What is the difference between slavish fear and childlike fear?
Slavish fear has its roots in the covenant of works; childlike fear, in the covenant of grace. Slavish fear is provoked by the consequences of sin; childlike fear, by the God-dishonoring character of sin. Slavish fear is motivated by legalistic servitude, looking for reward; childlike fear is motivated by voluntary obedience, looking for grace. In slavish fear, the enmity of our heart is not broken; in childlike fear, this enmity is broken. In slavish fear we have hard thoughts of God; in childlike fear we have high thoughts of God. Slavish fear hates punishment; childlike fear hates sin. Slavish fear seeks for self-preservation and self-honor; childlike fear seeks the preservation of the Lord's attributes and honor. Slavish fear produces a convinced sinner;childlike fear, a truly convicted, converted sinner. Slavish fear looks for relief; childlike fear looks for welfare above relief.
Slavish fear is of a temporary character. "It is", as John Warburton said, "religion in fits and starts. It comes and goes." Childlike fear is more steady; it abides more deeply; it grows more profoundly in the soil of the heart. Slavish fear ultimately returns to the world. It clings to sin and is choked by the world. childlike fear cannot return to the world; it parts from sin, and longs to be with God. Slavish fear never truly humbles the sinner as an unworthy sinner; childlike fear humbles the sinner as the chiefest of transgressors. Slavish fear leaves the eye closed to Christ; childlike fear has its eye fixed upon Christ.
Slavish fear has its own glory as its ultimate goal; it desires only a quieted conscience, peace and rest. Childlike fear aims for the glory of God; true rest in God is its lofty goal. Slavish fear ends in damnation; childlike fear ends in salvation. Which kind of fear do we possess, my friends, slavish or childlike?
Dr.Joel R.Beeke, www.heritagebooks.org
Quotables on the Fear of God
"The fear of the Lord is that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father's law." Charles Bridges
"Though there is not always grace where there is fear of hell, yet, to be sure, there is no grace where there is no fear of God." John Bunyan
"The fear of God is the root and origin of all righteousness." John Calvin
"As faith is a grace that feeds all the rest, so fear is a grace that guards all the rest." William Secker
"The fear of God promotes spiritual joy; it is the morning star that ushers in the sunlight of comfort."
Thomas Watson
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Grieve Not the Holy Spirit of God
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
All Christians know from experience, that faith in Christ is the source of their holiness and peace. When beset with tempatations to despondency or sin, if they look to him for support, they are conscious of a strength to resist, or to endure, which no amount of will and no influence of motives could ever impart. When they draw near to God as the members of Christ, they have freedom and access, and experience a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. When pressed down by afflictions, if they remember that they are one with him who suffered for them, leaving them an example, they rejoice in their tribulations, knowing that if they suffer they shall also reign with him.
Moreover . . . to maintain that life we must avoid everything which may provoke the Spirit to withdraw from us. The Bible teaches us, that the Spirit may be grieved; that His influences may be quenched; that God, in judgment, often withdraws them from those who thus offend. Evil thoughts, unholy tempers, acts of transgression, are to be avoided not merely as sins, but as offences against the Holy Spirit. We must remember, that to defile the soul with sin, or the body by intemperance or impurity, is sacrilege, because we are the members of Christ, and our bodies the temples of the Holy Ghost. On the other hand, right thoughts, just purposes, holy desires, are to be cherished not only as right in themselves, but as proceeding from that heavenly Agent on whom we are dependent for sanctification.
(Charles Hodge (1797-1878), The Banner of Truth Trust, June 2014, info@banneroftruth.org )
All Christians know from experience, that faith in Christ is the source of their holiness and peace. When beset with tempatations to despondency or sin, if they look to him for support, they are conscious of a strength to resist, or to endure, which no amount of will and no influence of motives could ever impart. When they draw near to God as the members of Christ, they have freedom and access, and experience a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. When pressed down by afflictions, if they remember that they are one with him who suffered for them, leaving them an example, they rejoice in their tribulations, knowing that if they suffer they shall also reign with him.
