Love: The Greatest Gift

Love is one of the most talked about concepts/emotions/feelings in the world, probably for all of time.  It’s difficult to find a song, book or movie that doesn’t have at least some mention of love.

However, most of the time the love we find portrayed in popular media is of the (mushy-gushy) romantic sense.  The type of love we see portrayed in the media is typically shallow (“If you can’t be with the one you love, Love the one you’re with”), temporary (celebrity marriages), and rarely is it without some kind of overt sexual connotation.  For as much as it is talked about, sang about, and proclaimed… the word “love” is very misunderstood and often misused!

What is the value of true love?  Would it be possible to quantify love?  Much like the soul of man, love is priceless.  I'm not being cheesy, the Bible actually tells us as much!

Song of Solomon 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love All the wealth of his house, It would be utterly despised.

The price of love is far beyond the wealth of this world.  Even if we offered everything we owned in this life, the price we offered would be scoffed at.  We shouldn’t use the word “love” lightly.

Overall, I think it’s safe to say that we humans have a very limited understanding of the type of love that is mentioned in the Bible, that is commanded of Christians.  Christian love warrants further study on our part.

1 Corinthians 13

This section of scripture is often read at weddings, but deals with more than just love between spouses.  The attitude toward love described here should apply to all of our relationships in this life, including our relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

One might wonder why exactly love is the greatest of the three…  Perhaps it is because faith and hope are temporary and earth-bound , whereas love is eternal!

Without love, all is useless, there is no point, all is in vain.  As Paul wrote in the first verses of this chapter, even the miraculous ability to speak in tongues is just a bunch of noise.

Using 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 as our outline, let us study love:

Love is kind/does not behave rudely

As we seek to love others, are we being gentle and kind to them?

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another...

God commands us to love others, even those we do not know and those that we would count as enemies.

Luke 6:31-35  And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Romans 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Even when we are in the right, we need to deal gently and kindly with others.  I think it goes without saying that this applies to correcting a brother or sister in Christ as well!  We need to be aware of the tone of voice we are using and be careful in the words we speak.

Any time that we interact with someone, we need to stop and ask ourselves if we are dealing with them in a kind, loving manner or not.

Paul sums it up nicely:

1 Corinthians 16:14  Let all that you do be done with love.

Love does not envy

It’s unlikely that a heart blinded by envy can proclaim to truly love.

Notice the strong contrast between love and jealousy:

Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave;  Its flames are flames of fire, A most vehement flame.

How could these two possibly coexist?  We recognize that jealousy and love aren't a good mix in our earthly relationships so it stands to reason that envy has no place in the spiritual love we are discussing.

Galatians 5:26  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Let us monitor our feelings toward others and not allow ourselves to envy those we are seeking to love.

Love does not parade itself/is not puffed up

Our love should be revealed in subtle workings that often go unnoticed.  (Random acts of kindness?)

Our love should be true and not hypocritical in nature. Additionally, our love should be natural, not forced.  God is not impressed with us proclaiming our love for Him just for show.  Remember the example of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Luke 18:9-14  Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

God desires a humble, sincere love.

John 13:14-17 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Jesus was not only teaching a lesson of servitude to our fellow man, but also of love and humility.  In the New Testament times, washing of feet was a servant’s job.  Jesus, the very Son of God humbles Himself in the washing of His disciples’ feet.

Love does not seek its own

Love is not meant to be selfish.  Imagine what the world would be like if everyone loved only himself/herself.

Romans 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification

Love is meant to be shared!

How and with whom shall we share our love?

I'm not a big fan of the church sign marquees with their oft-repeated clever sayings.  I find them to be a bit gimmicky and cheesy, but every once in a while I find them amusing.  I read the following once a church’s sign: Jesus Others Yourself.

I feel like this is a great way to keep straight the hierarchy of who is most deserving of our love.  As always, Jesus/God must come first.  Others are next in line and we, ourselves personally, are last.  How often do we approach this love thing in a completely backwards manner?

Notice that when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He highlight love as a key component.

Mark 12:30-31 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Additionally, love is so important that Jesus made it the focus of one of His last teachings to His disciples before His crucifixion.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The fact that we are Christians should come as no surprise to others, they should be able to tell by our actions!  Unselfish love should be one of the many righteous trademarks of a Christian!

Galatians 5:13  For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Love is not provoked/ thinks no evil

All too often, we easily lose our temper with others.  We let little comments or actions get on our nerves.  Or sometimes we just automatically assume the worst in people.  When we are so easily provoked or think evil of others, these feelings can develop into hate very quickly!  But if we have a truly loving attitude towards others, this should not be so.

