Two types of Revelation

Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:10 (Concerning the Scriptures) They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Psalm 19 is one of the richest chapters in the Bible.  It is from Psalm 19 that we learn of the two ways in which God reveals His Person and Work: General Revelation and Special Revelation.

What is General Revelation?
Psalm 19:1-6 gives us the breakdown of what theologians commonly refer to as "General Revelation".  It is "general" due to the fact that everyone can access it by observation and human reason.  Also, this type of Revelation is "General" because it is more "broad" in its message about God the Creator and mankind's responsibility to Him.  Here in Psalm 19:1-6 we see the astronomical movements of the stars by night and the sun by day as "witnesses" to humanity of their origin coming from the One, Eternal, Creator God.  Romans 2:15 tells us that all human beings have an internal witness, the conscience, upon which the "law of God" is written, revealing mankind's moral obligation to the Creator. 

What General Revelation tells human beings
General Revelation does communicate certain truths about God Himself - hence it being a form of "revelation".  According to Romans 1:18-21 - "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." We learn from General Revelation:
1. God hates sin.  All men to one degree or another are aware that they are morally responsible to God.  Thus our universe is not just a physical universe, but also a moral one. 
2. God is the all powerful Creator.  He is One God who made all things visible and invisible.  All human beings have this testimony inside, with the heavens above and the earth all around confirming such truth.
3. God's nature is without end. God is Eternal, totally unique and different from His creation.

General revelation tells everyone that they are responsible to The Creator - however as you read on into passages such as Romans 1, you discover that sinful humanity has rejected this "lesser light" given by God and has exchanged its truth for a lie of their own making. (Romans 1:23)  General Revelation does not reveal God the Redeemer, only God the Creator - thus the reason for the second type of revelation spoken of in Psalm 19 - "Special Revelation."

What is Special Revelation?
Psalm 19:7-14 details what theologians refer to as "Special revelation".  Unlike "General Revelation" which is accessible to anyone through reason and observation, "Special Revelation's" meaning requires God's Saving Grace to show the value and personal applicability to the person. (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23) Another difference between General and Special Revelation is that while General Revelation is found everywhere, Special Revelation is found in very "specific" (hence the term "special") place - the Bible.  A third major difference is that in General Revelation, I discover The Creator before Whom I guilty; whereas in Special Revelation I am shown the Savior and Lord that acquits me of such guilt by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  In short, Special Revelation through the scriptures by the Spirit's convicting work is what leads to salvation. 

What Special Revelation tells human beings
In Special Revelation, the Bible, I discover this Creator to be the Savior who went to great lengths to bring about salvation. It is by the Special Revelation of scripture that this same God calls and convicts me to come and believe on His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent to die and rise in my place. (John 3:16; 16:7-16; 17:3; 2 Timothy 3:15)

How General Revelation and Special Revelation relate to one another
Though both types of revelation are distinct in both their form and content, yet they both relate to one another.  The fact that Psalm 19 has both in one Psalm tells us that God ordained us to understand their purpose.  Special Revelation is necessary to specify the direction in which General Revelation is pointing.  General Revelation is a "lesser light", meaning that I understand just enough about God to be without excuse, yet it does not lead me to a saving knowledge of Him.  Special Revelation is the "greater light", meaning that by it God gives me the full understanding of salvation. (Hebrews 1:1-4) 

If a group of people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ respond favorably to the "lesser light" of General Revelation, and turn away from idolatry, God pledges that He will send them a missionary or preacher who will communicate the "fuller light" of Special Revelation.  (Joshua 2; Acts 17:24-34)  The Holy Spirit will then work through the preaching of God's Word to convince those people to trust in Jesus Christ, since faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:8-17) 

How Biblical Principles Answer the question: Is it o.k for Christians to engage in recreational drinking?

Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."

Introduction:
An area of great debate in the Christian world is on the matter of whether or not it is o.k. for Christians to drink alcohol.  Some will say that it is flat out wrong in all situations, while others will advocate so-called "social drinking" or what I'm calling in this post - "recreational alcohol consumption". 

I'm convinced that if we consistently apply the principles of God's word from passages like Romans 14, only one clear answer will emerge on this issue of recreational alcohol consumption and the Christian.  The above text is a command to not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation (that is, it leads to excesses in one's behavior).  Rather we are to be filled, or "under the influence" of the Spirit. 

