I Must Insist

Scripture: He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:5-8 ESV)

Observation: We are saved by God’s work, not ours. Paul commands Timothy to insist on this. The result of insisting on this is that people will be careful to devote themselves to good works. This seems counterintuitive. If we want to motivate people to do good, how does insisting that their good has nothing to do with God’s approval of them spur them on?

There must be something powerful about the gospel. More than human rhetoric, more than motivational speeches. Something about the simple truth that He saved us, not because of works done by us, serves as a starter pistol for a life of good works. When guilt and self-effort are off the table, the glory of the gospel can be seen.

Application: I believe He saved us, not because of works done by us. But do I insist on this? Do I insist on this in my own relationship with God? Do I insist on this with my wife and kids? Do I insist on this in my preaching? Do I insist on this with my friends and neighbors? Or do I subtly communicate that He saved us, but only due to works done by us?

I need to think more about what it means for me to insist that He saved us, not because of works done by us.

Prayer: God, it is clear that when it comes to salvation, either you get all the credit, or I try to steal some. Forgive me for foolishly thinking I contributed. It is all, beginning, middle, and end, your work in me. Help me insist on this in my dealings today.

The Glory of Kings

Scripture: It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

Observation: Part of what separates us from God is that God’s thoughts are so much more vast than ours. His knowledge and wisdom is limitless. Job learned this when he dared question God. So the fact that God knows more than he has revealed to us is part of his glory. We, on the other hand, are creatures of learning. Unlike God, we have room to grow and learn. Our glory as “kings” is to apply ourselves to live our lives by wisdom.

Application: I have been praying about our church going through a year of searching out what truly happens to us at the moment we believe on Christ. I think we have barely scratched the surface of this transformation. The Bible lists 33 realities that occur to us at the moment of salvation. This endeavor is daunting, as it will challenge much of my comfort zone. But what is outweighing the risk is the wonder of what could happen if we searched things out, if we spent a year unpacking the divine riches of God’s grace. I think that God is saying to me today that it is to our glory to do this. God’s glory is to effect all of this salvation; our glory is to search it out and live by what we learn.

Prayer: God, I continue to yield this to you. Guide me in what you want us to search out. If you want me to do this, I will. I trust you and the sufficiency of your word. As I search out this idea, would you reveal to me your plans?

This is My Story, This is My Song.

Scripture: Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11

Observation: This declaration seems to be the constant refrain of the 24 elders in Heaven. Over and over they say this. Why this statement? Of all of the never ending volumes of truth that could be spoken to and about God, why these 28 words? Could it be because, in their simplicity, they capture the essential truth of God’s worthiness to be praised: There is none above Him. He created all things—no one created him. All things exist and continue to exist only by the sheer will of God. On his best day, Satan cannot create a drop of rain—he can only attempt to twist and distort what God has created. There is no power struggle for control of the universe. The power described in these words is unspeakable. Where else would we turn for appeal? Who else has the power to be our God?

Application: This is my story, this is my song: God is worthy to receive all my strength in worshipping him. My energy and life has found their fulfillment and purpose when I ascribe glory and honor and power to God. And I take solace in this: As he has overcome, so will I if I am with him. I will experience this moment, the recognition that all I have placed my hope in is true. I cannot wait for this moment to celebrate the authority and worth of God.

Prayer: God, let me celebrate a foretaste of this celebration as I honor you in my worship this morning. Let me have confidence this week to share your love with others, knowing that the One who empowers me is awesome in power forever.

Who is His Equal? July 24

Scripture: "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25
"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another.” Isaiah 42:8

Observation: I remember hearing a statement by John Piper a few years ago, “God is an important person who does not like being taken for granted.” I think it is getting easier and easier in this world we live to take God for granted. To begin to doubt His importance to our world. Our own advances in technology and power can delude us into thinking we do not need him. But Isaiah records what God thinks about this attitude. That He, apart from anyone else in history, is truly without equal. He alone is allowed to be called The Lord. And God will not share his glory as the One and Only with anyone else.

Application: How do I treat God as less important? How do I give his glory to others? One way is when I fail to attribute to God what is his. We just returned from a long trip, driving 5 hours each way in an old Suburban. We made it there and back again. Was this just good maintenance? Or was it God? Before our drive, as we do on every vacation, we stop and pray, asking God to guard our vehicle and protect us as we travel. Then when we pull back in our driveway, we stop and thank God for the trip. Why do I do this? Because I believe that God is the true protector of our family and I want my kids to see and learn this as well.

Prayer: God, forgive me for failing to set You apart as the One and Only, one whose power is unapproachable. The power we achieve on earth is nothing compared to the One who alone gets to be called The Lord. Today, may you remind me of your supreme superiority in all areas of life—power, holiness, authority.