I've recently reiterated to my oldest daughters that if they can learn two things in school, I'd like them to strive to do well in English and Math. I've generally thought of these as foundational building blocks of learning success. If you can read, write, and understand things written and spoken, your ability to learn more greatly increases. As for math, most kids avoid it like green vegetables, wondering how it could ever be good for them, and fighting against every bite. However, math is a part of everyday life- shopping, bills, bank statements, budgets, time- and it is necessary to understand later subjects, especially the sciences. Learning these two subjects well makes living easier and more enjoyable.
If I can help them learn and truly understand one thing, it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because a proper understanding of His person and work is foundational for everything they need for "life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). Sure, I would like for them to have "success" in life- to be well adjusted, confident, making good grades that lead to good degrees, but this success only lasts for a short time, and ultimately not profiting their souls. Godliness, according to Paul (1 Timothy 4:8), has value in this life, but also for the life to come.
If I can push this a little further, hoping they can grasp something intrinsic to the Gospel-essential for understanding how it applies to them, and thus transforms them into Christ-likeness, I would have them know GRACE. This can't be a fuzzy concept, because it is so important. They have to realize that they do not deserve God's acceptance, His love, His mercy, or His peace, but because of the obedience and humility of Christ, they can have all these and more in Him (most importantly having Him!). Knowing this grace takes our eyes off of ourselves and how well we do, and makes us see the excellence of Jesus Christ and what he has done. Knowing this grace takes our eyes off of everyone else, never using them as a measuring stick for our success, but pointing us to Jesus who alone makes us a success before God. Self-righteousness vanishes because we have none. Guilt fades because we know righteousness comes from outside of ourselves. I'm prone to drift into a performance-based relationship with God, but He calls me to see and trust in His glorious Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me, so that I might joyfully say, "God be merciful to me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13), and receive grace upon grace.
A few years ago, I read a book by Jerry Bridges (The Discipline of Grace), and the opening three chapters hit me like a thunderbolt, and nothing else I've read on the subject has helped shape my understanding like those pages did. I'll continue to review them, I'm sure, for the rest of my life. I need to know grace, not just how I can explain it, but experientially, that it would transform me. It's foundational for my growth and for my children's. I'll close with a few quotes from Bridges that he makes in the opening pages, and have attached a .pdf version of this first chapter below.
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace" (19).
"It is only the joy of hearing the gospel and being reminded that our sins are forgiven in Christ that will keep the demands of discipleship from becoming drudgery. It is only gratitude and love to God that comes from knowing that He no longer counts our sins against us (Romans 4:8) that provides the proper motive for responding to the claims of discipleship" (21).
"The gospel, applied to our hearts every day, frees us to be brutally honest with ourselves and with God. The assurance of His total forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Christ means we don’t have to play defensive games anymore. We don’t have to rationalize and excuse our sins. We can say we told a lie instead of saying we exaggerated a bit. We can admit an unforgiving spirit instead of continuing to blame our parents for our emotional distress. We can call sin exactly what it is, regardless of how ugly and shameful it may be, because we know that Jesus bore that sin in His body on the cross. With the assurance of total forgiveness through Christ, we have no reason to hide from our sins anymore" (23).
https://www.wtsbooks.com/common/pdf_links/9781576839898.pdf
Grace be with you,
Lonnie Atwood
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Reaping a Harvest
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
To encourage the church in Corinth to give in support of the needs of the poor church in Jerusalem, Paul expands here on a well-known proverb that one reaps what they sow. His teaching here (and plenty of other Bible passages) is often misused to promote giving for the sake of more material gain for the giver. However, God's focus when one gives is on the condition of the heart- with her willingness and disposition in the act (v.7). The promise of what abounds to the giver isn't more possessions, but grace (v.8) which produces a harvest of good works (v.8) and righteousness (v.10) to the praise of God (v.11). Might this include the blessing of material things? It could, so that others will be blessed through the increase of those things, and God, who supplied the seed for the sower, will be glorified. So, we should give generously and cheerfully as a people whose deep desire is not greedy gain, as if our true joy is found there, but as those who love to gain more grace that abounds to increase praise to the Lord.
