Thursday, August 10, 2017
Distraction or Discomfort
Here is a recent article of mine that was published on the Experiencing Worship website. It regards the difference between distraction and discomfort in worship; when experiencing what might seem to be a distraction, it could very well be that God is stretching you.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Mark 6:45-51: Obedience: The Key to the Miraculous
MARK 6:45-51
OBEDIENCE: THE KEY TO THE
MIRACULOUS
The miraculous account of Jesus
walking on the Sea of Galilee appears in the three gospels of not only Mark but
Matthew and John as well. It does not appear in Luke, however. Examining a
harmony of the gospels can be fascinating (and perhaps might make you think too
much). The first three gospels are similar in many aspects, but John is
drastically different; that is why the first three are referred to as the
Synoptic Gospels. Often, reading the same account in different gospels, we can
quickly realize that perspectives were vastly different among the authors. Much
of the material in Matthew and Luke was likely borrowed from Mark; the same
accounts are often verbatim. There are multiple theories on where the added
material in Matthew and Luke came from, one of which is the Q theory, which
promotes that the common added material in Matthew and Luke came from a source
(or possibly a plurality of sources) called Q. Another theory called the
two-source theory suggests that the added material which is not common to both
Matthew and Luke came from their own sources, which have been creatively named
by scholars as M and L. * Note the sarcasm. * The account we are going to
examine here is common to Mark, Matthew, and John. I believe, however, Mark, who
was essentially Peter’s scribe, often gets to the heart of the matter in his
accounts so I have chosen to utilize his account of this story.
Jesus performed numerous miracles
during his ministry on this earth, many of which have not even been recorded. His
miracle of walking on the water in Mark’s gospel imperatives that we must
adhere to if we desire to see the miraculous in our own lives and in the lives
of those around us. I will never say that miracles do not exist anymore. There
are those who believe miracles do not exist anymore, but I believe the same God
who walked on the water nearly 2,000 years ago is still capable of the
miraculous today; I have also personally seen miracles happen. God is not
limited, but we often limit miracles by not believing. In this gospel account,
there are four imperatives we need to notice, understand, and live by if we
desire to see the miraculous.
Mark 6:45-51 (ESV)
Jesus
Walks on the Water
45 Immediately he made his disciples get
into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he
dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them,
he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came,
the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And
he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.
And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He
meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the
sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all
saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take
heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat
with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
The Miraculous Occurs
through Christ (v. 45)
The first imperative is that the
miraculous occurs through Christ and only through Christ. It could be easy to
glance over verse 45, but we should observe the fact that Jesus made his
disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side; he forced them
(if you will). John’s gospel presents the scene as Jesus hurrying his disciples
because the crowd was going to take him by force. Mark, however, gives more of
an authoritative presence to Jesus.[1]
After feeding five-thousand men, Jesus
made his disciples go and dismissed the crowd. We need to understand that
miracles are never of ourselves. Even biblical figures other than Jesus who
performed miracles did so not of themselves. Paul raised a man from the dead
not in his own power. The Lord God, Jesus Christ has all authority (Matt
28:18). Why then do we live life as if there is no living God with all
authority and make feeble attempts in our own meaningless power.
Jesus displays his authority here and makes his disciples
get into the boat, and they obeyed. Had they not obeyed, they would have missed
the miracle. Had they tried to do things according to their own plans, they
would have missed the miracle. How many miracles have we missed because we
selfishly defer to our own plans and desires rather than live in obedience to
Jesus Christ? If we do not die to ourselves and live in obedience to Christ, we
will never see the miraculous because it only occurs through Jesus.
The Miraculous Occurs
through Prayer (v. 46)
The second imperative is that the
miraculous occurs through prayer. How can we be in tune to see Jesus work
miracles through us if the miracle of transformation is not already being
worked in us, i.e. a crucial part of living life aligned with the miraculous
work of Christ is to know him through prayer. Jesus himself, God the Son, went
onto the mountain to pray with his Father immediately after performing the
miracle of feeding five-thousand men, not counting the women and children; let
that sink in. Even after being so aligned with the will of the Father that he
was able to feed five-thousand men by multiplying five loaves of bread and two
fish, Jesus himself still needed to pray. There seems to be a disconnect in our
churches between prayer and action. We should never act until we have prayed.