Moreover . . . to maintain that life we must avoid everything which may provoke the Spirit to withdraw from us. The Bible teaches us, that the Spirit may be grieved; that His influences may be quenched; that God, in judgment, often withdraws them from those who thus offend. Evil thoughts, unholy tempers, acts of transgression, are to be avoided not merely as sins, but as offences against the Holy Spirit. We must remember, that to defile the soul with sin, or the body by intemperance or impurity, is sacrilege, because we are the members of Christ, and our bodies the temples of the Holy Ghost. On the other hand, right thoughts, just purposes, holy desires, are to be cherished not only as right in themselves, but as proceeding from that heavenly Agent on whom we are dependent for sanctification.
(Charles Hodge (1797-1878), The Banner of Truth Trust, June 2014, info@banneroftruth.org )
Monday, May 19, 2014
Directing Man's Steps
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23
Jeremiah insists that men, without God's guidance, will never develop a safe and a secure society.
That which brought the above Scripture to mind was a news item that I read some time back. It was at a meeting of the City council of Tampa City, Florida. Someone had asked, a member of the Florida Atheistic Association, to give the invocation. The man began by saying that they should be depending on history, science and logic for direction and not be praying to invisible men in the sky.
History is pretty conclusive evidence that men do need to be praying to the invisible God for direction. There are many in positions of influence and authority in world affairs who agree with Mr. Harvey, but then there were men of that opinion in the days of Noah also.
Some ridicule the very idea of people praying for guidance to the God of Heaven. Some time back I heard on a newscast that at a United Nations meeting it was mentioned that the American President, George Bush, prayed for God's guidance before making decisions. The comment of the U. N. member was "bizarre."
All men will pray, make no mistake about that! (Philippians 2: 10,11) But for some it will be too late.
The rich man of Luke 16:10-31 thought prayer was a little "bizarre" when he was in health and everything was leaning his way, but one minute after moving on, he was praying for help, but no help was available then.
Since I do not know what tomorrow will bring, I like to seek direction from the One who makes all of my tomorows.
The problem in depending on the logic of men to solve the problem is that what is logical to one man is illogical to another. A reason why legislation gets bogged down in our congress.
It is much wiser to seek logic from the Maker of all logic and never go wrong.
Sooner of later God will interfere in the plans and activities of men. Ask Nebuchadnezzar! (Daniel 4:30,31) Ask Beltshazzar! (Daniel 5:4-6) Ask Herod Agrippa! (Acts 12: 21-23)
Evidently there are many who do not learn the lesson of history.
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Jeremiah insists that men, without God's guidance, will never develop a safe and a secure society.
That which brought the above Scripture to mind was a news item that I read some time back. It was at a meeting of the City council of Tampa City, Florida. Someone had asked, a member of the Florida Atheistic Association, to give the invocation. The man began by saying that they should be depending on history, science and logic for direction and not be praying to invisible men in the sky.
History is pretty conclusive evidence that men do need to be praying to the invisible God for direction. There are many in positions of influence and authority in world affairs who agree with Mr. Harvey, but then there were men of that opinion in the days of Noah also.
Some ridicule the very idea of people praying for guidance to the God of Heaven. Some time back I heard on a newscast that at a United Nations meeting it was mentioned that the American President, George Bush, prayed for God's guidance before making decisions. The comment of the U. N. member was "bizarre."
All men will pray, make no mistake about that! (Philippians 2: 10,11) But for some it will be too late.
The rich man of Luke 16:10-31 thought prayer was a little "bizarre" when he was in health and everything was leaning his way, but one minute after moving on, he was praying for help, but no help was available then.
Since I do not know what tomorrow will bring, I like to seek direction from the One who makes all of my tomorows.
