Hope Now Bible Church: Fresno, California

Standing for Truth: Studies in the Life of Elijah

Sometimes it is difficult to stand up for the truth. People may think that it is easier to tip-toe around the truth in order to not offend anyone. As the saying goes, "The truth hurts." Many times it seems beneficial to tell a lie instead of the truth so that the pain might be lessened. What does God say about truth?

Jesus said it best, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32.) Christians should always love the truth.

In our study this week we find Elijah poised and ready to speak the truth to King Ahab and 450 prophets of Baal. In the story, found in 1 Kings 18, the truth literally hurts, to the point of death for some.

THE BACKGROUND

Last time we discovered that the nation of Israel had split in two. The Kingdom of Judah was located in the south and the Kingdom of Israel was in the north. Israel was now ruled by King Ahab. He had turned away from the one true God and was worshiping a false god named Baal. Baal had been brought to Israel by Ahab's wife Jezebel. False prophets had arisen in the kingdom and the people were living in sin, even going so far as performing human sacrifices and promoting sexual immorality.

It was at this time that God raised up a prophet named Elijah. The name Elijah means "Jehovah is God." Elijah was sent to prove that Jehovah, not Baal is truly God.

We left off last time (See study, Obeying God in Times of Sensuality) with Elijah telling Ahab that because he had gone after other gods, Jehovah was going to hold back dew and rain from Israel for a prolonged period of time (1 Kings 17:1.)

With that warning, Elijah left the presence of King Ahab and hid by a brook where God performed a miracle allowing "ravens to feed [him] there" (1 Kings17:4.)

THE YEARS OF DROUGHT PASS BY

As the days, weeks, months and years of the drought passed by, the brook where Elijah had been living dried up. God commanded him to go to the town of Zaraphath where he lived out the rest of the drought in the home of a widow and her son. It is there that Elijah performed two miracles which caused the widow to proclaim, "I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth" (1 Kings 17:9-24.)

GOD IS READY TO END THE DROUGHT

In the third year of the drought (1 Kings 18:1), God commanded Elijah to go confront King Ahab (See 1 Kings 18:1-16.)

AHAB AND ELIJAH MEET (1 Kings 18:17,18)

It had been three long years. Drought ravaged the land of Israel and Ahab blamed Elijah, "You troubler of Israel." Elijah replied that he was not the one who caused the drought, rather it was because Ahab "Abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals" Elijah placed the blame for the drought that undoubtedly killed many animals and people squarely on the shoulders of Ahab. Elijah was ready to prove to Ahab that there was only one true God in Israel. The proof would come through a challenge or contest between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.

THE CONTESTANTS (1 Kings 18:19)

For the contest Elijah told Ahab to get all the prophets of Baal (all 450 of them) and the 400 prophets of Asherah and bring them up to Mt. Carmel.

It appeared that Ahab controlled the 450 prophets of Baal and Jezebel controlled the 400 prophets of Asherah -- since Jezebel was away at the time, only the 450 prophets of Baal showed up for the contest.

ELIJAH ADDRESSES CROWD (1 Kings 18: 20,21)

Elijah issues his first stern warning to the Israelite people, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21.)

The people were trying to combine both the worship of Baal and Jehovah. They weren't bold about either belief. Elijah tells them that they're like lame people, limping around and never able to stand firm in one spot.

"The people did not answer him a word." They knew they were wishy-washy. They were convicted. They most likely hung their heads in shame--they couldn't look him in the eye. They believed in Jehovah, but Baal was at the center of their lives.

[Whatever is at the center of your life is your god. What are you "Limping" between? What god is holding you back from worshiping and serving the One True God?]

THE CONTEST RULES (1 Kings 18:22-25)

It was time for the contest to begin. Elijah announced the teams:

For Jehovah: 1, Elijah.
For Baal: 450, prophets.

1 against 450

Two bulls were to be brought to the top of the mountain. The prophets of Baal would get to choose first -- whichever bull they wanted. Then, they were to cut the bull in pieces and lay it on the wood, but not light a fire. Elijah told King Ahab that he would do the same.

Then, the prophets of Baal were to call upon the name of their god and Elijah would call upon the name of the LORD.

Whichever God answered by fire, "He is God." Everyone agreed to the rules of the contest!

IT'S ON! (1 Kings18:26-29)

After the prophets of Baal prepared the bull, they began to call out to their god but "no one answered" (vs.26.)

By noon Elijah began to mock them.

• "He is a god." Literally Elijah is saying "Come on! Baal is your supreme god -- Cry out louder to him!"
• "Either he is musing." Maybe he is not answering because he is deep in meditation?
• "He is relieving himself." Maybe Baal is on the toilet?
• "Or on a journey." Did he step out for a moment?
• "Perhaps he is asleep." If you shout loud enough you may be able to wake him up!

And so the prophets continued on, shouting louder, cutting themselves with their swords. Verse 29 says "They raved on." In other words, they were delirious, irrational and wild.

But "There was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention."

The altar, the wood and the bull looked the same as it had earlier in the day. Their god, Baal had failed to light the altar on fire.

NOW IT'S ELIJAH'S TURN (1 KINGS 18: 30-35)

At one time there had been an altar to the Lord on Mt. Carmel. Now, Elijah began the task of repairing it. He began by taking 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel -- by doing so Elijah was making the statement that all of Israel should worship Jehovah.

He put the wood and the bull on the altar exactly as the prophets of Baal had done. But instead of mimicking the prophets of Baal took it a step further.

He dug a trench around the altar and ordered "Four jars with water" be poured on the bull and the wood. He had the people do this three times -- 12 jars of water soaking the bull, the wood and filling the trench.

ELIJAH'S PRAYER AND GOD'S ANSWER (1 KINGS 18:36-38)

Rather than running around the altar and chanting like the prophets of Baal did, Elijah calmly turned his attention to the God of heaven. He gave praise to the Lord, and God heard his prayer and answered by sending a fire from the sky so great that it "consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."

THE PEOPLE BELIEVE AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL ARE KILLED (1 KINGS 18:39-40)

Who wouldn't believe? The prophets of Baal had tried for hours to bring fire to their altar, but had failed. Elijah prayed a simple prayer and God answered it quickly and violently.

The prophets of Baal were put to death for various reasons. First, they were promoting a false religion that was leading people astray from the One True God. Second, they had been guilty of putting people to death through human sacrifices which in itself was punishable by death.

LESSONS FROM THE PASSAGE

1. We have to choose whom we are going to serve; God, or our own pleasures.

Jezebel was intent on wiping out the worship of God (1 Kings 18:4), but the people, and even King Ahab still kept one foot in the door. The Bible says "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). God wants your whole heart. "You cannot serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13).

2. It takes courage to stand for truth.

Elijah stood alone and proclaimed the truth of God. Who do you need to proclaim the truth of God to? Maybe you are the only Christian in your family and you need to tell them the truth of Jesus Christ and his free gift of eternal life? Perhaps you need to stand for truth among your friends? Whatever the case, like Elijah, it will take courage which only comes from God.

3. The truth sets us free.

When the Israelites finally believed, they were set free from the sin of Baal worship. Their hearts were turned back to God. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32.) That's what truth does, it sets us free! Do you need to be set free from some sin that is consuming you? Then, turn your heart to God.

4. God always answers our prayers when we call on him in truth.

The Bible says, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them" (Psalm 145:18.)

WHAT IS TRUTH?

Like the Israelites, it is easy for us to get caught or trapped in our culture. We are told by the media and by Hollywood stars that it's okay to fulfill our own desires. Whatever makes you feel good, do it! Just listen to your heart. Yet Scripture gives us many clear cut examples of truth. Let's examine a few of them:

1. It is true from Scripture that homosexuality is wrong.

1 Corinthians 6:9 says that those who practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Bible goes on to say the same about lesbianism (Romans 1:26). God calls it vile or debased. Debased means degraded -- the lowest possible place to be.

The world is chipping away at our minds, trying to convince us that homosexuality is okay. Let people be who they are, they say. What a dangerous philosophy to follow. What if a person is a pedophile? Should we let him "be the way he is?" What if a person is a murderer? Do we let him run loose in society? No, there are natural laws that everyone knows are wrong. We all know that molesting a child is wrong; we all know that murder is wrong, likewise, we all know that homosexuality is wrong because it goes against the "natural relations" of a man and a woman. But the Bible says that even though people know homosexuality is wrong, there will be some who continue to "give approval to those who practice [it]" (Romans 1:32)

2. It is true from Scripture that adultery is wrong.

The book of Job calls adultery a "heinous crime" (Job 31:11.) The word heinous means hateful or totally reprehensible. Another word to describe heinous would be wicked.

Adultery rips at the heart of the family. It destroys the union of a man and woman and crushes the spirit of the children.

Rather, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies and women are to respect their husbands. Marriage is a picture of Jesus Christ (the groom) and what he does for the church (his bride.)

We are to "flee" adultery (1 Corinthians 6:18.)

3. It is true that it is wrong for a Christian to marry a non-Christian.

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" (1 Corinthians 6:14.) The idea here is hooking up two different animals to a plow, like an ox and a donkey. The plow wouldn't go straight since the ox is much stronger than the donkey; the result would be inconsistent and uneven rows in the field making planting difficult.

The same principle applies in marriage. One marriage partner would want to pull one way and the other another way. For example, if a Christian and a practicing Muslim were to somehow fall in love and marry, how would they raise their children? One parent would want the children to know Christ and the other would want them to follow Allah. God knew that it wouldn't work so therefore he warned (commanded) against it.

4. It is true that it is wrong for a Christian to take another Christian to court.

Christians are to take their disagreements between each other to other Christians, not the secular court of law (1 Corinthians 6:1.) There is no worse testimony for Christ than two Christians fighting against each other. The apostle Paul says don't lay your "Cases...before those who have no standing in the church" (6:4.) We are to be a testimony to the world of what Christ has done in our lives and how he offers us eternal life.

