Vanity of Vanities - Ecclesiastes #2

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

The introduction of the book extends through the first 11 verses. Solomon sets the table by telling us that “all is vanity”. Everything “under the sun” is a vapor and will sooner or later, pass away.

Verse two is the theme, and he doubles down in his Hebrewisms, that all, everything is vanity. The Hebrew word translated “vanity” is that for vapor or wind. Vanity is something that is empty or lacks weight, temporary. Solomon is not saying that everything is pointless, but all is fleeting, temporary. This may seem like the musings of a depressed man, but hold on, Solomon will prove this thesis and explain more.

At certain seasons of our life, God often shows a man that there is more to living than what we see around us. When we get sick, or when we go to a funeral, when we lose something valuable to us, we get the feeling of life being like a breath. The book of of Ecclesiastes gives us a considerable bit of time meditating on this reality; a sober reminder of who we are. We do well to meditate on this life and what is important.

Charge to the Rich

1 Timothy 6:17-19  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  (18)  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  (19)  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Timothy received his charge and now he is to charge those in the church that have riches in this world not to be proud over what they have or but their trust in confidence in "uncertain" riches of the world. Our trust and confidence is not in silver and gold, but the living God.

Paul is using a chiastic structure in this passage.

A. Treasure in this world
        B. Confidence in uncertain riches now
               C. God richly gives
               C. Be rich in good works, ready to give
        B. A good foundation in the time to come
A. Treasure in Heaven

Those who have possessions now are tempted to be proud over what they have and trust their money, retirement, and investments keeps them safe. But it is God who gives us what we have. God doesn't give us what we have so that we would trust in them, but enjoy them. Money and possessions are wonderful tools but terrible masters. God richly gives us all things, and those to whom God has made rich by richly giving need to be rich in good works by giving themselves. God owns everything, and freely and richly gives. We ought to be like our Father and ready to richly give as well. Strive to be rich in good works. Doing so is an investment for the world to come. Laying up treasures in Heaven and laying hold on eternal life. 

Read Systematic Theology

You should study theology. Theology comes from two Greek words "theos" (God) and "logos" (word). Theology then is the study of God. A systematic theology assumes the canon of Scripture is closed and there is no more inspired revelation from God, so we have the full and complete revelation of God. We can take the Bible and study all of what God has said on a related subject and in a logical and precise manner, have an understanding of a particular issue. The inspired Word is authoritative, sufficient, and consistent, so there will be no contradictions on any subject.

Theology isn’t just for pastors. In fact, everyone should be a theologian. If you don’t study theology, that simply means you just aren't a very good theologian. Everyone has opinions about God and Christians should derive what they think about God and religion from the Bible. The Christian would be well served to dedicate themselves to the study of systematic theology. There are many books put out by Christian publishers and so much of it is drivel. One man said the most dangerous place a Christian can go in this earth is a modern Christian bookstore. False doctrine sells, unfortunately. Instead of a powder-puff devotionals that gives you milk, at best, and poison at worst, try reading a systematic theology for your devotional time. Just a few pages a day will give you plenty to ponder, lots to learn, and meditating on deep truth will give you a deep awe of your God.

There are many fine works of systematic theology published, but I would recommend that you find a good trusted author from the past. Dead men can’t change their mind on you down the road. Also, you are choosing a work that has stood the test of time and since they have been around for a while, you can already know where they may be wrong on a point or two. Remember, the only inspired book is the Bible, and all books need to be read with discernment. Some are easier to read than others. T.P. Simmons, for example, wrote a very good and accessible systematic theology that would be a terrific place to start. James Boyce's Systematic Theology and  John Gill's Body of Divinity are both excellent works, but a little more advanced. Get all three and make that a long term project. Reading just a couple pages a day, you can chip away at a big book. Imagine, knowing more about the God who saved you. Think about knowing more about Jesus and getting a deeper understanding of the covenant of redemption. Don’t think theology is cold and dry. Will learning more about your God and what He has done for you make you love Him less or more? Will learning more about his grace make you more or less appreciative of His divine favor? Dig deep and learn. After all, a "disciple" is a student. Read your Bible first, and when you are done, try some theology. 