Often, we strive to satisfy our own goals and desires and then ask God to bless
it when he is telling us to pray first and then act upon the leadership of the
Holy Spirit. If we do not know God, if we do not commune with him continuously,
and if we do not seek his kingdom and righteousness first, we will never see
the miraculous.
The Miraculous Can Be
Difficult (vv. 47-50a)
Thirdly, the miraculous can be
difficult. It doesn’t just happen. For the disciples to see the miracle happen,
they had to first face a storm. Perhaps many of us are facing storms right now.
A miracle might or might not happen, but it certainly won’t happen if the storm
causes us to lose our faith in the one who controls the wind and rain. There
are times when we must toil to see the miraculous. This is not something
churches like to discuss. We are not perfect; our faith is not perfect; and our
sanctification process often requires work that we do not want to do. Jesus
never promised an easy life for Christians. On the contrary, we are guaranteed
difficulty.
Besides the difficulties we may face
as the result of being Christians, if we are honest, often, it is also
difficult to obey. Jesus commanded the disciples to get into the boat while he
went onto the mountain to pray. I think the disciples might have wondered what
he was doing when Jesus was not with them and a storm came; they might have
wondered why Jesus had given such a command. At that moment, it was probably
difficult to obey. Even when they saw the miracle of Jesus walking on the
water, they were terrified; they thought it was a ghost because they could not
explain it. There are times when God calls us to actions that are difficult and
that might not make sense. Consider biblical examples of God’s calling and how
often it made sense. Rarely (if ever) did it make sense. If we are not careful,
in our Western minds, we can wrongly believe that if an action is God’s will,
he will absolutely provide and take care of us (at least according to our
standards). What if God calls you to a closed country and his entire purpose is
for you to die as a martyr? Did he take care of you? Was it God’s will? Yes and
yes. John Piper would say that risk is right. When it is reasoned out, we might
take risks to obey (at least in our minds), but God does not take risks. For
him to take risks would imply that he is not in control. For that reason then,
we should understand our obedience not necessarily as a risk (although we may
not know what is ahead) but rather as a commitment. Sometimes we must go
through difficulties and difficult decisions before we see the miraculous.
Notice the expectation of Jesus and the surprise of the
disciples. Jesus was taking a casual stroll on the water and meant to pass by
them (v. 48); the disciples, contrarily, were afraid of what they could not
explain. Perhaps we don’t see the miraculous because we don’t expect it. If we
truly believe God can do anything and that he is the same yesterday, today, and
forever, why then do we not expect him to do anything? The greatest miracle of
all is the salvation of wretched sinners through the mediation of Christ and
his atoning sacrifice on the cross; yet, a miracle (such as healing or
financial provision when we have no clue where it will come from) is something
that utterly shocks us. We must acknowledge God’s sovereign control in all
circumstances and act according to his will and the Holy Spirit’s guidance no
matter how difficult it may be. Then and only then will we see the miraculous.
The Miraculous
Demands Obedience (vv. 50b-51)
The fourth imperative (and a common
theme throughout this scripture) is obedience. The miraculous demands
obedience. After the terror the disciples faced, Jesus commands them to take
heart and not be afraid. Then they were astounded (v. 51). They had to obey
first though. How many miracles do we miss because of our lack of obedience? Obedience
is not an option but an obligation if we want to see the miraculous occur. The
key then to the miraculous is obedience. Obedience speaks volumes to our love
of God, to our commitment to him, and to our understanding of who he is and who
we are in him. The miraculous demands obedience because Jesus demands
obedience.
What miracle is God working in your life right now? You may
not be raising anyone from the dead (although God can still do that), but if
God is working in your life, you are an example of a miracle. The fact that you
are his child is a miracle so do you see evidence of his work in your life. If
not, why? Obedience is the key to the miraculous.
[1] R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on
the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 271.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Romans 10:5-15: Humankind's Greatest Need, Salvation, Is Available to All
ROMANS
10:5-15
HUMANKIND’S
GREATEST NEED, SALVATION, IS AVALABLE TO ALL
We
have all dealt with salespeople. I have worked several jobs in sales and did
quite well at all of them because I was good at reading people and knowing how
to talk to them. There were, in fact, times when I had to sell a product that I
did not necessarily believe in, but I would not receive a paycheck if I did not
make the sale. Some of you know what that is like. It is so much easier to sell
a product when you believe in it. Why then do we have such a difficult time
preaching the gospel to people we know and love? We aren’t even making a sales
pitch. Their salvation is not dependent on us but on the Holy Spirit’s work in
their hearts and lives, but we have been given a responsibility to preach the
gospel to all. All excludes no one.
