This week, Michael writes
that as the people of God, we need to keep our eyes on eternity. Even
though we live in the here and now, our eyes are on the hereafter.
In the books of Timothy, natural
men and women of this world are opposed to the things of righteousness. Many
harmful desires of the flesh plunge us into destruction and depravity. The
battle between light of righteousness and the darkness of sin rages on. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood
but against spiritual wickedness from on high.” Charles Spurgeon said that
we are the result of a siege that God waged against the fortress of our worldly
hearts. He has broken down the walls of the Believer and led captivity
captive.
Per the poem written by
English poet Francis Thompson, Jesus Christ is the "hound of
heaven", who continuously pursues us. "The name is strange. It startles one at first. It is so bold, so new,
so fearless. It does not attract, rather the reverse. But when one reads the
poem this strangeness disappears. The meaning is understood. As the hound
follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the
chase, with unhurrying and imperturbed pace, so does God follow the fleeing
soul by His Divine grace. And though in sin or in human love, away from God it
seeks to hide itself, Divine grace follows after, unwearyingly follows ever
after, till the soul feels its pressure forcing it to turn to Him alone in that
never ending pursuit."
In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul
knew that he was approaching the end of his ministry and this life. He
reminded Timothy of the sins of our fallen nature that we inherited from Adam.
To turn from sin, Paul exhorts his converts to turn instead to righteousness.
Because we have been created a new man or woman in Christ Jesus. Paul said to
flee from sin and to pursue righteousness. According to 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 “This know
also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers
of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors,
heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form
of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Paul didn't say to convert
these evil men. Rather he said turn away from them. To flee from
them, instead pursue six things: In verse 11, as a child of God, he says
to pursue godliness: “But thou, O man of
God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.” Godliness is defined as: A pious life; a careful
observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties, proceeding
from love and reverence for the divine character and commands; Christian
obedience. Godliness is defined as living life according to righteousness in
the presence of Almighty God. Righteousness is purity of heart and
rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. It is nearly
equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart,
and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice,
honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.
The love of God keeps no
record of wrongs done. God doesn't build up a resentment bank. To
approach our loving Heavenly Father, we must approach Him with a heart of love
and grace. Let’s pause and continue Michael’s message on the pursuit of
righteousness in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment