By Charles F. Stanley
Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Our Creator has certainly blessed America in tremendous ways:
* Abundant natural beauty can be found all across our land, including tropical beaches, green valleys, rich farmlands, towering mountains, and the Great Plains.
* We have a godly heritage. Fifty-two of the original fifty-five founding fathers who wrote our Constitution were Christians, and they established our country on Judeo-Christian values.
* Our land is blessed with plentiful natural resources, including water, oil, ore, and fertile farm land.
* America’s free enterprise system allows almost anyone the opportunity to rise from poverty to wealth. Imaginative entrepreneurs have created all kinds of inventions to improve our lives. Compared to most nations in the world, the United States has a high standard of living.
* We enjoy the liberty to speak our minds, worship as we choose, and live undisturbed, private lives.
* Our spiritual heritage is strong. We have been blessed with intellectual spiritual giants such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, John Wesley, and Charles Finney. Through the years, pastors, evangelists, and Bible teachers have sustained that godly heritage.
Why would God bless America as He has? I believe the reason is that He intends for us to influence the nations of the world. Not only are we an example of liberty and democracy, but we also have the resources and manpower to take the gospel around the world—and in many respects, the church has done just that. But what about the country as a whole?
America’s Response
Sadly, we have taken God’s hand of blessing for granted, declining to bless Him in return. We have:
* Removed prayer and the Word of God from our schools.
* Legalized the murder of our unborn children.
* Tolerated all types of sexual immorality in our citizenry and elected officials.
* Allowed sex and violence to dominate our entertainment industry.
* Exported pornography to the world.
* Financed the lazy and irresponsible.
* Used our citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars to bribe dictators, who have then turned around and attacked our nation.
* Tolerated liberalism from spiritual leaders who doubt the inerrancy of the Bible.
* Lived reckless and undisciplined lives, satisfying our desires in unrighteous ways.
In essence, America has told God, “Your principles no longer matter to us. We don’t need You.” Yet we continue to experience His abundant goodness. Why has the Lord withheld His judgment for so long? I believe it is because there are enough godly believers who cry out to Him on behalf of our country. He has mercifully showered us with His kindness. But this nation cannot stay on its present course and expect to continue experiencing God’s blessing.
The Consequencess
Scripture says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7). While this verse specifically refers to individuals, the principle also applies to nations. This law affirms that we reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow.
In other words, we may not currently be harvesting all the consequences of our rebellion, but that doesn’t mean our nation will never be called to account. The Lord has chosen to bless us in the past, but that is no guarantee that He will continue to do so. He said:
I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it (Jer. 18:9-10).
Our country cannot continue in its current path without reaping God’s judgment. Unless something changes, our grandchildren will not experience the freedom, prosperity, and opportunities that you and I enjoy today. As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to live holy lives. You and I must speak out against indecency, immorality, and unrighteous laws. We should participate in electing and supporting godly leaders. Most of all, we are to share the gospel. Our fellow citizens need to know about the freedom and forgiveness Christ offers to all who surrender their lives to Him.
There is still time for our nation to repent and turn back to the Lord. He can sweep away the corruption in America, turn the country around, and use her powerfully to make a global impact for His name. Will you be a part of that transformation?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Command 1: Repent | Day 3
Be Cleansed by the Word
How would you evaluate your success in meditating day and night? Whatever your answer is, don’t be discouraged!
You cannot imagine the delight and admiration of family that you are producing because of your commitment to daily success!
They have reason to be grateful and joyful, because as you cleanse your heart and mind with the Word of God, a supernatural work also takes place in them.
Paul speaks of this when he tells husbands to cleanse their wives with the washing of the Word (see Ephesians 5:25–33). This does not mean to get your wife to read the Bible or even to read it to her. It means to cleanse your own heart and soul by engrafting the pure Word of God into it. Jesus affirmed this meaning when He prayed in John 17:19: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” If Jesus sanctified Himself through the truth for our sakes, how much more should we do it for those who are under our spiritual care?
The fact is that children reap the benefits of their father’s successes, but they also experience the consequences of their defeats.