The problem in depending on the logic of men to solve the problem is that what is logical to one man is illogical to another. A reason why legislation gets bogged down in our congress.
It is much wiser to seek logic from the Maker of all logic and never go wrong.
Sooner of later God will interfere in the plans and activities of men. Ask Nebuchadnezzar! (Daniel 4:30,31) Ask Beltshazzar! (Daniel 5:4-6) Ask Herod Agrippa! (Acts 12: 21-23)
Evidently there are many who do not learn the lesson of history.
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
When God Goes Missing
Why do you go to church? When I ask that question of Christians who attend churches where they are members, I am usually surprised and dismayed by the answers I hear. "I really like our minister. His messages are powerful." "I think it is important for my family to be in church." "The church we attend rescued our son from drugs." "Our church has a strong youth program. In fact, that is why we started attending this specific church." "The music program attracts people from all over the city. That is why we ended up there." "The messages and the whole service are so uplifting." "I go and usually take one of my friends because it is fun and entertaining." "I want to be involved in ministries to less-fortunate and hurting people. Our church is known all through the city for such outreach."
These answers made the list because I have heard each one multiple times. Most of these answers are related in some way to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they miss the one true reason that God calls us to His house: to meet with Him. I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard in the last forty years, "Why do I go to church? I go to meet with God."
As our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, God calls us to meet with Him. He had Moses build the tabernacle for this purpose. He said to Moses and Israel in Exodus 29:4, "There I will meet you and speak to you" He used similar words with Solomon and Israel when the temple was built. The people were going to God's house to meet with Him.
In the New Testament, Jesus set about designing and building a new temple where He would meet with His people. He told His disciples that He would be present and meet with them wherever they gathered: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matt. 18:20).
Those same disciples understood what Jesus meant as they saw His church being erected by the Holy spirit:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph. 2:19-22)
God lives in the midst of the gathering of His people. This is the temple that Jesus is building.
In the Old and New Testaments, worship was what happened when God met with His people. Therefore, everything we do in worship is in response to His presence with His people. Before we meet with Him, there is thought and prayer anticipating His presence. The call to worship and hymn of adoration are our initial responses to His presence. No part of our worship can be validly separated from His presence.
I have gone to some length to define our primary purpose for gathering with God's people because the evangelical church has a proclivity to be casual in its activities in God's sanctuary. If our main purpose in attending church is to meet with God Himself, then we dare not approach the Almighty with a carelessness that we do not see from even the angels. Some justify a relaxed attitude by saying, "We are striving to be authentic as we meet." Others have pointed out that many chuches are meeting in buildings that were once stores, shops, schools, garages,and so on. The building where our church currently meets was a new car showroom in what was once an automobile dealership. Those mundane surroundings do not lend themselves to what we consider to be "church ceremony."
However, such excuses do not change the primary biblical purpose of attending church. Whether I am going to a cathedral or a car showroom to gather with Gods people, I am still meeting with the transcendent, triune Creator and Redeemer, who is majestic in His glory, Holy in all His ways, and before whom the great seraphim cover their faces. He is most certainly gracious in His immanence. But the mercy and grace of Calvary didn't eradicate His transcendence.
When I discover that my approach to God in the assembling of His people is "casual," I cannot blame it on an effort to be authentic or on my informal surroundings. If I am honest with myself, I must confess that I have forgotten the primary purpose of my attendance. I have forgotten His presence and His true identity. Sometimes, the blindness and deafness that once kept me from seeing and hearing Him partially returns and prevents me from perceiving His nearness and His character.
The immanence of the transcendent God speaks to our preparation for, participation in, and parting from worship. When I am late coming to meet with Him, I must ask myself why I took great pains that week to be early to my doctor's appointment or to the meeting with my banker. When I leave immediately after the message, I must ask myself why I refrained from singing the hymn of response - refusing to reply to God Himself who just spoke to me. Why was I already out the door when God is giving me His benediction? As His child, why am I refusing to be blessed by my Father?
Has God's presence gone missing from our assemblies? Biblical theology tells me He must be present. Thus, nonchalance is a perilous trifling with the Holy.
( Rev. John P. Sartelle, Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA), Oakland, Tenn. Tabletalk, June 2014
www.ligonier.org)
These answers made the list because I have heard each one multiple times. Most of these answers are related in some way to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they miss the one true reason that God calls us to His house: to meet with Him. I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard in the last forty years, "Why do I go to church? I go to meet with God."
As our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, God calls us to meet with Him. He had Moses build the tabernacle for this purpose. He said to Moses and Israel in Exodus 29:4, "There I will meet you and speak to you" He used similar words with Solomon and Israel when the temple was built. The people were going to God's house to meet with Him.
In the New Testament, Jesus set about designing and building a new temple where He would meet with His people. He told His disciples that He would be present and meet with them wherever they gathered: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matt. 18:20).
Those same disciples understood what Jesus meant as they saw His church being erected by the Holy spirit:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph. 2:19-22)
God lives in the midst of the gathering of His people. This is the temple that Jesus is building.
In the Old and New Testaments, worship was what happened when God met with His people. Therefore, everything we do in worship is in response to His presence with His people. Before we meet with Him, there is thought and prayer anticipating His presence. The call to worship and hymn of adoration are our initial responses to His presence. No part of our worship can be validly separated from His presence.
I have gone to some length to define our primary purpose for gathering with God's people because the evangelical church has a proclivity to be casual in its activities in God's sanctuary. If our main purpose in attending church is to meet with God Himself, then we dare not approach the Almighty with a carelessness that we do not see from even the angels. Some justify a relaxed attitude by saying, "We are striving to be authentic as we meet." Others have pointed out that many chuches are meeting in buildings that were once stores, shops, schools, garages,and so on. The building where our church currently meets was a new car showroom in what was once an automobile dealership. Those mundane surroundings do not lend themselves to what we consider to be "church ceremony."
However, such excuses do not change the primary biblical purpose of attending church. Whether I am going to a cathedral or a car showroom to gather with Gods people, I am still meeting with the transcendent, triune Creator and Redeemer, who is majestic in His glory, Holy in all His ways, and before whom the great seraphim cover their faces. He is most certainly gracious in His immanence. But the mercy and grace of Calvary didn't eradicate His transcendence.
When I discover that my approach to God in the assembling of His people is "casual," I cannot blame it on an effort to be authentic or on my informal surroundings. If I am honest with myself, I must confess that I have forgotten the primary purpose of my attendance. I have forgotten His presence and His true identity. Sometimes, the blindness and deafness that once kept me from seeing and hearing Him partially returns and prevents me from perceiving His nearness and His character.
The immanence of the transcendent God speaks to our preparation for, participation in, and parting from worship. When I am late coming to meet with Him, I must ask myself why I took great pains that week to be early to my doctor's appointment or to the meeting with my banker. When I leave immediately after the message, I must ask myself why I refrained from singing the hymn of response - refusing to reply to God Himself who just spoke to me. Why was I already out the door when God is giving me His benediction? As His child, why am I refusing to be blessed by my Father?
Has God's presence gone missing from our assemblies? Biblical theology tells me He must be present. Thus, nonchalance is a perilous trifling with the Holy.
( Rev. John P. Sartelle, Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA), Oakland, Tenn. Tabletalk, June 2014
www.ligonier.org)
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Spurgeon and Wesley
We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. Psalm 44:1
When people hear about what God used to do, one of the things they say is: "Oh, that was a very long while ago." They imagine that times have altered since then....."things were in a diffeent state then from what they are now." Granted; but I want to know what the things have to do with it. I thought it was God that did it. Has God changed? Is he not an immutable God, the same yesterday, today and forever? Does that not furnish an argument to prove that what God has done at one time he can do at another?
