Sermon Nuggets Mon Aug 3
Theme – Righteousness-A Better Way
Verses- 1 Pet 3:8-12 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (NIV)
Righteousness -A Better Way
After discussing marriage Peter continues on the important theme of unity and Harmony, not only in the home but among one another as believers in the Lord. This serves as a witness to the neighborhood and community around us. We as Christians live in a world that is filled with disharmony, selfishness, greed, pride, insults, lies, and attacks against others.
But there is a better way to live. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit changing our nature from self to righteousness and godliness.
Since the world is in conflict with the righteousness of Christ we will experience the temptations to do things like the world, as well as the pressures to follow our natural inclinations instead of the promptings that come from the Spirit of truth. Prepare yourselves by trusting Christ for Peter knows there will be more difficulties that you will be facing. Prepare yourself by getting into the Word, by praying, by being holy and living a God pleasing life.
Now if God's desire is harmony and unity what will Satan and his evil forces seek to do? They will seek to disrupt, cause divorce, cause church splits, cause disharmony, cause in fighting and cause hatred to develop. Does that happen among Christians? All the time! There is just above every imaginable reason to get angry and offended.
Judi came home from choir practice one Wednesday a few years ago and told me two people are arguing. I thought, “oh no.”
Then she said, "I heard them yelling at each other." I thought, “No, No please. Where are they?” I asked her.
She said, "In front of the bar I could hear them all they way from here.” Relief came over me. It's o.k. to have adverse publicity in front of a bar, I was afraid she was talking about two choir members going at it in the parking lot.
Have you ever heard it said that you can find more love and acceptance in bars than in many churches? Don't believe it! Watch the police reports and find out how many times they are called to bars for fighting and how many times they are called to churches for fighting. Yet people are quick to pick up on churches that are in conflict. Why? Because we claim to be followers of one who said that he wants us to live together in unity and harmony and we didn't live up to what our leaders want us to live.
In the next 5 days (this will spill over into Saturday) Peter lists for us important reminders that follow the path of righteousness. Vs 12 is the summary of his challenge, which is taken from Psalm 34- The prayers that are answered are by righteousness people. The New Testament fulfillment comes by trusting in Jesus for our salvation and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Be attentive today how often unity with God and others will be challenged by things that are done and said. Center your peace on the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 4
Verse- 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Harmony & Humility
Harmony and Humility become the bookends of this verse. Since the theme of Peter is getting along in marriage, at work, with those in authority over us in government, it is also our goal in a church and among brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Harmony is best illustrated when people sing different parts in a duet, trio, quartet, or choir. The idea of harmony in music is complementary notes that sound good together. There is a blending together of voices, or instruments to give a pleasing sound.
Harmony in relationships among Christians is recognizing the same goal and going in the same direction which is to seek to glorify Jesus. Cooperation for the same purpose is what allows us a common mind.
What is the thing we should be single minded about at Stanchfield? It is to be God's people in our community that together we can carry out the mission-to glorify God outreach, discipleship, and worship. We do that in submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus and the obedience to his spirit. How we do that certainly can rise differences of opinions. At that point it isn’t that we agree but are not disagreeable to our main goal. Harmony comes by working at it and sorting out God’s will together.
But one thing we can be sure of, it is the will of God that we work together according to His truth. What gets in the way? Pride, differing opinions, selfishness, envy, various theologies? That is where humility comes in. It is not that we aren't unique or different, but we are giving up our ideas, rights and privileges to the Lord and to one another.
Harmony has to do with oneness of attitude. Harmony is created when the various parts of an organization are properly related to the other in pursuit of common goals. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit.” In the gospel of John Jesus prayed for His people that they might all be one; even as He and His Father are one. Over and over again Paul exhorts men to his unity and oneness. He prays for it. The church is not honoring or obeying the Lord if there are serious divisions in it.
We saw that Peter tells his readers they should be willing to suffer wrong if needs be in order that Christ's kingdom might be continued.
Humility means to be humble in spirit. As sinners we come humbly before our Lord in confession and repentance. We recognize it is not our own works of righteousness, wisdom or understanding whereby we are saved, but fall on the mercy of a righteous God to forgive us of our sins. It is He who lifts us up and makes us His children by the cleansing that comes from faith in the crucifixion of Jesus for our sins.
Many struggle with low self-esteem. Many feel they do not match up with others in gifts or talents and us that feeling of inferiority to be inactive in church. But the focus of our attention with both pride and low self esteem is still us. ME. Humility is an attitude that we get when we get an awareness of our Creator and our relationship to Him. That's humility. If we are doing what God has gifted us to do, even if it is in a leadership role, humility allows us to still do our best as a servant to the Lord and one another.
When I went to a Gaither concert recently there were gifted singers. At times each one was highlighted for their talent. The purpose of the concert was to worship the Lord with their various gifts. As some sang together balance came when each did his or her part. They did not shine out, but played supporting parts. Some never sang lead. Even the sound board person was added as part of humor to show the importance of his part that he played in making the sound as it should be. The first time I ever saw the sound person recognized during a concert, but how important each one is to the whole.
The Christian is humble because he is aware of his dependence on God and because he constantly remembers that of himself he can do nothing. It comes, also from the fact that the Christian has new standard of comparison. It may well be true that when he compares himself with his neighbor, he is as good as any man. But the Christians standard of comparison is Christ and when he compares himself with the sinless perfection of incarnate love divine, he has every reason to be humble.
The disciples were full of divisiveness and selfishness and ambition and rivalry. That's the effect that being a special disciple and an apostle can do. Each was a specially chosen one. They were glowing in their call and began to wonder which ones were the special of special. Jesus gave them a lesson the least one of you is the greatest. Such a one is most like a child, dependent, and desirous of trusting me for everything. The greatest is one willing to be a slave. Such a one is in a better position to achieve harmony together.
Ambition is at the heart of many leaders. The temptation is to use people to achieve one's own personal agenda. Jesus example shows we do not have to be successful from man’s view, only yielded to God.
Today note area when pride or low self esteem crop up in our mind. Let the feels of discontent help you evaluate your part in working together with others in harmony. Recall the reasons if they are of the Lord or not. Seek the righteousness laid down for us by our Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Aug 5
Verse- 1 Pet 3:8-12 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Sympathy, Brotherly Love, Compassion
Righteousness is not just a position we have, clean before God, but a demonstration of Christ-likeness in the world around us.
These characteristics mentioned are not possible without relationships. We need other people to be affected by your sympathy, love, and compassion.
Sympathy means to feel with another. It is entering into their feeling world in joy and in sorrow. We send sympathy greetings when we hear of someone’s loss. Why? We are seeking to let someone know we care. We feel saddened with them in their sadness. We might join with others in celebration at a wedding or graduation. We want to help them in encouragement with their experience of joy. The closer we get to someone as a friend the deeper the feelings. Love does that.
When I serve as a chaplain I may not know the person I am visiting. I can sympathize in their loss only as I recall the pain of anyone losing a loved one. But each responds in different ways to loss. As a pastor, meeting in the home of folks I am close with, I understand better the dynamic of the relationships and life history and how it affects the family to see that person suffer or die. I sympathize in a much deeper level. Keep things surface and you will have little trouble getting along. Conversations that are limited to "Hi How are you"? allows little room for disagreement.
Wm. Barkey says "Sympathy and selfishness cannot co-exist. So long as the self is the most important thing in the world, there can be no such thing as sympathy. Sympathy depends on the willingness to forget self, to step outside self, and to identify oneself with the pains and sorrows of others. It is only when we die to self that we can live to others. Sympathy comes to the heart when Christ reigns within the heart.”
To be sympathetic with one another means that we must try to understand the world of others before we judge, or be critical. When one is going through difficult times, or problems do not be quick to condemn or criticize, but rather love them and sympathize.
We cannot feel with another very well without Brotherly Love. Let’s face it. Our relationships do not enter into a deep love for everyone, but certainly a human fondness and affection to those we know is a deeper level than just chit-chat. Remember the new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples. It is the command to love one another. “If a man says ‘I love God’ and hates his brother he is a liar."
I was talking to a pastor who experienced problems in his church because of the introduction of praise choruses in worship. People are not sympathizing and showing compassion to one another. They were gathering into groups to argue with one another according to their styles and tastes of songs. Some were threatening to leave a church because the leader used a guitar and not a piano. I have to wonder if they love the church and the brothers in it, or a form. We have problems if we let such issues get in the way of seeking to understand one another with whom we differ. People that love one another, and have the other’s interest and spiritual growth in mind seek harmony and humility.
I was so glad to hear some of our own older members say to me when we had some praise choruses, “Pastor I don't personally like it but if it does help some people to worship I'll support it.” Amen. That's maturity. That is of the Spirit. It is not of the Spirit to say if you don't do it my way that there is something wrong with you.
Compassion moves the attention to those who need encouragement and demonstration of love. Giving to the needy, helping the orphan, providing food to the hungry, giving a cup of cold water to those in need, visiting the sick, and helping those who need help are practical ways to show compassion. When someone loses a home, or job, or has an emergency compassion seeks to join with them in their need. That's what Jesus did.
As we prepare later this month for the great Stanchfield Give away, or hosting to those who are homeless as they live in the church for week, we can help with giving items away, or providing a meal. But we can also forget these acts are centered on lives in various stage of need. Too may people tell me they leave some churches feeling as if they are looked down upon and dirty. “Those people” is a term often used to separate us from them. Being compassionate is not just the activities we do, but the sharing of acceptance, especially among the brothers and sisters in the love that are one in the Spirit. If we treat others as family members, that is the image Peter presents as living righteously.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 6
Verses 1 Pet 3:9-10
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. (NIV)
Restraint
What is your response when someone insults you? What is your response when someone does something against you that is wrong? The natural instinct is to strike back. Retaliation is so easy and justified if we think we have been wrong. Yet Jesus taught non restraint from our feelings to give insult and speak negatively against another. Peter teaches not to return insult for insult which is contrary to feelings, but isn't that the essence of Christian conduct acting contrary to our old and fallen nature?
I read in one of the Daily Bread devotionals of a man who was a Christian and bought a farm, his neighbor said you have bought yourself a lawsuit. "What do you mean?" "Well, it's this way. Your fence is 10 feet too far over on my side and I'm taking the matter to court to prove it." "Oh, don't do that," said the new neighbor, "if the fence is in the wrong place, we'll move it to where you claim it should be."
The unbeliever was completely disarmed. "Do you really mean that?" "Well, of course I do. The Lord tells me to live peaceably with all men and I intend to follow His orders." The gruff man smiled and said "I'm sorry. Let’s just leave the fence where it is."
Do you ever think when you find a quarrel some individual to be willing to suffer loss for the sake of Christ if necessary? A loving attitude will bring God's approval.
Special attention is given to the place of the tongue. It is impossible to tame according to the book of James. He says, it is "a restless evil full of deadly poison.”
Jesus taught that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks Mat 12:34. The tongue gives expression of the inner man. to control the tongue one needs to have God change the inside. Deceitful speech is the means of lying. There are many ways to lie. The whole intend of deceitful speech is to confuse people into believing something that is not true. However one construes that.
Matt 12:36,37 "I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. "
My father used to enjoy writing poetry. He wrote one entitled Destroying Tongues
The wagging tongue is sharper far than any surgeons' knife,
Cutting deep in human hearts and killing precious life.
The gossip and the scandal that it tells of noble folk
Has wrecked fine lives of splendid worth, and many a home has broke.
"I saw so and so go out with someone else's wife."
And "Did you hear that poor dear tried hard to end her life?
Faster than the telegraph, or fire spreads the news,
That some poor soul, on tongues did roll, a martyr of wrong views.
The ringing of the telephone brings quick and hurried thrills.
As small and narrow neighbors all the rotten gossip spills.
"Say did you know that Mrs. B. Has to the gutter sunk."
"And that pious Richard V. came home gain dead drunk?"
Why not stop this monster that is smashing peoples lives.
By holding tongues and helping those who for life's comeback strives.
Then proud you'll feel and happy be to know you did your part,
To bring back peace and joy again and happy make some heart.
by Harold Cope
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Aug 7
Verses- 1 Pet 3:9,11-12 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Blessing and Peace
Not only does the Christian refuse to retaliate but he also takes this positive step of repaying insult with blessing. To call down God's blessing even upon his enemies is a true spiritually led individual. I haven't reached that point yet in my own life. There are times God reminds me how much He blesses me when I don’t deserve it. Then I know He isn’t done working with me yet.
I remember the controversy it brought in seminary when a classmate of mine posted the verses of praying for your enemies and doing good to those who persecute you. On his pre-computer blog, called the Wittenberg Door, he posted a prayer for the Viet Cong to bless them and make them successful. We were in the midst of the Viet Nam war at that time. It was offensive to most who read his remarks. His political views and appropriateness of the verses were debated.
It was then I realized the best prayer for blessing is to seek to see an enemy be saved, repent of their sin and become brothers and sisters in the Lord. I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said the best was to eliminate an enemy is make them a friend. The prayers for the enemies that are the best peace-seeking kind is when their spirit is renewed to its Creator. There is no other heart changing experience anyone can have.
But what if that person who insults, ridicules and does evil toward you is already a Christian? Of course, not everyone who calls himself a Christian is one. Not every church goer is a brother or sister in Christ.
But it is a fact that we sin. We do evil to one another. The answer from Peter’s letter is the same. Pray for them. Bless them so as to take away feels of retaliation and revenge. Realize God knows the whole story and is working on them as much as he is working on you. Give them to the Lord and seek reconciliation.
Peter knew the injustices his friends were suffering. He knew the persecutions were
unjustified. It was to only the loving acceptance of personal abuse is strong enough to overcome evil that prompts it. But this is the way that we will also inherit a blessing. the blessing that comes is from God if we act the way we are suppose to act and not act the way we feel like acting. God delights in bestowing his favor on all who gladly obey him, if not now then there is reward to come.
The man or woman who desires oneness and harmony desires to live according to God's perfect will. The passage Peter quoted was from Psalm 34. That was his Scriptures. It is also our Scriptures. David was fleeing Saul’s attacks as a background to his situation. He desire was not to fight King Saul but bless him and befriend him. He knew his heart was right before God. Even though Saul insulted him, sought to kill him, and persecute him, his desires was to respect his King as God’s anointed and not seek retaliation.
This is the reminder that the Lord is looking with favor upon those who seek to obey Him. God ears are attentive to their prayer. God listens. He listens to the prayers of the righteous.
David also knew that God actively pursues the welfare of the righteous his face is set against those who do evil. The person who has decided to do evil rather than pursue good has placed himself beyond the help of God.
Being a seeker of peace begins with the Lord. It is a spiritual decision that says, "Oh God, I have been one who has not sought oneness with brothers and sister in Christ. I have not watched my tongue, but said things that should not have been said. I need forgiveness. I need harmony. I need be sympathetic and seek to be loving and compassionate. Lord, I need to not put myself first, but You and Your glory and let you work in the lives of those around me as I pray for your work within my heart. Help me to watch my tongue, my attitude, my resentments and turn those over to blessings for the sake of peace.” Amen
Pastor Dale
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
What Husbands Should Know 1 Peter 3:7
Sermon Nuggets Monday July 27
Theme What Husbands Should Know
Verse 1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Note- I didn’t have computer access last week or until today, so will send Monday and Tuesday devotions today. The times may be different depending on my access as I am still on vacation.
What Husbands Should Know.
Last time I commented on 1 Peter 3:1-6. The subject was wives. This week I will center on husbands. I begin with an illustration by Dr. Robert McQuilkin.
