Author: Bob Mathews

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 5)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation responds in a positive manner to the plans of its leadership, especially when a congregation is led by an appointed godly eldership.  Christians were exhorted to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Heb. 13:17).  On the one hand, we must obey our elders both in matters of faith and matters of judgment as such concerns the work and well-being of the local congregation.  On the other hand, may our elders have the courage and vision to plan the work of the congregation so that unity, truth, and the mission of the church are supported and fulfilled.

To achieve and maintain the above aspirations, we as members should establish and nurture a trusting, respectful relationship with our elders.  The effort required to do so must be reciprocal, all parties making their best effort to work well together.  Additionally, may we respond to leadership plans by seeking out an active role in the actual implementation of the work.  If improvements are needed or desired in our cooperative efforts, may we employ well-timed constructive criticism whose only goal is to assist in improving our work.  In this manner we will bring a greater measure of glory to both the Father and the church as we struggle together to do the work of the Lord.

The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to the planning, organization and implementation of individual or congregational spiritual labors.  The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6) and to “ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him“ (1 Cor. 16:2).  He set before the congregation the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Cor. 8:1-7).

Liberality may be rightfully exercised in contexts that may not involve financial interests and be equally important and impacting.  May we as the people of God better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Col. 3:12) and compassion (Matt. 18:21-35), thereby relieving others’ affliction as prompted by a heart that is truly touched by their distress.  May we better develop loving concern for all men (Rom. 13:8) so that we better imitate our heavenly Father (Eph. 5:1; John 3:16).  May we exercise liberality in the commitment and use of both our time and our talents in the work of the Lord (Matt. 25:14-30).  Such liberality is wisely exercised in all good works that the Father demands of us individually.  In order to successfully attain the worthy goal of liberality, may we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).  Only then may we prosper as we never have before.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 4)

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The ideal congregation is receptive to visitors and outsiders. A classic example of failure in being receptive to outsiders is recorded in Galatians 2:11-14. It says, “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, rearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” Paul withstood Peter to the face because he withdrew and separated himself from those who differed ethnically. Fear motivated Peter to so conduct himself and his example led others to follow in his steps. A personal error began to affect others in the congregation.

Our receptivity to outsiders, whether they differ ethnically or in some other meaningful manner, will be enhanced as friendliness is the norm rather than the exception. A spirit of friendliness should be extended from each member to each and every individual who graces our assemblies with their presence and support. As we set various prejudices aside (Acts 10:34-35), our receptivity to outsiders will be further developed. Additionally, may we realize the value in actively seeking to establish relationships beyond the bounds of clannishness and personal cliques so that we create multiple opportunities to broaden our field of acquaintances and friends, thereby opening ourselves to growth in our reception of outsiders. May we value each soul as highly as our Lord who freely died for all.

The ideal membership sets an example for others in Christian living.  The apostle Paul exhorted the evangelist Timothy to “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…” (1 Tim. 4:12a).  Paul’s exhortation also detailed general and specific areas wherein our example should be developed, including our speech, manner of life, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12b).  Since our Lord is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35), each individual Christian must strive to follow the Pauline exhortation to which reference was made above.

As we set an example for others in Christian living, we should influence our families unto greater and better service to God (Eph. 6:1-4). The impact of such successful efforts may not be measured except in eternity. Included in our efforts to spiritually impact our families should be wise and timely efforts to lead our spouse to be a faithful Christian. Though difficult, the potential good is certainly worth our investment of time, energy, and concern. Additionally, may we also gain the courage to influence other Christians to improve their service in the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 11:1). By efforts such as these we may perhaps become a Nehemiah in our own time!

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 3)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation faithfully attends and supports the various public services of the church, whether the occasion be Bible study, worship, or other worthy efforts such as gospel meetings or related events.  The inspired penman wrote, “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).