So our question is: Is it good for Christians to drink alcohol in any amount?

Principle #1 The Lordship Principle: Will recreational drinking enable me to follow the Lord consistently in obedience?  How much alcohol does it take to impair judgment, compromise moral integrity and cloud human thinking?  As soon as one takes that first drink, the effects begin immediately.  Following Jesus Christ with a sound or sober mind is emphasized repeatedly throughout scripture. (Matthew 22:37-39; 2 Cor 10:4-5; Hebrews 12:1-2) Even a little bit of "under the influence" makes me attempt to "serve two masters" - something which Jesus says can't be done. (Matthew 6:24)  Proverbs 20:1 warns - "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise."  As Ephesians 5:18 reveals, a Christian should be "under the influence" or filled with the Holy Spirit.

Principle #2 Loving your brother principle: Will such a practice lead me to express selflessness in my dealings with others or love others above myself?  If I have alcohol, and offer it to a friend, am I really looking out for their best interest?  Habakkuk 2:15 denounces any effort in inviting my neighbor or someone that I'm supposed to care about to come and drink alcohol.  Or if I am drinking it in my own home, over time, will I be able to love others selflessly? Proverbs 23:32 warns - "At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper."  If there is even a small doubt, then that is a sign not to do it. 

Principle #3 Spirit-led Principle: Will drinking alcohol enable me to be Spirit-led or will it result in becoming self led?  This particular principle is the focus of Ephesians 5:18.  People typically drink for the purpose of achieving peace, escaping the stresses of life or "coping" with life.  But the problem is, once the alcohol has worn off, you're left with a hangover or at least a sense of feeling the pain of reality.  Paul then uses the "filling" or "under the influence of the Holy Spirit" to show how the Spirit of God can give you abiding peace, enable you to deal with stress and more than cope with life - and not have a hang-over!  Frankly, any amount of recreational use tells me that I am looking to a can, or a glass, or a bottle, rather than the Holy Spirit, to grant me peace and strength. 

Principle #4 Building up principle: Will drinking alcohol enable me to build up others and God's work, or will it lead to a tearing down?  At least six places in Proverbs, the book of Wisdom, warns about the dangers and long-term destructive effects of alcohol consumption. (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20, 29, 30, 32; 31:4)  When Noah had gotten off the Ark, his experimentation with alcohol led to disastrous results.  (Genesis 9:18-24) It shocks me how Christian leaders will actually promote "social drinking" and "recreational use of alcohol" in the name of Christian freedom. It seems no consideration is given to how it so-often "tears down" the lives of others and hinders the work of God's kingdom.  Statistics tell us for every dollar spent on alcohol in a given community, between seven to eight dollars is spent in law enforcement's efforts to control the consequences brought about by its use and abuse.  As Paul says in Ephesians 5:18 - "it leads to excess". 

Principle#5 The Faith Principle: Will drinking alcohol lead to a strengthening of faith or a harming of it?  Can it truly be said that drinking of alcohol in any amount is only for the advancement of God's kingdom and Christian faith?  Studying God's Word, regular attendance with God's people and prayer are the chief means of grace ordained by God to strengthen faith. (1 Peter 2:1-2; Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25; Luke 11)  I have yet to see one example of where the strengthening of one's faith can be directly linked to alcohol.  Overwhelmingly alcohol is shown to be more detrimental than helpful.  As the context of Ephesians 5:18 demonstrates, being led by the Spirit is under the assumption that one desires to be strengthened in their faith. (Jude 20-21) 

Closing thoughts:
By sifting this question of a Christian's consumption of alcohol through the five principles that we have studied in Romans 14, it is clear that one cannot truly justify the practice of recreational drinking while holding to even one of the above principles, let alone all five. Working through principles in tandem effectively helps people arrive at the conclusion on their own. Certainly God governs our moral decisions by clear commands. Yet, there is this second method of working through an issue by way of principles that proves equally effective.  

