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Monday, 30 January 2012
Bearing the Fruits of Wisdom (III)
Text Proverbs 3:27-35 deals with the last 3 fruits of wisdom (out of a total of 13).
1. The inclination to do good (v 27-33):
Not doing good when we can is a sin (Jas 4:17). With God’s wisdom, we will:
1. The inclination to do good (v 27-33):
Not doing good when we can is a sin (Jas 4:17). With God’s wisdom, we will:
(a) do good immediately. Verse 28 shows a person who is able to pay his debt but refuses to do so. We must return what we owe to others.
(b) not be partakers of wickedness (v 29). David sinned and his wicked plans and deeds resulted in broken families and strive, and consequences which he had to suffer. We too may have to bear with the consequences of our sins.
(c) not be quarrelsome (v 30). It is not wrong to be angry when the cause is right (Matt 5:22) and it is for the honor and glory of God.
(d) follow God, not the oppressors (v 31-33). Oppressors may seem to enjoy the fruits of their acts without being punished. But we must not follow them nor envy them because God will judge.
(b) not be partakers of wickedness (v 29). David sinned and his wicked plans and deeds resulted in broken families and strive, and consequences which he had to suffer. We too may have to bear with the consequences of our sins.
(c) not be quarrelsome (v 30). It is not wrong to be angry when the cause is right (Matt 5:22) and it is for the honor and glory of God.
(d) follow God, not the oppressors (v 31-33). Oppressors may seem to enjoy the fruits of their acts without being punished. But we must not follow them nor envy them because God will judge.
2. Grace (v 34):
Despite the scorners’ attempts to deny God, His existence and power is evident in creation. When God has revealed to us who He is and who we are, we must humbly acknowledge and receive Him as our Lord and Saviour. If we are wise, we will trust in God’s grace, not just for salvation but in our Christian life as well (Heb 12:2). The scorner, the proud, in rejecting God’s grace will not be blessed but be judged.
3. Glory (v 35):
When we die, we will have to leave everything behind us and very soon we will be forgotten. But God remembers. This is the glory that we must look forward to. The glory that God gives to us is far greater than the kind we see on this earth. Only “the wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools” (v 35).
Wisdom comes from God and only He can make us wise unto salvation. If God is not our Lord, then He is not our Saviour. If we have heard clearly that Jesus, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, has come to save us, why are some of us still so foolish to want Satan to be our father? Receive Jesus, and all these fruits can be yours. Why be left out? May God help us.
Bearing the Fruits of Wisdom (II)
Text: Proverbs 3:13-26
A wrong understanding of Scripture will lead us down the wrong path. There are many who believe in a wrong gospel (eg: a health-and-wealth gospel). The true gospel teaches self-denial and the taking up of one’s cross to follow Christ. In the light of this, let us correctly understand Proverbs 3:13-26 which explains the fruits of wisdom:
Happiness (Prov 3:13): If God is the source, happiness is as valuable as blessedness. Can we measure our happiness by our wealth? With God we have everything (Luke 12:15). Riches cannot save us, but by grace are we saved, and by grace we can have true happiness.
Health and Wealth (Prov 3:16): Are you seeking health and wealth? Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God has promised to provide all our needs. It is better to live a short life with happiness than to live a long life with misery. Abraham lived a godly and full life, for 175 years (Gen 25:7-8), but Adam and Eve lived long lives with misery because they threw away their happiness by their first Sin. The River of Life is in heaven, not on earth (Rev 22:1-2). The way of wisdom is “pleasantness, and… peace” (Prov 3:17).
Greater Wisdom (Prov 3:18): Wisdom gives us greater understanding. Eg: It helps us understand how the world was created (not evolved). Paul, by experiential wisdom, gave good advice to the ship’s owner in Acts 27:9-10.
God’s Protection (Prov 3:22-25): God protects us and gives us peace when we obey Him. He promised to help us every step of our way. We need not fear for God is in control. As Israel was surrounded by the Syrian army, Elisha told his servant: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs 6:16). God protected Israel with His “horses and chariots of fire…” (2 Kgs 6:17). God will protect us if we trust Him.
Confidence (Prov 3:26): When we trust God, He gives us confidence. We can be confident in Him even if our enemies take our life because they have no power over our soul. Satan may gather all his forces against us by luring us into the system of this world, but we must never submit to the pressure of the system of this world. Trust and obey God, and victory will be ours.
Seek for God’s wisdom (not the world’s), and we will be safe in His hand.
Happiness (Prov 3:13): If God is the source, happiness is as valuable as blessedness. Can we measure our happiness by our wealth? With God we have everything (Luke 12:15). Riches cannot save us, but by grace are we saved, and by grace we can have true happiness.
Health and Wealth (Prov 3:16): Are you seeking health and wealth? Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God has promised to provide all our needs. It is better to live a short life with happiness than to live a long life with misery. Abraham lived a godly and full life, for 175 years (Gen 25:7-8), but Adam and Eve lived long lives with misery because they threw away their happiness by their first Sin. The River of Life is in heaven, not on earth (Rev 22:1-2). The way of wisdom is “pleasantness, and… peace” (Prov 3:17).
Greater Wisdom (Prov 3:18): Wisdom gives us greater understanding. Eg: It helps us understand how the world was created (not evolved). Paul, by experiential wisdom, gave good advice to the ship’s owner in Acts 27:9-10.
God’s Protection (Prov 3:22-25): God protects us and gives us peace when we obey Him. He promised to help us every step of our way. We need not fear for God is in control. As Israel was surrounded by the Syrian army, Elisha told his servant: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs 6:16). God protected Israel with His “horses and chariots of fire…” (2 Kgs 6:17). God will protect us if we trust Him.
Confidence (Prov 3:26): When we trust God, He gives us confidence. We can be confident in Him even if our enemies take our life because they have no power over our soul. Satan may gather all his forces against us by luring us into the system of this world, but we must never submit to the pressure of the system of this world. Trust and obey God, and victory will be ours.
Seek for God’s wisdom (not the world’s), and we will be safe in His hand.
Bearing the Fruits of Wisdom (I)
Text: Proverbs 3:1-12
God’s wisdom can make our path a pleasant and rejoicing one. This can only be possible if we do not just keep and store God’s Word in our mind and heart, but also to understand and apply it in our lives. Then we can bear many good fruits as mentioned in Proverbs 3:1-12.
There are six fruits in Proverbs 3:1-12 which we can bear if we keep, understand and apply God’s Word in our lives.
1. Long life (v 2-3): In the Ten Commandments, the fifth commandment tells us to honour our father and mother, that our days may be prolonged (Deut 5:16). Thus, we are to honour our parents, because as a child who grows up honouring his parents, he too will grow up to honour God.
2. Favour (v 4): Being truthful children of God, we can find favour from people around us, for no one trusts a liar.
3. Direction (v 5-7): God will not leave us alone, but is ever ready to direct us. He will not let us survive on our own. He has the best plan for us.
4. Good health (v 8): This refers to our spiritual health. As the “navel” reminds us of our sole dependence on our mother before our birth, we can solely depend on God for God will provide us with all our physical and spiritual needs.
5. Wealth (v 9-10): Tithing reminds us of God’s providence. Everything that we have comes from God. Thus when we honour God and not withhold our substance from Him, He will reward us with bountifully.
6. God’s loving discipline (v 11-12): This applies to God’s children. God’s discipline is meant to bring us back to His path. The rod of correction is used by God to strengthen our faith. Thus we are to thank God for His loving discipline.
As God’s children, we have the privilege to bear all these six fruits if we seek His wisdom. Bearing the Fruits of Wisdom (I) (Proverbs 3:1-12)
There are six fruits in Proverbs 3:1-12 which we can bear if we keep, understand and apply God’s Word in our lives.
1. Long life (v 2-3): In the Ten Commandments, the fifth commandment tells us to honour our father and mother, that our days may be prolonged (Deut 5:16). Thus, we are to honour our parents, because as a child who grows up honouring his parents, he too will grow up to honour God.
2. Favour (v 4): Being truthful children of God, we can find favour from people around us, for no one trusts a liar.
3. Direction (v 5-7): God will not leave us alone, but is ever ready to direct us. He will not let us survive on our own. He has the best plan for us.
4. Good health (v 8): This refers to our spiritual health. As the “navel” reminds us of our sole dependence on our mother before our birth, we can solely depend on God for God will provide us with all our physical and spiritual needs.
