Omissions
Outline
Omissions — Things we don’t like to talk about:
The Vital Lens
If you’re reading this, like me, you probably live in America, and - more specifically - San Francisco.
We have American and San Franciscan tendencies in our thinking.
It’s better to see the world through the lens of the Word than to see the Word through the world’s lens, which is unfortunately often what we do.
Wake up! The Kingdom of Heaven is in direct opposition to The Spirit of This Age!
I believe that there is a misconception about each one of these topics because they have been avoided, neglected, or flat-out misrepresented. They simply have not been taught enough, because they’re unpopular topics that are offensive to both believers and unbelievers — they offend our flesh.
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
A lake of Truth,
a drop a Poison
The enemy will try to deceive us by putting a drop of poison into a lake of truth.
He doesn’t necessarily even always want to take us out, just keep us distracted enough to prevent us from being a real threat to him. It serves his purpose better if he goes unnoticed. When he’s obvious, it’s easier for us to fight against him — that’s one reason why we really need to focus on the whole truth of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:1b-2a, 4b-7, 16, 4:1-4
...in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth... All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work... I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
The Fear of The LORD
The reason I’m starting with this topic is because if we really get the Fear of God, everything else will fall into place.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10)
We should have a holy fear of God. We should fear God alone.
Often, we’re afraid that presenting God as a person to be feared will cause people to reject us, our message, and our God, so what we tend to do is water down the Gospel. Jesus said “whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26
In Revelation 14:7, an angel proclaimed an eternal gospel to everyone on earth that they should “Fear God and give him glory”!
Philippians 2:12b
...Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Click here to read more about The Fear of The LORD. (July 4th)
Suffering with Christ
We won’t be spiritually prepared for suffering when it comes if we’re not taught about it in a Biblical, holistic way. As we become mature believers, we are invited into a place of suffering with Christ that we may be glorified with him. “let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”
Romans 8:16b-17a
...we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him...
Click here to read more about Suffering with Christ. (July 11th)
Holiness
We think that grace and holiness are at odds with each other — when, in fact, God's grace is what empowers us to be holy. We want to avoid being perceived as religious like the Pharisees — even at the cost of obeying God.
The Word commands us “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16, Leviticus 20:26
Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Click here to read more about Holiness and Zeal. (July 18th)
Zeal
One of the great attributes of God is His Zeal! We're supposed to reflect Jesus in every way!
Jesus said that the love of many would grow cold in the last days (Matthew 24:12). There's a culture of indifference that has crept into the church.
We need to burn away all that hinders love with the fire of God's zeal!
We need to love what God loves and hate what He hates — with a passion!
Romans 12:9-12
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Click here to read more about Holiness and Zeal. (July 18th)
Judging Others
When it comes to judgement, we know that we shouldn’t be hypocrites, and we should deal with our own issues before dealing with the issues of others. (Matthew 7:1-5)
The world tells us that “love equals tolerance”. This same mentality is seeping into the church — and it’s dangerous!
We need to remember that we can and should “recognize people by their fruits”, and “judge with right judgment”.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
Click here to read more about Judging Others. (July 25th)
God’s Jealousy for Us
God is jealous — and it’s a good thing! Exodus 20:4-5, Exodus 34:14, James 4:4-5
In contrast to our jealousy, God’s jealousy isn’t driven by fear, insecurity, or weakness. God’s jealousy is driven by the purest, most passionate, holy love. His jealous love drove Him to the cross.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.
God’s jealousy demands our wholehearted devotion. Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Matthew 22:36-40
He won't share us with idols or other lovers. Deuteronomy 3:23-24, James 4:4-5, 1 Corinthians 10:22
Let’s not provoke God’s jealousy and incite His anger by loving the things of this world, instead let’s fall in love with Him!
Click here to read more about God’s Jealousy for Us. (August 1st)