5/29/19

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER" Commendable Conduct Before God (2:18-25) by Mark Copeland


"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Commendable Conduct Before God (2:18-25)

INTRODUCTION

1. Our last study introduced the importance of submission to human 
   institutions that rule over us - 1Pe 2:13-17

2. Now in verses 18-25, Peter addresses those who were servants, 
   emphasizing again the principle of submission (READ)

3. In the course of his instructions, Peter mentions conduct that is 
   considered "commendable" before God...
   a. In the NKJV, the word "commendable" is used twice - 1Pe 2:19,20
   b. The NASV translates it as "finds favor" 

4. In this study, we shall consider...
   a. What is commendable conduct before God
   b. Why it is considered commendable
   c. How we can be sure to have this commendable conduct before God

[First of all, then...]

I. WHAT IS COMMENDABLE CONDUCT BEFORE GOD?

   A. TO SUFFER PATIENTLY WHEN MISTREATED FOR DOING GOOD...
      1. Consider the example given by Peter...
         a. A servant is trying to serve his master well
         b. For some reason, however, his master mistreats him
         c. The servant "finds favor" in God's sight if he patiently 
            and submissively endures the mistreatment!
      2. To put it in other words:
         a. When you are doing that which is good...
         b. And despite it you are being mistreated...
         c. But you endure the unjust treatment patiently...
         d. Your patient forbearance is commendable in the sight of God!
      3. Note carefully:
         a. It is not simply suffering patiently that is commendable
         b. But suffering patiently when you did good, and yet are 
            abused for it - 1Pe 2:20

   B. IS THIS APPLICABLE ONLY IN A MASTER-SLAVE RELATIONSHIP?
      1. No! Consider 1Pe 3:13-14,17, where Peter speaks to brethren
         in general
      2. In writing to servants, then, Peter is applying a general 
         truth to a specific application
      3. It is therefore applicable to any situation where we are told 
         to submit...
         a. E.g., in our relationship to government - 1Pe 2:13
         b. E.g., in a wife's relationship to her husband - 1Pe 3:1
         c. E.g., in our relationship to one another - cf. Ep 5:21

[So whenever we do good and suffer for it, to endure that suffering 
patiently is "commendable conduct before God."

But that is hard!  It is our natural inclination to resist and defend 
ourselves when we are "in the right" and being mistreated.  Indeed, we 
want to "stand up for our rights."

To appreciate why patiently enduring suffering while doing good is 
commendable before God, let's address the question...]

II. WHY IS THIS CONDUCT COMMENDABLE BEFORE GOD?

   A. WE WERE CALLED FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE!
      1. Consider 1Pe 2:21-23
         a. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus
         b. Just as He suffered patiently when mistreated without 
            cause, so should we!
      2. We have therefore been called to respond to ill treatment with
         good treatment - cf. 1Pe 3:9; Lk 6:27-36

   B. IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL GOOD THAT CAN RESULT!
      1. See what Jesus accomplished by His patient forbearance to 
         mistreatment done to Him! - cf. 1Pe 2:24-25
         a. The forgiveness of our sins!
         b. The restoration of straying sheep back to their Shepherd!
      2. By following the example of Jesus, we can have an effect for 
         good also
         a. Returning good for evil, we are more likely to overcome 
            evil - Ro 12:19-21
         b. In this way we are more likely to change those who 
            persecute us
         c. For they are often ashamed when they see how we patiently 
            endure their mistreatment by doing good

[Just as we were moved by the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins, 
so we might best move others to change their evil ways by patiently 
doing good even when they mistreat us.  That is why we have been called
to follow the example of Jesus!

Finally, here are some suggestions to the question...]

III. HOW WE CAN BE SURE TO HAVE THIS COMMENDABLE CONDUCT?

   A. "REJOICE" THAT YOU ARE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER...
      1. So Peter commanded later in this epistle - 1Pe 4:12-14; cf.
         also Ac 5:41
      2. Just as Christ did in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:10-12
      3. Knowing that we are blessed in the sight of God, and have 
         joined a great group of prophets, apostles, and disciples in 
         suffering for Christ, can help us to have the proper attitude
         (one of joy, not vengeance)
      4. Even if those mistreating us do not know that we are 
         Christians, if our response is governed by Christ's teachings,
         we can still have satisfaction in knowing that God is pleased!