1 John 4:20-21  If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Apparently, the love of our fellow man is vital for even proclaiming to love God.  We cannot claim to sincerely love God if we have hate toward our brother in our heart!

Love does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth

If we truly love, we shouldn’t wish evil upon anyone; this is the attitude of a hypocrite!

Romans 12:10  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

You know, it's so sad that we can’t wait to share the latest gossip - which may or may not be true - with others.

I wonder:  Do we love others enough to share the Truth with them?

Do we love others enough to tell them about Jesus?
 

Love is longsuffering/endures all things

As Christians, we are commended not only to love one another, but to be patient with each other!

Ephesians 4:1-2  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love...

Time and time again, throughout the Bible we are told about the great longsuffering of God.  God’s love is manifested through His longsuffering: Through God’s longsuffering comes our salvation!  (2 Peter 3:14-16)

Therefore, let us seek to be patient with others as well!

Conclusion: Love never fails

Jesus stated in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."

As always, Jesus practiced what He preached, He laid down His life as a sacrifice for all.

Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Nothing could stop the love of Christ, not even the grave.  Likewise, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.

Romans 8:35-39  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I would argue that every type of love that we experience in this life (be it brother/sister, husband/wife, or mother/child) pales in comparison to the love that God has for us. It is impossible for us to fully comprehend the love of God, as a song we often sing in our worship points out:

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin.

When years of time shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men, who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call, God’s love so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race— The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made,Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above, Would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song.

As we go out into the world as Christians seeking to love others and spreading God’s message of love, let us always hold up God as our standard of ultimate love!  Let us emulate the type of love that Christ has for us!

1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11-12   Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

The Way of Escape

Imagine finding yourself trapped in a burning building.

The ravenous flames surround you and draw nearer and nearer.  Thick billows of black, suffocating smoke swirl around your head and fill your aching lungs.  The wall and ceiling creak, threatening to collapse at any minute and bury you alive in the inferno.

What would you do in such a nightmarish situation?

Undoubtedly, you would do everything you could to survive and frantically search for a way out!

As Christians, we face a more subtle, but no less dangerous firestorm:  The onslaught of temptation.  We live in a world in which we can’t help but be nearly constantly surrounded by temptation in a variety of forms.

Unfortunately, the enticement to give into sinful desires is intertwined into our self-centered culture.  Whether it’s through entertainment, unjust laws of the land, or peer pressure, we are constantly at risk of being lured into approving of or engaging in sin.

Without doubt, the call to not “conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2) is not always easy.  However, we must recognize that the struggle to avoid sin is not a completely impossible, hopeless endeavor.  In fact, God Himself offers us relief!

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

God promises a means of side-stepping the snares of sin by allowing us avenues by which we can avoid temptation altogether!

Why Seek to Avoid Temptation?

The world might perceive little danger in a little temptation, especially since it’s so prevalent and all but unavoidable.  As we’ve already discussed, the world is constantly bombarding us with countless forms of temptation.

If we can’t help but be tempted, why not indulge in it… just a little?

We can go see that movie with the steamy sex scene as long as we’re not involved in actual physical adultery, right?  We can listen to music with the lewd and profane language as long as we’re not saying it ourselves, right?  We can listen to gossip, as long as we’re not participating, right? After all, one might argue, as long as you’re not actually involved in a sinful deed, it’s not technically a sin...  Right?

Turning to the Bible, we see that this reasoning could actually be far more harmful than we realize…

James 1:13-15  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

The problem is that sin is progressive in nature.  What starts out as a simple, seemingly harmless temptation can easily lead to desire, which can eventually lead to a sinful action leading to condemnation, spiritual death.

The devil is always seeking ways to subvert the will of God.  The phrase “give someone an inch and they will drag you a mile comes to mind.”  When we indulge a “just a little” temptation it’s just a matter of time before we’re caught up in sin.  Basically, when we allow indulgence in temptation, we are setting ourselves up for failure.

Jesus Himself points out that sin originates in the heart.

Matthew 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus essentially equates sinning within the heart with the outward sinful action.  Perhaps this is because God knows all too well that it is in the heart that sin originates.

Furthermore, another danger of yielding to temptation can be hardening of the heart.  Willful overexposure to temptation cannot only lead to engaging in sin, but –far worse – it could also lead to sin no longer being perceived as wrong!

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

This kind of ambivalent attitude toward temptation and sin can lead to further problems.  Merely indulging in temptation can become less and less exciting until only actually participating in sin will satisfy desire.  Thus, sinning becomes easier and easier until it is habitual.

