OBLIGATIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IN A BROKEN WORLD

1 PETER 2:11-17

          Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war again the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the things in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

          Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

          Act as free men, and do not use  your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king (NASB).

INTRODUCTION

          Many people think that freedom is the license to do whatever a person wants, but true freedom is the ability to do what is right. It takes obedience in order to have true freedom. I can sit at a piano and be at liberty to play any keys that I want, but I don’t have freedom, because I can’t play anything but noise. I have no freedom to play Bach, or even “Chopsticks.” Why? Because it takes years of practice and obedience to lesson plans to be truly free at the piano. Then, and only then, does one have the freedom to play any piece of music. The same is true of freedom in living. To be truly free, we must have the power and ability to be obedient.

I.                  EXHORTATION TO GODLY LIVING VV. 11-12

The Apostle Peter has expounded the concept of Christians as the new people of God in 1 Peter 2:1-10. Now he begins to explain the behavior that is proper for believers as we live our lives in the midst of a secular society. The basic commandment in this passage is that the Christian should abstain from fleshly desires. In the New Testament the word flesh stands for far more than the physical nature of man. It stands for human nature; it means life lived without the standards, the help, the grace and the influence of Christ. Fleshly desires and sins of the flesh, therefore, included not only the glaring sins but all that is characteristic of fallen human nature. From these sins and desires the Christian must abstain. From the standpoint of the passage there are two reasons for this abstinence.

First, you and I must abstain from these sins because we are strangers and pilgrims in this present world. These words give us two great truths about the Christian. (a) There is a real sense in which Christians are strangers in the world; and because of that we cannot accept the world’s laws and ways and standards. Others may accept them, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and it is by the laws of that Kingdom that we must direct our life. We must take our full share of responsibility for living on earth, but our citizenship is in heaven and the laws of heaven are supreme for us. (b) The Christian is not a permanent resident on earth; you and I are on the way to the country which is beyond. Therefore, we must do nothing which would keep us from reaching our ultimate goal. You must never become so entangled in the world that you cannot escape from its grip; you must not soil yourself as to be unfit to enter the presence of the holy God to whom you are going.

Second, there is another and even more practical reason why Christians must abstain from fleshly desires. The early church to which Peter wrote his Epistle was under fire. Slanderous accusations were continually being leveled against the Christians; and the only effective way to refute them was to live lives so lovely that they would be seen to be obviously untrue. Does your way of life give room for people to slander your name? The Word of God urges you to "keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." In other words, you should not live double life, whereby you act like an angel when you are with Christians but you act like the devil when you are with your unbelieving friends. The Bible teaches that our life should adorn the gospel so that if a person sees you, he can determine what the Christian life is all about. The Christian life is not about talk but our whole conduct, for talk is cheap. In the Greek language, there are two words for our English word, “good.” There is agathos, which means good in quality; and there is kalos, which means not only good but also lovely—fine, attractive, winsome. So what Peter is saying is that as believers in Christ we must make our way of life so lovely and so good to look upon that the slanders of our unbelieving enemies may be demonstrated to be false.

Here is the timeless truth. Whether we like it or not, every Christian is an advertisement for Christianity. By your life you either commend it to others or makes them think less of it. The strongest missionary force in the world is a Christian life. If our lives speak very well for Christ, we don’t have to scream or shout at the top of our voice to present the gospel message.

In the early church the demonstration of loveliness of the Christian life was supremely vital, because of the slanders the heathen deliberately cast on the Christian Church. These are few of the slanderous accusations brought against the Christians. 1. The Christians were accused of cannibalism. This accusation took its rise from a perversion of the words of the Last Supper, “This is My body;”" This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” The Christians were accused of killing and eating a child at their feasts. 2. The Christians were also falsely accused of immorality and even of incest. This accusation rose from the fact that they called their meeting the "Agape, or Love Feast." The pagans perverted that name to mean that the Christian feasts were sensual orgies at which shameless deeds were done. 3. The Christians were accused of damaging trade. Such was the charge of the silversmiths of Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41). 4. The Christians were accused of “tampering with family relationships” because often homes were, in fact, broken up when some members of the family became Christians and others did not. 5. They were accused of turning slaves against their masters, and Christianity indeed did give to every person a new sense of worth and dignity. 6. The believers were accused of “hatred of mankind” and indeed the Christian did speak as if the world and the Church were entirely opposed to each other.

7. Above all, the Christians were accused of disloyalty to Caesar, for no Christian would worship the Emperor’s godhead and burn his pinch of incense and declare that Caesar was Lord, for the believer Jesus Christ and no other was Lord. Such were the charges which were brought against the Christians. To Peter there was only one way to refute these charges and that was to live in such a way that their Christian life demonstrated that the allegations were unfounded. When Plato was told that a certain man had been making certain slanderous remarks against him, his answer was: “I will live in such a way that no one will believe what he says.” That is Peter’s solution for us as the followers of Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

The striking fact of history is that by their lives the Christians actually did defeat the slanders of the heathen. In the third century, Celsus made the most famous and the more systematic attack of all upon the Christians in which he accused them of ignorance and foolishness and superstition and all kinds of things—but never of immorality.

Therefore, today as Christians we are to live our lives in such a way that any accusation our unbelieving opponents would bring against us would not be believable. When our lives are godly the unbelievers cannot ignore it but rather they would give praise and glory to God.

II.               EXHORTATION TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY VV. 13-15

          In these verses God lays down a principle that it is our duty as Christians to live law-abiding and honorable life. It is true that we are citizens of heaven and should regard ourselves as such, but we must also realize that we are citizens on earth; therefore, like other people we are to submit to human government and to show faithfulness to Christ by being good citizens. It is easy for some Christians to become too heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. Some ill-informed and rash believers may disregard their obligations to civil authority.

