Sharpen the Ax (And Use It)

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

This passage teaches that there is wisdom in preparation.  Things go better when one has prepared himself for the task to be done.

Abraham Lincoln is credited as saying, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”  The quote seems to be spurious.  However, the moral concerns the value of preparation. 

Let us caution that some spend all of their time preparing to do something, but never actually get to the task.  Preparation of the ax will never bring down the tree unless someone puts the ax to use.

Some Christians never prepare themselves to teach others.  God expects us at some point to be able to teach others (Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:9).

Other Christians continuously prepare but never teach others.  They study.  They attend personal evangelism workshops.  They take notes.  They mark their Bibles.  They file away good tracts on various subjects which could be helpful if they ever did teach someone.  But, they never do. Some preachers rarely leave their studies to interact with others.

Let us not make these two mistakes.  Let us prepare and let us get to the task of teaching others.  “I want to be a soul winner for Jesus everyday, He does so much for me; I want to aid the lost sinner to leave his erring way, and be from bondage free\ I want to be a soul winner and bring the lost to Christ, that they His grace may know.  I want to live for Christ ever, and do His blessed will, because He loves me so\ I want to be a soul winner till Jesus calls for me, to lay my burdens down; I want to hear Him say, servant, “You’ve gathered many sheaves, receive a starry crown.” \ A soul winner for Jesus, A soul winner for Jesus, O let me be each day.  A soul winner for Jesus, A soul winner for Jesus, He’s done so much for me” (Song: A Soul Winner for Jesus by J. W. Ferrill).

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Mercy Series: God Cares About All

Posted on May 7, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning election, they are beloved for the sake of the Fathers.  For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy you they also may obtain mercy.  For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all” (Romans 11:28-32).

The pronouns are significant.  The pronouns “they” and “their” refer to Israelites.  The pronouns “you” and “your” refers to the Gentiles (cf. Romans 11:11-15).

The Israelites, in general, were enemies of Gentile Christians.  Much of the early opposition to Christianity came from Israelites (e.g. Acts 14:1-2; 14:19-20; 17:1-5; 17:12-13).  There was a remnant of Israel who believed (Romans 11:5).  Paul was one of these.  He said, “I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1).

The Gentiles had obtained mercy through the Israelites general rejection of the gospel.  Their rejection had speeded the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles (e.g. Acts 13:44-46; 18:4-6; 22:17-21; 28:23-28).

Despite so many in Israel rejecting the gospel, God still cared about these people.  He wanted the Gentiles to know this.  He loved their fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and He elected to work His redemptive plan through them (cf. Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17-18; 26:4; 28:14; Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:26-29).  His desire was to now use the Gentiles to reach the Israelites.

All, whether Gentile or Israelite, were in need of God’s mercy (cf. Romans 1-3).  K.C. Moser comments, “Here is a most important  truth.  Whether Jew or Gentiles, God considers every one a sinner.  Sin is a spiritual malady, and hence, admits of no racial distinction” (Moser, The Gist of Romans, pp. 108-109).

Application – God had mercy on us, if we are Christians.  Therefore, let us be His tool to help others into His mercy.  He comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Let us be concerned about others, regardless of their ethnicity. Paul wrote, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to the unwise” (Romans 1:14).  “Lead me to some soul today, O teach me Lord just what to say; Friends of mine are lost in sin, And cannot find their way. Few there are who seem to care, And few there are who pray; Melt my heart, and fill my life, Give me one soul today.” (Song:Lead Me To Some Soul Today by Will H. Houghton).

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Mercy Series: God’s Sovereignty

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“And he said, ‘Please  show me Your glory.’  Then He said, ‘I will make My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you.  I will be gracious on whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion (mercy – KJV) on whom I will have compassion (mercy – KJV).’  But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man can see Me and live’” (Exodus 33:18-20).

Moses desired to see God in all His awesome glory. It is a longing that is understandable.  The godly want to know Him and understand Him.

God told Moses that He would manifest Himself through His goodness, grace and mercy.  Adam Clark comments, “I will show Myself to thee as the fountain of inexhaustible compassion, the sovereign Dispenser of my own mercy in my own way…”

However, man,  in his current state, cannot handle the full and awesome glory of God.  It is only in a transformed state to come, that “we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:1-2 cf. Philippians 3:20-21).