5. Wealth (v 9-10): Tithing reminds us of God’s providence. Everything that we have comes from God. Thus when we honour God and not withhold our substance from Him, He will reward us with bountifully.
6. God’s loving discipline (v 11-12): This applies to God’s children. God’s discipline is meant to bring us back to His path. The rod of correction is used by God to strengthen our faith. Thus we are to thank God for His loving discipline.
As God’s children, we have the privilege to bear all these six fruits if we seek His wisdom. Bearing the Fruits of Wisdom (I) (Proverbs 3:1-12)
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The Law is Good
Text: 1 Tim 1:8-11
The Law refers to the Mosaic Law, the Ten Commandments. The Law God gave to us is perfect and is still applicable to us today. In 1 Timothy, we read that in the Ephesian church, false teachers were teaching the wrong doctrines concerning the Law. As these false doctrines were spreading, the Apostle Paul sent instructions to Pastor Timothy in Ephesus to correct the teachings and to reprove the false teachers.
1. The Law according to the false teachers:
Verse 8 tells us that the Law is good because it originates from a good God. The Law is for our benefit if we use it lawfully. However, the false teachers taught that to be saved and accepted by God, salvation by grace alone is not enough. They taught that there is a need to obey and do the works of the Law in order to be saved. This shows that man is self-righteous, thinking that they are saved because they have kept the Law. In reality, they are just boasting and doing what they want to do.
2. The Law according to God:
Verses 9-10 tell us that the Law does not cause man to be righteous. Rather, the Law shows how man had fallen short of the standard of the Perfect God. God’s Law reveals how wicked and corrupt we are. We are all guilty according to the Law. The Law cannot save us. It condemns us. We can never be righteous by keeping the Law, because we can never keep the Law fully. Jesus Christ is our only hope of salvation.
3. The law in relation to the Gospel:
God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross so that we might be saved. We are no longer under the Law when we accept Jesus. Instead, we are under His grace. Once saved by grace, the Law serves as a lamp/light to guide us in our lives on earth. The Law shows us how to be holy as God is holy and how to love and forgive one another just as how God loves and forgives us.
The Law is good if we understand and apply it correctly. The Law is not for salvation, but for our Christian living. May God help us.
The Law refers to the Mosaic Law, the Ten Commandments. The Law God gave to us is perfect and is still applicable to us today. In 1 Timothy, we read that in the Ephesian church, false teachers were teaching the wrong doctrines concerning the Law. As these false doctrines were spreading, the Apostle Paul sent instructions to Pastor Timothy in Ephesus to correct the teachings and to reprove the false teachers.
1. The Law according to the false teachers:
Verse 8 tells us that the Law is good because it originates from a good God. The Law is for our benefit if we use it lawfully. However, the false teachers taught that to be saved and accepted by God, salvation by grace alone is not enough. They taught that there is a need to obey and do the works of the Law in order to be saved. This shows that man is self-righteous, thinking that they are saved because they have kept the Law. In reality, they are just boasting and doing what they want to do.
2. The Law according to God:
Verses 9-10 tell us that the Law does not cause man to be righteous. Rather, the Law shows how man had fallen short of the standard of the Perfect God. God’s Law reveals how wicked and corrupt we are. We are all guilty according to the Law. The Law cannot save us. It condemns us. We can never be righteous by keeping the Law, because we can never keep the Law fully. Jesus Christ is our only hope of salvation.
3. The law in relation to the Gospel:
God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross so that we might be saved. We are no longer under the Law when we accept Jesus. Instead, we are under His grace. Once saved by grace, the Law serves as a lamp/light to guide us in our lives on earth. The Law shows us how to be holy as God is holy and how to love and forgive one another just as how God loves and forgives us.
The Law is good if we understand and apply it correctly. The Law is not for salvation, but for our Christian living. May God help us.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Come and Taste God’s Love
Text: Ephesians 3: 14 - 19
Everyone is created by God for a purpose, that is to love God and be loved by Him. If we live without this blessed knowledge, our lives would be without a sense of purpose and hope. God has done everything in His power to reveal to us about Himself. God desires each person to know Him and His love, and then we would be able to respond to Him in worship and devotion.
The Bible tells us that God loves us, and He proved this by dying for us on the cross. God’s love has become an intellectual truth for many believers, rather than an experiential one.
1. God’s love is personal. Christianity is different from other religions because our God desires a personal relationship with every man, woman, and child. His love and care do not just limit to one particular group. He loves every individual specifically and wants to establish a regular, intimate relationship with each one.
2. God’s love is unconditional. God is love (1 John 4:8). It is who He is and not simply something He does. God’s divine love is based on His character, not on our performance. Nothing about our character or behaviour can make Him love us less or more. God is eternal and infinite and therefore His love is also eternal and everlasting.
3. God’s love is available to everyone. His love is inexhaustible and immeasurable. His love is wider than the ocean and higher than the heaven above. He loves every sinner (John 3:16) and he does not have favourites but intimates. We can be His intimates by spending time with Him, talking and listening, walking in obedience, and desiring to know Him and loving Him with all our heart. This is the kind of relationship that the Lord desires to have with each of us.
We must learn to experience God’s great love in a personal and intimate way. Our heavenly Father doesn’t just say He loves us, but He proved this by giving His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Do not let the devil deceive us and the trials of life hinder us from experiencing the divine love of God. When doubts arise, cling on God’s Word and trust Him that He loves you ever more. Trust and believe in His love, and eventually you will feel i
Monday, 23 January 2012
A BLESSED CHINESE NEW YEAR!
It is time for our family reunion dinner and gathering again! Every family member is to look forward to it and not plan something else. Since birth, we have been keeping this Chinese New Year tradition, year after year without fail.
It is believed that Chinese New Year (CNY) came about many centuries ago in China. There is a legend about a fierce beast called “年”. It is supposed to have a big mouth and can eat many human beings with one bite. Its attack comes in the beginning of spring. In order to scare the beast away, it is said that one must hang up red banners everywhere and light firecrackers. The beast will keep away because it is afraid of red and the loud noise of the lit firecrackers. The legend goes that this worked and the people were very happy. So, they observed this practice every year at the beginning of Spring. This legend sounds more fiction than truth.
I guess most of us who are Christians are not really interested in the origin of CNY. While celebrating Christmas without Christ is absolutely meaningless, celebrating CNY can still be meaningful without the knowledge of its origin. We just have to be careful how we celebrate CNY. There are some Chinese traditions that are associated with pagan religious practices which may be idolatrous. For example, it is a common practice among the Chinese to worship their ancestors on the first day of CNY. This is what we must avoid. To offer burnt joss sticks, to communicate with the dead or to bow down before them is tantamount to idol worship.
Be careful also to keep your house free from anything that is worldly or that symbolizes any form of superstition, eg: “恭喜发财” or the upside down “福”. By wishing “恭喜发财”, we are encouraging the sin of covetousness. The Bible says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6). What about “福”? It is actually a good word meaning blessedness in the Lord. While we agree there is a biblical meaning in the word “福”, many people take it to mean physical blessings obtained through idol worship. This is why they display the word upside down to signify that more “福”will pour down upon them. This is an act that reflects a covetous heart.
It is believed that Chinese New Year (CNY) came about many centuries ago in China. There is a legend about a fierce beast called “年”. It is supposed to have a big mouth and can eat many human beings with one bite. Its attack comes in the beginning of spring. In order to scare the beast away, it is said that one must hang up red banners everywhere and light firecrackers. The beast will keep away because it is afraid of red and the loud noise of the lit firecrackers. The legend goes that this worked and the people were very happy. So, they observed this practice every year at the beginning of Spring. This legend sounds more fiction than truth.
I guess most of us who are Christians are not really interested in the origin of CNY. While celebrating Christmas without Christ is absolutely meaningless, celebrating CNY can still be meaningful without the knowledge of its origin. We just have to be careful how we celebrate CNY. There are some Chinese traditions that are associated with pagan religious practices which may be idolatrous. For example, it is a common practice among the Chinese to worship their ancestors on the first day of CNY. This is what we must avoid. To offer burnt joss sticks, to communicate with the dead or to bow down before them is tantamount to idol worship.
Be careful also to keep your house free from anything that is worldly or that symbolizes any form of superstition, eg: “恭喜发财” or the upside down “福”. By wishing “恭喜发财”, we are encouraging the sin of covetousness. The Bible says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6). What about “福”? It is actually a good word meaning blessedness in the Lord. While we agree there is a biblical meaning in the word “福”, many people take it to mean physical blessings obtained through idol worship. This is why they display the word upside down to signify that more “福”will pour down upon them. This is an act that reflects a covetous heart.