Family Question:
Abraham lied to Pharaoh by saying that his beautiful wife was his sister and Pharaoh heaped riches on Abraham. There is no record of Abraham’s repentance. Instead he justified his deception by saying Sarah was indeed his half-sister. Did any consequences result from Abraham’s lie?
The surprising answer will come tomorrow. As you meditate on the command to repent, are there things that God is wanting to cleanse out of your life?
How would you evaluate your success in meditating day and night? Whatever your answer is, don’t be discouraged!
You cannot imagine the delight and admiration of family that you are producing because of your commitment to daily success!
They have reason to be grateful and joyful, because as you cleanse your heart and mind with the Word of God, a supernatural work also takes place in them.
Paul speaks of this when he tells husbands to cleanse their wives with the washing of the Word (see Ephesians 5:25–33). This does not mean to get your wife to read the Bible or even to read it to her. It means to cleanse your own heart and soul by engrafting the pure Word of God into it. Jesus affirmed this meaning when He prayed in John 17:19: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” If Jesus sanctified Himself through the truth for our sakes, how much more should we do it for those who are under our spiritual care?
The fact is that children reap the benefits of their father’s successes, but they also experience the consequences of their defeats.
Family Question:
Abraham lied to Pharaoh by saying that his beautiful wife was his sister and Pharaoh heaped riches on Abraham. There is no record of Abraham’s repentance. Instead he justified his deception by saying Sarah was indeed his half-sister. Did any consequences result from Abraham’s lie?
The surprising answer will come tomorrow. As you meditate on the command to repent, are there things that God is wanting to cleanse out of your life?
Command 1: Repent | Day 2
Start Your Day in the Evening!
First let’s answer the question of why Esau failed to find repentance for simply selling his birthright even though he sought it desperately with tears. Esau’s repentance was faulty because he did not understand true repentance. He was a profane fornicator (see Hebrews 12:16–17), and he simply wanted to regain the blessings that he had lost (see Genesis 25:33–34).
However, when David was confronted with his sin, he repented for the right reason. He wanted to restore fellowship with God. If we repent for any other reason than this we are not experiencing true repentance. (See Psalm 51.)
Now let’s discuss the question of why God designed the day to begin in the evening rather than in the morning. “The evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5).
* The evening is the most important part of our day because it affects the quality of our sleep and sets our mental attitude for the rest of the day. Therefore, people do not “get up on the wrong side of the bed”; they go to bed on the “wrong side.”
* The evening is the best time to evaluate the achievements of the previous day and to set new goals for the next day.
* As we go to sleep meditating on Scripture and setting our goals before the Lord, our minds will be cleansed (this may produce unusual dreams). Then we will experience an exciting phenomenon: our “reins will instruct us in the night seasons” (see Psalm 16:7). This means that God will give us practical insights from His Word and clear direction, which will have a profound impact on the success of our lives.
This has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. It is how the questions for this study came into being, including the question on true repentance. If we meditate on the wisdom of God’s Word, we can claim this promise: “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions” (Proverbs 8:12).
Remember! Our responsibility is to meditate day and night. God’s responsibility is to give us creative insights and direction. “The entrance of thy words giveth light” (Psalm 119:130).
First let’s answer the question of why Esau failed to find repentance for simply selling his birthright even though he sought it desperately with tears. Esau’s repentance was faulty because he did not understand true repentance. He was a profane fornicator (see Hebrews 12:16–17), and he simply wanted to regain the blessings that he had lost (see Genesis 25:33–34).
However, when David was confronted with his sin, he repented for the right reason. He wanted to restore fellowship with God. If we repent for any other reason than this we are not experiencing true repentance. (See Psalm 51.)
Now let’s discuss the question of why God designed the day to begin in the evening rather than in the morning. “The evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5).
* The evening is the most important part of our day because it affects the quality of our sleep and sets our mental attitude for the rest of the day. Therefore, people do not “get up on the wrong side of the bed”; they go to bed on the “wrong side.”
* The evening is the best time to evaluate the achievements of the previous day and to set new goals for the next day.
* As we go to sleep meditating on Scripture and setting our goals before the Lord, our minds will be cleansed (this may produce unusual dreams). Then we will experience an exciting phenomenon: our “reins will instruct us in the night seasons” (see Psalm 16:7). This means that God will give us practical insights from His Word and clear direction, which will have a profound impact on the success of our lives.