Motivation to obey this biblical mandate is abundant: By so doing, one (1) obeys the command to study (2 Tim. 2:15), (2) better possesses the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), (3) is better able to always give an answer for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15), (4) has opportunity to express thanks to and faith in our Father (Phil. 4:6; Heb. 11:6), (5) is more diligent (2 Pet. 1:5), (6) is better able to grow spiritually (2 Pet. 3:18), (7) may deepen fellowship with brethren (1 Cor. 12:14), (8) is edified (Eph. 4:12), (9) may exorcise the love of the world (1 John 2:15-17), and (10) will be present in the habitat of the Lord (Matt. 18:20).  Though mandated biblically, let us assemble regularly because of our responsive love unto the Lord (1 John 4:19) which anxiously compels us unto good works (Eph. 2:10).

The ideal congregation responds positively when encouraged to better learn the truths of the will of God.  Our spiritual screen must ever allow the fresh, gentle breeze of God’s word to penetrate deeply into the whole of our spiritual house.  The attitude of the Ethiopian eunuch in relying on others as they were  qualified to guide him is worthy of our  imitation (Acts 8:30-31).  Our spiritual screen must also be strong enough to  prevent pests of error from entering our personal and congregational fellowship (Eph. 5:11).

To better develop an openness to learning truth both in breadth and depth, we must view ourselves as students truly in need of a greater measure of knowledge of God’s word.  We must be committed to growing beyond spiritual infancy (Eph. 4:15).  Such commitment, if not accompanied by decisive action designed to achieve and maintain spiritual growth, will be impotent in its impact in our lives.  We must both plan and implement if genuine success is to be realized.  Additionally, timely self-evaluation will enhance and support our personal efforts in expanding our knowledge of the will of God.  Our full individual and corporate potential can indeed be attained as we open our minds to the wonder of his Word.

As Christians, our desire should be to better ourselves each day because that is what our God deserves from us. Hopefully, these are a couple more ways we can work together towards that goal.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 2)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation hungers and thirsts after righteousness.  Jesus said, “Blessed are they that  hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Mt.5:6).  The security of the blessing pronounced resides in the security of Jesus’ promise that each one so hungering and thirsting shall be filled.  The providential care of our Lord assists in bringing this promise unto fulfillment.  Such is truly a wonderful promise, knowing that if we pursue righteousness as we ought, the Lord has given his word that our spiritual appetite for righteousness will be satisfied.

The righteousness spoken of here involves the divine plan of righteousness that results in a personal verdict of righteousness.  This righteousness is nothing less than that which is in accord with the norm and standard of right, the objective revelation of the word of God.  To hunger and thirst after righteousness suggests a deep-seated craving which compels one to go to great lengths to fulfill its demands.  Invariably, one thus becomes a diligent student of the word (ref. Acts 17:11).  May we be emboldened to trust in the Lord’s promise and thus be motivated to hunger and thirst after righteous- ness as we have never done before!

The ideal congregation desires to be all that one can be, individually and congregationally.  The apostle Peter exhorted first century Christians to “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue  knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Pet.1:5-7).  When obeyed, this exhortation assists in developing full maturity in both attitude and daily living.

Fulfilled maturity requires one to seek to live up to his potential.  The parable of the talents (Mt.25:14-30) illustrates the necessity and the value of so doing while demonstrating the danger of personal failure.  The example of the poor widow who gave all her living to the treasury (Mk.12:41-43) deserves our consideration and imitation.  She truly fulfilled her individual potential.  Additionally, we will not be content with past achievements, either individually or as a congregation, if we hope to reach full maturity.  Paul remembered his past while properly relating to his past and the future (Phil.3:13-14).  He pressed on!  As we seek to be all that we can be, let us do so courageously with unyielding and confident faith, being servants of both God the Father and those about us (Romans 6).

These are just a couple more aspects to consider about the ideal congregation. Next week I’ll pose a couple more for all of us to chew on. May God be with us and bless us all on our Christian journey!

The Ideal Congregation

Posted on by Bob Mathews

   Religious ideals may be desirable and profitable as we fulfill our godly mission.  Many of us have probably developed a mental portrait of the ideal eldership, the ideal body of deacons, and perhaps even an ideal minister.  We may have ideals relating to our corporate worship and methodologies employed in reaching out to our community.  As members have ideals concerning these things, it should be understandable that elders and ministers have a portrait of the ideal congregation.