CNY can be God-honouring if it is celebrated with the aim of glorifying God. We can make it a Christian’s CNY. 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” While many goodies are on the tables for us to grab, let us eat and drink moderately. Don’t overeat! Remember also to share the gospel whenever opportunity arises. Make use of the Ang Pow gospel tracts available. The gospel red packet is worth much more than any amount of money that one can ever receive. May God help us to celebrate CNY meaningfully. Amen.
Friday, 20 January 2012
“The Christmas Gifts”
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10
By Rev. S.V. Nathan
I. Introduction:
“A moral Science teacher once instructed her students to go out and be good. One of the students went out after school hours and walked down the streets, distributing gifts to the poor and helping whoever needed help. The next day he told the teacher of his good deed. But the teacher was not impressed by his action. She told him: “I asked you to be good not to do good”. People may do good without necessarily being good. For example, we offer gifts and other material goods to the poor and downtrodden mainly for publicity and not with genuine intention to help others. Goodness stems from good thoughts and intentions.” (Taken from Dr. G Francis Xavier: “The World’s Best Inspiring Stories for Successful Living”, page 152). This story reminds us that something is lacking in our gifting culture during today’s Christmas. It is not those material gifts which are more important but our attitude and its eternal value must be exemplified.
As Christmas is around the corner, we are preparing to celebrate this Christmas meaningfully. Let us consider that angel’s message in Luke 2:10 - what they have to say about the Christmas gifts which can be given by us to our near and dear ones in this Christmas season.
I. The Sinner’s Problem (Luke 2:10a):
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: -
The first and the foremost emotion that was felt by a sinful man after the fall was “fear” (Gen 3:10).
So fear is the reason for the entire problem of mankind on this earth. That’s why the angel first addresses the basic problem of mankind - “fear”. The message, which the angel had to deliver to the shepherds, begins with: “Fear not, for we have nothing to say to you that needs be a terror to you; you need not fear your enemies, and should not fear your friends or future” (Matthew Henry). It is very aptly said by the angel to the shepherds: “Fear not”.
Hence, people are living with all sorts of fears in their lives. The secret to removing their fears can be the best gift. It is greatest opportunity for us to bring them to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, which can save them from their eternal damnation and at same time, will provide them hope from fear.
Therefore, the world needs the same message from us during this Christmas season as a gift. The best gift that we can give to our friends and relatives this Christmas is the message of hope: “Fear not”. This has more lasting value than any material gifts. We should not hesitate to introduce them to eternal hope in Christ Jesus.
II. The Saviour’s Promise (Luke 2:10b):
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
When Adam sinned, fear crept into him and caused him to lose the joy in God. The basic need for all mankind is joy and happiness in everyone’s life. That’s why the angel did not stop with “Fear not”, but went onto say, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy”. The birth of Christ is good news to the shepherds and to the world at large. It shall bring “joy to all people” and not to the people of the Jews only. The knowledge of God was no longer to be confined to the Jews, but to be offered to the whole Gentile world.
The world may suggest many ways to find joy in life, but Christ is the only way for us to receive joy and happiness on this earth and eternally. It is only made possible by the birth of Christ which must take place in our lives in a personal way. It is necessary for us to bring this good tiding of our Saviour to our near and dear ones as a gift in this Christmas season. Let this Christmas be a joyous Christmas in their lives with our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.
Conclusion:
Christmas is a time of giving gifts. Tradition says: it began when the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is good to give gifts although it is not important to give material gifts just for the sake of giving. On the other hand, the intention must be with love and affection which we express when we lead friends and relatives to our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. This is a more valuable and eternal gift. Because, the very first Christmas has given us the best and greatest gift ever this world can give, that is our Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Let this Christmas be a fearless and joyful Christmas for our family and friends by the giving and receiving of Christ as our personal Saviour.
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10
By Rev. S.V. Nathan
I. Introduction:
“A moral Science teacher once instructed her students to go out and be good. One of the students went out after school hours and walked down the streets, distributing gifts to the poor and helping whoever needed help. The next day he told the teacher of his good deed. But the teacher was not impressed by his action. She told him: “I asked you to be good not to do good”. People may do good without necessarily being good. For example, we offer gifts and other material goods to the poor and downtrodden mainly for publicity and not with genuine intention to help others. Goodness stems from good thoughts and intentions.” (Taken from Dr. G Francis Xavier: “The World’s Best Inspiring Stories for Successful Living”, page 152). This story reminds us that something is lacking in our gifting culture during today’s Christmas. It is not those material gifts which are more important but our attitude and its eternal value must be exemplified.
As Christmas is around the corner, we are preparing to celebrate this Christmas meaningfully. Let us consider that angel’s message in Luke 2:10 - what they have to say about the Christmas gifts which can be given by us to our near and dear ones in this Christmas season.
I. The Sinner’s Problem (Luke 2:10a):
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: -
The first and the foremost emotion that was felt by a sinful man after the fall was “fear” (Gen 3:10).
So fear is the reason for the entire problem of mankind on this earth. That’s why the angel first addresses the basic problem of mankind - “fear”. The message, which the angel had to deliver to the shepherds, begins with: “Fear not, for we have nothing to say to you that needs be a terror to you; you need not fear your enemies, and should not fear your friends or future” (Matthew Henry). It is very aptly said by the angel to the shepherds: “Fear not”.
Hence, people are living with all sorts of fears in their lives. The secret to removing their fears can be the best gift. It is greatest opportunity for us to bring them to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, which can save them from their eternal damnation and at same time, will provide them hope from fear.
Therefore, the world needs the same message from us during this Christmas season as a gift. The best gift that we can give to our friends and relatives this Christmas is the message of hope: “Fear not”. This has more lasting value than any material gifts. We should not hesitate to introduce them to eternal hope in Christ Jesus.
II. The Saviour’s Promise (Luke 2:10b):
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
When Adam sinned, fear crept into him and caused him to lose the joy in God. The basic need for all mankind is joy and happiness in everyone’s life. That’s why the angel did not stop with “Fear not”, but went onto say, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy”. The birth of Christ is good news to the shepherds and to the world at large. It shall bring “joy to all people” and not to the people of the Jews only. The knowledge of God was no longer to be confined to the Jews, but to be offered to the whole Gentile world.
The world may suggest many ways to find joy in life, but Christ is the only way for us to receive joy and happiness on this earth and eternally. It is only made possible by the birth of Christ which must take place in our lives in a personal way. It is necessary for us to bring this good tiding of our Saviour to our near and dear ones as a gift in this Christmas season. Let this Christmas be a joyous Christmas in their lives with our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.
Conclusion:
Christmas is a time of giving gifts. Tradition says: it began when the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is good to give gifts although it is not important to give material gifts just for the sake of giving. On the other hand, the intention must be with love and affection which we express when we lead friends and relatives to our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. This is a more valuable and eternal gift. Because, the very first Christmas has given us the best and greatest gift ever this world can give, that is our Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Let this Christmas be a fearless and joyful Christmas for our family and friends by the giving and receiving of Christ as our personal Saviour.
“THOU CROWNEST THE YEAR WITH THY GOODNESS”
Every race and culture has its own unique way of celebrating the New Year. There are, however, two similarities in all cultures – New Year is a time of family reunion and thanksgiving. The New Year celebration has social importance; it is a time of family get-together. All children, whether married or away at work, will return to their parents’ home for the reunion feast. Every culture deems the family reunion a beautiful thing and such a gathering is not to be missed. The experiences of the past year, no matter how inconspicuous or painful they might have been, are all erased by the return of loved ones. This is one of the reasons why people feel sad when they could not return home for the reunion.
The New Year celebration also has a religious significance; it is a thanksgiving celebration. In almost every culture there is a religious ceremony to thank God for the blessings of the past year. The Chinese New Year is called Spring Festival because it falls on the first day of the new moon which marks the beginning of the Spring season. The Chinese New Year is also called "New Year according to the farming calendar" because it celebrates the earth’s coming back to life after the snowy winter and the start of a new farming season.
Unfortunately the celebration of the Chinese New Year today has been clouded with superstitious beliefs such as: no sweeping or dusting on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away, eating melon seeds so that the married couple will soon have a baby, having fish on the table or a meal of yu sheng and the year will be prosperous. Christians should not believe these concepts in celebrating the New Year.
