God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:1-10)

"For we are God’s handiwork [workmanship, masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph 2:10).

1. The Human Condition (Eph 2:1-3).
2. The Divine Intervention (Eph 2:4-7).
3. The Gift & The Result (Eph 2:8-10).

1. What does it mean to be "dead in your transgressions and sins" (Eph 2:1, 5; Lk 15:24, 32)?

Change (Romans 6:1-14)

• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
• What do you wish you could cut out OR add to your life forever, instantly?

1. How might you answer someone who says that it is no big deal for a Christian to sin, since grace will cover it (Rom 6:1; 5:20)? [Why did Paul's Jewish opponents oppose his teaching of grace (Rom 6:15?]

I Know My Sin (Psalm 51)

Read Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 11:1-12:13.

Sin will take me further than I want to go.
Sin will keep me longer than I want to stay.
Sin will cost me more than I want to pay.

• Why do you think you sin (1 Jn 2:16; Eccl 6:7; 5:10)? Is sin a big deal?
• Can a man reveal your sin (Jn 16:8)?
• Do you commit adultery and murder like David? See Exo 20:13-14, 17; Dt 5:17-18, 21; Mt 5:21-22, 27-28; Prov 5:20; 6:24-25; Rom 7:15, 17, 18, 19, 23. Did David break any other commandments?

1. What are 3 words in reference to God (Ps 51:1)? 3 verbs for cleansing and 3 nouns for sin (Ps 51:1-2)? 
• What is the basis of David's plea (Exo 34:6-7; Mic 7:18)? Why (Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:23)? 
• What is the difference between mercy and grace? Does he deserve mercy? Is mercy a license to sin?
2. How did his sin affect him (Ps 51:3, 8, 12; 13:2; 38:2, 6)? Who is ultimately offended by his sin (Ps 51:4; Gen 39:7, 9)? 
• How bad do you feel about your sin (Ps 51:17)?

When Your World Falls Apart (Psalm 3-7)

When Life Takes a Turn for the Worst (Psalm 3-7)

1. Psalm 3: Facing a New Day (Ps 3:5-6). You are not alone.
2. Psalm 4: Facing Another Night (Ps 4:4; 6:6). Who can I turn to?
3. Psalm 5: Starting a New Day (Ps 5:3). On pleading with the King.
4. Psalm 6: Waiting is Hard (Ps 6:1-4). The way prayer makes a difference.
• Prayers and tears (Ps 6:6-9).
5. Psalm 7: Sin and judgment. The judge is on your side.
• A Conscience without Offence (Ps 7:3-5).
• A cry for justice (Ps 7:6-11).

When Overcome by Sin and Guilt (Psalm 38)

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When You are Overcome by Your Sin and Guilt:

1. How does David describe his suffering (Ps 38:1; 6:1)?
• Is he asking not to be rebuked or disciplined?
• Who does God discipline (Heb 12:6)? Why (Heb 12:10)?
• How does he feel (Ps 38:2)?
2. What does David connect his suffering with (Ps 38:3, 5)? How did his sin and guilt affect him (Ps 38:4, 6-8)? How does your sin affect you?
• Does God discipline severely (Ac 5:5, 10; 1 Cor 11:29-30)?
• What kind of suffering have you experienced in your life?
• What do you think caused your suffering?
3. What does David know about God's knowledge of him (Ps 38:9; 139:1, 5, 7, 23-24; Gen 16:13)? How is he different from Adam (Gen 3:10)? How devastated is he (Ps 38:10, 17)?
4. How does David's friends react to him (Ps 38:11-12)? Why (Ps 38:16, 19-20)? How did he respond to their criticism and opposition (Ps 38:13-14; 46:10; Eccl 5:2; Isa 53:7; Mt 27:14)?
5. After expressing great suffering what did David do (Ps 38:15; 39:7; 42:5, 11)? Is it easy for you to just wait on God without any time schedule (Job 13:15) What if you do (Isa 40:31)?
6. Is it easy to honesty confess your sins (Ps 38:18)? What if you don't (Ps 32:3-4)? What if you do (Ps 32:5; 1 Jn 1:9)?
7. Do you long to be near God more than with someone else (Ps 38:21)? How earnestly do you affirm your need for help (Ps 38:22)?
• Was his suffering relieved at the end of this Psalm? Is there a high point in this Psalm?
• How could David be so bold to appeal to God for mercy, being the guilty sinner that he was (Ps 51:3-4)?

• How might affliction, anguish, adversity and anxiety help a Christian more than comfort and convenience, safety and security (Ps 119:67, 71, 75, 92)?

• How does Psalm 38 point to Christ (Ps 22:1; Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34)?