5. It is true that pride is wrong.

Pride is hateful to God (Proverbs 8:13.) In fact, pride keeps people from believing in God (Psalm 10:4.) We are told that God actually "Opposes the proud" (James 4:6.) God will punish the proud (Zephaniah 2:9,10.)

When the Bible speaks clearly on an issue Believers in Christ must speak the truth to those who are in error. The apostle Paul calls it, "Speaking the truth in love."

In his book "The Truth War" Pastor John MacArthur writes:

"How do we grow spiritually? By "speaking the truth in love" to one another. We grow under the truth. It is the same truth by which we are sanctified, conformed to the image of Christ, made to be mature spiritually (John 17:17,19). As we absorb the truth of God's Word, we grow up and are built up."

Are you ready to be like Elijah and stand up for the truth of God's Word?

Study Questions

1. Can you tell of a time when you had courage to stand up for God's truth?

2. Tell of a time when you know that God specifically answered your prayer.

3. Is it easier to follow the advice of the world (Like Dr. Phil or Oprah) than to follow the Bible? Explain.

This Week: Resolve to stand up for the truth this week. Be prepared to speak the truth in love to someone who needs to know the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Obeying God in Times of Sensuality: Studies in the Life of Elijah

We live in a sensual world. Sensuality can be defined as "Enjoying the pleasures of the body." Theologians might describe sensuality as "Worldly." Self-gratification might be another way to describe the idea of sensuality.

It seems we are caught in a battle between serving our sensual nature and serving God. Is it wrong to gratify our selves? After all, doesn’t God want us to be happy? While it is not God’s intention to make people unhappy, the apostle Paul makes it clear that those who believe in him are not to "Gratify the desires of the flesh’ (Galatians 5:16.)

Why does Paul give this warning? Throughout history man has rejected God and replaced him with self-gratification. The Bible records from the beginning of time people who sought to enjoy the sensual pleasures of life rather than follow after God.

In the Old Testament book of 1st Kings we read about a Prophet of God named Elijah. He lived about 2,800 years ago yet his message to the King of Israel of turning from sensuality to a life of serving God is still as fresh today as it was then.

THE BACKGROUND

The Old Testament is filled with true stories of people like you and me; people with faults; sensual people. When God created the earth and mankind his purpose was that man would follow him and obey him. Yet God gave man the freedom to make his own choices and man chose to obey his sensual desires rather than his Creator.

The Old Testament tells the story of the nation of Israel. They were to be God’s chosen people; a people set apart to worship God and serve him. In fact, God told them what their lives would be like if they continued to obey him. In Deuteronomy 28 God laid out a list of blessings the nation of Israel would receive in exchange for obedience.

Specifically God told the Israelites that he would bless them if they did not "Go after other gods to serve them" (vs. 14.) God’s ground rules weren’t that difficult to follow in order to obtain this blessing – if they would just follow him they would experience:

• Honor among all the nations of the earth (vs. 1)
• Safe cities to live in (vs. 3)
• Abundant crops (vs. 3)
• Healthy children (vs. 4)
• Increase in livestock (vs. 4)
• Safety to walk the streets (vs. 6)
• Plenty of food (vs. 5)
• Lack of enemies (vs. 7)

By obeying God they would have everything they needed to live a long and prosperous life.

THE PROBLEM

The Israelites were weak. They saw all of the nations around them enjoying the sensual pleasures of life and they wanted to be like them. (It’s hard to be too tough on the Israelites because they were just like us. We also are weak and want to enjoy the pleasures of life.)

The surrounding nations had kings to rule over them and Israel did not. God had promised to be their king. Nevertheless, they wanted a king from among themselves. They wanted to be like everyone else.

God gave them what they wanted, and the line of kings began in Israel with Saul, David, and Solomon. As the nation grew the people began to fight among themselves. This infighting resulted in a split in the nation of Israel. Rather than being one united nation under God they became two kingdoms: The kingdom of Israel to the north and the kingdom of Judah to the south. Each kingdom had its own king.

God had specifically told them not to "Go after other gods" yet they didn’t listen and they did the exact opposite of what God commanded. Around 874 B.C. the northern kingdom of Israel grew strong. It was at that time that King Ahab began ruling Israel.

Ahab was not a man of God. The Bible says, "Ahab…did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30.) Ahab’s father who ruled before him was an evil man as well. Ahab not only followed his father’s tradition of evil, he took it one step further and married a Sidonian woman named Jezebel who could care less about God. She introduced Ahab to her god, the false god Baal. And so, the era of sensuality in the nation of Israel began.

WHO IS BAAL?

Baal was the pagan god of fertility. He was known by many of his traits including that of storm god. As Baal was introduced to the nation of Israel people began to like the idea of worshiping him. They were able to practice their sensual desires. The worship of Baal included sexual practices as well as human sacrifices. If they wanted to have sex with a prostitute it was okay. They were so blinded by their sins that they even sacrificed their children by burning them to death as offerings to Baal (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:4-6.) Their sensual pleasure overruled the thought of losing a loved one. They wanted to do their own thing and live their lives as they pleased; satisfy their own desires and not worry about some God putting a damper on it for them. They could party freely, and best of all, it was blessed by the government!

