A Devout, Lost Man

In Acts 10 we find the conversion story of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. In the first few verses of the chapter we are introduced to Cornelius.

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
Acts 10:1-2

Consider what we learn about Cornelius in this short passage. Cornelius was a devout man. He feared God (i.e. showed piety and reverence to God). His godly influence extended to all his household. He gave alms generously to the people. He prayed continually to God. He was clearly a man doing all that was in his power to serve God, to please God, to be acceptable to God.

There is one more vital thing we learn about Cornelius in this chapter -- he was lost. I know this because Peter was sent to preach the gospel to him. I know this because in Acts 11:14, where the events of chapter 10 are retold, the angel had told Cornelius Peter would, "declare to you a message by which you will be saved." Cornelius was lost and needed to hear the gospel.

How can this be? Here we have a man who is devout, god-fearing, generous, and constant in fervent prayer. How could such a man be lost?

When we ask such questions, I fear we have forgotten why men are lost and how they are saved. A man is lost because he has sinned, transgressed God's laws. So, although Cornelius was a devout man, he was still a sinner. A man is saved from sin when he puts his trust in Christ Jesus, accepts God's mercy on God's terms, and obeys the gospel from the heart. Despite his piety and generosity Cornelius was still lost. He was missing something -- faith in Jesus Christ.

The real test of Cornelius' character came when he heard the gospel. All too often men react pridefully to the message, "You are lost. You need to repent. You need to humble yourself and obey the gospel." It would have been so easy for a man like Cornelius to think, "But I'm a devout man. I'm just as righteous as any of those Christians I know. I'm just fine the way I am." Cornelius didn't react that way. He heard the gospel and embraced it. He was unafraid to humble himself and admit that he needed the grace of God.

Have you accepted God's grace on His terms as revealed in the New Testament?

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Lost and Found

In Matthew 16 Jesus tells his disciples,

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:24-26

This passage presents a great challenge. Naturally, passages such as this one call to mind the many martyrs throughout the centuries who have died for their faith. Do you desire eternal life enough to give up your life now in order to obtain it? Are you ready and willing to die for your faith?

Have you already died for your faith?

I'm convinced that Jesus is not presenting us with a hypothetical, maybe-someday situation. Dying for your faith in Christ is not optional, it is mandatory.

"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." The loss of life here is not a physical death, but a figurative (though very real) death to self and sin. Our conversion, expressed beautifully in baptism, is a spiritual death and rebirth. In Romans 6 we read

How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:2-3

Paul expresses this change of life in Galatians 2:20

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.

Also in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes

For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

When a martyr faces the sword of persecution, he is not giving up his life for his faith. He is refusing to hold on to what he has already surrendered to Christ. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

I am not my own. I have been bought at a price. I've been redeemed, purchased by the blood of Christ. I belong to Him. Am I reflecting that in the way I live each day?

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Hard to be Humble

As a teenager I heard a song by country music singer Mac Davis, "It's Hard to be Humble". The lyrics featured the phrase "it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way". The song was a humorous view of a man with a very high opinion of himself, but it also provides some insight into a common view of humility.

Often when I think of humility I focus on my view of myself. I am humbled when I consider my short-comings. I am humbled when I realize all the mistakes I've made. I am humbled by the foolish things I have said. I am humbled when I compare myself with others who are smarter, kinder, more accomplished or more talented than I am. I am humbled when I consider the many blessings I have received that I realize I don't deserve. I am humbled when I consider my sins and my weaknesses. I realize I am far from perfect, so I have every reason to be humble.

But, have you ever considered that someone can be humble even if they are perfect in every way?

For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be held on to, but emptied Himself, and took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross -- Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus was humble, but he had no short-comings or imperfections to be humble about. Why should He, of all people, be humble?

For Jesus humility was not about His view of Himself, but about His view of others. Jesus was humble because we needed Him to be. Jesus emptied himself and took on the form of a servant not because that was His natural position, but because that was the position we needed Him to take. Humility in this case has less to do with what He thought of Himself than with how much and how often He thought of others.

Jesus was Almighty God incarnate. He was worthy of all glory, honor and praise. He never denied that was His rightful position. He accepted worship. He acknowledged that He was the Master. Yet, He came as one who serves. He was obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. He served God in doing so, but ultimately He served us. The Creator humbled Himself to serve the creature.

If ever you are in the extremely unlikely position where you undoubtedly are the smartest, the most talented, the most experienced, the most gifted, or just the best looking person in the room, consider. For the true servant of God humility isn't about you. It's about others.

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Rabbi! Rabbi!

Speaking of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 Christ said,

But you must not be called Rabbi, for One is your teacher, Christ, and you are all brothers. And call no one your father on the earth, for One is your Father in Heaven. Nor be called teachers, for One is your Teacher, even Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Sometimes we may scratch our heads when we read this verse. Didn't Christ give some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers (Ephesians 4:11)? Didn't Paul call Timothy his "own son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2)? Didn't Paul call himself the father of the brethren in Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:15)? How then does Christ say we should not be called fathers or teachers?