The King of Kings - Tuesday with Timothy

1 Timothy 6:13-16  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  (14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (15)  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  (16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Paul references Christ's confession before Pilate to remind that Jesus is the King. The Lord Jesus will come again and when he does, it is not as the suffering servant, but the King of Kings. Jesus is the blessed and only Potentate, or supreme ruler. He is the King of all the kings of history. He is the Lord of all those in authority.  He has immortality, or life eternal and everlasting, dwelling in the light of the holiness of God. So bright, no mortal man could bear to look upon, even dare approach. He is at the right hand of the Father, who no man has seen or can see. This is who we serve. When we think about the glory and majesty of Christ, how foolish is us to fear man. How wicked to care more about what other people think of us and our preaching, when we must stand before our great Potentate and give an account. We could spend a lot of time parsing each word, there is a lot here, but I think just meditating on the whole should suffice us and that is the point. Superlative after superlative is given, to cause us to bow in fear and reverence. To shock us to know we have been charged and commissioned to carry out the work of this king. We are responsible to him.

The Preacher - Ecclesiastes #1

Ecclesiastes 1:1 "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."

What's the point? Wake up Monday through Friday, go to work, do you job, get in the car and go back home. Eat the same dinner, watch the same show and go to bed and do it all over again. Open up your phone and see everyone having fun, going to places you can't afford to go, buying things that are too expensive to day dream about, and here you are, plodding along. What's the point of it all? If only you could retire. If only some TV producer would ask you to film your own hunting show and you would travel the country tracking big game. If only you could get discovered by a Nashville record executive. If only you could have a happy marriage. If you could just spice things up, then, life would be good. If you could have the desires of your heart you'd be happy. Or would you? Would you really be happy if you could have it all? This is an age old question and Solomon has the answer in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ever wondered what the name Ecclesiastes means? Get ready…it’s a Latin word, transliterated from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word qoheleth, which is translated "the Preacher" as translated in the KJV. So the book of Ecclesiastes is a sermon and the preacher is examining the meaning of life. There are some dark themes presented and tensions brought out without immediate resolution. The Preacher has a plan in his sermon. He’s not rambling on about this at that and before he takes off, the Preacher knows where he is going to land (a good preacher will). There is a point and there will be a resolution, so you need to stick around for the exciting conclusion.

The Preacher is also the son of the king, a wise man who is going to counsel you in the right direction. To call Solomon a wealthy man would be an understatement. There was nothing that was available to him that he couldn’t obtain. We can only dream of having that power and wealth. When Solomon speaks about possessions, pleasure, ambition, family, this was more that philosophy and theory, I believe he put it to the test. Solomon found there is not lasting satisfaction in things “under the sun”. Whether it be knowledge, wealth, work, dignity, or honor, ultimately these things do not fulfill the person and leave you saying that it’s nothing. Solomon wants you to see that you will waste your life trying to find satisfaction in temporary things. If you could attain all your aspirations in this life, you would look at all that you accomplished and be disappointed. Solomon tried it, and his conclusion was that it was all "vanity and vexation of spirit". True happiness is found in God and satisfaction of the soul is found in Christ Jesus (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  

Charged in the sight of God

1 Timothy 6:13-16  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  (14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (15)  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  (16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

There are two main thoughts in this passage. First, Timothy is charged to keep what Paul commanded. Second, the Majesty and Holiness of the King we are charged to serve. This solemn charge is before and in the name of the Lord Jesus. These two themes weave back and forth through this section.

1 Timothy 6:13-16  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Paul charges, or adjures Timothy. Barnes says "the word rendered “charge” means, properly, to call to witness; then to affirm with solemn attestations; and then to admonish solemnly, to urge upon earnestly. It is a word which implies that the subject is of great importance." Paul is saying this command is no small matter. Being a pastor is no small calling. It is certainly not anything to take lightly. We need a fresh reminder of what it is we are doing as men of God. Whose word we are proclaiming. Who we are speaking for and that we will give an account to our King for everything we do in His name.

Paul charged Timothy in the sight of the God who gives life to all things. Timothy will have to answer to the Almighty for what he does and what he does not do. He is also charged in the sight of Jesus Christ, His Lord and King. Jesus, who gave a good profession (I Timothy 6:12) in the sight of Pontius Pilate. When asked if Jesus was a King, he said "Thou Sayest" and proceeds to explain the nature and scope of His kingdom. Timothy is charged in the sight of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

I don't want to say we shouldn't care what our people think, we should. But we should want our people to think like God thinks. We should care how they think much more than what they think about us. The only opinion that really matters is God's. I might get called in before the church to give an answer for what I preached or what I believe. I might get fired from a church or asked to leave. But the ultimately, all that matters is whether or not I am doing what God has called me to do and whether I was faithful to that task. The opinions of men will not matter when we stand before Christ Jesus the Lord. 