This has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. It is how the questions for this study came into being, including the question on true repentance. If we meditate on the wisdom of God’s Word, we can claim this promise: “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions” (Proverbs 8:12).
Remember! Our responsibility is to meditate day and night. God’s responsibility is to give us creative insights and direction. “The entrance of thy words giveth light” (Psalm 119:130).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Trials of Paul
Charles F. Stanley
If we listen close enough, we can almost hear the scrape of the calamus reed across the parchment, taste the sorrow of Paul's tears, and feel the ache of his heart in being left alone. "Make every effort," he writes, "to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me."
For a moment, we sense the reality of his imprisonment and find ourselves wondering if the distress is greater than he can bear. But in recalling the words he wrote earlier to the Corinthians, we find Paul had learned a great and powerful secret. He said that God's grace was sufficient for all he faced because "[His] power is perfected in [our] weakness," (2 Corinthians 12:9). There was a much greater reward waiting for him than he could ever hope to gain here on this earth.
It is as if he recalls this same thought and, picking up the writing reed, he finishes his letter to young Timothy. "Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments" (2 Timothy 4:11-13).
In Second Timothy, we are given a rare glimpse into the life of one of God's most precious servants. Paul had been faithful. He had lived his life in obedience to the Word of God. Casting aside his own desires in order to do the Lord's will, time after time he had walked away from things of this world—desires and temptations that had the potential to draw him away from God's plan and purpose for his life. Now his life was drawing to a close.
You may think this is not a fitting way to end one's life—alone and suffering—especially after serving God so faithfully. It is difficult to understand until we step aside from what we think is right and ask God to open our eyes to His eternal plan. It is not what we do for God that is important. It is our love and devotion to Christ that bring the greatest reward.
God sees the inner lining of our hearts. He sees our hurts and fears, but He also is aware of the great potential our lives contain. He is committed to preparing us to live and serve Him for all eternity.
Trials and testings teach us how to trust Him more completely. We study the circumstances of life by the light of His truth. Trials last for a season, but the knowledge we gain from the experience remains with us throughout time. He stretches our faith to prove that it is strong and binding. When He is sure it will hold, He sends His greatest blessings our way.
From the point of his conversion on the Damascus Road until his death, Paul lived for one reason, and that was to tell others about Jesus Christ. He literally explained the Christian life to us through his devotion, determination, and many writings to the churches throughout Asia Minor. Even before his conversion, Paul was a scholar, having sat under the teaching of one of the greatest instructors of his day. Yet all he learned in Gamaliel's schoolhouse paled in comparison to the truth he gained in God's classroom.
Though he faced unbelievable circumstances, God gave Paul the strength to overcome each one. His words of hope and truth refresh us and keep us focused on the object of our faith—the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of being overcome, Paul became the overcomer.
Timothy's conversion to Christ and call to the ministry were a direct result of Paul's instruction and influence. Now at the end of his life, the one thing the aging apostle wanted most was the company of a valued friend.
All the blessings and teachings of Paul come together here in this fourth chapter of Timothy. His love of God was not deferred. His desire to remain faithful to the Lord he served held fast. He had truly fought the good fight, finished the course set before him, and could look forward to the reward God had waiting for him. Every trial, every test that comes your way is tailored by God to fit His will for your life.
Life was not too difficult for Paul. It was just right. Though it was extremely trying at times, it trained him how to live the Christian life by faith and not by sight. At any point, had Paul given up, we would have missed a great and mighty blessing as a major portion of the New Testament would have gone unwritten.
Paul had no way of knowing his trials and exhortations were being used to complete a large portion of God's holy Word. While God's Word is now complete, we remain His personal testimony. We may never know what blessing our obedience will bring to the life of another. Therefore, let godly obedience and determination be the fiber of your life. And the God of all peace and comfort will bless you perfectly.
If we listen close enough, we can almost hear the scrape of the calamus reed across the parchment, taste the sorrow of Paul's tears, and feel the ache of his heart in being left alone. "Make every effort," he writes, "to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me."
For a moment, we sense the reality of his imprisonment and find ourselves wondering if the distress is greater than he can bear. But in recalling the words he wrote earlier to the Corinthians, we find Paul had learned a great and powerful secret. He said that God's grace was sufficient for all he faced because "[His] power is perfected in [our] weakness," (2 Corinthians 12:9). There was a much greater reward waiting for him than he could ever hope to gain here on this earth.
It is as if he recalls this same thought and, picking up the writing reed, he finishes his letter to young Timothy. "Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments" (2 Timothy 4:11-13).
In Second Timothy, we are given a rare glimpse into the life of one of God's most precious servants. Paul had been faithful. He had lived his life in obedience to the Word of God. Casting aside his own desires in order to do the Lord's will, time after time he had walked away from things of this world—desires and temptations that had the potential to draw him away from God's plan and purpose for his life. Now his life was drawing to a close.
You may think this is not a fitting way to end one's life—alone and suffering—especially after serving God so faithfully. It is difficult to understand until we step aside from what we think is right and ask God to open our eyes to His eternal plan. It is not what we do for God that is important. It is our love and devotion to Christ that bring the greatest reward.
God sees the inner lining of our hearts. He sees our hurts and fears, but He also is aware of the great potential our lives contain. He is committed to preparing us to live and serve Him for all eternity.
Trials and testings teach us how to trust Him more completely. We study the circumstances of life by the light of His truth. Trials last for a season, but the knowledge we gain from the experience remains with us throughout time. He stretches our faith to prove that it is strong and binding. When He is sure it will hold, He sends His greatest blessings our way.
From the point of his conversion on the Damascus Road until his death, Paul lived for one reason, and that was to tell others about Jesus Christ. He literally explained the Christian life to us through his devotion, determination, and many writings to the churches throughout Asia Minor. Even before his conversion, Paul was a scholar, having sat under the teaching of one of the greatest instructors of his day. Yet all he learned in Gamaliel's schoolhouse paled in comparison to the truth he gained in God's classroom.
Though he faced unbelievable circumstances, God gave Paul the strength to overcome each one. His words of hope and truth refresh us and keep us focused on the object of our faith—the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of being overcome, Paul became the overcomer.
Timothy's conversion to Christ and call to the ministry were a direct result of Paul's instruction and influence. Now at the end of his life, the one thing the aging apostle wanted most was the company of a valued friend.
All the blessings and teachings of Paul come together here in this fourth chapter of Timothy. His love of God was not deferred. His desire to remain faithful to the Lord he served held fast. He had truly fought the good fight, finished the course set before him, and could look forward to the reward God had waiting for him. Every trial, every test that comes your way is tailored by God to fit His will for your life.
Life was not too difficult for Paul. It was just right. Though it was extremely trying at times, it trained him how to live the Christian life by faith and not by sight. At any point, had Paul given up, we would have missed a great and mighty blessing as a major portion of the New Testament would have gone unwritten.
Paul had no way of knowing his trials and exhortations were being used to complete a large portion of God's holy Word. While God's Word is now complete, we remain His personal testimony. We may never know what blessing our obedience will bring to the life of another. Therefore, let godly obedience and determination be the fiber of your life. And the God of all peace and comfort will bless you perfectly.
Command 1: Repent | Day 1
Welcome to Your First Day of the Daily Success Plan!
We are thrilled that this plan has the best guarantee in the world—it is guaranteed by God Himself. However, we must never forget that the guarantee is based on one requirement—to meditate on God’s Law day and night. The purpose of this entire plan is to encourage and motivate us to be faithful in doing this.
The Law of Moses is a shadow of the brilliant light of Christ’s commands. Thus, for our first week of meditation, we will concentrate on the following verse:
Command One:
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
Our plan is to memorize this verse and quote it back to God at least ten times throughout the day. On our Web site dailysuccess.org, you will receive a wealth of practical information on this plan to help you meditate day and night.
For each command, we have a study question. If you can answer this question, you will understand the essence of the command. Why not read the study question to your whole family in the morning and see what their answers are by the evening?
Study Question One:
“Why did Esau find no place of repentance for simply selling his birthright while David found repentance for adultery and murder?” (See Hebrews 12:16–17 and Psalms 51.)