Robertson McQuilkin resigned as president of Columbia Bible College and Seminary, in South Carolina. It was a surprise to many as he was an instrumental force for God's kingdom and the advancement of missions. Do you know why he resigned? It was because his wife contracted Alzheimer’s disease and needed his care.
He had struggled priorities of ministry or being a husband to his wife. Didn’t the Bible say that one should seek first the Kingdom of Heaven? Doesn’t that mean serve God above all things? Didn’t Jesus say if someone loves Father or Mother more than me he is not worthy of me? What about the passage mean that says "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-- yes, even his own life-- he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26)
Although this may have been a hyperbole for the sake of making it clear that our commitment to God is to be greater than all earthy attachments, how does that pay itself out if what we are doing is part of our commitment of obedience to the Lord in serving Him and the world as president of a Christian Institution? People advised him to put her in a nursing home so he could continue in the school. They needed him.
McQuilkin wrote an article in Leadership magazine where he stated that he doesn't have to care for his wife, he gets to. One blessing is the way she teaches him about God's love. She picks flowers outside-anyone's flowers and fills the house with them. In her confusion she picks the inside flowers too. Someone had given them planted flowers and she picked them and put them in a vase of water.
Sometimes while shopping in a grocery store Muriel begins to load others people's carts and takes off with them. As she needed Robertson more he wrestled daily with the question of who gets him full-time- the school or his wife? He promised 42 years before to take care of her in sickness and in health till death do us part. She had cared for him almost 40 years and with devotion; now it was his turn.
To the world the decision of a 57 years old man resigning from the highest post at a significant religious college to spend his time caring for his wife seemed to foolish when she would not even know who he was in a few short months. He told the school they can get another president. “My wife cannot get another husband.”
One oncologist said "Almost all women stand by their men; very few men stand by their women." McQuilkins said, "It is more than keeping promises and being fair, however. As I watch her brave descent into oblivion Muriel is the joy of my life. Daily I discern new manifestations of the kind of person she is, the wife I always loved. I also see fresh manifestation of God's love- the God I long to love more fully."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Tues July 28, 2009
Verse 1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Consider your Relationships.
I am dealing with the verse that relates to husbands this week, as I wrote about wives last time. Since people were coming to Christ in the first century, there are the practical questions of how Christian relationship should change. The last chapters we had looked at how Jesus affect one's relationship with the government, with one's master or employers, and with one's marriage. The concept of what we have been talking about is the importance of harmony and order within the institutions that God has made, and how mankind and culture affects those relationships. We see the importance of being a witness to the unsaved and influence our culture around us with the light that comes from God. We saw the overlying principle of submission first to God and then to those who have authority over us so peace will reign and not chaos. We talked about the importance of letting God use us to facilitate change. Sometime we might have to give up rights and privileges in order to see the Kingdom of God advance and people grow in Christ. It is not taking upon ourselves a new form of legalism, but love. If you suffer for good then God will honor you.
A marriage relationship is the hardest place to live out your faith if you are married to an unsaved person. Don't marry a non-Christian you will be disobeying the Lord. But the point we made last time was if you came to faith in Jesus and your husband has not, then be the best wife you can be.
Some things we mentioned wives should know that marriage is a matter of submission in the partnership, it is a matter of purity in actions and dress, a matter of gentleness in attitude and words and a matter of trust in Jesus under whom one gives complete faith that He will work it out for His best. There is no place for abuse or misuse of the law however and if one finds themselves in that type of situation, help is needed for all parties involved. That is not honoring to the Lord.
Now we introduced our thoughts to speak to the husbands. I do not particularly like the way New International Version translates the Greek. I feel there is more interpretation than what the text might allow. The King James Version seems to me to be the best translation closest to the original words in my humble handling of the language.
Therefore listed the NIV text above. Here is how the KJV translates it. "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
As God desires harmony in the home the relationship between husband and wife is a reflection of the relationship that God desires with Jesus and the Church. Further reading on this is in Ephesians 5:25-33 , there are important Biblical instructions for husbands. But especially if you have a wife who is not a believer in Christ yet, our examples as men in love and in our commitment to our relationship with wives should provide a significant witness of the love of Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 29
Verse- 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider your Responsibilities
Husbands are to be in the same way , or KJV says likewise. That goes back to 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone. But 2:13 and 2:17 would indicate the proper respect is shown by appropriate submission. The consideration that the husband has for his wife is also submitting to the example of Jesus Christ. This involves so much, but not the least of which is submission to the will of the Father. We know that Jesus desired two things on the earth to glorify his Father in heaven, and love His own so that they would be cared for.
Jesus was committed to his task of providing salvation because that is what brought more glory to God. The words "Till death us do part" are more than a just a phrase intended to give solemnity to the wedding ceremony. That is a determined commitment that makes for a happy marriage that goes beyond just the surface. It is an expression of commitment through all the joys and sorrows of marriage. That commitment to the will of the Father is part of the example of Christ.
If the Lord has desired that the husband be the head of the house for the sake of harmony and peace it is a role within a relationship to express love and relationship to the world. You can be sure that Satan will tempt man to lord it over his wife, or for the wife to be tempted to lord it over her husband to discredit the plan of God in a Christian marriage. It is easy to fall into the temptation to rule instead of lead.
Look at the verse Luke 22:25-26 "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." He also washed His disciple's feet as a demonstration of leadership. "You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:13-15)
Notice that the military model of authority depends on subduing disobedience with power from above. Its objects is accomplishing the task at hand. The Christian model of authority depends on submission from below. Its object is the personal growth of the one who is led.
Tasks serve as opportunities for spiritual growing and the task can be modified for the learner's development.
Jesus communicated with the Father regularly and desired it. Be like Jesus. Let your conversations be from the heart with love and appreciation. Leadership before God means I must answer to God for the way I provide spiritual leadership with my family. So many studies are done that show the adverse affect that fatherless homes have on children in the long run. Just as fathers provide an important balance if done with love and reliance on God, so do roles as a husband to love, lead and care for his wife. God has called me to be considerate to my wife. If I am not, I have to answer to God, not my wife. It is a spiritual obligation that I do not make my decisions and expect her to waddle along with my every whim and whistle. No. It is a submission of my rights to God and asking God and Judi and in matter that are of importance to make them with her good in mind.
Within religious circles two terms have emerged regarding roles in a relationship. They are complementarian and egalitarianism. The complementarian view of marriage maintains that each gender for the most part has different roles to play in their relationship. A husband is considered to have the God-given responsibility to provide for, protect, and lead his family, while a wife is to collaborate with her husband, respect him, and serve as his helper in managing the household and primarily providing nurturing of young children.
Egalitarianism maintains that women and men should share equal authority and responsibility in marriage, and have equal leadership opportunities in religion and elsewhere.
I personally follow the complementarian view of Scripture. Most certainly each partner has unique gifts and abilities within a relationship, but the pattern for harmony within a relationship is best provided with responsibilities in roles that make that relationship function under God’s design. We have responsibilities as husbands. I believe it is to provide loving leadership to wives as a ministry to the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 30, 2009
Verse- 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider Your Responses
As husbands, what should our responses be toward our wives? The NIV says to be considerate. The KJVsays to dwell with them according to the knowledge. What the Greek is saying literally is to live at home with his wife according to the standard of experiential knowledge. The word implies to make a home for, to inhabit one's abode together, to live at home with.
Men often allow themselves to become so occupied with so many other things that they have little time for their families and seldom spent time at home. In other words I believe he must become sensitive to his wife's feelings and desires. He must be considerate.
Knowledge is knowing about your wife, what she thinks, what she likes, what she dislikes, how she feels. Listing to her fears, and hopes and dreams is a means to gain knowledge and become an encouragement to our help mate. Still the number one problem in most marital relationships is the lack of communication. It takes work.
Often husbands fail to realize how tedious and boring housework can be. Men might think they've earned a trip alone fishing or with the boys playing golf and forget that women need a break from their housework also and have a vacation. Since I am on vacation this week Judi and I were reminiscing on past vacations. I longingly reminded her of the week up at a resort where we all had fun, fishing, swimming, playing table games, talking. “We should try to do that again.”
She responded, “I just remember working the whole time cleaning, organizing and cooking all week.”
How our memories change with years. Apparently she didn’t get the break she was looking forward to having. (I carried the stuff in.)
When I passed out a survey to couples on what they wished their spouse would know a common comment by wives is the feeling of being taken from granted. Women want to be appreciated and loved. They want romance, men. I forget that. I think that my wife knows that I love her. After reading the surveys I noticed my wife’s handwriting was not in the pile, but the comments just as well could have been. Love exists, but the affectionate relationship begins to cool. Women want to be appreciated and told that, shown that in ways that will not necessarily lead to sex.
When as the last time you and your spouse went out on a date? Dating and romancing your spouse can change those patterns and be a lot of fun and it is worth the trouble. Preventive maintenance takes on going work but it is work that must be done sooner, not later.
Another thing from the surveys is both men and women said good marriage take WORK. Even those who rated their marriage the highest said marriage takes work. Habits creep in slowly and after awhile a couple realizes the spark of romance is gone and they didn’t notice.
When I suggest dates some think they can't afford that. You can't afford not to. It might mean special attention at home, like making her breakfast in bed, or put together a puzzle, or renting or borrowing a classic video, or building a snowman. Even offer to take the kids every so often so she can get out of the house and do something for herself. It will do wonders.
Be the best husband you can possibly be; you will be happy. Most women would like to have the respect they received when you were dating. During those earlier days you wanted to hear what she said. You told her how much she meant to you. You liked being with she. Those practices will still be greatly appreciated.
The husband is to have a special place of honor for his wife, showing her worth and distinction, that she is highly prized, esteemed and loved.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Friday July 31, 2009
Verse: 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider your Reasons
The Bible calls the woman a weaker vessel. There isn't much debate that men are physically stronger than women. But cultures and countries respond to women differently as we are being painfully aware in the Middle East and Asia. Democracies have argued for free rights and privileges as well as equal wages and benefits for all people regardless of gender. Spiritually, of course, the Bible also acknowledges we are equal at the foot of the cross. Galatians is clear that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, male nor female, Jew or Gentile. We are all created in the image of God.
But that does not mean the Lord has given us the same gifts, talents, abilities as individuals-men and women. Some women have higher intelligence compared to men and vice versa. Some are more mechanical or mathematical, not to mention the Holy Spirit gives Spiritual gifts as He wills, and for periods of time according to God’s purposes. .
Weaker is a comparative term. Weaker implies one is weak and the other is weaker. We are all weak that is why we both must be dependent upon God.
This context of our meditations relate to how one is to influence others for the sake of Christ, whether one is saved when he is a slave, she is a wife, or he is a husband. As a father and husband you have responsibility to God to bring your family in the admonishment of Jesus. There are many women who become the spiritual leaders in their home because the husband is not saved or is living in rebellion against God and His truth. But as I read the Bible the man is held accountable to God to lead his family and provide spiritual influence.
This week I read how former President Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Church. His views go contrary to their stated teaching on the place of women in the church and in marriage. I will blog on this with my weekly email "From Cope’s Computer" this coming Wednesday. But as a politician and a Christian, he feels the way women are treated in his denomination should not be in complimentary roles. He sees the church putting women in subservient positions that deny their equality in a culture, country and church. Even to use the term weaker would likely be prejudicial and wrong.
How do we live out two princples of weakness and equality in gender relationships according to the Bible? The passage makes clear equality in standing and in your inheritances given by God. You are each a child of God and there is no distinction. There are equal spiritual rights. Certainly, all people putting their faith in Christ are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. God is delighted in the prayers of heartfelt conversations. He is delighted in loving the Jew as He is of the Gentile. Compared to the Jews would Gentiles be the weaker race because of the role they place in redemptive history? Is God’s plan for the Israeli nation over?
God will avenge injustice as much as the slave and the citizen, for the Jew or the Gentile, for the woman and the man, for the husband and the wife, for the employer and the employee, for the slave and the master.
How one treats his wife affects his relationship with God. Prayers are hindered if the wife is not properly cared for and honored under God.
When I came to Stanchfield I met Melvin and Amy Christensen. I think of them often. One man said to me “I have changed since I got married. I am different man today than back then. I must be true to myself and follow who I really am.” He was going to divorce his wife.
I thought of Melvin who tenderly cared for Amy when she had a stroke. When she was unable to communicate he devotedly worked and worked until she would talk. He did not give up. When she needed food he cooked it when she did all the cooking before. When she needed to be dressed he dressed her. The bright part of the day was when he could get her to write and speak a word. They celebrated. He learned through the years to continue in perseverance and brought her home.
They invited me to dinner as many of you have been in their home. Amy pointed to things to show me. When Melvin was increasing getting hard of hearing they worked out a system to communicate and help one another in their weaknesses.
I thought of them when a younger wife told me, "I guess I never really loved him. I have to do something for myself now, you know. I've given enough and lost many years in this relationship.”
After hearing the same senseless script I go back and think of the God honoring relationship between Melvin and Amy. Together they served their Lord by serving the community and the church faithfully. I went to Melvin at his request when a child needed money to go to camp. I watched Amy read her Bible and Daily Bread while confined at Grandview. They knew what Jesus meant when He said it is more blessed to give that receive. In dying we have eternal life.
What is it going to be ladies? What is it going to be men? Is the purpose of marriage to seek to meet your selfish needs? When there are gender power struggles in a relationship how does that honor God or witness to the sacrifice of Jesus for us? How are people to know the love of Jesus for His church and the importance of commitment, respect and mutual submission? I am glad for examples like the Christensons in Stanchfield who let their marriage show me Jesus.
In our relationship for harmony in the home I believe Scripture presents workable roles for the saved husband and the saved wife that brings glory to the Lord and peace as a light to Him. It is not in demanding our rights, but submitting them with our unique responsibilities before the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Theme What Husbands Should Know
Verse 1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Note- I didn’t have computer access last week or until today, so will send Monday and Tuesday devotions today. The times may be different depending on my access as I am still on vacation.
What Husbands Should Know.
Last time I commented on 1 Peter 3:1-6. The subject was wives. This week I will center on husbands. I begin with an illustration by Dr. Robert McQuilkin.
Robertson McQuilkin resigned as president of Columbia Bible College and Seminary, in South Carolina. It was a surprise to many as he was an instrumental force for God's kingdom and the advancement of missions. Do you know why he resigned? It was because his wife contracted Alzheimer’s disease and needed his care.
He had struggled priorities of ministry or being a husband to his wife. Didn’t the Bible say that one should seek first the Kingdom of Heaven? Doesn’t that mean serve God above all things? Didn’t Jesus say if someone loves Father or Mother more than me he is not worthy of me? What about the passage mean that says "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-- yes, even his own life-- he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26)
Although this may have been a hyperbole for the sake of making it clear that our commitment to God is to be greater than all earthy attachments, how does that pay itself out if what we are doing is part of our commitment of obedience to the Lord in serving Him and the world as president of a Christian Institution? People advised him to put her in a nursing home so he could continue in the school. They needed him.
McQuilkin wrote an article in Leadership magazine where he stated that he doesn't have to care for his wife, he gets to. One blessing is the way she teaches him about God's love. She picks flowers outside-anyone's flowers and fills the house with them. In her confusion she picks the inside flowers too. Someone had given them planted flowers and she picked them and put them in a vase of water.
Sometimes while shopping in a grocery store Muriel begins to load others people's carts and takes off with them. As she needed Robertson more he wrestled daily with the question of who gets him full-time- the school or his wife? He promised 42 years before to take care of her in sickness and in health till death do us part. She had cared for him almost 40 years and with devotion; now it was his turn.
To the world the decision of a 57 years old man resigning from the highest post at a significant religious college to spend his time caring for his wife seemed to foolish when she would not even know who he was in a few short months. He told the school they can get another president. “My wife cannot get another husband.”