"...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ESV)
To encourage the church in Corinth to give in support of the needs of the poor church in Jerusalem, Paul expands here on a well-known proverb that one reaps what they sow. His teaching here (and plenty of other Bible passages) is often misused to promote giving for the sake of more material gain for the giver. However, God's focus when one gives is on the condition of the heart- with her willingness and disposition in the act (v.7). The promise of what abounds to the giver isn't more possessions, but grace (v.8) which produces a harvest of good works (v.8) and righteousness (v.10) to the praise of God (v.11). Might this include the blessing of material things? It could, so that others will be blessed through the increase of those things, and God, who supplied the seed for the sower, will be glorified. So, we should give generously and cheerfully as a people whose deep desire is not greedy gain, as if our true joy is found there, but as those who love to gain more grace that abounds to increase praise to the Lord.
"...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ESV)
Thursday, February 13, 2014
A Father's Delight
"...each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Corinthians 4:5)
1 Children obey their fathers for various reasons. There are times when they obey out of fear of punishment. There are times when they comply because they know it is right for a child to submit to a parent's authority. Then there are others where they obey so they can have favor over another sibling. But the best form of obedience is when they act simply because they love the delight of their father. They rejoice in His smile, his approval, his warmth, and his joy. There is no greater pinnacle than to receive commendation from God, to see the pleasure that he takes in His children. Why would I or any one of you ever be worthy to receive praise from God? You beam with delight when earthly fathers smile upon you or when your boss commends your work, but reflect on the magnitude of Almighty God commending you, praising you, even acknowledging you. We'll be swallowed up in the joy of our Father, who alone is our boast. I recently witnessed this first hand in my own home. While playing indoor hockey with one of my daughters, who probably enjoys my company as much as anyone, she hurt me with one of the sticks. I got angry, and though I quickly told her I was fine and that I was sorry for getting upset, our time was ruined. She didn't want to play, disappeared for a time, and when she reappeared, was still upset. After some digging to see what was going on, I eventually realized her sadness wasn't from hurt feelings because of the anger I showed. It was that she had, for a time, lost the joy and delight of her Father, and this hurt her on a deeper level than any punishment I could give. My hope is to cultivate, in my own life and in the life of my family, a deeper delight in God. Not simply for His benefits, but in His person- that on that Day my greatest joy will be, as a son, in his delight and praise, because I have been joined to the person and work of The Son, Jesus Christ.
I
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Owen, the Spirit, and the Battle Against Sin
John Owen is more insightful than any other author that I have read on the subject of temptation and sin. He makes it clear that sin is a living power that seeks to exert its force in every corner of a man's life, and if the man isn't at work killing sin, he can be certain that sin is killing him. The only power the Christian has in this battle to gain victory over the power of the flesh is the Spirit of God, who enables him to escape the chains that have latched onto his soul and seek to destroy him. The Spirit, however, does not merely bring all this to pass without the effort of the individual. His growth in the killing of sin requires he exercise his own will in the fight.
"The Holy Ghost works in us and upon us, as we are fit to be wrought in and upon; that is, so as to preserve our own liberty and free obedience. He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences, and affections, agreeably to their own natures; he works in us and with us, not against us or without us; so that his assistance is an encouragement as to the facilitating of the work, and no occasion of neglect as to the work itself. And, indeed, I might here bewail the endless, foolish labor of poor souls, who, being convinced of sin, and not able to stand against the power of their convictions, do set themselves, by innumerable perplexing ways and duties, to keep down sin, but, being strangers to the Spirit of God, all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. They spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which profits not (Isa. 55:2).
This is the saddest warfare that any poor creature can be engaged in. A soul under the power of conviction from the law is pressed to fight against sin, but hath no strength for the combat. They cannot but fight, and they can never conquer; they are like men thrust on the sword of enemies on purpose to be slain. The law drives them on, and sin beats them back. Sometimes they think, indeed, that they have foiled sin, when they have only raised a dust that they see it not; that is, they distemper their natural affections of fear, sorrow, and anguish, which makes them believe that sin is conquered when it is not touched. But that time they are cold, they must to the battle again; and the lust which they thought to be slain appears to have had no wound."
(John Owen, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers)
"The Holy Ghost works in us and upon us, as we are fit to be wrought in and upon; that is, so as to preserve our own liberty and free obedience. He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences, and affections, agreeably to their own natures; he works in us and with us, not against us or without us; so that his assistance is an encouragement as to the facilitating of the work, and no occasion of neglect as to the work itself. And, indeed, I might here bewail the endless, foolish labor of poor souls, who, being convinced of sin, and not able to stand against the power of their convictions, do set themselves, by innumerable perplexing ways and duties, to keep down sin, but, being strangers to the Spirit of God, all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. They spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which profits not (Isa. 55:2).