In Psalm 65 and verse 11, David says of God, “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” The word “crownest” in the original language means to surround. Here we have His promise that He will bless the whole year with goodness and abundance (drop fatness).
Some of us went through a difficult time in the year 2009. Some were affected by the economic downturn and lost their jobs, some were stricken with sickness and others had their loved ones taken away. Dear brothers and sisters, no matter how arduous the year 2009 was, the Lord has seen us through it. We can confidently say that He will guide us through the New Year.
What should we do in the New Year? David begins his New Year Psalm by saying, “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.” (Psalm 65:1). We start the New Year by praising and worshiping God. It is so blessed to spend the first day of the Chinese New Year worshipping in God’s house – as we are doing this morning!
The phrase “Praise waiteth for thee” may be translated as “to thee belongs praise.” The word “waiteth” in Hebrew means silence. This word is often used to depict a person who confidently waits on the Lord. A man of faith will praise and worship God while he waits for His mercy and grace.
The Jewish New Year is known as “Rosh Hashanah” meaning, “Head of the Year.” The festival falls on the month Tishri (7th) of Hebrew Calendar, which is sometime between September and October in our Julian Calendar. On this special day, the Jews observe the Sabbath, the priests blow trumpets (ram’s horn) to signal the beginning of the civil new year and a reminder of their covenant relationship to God and, all Jews will attend a holy gathering. (Leviticus 23:23-25) The purpose is to worship God. On this day the Jews praise Him for the Creation of Adam and Eve and the Salvation He has prepared for all fallen men.
Conclusion:
During this festive season, while we are celebrating and indulging in fine food, do not forget to be thankful. If you feel that the future for you is bleak, let me encourage you by saying that God crowns your days with His goodness - He “crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Psalm 103: 4). This is His promise. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
WISHING ALL A “BLESSED CHINESE NEW YEAR!”
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7: 14
The New Year celebration also has a religious significance; it is a thanksgiving celebration. In almost every culture there is a religious ceremony to thank God for the blessings of the past year. The Chinese New Year is called Spring Festival because it falls on the first day of the new moon which marks the beginning of the Spring season. The Chinese New Year is also called "New Year according to the farming calendar" because it celebrates the earth’s coming back to life after the snowy winter and the start of a new farming season.
Unfortunately the celebration of the Chinese New Year today has been clouded with superstitious beliefs such as: no sweeping or dusting on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away, eating melon seeds so that the married couple will soon have a baby, having fish on the table or a meal of yu sheng and the year will be prosperous. Christians should not believe these concepts in celebrating the New Year.
In Psalm 65 and verse 11, David says of God, “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” The word “crownest” in the original language means to surround. Here we have His promise that He will bless the whole year with goodness and abundance (drop fatness).
Some of us went through a difficult time in the year 2009. Some were affected by the economic downturn and lost their jobs, some were stricken with sickness and others had their loved ones taken away. Dear brothers and sisters, no matter how arduous the year 2009 was, the Lord has seen us through it. We can confidently say that He will guide us through the New Year.
What should we do in the New Year? David begins his New Year Psalm by saying, “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.” (Psalm 65:1). We start the New Year by praising and worshiping God. It is so blessed to spend the first day of the Chinese New Year worshipping in God’s house – as we are doing this morning!
The phrase “Praise waiteth for thee” may be translated as “to thee belongs praise.” The word “waiteth” in Hebrew means silence. This word is often used to depict a person who confidently waits on the Lord. A man of faith will praise and worship God while he waits for His mercy and grace.
The Jewish New Year is known as “Rosh Hashanah” meaning, “Head of the Year.” The festival falls on the month Tishri (7th) of Hebrew Calendar, which is sometime between September and October in our Julian Calendar. On this special day, the Jews observe the Sabbath, the priests blow trumpets (ram’s horn) to signal the beginning of the civil new year and a reminder of their covenant relationship to God and, all Jews will attend a holy gathering. (Leviticus 23:23-25) The purpose is to worship God. On this day the Jews praise Him for the Creation of Adam and Eve and the Salvation He has prepared for all fallen men.
Conclusion:
During this festive season, while we are celebrating and indulging in fine food, do not forget to be thankful. If you feel that the future for you is bleak, let me encourage you by saying that God crowns your days with His goodness - He “crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Psalm 103: 4). This is His promise. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
WISHING ALL A “BLESSED CHINESE NEW YEAR!”
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7: 14
By Rev. Lim Chee Boon
Dear Brethren,
Can Christians Celebrate Chinese New year?
This coming week, the Chinese will celebrate an important festival i.e. our lunar new year. It begins with the traditional reunion dinner on new year’s eve this Wednesday and follow by two public holidays that most people will typically visit their loved ones and relatives and having meals together. Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days.
The Bible does not forbid us to celebrate our cultural traditions, practices and heritage as long as it does not go against the commandments of the Lord. Hence, as Christians, we can live our faith to the fullest, while celebrating our lunar new year. There are many rich traditions in our lunar new year that we can learn from. Even in the giving of red packets (hong bao), it is perfectly fine to practice it as a gesture of love and care. Of course, this will certainly be a delight to the children.
What should Christians do in Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year provides an opportune time for us to gather and spend time with loved ones and relatives. We should treasure such time and bear a good Christian testimony before them. We can share the Gospel to unbelievers and encourage those who may have backslided in the faith to return to the Lord.
One important thing we ought to do in this new year as God’s children is to show filial piety and love to our parents. The 5th commandment exhorts us to honour our parents (Exod 20:12). A good hong bao to our parents will please them. How about a hug and to tell them how much we love and appreciate them?
Let us also never forget the goodness of the Lord in the new year by returning our tithes and offerings to the Lord from the ang pow money that we will collect. Thank God for all His blessings and also for good health to enjoy the multitude of good food in this new year.
What should Christians not do in Chinese New Year?
We must beware of some vices that crop out in the new year which can tempt us to sin against God. There will be the typical gambling session among relatives. As Christians, we take a firm stand not to gamble as it is covetous which violates the 10th commandment (Exod 20:17). How about drinking? Proverbs 20:1 tells us, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging…” Take heed to God’s Word to abstain from wine and beer.
How about wishing each other 恭喜发财 “Gong Xi Fa Cai”? It is so common that almost everyone utters such wishes for monetary prosperity. I believe Christians should not wish each other “Gong Xi Fa Cai” as it portrays to others that our hope and aim in this life is to make more money. The Bible reminds us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). We can wish each other good health as learned from 3 John 2 in Apostle John’s wish for Gaius. We can wish each other a happy new year to be contented in whatever we go through.
In this lunar new year, I would like to wish all readers to be filled with the joy of the Lord which is our strength (Neh 8:10).
Elder John Leong
Chinese culture places great emphasis on filial piety and respect for its elders. These are good practices and behaviour patterns passed down from one generation to the next which are taught in the Bible. In Ephesians 6:1-2 we read these words, “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise.” But the belief that for parents to have long life, the children must keep awake as late as possible on the eve of Chinese New Year is superstition.
The belief in the 12 animals of Chinese zodiac is also superstition and should be avoided. To believe that one’s character and future are determined by an animal depending on the year of one’s birth is not only wrong but dangerously erroneous. How would you like to be associated as being lazy and gluttonous just because you were born in the year of the pig? Or to be known as a double-tongued snake, a mischievous monkey or a timid mouse. Or you are hot tempered because you were born in the year of the tiger. Many people seemingly resign themselves to this belief-system by consciously or sub-consciously allowing themselves to be controlled by whichever animal depending on the year they were born. How foolish and irrational a person can become when brought under this belief-system!
Let us take a look at the traditional family reunion dinner which is a good practice to be observed and retained. It brings family members together for a meal and a time of interaction. It is a time for strengthening of relationships and love. This brings to mind the parable of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15:11-32.
In this parable, we see a father waiting and longing to be reunited to his younger son who had left home for a period of time. When the son finally returned, he was so happy that he celebrated the reunion with a big feast. There was forgiveness, joy and restoration of family relationship. What’s past is forgotten. Only the present and future matter.
A new year and a new beginning with new expectations and aspirations. In the midst of all the celebration, let us not lose our focus on God. Let our belief-system be guided by the Word of God and not the 12 zodiac animals. If you have strayed from God for whatever reason or reasons, may you return to Him like the prodigal son this Chinese New Year. Make a fresh start with Christ as your Lord and Master in your life. Our God is ever so gracious and merciful to receive every repentant child back to Himself. And let us together look forward to that great day of our reunion with God in Heaven. May this Chinese New Year be a blessed time of reunion with family members and a renewal of our love and devotion to God, our Heavenly Father.