Finally, God did allow Moses to see a manifestation of His glory (Exodus 33:21-23).  This caused Moses skin to glow (Exodus 34:29-34).

“Is there unrighteousness with God?  Certainly not!  For, He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’  So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Romans 9:14-16).

God chose to work His redemptive plan through Abraham and his descendent (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17-18; 26:1-4; 28:13-14; Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:26-28).  They were His chosen people for this purpose.

However, many Israelites thought that they should be automatically chosen for salvation based upon their fleshly relationship with Abraham.  They were wrong.  This was not God’s plan.  Alas, many Israelites were lost (Romans 9:1-5; 10:1-3).

Paul reasons with them from history.  (1) Abraham had fleshly descendants other than Isaac (Ishmael – Genesis 16; Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah – Genesis 25:1-2).  However, God chose to work His plan through Isaac (Romans 9:6-9).  (2) Isaac and Rebekah had two sons (Esau and Jacob – Genesis 25:19-ff).  However, God chose to work His plan through Jacob (Romans 9:10-13).  Therefore, fleshly relations does not automatically entitle one to all of the blessings which were to come through Abraham.

Please note that in these two historical cases, salvation is not under consideration.  What is under consideration is God’s sovereignty.  He chose to work his plan through Isaac and Jacob.

Man’s will and effort does not override God’s decision (Romans 9:16).  Abraham willed that Ishmael be the son of promise (Genesis 17:17-20).  Isaac favored Esau (Genesis 25:28).  Esau ran after game for his father (Genesis 25:28; 27:1-4).  However, “It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Romans 9:16).

God was not unrighteous with Israel.  He had made clear that He was (and is) sovereign in dispensing mercy.  Moreover, His mercy does at times come through conditions (e.g. Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7).  Robin Haley comments, “When and why did God say to Moses, ‘I will have mercy…’?  The record is found in Exodus 33:19 and had reference to the promise God made to Moses to be with him while leading Israel to the promised land.  This quote is found in the future tense in our text and indicates that God will continue to show mercy as He sees fit – as He has set forth the condition of such mercy and compassion (Editor Dub McClish, Denton Lectures: Studies in Romans, p. 185)  Robert Taylor Jr. comments, “They (Israelites B.H.) made redemption contingent on circumcision and Mosaic mandates… But they were not in the willing or running departments… Jehovah and Jesus were in the driver’s seat.  They were the ones exhibiting mercy and laying down the necessary stipulations by which they would accomplish such!” (Taylor, Studies in Romans; p. 164).

“For the scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’  Therefore, He has mercy on whom He wills and when He wills He hardens.” (Romans 9:17-18 cf. Exodus 10:1-2).

God raised up Pharaoh.  The Greek word (exegeiro) can mean “to rouse up, stir up, incite” (Thayer).  He did so to demonstrate His power.

Did God directly harden Pharaoh’s heart?  No.  While the Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 4:21; 9:12; 10:1; 10:20; 10:27; 11:10; 14:8) it also says that the Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15; 8:32; 9:34-35).  Therefore, it must be that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart indirectly.  The same sun that melts butter hardens clay.  Roy Deaver comments, “The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was the consequence of Pharaoh’s own stubbornness.  God have him every opportunity.  He had heard God’s word, delivered by Moses and Aaron.  He has seen the evidence of God’s hand.  He had seen the manifestation of God’s power.  But he was not willing to obey God’s instructions.  God hardened Pharaoh’s heart by telling him what to do, and Pharaoh was not willing to do it… God’s  word has a hardening effect upon those who are unwilling to submit to his will (Deaver, Romans: God’s Plan For Man’s Righteousness, pp. 348-349).

The point?   No Israelite thought that God was unrighteous in how He dealt with a defiant Pharaoh.  Yet, many of them were behaving like Pharaoh.  Their hard hearts had caused them to not submit even when presented with miraculous evidence.  Remember, Pharaoh’s hard heart did not prevent God’s will from being done.

Mercy or hardening?  The choice was theirs.  It all depended on whether they would humble themselves under His authority.

Application – Let always remember that God is sovereign. It is His will and not ours that counts. It is He and not we who sets the rules, and conditions for mercy.

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Mercy Series: Praying For Mercy

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went done to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted‘” (Luke 18:9-14).

The Pharisee’s attitude was wrong.  He was self-righteous.  He looked down on others.  God was not impressed.