Others among you say, "Oh, well I look upon these things as great prodigies - miracles. We are not to expect them every day." That is the very reason why we do not get them. If we had learnt to expect them, we should no doubt obtain them, but we put them up on the shelf, as being out of the common order of our moderate religion, as being mere curiosities of Scripture history. We imagine such things, however true, to be prodigies of providence; we cannot imagine them to be according to the ordinary working of his mighty power. I beseech you my friends, abjure that idea, put it out of your mind. Whatever God has done in the way of converting sinners is to be looked upon as a precedent, for "his arm is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear."
C. H. Spurgeon, from a sermon preached in 1859, The Banner of Truth, May 2014
The Hero of The Story
Charles Wesley wrote a powerful hymn to proclaim the wonder of God made man.
Let earth and Heav'n combine, angels and men agree
To praise in songs divine, Th' incarnate deity
Our God contracted to a span,Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensibly made Man.
Do you see the great love of God, that Jesus Christ,God immortal, God eternal, would become a man so that He could be like us, so He could be one of us, so He could save us?
(Tim Challies, Tabletalk, May 2014)
When people hear about what God used to do, one of the things they say is: "Oh, that was a very long while ago." They imagine that times have altered since then....."things were in a diffeent state then from what they are now." Granted; but I want to know what the things have to do with it. I thought it was God that did it. Has God changed? Is he not an immutable God, the same yesterday, today and forever? Does that not furnish an argument to prove that what God has done at one time he can do at another?
Others among you say, "Oh, well I look upon these things as great prodigies - miracles. We are not to expect them every day." That is the very reason why we do not get them. If we had learnt to expect them, we should no doubt obtain them, but we put them up on the shelf, as being out of the common order of our moderate religion, as being mere curiosities of Scripture history. We imagine such things, however true, to be prodigies of providence; we cannot imagine them to be according to the ordinary working of his mighty power. I beseech you my friends, abjure that idea, put it out of your mind. Whatever God has done in the way of converting sinners is to be looked upon as a precedent, for "his arm is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear."
C. H. Spurgeon, from a sermon preached in 1859, The Banner of Truth, May 2014
The Hero of The Story
Charles Wesley wrote a powerful hymn to proclaim the wonder of God made man.
Let earth and Heav'n combine, angels and men agree
To praise in songs divine, Th' incarnate deity
Our God contracted to a span,Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensibly made Man.
Do you see the great love of God, that Jesus Christ,God immortal, God eternal, would become a man so that He could be like us, so He could be one of us, so He could save us?
(Tim Challies, Tabletalk, May 2014)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A Prayer by R. M. M'Cheyne
A Prayer written by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (a year before his death in 1842)
Our heavenly Father, follow with thy blessing the reading of thy holy word. Hide in our hearts the very lessons it was intended to teach us. Sanctify us through thy truth; thy word is truth.
When we read of Judas, O Lord, teach us to be very jealous over ourselves, and to inquire diligently, lest after all we also should be cast away. Show us that we may know much of the Saviour, that we may call him, Lord, Lord, that we may do wonders in his name, and yet betray him after all.
Convince us of sin by thy Holy Spirit. Make us lie infinitely low before thee because of our vileness. Convince us that we never can justify ourselves in thy pure sight. Give us a soul-refreshing view of the excellency of the Lord Jesus. Give us a saving hold upon him as all our righteousness and all our strength. Give us to be vitally united to him as living branches to the true vine. Make us confident that he which hath begun a good work in us will preform it to the day of Christ Jesus.
When we read that the disciples found every thing as Jesus had said unto them, make us to set to our seal that this is true. O Saviour, it is impossible with thee to lie; thou keepest truth for ever. O Lord, help us to believe that we shall find as thou hast said.
Melt our hearts by a sight of the great love of Jesus. As he gave himself to be broken for us, so may we freely accept of him, and may our joy be full. Make us to love that holy ordinance wherein we testify that we close with him as all our salvation and all our desire. May we love to do this in remembrance of him.