In the case of a Christian, this attitude can lead to hypocrisy and a return to their previously condemned state!

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

The simple truth is this…  We cannot afford to willfully allow ourselves to be tempted!  We must seek that way of escape God promised!

Escaping Temptation

Now that we are familiar with the dangers of temptation, let’s discuss how we can actively avoid it and look for those ways of escape mentioned back in 1 Corinthians.

The most basic means of escaping temptation is the most obvious.  If we want to avoid temptation we should steer clear of sin in general.

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

While this verse is very broad (and possibly misinterpreted – “all appearance” can also be translated, “every form” or “every kind”), I think there’s a simple truth being presented here:  If it seems wrong, in all likelihood it probably is wrong.  The moment we see red flags pop up that something might be sinful or present us with temptation, we need to immediately turn the other direction!

The Temptation of Lust

A great example of a seemingly unavoidable temptation is that of lust.

This particular temptation is ridiculously prevalent in our already sin-saturated world.  It’s difficult to go anywhere without the potential for being tempted to engage in lust, even in the home!  Turning on the TV in the living room it usually takes just a few short minutes before you find yourself bombarded with sexually-charged programming in the form of movies, shows, and even commercials on “family friendly” networks!  Immodest dress, proactive advertising, and lewd dancing are increasingly difficult to avoid in our society – and that’s even without the added influence of the Internet!

So what are we to do in the face of such widespread temptation?

Jesus called for very desperate measures in the avoidance of lust…

Matthew 5:29-30 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

We could debate the literalness of Jesus’ statement, but let’s instead focus on his point:  No temptation is worth going to Hell for.  If something is causing us to sin, we need to get rid of it!

So maybe the TV, computer, or smartphone is proving too much of a problem and we simply can’t handle the enticement of the lustful media it offers.  Why not get rid of such devices?  I suppose in our society this would be about as drastic as the dismemberment Jesus suggests in Matthew 5!

I can’t remember where, but I once heard someone say the following about resisting the temptation to lust.  Basically, you simply cannot avoid the “first look”.  If a scantily clad specimen of the opposite sex walks into your sightline, you can’t help but catch a glimpse…  The temptation is right there in front of you!  You can’t be faulted for that, you have not sinned in that instance.  However, you do have a choice in what to do next.  You can prevent that “second look” or lingering stare.  Whether or not you choose to further pursue that temptation into lust and sin is your choice.  As with all things concerning the Christian walk, it all comes down to self-control.

Of course that means of escape only works if you are actively, genuinely seeking it.   It’s obvious that if you willingly put yourself in a position in which the temptation of lust is completely overwhelming that you are far more likely to succumb.  In other words, someone actually seeking to avoid the lure of lust isn’t going to head to the local strip club or nude beach.

In less ridiculous examples and more realistic situations, if you have a problem with lust and are truly trying to overcome it, change the channel, impose website self-restrictions, or simply look the other way.   Like one trying to escape the house fire, don’t run headlong into the flames!  If you don’t want to get burned, don’t play with fire!

Switching gears for a bit, I’d like to discuss dating…  As a former young person, I know all too well the lustful temptations that dating can bring.  To those who are dating, I offer the following suggestions for avoiding the temptation of lust:  First, only date someone who has the intentions of marriage.  If marriage isn’t something that they want, you probably shouldn’t be dating them in the first place.  Likewise if you yourself don’t have intentions to marry, then perhaps you shouldn’t be dating anyone.  Marriage is indeed about love, but in addition to that marriage serves an important role in the avoidance of adultery.  Sex is intended by God to be between a husband and wife.
Paul spoke about the principles of marriage stating this very point.  In the process of discussing marriage, he suggested that unmarried Christians should remain so (perhaps recognizing that even something as admirable as starting a family could distract from commitment to God).  However, he knew that humans have basic sexual desires and pointed out the following.

1 Corinthians 7:9  ...But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Basically:  If the temptation of lust is so great, one should seek marriage rather than risk succumbing to sin.

Finally, if you do find someone that has the ultimate intention of getting married, please remember that the person you are dating is what I like to call your “potential future spouse”.  If you truly love them, then you should care enough about their spiritual welfare to not do anything to jeopardize their commitment to “keeping the marriage bed holy” (Hebrews 13:4).  Obviously, if your significant other is pressuring you to do something you do not want to do, then the question is:  Do they truly love you or do they have other, less noble intentions?

Overcoming Peer Pressure

Another form of temptation that we all face is the influence of our family, friends, and co-workers.  Peer pressure can operate very subtly and Our peers can cause us to fall into sin in ways we don’t immediately recognize.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Proverbs 22:24-25  Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.