     The ideal congregation has a Christ-centered life.  Jesus said, “and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).  As we are drawn to Christ, He is the focal point of those so drawn. Accordingly, our activities in various contexts throughout our Christian life will be governed by the will of Christ.  We will ask, “What would Christ have me do?”  We will develop a pattern of increasingly being unsatisfied with the wisdom of men unto which we must not turn in matters wherein the Lord has legislated (1 Cor. 1-4). As well, the priorities of Christ will increasingly become our priorities – our personal priorities (Matt.6:33).  A new direction and set of priorities will emerge from the rubble of a prior sin-stained life (John 14:6).  As these and other spiritual growth areas develop in our growth unto perfection, I trust that we will invariably be thus led to draw all men unto the Christ who is now truly the center of our lives. Yes, the fulfillment of personal evangelism finds its root in the seed of a personal Christ-centered life.

The ideal congregation has a positive attitude about the work of God.  The apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13).  This attitude, far from being occasional in its occurrence, and limited in its scope, should permeate the whole membership consistently over time.

This positive context is generated by members who are truly men and women of faith.  Maintaining a strong faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ becomes the springboard unto positive-mindedness.  Such can only be achieved in accord with a healthy relationship with the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:15).  Additionally, men and women of faith progressively believe in the power of the gospel to radically change and positively reform one’s own personal life and the lives of those about us (Romans 1:16-17).  Without this realization, our willingness and inclination to achieve and maintain a positive outlook concerning the probable success of our spiritual labors will be invariably diminished.  Knowing that the spiritual destiny of the world hangs in the balance, let us follow the example of Paul (1 Cor.11:1) and in a positive manner address the challenges of our spiritual labors.

Over the next few weeks, this topic will be expounded upon and discussed because we should all be striving to be the kind of members that God wants in His church. Whether a minister or an elder, we are all members and all need to strive to be what God desires and deserves. Hopefully, for you, these lessons will help you better know what God wants from you and how you can go about fulfilling your role as a member of the church.

Lessons on Service from the life of Paul (Part 2)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

As mentioned last week, numerous lessons can come from the life of Paul. This week the lessons will continue from the same context we looked at before (Acts 20:17-38). In hopes of helping each of us be better servants for the Lord, another six lessons will be given from this section of Paul’s life.

First, service to God must be with adaptability (v. 20). Now, if you were able to read last weeks blog, you will remember that one of the six lessons was that our service needs to be without compromise. The reasoning behind these two is easy to rectify. We must be adaptable in our approach, style, etc., not in the message that we teach. The Word of God is God’s. We can’t make it something we want it to be to make it easier on people or to make them happy. The adaptability part is where the compassion, understanding, and wisdom come into play. We have to teach the truth, unadulterated, in a way that reaches people wherever they may be in life. That means, as verse twenty gets at, we may have to proclaim the Lord publicly or from one house to another. We have to find people where they are in life and connect them to Christ. That is the true meaning of adaptability. It is not about whatever is simply easiest for us.

Second, service to God must be without partiality (v. 21, 31). God shows no partiality (Gal. 2:6). God doesn’t not care about a person’s background, wealth, status, skin-color, etc. All God desires is that all men be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Jesus came into the world for the purpose of saving sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). All have sinned and fallen short (Rom. 3:23). God desires us all to be saved and we all need to be saved because we have all chosen sin at some point in our life. Jesus came to help us all. All truly means ALL! No one gets left out. If we are truly going to serve God, then it must be in the same way that Jesus came to serve, with no partiality.

Third, service to God must be with courage (v. 22-24). The Holy Spirit made Paul aware that every place he went to preach and teach was going to bring struggle and difficulty. He walked the path regardless. He stepped up to the challenge before him and continued to press forward amidst the trials. Joshua tried to teach us a lesson like this as well. He said we must take courage and act like men, meaning face whatever is coming at you with courage and don’t waiver from the truth. On top of that Joshua said to choose this day who you would serve. Will you choose to serve God? Will you serve Him with courage?

