God's Gospel Lamp

Isaiah 42:6-7 “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness,I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison."

Introduction:

Often times when we read passages in the New Testament, we can very easily rush over the many Old Testament scriptures that are quoted.  Case in point is Paul's sermon to the Jews at Pisidia in Acts 13:17-43 and then a second statement that he makes a week later in Acts 13:44-52.  Paul's two messages are very powerful and sweeping in their coverage and presentation of the Gospel. Both are anchored to two Old Testament references that give us a clue to interpreting and applying the whole of Acts 13:17-52 to our lives. I'm titling this post: "God's Gospel Lamp" in light of what we read in the two main Old Testament references of Habakkuk 1:5 in Acts 13:41 and Isaiah 42:6 in Acts 13:47. 

How we find God's Gospel lamp being referred to by Paul in his statements in Acts 13.

In Paul's first sermon of Acts 13:17-43, Paul is linking together all of redemptive history to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. As he draws that first sermon to a close, he mentions Habakkuk 1:5 in Acts 13:41 - "Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you: 41 ‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish;
For I am accomplishing a work in your days, A work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’” Why would Paul quote this passage? The prophet Habakkuk had ministered some 600 years before Christ in a spiritually dark Southern Kingdom of Judah. Times were so bad that at the opening of his prophecy, Habakkuk cries out to God: "Why?" God's response to Habakkuk's complaints over the wickedness of his nation was that He was going to Divinely send an even more wicked nation, the Babylonians, to discipline His people.  Such news is described by God in the terms we find being quoted by Paul. In other words, how God was going to bring about His redemptive purposes was going to be unexpected. Habakkuk writes in Habakkuk 2:1 "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me,
And how I may reply when I am reproved."  In other words, the prophet was going to await until God showed Him the light of His purposes - which of course He would.  God's Gospel lamp was shining in Habakkuk's day, and Paul's usage of Habakkuk's prophecy in Acts 13:41 indicates that the Gospel Lamp was shining brightly in the place Paul was preaching.

The second text we find is Paul's quotation of Isaiah 42:6 in Acts 13:47 - "For so the Lord has commanded us,
‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’”  Isaiah had written some 150 years prior to Habakkuk. In Isaiah's prophecy of Isaiah 42 we see a prediction made of the "Servant of the Lord", the coming Messiah - whom of course is identified in the New Testament as Jesus Christ. The Servant of the Lord is the light in Isaiah 42:6 and now Paul is saying in Acts 13:47 that Jesus, the "The Light of the World" is in a sense going to shine through Him to bring forth the light of the Gospel.  Again, God's Gospel lamp burned brightly in the prophetic statements of Isaiah and burns brightly is the apostolic statements of Paul. 


Point of Application: You and I as Jesus' disciples are to carry forth God's Gospel lamp.

How we see God's Gospel lamp shining forth in Paul's two sermons

Having focused our attention on the two key Old Testament texts that show God's Gospel lamp, we can now briefly consider three ways in which God's Gospel lamp is shining forth in the two sermons and sections of Acts 13:17-43 and 13:44-52.

1. The Gospel lamp is revealed in the scriptures. Acts 13:17-22, 47

I won't take time to unfurl the grandeur of the many scriptures referred to by Paul.  Lets just say for now Paul traces virtually every era of redemptive history from Abraham in Genesis, through Moses, through the Judges, through the united Kingdoms of Saul and David, to the days of Jesus.  The scriptures unfold for us the Gospel lamp. 

2. The Gospel lamp is Jesus Christ. Acts 13:23-37

As Paul delivers his two sermons, the focal point of both is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and the lamp Who reveals God fully and completely (Hebrews 1:1-2; Revelation 21:23). The lamp that the prophets saw in faint outline through the telescope of prophecy shines brilliantly in the New Testament age. Jesus' virgin birth, incarnation, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension occupies the fulcrum upon which history and eternity pivots. Jesus Christ is the Gospel lamp, Who is revealed in the scriptures, and thus...

3. God's Gospel lamp is carried forth by Christians. Acts 13:44-52

As Paul preached the Gospel, the light of the glory of Jesus Christ shined brightly.  The mystery of God's Sovereign elective purposes (so deemed by the Baptist Faith & Message 2000) and man's sure choice of rejecting the Gospel are set side by side in the text.  On the one hand, Sovereign grace alone explains why the crowd believed the Gospel in Acts 13:48 - "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." When Sovereign grace attended the preaching of the Gospel, the Gentiles freely and genuinely believed and were saved. Yet, Paul indicates that those who rejected the Gospel did so of their own accord. The Gospel lamp is God's lamp. All who respond do so because of Sovereign grace working in their hearts.  All who reject do so because of their own decision. As Paul says in Acts 13:46 - "since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life...". 