The tax-collector’s attitude was entirely different.  He knew that he needed mercy.  It was not about comparing himself to others.  It was about his relationship with God.  This man received mercy (hilaskomai), justification.  The original word (hilaskomai) means “to be propitious, be placated or appeased” (Thayer).  It refers to reconciliation with God.

Do you want mercy?  If so, be humble.  The Christian can pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).  However, we must humbly acknowledge our sins to Him.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God… Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

How does one approach God?  Gaining an audience with a King, Prime Minister, or President is difficult.  How does one approach God?  The children of Israel were not allowed on the mountain (Exodus 19:12); only Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Joshua, and seventy elders were allowed to be on the mountain (Exodus 19:3; 19:24; 24:1-2; 24:9; 24:13), and only Moses was allowed up all the way (Exodus 24:1-2).  The people witnessed enough to be afraid to be in His presence (Exodus 20:18-21).  The children of Israel were not allowed into the Most Holy Place, only the Levitical High Priest once per year (Hebrews 9:7 cf. Exodus 30; Leviticus 16; Numbers 29).

Man can approach God through the compassionate High Priesthood of Jesus, the Son of God.  He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).  He is the Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).  He is our Advocate before the throne (1 John 2:1).  He “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:15).

Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of grace.  Boldly (parrhesia) refers to freedom of speech, unreserved utterance (Vine’s).  The throne of grace refers to God throne (Hebrews 4:16 cf. 8:1).  it is called the throne of grace because it is from this throne grace and mercy (eleos) are bestowed.  Robert Milligan comments, “It is generally thought that the Apostle here makes allusion to the mercy-seat on which rested the Shekinah, God’s presence in the ancient Tabernacle” (Milligan, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, p 183).

Christians, do you want grace and mercy?  If so, boldly (openly) pray.

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Mercy Series: I Desire Mercy

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).

Do not misunderstand.  God required animal sacrifices and burnt offerings under the Mosaic Dispensation and the Patriarchal Dispensation (e.g. Genesis 4:4; 8:20-21; 22:1-14; Exodus 10:25-26; 12:5-6; 20:24; 24:4-5; Leviticus 1:1-17; 9:1-24, etc.).

However, God wanted more.  Homer Hailey comments, “The sacrifices and burnt-offerings initiated by Jehovah at Sinai were now being abused by the people.  They thought that by these outward tokens of devotion, void of true piety, all of their wickednesses were taken care of” (Hailey, A Commentary on the Minor Prophets, pp. 156-157).  (1) He desired mercy (eleos- in Matthew) and not sacrifice alone.  (a) This passage is quoted by Jesus to teach that concern and help should be extended toward those in spiritual need (Matthew 9:9-13).  (b) This passage is quoted by Jesus to teach that concern and help should be extended toward those in physical need (Matthew 12:1-8).  (2) He desired knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  He did not want mere ritualistic sacrifice.  He wanted them to truly understand Him and His will for them.  He wanted them to live by His will for them.  Earlier in this book, God said, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6).

There is a lesson for us.  God wants us to do more than assemble and worship.  He wants us to be merciful to others.  He wants us to truly  understand Him, and His will for us.

“The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.  The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day – and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus” (2 Timothy 1:16-18).

Timothy was facing the temptation of distancing himself from the gospel and from Paul (2 Timothy 1:8).  These were not easy times for Christians.  Many had turned from Paul (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:10a; 4:16).

Two examples were used to encourage Timothy.  The first example is Paul.  Paul said, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).  The second example is Onesiphorus.  Paul said, “he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16).

Paul desired that the Lord repay Onesiphorus for his kindness.  He desired that the Lord have mercy (eleos) on the household of Onesiphorus.  Remember that these were difficult times.  He desired mercy (eleos) for Onesiphorus in the judgment day.  Jesus said, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41); “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). The Hebrews writer exhorted, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated – since you yourselves are in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). Onesiphorus had done this.

Do you want mercy?  If so, be merciful.

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Mercy Series: Paul – An Example of God’s Mercy

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man: but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13).

Paul did much evil before his conversion to Christ (cf. Acts 9:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-11; Philippians 3:6a).  He was a blasphemer (He spoke against Jesus and the church cf. Acts 9:1-2; 22:10).  He even compelled Christians to blaspheme (Acts 22:11).  He was a persecutor (He punished, imprisoned, and brought death to Christians cf. Acts 9:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-11; Philippians 3:6a).  He was an insolent man (injurious KJV; violent aggressor NASB).

