A Christian is...

2 Peter 3:17 – 18

The Christian is…

 

 

Much has been said to define Christianity.  The difficult has been that most of this has not been informed by Scripture.  In is final statements, Peter gives us three things important warnings. 

 

These are based on basic strategies for living a Christian life.  Let’s look at them.

 

“Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” [2 Peter 3:17 – 18]

 

 

I.          The Christian is alert.

 

(“be on your guard”)

 

            A.        What can we use to make sure we are alert?

 

                        1.         The Bible.

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” [Psalm 119:105]

 

“…The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. …  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” [Psalm 19:9b, 11]

 

“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd. [12] Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them….” [Ecclesiastes 12:11 – 21a]

 

                        2.         The Holy Spirit.

 

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me.” [John 16:8 – 9]

 

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” [John 16:13 – 15]

 

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” [John 14:26]

 

                        3.         The church.

 

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. [15] These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” [Titus 2:11 – 16]

 

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” [2 Timothy 2:2]

 

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance [10] (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.  [11] Command and teach these things.” [1 Timothy 4:9 – 11]

 

            B.        What does it mean to be alert?

 

                        1.         We are not ignorant.  The danger is that we will be “carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.”

 

“In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” [2 Corinthians 2:11]

 

“Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." [34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame.” [1 Corinthians 15:33 – 34]

 

                        2.         We follow the map.

 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” [Matthew 7:13 – 14]

 

[Negative] “But they will reply, `It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.'” [Jeremiah 18:12]

 

[Positive] “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” [1 Peter 2:21]

 

 

II.        The Christian life is based on authority.

 

(“so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position”)

 

            A.        What authority do we have?

 

                        1.         Authority in Jesus.

 

“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. [49] But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” [Luke 6:46 – 49]

 

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 1:18]

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [Acts 1:8]

 

                        2.         Authority in Scripture.

 

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [Ephesians 6:17]

 

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” [Hebrews 4:12]

 

“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. [2] For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.” [1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 2]

 

            B.        Response to critics:

 

1.         Inflexibility is good… we all cope with life with some form of inflexibility.

 

2.         Historical anchors are good… the past teaches us and connects us with something bigger than just ourselves.

 

3.         Christian effort is not flawless… life fits belief either by default or deliberate duty. 

 

(Ill. Biblical standard: how we treat others is a reflection of our relationship with God.  A person who sows discord/division through gossip is not of God.  Picture: If someone offends you, the ability to give them grace [smile and nod, walk away, graceful deal with the situation] is a godly skill.  If someone offends you and you run to tell someone… that is not of God.  VERY few people are good at giving grace…)

 

(Indonesian proverb: Only the little dog must bark.)

 

III.       The Christian life is advancing.

 

            A.        How?

 

                        1.         We are told to “grow in grace.”

 

[“Grace” is the free and unearned loving-kindness and mercy of God toward us for no other reason than the fact that God want to.  Grace is God’s initiative in our lives.]

 

                                    a.         If God has given us “grace” how are we going to react to it?

 

                                    b.         If God has given us “grace” how are we going to reflect it?

 

                        2.         We are told to grow “in the knowledge” of Jesus.

 

a.         If you want to know someone, you speak to them, spend time with them… in other words, you read the Bible.

 

b.         If you want to grow, it will take exercise… participate in growth things (like church attendance)

 

            B.        Honest problems:

 

                        1.         Inertia:  Sluggish inactivity, lethargic indifference, apathy.

 

a.         Garfield cartoon.  Garfield is laying on his back.  He says, “I need motivation.”  Jon walks by and says, “Get up and do something you lazy bum.”  Garfield continues to lay in the same position and says, “Yep, that was life-transforming.”

 

b.         This issue is not a matter of the will, it is not one of laziness.  It is a matter of not being in motion (or being in motion the wrong way).

 

c.         What overcomes inertia is being acted upon by an external force (from Physics).  Spiritually we can not change/move unless God changes/moves us.

 

                        2.         The difference between what we know and what we do.

 

a.         Internally: We find ways to change either action or beliefs to avoid unpleasant consequences.  If we feel the pain of sin, we will either repent or disavow the necessity of repentance (disavow Jesus).

 

b.         Externally: We become judgmental.  Humor here… if we are struggling with our own inconsistency we tend to lash out at others.