Can Christians Celebrate Chinese New year?
This coming week, the Chinese will celebrate an important festival i.e. our lunar new year. It begins with the traditional reunion dinner on new year’s eve this Wednesday and follow by two public holidays that most people will typically visit their loved ones and relatives and having meals together. Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days.
The Bible does not forbid us to celebrate our cultural traditions, practices and heritage as long as it does not go against the commandments of the Lord. Hence, as Christians, we can live our faith to the fullest, while celebrating our lunar new year. There are many rich traditions in our lunar new year that we can learn from. Even in the giving of red packets (hong bao), it is perfectly fine to practice it as a gesture of love and care. Of course, this will certainly be a delight to the children.
What should Christians do in Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year provides an opportune time for us to gather and spend time with loved ones and relatives. We should treasure such time and bear a good Christian testimony before them. We can share the Gospel to unbelievers and encourage those who may have backslided in the faith to return to the Lord.
One important thing we ought to do in this new year as God’s children is to show filial piety and love to our parents. The 5th commandment exhorts us to honour our parents (Exod 20:12). A good hong bao to our parents will please them. How about a hug and to tell them how much we love and appreciate them?
Let us also never forget the goodness of the Lord in the new year by returning our tithes and offerings to the Lord from the ang pow money that we will collect. Thank God for all His blessings and also for good health to enjoy the multitude of good food in this new year.
What should Christians not do in Chinese New Year?
We must beware of some vices that crop out in the new year which can tempt us to sin against God. There will be the typical gambling session among relatives. As Christians, we take a firm stand not to gamble as it is covetous which violates the 10th commandment (Exod 20:17). How about drinking? Proverbs 20:1 tells us, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging…” Take heed to God’s Word to abstain from wine and beer.
How about wishing each other 恭喜发财 “Gong Xi Fa Cai”? It is so common that almost everyone utters such wishes for monetary prosperity. I believe Christians should not wish each other “Gong Xi Fa Cai” as it portrays to others that our hope and aim in this life is to make more money. The Bible reminds us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). We can wish each other good health as learned from 3 John 2 in Apostle John’s wish for Gaius. We can wish each other a happy new year to be contented in whatever we go through.
In this lunar new year, I would like to wish all readers to be filled with the joy of the Lord which is our strength (Neh 8:10).
Elder John Leong
Chinese New Year
Of all the many Chinese festivals, lunar Chinese New Year can be said to be the most widely celebrated among the Chinese populace, lasting for 15 days. Can Christians celebrate lunar CNY? Some believe we cannot but I would say there is nothing wrong in celebrating this festivity as long as we know the difference between Chinese culture and superstition.Chinese culture places great emphasis on filial piety and respect for its elders. These are good practices and behaviour patterns passed down from one generation to the next which are taught in the Bible. In Ephesians 6:1-2 we read these words, “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise.” But the belief that for parents to have long life, the children must keep awake as late as possible on the eve of Chinese New Year is superstition.
The belief in the 12 animals of Chinese zodiac is also superstition and should be avoided. To believe that one’s character and future are determined by an animal depending on the year of one’s birth is not only wrong but dangerously erroneous. How would you like to be associated as being lazy and gluttonous just because you were born in the year of the pig? Or to be known as a double-tongued snake, a mischievous monkey or a timid mouse. Or you are hot tempered because you were born in the year of the tiger. Many people seemingly resign themselves to this belief-system by consciously or sub-consciously allowing themselves to be controlled by whichever animal depending on the year they were born. How foolish and irrational a person can become when brought under this belief-system!
Let us take a look at the traditional family reunion dinner which is a good practice to be observed and retained. It brings family members together for a meal and a time of interaction. It is a time for strengthening of relationships and love. This brings to mind the parable of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15:11-32.
In this parable, we see a father waiting and longing to be reunited to his younger son who had left home for a period of time. When the son finally returned, he was so happy that he celebrated the reunion with a big feast. There was forgiveness, joy and restoration of family relationship. What’s past is forgotten. Only the present and future matter.
A new year and a new beginning with new expectations and aspirations. In the midst of all the celebration, let us not lose our focus on God. Let our belief-system be guided by the Word of God and not the 12 zodiac animals. If you have strayed from God for whatever reason or reasons, may you return to Him like the prodigal son this Chinese New Year. Make a fresh start with Christ as your Lord and Master in your life. Our God is ever so gracious and merciful to receive every repentant child back to Himself. And let us together look forward to that great day of our reunion with God in Heaven. May this Chinese New Year be a blessed time of reunion with family members and a renewal of our love and devotion to God, our Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
THE PROTECTION AGAINST GREED (II)
B) True Beauty Perpetually – Proverbs 1: 9
a. There is no ornament on a person’s head more beautiful than an ornament of grace. It never rusts. It can never be stolen. It is not affected by inflation. It lasts forever. Money cannot buy this ornament, for it is priceless. However, Christian parents can give this to their children if they so desire. It is a crown of beauty, for it is a crown of grace;
b. Inheritance from parents has been materialism. These ornaments perish! They can be stolen. They lose value with time. Their value is false, for it is based upon the wishes of man. Even priceless diamonds are worthless if no one wants them. Gold is valuable when in demand and are rare. Materialism has no innate value;
c.The ornament of grace is a crown characterised by God’s grace. The blessings of God upon His children are the ornament of grace. It is forever. It includes the privilege of entering heaven and bowing in the holy presence of the LORD, praising Him for eternity;
d.The chains about the neck are more than decorations. To put chains of great value around one’s neck was a way of honouring someone in those days (see Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29). In this case, these symbols of priceless treasure reflect a godly and holy life. All men see them. Their words and deeds are marked by grace and perspicuity. This is what the Word of God can do to the life of one who is born again. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.
THE PROTECTION AGAINST GREED (1)
Text: Proverbs 1:8‐9
Prevention is always better than cure. To cure someone who has been sick or hurt means that the harm has already been done. Rectification of a sad state or sinful condition is never better than not having committed that sin at all. It is true that with repentance from sin, there is forgiveness from God. However, repentance does not mean the removal of the consequences of sin. There are two distinct features in the process of forgiveness. For example, God forgave King David for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba but David had to face the consequences of his sin. Our own experiences with sin affirm this understanding of the consequences of sin.
A.
From Parents to Children – v 8
a. It is presumed that parents know the Word of God and possess the fear of God in their hearts. On this basis they are to impart to their children the Word of God which is called “instruction and law” in this verse. The parents’ knowledge of the Word of God is paramount to instructing their children. They cannot teach if they do not know! They must, therefore, be students of God’s Word all their lives;
b. “Hear” and “Forsake not” are verbs synonymous in their understanding. To hear is always to hear and to obey. This is the meaning of the usage of this word in relation to God’s Word. Stating it negatively is the meaning of verb “forsake not.” Both carry the strength of the imperative;
c.“Instruction” and “law” are nouns that refer to the Word of God from two different perspectives. “Instruction” is the same word used in verse 7 to mean “correction and chastisement.” The father has a duty to correct and if need be to chastise as well. As the head of the house overseeing the spiritual wellbeing of the household, it is his duty to ensure that his children are led in the way of God, i.e. the way of righteousness according to Holy Scriptures;
d.“Law” refers to the expressly stated commandments that are non‐negotiable, which definitely includes the Ten Commandments but not limited to them. They must be obeyed without question. The mother takes over the role of the father in nurturing the children at home, especially when the father is out of town or in the fields working throughout the day;
e. Bringing up children is always the responsibility of both parents. The head is the father and the LORD will hold him accountable for the spiritual wellbeing of his household. However, the mother is also responsible as the “second in command” to teach the children the Word of God
Monday, 16 January 2012
Jesus Is the Way, the Truth and the Life
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)
Background of the Statement
In John chapter 13, the Lord Jesus, knowing that it was time for Him to “depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end…, and that he was come from God, and went to God” (vv 1-3), He humbled Himself and washed His disciples’ feet like a servant to teach them to humbly serve one another. Then, our Lord disclosed that one of His disciples would betray Him, that where He would go, they could not come, and that Peter would deny Him thrice despite his strong confidence. All these things made His disciples’ hearts troubled or frightened. Therefore, our Lord encouraged them in John chapter 14, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (v 1). This is the same command as verse 27, in the present, passive, denoting, “Never let anyone or anything frighten you.” Why?