One oncologist said "Almost all women stand by their men; very few men stand by their women." McQuilkins said, "It is more than keeping promises and being fair, however. As I watch her brave descent into oblivion Muriel is the joy of my life. Daily I discern new manifestations of the kind of person she is, the wife I always loved. I also see fresh manifestation of God's love- the God I long to love more fully."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Tues July 28, 2009
Verse 1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Consider your Relationships.
I am dealing with the verse that relates to husbands this week, as I wrote about wives last time. Since people were coming to Christ in the first century, there are the practical questions of how Christian relationship should change. The last chapters we had looked at how Jesus affect one's relationship with the government, with one's master or employers, and with one's marriage. The concept of what we have been talking about is the importance of harmony and order within the institutions that God has made, and how mankind and culture affects those relationships. We see the importance of being a witness to the unsaved and influence our culture around us with the light that comes from God. We saw the overlying principle of submission first to God and then to those who have authority over us so peace will reign and not chaos. We talked about the importance of letting God use us to facilitate change. Sometime we might have to give up rights and privileges in order to see the Kingdom of God advance and people grow in Christ. It is not taking upon ourselves a new form of legalism, but love. If you suffer for good then God will honor you.
A marriage relationship is the hardest place to live out your faith if you are married to an unsaved person. Don't marry a non-Christian you will be disobeying the Lord. But the point we made last time was if you came to faith in Jesus and your husband has not, then be the best wife you can be.
Some things we mentioned wives should know that marriage is a matter of submission in the partnership, it is a matter of purity in actions and dress, a matter of gentleness in attitude and words and a matter of trust in Jesus under whom one gives complete faith that He will work it out for His best. There is no place for abuse or misuse of the law however and if one finds themselves in that type of situation, help is needed for all parties involved. That is not honoring to the Lord.
Now we introduced our thoughts to speak to the husbands. I do not particularly like the way New International Version translates the Greek. I feel there is more interpretation than what the text might allow. The King James Version seems to me to be the best translation closest to the original words in my humble handling of the language.
Therefore listed the NIV text above. Here is how the KJV translates it. "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
As God desires harmony in the home the relationship between husband and wife is a reflection of the relationship that God desires with Jesus and the Church. Further reading on this is in Ephesians 5:25-33 , there are important Biblical instructions for husbands. But especially if you have a wife who is not a believer in Christ yet, our examples as men in love and in our commitment to our relationship with wives should provide a significant witness of the love of Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 29
Verse- 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider your Responsibilities
Husbands are to be in the same way , or KJV says likewise. That goes back to 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone. But 2:13 and 2:17 would indicate the proper respect is shown by appropriate submission. The consideration that the husband has for his wife is also submitting to the example of Jesus Christ. This involves so much, but not the least of which is submission to the will of the Father. We know that Jesus desired two things on the earth to glorify his Father in heaven, and love His own so that they would be cared for.
Jesus was committed to his task of providing salvation because that is what brought more glory to God. The words "Till death us do part" are more than a just a phrase intended to give solemnity to the wedding ceremony. That is a determined commitment that makes for a happy marriage that goes beyond just the surface. It is an expression of commitment through all the joys and sorrows of marriage. That commitment to the will of the Father is part of the example of Christ.
If the Lord has desired that the husband be the head of the house for the sake of harmony and peace it is a role within a relationship to express love and relationship to the world. You can be sure that Satan will tempt man to lord it over his wife, or for the wife to be tempted to lord it over her husband to discredit the plan of God in a Christian marriage. It is easy to fall into the temptation to rule instead of lead.
Look at the verse Luke 22:25-26 "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." He also washed His disciple's feet as a demonstration of leadership. "You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:13-15)
Notice that the military model of authority depends on subduing disobedience with power from above. Its objects is accomplishing the task at hand. The Christian model of authority depends on submission from below. Its object is the personal growth of the one who is led.
Tasks serve as opportunities for spiritual growing and the task can be modified for the learner's development.
Jesus communicated with the Father regularly and desired it. Be like Jesus. Let your conversations be from the heart with love and appreciation. Leadership before God means I must answer to God for the way I provide spiritual leadership with my family. So many studies are done that show the adverse affect that fatherless homes have on children in the long run. Just as fathers provide an important balance if done with love and reliance on God, so do roles as a husband to love, lead and care for his wife. God has called me to be considerate to my wife. If I am not, I have to answer to God, not my wife. It is a spiritual obligation that I do not make my decisions and expect her to waddle along with my every whim and whistle. No. It is a submission of my rights to God and asking God and Judi and in matter that are of importance to make them with her good in mind.
Within religious circles two terms have emerged regarding roles in a relationship. They are complementarian and egalitarianism. The complementarian view of marriage maintains that each gender for the most part has different roles to play in their relationship. A husband is considered to have the God-given responsibility to provide for, protect, and lead his family, while a wife is to collaborate with her husband, respect him, and serve as his helper in managing the household and primarily providing nurturing of young children.
Egalitarianism maintains that women and men should share equal authority and responsibility in marriage, and have equal leadership opportunities in religion and elsewhere.
I personally follow the complementarian view of Scripture. Most certainly each partner has unique gifts and abilities within a relationship, but the pattern for harmony within a relationship is best provided with responsibilities in roles that make that relationship function under God’s design. We have responsibilities as husbands. I believe it is to provide loving leadership to wives as a ministry to the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 30, 2009
Verse- 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider Your Responses
As husbands, what should our responses be toward our wives? The NIV says to be considerate. The KJVsays to dwell with them according to the knowledge. What the Greek is saying literally is to live at home with his wife according to the standard of experiential knowledge. The word implies to make a home for, to inhabit one's abode together, to live at home with.
Men often allow themselves to become so occupied with so many other things that they have little time for their families and seldom spent time at home. In other words I believe he must become sensitive to his wife's feelings and desires. He must be considerate.
Knowledge is knowing about your wife, what she thinks, what she likes, what she dislikes, how she feels. Listing to her fears, and hopes and dreams is a means to gain knowledge and become an encouragement to our help mate. Still the number one problem in most marital relationships is the lack of communication. It takes work.
Often husbands fail to realize how tedious and boring housework can be. Men might think they've earned a trip alone fishing or with the boys playing golf and forget that women need a break from their housework also and have a vacation. Since I am on vacation this week Judi and I were reminiscing on past vacations. I longingly reminded her of the week up at a resort where we all had fun, fishing, swimming, playing table games, talking. “We should try to do that again.”
She responded, “I just remember working the whole time cleaning, organizing and cooking all week.”
How our memories change with years. Apparently she didn’t get the break she was looking forward to having. (I carried the stuff in.)
When I passed out a survey to couples on what they wished their spouse would know a common comment by wives is the feeling of being taken from granted. Women want to be appreciated and loved. They want romance, men. I forget that. I think that my wife knows that I love her. After reading the surveys I noticed my wife’s handwriting was not in the pile, but the comments just as well could have been. Love exists, but the affectionate relationship begins to cool. Women want to be appreciated and told that, shown that in ways that will not necessarily lead to sex.
When as the last time you and your spouse went out on a date? Dating and romancing your spouse can change those patterns and be a lot of fun and it is worth the trouble. Preventive maintenance takes on going work but it is work that must be done sooner, not later.
Another thing from the surveys is both men and women said good marriage take WORK. Even those who rated their marriage the highest said marriage takes work. Habits creep in slowly and after awhile a couple realizes the spark of romance is gone and they didn’t notice.
When I suggest dates some think they can't afford that. You can't afford not to. It might mean special attention at home, like making her breakfast in bed, or put together a puzzle, or renting or borrowing a classic video, or building a snowman. Even offer to take the kids every so often so she can get out of the house and do something for herself. It will do wonders.
Be the best husband you can possibly be; you will be happy. Most women would like to have the respect they received when you were dating. During those earlier days you wanted to hear what she said. You told her how much she meant to you. You liked being with she. Those practices will still be greatly appreciated.
The husband is to have a special place of honor for his wife, showing her worth and distinction, that she is highly prized, esteemed and loved.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Friday July 31, 2009
Verse: 1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."KJV
Consider your Reasons
The Bible calls the woman a weaker vessel. There isn't much debate that men are physically stronger than women. But cultures and countries respond to women differently as we are being painfully aware in the Middle East and Asia. Democracies have argued for free rights and privileges as well as equal wages and benefits for all people regardless of gender. Spiritually, of course, the Bible also acknowledges we are equal at the foot of the cross. Galatians is clear that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, male nor female, Jew or Gentile. We are all created in the image of God.
But that does not mean the Lord has given us the same gifts, talents, abilities as individuals-men and women. Some women have higher intelligence compared to men and vice versa. Some are more mechanical or mathematical, not to mention the Holy Spirit gives Spiritual gifts as He wills, and for periods of time according to God’s purposes. .
Weaker is a comparative term. Weaker implies one is weak and the other is weaker. We are all weak that is why we both must be dependent upon God.
This context of our meditations relate to how one is to influence others for the sake of Christ, whether one is saved when he is a slave, she is a wife, or he is a husband. As a father and husband you have responsibility to God to bring your family in the admonishment of Jesus. There are many women who become the spiritual leaders in their home because the husband is not saved or is living in rebellion against God and His truth. But as I read the Bible the man is held accountable to God to lead his family and provide spiritual influence.
This week I read how former President Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Church. His views go contrary to their stated teaching on the place of women in the church and in marriage. I will blog on this with my weekly email "From Cope’s Computer" this coming Wednesday. But as a politician and a Christian, he feels the way women are treated in his denomination should not be in complimentary roles. He sees the church putting women in subservient positions that deny their equality in a culture, country and church. Even to use the term weaker would likely be prejudicial and wrong.
How do we live out two princples of weakness and equality in gender relationships according to the Bible? The passage makes clear equality in standing and in your inheritances given by God. You are each a child of God and there is no distinction. There are equal spiritual rights. Certainly, all people putting their faith in Christ are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. God is delighted in the prayers of heartfelt conversations. He is delighted in loving the Jew as He is of the Gentile. Compared to the Jews would Gentiles be the weaker race because of the role they place in redemptive history? Is God’s plan for the Israeli nation over?
God will avenge injustice as much as the slave and the citizen, for the Jew or the Gentile, for the woman and the man, for the husband and the wife, for the employer and the employee, for the slave and the master.
How one treats his wife affects his relationship with God. Prayers are hindered if the wife is not properly cared for and honored under God.
When I came to Stanchfield I met Melvin and Amy Christensen. I think of them often. One man said to me “I have changed since I got married. I am different man today than back then. I must be true to myself and follow who I really am.” He was going to divorce his wife.
I thought of Melvin who tenderly cared for Amy when she had a stroke. When she was unable to communicate he devotedly worked and worked until she would talk. He did not give up. When she needed food he cooked it when she did all the cooking before. When she needed to be dressed he dressed her. The bright part of the day was when he could get her to write and speak a word. They celebrated. He learned through the years to continue in perseverance and brought her home.
They invited me to dinner as many of you have been in their home. Amy pointed to things to show me. When Melvin was increasing getting hard of hearing they worked out a system to communicate and help one another in their weaknesses.
I thought of them when a younger wife told me, "I guess I never really loved him. I have to do something for myself now, you know. I've given enough and lost many years in this relationship.”
After hearing the same senseless script I go back and think of the God honoring relationship between Melvin and Amy. Together they served their Lord by serving the community and the church faithfully. I went to Melvin at his request when a child needed money to go to camp. I watched Amy read her Bible and Daily Bread while confined at Grandview. They knew what Jesus meant when He said it is more blessed to give that receive. In dying we have eternal life.
What is it going to be ladies? What is it going to be men? Is the purpose of marriage to seek to meet your selfish needs? When there are gender power struggles in a relationship how does that honor God or witness to the sacrifice of Jesus for us? How are people to know the love of Jesus for His church and the importance of commitment, respect and mutual submission? I am glad for examples like the Christensons in Stanchfield who let their marriage show me Jesus.
In our relationship for harmony in the home I believe Scripture presents workable roles for the saved husband and the saved wife that brings glory to the Lord and peace as a light to Him. It is not in demanding our rights, but submitting them with our unique responsibilities before the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Friday, July 17, 2009
Harmony in the Home 1 Peter 3:1-6
Sermon Nuggets Mon July 13
Theme Harmony in the Home
Verses: 1 Pet 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
Harmony in the Home- Wives
I begin devotions this week with a controversial passage in our society because the passage speaks of submission to your husbands as if wives were slaves. In our culture wives are to be treated as equals.
Next week we will speak about husbands, but the phrase “wives, in the same way…” should give us some thought. It refers to the things that Peter had discussed earlier. Last week we looked at the importance of jobs. He was actually talking to slaves who were now saved and instructing them to live lives yielded to the Lord, doing right, and if he suffers unjustly let God use that to bring vengeance from God and convict people their need for Jesus to save them.
Praise God we do not live in a slave based society and for employers to treat their workers
with beatings, no pay, and conditions of physical suffering would be illegal. In that context of having no recourse or rights the slave submitted himself to the Lord. But everyone regardless of their employment should submit himself, or herself, to the Lord.
The same way, wives were in a society without rights or privileges. They had no recourse where husbands could beat, and misuse their wives. What do you do as a wife in a slave-like relationship when there is no one to turn to? You turn to the Lord and recognize higher principles in a relationship that God can use. Be like Jesus and know that God will bring good out of bad situations.
Workers today have rights, and so do wives. We do not live in that same environment and economy. I would not argue to return to a slave-like system with workers or with wives. Many masters treated their slaves with utmost respect, just as many husbands also treated their wives with greatest of honor and love. But there are principles for slaves and principles for wives. Those principles are valid for employees in our work world today and these principles “in the same way” are valid way to treat husbands as well as wives in our day today. Let Jesus be your model.
Christian Parenting Today, by Karen Harter in entitled, "I Have a Dream". In it the Mother awakens to the dawn of a new day. House immaculate, aroma fresh coffee filling the air. She leisurely breakfast on table of fresh flowers and tasteful stereo music, enjoying quiche and grapefruit skimming of the New York Times and await a romantic breakfast with her husband who following his shower dresses neatly folding his pajamas and depositing his wet towel in the hamper. He cheerfully joins his wife for breakfast and meaningful conversation. What a dream!
You get the picture don't you? Then she hears the yell, "Mom, Michael's wet his bed again and now he's trying to get into mine." awakens Mom from her dream. She notices that her husband is gone for the day with the laundry basket dumped onto the bedroom floor and clothes scattered all over. The kitchen a mess with cereal and spilled milk.
I like this part, "It is 10 A.M. and I am still unshowered and uncombed. I am on my hands and knees scrubbing jam off the linoleum, while mentally stewing my husband for not leaving me the checkbook so I can pay the bills. Through the hand prints on the sliding glass door I see two brown legs. They are attached to a handsome UPS man who is looking down at me with an amused sort of smirk.
I hate that. He probably thinks I am messy, disorganized, undisciplined housewife. Oh yes, I know what he's thinking. He's thinking my bangs are too short, and my children are unkempt, and those curtains look tacky with that wallpaper."
What Karen Harter describes in her articles articulates well the dream and the reality. We chide ourselves and feel we fail miserably when what we've dreamed and what occurs are two different worlds.
Too often we idealize Christian marriage where bliss and harmony exist constantly and are surprisingly disappointed when life does not work out that way. We start to think that's the way all Christians live except my family.
