Author: drthomasclothier

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Grief: An Introduction.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

I find myself a little hesitant about addressing the subject of grief. It is not because the Bible has nothing to say about the topic. It does. However, I am reluctant because I know that there many other people and pastors who have experienced much more grief than I have and have much more insight about grieving than I do.

Therefore, I seek to share what God’s Word has to say about grief and draw and conclusions about the subject from God’s inspired truth. Grief is deep sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death. The Bible addresses the subject in many portions of the Old and New Testament concerning a variety of circumstances and situations.

For example, Isaac and Rebekah experienced grief when their son Esau married a Hittite woman (Genesis 26:35). God mourned the misery of Israel brought upon them by disobedience (Judges 10:16). Because she had no son, Hannah was sad—so much so that she appeared to be drunk while praying (1 Samuel 1:16). Similarly, Samuel, grieved at King Saul’s disobedience, prayed all night. Job was exceedingly sorrowful over his personal loss (Job 2:13; cf. 6:2; 16:6), and the psalmist poetically demonstrated distress and sorrow (Pss 6:7; 31:9–10; 69:26; 73:21; 95:10; 112:10). The book of Lamentations is devoted to the expression of grief, and the prophets in general speak of judgment because Israel had grieved a holy God.

In the New Testament, Jesus experienced sorrow and distress (Mark 3:5; John 11:33), including crying over the death of a friend (John 11:35). Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

The Jews are said to have been grieved as the apostles taught about Christ (Acts 4:2). The apostle Paul instructed believers not to grieve one another (Rom 14:15) and did not want to cause any sorrow himself (2 Corinthians 2:1–5). Most of all, the believer is not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). A believer may, of course, experience grief and suffering in an alien world (1 Peter 2:19).

Jesus explicitly said to His disciples that in this world, they, and all disciples who seek to follow the Lord, would experience trouble and tribulation (John 16:33).

Today’s text is taken from Psalm 34. It is a Psalm of David. The occasion for the psalm was when David pretended to be insane before King Abimelech (I Samuel 21:10-19). It is a psalm addressing the blessing of those who trust in the LORD.

David is stating that Yahweh is close by and near to those who are crushed and despondent in their inner person and soul. In other words, the Lord is particularly near to His people who are experiencing great grief in their minds, emotions and wills. What a precious promise.

Dr. R.C. Sproul’s thoughts on grief are particularly insightful. He writes, “When we speak of the reality of grief, we are talking about pain. The pain that we describe by the use of this word, however, is not the pain of a minor irritation. It is not the pain of a broken bone, a fractured leg, a pierced shoulder. It is a pain that penetrates the skin of a person and plunges to the deepest recesses of the person’s being. It is a pain that grips the soul with a vise-like pincer that brings with the pain an excruciating sense of mourning. We use the term grief to describe pain that assaults the deepest level of our being. We often use the metaphor of the broken heart, yet we know that hearts don’t break like a glass that falls on the floor or like bones that are shattered in an accident. The broken heart really describes a weeping soul, a soul that is cloaked in the darkest night.”

 My family is currently grieving the death of a stillborn child. Many friends and acquaintances have shared with me their own personal stories of having experienced this same event and the resulting grief and pain they felt. I am truly amazed as to how many families have suffered this type of loss. I am also comforted by those who understand what me and my family are experiencing (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

May you take comfort in that the LORD is near to the brokenhearted. May you also comfort, and be comforted by, those who are grieving a similar loss as you.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LORD’S DAY 26, 2019.

On each Lord’s Day this year, we will display the 52 devotionals taken from the Heidelberg Catechism which are structured in the form of questions posed and answers given.

The Heidelberg Catechism was originally written in 1563. It originated in one of the few pockets of Calvinistic faith in the Lutheran and Catholic territories of Germany. Conceived originally as a teaching instrument to promote religious unity, the catechism soon became a guide for preaching as well.