(1) Exactly as we believe in the almighty, all-wise and loving God, we are commanded to keep on believing in the Lord Jesus Christ equally as He is the same God (v 1). Then whenever we are afraid, just look unto the Lord Jesus Christ alone and trust in His sovereignty, His might, wisdom, and sufficient grace;
(2) The Lord Jesus went to prepare a better place for us in Heaven and will come back to receive us unto Himself, that where He is, there we may be also (vv, 2-3). This is our blessed and living hope, so just let this precious hope comfort us and encourage us to follow Him faithful unto death despite difficulties, hardship, trials or persecutions;
(3) Our Lord is the Way, the Truth and the Life to the Father and Heaven, so following Him, we are not afraid of being misled or deceived (v 6);
(4) Our Lord will not leave us comfortless, as the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, abides with us forever (v 16-18), and being filled with or controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will have His fruit of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Gal 5:22-23), and our heart will not be frightened;
(5) God the Father and the Lord Jesus abide with us, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (v 23), and God’s loving presence will cast out all our fear;
(6) Our Lord Jesus gives us His own peace, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (v 27); and
(7) Satan, the prince of this sinful world, is the defeated enemy (v 30; cf. 1 John 3:8), so let not our heart be frightened. Then, dear friends, God’s command is still for us today and always, “Let not your heart be troubled,” so we should not let Satan, wicked people, the enemies, situations, trials, persecutions or anything frighten us. Just look unto the Lord Jesus Christ and keep on believing in Him in all things.
Jesus Is the Living and True Way
Our Lord Jesus Christ just said to His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (v 2), and it is clear that Jesus would go to His Father to prepare a place for them in Heaven, but Thomas still wondered, “we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (v 5), so Jesus confirmed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (v 6).
Dear friends, the Lord Jesus Himself, the living and Divine Person, is our living and true Way to the Father and Heaven. Having Him, following Him, obeying Him, and keeping a living fellowship with Him, we are on our true way to Heaven and have boldness to come to our heavenly Father, “unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
Our Lord Jesus did not teach or show His disciples a way to the Father or to Heaven, but He Himself, who is the living and true Way. Following His teaching is not enough, but we must have the Lord Jesus Himself and a living fellowship with Him.
The Living and True Way: Many human religious leaders might claim to find the truth or a way to God or to Heaven, but it is only human empty claim and imagination. They are only sinful human beings and are bound to sin and death, waiting for the Judgment Day. They have never been to Heaven nor seen God the Father, how can they know the way? But our Lord Jesus is the very God in Heaven, who humbled Himself to die for sinners, and He rose from the dead and said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev 1:18) and “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Heb 10:19-20). Dear friends, having the Lord Jesus Himself, we do have the living and true way. There is no other way.
The Narrow Way that Leads to Life: People usually prefer the easy way or the broad way as they feel comfortable with that. They do not like the strict discipline of God’s Word, to be limited to and be constrained by the boundaries of God’s Word; “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov 14:12). Our Lord Jesus confirms, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matt 7:13). Many “Christian” leaders are proud of their Gospel or Crusade Campaign with costly advertisements, ear-soothing messages and worldly music that may bring hundreds or thousands to Christ! However, people cannot go to the Heaven by just repeating the leader’s prayer except if each of them comes to the Lord Jesus Christ personally in repentance and submission! Our Lord Jesus confirms, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt 7:14). Dear friends, would you prefer the only one narrow but Divine Way or many human broad ways?
The Way to Salvation: Our Lord Jesus alone is the living and true Way to the Father, to Heaven and to our salvation, not through any human beings, even Mary, the saints, the Pope, or the church, traditions, rituals, sacraments, etc. Our Lord Jesus states clearly, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (v 4). The Bible confirms, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Then, you and I should not be deceived by any other way or a different gospel or a different Jesus or a different spirit (2 Cor 11:4). We can be sure that those who assume that there are many ways to be saved are still walking in darkness without any spiritual discernment, and we should not follow their strange voice. Believing that there is salvation only through Jesus Christ, we shall be moved to share this good news to our loved ones and to the unsaved.
The Way to Spiritual Blessings: Many think that Jesus Christ is a blessing among many other blessings from God, so they are still seeking many other blessings besides the Lord. God’s Word confirms that all these blessings are from, by and in Christ only: “Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ… he hath chosen us in him… unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ… he hath made us accepted in the beloved… In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins… In whom also we have obtained an inheritance… in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Eph 1-13). May God help us see this truth and wisely seek the Lord Jesus first in all things.
The Way to Our Victory: Many books have been written about how to live a victorious life over sins, temptations, and difficulties or problems in life. However, if they are not about the Lord Jesus Himself, they are only human ways, ideas, methods, or secrets that will never help due to the sinful and depraved nature of human beings. It is easy to say or to write about good things, but how to perform it does matter. Paul shared his helplessness and hopelessness about himself as well as his victory in Jesus Christ alone, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not… O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord”“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Cor 2:14). Dear friends, we can only have true victory when we humbly trust in and submit to the Lord Jesus and God’s Word. There is no other way. (Rom 7:18, 24, 25), and
Jesus Is the Truth
Jesus also says, “I am the truth” (v 6). Through Him we may know the truth about God and man, His loving salvation for man and what God expects man to do. As Jesus is the Truth, the Spirit is Truth (1 John 5:6), and God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17), it is wrong when many “Christians” just “believe” in the Lord Jesus but ignore or question God’s Word or just seek the Holy Spirit’s spiritual gifts but ignore the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s Word. Our Lord Jesus says, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (v 10) and “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free… If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36). The Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word can make you and me free from the slavery and bondage of sin, sinful nature, Satan and worldliness and we have the true freedom in Him as long as we trust in and submit to the Lord Himself and His Word.
Jesus is the Life
Jesus says, “I am the life” (v 6). Thank and praise God that our Lord Jesus is “our life”“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). He is not only our Way, our Truth but also our Life to the Father and to Heaven. He does not only guide us in His narrow way and show us His truth, but also gives us His divine life and strength so that we may obey God’s truth and follow Him faithfully unto the end. (Col 3:4), a living and Divine Person. Having Him, we have life,
Conclusion
Friday, 13 January 2012
Keep Away from Sexual Sins (II)
Text: Proverbs 5:15-22
The Bible is the best guide to help us keep away from sexual sins. Sexual problems are spiritual problems. Hence, secular organisations or solutions are never able to effectively address them. The Christian can keep away from sexual sins by being contented with what God has blessed him with.
Prov 5:15-20: Our sexual desires are legitimate. And marriage is the only legitimate way for a man and a woman to satisfy their sexual desires. Man is to look upon his own wife to be always attractive and beautiful. Remember that she is the best that God has blessed a man with. So man is to “drink waters out of thine own cistern” (v 15) and not look elsewhere. A married couple belongs only to each other. They are not to allow a stranger to come in between them. Be satisfied with sex only within marriage. Anything else is prohibited by God.
Prov 5:21: Remember that God is omnipresent. He is there witnessing our sins. Remember also that He is omniscient. He knows all our thoughts and the sinful lusts in our hearts. We can never hide or escape from Him. These facts ought to keep us away from sexual sins.
Prov 5:22-23: The consequences of sin are real. Be willing to suffer the consequences. Even when we have confessed and repented of our sexual sins, we still need to earn back the trust that we have lost. Those who refuse to confess, take heed that the consequence is death! They ignore their sexual sins to their own detriment! Beware! Take note that all paths of sin have U-turns. You can make a U-turn, confess and repent and come back to God. You may feel ashamed to make a U-turn, but God will forgive you when you do, and He will restore the peace to your heart.
When confronted with sexual temptations, we must run away (or flee).
How will we stand before God? We must reflect and examine our own lives. Are we holy as God is holy? We may not be perfect but that does not mean we can live a life of perpetual sin. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit who is in us. Flee from temptations. If we have fallen into sexual sins, repent! And come back to God!
Prov 5:15-20: Our sexual desires are legitimate. And marriage is the only legitimate way for a man and a woman to satisfy their sexual desires. Man is to look upon his own wife to be always attractive and beautiful. Remember that she is the best that God has blessed a man with. So man is to “drink waters out of thine own cistern” (v 15) and not look elsewhere. A married couple belongs only to each other. They are not to allow a stranger to come in between them. Be satisfied with sex only within marriage. Anything else is prohibited by God.