Christ's desire for Christian marriages is harmony. How can it be a happier place? One way is to seek to fulfill God's design in your role as a wife and husband. Each spouse needs to apply Biblical principles to assure the Harmony. It is God’s will to seek to save each member of the family and when one spouse is a believer God can use ones life to witness to the other spouse. It starts by seeking harmony in the home.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nugget Tues July 14, 2009
Verse 1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
Marriage is a Matter of Submissiveness
Don't you find it interesting that there is 6 verses for women, and only one for men. In the first century if a man accepted Christ the wife followed. It was not the other way around. It was true then and is true today women were more open to the gospel than men were. After women turned to Christ the question was how were they to live so as to positively witness to their unsaved husband. As head of the households the men often resented what happened and it meant for further suffering of their wives. What's the best way to win their husband over to Christ?
First, submission is for the sake of witness. This is one of those passages that are full of controversy if people in our day make it such. In the day of Women's Liberation we do not like being told submit. Yet this is the call of Christ for all of us. We are to submit to authorities and rulers of every kind.
The relationship between husband and wife is the most basic of relationships. It should be the goal of each Christian to be the best they can be for Jesus sake. But don't mistake the problem with disobeying the Biblical commandment not to marry non-Christian. II Cor. 6:14,15
I did a survey at Stanchfield asking the question what would you like young couple to know before marriage. When it comes to spiritual things the women tend to be more open in their comments than the men.
Listen to the advice from the ladies: "You better be sure he has a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ before you marry him.” “Jesus is the only hope for change.” “Be sure that your spouse is a true Christian and willing to be the spiritual leader of the family.” “Get it together spiritually and know where your to-be spouse is at.” “Marry a Christian.” "One thing I learned before marriage was to wait. When I waited God led me to the right one to be my husband. Someone from a Christian home and as a Christian and attended Church regularly.”
Submission is a whole lot easier if you share the same values and goals under Jesus. Don't expect God to bless if you are in disobedience to him and marry someone outside the faith or think you can change him after marriage.
Now if you have become a believer after marriage that is a different matter. You are not to leave your spouse, but be the type of wife that will allow God's Spirit to work on him and bring him to salvation. Be the best wife you can. Honoring, respect, encourage, love and agree to let him lead in ways that are right. Turn your rights over to the Lord. May your actions be used of God. No Christian wife can help win her husband over by being bossy.
Secondly, Submit for the sake of Harmony
Don't get caught up in power struggles. Most commonly, nobody wins. God designed that there be leadership in every organization. That has nothing to do with knowledge, or even ability. It has to do with harmonious relationship.
Subjection does not mean inferior, not subordinate nor slave. It is for the purpose of order.
For harmony to exist in worship we obviously have shared positions of authority. Every so often the organist or pianist would get the wrong song and begin playing it. Everyone has an embarrassed giggle and stops because there is conflict. Harmony is when we play the same song, sing the same verses at the same time. So we have order. We submit ourselves one to another for sake of harmony, so now a song leader comes and gives us the number tells us to stand or sit.
Within the roles we play there are times when we are in authority. That is an important role for the sake of harmony. We are to reflect love and submission, care and giving up of rights for greater enduring happiness. We must be different than the way other marriages are made if we are under God's authority. God holds the husband responsibility for how the family is doing. That is the ideal situation as the marriage team works together each with their gifts and abilities.
Submission was set as an example by Jesus, as we read in the preceding verses. Jesus sought submission to the will of His Father yet they were co-equal in nature and in essence. He voluntarily ordered this earthly experience to the will of his Father so that His glory and love might be more clearly seen. That is the model Peter presents for us all.
Listen also to some of the comments from the men in the survey. "Let their husband be the leader and be the man she fell in love with and that she should feed him with her solid thinking and thoughtful idea." "Do not have a women's lib attitude toward your husband and family. It will put great pressure on your marriage." “Be a good helper to your husband.”
Marriage is a step of faith by letting the Lord do the leading according to the principles laid out in the Scriptures. Disorder happens when we seek our will and way. That’s how it has been from the beginning.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Weds July 15, 2009
Verses- 1 Peter 3:2,3 ..when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.
Marriage is a Matter of Purity
Since Peter is addressing wives in this passage he recognizes the role is used by God to change the family for Christ. Christianity is more than mental assent to doctrines of Christian faith it is a manner of life of purity first and foremost to God. A wife has testimony of her life to help husband come to Christ by her Christian conduct, her reverence and her purity.
The emphasis on women toward their husbands is in character, not in outward beauty. There are lots of people that work on being beautiful outwardly without inward beauty from God.
Women, even in that society did a lot to making themselves pretty. According to one commentary, those who could afford it didn't work so they spent lots of time and energy primping up and looking attractive. They gave attention to their hair by spinning it, braiding it, decorating it. They would decorate themselves with jewelry. They had rings for noses and ears and wrist and neck and ankles. The latest styles brought brought evny of others. I guess things don't change much through the years.
There certainly isn't anything wrong with trying to look nice, but sexual attractiveness has become an obcession in our society. Such a focus on how pretty we look instead of how godly one is for the Lord is a misguided priority.
I talked with some former folks from Stanchfield who told me in their present church they can't afford to dress up like the others in their young adult Sunday School do. So? I asked. They explained that was the basis of their acceptance in the church, not officially, but informally. Many their age were wearing designer clothes and those most popular as leaders were admired. I said this sounded like Junior High instead of a place of worship for all people.
Since we want to fit in, the criteria to do so is often on outward appearances. Don't get caught up in that game of being accepted or part of certain cliques based on what you wear or how you look. That is not as important to God as your purity and character of righteousness.
Some think this is an injunction against make-up or jewelry, but I don't think that is the intent. It isn't that you shouldn't seek to be attractive and neat. But you shouldn't do that to the neglect of fine character. The character reflected in pure action is far more important than outward adornment. Isaiah's denunciation of the daughter of Zion is for this very reason they were "haughty, and walked with stretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet. (Is. 3:16-24) Many of the women would get caught up in affairs, and extra marital relationships because of their outward advertisements. Instead women are to be pure and holy and set aside for their husbands only. It does no marriage any good to go around comparing what you think you might have gotten in a husband, instead of what you do have in a husband. The Lord's word desires that we make our husbands happy with faithfulness, purity, and reverence for them.
There are scriptural indications of the bride being adorned for her husband, which are symbolic of purity and reverence for Christ. I wish that many women would put in at least the equal time reading their Bible and praying as they do in trying to fix their hair and look nice. The inner beauty is what God is concerned about the character.
The emphasis on Scripture in the original emphasizes more of the winsome behavior than the words we use. You may be the only Jesus that your husband may ever see and he is watching you. What is it that Jesus is trying to tell him through you? Men are not won by words but by love and pure behavior.
Certainly look attractive for your husband. Don’t take that for granted. But emphasize the things that matter. Let Christ show in your love, faithfulness, purity, and reverence.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 16, 2009
Verse 1 Peter 3:4 Instead, (your beauty) should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Marriage is a Matter of Gentleness.
Let me say that one of Satan's greatest triumphs is to break up a marriage. This strategy was part of the disharmony since the Garden of Eden. Harmony in the home was disrupted when blame was introduced.
One of the greatest complaints that husbands have against their wives is the use of the tongue. Nagging, put downs, comparisons and angry words become a barrier to any relationship. One man said his wife was an angel-she is always up in the air and harping about something. The tongue can be cruel when critical, and negative. On my survey one man added, "I wish my wife wouldn't compare me to other men." That would go for both genders. To do that is tearing down your spouse and building someone else up.
But tongue can also be used of the Holy Spirit to bring harmony in the home. Praise him; tell him what you admire in him; be devoted to him; encourage him. It is with gentleness and kindness that makes someone beautiful in God’s eyes. God honors those are humble, not proud and arrogant toward their husbands. It is hard to live with someone who wants to pick a fight about everything.
I should add in the context of being a witness for Jesus at home some try to influence their unsaved husband in very manipulative manners. It does not help; it only drives many husbands farther from Christ. I knew a lady that hated it when her husband would go to a bar. So she decided instead of being home for him she would smother herself in Christian activities to get back at him for going to the bar. Now he had to make supper, or find clean clothes. Now he wanted to let him see how he liked it when she was gone all the time thinking she was much holier than he was because she was involved in church and religious activities. Her religion was only another weapon in her arsenal waging war against him. I was not surprised the marriage ended in divorce.
Some will play their religious radio programs, or T.V. programs so loud that dear ol' dad is bound to hear it in the hopes of getting him saved. They will leave literature all over, and religious books so they trip over them to get them to read it. What do you think that does to the men? It makes them more determined than ever to stay away.
The Bible has a much better way of going about it. It is with a gentle spirit that is full of love for your husband. Be the best wife you can be and in all matters that it relates to you, be at peace with your husband so he will see your character and God will then speak to him. You do your job, keep praying, and let God work through you to draw Him to Jesus Christ.
There are lots of competitors out there to get in the way of your relationship with Christ and your relationship with your husband. You must make a choice that your relationship with your husband is your priority next to God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 17, 2009
Verses-1 Pet 3:5,6 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Marriage is a Matter of Trust.
This is an unusual passage in our Western culture. We already mentioned the context of this passage is the principle laid down in the previous chapter. Peter was instructing his readers who were going through persecution to follow the example of Jesus. In trusting Him as Savior and Lord you are submitting yourself to the authority of God and His Word. He says follow Christ.
The hardest place to follow Jesus is in the home. In the same way Jesus faced hardships, so follow His example even in your home. Sometimes you will suffer wrongly, sometimes you will wonder if it is worth it. In the society that treated wives poorly Peter wanted to encourage wives to look to Christ.
What did Jesus do when negatively attacked? How did Jesus respond in situations of false judgment? He looked beyond the immediate situation to the ultimate plan of His Father who is in heaven. Notice His hope was in God. He trusted in Him who was in charge.
The beauty that pleases God is the inward nature and spiritual beauty. That is far greater than how we look on the outside. Peter used Sarah as an example. Sarah’s beauty was talked about generations after her death. Remember that Pharaoh saw her very attractive and she was quite an older woman at that time. That's preservation! Young Jewish girls wanted to be like her. Peter pointed to this model’s spiritual beauty of trusting herself to her God and her husband. That was what was attractive to God.
If a man were a slave today, or a prisoner, or in the armed services and did not have freedom, a good prisoner and a good slave would be seeking to please his master or supervisor, or commander. Abraham sinfully yielded to fear instead of righteousness. Sarah trusted anyway.
God protected Sarah because of His grace. She demonstrated trust. Peter calls all of us to act in the spirit with a desire to honor God and delight in the strength that God is being obeyed, unless or until there is direct conflict of Biblical truth.
It was Abraham living in the fine town and city of Ur when he heard the call of God to move and go to the Promised Land. Sarah with all the wealth and finery went with him. She obeyed. When Abraham was in the will of God she submitted to God’s call on her husband’s life and saw that as her responsibility to follow. In following Abraham’s faith commitment she was being obedient to what and where God was calling her. She called Abraham her master and Lord. There was no power struggle with her. Too often power struggles have spiritual issues at the core. Are we trusting an obeying the Lord as revealed in the Scriptures or our wants and ways?
The last phrase, “do what is right and do not give way to fear” is giving a principle of trusting God for outcomes over which you have no control. Do what is right is our part. And do not fear for God is ultimately in charge. When we do what is right we need not be afraid. Why does the commitment to Christ allow Christian marriages to last longer that most of the world’s marriages? It is by trusting the Lord and doing what is right and watching how He works out His will in our humble submission and service.
Pastor Dale
Theme Harmony in the Home
Verses: 1 Pet 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
Harmony in the Home- Wives
I begin devotions this week with a controversial passage in our society because the passage speaks of submission to your husbands as if wives were slaves. In our culture wives are to be treated as equals.
Next week we will speak about husbands, but the phrase “wives, in the same way…” should give us some thought. It refers to the things that Peter had discussed earlier. Last week we looked at the importance of jobs. He was actually talking to slaves who were now saved and instructing them to live lives yielded to the Lord, doing right, and if he suffers unjustly let God use that to bring vengeance from God and convict people their need for Jesus to save them.
Praise God we do not live in a slave based society and for employers to treat their workers
with beatings, no pay, and conditions of physical suffering would be illegal. In that context of having no recourse or rights the slave submitted himself to the Lord. But everyone regardless of their employment should submit himself, or herself, to the Lord.
The same way, wives were in a society without rights or privileges. They had no recourse where husbands could beat, and misuse their wives. What do you do as a wife in a slave-like relationship when there is no one to turn to? You turn to the Lord and recognize higher principles in a relationship that God can use. Be like Jesus and know that God will bring good out of bad situations.
Workers today have rights, and so do wives. We do not live in that same environment and economy. I would not argue to return to a slave-like system with workers or with wives. Many masters treated their slaves with utmost respect, just as many husbands also treated their wives with greatest of honor and love. But there are principles for slaves and principles for wives. Those principles are valid for employees in our work world today and these principles “in the same way” are valid way to treat husbands as well as wives in our day today. Let Jesus be your model.
Christian Parenting Today, by Karen Harter in entitled, "I Have a Dream". In it the Mother awakens to the dawn of a new day. House immaculate, aroma fresh coffee filling the air. She leisurely breakfast on table of fresh flowers and tasteful stereo music, enjoying quiche and grapefruit skimming of the New York Times and await a romantic breakfast with her husband who following his shower dresses neatly folding his pajamas and depositing his wet towel in the hamper. He cheerfully joins his wife for breakfast and meaningful conversation. What a dream!
You get the picture don't you? Then she hears the yell, "Mom, Michael's wet his bed again and now he's trying to get into mine." awakens Mom from her dream. She notices that her husband is gone for the day with the laundry basket dumped onto the bedroom floor and clothes scattered all over. The kitchen a mess with cereal and spilled milk.
I like this part, "It is 10 A.M. and I am still unshowered and uncombed. I am on my hands and knees scrubbing jam off the linoleum, while mentally stewing my husband for not leaving me the checkbook so I can pay the bills. Through the hand prints on the sliding glass door I see two brown legs. They are attached to a handsome UPS man who is looking down at me with an amused sort of smirk.
I hate that. He probably thinks I am messy, disorganized, undisciplined housewife. Oh yes, I know what he's thinking. He's thinking my bangs are too short, and my children are unkempt, and those curtains look tacky with that wallpaper."
What Karen Harter describes in her articles articulates well the dream and the reality. We chide ourselves and feel we fail miserably when what we've dreamed and what occurs are two different worlds.
Too often we idealize Christian marriage where bliss and harmony exist constantly and are surprisingly disappointed when life does not work out that way. We start to think that's the way all Christians live except my family.
Christ's desire for Christian marriages is harmony. How can it be a happier place? One way is to seek to fulfill God's design in your role as a wife and husband. Each spouse needs to apply Biblical principles to assure the Harmony. It is God’s will to seek to save each member of the family and when one spouse is a believer God can use ones life to witness to the other spouse. It starts by seeking harmony in the home.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nugget Tues July 14, 2009
Verse 1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
Marriage is a Matter of Submissiveness
Don't you find it interesting that there is 6 verses for women, and only one for men. In the first century if a man accepted Christ the wife followed. It was not the other way around. It was true then and is true today women were more open to the gospel than men were. After women turned to Christ the question was how were they to live so as to positively witness to their unsaved husband. As head of the households the men often resented what happened and it meant for further suffering of their wives. What's the best way to win their husband over to Christ?
First, submission is for the sake of witness. This is one of those passages that are full of controversy if people in our day make it such. In the day of Women's Liberation we do not like being told submit. Yet this is the call of Christ for all of us. We are to submit to authorities and rulers of every kind.
