WATCH THE WAY YOU LIVE!
By Pastor Paulus Budiono
Johor, Sunday, October 21, 2018
Shalom,
Do we still believe in miracles? What kinds of miracles do we really need? Healing miracles? Miracles restoring careers from economic downturns, marriage rifts, family issues, etc.? Do we believe that our lives are determined by the the Word of God? And do we believe that the Word of God is perfectly worded from the Book of Genesis through the Book of Revelation? If so, when you read and listen to God’s Word translated into various languages, you must believe that every word He says is personally meant for you, not others – whether He gives you some advice, a warning, a reprimand, some comfort, etc.
What does the Lord advice us to do today? “Therefore be very careful how you live not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5: 15-16).
The word “therefore” refers to the outcome of the cause/reason in the previous sentence (v. 14) which says, “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”
Anointed with the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to Romans (about 57 AD). It was then canonized as the Word of God that we have been reading ever since. He reminded us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers. The night has advanced toward dawn. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light (Romans 13:11-12). The Apostle Paul reminded not only the Ephesians but also the Romans and other churches (including us who are now reading his writings). Note that every verse in the Bible was written by more than 40 Spirit-annointed writers with different backgrounds. That’s why, we should not cherry pick them because this means that we do not believe the whole Word of God – Jesus – that is inseparable.
We, as Gentiles, were once dead in sins, but by the love of God, were resurrected with Christ to achieve salvation (Ephesians 2:1-5). Having awaken from our sleep and resurrected from the dead, we now have the light of Christ in order to live properly. Admittedly, parents have their own concern and carelessness. In the same way, young men and children have their own seriousness and recklessness. Therefore, the Bible reminds everyone to be cautious:
In order not to be unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5: 15b -16).
In order not to trespass the prohibitions (“the don’ts”). We must, therefore, obey the prevailing rules in all aspects of our lives (at home, at school, at work, and in the society). The Word of God reinforces not only grace but justice and truth as well. God's justice was manifested when He condemned our sins because we lived in darkness. But now, we live in the light of His grace that must be maintained. We must always live in the light in the midst of the dark world like the Golden Lampstand in the Tabernacle that shone bright through the night (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:3). Just imagine if we live in darkness. We will stumble over each other and this will cause a lot of trouble!
The Old Testament, in Proverbs 15:20 to be precise, says that a wise boy brings joy to his father, but a foolish one despises /embarasses his mother. Every one of us must have a father and a mother eventhough not all of us have a child. The Apostle Paul said that a servant of God is like a mother who nurtures and takes care of the congregation (her children) and, at the same time, as a father who gives advice so that the congregation may live to please God who called them into His Kingdom and Glory (1 Thessalonians 2: 7, 11-12).
The truth is that many philosophers write ‘wise words’ and without their realizing it, many Christians prefer quoting man’s words rather than the Word of God.
Who is the fool that God refers to? 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 write, “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will thwart the cleverness of the intelligent.”
Strangely, God Himself created intelligent and wise man. But, why did He want to destroy their wisdom? Make sure the wisdom that we are trying to develop comes from God, not from human knowledge and intelligence no matter how great they are (v. 20). Because Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), the one outside the Scripture is not accountable. So, if we follow the wisdom of this world, we will be foolish before the Lord. In fact, there are many intelligent people and geniuses in this world. And yet they do not acknowledge Jesus and even prevent people from believing in Him with the theories of their findings. For an example: Darwin’s theory of evolution is taught in schools, making the students disbelieve that man was created by God.
To achieve the true wisdom, we must first receive Jesus and His missions of salvation and forgiveness. That’s why, wisdom became a stumbling block to the Jews and a foolishness to the non-Jews who were not called (v. 23).
Besides being wise/thoughtful, we have to use the time properly and well, because we cannot reverse, hold or compensate for it if we are late to do something. For example, yesterday we did not have our meal (1 plateful as usual). Now we are eating twice as much to make up what we missed yesterday. It is true that we can force ourselves to eat two plates of rice, but we will have a stomachache because of overeating. Eating meals at regular times on a daily basis impacts our health and so does reading the Bible. We should not read the Bible on and off! Is reading ten chapters at one time enough to substitute for the Bible reading that we missed in the previous ten days? As a matter of fact, this act even ruins and makes us ‘ill’ as we read the Bible casually without seriously meditating on the meaning of God’s message for us.