          Therefore, the main duty stated in verse 13a, is submission. In this chapter, Peter looks at the duty of the Christian within the spheres of his life; and Peter begins with the duty of the believer as a citizen of the country in which he/she happens to live. Nothing is further from the teachings of the New Testament than any kind of anarchy. Jesus said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 22:21). The instruction of the New Testament is that those of us who call ourselves Christians must be good citizens of the country in which we live. The New Testament principle is perfectly logical and just. It holds that you cannot accept the privileges which the state provides without also accepting the responsibilities and duties which it demands. As Christians we cannot in honor and decency take everything and give nothing.

          In verses 13b and 14 the principle of submission is specifically applied to the duty of subordination to the king (example, the Roman emperor) and to governors. The emperor in Peter’s day was described as “supreme,” because at the human level he was indeed the supreme authority. It is noteworthy to remember that the emperor at that time was Nero, who was not a particularly noble character. It is believe that Nero was the Roman emperor who put Peter and Paul to death. He was the one who set the city of Rome ablaze and put the blame on Christians.

          Governors (the officials and ministers sent to govern by the emperor’s mandate) are to be obeyed because they are sent (appointed) by the higher authority (the king, emperor) to punish those who do wrong and to praise (commend) those who do right. While Christians are under obligation to submit to the ruling authorities, we are not to follow them blindly if they violate the principles of God’s Word. A good rule of thumb is that higher authority must take precedence over lower authority. If obedience to a human law or authority would violate our allegiance to God, we must obey God at all costs. In the Book of Acts when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel of Christ, the religious authorities warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus any longer, but these apostles defied them, because a higher authority must take precedence over a lower one. Listen to the statement of Peter, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you (the Jewish authorities) rather than God” (Acts 4:19). Later under similar circumstances, Peter put it more bluntly “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

          God provides two reasons for the duty of Christians to submit to governmental authority. The first is stated in verse 13a: “for the Lord’s sake.” In His earthly ministry, Jesus was obedient to established authority, so the Christian must do likewise. Another thing is that if we are submissive to the ruling authority we bring honor to the Lord. It is the Lord who establishes the government and therefore, if you submit to the ruling authority, you honor your heavenly Father.

          The second reason (or incentive) for submission is given in verse 15: “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” This verse means that when we comport ourselves as obedient citizens we will silence those who accuse us falsely. The accusations of unbelievers against Christians arise from ignorance, and those who make them are foolish men. Foolish men are people who are arrogant and set themselves against God.

III.           EXHORTATION TO USE FREEDOM

           RESPONSIBLY VV. 16-17

Any great Christian teaching can be perverted into an excuse for evil. The doctrine of grace can be perverted into an excuse for sinning to one’s heart’s content. We can push the doctrine of the love of God to a certain precipice that it becomes a license for sin. The teaching on the life to come can be perverted into an excuse for neglecting life in this world. The easiest doctrine to pervert is the Christian freedom. The doctrine of Christian freedom was so pushed to the limit that the Apostle Paul told the Galatians that they have been called to liberty but they must not use their liberty as an occasion for the flesh to do as they want (Gal. 5:13). In Second Peter we read of those who promise others liberty and are themselves the slaves of corruption (2 Pet. 2:19).

You can put it this way. Christian freedom is always conditioned by Christian responsibility. Christian responsibility is always conditioned by Christian love. Christian love is the reflection of God’s love. The Christian is free because he/she is the slave of God. Christian freedom does not mean being free to do as you like; it means being free to do as you ought. Christianity is community. You are not to live the Christian life in isolation (Heb. 10:25). You are a member of a family, in fact, a big family of God or a big community and within this community your freedom operates. Christian freedom therefore is the freedom to serve. Only in Jesus Christ are we so freed from self and sin that we can become as good as we ought to be. Freedom comes when you receive Christ as King of your heart and Lord of your life. In conclusion, Peter offers us a four-point summary of Christian duty. First, honor all men. In those days, there were about 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire, who were not considered as persons, but a thing with no rights whatsoever. In effect, Peter is saying, remember the rights of human personality and the dignity of every person. It is still possible to treat people as things (employer and employee). Second, love the brotherhood. Within the Christian community, respect for every person turns to something warmer and close; it turns to love. Love should always characterize the Christian community. Church is the extension of the family. The church is the largest family of God and its bond must be love. Third, Fear God. The writer of the book of Proverbs says it best, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Fear in this context does not mean terror; it means reverence. It is a timeless truth that you will never reverence men until you reverence God. It is only when God is given His proper place in the center that all other things take their proper place. Fourth, Honor the king. Of all the four injunctions the fourth one is the more amazing. The one who was king was the same one who was persecuting the Christians and yet Peter urges them to honor him. As Christians we are to honor the king in spite of who he is, because he has been chosen by God to preserve order among the people and that he must be respected, even when he is a Nero. We may not agree with President Obama or Mahama in many of his decisions and yet we must honor him, because God is the one who enthrones and dethrones a ruler.

Though free, as Christians we must exercise our freedom in a manner commensurate with our relation to God. So on the deepest level we must submit to authority not merely as an obligation to men but as an obligation to God, the Master of all. When you and I are submissive to the government of the United States, the government of Ghana, or wherever we live, we do not become the slaves of the state; we remain slaves of God, because government is never the Christian’s master; we owe our allegiance only to God. Therefore, we respect the President and the King but we do not worship them. We reserve our allegiance to God; we bow down only to Christ, and not anybody else.