   B. "RESIST" THE TEMPTATION TO RETALIATE...
      1. When we suffer mistreatment by others, Satan is behind it all
         - cf. 1Pe 5:8-9
      2. He would love to hinder the cause of Christ by having us 
         retaliate just as people in the world would, proving that 
         Christians are no different than sinners of the world
      3. Don't let him win!

   C. "RESPOND" TO MISTREATMENT BY DOING MORE GOOD...
      1. When mistreated for doing good, just do more good! 
         - cf. 1 Pe 3:9; Ro 12:20-21
      2. For "endure" (1Pe 2:19) means "to bear from underneath, i.e.
         (fig.) to undergo hardship", thus to bear up under pressure
      3. There is nothing noble (commendable) about stopping when "the 
         going gets tough"; but when "the tough get going", and going 
         about doing good, now THAT is commendable!

   D. "RELY" ON GOD...
      1. Suffering patiently when mistreated for doing good does not 
         always bring immediate satisfaction
      2. We must therefore trust in God, believing that His will is best
      3. So just as Jesus "committed Himself to Him judges righteously"
         (1Pe 2:23), so should we - 1Pe 4:19
      4. And if our Christ-like behavior does not change the behavior 
         of those who mistreat us, God will one day do what is right 
         - cf. Ro 12:19; 2Th 1:6

CONCLUSION

1. Hopefully by following the "four R's" (rejoice, resist, respond, 
   rely) we can follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

2. If so, then we can be sure to have "commendable conduct before God"!

We have made reference to what Jesus accomplished by suffering for us, 
how He bore our sins on the tree (1Pe 2:24).  Peter also says Jesus
did this "that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness".

Have you "died to sins"?  Do you even know how that it is accomplished?
The answer is found in Romans 6:1-8...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Recent Turing Award Implies Creation by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3739


Recent Turing Award Implies Creation

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.


The A.M. Turing Award is one of, if not the, highest awards that can be given to those in the computing field. It was named after British mathematician Alan M. Turing, and awarded to those who are believed to have made breakthrough advancements in computing technology (Robertson, 2011). The most recent recipient of the Turing award was Harvard University professor Leslie Valiant. He received the award based on his contributions to the field of “computer learning.” Jordan Robertson, APTechnology Writer, noted that Valiant’s efforts “paved the way for computers that more closely mimic how humans think” (2011). Robertson quoted ACM President Alain Chesnais as saying that Valiant’s work, “has produced modeling that offers computationally inspired answers on fundamental questions like how the brain ‘computes’” (2011).
Valiant’s work is truly amazing. He has spent 30 years of his life trying to help synthetic machinery “compute” more like the human brain. In many ways, however, the computers are still vastly inferior to the human brain. Reasoning through this situation leads to a very important conclusion. If Valiant is a brilliant computational scientist, and he has spent three decades trying to mimic the computational abilities of the brain, what does that imply about the brain? It means it was designed by an Intelligent Designer even more brilliant than Valiant. That is the only conclusion that adequately evaluates the evidence. Yet sadly, many in the scientific community will pat Valiant on the back for the efforts he has made to understand the brain’s computational abilities, while they will completely ignore the implication of design that is inherent in his work. In reality, God’s design of the human brain has paved the way for scientists like Valiant to mimic His work and build better computers.

REFERENCE

Robertson, Jordan (2011), "Turing Award Goes to ‘Machine Learning’ Expert", http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110309/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_technology_prize/print.

Quantum Mechanics: "No Universal Cause Necessary"? by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5422


Quantum Mechanics: "No Universal Cause Necessary"?

by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.


Q:

If causality fails in quantum mechanics, doesn’t that prove that a Universal Cause isn’t necessary?