Along with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt, it forms what is collectively referred to as the Three Forms of Unity.

The devotional for LORD’S DAY 26 is as follows. Please take note of the biblical references given in each answer. This morning’s devotional addresses the subject of Believer’s Baptism.

Q. How does holy baptism remind and assure you that Christ’s one sacrifice on the cross benefits you personally?

A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing1 and with it promised that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and his Spirit wash away my soul’s impurity, that is, all my sins.2

1 Acts 2:38.
2 Matt. 3:11; Rom. 6:3-10; 1 Pet. 3:21.

Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ’s blood and Spirit?

A. To be washed with Christ’s blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven our sins because of Christ’s blood poured out for us in his sacrifice on the cross.1 To be washed with Christ’s Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed and sanctified us to be members of Christ, so that more and more we become dead to sin and live holy and blameless lives.2

1 Zech. 13:1; Eph. 1:7-8; Heb. 12:24; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rev. 1:5.
2 Ezek. 36:25-27; John 3:5-8; Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 6:11; Col. 2:11-12.

Q. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

A. In the institution of baptism, where he says: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”1 “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.”2 This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism “the water of rebirth”3and the washing away of sins.4

1 Matt. 28:19.
2 Mark 16:16.
3 Tit. 3:5.
4 Acts 22:16.

May truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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The Mortification of Sin: Final Thoughts!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24)

“Mortification (of sin) involves the habitual weakening of sin, and constant fighting against it with a measure of success. The battle needs to be perpetual because each manifestation of sin contains the seeds of sin’s dominion, and inclines to the same end. There is a necessary universal crucifying of the flesh by which sin is weakened.” Sinclair Ferguson

By the same standards and principles outlines by Dr. Ferguson regarding the mortification of sin, likewise the fostering of the Fruit of the Spirit involves the habitual strengthening of this fruit and the constant nurturing of it with a measure of success. The effort needs to be perpetual because each manifestation of the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control contains the seeds of righteousness’ dominion and inclines to the same end. There is a necessary and universal nurturing by the Spirit by which holiness is strengthened.

The metaphor of fruit would not have been lost by the first century reader and recipients of Paul’s letter. In an agricultural society where orchards abounded, the constant discipline of pruning, or mortification of dead branches, and caretaking of the living branches was a daily activity: in season and out of season. The harvest of plenty  depended upon the farmer’s preceding pruning, nurturing and cultivating.

When the Apostle Paul concludes his list of the Fruit of the Spirit, he adds this qualifying statement: “against such things there is no law.” What does he mean?

What the apostle means is the there is no outside law which can produce the Fruit of the Spirit. No legislation has the ability to produce these qualities within the heart of man. In fact, the law is against and in opposition to such characteristics. It cannot produce them. Only the Holy Spirit is able to accomplish such a work and produce such qualities of spiritual vitality.

It therefore stands to reason that if an individual does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, there will be no Fruit of the Spirit in their life (Romans 8:9). In other words, the Fruit of the Spirit is available only for believers in Jesus Christ.

Finally, what does Paul mean by the statement “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires?” One biblical commentary adds this explanation.

“They (the believer in Christ) nailed it to the cross once for all when they became Christ’s, on believing and being baptized (Ro 6:3, 4): they keep it now in a state of crucifixion (Ro 6:6): so that the Spirit can produce in them, comparatively uninterrupted by it, “the fruit of the Spirit” (Ga 5:22). “Man, by faith, is dead to the former standing point of a sinful life, and rises to a new life (Ga 5:25) of communion with Christ (Col 3:3). The act by which they have crucified the flesh with its lust, is already accomplished ideally in principle. But the practice, or outward conformation of the life, must harmonize with the tendency given to the inward life” (Ga 5:25). We are to be executioners, dealing cruelly with the body of sin, which has caused the acting of all cruelties on Christ’s body.”