Just a few examples of the detrimental impact of peer pressure:  Family can influence your beliefs on doctrinal issues that aren’t scripturally sound.  Friends with potty mouths can alter your vocabulary, causing you to share in their profanity.  Your co-workers can lead you to be involved in workplace gossip.  On a much larger scale, society as a whole can pressure you on societal norms, getting you to soften your stance on spiritual issues that you otherwise would not.

Unfortunately we cannot always avoid the influence of peers and situations such as these can happen without us even realizing it.  So how do we combat peer pressure?

In this case, I say fight fire with fire;  If “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6) then I think you need to choose your company wisely!

Proverbs 13:20 (GNT) Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

I can think of no better company for a Christian than with fellow Christians.  The Church, the body of Christ is designed by God in such a way that Christians can come together not only to worship, but to help build each other up!

Ephesians 2:20-22  …Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,  in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Fellow Christians need each other.  The Christian walk can be such a lonely walk.  We need not bear our burdens alone.  I can think of so many instances when I was feeling down during the course of a week and a Wednesday night Bible study filled me with such encouragement and new energy.  The company of fellow obedient believers who are truly dedicated to God’s work has a positive impact that can’t we can’t afford to neglect coming together as often as we meet.

Jesus famously says in Matthew 18:20 that “…where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Again, I can think of no better company!

Are You Looking for a Way of Escape?

This question which serves as our final point can work on two completely different levels.

First of all, when we are confronted with temptation, do we genuinely seek a means of escape or not?

Unfortunately, we can all probably think back to too many instances in which we knew for a fact that we were being tempted, but allowed ourselves to continue down that path toward committing a sin.  We might even lie to ourselves, telling ourselves that we “had no choice”, as if someone was holding a gun to our head, compelling us to sin.

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
If I may turn a phrase to make a point:  “To him that knows to not do evil - but does it anyway - to him it is sin.”

Since God offers us a means of escape, we have no excuse!  If we allow ourselves to be tempted, it’s our own fault!

You might have even heard someone go as far to say that God Himself was responsible for the temptation that led to their sin; that they were being tested and that they failed.  As if God was guilty of their wrongdoing!

Obviously, this is simply not the truth.

James 1:13  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

As we discussed earlier in this lesson, one is “drawn away by his own desires” (James 1:14).  God is not responsible for sin, it is the sinner who bears that burden!

Romans 6:1-3 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

As Christians we must be actively seeking an escape from temptation and be actively avoiding sin!

But what if one is not yet a Christian?

To those I would ask the same question, but with a slight rewording:  Are you looking for a way of escape from the burden of sin?

If so, you are in for the greatest blessing you could possible receive:  A chance at redemption.

Perhaps you are sincerely looking for an escape from sin, but have not yet taken that first step.  If this be the case, please do not delay.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:3-5  Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Many of us just celebrated Thanksgiving and spent the day sharing meals with friends and family and reflecting on the blessings we’ve had this past year.

Of course we understand that this is not truly a Christian holiday, but rather a national holiday instituted by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. However it is interesting to read the introduction of his original proclamation which states:  “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”

It's difficult to imagine an American President making such a statement in today's political climate of religious pluralism!

The dictionary defines Thanksgiving as "the expression of gratitude, esp. to God."

To the Christian, this attitude of thanksgiving should not merely limited to one day a year.  We should always be thankful to God!

Why Should We be Thankful?

In studying thankfulness, I suppose this is a fair question.

I would answer this question with another:  Where would we be without God?

David sums this up nicely.

Psalm 8:4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

In the grand scheme of things, considering the vast size of the planet and, beyond that, the infinity-spanning proportions of the Universe, what is man?  Isn't it amazing that God considers us at all?  And yet we read throughout the Bible that God not only acknowledges our existence, but He loves us and cares for us!

Psalm 100:3-5  Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Ultimately, we owe our very existence to God.  Above all others He is most certainly worthy of our praises of gratitude!

The Spiritual Danger of Being Unthankful 

Recall the account of Jesus and the ten lepers...

Luke 17:11-19 – Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks…  Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God,  and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.  So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

Here were these men who had a terrible, incurable disease and Jesus healed each one of them!  And yet we read that only one returned to express his gratitude!

How many times have we ourselves neglected to express our thankfulness to God?  

Is it surprising to hear that being unthankful could actually be hazardous to our spiritual health?  The Bible actually tells us just that!