A:

Writing in Nature, Howard Wiseman, Professor of Physics at Griffith University, explained that, “In 1964, Northern Irish physicist John Bell proved mathematically that certain quantum correlations, unlike all other correlations in the Universe, cannot arise from any local cause.”1 Does that mean that a cause for the Universe is unnecessary? If a “quantum fluctuation” does not necessarily require a local cause, doesn’t that mean that a Universe-generating quantum fluctuation would not necessarily require a cause?
The key word that must not be overlooked in a proper understanding of Bell’s Theorem is the word “local.” In order to answer the above questions, that term must be defined and understood. Consider a simplified example: it takes about eight minutes for light from the Sun to reach Earth. But let’s say you were standing on the Sun by yourself, without any interaction with me, but every time I clicked my computer mouse on Earth, you immediately and uncontrollably hopped. There was not a delay of eight minutes. The effect was immediate. The effect of you hopping would be the result of a “non-local” cause. In his article, “Spooky Action at a Distance,” Dr. Gary Felder, Professor of Physics at Smith College, explains locality as “the principle that an event which happens at one place can’t instantaneously affect an event someplace else. For example: if a distant star were to suddenly blow up tomorrow, the principle of locality says that there is no way we could know about this event or be affected by it until something, e.g. a light beam, had time to travel from that star to Earth.”2 The question is, does that principle always hold true? According to what’s known as Bell’s Theorem, at the quantum level, the principle of locality does not hold true. Jacob Aron, writing in New Scientist, explained that in quantum theory, “particles could become entangled, so that measuring one would instantly influence the measurement of the other, even if they were far apart.”3 Felder explained: “Bell proved that the results predicted by quantum mechanics could not be explained by any theory which preserved locality. In other words, if you set up an experiment like that described by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, and you get the results predicted by quantum mechanics, then there is no way that locality could be true…. In short, locality is dead.”4
Now what does this mean for using the Law of Causality to prove the Universe could not create itself?5 Three quick points to consider in response to that question:
  • Most important: even if Bell’s Theorem holds true, and it very well may, it does not disprove the Law of Causality—i.e., the need of a cause for every effect in the Universe. Bell’s Theorem argues that there is not a need for a local cause at the quantum level (i.e., locality), but it does not claim that there is not still a necessary relationship between cause and effect—i.e., that causality still holds. While Bell experiments seem to show that there is not always a direct correlation between a cause and effect at the local level, scientists see that there does still seem to be a correlation between the causes and effects in Bell’s Theorem experiments, even if the correlation is not local. According to Bell’s Theorem, a cause can create a distant effect instantly without apparent (or, at least, understandable) interaction (e.g., separated electrons can “affect each other instantly”6), but there is still an acknowledged relationship between the cause and effect even if it is distant and immediate. My clicks are undeniably causing you to jump, even if we do not understand why. In the words of Wiseman, concerning the non-local reality interpretation of Bell’s Theorem, it is possible that “the setting of one measuring device can influence the reading of another instrument, however remote”7—i.e., the cause and effect are still apparently correlated. So, Bell’s Theorem may highlight another type of cause and effect relationship, but it does not negate the need for a cause in the first place.
  • Scientists recognize that they do not completely understand why Bell’s Theorem seems to hold true. They acknowledge that there may be things we have not discovered about reality which could affect our understanding of what is happening at the quantum level and which could prove that the cause is ultimately still “local.”8 In other words, compared to what we know about the macroscopic realm from centuries of study, we are relative novices when it comes to the study of the quantum world. We simply do not have all the answers as to what is happening in that realm, but, on the other hand, the evidence for the Law of Causality is abundant and undeniable.
  • Scientists even acknowledge that Bell’s Theorem may be false and that further investigation and accumulation of knowledge may reveal that fact. According to Felder, hidden assumptions (e.g., the assumption that “no signal can propagate faster than the speed of light,” which is a fundamental element of Einstein’s theory of relativity) could be corrupting the Bell experiment results.9 Wiseman conceded that “[b]efore investing too much angst or money, one wants to be sure that Bell correlations really exist. As of now, there are no loophole-free Bell experiments.”10
Bottom line: all observed evidence in the Universe, whether at the quantum or super-quantum level, indicates that in the realm in which we live, an effect must have a cause. The Universe is an effect, and if one is to be rational (i.e., follow the evidence we have at our disposal), he must acknowledge that there must be an ultimate cause for the Universe, whether it be local or non-local. According to the evidence, that Cause is none other than the God of the Bible.11