How faith factors into Godly decision making

Romans 14:22-23 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Over the past several days we have looked at Romans 14 in search of principles or absolutes that enables a Christian to make godly decisions about areas that are termed "gray" or debateable:

1. The Lordship principle - Will this decision enable me to live obediently for Jesus Christ?
2. Love your brother principle - Will this decision enable me to proceed unselfishly for the glory of God?
3. The Spirit-led principle - Will the given decision enable me to be Spirit-led rather than self-led?
4. The Building-up principle - Will whatever decision I make tear down others or God's work or build up others or God's work?

Today we will consider the fifth and final principle in this illuminating 14th chapter of the Book of Romans: Principle #5 - The Faith Principle - Will whatever decision I make encourage greater faith or hurt faith?

The Faith Principle - A closer Look
The clearest definition I know of faith in the Bible is Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  The King James Version renders those two underlined words as "the substance" of things yet hoped for and "the evidence" of things not yet seen.  When I look at the nature and character of faith in the scriptures, I see two emphases: Faith is all at once proof and persuasion.

God brings me the "substance", the "assurance" of things hoped for, the proof of what He says and who He states Himself to be in His Word.  Atoms compose our material world.  They are the "stuff" of this visible world.  Though unseen, yet they are "substance".  Faith is the "stuff", the "assurance" of the unseen realm.  Now Faith is also persuasion, meaning that God Himself personally persuades me.  It is described sometimes as "I know, that I know that I know". 

Without faith, we cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:6).  As much as we proceed along the lines of principles in Romans 14, without faith, we cannot see the value nor partake of God's grace to live them out.  As the end of Romans 14 states: anything done apart from faith is sin.

Why our decisions must factor in the health and well-being of faith
Christian faith brings it with it the ability to think clearly and act rightly for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 2:16)  Whenever I'm faced with a decision where I'm not sure on what to do, I need to ask myself whether or not that course of action will enable me to act in accordance to faith.  Jude 20-21 states: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. "

So whatever job you're thinking of taking, relationship your want to pursue, hobby that your desiring to take up, past time that you love, friends that you have - ask yourself: "are any of these things contributing to my faith in the Lord or taking away?"  However you answer that question will tell you whether or not it is a decision you need to make or an activity you need to keep on pursuing.

How to tell when you have made a decision because of a conviction of faith, rather than just a preference
In both Romans 14:22 and Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as a God-given conviction.  When making a tough decision, a helpful distinction to keep in mind is the difference between "conviction" and "opinion".  Convictions are those things that you would die for, whereas a preference falls more into the realm of opinion.  Preferences are those motivations that I could go either way; whereas convictions are based upon "I know, that I know, that I know".  Preferences keep thinking more on "what if", whereas the conviction based upon faith deals in the realm of "what is". 

Is what you are wanting to do or decide just a preference, or a real conviction of faith?  Faith is vital in your decision making.  May the Lord guide you through these principles of Romans 14 as you work through the decisions of life. 

Making decisions that build up, rather than tear down

Romans 14:19-20 19So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.

3 Principles for ensuring a good beginning for making Godly Decisions
For the past few days we have been exploring principles or absolutes in Romans 14 that will empower you to make Godly decisions in those areas that are either debateable or "gray-area" situations.  So far we have considered three principles or questions to ask yourself when faced with tough decisions:

1. The Lordship Principle - Will this decision enable me to live obediently for Jesus Christ? Romans 14:5-6

2. Love your brother (or neighbor) Principle - Will this decision enable me to place other's needs above my own or enable me to live unselfishly for God's glory? Romans 14:7

3. Spirit-led Principle - Will this decision encourage me to live by the Holy Spirit's power rather than by my own self-led motives? Romans 14:17-18

The first two principles are "cornerstone principles", since they cover the Great Commandment given by Jesus in Mark 13:34-35 and Matthew 22:37-39.  The third principle is the power source for carrying out the implications of the first two.  All three together provide what I need to ensure that my basis for decision making is starting off on the right foot.

Principle #4 The Building up Principle
Today's blog is going to cover a fourth key principle that is covered in Romans 14:19-20, what I call "The Building up principle".  The building up principle has me ask this question in my decision making efforts: "Will this decision build-up others or God's work, or will it lead more to a tearing down of others or God's work?"

