Friday, November 1, 2013

day no. 12,793: a purpose-driven vs. promise-given life‏

Oswald dished up a hearty breakfast this morning when he said,

Jesus’ parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30 was a warning that it is possible for us to misjudge our capacities. This parable has nothing to do with natural gifts and abilities, but relates to the gift of the Holy Spirit as He was first given at Pentecost. We must never measure our spiritual capacity on the basis of our education or our intellect; our capacity in spiritual things is measured on the basis of the promises of God. If we get less than God wants us to have, we will falsely accuse Him as the servant falsely accused his master when he said, “You expect more of me than you gave me the power to do. You demand too much of me, and I cannot stand true to you here where you have placed me.”

...Never forget that our capacity and capability in spiritual matters is measured by, and based on, the promises of God.

We have the peculiar penchant of ignoring God's promises in preference to focusing on our performance. Then when our performance falls short or flat of where we thought we could go, we lash out at God for making our purpose so lofty and well, perfect.

We accuse God of making the measure too great all the while ignoring the promises of God in the revealed righteousness that comes in receiving Christ on our behalf.

We dishonor Christ's accomplishments by refusing to believe that they are enough on their own without our assistance.

Jesus doesn't need our help.
For anything.

2 Corinthians 1:20
 
For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in Him. Therefore, the “Amen” is also spoken through Him by us for God’s glory.

4 comments:

  1. "Jesus doesn't need our help.
    For anything."

    Spot on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This message says just what you said:

    http://theoldadam.com/2013/11/01/this-sermon-epitomizes-the-work-that-came-out-of-the-reformation/

    I think you'll love it like I did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve – the default of the human heart is religion. I must constantly retreat to the Gospel of the revealed righteousness of God in Christ for us. Thanks for the suggestion. I was encouraged and it gave me moment to pause and ponder and wonder.

      Delete