04/23/2020
Whose interest are we promoting through our faith? Are we seeking a smoother way for ourselves through life, or perhaps a fine meal at God's table in heaven after we take our last breath? Are we obeying God’s Word and commandments out of self-interest, or to serve the same interests of Jesus Christ? Jesus loved God, obeyed His will, and in every aspect of Christ’s life His sole purpose was to glorify God. Do we live out our faith in this manner? Is our every desire meant to do these same things that Jesus taught us?
“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 2:21 ESV
In our scripture this morning we read Paul’s words from the letter he wrote with Timothy to the church at Philippi. He isn’t speaking about the lax faith of the Philippians here, but of those, other than Timothy, that he might have sent from Rome to assist them. So he is telling the Philippians that all those who claim to be his disciples In Rome are actually serving their own interest. These are strong words, and admonish those around him who claim to believe in Jesus. His rebuke seems harsh, but it is a form of teaching, and Jesus used it as well...
“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””
Mark 8:33 ESV
So Paul is affirming Timothy, but admonishing the believers around him in Rome. His words regarding them sound very reminiscent to those Jesus spoke to Peter... stop thinking about yourself, and start focusing on the things of God. These are words of firm correction, and not simply meant to judge someone. Today we would say that both Paul, and Jesus were saying “Stop thinking of yourself and get with the program!”
As I read these verses today I found myself remaining detached from them as if they were meant for someone else, not for me, but it dawned on me that if Jesus were sitting before me today He just might say something similar to me. Do you think He might rebuke you as well? If your first reaction is to say “No, not me!” then you might reconsider. Sometimes our inattention to faith isn’t active, but comes from what we don’t do. Listen...
“And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?”
Mark 14:37 ESV
In this verse the disciples simply didn’t do as they were instructed... not willful neglect, but by falling asleep. Are there things of faith that we don’t do because of neglect; even momentary neglect similar to Peter’s? The answer is probably yes. So if the answer to that question is yes, then what about things we don’t do due because of our own self-interest? Have you ever been asked to teach a class, preach a sermon, attend a prayer service, serve a meal at a soup kitchen, or perform any number of other acts of faith, and said no because you already had plans, or wanted to do something else? Have you put yourself, or your own interests before those of Jesus, or God? What would Jesus say to us in moments like that?
“Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”
Mark 16:14 ESV
Now that we have seen that we are no different in our faith than the young Christians in Rome, or Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, and that we too are inclined to put our self-interests ahead of our faith on occasion, here is our hope... Although we might be rebuked it is not to sever us from the Body of Christ, but for instruction. We just read Mark 16:14 in which the apostles were admonished, But let’s read the very next verse...
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15 ESV
It becomes clear that this is a teaching moment. Jesus chides them for their disbelief and inattention to faith, then sends them out into the world as His emissaries. Then in the next verses He tells them of all the wonderful things of faith they will do.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.””
Mark 16:16-18 ESV
So we are meant to live out our faith like Jesus, and obey God’s will as He did, but on the occasion when we are lax, or our belief falls short He will most certainly correct us, and many times He will do this in the presence of others, but take heart because He doesn't strip us bare of all we have gained in faith. We are shored up in our faithfulness, and led forward in our belief for the glory of God. Are you ready to be corrected without shutting down your faith out of selfish pride, or childishness? Are you ready to receive admonishment and let it prune you, then send you out into the world as a stronger branch, ready to bear much fruit?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the faith you have instilled in me, and the belief your Son Jesus helps me to strengthen each day. Thank you for my accomplishments as I live within your will Lord, but thank you more for those times when you must correct me, and by doing so lift me dramatically in my faith. Teach me to accept your criticism Father, And not to allow my pride to get in the way of the lesson you are teaching me. If you admonish me before others show them through me the lesson you would have us learn, and Let me demonstrate the manner in which we should receive it. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who loves me enough to correct me, and by whose lessons in faith my soul is nourished. Praised be your name for every Word you have given, and all the understanding provided by your Holy Spirit. Merciful and wise are you, and good is your every action. Hear my prayers Father as I ask for your forgiveness, and thank you for the rod you have used to redirect me, and bring comfort into my life. All glory is yours Father, and by my love and obedience I long to glorify you all the more.
“For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”
Hebrews 12:10-13 ESV
Rich Forbes