What practices and disciplines are a part of your daily life in Christ by which the Holy Spirit assists you in mortifying your sin? Are you reading, contemplating and memorizing Scripture (Psalm 1; Psalm 19; Psalm 119)? Are you constantly in prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17)? Are you maintaining weekly worship habits by gathering with other believers and submitting to the preaching of God’s Word (Hebrews 10:24-25)?

These are but three disciplines Scripture gives us by which believers may, and can, mortify their sin. May God give each of us the strength and desire to be obedient to His command to do so.

May the LORD’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“The Holy Spirit is the only sufficient means of true mortification. Mortification is a gift of the Crucified, Risen, Ascended Christ, and is mediated through the Spirit. He works in three ways. He causes the heart to abound in grace and in the fruit of the Spirit. The antidote to corruption is being filled with the Spirit. But He also acts in a real physical efficiency on the root and habit of sin, for the weakening, destroying, and taking it away.” Sinclair Ferguson

Self-control (ἐγκράτεια; enkrateia) means to actively exercise complete control over one’s desires and actions. This pursuit is a cooperative effort by the believer in Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. In other words, self-control is to make one’s heart (intellect; emotions; will) obedient to the Word of God.

I Corinthians 9:25-27 says, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

The Apostle Paul saw the importance of exercising self-control in his personal walk in Christ. He knew that it only took one, unguarded moment to undermine a lifetime of ministry and service.

Proverbs 4:23-27 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Self-control involves guarding what you say. It also means guarding what you look at or gaze upon. Additionally, it means considering where you are going and what you plan on doing when you arrive at your destination. Self-control means to turn away from evil.

Dr. R. C. Sproul says, “Basically, to have self-control means that we behave in a manner appropriate to the given situation. It means we defer when it is appropriate to defer. It means we speak when we need to speak. It means that we control our tempers and do not blow up every time things do not go our way. It means that we ignore the minor mistakes of others instead of trying to prove that we are always right.”

However, self-control also means that we stand for the truth of God at all times. Dr. Sproul comments that, “When we seek to practice self-control in our lives, we must take care that we do not become wimps. Jonathan Edwards offers helpful advice by saying that when it comes to matters of truth and integrity, we cannot yield to other people. If someone is teaching rank heresy, for example, exercising self-control and behaving in a manner appropriate to the situation means that we call attention to the matter and stand up for the truth.”

Are you a person who displays self-control? What are your strong areas regarding this Fruit of the Spirit?  What are your weak-points? Ask God to reveal to you the areas of your life where your self-control is strong and the areas in which you need His strength to become more self-controlled.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin.” Puritan John Owen

Mortification, if you have not already surmised, is not only the elimination of sin in the believer’s life but also the fostering of Christ-like qualities. Today, we examine the fruit of gentleness.

 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6

Here are but three Scripture references which address the subject of gentleness. They specifically, and respectively, speak of the believer’s attitude, speech and behavior. Gentleness is not only appropriate toward fellow believers in Christ, but also toward unbelievers.

Gentleness (πραΰτης; prautes) is defined as meekness and mildness. It is not being harsh with other people, not only in our attitude but also in our actions.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Gentleness (prautēs) marks a person who is submissive to God’s Word (cf. James 1:21) and who is considerate of others when discipline is needed (cf. “gently” in Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25; “gentle” in 1 Cor. 4:21; Eph. 4:2; “gentleness” in Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:16).”

I certainly learned to be gentle in spirit and behavior in raising a daughter who possesses a sensitive personality which can be easily hurt. I learned that a soft voice and a pleasant face goes a long way to foster gentleness, even when discipline was required by a father towards a daughter. It is also no coincidence that my daughter’s husband constantly displays a gentle spirit.