Fourth, service to God must be with integrity (v. 33). As a Christian, integrity is one of the most important aspects of your life’s walk. Without integrity, people will look at the things you do in life and say to themselves, “if this is a Christian, why would I ever want to believe in Christ?” Your integrity can sway the minds of those that you try to teach about Christ. It can impact the service you render moot if lacking. Paul did everything possible to maintain his personal and professional integrity as an apostle of Christ. With that said, there is no denying the impact of his service for the Lord. Do you want to make an impact on those around you? Live what you preach everyday.

Fifth, service to God must be with concern for the future (v. 28-32). In these verses, Paul warns the elders from Ephesus what they need to be prepared for. The truth is we all need to be prepared. If our focus is not on the future, why are we even serving? The hope we have is everlasting life with God because of the sacrifice of Christ. We live to serve so that we will be prepared to serve God when we come into the Kingdom. However, it is also a focus on defense and encouragement. Paul tells them to be on guard for yourselves and the flock. He says some will come in and speak perverse things. This means we need to prepare for our earthly future in the sense of preparing ourselves to not be deceived and defend others who people may try to deceive and lure away from Christ. Paul also mentions the word being able to build up also. We are to build each other up in the word of God so that we can defend ourselves and stand firm in the truth when future threats arise. This is  a way that we can serve, by preparing the church and defending it.

Lastly, service to God must be demonstrated (v. 33-35). This may seem odd, but is maybe more significant than one may imagine. Talking about service is a fine thing. Planning service to be done is a great thing. Rolling up your sleeves and doing the work is the real thing. No one is above service to the Lord! We may not all serve in the same way or put in the same amount of time and that is okay. But everyone must find what they can do and actually get involved. Paul showed that he did whatever was needed for the ministry effort or providing for himself. He was willing to work hard for the church. Jesus was willing to work hard to start the church and bring you salvation. What are you willing to work hard for? I pray it is Christ!

Lessons on Service from the Life of Paul

Posted on by Bob Mathews

While countless lessons could be pulled from aspects of Paul’s life, today we will focus on a somewhat short moment shared between Paul and the elders from the Ephesus church (Acts 20:17-38). Paul has been traveling around from one place to the next teaching the message of Christ. While in Miletus, he sent for the elders, before starting his journey towards Jerusalem. In this short visit, Paul had a touching and powerful moment with those leaders that conveys some amazing lessons on what it means serve the Lord and how we ought to do so. Again, there are more lessons that could likely be pulled even from this section, but I would like to share with you six lessons that should hold meaning if you have an earnest desire to serve the Lord.

First, working for God needs a daily routine (v. 18). From the moment Paul got to the mission field he began to work. Serving God by preaching and teaching the Christ was something he made a prominent part of his day-to-day. We all typically have routines that we follow. Have you made service for Christ part of your routine? Is it something that is even important enough to make the list of things to do? Paul definitely thought it was! Hopefully we will follow that lesson from him.

Second, we are to serve with humility (v. 19).  While Paul had probably the most that he could boast about above anyone else, he constantly tries to remind us that our service is to God. It is about Him, not us. As Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew, those who wish to be seen by men (for the praises of men) will have there reward in full and will receive nothing from God. If we make it about ourselves or toot our own horn when we do something, we are not properly serving in a way that will bring glory to or shine a light on God who is the one that all people actually need.

Third, service to God must be with compassion (v. 19, 31). A phrase you may notice in both those verses is, “with tears.” It doesn’t mean they were just walking around blubbering all the time about the difficulties of life. It means that they had true love and  real compassion for the work they were doing and the people they were working with. Paul cared about the lost souls and desired for them to find Christ. He also cared for those who already found Christ. The truth is difficult times came and Paul showed compassion for those that struggled and because of it better built them up in Christ by showing them the love of Christ. Have we been doing a great job of showing that love and compassion to those inside and outside of Christ today? If you say or think not, then be the changing force that you can be. Start following in the footsteps of Christ and Paul and show the love and compassion that we all need and be example for people to follow today.