With this principle, our decision making moves from the realm of the personal to the realm of how my decisions will affect other people and the work of God.  Admittedly it can be difficult to determine sometimes the outcome of our decisions.  What may very well be well-intentioned motives can sometimes lead to failure. 

Seeking godly counsel is part of the building up process in your decision making
This is why in making our decisions we need to seek Godly counsel.  Passages such as Proverbs 24:6 speak about the importance of many counselors.  I have found in my life when I have sought the counsel of wiser, older Pastors or other Christians, many of the blindspots in my decision making have been avoided.  In some cases, some decisions have been put on hold or even given a red-light as a result of Godly counsel.

In seeking the "building up" and not "tearing down" of others and God's work, I'm treating the decision making process as pertaining to the "Big-Picture", and not just my "Little Picture".  Matthew 6:33 is a good verse to summarize and close out today's blog - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." 

The Power to make consistent Godly decisions

Romans 14:16-17 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Review: Two main principles for making Godly decisions
In the past couple of blogs we have been establishing sets of absolutes or principles for Godly deicsion making.  Both of them are summarized below:

#1 The Lordship Principle - Will this decision enable me to live in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 14:7-8

#2 Loving your brother principle - Will this decision enable me to place others needs above my self for Jesus' sake. Romans 14:13

As we continue on in our study of Romans 14 in defining how we navigate through decisions that are termed "gray areas" or "debateable areas", we come to a third principle that is crucial for the Christian.  In the main text above, living for God's glory, or "Kingdom Living" is defined by righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  In other words - "will this decision or course of action lead to me being led by the Holy Spirit, or by self-interest"?  Thus the name of this third principle is: "The Spirit Led Principle"

The Holy Spirit leading you gives you the power to live the Christian life
The Christian life is based upon the biblical principles or "absolutes" such as the ones we have been outlining in these past couple of blogs.  However, in order to make daily decisions to the glory of God, you need Power to live out whatever decisions you make.  The Holy Spirit has been given to every Christian to both indwell and empower them for daily Christian living. (John 14:17, 23, 16:7-16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 6:19-20)

The Apostle Paul writes these words in Romans 8:5-8 "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Setting our minds on the Spirit or living by the Spirit means we are being led by Him.  This third principle - "The Spirit-led principle", is what gives you the power to consistently make decisions based upon biblical principles such as "The Lordship principle" and the "Loving Your Brother Principle" (see above).

The Holy Spirit's leading takes your Christian life from principles to live by to that of power to live for God
This third principle of making decisions that will encourage a "Spirit-led" life rather than a "self-led" life makes all the difference in whether or not you live by the power of God or your own strength.  As we saw in the Romans 8:5-8 passage above, who you are led by will determine how you live.  Self-led Christians will be inconsistent in their application of Biblical principles, since the nature of the principles themselves requires the power of God to carry them out. (James 1:8; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18) 

Whenever you are making a hard decision, ask yourself: "Will this decision give me more opportunity to rely on my own strength or on God's strength"? (John 16:13-15; Romans 8:26-27) The Spirit-led principle will remind you of Who it is the enables you to live the Christian life in your daily decisions. (Galatians 2:20)  By starting with the "Lord-ship" and "loving your brother principles", you will be guaranteed of using this third "Spirit-led Principle".  When you do that dear friend, your daily decisions will not only be built upon sound principles, but your ability to see those decisions through will be guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.   

The two greatest principles for Godly decision-making

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.

Yesterday we began exploring how you can use the Bible in making decisions on those areas that are termed "gray areas".  We outlined two approaches: both of which are valid.  The first involves specific commands that address specific areas.  The second can be used in dealing with areas where making a choice may not be so obvious - what we called "principles".  The first principle - or absolute - was termed "The Lordship Principle".  When using Christ's Lordship in our decision making, we are asking: "Will this decision enable me to live consistently in obedience to Jesus Christ". 

Today we want to look at another principle that can aid you and I in making decisions in areas that are either debateable or "gray":

Principle #2 : Loving my brother principle
Romans 14:13 mentions not causing a fellow believer in Jesus Christ to stumble.  What is meant by that phrase?   To cause someone to "stumble" or "to bring offense" is not referring to hurting someone's feelings.  Instead, to "cause someone to stumble" is when by my example a fellow Christian is convinced to do something they believe is morally or spiritually wrong.  (please compare 1 Corinthians 8:13)

Just because I can do it, doesn't mean I should.  If my potential course of action could cause someone to question my Christian testimony - I should abandon that course.  As Romans 14:7 reminds us - "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." 