(14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The charge was to keep what Paul has commanded. The immediate context refers to fighting the good fight of faith, following after righteousness, and fleeing the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. However, I believe that Paul is referring to the whole of this epistle.

The duties of the pastor must be kept without spot, or will all sincerity and purity. He must do the work of the pastor in a way that cannot be reproached or corrected. Obviously, God is the judge of this. Timothy isn't to be living up to the expectation of the congregation. However, the congregation should not be able to call Timothy on not doing the work of the ministry. His life must be in order and he must be proactively carrying out what he was commanded to do.

Timothy is to continue on until the Lord comes back or he goes and meets him. There is a danger in the ministry, to glide along on past years work. A man can get to the point where he has a lot of knowledge, and he has homiletical skills and is just beating his time in, going through the motions. We cannot rest. As long as we are living, we are on assignment and as long as we are at our post, we must be diligent to be a faithful solider of Christ. Imagine a solider charged with keeping the night watch at the fort, falling asleep on the job because he's been doing it so long, he's got an intuition about when danger comes. Here is a man who doesn't take his post seriously and doesn't fear his commanding officer, and sadly, doesn't care about the soldiers he was charged to keep and protect.

Fasting

Did you resolve to lose weight in 2018? If so, (according to one survey I read) you have joined the plethora of Americans who made a New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. Sadly, another source cited that 80% of people will give up on their resolutions by the second week of February. So, if your belly is rumbling and you miss the sweets, maybe you are already thinking about fasting. However, Biblical fasting is not a diet plan; it’s a spiritual discipline. It is not a means of salvation. It should not be legislated by man or church (Colossians 2:16-23). So to the Christian leaders pushing for Lenten fasts, I say, with Christian love, go jump in a lake, or the Tiber. The Bible doesn’t command certain days or seasons for fasting. In fact, the only command in the Old Testament for a legislated fast was the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29) and even then, the focus is on the soul, not the body. But that doesn’t mean God’s people only fasted on that one day. Moses fasted when he received the law. Samuel fasted asking forgiveness of the sins of Israel. David fasted when he mourned Saul’s death and when he earnestly prayed for his dying infant. Esther fasted when she was about to go unannounced before the King and her life hung in the balance. Nehemiah fasted mourning the state of Jerusalem. Daniel fasted in the study and meditation of God’s Word. In the New Testament, Jesus fasted after His baptism, John the Baptist and his disciples regularly fasted. Paul and the church at Antioch (Acts 13:2-3) fasted in preparation for a missionary endeavor. The assumption in the Bible is that God’s people will fast (I Corinthians 7:5), but when and why?

In the examples of godly men and women fasting, you find that the common denominator is prayer and an earnest desire for God, not a regularly scheduled diet regimen or legalistic ritual. Fasting is not as much about denying the flesh, but spending more time with God.  Fasting is desiring God and his Word and His fellowship more than our “necessary food”. It’s a dedicated time seeking God’s will, using the time we would normally eat and feed the flesh to be devoted to prayer and worship instead. When we are in great need or about to undertake a great work, or heartbroken about our sin, or overwhelmed over the sins of others, it’s appropriate to set aside small things, like food and drink, to pour out our requests to God. It's about worship, not works. You cannot punish your body into holiness. You cannot whip yourself into godliness, or starve yourself into salvation. Fasting is temporarily putting everything to the side to spend time with God. You cannot fast while you watch TV. Biblical fasting isn’t the doctor telling you not to eat after midnight before a test. Instead of filing your belly, you fulfill your hunger for God with prayer, worship, and Bible study.

Professed a Good Profession

1 Timothy 6:11-12  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Timothy had professed his salvation before many witnesses and I believe this is speaking either of his baptism or the ordination. Since we read a few times about the "laying on of hands" in Timothy's ordination, this is probably the scene Paul is referring to. Regardless, Timothy publicly professed this good profession, that God has called him to eternal life and He was going to follow his Lord all the days of his life. Paul reminds Timothy of what he confessed. He did not remind him of what he felt. He did not remind him of his baptism. What Timothy believed is the thing stressed. Remembering his vows. Remembering his sacred oath to follow the Lord Jesus.