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthian Church, asked, “What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness” (I Corinthians 4:21)? He knew the church was in need of spiritual correction in a number of areas. However, he also understood that such discipline and correction was to be done in a spirit of gentleness.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “When we speak of a gentle person we are not speaking of someone who is reticent or fearful. Rather, the biblical view of gentleness presupposes strength. No one who has ever walked the earth has had absolute power except our Lord Jesus who is the very God of the universe. However, Jesus did not exercise His strength in an abrasive manner or use it to bully others. Rather, He tempered His strength with gentleness. He stood for truth when it was appropriate, but He also gave grace to sinners like the woman at the well when they were repentant (John 4:1–45). Such should not surprise us, for it is in God’s nature to be merciful with those whom He calls to Himself.”

Resolve today, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to display a spirit of gentleness to those with whom you come into contact and conversation. May your gentle spirit be evidenced by all.

May the LORD’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!   

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

The key verse in the Book of Habakkuk is 2:4 which says, “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” This verse is restated three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) to not only refer to the basis of our relationship with God but also the believer’s perseverance in that relationship.

In explaining Romans 1:17, Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Paul intends to prove that it has always been God’s way to justify sinners by grace on the basis of faith alone. God established Abraham as a pattern of faith (Rom. 4:22–25; Gal. 3:6–7) and thus calls him the father of all who believe (Rom. 4:11, 16). Elsewhere, Paul uses this same phrase to argue that no one has ever been declared righteous before God except by faith alone (Gal. 3:11) and that true faith will demonstrate itself in action (Phil. 2:12–13). This expression emphasizes that true faith is not a single event, but a way of life—it endures. That endurance is called the perseverance of the saints (cf. Col. 1:22–23; Heb. 3:12–14). One central theme of the story of Job is that no matter what Satan does, saving faith cannot be destroyed.”

God calls the believer in Christ to live a life of faithfulness. Faithfulness (πίστις; pistis) in this context, and in harmony with the definition of faith, means to be a person who trusts in, depends upon, is committed to and honors and worships the Lord Jesus Christ by grace alone in His person and work. Additionally, it also means to be an individual who is trustworthy, dependable, committed and honorable.

A faithful person is a person of integrity. He is an undivided individual. What they say is what they do. What they do verifies what they say. It is a person upon whom you can trust, depend, commit to and honor.

A faithful individual is a blessing when they are your husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother. What a joy to have grandparents who are known by their faithfulness.

Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” Do you want to leave a legacy of favor and good success? Do you want to be remembered as a successful man? Then be a man of faithfulness.

Consider the faithful legacy of Onesiphorus. Is he unfamiliar to you? I’m sure he is to many. However, he was a man one could trust, depend, commit to and who was honorable. This is what the Apostle Paul had to say about Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”

Paul knew the pain of unfaithful people like Phygelus and Hermogenes. They were among the many who proved to be unfaithful not only to Paul but also to the gospel.

However, Onesiphorus was one of the few who proved to be faithful. He refreshed Paul while the apostle was in prison. He was not ashamed to be seen with Paul. He also earnestly searched to find Paul upon arriving in the City of Rome. Onesiphorus had also served the Lord in Ephesus. He demonstrated to the apostle and to the church that he embodied faithfulness.

Are you known by your faithfulness to the Lord and to others? Are you striving to not only live, but also leave, that kind of legacy? What a heritage to leave for those who follow is a life of faithfulness.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!    

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Goodness means to be morally righteous and virtuous. The Greek word for goodness (ἀγαθωσύνη; agathosyne) means to have a generous spirit towards others. It means reaching out to people and being generous to them even when such generosity is not deserved.

Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

Psalm 34:14 says, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

In commenting on Romans 12:9, Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “The Apostle likely has several ideas in mind here. First, in doing good to those who hate us, we keep ourselves from being corrupted by the world and its way of doing things, and so we grow in our sanctification. We will be tempted to love the world and its sinful approach to reality, which is why John tells us not to love the world or the things of the world (1 John 2:15). As we do good when others hate us, we are not conformed to the pattern of this world; instead, we evidence the transformation that the Holy Spirit is working in us (Rom. 12:2).”