What the Lord told Paul in Acts 13:47 can be applied to us as disciples of Jesus today.  2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (20)"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Would it be that you and I as believers in Christ carry forth God's Gospel lamp, the Lord Jesus Christ, by shining forth His Gospel through the scriptures. 

 

P3 Still more key scriptures for Biblical spiritual maturity

Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Introduction:

Yesterday we explored the key scriptures we find in the Book of Colossians for understanding spiritual maturity.  In today's post we conclude our explorations by noting some further scriptures in the remainder of the New Testament. Like yesterday, the key passages that will be listed are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but more so a "representative" list. 

1. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

One of the themes you will find in studying the subject of spiritual maturity is the closely related theme of spiritual discipline.  One of the myth's associated with spiritual maturity is that it is easy and passive.  Scripture uniformly tells us that spiritual maturity requires discipline, and yet is immensely rewarding.  Often times the Apostle Paul will use the metaphor of physical training to get his readers to see how spiritual maturity operates and functions. Christians need constant usage and exercise of their spiritual muscles in order to deal with life and life victoriously for the Master. 

2. Hebrews 5:13-14 "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."

How I can recall the years when all four of our children were growing up as infants and toddlers.  Some of the things they did then were worthy of postings on facebook.  However if they were to do some of those same things now, I would be concerned. Why? Because as older children and adolescent teenagers, we naturally expect them to be exercising some discernment and hopefully making progress in their physical, emotional and mental development.  In the spiritual realm the principles are no different, which is why the writer of Hebrews employs such imagery as that of infants and growing children.

3. Hebrews 6:1-3 "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits."

The book of Hebrews is chocked full of passages that speak on the subject of spiritual maturity.  Too often Christians complain about doctrine, and yet without doctrine, we cannot know what we are to believe and live. Doctrine is the pearl necklace of the great lady - the church. We certainly ought to be grounded enough to know the essential truths of scripture, and then at some point move onto further truths. I find it interesting that the writer inserts the closing phrase "if God permits", reminding us of the boundaries in which spiritual growth occurs - namely God's Sovereign will.

4. Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In this text we see the author and finisher of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. The imagery employed here is the athletic imagery, much like what we see in 1 Timothy 4:7-8.  Here we see runners in an Olympic style race running for the glory of the Emperor. When the runners would run, they looked to the box seats where the Emperor sat to draw strength and inspiration.  If they got their eyes off of the Emperor and got to focusing on the cheers of the crowds, they could get lost in the moment and lose stride. Certainly the witnesses are vital, however it is Jesus who is the finish line, the Emperor for Whom we run the Christian race. 

5. Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

In-as-much spiritual maturity is an activity on our part, without the preserving grace of the Lord working in us and through us, we will not have the necessary desire to want to grow.  As a friend of mine used to tell me: "God takes our 'have-tos' and turns them into 'I-want-to's". 

6. Jude 20-21 "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."

Jude 20-21 gives us one of the clearest definitions in the Bible on what it means to pursue after spiritual maturity. Truly "building ourselves up in the most holy faith" captures the heart of what it means to be spiritual mature. 

Closing thoughts
Adrian Rogers gives this illustration from his book: "What Every Christian Ought to Know", page 248, on the subject of spiritual maturity: "A cathedral in England was destroyed by German bombs during World War II. Some students helped to rebuild it. A statue of Jesus in the Cathedral had been damaged. The students pieced it together, but the hands had been destroyed beyond retrieval. Rather than replace the hands, they placed a plaque beneath the statue that read, 'Christ has no hands but ours.' There is a great truth to that. May God help you to find a place of service and let your hands be His hands.As we bring all of this to a conclusion, remember that you are to grow with what you have learned." 

P2 More key scriptures for Biblical spiritual maturity

Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Introduction:

Yesterday we began exploring key scriptures we find in the Bible for understanding spiritual maturity.  We looked at Deuteronomy 7:1-26; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 and Ephesians 4:11-16 to discover that spiritual maturity happens in progression, requires the ministry of the local church and entails the Christian's cooperation with the Holy Spirit.  In today's post we continue in our explorations. Like yesterday, the key passages that will be listed are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but more so a "representative" list. The unique trait of today's post is getting the opportunity to see the theme of spiritual maturity developed in one Bible book - which in this case is the book of Colossians.  

