffective. Seminary degrees, intelligence, knowledge of original languages, and speaking ability are useless without God’s work in our weakness.

The church must realize that ministers, though called of God, are not God. We are wretched sinners just the same as anyone else, and we make mistakes. Our mistakes are often magnified though. Yes, many of us have fallen greatly, but even in the seemingly smaller sins, people magnify our faults and escalate our weakness. Above reproach does not mean perfect; nor does it mean disqualification after a mistake. Brothers and sisters, we are imperfect, and like you, God is sanctifying us. We will mess up; it is guaranteed. But the Father views us in light of his Son’s mercy. We work and toil just like you. We are in this together. Let us lead with assurance that God is a merciful God and that we all equally do not deserve any of his goodness. In Christ, let us minister and fulfill our calling with your help alongside us.

Poem: The Storm in the Calm

I've been through an incredibly difficult time recently. I wrote a poem about it today. It helps me process the situation better. I won't go into details, but this poem might be relevant to many people in the trials they face. It is called The Storm in the Calm.

Heartless, pointless, void of substance,

this is how I remember everything.

It was easy to think we had it all,

that our lives were only just beginning,

that our hearts had settled and run into the sunset.

Jaded, tarnished, set in your ways,

you thought you gave me something better;

so did I.

Yet I neglected to consider the torment you came from,

the bitterness and the tears that had prior been shed.

I failed to notice the whirlwind that had long overtaken your heart and your mind.

I gave; you received.

Not in any perfection but in a heart full of love did I ever perceive.

What was true for one could have been true for two,

but maybe it was only me.

Calm and smooth, this was the sea of glory we sailed.

Then the storm came;

then came the torrent of unexpected lies and fate.

Why? Why would you jump amid a storm?

So fast and without abandon, your heart still completely torn,

no time to settle, no time to find your way, no anchor to hold onto,

just you trying to swim.

But it wasn’t over.

Then came the thunder of hatred, the lightning of lies,

the rain of gossip, and the waves of ambiguity in a bizarre twist of love.

It did not take long; it was over quite quickly.

The calm, the sun, the birds again singing.

Yet even in the calm, I still sense the tumult;

I still feel the wind.

Never returning to that glorious sea,

even in the calm, you have left me still in the storm.