Why this principle and the Lordship principle are vitally connected in our decision making
In the course of our ethical, financial, vocational, relationship, marital or whatever decisions, this principle ranks a close second to the first principle we outlined yesterday (The Lordship principle - will making this decision enable me to live obediently for Jesus Christ).  Jesus states in Matthew 22:37-39 the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor.  What these two principles do is expand upon those two "Great Commands" of Jesus. 

In short, whenever I am applying biblical principles such as these to supposed "gray areas", if any decision would cause me to stray away from either living obediently for Jesus Christ or expressing unselfish love, I shouldn't do it.  Positively stated - only those decisions which enable me to live optimally for Jesus Christ and put others ahead of myself consititutes the essence of Godly decision making.

Using the Bible to make Godly decisions

Romans 14:5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Decision making in areas that are black and white
The Bible presents to us black and white truth - principles that are given by the Holy Spirit to navigate through life's decisions.  Some decisions are easy.  For instance - should a person have physical intimacy outside of marriage?  The Bible is pretty clear - physical intimacy is meant only for marriage.  1 Thessalonians 4:3 states - "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality."   Did you catch that first phrase - "For this is God's will"?  Hebrews 13:4 draws clear boundaries concerning the place of physical inimacy being within marriage only: "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Another easy example is the question: "Is church attendance really necessary for the Christian"?  Again passages such as Hebrews 3:12-13 and 10:24-25 both command believers to be with other Christians on a regular basis, since the days are evil, since corporate worship is the means of growing faith and since lone-ranger Christianity is a unknown concept in the Bible.

Decision making in so-called "gray areas"
What about those other areas that are not so clear-cut?  For instance: Whom should I marry? Which job should I take? What car should I purchase?  Where should I live? Which doctor should I go to? What school do I attend? A whole host of questions that even though not specifically addressed by scripture - nonetheless can be addressed from the general principles of scripture.  When we say "gray areas", were not advocating some form of "what's true for me and what's true for you" approach.  Truth is truth no matter what.  Rather our concern in this blog is how we can take the unalterable truth of God's word and apply it to situations that make it difficult to know which direction to take. 

Two methods of making biblical decisions - Commands and Principles
Whenever I have to make a decision - I can take two approaches.  The first is to draw up a series of commands or rules.  If my conduct or decision goes against the commands, then clearly I need to do a "course correction". 

However in many cases, we may be choosing between two good and acceptable alternatives.  It is in those cases where I appeal to the "principles" of scripture - which is what Paul is doing here in Romans 14.  A principle is a "general, universally agreed upon pattern prescribed in scripture that can be applied in specific cases." 

In the instance recorded here in Romans 14 - the issue was over celebrating certain holidays on certain days.  The Apostle could had laid down a command, a law, and used that as "the standard" for everyone to follow.  That approach is certainly within biblical parameters - as for instance in Acts 15.  In Acts 15 the Jews were saying that the Gentiles had to conform to Jewish practices in order to be Christians.  James annd the Apsotles drafted up a letter that was circulated around the churches - telling them to abstain from certain types of meat.

Yet Paul does not do that here.  Rather he lays out some principles to navigate through what we may term "gray areas". The first principle that Paul lays out is what I call "The Lord-ship Principle"

1. Principle #1: The Lordship principle:  "Will this decision enable me to live obediently for The Lord Jesus Christ?"

We see this principle in Romans 14:8 "for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s." So in looking at schools, or relationships or whatever the case may be - will the alternative I choose conflict or encourage consistent obedience to Jesus Christ?  This ethical principle is fundamental to Christianity, since Jesus states in John 14:15 and 21 that all who love Him will do as He says. 

If my decision would lead me to live more selfishly rather than submissively to the authority of Christ, then I better not go down that path.  In Romans 14:7 Paul spells this out: "For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for Himself". 

For now we will end here.  Tomorrow we will consider another principle, an "absolute" that we can put in our hearts and minds in making informed decisions that bring hoonor and glory to God.