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, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

It’s strange to think that one could make go from believing in God to suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and yet that it exactly what we see described here in the first chapter of Romans!
What was the mistake that led these people astray?  The text states that “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful.”  We see that they failed to give God the glory and thanks and, as a result, they “became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Let’s read a bit further…

Romans 1:24-25  Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

In becoming ungrateful and unthankful, we fail to glorify God.  This attitude of ingratitude can easily turn into pride.  How easily the prideful attitude manifests itself!

How often do we hear something akin to the following:  “I worked to get where I am.  I earned everything I have.  I am a self-made man!”

Basically,  when we fail to be thankful and give the glory to God, we begin to confuse ourselves with God!  We take credit for His blessings as if they came from ourselves.  We worship the creature instead of our Creator!  It isn't long before this arrogance could manifest itself in the substituting our will in the place of God’s…  And then we wonder why society is in the state that it is in!

If we are not careful, our attitude can be the same as Lucifer’s and we can share in his eventual fate.

Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven,  O Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

It may seem like a big leap for a believer to go from simply being unthankful to being lumped into the same category as Satan, but we know that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” and that sin is progressive in nature.  We must always strive to maintain a thankful rapport with God and express our gratitude toward Him!

Thankfulness is Commanded

It's easy to think of thankfulness as little more than a societal convention, to think that showing gratitude is something we do to merely avoid a breach in etiquette or come off as rude.

However, throughout the Bible we can see that a thankful attitude is actually commanded by God.

Psalm 50:14 Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High.

In fact, just as we are commanded to pray without ceasing, we are to also give thanks in everything!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Furthermore, we read that giving thanks is as much a part of worship as singing and edification.

Ephesians 5:19-20  ...Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,  giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Therefore we see that our gratitude is actually an essential part of being a Christian!

Just a Few Blessings to be Thankful for…

Nearly anytime my preacher talked about prayer he would recall a story from when his son was just a young boy.  His son once asked to lead the prayer before they began their supper which pleased his father greatly!  The child began his prayer by thanking God for the blessing of the food they were about to eat.  Then he went on to thank God for his mother and father.  He continued by thanking God for his grandparents, cousins, and other members of the extended family.  Finally, just before his parents were about to ask him to cut short his wonderful, but long-winded prayer, sometime before the food got cold, the boy concluded by thanking God for the air he breathed.

If only we were as mindful of God's blessings as this child!  

We take so much for granted and have so very much to be thankful for!

For now, however, let's focus on just three of God's blessings...

God’s Creation

Everything we see around us was created by God.

Psalm 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world.  In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Indeed, it amazes me that anyone could look up into the night sky and doubt that there is a God.

It's interesting that this passage points out the Sun, which we know is essential to life on Earth.  From the Sun that provides the Earth with light and heat to the air we breathe, God is the maker of all things!

God’s Providence

God continually provides us with what we need to survive in this life.  He gladly bestows upon us the physical blessings he knows that we need.

Matthew 6:25-34  Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I think that a major part of being thankful is being content with what God has given us.

Unfortunately, in recent years, it seems that the Thanksgiving holiday has been overshadowed by “Black Friday”.  It is ironic and very sad that a holiday established to encourage thankfulness is being overshadowed by a consumer motivated event punctuated by greed.

1 Timothy 6:6-8  Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain  we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  

God’s Love

In addition to all of the physical blessings God has so freely given to us, He also has granted us an amazing abundance of spiritual blessings.

Consider this:  According to God’s standards of righteousness, none of us should be saved.

Romans 3:23 ...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...

We see that through our own actions, we are guilty of sin and our just reward should be punishment and condemnation.  And yet, reading a bit further we find that God loves us so much that He gives us mercy and forgiveness through the sacrifice of His Son.

Romans 6:23 (continued)  ...But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:6-8  For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

If that doesn’t warrant thanksgiving to God, I don’t know what does!

Conclusion:  Count Your Blessings!  Be Thankful to God!

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Along with faith, righteousness, and so many other virtues described in the Bible, an attitude of thankfulness and a eagerness to express gratitude should be the trademark of a true Christian!

Think about the following quote:  “What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?”

If this were to be the case, how many of us would be left with anything at all?

Let us never forget from where our blessings come, always be thankful, and thank God for all that He does for us!

Christians and Patriotism

They say that there are two things to never discuss:  Religion and Politics.  But, being more than a little hard-headed and never one go along with conventional wisdom, I’m going to go ahead and discuss both!

This lesson may ruffle some feathers and step on some toes, but I think it’s particularly needful given the current situation our nation finds itself in at this time.

To say that this election season has been tumultuous would be a massive understatement! Unfortunately, when politics are involved, it seems that the worst in people is typically brought out, regardless of whether or not a high-stakes election is coming up.