    

     

WORSHIP HIS MAJESTY

LUKE 9:28-36

          Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John, and James and went out on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold two men were talking with Him, and they were Moses and Elijah, who appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

          Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as they were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here, let us make three tabernacles, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud

          Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, My chosen One, listen to Him." And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen (NASB).

INTRODUCTION

          In Touch and Live, George Vandeman writes, “A young stranger to the Alps was making his first climb, accompanied by two stalwart guides. It was a steep, hazardous ascent. But he felt secure with one guide ahead and one following. For hours, they climbed. And now, breathless, they reached for those rocks protruding through the snow above them—the summit.”

          The guide ahead wish to let the stranger have the first glorious view of heaven and earth, and moved aside to let him go first. Forgetting the gales that would blow across the summit rocks, the young leaped to his feet. But the chief guide dragged him down. “On your knees, sir!” he shouted. “You are never safe here except on your knees.”

          When you and I catch a glimpse of the glory of Christ in worship, the safest place to be is on our knees. I would like to share with you on the topic: “Worship His Majesty.”

I.                  THE GLORIOUS TRANSFORMATION VV. 28-29

          This passage comes after Jesus has taken the disciples to Caesarea Philippi where He asks them the penetrating question, “Who do the people say that I am?”(Luke 9:18). After the disciples have told Jesus what the people think He is, Jesus brings the question home to the disciples, “But what do you say that I am” (Luke 9:20)? Peter, the spokesperson for the disciples answered and said, “The Christ of God.” Jesus then warns them not to share that privilege information with anyone.

          Jesus goes on to lay before them the cost of discipleship, but before then He has told them of His impending death. Subsequent to these revelations, Jesus takes the three intimate disciples, Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray. Luke says that the episode at the Mount of Transfiguration takes place eight days after the events of verses 1-27 have taken place. Luke, the Gospel writer does not tells us the name of the mountain. Therefore, there is no need to speculate its identity. Many African preachers and prophets insist that Christians are to go to the mountains to pray simply because Jesus frequented the mountains. Jesus frequented the mountains simply because it was one of the places of solitude where He could commune with His Father. There was nothing special or significant about the mountains or the gardens where Jesus sought solitude. What makes a place sacred is not the place itself but the person who visits that place. Therefore, you can seek solitude with God whichever place you choose.

          Probably, Jesus has taken the disciples to this mountain on several occasions for prayer and solitude with the Father. However, on this occasion during His time of prayer, Jesus is transformed into a glorious figure with brilliance like lightning. In other words, while He is praying, His divine majesty shines so gloriously through His human nature that even His garment glistens in a white glow. Jesus’ glorious manifestation recalls the description of Moses on the mountain in Exodus 34:29-34.

II.           THE CONFIRMATION OF THE PASSION VV. 30-31

                               

          This glorious transformation of the appearance of Jesus Christ is the most significant event between His birth and passion. In each of the Synoptic Gospels, it stands as a magnificent Christological statement. In this glorious manifestation, Jesus is not alone. He is joined by Moses and Elijah. The presence of these two Old Testament prominent figures has spawned much discussion. Why are Moses and Elijah present? Do they represent themselves or stand for a large group? Moses typifies the type of prophetic office Jesus will occupy, especially since the voice from heaven will allude to Deuteronomy 18:15. Elijah represents the prophet of the eschaton (end times) (cf. Mal. 4:5), so he depicts a commitment to the arrival of the age of fulfillment. Moses and Elijah highlight that Jesus personifies a realization of the Old Testament hope, since the two figures also span both the early and late periods of Old Testament history. Jesus has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and so God specially sends Moses, through whom He has given the Law, and Elijah, the typical representative of the prophets through whom God has spoken and prepared the way of the coming of Christ.

          The topic of Moses and Elijah’s discussion concerns the departure of Jesus. Luke is the only Gospel writer who records the subject of these two Old Testament figures’ discussion. The departure or “exodus” alludes to the journey Jesus is taking, with its turning point being His death in Jerusalem. What Moses and Elijah have come to testify is to confirm the passion of Christ. In other words, they have come to confirm what Jesus has already told the disciples about His impending suffering and subsequent death at Jerusalem. The first exodus had delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. Jesus by His exodus would deliver His people from a far worse bondage, the bondage of sin. The most remarkable event in the history of Israel is the deliverance from the bondage in Egypt. The most remarkable event in the history of the human race is the redemption from sin through the atonement of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. How the three disciples came to know the identity of these two figures with Jesus is a matter of divine revelation. That Moses and Elijah choose to discuss the departure of Jesus in this majestic encounter is an indication of the importance and the centrality of the death of Jesus in the drama of human redemption.

          III. THE HUMAN PROPOSITION VV. 32-34

          While this resplendent event was taking place, Peter and his companions were fast asleep. Evidently as Jesus was praying, the disciples fell asleep, but they were awakened by the shining of the light. When they woke up, they saw the glory of Jesus and the two individuals standing with Him. This might have been a remarkable sight. As these two persons were about to leave, Peter in his impulsiveness suggested to Jesus that they build three booths or tabernacles for the three of them. Peter in his excitement wants to make a temporary dwelling for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This was a mountain top experience that Peter wanted to enjoy for the rest of his life. In the Christian life, those who walk in intimacy with Christ, He sometimes gives us a mountain top experience. However, the Christian life is not going to be a constant mountain top experience. The mountain top experiences are occasional but the real Christian life is lived in the ordinary days in the valleys. Peter was oblivious to the proposition that he was making. He was ignorant of his suggestion that they build three booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. You cannot build three booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, because Jesus is not one among equals. Moses and Elijah have come only as witnesses to the impending death of Jesus on the cross. Peter was making the mistake that many religions have made. These religions put Jesus in the category of Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna, and other religious gurus. However, when you put all these religious figures together, they pale in comparison to Jesus. Jesus did not originate from the earth. He preexisted before the foundation of the world (John 1).

