"Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable . . . that the man of God may be complete." 2 Timothy 3:16,17
From beginning to end the Bible maintains an organic unity. It is no disorderly compilation of human minds, but is bound together by the working of the Holy Spirit of God, so that what we have today is fully at one with its origins. The five books of Moses stand at the beginning of the record–and this is the significant point: all who wrote afterward built upon them; they did not write independently. Joshua builds on the foundation of the Pentateuch, and so does the author of the books of Samuel.
Though the writers are various, every book in the Old Testament builds on what went before. And when we reach the New Testament the same is true: the New uses the Old as its springboard. You cannot discard the Old Testament and retain only the New Testament; neither can you cut out the four Gospels and keep only the letters of Paul. God does not say one thing yesterday and another thing today. His Word is one. From start to finish, it lives and speaks to our need.
Watchman Nee
Friday, October 28, 2011
October 30
"And he went out, and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75
In affirming that he would never be offended in Christ, Peter was contradicting his Lord; yet his doing so was no mere bravado. He was confident that he spoke the truth. It was because Peter so firmly believed in himself that Jesus reinforced his general statement regarding all his disciples by adding details of the depth to which Peter would fall in desertion of him.
Yet so deep-rooted was Peter's self-confidence that all the Lord's assertions failed to convince him. More vehemently than ever he promised his loyalty. He meant every word. He loved Jesus and wanted to follow him unreservedly; and when he spoke as he did, he was expressing the intention of his heart. But he mistook himself for the man he desired to be. Thank God that Peter was brought through breakdown to discover his own weakness. If there was sincerity in his self-confidence, there was sincerity too in his weeping. From that hour of his self-discovery, God was able to fashion him anew.
In affirming that he would never be offended in Christ, Peter was contradicting his Lord; yet his doing so was no mere bravado. He was confident that he spoke the truth. It was because Peter so firmly believed in himself that Jesus reinforced his general statement regarding all his disciples by adding details of the depth to which Peter would fall in desertion of him.
Yet so deep-rooted was Peter's self-confidence that all the Lord's assertions failed to convince him. More vehemently than ever he promised his loyalty. He meant every word. He loved Jesus and wanted to follow him unreservedly; and when he spoke as he did, he was expressing the intention of his heart. But he mistook himself for the man he desired to be. Thank God that Peter was brought through breakdown to discover his own weakness. If there was sincerity in his self-confidence, there was sincerity too in his weeping. From that hour of his self-discovery, God was able to fashion him anew.
October 29
"Adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue." 2 Peter 1:5
Peter is telling us here that a continual "adding" should characterize every Christian. We should cultivate a disposition which never ceases to explore fresh territory in the realm of divine things. Although Peter is an old man when he writes this, divine energy pulsates in him and is communicated to his readers.
He urges us that as soon as we have possessed one Christian virtue, we should seek to supplement it with another; and having acquired that, we should heap on yet more. Diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly love, divine love: Peter's list is long and summarized by his key word, "abundance." Press on and on, he says, never resting content with your present attainment, never ceasing from this holy task of adding, until the goal of God's purpose for you is reached.
Peter is telling us here that a continual "adding" should characterize every Christian. We should cultivate a disposition which never ceases to explore fresh territory in the realm of divine things. Although Peter is an old man when he writes this, divine energy pulsates in him and is communicated to his readers.
He urges us that as soon as we have possessed one Christian virtue, we should seek to supplement it with another; and having acquired that, we should heap on yet more. Diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly love, divine love: Peter's list is long and summarized by his key word, "abundance." Press on and on, he says, never resting content with your present attainment, never ceasing from this holy task of adding, until the goal of God's purpose for you is reached.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October 28
"Did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith?" James 2:5
The goal and reward of temporal poverty is eternal enrichment. God never intended that tribulation and poverty should have no fruit. His purpose is that all pressure should lead to enlargement and that all poverty should lead to wealth. His destiny for his people is not continuous poverty. Straightness and poverty are not an end; they are the means to an end.
There is much that we do not understand in John's revelation of the New Jerusalem, but we do see there a city of infinite wealth. There is, however, not a nugget of gold in that city which has not been tried in a furnace of affliction, not a precious stone which has not passed through the fires, and not a pearl that has not been born of suffering. To be "rich in faith" is surely justified, therefore.
The goal and reward of temporal poverty is eternal enrichment. God never intended that tribulation and poverty should have no fruit. His purpose is that all pressure should lead to enlargement and that all poverty should lead to wealth. His destiny for his people is not continuous poverty. Straightness and poverty are not an end; they are the means to an end.
There is much that we do not understand in John's revelation of the New Jerusalem, but we do see there a city of infinite wealth. There is, however, not a nugget of gold in that city which has not been tried in a furnace of affliction, not a precious stone which has not passed through the fires, and not a pearl that has not been born of suffering. To be "rich in faith" is surely justified, therefore.