The relationship between husband and wife is the most basic of relationships. It should be the goal of each Christian to be the best they can be for Jesus sake. But don't mistake the problem with disobeying the Biblical commandment not to marry non-Christian. II Cor. 6:14,15
I did a survey at Stanchfield asking the question what would you like young couple to know before marriage. When it comes to spiritual things the women tend to be more open in their comments than the men.
Listen to the advice from the ladies: "You better be sure he has a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ before you marry him.” “Jesus is the only hope for change.” “Be sure that your spouse is a true Christian and willing to be the spiritual leader of the family.” “Get it together spiritually and know where your to-be spouse is at.” “Marry a Christian.” "One thing I learned before marriage was to wait. When I waited God led me to the right one to be my husband. Someone from a Christian home and as a Christian and attended Church regularly.”
Submission is a whole lot easier if you share the same values and goals under Jesus. Don't expect God to bless if you are in disobedience to him and marry someone outside the faith or think you can change him after marriage.
Now if you have become a believer after marriage that is a different matter. You are not to leave your spouse, but be the type of wife that will allow God's Spirit to work on him and bring him to salvation. Be the best wife you can. Honoring, respect, encourage, love and agree to let him lead in ways that are right. Turn your rights over to the Lord. May your actions be used of God. No Christian wife can help win her husband over by being bossy.
Secondly, Submit for the sake of Harmony
Don't get caught up in power struggles. Most commonly, nobody wins. God designed that there be leadership in every organization. That has nothing to do with knowledge, or even ability. It has to do with harmonious relationship.
Subjection does not mean inferior, not subordinate nor slave. It is for the purpose of order.
For harmony to exist in worship we obviously have shared positions of authority. Every so often the organist or pianist would get the wrong song and begin playing it. Everyone has an embarrassed giggle and stops because there is conflict. Harmony is when we play the same song, sing the same verses at the same time. So we have order. We submit ourselves one to another for sake of harmony, so now a song leader comes and gives us the number tells us to stand or sit.
Within the roles we play there are times when we are in authority. That is an important role for the sake of harmony. We are to reflect love and submission, care and giving up of rights for greater enduring happiness. We must be different than the way other marriages are made if we are under God's authority. God holds the husband responsibility for how the family is doing. That is the ideal situation as the marriage team works together each with their gifts and abilities.
Submission was set as an example by Jesus, as we read in the preceding verses. Jesus sought submission to the will of His Father yet they were co-equal in nature and in essence. He voluntarily ordered this earthly experience to the will of his Father so that His glory and love might be more clearly seen. That is the model Peter presents for us all.
Listen also to some of the comments from the men in the survey. "Let their husband be the leader and be the man she fell in love with and that she should feed him with her solid thinking and thoughtful idea." "Do not have a women's lib attitude toward your husband and family. It will put great pressure on your marriage." “Be a good helper to your husband.”
Marriage is a step of faith by letting the Lord do the leading according to the principles laid out in the Scriptures. Disorder happens when we seek our will and way. That’s how it has been from the beginning.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Weds July 15, 2009
Verses- 1 Peter 3:2,3 ..when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.
Marriage is a Matter of Purity
Since Peter is addressing wives in this passage he recognizes the role is used by God to change the family for Christ. Christianity is more than mental assent to doctrines of Christian faith it is a manner of life of purity first and foremost to God. A wife has testimony of her life to help husband come to Christ by her Christian conduct, her reverence and her purity.
The emphasis on women toward their husbands is in character, not in outward beauty. There are lots of people that work on being beautiful outwardly without inward beauty from God.
Women, even in that society did a lot to making themselves pretty. According to one commentary, those who could afford it didn't work so they spent lots of time and energy primping up and looking attractive. They gave attention to their hair by spinning it, braiding it, decorating it. They would decorate themselves with jewelry. They had rings for noses and ears and wrist and neck and ankles. The latest styles brought brought evny of others. I guess things don't change much through the years.
There certainly isn't anything wrong with trying to look nice, but sexual attractiveness has become an obcession in our society. Such a focus on how pretty we look instead of how godly one is for the Lord is a misguided priority.
I talked with some former folks from Stanchfield who told me in their present church they can't afford to dress up like the others in their young adult Sunday School do. So? I asked. They explained that was the basis of their acceptance in the church, not officially, but informally. Many their age were wearing designer clothes and those most popular as leaders were admired. I said this sounded like Junior High instead of a place of worship for all people.
Since we want to fit in, the criteria to do so is often on outward appearances. Don't get caught up in that game of being accepted or part of certain cliques based on what you wear or how you look. That is not as important to God as your purity and character of righteousness.
Some think this is an injunction against make-up or jewelry, but I don't think that is the intent. It isn't that you shouldn't seek to be attractive and neat. But you shouldn't do that to the neglect of fine character. The character reflected in pure action is far more important than outward adornment. Isaiah's denunciation of the daughter of Zion is for this very reason they were "haughty, and walked with stretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet. (Is. 3:16-24) Many of the women would get caught up in affairs, and extra marital relationships because of their outward advertisements. Instead women are to be pure and holy and set aside for their husbands only. It does no marriage any good to go around comparing what you think you might have gotten in a husband, instead of what you do have in a husband. The Lord's word desires that we make our husbands happy with faithfulness, purity, and reverence for them.
There are scriptural indications of the bride being adorned for her husband, which are symbolic of purity and reverence for Christ. I wish that many women would put in at least the equal time reading their Bible and praying as they do in trying to fix their hair and look nice. The inner beauty is what God is concerned about the character.
The emphasis on Scripture in the original emphasizes more of the winsome behavior than the words we use. You may be the only Jesus that your husband may ever see and he is watching you. What is it that Jesus is trying to tell him through you? Men are not won by words but by love and pure behavior.
Certainly look attractive for your husband. Don’t take that for granted. But emphasize the things that matter. Let Christ show in your love, faithfulness, purity, and reverence.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 16, 2009
Verse 1 Peter 3:4 Instead, (your beauty) should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Marriage is a Matter of Gentleness.
Let me say that one of Satan's greatest triumphs is to break up a marriage. This strategy was part of the disharmony since the Garden of Eden. Harmony in the home was disrupted when blame was introduced.
One of the greatest complaints that husbands have against their wives is the use of the tongue. Nagging, put downs, comparisons and angry words become a barrier to any relationship. One man said his wife was an angel-she is always up in the air and harping about something. The tongue can be cruel when critical, and negative. On my survey one man added, "I wish my wife wouldn't compare me to other men." That would go for both genders. To do that is tearing down your spouse and building someone else up.
But tongue can also be used of the Holy Spirit to bring harmony in the home. Praise him; tell him what you admire in him; be devoted to him; encourage him. It is with gentleness and kindness that makes someone beautiful in God’s eyes. God honors those are humble, not proud and arrogant toward their husbands. It is hard to live with someone who wants to pick a fight about everything.
I should add in the context of being a witness for Jesus at home some try to influence their unsaved husband in very manipulative manners. It does not help; it only drives many husbands farther from Christ. I knew a lady that hated it when her husband would go to a bar. So she decided instead of being home for him she would smother herself in Christian activities to get back at him for going to the bar. Now he had to make supper, or find clean clothes. Now he wanted to let him see how he liked it when she was gone all the time thinking she was much holier than he was because she was involved in church and religious activities. Her religion was only another weapon in her arsenal waging war against him. I was not surprised the marriage ended in divorce.
Some will play their religious radio programs, or T.V. programs so loud that dear ol' dad is bound to hear it in the hopes of getting him saved. They will leave literature all over, and religious books so they trip over them to get them to read it. What do you think that does to the men? It makes them more determined than ever to stay away.
The Bible has a much better way of going about it. It is with a gentle spirit that is full of love for your husband. Be the best wife you can be and in all matters that it relates to you, be at peace with your husband so he will see your character and God will then speak to him. You do your job, keep praying, and let God work through you to draw Him to Jesus Christ.
There are lots of competitors out there to get in the way of your relationship with Christ and your relationship with your husband. You must make a choice that your relationship with your husband is your priority next to God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 17, 2009
Verses-1 Pet 3:5,6 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Marriage is a Matter of Trust.
This is an unusual passage in our Western culture. We already mentioned the context of this passage is the principle laid down in the previous chapter. Peter was instructing his readers who were going through persecution to follow the example of Jesus. In trusting Him as Savior and Lord you are submitting yourself to the authority of God and His Word. He says follow Christ.
The hardest place to follow Jesus is in the home. In the same way Jesus faced hardships, so follow His example even in your home. Sometimes you will suffer wrongly, sometimes you will wonder if it is worth it. In the society that treated wives poorly Peter wanted to encourage wives to look to Christ.
What did Jesus do when negatively attacked? How did Jesus respond in situations of false judgment? He looked beyond the immediate situation to the ultimate plan of His Father who is in heaven. Notice His hope was in God. He trusted in Him who was in charge.
The beauty that pleases God is the inward nature and spiritual beauty. That is far greater than how we look on the outside. Peter used Sarah as an example. Sarah’s beauty was talked about generations after her death. Remember that Pharaoh saw her very attractive and she was quite an older woman at that time. That's preservation! Young Jewish girls wanted to be like her. Peter pointed to this model’s spiritual beauty of trusting herself to her God and her husband. That was what was attractive to God.
If a man were a slave today, or a prisoner, or in the armed services and did not have freedom, a good prisoner and a good slave would be seeking to please his master or supervisor, or commander. Abraham sinfully yielded to fear instead of righteousness. Sarah trusted anyway.
God protected Sarah because of His grace. She demonstrated trust. Peter calls all of us to act in the spirit with a desire to honor God and delight in the strength that God is being obeyed, unless or until there is direct conflict of Biblical truth.
It was Abraham living in the fine town and city of Ur when he heard the call of God to move and go to the Promised Land. Sarah with all the wealth and finery went with him. She obeyed. When Abraham was in the will of God she submitted to God’s call on her husband’s life and saw that as her responsibility to follow. In following Abraham’s faith commitment she was being obedient to what and where God was calling her. She called Abraham her master and Lord. There was no power struggle with her. Too often power struggles have spiritual issues at the core. Are we trusting an obeying the Lord as revealed in the Scriptures or our wants and ways?
The last phrase, “do what is right and do not give way to fear” is giving a principle of trusting God for outcomes over which you have no control. Do what is right is our part. And do not fear for God is ultimately in charge. When we do what is right we need not be afraid. Why does the commitment to Christ allow Christian marriages to last longer that most of the world’s marriages? It is by trusting the Lord and doing what is right and watching how He works out His will in our humble submission and service.
Pastor Dale
Friday, July 10, 2009
Jesus and Our Jobs 1 Peter 2:12,18-25
3-92 Jesus and Our Jobs 1 Pet 2:18-25
Sermon Nuggets week of July 6, 2009
Sermon Nuggets Monday, July 6
Theme – Jesus and Jobs
Verse-1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Jesus and our Jobs
As we meditate this week on work and responsibilities as Christians it is good to remember the context of what Peter is addressing is how to live in a persecuting environment. Last week he addressed issues regarding living in a hostile society in relationship to those in authority over us. Now he acknowledges to the slaves there are people over them. How do you live as a Christian who is owned by a master?
Since we have outlawed slavery, and rightly so, many things directly do not affect us except in principle as to those who are in authority over us in the workplace. People pay us for our time to do things for them, unless we are self employed. But these principles apply even in voluntary work or work at home or as students in school.
I want to go back to the principle of vs. 12 as we introduce this subject. WE are to live such good lives as Christians among the pagan world so people will see our good deeds and glorify God. How we live our lives even when things don’t seem to be going well is honoring to God if we do so according to Peter’s principles.
What do you do when your boss asks you to do something that is against your principles? If you are a secretary and your boss says when someone calls, "Tell them I am not in" should you obey your boss and lie, or not?
A friend of mine was working as an accountant for a company. He told me that his boss wanted him to lie on an inventory statement claiming damaged goods totally over $1,000. The goods were not damaged. He came to me for counsel. How would you advise him? He did what he believed God would have him do and was willing to take the consequences of being fired rather than lying. The result was his bosses were more impressed with his honesty and gave him a promotion.
Another fellow was a salesman in his company and his supervisors not only required that he buy his clients drinks to help purchase deals but also that he was required to drink alcohol with them for the clients were more apt to buy when salesmen would drink with them. If he failed to comply was told he could look for a job some place else. What would you do if that was a requirement for working there? He chose to follow his conscience and convictions and lost his job.
According to Doug Sherman in an article "Keeping Your Ethical Edge Sharp, "A growing body of research suggest that religious beliefs and convictions make little difference in the behavior of people on the job." A Gallup poll found church goers only slightly ahead in the ethics race, citing instances of 43% of unbelievers confess taking home supplies from work -but so do 37 % of church goers.
Some Christians are forced to make compromises at work that go against Biblical ethics. Sometimes professing Christians are poor testimonies of their faith in the workplace. Christians who refuse to be molded by the world often find it difficult to be ethical and Christ honoring. There are times when you are blest for doing what is right and good. There are times when you do what you believe God would have you do and you suffer unfair consequences.
How are we to act regarding our working lives? There are different things we should consider regarding our employment which we will address in the next days. But first remember for whom you work! It is not the human boss we are trying to please, but our Father who is in Heaven.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 7, 2009
Verses 1 Peter 2: 18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
Consider the Privilege of Work
God had made us for work. Genesis tells us that.
Tony Salerno told of a young lady who was constantly sick. One day she was required to work very hard. She had to get up early in the morning for chores. She had to work full, hard days. The harder she worked the more things started to change in her life. What surprised her was the harder she worked the better she felt. I wonder how many people are really sick because they have not followed through on God's command to work. It is a privilege for which we were created.
Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, Trouble springs from idleness, toil from ease." Work with complaining lasts for years, while cheerful labor passes in minutes. We have a privilege in our country. We are most fulfilled when we have work to do.
In Peter’s day most people did not get to choose their work or employment. They often could not quit their jobs, or were self employed in the training and footsteps of their fathers. Most women were confined to motherhood, and household chores. We have the right to choose our work, our employers, and our vocation to the degree we can get training and get hired. With labor laws there are avenues of recourse for inappropriate working conditions. We have civil laws that restrict employers from discrimination against sexual bias, against religious bias, against racial bias. We have rights in our nation that many in other parts of the world do not have. In the world of that century there were 60 million slaves.
Peter was writing when the Roman Empire was ruling. Like kingdoms before them, when they would invade another country they could take prisons of war, the citizens and soldiers, and turn them into slaves. Slaves then were not necessarily people of lower class, uneducated and untrained. Some of them were professionals, Doctors and leaders, and kings and artists and vocations of all types, including scholars and teachers. Sometimes they had rights. Sometimes they did not.
The Roman government had slaves doing most of the work. They were under the complete authority of their masters who bought them and owned them. Many of the pagan masters were cruel. Some would be sold stark naked so the purchaser could see for themselves if there were any physical defects if they were buying someone for physical labor. They bought and sold mistresses and concubines. Most of the slaves were former prisoners of war. And remember Peter is writing to those Christians who were going through persecution and hardships.
But now many slaves came to faith in Christ. Yet, they had no freedom. How should they act as Christians to unsaved masters? What if their masters became Christians? Should they react differently to Christian masters? Peter tells them to submit to their masters with all respect. If you are slave and belong to Jesus Christ, then be the best slave possible.
Although we do not have slavery there are many situations where we think circumstances could be unfair. There are times when we are called upon to be completely under the authority at school, with the police, in a courtroom, in the military services, or jail or prison. As long as we have people we will not always have fairness, or righteousness. How should we respond?