ENDNOTES

1 Howard Wiseman (2014), “Bell’s Theorem Still Reverberates,” Nature, 510[7506]:467-469, p. 467.
2 Gary Felder (1999), “Spooky Action at a Distance,” Math and Physics Help, http://www.felderbooks.com/papers/bell.html, italics in orig.
3 Jacob Aron (2015), “Quantum Weirdness is Reality,” New Scientist, 227[3037]:8-9, September 5, p. 8.
4 Felder.
5 Jeff Miller (2011), “God and the Laws of Science: The Law of Causality,” Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3716&topic=90.
6 Felder.
7 Wiseman, p. 468.
8 Felder.
9 Ibid.
10 Wiseman, p. 468.
11 Jeff Miller (2015), “How Can a Person Know Which God Exists?” Reason & Revelation, 35[5]:52-53, May, http://apologeticspress.org/pub_rar/35_5/1505.pdf.

Proving Your Faith by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1361


Proving Your Faith

by Wayne Jackson, M.A.


How do we know that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God? Is our faith based merely upon tradition? Is faith the result of religious fanaticism? No, genuine faith stands firmly upon evidence.
After the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the newly appointed apostle entered the Jewish synagogues and “proclaimed Jesus, that he is the son of God” (Acts 9:20). His message continually amazed those who heard it. It seemed incredible that one who had so opposed the Christian Way could now be one of its most zealous advocates. The historian Luke informed his readers that Saul increased in strength, and he “confounded the Jews that lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ” (Acts 9:22).
Of interest in this passage is the term “proving.” It is a translation of the Greek word sumbibazon. It is a present tense participle form, which suggests that Paul's preaching was characterized consistently by a demonstrative line of argumentation. The original term, from an etymological viewpoint means “to bring together,” as when, for example, parts of the body are brought together (i.e., tied together) by sinew, ligament, etc. (see Ephesians 4:16).
In the context of Acts 9:22, the word connotes bringing together pieces of information from which a logical conclusion is drawn. In “proving” to the Jews that Jesus is the “Christ” (i.e., the promised Old Testament Messiah), Paul would have: (1) introduced specific Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah; (2) compared those predictions with factual data that pertained to Jesus of Nazareth; and, (3) from the preceding, he would have drawn irresistible conclusions that no rational and honest person could deny.
The critic who alleges that Christianity is merely emotional, and not intellectual, simply does not know the facts.