When we read of thy disciples striving who should be greatest, may we be ashamed of the sins that mingle with our holiest services. O Lord, we blush when we think of our sins How often we have sinned thy love away. Plead thy blood and righteousness, O our risen Saviour, our advocate with the Father. Cover all our sins. say to us. Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more. Change our proud, selfish hearts. Give us the same mind which also was in Christ Jesus. Give us to wash one another's feet; to do to one another as Jesus did unto us.
Lord, deliver us from our spiritual enemies. Let us not be ignorant of Satan's devices. We know that he desires to have us more than the world, that he may sift us like wheat. O Saviour, pray for us, that our faith may not fail. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Help us to submit ourselves to thee: to resist the devil, and he will flee from us.
Guard us during the silent watches of this night. Thou that keepest Israel never slumberest nor sleepest. Keep our dear friends from evil. Preserve their souls. Strenghten the sick upon the bed of languishing. Comfort the bereaved. Give bread to the poor. Be with those that are afar off upon the sea. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Let the wilderness become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
Hasten the coming of the Saviour. Make us love his appearing. Why is thy chariot so long of coming; why tarry the wheels of thy chariot? Glory be to thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
R. M. M'Cheyne, Family Worship, The Banner of Truth, April 2014 (info@banneroftruth.co.uk)
Our heavenly Father, follow with thy blessing the reading of thy holy word. Hide in our hearts the very lessons it was intended to teach us. Sanctify us through thy truth; thy word is truth.
When we read of Judas, O Lord, teach us to be very jealous over ourselves, and to inquire diligently, lest after all we also should be cast away. Show us that we may know much of the Saviour, that we may call him, Lord, Lord, that we may do wonders in his name, and yet betray him after all.
Convince us of sin by thy Holy Spirit. Make us lie infinitely low before thee because of our vileness. Convince us that we never can justify ourselves in thy pure sight. Give us a soul-refreshing view of the excellency of the Lord Jesus. Give us a saving hold upon him as all our righteousness and all our strength. Give us to be vitally united to him as living branches to the true vine. Make us confident that he which hath begun a good work in us will preform it to the day of Christ Jesus.
When we read that the disciples found every thing as Jesus had said unto them, make us to set to our seal that this is true. O Saviour, it is impossible with thee to lie; thou keepest truth for ever. O Lord, help us to believe that we shall find as thou hast said.
Melt our hearts by a sight of the great love of Jesus. As he gave himself to be broken for us, so may we freely accept of him, and may our joy be full. Make us to love that holy ordinance wherein we testify that we close with him as all our salvation and all our desire. May we love to do this in remembrance of him.
When we read of thy disciples striving who should be greatest, may we be ashamed of the sins that mingle with our holiest services. O Lord, we blush when we think of our sins How often we have sinned thy love away. Plead thy blood and righteousness, O our risen Saviour, our advocate with the Father. Cover all our sins. say to us. Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more. Change our proud, selfish hearts. Give us the same mind which also was in Christ Jesus. Give us to wash one another's feet; to do to one another as Jesus did unto us.
Lord, deliver us from our spiritual enemies. Let us not be ignorant of Satan's devices. We know that he desires to have us more than the world, that he may sift us like wheat. O Saviour, pray for us, that our faith may not fail. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Help us to submit ourselves to thee: to resist the devil, and he will flee from us.