          In our pluralistic society, people long for spiritual examples, and like Peter, they want as many booths to be built in a row as possible. Our society desires to assemble a religious hall of fame from as many religious traditions as possible, all in honor of our commitment to religious toleration. But Jesus does not ask for a booth alongside others. Jesus is the category all by Himself. Jesus is uniquely the Son of God. Peter’s proposition was purely humanistic because he did not factor in the exodus for which Moses and Elijah have come to testify. At best, Peter’s suggestion was an attempt to prevent Jesus from going to Jerusalem to die on the cross to save you and me. As Peter was still speaking a cloud was forming around Jesus and the two witnesses—Moses and Elijah. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God (Acts 1:9). When Peter, John, and James caught a glimpse of this glorious sight, they were afraid. Fear is the natural response to the supernatural manifestation.

IV.            THE HEAVENLY PROCLAMATION VV. 35-36

           To silence Peter of his erroneous proposition a voice thunders from the cloud, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; Listen to Him!” Who do you think is speaking at this time? It is the voice of God giving affirmation and credence to the person of Jesus. This is the second time that God has affirmed the Sonship of Jesus. The first one took place at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22). In this proclamation, God makes three important assertions. First, He says, “This is My Son,” implying that Moses and Elijah were His servants, but Jesus is His unique Son. Jesus is the ultimate multicultural figure, calling everyone to Himself in the ultimate equal opportunity call. The world does not need the clash of competing religious figures and examples. It needs a Savior for all humanity. If the problem of the world were entertainment, God would have sent a comedian. If the fundamental problem of the world were money, God would have sent an economist. If the problem of the world were wisdom, God would have sent a philosopher. If the basic problem of the world were lunacy, God would have sent a Psychiatrist. If the basic problem of the world were human behavior, God would have sent a psychologist. However, the basic problem of the world is sin, therefore God sent a Savior to save us from sin. His name is Jesus Christ. The Transfiguration is a divine declaration that such a unique person exists, and the world should listen to Him. As the divine Son of God, you are to be obedient to Him.

          The second important assertion in the divine proclamation is, “My Chosen One.” Jesus is the Chosen One of God (Psalm 2:7-8; Heb. 1:5-6). As God’s Chosen One, He possesses divine authority for His mission on earth. As God chose Moses to deliver the nation of Israel from bondage in Egypt, so has He chosen His Son Jesus Christ to deliver the human race from the bondage of sin and the Devil. The final declaration of God is, “Listen to Him.” This is to confirm what Moses told the Israelites in the wilderness (Deut. 18:15). Today there are many voices that are whispering to your ears but God says that listen only to the voice of Jesus. Today the Muslims say that Mohammed is the last prophet of God, but God says listen to Jesus My Son, My Chosen One. Today the Mormons say that Joseph Smith is the way to the truth, but God says listen to Jesus Christ. Today, the Buddhist say that Buddha is the enlightened one but God says, Jesus is My beloved Son, listen to Him. Today the Jehovah’s Witnesses say that their religion is the only way to heaven, but God says, “This is My Son, My Chosen One, Listen to Him.” The question is whom are you listening to these days? Are you confused of all voices that are clamoring for your attention? Do not make any mistake; listen to only the voice of Jesus Christ. Give Him your life; give Him your time; give Him your talent; give Him your treasure; give Him all your attention, and you will never live to regret.

          When God says, “Listen to Him” it is not only a command or imperative; it is also a correction of your tendency to substitute human opinion for divine revelation. Sometimes a so-called prophet would come and tell you, God has told me this about you. Do not believe it. Rather, go to the Bible and you will hear what God is saying to you. Moses commanded the Israelites to listen to the Prophet that God would give them at His own time, but when Jesus came, they did not listen to Him, because they were listening to the scribes, Pharisees, and the Sadducees. Jesus alone is the true Prophet, the Chosen Servant, and the Son of God. He is the only One to whom  you need to give your allegiance.

          The Bible says that “When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.” When God spoke His words of affirmation concerning His unique Son, Moses and Elijah were removed from the scene. This is to say that there should not be any confusion about what the Father had said about the Son. Therefore, the scene ends with Jesus as the center of their attention. Who is the center of the attention of your life? Is self the center of attention of your life? Is money the center of attention of your life? Is fame the center of attention of your life? Or is it Jesus who is the center of attention of your life? God does not want any person or thing to compete for attention in your life, apart from His Son Jesus, His Chosen One, therefore listen to Him. Jesus is the only One who is worthy of your worship. Do not bow the knee of your heart to anybody. Do not bow the knee of your heart to anything. Bow the knee of your heart to Jesus alone.  When the heavenly proclamation was completed, Jesus was found alone. When it comes to the person of Jesus Christ, God does not want us to have any conflicting personalities. When it comes to the message of Jesus Christ, God does not want us to have any conflicting or confusing message. Jesus should not have any competitor in your life, because He will not play a second fiddle. Jesus must be the center of attraction in your life. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus Is the Savior. Jesus is the Chosen One of God. Jesus is the only One to whom you should listen. Worship belongs to Jesus and Jesus alone.

          The Bible says that the disciples “kept silent and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.” It was a wonderful experience but it was not something that encouraged idle chatter. There are some of you that when God reveals something to you, you cannot wait to share with others. Sometimes it is wise to ask God whether you need to share that experience or not. When God reveals a glimpse of His glory to you, He sometimes wants you to keep it to yourself. He did that for Paul and Paul kept them to himself. The disciples would later share this phenomenal experience but it would be after the resurrection of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:16-21).

A DAY OF INFAMY

Today is the fourteenth anniversary of the day of infamy that is etched in the mind of every American who was alive then. Evil people wanted to destroy us and still continue to make efforts to destroy us but God is on the throne and in control. We should not yield to terror, fear, and intimidation.

WHAT IS WORSHIP?

JOHN 4:19-26

          The woman said to Him, Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you people say in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus said to her. “Woman believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know, we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

          The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak, to you, I am He” (NASB).

INTRODUCTION

          An elderly lady was stone-deaf. She was always present at the worship services of her church unless she was ill. “Do give me the secret of your loyalty to the Lord’s house,” her pastor said to her one day. She answered, “Even though I can’t hear one word you say, I love God’s house and the fellowship of God’s children. When in His house, I feel that the Savior is meeting with us. It is not enough for me to worship God alone at home. It is my duty and privilege to worship Him publicly in the church service.”

          Today I would like us to examine the question, “What Is Worship?”

          In recent years the word “worship” has become a household word. Worship has won a prominent place in Christian discussions. Seminars and workshops on worship are conducted in the United States and other parts of the world. Theological Seminaries have designed curriculum for theology and music schools. When I attended Seminary, it was required of me to take a course in worship before graduation.

          The English word “worship” came from the old English “worthship.” The term “worship” is used for “worthiness, dignity, or merit, the recognition accorded or due to these, the paying of homage or respect.” In religious circles the term is used for the reverential devotion, service, or honor given to God, whether corporate or individual.

          The term “worship,” appears many times in both the Old and New Testaments. The main Old Testament term for “worship” is shachah, which means to “bow down” or to “prostrate” oneself. The Old Testament term carries an idea of the reverential attitude of mind or body or both, combined with the notions of religious adoration, obedience, and service. The Greek word which is often used in the New Testament for worship is proskuneo, which literally means to “kiss the hand towards one” or to prostrate oneself before another in token of reverence. This is the word that Jesus used in His dialogue with the woman of Sychar, when He said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Providentially, this is the text for our message today. Therefore, let’s go into the biblical text and see what the Lord has to teach us.

I.                  THE WHERE OF WORSHIP VV. 19-20

          For everyone who has been a part of Sunday school since childhood has heard something about Jesus and the woman at the well or Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. That passage is the favorite of many evangelists and pastors including me. In that passage we see the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the region of Samaria. Before we get to verse 19, we find out that Jesus has shared some profound truth and insight with the woman that has baffled her. In verse 19, what Jesus has said has impressed on the woman the realization that the person who is speaking to her is no ordinary man. The woman gives expression to this conviction by calling Him a “prophet.” The function of a prophet in the Scriptures was usually to tell forth a message he had from God. However, there is evidence that among the people of this time a prophet was sometimes held to have a special insight into people (Luke 7:39). It is possible that this Samaritan woman was gradually groping toward the recognition that Jesus was the Christ.

          The Samaritans were a half-breed Jews. They came into existence when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, burned the city, and razed the temple. When the Jewish people returned from captivity in Babylon, the Samaritans had mingled with the remnant of the Jewish people who were left in Israel. You can gain an understanding of the prolonged animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans when you read Ezra and Nehemiah.

          The Samaritans like some of the cults today, accepted only the first five books of the Bible, which are sometimes called the Torah or Pentateuch. They jettisoned the remaining of the Jewish Scripture, which today we call the Old Testament. It goes without saying that the Samaritans acknowledged no prophet after Moses other than the one spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:15-18, and him they regarded as the Messiah. Therefore, for her to speak of Jesus as a prophet was to move into the area of messianic speculation.

          The recognition or the admission of the plausibility that Jesus is a prophet causes her to move to a bone of contention between the Samaritans and the Jews. The bone of contention has to do with the place of worship. This is the reason we teach Christians who are trying to share Christ with people of other faiths to refrain from controversial religious issues and stay with the presentation of the gospel. The Samaritans on one hand, held Mount Gerazim to be their sacred place of the worship of God. But the Jews on the other hand, insisted that Jerusalem was the place to worship the one true God. The Jews held that the Law teaches that there can be only one place for the temple (Deut. 12:5). Mount Gerazim was the scene of the blessing of the Hebrew people when they came into the Promised Land (Deut. 11:29; 27:12). The Samaritans also read in their Bibles that an altar was commanded to be set up on this mountain (Deut 27:4ff.). The Samaritans also had a tradition that it was Mount Gerazim that Abraham’s offering of Isaac took place and they held that it was here that Abraham met Melchizedek.

          Since this Samaritan woman perceives Jesus to be a prophet she wants Jesus’ opinion on this ongoing bitter controversy. What makes the controversy even bitter is that during the Inter-Testamental period, which is also known as the Maccabean period, a Jewish leader by the name of John Hyrcarnus destroyed the Samaritan temple in 128 B.C. You can imagine the animosity that the destruction of the temple brought between the Samaritans and the Jews. The woman wants to know Jesus’ take in this bitter and controversial matter. Therefore, she introduces the controversial topic. However, hardly did the woman know that she has brought about a subject, which Jesus was dying to expand. The Samaritan woman has opened up the way for Jesus to speak of the essential nature of God and of worship that should be offered Him. I have heard of some Africans in the United States who find it difficult to worship God here. They speak of the euphoric sense of their past experience of worship when they were in Africa. However, in this text as we will soon see, worship does not depend on geographic location. Genuine worship of the Lord can occur at any place, because the Creator God is Omnipresent.