Most Christians who struggle with doubt are remembering everything but what they professed. They remember their sins. They try to find comfort in remembering that moment of salvation. They look for assurance in thinking about their baptism. But what they are NOT looking at is Christ. Find motivation in what you profess to believe, that Jesus Christ, King and Lord died as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of His people and victoriously rose from the dead for our justification. We stand clean and pure before God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ having a living hope in our living Saviour. If you are saved, that is the profession you professed.

Snobbery, Cowardice, and Shame

I read two items this week that have stuck with me. The first, is a long read, but well worth the time and consideration on snobbery and cowardice.

The second is along the same lines, on being ashamed of Christ.

"Shame is that which proud nature most disdains, to avoid which many durst not 'confess Christ openly,’ John 7: 13.   Many lose heaven because they are ashamed to go in a fool's coat thither.   Again, as some will mock, so others will persecute to death, merely for this nonconformity in the Christian's principles and practices to them.   This was the trap laid for the three children; they must dance before Nebuchadnezzar's pipe, or burn.   This was the plot laid to ensnare Daniel, who walked so unblameably, that his very enemies gave him this testimony, that he had no fault but his singularity in his religion, Dan. 6: 5.   It is a great honour to a Christian, yea, to religion itself, when all their enemies can say is, They are precise, and will not do as we do.   Now in such a case as this, when the Christian must turn or burn, leave praying, or become a prey to the cruel teeth of bloody men; how many politic retreats and self-preserving distinctions would a cowardly unresolved heart invent?   The Christian that hath so great opposition had need be well locked into the saddle of his profession."

William Gurnall, . The Christian in Complete Armour

High King of Heaven

Edited by John MacArthur, High King of Heaven is a collection of essays from well known evangelical scholars and pastors, focusing on the work of Christ Jesus. The book is divided into three parts: The Person of Christ, the work of Christ, the word of Christ, and the witness to Christ. One thing that is important to know –the book is simply the written sermons preached at the 2017 Shepherd's conference hosted by Grace Community Church, pastored by MacArthur. 

Theologically, the book is great. The focus of the book is wonderful. Some sections are very weighty, but again, they read like sermons, not written chapters of a book. You can't get as deep in a spoken sermon than you can in a written book, so the chapters are not as thorough as they could have been. In a book with this many authors in such a wide range of topics, it can feel a bit disjointed. With 23 chapters written by 23 authors of various styles, that is expected. If you have listened to the Shepherd's Conference 2017, you have already gone through this content. 

Thanks to Netgalley.com for the review copy.

Treated like a Dog

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 

Winston Churchill said "Dogs look up to you. Cats look down on you. Give me a pig. He just looks you in the eye and treats you like an equal."  No matter how animals look at us, does God care how we look at them? What about how we look at any creature God has created? Solomon was not the founder of PETA giving a discourse on animal rights, but teaching on mercy. The key to understanding the proverb is looking at what he is comparing and contrasting; 1) the righteous man and the wicked man, 2)  the beast and humanity, and  3) mercy and cruelty. The righteous man considers the creatures he owns and has dominion over. The wicked man is a man of cruelty and even his “tender mercies” are pitiless and wicked. Mercy is a way of life for the righteousness, all the way down to his beasts. The righteous man has a new heart. He is a man of mercy. The man who has been born again and indwelt by the Spirit of God will be merciful when no one is looking. God removes the old hard heart of the sinner and gives the believer a new heart, with new loves, and new desires. We are judicially justified, but practically, still in the flesh in the process of sanctification being made more like Christ, growing in grace and godliness.

These animals were not pets, but his food, and his servants and his tractor, truck, plow, and bush hog. The righteous man will treat a lowly animal with mercy and if he treats his ox with mercy, how much more his neighbor? Whereas a wicked man is nothing but cruel to those made in God’s image to whom he should display a natural affection and mercy.  Imagine the righteous man, who cares for his animals, has mercy on them, treats them well simply because they are lesser creatures God has put under his care. He hates to see animals suffering and in pain and will help them out of the goodness of his heart. He will go home and do the same. Now imagine his neighbor, who treats his family with contempt. When he compliments his children, he throws in a jab to ridicule. He cares for his wife, but not without running her down in the process. His “kindnesses” are cruel. He treats people made in God’s image contemptuously because he can and even when he offers “mercy” he does so wickedly. Today, it’s more likely to find people showing more mercy to their dogs than to their neighbor. According to the DNR it is against the law to "harass, harm, pursue" bald eagles but taxpayers are still funding Planned Parenthood to butcher the unborn and sell their body parts for profit in the name of “women’s health”. The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel, indeed.