We want to explain how each command is directly related to success, so how does repentance relate? Repentance puts us into fellowship with the Lord and allows Him to bless everything we do. Our greatest asset is the blessing of the Lord, because “the blessing of the LORD, it makes rich and he adds no sorrow” (Proverbs 10:22). Without God’s blessing, Satan is given opportunity to devour our strength, family, health, and resources, so that there is no possible way to be successful.
Another major key to success is to understand why God designed our day to begin in the evening and not the morning. This key will be explained tomorrow.
Through Christ our Lord,
BG
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
We are thrilled that this plan has the best guarantee in the world—it is guaranteed by God Himself. However, we must never forget that the guarantee is based on one requirement—to meditate on God’s Law day and night. The purpose of this entire plan is to encourage and motivate us to be faithful in doing this.
The Law of Moses is a shadow of the brilliant light of Christ’s commands. Thus, for our first week of meditation, we will concentrate on the following verse:
Command One:
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
Our plan is to memorize this verse and quote it back to God at least ten times throughout the day. On our Web site dailysuccess.org, you will receive a wealth of practical information on this plan to help you meditate day and night.
For each command, we have a study question. If you can answer this question, you will understand the essence of the command. Why not read the study question to your whole family in the morning and see what their answers are by the evening?
Study Question One:
“Why did Esau find no place of repentance for simply selling his birthright while David found repentance for adultery and murder?” (See Hebrews 12:16–17 and Psalms 51.)
We want to explain how each command is directly related to success, so how does repentance relate? Repentance puts us into fellowship with the Lord and allows Him to bless everything we do. Our greatest asset is the blessing of the Lord, because “the blessing of the LORD, it makes rich and he adds no sorrow” (Proverbs 10:22). Without God’s blessing, Satan is given opportunity to devour our strength, family, health, and resources, so that there is no possible way to be successful.
Another major key to success is to understand why God designed our day to begin in the evening and not the morning. This key will be explained tomorrow.
Through Christ our Lord,
BG
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Godly Living
As Christians, we have a responsibility to conduct our lives in a way that will please the Lord. His mercy should motivate us to pursue holiness (Heb. 10:14). But what does godly living look like? Although there are many passages of Scripture that we could choose, let’s examine the characterization of a righteous man given in Psalm 1. A godly person . . .
1. Orders his life around godly counsel: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners” (Ps. 1:1). A person who follows the Lord wholeheartedly seeks advice primarily from those who have spiritual insight and integrity
(Prov. 12:5).
We should still develop friendships with unsaved people out of a desire to reach them for Christ. But a believer’s closest friends should be those who have godly character.
* What steps could you take this week to develop closer relationships with thriving Christians?
* Read John 13:34-35. Why do you think the New Testament places so much importance on loving fellow believers? Why would this, more than anything else, show the world that we are followers of Jesus?
2. Receives enjoyment, encouragement, and refreshment from the Word of God: “His delight is in the law of the Lord” (Ps. 1:2). We should love the Bible more than television, sports, or other pastimes.
Scripture instructs us to meditate on the Word of God. Meditation is pondering what was read and relating it to one’s life. Ask questions such as, “What does this tell me about God or myself? What do I need to change?”
* Rephrase “meditate on the Word day and night” in your own words (v. 2).
* What did God promise Joshua if he would meditate on the Book of the Law—that is, Scripture
(Josh. 1:8)?
* How can you apply these principles to your life this week?
3. Stands successfully through the storms in life. “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water” (Ps. 1:3). During a drought, trees growing by a stream fare better than other trees. In a similar way, people who maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ continue to thrive in difficulty. Their hope and strength is found in the Lord, not their circumstances.
* Why could the psalmist be courageous despite the devastation around him (Ps. 46:1-3)?
* In what does the believer place his confidence, even in difficulty (Rom. 8:34-39)?
4. Is fruitful: The tree planted by water “yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither”
(Ps. 1:3). Righteous believers seek to invest their lives rather than spend them. Their lives bear spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Notice that the fruit of the Spirit is a result of abiding in Christ, not of striving in our own power to be holy (John 15).
* What did Paul say gave him the strength to live a righteous life (Gal. 2:20)?