 

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” [1 Corinthians 5:12a]

 

“Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” [Romans 14:4]

 

c.         The answer is found in the pursuit of Christ-likeness as a response to God’s initiative. 

 

 

Questions:  Are you alert (on your guard)?  What is the authority in your life?  Is your Christian life

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

 

 

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Where Faith and Action meet

James 2:14 – 26

Where Faith and Action meet.

 

I.         Many of us are comfortably in control.

 

            A.        My personal background.

 

                        1.         Control was an absolute, most of the rules were designed around strict control.

 

                                    a.         No alcohol (drugs, etc...) because alcohol relaxes a person and causes them to lose control. (Changes personality, date rape drug of choice.)

 

                                    b.         No dancing because dancing is designed to encourage lust. (Dad pulled me form my elementary school’s spring program because the school planned a “square dancing” section.)

 

                        2.         Control can make us oblivious to need.

 

                                    a.         I was not trained to sympathize or empathize with others because these would give others leverage and possible control.

 

                                    b.         Essentially my family training made me blind to see others needs.

 

                                                1.)       I miss or am offended by subtlety and hints. (And sometimes directness.)

 

                                                2.)       I have to be deliberate to sympathize or empathize.

 

                                                3.)        I have to turn on my “radar” to pick up on needs.

 

            B.        This is a general problem: Needs make us think.

 

                        1.         Thinking helps us to stay in control.

 

                                    a.         James’ illustration:

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” [James 2:15 – 16]

 

                                                1.)       This assumes the ability to see the need and the ability to do something about the need.

 

                                                2.)       The meeting of physical needs is part of James’ definition of religion and faith.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” [James 1:27]

 

                                    b.         Jesus also had a similar definition. [Matthew 25:34 – 46]

 

                                                1.)       So does that mean our eternal salvation depends on what we do and do not do with the needs of others?

 

                                                2.)       According to Jesus, yes. (This was in context of the story of the Master giving talents (unit of money) to his servants and what they did with them.

 

                        2.         If we allow ourselves to feel any compassion we are in danger of losing control.

 

                                    a.         Compassion requires our time and resources (which God gave to us to invest... see the story in Matthew 25).

 

                                    b.         Compassion is not comfortable but it is critical.

 

II.       When we become disturbed by need we do something.

 

            A.        Typically we like to wait for the thing to become critical.

 

                        1.         In other words, we wait until we become annoyed, alarmed, or angry enough to do something.

 

                                    a.         We might see a need but want someone else to do something about it.

 

                                    b.         Problem is that it builds a certain frustration level that is expressed in unhealthy ways like complaining, being critical, holding grudges.

 

                        2.         This is our version of living day to day.

 

                                    a.         “Today has enough trouble to keep me busy.”

 

                                    b.         Anything that breaks into “today” is unwelcome.

(Ill.) Wisdom from the mission field: If you get one thing done from your to do list, you’ve had a good day. If you get nothing done on your to do list, you’ve had a better day. (Why? Because you got something done on God’s to do list.)

 

            B.        James talks about faith and works.

 

                        1.         We tend to put them on opposite polls.

 

                                    a.         No one can be saved by works (as opposed to grace)

 

                                    b.         The Bible is clear: no one can be saved without producing works (sometimes called “fruit”)

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” [Matthew 3:8]

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” [John 15:4]

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. [19] In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” [1 Timothy 6:18 – 19]

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” [Ephesians 2:10]

 

                        2.         Reality: they are compliments on opposites. Trouble is we have theological traditions that emphasize to the probable exclusion of other important elements of faith. (Source: Dr. Muholland)

 

                                    a.         “Head” religion, emphasizes TRUTH. (“conservative”)

 

                                    b.         “Hand” religion, emphasizes COMPASSION. (“social gospel” and “liberation theology”)

 

                                    c.         “Heart” religion, emphasizes FEELING (and sometimes relationship). (“charismatic” and “holiness”)

***** The existence of someone doing something else and seeing salvation differently questions our existence and means of salvation. *****

 

            C.        What about Paul’s grace and James’ works?

 

                        1.         Paul is addressing grace and faith as a means of salvation (beginning). However, Paul understood judgement to be based on our works (result).