Fourth, service to God must be done in spite of trials (v. 19). As mentioned before we all go through difficulties in life. That does not mean that your struggles are invalid, but means that even with the struggles we press on in our service to God. Paul dealt with many difficulties often times brought on by plots against him from the Jews as mentioned in this verse. However, Paul never let those hard times distract from his purpose or define his character. He forged ahead serving every day and in every city he went through, even while, each city brought more strife on him (v. 23). But also know this, Paul was not alone in his work and neither are you. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ that are forging along serving next to you, whether in the flesh or in the spirit. Let them or us be a helping hand to lift you up when needed. We are here to be of service for the Lord together!

Fifth, service to God must be without compromise (v. 20, 26-27). This may be a very unpopular view among many, but regardless, it is the lesson conveyed to us by Paul. We live in a world full of compromise, but when it comes to God’s Word Paul says that he spoke it all. Twice he conveys in those verses that he did not shrink back from teaching or declaring the whole purpose of God. Because of this, he claims that he is innocent of the blood of all men. The significance in that is great. If we compromise God’s Word and don’t teach it fully and accurately, then we are in danger of being guilty of their blood. This doesn’t mean that we are not to be compassionate, loving, and understanding when we teach. However, it does mean that we cannot decide to say something God calls a sin is okay now. Paul understands that he is dealing with God’s Word not his own. We need to learn the same lesson in our own lives regardless of how culture may change or pull on us.

Sixth, service to God must be done with optimism and a positive attitude (v. 20, 32). Now, before you go saying, “that’s a bit of a stretch,” hear me out. Paul talks about declaring things that are profitable, meaning anything that brings good to your life…that being Christ. You have probably heard the old saying, “you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” That old saying is part of the lesson here. If we carry ourselves  with a look of woe-is-me or depressed in countenance and outlook, how is that going to entice or attract someone to Christ. If we don’t live our lives every day like we actually have the best thing we could ever ask for, then people will find it hard to believe that Jesus is actually important or desirable to their lives. As Christians, we believe in the grace and mercy of God to the point that we can have an eternal life with Him in heaven. That is an extremely positive thing and we should always do our best to convey our Christian life  that way.

I pray that these lessons on service will be helpful to you in your own Christian walk. Paul has always been a great example of service because he focuses on being like Christ. Let’s follow in his footsteps and serve our God each and every day with humility, compassion, in spite of struggles, without compromise, and with an optimistic and positive attitude. May the Lord bless you all!

A Broken Spirit

Posted on by Bob Mathews

  Words are often powerful (ref. Rom. 1:16). They bring to mind scenes which may lift the soul to wonderful heights or cast one down to depths of despair. “A Broken Spirit,” mere words, does both for me. These words remind me of the spirit joyfully broken as one penitently responds to the grace of our Lord. They also bring to mind the spirit wounded and sorrowful because of the weight of life’s burdens and challenges.

The Psalmist said, “The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18, NASB). Yes, the Lord establishes and strengthens His fellowship with those allowing the Word of His grace to break, ever so painfully, the bands and bonds holding us apart from Him as sin’s power dictatorially governs us. Similarly, the Psalmist added, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17). I trust and pray that our spirits are mutually lifted and encouraged in contemplation of the positive divine response to penitent and fully obedient hearts.

The above cited passages speak of “A Broken Spirit” in a positive manner. They lead us to seek out such a spirit, ultimately producing spiritual healing and security in Christ. They demand that we be broken in order to be whole. Yet, “A Broken Spirit” may describe the spirit shattered by forces and circumstances beyond personal power to control and withstand. They may describe a besieged child of God whose strength of faith has failed him in his hour of crisis. These words may describe you or me as we face personal spiritual challenges.

The Psalmist, speaking of the Lord, said, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps. 147:3). The wise man said, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken” (Pr. 15:13). The Lord is ever aware of our condition of heart and tenderly cares for us as we endure wounds which potentially may break our spirit of faith.

Children of God throughout the Lord’s church face the real possibility and danger of experiencing a broken spirit as one wrestles with personal spiritual challenges. A lifetime of observations suggest such danger is ever present, potentially impacting the strongest personal faith. The spirits of godly elders and the newest babes in Christ may be so impacted. None of us are exempt from the forces bringing about such dire results. A number of brethren no doubt know of specific cases illustrating well the point at hand.