Prov 5:21: Remember that God is omnipresent. He is there witnessing our sins. Remember also that He is omniscient. He knows all our thoughts and the sinful lusts in our hearts. We can never hide or escape from Him. These facts ought to keep us away from sexual sins.
Prov 5:22-23: The consequences of sin are real. Be willing to suffer the consequences. Even when we have confessed and repented of our sexual sins, we still need to earn back the trust that we have lost. Those who refuse to confess, take heed that the consequence is death! They ignore their sexual sins to their own detriment! Beware! Take note that all paths of sin have U-turns. You can make a U-turn, confess and repent and come back to God. You may feel ashamed to make a U-turn, but God will forgive you when you do, and He will restore the peace to your heart.
When confronted with sexual temptations, we must run away (or flee).
How will we stand before God? We must reflect and examine our own lives. Are we holy as God is holy? We may not be perfect but that does not mean we can live a life of perpetual sin. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit who is in us. Flee from temptations. If we have fallen into sexual sins, repent! And come back to God!
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Keep Away from Sexual Sins (I)
Text: Proverbs 5:1-14
Proverbs 5:1-2: “My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.”
In these beginning verses of Proverbs 5, a chapter on keeping away from sexual sins, King Solomon admonished his son to pay close attention to his wisdom and words so that he could keep away from sexual sins. Perhaps this was also King David’s plea to Solomon when he realized the gravity of his own sexual sin. Both men failed but it would be wise for us to heed God’s Word since it has been recorded and preserved for our learning.
The world is utterly corrupt in her moral values and standards. It encourages and condones sexual sins. We have no lack of examples of how lives and families are ruined. The Bible tells us that the “strange woman” often enticed men with her sweet words (v 3) and lure the unwary when their guard is down. In a moment of folly, men succumb and their end is bitterness, great danger and even death (vv 4-6). The world downplays the seriousness of these sexual sins and consequences, and often offers many solutions and methods to ease the conscience. But the root of the problem is never dealt with. Using man’s ways to solve these problems often lead to more misery, shame and pain.
God’s Word is very clear on this matter, giving us the warning (vv 7-8), the consequences and even the punishment of such sins: shame (v 9), futility (v 10) and sexual diseases (v 11). No other sin faces such grave punishment. Flee! Stay clear! We must take heed to keep away from such sins.
This is a very serious sin. Even when one repents, there is always regret (v 12) and great damage is done, not just to self, but also to others. It is a sin against others. It not only damages one’s own life but the lives of people around (vv 13-14). It does not pay to meddle with sexual sins, to enjoy current pleasure in a moment of folly and ignore the grave consequences that will follow.
God, who is our Sovereign Creator, knows the hearts and affairs of man. He loves and cares enough to warn His people to take heed, to keep away from such grave sins and not to allow it to happen, so that we do not have to face and bear the terrible painful consequences. Let us therefore “attend” to His Word and be wise. Keep away before it is too late!
God, who is our Sovereign Creator, knows the hearts and affairs of man. He loves and cares enough to warn His people to take heed, to keep away from such grave sins and not to allow it to happen, so that we do not have to face and bear the terrible painful consequences. Let us therefore “attend” to His Word and be wise. Keep away before it is too late!
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Gold Has Been Tried
Text: Job 23:8-17
Gold is rare, precious and valuable. We cannot use gold right away in nature. To get gold, people are to mine it from the ore, crush it into small pieces in special machines, wash it in water to separate it from sand, earth, or gravel, and then burn it and refine it in fire to separate it from all the dross or rubbish. After getting pure gold people burn it, melt it and mould it into the shapes they want or make golden ornaments or jewellery.
The Bible tells us that God does purge, purify and refine His servants and children, “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness” (Mal 3:3). Job acknowledged the refining work of the Lord in his life, so in his great trials, he said, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Then, would you and I like to be raw material or refined gold? May God help us see and appreciate His refining work in our lives so that we may be submissive and thankful to Him even in our difficulties and trials.
Job’s Trials
The trials Job suffered were very great (1:13) and heavier than the sand of the sea (6:2-3):
The loss of material wealth: Job was very rich and wealthy, but because of Satan’s accusation against his faith, God allowed Satan to take away all the material wealth he had in order to test him (1:10-11).
The loss of children: Job had ten children—seven sons and three daughters (1:2)—whom he loved, and for whom he prayed and offered burnt offerings continuously (1:5). God permitted Satan to take away his children together with his possessions (1:12-19).
The loss of good health: Seeing Job’s perseverance, Satan accused him of believing in God because of good health (1:4-9), and God let him torture him with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his head.
The loss of respect and support: Job used to be highly respected by the aged, the princes, and the nobles (29:6-11), but now his wife, his relatives, his friends and even his servants despised him (19:14-19). Especially, his three friends mercilessly and falsely accused him of his sins when they saw his great sufferings. This may be the worst that Job was suffering. Job was accused of telling lies (11:3), despised for not knowing God properly (11:7-12), condemned for his iniquity (11:5-6), and told to repent to get the blessings from the Lord (11:13-19) because the wicked will surely be punished (11:20). They assumed that Job was suffering the punishment of the wicked due to his iniquity.
Thank God that in his great trials, Job blessed the name of the Lord, worshipped Him and did not sin nor charged God foolishly (1:20-22; 2:10). Praise the Lord for His sufficient and sustaining grace that Job was able to trust in the Lord in his great sufferings. Job sometimes desired death in his depression, but he never attempted to commit suicide, saying, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,” (Job 13:15a). James encourages Christians who are suffering persecutions to persevere until the end as Job did, saying “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:11).
Nevertheless, as a human being with a sinful nature, Job’s sinful “self” was exposed by God Himself and in the end he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes (42:5). Indeed, this is a part of God’s refining so that Job might come forth as gold (23:10).
Monday, 9 January 2012
Homosexuality is a detestable sin prohibited by God:
Humanistic psychopathology has been trying for years to blame all kinds of sinful behaviour such as alcoholism, theft, drug addiction and sexual perversion on genetics. Today, the same voices are heard in support of the legitimisation of homosexuality.
However, Scripture clearly speaks of homosexuality as a sin. We must have the same mentality if we are to keep ourselves away from its snares.
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination . . . Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you" (Leviticus 18:22, 24). "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them" (Leviticus 20:13).
Pro-homosexual teachers have opposed the validity of the above Scripture verses by saying that Christians are no longer under the Mosaic law. But we must carefully distinguish the dietary or ceremonial laws (abolished in the New Testament – Hebrews 10:8-10) from the moral laws (reinforced in the New Testament and still applicable today – Mark 7:20-23; Matthew 5:27, 28). Some have argued, "Why do Christians quote the Old Testament on homosexuality, then ignore the commands that prohibit eating shellfish or wearing clothing of mixed fibres?" The important distinction between these laws is reflected in the Old Testament penalties for breaking them: disobedience to the ceremonial laws resulted in uncleanness (Leviticus 11:24, etc.), while breaching the moral law meant death (Leviticus 20:13).
Moreover, the New Testament itself condemns homosexuality in an explicit manner. In Romans 1, the activities of gays as well as lesbians are depicted as deplorable and damned deeds of corrupt minds. This passage is usually considered the most thorough and clear condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible. "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: . . . For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" (Romans 1:24-27).
God's hatred for the sin of homosexuality is seen in His pronouncement of the death penalty on those who committed it. Therefore, to accept homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle, is to entertain the very thing that God has clearly detested. This is rebellion. It is wickedness in high places when Christian ministers support homosexuality, and churches go about ordaining homosexuals to be pastors and office-bearers.
Let us neither call what God detests good nor accept what He condemns.
Do not regard homosexuality as a natural sexual orientation but as the sinful choice of a lustful mind. Homosexual activities are the expressions of unrestrained, runaway lust of a sexually perverted mind. When fleshly desires deteriorate, they inevitably lead to all forms of perverted sexual sins such as masturbation, homosexuality, bestiality and incest.
Grace, Mercy and Peace
Text: 1 Tim 1:1-2
Timothy was sent by Paul to pastor the Ephesian church. As he faced certain church problems, Paul sent him this epistle to encourage him.