1. Colossians 1:3-4 "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints."

The book of Colossians is all about finding our fulfillment in the supremacy of Jesus Christ. He is enough, period. In this passage we find the two-fold focus of spiritual maturity: faith in Jesus Christ and love for the saints.

2. Colossians 1:10-11  "so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously." 

The underlined words in this text speak to the very subject of spiritual maturity. Nearly fifty times we find reference to walking with God in the scriptures.  All of the tributaries that flow from that stream (bearing fruit, growing, etc) find their source in Jesus Christ.

3. Colossians 2:6-7 "Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."

This text here continues on the theme of Colossians 1:10-11.  The book of Colossians, along with the book of Hebrews, are two books in the New Testament that deal specifically with finding one's fulfillment and maturity in the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

4. Colossians 3:16  "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

This particular passage is significant in that the word "word" could be taken to either refer to the written word - the Bible, or the living word - Jesus Christ. One of the hallmarks of spiritual maturity is in making one's life a palatial dwelling place for the Lord and His word. The more central the Bible becomes to our everyday thoughts and lives, the more likely we are growing in spiritual maturity.

5. Colossians 4:17 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Spiritual maturity not only has to do with how we relate to the Lord and how we take care of ourselves but also in how we relate to other people.  "Making the most" of every opportunity means that even in the most extreme circumstances, we take what we have and use it for the glory of God. Over time we discover that if anyone wants to be Godly in Christ Jesus, they should expect to suffer. (see 2 Timothy 3:12) 

More tomorrow...

P1 Key scriptures for Biblical spiritual maturity

Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Introduction:

In today's post we want to begin understanding the places to go in the scriptures when trying to understand the concept of Christian spiritual maturity. The key passages that will be listed today are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but more so a "representative" list. The Biblical vision for spiritual growth in relationship with God is too often neglected. Below we will simply list the passages below with minimal commentary so as to encourage readers to look at them, study through them and draw their own conclusions.  After all, a mark of spiritual maturity is being able to dig out and apply the truth of God's Word to your own life so as to be a blessing to others.

1. Deuteronomy 7:21-23  You shall not dread them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. 22 The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you. 23 But the Lord your God will deliver them before you, and will throw them into great confusion until they are destroyed." 

So why is it that when a person is converted to Christ in saving faith that the Lord does not rid them of sin, rid them of difficulty and grant them a life of ease? Because we need to experience what it is like to have victory in Jesus, depend upon the Lord and strive for Him against the left-over remnants of sin. This passage in the Old Testament reminds us of the progressive nature of spiritual growth - our sanctification. The Handbook of Bible Application, page 409, notes about this passage: "Moses told the Israelites that God would destroy Israel's enemies, but not all at once. God had the power to destroy those nations instantly, but He chose to do it in stages. In the same way and in the same power, God could miraculously and instantaneously change your life. Usually, however, He chooses to help you gradually, teaching you one lesson at a time." Such a concept is not just an Old Testament or just a New Testament idea, but is found throughout the scriptures in both testaments. Maturity in spiritual matters occurs with the Lord, in the Lord and He in us. 

2. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

This passage on spiritual maturity also reminds us that in-as-much as spiritual maturity is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in and through us, it also is an active work on our part in cooperation with Him. The call to spiritual maturity is likened here to a spiritual athletic competition. 

3. Ephesians 4:11-13 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Biblical spiritual maturity cannot be conceived of apart from fellowship and interaction with God's people. The Lord has given pastors and the local church family for the sake of growing saints unto spiritual maturity and for the sake of reaching the world to make more disciples. All sermons, programs and efforts of any local church ought to use these two criteria when understanding how they are to be glorify Jesus Christ in service to God's people and people in the community. 

More tomorrow.....

Free great websites on resources for studying the Bible at all levels

Acts 8:34 “The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” (NASB)


Introduction:
Whenever you begin to study the scriptures, resources are important. Not only must the student of scripture have access to good resources, but also know where to look to find them. Often when it comes to purchasing Bible study tools such as commentaries, concordances, Bible Dictionaries and Bible Encyclopedias, the cost can be high and at times out of reach. Whether you are a faithful Bible student, a Sunday School Teacher, a Pastor, a Bible translator or a scholar of the original languages, today’s post is about alerting you to a few of the great websites and resources on the web that are excellent, reliable, accurate and free!

1. http://www.biblegateway.com/

This website contains numerous English translations, original language texts, commentaries and Bible dictionaries. If you are a Sunday School teacher or Pastor, this is the website for you.

2. http://biblehub.com/

This site is much like biblegateway, only it includes numerous church history resources, more study tools, more original language resources and more English translations. This is a wonderful site for all students of the Bible, teachers, pastors and scholars alike.