The answer, as always, is in the context. In the preceding verses in Matthew 23, Jesus is speaking of the Pharisees and notes,

And they love the first couch at feasts, the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the market-places, and to be called "Rabbi! Rabbi!" by men.

Jesus is primarily warning about those seeking preeminence. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that a man does the work of a teacher. It is another thing to called teacher and to be elevated above your brethren. Note the contrast that Jesus draws in His admonition. "Call no man Rabbi, for One is your Teacher, Christ, and you are all brethren." There are several applications I think can be drawn from this passage.

Equal Servants

First and foremost we should observe what Jesus was clearly teaching in this passage. All Christians are brethren and we all stand on an equal footing before God. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28).

There is no place in the kingdom for those that are ambitious for power, prestige and recognition. If you want a place of honor and distinction, you don't know the Lord that you serve. He "emptied himself, and took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross." (Philippians 2:7-8).

We are all servants of the same master. We don't have task masters, but fellow servants. Even those in leadership positions (elders, aka bishops, pastors) are often the greatest servants of the church, sacrificing time and energy, and patiently enduring mistreatment and abuse. If you want to be great in the kingdom, you need to be the servant of all.

Equal Disciples

A disciple is a learner and a follower. Christ never intended that a few disciples should learn and tell the rest what to do. In the early church there was no clergy. Unlearned men were Christ's apostles. Anyone who could hear and remember the word could teach it to others. The gospel is not complicated. It was never intended to be the subject of Th.D. dissertations. Jesus said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes" (Luke 10:21).

We all have the responsibility to learn for ourselves. We need to study the scriptures and know that we can understand it as well as or better than the seminary student. We need to put aside the preconceptions of centuries of theological theorizing and just read the word. Chances are any particular passage means exactly what it seems to mean. And when we understand it, we need to live it.

Beware the Title

Finally, I think it is fair to question the use of "honorifics". Why does anyone expect to be called reverend? Christ could as easily have said, "Call no man reverend, for One is to be revered, your Father in heaven." Does that not fit the gist of His teaching? I believe we need to be very wary of those that seek out such titles. The scriptural work of an evangelist is to preach the word, not to build large multi-million dollar church-businesses. The work of an evangelist is to reach the lost, not to create a larger-than-life television personality. Though many such endeavors may begin with honest and good intentions, it is all to easy for things to get out of hand. It can eventually take on a life of its own and, instead of glorifying God, it can become all about the servant -- his power, his prestige, his income, and his fame.

"But you must not be called Rabbi, for One is your teacher, Christ, and you are all brothers."
Amen.

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Camping

In 2 Corinthians 5:1 we read,

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Paul describes a man's "earthly house" -- his body -- as a tent. That is, our bodies are temporary dwelling places. When I think of tents, I think of camping. Come with me as we take an imaginary camping trip.

You arrive at the camp ground in mid-afternoon. The first order of business is to arrange the camp site before darkness falls. There is plenty of time and you quickly layout and put up your tent. While you are busy erecting your tent you notice that there is another camper in the next camp site also putting up his tent. You wave, then head off to gather some firewood.

On your way back from getting the firewood you notice that your neighbor is spending more time putting up his tent that you did. He seems to have a bunch of stuff to put into his tent. You don't think much about it and decide you have time for a hike before dinner.

Returning to your camp site an hour later you look up and -- but no, it can't be. Is that guy actually laying sod? What on earth would possess him to do that at a camp site? So, with horrified fascination you settle down in your camp chair to watch this guy. For the next several hours and well into the next day your neighbor works ceaselessly. He installs a lawn (with tiny little sprinkler system), bushes, a tree and a six-foot privacy fence. He also works inside the tent itself, making all sorts of "improvements".

Now you know that this particular camp site does not allow camping for more than three consecutive nights. Why on earth would anyone spend so much money and effort on such a temporary dwelling? Doesn't this man know that he can't keep it? In just a few days he will have to leave. All his work and property will be left behind. What is he thinking?

The illustration is, of course, ridiculous. But the parallel is more sobering. Do we realize that we are living in a very temporary dwelling? Do we know that we can't keep all the stuff we spend so much effort to accumulate? Are we aware that in just a few days we will have to leave our tent and move on?

1 Peter 2:11 describes Christians as "strangers and pilgrims". We are to live in this world, but not be of this world. This world is not our home, we are just passing through.

How do you spend your time? Are you preparing for the journey, looking ahead to your eternal destination, or are you still fixing up the camp site?

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Heaven, Glorious Heaven

Fear of punishment is often used in scripture to motivate sinners to obedience and faith. However, fear is only an effective motivation for those lacking or weak in faith. Fear cannot move anyone to deep devotion or spiritual maturity. To achieve those deeper levels of spiritual development we need to draw upon the deeper motivation of our eternal rewards.