Learn How to Suffer Well (Job 1:1-22)

* Learn from Job how to suffer well.

* Don't think that you did something wrong [even if you did] (Jn 9:1-3).

* Own your suffering (Job 1:20-21). Accept your situation/suffering. 

* The ultimate value and purpose of our suffering (Rom 8:28-29).

* No need to know why except that God is good in all that he does.

Affliction (God’s Medicine) by J.C. Ryle

"Affliction is one of God's medicines. By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly.

Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater blessing. Prosperity and worldly comfort are what all naturally desire; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ. Thousands on the last day, will testify with David, 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted' (Psalm. 119:71)."

7 Deadly Sins

The 7 Deadly Sins is a subject of contemplation and moral reflection for centuries. These sins, aka the capital vices, are behaviors and attitudes particularly destructive to the human soul and society. They are moral pitfalls that we all must be vigilant against.

Pride is surely the deadliest, because self is placed above all else. It is the root of all sin, and it blinds us to our own sins. It breeds arrogance, judgmentalism, and failure to recognize our dependence on God. Indeed, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov 16:18).

Envy resents others' good fortune or possessions. It's a poison that eats away at our happiness and relationships. Instead of celebrating others' success, envy makes us bitter and discontented. In contrast, be grateful for what we have and work on self-improvement rather than comparing ourselves to others.

Wrath or anger, can consume us. It leads to rash words, decisions and actions that we later regret. We must control our anger and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Eph 4:26).

Sloth is the sin of laziness or apathy. [Acedia comes from Greek, and means “a lack of care.” It sounds a little like today's sloth, and acedia is indeed considered a precursor to today's sin of laziness. To Christian monks in the fourth century, however, acedia was more than just laziness or apathy. Synonyms: idleness, inactivity, indolence, inertia, laxness, lethargy, listlessness, slackness. slothfulness, slowness, sluggishness.] It neglects responsibility and in reaching our potential. Strive to be diligent and purposeful in life, using our time and talents wisely. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Col 3:23). Sloth is defined as a spiritual apathy or lack of concern for oneself and others. It is a failure to do things that one should do, or a lack of motivation to work, though the understanding of the sin in antiquity was that this laziness or lack of work was simply a symptom of the vice of apathy or indifference, particularly an apathy or boredom with God. Sloth can manifest in a number of ways, including:

• Physical inactivity
• Neglecting what God has said
• Wasting resources
• Not helping those in need
• Carelessness about God's commands and priorities
• Lack of love for God

Greed, an insatiable desire for money and possessions, leads to unethical behavior and exploitation. Instead, seek contentment and be generous with what you have. Jesus warned, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" (Lk 12:15).

Lust, an intense desire for physical pleasure, disregards moral and ethical boundaries. It harms relationships and objectifies others. We must strive for purity and respect of others. Jesus said, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28).

Gluttony, the excessive consumption of food, drink, indulgences, leads to physical and spiritual harm. We should practice moderation and self-control in all things. "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony" (Prov 23:1-2).

The 7 Deadly Sins should help us recognize and overcome destructive behaviors in our lives. We must strive for humility, contentment, self-control and love for our neighbors. This leads to more fulfilling and virtuous lives. It sbuild a better society based on love, compassion, and moral integrity. Reflect on these 7 sins, apply them to ourselves, and seek the path of holiness, righteousness and spiritual growth.

3 Stages of the Converted. 7 Deadly Sins

"There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness;  in the middle the contests of temptation; and  in the end the fullness of perfection."–Pope St. Gregory the Great. The 7 Deadly Sins Lust Gluttony Greed Sloth Wrath Envy Pride

Yielding or Consenting to Wicked Thoughts

"God-fearing souls who are inclined to scruples think that every wicked thought that enters their mind is a sin. But it is not the wicked thoughts in themselves that are sins, but the yielding or consenting to them. Wickedness consists in the perverse will that deliberately yields to sin with a complete knowledge of its wickedness with full consent. St. Augustine teaches that when the consent of the will is absent, there is no sin. However much we may be tormented by temptations, the rebellion of the senses, or the inordinate motions of the interior part of the soul, as long as there is no consent, there is no sin. If a person who fears God and hates sin doubts whether or not he has consented to an evil thought or not, he is not bound to confess it, because it is morally certain that he has not given consent. But some may think that evil thoughts and desires, though consented to, are not sins provided they are not followed by sinful actions. This is worse. What we will not do, we will not desire. Therefore an evil thought or desire to which we consent comprises in itself all the wickedness of an evil deed."—St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Confrontation, Conversion and Calling (Isaiah 6)

https://www.facebook.com/ben.toh.9/posts/10159744412734490 Sermon in Ukraine on Nov 7, 2021.

My eyes have seen the almighty holy God. "I saw the Lord…my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty" (Isaiah 6:1, 5).

1. Do you want to "see" God (Isa 6:1, 5)? Have you?
• What does it mean to "see" God? To confront a vision of God (Isa 6:1-4; Jn 1:14; Judg 13:22; Exo 33:20)?
• Do you have a memorable "(God) moment" in your life (Jn 1:39)?
• Did Isaiah see Jesus (Jn 12:41)?
• What does it mean that God is "holy, holy, holy" (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8)? That "the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isa 6:3; 5:30)?
• Is your God big (Isa 6:1, 5) and your problems small, or are you problems big because your God is small?
2. How do you know if you are saved? How is one saved (Isa 6:5-7)? What does it mean to:
• be convicted of sin (Isa 6:5a)? Have you felt woe? Doomed by your sins (Lk 5:8; Rev 1:17)?
• confess sin (Isa 6:5b; Ps 51:4)?
• be cleansed of sin (Isa 6:6-7)?
• be changed (2 Cor 5:17, 21)?
3. Could Isaiah not hear "the voice of the Lord" before Isaiah 6:8? Why (Isa 59:2)?
4. What does it mean to you--personally and practically--to be called by God and to serve God (Isa 6:8-13; 66:2; Eph 4:1; Gal 2:20; Phil 1:27; 1 Pet 5:2)?
5. What does God caution about calloused people (Isa 6:9-10)? Can a person become worse after studying the Bible and after knowing the Bible? Why (1 Cor 1:22-23; Mt 7:26-27; Jas 1:22-24)?

"Christians are missionaries by necessity because all that we are and do only makes sense if what we are and do is done in the name of Jesus." Stanley Hauerwas, Sent: The Church is Mission (Sermon, 7/4/2010), Working With Words: On Learning to Speak Christian.

"Give me a man in love; he knows what I mean. Give me one who yearns; give me one who is hungry; give me one far away in this desert, who is thirsty and sighs for the spring of the eternal country. Give me that sort of man; he knows what I mean. But if I speak to a cold man, he just does not know what I am talking about." Augustine.

Legalism is the original sin

"Legalism is the attempt to be more God than God." Stanley Hauerwas, commenting on the lectionary reading of Gen 3:1-7 when Eve added to God's command, "...and you must not touch it..." (Gen 3:3). [Legalism is the original sin]

Each of the temptations is an attempt for Jesus to be the kind of God that overcomes death in a manner that seems assured. Top of the temple: End war, have peace, you can't do it with the devil's means. The NT has to be read Christologically, just as the OT has to be. How to overcome our temptations loses the Christological focus.

"Our first sin is our assumption that we know what sin is." Hauerwas quoting Barth. "Barth's language is an ontological impossibility."

If you think that sin is because on the whole we are pretty shitty people, you got it wrong. Sin is not "I've done something I'm ashamed of." Sin really is the refusal of God. Sin is the naming of alienation from God. It's very hard to remember that. We prefer sin to be just another name for being a bad person. 

Love, Joy, Sin

"Love is the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real." ― Iris Murdoch.

"Love is the nonviolent apprehension of the other as other." Iris Murdoch as quoted by Stanley Hauerwas.

"Christians are obligated to love one another...even if they're married. Love does not create marriage, but marriage creates loves." Stanley Hauerwas.

"If you are a Christian you should be joyful in a way that other people find attractive. It should make people wonder, 'Gee, what makes them tick?'"  Stanley Hauerwas.

"The idea that you need to be convinced you're a sinner in order to come to salvation is getting it backwards. By being saved in Christ you then are able to have some information as to what it means to be a sinner. That's the school of discipleship. The tents (modern evangelism) made sins too interesting. And it's exactly that Christians are saved from the narcissistic fascination with our sins." Stanley Hauerwas.

Immediate Forgiveness (Psalm 32)

"It is a Psalm of penitence, but it is also the song of a ransomed soul rejoicing in the wonders of the grace of God. Sin is dealt with; sorrow is comforted; ignorance is instructed." G. Campbell Morgan.

"This was Saint Augustine's favorite psalm. Augustine had it inscribed on the wall next to his bed before he died in order to meditate on it better." James Montgomery Boice.

What Sin Does (Dt 1:19-46)

Few passages in Scripture provide a fully study of what sin does than Dt 1:19-46.

1. Blinds: Sin blinds people to God's gracious providences. Moses highlights frequently the motif of "seeing" (Dt 1:19, 22-23, 25, 28, 30, 31, 33). But sin or "faithless eyes" are selective in what they allow to register in their hearts and minds. They only saw the obstacles and difficulties. Because they were blind to the greater One among them (1 Jn 4:4), they could not and would not see the prize (Dt 1:35-36). They had no "theology of remembrance." They could not remember God's many interventions on their behalf (Dt 6:20-25; 26:5-11).