This passage means we must surrender control of our lives to God and allow Christ to live through us. It includes the responsibility to reject sin, but we must be careful not to dwell on our battle against temptation. The more we focus on wrongdoing, the more powerful and attractive it will seem. And if we manage to stay free from a particular vice in our own strength, we tend to be judgmental of others who wrestle with it.
* What should fill our minds (Phil. 4:6-8)?
* What battle against sin have you been waging on your own? Surrender that struggle to the Lord, and ask Him to bring you through to victory.
5. Prospers in all he does (Ps. 1:3).
We should flourish in every aspect of our lives (3 John 1:2). We will see God’s hand of blessing on our friendships, marriages, families, and careers, although we may not become wealthy or successful by the world’s standards. A godly person should be content—a quality vital to enjoying God’s blessings.
* Why do we need to learn contentment, even in prosperity (Phil. 4:12)?
* What was Paul’s secret to being content (Phil. 4:13)?
* Does it surprise you that Scripture connects greed to a lack of awareness of the Lord’s presence (Heb. 13:5-6)? Why or why not?
The Lord’s grace is sufficient. Whatever the task or challenge, we are able to face it with the Father’s help (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Closing: The Lord calls each of us to a godly life. And He equips us with everything we need to become successful in holy living. Surrender to the Lord, and then ask for the strength to obey His Word. You can be sure He will answer that prayer.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit’s power, which equips me to live righteously. I choose to submit my will to You and to rely on Your strength. When the Enemy tells me I can’t be godly, remind me that You will work through me to bring victory. Amen.
1. Orders his life around godly counsel: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners” (Ps. 1:1). A person who follows the Lord wholeheartedly seeks advice primarily from those who have spiritual insight and integrity
(Prov. 12:5).
We should still develop friendships with unsaved people out of a desire to reach them for Christ. But a believer’s closest friends should be those who have godly character.
* What steps could you take this week to develop closer relationships with thriving Christians?
* Read John 13:34-35. Why do you think the New Testament places so much importance on loving fellow believers? Why would this, more than anything else, show the world that we are followers of Jesus?
2. Receives enjoyment, encouragement, and refreshment from the Word of God: “His delight is in the law of the Lord” (Ps. 1:2). We should love the Bible more than television, sports, or other pastimes.
Scripture instructs us to meditate on the Word of God. Meditation is pondering what was read and relating it to one’s life. Ask questions such as, “What does this tell me about God or myself? What do I need to change?”
* Rephrase “meditate on the Word day and night” in your own words (v. 2).
* What did God promise Joshua if he would meditate on the Book of the Law—that is, Scripture
(Josh. 1:8)?
* How can you apply these principles to your life this week?
3. Stands successfully through the storms in life. “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water” (Ps. 1:3). During a drought, trees growing by a stream fare better than other trees. In a similar way, people who maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ continue to thrive in difficulty. Their hope and strength is found in the Lord, not their circumstances.
* Why could the psalmist be courageous despite the devastation around him (Ps. 46:1-3)?
* In what does the believer place his confidence, even in difficulty (Rom. 8:34-39)?
4. Is fruitful: The tree planted by water “yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither”
(Ps. 1:3). Righteous believers seek to invest their lives rather than spend them. Their lives bear spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Notice that the fruit of the Spirit is a result of abiding in Christ, not of striving in our own power to be holy (John 15).
* What did Paul say gave him the strength to live a righteous life (Gal. 2:20)?
This passage means we must surrender control of our lives to God and allow Christ to live through us. It includes the responsibility to reject sin, but we must be careful not to dwell on our battle against temptation. The more we focus on wrongdoing, the more powerful and attractive it will seem. And if we manage to stay free from a particular vice in our own strength, we tend to be judgmental of others who wrestle with it.
* What should fill our minds (Phil. 4:6-8)?
* What battle against sin have you been waging on your own? Surrender that struggle to the Lord, and ask Him to bring you through to victory.
5. Prospers in all he does (Ps. 1:3).
We should flourish in every aspect of our lives (3 John 1:2). We will see God’s hand of blessing on our friendships, marriages, families, and careers, although we may not become wealthy or successful by the world’s standards. A godly person should be content—a quality vital to enjoying God’s blessings.