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

(Also see Romans 2:5 – 8, 1 Corinthians 3:8)

 

                        2.         James addresses works and faithfulness as the exercise and result of salvation. (Another word for that is sanctification.)

 

III.      We must allow faith to open our eyes to circumstance.

 

            A.        “Broken Window” theory.

 

                        1.         Circumstances (and physical context) not belief or knowledge is the main determination of behavior.

 

                                    a.         Belief becomes situational, fluid, depending on our rationalizations.

 

                                    b.         Control becomes the determining factor.

 

                        2.         Two types of belief:

 

                                    a.         Belief = knowing.

 

                                                1.)       “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” [James 2:19]

 

                                                2.)       Knowing is not changing or choosing obedience.

 

                                    b.         Belief = doing.

 

                                                1.)       “Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” [vv 21, 22]

 

                                                2.)       In other words: “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” [v 24]

(The other side of this is that works without faith is just as dead.)

 

            B.        James’ point is that faith is practical.

 

                        1.         Jesus said, above everything else, the true believer must get two this right.

 

                                    a.         Love God and love others. [see Matthew 22:37 – 40, Mark 12:30 –31, Luke 10:27]

 

                                    b.         James implies that service is love.

 

                        2.         The “love language” of service is the only one the community understands.

(Ill.) Missionary in Taiwan talking to a group of people. They did not have a high opinion of Buddhist monks because “they do nothing to help us.”

 

                                    a.         Our problem is we are results oriented rather than people oriented.

 

                                    b.         We check the “bottom line” (buildings, bodies, and budgets) rather than eternal impact. (Often confuse the two thinking they are the same.)

 

IV.      Somehow we need to let God have control.

 

            A.        Greek ideal: “apathetic”

 

                        1.         Stoics believed in the destruction of emotional attachment and involvement.

 

                        2.         Epicureans believed in abandoning themselves to the pleasure of the moment.

 

                        3.         Both had the ultimate goal of “apathy.”

 

            B.        Christian ideal: “action”

 

                        1.         If you notice a need and have the means, you are required to act compassionately on that need.

 

                        2.         If God is at work in you, you are required to act on faith.

 

                                    a.         Look past the circumstances.

 

                                    b.         Faith = action

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What does “Christian perfection” look like?

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18

What does “Christian perfection” look like?

John Wesley – “Rejoice always in uninterrupted happiness in God. Pray without ceasing, which is the fruit of always rejoicing in the Lord. In everything give thanks, which is the fruit of both the former. THIS IS CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. Further than this we cannot go, and we need not stop short of it.”

 

I.         Jesus purchased our joy and righteousness.*

 

            A.        Joy and righteousness is ours through Jesus Christ.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” [1 Peter 1:3 – 9]

 

                        1.         Joy is based on our standing in Jesus, not circumstances. [v 6]

 

                                    a.         In Jesus we have a “new birth” and a “living hope.” [v 4]

 

                                    b.         Suffering plays an important part in “proving” our faith. [v 7]

“RO 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” [Romans 3:21]

 

                        2.         Righteousness is based on the work of Jesus Christ, not our work.

 

                                    a.         The keeping of the law implied the possibility of earning or deserving salvation.

 

                                    b.         Righteousness comes through one source: Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again.

 

            B.        Joy killers:

 

                        1.         The desire to gratify the imagination.*

 

                                    a.         These are things that were never designed to satisfy the desire to gratify the immortal spirit.*

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” [1 John 2:15 – 17]

 

                                    b.         The real trouble is that all the things we crave (want) outside of Jesus is false and will eventually let us down or betray us.

 

                        2.         Bitterness.*

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” [Hebrews 12:15]

 

                                    a.         Bitterness is connected to missing the grace of God.

 

                                    b.         This affect can be both initially and eventually.

 

                        3.         “Looking for life in things that make you die.” [“Life begins at the cross” by the Alter Boys]

 

                                    a.         When we chase what is false, the end will always be bad.

 

                                    b.         We have so much to confuse us. We add so much to the exercise of religion. We become “smorgasbord” in our approach because we don’t know the Bible.

 

II.       Prayer is the breath of our spiritual life.*

 

            A.        Joy makes us want to be constantly in the presence of God.*

 

                        1.         “Sweet of hour of prayer” vs “pray without ceasing”

 

                                    a.         Someplace we get the idea that the presence of God is something we can enter and leave at will.

