So over these last few days, some tests have come that I didn't consider pure joy. And it kills me that I didn't. See I know, as His people, that all things are working together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:18-30). However, its not my flesh's first reaction. After some time to reflect on my first reaction, it easy to see my errors.
I want my sanctification to speed up, I want to be holy, but I also want what I want. This always reminds me of God's warning to Cain, "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master" This has always been the issue, I must do what is right and subdue my sin. In my flesh, I don't have the power to do it, I need the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work strengthening my spirit to subdue my flesh. Earlier I mentioned the truth of Romans 8:18-30, but to better understand that we must understand what is being taught in Romans 7:14-8:17 about this war between our flesh and our spirit. I encourage you to read it all, but I offer these observations:
"Though my father, He's the richest King, I sit alone within my poverty" - (not sure who wrote that lyric but I would love to give credit if someone can tell me) Soli Deo Gloria, Bryan
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Chapter 22 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession states:
Section 7: It is the law of nature that in general a portion of time specified by God should be set apart for the worship of God. So by his Word, in a positive-moral and perpetual commandment that obligates everyone in every age, he has specifically appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy to him. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ the appointed day was the last day of the week. After the resurrection of Christ it was changed to the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's Day. This day is to be kept to the end of the age as the Christian Sabbath, since the observance of the last day of the week has been abolished. (Exodus 20:8; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) * Note that in none of the above Scripture reference is there a command related to the first day of the week to be required as the Lord’s Day, just a statement that they gathered on that day. Section 8: The Sabbath is kept holy to the Lord when people have first prepared their hearts appropriately and arranged their everyday affairs in advance. Then they observe a holy rest all day from their own works, words and thoughts about their secular employment and recreation. Not only that, but they also fill the whole time with public and private acts of worship and the duties of necessity and mercy (Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Matthew 12:1-13) In Colossians 2:16-18 (ESV), we find: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." Accordingly, I understand the use of shadows and types in the Scriptures and seek to understand them as the Scriptures clarify those things for us. In the Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees who sat on Moses’ seat (Matthew 23:1-36) Jesus says, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (ESV). Yet I believe the substance of our rest is found in Christ. As He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV) While I affirm both the need and our Spirit-given desire to honor God, I see this in much the same way we I the commands to tithe. In the Old Testament, Israel was obligated to give, in the New Testament we find that we are new creatures in Christ created for good works. So I believe that the lifestyle of the Christian is giving because we have been given so much. I also believe that one day a week is not the requirement for the believer, but because he has made us new in Him every single day of our life is set apart for Him. I do not believe that the Sabbath commandment is a “positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages”, nor do I believe that “This day is to be kept to the end of the age as the Christian Sabbath” as stated in Section 7 above. Again, we affirm what we believe to be the higher calling of the Christian in these areas:
Further Reading: Matthew 11:25-30; Hebrews 4:1-13; Colossian 3:23 (Context); Mark 6:31 (Context); Romans 14:5-8 (Context) |
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