Attributes of God (Part 8) He is a Nurturing God by Ben Fronczek


http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1722

Attributes of God (Part 8) He is a Nurturing God

Can you ever think of a time when God was trying to teach you a lesson?       I read story this past week were someone believes that’s exactly what God was trying to do. I found it on the internet and it goes as follows:
“God taught me a lesson today, using of all things , my puppy and a ordinary trip to the vet’s office. It is amazing what the Father will use to get His point across to us. I sometimes stupidly tune out The Lord when He is trying to speak to me, or I just wave off what I am hearing as coming from my own mind and not from Him. Today, I had to take my puppy in for a visit. As we approached the door, he was extremely hesitant and I asked The Lord, if I should even take him in, or reschedule the appointment. I clearly heard a voice in my mind say “Pick him up and carry him in, be cautious and careful”. I thought, This can’t be God, why would he care about how I bring him into the vet’s office? I thought I was letting my imagination run away with me. Despite this thought, I decide to exercise some caution, by tightening up on his leash, but I did not pick him up. As I opened the door, a huge pit bull jumped out at us, snarling and growling. I immediately, pulled my puppy away, and ran for the other door, leading to the other side of the office. This dog was huge and had massive jaws, it could have easily killed my baby and seriously injured me. Thankfully her owner reacted quickly and was able to pull her back. Lesson learned, once again: Always, always listen to God, even when I doubt it is Him talking. He is omniscient. He knows all things, especially those dangers that are hidden from us; He knows what threats lie waiting for us behind closed doors. He wants to protect us, but we must be willing to listen and do what He tells us to do.”
I’m sure some of you have your own stories that you could share about how God taught you a lesson at one time or another.
In this series of lessons on God’s attributes, so far I’ve talked about Him being omnipotent, or the all powerful One, the eternal Creator, and sustainer. He is also Holy and Righteous, Merciful, Just, and fair, and as we talked about last time, thankfully He is patient with us as well. But there is also something else about God that I never heard anyone talk about before, and that is the fact that He is a Nurturing God.
One thing that Jesus taught us to do that no others taught before Him was; Jesus taught us to call our God our Father, ‘our Father who art in Heaven.’
Even though He is the Almighty One, the God of all heaven and earth, Jesus wanted us to see what kind of relationship our Lord and God wants to have with us. He wanted us to understand how much Love our Heavenly Father has for us, and that can be seen in how He nurture and cares for us.
If you look up the word NURTURE, it means to care for, feed and protect, it means to bring up, train, educate, to support and encourage. It even involves discipline when needed to get one back on the right track
It is what a good parent will do for their child. And throughout scripture I see God doing this in a greater sense… caring for and nurturing us as His children through the ages.
As I prepared this lesson, one portion of scripture came to mind more than any other (even thought there are many) that speaks of how God nurture and cares for us. In Psalm 23 David talks about how he saw Father God took care of and nurturing Him. If you have your Bibles look at this Psalm with me. (It Reads)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”
As a shepherd David himself saw how God provided him with spiritual rest and nourishment. As one who raised and tended sheep himself, David knew the best place to gather his sheep so that they would be well watered and fed. He did not leave his own sheep in dry, hard, rocky waste lands, but rather he knew that they would flourish on green pastures, and by calm and quite waters. David also felt nourished and refreshed by Father God who guided him and brought him into save places to refresh his soul. Likewise those of us who really trust in Him and follow His lead will be more aware of what He provides. This can be both refreshing and nourishing to our spirit and give us peace of mind. He may even make you lie down and find rest in a good place whether you want it or not. Sometimes like sheep we just want to go off and do our own thing, but the Good Shepherd actually knows what’s best for us.
David continued on and wrote…
“He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In his commentary Dr. Constable wrote, ‘God also gives His sheep guidance in the proper path of life so we do not wander aimlessly. He does so in part
for the sake of His own reputation, as One who has promised to direct His people. Protection is the fourth blessing for which David gave God praise. The promises of the Lord’s presence assure us of His protection in times of danger when we fear (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). The shepherd’s rod (a
cudgel(or club) worn at the belt) beat off attacking animals, and his staff (walking stick) kept the sheep away from physical dangers such as precipices. Likewise, God comes to the defense of His people when our spiritual enemies attack us. He also prevents us from getting into spiritually dangerous situations that would result in our destruction (cf. Matt. 6:13).’
How many of you ever said, I must have had a guardian angel watching over me when this or that happened.’ He does care for us and protect us in ways that are probably beyond our sight.
In Verse 5 David also wrote,
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Over and over David recognized and praised God for His provision and care; even when he was in danger or in the midst of a trial..
In the ancient East, a thoughtful host would welcome an honored guest into the protection of his home by pouring some oil on his head (cf. 45:7; 92:10; 133:2; Amos 6:6; Luke 7:46). This would soothed a weary traveler and was very refreshing. The “cup” here which David mentions symbolized his lot in life that overflowed with abundant blessings from our Father God.
How blessed are you by God? I would dare say that we are all extremely blessed by Father God even though some of us are going through different kinds of trials. Compared to what others have in this world, our cups are definitely running over!
He finishes the Psalm by stating, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
It even seems as though David was even reassured by the hope of heaven.
Haddon Robinson’s, who wrote a book on the Twenty Third Psalm wrote, “The Lord’s goodness to His people, as seen in His leading and providing for us, should motivate us to appreciate our security in Him and to abide in fellowship with Him.”
For 40 years while the Israelites were in the wilderness after leaving Egypt we see the Lord, leading them, feeding them, providing them with water, their cloths did not even wear out. We also see Him teaching them not only spiritual lessons, but also what to eat, how to take care of themselves, He provided them with sensible laws and regulations, and even disciplined them.
Our Father God is a nurturing and caring God who has our best interest in mind. He provided for us, shelters us, guides us, protect us and more.
He gave us life. He provides us with good instruction, and shows us how to be saved from the consequences of our own sin. His own Spirit even enters His children to guide and teach us and even prompts us to do what is right in His sight.      We are never alone.   He is always with us and in us.
He gives us direction. He gives us hope. He gives us vision of an amazing future, and hope, and so much more.
But how do we respond?
– Some doubt.  – Too many worry and fret. – Some are full of fear and feel alone.  – Some simply refuse to acknowledge that Father God provides us with everything we need. – Some just want more.
How should we respond?
– Like any child, you can either rebel, or you can submit.
-You can act like a know it all, or be one that seeks out His wisdom in all things.
-We can ignore Him or take time to listen to His promptings.
-We can either trust in His advice and timing, or go our own way.
-You can either appreciate His care and blessing He has provided you with or complain about what you have or don’t have like a spoiled little child.
-We can be upset at His rebukes and discipline or learn from it.
I say we need to trust in the Lord and lean less on our own wits and understanding.
I’d like to close by reading the wise words of Proverb 3:1-12
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.  Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566
All comments can be emailed to: bfronzek@gmail.com