II.               THE WHAT OF WORSHIP VV. 21-22

          In His response to the woman’s controversial topic, Jesus teaches us a lesson. The lesson is that Jesus refuses to be drawn into an argument. You cannot argue a person into the Kingdom of God. The New Testament teaches us to refrain from arguments. Rather, Jesus solemnly predicts that a time is coming when worship will be possible in neither place. Genuine worship is spiritual. It is not dependent on places and things. The woman has appealed to the example of “our fathers.” Jesus points her to the Father. The woman was basing her controversial topic on Samaritan tradition (“our fathers”). Jesus is basing His answer in divine revelation (“the Father”). The woman’s concern is “the where or the place of worship.” Jesus’ concern is the what” or the essential nature of worship. Jesus points out to the woman the inadequacy of         the Samaritan worship. There should be a caution here else you will misrepresent what Jesus is teaching here. Jesus does not doubt that the Samaritans worship the one God. Jesus is not saying that the Samaritans worship a false god or an idol. That is not what Jesus is saying. Jesus is not attacking their sincerity. What Jesus is saying is that since the Samaritans have chosen only the Torah and jettisoned the rest of the Hebrew Bible, their worship is inadequate. Half truth cannot be a whole truth. Half knowledge can be very dangerous. Half obedience is complete disobedience (King Saul). It is true that God speaks about worship in the Pentateuch, but if the Samaritans have embraced the entire Old Testament Scriptures, they would have known that God told David that his son will build Him a temple in Jerusalem. What Jesus is saying is that since the Samaritans have a partial revelation of the truth of God, their worship is suspect and their worship of God is inauthentic. What Jesus is implying is that the Samaritans’ knowledge of God is very limited. Jesus is saying that the Samaritans stand outside the stream of God’s revelation, so that what they worship cannot be characterized by truth and knowledge. The pronoun “you” (plural) is emphatic and the pronoun “we” is also emphatic. When Jesus says that “salvation comes from the Jews,” He does not mean that all Jews will be saved. The entire Gospel stands against such a thesis. What Jesus is saying is that since the Jews have the complete revelation of God, it could be said that they are the vehicle of that revelation, the historical matrix, out of which that revelation emerges (Ps. 76:1). In this debate Jesus comes down decisively on the side of the Jews. The messianic salvation comes from the Jewish nation. The Messiah is a Jew. From hindsight we see that the early disciples of Jesus and the Apostles were all of Jewish stock.

III.           THE HOW OF WORSHIP VV. 23-26

          Jesus takes the topic, which the Samaritan woman has brought about, a step further. He says, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”  “A time is coming and has now come” is a reference to a crisis to something new. In the person of Jesus, we see not only the appearing of old truths (whether they are held by Jews or Samaritans), but the appearing of God’s definitive revelation. In due course Jesus will die that atoning death, which will bring salvation to the world. Jesus is saying that disputes between Jews and Samaritans concerning the geographical location of worship will fade away. True or genuine worshipers will not base their worship on either location. On the contrary, true worshipers worship “in spirit and truth.” In Spirit is not a reference to the Holy Spirit. Rather it has to do with the human spirit. The combination “spirit and truth” points to the need for complete sincerity and complete reality in our approach to God. God the Father seeks such people to worship Him. The God who is love, the God who seeks the best for people, and therefore a God who actively seeks them out. The essential nature of God is spirit. God is spirit, He is invisible, not human; He is divine. Therefore, in real worship our human spirit is in fellowship with the God who is spirit. Not only that, we are also to worship God in truth. This means that we are to know this God who has given revelation of Himself to us in His Word. We are to know this God who has revealed Himself in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. Since God is spirit, it is reasonable that only those He has chosen to reveal Himself to can worship Him in spirit and truth (Matt. 11:25). This is why I have a problem with churches that worship without opening the Bible. This is why I have problem with churches, whose worship is not Bible-centered. God does not want us to worship Him in ignorance. He wants us to worship Him in spirit and truth. Our worship should be in tune with His spirit and His truth as revealed in His Word. For example, when we come before the Lord’s presence and His Spirit convicts us of sin through His Word or in song, we must do something about it. If we need to apologize to someone, we should not brush it aside. If we need to mend some relationship we must do so. If we have some unconfessed sins, we must confess them and repent of them. Jesus says that it is a “must,” that is a divine necessity to worship God in “spirit and truth.” Jesus says that God seeks; He looks for such people to worship Him. Therefore, the debate that is prevalent today in Christian circles about the “how” or “where” of worship is unimportant. The reason is that you and I cannot dictate the “how” or the “where” of worship. We must come only in the way that the Holy Spirit opens for us.

          When Jesus showed the Samaritan woman the insufficiency and the inadequacy of the Samaritan worship, she confessed that when the Messiah comes all these controversies will be resolved. The Samaritans, though they rejected the rest of the Old Testament, there were Messianic prophecies in the Pentateuch, which they held dear. The Samaritan woman knew that the prophesied Messiah, though would be a Jew, He would have the authority of God and she looked to Him to tell people everything. When the Samaritan woman expressed her dim knowledge of the coming Messiah, Jesus in words of simple dignity, revealed Himself to her. “I who speaks to you, I am He.” This is one of the rare occasions that Jesus makes His identity as the Messiah known.