3. http://www.biblia.com/

This site is an excellent one because you can download free resources onto your computer and smart phone.   It includes among other things the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge – the most comprehensive cross referencing tool available.

4. https://www.logos.com/

The Logos software has been a standard for years in the world of electronic resources for the study of the scriptures. Whenever you go in this site you can download a free app for your smart phone or computer that will link both together. Other resources are available for free or at reduced cost. This site and biblia.com are interconnected and compatible with one another.  The numerous English translations, commentaries and Bible study helps make this site hard to beat!


5. http://biblewebapp.com/study/
and http://www.stepbible.org/#!__/0/passage/0/SBLG/Mat/GU/__/1/passage/0/ESV/Mat 1/NHVUG


These two sites are amazing in how they are able to get the Bible student into contact with either the original languages of the Bible or cross references. Whenever you pull up either site, you will see the original language of the scriptures on the one side and the English text on the other. Brushing the cursor over any word will show you where that word is found in either the original language text or the English text.  Even if you are not interested in the original languages, the cross references and available commentaries make these two websites well worth your time.




Closing thoughts:
I know there may be other sites that I did not mention (such as You Version, Cadre Bible) that can be equally as valuable, however the goal of today's post was to alert readers to the possibilities. You as a reader have the choice in determining which Bible software fits your needs. I always caution people when using online material to double check their sources, being that whatever the computer gives you is only as good as what was put into it (the old adage "garbage in/garbage out). However the above sites have been found by this blogger and others to be very reliable. I hope you find those sites to be helpful in your study of God’s Word. They are a blessing to me and in today’s information age, quite edifying!

God uses preaching to change lives

Acts 13:16  "Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen."

Introduction:

Today's post aims to understand how God uses preaching to change lives. In the Book of Acts we see roughly 20 examples of preaching. In Acts 13 we see the Apostle Paul's second sermon recorded in the book of Acts. Our main point of application for today will be: That God has ordained the preaching of the scriptures to convert the soul of sinners and change the lives of the saints. 

Scripture, especially in the New Testament, testifies to the centrality of preaching as God's ordained means of conveying saving and sanctifying grace. Romans 10:13-17 - "for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:13-16 "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

So again we say: That God has ordained the preaching of the scriptures to convert the soul of sinners and change the lives of the saints. In the remainder of this post we want to consider Acts 13:16-52 and the following two thoughts: What constitutes a God-ordained sermon? Then secondly, the results that can occur when the Word of God is preached.

What elements are included in God-ordained preaching

As one studies the contents of Paul's sermon to the Jews in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch (13:14), we see the following seven key components of his sermon that can act as a recipe for putting together the types of sermons that are used by God to change lives.

1. Strong Introduction to get everyone's attention. Acts 13:16

2. Exposition or explanation of the scriptures. Acts 13:17-25

3. Progression of thought or clear direction. Acts 13:17-25

4. Heavy use of illustrations from other parts of the Bible. Acts 13:17-25

5. Exhortation or urging the listeners to apply what they are hearing. Acts 13:26,40-41 

6. Conclusion. Acts 13:40-41

7. Response of some kind (whether it be reception or rejection). Acts 13:44 

The results can occur in God-ordained preaching

Having witnessed the key elements of a Biblical sermon, what results can occur when the Word of God has been proclaimed? Notice some observations from Acts 13:44-52. 

1. Rejection Acts 13:44-47

Perhaps some readers would not had expected this first observation. True preaching that has been done Biblically and for the glory of Jesus Christ will not leave listeners wondering where the preacher stands, where the text stands or where they stand.  Jesus plainly said in Matthew 12:30 (KJV) "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." True God-centered preaching aims to get a response. Not every God-centered sermon that is preached is guaranteed to result in salvations. Truly no salvation can occur without the preaching or teaching of God's Word. Yet we know that in the Bible, whenever the Word of God was proclaimed, the so-called "squishy-middle" comprised of the non-committed was collapsed and the end result would either be those committed to Christ or those committed to opposing Christ. Clearly the refusal of the Jews in Pisidia was of their own choosing. Paul states in Acts 13:46 "Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles." The people who ended up rejecting the Gospel did so because of their own freedom to choose out of their sinful inclinations. Acts 13:50 records how the rejecters incited others to drive Paul and Barnabas out of the area. 

2. Reception. Acts 13:48-52

With the news that Paul was turning to the Gentiles with the message of salvation, a second response came forth.  After quoting Isaiah 42:6 in Acts 13:47, we read in Acts 13:48 "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." Why did these people believe? Two things were present for them to believe. For one thing the preached Word. 