Worship God! by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/whatiswo.html


Worship God!

Man is obligated to worship his Creator. “Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:7). “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11). “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10).
What is the difference between worshiping God and serving God?
The Greek word for ‘serve’ in Matthew 4:10 (LATREUO) means to serve religiously. For serving in general, DOULEUO is used.
The word here for ‘worship’ (PROSKUNEO) means to express, by words or by bowing down, profound and submissive respect and adoration for God.
The two activities, worshiping God and serving God, are complementary because worship is vain unless it is supported by a life of dedicated service to God.
Paul writes: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (LATREIA)” (Romans 12:1).1
Also under the Old Covenant, worship was to be verified by a life of daily service to God: “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12). The word here for ‘serve’ in the Septuagint Greek translation of the Old Testament is LATREUO.2
Serving God involves all that we do, walking in all His ways, both in the prescribed religious exercises and in a godly life, whereas worship (PROSKUNEO) is an expression of submissive adoration on specific occasions.3
PROSKUNEO in the New Testament can also refer to Old Testament worship4 and to false forms of worship.5
Only God may be worshiped.
When the devil tempted Jesus to bow down and worship him6 Christ told him to go away, “For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Matthew 4:10 // Luke 4:8).
Neither men,7 nor angels,8 nor anything created9 may be worshiped. Angels, however, are commanded to worship Christ10 which proves His deity. In the Gospels various people fell down at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him.11
True worship is in spirit and truth.
Jesus defined genuine worship when He spoke with the Samaritan woman: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23, 24).12
A common error is to suppose that rituals have value, regardless of the attitude of the heart. Jesus teaches that worship is genuine only if it is in spirit and in truth.13 Both the inner and the outer aspects must be correct.
What is worship?
Worship (PROSKUNEO) is a conscious glorification of God flowing from an inner attitude of lowly submission to His authority and awe at His majesty.
This glorification can be expressed by bowing down and by words. Since God can hear the thoughts of the heart, the words do not have to be audible.
The gospel commands all people on earth to worship God: ‘Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people - saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7).14
Majestic examples of worship are found in Revelation.
We can learn how to worship from the heavenly host!
“And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created’” (Revelation 4:8- 11).
By falling down and casting their crowns before the throne, the elders show their submission. They “worship ... saying,” and then follows a beautiful and majestic verbal expression of adoration. By definition, worship is directed to God, yet the glorification of God is magnified when words of adoration are heard by others.
Next we hear the saints worshiping Christ in song: “And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God’” (Revelation 5:9, 10).
Then expressions of adoration follow in the third person, proclamations intended for others to hear. “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!’ Then the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 5:11-14).
The praise of the saints is confirmed by the amen of the heavenly host! “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen’” (Revelation 7:9-12).
Worship includes thanksgiving: “And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned’” (Revelation 11:16, 17).
They who overcome the beast, sing the song of Moses and the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for your judgments have been manifested” (Revelation 15:3b, 4).
These thrilling examples in Revelation demonstrate that worship is a conscious glorification of God flowing from an inner attitude of lowly submission to His authority and awe at His majesty.
Let us worship the Lord! Amen.
Roy Davison
The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.
Endnotes:

1 Not “worship” as in some translations. Our whole life is service to God but not worship.

2 See also Deuteronomy 11:13 “serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

3 This article includes references to all New Testament occurrences of PROSKUNEO.

4 John 12:20; Acts 8:27; 24:11; Hebrews 11:21.

5 Acts 7:43; Revelation 9:20; 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.

6 Matthew 4:9; Luke 4:7.

7 Acts 10:25.

8 Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9.

9 Romans 1:25.

10 Hebrews 1:5, 6.

11 Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; Luke 24:52; John 9:38. Because PROSKUNEO, in a purely human context, can also be used for showing great respect (Matthew 18:26; Mark 15:19; Revelation 3:9), the depth of meaning intended in a few passages is not clear, such as when the wise men worshiped the Christ child (Matthew 2:2, 8, 11).

12 The center of worship under the New Covenant, is God’s temple in heaven (Revelation 11:1, 19).

13 He does not state, however, as some claim, that worship is exclusively spiritual, without any outward expression whatever.

14 The gift of prophecy in the early church could convict an unbeliever, and cause him to worship God (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25).

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com

Thankfulness by Gary Rose




Earlier this month, I had my 70th birthday. To me, it was a turning point in my life, for I had never ever dreamed that I would live this long. Since then, I have begun to think a little differently about life; more about what I have left and less about what I can have. Today, I saw this picture and it made me think about my own prayer life; do I pray enough, do I pray about the right things and more importantly, do I have the right attitude when I pray? Am I really thankful for the things God has given me, or do I just go through the motions? And then there is this passage from the Gospel according to Luke…


Luke 17 ( World English Bible )
Luk 17:11, It happened as he was on his way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.
Luk 17:12, As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance.
Luk 17:13, They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
Luk 17:14, When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” It happened that as they went, they were cleansed.
Luk 17:15, One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.
Luk 17:16, He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.
Luk 17:17, Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
Luk 17:18, Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?”
Luk 17:19, Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”


During the past few years, I have been sick more than when I was younger, but I have never had anything as severe as Leprosy. It must be awful to have such a horrendous, debilitating disease that would ostracize you from society. But what if you were healed, wouldn’t you be thankful? From this account of Jesus healing ten lepers, nine out of the ten didn’t even have enough courtesy to return and thank Jesus for what he had done for them.

Question: Are we like the ungrateful nine or the man who returned to thank Jesus? Before you answer that question, look at the picture once again and consider your own prayer life – I know I will...

5/27/19

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER" Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17) by Mark Copeland


"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17)

INTRODUCTION

1. Throughout our study in 1st Peter, we have noticed that as
   "pilgrims" those who are Christians have many blessings and
   responsibilities

2. For example, in our previous study we saw that as "pilgrims and
   sojourners" we are to have our conduct honorable among those with 
   whom we live

3. But what about our responsibilities to those governments of men 
   under which we live?

4. When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any 
   responsibilities to the countries on earth?

[Peter addresses this very question in 1Pe 2:13-17...]