          The question is do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Until you have a supernatural encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, you cannot worship God in spirit and truth. Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the one who has revealed the Father. Therefore, “the what” and “the how” of true worship is dependent on whether you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and whether you espouse the written Scriptures as inspired and special revelation of God.

WORKING FOR THE LORD OR WORSHIPING THE LORD?

LUKE 10:38-42

          Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.

          But Martha was distracted with all her preparations, and she came to Him and said, “Lord do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha you are worried and bothered about so many things; but one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (NASB).

INTRODUCTION

          A weary Christian lay awake one night trying to hold the world together by his worrying. Then he heard the Lord gently say to him, “Now you go to sleep, Jim; I will sit up.” Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart; they are mutually exclusive.

          As we continue our series on worship, I would like to share with you on the topic: “Working for the Lord or Worshiping the Lord?”

I.      THE HEARTY RECEPTION VV. 38-39

          In this text, we have a precious jewel that Luke has preserved for us. Luke is the only Gospel writer who records this event in his Gospel account. I would like to give you some hints about the Gospel of Luke. Luke is the Gospel for all people. Luke’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of Man. A Gospel puts women in a positive light. Luke’s Gospel depicts Jesus as the emancipator of all people, including women. In Luke’s Gospel, you see the role of women in Jesus’ ministry and discipleship.

          When people accuse Christians and churches for the restriction and abuse of women today, they do not know what they are saying. Jesus in fact, is the one who broke the social barrier that the ancient cultures of the Greeks, Romans, and the Jews had placed in the path of women. During the time of Jesus, women were not allowed to have a formal education. The Jewish people forbade women from talking to/with a Rabbi in public. A woman could not testify or bear witness in a court of law. No matter how strong her testimony might be, it would be thrown out of court.

          Therefore for Jesus to surround Himself with women disciples, was a great risk but He was looking at the big picture of redemption of fallen humanity. Jesus was not perturbed by what others might have thought or concluded.

          Luke does not mention the name of this village, but John mentions in his Gospel chapter 12 that the name of the village where Mary and Martha lived was Bethany about two miles from Jerusalem. The impression we get in this biblical text is that Martha was the host and probably the older of the two sisters. Unlike the legalistic and hypocritical Rabbis of His day, Jesus accepted the invitation to the home of Martha and Mary. The conversation that ensued later on reveals that Jesus already knew these women. Therefore, this might not have been the first time Jesus had become a guest in this house. As soon as Jesus enters the house, Martha figured out that He might be hungry. So, she rushes to the kitchen, put her apron on and begins to prepare the meal. Mary on the other hand, sits at the feet of Jesus to listen to what the Lord has to teach her. This text and the lesson it conveys has a great significance to Christians who live in the Western world. Balancing work and worshiping the Lord can be a tricky business. Most people in Western cultures are compelled to live harried lives. Often their schedules are full of “good” activity, labor that has merit. One of the demands of a full schedule is that the activity be prioritized. Some things come high on the list; others must wait. Sometimes priorities have to be shuffled at the last minute to meet needs. The account of Martha and Mary is about such priorities, especially when the options are good ones.

          This passage is capable of being misread in a couple of ways. First, it is not about women, rather it is a passage on discipleship. The point of emphasis is not that women can be too easily caught up in the busy work of keeping the home. What Jesus says to Martha about Mary would be equally true if Mary were male or even a child. Second, the point is not that activity like Martha’s is bad. The choice Jesus discusses with Martha is between something that is good and something that is better. Life is full of tough choices, and Jesus is stressing the relative merits of good activities here. For conscientious people, such choices are often the most difficult and anxiety filled.

II.   A HARSH REQUEST V. 40

          Martha does not like her sister Mary’s approach to Jesus’ visit to their home, since she could use another hand in the kitchen. Therefore, she asks for Jesus’ help, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” Those of us who have seen sibling rivalry can appreciate the tone of Martha’s challenge to Jesus. The way Martha’s question is stated in the Greek language makes it clear that she anticipates a positive answer to her question. Martha is performing a worthy task, but she is consumed with what others are doing. Jesus does not criticize her for what she is doing but for being concerned about others’ activities. When we were at a certain local church, there was a woman who volunteered to do many things. However, there was something about her that I did not like. She complained a lot about why others would not help her like what Martha is doing in this passage.

          Are you overwhelmed? Do not lose sight of your priorities. Spend time with the Lord. He will lift your load and give you the right perspective. The struggles that we face each day can burden and oppress us. But if we spend more time with God, we will find relief from stress. Vance Havner said, “If Christians do not come apart and rest awhile, they may just plain come apart!”

          Martha certainly meant well, but her zeal to entertain Jesus well as a guest caused her to become frustrated with her sister Mary who sat and listened and also toward Jesus Himself because He did not tell Mary to go and help with the serving of the food. Martha is so dissatisfied that she wants to instruct the Savior what He should do, namely to command Mary to help her. In this way, she disturbed the harmony between herself and her sister and between herself and the Lord through her unbalanced zeal to entertain Jesus as lavishly as possible. Martha’s attention was drawn away by the burden of her service. Hard working Martha was distracted. The lesson in this is that when we want to serve the Lord without spending time with Him, we find ourselves distracted and frustrated. The reason many Christians get frustrated in the work of the Lord is that they serve the Lord without spending enough time with Him in worship and fellowship in His word. It was A. W. Tozer who said, “Fellowship with God leads straight to obedience and good works. That is the divine order and it can never be reversed.” Do you spend enough time with the Lord in worship, in His Word, and in prayer before you go out there to serve Him? If you do this, you would meet opposition sometimes, but you would not be frustrated.