In fact, King Ahab did the following:

• He served Baal (1 Kings 16:31)
• He worshiped Baal (1 Kings 16:31)
• He erected an altar to Baal (1 Kings 16:32)
• These altars are called "High Places" in Scripture. They were usually setup high on a hill to be seen by all who passed by.
• He built a temple for Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32)
• He made shrine to the female goddess Asherah (goddesses were consider sacred prostitutes.)
• Ahab had disregarded the One True God so badly that the nation was now "ripe for the sickle of God’s judgment!"

COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT

The nation continued to plunge itself into moral darkness. The worship of Baal was a huge money making opportunity for the kingdom. People would pay to go to the temple to have their needs met. They would come to Samaria from all the surrounding towns and villages to worship Baal. It was an economic boomtown. Ahab even provided a builder named Hiel with enough money to rebuild the city of Jericho (1 Kings 16:34.) But with total disregard for the Scriptures, both Hiel and Ahab forgot what the deadly consequences would be if that city were ever rebuilt (See Joshua 6:26.)

Against this powerful king and queen and their booming economy stood a man named Elijah. In the New Testament, James the brother of Jesus describes Elijah as someone who was just like us, he had a "Nature like ours" (James 5:17.)

God uses people like you and me to accomplish his work. He isn't looking for the best dressed person or the most educated. God wants to use people who are obedient. In 1st Corinthians 1:27 Paul writes, "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." You may say, "God could never use me. I don't know enough. I'm not well educated. I'm still learning the Bible. But God says, "When [you] are weak, then [you are] strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10.) That is the time when God wants to use you. When you look at yourself and realize that you cannot do anything on your own; that you need his power. It is then that you receive power from Christ to do his will.

Elijah was a Tishbite from an area in a place called Gilead. It was most likely a small backwoods village where he grew up. But God called him to confront the powerful king.

Elijah didn’t waste time in making his prophetic remarks to King Ahab. He stood directly in front of the King and said, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, "before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word" (1 Kings 17:1.) That’s all that he said. The message he wanted the King to understand was this; I serve the True God of Israel, the living God. You have turned your back on him and have chosen to serve and worship a false god. Because of that, your country is going to experience a drought like it has never felt before. You say you want to follow this Baal, this storm god? Well, let’s see what he can do for you.

With that message, Elijah left. The Lord told him to "Hide yourself by the brook Cherith" (1 Kings 17:3.) God wanted Elijah to lay low while the minutes, hours, days, months and years of the drought ticked by. Because of Elijah’s obedience, God provided a place for him to obtain water and performed a miracle causing ravens to bring him food each morning and evening.

WHAT CAUSES TOTAL DISREGARD FOR GOD?

How did the nation of Israel go from loving God and serving him to a nation that turned their backs on him in favor of the sensual pleasures of life? What causes us to do the same?

The book of James tells us how it happens:

1. It begins with temptation (1:13.) Temptation in itself is not wrong. Everyone is tempted. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that temptation is "Common to man." Jesus said, "Temptations to sin are sure to come" (Luke 17:1.)

2. Temptations come by our own desires (1:14.) James says temptations come when we are "Lured and enticed" by our desires. A lure is a something a fisherman uses to catch fish. It is usually a very bright object that resembles the type of food that the fish want to eat. The problem is that there is a sharp hook on the end of it ready to snag the fish as soon as it bites at the lure. That’s how our temptations come – we hold our desires out in front of us and we make them look better than they really are – we forget that there is a hook that will catch us and drag us away from God.

3. We think of the desire over and over in our minds (1:15.) James says, "Desire when it has conceived…" That word "conceived" literally means to "capture", like we capture a picture on a camera. What does a person do with a picture? He looks at it over and over again. Get the idea? Temptation doesn’t become a problem until we "capture" it in our minds. At that point, we have just given birth to sin. This birth is not an exciting one because it always ends in death.

WHAT LURES YOU AWAY FROM GOD?

Ahab was lured by his desire for Jezebel. The hook she brought with her was the moral impurity of her false gods.

Think of the things in your life. What lures you away from God? What entices you to capture your desires and hold them in your mind? Is it Music? Pornography? Sex? Materialism? Recreation? When God is outside of your desires you are susceptible to sin. It happens quickly and without mercy.

YOU CAN’T LOVE YOUR DESIRES AND GOD?

James makes it pretty clear. You can’t capture desires and still love God. He says, "Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4.)

He gives three solutions to the problem of sensual desires that captivate us:

1. Submit to God (James 4:7.) Submitting to God is a form of resistance. Resistance against whom? The devil. James says, when we resist the devil he will flee… Submission to God keeps the devil away.

2. Draw near to God (James 4:8.) James says, God will draw near to us when we draw near to him. We draw near to God by making sure we are clean; by confessing our sins.

3. Be humble (James 4:9.) The Bible says when you are humble you will be exalted. We think just the opposite? We think, If I am humble I’ll never get noticed. I need to sound my own horn and let people know how great I am. If I don’t people will walk all over me. But God says that’s not true, he says, "When you are humble I will "exalt you."