Entertainer
(actor, comedian, magician, musician, etc.), Penn Jillette, who is a
self-professed atheist was once asked if he is offended by people who
“proselytize” their faith. His response shocked many people. He said this:
“I’ve always said,”
Jillette explained, “I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t
respect that at all. If you believe there is a heaven and hell, and people
could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think
it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially
awkward, how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How
much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and
not tell them that?”[1]
Yet we don’t
feel the urgency to witness. We only have a short amount of time on this earth,
and the message of salvation is for all. The Apostle Paul knew this much and
gives a sort of sales-pitch if you will, but it is not trying to convince
people of the need for salvation (because if one can be convinced into
salvation, they can certainly be convinced out of it and, therefore, were never
saved to begin with); it is rather a proclamation of the gospel through Jesus
Christ found in the text of Romans 10. The church was still very young at this
time, and Christians in Rome were not that different from Christians in other
locations of Paul’s ministry in that it was difficult to believe in salvation
by faith in Christ alone after living under the confides of the Law for so long.
Often people tried to add the Law as still necessary for salvation. Paul was
attempting to address this issue so he spends the majority of his letter here
discussing the futility of the Law and the supremacy of the new covenant in Christ
by which Gentiles are now grafted in as part of God’s original covenant with
Abraham. Paul comes to Romans 10:5-15 then and proclaims boldly the message of
salvation to all.
Romans 10:5-15 (ESV)
The
Message of Salvation to All
5 For Moses writes about the
righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the
commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based
on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that
is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the
abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But
what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that
is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you
confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the
heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is
saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him
will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction
between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches
on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom
they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have
never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And
how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful
are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Why You Need It: Righteousness
Is Not Following Rules (vv. 5-8)
Paul here first tells the Romans why
salvation is so essential. Do you realize that there are many people in the
world who do not realize their need of the salvation? A common theme (not a
minority) among people is that humans are good by nature. It is utterly
destructive, and I believe there are many in the church who believe the same
deep down. Paul, in these verses, describes the weakness of the Law. A few
chapters earlier (Rom 7:7), the Apostle Paul presents (to the Romans) the
reason for the Law’s existence in the first place, namely to reveal the sin of
humankind, for it is impossible to obey the Law. “Salvation
by works meant doing all (and not just most) of the things the Law teaches. If
they had really taken notice of the Law and compared their lives with its
teaching, they would have seen that they did not and could not keep all of the
law.”[2]
No matter how
much we try to follow the rules, it is consummately impossible to keep all the
Law. The Romans Paul was writing to likely found it difficult that
justification could come through one man and that the Law was no longer
necessary. They were also probably not much different from modern culture which
believes that humans are good by nature. I think that is why Paul often makes
incredibly clear the fact that no one is righteous at all. It is not that we
have a little bit of righteousness and God makes us better; it is that we are one-hundred
percent dead in our trespasses. We sin because we are sinners; we are not
sinners because we sin, i.e. our natural state and our natural choice (apart
from Christ) is always sin, and the Law reveals this to us. Therefore, our
greatest need, realize it or not, is salvation, which is only available by
faith in Christ and through his grace.
What does this
mean for us? In pleading for our need of salvation, Paul quotes scripture from
Deuteronomy 30:12-14. He personifies righteousness by saying that righteousness
based on faith (true righteousness as opposed to righteousness based on the
Law) says this (and then proceeds with verses 6-8. “In writing the words . . .
he here . . . knows that they revolve around a thought which is completely in
conformity with the doctrine of ‘justification by faith’, which consists
essentially in not claiming before God ‘a righteousness of one’s own’ [v. 3];
in other words, in not trusting to the power and might of one’s hand.”[3]
That means then that we need to stop striving to impress God. He loves us just
the way we are and, as his people, he is conforming us into the image of Jesus
Christ in every circumstance that may come our direction. God’s covenant with
us is not based on our performance for him, i.e. it is not about what we have
done but what Christ has already done. The cross was never a secondary plan so
the Law was never intended to be a permanent reality; the ultimate aim was the
cross of Jesus Christ in the new and better covenant.