A broken spirit may be the result of external evil forces outside the body of Christ. On other occasions, it may result from internal forces within the fold of God. The latter may be more dangerous, if only because we are ill-prepared to be so impacted by those esteemed so highly as brethren. Yes, we are sometimes hurt more by those we love.

How may this happen? Without assuming a full understanding of such issues, the following scenario may be suggested. Members of the church are not always on the same spiritual page. Sometimes, our doctrinal and judgmental differences are pronounced. We may be growing at variant rates. Our level of tolerance and patience with those of lesser spiritual knowledge may be lacking substance. We may be reactive and fearful. Tradition may hold us in its grip. Our dream and vision for the work of God may vary significantly from that of others.  Personality conflicts may be significant.  Conflict resolution may not be our forte. Power struggles may surface openly. We may fail to work through our challenges. Instead of speaking softly, we may be carrying a big stick. We fail to consider the delicate spiritual state of other children of God. Things are said and done.  And it happens: We inadvertently break another’s spirit. Their dedication and faith is seriously damaged. They will likely, never be the same again. The marks left behind are indelible.

Brethren, each of us, from the least to the greatest, have a godly responsibility to nurture one another (Eph. 4:11-16). There will be times when either positive or negative discipline should be administered through proper channels. May we be blessed with a measure of wisdom which allows each of us to pursue the good and right while protecting rather than breaking the spirit of brethren of like precious faith. Our Lord will surely hold us accountable for the destruction of those left in our charge and care. May we protect their spirits as we protect our own. Surely this will glorify the Lord and His church and influence the world to reevaluate the body of Christ.

The Compassion of Christ

Posted on by Bob Mathews

      The compassion of Christ is evident in the story of the woman taken in adultery.  Even though the enemies of Jesus, the scribes and the Pharisees, attempted to use this opportunity to entrap Him, the Lord used this occasion to teach us valuable lessons.  Consider:

  1. Jesus did not allow the scribes and the Pharisees to divert Him from His course. – John 8:2, 6, 8, 12
  2. Jesus did not give them a platform from which to reap havoc. – John 8:6, 8
  3. Jesus was wise in His silence. – John 8:6, 8
  4. Jesus emphasized both the moral and the judicial. – John 8:7, 11
  5. Jesus was compassionate toward this sinful woman.
  6. He did not seek out a witness who was willing to stone her to death. – Deut. 17:7
  7. He was not personally inclined to throw stones at her. – John 8:11
  8. He did not seek to overturn Roman law which forbad the stoning in such cases.
  9. He did not seek out priests to stone her to death.
  10.   He gave her an opportunity to correct her life. – John 8:11

In contrast to the disposition of Jesus, the scribes and the Pharisees feigned allegiance to the law (John 8:5) while living contrary to it (8:7).  Their motivation was evil, seeking to entrap Jesus (John 8:6).  They were persistent to the point of self-condemnation (John 8:7-9) & they were dispelled by the wisdom of Christ (John 8:7-9).  Question:  As we deal with sinners about us, who are we most like: the arrogant Pharisees who used sin as a means to further their own agenda, or, are we like Jesus, who responded to sin with a compassionate spirit?

A slave by choice

Posted on by Bob Mathews

“Slavery” is such a bad word. We don’t like the word because we see slavery as degrading and an insult to human dignity. Indeed it is, but each of us is a slave. That’s not my opinion; it’s a fact stated by the Holy Spirit of God.

16Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

19I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:16-23)

Even though we may not be physical slaves in service to a physical master, we’re slaves to whatever it is that is lord of our life. If your job is your lord, you are a slave to your job. If family if your lord, you are a slave to your family. If Jesus Christ is your Lord, you are, as Paul described, a slave to righteousness.

And that’s the paradox.

I am a slave, yet I am set free! How can this be? Because “Those things [that] result in death” are things that truly ensnare, but “if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36)

And the retirement plan is out of this world!