Doubt may be defined as an uncertainty of belief or lack of confidence in something. Applied to the Christian life, doubt refers to the unbelief in God and His Word that Christians occasionally exhibit. It is possible that in a moment of infirmity a Christian may doubt the existence of God in spite of the fact that it is not reasonable for a person to disbelieve this obvious truth (Ps. 14:1). A Christian is more likely to doubt his salvation after sinning or after a spiritual defeat. A misunderstanding of such verses as (1 John 3:9) contributes to this doubt: "Whoever has been born of God does not sin." It is crucial to note that this verse speaks of a lifestyle of sin, not instances of sin.
A Christian may also doubt God's sovereignty or His goodness. In such circumstances as sickness, suffering, injustice, opposition, economic problems, family problems, national calamity, or apparently unanswered prayer, a Christian may be tempted to doubt the goodness of God. One must remember that it is not always possible to descern God's good hand in the affairs of life. The person of faith believes God even when circumstances appear to the contrary.
All doubt may be traced ultimately to unbelif in the Word of God, which affirms beyond question the existence and character of God. To regard doubt as the sin of unbelief and then confess it to God as sin is therefore the first step toward conquering it.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
God's Word Cleanses
One of the pieces of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle was called the bronze laver (ex. 38:8). It consisted of a huge upright bronze bowl filled with water, resting upon a pedestal. The priest would often stop at this laver and wash. The Word of God may be thought of in terms of that laver, for it too has the power to cleanes. The Old Testiment laver could only remove the physical dirt from human hands, but the Scriptures possess the ability to take away our moral filth (1 Pet. 1:22).
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). What areas of my life can the Bible cleanse?
It can cleanse me from wrong thoughts. Sometimes we are tempted to think critically of others. God's word can prevent this (Ps. 1:2). On other occasions fearful thoughts may race through our minds. The Scripture will prevent this also (Josh. 1:8). In fact, the Bible will establish our total thoughtlife if we but allow it to do so (Phil. 4:8, 9;2 Pet. 1:5-10).
It can cleanse me from wrong words. Of all the Bible authors, James seems to be God's expert on the sins of the human tongue. In the first chapter of his book, he deals with this very thing and shows the absolute necessity of dependence upon the Scriptures to keep our words true (James 1:22-26).
It cleanses me from wrong actions. Jesus promised us this would be the case. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you" (John 15:3).
Finally, God's Word will keep us from wrong thoughts, words, and actions; or else wrong thoughts, words, and actions will keep us from God's Word. Amen
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). What areas of my life can the Bible cleanse?
It can cleanse me from wrong thoughts. Sometimes we are tempted to think critically of others. God's word can prevent this (Ps. 1:2). On other occasions fearful thoughts may race through our minds. The Scripture will prevent this also (Josh. 1:8). In fact, the Bible will establish our total thoughtlife if we but allow it to do so (Phil. 4:8, 9;2 Pet. 1:5-10).
It can cleanse me from wrong words. Of all the Bible authors, James seems to be God's expert on the sins of the human tongue. In the first chapter of his book, he deals with this very thing and shows the absolute necessity of dependence upon the Scriptures to keep our words true (James 1:22-26).
It cleanses me from wrong actions. Jesus promised us this would be the case. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you" (John 15:3).
Finally, God's Word will keep us from wrong thoughts, words, and actions; or else wrong thoughts, words, and actions will keep us from God's Word. Amen
Monday, August 10, 2009
Confession
One of the most remarkable chapters in the Old Testament is (Ps. 51). This psalm contains the actual words of confession uttered by King David after his great sins of adultery and murder (2 Sam. 11).
This prayer can serve as a pattern to Christians when guilty of sin today.
a. David begins his prayer by freely admitting his sin (Ps. 51:3,4). This honesty is vital in our confession. God will graciously forgive all our sins, but not on account of our excuses.
b. He then displays real sorrow over his sin (Ps. 51:17). Paul writes (2 Cor. 7:10) that the main characteristic of true confession is godly sorrow.
c. He asks God's forgiveness (Ps. 51: 1,7-9).
d. He believes God has heard him and will restore him (Ps. 51:12-15).
In the New Testament the most important single verse concerning confession is (1 John 1:9). In essence John tells us the means of forgiveness and cleansing is the blood of Christ, while the method of this forgiveness and cleansing is the confession of the Christian.