* Why do we need to learn contentment, even in prosperity (Phil. 4:12)?
* What was Paul’s secret to being content (Phil. 4:13)?
* Does it surprise you that Scripture connects greed to a lack of awareness of the Lord’s presence (Heb. 13:5-6)? Why or why not?
The Lord’s grace is sufficient. Whatever the task or challenge, we are able to face it with the Father’s help (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Closing: The Lord calls each of us to a godly life. And He equips us with everything we need to become successful in holy living. Surrender to the Lord, and then ask for the strength to obey His Word. You can be sure He will answer that prayer.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit’s power, which equips me to live righteously. I choose to submit my will to You and to rely on Your strength. When the Enemy tells me I can’t be godly, remind me that You will work through me to bring victory. Amen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Acceptance by Grace - CS
Bible Study
Acceptance by Grace
Introduction: In almost every aspect of life, others evaluate us by our performance. Are we successful in our careers, fit, and attractive? How much wealth do we possess? It’s easy to believe God judges us in a similar way–based on our behavior. Although Christians recognize that salvation is by grace, many nonetheless strive for God’s acceptance, never sure they have His love.
Personal assessment: For the next two questions, honestly describe your first reaction rather than what you know is the correct answer.
- Do you ever think God must be displeased, impatient, or disappointed with you? Explain.
- What would you have to do to be sure of His acceptance?
A. The Bible teaches that as believers in Jesus, we are completely accepted. If we belong to Christ, we share in His holiness. How can that be? Scripture teaches that through Adam’s rebellion against God, all of humanity was corrupted, inheriting the disease of sin. But when the Savior died on the cross, He made a way for everyone who believes in Him to become holy:
"Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous" (Rom. 5:18-19 NLT).
- As believers, how do we obtain righteousness (Rom. 3:21-24 HCSB)?
- Dictionary.com defines justify as “to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.” On what basis do we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1-2)?
- You are innocent and guiltless in the Lord’s sight. Describe how that makes you feel.
- Why is it possible to be confident that God’s love isn’t conditional upon our behavior (Rom. 5:4-8 NLT)?
B. God accepts us by grace, not based on performance.
In the first century, some Jewish Christians believed that good works were necessary to earn salvation and make us Christ-like. However, Ephesians 2:8-9 HSCB teaches that salvation is by faith alone—good works cannot save us (Eph. 2:10; James 2:26) but rather, they should result from our trust in the Savior. We become godly over time by surrendering to the Holy Spirit—not because we follow the Law of Moses or any other set of rules.
Read Galatians 3:1-14.
- How did the Galatians first receive the Spirit (v. 1-4)?
- What was required for them to experience His power (v. 2-5)?
- How did Abraham obtain righteousness (v. 6)?
- The Jews are physical descendants (sons) of Abraham. Who are his spiritual descendants (v.7-9)?
- Why is trying to earn righteousness or justification by observing the law a futile endeavor (v. 10)?
- For what purpose did Christ free believers (Gal. 5:1-2 NLT)?
One practice under Jewish law was circumcision. This ordinance was an outward sign of inward devotion to God. For the first-century Jew, being uncircumcised was nearly synonymous with unrighteousness. As the mostly Jewish early church received more and more Gentile converts, some false apostles taught that newcomers must be physically circumcised to gain God’s acceptance.
- What was the implication of requiring Gentile Christians to be circumcised (Gal. 5:3)?
- What really matters, according to Paul (Gal. 5: 5-6 NLT)?
We typically use the term “falling from grace” to mean losing favor with God because of sin.
- Read Galatians 5:4. In context, what do you think Paul meant by “falling from grace”?
In his Notes on the New Testament, Albert Barnes writes, “Christ will be ‘a whole Savior,’ or none. This passage, therefore, cannot be [used] to prove that any true Christian has in fact fallen away from grace, unless it proves also that man may be justified by the deeds of the law, contrary to the repeated declarations of Paul himself.”
C. Believers live in confidence and freedom because of grace.
The controversy over circumcision is no longer at the forefront of Christian debate. However, legalism—the idea that believers are justified by what they do––still cripples much of today’s church. Some people fear losing their salvation over each sin they commit. More common is the idea that we must meet the Father’s standards in order to receive His love and affection. Sometimes legalistic believers have the impression that God feels disgusted when they fall short.