The Bible tells us we will be misused and abused for our faith in Christ. Let God work through those circumstances. I believe it is proper to appeal to the laws and privileges of our land since we have recourse for illegal or unethical treatment. In most incidents we have the freedom of quitting our jobs. But when someone in authority is making you so angry that you feel like lashing out, don't do it. Submission is turning the matter over to the Lord and allowing Him to do His work. Sooner or later, justice prevails. Just as many slaves were used of God to advance His kingdom and lead many masters to faith in Christ, so God may have you in your present position for an eternal reason. The privilege of employment is to look beyond the paycheck to the One who has a higher task for you.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 8
Verses- 1 Peter 2:19-20 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Consider the Purpose of Work-
Yesterday we indicated the obvious difference between slaves who have no rights, and employees in USA where most of us have rights. Does the principle of how to handle unjust suffering remain the same for Christians regardless of their status?
Passages such as these were used during our slavery days of our nation to keep the slaves down and from organizing against abuses. I am so grateful that our present day economy is different. This passage doesn't speak to the morality of slavery as it does to the way people should let their faith affect their responsibilities. The message is, “do right.”
I read a quote yesterday that says, "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway." Some slaves were beaten for doing wrong. That makes sense. But some were beaten for doing right. The Bible says God will honor that. As Christians we are to live to glorify God even in the way we do our employment. We are to not be lazy, disobedient, stealing, or disrespectful. But there may come times when we will be rebuked for living up to our convictions at work. Joseph in the Old Testament was such a man. He was a slave who was wrongly treated for doing what was right. God used him as an example of faithfulness. There are times when doing right results in some suffering. That is what is commendable. There are people willing to suffer unjustly for the cause of righteousness. There are people who sought to free the slaves and faced the consequences. There are people who housed the Jews in Germany during the War. There are people who serve God in the ghetto and have their places vandalized, or have their safety compromised.
The word that Scripture gives is take delight that God will reward and avenge. The satisfaction we are to receive is doing a good job, not how much money you make or what type of status the job gives you. Many people, especially men, determine their own self-worth by the nature of their work. Unless their job has an exalted title and a large salary, they see themselves as worthless.
One of the first things we ask when meeting someone new is "What is it you do?" But the answer seldom reveals very much about the person doing that job. How about answering that question by saying, "I am a slave of Jesus Christ, but 3M pays me a salary so I serve God there."
As followers of Jesus Christ, the purpose of work is to glorify God. We are to treat our work as if we are working for God, not money, or power, or material things, but ultimately God made us all for work. Some of that work we may get re-numeration, but if we work at home, or are self employed, or under an employer, we are doing business for God in our every day work a day world. Life is to be lived with an acute awareness of God.
Peter also wanted to address was the problem of Christian slaves who did wrong. It was common for workers to want to slack off and not work hard. It was the temptation then and now to give as little work as possible, so many masters and employers were hard on employees. To the employer or master who sees that the employee is trying his hardest and is working to do a good job, he most likely will be rewarded. They don't want to lose a hard careful worker.
But because you work for the Lord do not forget who is paying your wages. One does not make a good testimony for Christ when she is not doing what she has agreed to be paid to do. God has salary and benefits that far outweigh our paychecks, or even a clean house.
What is the purpose of our work? To glorify the Lord on inside as well as on the outside.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs July 9, 2009
Verses- Titus 2:9-10
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Consider the Principles of Work
Since Peter was talking about slavery and I used some of the principles that could be applied to our working situation, I turn to Titus 2:9-10 that points more specifically to actions in the workplace.
1) We are to be submissive and respectful to our Employers.
Peter and Paul are calling for a submissive attitude that is even willing to take suffering as an offering unto God. Show respect to those in authority over you. The attitude of loving our enemies and doing good to those who despitefully use us are for us hard to understand when we live in a society that demands human rights.
2) Handle grievances in a proper and truthful manner. I believe we can use the avenues our laws provide for appeal, just like Paul as a citizen of Rome used his right of citizenship for appeal in the courts of Israel and was then sent to the courts of Rome. But the point is in all matters be respectful. Our bosses may not always be right but they are our bosses. We might have better ideas, but that needs to be said in respectful and kind ways. We need to obey our employers they are paying our salaries, or responsible for our supervision. But before you use appropriate grievance procedures let me also ask you to be in prayer about it. It isn't a bad idea to have friends pray with you as to what you should do if it is an important matter. The reason I say this is that God may have a greater plan than you getting your rights or revenge or vindication. It may mean that by your suffering for good reasons, God will use that for your great blessing, or for the salvation of those who may be affected. If you have something against someone, the best idea is still to talk to that person about it. Don't go over the bosses head unless you have already discussed it with him or her.
3) When there are injustices over which you can do nothing, turn it over to God. Be sure that you do what is right not seeking revenge. Work hard and if something happens that is beyond your control you have a good conscience and can hold your head up high. If it is the will of God never fear the consequences. That is the principle Peter learned. Serve God in the spite of injustice and ridicule because then you are promised a heavenly reward.
There are times when we are fully in the right, but for the sake of souls or salvation we will suffer for their spiritual good and our future blessing. God does know if our suffering is unjust and he will reward. There are times when there are no avenues of recourse. The Bible then tells the slaves to suffer looking to Christ. But it is not against God’s will that we change jobs or quit over principles. Turning our rights over to him to avenge is true faith.
4) Do your best as you desire to be a witness for Jesus in being honest, helpful, friendly, kind and a good working for an honest days work for your wages. I feel proud when I hear compliments about people’s jobs from their employers or fellow employees. It makes me aware that there is a reputation of carrying Jesus into the work place. You will be surprised how people's reputations follow them for good and for evil.
Sometimes I am embarrassed to listen to some reports of people who have cheated others, or taken things from others, or almost have to be fired for poor working habits. What type of reputation do you have at work? Whatever you do, do your best on your job, not for your employer’s sake, or for money's sake, but for the Lord. Your witness will follow you. There will be many opportunities to cheat, or slack off, or crab and complain about your job, but instead give all that to God and do your best.
What often happens is that you can get with a bunch of co-workers who will get on your case for working so hard it makes them look bad. Other times an employer may see the good work and push you for more, and are never satisfied. What do you do in those situations? DO YOUR BEST. How much money you get should not make a single bit a difference regarding your work performance if you are working as unto the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri July 10, 2009
Verses- 1 Pet 2:21-25 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Consider the Pattern of Work: Jesus
Jesus serves as an example to us. The Christian classic by Charles Sheldon, "In his Steps", is a fictional story of a pastor challenging his people in their personal and private lives to be as consistent as possible with living and acting in ways that Jesus would if He were in their shoes. The question each person was to ask was, "What would Jesus do?" What would He do if He were a newspaper editor? What would He do if He were a salesman? What would He do if He was parent? This book gives a variety of scenarios of people who took that question seriously and how it affected their lives.
If we suffer for doing right, or for being God's representative in an unrighteous world, then this is our call. Live as Christ would regardless of the consequences. If the consequences require us to face abuses, then that is God's will for us.
Jesus suffered and died that we might have eternal life. Likewise we are called upon to share this message and may have to suffer and die that others may obtain eternal life not by our death, but as a witness to the truth. Following Jesus may lead to rejection or persecution.
Verse 22 tells us that Jesus was sinless in his action and in his words. There is no human who can claim this. Verses such as these point to the divine nature of Christ. There is no reason He should have died, for He was pure. But just as whiteness compared to darkness also points out how dirty something is, so purity exposes sin in others around us. No wonder we are resented.
When it comes to the work world we may have to lose a sale or a job, but we can hold our heads high with the Divine promise that we will be rewarded. When we are mistreated or taken advantage of unjustly what do we do? How do we talk about the people with whom we work? Do we protest, and tell everyone else how wronged we've been? If someone in church hurts our feelings we want to be sure others know we have been wronged. Anyone can fight back; it takes a Spirit-filled Christian to submit and let God fight his battles.
v23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." There are times when God moves in our hearts to fight injustice and times not fight but yield our rights over to God believing He is in charge, but many times those choices are out of our hands.
The suffering of Jesus was for the sake of the sin of man; He suffered in order to bring people back to God. The message of atonement is Jesus died for me and paid the penalty for my sin. There in is our healing and our power over sin. For Jesus is more than an example. We cannot live by our own power, but by faith in the one who gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us an through us to bring glory to God.
In an age when we have control over our employment decisions, we are called work our best, please our employer, but also balance our activity so God gets our priority. There are many people climbing the ladders of success only to find no time for the Lord. There are people that let their professional peers determine what cars to drive, what neighborhood to live in, what to wear to work and where to do lunch. Many problems result from greediness, corruption, social compromise. Workaholism can be a cover up for social and psychological problems where Christ and family are pushed aside. Having lots of money is not the goal for a Christian.
Chuck Colson told the story of Sharron Barry who was a secretary in the molecular biology department at Yale University in New Haven Ct. Her main job is organizing the busy life a brilliant professor, but that is not her primary purpose in life. She wanted to serve Christ.
She decided to contact other Christians working a Yale and have lunch together in the cafeteria for fellowship and prayer. After they decided on a monthly meeting a speaker was invited to come from a nearby church and they gave challenges from the Bible. Now already more 100 born again Christian have become part of the prayer groups that have developed. A Christian students group developed up where up to 150 come for prolonged periods of prayer. They pray for their campus, professors and those with whom they work. The atmosphere has been changing.
Sharron is more than just a secretary she is a catalyst for revival at Yale. She is a respected worker influencing her world for Jesus because she does not work for money. The Lord has used her to change one of the most liberal universities in our nation. When she let Jesus become her pattern for the work place the truth of Jesus words came about. “Let your light shine that men might see your good works & glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets week of July 6, 2009
Sermon Nuggets Monday, July 6
Theme – Jesus and Jobs
Verse-1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Jesus and our Jobs
As we meditate this week on work and responsibilities as Christians it is good to remember the context of what Peter is addressing is how to live in a persecuting environment. Last week he addressed issues regarding living in a hostile society in relationship to those in authority over us. Now he acknowledges to the slaves there are people over them. How do you live as a Christian who is owned by a master?
Since we have outlawed slavery, and rightly so, many things directly do not affect us except in principle as to those who are in authority over us in the workplace. People pay us for our time to do things for them, unless we are self employed. But these principles apply even in voluntary work or work at home or as students in school.
I want to go back to the principle of vs. 12 as we introduce this subject. WE are to live such good lives as Christians among the pagan world so people will see our good deeds and glorify God. How we live our lives even when things don’t seem to be going well is honoring to God if we do so according to Peter’s principles.
What do you do when your boss asks you to do something that is against your principles? If you are a secretary and your boss says when someone calls, "Tell them I am not in" should you obey your boss and lie, or not?
A friend of mine was working as an accountant for a company. He told me that his boss wanted him to lie on an inventory statement claiming damaged goods totally over $1,000. The goods were not damaged. He came to me for counsel. How would you advise him? He did what he believed God would have him do and was willing to take the consequences of being fired rather than lying. The result was his bosses were more impressed with his honesty and gave him a promotion.
Another fellow was a salesman in his company and his supervisors not only required that he buy his clients drinks to help purchase deals but also that he was required to drink alcohol with them for the clients were more apt to buy when salesmen would drink with them. If he failed to comply was told he could look for a job some place else. What would you do if that was a requirement for working there? He chose to follow his conscience and convictions and lost his job.
According to Doug Sherman in an article "Keeping Your Ethical Edge Sharp, "A growing body of research suggest that religious beliefs and convictions make little difference in the behavior of people on the job." A Gallup poll found church goers only slightly ahead in the ethics race, citing instances of 43% of unbelievers confess taking home supplies from work -but so do 37 % of church goers.
Some Christians are forced to make compromises at work that go against Biblical ethics. Sometimes professing Christians are poor testimonies of their faith in the workplace. Christians who refuse to be molded by the world often find it difficult to be ethical and Christ honoring. There are times when you are blest for doing what is right and good. There are times when you do what you believe God would have you do and you suffer unfair consequences.
How are we to act regarding our working lives? There are different things we should consider regarding our employment which we will address in the next days. But first remember for whom you work! It is not the human boss we are trying to please, but our Father who is in Heaven.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 7, 2009
Verses 1 Peter 2: 18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
Consider the Privilege of Work
God had made us for work. Genesis tells us that.
Tony Salerno told of a young lady who was constantly sick. One day she was required to work very hard. She had to get up early in the morning for chores. She had to work full, hard days. The harder she worked the more things started to change in her life. What surprised her was the harder she worked the better she felt. I wonder how many people are really sick because they have not followed through on God's command to work. It is a privilege for which we were created.
Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, Trouble springs from idleness, toil from ease." Work with complaining lasts for years, while cheerful labor passes in minutes. We have a privilege in our country. We are most fulfilled when we have work to do.
In Peter’s day most people did not get to choose their work or employment. They often could not quit their jobs, or were self employed in the training and footsteps of their fathers. Most women were confined to motherhood, and household chores. We have the right to choose our work, our employers, and our vocation to the degree we can get training and get hired. With labor laws there are avenues of recourse for inappropriate working conditions. We have civil laws that restrict employers from discrimination against sexual bias, against religious bias, against racial bias. We have rights in our nation that many in other parts of the world do not have. In the world of that century there were 60 million slaves.
Peter was writing when the Roman Empire was ruling. Like kingdoms before them, when they would invade another country they could take prisons of war, the citizens and soldiers, and turn them into slaves. Slaves then were not necessarily people of lower class, uneducated and untrained. Some of them were professionals, Doctors and leaders, and kings and artists and vocations of all types, including scholars and teachers. Sometimes they had rights. Sometimes they did not.
The Roman government had slaves doing most of the work. They were under the complete authority of their masters who bought them and owned them. Many of the pagan masters were cruel. Some would be sold stark naked so the purchaser could see for themselves if there were any physical defects if they were buying someone for physical labor. They bought and sold mistresses and concubines. Most of the slaves were former prisoners of war. And remember Peter is writing to those Christians who were going through persecution and hardships.
But now many slaves came to faith in Christ. Yet, they had no freedom. How should they act as Christians to unsaved masters? What if their masters became Christians? Should they react differently to Christian masters? Peter tells them to submit to their masters with all respect. If you are slave and belong to Jesus Christ, then be the best slave possible.
Although we do not have slavery there are many situations where we think circumstances could be unfair. There are times when we are called upon to be completely under the authority at school, with the police, in a courtroom, in the military services, or jail or prison. As long as we have people we will not always have fairness, or righteousness. How should we respond?
The Bible tells us we will be misused and abused for our faith in Christ. Let God work through those circumstances. I believe it is proper to appeal to the laws and privileges of our land since we have recourse for illegal or unethical treatment. In most incidents we have the freedom of quitting our jobs. But when someone in authority is making you so angry that you feel like lashing out, don't do it. Submission is turning the matter over to the Lord and allowing Him to do His work. Sooner or later, justice prevails. Just as many slaves were used of God to advance His kingdom and lead many masters to faith in Christ, so God may have you in your present position for an eternal reason. The privilege of employment is to look beyond the paycheck to the One who has a higher task for you.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 8
Verses- 1 Peter 2:19-20 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Consider the Purpose of Work-
Yesterday we indicated the obvious difference between slaves who have no rights, and employees in USA where most of us have rights. Does the principle of how to handle unjust suffering remain the same for Christians regardless of their status?
Passages such as these were used during our slavery days of our nation to keep the slaves down and from organizing against abuses. I am so grateful that our present day economy is different. This passage doesn't speak to the morality of slavery as it does to the way people should let their faith affect their responsibilities. The message is, “do right.”