Ahab didn’t figure this out. He chose to submit and serve Baal rather than God. He chose to worship and draw near to Baal rather than God, and he chose to be prideful by disobeying God’s command to "Not go after other gods" thinking he knew what was best for his nation.

HOW CAN A BELIEVER HELP SOMEONE WHO IS CAUGHT IN SENSUALITY?

Elijah wasn’t afraid to go before the powerful king. Why? He wanted his nation to be healed. He wanted them to turn from their evil ways and serve the one true God. That should be our desire too for those we know who are captured by sin.

The apostle Paul says, "If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (6:1.) The person who is following Christ is to restore the one caught in sin. To restore means to "mend" or to "make whole."

Even gentleness can sometimes feel like a huge blow to our ego! Look at what king David said about being confronted when he sinned:

"Let a righteous man strike me – it is kindness;
let him rebuke me – it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it" (Psalm 141:5.)

We’ll find out later what Ahab’s response was to Elijah. Did he take it as kindness? Or, did he refuse it?

Study Questions

1. If you had been a follower of God during Ahab’s reign, what pressures and temptations would you have felt?
2. What things do you see people "worshiping" today? Why would they rather worship these things than God?
3. Would it be difficult for you to hear a righteous person confront you regarding your sin?
4. Is it easy or difficult to point out someone else’s sin? Explain.

This week: Ask God to show you the areas of your life that might be luring you away from him. Determine this week to "submit" to God in all areas of your life. If you are struggling with a specific sin, make a decision not to "capture" it in your mind. Share your burdens with someone you can trust who will pray for you.

The Roadblock of Revenge

Revenge!  The desire for it stops you dead in your tracks.  You talk about getting even or settling the score.  You want them to hurt like you were hurt.  Some call it Sweet Revenge!  But getting even isn’t enough at times – you want them to hurt a little more than you did.

How do you walk away from a challenge?  How do you move on from the paralyzing effects of revenge?  You see, when your desire is to get revenge, you can think of nothing else.  You become consumed with payback.

The Bible has some specific things to say about getting revenge.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Before we examine this issue of revenge, lets take a look at what happens to a person when he or she becomes a believer in Jesus Christ.

1. You have the promise of eternal life. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me has eternal life” (John 6:47.)  This is really an important concept that many people seem to gloss over.  You may hear people say, “Believe in Jesus and your life will be great!”  “Just become a Christian and Jesus will take care of all your problems.”  But, having your problems solved is not the main issue of belief in Jesus Christ.  The primary promise that you have, immediately when you believe in Jesus, is eternal life.  Because of this gift of eternal life that has been given to you, you can rejoice in knowing that whatever happens you are going to spend eternity with Jesus.  You no longer need to fear the punishment of Hell, which everyone deserves.

2. You have a new nature.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says this, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  Romans 6:4 says, “we…walk in newness of life.”  Colossians 3:10 says, “[We] have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge…”

a. You have this new nature, but it is constantly being renewed.  The word “being” means that our renewal from our “old nature” to our “new nature” is a process.  The theological word is “sanctification.”  You are a work in progress.  So many Christians miss this point.  They become discouraged because they cannot understand why they still sin.

3. Your sins are forgiven. When you believe in Jesus you immediately inherit eternal life, you take on a “new nature” that is in the process of changing you into the likeness of Christ, and you can ask forgiveness for your sins.  Of course, the reason people desire revenge is because we are all sinners.

a. The apostle John said this, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8.)  Everyone sins.  All Christians sin.  Every pastor sins.  Every Sunday School teacher sins; every church leader, every deacon, every elder, everyone.  “None is righteous, no, not one” “(Romans 3:10.)
b. John goes on to say that if you “practice” sinning you are “from the devil.”  You see, while all of us sin, our goal should be to continually turn away from sin.  John says, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9.)
c. So, John provides the formula to help us.  He says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9.)

This is the good news of the gospel – that by believing in Jesus we have eternal life, you have a new nature, and your sins are forgiven.

WHERE DOES REVENGE FIT IN?

Simply put, revenge is sin.  Seeking revenge is “practicing sin.”  The Bible tells us to “Practice righteousness” (1 John 3:7) instead.  Revenge may taste sweet, but it’s wrong.

JESUS WARNS ABOUT REVENGE

In Matthew 5:38,39 Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.  But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other side.”

Jesus is giving two lines of thought here.  First, he is quoting the Old Testament legal system (which is the basis of our own judicial system today.)  He says that you all know what the law says is supposed to happen when someone commits a crime.  Their punishment is to be equal to the crime.  If someone takes a human life, then the murderer should be put to death.  If someone takes an animal’s life, he is to repay the owner with another animal.  If someone injures his neighbor, he should expect the same injury done to him.  It was the legal system that was in view here (Leviticus 24:17-21.)  In other words, it’s okay for the justice system to punish evildoers, “An eye for an eye.”

But when it comes to personal revenge, Jesus says don’t do it!  Let the legal system take care of it.  So, if someone “slaps” you, be bold and “turn the other cheek.” This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t defend yourself.  It also doesn’t mean “Hey, please hit me again!”  It means, if you are hit, if you are insulted, if you are treated unfairly, don’t fight back.  In other words, don’t retaliate.  Don’t try to get even.  It would be better to receive a second hit than to stoop to the same level as the person who attacked you.  And, if the justice system doesn’t take care of it, be assured that God will.

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay.”  (Hebrews 10:30.)  A person who is an evildoer ignores God – and God says that this type of person will eventually get what is coming to him.

IT GETS EVEN HARDER

Remember earlier when we talked about your “new nature” you acquired once you become a Christian?  Well, now Jesus is saying that you need to put this new nature to the test.  He says, “Love your enemies.”  What!  Yes, that is what he tells you to do…and more –you are to “Pray for those who persecute you”  (Matthew 5:44.)

Love my enemies?  Pray for them?  Yes.  That is what gets you around the roadblock of revenge and gets you moving forward in your Christian walk.

CAN’T I HAVE A LITTLE REVENGE?

When you go after someone with revenge in mind you are practicing sinning.  The Bible tells you not to do that.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9.)  When we “bless” instead of “repay” we get a special blessing – Here’s the blessing; it’s found in verse 10, “To love life and see good days.”  Do you want to love life?  Do you want to live a long life?  Then bless people, pray for them, and love them.

The apostle Paul said in Romans 12:17, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”  The idea here is that it takes “thought” to do what is right.  Repaying someone or getting revenge is the natural thing we want to do.  Instead, we need to think about it and then do the honorable thing; leave it to God.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE REVENGE ON SOMEONE?

1. You minimize what Jesus Christ did for you. You were dead in your sins (Ephesians 2:1.)  You were facing eternal punishment.  But Jesus saved you because of his mercy.  He had every right to take revenge on you, but he didn’t.  Instead, he died in your place.
2. You ignore your “new self” and prefer the “old.”  The new works so much better but you are more familiar and comfortable with the old.   It’s like having two cars in the garage.  One car is an old junker that spews exhaust and stalls at every stoplight.  The other is a brand new Mercedes; it runs smoothly and is comfortable to drive.  For some reason, you keep getting into the junk car every morning when you leave for work.  You keep breaking down, but you continue driving it because it’s what you’re used to.
3. You continue to practice sin, which may eventually lead to premature physical death. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”  Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts weren’t able to reach repentance and they lied to the Holy Spirit; they died prematurely (chapter 5.)  Hebrews 12:9 says, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves.”

TAKE A LESSON FROM JESUS

If anyone could have sought revenge, but didn’t, it was Jesus.  He was beaten and punished unjustly and because he was God he could have wiped out his enemy with the flick of a finger.  Instead, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23.)

Get past the roadblock of revenge and trust Jesus for the results.

Study Questions

1. Why do you want to take revenge on someone?  What do you think it will accomplish?
2. Was there a time when you were glad someone did not take revenge on you? Explain.
3. Why is it so hard to move on with life after someone has hurt you?

This week:  Think of an enemy you might have.  Take time to pray for that person each day.  Share the name of an enemy with another Christian and ask them to pray for that person too.

You might pray something like this:

“Lord, you know I am struggling with this person.  I don’t want to love him.  Please Lord; give me the strength to be like you; to love my enemies.  Help this person to find you Lord and may your will be done in his life.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

Does God Want You To Be Rich? By Pastor Roger Feenstra

Do you ever dream about what it would be like to be rich?  Most people have.  But how much money would you need to have in order to consider yourself rich?  Being rich is a subjective state – that is, it depends on your circumstances.  For example, if you have no job and $5.00 in your wallet and you find a $100 bill, you might consider yourself rich.  Someone else might have a house, a bank account worth $50,000, but lots of bills and therefore thinks of himself as poor.  Rich is a relative position.

But what does God want?  Does he want those who believe in him to be rich, with lots of money?  Is it okay to have money and possessions?  Is it a sin to have too much?  What should you do with your money? 

WHAT IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

Money is not the root of all evil.  The Bible tells us that it is the “love of money” that is a root of “all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10.)  When you love money, all kinds of evil will creep into your life.   In fact, verse 11 says that because people have a “craving” for money, they have “wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pangs.”  A pang is a sudden, sharp pain.  The love of money causes many problems that will come on you suddenly and painfully.

Therefore, the Bible goes on to tell us that instead of pursuing money, we are to instead pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness”  (1 Timothy 6:11.)

SO, IS IT WRONG TO HAVE MONEY?

No.  Jesus said this, “Lay up for yourselves treasures”  (Matthew 6:20.)  That is an encouraging statement!   Jesus wants us to have treasures, or money.  He gives his stamp of approval. 

Now whenever we study a passage of scripture it is important to always look at the context.  Context means the words or phrases surrounding the words we are reading.  Let’s look at the passage in Matthew 6:19,20 to find out exactly what Jesus means when he says “Lay up for yourselves treasures.”