- Do you strive to measure up to rigid standards or follow particular rules of Christian living? If so, how do you feel when you fail?
- Read Romans 8:1-2 and describe why you are free.
- How would your life change if you were to take this study’s concepts to heart?
Closing: Since the time of Abraham, God has purposed that salvation be only by faith, not works. If you are in Christ, rest assured that He accepts you. When sin interrupts fellowship with the Father, He wants to restore His disobedient follower but never ceases to accept the believer as His beloved child.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of righteousness through Your Son. I’m grateful that I no longer have to perform to win Your acceptance. Help me use my freedom to serve You and others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Command 3: Rejoice | Day 16
We must never forget that we are in constant combat. The lives of those under our care and concern depend upon our success. In warfare, one of the most effective tactics of the enemy is a surprise attack. This tactic is used by Satan in the poison darts of reviling.
“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).
This prophetic Psalm experienced by David is repeated in Psalm 55:12–14: “For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”
Truth embraced and lived out divides. Jesus made this clear when He stated: “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Jesus Himself demonstrated this division when He presented truth that required a life change. Many of His followers were offended and walked no more with Him. (See John 6:66.) His betrayal was carried out by the least suspected disciple, since Judas had the only appointed position—the position of treasurer. (See John 13:29.)
Surprise attacks also produce surprise results in those who are watching.
When I watched my father take a stand for righteous living and walk away from being the president of his company, I said to myself, “If he can do it in the business world, I can do it in my high school.” I then began a series of projects that would explain the Gospel to every classmate.
Surprise attacks came, not from my classmates, but from the superintendent. One day he called me into his office and demanded, “Are you trying to convert our student body?” I respectfully but enthusiastically stated that this was my intended goal. He then threatened that if I didn’t stop a pre-school prayer meeting in the cafeteria, he would send a letter to every single family in our town telling them what he thought about “my faith.”
But God has the last word! During those years I was meditating on the Scripture day and night and saw God’s blessings in every area of my life. So one day the superintendent had to congratulate me before the entire student body for winning a Future Scientist of America contest. Then at graduation he had to present to me a special scholarship fund collected by grateful fellow students!
Let’s purpose now to rejoice whenever we are reviled. It will cause people to take a deeper look at what they are reacting to!
Through Christ our Lord,
Command 3: Rejoice | Day 15
A positive outlook on our daily circumstances is essential for success. However, if our perception makes no allowance for the ongoing conflict between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of good, we will be disillusioned. Thus, we are given the third command to rejoice.
Command Three: (Matthew 5:11–12).
The more we meditate on this command, the more we will tap into the rich treasures of God’s way of life. These treasures are based on the premise that we will experience unexpected rewards and also bring spiritual life to “light haters” if we respond properly to their attacks.
When one becomes a follower of Jesus and ceases to do the things that worldly friends are doing, these friends will often feel guilty about their own evil ways. At that point they have a choice: either respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and repent or react to God’s standards demonstrated in the believer’s life.
Peter describes this conflict by stating that worldly friends will “think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (I Peter 4:4). Isaiah also spoke of this reaction when he said, “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey” (Isaiah 59:15).
In spite of this vicious reaction, we are told to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” Therefore, God knows something that we don’t know about the great benefit and rewards of being reviled for doing good, and this is what we want to discuss this week.
One’s emotional response when his good is evil spoken of reveals his level of maturity in the ways of God.
As a young boy I saw Matthew 5:11–12 in action. My father was the executive director of a civil engineering publishing company. The papers were in order for him to become the president and to enjoy a very high salary. He was the favorite of the outgoing boss, who would become the chairman of the board, until my father became a believer and was not able to participate in the promotion of things related to the liquor industry.
His good favor with the boss diminished, and soon he faced an ultimatum: either violate his conscience or leave his job. When he made the decision to leave the company, with a wife and six children to support and no prospect of a new job, he received further reviling from unexpected sources. In tomorrow’s e-mail I will tell you what actually happened because of his decision.
Through Christ our Lord,
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