This is the saddest warfare that any poor creature can be engaged in. A soul under the power of conviction from the law is pressed to fight against sin, but hath no strength for the combat. They cannot but fight, and they can never conquer; they are like men thrust on the sword of enemies on purpose to be slain. The law drives them on, and sin beats them back. Sometimes they think, indeed, that they have foiled sin, when they have only raised a dust that they see it not; that is, they distemper their natural affections of fear, sorrow, and anguish, which makes them believe that sin is conquered when it is not touched. But that time they are cold, they must to the battle again; and the lust which they thought to be slain appears to have had no wound."
(John Owen, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Treasure and Fear
Our lives should be marked with a healthy fear of God, rather than an unhealthy fear of man. The one who fears man worries that his power, possessions, position, or esteem will be lost, so he succumbs to what he believes will preserve his treasure. The man or woman of God, however, should possess a fear of disobeying the Lord, who possesses all things, including one's very life (Matt. 10:28). Do you live in the light, as one who is under the watchful eye of the Most High God? Or are your actions performed with little thought of God, or little thoughts of Him? Is the God of your imagination lacking in knowledge of your deeds and thoughts, or does he lack power to judge rightly? If our minds were clear and shaped by the truth of who God is, we would possess a holy fear of Him, run to the cross daily, and praise God for His grace that a Savior has removed His righteous wrath from us. If we took seriously his awesomeness and holiness, we would grieve deeply over every sinful choice, impure thought, and careless word, and would be more intentional with our course in life. What you treasure will direct your path. Do you treasure the approval of God, or of man? Your choices will reflect both your treasure and your fear (See 1 Samuel 15:10-31, Acts 5:27-32).
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
A Seed Must First Be Buried...
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." (John 12:24-26)
Seeds are pretty amazing- something so small that holds so much promise. When buried in the ground and given the proper care, life springs forth from something that appeared certainly dead, and grows and brings forth more than ever could have been imagined. To reap the reward of the seed, it must first be buried.
All that I have seen with my eyes belongs to this life. I can observe how things function in the present. I can read documents of how life was lived in the past. People on the street, or at work, or in my neighborhood can testify to what makes a life valuable or successful because they have seen what this world offers. Jesus, though, knowing what lies beyond this world tells me to be willing to give away all that is offered here for something better than waits beyond. There is a kingdom here that is certain, but this Man tells me of another that is better. To gain the greater I must be willing to forfeit what I know by sight. My life is a seed that must be placed in the ground, and Jesus promises that by placing it there, an eternal reward, honor from the Father (v.26), will be given to me and any other that would lose his life for Christ's sake.
Will I trust Him? Am I willing to live a life of sacrifice now, probably forsaking many of the comforts offered me here for a greater gain, not just for me, but for those God has called me (and you) to minister to? My motivation in my words and actions with the people who are central in my life often come from selfish desires- my flesh always making war with the Spirit, battling for my own kingdom-creature-comforts. The flesh seeks to influence my every decision toward self-centeredness, rather than Gospel-centered love, which benefits others rather than myself. Jesus chose to give His life for the sake of a greater joy, both for Himself and for other people. His death meant greater gain for all. If I truly follow Him, my life will look more like His. What I should find is that to choose this path really isn't a sacrifice (more like wisdom), at least not in the long run, because my eyes are firmly set, not on what is offered here, but in Christ in the life to come.
So, trust in the Word of Christ rather than what you see with your eyes. Place the seed in the ground with the expectation of great fruit to come, and what we'll find is joy right now in the midst of dying for His sake and His glory, and a greater joy when we see with new eyes what we cling to now by faith.
Seeds are pretty amazing- something so small that holds so much promise. When buried in the ground and given the proper care, life springs forth from something that appeared certainly dead, and grows and brings forth more than ever could have been imagined. To reap the reward of the seed, it must first be buried.
All that I have seen with my eyes belongs to this life. I can observe how things function in the present. I can read documents of how life was lived in the past. People on the street, or at work, or in my neighborhood can testify to what makes a life valuable or successful because they have seen what this world offers. Jesus, though, knowing what lies beyond this world tells me to be willing to give away all that is offered here for something better than waits beyond. There is a kingdom here that is certain, but this Man tells me of another that is better. To gain the greater I must be willing to forfeit what I know by sight. My life is a seed that must be placed in the ground, and Jesus promises that by placing it there, an eternal reward, honor from the Father (v.26), will be given to me and any other that would lose his life for Christ's sake.