I read a quote yesterday that says, "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway." Some slaves were beaten for doing wrong. That makes sense. But some were beaten for doing right. The Bible says God will honor that. As Christians we are to live to glorify God even in the way we do our employment. We are to not be lazy, disobedient, stealing, or disrespectful. But there may come times when we will be rebuked for living up to our convictions at work. Joseph in the Old Testament was such a man. He was a slave who was wrongly treated for doing what was right. God used him as an example of faithfulness. There are times when doing right results in some suffering. That is what is commendable. There are people willing to suffer unjustly for the cause of righteousness. There are people who sought to free the slaves and faced the consequences. There are people who housed the Jews in Germany during the War. There are people who serve God in the ghetto and have their places vandalized, or have their safety compromised.
The word that Scripture gives is take delight that God will reward and avenge. The satisfaction we are to receive is doing a good job, not how much money you make or what type of status the job gives you. Many people, especially men, determine their own self-worth by the nature of their work. Unless their job has an exalted title and a large salary, they see themselves as worthless.
One of the first things we ask when meeting someone new is "What is it you do?" But the answer seldom reveals very much about the person doing that job. How about answering that question by saying, "I am a slave of Jesus Christ, but 3M pays me a salary so I serve God there."
As followers of Jesus Christ, the purpose of work is to glorify God. We are to treat our work as if we are working for God, not money, or power, or material things, but ultimately God made us all for work. Some of that work we may get re-numeration, but if we work at home, or are self employed, or under an employer, we are doing business for God in our every day work a day world. Life is to be lived with an acute awareness of God.
Peter also wanted to address was the problem of Christian slaves who did wrong. It was common for workers to want to slack off and not work hard. It was the temptation then and now to give as little work as possible, so many masters and employers were hard on employees. To the employer or master who sees that the employee is trying his hardest and is working to do a good job, he most likely will be rewarded. They don't want to lose a hard careful worker.
But because you work for the Lord do not forget who is paying your wages. One does not make a good testimony for Christ when she is not doing what she has agreed to be paid to do. God has salary and benefits that far outweigh our paychecks, or even a clean house.
What is the purpose of our work? To glorify the Lord on inside as well as on the outside.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs July 9, 2009
Verses- Titus 2:9-10
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Consider the Principles of Work
Since Peter was talking about slavery and I used some of the principles that could be applied to our working situation, I turn to Titus 2:9-10 that points more specifically to actions in the workplace.
1) We are to be submissive and respectful to our Employers.
Peter and Paul are calling for a submissive attitude that is even willing to take suffering as an offering unto God. Show respect to those in authority over you. The attitude of loving our enemies and doing good to those who despitefully use us are for us hard to understand when we live in a society that demands human rights.
2) Handle grievances in a proper and truthful manner. I believe we can use the avenues our laws provide for appeal, just like Paul as a citizen of Rome used his right of citizenship for appeal in the courts of Israel and was then sent to the courts of Rome. But the point is in all matters be respectful. Our bosses may not always be right but they are our bosses. We might have better ideas, but that needs to be said in respectful and kind ways. We need to obey our employers they are paying our salaries, or responsible for our supervision. But before you use appropriate grievance procedures let me also ask you to be in prayer about it. It isn't a bad idea to have friends pray with you as to what you should do if it is an important matter. The reason I say this is that God may have a greater plan than you getting your rights or revenge or vindication. It may mean that by your suffering for good reasons, God will use that for your great blessing, or for the salvation of those who may be affected. If you have something against someone, the best idea is still to talk to that person about it. Don't go over the bosses head unless you have already discussed it with him or her.
3) When there are injustices over which you can do nothing, turn it over to God. Be sure that you do what is right not seeking revenge. Work hard and if something happens that is beyond your control you have a good conscience and can hold your head up high. If it is the will of God never fear the consequences. That is the principle Peter learned. Serve God in the spite of injustice and ridicule because then you are promised a heavenly reward.
There are times when we are fully in the right, but for the sake of souls or salvation we will suffer for their spiritual good and our future blessing. God does know if our suffering is unjust and he will reward. There are times when there are no avenues of recourse. The Bible then tells the slaves to suffer looking to Christ. But it is not against God’s will that we change jobs or quit over principles. Turning our rights over to him to avenge is true faith.
4) Do your best as you desire to be a witness for Jesus in being honest, helpful, friendly, kind and a good working for an honest days work for your wages. I feel proud when I hear compliments about people’s jobs from their employers or fellow employees. It makes me aware that there is a reputation of carrying Jesus into the work place. You will be surprised how people's reputations follow them for good and for evil.
Sometimes I am embarrassed to listen to some reports of people who have cheated others, or taken things from others, or almost have to be fired for poor working habits. What type of reputation do you have at work? Whatever you do, do your best on your job, not for your employer’s sake, or for money's sake, but for the Lord. Your witness will follow you. There will be many opportunities to cheat, or slack off, or crab and complain about your job, but instead give all that to God and do your best.
What often happens is that you can get with a bunch of co-workers who will get on your case for working so hard it makes them look bad. Other times an employer may see the good work and push you for more, and are never satisfied. What do you do in those situations? DO YOUR BEST. How much money you get should not make a single bit a difference regarding your work performance if you are working as unto the Lord.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri July 10, 2009
Verses- 1 Pet 2:21-25 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Consider the Pattern of Work: Jesus
Jesus serves as an example to us. The Christian classic by Charles Sheldon, "In his Steps", is a fictional story of a pastor challenging his people in their personal and private lives to be as consistent as possible with living and acting in ways that Jesus would if He were in their shoes. The question each person was to ask was, "What would Jesus do?" What would He do if He were a newspaper editor? What would He do if He were a salesman? What would He do if He was parent? This book gives a variety of scenarios of people who took that question seriously and how it affected their lives.
If we suffer for doing right, or for being God's representative in an unrighteous world, then this is our call. Live as Christ would regardless of the consequences. If the consequences require us to face abuses, then that is God's will for us.
Jesus suffered and died that we might have eternal life. Likewise we are called upon to share this message and may have to suffer and die that others may obtain eternal life not by our death, but as a witness to the truth. Following Jesus may lead to rejection or persecution.
Verse 22 tells us that Jesus was sinless in his action and in his words. There is no human who can claim this. Verses such as these point to the divine nature of Christ. There is no reason He should have died, for He was pure. But just as whiteness compared to darkness also points out how dirty something is, so purity exposes sin in others around us. No wonder we are resented.
When it comes to the work world we may have to lose a sale or a job, but we can hold our heads high with the Divine promise that we will be rewarded. When we are mistreated or taken advantage of unjustly what do we do? How do we talk about the people with whom we work? Do we protest, and tell everyone else how wronged we've been? If someone in church hurts our feelings we want to be sure others know we have been wronged. Anyone can fight back; it takes a Spirit-filled Christian to submit and let God fight his battles.
v23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." There are times when God moves in our hearts to fight injustice and times not fight but yield our rights over to God believing He is in charge, but many times those choices are out of our hands.
The suffering of Jesus was for the sake of the sin of man; He suffered in order to bring people back to God. The message of atonement is Jesus died for me and paid the penalty for my sin. There in is our healing and our power over sin. For Jesus is more than an example. We cannot live by our own power, but by faith in the one who gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us an through us to bring glory to God.
In an age when we have control over our employment decisions, we are called work our best, please our employer, but also balance our activity so God gets our priority. There are many people climbing the ladders of success only to find no time for the Lord. There are people that let their professional peers determine what cars to drive, what neighborhood to live in, what to wear to work and where to do lunch. Many problems result from greediness, corruption, social compromise. Workaholism can be a cover up for social and psychological problems where Christ and family are pushed aside. Having lots of money is not the goal for a Christian.
Chuck Colson told the story of Sharron Barry who was a secretary in the molecular biology department at Yale University in New Haven Ct. Her main job is organizing the busy life a brilliant professor, but that is not her primary purpose in life. She wanted to serve Christ.
She decided to contact other Christians working a Yale and have lunch together in the cafeteria for fellowship and prayer. After they decided on a monthly meeting a speaker was invited to come from a nearby church and they gave challenges from the Bible. Now already more 100 born again Christian have become part of the prayer groups that have developed. A Christian students group developed up where up to 150 come for prolonged periods of prayer. They pray for their campus, professors and those with whom they work. The atmosphere has been changing.
Sharron is more than just a secretary she is a catalyst for revival at Yale. She is a respected worker influencing her world for Jesus because she does not work for money. The Lord has used her to change one of the most liberal universities in our nation. When she let Jesus become her pattern for the work place the truth of Jesus words came about. “Let your light shine that men might see your good works & glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Pastor Dale
Friday, July 3, 2009
Peter's Politics 1 Peter 2:12-17
Sermon Nuggets Week of June 29, 2009 1 Pet 2:12-17
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 29
Theme: Peter's Politics
Verses- 1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Live with God’s Glory in Mind
This week we celebrate our 233th birthday of our nation. We have the longest existing Declaration of Independence and Constitution than any other country in the history of mankind. Since July of 1776 France is on its 15th Constitution, Brazil has had 18 Constitutions since the 1800s, Poland has had six since the first World War. And Russia has had four since that time.
There had been historical groups studying documents as to what influenced the founders of our nation to produce the principles that inspired them. The answer should not surprise us. The Bible influenced our founders more than any other writings of that time. Over 1500 references were made from the Scriptures to shape the thoughts of freedom, separate responsibilities of government, the place of government and so forth. This isn’t referenced as much today when people try to rewrite history.
Only a small minority of men were not Christians in the Biblical sense, but all agreed the Christian principles are the basis that makes a democracy work. When we no longer follow those values then such a society cannot continue to exist.
Although I preached recently in Romans on the relationship between the church and state the passage of this week brings out similar truths from God in Peter’s letter.
Perhaps it helps to think of the context of this passage again.
The world thought the Christians were going to overthrow the government. They thought church meetings were political ones. It was therefore necessary that men's minds also be eased from the impression that any violence was being planned. If Christians could accept order and safety and privileges of life then they were to bear with the cost and yield to the government. Laws were set up to help us better live together. The job of the government is to protect its citizens and promote cooperative living. We have privileges, we have responsibilities. We must pay taxes, and honoring the government authorities, live quiet and peaceable life.
But underlying behind the motives of what we do as citizens is pointing us to a greater King. King Jesus is to be glorified and honored above all. Our lives are to reflect his glory.
Since we understand all authority is given by God then it is easy to pray for those in authority, to work for peace, and to rest in the hope that God is ultimately in charge. This is not to say do not get involved in politics but it does say our involvement must be different than the lust of power and influence. It should be with the long range view that God’s desire for order and peace prevails.
Peter recognizes that the beginning of being a good citizen is to live to the glory of God and in obedience to His commands. In other words, good Christians make good Christians and that should be a testimony to any and every government.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 29
Verses: 1 Peter 2:13,14 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Live with the Attitude of Submission
Lessons on citizenship are clear in the Bible. As Christians we are to submit to every human institution or authority. The reason Peter can tell them to submit themselves to human authorities is for the Lord's sake. It is not in the best interests of Christians to be people who are at political odds with the government officials and people who are suppose to keep the law.
Should I submit to ill equip leaders? What if I know more than the person in authority?
But when the Master reminds us to submit for His sake; to do it because He wishes it, then the responsibility of handling leadership is God’s responsibility, not mine. Yes we do need to stand against injustice. As long as we have a right to speak our minds do so in keeping with the laws. Pray for those in authority over you and give them to the Lord.
Is there ever a time or place for rebellion? We read in Acts 4, 5 how Peter was ordered not to preach by the authorities. The orders from God conflicted with the orders of man and he had no problem whom he should obey. He didn’t have a haughty, defiant attitude however. He was willing to submit to God’s ultimate authority and take man’s consequences, knowing they will be judged by the judge of all.
Abortion is something that I oppose and encourage any believer to examine carefully the teachings of the Bible not to only come to a personal decisions regarding the immorality of abortion, but also the responsibility that we have to stand up for the victims who are dying and being killed.
We have seen the extreme example recently of a man who killed a doctor that performed abortions. I would stand in strong objection to anyone taking a life to save a life. That is inconsistent thinking.
I have good friends who were arrested for trespassing on property that performed abortions. They blocked entrances to prevent ladies from entering. I will not condemn my brothers who feel their protest in front of abortion clinics brings attention to the problem, but I choose to submit to the laws and work to get those laws changed. There are ways to submit to authority for the sake of peace, while speaking up against injustice.
The desire of Christ is that Christian be law abiding citizens in every way they possibly can.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 1, 2009
Verses 1 Peter 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Live with the Actions of Righteousness
Why does God give such a command that we should do good when it comes of government? Yesterday, I saw this played out at private homes in Minnesota. Both Norm Coleman and Al Franken stepped outside of their houses to acknowledge the law and allow the supreme court to decline the petition of Coleman to reconsider the election results for Senator. The nation, as well as Minnesota, was waiting for the news. I was proud of Norm Coleman who submitted to the rule of the judges. When he felt he was right he did was he was allowed as a citizen to appeal earlier court decisions. But the right thing to do was step aside and work for the unity of the government after the appeal was rejected by the top court in our state. A far cry from what is going on in Iran today with the difference of opinion regarding those elections.
Regardless of how one feels on the outcome of the decision the place of cooperation is the goal the Bible lays down in non religious matters. The place of authority in government is to encourage right living among the people and stop or prevent chaos and anarchy. Respect for the Constitution is the voluntary means to control evil and encourage good.
We have seen countries like Honduras, where a group of people are trying to take law in their own hands. There are individuals who assume to be judge and jury without due process of the law and it ends up in the long run more violence. Vengeance belongs to God and God has delegated it to government for encouragement to right living. When each becomes a law unto himself there is civil chaos and no one is protected. The reason police and soldiers can do their job is the respect that we have. When we lose that respect you have increase looting, loss of property and danger to life. God ordains order and with order must come submission for the greater good of the community.
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. When we talk about how to live it is important that we live in relationship to other people. We need to live so fools cannot say anything about us that can be substantiated. We live uprightly and openly people will know that gossip is not true.
This is good advice when it comes to gossip. When you are a victim of malicious talk, live in such a way you can hold your head up. Make your life such that people will not believe it and you have nothing to hide.
Tertullian of ancient Rome remarked about the contrast between the Christians and the heathen. When pagans deserted their relatives in the plague, Christians ministered to the sick. When Gentiles left their dead unburied on the battle fields, Christians took care of the wounded and dying. The more people watched the good works of the Christian the more evidence was that their character was blameless.
I suppose Mother Teresa has done more to change attitudes about Christians in a Hindu land that most evangelists because of her good works in the name of Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 2
Verse- 1 Peter 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Live with the Appreciation of Freedom
In two days we celebrate the 4th of July, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is for freedom that our nation was birthed. We have enjoyed its benefits for 233 years now. We can vote. We have privileges of caucuses and there are issues that you can address on a grass roots basis if you align yourself with a particular political party. We do have a voice if you choose to have one. I am not saying that your voice will be part of the majority, but all ideas and all people began as a minority some place and it took awhile to be known or change public opinion. I have written to senators and legislatures and have tried to meet the local state Representatives. (Most come to your door at election time.)
However Peter was living in a society with 60 million slaves. Many Christians were not free. But no freedom is as great as what is provided by Jesus Christ. A believer is free from condemnation of sin. We are no longer under the bondage of the law that points out our sin, but under grace. As instructed previously we are to be model citizens living in righteousness out of love and for the glory of God. Freedom is not bound by the lusts of the flesh.
Live in freedom but with the responsibility that comes in knowing Jesus. Never use freedom as an excuse for sin or cover-up for wrong motives. Do you have good conscience before God? Can you pray about what you doing and ask for his wisdom and leadership?