“Second, doing good to those who do evil against us can bring about the end of their evil. This does not always occur, but as we saw in Romans 12:20, people who have done wrong are often shamed when we do not repay them in kind, and they stop mistreating us. The Holy Spirit can even work in this to bring about the repentance and conversion of our foes.”

Dr. Sproul concludes by saying, “Finally, in doing good to those who hate us, we show forth the character of our Savior before the world. He loved those who hated Him so much that He gave up His life to save them. We cannot atone for sin, but we can imitate His love for His enemies by loving our foes, thereby pointing them to Christ Himself.”

Theologian John Murray writes in his commentary Romans, “By well-doing we are to be the instruments of quenching the animosity and the ill-doing of those who persecute and maltreat us.”

How may you be generously good to someone today? It may be in the generosity of a kind word of encouragement. It may be in the giving of a kind or generous statement in the midst of criticism. Practice God’s goodness today.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Mortifying sin is not only getting rid of our sinful behavior but also putting into practice godly behavior. This is the basis for believers to evidence the Fruit of the Spirit. This is the basis for believers to evidence the fruit of kindness.

Ephesians 4:32 says, ““Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The statement “be kind” is an imperative statement. It is a command. It is not a request from God but rather a divine directive from God.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Ephesians 4:32 describes another of these habits and dispositions — the practice of kindness and forgiveness. Such a calling is not optional but rather is integral to our salvation. Jesus, after all, says that our forgiveness of others is tied directly to God’s pardoning of our sins (Matt. 6:14–15). Certainly our Savior does not mean that we merit divine forgiveness by extending grace to those who offend us. Forgiveness is God’s gift, and we can do nothing to earn it (Eph. 2:8–9). Nevertheless, those whom the Lord forgives understand the depth of their depravity and that they are wholly undeserving of His mercy. They realize that if the perfect Creator forgives them, then they, who are imperfect people, can do no less.”

Kindness (χρηστότης; chrestotes) means to provide something beneficial for someone. Synonyms include compassion, gentleness, thoughtfulness and helpfulness. Self-sacrificial love of the will, as addressed in I Corinthians 13:4, is a love that acts kindly towards others. Colossians 3:12 directs believers to put on kindness.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “Kindness (chrēstotēs) is benevolence in action such as God demonstrated toward men. Since God is kind toward sinners (cf. Rom. 2:4; Eph. 2:7) a Christian should display the same virtue (cf. 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12).”

A story is told that despite his busy schedule during the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln often visited the hospitals to cheer the wounded. On one occasion he saw a young fellow who was near death. “Is there anything I can do for you?” asked the compassionate President. “Please write a letter to my mother,” came the reply. Unrecognized by the soldier, the Chief Executive sat down and wrote as the youth told him what to say.

The letter read, “My Dearest Mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty, and I won’t recover. Don’t sorrow too much for me. May God bless you and father. Kiss Mary and John for me.” The young man was too weak to go on, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and then added this postscript: “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.”

Asking to see the note, the soldier was astonished to discover who had shown him such kindness. “Are you really our President?” he asked. “Yes,” was the quiet answer. “Now, is there anything else I can do?” The lad feebly replied, “Will you please hold my hand? I think it would help to see me through to the end.” The tall, gaunt man granted his request, offering warm words of encouragement until death stole in with the dawn.

We may never become President of the United States, we may never suffer a mortal wound while serving in the military, but we can be kind to one another.

In what ways can you be kind to others today? Put you kindness into action.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!                                                                                            

 

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LORD’S DAY 25, 2019.

On each Lord’s Day this year, we will display the 52 devotionals taken from the Heidelberg Catechism which are structured in the form of questions posed and answers given.

The Heidelberg Catechism was originally written in 1563. It originated in one of the few pockets of Calvinistic faith in the Lutheran and Catholic territories of Germany. Conceived originally as a teaching instrument to promote religious unity, the catechism soon became a guide for preaching as well.