Through the course of it all, I have been forced to examine myself in many ways.

Can Christians be Patriotic?

Consider this a confession of my shortcomings:  Several years ago when I first graduated from college I became very interested in politics.  I was constantly reading articles on political news and sharing my opinion with others, many times trying to defend my viewpoint against theirs.  It got to be so bad that I couldn’t hardly stand to watch certain political figures or listen to them speak without my blood pressure rising.  I would say things in political debates that I would later be ashamed of saying.

After years and years of this I looked back and realized that I needed to make some changes.  I made a pledge to myself that I would do my best to tone it all down, keep my opinion to myself as much as possible and maybe not get caught up in the news so much.  Of course, this is something that is obviously easier said than done!

I have always been proud to call myself an American.  I feel that in many ways our country is uniquely blessed.  I respect the sacrifices that have been made by so many for the freedoms that we enjoy, so envied by others around the world.  Certainly, the freedom of religion is something I am particularly thankful for as a Christian.

However, despite all this I sometimes wonder:  Can Christians be patriotic?

A Christian’s Obligation to Government

Certainly, Christians have obligations to whatever government of whichever nation they reside in.
Christians must submit to the government’s authority. We are told that governments are put into place by God Himself for our own good.

Romans 13:1-2 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,  or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

(Side note:  We can even take advantage of our citizenship to further the Christian cause, just as Paul did in Acts 22.  Some in our own society seek to silence the spreading of the Gospel in reminding us of the Bible’s commands to submit to the government.  In such situations we can gently remind them of our freedom of religion and First Amendment rights.)


Christians must pay taxes.

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.


Christians must obey the law of the land.

Titus 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good…


Of course, if the laws of the land go against God’s commandments then God’s law supersedes the laws of man.

Acts 5:27-29  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men…”

However, in spite of our obligations to the government, we must remember that Christians are in a very unique position.

A Christian’s True Citizenship

It is Christ who has ultimate authority, even over all the governments of the world.

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…”

We are called to be in the world, but not to go along with the world.

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…

We are told to not get too caught up in the temporary matters of this world and focus instead on the work that God would have us to do.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Therefore, while we all may be Americans and we all may care very deeply about the course of this nation, we cannot allow our zeal for the United States overshadow our devotion to Christ!  We can’t allow ourselves to get so caught up in being Americans that we forget to be Christians!

Patriotism as Idol Worship

Patriotism could in some ways be considered a form of idol worship.  As we have already established, our faith and adoration should be for Christ alone, all other things should be secondary at best.
Some people have elevated the Founding Fathers of our country to a very revered status.  To some, the U.S. Constitution is almost as highly regarded as the Bible.  While America is indeed quite exceptional, we must realize that like any other man-made institution it is ultimately fallible and therefore imperfect as anything else in the world.

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So many seem put all their hope, trust, and faith into a political party or candidate, but we must recognize that no politician can save us.

In fact, one could make the argument that the very reason our nation has come to be in the state it is in is due to the individual citizens.  Recall that the Israelites desired to be like other nations and demanded that they have a king to rule over them.  God relented and allowed them to do as they pleased and have their king (1 Samuel 8).

When we lift up any candidate in such a way, we are rejecting God and His authority.

Matthew 6:24  No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other…

(While this verse is describing how Christians cannot serve God and riches I believe the same point could apply to anything we allow to supplant God’s authority.)

Political Disagreements

Further problems can be caused by yielding our allegiance to a political party instead of trusting God is that we can allow ourselves to lose focus on God’s will rather than man’s.

Furthermore, many people are so dedicated to their chosen political party that they may make compromises when it comes to being a Christian.  If we are going to be completely honest with ourselves, no political party’s ideals or platforms completely align to God’s commandments.  Conservative or Liberal, Democrat or Republican, these man-made ideologies all fall short of God's standard.

People are very passionate about their opinions and in the course of disagreeing with others, they can be very unloving.  They may call each other names, spread vicious rumors about a particular candidate, or flat-out lie to make some kind of point.  Christians cannot allow themselves to participate in such vile discourse!

Matthew 5:22  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[a] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

We are only temporary residents of this world.  Again, if indeed our true citizenship is within the Kingdom of Heaven, then we need to conduct ourselves accordingly.

1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,  having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

When we get caught up in political discussion, find ourselves in the heat of the moment and subsequently lose our cool, we misrepresent our calling.  Jesus reminds us of just how important it is that our conduct remains holy in all situations.

Matthew 5:13-16  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We Must Love Christ Over All

Christ tells us that He is to be loved and adored over all.

Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

We have discussed this verse before.  When Jesus used the word “hate” in this verse He used a hyperbole to emphasize His point.  Of course Jesus doesn’t want us to actually hate anyone, but He does want us to love Him above all others.

If Jesus made this demand in relation to our earthly families whom we love so dearly, then don’t you think that He expects that we love Him more than our home country as well?

Walking the Tightrope

I want to be sure to clarify that the point of this lesson is not to say that we have to do away with any sense of national pride that we might have or that we shouldn’t participate in the upcoming election.

My point is that we cannot allow ourselves to forget that our true citizenship is the Kingdom of God, that Christ is the one to whom all authority belongs, and that we need to let those  our devotion to these truths define us rather than anything within this world.

But as we live in this world, we walk the tightrope of the Narrow Way.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

If it were easy, everyone would do it.  As it is with so many other things in the Christian walk, striking just the right balance is the key.

How do we find the equilibrium of being both a proud American and a dedicated servant of God?

Pray for God’s Will to be Done – Ultimately, it is God’s will that shall be done...  Regardless of the world's stubborn resistance.  Therefore we should always pray for God’s hand to guide us in all things.  With this in mind we should thusly pray for our nation and our leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-2  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

How do we interact with others when political disagreements become the topic of discussion?

Remember the “Golden Rule” – It’s OK to disagree with the political ideologies of others, but let’s be very careful to not let things get out of hand if we do respond.  We don’t want to be marginalized or insulted, so let’s not ridicule others.

Luke 6:31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.


Listen – Sometimes we need to temporarily forego those First Amendment rights and bite our tongue in certain situations.  We should listen to someone else’s viewpoint rather than merely seek to make a rebuttal of some kind.

James 1:19 So then,  my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…


Be Loving – When we inevitably meet someone we don’t see eye to eye with and they begin to say awful things to us, let’s resist the urge to retaliate.  Let Christ's love be evident in our words and actions.

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

Conclusion:  Our Heavenly Citizenship

A point that resurfaced time and again throughout this lesson was the idea of citizenship within the Kingdom of Heaven.

While here on this Earth so many revere America as a united nation, the Kingdom of Heaven is even greater as it sets aside all ethnicity, social status, and gender.

And as sad is it is to say, it’s simply the truth that America is only temporary.  Whether it ends tomorrow due to threats from without or within or it lasts even until the Day of Judgement, America will end.  But that greater kingdom will last forever.

But how do we obtain citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom?

Galatians 3:26-28 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Defeating Fear

Fear is one of the most primal parts of the human psyche.  At best it can cause us to be careful and, in some cases, even serve to motivate us.

Some Things We Should Fear

Some fears are instinctive and essential to our survival.  Newborn babies are born with a fear of falling.  Even in our technologically advanced society we have a natural fear of predators.  Such innate fears encourage us to exercise caution in certain situations.

Fear can also cause us to gain an appreciation, a deep respect in some instances.

In a somewhat similar fashion it is wise to fear God.

Matthew 10:28  Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both the soul and the body in Hell.

If we truly fear (deeply respect) God, we will do what He commands without question.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  Fear God and keep His commandments because this applies to every person.

Some fears can actually be beneficial in the spiritual realm.  For example, we are told to flee sinful conduct.

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

However, at this point I would like to turn focus toward the negative aspects of fear.  We know all too well that being afraid can have detrimental effects.  Fear can get the best of us and can be absolutely crippling, hindering us from being all that we could be, doing all that we could do.

The Pitfalls of Fear

In the physical sense, fear can limit our ability to live life to the fullest.  Some people have severe phobias that hinder them from flying, taking an elevator, or even climbing a ladder.  Others have such extreme phobias that they won’t even leave their houses.

Less severe, more common fears still limit people from reaching their full potential in life.  People can be afraid of failure and may never even risk trying, forfeiting life-changing opportunities.  Some may miss out potentially great relationships due to being afraid of commitment.  Others cave to societal pressure and fear the opinion of others, conforming to behavior that might be completely contrary to their nature!

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.” – Frank Herbert, Dune

Think of what you wouldn’t have accomplished in your life if you always gave in to fear.  Think of all the opportunities you could have missed out on if you hadn’t mustered up the resolve to grit your teeth and face the challenges of life head on.

Sometimes we can be so afraid of something that we fail to realize that what we are afraid of really isn’t worth the worry.  How many times have you found that to be the truth?  How many times have you faced up to something you dreaded only to come out unscathed on the other end?

“I’ve worried about a great many things, but most of them never happened.” – Mark Twain

Fear is as limitless as the imagination because most usually fear is of the unknown, things which have not yet come to pass.  Therefore fear only has the limitations we ourselves place upon it.