I. THE PILGRIMS' RESPONSIBILITY IN ONE WORD:  SUBMIT! (13-14)

   A. WE ARE TO SUBMIT "TO EVERY ORDINANCE OF MAN"...
      1. The word "submit"...
         a. Means "be subject to," signifying "to place one's self 
            under subjection; to render one's self subordinate"
         b. This will not be the only time in this epistle that 
            Christians will be told to be submissive 
             - cf. 1Pe 2:18;3:1; 5:5
      2. In this case, we are told to submit "to every ordinance of man"
         a. The word "ordinance" literally means "a creation"
            1) The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the 
               appointment of officers as the "creation" of them
            2) Therefore, the expression "ordinance" actually refers...
               a) Not to a particular law passed by government
               b) But to the civil government or institution itself
            3) Cf. the NASV, "to every human institution"
         b. Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution
            1) Whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state
            2) The responsibility of pilgrims is still the same:submit!

   B. THE APOSTLE PAUL TAUGHT THE SAME PRINCIPLE...
      1. We are to be subject to the governing authorities 
         ("higher powers", KJV) - Ro 13:1
      2. We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes
         and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials - 
         Ro 13:5-7

[Our responsibility as pilgrims to the governments of men under which 
we live is quite simple:  submit to them.

But submission is not always an easy thing to do.  What reasons do 
Peter and Paul give that might motivate us to submit to our governments
as we should?]

II. REASONS WHY WE MUST SUBMIT (15-17)

   A. PETER GIVES US TWO GOOD REASONS...
      1. First and foremost, "this is the will of God" - 1Pe 2:15a
         a. Cf. also, "for the Lord's sake" - 1Pe 2:13
         b. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God
         c. But Peter does explain why this is the Lord's will...
      2. That we may "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" 
         - 1Pe 2:15b
         a. Because of their allegiance to a heavenly King, Christians
            are often falsely accused of sedition or treason - e.g., 
            Ac 17:5-8
         b. By doing good (e.g., submitting to the governing 
            authorities), we can "silence" (lit., muzzle) such ignorant
            charges

   B. PAUL GIVES US ANOTHER GOOD REASON...
      1. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God! 
         - Ro 13:1
         a. This truth is emphasized in the book of Daniel 
            - cf. Dan 2:20-21; 4:17,25a,32a
         b. Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine 
            purposes and then replaces - cf. Exo 9:16 (Egypt); 
            Isa 10:5-12 (Assyria)
      2. This being the case, to resist the government means to resist
         God Himself! - Ro 13:2-4

[So lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, let God's 
"pilgrims" freely submit to the powers ruling over them.  In so doing,
we will also silence those who might falsely accuse us of wrong-doing.

But is the principle of submission to government without exception?  Is
there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey 
governmental authorities?  From Peter himself, we learn...]

III. THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE

   A. IT IS NOT "WHENEVER GOVERNMENT IS OPPRESSIVE..."
      1. Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and
         Paul wrote:
         a. The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an 
            evil, despotic emperor
         b. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly 
            - cf. 1Pe 4:12-13; 5:8-9
         c. Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was
            beheaded
      2. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain
         clear:
         a. We are to submit
         b. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail - cf.
            1Ti 2:1-2
         c. Who knows?  Perhaps God who "removes kings and raises up 
            kings" will answer our prayers and give us rulers who are 
            good and just!

   B. THE EXCEPTION:  WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN!
      1. As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles 
         - cf. Ac 4:18-20; 5:27-29
      2. Only when government tries to force us to disobey God, must we
         then disobey the government
      3. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us
         to disobey God that we have a right to break;  we have no 
         authority to break other laws in protest
      4. Rather, we are charged to pray for those in authority, and 
         submit to them in all other areas

CONCLUSION

1. Such is our responsibility as pilgrims under whatever government  we
   may find ourselves as we sojourn here on earth
   a. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use 
      that freedom in serving the Lord - cf. 1Pe 2:16
   b. As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority
      - cf. 1Pe 2:17
      
2. Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion 
   should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and 
   to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!

Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such 
freedom by rendering obedience to God?  Perhaps there are those who 
have not yet done so... - cf. He 5:9


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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