Guard us during the silent watches of this night. Thou that keepest Israel never slumberest nor sleepest. Keep our dear friends from evil. Preserve their souls. Strenghten the sick upon the bed of languishing. Comfort the bereaved. Give bread to the poor. Be with those that are afar off upon the sea. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Let the wilderness become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
Hasten the coming of the Saviour. Make us love his appearing. Why is thy chariot so long of coming; why tarry the wheels of thy chariot? Glory be to thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
R. M. M'Cheyne, Family Worship, The Banner of Truth, April 2014 (info@banneroftruth.co.uk)
Monday, April 21, 2014
Preach the Word
In the original Table Talk, a collection of informal theological conversations at Martin Luther's dinner table, the German Reformer gave the folowing advice to a young minister: "When you are to preach, speak with God and say, 'Dear Lord God, I wish to preach in Thine honor. I wish to speak about Thee, glorify Thee, [and] praise Thy name. Although I can't do this well of myself, I pray that Thou mayest make it good.'"
Thissimple prayer provides a tiny glimpse into Luther's theology of preaching. More importantly, it underscores to pastors in every age that faithful preaching must be about God, for the glory of God, and in utter dependence upon God.
First, the content of our preaching must be centered on the nature and works of God (2 Cor. 4:5-6). Evangelical preaching today can often be shallow, therapeutic, and man-centered. It commonly lacks theological substance and gravitas. Personal stories and amusing anecdotes crowd the sermon, leaving God as an afterthought. The gospel, the grand theme of scripture, is vague at best.
Biblical preaching, however, always and unmistakably makes the triune God and His marvelous works of creation, providence, and redemption the main subject matter. God is the main subject of the Bible, and thus should be the central focus of our preaching. Why is Peter's Pentecost sermon, for example, so powerful and memorable (Acts 2:14-41)? Why were so many who heard it "cut to the heart" with Spirit-wrought conviction? It is because Peter's sermon boldly and skillfully directed the people's attention to almighty God, HisWord, and the fufillment of his redemptive purposes in Christ. Moreover, it is in light of God's mighty acts of judgment and salvation that the Apostle clearly communicated the need for sinners to turn from their rebellious ways and receive Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy (and all lawfully ordained ministers) to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). If ministers faithfully carry out this biblical mandate, their preaching will be full of God - and nothing will stir the heart of the church unto faith and obedience like a weekly view of God in the preaching of H is life-transforming Word.
Second, the ultimate aim of our preaching must be the glory and praise of God. Strictly speaking, the preaching of the Word is not primarily for the salvation of sinners. Instead, preachingis first and foremost for the glory of God - a doxological event that magnifies our Lord's sublime character and awesome deeds. Thomas Watson siad, "God is superlative good . . . better than anything you can put in competition with Him." Shouldn't the content of our preaching commicate this glorious reality?
We were created "to glorify God and enjoy him forever" (WSC A&A1; see Isa. 43:7). Biblical preaching, therefore, must underscore this foundational purpose, inspiring both preacher and hearer to joyfully "declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised' (Ps. 96:3-4a).
Third, preaching must be carried out in utter dependence upon God. Pastors should not rely upon their talents, intellect, or personality. Rather, from the study to the pulpit we must earnestly and humbly pray for a "demonstraation of the Spirit and of power" in the preaching of the Word (2 Cor. 2:4b). Indeed, apart from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, law and gospel will fall on deaf ears and stony hearts. In the end, preaching will never be effectual unless God makes it so (Ezek. 37:1-14). There is no place for pride or self-reliance in either the preparation or the act of preaching Apart from Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5b).
Preaching is a primary means of grace appointed by God to regenerate, sanctify, nourish, and comfort the souls of His elect in Christ (1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23-25). In confessional terms, it is .....an effecual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them unto his image; and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace; and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (WLC Q&IA 155)
No task, therefore, is of greater importance for the minister or the church than the faithful proclamatiion of the whole counsel of God (Acts 6:4; 20:27).