The gospel centers around Christ and his
fulfillment of the Law and of the covenant God made with his people. From the
beginning of the Bible, God told the serpent, “I will put enmity between you
and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heal” (Gen 3:15). This tells of the miraculous virgin
birth that was to come, for Jesus had to be born of the Holy Spirit so as not
to be conceived in sin. From the beginning of time, a promised seed was
established to save God’s people in the covenant, and while Satan continued to
try to thwart the line of seed, God continued it. Cain killed Abel, but the
covenant continued because then Seth was born. Then in Genesis 5, there is a
genealogy of ten generations from Seth to Noah so that the promised seed is
preserved. Seth and Noah are both promised seeds but not the ultimate promised
seed; they would preserve the promised seed that is to come. Noah has three
sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and while the world is judged in a flood, they
preserved the seed. Shem then preserves the seed later through Terah who has a
son named Abraham, the next link in the seed of promise. The problem, however,
is that Abraham’s wife, Sarah, is beyond childbearing years so he tries to do
it himself by having a child with his servant and Ishmael is born. He is not
the promised seed though and eventually Isaac is born and then Jacob and Esau.
Esau, the older is the promised seed, right? Wrong; it is Jacob. Jacob then has
twelve sons. Certainly Joseph is the promised seed, right? In reality, the
promised seed is Judah; Joseph merely preserves the promised seed. From Judah’s
line eventually comes Jesse who has a great son named David who is again a
promised seed but not the ultimate promised seed. The covenant is then renewed
with David in that his lineage will sit on the throne forever. Even his son,
Solomon, is not the promised seed, but eventually through their line, the
ultimate Savior of the world was born of a virgin to save his people in the
covenant.[4]
It is not our responsibility then to keep the Law but
to be conformed to the image of Christ. If you find yourself struggling with
sin, perhaps an overarching reason for it is your feeble attempt to conform to
the Law (a set of rules and regulations) rather than to the image of Jesus
Christ. We must allow ourselves to be transformed by him; the Law has
absolutely no transforming power.
The Pitch: Salvation
Is for all Who Will Believe (vv. 9-13)
After proclaiming the need for
salvation by faith, Paul gives the pitch by boldly confessing that salvation is
for all who believe. Notice the twofold requirement for salvation in verses 9
and 10: 1) confession with the mouth and 2) belief in the heart, i.e. belief
alone is not enough because even the demons believe in God (Jas 2:19). Paul is
not advocating for works-based salvation here, but he is pointing to the
transforming power of Jesus Christ in the work of salvation, i.e. the result of
salvation is a changed life. We are not perfect, but we are being progressively
sanctified. Paul refers to this as being transformed into the image of Christ
“from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor 3:18).
The point the Apostle (to the
Gentiles) is trying to make here is that salvation is not just for the Jews; it
is no longer under the condition of circumcision but only by faith in Christ.
“. . . everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (v. 13) The
new covenant then is better than what was previously set up. In making the
pitch here, Paul is trying to help his readers understand that the Law fails
miserably in comparison with salvation by faith in Christ. Because it is
impossible to keep the Law, the new covenant is better. God’s covenant of grace
is made permanent through the mediation of Christ; therefore, everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved. Not everyone will, but for those who
will, salvation is eternal and inclusive, e.g. there is no distinction between
Jew and Greek any longer. (v. 12)
For us then, that means life-change.
The Law does not change anyone, but Jesus does. To confess with the mouth
implies more than a mere verbal statement; there is hidden a deeper allegiance
behind this type of confession. The Greek word (for confess), homologeo, means to admit allegiance,
i.e. the confession is the result of what is already in one’s heart. Because
the Holy Spirit has called you to salvation, you have believed in Jesus Christ
so now you confess him as the Lord of your life to the glory of the Father. The
Trinity is exceedingly at work in your life in justification. This confession
then is not only a verbal statement but a reflection of the change that has
occurred and that is presently occurring in your life.