Visualizing Heaven

I'm convinced Christians need to think of the glories of heaven on a regular basis. Rather than present my reasons I'd just like to describe what scripture has to say about heaven.

Consider,

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our dwelling-place out of Heaven; if indeed in being clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened; inasmuch as we do not wish to be unclothed, but to be clothed, so that the mortal might be swallowed up by the life.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

But someone will say, How are the dead raised up, and with what body do they come? So also the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Behold, I speak a mystery to you; we shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in a glance of an eye, at the last trumpet. For a trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Corinthians 15:35,42-44,51-53

Imagine having a resurrected, eternal body. Imagine a body free of pain and disease. You'll never have aches or pains; never another stiff neck or another knot in your back. Imagine having a glorious and beautiful body. Your body will never grow old or deteriorate. You'll never sag, wrinkle or put on weight. Imagine having a body that is completely free from the infirmities and limitations of the flesh.

Consider,

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is. And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away. And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely. He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.
Revelation 21:1-7

Imagine a place of unimaginable and eternal beauty. Imagine a place where there is no pain or suffering, no death or sorrow, no sin or cruelty. Imagine a place where this is no gossip, no pettiness, no back-biting, no envy, no malice, no hatred, and no strife.

Imagine being surrounded by individuals who are filled with the qualities you most admire -- individuals who are kind, humble, faithful, harmless, unselfish, and of uncompromising integrity. Everywhere you look you see people who are diligent workers, who love the truth, who love people, and who love the Lord. Imagine that these individuals not only possess these qualities, but they are filled with them to an amazing extent. Not only that, but you are one of these people. You are among them, having these qualities yourself, being freed from the weaknesses, limitations and lusts of your mortal body. At last, you are free to live and serve God completely without sin!

Imagine dwelling among all the faithful saints throughout the ages. Imagine meeting and talking with Abraham, Elijah, Moses, Noah and the prophets of the Old Testament. Imagine spending time with Peter, Paul and the Christians of the first century. Imagine being reunited with faithful family and friends who have departed this life. And even as you consider the great honor you have to be in their presence, imagine the wonder you experience as you come to realize that you are not just a spectator. You belong among them. Just as they, you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You have lived faithfully unto death.

Finally and most significantly, imagine standing in the presence of God. Imagine the wonder and awe of seeing God face to face, yet without fear. Imagine standing in His presence and feeling His welcome and approval. Imagine hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Imagine experiencing the greatest joy or thrill you’ve ever experienced, only far greater still. And, instead of getting old and fading, the thrill and the joy and the wonder only grow deeper and stronger the longer you spend in God’s presence. Heaven is not heaven because of the “streets of gold”. Heaven is heaven because God is there!

I’m sure that heaven is all these things and much, much more. Now, who wants to go there?

There is only one way to get there. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). Peter said, “Neither is there any other name by which we may be saved” (Acts 4:12). The only way to get to heaven is by placing your obedient faith in Christ Jesus and striving to live each day as a citizen of heaven here on earth.

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Knowledge Puffs Up, But Love Edifies

The scriptures clearly teach that knowledge is vitally important for our spiritual survival. Hosea 4:6 says of rebellious Israel,

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your sons, even I."

We must know and understand God's will. Many have been and will be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge.

However, with knowledge comes a peculiar temptation -- pride. There is a natural temptation for those that have gained some level of knowledge of the scriptures to be critical of those that have not. Those that have their "senses trained to discern both good and evil" can become frustrated with the worldliness of others less attuned to the principles of God's word. Righteous indignation directed toward sinful practices can easily turn to contempt for those still struggling to free themselves from such practices. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states it very concisely,

"Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies"

Knowledge and understanding has a way of "puffing up" -- of exalting the spirit and creating a prideful attitude. Knowledge must be tempered with love.

I think we can easily mistake knowledge for spiritual maturity. We can think we are "spiritually mature" if we have a thorough understanding of scripture and we abstain from a particular set of worldly practices. Spiritual maturity is much more than that. It also includes embracing the principle of love and forbearance. When we fail to understand this we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees who "trusted in themselves and despised others".

In the context of 1 Corinthians 8 Paul was addressing the problem of eating meat that had been part of an idolatrous sacrifice. In principle there was no problem with buying and eating such meat. However, some of the "weaker" brethren didn't understand that. Eating such meat would violate their consciences and seeing other Christians do it was a stumbling block to them. Even worse, some might be emboldened to participate in idol worship after seeing the example of their "stronger" brethren.

Paul's teaching here is clear. The strong often need to yield to the weak. They need to forbear and sacrifice lest they cause others to stumble. We all need to have patience with one another. Not everyone has the same knowledge, the same understanding, the same level of maturity. We have to allow for these differences as we all grow up in Christ.

--PG