Even so, as a church planter, I experience the daily temptation to make sermon preparation and preaching a secondary matter. Of course, it is no different for pastors in established churches. Ministry is busy. Being mindful of this, let us, as ministers, renew our vow to faithfully "preach the Word." Let us trust God's promise to employ the foolishness of preaching for the advancement of his kingdom. And may we receive with humility the Wittenberg Reformer's sage advice to pray that our preaching would be chiefly about God, to the glory and praise of God, and in prayerful dependence upon Him. "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
(Dr.Jon D.Payne, pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian, Charleston, S.C. Tabletalk, April 2014,
www.ligonier.org)
Thissimple prayer provides a tiny glimpse into Luther's theology of preaching. More importantly, it underscores to pastors in every age that faithful preaching must be about God, for the glory of God, and in utter dependence upon God.
First, the content of our preaching must be centered on the nature and works of God (2 Cor. 4:5-6). Evangelical preaching today can often be shallow, therapeutic, and man-centered. It commonly lacks theological substance and gravitas. Personal stories and amusing anecdotes crowd the sermon, leaving God as an afterthought. The gospel, the grand theme of scripture, is vague at best.
Biblical preaching, however, always and unmistakably makes the triune God and His marvelous works of creation, providence, and redemption the main subject matter. God is the main subject of the Bible, and thus should be the central focus of our preaching. Why is Peter's Pentecost sermon, for example, so powerful and memorable (Acts 2:14-41)? Why were so many who heard it "cut to the heart" with Spirit-wrought conviction? It is because Peter's sermon boldly and skillfully directed the people's attention to almighty God, HisWord, and the fufillment of his redemptive purposes in Christ. Moreover, it is in light of God's mighty acts of judgment and salvation that the Apostle clearly communicated the need for sinners to turn from their rebellious ways and receive Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy (and all lawfully ordained ministers) to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). If ministers faithfully carry out this biblical mandate, their preaching will be full of God - and nothing will stir the heart of the church unto faith and obedience like a weekly view of God in the preaching of H is life-transforming Word.
Second, the ultimate aim of our preaching must be the glory and praise of God. Strictly speaking, the preaching of the Word is not primarily for the salvation of sinners. Instead, preachingis first and foremost for the glory of God - a doxological event that magnifies our Lord's sublime character and awesome deeds. Thomas Watson siad, "God is superlative good . . . better than anything you can put in competition with Him." Shouldn't the content of our preaching commicate this glorious reality?
We were created "to glorify God and enjoy him forever" (WSC A&A1; see Isa. 43:7). Biblical preaching, therefore, must underscore this foundational purpose, inspiring both preacher and hearer to joyfully "declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised' (Ps. 96:3-4a).
Third, preaching must be carried out in utter dependence upon God. Pastors should not rely upon their talents, intellect, or personality. Rather, from the study to the pulpit we must earnestly and humbly pray for a "demonstraation of the Spirit and of power" in the preaching of the Word (2 Cor. 2:4b). Indeed, apart from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, law and gospel will fall on deaf ears and stony hearts. In the end, preaching will never be effectual unless God makes it so (Ezek. 37:1-14). There is no place for pride or self-reliance in either the preparation or the act of preaching Apart from Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5b).
Preaching is a primary means of grace appointed by God to regenerate, sanctify, nourish, and comfort the souls of His elect in Christ (1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23-25). In confessional terms, it is .....an effecual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them unto his image; and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace; and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (WLC Q&IA 155)
No task, therefore, is of greater importance for the minister or the church than the faithful proclamatiion of the whole counsel of God (Acts 6:4; 20:27).
Even so, as a church planter, I experience the daily temptation to make sermon preparation and preaching a secondary matter. Of course, it is no different for pastors in established churches. Ministry is busy. Being mindful of this, let us, as ministers, renew our vow to faithfully "preach the Word." Let us trust God's promise to employ the foolishness of preaching for the advancement of his kingdom. And may we receive with humility the Wittenberg Reformer's sage advice to pray that our preaching would be chiefly about God, to the glory and praise of God, and in prayerful dependence upon Him. "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
(Dr.Jon D.Payne, pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian, Charleston, S.C. Tabletalk, April 2014,
www.ligonier.org)
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