Time keeps running. It was almost 2000 years ago when the Apostle Paul said, ‘These days are evil.’ How much more today. What crime is increasingly rampant these days? Fornication, uncleanness and greed (Ephesians 5:3) that make someone lose their salvation.
We do not live mainly in the church but we do more activities outside the church. Therefore, the Apostle Paul said, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.”
As Christians, we must be examples /role models when it comes to communicating with the unbelievers. We need to use God’s wisdom (instead of cultures, traditions and wordly
philosophies) when we speak with them! For that reason, we must dare to risk being harassed, criticized and even outcast. For example, which one do we choose? Ancestral culture handed down from generation to generation or the truth of God's Word? Should we compromise our belief for the sake of safety and recognition? Or should we confront it at the risk of being fired and even outcast?
Let our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we should answer everyone (Colossians 4:6). In response to questions, criticism, ridicule, praises, etc., we should not utter vain words (dirty and unclean). Instead, we should always respond in a loving (not bland) manner. That’s why, we, the insiders (family or church members) must learn to unite with each other and stay away from quarrels. That way, we will be testimonies to outsiders.The Apostle Peter further emphasized that we are to be ready at all times to give accountability with gentleness and respect to everyone who asks for responsibility for the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15). Frequently, what one learns (theories) at the Bible College is not the same as what happens in the field ministry. This is where God becomes our teacher and we need His wisdom to give wise answers to the congregants (young, old, small, big despite their different languages) who come to ask for opinions or help.
In order not to be foolish but to understand what God’s will is (v. 17). What is God’s will for us? Romans 12:1-2 write, “Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present yourbodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect!”
In order to know the will of God, we must make effort to attend church and read the Bible for ourselves. We offer our bodies as a living sacrifice which means we use our brains and hearts seriously, rather than play while reading the Bible. Ironically, we seriously study at school or work hard to earn a living. On the contrary, we search for God's Word in a slipshod manner showing no serious effort to understand His will.
God's will is to save us by sending His only Son into the world where he was born to die on the cross for the sake of sinful men. But unfortunately, we keep ourselves busier celebrating Christmas than listening to God's Word. We must make an effort to find out the will of God which enables us to distinguish what is good and pleasing to Him. This way, our minds know how to live a holy life so that we will not easily get tempted by the splendor of the world nicely wrapped but full of traps. Beware of other Jesus, other spirits and other gospels (2 Corinthians 11: 3-4)!
Jesus Himself said that in this world, we suffer persecution. However, we must take courage because He has conquered the world (John 16:33). In other words, we must be able to defeat the world instead of being conquered by the world with all its tricks. Note that faith can overcome the world (1 John 5: 4)! What kind of faith? If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God (v. 5).
In order not to get drunk with wine which is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (v. 18).
Why do we have to be filled with the Spirit? In order to be able to speak in psalms and hymns as well as give thanks all the time (vv. 19-20) instead of letting words of complaint coming out of our mouths.
We must be filled with the Holy Spirit so that there is no chance for ‘others’ to fill the vacant room in our lives. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will take control of all aspects of our lives so that we can understand all the truth of the Word (John 16:13).
Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is neither wind nor power as claimed by a certain denomination, but the Holy Spirit is God Himself.
What is the impact of someone filled with the Holy Spirit? Filled with the Holy Spirit, the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship (Acts 2:42); when filled with the Holy Spirit, the Corinthians praised the Lord; when Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, he knew that Ananias and Sapphira had lied (Acts 5:3,9). Anyone filled with the Holy Spirit will rejoice despite their persecution (Acts 16:25). They like to sing in psalms, praise the Lord, give thanks every time (Ephesians 5:19-20), etc.
The Book of Psalms (150 chapters) expresses songs to praise and exalt the Lord. The beginning chapter of this book (chapter 1) firmly states that we will be happy if we meditate on the Word of God day and night and the closing chapter ends with “Halelujah, praise God ” – an expression of amazing happiness (Psalm 150).
When a great maltitude in heaven shouted ‘Hallelujah,’ the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality was condemned by God (Revelation 19:1-2). With the word “Hallelujah!” the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come (Revelation 19:6-7).
How do we we live in this world? Do we use God’s wisdom by living in holiness to please Him? Do we spend our time properly to prioritize the Lord and always glorify Him in praises and psalms? Let’s always be ready to shout “Hallelujah” to welcome His second coming to be united with Him in the New Jerusalem for eternity. Amen.