1. Grace, mercy and peace determines our calling: Apostle Paul wanted Timothy never to forget God’s grace, mercy and peace. Grace is when God blesses us when we do not deserve it. Mercy is when God withholds His punishment from us. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we can have peace with God, a peace that is not dependent on our situations. When we forget that we have peace with God, difficulties in our life will overwhelm us and lead us to self-pity. And it is because of God’s grace, mercy and peace, that Paul was called to be an Apostle (v 1). God is the One who determined his calling. Every Christian is called to serve God with his life. Our calling into salvation is also by God’s grace, mercy and peace. Do not be intimidated by anyone. And do not allow pride (“God needs me”) to come in. Be thankful to God for His calling you into salvation. Do not compare or compete. Just serve Him faithfully. Once redeemed, we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of the Most High. We must be steadfast, unmovable (1 Cor 15:58).
2. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our hope: The Christian’s hope is not wishful thinking. The hope that the Bible speaks of is based upon a sure future. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we are saved and can have peace with Him. This is the foundation of our hope. Jesus’ salvific work is completed when He uttered “It is finished” on the cross. But the work of salvation in us is not finished until we receive our glorified body. Glorification is our hope. It will take place when Jesus returns. This hope gives us the correct perspective that this world is not our home. When we forget this, we will live like the world, and forget to serve God. Do not waste this life that God has given you. Serve Him.
3. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our spiritual fruit (v 2): Timothy was Paul’s spiritual fruit. Our life can have an impact on those around us and it is by God’s grace, mercy and peace, not of our own doing. It is so easy to be proud. When we remember God’s grace and mercy, we can only thank the Lord that He even wants to use us!
Thank God for the peace that we have. We may face difficulties, but these cannot touch the peace that we have with God. Be faithful in your calling, all because of His grace, mercy and peace.
1. Grace, mercy and peace determines our calling: Apostle Paul wanted Timothy never to forget God’s grace, mercy and peace. Grace is when God blesses us when we do not deserve it. Mercy is when God withholds His punishment from us. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we can have peace with God, a peace that is not dependent on our situations. When we forget that we have peace with God, difficulties in our life will overwhelm us and lead us to self-pity. And it is because of God’s grace, mercy and peace, that Paul was called to be an Apostle (v 1). God is the One who determined his calling. Every Christian is called to serve God with his life. Our calling into salvation is also by God’s grace, mercy and peace. Do not be intimidated by anyone. And do not allow pride (“God needs me”) to come in. Be thankful to God for His calling you into salvation. Do not compare or compete. Just serve Him faithfully. Once redeemed, we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of the Most High. We must be steadfast, unmovable (1 Cor 15:58).
2. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our hope: The Christian’s hope is not wishful thinking. The hope that the Bible speaks of is based upon a sure future. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we are saved and can have peace with Him. This is the foundation of our hope. Jesus’ salvific work is completed when He uttered “It is finished” on the cross. But the work of salvation in us is not finished until we receive our glorified body. Glorification is our hope. It will take place when Jesus returns. This hope gives us the correct perspective that this world is not our home. When we forget this, we will live like the world, and forget to serve God. Do not waste this life that God has given you. Serve Him.
3. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our spiritual fruit (v 2): Timothy was Paul’s spiritual fruit. Our life can have an impact on those around us and it is by God’s grace, mercy and peace, not of our own doing. It is so easy to be proud. When we remember God’s grace and mercy, we can only thank the Lord that He even wants to use us!
Thank God for the peace that we have. We may face difficulties, but these cannot touch the peace that we have with God. Be faithful in your calling, all because of His grace, mercy and peace.
Not Serving God Is Worse
God is our Creator and Maker, the Source of all blessings. If we wisely worship Him and faithfully serve Him and keep His Word, we will surely be blessed. However, if we forsake Him and His Word, we shall be cursed.
Serving God Is Blessed: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God” (Deut 28:1-2). Looking at the lives and ministry of faithful characters in the Scriptures or in Church History, or in our days we see that they were richly blessed by the Lord despite all the afflictions, difficulties, trials, opposition or persecutions they had faced in their lives and ministry. Shall we not wisely serve and worship the Lord our God faithfully unto death?
Not Serving God Is Cursed: “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee” (Deut 28:47-48). May God help you and me fear Him and honour Him and His Word and always serve Him with joyfulness and gladness.
Not Serving God Is Worse: Our God is the good, loving, gracious, and merciful Lord and Master. Being His servants is a blessing, but if we do not want to serve Him, it will be worse. God said to Rehoboam and the princes, “Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak” (2 Chron 12:5). When they humbled themselves, God did not destroy them but mercifully granted them some deliverance, “Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries” (v 8) “So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made” (v 9).
God has the power to grant us His many blessings as well as to take away all His blessings from us. If we do not serve God, we shall not be left alone, but shall serve the enemies, and their service is surely worse. In the days of the Judges, when Israel forsook the Lord, “the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed” (Judges 2: 14-15). God gave Solomon a peaceful kingdom, but when he did not faithfully serve Him, “the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon… God stirred him up another adversary” (1 Kings 11:14, 23). Our enemies nowadays are our sinful self, Satan, and worldliness (Rom 8:7-8; 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:4). If God is not with us and for us, we shall surely be enslaved to our sinful nature, be defeated by Satan and his temptations, and be drawn away by worldly values, mindset, entertainments, and pleasures. They are cruel masters only leading us to destruction and condemnation in Hell unless we humble ourselves in repentance and cry unto the Lord for help and deliverance.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Rehoboam, a Foolish King
Solomon was the wisest king but still failed to be faithful to the Lord until the end due to his lack of knowledge and fear of the Lord. The Lord says, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jer 9:23-24). His son Rehoboam was worse, he did not fear God and made an unwise decision from the beginning.
- Having No Heart to Seek the Lord: The Scripture usually mentioned the kings’ mothers, who played important roles in their spiritual life. Moses’ mother took good care of him in the fear of God, so when he was grown up he did not forget God nor His people. Samuel’s mother did the same. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim 1:5). It is important for you and me, as parents, to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). Rehoboam’s mother was an Ammonitess (2 Chron 12:13), an unbeliever, so his spiritual life was not nurtured in the fear of the Lord, not to mention the fact that his father Solomon failed to set a good example for him to follow due to his backsliding. Therefore, Rehoboam “did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (2 Chron 12:14). It is foolish before the Lord if we do not know Him, trust Him and fear Him no matter how wise, intelligent or scholarly we may be in the eyes of men! We must thank God and appreciate our godly parents for their prayers and admonishment in the fear of the Lord. We even thank God more for by His grace alone that we may know Him, fear Him, and serve Him even when our parents are not believers.
- Having No Heart to Serve: Rehoboam was born in purple, and without any godly example around him he was spoiled. He had not the heart to serve. When the people of Israel came to him with their request, “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1 Kings 12:4). “And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?” (1 Kings 12:6). Using the personal pronoun “I”, Rehoboam did not have the same mind like the elders’. He only asked them with the expectation that they would give him a piece of advice according to the desire of his heart. When hearing their advice, “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever” (1 Kings 12:7), Rehoboam “forsook the counsel of the old men” and “consulted with the young men that were grown up with him” who had the same mind, desires and ambitions like his, asking them, “What counsel give ye that we may answer this people?” Rehoboam followed their unwise, unkind and arrogant advice, “For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions” (2 Chron 10:11). With this foolish reply, the people of Israel left him and “rebelled against the house of David” (2 Chron 10:19), and Rehoboam lost the support of ten tribes, except Judah and Benjamin. The kingdom was divided into two exactly as the Lord had spoken to Solomon due to his backsliding.
- Taking God’s Grace and Blessing for Granted: Because of David’s sake and God’s Name’s sake, the Lord graciously sent help to Rehoboam with all the priests, Levites and those who feared God and wanted to worship Him according to His way, “And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts… And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon” (2 Chron 11:13, 16-17). Sadly, Rehoboam neither appreciated God’s grace and blessings nor encouraged the priests and the Levites to fulfil their duties faithfully.
- Forsaking God and His Word: After three years, “when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him” (2 Chron 12:1). A leader plays a very important role. If he fears God and honours His Word, he will lead his people or his congregation according to God’s Word. If he doubts or questions God’s Word, he will surely cause his people or his congregation to follow his stand. Here, Rehoboam “forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.” Rehoboam might not have thought that he had forsaken God, but when he “forsook the law of the LORD” (God’s Word), God said to him and the princes, “Ye have forsaken me” (2 Chron 12:5). Many nowadays think that they still honour God, worship Him and glorify Him while they fail to honour His Word! Is God pleased with them? Absolutely not!
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