FIFS

FIFS : Romans 8:31-39

/ Steven Ruff / 1 Comment

31. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33. Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36. As it is written:   “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”   37. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39. nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I believe the eighth chapter of Romans is perhaps the single most encouraging and uplifting chapter for the believer in the entire Bible. It begins with “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” and ends with “nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” and the middle part gives us the reasons why. In v.31, Paul asks a question, “What then shall we say to these things?” What are the “things” he spoke of? Here are a few.

1. According to Romans 8:1, we enjoy redemption. Through Christ we stand forgiven and our sin penalty has been paid.

2. According to Romans 8:6, we enjoy victory. Christ gives the believer the victory over the carnal nature that is opposed to everything Christ stands for.

3. According to Romans 8:14-15, we enjoy adoption. Being led and controlled by the Holy Spirit, the believer is no longer an enemy of God, rather now adopted into the family of God.

4. According to Romans 8:16-17, we enjoy assurance. In the low times of life when Satan casts doubt upon our salvation, the Holy Spirit bears witness that through the difficulty we are His.

5. According to Romans 8:26-27, we enjoy intercession. Ever felt like praying but were so burdened that words could not be found? The Holy Spirit hears our heart and speaks for us to the Father.

6. According to Romans 8:28, we enjoy a promise. This verse is for believers. All things in life that happen to us may not be fun, enjoyable, or painless. However, because of our relationship with Christ, “for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” all things that happen to us can be used by God to bring about good in our lives.

Our enjoyment and possession of these “things” should motivate us to share the gospel message. Do the lost not need redemption? They have sin that Jesus died for. Do the lost not need victory? Without Christ, they will always be slaves to the flesh. Do the lost not need adoption? They will remain outside the family, enemies, until Christ brings them in. Do the lost not need intercession? They have no avenue to approach the Father without Jesus Christ. What will we do?

FIFS : Genesis 6:5-7

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5. Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

Wow. I wonder, “What went so wrong so fast?” A few generations after Cain and Abel, mankind was living in such a way that was dishonoring and appalling to God.  As God watched what was happening, as He read the thoughts of the mind and hearts of His creation, He was grieved. The actions of the people were such that they were using one another for personal pleasure and neglecting to love. Such were the days of Noah. The language of the Bible is very plain and pointed. Look again, read again slowly v.6, “And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart”. It is tragic to see how quickly an environment of peace, joy, and worship, with God saying that His creation was “very good”, to an environment of sin, pride, and pleasure, with God saying that He was sorry that He had made mankind.

We live in the “days of Noah”. The description God gave of the people in verse 5 of Noah’s day characterizes the hearts of people today. We live in an evil and fallen world. Mankind seems to lean and bend toward evil and resist anything holy and pure. This is the world in which we live. This is also the world that Jesus Christ stepped out of heaven and into. He came to redeem a people who were held captive by the power of sin. He came to restore a relationship that had been broken when man tried to go His own way without God. He came to save those who were lost and didn’t even seek after God. Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in  the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight”. (Colossians 1:21-22) We have had extended to us what we did not deserve and what didn’t even know we desired. Through Christ, we have the desire for love over hate, peace over strife, and holiness over evil.

FIFS : Acts 27:22-25

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22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

 Acts 27 is an adventure story. This chapter of Acts relates to us the story of Paul’s final voyage to Rome aboard ship. The story is very detailed, giving the locations of cities, time frames, and weather conditions. As they sailed for Rome, the weather worsened and what turned out to be the wrong decision was made to continue sailing instead of harboring for the winter. After some time had went by and hope seemed to be gone, Paul stood up and made what I am sure was, to the ship’s company, an absurd statement. With the ship literally sinking around him, Paul said everyone would be spared.

 How could he say something like that? Knowing the circumstances they were in, what gave him the confidence to tell everyone aboard they would be alright? How could he be so sure about this? The certainty by which Paul spoke was the direct result of the relationship that he enjoyed. Paul testified of this relationship in v.23 when he said, “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve”. Paul was no stranger to seeing the Lord move and work. He had been the beneficiary the work himself. So his statement in v.25, “for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” was natural to make and easy to believe.

 What about each of who join Paul and say as he did in v.23, speaking of God, “to whom I belong and whom I serve”? What about each of us who struggle in areas of our lives? Is our natural reaction to believe and trust? When there is a financial need in our life, do we believe that it will be just as He has told us? When there is a relational or family issue in our life, do we believe that it will be just as He has told us? When we have a health issue in our life, do we believe that it will be just as He has told us? Take heart and believe.

FIFS : John 3:30

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“He must increase, but I must decrease.” 

When something increases, you begin to see more of it. It becomes more influential. It becomes more prominent. You can’t help but notice it. On the other hand, when something decreases, you begin to see less of it. You lose sight of it. It becomes less influential and prominent. Think for a moment about a flood. When an area floods, the water that had not previously received much attention suddenly gets all the attention. You can’t help but notice it. For a period of time, the “increase” in water is on everyone’s mind. Once the flood waters begin to recede, less and less attention is given to it. It is not on everyone’s mind as much. Once the flood water “gets out of the way”, you can see a change.

John writes about “getting out of the way”. John the Baptist says that  He (Jesus) must increase, become more prominent, more influential and that I (John) must become less prominent, decrease, and get out of the way.  More than ever there is a need for Jesus Christ to be more prominent. People today need to see Him and not us. For this to happen, each one of us must make the decision to decrease, or “get out of the way” so that Christ can be clearly seen. How do we decrease? Decreasing comes from surrendering our will, desire, and pride to Jesus Christ. Daily. When we get out of the way and Jesus Christ becomes more prominent and influential, there will be a permanent and lasting change in us and those around us. Much like the permanent change left by flood waters.