This is all good news. Paul should
not have to work so hard for people to understand the pitch he is giving here
because the new covenant is better. It is permanent, and it is for all. Why
then is the gospel not life-changing for so many people? Perhaps (again) it is
because many are trying to live their lives to impress God by living under the Law
rather than resting in him in salvation by faith in Christ.
But Wait, There’s
More: The Impact of Salvation (vv. 14-15)
If you have ever seen an
infomercial, there is usually a line that goes something like this: “But wait,
there’s more!” Well, there is more because salvation has an impact on us and on
those around us. Without advocating for works-based salvation, the evidence of
salvation is a changed life. Salvation does not stop with a ticket out of hell.
In fact, Paul makes clear that our ordained salvation is for the purpose of
being conformed to the image of Jesus (Rom 8:29), not heaven; heaven is icing
on the cake (if you will). We are not the point of the gospel. God is. It has
never been about us, but it has always been about a love relationship between
Father, Son, and Spirit where the Father shows his love for the Son by
bequeathing a people to him, the Son lays down his life for his people to show
his love for the Father, and the Spirit effectually calls and changes the
people out of his love for the Father and the Son. That is the Trinitarian work
so the responsibility of the church then is obedience. The gospel is not just
good news; it is great news. We have the message of salvation for all because
we are the message of salvation for all. The church does not merely give an
apologetic for Christ, but the church quite literally is an apologetic.[5]
The Apostle Paul poses some
important questions here. How will they call? How will they believe? How will
they hear? How will they preach? What he does is trace the impact of salvation
by faith to its fundamental root, namely witnessing. Moving in an inverted
order and based upon Paul’s rhetorical questions, we should gather that
salvation by faith results in the preaching of the gospel which results in the
hearing of the gospel which results in belief in Jesus Christ and which
ultimately results in calling upon the name of the Lord, which the Apostle has
already mentioned in verse 13, i.e. the gospel is cyclic and does not stop with
salvation but continues with its impact. That might be difficult, but the cost
of following Christ is not always easy. It is certainly worth it in light of
eternity. However, we are guaranteed difficulties as followers of Christ,
especially regarding witnessing. We get our English words, witness, from the Greek word which means martyr. I don’t think that
is coincidental, but it speaks volumes to us about what it means to witness. No
matter how difficult the task may seem though, preaching the gospel should not seem
like it is forced. The natural impact of salvation is a changed life and a life
that God uses to bring others to a place of life-change as well. God is the
gospel. The gospel does not start or end with us. God calls; God changes; and
God uses us for his glory by changing others through us. That is the impact of
salvation by faith through Jesus Christ.
Stop Trying to
Impress and Start Living in Rest
Paul has told us why we need
salvation by faith; the Law has no life-changing power and is null and void
because Christ has fulfilled it (Matt 5:17). The Apostle has made the pitch;
salvation is for all who believe and confess. He has also revealed the evidence
and the impact of salvation by faith, which is life-change. We have a response
then. We have a response not only in our personal salvation but also in God’s
plan to use us in the salvation of others. What will it be then? Will you
continue to live under the meaningless confides of the annulled Law which has
no transforming power, or will you live by faith in Christ and continually be
conformed into his image? Perhaps, through this scripture, the Lord is saying
to stop trying to impress and start living in rest.
[1] “Atheist Penn Jillette Doesn’t Respect Christians Who
Don’t Evangelize,” ChurchPOP, accessed July 29, 2017,
https://churchpop.com/2016/01/16/atheist-penn-jillette-christians-evangelize/.
[2] Leon
Morris, The Epistle to the Romans,
The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988), 382.
[3]
Ibid., 383.
[4] From first session of The Psalms and Corporate Prayer.
[5] Smith, James K.A., Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism? Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to
Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2009), 28-30, 25, 99.
Monday, May 15, 2017
New Hymn: Holy Assurance of Our Salvation
I don't normally post new hymns I've written since I post many of them on The Worship Event, but this one is especially relevant to my life right now as I am studying covenant foundations of corporate prayer for my doctoral thesis. Feel free to utilize this hymn (audio, lead sheet) in any way you wish; just use it for the glory of God.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
The Storm in the Calm
Here is a poem I wrote last year. It is a deep expression of my emotions at the time. I've not been able to share it until now.
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.
© 2016 Jonathan M. Jones
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]
[1] Tullian Tchividjian.
[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.
[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.
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