He obtained mercy.  Ananias instructed him, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling in the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).  Paul became a Christian. Paul was not only saved; he was entrusted with the gospel.  Reflecting on this, he said, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…” (1 Timothy 1:12-13).   The Lord can use those who are truly converted.

The word “mercy” (eleeo) is defined to mean “to have pity or mercy shown one, to obtain mercy” (Vine’s). It refers to “help to the wretched…specifically of God granting even to unworthy favor, benefits, opportunities, and particularly salvation by Christ” (Thayer).

What did Paul’s ignorance have to do with his obtaining mercy?  (1) This certainly does not mean that ignorance excuses sin (cf. Matthew 15:14; Luke 12:47-48; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Peter 3:16).  (2) It does mean that he had a misinformed heart.  He did not have a heart in willful rebellion against God (cf. Acts 23:1; 26:9).  He had a heart that wanted to do God’s will.  He received correction.  He was teachable.  Some people are not.  (3) It may mean that God granted him the opportunity to repent; and that God did this due to his heart.  Denny Petrillo comments, “So, although Paul was worthy of God’s judgment, God gave Paul the opportunity to repent.  To Paul’s credit, he was willing to change when he learned what he was doing was wrong” (Petrillo, Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, p. 19).  God could have struck him dead, but he did not.  God could have allowed him to die without learning the truth, but He did not.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  However, for this reason I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).

This is one of five important points which are emphasized to the evangelists Timothy and Titus by the words, “This is a faithful saying…” (1 Timothy 1:15-16; 3:1; 4:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Titus 3:8).  Jesus extended mercy to Paul to teach mankind a lesson: If He could forgive Paul, then He can forgive you.  You too can have your sins washed away (Acts 22:16).  Denny Petrillo comments, “People of all future generations can look to Paul’s salvation and find hope for themselves.  Paul’s conversion is a vivid example of Christ’s desire to save” (ibid, p. 20).

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Mercy Series: Salvation Through Mercy

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“We ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).

Why should Christians be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward others? (cf. Titus 3:2).  The answer is that we too were once lost in sin (Titus 3:3).  Denny Petrillo comments, “It serves to remind Christians that they, too, were once mired in the abominable practices that others around them are now practicing.  This can only produce a humble spirit.” (Petrillo, Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, p. 187).  Wayne Jackson comments, “This calls for a reflection upon the past as an incentive toward the gracious treatment of others” (Jackson, Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus: Before I Die, p. 356).  May we never forget that we were once lost in sin.  This will help keep us humble, and compassionate toward others.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4).

The reason that any man can be saved is because of the kindness and love of God. The word “kindness” (Chrestotes) is used of “kindness of heart or act” (Vine’s).  Gary Workman suggests that “Whenever… used in reference to God, the thought always had to do with the offer of salvation” (Editor Jim Laws, The Spiritual Sword Lectureship: God’s Amazing Grace, p. 384).  The word “love” (philanthropia) is the word from which we get our word “philanthropy.”  It refers to benevolent love.  It is love for man in action.

This kindness and love appeared (Titus 3:4).   The word “appeared” occurs twice in this book. Earlier, in this book, Paul wrote, “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).  “The grace of God” refers to the message of grace and salvation, the Gospel (cf. Colossians 1:5-6; Acts 20:32).  This message was for all (cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; Romans 1:16).  This message had gone forth into all of the world (Titus 2:11 cf. Colossians 1:5-6; 1:23; Romans 1:8; 10:18; 16:25-26).  God’s kindness and love is manifested by His message of grace through Christ.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

These Christians had received salvation at some point in the past.  They were not saved by (ek, literally “out of”) works of righteousness which they had done (Titus 3:4-5 cf. Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9).  Man is not the source of salvation.  Man’s good works cannot overcome or erase his sin problem God saved them.  He saved them according to (kata, literally “down from”) His mercy.  He alone is the reason that they had the opportunity for salvation.  The source of salvation is from above. The source of salvation is His mercy.  Mercy (eleos): “the outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it” (Vine’s); “Kindness or goodwill toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with the desire to relieve them” (Thayer).