 

                                    b.         While at times we are invited into God’s presence for special times, such as church services, Bible reading, prayer... we are constantly in God’s presence!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27]

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” [2 Corinthians 1:21 – 22]

 

            B.        Of all our physical functions... (outside of our heart beating) breathing is the most critical (we die the quickest if this it denied).

 

                        1.         Spiritually, it works the same way... if we disconnect from God in prayer... we will cease to live spiritually.

[Ill. There is an octopus that changes color and is about the size of a golf ball. It is considered the most lethal creature on earth. If a person comes in contact with the octopus, death results in about four minutes and there is no known antidote. The problem is not the octopus, it is a deadly bacteria that grows on its skin. It works because it causes the body to stop breathing which causes cardiac arrest. Basically, its drowning without the water.]

 

                        2.         When you are in love with someone, there is a joy that fills you when you are around them... Joy that is real will compel us to be in the presence of God, constantly in prayer.

 

                                    a.         Here’s life: in Jesus Christ we are alive in the presence of God. There is joy and a desire to continue in that joy is expressed in prayer.

 

                                    b.         We breath spiritually in prayer.

 

III.      Thanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer.*

 

            A.        Thanksgiving in all circumstances?

 

                        1.         Suffering produces good things.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” [Romans 5:3 – 5]

 

                                    a.         This is contrary to our desire for comfort and ease.

 

                                    b.         Typically we see suffering as negative (even a curse).

 

                        2.         Suffering confirms relationship.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? [8] If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! [10] Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” [Hebrews 12:7 – 11]

 

                                    a.         Discipline is direction and training, not just punishment.

 

                                    b.         Hardship/suffering helps produce good things in us: holiness, righteousness, and peace.

 

            B         Notice that we are to give thanks IN all circumstances not FOR all circumstances.

 

                        1.         God wants us to maintain rejoicing, constant prayer, and thanksgiving regardless of the circumstances.

 

                                    a.         Nothing can separate us from the love of God. [see Romans 8:35 – 39]

 

                                    b.         If God is still around with His infinite love for us and we have not thrown away our confidence in the saving work and blood of Jesus Christ... Then regardless what circumstance we find ourselves in, we maintain joy, constant prayer, and thanksgiving.

 

                        2.         Pain is still pain.

 

                                    a.         Pain is very useful in teaching us and keeping us safe. (Ill. Hot stove...)

 

                                    b.         God uses the everyday grind, the natural painful parts of life, the inevitable wear and tear to teach us and point us in the way we should go.

 

IV.      What does this mean.

 

            A.        It can be a test.

 

                        1.         A “standard” is something that gives us an idea of what to expect and what is good.

 

                                    a.         Joy, constant prayer, and thanksgiving are the “standards” for the Christian life. They are the constant. They are the consistent marks. They are the expected outcomes.

 

                                    b.         If any of them are missing then something is wrong... in some cases very wrong.

 

                        2.         If something is wrong, then you need to change courses.

 

                                    a.         Navigating the Great Lakes was a very treacherous thing. Light houses were built to help ships navigate. Detailed maps were drawn showing the depth and dangers. Even adjustments to compasses were charted (to compensate for the heavy mineral deposits in the area). All intended to keep ships safe.

 

                                    b.         Still, they built the “widow’s walk” on houses. You can see them today, on top of the houses near the river... a walk way built on the roof so wives could go out and see if their husband’s ships were returning. If they didn’t see the ship, it meant it had gone down and they had probably lost their husband.

 

            B.        It can be necessary correction.

 

                        1.         Shipwrecks are terrible things... There is desperate work to stop the possible. There is frantic desire to avoid the inevitable. A shipwrecked life is a terrible thing.

 

                                    a.         Lives are uprooted and destroyed.

 

                                    b.         Families and churches are destroyed.

 

                        2.         It’s time to take an honest check on our bearings: joy, prayer, and thanksgiving.

 

                                    a.         If something is missing then you are off course. If you are off course then you are in danger.

 

                                    b.         Maybe you are hung up on jealousy, evil surmising (suppose without having evidence – Oxford), groundless or unreasonable suspicions, envy, resentment of past injuries or insults.

 

                        3.         Make the correction: repent... let God’s love and joy fill you again.

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