Then secondly, God's elective purpose of grace, as seen in the phrase "as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." The Baptist Faith & Message explains what is meant by the term "Elective Purpose of Grace" - "Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility." These Gentiles believed freely as a result of God's choosing and Sovereign grace working through the preaching of the Word. All who trust in Christ as Savior and Lord do so because of Grace.  All who reject the claims of the Gospel about them and Christ do so because of their own choice. God ordains the means of salvation: (preaching, faith, repentance) without doing violence to a person's responsibility to trust on Jesus Christ and be saved. No one can comprehensively explain how both truths (Sovereignty & human responsibility) are true at the same time.  The Bible does not expound at length, and so neither should we.  Affirmation of both God's Sovereign purposes and man's choice have their meeting place in the event of the preaching of God's Word. 

Closing thoughts

As we conclude this post today, we identified key elements in God-ordained preaching, as well as the typical responses that can occur when Biblical preaching is done. 

Non-saving faith vs True saving faith

James 2:19 "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder."

Today's post features a curious statement made by James that designates a type of faith that we could term "non-saving faith". In James 2:14-26 James is discussing saving faith versus non-saving faith.  James deals with this subject practically in James 2:14-17 and then illustrates what he is talking about in both the doctrinal realm in 2:18-25 and physical realm in 2:18. The point of James' discussion is that true saving faith will produce works, whereas counterfeit, non-saving faith produces nothing.  James 2:18 represents the heart of James' discussion: "But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Among the details of James' discussion is an extreme illustration he gives of demons having a kind of faith in James 2:19. Such a verse may seem shocking to some, being that it is hard to imagine demons having any faith at all.  Yet the demonic realm is classified as having their doctrine right but clearly their choices, lifestyle and very nature betraying what they profess. In today's post we want to look at what distinguishes non-saving false faith from saving true faith. 

Demons and non-saving faith

Let the reader take note of the many times demons made some amazing statements to Jesus or about Jesus, and how it was clear that their faith was non-saving faith:

Matthew 8:29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (ESV)

Mark 1:24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God.” (ESV)

Mark 5:7 "And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”

Luke 4:33-34 "And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God.” (ESV)

Acts 16:17 "And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God.” (ESV)

Acts 19:15 "But the evil spirit answered them “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (ESV)

The statements recorded here in sacred scripture reveal an orthodoxy among the demonic realm that would score an "A" on any theology exam.  However with regard to their practice (their orthopraxy), they would all score a big fat "F". Why? In all of the instances just recorded, we can note the actions that followed and understand why James used such an extreme illustration in 2:19 to warn readers about the non-saving faith that truly is tantamount to having the faith of a demon.

1. Non-saving faith is selfish

2. Non-saving faith recognizes judgment but not salvation

3. Non-saving faith loves darkness more than Jesus

4. Non-saving faith bears no-fruit

5. Non-saving faith destroys the soul

6. Non-saving faith chooses to run away from Jesus

Such non-saving faith grows like a look-alike weed (a tare) alongside true believers in this world. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) Non-saving faith will ultimately choose to protect the interests of the one exercising it rather than see Jesus Christ as more excellent than the praises of men. (John 12:42-43) Such non-saving faith will get religious rather than exercise true repentance. Non-saving faith craves the excitement that comes with the Spirit's illuminations in the Gospel rather than partake and ingest the Christ of the Gospel to Whom the Spirit points. (Hebrews 6:1-8) The Apostle Paul even warns of how in the last days there will be people in congregations who gather to themselves teachers who will cater to their flesh and turn their ears away from the truth in non-saving faith. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

So how do we make sure we have saving faith?

First and foremost, if you are claiming to be a follower of Christ, and if you find yourself asking the question: "So then how do we make sure we do not have non-saving faith?", then be encouraged because only true saving faith would have such genuine concerns. Secondly, true saving faith is described by what it pursues and clings to - Jesus Christ and Him crucified, buried and risen for your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Note this encouragement right after a scathing warning about false-faith in Hebrews 6:9-11 "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end." Genuine faith has things that accompany it.


Then thirdly, true saving faith is fruitful. James' whole point in his discussion in James 2 is that the one who possess true saving faith will bear fruit. Jesus notes in Matthew 7:16-19 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits."

Closing thoughts

If in the course of reading this post you discover that you do not have true, saving faith, then take heed to the clear direction of scripture in Romans 10:8-10 "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

If on the other hand you know in whom you have believed in, and know that He is able to keep that which was committed unto Him until the time of His return (2 Timothy 1:12), then take heed of these instructions from Jude 20-25 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.