As I mentioned in yesterday's message, I thought it might be helpful to post additional thoughts and scripture passages here to those who want to do additional study. I am sure it is the same with every Bible teacher, but I always end up with way more material than I can use in a 45 minute message.
Note: If you didn't hear the message, watch for it to be posted on the homepage of our website. Its usually up by Wednesday at the latest.
I hope these notes encourage you and strengthen your faith as you consider the reality of the Second Advent.
General comments:
- James Boice, in his volume "Foundations of the Christian Faith", notes three general eschatological categories in which there is almost universal agreement among those who take the Bible seriously: Christ's return, the resurrection of the body, and the day of judgment. Isn't it interesting that there is so much said in Christian circles over our differences, but so little said about the things we agree on? I guess controversy is always more interesting to people than unity.
- In the message I quoted from RC Sproul and his comments on secularism. He has two excellent lecture series on philosophy called "Christian Worldview" and "The Consequence of Ideas". I would also recommend his message on the return of Christ which is part of his "Foundations" series. Even if you don't agree with his view of end times you can still benefit from this lecture. All of this is available on the website of Ligonier Ministries. I subscribe to the podcast and listen to his "Renewing Your Mind" lectures regularly.
Comments on the first section, "Be Ready":
- Under the first point I mentioned the infrequent use of the compound word translated "eagerly waiting". We looked at Philippians 3:20, and also Romans 8, but you can also see the use of this word by referring to 1 Cor 1:4-8 and Hebrews 9:27-28.
- As I developed my message I temporarily titled the second point "Seeing Jesus as the Culmination of Our Life". I think the phrase on the outline was better, but hopefully this helps you better understand the emphasis I was trying to make. Other scriptures you might find helpful: 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Jn 3:2; Col 3:4.
Comments on the second section, "Be Faithful":
- Additional scriptures for the first point: 1 Thes 5:23; 1 Cor 1:8. I originally had two subpoints under "Depending on His Strength". The first was "Standing Firm (1 Tim 6:12-14; 2 Thes 2:15)" and "Exercising Self-Control (1 Thes 5:6)"
Comments on the third section, "Be Busy":
- Additional scriptures for the first point: Mt 25:1-13; Lk 12:35-48
- I mentioned that "Using God's Stuff Wisely" included the proper use of spiritual gifts. This idea came from 1 Cor 1:7 as noted, but also 1 Pet 4:10.
I hope these additional comments are helpful... I would appreciate any feedback you might have concerning this post or the message itself. I left Church yesterday feeling very uncertain about the impact of the sermon, which was disappointing. I had been very encouraged by my study and had really hoped to communicate that sense of enthusiasm and excitement to the body at THCF. Your thoughts (positive or negative) would be appreciated!
Posts
Love Wins, But Not At the Expense of Truth
10 years ago
7 comments:
So... lemme ask you this about your section: Exercising Self-Control (1 Thes 5:6)
Isn't the phrase "self control" itself completely contrary to the gospel message? Can we really control ourselves? If so, what level of control is acceptable? To me this is confusing and always has been throughout my christian life. Feels like works and image to me. Thoughts?
That's a great question and I'd love to respond, but I have a personal policy of rejecting anonymous comments, in whatever form I receive them.
Let me know who you are, and lets dialogue! In the meantime, check out Galatians 5:22-25.
I think I got this thing figured out now... I'm Tim and we've been attending Temecula Hills for a couple of months now.
Here is a blog article I wrote last year that should give you a pretty good idea of where I am spiritually right now (if interested): https://www.christianblog.com/blog/timsalzman/dr-phil-theology/
My wife and I have very much enjoyed the teaching at Temecula Hills and look forward to each Sunday.
Hi Tim -
Thanks for letting me know who you are, and for providing the link to your article. Very interesting!
When you say "I have this thing figured out now" did you mean leaving blog comments, or did you mean your original question? I am assuming the former, so if I am wrong please forgive me for answering anyway.
You bring up an excellent point regarding self control, and if you think about it your comments apply to any type of human effort. How can we be commanded to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5) and to "let love be without hypocrisy" (Romans 12)? Those are only two examples, I could cite dozens more. Is it, as you say, human effort? If so, how do we, as imperfect people still struggling with sin, produce emotions and feelings consistent with these commands?
People have tried to solve this dilemma by various means, typically separating our salvation/response to the gospel from our growth or sanctification in Christ likeness.
I came to Christ through the Calvary Chapel system, and we were constantly exhorted to "abide"... thats how we would fulfill these commands, by remaining in Christ, being diligent to study our Bible, pray, and share our faith.
Unfortunately, that approach (if you are honest with yourself) quickly leads to frustration and the treadmill of human effort as you soon realize you do not have the resources to conjure up the desire and proper feelings over a long period of time.
Thats why, in my message, I prefaced the remarks about perseverance etc with the section titled "Depending on His Strength". Here are some notes from that section:
"We primarily resist the temptations of this world by faith. Most of you already know the verse I listed on the outline. Paul wrote:
Php 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (the second advent).
As I said, there are many ways we work this out day by day but that is the underlying reality. How will we persevere to the end? The same way we began… by grace, thru faith. Its very natural and common for us to make this mistake… we hear the gospel, we respond in faith, then we proceed to try and live out the Christian life by our own efforts.
No, Paul wrote to the Romans, the Gospel is the power of God to salvation from first to last… you never forget the gospel, you always operate under His grace, depending on His power and trusting in His promises."
You can see that I do not abandon the gospel when I address areas of sanctification, or growth in Christlikeness... instead, I renew an appeal to the gospel, both for salvation AND for obedience after regeneration.
Does that make sense? In other words, to return to your original question, "Can we really control ourselves?", my answer would be no, we cannot. But the Spirit dwelling in us can.
Hope that helps! Send me any other thoughts and comments.
Your comments have definitely helped me understand where you're coming from. I especially appreciate your comments about the "Abide" principle so many believers attempt to live out in their everyday lives.
I'm 42 years old and grew up in a baptist pastor's home. They say that when you hit 40 your life begins to "solidify" in terms of your belief and / or lack of belief.
Dude, I'm just plain tired (weary) of trying so hard and so are a lot of my friends that are breaking the plane of the 40 year mark. You said this about abiding:
Unfortunately, that approach (if you are honest with yourself) quickly leads to frustration and the treadmill of human effort as you soon realize you do not have the resources to conjure up the desire and proper feelings over a long period of time.
I cannot agree with you more on this subject. I'm beginning to come to grips with the radical nature of God's grace.
Now I have a tough one for you...
Could Jeffery Dahmer been a believer covered by the grace of God during his rampage? He certainly wasn't exercising self control! :)
Rob, I found your message on the second Advent to be encouraging. Though we may differ in some respects, your emphasis on being ready for Him to return at any time is the emphasis that is so important. I also enjoyed your message today.
Thanks Charlotte! I am just thankful for the opportunity to study and teach God's word, and glad when He can use it to encourage others.
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