 

FIFS : Galatians 2:20

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“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ”

Dead Man Walking. This phrase is often used to describe prisoners on death row. Having been condemned to death, they walk around alive, yet waiting on their sentence to be carried out. A fearful thought. For the Christian, this phrase also describes their life. We were at one time condemned to death. A sentence handed down when, in the garden, Adam fell. Instead of being fearful, this thought is one of encouragement.

As you read what Paul has penned, you are able to sense the appreciation for what Christ had done for him and also his expectation of future care. Paul brings to our attention Christ’s crucifixion. Dying in our place. As Paul gave his life to Christ, he died to himself. He crucified the old nature and no longer lived for himself. Instead, Jesus was living in him. He was no longer his own. This new life was possible to him because of a sacrifice. There is a struggle within every one of us. The old nature is at war with the new nature. The old belief system is at war with the new belief system. It is through the crucified and risen Savior that we are able to crucify, or put to death, the old nature that will always plague us. This is a daily decision. A daily commitment. Daily, I must decide that Jesus will have first place in my life. Daily, I must decide that Christ’s name means more than my pride or want. Daily, I must decide to live in such a way that points others to the cross.

As Christians, we walk through this life alive in the Spirit and dead to self, sin, and pride, all because of a place called Calvary. We should live like dead men. After all, that is what we are.   

FIFS : Psalms 119:89-92

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89.  Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. 90. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. 91. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. 92.  Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.

I have heard it said many times that the only constant thing in the world today is change. Nothing is exempt from it. Long-time accepted and foundational truths such as marriage, the beginning of life, and moral truth are up for debate and subject to change upon the whims of society. Our society needs stability. Our world needs security. Our society needs to know there is a  God in heaven who has spoken, and as a result, the court of public opinion is silenced.

Man’s creations and inventions are temporary and require constant revision, update, and maintenance. I am thankful that we have been given a constant that requires neither update or revision. God’s Word is a constant and consistent reminder of not only man’s true condition, but the extent and depth of His love. God has given to us what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, it is settled. God has given to us the means of redemption. Therefore, it is settled. God has revealed His expectations of His children. Therefore, it is settled. In this passage, the psalmist writes of the comfort he has drawn from the constant presence of God. The psalmist knew what we each one of us should take to heart today. As the winds of change blow around us, there is One who keeps us still, focused, and safe.

FIFS : John 4:39-42

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Today is a Saturday edition of Friday Is For Scripture.

39. Now many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40. Therefore, when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. 41. Many more believed because of what He said. 42.  And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”

It is here in this passage that we are able to see the weight and power of a personal testimony. After an intensely personal encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman was to never be the same. She wanted to talk about water and where to worship. Instead, Jesus revealed the issues of her heart and gave her “living” water. She went back to her town and told everyone about what had happened to her, and who she had met. Her testimony led many to Christ. Many more believed, not because of her words, instead,  her words caused them to want to seek Christ for themselves.

What about our personal testimonies? Do we share them when we have the opportunity? Do we the take time to tell other of the life-changing difference that Jesus has made in us? Our testimonies bring others to a face-to-face encounter with Christ. Some may respond quickly. Others may take what we have said and seek further the claims of Christ. Never underestimate the importance and power of your personal story.

FIFS : Galatians 2:20

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“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”

Dead man walking. Under new management. Grand reopening. The day an individual turns their life over to Christ, a change takes place. The old self is crucified and put to death. We give up our old selfish ways and desires and embrace the perfect plans and desires of Christ. There is a daily dying. Each day we must trust, and by faith, put away the natural desires that run contrary to the holiness of God. Christ not only saves us, but He gives strength daily that we might live a life worthy of His name.

FIFS : Jonah 1:1-3

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1. Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3. But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

I would like to know what was going through Jonah’s mind when he arrived at the port that day  where  a ship  was preparing to leave. Perhaps he said, “This must be my lucky day.” Maybe he said, “I timed this just right.” He might even have said, “This ship is God’s will.” Jonah was a man on the run from God and Satan was holding the door wide open. We all have periods in our lives as Jonah did . Periods of direction and call, followed by an overwhelming fear that causes us to doubt our ability to come through for God. “Open doors” are tricky things. Jonah had  what he thought was an open door, but was clearly not of God. The life of Jonah teaches us this. If the believer desires to run from God, there will always be a ship leaving for Tarshish.

FIFS : Exodus 14:19-20

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“19. And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.  20.  So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. “

Israel was on the run. They had been freed from the bondage of the Egyptians, They were now being pursued by the Egyptian army as a result of Pharaoh changing his mind about the release. The nation of Israel finds themselves between a rock and a hard place. Before them, the Red Sea. Behind them, the army of Egypt. The angel of God moved from their front in a guiding capacity to behind them in a guarding capacity.

This scenario plays out in the lives of God’s people today. There are times when God’s people find themselves between a rock and a hard place. It could be the demands of an employer set against personal convictions. It could be financial needs set against a desire to spend more time with family. At the Red Sea, Israel was waiting on rescue. However, during the wait, there was the reassuring presence of God. While wait on God’s rescue from the rocks and hard places, in that interim, there is One who holds, comforts, and calms us.