III.           A HARMLESS REBUKE VV. 41-42

          Our Lord Jesus, who has perfect knowledge of the human heart, saw through Martha’s attitude and also knew that it was a proper motive that Mary had withdrawn herself on this occasion from the ordinary household duties in order to hear the words of everlasting life from His mouth. Jesus then responds tenderly and instructs in the process. Jesus says, “Martha, Martha” to indicate the presence of caring emotion. The repetition of Martha’s name conveys an expression of affection and concern. Jesus questions Martha not because of her activity but because of her attitude about it: “You are worried and bothered about so many things.” The “phrase “worried and bothered” carries the idea of an agitated mind. By comparing what Martha is doing to what Mary is doing, Martha has injected unnecessary anxiety into the visit. Jesus was concerned about Martha’s anxiety (v. 41).

          For every one of us who is a disciple of Jesus Christ, an attitude of learning and obedience takes first place. Martha must now learn to give the Lord and His word priority even over loving service. There are important human needs whether of the victim in verses 30-35 or of Jesus Himself (Deut. 8:3). The most important part of our Christian life is the spiritual exercise of worship and communion with our Redeemer and Lord. The tension in the Christian life lies in maintaining the right balance between the life of quiet worship in spirit and in truth and the practicing of our faith in active service. And, indeed, it is only in the Word of God (the Bible) that this comprehensive form of faith is taught.

          From the standpoint of Mary emerges the example of someone willing to sit at Jesus’ feet and fellowship with Him as His disciple. Jesus offers a tender rebuke to Martha whiles He commends the attitude of Mary. The reason is that there is something tranquil in what Mary does. Often in the hustle and bustle of life, we need to pause for a moment of reflection before the Lord. Jesus tells Martha that “one thing is needed” and her sister Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. A time well spent with the Lord cannot be compared to anything in the Christian life. I have made it my practice not to answer any phone calls in the morning when I am having my quiet time with the Lord. The reason is that whatever the message that the person wants to communicate to me whether good or bad only God can give me what to do or say.

          Jesus says that just one thing is needed. Out of the many things we do, good things, important things, hundred of things, only one is needed. That is right, just one. Martha was so distracted by her busyness that she did not recognize it. Jesus contrasted Martha’s “many things” to Mary’s “one thing.” Martha was so busy serving the Lord that she did not have time to enjoy His presence.

          Martha’s service to Christ should have brought joy and peace to her heart but instead brought anxiety, worry, and anger. Her well-intended labor succeeded only in breaking the harmony between her and the sister, and it cast a gloom over the entire affair. Does that sound familiar? (Psalm 50:12).

          Yes, Jesus will survive if Martha does not feed Him, but Martha will not survive if Jesus does not feed her. Many Christians have burned out, because they were so busy serving the Lord that they had no time to sit at His table and feast on His Word.

          Mary had “chosen that good part.” That is a culinary term, the parlance of the kitchen. It was the choice piece, the portion reserved for the guest of honor at the feast. While Martha thought she was preparing the choice portion for Jesus, He gave it to Mary. Have you spent time sitting at the feet of Jesus, enjoying His presence, and feasting on His Word? Nothing, not even prayer, can take the place of faithful reading and diligent study of the Bible.

          Mary knew the one deep secret that love cannot finally express itself in service. It must take the place of devotion and of discipleship. The reason why there is tension and frustration in churches today is that many church members are trying to serve Christ at the expense of worship and discipleship. In this passage, Jesus calls us to a life of worship and discipleship as well as practical service. However, worship and discipleship precede Christian service. Martha was frustrated because she allowed her attention to wander. She had a divided attention. She wanted to listen to Jesus’ teaching while at the same time thinking about the preparations for the meal. This episode would have turned out differently, if Martha had first joined her sister Mary at the feet of Jesus to listen to His instruction. The food could wait, but the learning and worship at the feet of Jesus take priority. They may not have Jesus as their guest of honor again. Both sisters could have later served Jesus with physical food after they had received the spiritual banquet from the Lord.

          A significant thing is the fact that a woman is portrayed in such a positive light, as one worthy to sit at the Master’s feet in a first century culture where women were not regarded as worthy of formal instruction. However in the mission and ministry of Jesus, grace knows no boundaries of gender. The Lord was willing to cross social and gender barriers. Jesus was willing to teach all and so should we. Instructions in the things of the Lord should be open to all.

          This text is also a key to discipleship. When service is elevated to its proper place in discipleship, then battles over power in the church become irrelevant. Thus Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus depicts a person who is willing to learn from Him, while Martha’s busyness portrays someone serving Him. Disciples need to do both. In other words, discipleship is a balanced combination of two things: service and reflection. But reflection and worship precede service. This may involve moments of silence before God in prayer listening for His voice. It is a great temptation to serve at the expense of being fed spiritually. That is what Jesus’ remarks to Martha means. Some activities can wait. There is a time to work and there is a time to listen. Unfortunately, often when things get busy, the first thing to go is time with the Lord. However, the best time you can spend anywhere is the time with the Lord in His word and in prayer. Before activity can be meaningful and done with sensitivity, it should be bathed in prayer. I suspect many of us can use a little more Mary and a little less Martha in our lives. Part of Martha’s problem was that she worried too much about what others were doing. The problem with some Christians is that they spend too much time evaluating the walk of others and too little time being self-critical about their own actions for Jesus. Think of how more effective the church would be if we gave half the energy to evaluating our walk than we often do to criticizing the walk of others. The church suffers when all its energy is spent on spying and criticizing one another. What is critical and important in the church is for every member to take responsibility of his/her walk with the Lord. How do you balance your worship and work of Christ?