As servants of God we are called to live in community with other believers working together utilizing our gifts and talents. The Christian is not an isolated unit. Christian freedom according to the Bible also involves service to the Lord. Only in Jesus is a man freed from self and sin and passion to be as good as he ought to be. Only in Christ is a man freed from selfishness and self-seeking to be as great a servant as he ought to be. Freedom comes when a person receives Christ as king of his or her heart. Fulfillment comes when we are doing what He wants to do through our lives.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 3, 2009
Verses 1 Pet 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Live with an Approach of Respect
Lack of respect can be a major problem in our society. It is common to see a lack of respect for people and for property, for truth and for our environment. Respect is a sense of appreciation for leadership, for things that do not belong to us, to God and His world.
I am not particularly an outdoors man. But I like to get outdoors for camping, fishing, hiking, and picnics. I enjoyed going up to the Boundary Waters. It would be upsetting to see any trash left behind. The wilderness wood makes it attractive. Going to Wisconsin Dells and seeing the pristine natural beauty marred by painting inscriptions that John loves Mary, or Fred is from the class of 1995 it disheartening. St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls are marvelous expression of God's handiwork and it is dishonoring to the Lord too to see obscenities written over his creation with spray paint.
The commands of this passage are respect, love, fear and honor. Those are interesting verbs. All of them require an object. We cannot do that without relationships. God tells us not only does He deserve the highest respect, but as Christians we need to respect one another. Humans are the most favored of God’s creation. To understand that by itself should result in an attitude of respect. I have done burial services where I and the mortician were the only ones there. I told him if I was available I would do a burial service for free out of respect for the person God created in his own image. We are not on the same level with all created things and don't let anyone tell you differently it is a lie. Humans have an eternal soul, animals do not. You listen to some of extreme talk of animal rights activities and you question that. Since each is a unique and special creation of God then I feel we turn to God to express worship to Him and recognize and honor the life that lived.
Disrespect comes from judging another. Such persons might feel they are better than someone else, or smarter, or more talented. Often disrespect comes from disapproval of race, age, or actions of others.
When I was in preschool Sunday School I was talk that Jesus loves the children of the world. Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight. I thought we had turned a corner in the 60s with civil right laws and racial discrimination. Yet it keeps rising its ugly head of judging people based on their skin color and not character. To think that some people even go as low as to couple the name of Jesus to justify hate acts is beyond me.Respect all men.
Love the brothers in Christ. We are together on the same team if one preaches and teaches the sole salvation based on faith in the works of Christ by grace.
Fear God. Fear Him to not want to hurt the Lord who loved us so that we would not continue in ways that displease him. We fear Him so as not to offend Him. Realize we will be held in judgment. There are things that people do regularly that I would be afraid to do. I know it is wrong and I do not want to be responsible to stand before my Lord and be held accountable for acting in such a way as a Christian.
I find it interesting that Peter tells them to honor the king. Do you know what Peter is asking of them? Remember that Peter was not writing in a democracy but rather to people living under the monarchy or the jurisdiction of oppressive military state of Rome and the dictatorship of the emperor Caesar.
We have said a few things of Nero who poisoned his family, and step-mother, and divorced his wife and killed his advisers and was an adulterer, and homosexual. He was not a friend to the Christians. He would have them burned and use them as living torches until they died at garden parties. People for entertainment would watch them burn. He was an arson and tradition had it that he fiddled while Rome burned and then blamed it on the Christians. How do you honor someone like that?
Compare how easy it is to respect the governments of Canada and the United States. Authority is from the Lord and God works out of order. Peter Cartwright, a 19th century circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was an uncompromising man. One Sunday morning when he was to preach, he was told that President Andrew Jackson was in congregation and warned not to say anything out of line.
When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, "I understand that Andrew Jackson is here this evening. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent." The congregation was shocked and wondered how the President would respond. After the service, President Jackson shook hand with Peter Cartwright and said, "Sir if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."
As Christians we must exercise discernment in our relationship to human government. There are times when the right thing to do is set aside our own privileges and there are other times when using our citizenship is the right thing. Paul was willing to suffer personally in Philippi but he was unwilling to sneak out of town like a criminal.When he was arrested on false charges, Paul used his citizenship to protect himself and to insist on a fair trial before Caesar.
When I reflect on Peter’s Politics it included living for God’s glory; living with an attitude of submission, with actions of righteousness, with appreciation of freedom, and with an approach to respect.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 29
Theme: Peter's Politics
Verses- 1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Live with God’s Glory in Mind
This week we celebrate our 233th birthday of our nation. We have the longest existing Declaration of Independence and Constitution than any other country in the history of mankind. Since July of 1776 France is on its 15th Constitution, Brazil has had 18 Constitutions since the 1800s, Poland has had six since the first World War. And Russia has had four since that time.
There had been historical groups studying documents as to what influenced the founders of our nation to produce the principles that inspired them. The answer should not surprise us. The Bible influenced our founders more than any other writings of that time. Over 1500 references were made from the Scriptures to shape the thoughts of freedom, separate responsibilities of government, the place of government and so forth. This isn’t referenced as much today when people try to rewrite history.
Only a small minority of men were not Christians in the Biblical sense, but all agreed the Christian principles are the basis that makes a democracy work. When we no longer follow those values then such a society cannot continue to exist.
Although I preached recently in Romans on the relationship between the church and state the passage of this week brings out similar truths from God in Peter’s letter.
Perhaps it helps to think of the context of this passage again.
The world thought the Christians were going to overthrow the government. They thought church meetings were political ones. It was therefore necessary that men's minds also be eased from the impression that any violence was being planned. If Christians could accept order and safety and privileges of life then they were to bear with the cost and yield to the government. Laws were set up to help us better live together. The job of the government is to protect its citizens and promote cooperative living. We have privileges, we have responsibilities. We must pay taxes, and honoring the government authorities, live quiet and peaceable life.
But underlying behind the motives of what we do as citizens is pointing us to a greater King. King Jesus is to be glorified and honored above all. Our lives are to reflect his glory.
Since we understand all authority is given by God then it is easy to pray for those in authority, to work for peace, and to rest in the hope that God is ultimately in charge. This is not to say do not get involved in politics but it does say our involvement must be different than the lust of power and influence. It should be with the long range view that God’s desire for order and peace prevails.
Peter recognizes that the beginning of being a good citizen is to live to the glory of God and in obedience to His commands. In other words, good Christians make good Christians and that should be a testimony to any and every government.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 29
Verses: 1 Peter 2:13,14 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Live with the Attitude of Submission
Lessons on citizenship are clear in the Bible. As Christians we are to submit to every human institution or authority. The reason Peter can tell them to submit themselves to human authorities is for the Lord's sake. It is not in the best interests of Christians to be people who are at political odds with the government officials and people who are suppose to keep the law.
Should I submit to ill equip leaders? What if I know more than the person in authority?
But when the Master reminds us to submit for His sake; to do it because He wishes it, then the responsibility of handling leadership is God’s responsibility, not mine. Yes we do need to stand against injustice. As long as we have a right to speak our minds do so in keeping with the laws. Pray for those in authority over you and give them to the Lord.
Is there ever a time or place for rebellion? We read in Acts 4, 5 how Peter was ordered not to preach by the authorities. The orders from God conflicted with the orders of man and he had no problem whom he should obey. He didn’t have a haughty, defiant attitude however. He was willing to submit to God’s ultimate authority and take man’s consequences, knowing they will be judged by the judge of all.
Abortion is something that I oppose and encourage any believer to examine carefully the teachings of the Bible not to only come to a personal decisions regarding the immorality of abortion, but also the responsibility that we have to stand up for the victims who are dying and being killed.
We have seen the extreme example recently of a man who killed a doctor that performed abortions. I would stand in strong objection to anyone taking a life to save a life. That is inconsistent thinking.
I have good friends who were arrested for trespassing on property that performed abortions. They blocked entrances to prevent ladies from entering. I will not condemn my brothers who feel their protest in front of abortion clinics brings attention to the problem, but I choose to submit to the laws and work to get those laws changed. There are ways to submit to authority for the sake of peace, while speaking up against injustice.
The desire of Christ is that Christian be law abiding citizens in every way they possibly can.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 1, 2009
Verses 1 Peter 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Live with the Actions of Righteousness
Why does God give such a command that we should do good when it comes of government? Yesterday, I saw this played out at private homes in Minnesota. Both Norm Coleman and Al Franken stepped outside of their houses to acknowledge the law and allow the supreme court to decline the petition of Coleman to reconsider the election results for Senator. The nation, as well as Minnesota, was waiting for the news. I was proud of Norm Coleman who submitted to the rule of the judges. When he felt he was right he did was he was allowed as a citizen to appeal earlier court decisions. But the right thing to do was step aside and work for the unity of the government after the appeal was rejected by the top court in our state. A far cry from what is going on in Iran today with the difference of opinion regarding those elections.
Regardless of how one feels on the outcome of the decision the place of cooperation is the goal the Bible lays down in non religious matters. The place of authority in government is to encourage right living among the people and stop or prevent chaos and anarchy. Respect for the Constitution is the voluntary means to control evil and encourage good.
We have seen countries like Honduras, where a group of people are trying to take law in their own hands. There are individuals who assume to be judge and jury without due process of the law and it ends up in the long run more violence. Vengeance belongs to God and God has delegated it to government for encouragement to right living. When each becomes a law unto himself there is civil chaos and no one is protected. The reason police and soldiers can do their job is the respect that we have. When we lose that respect you have increase looting, loss of property and danger to life. God ordains order and with order must come submission for the greater good of the community.
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. When we talk about how to live it is important that we live in relationship to other people. We need to live so fools cannot say anything about us that can be substantiated. We live uprightly and openly people will know that gossip is not true.
This is good advice when it comes to gossip. When you are a victim of malicious talk, live in such a way you can hold your head up. Make your life such that people will not believe it and you have nothing to hide.
Tertullian of ancient Rome remarked about the contrast between the Christians and the heathen. When pagans deserted their relatives in the plague, Christians ministered to the sick. When Gentiles left their dead unburied on the battle fields, Christians took care of the wounded and dying. The more people watched the good works of the Christian the more evidence was that their character was blameless.
I suppose Mother Teresa has done more to change attitudes about Christians in a Hindu land that most evangelists because of her good works in the name of Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 2
Verse- 1 Peter 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Live with the Appreciation of Freedom
In two days we celebrate the 4th of July, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is for freedom that our nation was birthed. We have enjoyed its benefits for 233 years now. We can vote. We have privileges of caucuses and there are issues that you can address on a grass roots basis if you align yourself with a particular political party. We do have a voice if you choose to have one. I am not saying that your voice will be part of the majority, but all ideas and all people began as a minority some place and it took awhile to be known or change public opinion. I have written to senators and legislatures and have tried to meet the local state Representatives. (Most come to your door at election time.)
However Peter was living in a society with 60 million slaves. Many Christians were not free. But no freedom is as great as what is provided by Jesus Christ. A believer is free from condemnation of sin. We are no longer under the bondage of the law that points out our sin, but under grace. As instructed previously we are to be model citizens living in righteousness out of love and for the glory of God. Freedom is not bound by the lusts of the flesh.
Live in freedom but with the responsibility that comes in knowing Jesus. Never use freedom as an excuse for sin or cover-up for wrong motives. Do you have good conscience before God? Can you pray about what you doing and ask for his wisdom and leadership?
As servants of God we are called to live in community with other believers working together utilizing our gifts and talents. The Christian is not an isolated unit. Christian freedom according to the Bible also involves service to the Lord. Only in Jesus is a man freed from self and sin and passion to be as good as he ought to be. Only in Christ is a man freed from selfishness and self-seeking to be as great a servant as he ought to be. Freedom comes when a person receives Christ as king of his or her heart. Fulfillment comes when we are doing what He wants to do through our lives.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 3, 2009
Verses 1 Pet 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Live with an Approach of Respect
Lack of respect can be a major problem in our society. It is common to see a lack of respect for people and for property, for truth and for our environment. Respect is a sense of appreciation for leadership, for things that do not belong to us, to God and His world.
I am not particularly an outdoors man. But I like to get outdoors for camping, fishing, hiking, and picnics. I enjoyed going up to the Boundary Waters. It would be upsetting to see any trash left behind. The wilderness wood makes it attractive. Going to Wisconsin Dells and seeing the pristine natural beauty marred by painting inscriptions that John loves Mary, or Fred is from the class of 1995 it disheartening. St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls are marvelous expression of God's handiwork and it is dishonoring to the Lord too to see obscenities written over his creation with spray paint.
The commands of this passage are respect, love, fear and honor. Those are interesting verbs. All of them require an object. We cannot do that without relationships. God tells us not only does He deserve the highest respect, but as Christians we need to respect one another. Humans are the most favored of God’s creation. To understand that by itself should result in an attitude of respect. I have done burial services where I and the mortician were the only ones there. I told him if I was available I would do a burial service for free out of respect for the person God created in his own image. We are not on the same level with all created things and don't let anyone tell you differently it is a lie. Humans have an eternal soul, animals do not. You listen to some of extreme talk of animal rights activities and you question that. Since each is a unique and special creation of God then I feel we turn to God to express worship to Him and recognize and honor the life that lived.
Disrespect comes from judging another. Such persons might feel they are better than someone else, or smarter, or more talented. Often disrespect comes from disapproval of race, age, or actions of others.
When I was in preschool Sunday School I was talk that Jesus loves the children of the world. Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight. I thought we had turned a corner in the 60s with civil right laws and racial discrimination. Yet it keeps rising its ugly head of judging people based on their skin color and not character. To think that some people even go as low as to couple the name of Jesus to justify hate acts is beyond me.Respect all men.
Love the brothers in Christ. We are together on the same team if one preaches and teaches the sole salvation based on faith in the works of Christ by grace.
Fear God. Fear Him to not want to hurt the Lord who loved us so that we would not continue in ways that displease him. We fear Him so as not to offend Him. Realize we will be held in judgment. There are things that people do regularly that I would be afraid to do. I know it is wrong and I do not want to be responsible to stand before my Lord and be held accountable for acting in such a way as a Christian.
I find it interesting that Peter tells them to honor the king. Do you know what Peter is asking of them? Remember that Peter was not writing in a democracy but rather to people living under the monarchy or the jurisdiction of oppressive military state of Rome and the dictatorship of the emperor Caesar.
We have said a few things of Nero who poisoned his family, and step-mother, and divorced his wife and killed his advisers and was an adulterer, and homosexual. He was not a friend to the Christians. He would have them burned and use them as living torches until they died at garden parties. People for entertainment would watch them burn. He was an arson and tradition had it that he fiddled while Rome burned and then blamed it on the Christians. How do you honor someone like that?
Compare how easy it is to respect the governments of Canada and the United States. Authority is from the Lord and God works out of order. Peter Cartwright, a 19th century circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was an uncompromising man. One Sunday morning when he was to preach, he was told that President Andrew Jackson was in congregation and warned not to say anything out of line.
When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, "I understand that Andrew Jackson is here this evening. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent." The congregation was shocked and wondered how the President would respond. After the service, President Jackson shook hand with Peter Cartwright and said, "Sir if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."
As Christians we must exercise discernment in our relationship to human government. There are times when the right thing to do is set aside our own privileges and there are other times when using our citizenship is the right thing. Paul was willing to suffer personally in Philippi but he was unwilling to sneak out of town like a criminal.When he was arrested on false charges, Paul used his citizenship to protect himself and to insist on a fair trial before Caesar.
When I reflect on Peter’s Politics it included living for God’s glory; living with an attitude of submission, with actions of righteousness, with appreciation of freedom, and with an approach to respect.
Pastor Dale
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