Will I trust Him? Am I willing to live a life of sacrifice now, probably forsaking many of the comforts offered me here for a greater gain, not just for me, but for those God has called me (and you) to minister to? My motivation in my words and actions with the people who are central in my life often come from selfish desires- my flesh always making war with the Spirit, battling for my own kingdom-creature-comforts. The flesh seeks to influence my every decision toward self-centeredness, rather than Gospel-centered love, which benefits others rather than myself. Jesus chose to give His life for the sake of a greater joy, both for Himself and for other people. His death meant greater gain for all. If I truly follow Him, my life will look more like His. What I should find is that to choose this path really isn't a sacrifice (more like wisdom), at least not in the long run, because my eyes are firmly set, not on what is offered here, but in Christ in the life to come.
So, trust in the Word of Christ rather than what you see with your eyes. Place the seed in the ground with the expectation of great fruit to come, and what we'll find is joy right now in the midst of dying for His sake and His glory, and a greater joy when we see with new eyes what we cling to now by faith.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The Eternal Value of Good Works and Suffering
“There are different degrees of happiness and glory in heaven. As there are degrees among the angels, viz. thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers; so there are degrees among the saints. In heaven are many mansions, and of different degrees of dignity. The glory of the saints above will be in some proportion to their eminency in holiness and good works here...It will be no damp to the happiness of those who have lower degrees of happiness and glory, that there are others advanced in glory above them. For all shall be perfectly happy, every one shall be perfectly satisfied. Every vessel that is cast into this ocean of happiness is full, though there are some vessels far larger than others. And there shall be no such thing as envy in heaven, but perfect love shall reign through the whole society. Those who are not so high in glory as other, will not envy those that are higher, but they will have so great, and strong, and pure love to them, that they will rejoice in their superior happiness. Their love to them will be such that they will rejoice that they are happier than themselves; so that instead of having a damp to their own happiness, it will add to it. They will see it to be fit that they that have been most eminent in works of righteousness should be most highly exalted in glory.”
Jonathan Edwards “The Portion of the Righteous”
Edwards used this argument to make application to the passages in Scripture that speak of varying degrees of reward in heaven for those who have sown diligently for the Kingdom of God and the cause of Christ (Luke 6:38, 19:11-27, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Galatians 6:9). If each is rewarded according to their works, there will be varying degrees of blessedness in heaven, since there are varying degrees of good done by the servants of Christ. This might be hard to imagine since there will be nothing but joy in the eternal state, but Edwards comments that the intensity of the joy will vary from one to another based on the Christian’s life. Every vessel will be filled to capacity, only the size of each will vary. Some will be able to hold more, but those of less means will not envy those of greater because they too will be filled to overflowing.
If this holds true for good works, it would seem to also be the case for suffering. If every believer were blessed in exactly the same way in heaven, then it would virtually eliminate the personal and lasting relevance of anything done or experienced in this life. There would be less reward for the trials endured by the eminent Christians of centuries past- missionaries who suffered in distant lands or martyrs burned at the stake. Obviously, the chief end of all that takes place is that each event increases the glory of God. So in that sense, there is a grand purpose for the sake of others and to the increase of God’s praise, but I’m speaking of the increase to the individual referenced in the previously cited passages. There is value in the good one does as well as in the pain he suffers, and it isn’t only of temporal importance. Everything has eternal ends as well. When God works all things for the good of the Christian (Rom. 8:28), His view is not just for the wilderness side of the Jordan River. He’s also looking to the time when His beloved are in the land promised to them, and they find rest from their works and suffering. Without this view, present experiences would certainly be useful for the building of one’s faith in this life, but it diminishes the significance of the deeds that one performs or the difficulties another endures if they receive the same in the end as he whose works are burned up by fire (1 Corinthians 3:15). This means that God has purpose for your cancer, for the loss of your spouse, for persecution, and so on. Patient endurance and childlike dependence work for the increase of your eternal joy. God is sovereign over every event that takes place in the world He has made (Matt. 10:29), and not one second or experience is in vain, but instead reverberates into and throughout eternity.
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