Like David, we must admit our sin, plead the blood of Christ, and believe that God has indeed done what He promised, namely, to cleanse us from sin and restore us to fellowship and service.
(Rom. 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
This prayer can serve as a pattern to Christians when guilty of sin today.
a. David begins his prayer by freely admitting his sin (Ps. 51:3,4). This honesty is vital in our confession. God will graciously forgive all our sins, but not on account of our excuses.
b. He then displays real sorrow over his sin (Ps. 51:17). Paul writes (2 Cor. 7:10) that the main characteristic of true confession is godly sorrow.
c. He asks God's forgiveness (Ps. 51: 1,7-9).
d. He believes God has heard him and will restore him (Ps. 51:12-15).
In the New Testament the most important single verse concerning confession is (1 John 1:9). In essence John tells us the means of forgiveness and cleansing is the blood of Christ, while the method of this forgiveness and cleansing is the confession of the Christian.
Like David, we must admit our sin, plead the blood of Christ, and believe that God has indeed done what He promised, namely, to cleanse us from sin and restore us to fellowship and service.
(Rom. 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
God Through His Word
One of the most vital teachings of Scripture is that God can be known. The highest knowledge to which men and women can attain is a personal knowledge of God (Jer. 9:24). People do not naturally possess this knowledge (Rom. 3:10,11), even though they know He exists (Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:19,20). Knowing that God exists is not the same as knowing God personally, just as knowing about the President does not mean that you necessarily know him personally. This knowledge of God is crucial, however, since to know God personally is to be saved and have eternal life (John 17:3).
People should rejoice in the fact that God earnestly wants them to attain his knowledge. That is why He has spoken to us in His Word, revealing Himself and disclosing the means by which we may know Him.
While God surely can be known, there is always more to be learned about Him. There are many Scriptures that teach that our knowledge of God is partial. It is said to be "too wonderful" (Ps. 139:6), "unsearchable" (Ps. 147:5). Since our knowledge of God is incomplete, we must increase it through Spiritual growth. Paul, for example, prays to know God better (Phil. 3:10). We are even commanded to grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). The development of one's intimate knowledge of God constitutes one of the greatest delights of the Christian life.
The Bible also reveals that God cannot be known personally apart from His Word. It contains the gospel that must be believed (Eph. 1:13), and the gospel brings forth saving faith in itself (Rom. 10:17). The gospel can therefore be called "the power of God to salvation" (Rom. 1:16). The part that the Scriptures and the gospel contain within them play in bringing people to know God is described in three important illustrations:
1. The gospel is the agent of the new birth (James 1:18), that is, it is like the implant seed without which the conception of new life cannot occur.
2. It is also a cleansing agent through which God gives the believing sinner a spiritual bath that results in salvation (Eph. 5:26).
3. The Scriptures are like an educator bringing the wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). So bring the Word, bring the rain of God and be a light in this world.
People should rejoice in the fact that God earnestly wants them to attain his knowledge. That is why He has spoken to us in His Word, revealing Himself and disclosing the means by which we may know Him.
While God surely can be known, there is always more to be learned about Him. There are many Scriptures that teach that our knowledge of God is partial. It is said to be "too wonderful" (Ps. 139:6), "unsearchable" (Ps. 147:5). Since our knowledge of God is incomplete, we must increase it through Spiritual growth. Paul, for example, prays to know God better (Phil. 3:10). We are even commanded to grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). The development of one's intimate knowledge of God constitutes one of the greatest delights of the Christian life.
The Bible also reveals that God cannot be known personally apart from His Word. It contains the gospel that must be believed (Eph. 1:13), and the gospel brings forth saving faith in itself (Rom. 10:17). The gospel can therefore be called "the power of God to salvation" (Rom. 1:16). The part that the Scriptures and the gospel contain within them play in bringing people to know God is described in three important illustrations:
1. The gospel is the agent of the new birth (James 1:18), that is, it is like the implant seed without which the conception of new life cannot occur.
2. It is also a cleansing agent through which God gives the believing sinner a spiritual bath that results in salvation (Eph. 5:26).
3. The Scriptures are like an educator bringing the wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). So bring the Word, bring the rain of God and be a light in this world.
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