Along with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt, it forms what is collectively referred to as the Three Forms of Unity.

The devotional for LORD’S DAY 25 is as follows. Please take note of the biblical references given in each answer. This morning’s devotional addresses the subject of the Sacraments, or Ordinances, of the Church.

Q. It is through faith alone that we share in Christ and all his benefits: where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts1 by the preaching of the holy gospel,2 and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.3

1 John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 2:8.
2 Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25.
3 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16.

Q. What are sacraments?

A. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise.1 And this is God’s gospel promise: to grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.2

1 Gen. 17:11; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 4:11.
2 Matt. 26:27-28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 10:10.

Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and by the holy sacraments confirms that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.1

1 Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 3:27.

Q. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?

A. Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.1

1 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

May truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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The Mortification of Sin: The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Perhaps you can identify with the following quotes regarding the subject of personal patience. I know I sure can.

“I am not a patient man and never have been. I do not like to wait or be kept waiting. But it’s not like I want to be this way. I cannot become patient fast enough. I really want this fruit of the Holy Spirit to be more readily observable in my life. I just want it to be observable right now.”

“We are told that we live in a culture that is consumed by consumerism. Madison Avenue daily feeds our instant gratification, which is not merely a weakness; it is an addiction in our time. The epidemic of credit-card indebtedness bears witness to this malady. We want our luxuries, our pleasures, and our niceties, and we want them now. The antiquated virtue by which stewardship capitalism had its impetus was the principle of “delayed gratification.” One postponed immediate consumption in favor of investing for future growth. By that principle, many prospered—but not without the necessary exercise of patience.”

“When the Bible speaks of patience, particularly as one of the fruits of the Spirit, and as one of the characteristics of love, it speaks of it as a virtue that goes far beyond the mere ability to await some future gain. It involves more than the rest or peace of the soul that trusts in God’s perfect timing. The patience that is in view here focuses more on interpersonal relationships with other people. It is the patience of longsuffering and of forbearing in the midst of personal injury. This is the most difficult patience of all.”

Have you ever encountered someone, let’s use the workplace for example, towards whom you had to be patient? I’m sure you have. I know I have. It may be a person who is just hard to like and oftentimes hard to work with. Hopefully, we’re not that particular person to other people. 

Don’t you often wish you could just let loose and let that person in question know how you really feel? Don’t you often want to tell that person what you really think of their behavior, laziness and general poor attitude? Don’t you get frustrated when they criticize you and get in your face when all you want is to be left alone to do your job?

This is when and where the fruit of patience comes into focus. This is where our true spiritual maturity is tested and evaluated. Are we truly able to patiently endure trials and sufferings, at whatever level they occur, as a testimony of our faith and trust in the LORD?

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “If we look at the triad of virtues underscored in the New Testament—faith, hope, and love—we see that each one of these virtues contains within it the necessary ingredient of patience. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love suffers long. This longsuffering, forbearing patience is to be the Christian’s reflection of the character of God. It is part of God’s character to be slow to anger and quick to be merciful. Part of the incomprehensibility of God in terms of my own relationship with Him is this: I cannot fathom how a holy God has been able to put up with me marring His creation to the degree I have for three score and five years. For me to live another day requires a continuation of God’s gracious patience with my sin. The bare and simple question is this, “How can He put up with me?” The mystery is compounded when we add to the patience of God not only His patience with me but His patience with you, and you, and you, and you—multiplied exponentially throughout the whole world. It becomes even more difficult to fathom when we see a sinless Being more patient with sinful beings than sinful beings are with each other.”

In our quest to mortify sin, think of the times and circumstances when you tend to become impatient. Can you think of some? We all can. Repent of them and ask God to not only cleanse and forgive you of the sin of impatience but also to strengthen you, by the Holy Spirit, to become a more patient person. Be patient, it will happen. 

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!