05/29/2020
How many times have we denied Jesus? Some of us may have denied him with our mouths by saying we have never known Him, but more likely we do so by allowing our actions to speak for us. Or just maybe, we have denied Him by our silence. It is easy to worship and praise God in the midst of saints, but are we tempted to deny Him while in a group of men and women who do not believe, or who gravitate towards what the world offers?
“for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
John 12:43 ESV
These are the words of Jesus, and they reveal one of the most common ways that we deny Him, turn away, or lose sight, of our faith. The church is filled with those who lift up heavenly praise to God on the Sabbath, and then live like citizens of Hell the rest of the week. Why is this so; what is it about life in the world that makes living in faith so difficult for us when we are there? We can find many reasons to place the world Before God; finding them isn’t hard because, after all, it appears to be the easy road through life, provides us with instant reward, and allows us to move in and out of worldly society without ridicule... it is tempting, and desirable to the weak, and worldly , man in us.
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.””
Matthew 26:41 ESV
So we deny God, and Jesus by speaking it outright as Peter did, by behaving in an ungodly, or unchristian like manner, and by remaining silent when our faith is under attack, or an opportunity presents itself to witness about it. These are the ways, but here are three common reasons...
We are Double Minded:
Sometimes we just want to have it all! We want what God is offering us, but also want what the world has to offer. In looking at ourselves, are we one of those who wants it all? Do we walk into church and pretend to place God above everything else in our lives, but when we leave the building the worldly man in us resumes control over us, and we return to who we once were... or worse yet... we convince ourselves that we can actually serve two masters without penalty?
““No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 ESV
We Desire Fortune:
There are two types of treasure; the first is the fleeting treasure that the world offers which is in the here and now, and comprised of such things as gold, money, property, fine homes, fame, power, and other such riches; all of these lead us to pleasure on earth that end in death. The second is heavenly treasure that we amass in glory, and is eternal. This treasure consists of such things as mercies, kindnesses, acts of faith, obedience to God’s will, and all those other things that lead to eternal life, God’s pleasure in us, and an eternity of peace and joy.
““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
We are Anxious:
Our final example today is anxiousness. We deny God in order to survive in the world... we don’t trust Him completely in His provision; so we seek to adhere to the world’s methods in business, and social behavior, as a way of providing for ourselves. If those around us think that we are Christian, and put God first, then they will not include us in their society or business, and might even persecute us. So we make a choice to deny God outright... verbally, less boldly in our actions, or subtly by remaining silent. We chose to toy with faith, and attempt become secret believers, but for all intents and purposes we are just everyday citizens of the world.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
Matthew 6:31-32 ESV
So, how many times have we denied Jesus? How many times have we done so today... or in the last few minutes? Do we trust in God to provide for us, and Jesus to intercede for us? Are we willing to make God our sole master, and speak openly of our faith in words, actions, and by not remaining silent when a soul hangs in the balance? Do often our denial goes deeper than just shat people see, sometimes we are so blinded by the world that we deny to ourselves that we are denying Christ to the world... and we continue on in it without remorse. When Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed, he realized what he had done and wept in contrition... do we weep today, and are we suffering in contrition as Peter did?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for redeeming us from the sin of the world through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to your Word, and for the faith we have in you, as we trust completely in your provision, and your promise of eternal life. Help us Holy Father as we strive to believe more in you each day, and lean on your Holy Spirit for understanding of who you are. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who demands that we Love you completely, and place no other god before you. Praised be your name for sending your Son to redeem us, and to wash away our sin once and for all. Great are you who has defeated the world, and made a place for us at your table. Wonderful are you in your goodness and mercy! Gracious are you in the perfect gift of your grace that flows from Christ, and covers us. Hear our prayers as we worship you Lord, and lead us to eternity in your presence. Strengthen us in faith as we resist the temptation to deny you before the world, and hear our voices as we shout out our claim that you are our God, now, and forevermore! Let the world be forever my enemy, as I draw nearer to thee.
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:4, 8 ESV
Rich Forbes