Why Sin is Inexcusable (Dt 1:1-46)

Key Verses: Dt 1:8, 21, 30-31

"See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land..." "See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it..." "The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

Deuteronomy 1 begins with a tragic negative story of failure by the people of God who were miraculously redeemed from slavery in Egypt. The recent sequence of events is as follows (See also An Overview of the Pentateuch):

Set Back by Sin for 38 Years (Dt 1:1-46)

Deuteronomy 1:1-46; Key Verses: Dt 1:21, 26 (Read Dt 1:26-43)

"See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it..." "But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God."

Introduction: Deuteronomy consists of three speeches (sermons) Moses gave to his people before handing leadership to Joshua and before their entrance to the promised land. Key Verses may be:

Jesus' Resume (Heb 1:1-3)

Karl Barth (Swiss Reformed theologian, 1886-1968) was asked if God had revealed himself in many religions besides Christianity. His answer: "No. God has not revealed himself in any religion, including Christianity. He has spoken in his Son, Jesus Christ." The beginning of Hebrews tells us Jesus' short resume.

Hebrews is about persevering in the faith (Heb 13:22). It was written to (Jewish) Christians (in Rome) who were struggling in the faith (Heb 10:38-39). It was for drift prevention--for they were tempted to wonder away. Since Rome detested all things Christian, they endured suffering, ridicule, imprisonment, the confiscation of their possessions, and, under Nero, the possibility of being fed to the lions in the Coliseum (Heb 2:14-18). Should they give up being Christians? To the author of Hebrews, rather than forsake Jesus, they should be willing to surrender everything to have him. Why? It is because of who Jesus is. He is:

Don't you just love the way John Piper writes!

In his book "Spectacular Sins" (2008), Piper warns that personal catastrophes, global cataclysms, and horrific times are coming for Christians (Acts 14:22; John 15:20; Lk 21:16,18; Mt 24:9,12; 1 Thess 3:3; 2 Tim 3:1,12; Rom 8:17,23; 1 Pet 4:12; Rev 1:9,2:10,6:10-11,12:11,13:7,15,17:6). Read this short review or watch Piper's short interview or download the book. (I just finished reading it and it is well worth the time.) He encourages Christians to rejoice in the glory of Christ through the most spectacular (God ordained) sin ever, which is the murder of Christ.

He is sorry that Christians in the West are pampered and coddled with little suffering in the name of Christ, and are mainly seeking to improve their own lives. He repeatedly says that wimpy worldviews and wimpy theology produces wimpy Christianity. Perhaps to spur us on, he writes this in the introduction to the book:

I know that God is tender, and that personal fellowship with him is sweet, and that touching the heart happens through the brokenness of the still, small voice. I know this, and I love it. Jesus Christ is a precious friend to me.

But I also know something else. If, while I am having a tender conversation with my wife, a man breaks in and kills her and all my children and leaves me wounded on the living room floor, I will need a way of seeing the world that involves more than the tenderness of God. If pestilence takes out tens of thousands of my fellows citizens and half my church, my mental and spiritual survival will depend on more than the precious gifts of God's intimacy.

Filthy Yet Clean (Zechariah 3:1-10)

“See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (Zech 3:4b)

According to the Scriptures, all human beings have an upcoming courtroom date with God (Heb 9:27). As a young monk searching for salvation, Martin Luther was overwhelmed by the fear of standing before a righteous God as his judge. In his youth, Charles Wesley dreaded coming into the presence of a holy God. Only after they understood the doctrine of justification by faith through the righteousness of Christ alone were they permanently freed from that fear. Then they could declare with boldness, "No condemnation now I dread."

Unlike Luther and Wesley not many today fear God's condemnation. People's God today is far too much of a gentleman to condemn anyone to hell. They think, "Do your best. God will do the rest. What is there to fear?"

This was not the attitude of Zechariah's hearers. They knew they served a high and holy God, a God who is of purer eyes than to look upon sin/evil (Hab 1:13). They were clear about the nonnegotiable holiness of God. In 586 BC, the temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, Jerusalem was burned, and their king was captured and taken to Babylon (2 Ki 25:1-21). Everything that was sacred was desecrated because of the sins of God's people. Now 70 years later, a small remnant returned to the Promised Land. Having experienced God's judgment for sin, would they ever hear the declaration of "no condemnation"? They knew that when you come before a holy God, the correct slogan is not "no fear," but "be afraid, be very afraid." How will they fare?