WHERE NOT TO LAY UP TREASURES

In Matthew 6:19, Jesus begins by telling us that we are to “not lay up treasures on earth.”  In other words, he is saying don’t accumulate a lot of money and possessions for yourself.  Why?  Because when you do so they simply won’t last.  He says that “moth and rust [will] destroy [them], and…thieves [will] break in and steal [them].”  Storing up treasures for yourself will not last.

One man told me once that he wanted to die a millionaire.  The problem with that philosophy is that when you die you are no longer a millionaire; someone else now has your money.  No, Jesus says that when you store up treasures for yourself on earth, they won’t last. 

In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus told a story of a rich man who wanted to store up all his crops for himself.  In the story “the land of [the] rich man produced plentifully.”  He had barns to store his crops, but they weren’t big enough for him.  He decided to “tear down [his] barns and build larger ones.”  The whole idea is that he didn’t want to give any of it away.  He wanted it all for himself.  But Jesus called the man a “Fool.”  Little did the man know that on that very night he was going to die and the things he had stored up would be worthless to him.  Jesus tells us to “be on our guard” because our life does not “consist in the abundance of [our] possessions.”  When we lay up treasures for ourselves on this earth, we are not “rich toward God.”

WHERE TO LAY UP TREASURES

Back in Matthew 6, Jesus says that we are to “Lay up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Why should we do that?  He tells us in verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

You see it is impossible for us to love money and love God at the same time.  When we love money and our possessions, our mind is not fixed on God.  We tend to shove him off to the side and we become consumed with ourselves.

OUR LOVE FOR MONEY IS NOT FROM GOD

Whenever you find yourself loving money or your possessions, you can be sure that it is not from God.  Look at what 1 John 2:16 says about this, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”  Our possessions, sometimes, become the center of our life.  Whatever is the center of your life is your god. 

WHAT ARE “HEAVENLY” TREASURES?

If we assume that earthly treasures are the tangible (things we can touch), material things, then heavenly treasures would be our attitudes and deeds, or the intangible (things we can’t touch), immaterial things. 

THE EXAMPLE FROM JESUS OF HEAVENLY TREASURES

If anyone on earth has ever shown us an example of laying up heavenly treasures, it was Jesus.  In Luke 4:18,19 he states clearly what his ministry was about:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

“Good deeds, loving service, proper attitudes; these are the treasures of heaven.”   

HOW DO WE STORE UP HEAVENLY TREASURES?

We’ve seen the example from Jesus, but what about us?  In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 we read that rather than trusting our riches, we are to take what we have and use it to “do good.”  The passage says, “Be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”  You see, we store up treasures, not by having a lot of material possessions or money, rather we store up treasures every time we help someone, give to the poor, care for the needy. 

In 1 Timothy 6:7-9 tells us that “We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” 

DOES THE BIBLE PROMISE THAT IF WE FOLLOW AND OBEY GOD THAT WE WILL BE RICH?

Here is what the Bible DOES promise, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19.)  When we follow and obey God, our needs, not our wants will be met. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE MONEY GOD PROVIDES FOR ME?

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 we read that God will indeed multiply your money when you put him first in your life.  However, it is clear that when God multiplies your money it is for a specific reason.  Verse 10 tells us that when we are blessed with more money we are to use it to share the love of Jesus Christ with others, specifically to “Increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

The source of what we do with our money begins by being led by the Holy Spirit.  We must be believers in Jesus Christ and therefore controlled by his Spirit.  Then, we can follow four Biblical steps  regarding what to do with our money. 

The steps are based on 1 Corinthians 16:2,

“On the first day of the week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper.”

Step One:  We are to “plan” for the use of our money. A portion of our money is to be given on the “first day of the week.”  The first day of the week is Sunday on our calendars.

Step Two:  1 Corinthians 16 says, “each of you.”  This implies that it is to be an individual (or a married couple) decision.

Step Three:  “Put something aside.”  The way Carol and I do it is we write a check each week for the church offering, thereby deducting the amount from our checkbook.  We have set that money aside and we put it in the offering basket on Sunday for the Lord’s work.

Step Four:  “As he may prosper.”  This means that giving is to be based on how much money you have.  You may, at times, only be able to give 5% of your income, other times you may be able to give 20, 30, 40, even 90 percent and in fact if all of your needs are met, it is possible to give 100 percent.  The point that is being made in this verse is that as the Holy Spirit leads you, you should give a proportionate amount based on your income. 

GIVING MONEY AWAY MUST BE DONE CHEERFULLY

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the apostle Paul says that once we have decided in our hearts how much we are going to give away, we are not to do it under “compulsion.”  Compulsion means, “to be forced into it.”  God never forces himself on you.  No church should ever make you feel guilty about how much money you give.  You should be cautious in any church that questions the amount of money you are giving.  It is not the pastor who decides how much you give; rather it is a personal decision between you and God.

In fact, the key to this verse is that God loves a “cheerful” giver.  If you are not cheerful about what you give, then don’t give it!  You may ask yourself, “Can I be cheerful about giving $5.00 each week?  How about $10.00?  $100?  When you come to the point where you say, “If I gave X amount I would not be cheerful” then give the amount you can be cheerful about.

SOME GAVE EVEN WHEN THEY HAD VERY LITTLE

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-3, the apostle Paul writes about some of the churches in an area called Macedonia.  He says that they were living in “extreme poverty.”  Yet even in their poverty their generosity overflowed.  In this case, they not only gave “according to their means” but they gave “beyond their means, of their own accord.”  They cheerfully gave to the Lord’s work and no one forced them into it.

WHO GETS MY MONEY?

1. Your Family:  Your first responsibility is to your family.  Not that they will have all the toys available on the market, but that their needs will be met.  You must make sure your family has food, clothing and shelter.  If you don’t, the Bible says that you are “worse than an unbeliever”  (1 Timothy 5:8.)  You must meet the life needs of your family first.

2. The Work of the Ministry:  This would include the local church you are attending.  A believer is obligated (should have a sense of duty) to support the church that he or she joins.  (See also Philippians 4:10-16 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.)

3. Missions:  Romans 15:25-27 the apostle Paul mentions churches in certain areas of the world that gave to others in need in other parts of the world.

4. The Bible Teacher:  Galatians 6:6 asserts that the Bible teacher should be another recipient.  The one who is being taught the Word is obligated to share things (possibly material goods) to support the teacher, who may be a pastor, Sunday School teacher, etc.  In our church, our pastors are supported through the money that is received from the church offering.  However, the passage is clear that “the one taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” 

5. A Brother or Sister in Need:  Due to circumstances beyond their control a brother or sister in the Lord should be helped with the necessities of life.  James 2:15-17 says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food…” They are to be helped.  This could mean buying a few bags of groceries for someone in our church or helping them pay a utility bill, etc.  We do this out of love for the brother or sister and for the Lord.  We don’t do it to receive a tax deduction.

CONCLUSION:  DOES GOD WANT YOU TO BE RICH?

The answer is yes.  He wants you to be rich in heavenly treasures.  When he blesses you with earthly treasures he wants you to be generous with them; not storing them up for yourself, but generously giving those treasures to others so that they might see the love of Christ Jesus and in turn one day, they too might be able to share their treasure with someone else.

Discussion Questions

1.  Would you rather be rich in this world, or poor?  Why?

2. What are your feelings towards material things?  Are they important to you?  Are you deeply upset if there is something you want but you can’t have it? 

3.  When you want something do you act on impulse (act rashly) and justify it later? 

4.  Would you put as much effort into a heavenly treasure as you would an earthly one?  [Example:  Sharing Jesus with a friend vs. thinking about which kind of car you would like to buy?]

This week:  Think of at least one blessing you have received from God.  Spend time thanking him in prayer.  Ask him to help you share what you have with those who are less fortunate than you. 

How The Mighty Have Fallen

I was around 13 years old when the man knocked on our door.  It was the late 1960's and the Vietnam War was furiously raging.  It had never been a popular war, but still thousands of America's sons were serving their country far away from home and in harm's way.

I remember it was in the evening when the soldier came to our front door.  My mother and I were home alone.  My dad had just been admitted to the hospital for gallbladder surgery, my sister was out with friends, and my brother, a Marine, was fighting the enemy somewhere deep in Vietnam.  As I peeked through the front door at the smartly dressed marine, my mom and I both knew the was bringing bad news.

"Your son is alive," The Marine officer said as he addressed my mom through the screen door, "but he has been badly wounded."  As we invited the Marine into our home he went on to explain, "an enemy rocket exploded near your son."  He explained how the rocket sent shrapnel through his body ripping apart one of his kidneys and causing other internal problems.  My mom sat in shock.  As the Marine continued speaking it was my first attempt at giving comfort to someone who had just been dealt and emotional blow.  My mom cried as I sat next to her on the couch.

War is a tragic event.  It should always be avoided, but there are times when the goodness of mankind must prevail over evil.  Today, with war pictured so vividly on television and the Internet, there are parents (on both sides) who are grieving for their sons and daughters.  No matter how just a war may be, nothing can soften the blow of a captured, wounded or killed loved one.

King David, nearly 3,000 years ago faced the same pain that parents and families face today.  The book of 2 Samuel records David's emotions during the loss of a close friend.  Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle and a messenger ran to David to tell him the news.  When David received the news he "mourned and wept and fasted until evening" (2 Samuel 1:12.)  David lamented, "How the mighty have fallen!"

When King David lost his son Amnon at the hand of another son, we are told that the "King..wept very bitterly" (2 Samuel 13:36.)  In 2 Samuel 18, David's beloved son Absalom was murdered and thrown into a a "deep pit."  When David heard the news he was "Deeply moved and...wept."  He said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!  Would I have died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"  What parent cannot relate to the pain he must have felt?

When faced with the tragedy of war today, it is comforting to know that Jesus understands and is aware of the pain people face when bad news is delivered.  Jesus is right there, in the midst of the pain.  Fortunately, our family knew that when we received our news.  Jesus was right there comforting us through our suffering.

As we all face our own fears and uncertainties about the war, and as we hear the news of friends and loved ones who have fallen in battle, we can gather strength and hope from King David himself, "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling....Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"  (Psalm46:1-3 & 10.)