There were conditions to their salvation (as there is for our salvation).  (1) They were saved through washing.  The word “wash(ing) is connected elsewhere with water (Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:22) and baptism (Acts 22:16).  The word “regeneration” means “again birth” (Vine’s).  This reminds one of what Jesus said to Nicodemus (cf. John 3:3, 5).  (2) They were saved through the renewing of the Holy Spirit.  (a) Some have thought that this is simply a rewording of the previous clause.  The conjunction Kai can be translated “and,” but in some cases it is best rendered “even.”  (b) However, let us assume that this is a distinct point.  The Bible speaks of the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:20-24).  How does the Holy Spirit renew the mind?  Directly?  No.  Renewing comes through learning (Ephesians 4:20-21;  cf 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).  The Holy Spirit supplied the message.  It is by this message man is changed.  His thinking is renewed.  His behavior is transformed.  The mercies of God is a great motivation for one to live a transformed life (Romans 12:1-2). One is raised from the water of baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:1-4).

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Mercy Series: Rich in Mercy

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,” (Ephesians 2:4).

The word “but” sets forth a great contrast.  Paul has just reminded the Ephesians of man’s sin problem.  The Gentiles had this problem (Ephesians 2:2).  The Jews had this problem (Ephesians 2:3).  However, God is rich in mercy.  The word “mercy” (eleos) refers to “outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it” (Vine’s); “kindness or goodwill toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them” (Thayer).  The reason that He extends mercy to man is because of His love for man.

“even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-6).

Man is saved by grace.  The word “grace” (charis) is used in a variety of ways in the Bible.  Here it refers to “the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds” (Vine’s); “good-will, loving-kindness, favor… contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved… the New Testament writers use charis pre-eminently of the kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to the sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept eternal salvation through Christ” (Thayer).  Grace and mercy are somewhat equated in context.

Man has the opportunity for spiritual life through the power of God.  A comparison is made to emphasize this point: Even as, God restored physical life to Jesus (and this resurrection was for our benefit cf. Romans 4:25; 1 Peter 3:21), so also, God has the power to restore spiritual life (cf. Ephesians 1:19-20; 2:5-6; Colossians 2:12-13).

It is according to God’s heavenly plans that this spiritual resurrection is for both Jews and Gentiles.  They sit together (in one body or church – Ephesians 2:16; 4:4 cf. 1 :22-23).

“that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).

His desire is to show, one day to man, the exceeding riches of His grace.  This same book speaks of “the riches of glory of His inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18).  The inheritance is in heaven (cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4).  He wants man to be a part of the beauty of that realm.

These blessings are found “in Christ.”  In truth, every spiritual blessing is found “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  Man gets into Christ by baptism (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28).

This section of scripture is not emphasizing the conditions for salvation (and there are conditions – Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 1:3, 7 cf. Galatians 3:26-28; Acts 2:37-38; Hebrews 5:8-9).  This section of scripture is emphasizing the source of salvation.  The source is God.  “Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to Me; There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary” (Song: Years I Spent in Vanity by William R. Newell).

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Wisely Written

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

Have you every wondered why the Bible was written the way that it was written?  Why didn’t God present His message in an encyclopedic format.  He could have categorized information under heading, and listed these categories alphabetically.  For example, If I wanted to know more about what God thinks of envy, then I would turn to the envy heading and read the specific information about such.  Would not this format be better than having envy mentioned in various  narratives about different people and events, scattered throughout the Bible?

God knew what He was doing.  The book of Isaiah reminds us of the wisdom of God, “Who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?  Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?  Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counselor has taught Him?  With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice?  Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:12-14).  He must have had His reason(s) for His chosen format of the Bible.

While God has not shared with man why He chose the format that He did for the Bible, I can think of some possibilities.  Consider –

