We didn't make it through Mark 15:6-15 so we'll finish next Sunday, D.V.
I've been unable to put into words why this text is helping me so much to walk with Christ these past few weeks. Something about His shame on my behalf that affects me.
I need to understand this. Why does the shame and suffering of my Lord Jesus take away my desire to sin? I don't want to lose this. Ideas?
James 1:13-18 was challenging last night, eh?
Quick Outline:
4 Ultimate Realities Connected to Trials:
The Ultimate Blame Shift – v. 13 (our tendency in trials)
The Ultimate Fault – v. 14 (the source of sin in trials)
The Ultimate Spiritual Law – v. 15 (the "end," or result of our sin in trials)
The Ultimate Good – v. 16-18 (How to overcome those tendencies in trials)
If you're in the church, don't forget next week's baptisms - Rockville Baptist, 4pm.
Thanks, Rockville Baptist.
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Hello Pastor Ted,
ReplyDeleteGood to see the blog...thanking God and praying for you. Anyway, "Why does the shame and suffering of my Lord Jesus take away my desire to sin?"
In response to that, I think I'll [try to] abreviate some thoughts (quite theological)...and you'll probably elablogate on them later :). [Background] Passages that come to mind are Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Romans 4:22-5:11; John 3:19-21; Romans 8:31-39; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 4:18,19; etc. In order to restrain myself, I'll try to stay connected to things I learned from listening to your sermon:
1. THE SILENCE OF JESUS [IN INNOCENCE]; I think the recognition of the righteousness of Christ Jesus, even in His silence when He is unrighteously shamed/degraded is compelling as one considers that that is the righteousness with which we are clothed as we completely trust Him and not our naturally unrighteous selves - a kind of "live up to your calling" because of the great exchange(s), by His grace (c.f. Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Rom 4:22-5:11...& check out Rom 6)
2. [US] KILLING JESUS OFF AND THE LOVE OF GOD [PREVAILING IN IT]; I appreciated the guilt-driven "killing of" thought and illustration you gave. I was reminded of John 3:19-20 (where in our natural state we flee like cockroaches from the Righteous Light). Not only that, we naturally are enemies of God, the Righteous One (c.f. Rom 5:10). I believe it is in a (continual) humble recognition and acceptance of those truths that we have true freedom, not living in a way as to hide our sin (John 3:19) {and I think much of our sinning happens in covering up our sin[fulness] out of fear}, but letting the exposure (John 3:20) be a means by which we receive the salvation and goodness of God (John 3:21), humbly understanding where any goodness in us is from [having been born from above]. We are then motivated by [God's] love and not by mere fear, and as sinners saved by grace, we tend then to love our Lord and Savior more than we love our sin (c.f. Rom 5:6-11; 8:31-39; 1 john 4:18,19).
Now, I'm just adding 2 more points that are a little more distant from your sermon, but that I think connect well with, and may even be implicit in, the above (sorry that this is probably longer than your actual post by now :))
3. WHEN YOU CAN'T KEEP JESUS SILENT; aren't you glad for Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25. This is on the other side of the resurrection and ascension.
4. LOOKING UP ALWAYS (ironically); and not upon self and the surroundings (c.f. Colossians 3:1-4). I think that ought to happen daily, and by God's grace it gives good perspective, particularly when temptation comes...it's a little like the other daily (hourly, minutely, secondly, etc) practice of denying self, taking up your cross, and following Christ. Not just when we first believed...but today as well.
Besides those at wonbyOne, this is my first comment ever on blogs I've read - can you tell I'm a novice ;)...hey, maybe the next time I comment will be after three years, if I do (Proverbs 27:1)
Blessings,
G-man