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Spiritual Consequences of Fear

Fear can also thwart us in our Christian walk.

Fear reveals that we are not yet perfected servants of God.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Fear reveals a lack of faith.

Matthew 8:26  But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39-40  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

We could even do as far as to say that fear is actually the opposite of faith!

Fear can hinder us from serving God.

In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told the Parable of the Talents.  Notice what it was that prevented the wicked servant from doing as his master commanded.

Matthew 25:25-26  And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.

As you might recall this was not pleasing to the master in the parable.  Likewise, God is not pleased when we allow our fears to keep up from performing our Christian duties.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

“Do not Fear”

It’s interesting to notice that “Do not fear” is one of the most often repeated commands in the Bible!  In fact, aside from Jesus’ teachings of loving others, the rejection of fear (Do not fear/Do not be afraid/Fear not/Take courage) appears to be a major point of Jesus’ message across the Gospels!
While there are countless fears that we could succumb to, we must realize that none of these fears excuse us from serving God!

The Apostle Paul recognized the challenges presented by fear.

2 Corinthians 7:5  For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side:  conflicts without, fears within…

However, we know that Paul pressed on to do the Lord's work!

Even Jesus Himself confronted fear – recall His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane – He had to overcome great fear to fulfill His mission on Earth and go through the anguish of the cross.

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”  - John Wayne

So how do we defeat fear?

David and Goliath

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of defeating fear is the account of David and Goliath.  Recall that during this time that the Israelites were battling against the Philistines.  Their champion was the giant Goliath who was around nine feet tall, covered in heavy armor, brandishing a huge spear.  The Philistine mocked the Israelites and challenged them to send out their own champion to challenge him in one-to-one combat.

1 Samuel 17:11,24 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid; And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid.

Around this time David – at this point a young shepherd no older than 15 – came to the Israelite camp to deliver food to his brothers.  Upon hearing the words of Goliath, David questioned the soldiers asking who would dare defy the armies of the living God? David volunteered to go out and fight the giant, only with his staff, sling, and five stones…  The very tools he used to defend his flocks as a shepherd!  David reasoned:  “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

What was it that made David so confident in the face of the Philistine giant, the one who so many others feared?

Draw Your Strength from God

Notice that David was not afraid of Goliath because he drew His strength from a Higher Power.

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Likewise when we face our own seemingly insurmountable challenges, we should let God be our strength!  While we may never face a Philistine giant, God can be our strength in times when we are weak and afraid.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Seek the Reassurance of God

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane knowing that in a few agonizing hours that He would be marching to His death, what did He do?  Recall that He prayed, seeking the reassurance of God!

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 56:3  Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

As always, we cannot allow ourselves to overlook the power of prayer.  God offers comfort to us in times of distress. When we are afraid we need to pray to God for relief.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Focus on Pleasing God Alone

Remember throughout the account of David and Goliath that David kept giving the glory to God.  Through His submission David found victory on the battlefield.  We must do the same in our spiritual warfare against the Devil.  God promises us victory when we trust in Him alone!

James 4:7  Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Additionally, if we focus on pleasing God and God alone, we can let go of the fear of societal pressures.  We should not concern ourselves with what everyone else is doing and feel ashamed of being the odd one out.  Instead, we should focus on God’s will and seek to please Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence:  “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?”

Study God’s Word for Encouragement

The word “Gospel” translated from the Greek literally means “Good News”!  We don’t have to look too hard in the Bible to find words that will embolden and encourage us when circumstances are uncertain.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conclusion:  “There’s a Great Day Coming”

Do You Fear the Judgement Day?

We sometimes in my home congregation sing the song “Are You Ready?”

I remember when that song used to fill me with a degree of anxiety as the lyrics asked:  “There’s a Great Day coming… Are you ready…  For the Judgement Day?”

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Do You Fear the Judgement Day?

As inevitable as our own death, the Judgement day is coming…

Hebrews 9:27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment…

Do these verses cause you to feel a sense of dread?  Perhaps the matter of your salvation is unresolved?  Maybe you need to seek a closer relationship with God?

Do You Fear the Judgement Day?

You Don’t Have To!

One who walks with God as He should and has made the appropriate preparations has no reason to fear…  The coming of the Judgement Day should actually fill us with hope!

Hebrews 9:28 ...So also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.

Christ died so that we could have a closer relationship with God through the forgiveness of our sins.

If you haven’t taken that first step in becoming a Christian, why not remove that burden of fear and instead seek the hope and certainty that Christ offers?