  1.  He wanted to do more than convey information; He wanted to touch the heart.  Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner have written, “Nathan didn’t berate David with rules – Hey, don’t covet your neighbor’s wife!  Hey, don’t kill!  Hey, don’t commit adultery! – even though David had broken all of them.  He just told a story about a lamb.  Very persuasive” (Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, Think Like A Freak, p. 188).  Paul wrote, “I beseech you… by the mercies of God…” (Romans 12:1).  The message of the Bible tug at the heart-strings.
  2. He wanted to do more than convey information; He wanted to provide example.  He did not just tell us to live by faith; He provided examples of this (e.g. Hebrews 11).  He did not just tell us to love; He showed us (e.g. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18).  He did not just tell us to endure; He held up examples of endurance (e.g. Hebrews 12:1-4; James 5:10-11).
  3. He wanted to do more than convey information; He wanted to make it memorable.  Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner have written, “A recent survey found that only 14 percent of U.S. adults could recall all Ten Commandments… What do we remember from the Bible?  The stories. We remember that Eve fed Adam a forbidden apple (Note: The Bible does not say it was an apple. -B.H.), and that one of their sons, Cain, murdered the other, Abel.  We remember that Moses parted the Red Sea in order to lead the Israelites out of slavery.  We remember that Abraham was instructed to sacrifice his son on the mountain – and even remember that King Solomon settled a maternity dispute by threatening to slice a baby in half.  These are the stories we tell again and again, even those of us who aren’t remotely ‘religious.’  Why?  Because they stick with us; they move us; they persuade us to consider the constancy and frailties of the human experience in a way, that mere rules cannot” (Levitt and Dubner, pp. 186-187).  Who doesn’t know the parable of The Good Samaritan, or the parable of The Prodigal Son? Who doesn’t remember David and Goliath?
  4. He wanted to do more than convey information;  He wanted to cause man to dig.  Since the Bible is not laid out with all of the information on one subject found in one place under one categorical heading, man must search.  This requires effort.  “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5).  This reveals the heart.  This separates those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and those who are only mildly interested.
  5. The need to dig has an added benefit. Since it is the case that many things may be taught in any section of scripture, it is possible that while one is digging for information on one subject, he may be reminded or taught about another subject which is needful to him.
    How much time are you spending in God’s word?
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Mercy Series: Abundant Mercy

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

“Blessed” (eulogetos) is not the same original word which appears in The Beatitudes.  The word here could be rendered “praised” (Vine’s).  Praise belongs to God.

Why is God to be praised?  The answer is that He had mercy on man.  The word mercy (eleos) refer to “outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it” (Vine’s); “Kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them” (Thayer).

How did God have mercy on man?  (1) He allowed man to be begotten again.  This spiritual rebirth is possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).  He was raised for “our justification” (Romans 4:25).  This spiritual rebirth is possible through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23).  It is up to man to meekly receive this word (James 1:21).  It is up to man to obey the truth (1 Peter 1:22-23). This spiritual rebirth is by water and the Spirit (John 3:3,5).  (2) He provided man with a living hope.  Biblical hope (elpis) refers to “favorable and confident expectation” (Vine’s).  There is one ultimate hope for the Christian (Ephesians 4:4), and this is eternal life and salvation in heaven (Titus 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:8).  It is up to Christians to “continue in the faith grounded and steadfast… not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23).  (3) He provided an inheritance in heaven.  This inheritance is incorruptible (imperishable NASB).  The treasures of heaven do not wear out or perish (cf. Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:42, 50-53).  This inheritance is undefiled.  The treasures of heaven pure, free from contamination or impurity (cf. Revelation 21:27).  This inheritance fades not away.  Guy Woods comments, “The words, ‘that fadeth not away,’ are translated from the beautiful word amarantos, that which does not fade, or wither.  The amaranth was a fabled flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose loveliness never failed.  The inheritance which awaits the children of God will not deteriorate nor will passing ages render it less desirable or attractive” (Woods, Commentary on The New Testament Epistles of Peter, John, and Jude, p. 27).  All of these things are available to man, and only available to man, because of the mercy of God.  The Psalmist said, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished up according to our iniquities.  For as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:10-14).

He “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but now are the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

This is a reference to Hosea 2:23 which reads, “I will have mercy on her who has not obtained mercy; then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’  And they shall say, ‘You are my God!'”  This is inclusive of the Gentiles (cf. Romans 9:24-26).   Guy Woods comments, “The Gentiles,  before they obeyed the gospel, were ‘no people,’ being scattered though all the nations, with separate languages, governments, customs, etc; but through their obedience to the gospel were constituted into a holy nation with common interests, obligations, government and King” (Woods, p. 64).  James Burton Coffman comments, “The vast dimensions of the love of God and His overflowing mercy to all people… are as wide as heaven and earth.  The same outflowing love for the Gentile converts which marks much of the Pauline writing is also in evidence here.  The ‘no people’ are now the people of God; and the people without mercy have now received it through Christ.  How marvelous indeed is such wonderful love” (studylight.org).  God’s mercy is not just for Israelites.  It is available to all.

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