October 27
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich." Revelation 3:18
If we desire to continue on the course of Philadelphia and not slip back into that of Laodicea, then we must learn to be humble before God. Sometimes I have heard brothers say, "The blessing of God is in our midst." I acknowledge the truth of this, yet I feel we need to exercise extreme caution in saying it. If one day we incline to say that we are rich and have gotten riches and have need of nothing, we are very close to the condition of Laodicea.
Remember–there is nothing we possess which we did not first receive from God. He who stands before the Lord is not conscious of his own wealth, but only of him. He who comes forth from the Lord's presence is rich, yet he is not aware of his riches. The radiance on Moses' countenance faded, and for him it was better so, for once it became known to him he might have ended up in lukewarmness.
If we desire to continue on the course of Philadelphia and not slip back into that of Laodicea, then we must learn to be humble before God. Sometimes I have heard brothers say, "The blessing of God is in our midst." I acknowledge the truth of this, yet I feel we need to exercise extreme caution in saying it. If one day we incline to say that we are rich and have gotten riches and have need of nothing, we are very close to the condition of Laodicea.
Remember–there is nothing we possess which we did not first receive from God. He who stands before the Lord is not conscious of his own wealth, but only of him. He who comes forth from the Lord's presence is rich, yet he is not aware of his riches. The radiance on Moses' countenance faded, and for him it was better so, for once it became known to him he might have ended up in lukewarmness.
October 26
"Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it." Ephesians 5:25
The theme of this verse is not so much the coming of Christ to die for sinners as the giving of himself to them in love. John tells us how at the cross the soldiers came to examine Jesus. They found to their surprise that he was already dead, but they pierced his side and there flowed out blood and water. This suggests symbolically the two aspects of the work of Christ; namely, the shedding of blood to redeem us from our sins, and the flowing of the water of life.
To die for sins is one thing, but to die for love is more. Christ died for us in order to give himself to us. The vital issue of our new birth lies just here. It is not repentance which makes us a part of Christ, neither is confession of our sins, nor even our faith. It is the life of Christ imparted to us by a divine act, which alone makes us a part of the Church which he loved and gave himself up for.
The theme of this verse is not so much the coming of Christ to die for sinners as the giving of himself to them in love. John tells us how at the cross the soldiers came to examine Jesus. They found to their surprise that he was already dead, but they pierced his side and there flowed out blood and water. This suggests symbolically the two aspects of the work of Christ; namely, the shedding of blood to redeem us from our sins, and the flowing of the water of life.
To die for sins is one thing, but to die for love is more. Christ died for us in order to give himself to us. The vital issue of our new birth lies just here. It is not repentance which makes us a part of Christ, neither is confession of our sins, nor even our faith. It is the life of Christ imparted to us by a divine act, which alone makes us a part of the Church which he loved and gave himself up for.
Monday, October 24, 2011
October 25
"A new spirit will I put within you ... And I will put my Spirit within you." Ezekiel 36:26, 27
Note here how after the promise of a "new spirit" there immediately follows the allusion to "my Spirit." The first statement signifies the renewal of the dead spirit by an incoming of life in one who believes. The second goes further and points to the indwelling Holy Spirit of God resident withing the man's renewed spirit.
But the two are one experience. Christians do not live for many years after new birth in a first phase of Christian life and then suddenly wake up and, seeking the Holy Spirit, enter on a second phase. They have his entire personality abiding in them—not just visiting them—the moment they are saved.
The apostle exhorted us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. By using the word "grieve" and not "anger," he reveals the Holy Spirit's love. Moreover, he certainly never says, "Do not cause him to depart." It may be the plight of the Spirit to be either grieved or gladdened, but he abides within us forever. There is no question of his leaving.
Note here how after the promise of a "new spirit" there immediately follows the allusion to "my Spirit." The first statement signifies the renewal of the dead spirit by an incoming of life in one who believes. The second goes further and points to the indwelling Holy Spirit of God resident withing the man's renewed spirit.
But the two are one experience. Christians do not live for many years after new birth in a first phase of Christian life and then suddenly wake up and, seeking the Holy Spirit, enter on a second phase. They have his entire personality abiding in them—not just visiting them—the moment they are saved.
The apostle exhorted us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. By using the word "grieve" and not "anger," he reveals the Holy Spirit's love. Moreover, he certainly never says, "Do not cause him to depart." It may be the plight of the Spirit to be either grieved or gladdened, but he abides within us forever. There is no question of his leaving.
October 24
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17
The Bible allows us great latitude in external things such as food. Why is it that you may eat or not eat as you like? Because from God's viewpoint this is only a minor matter. God attaches no great importance to prohibitions. Instead, he lays stress on what is positive. The life of the Son of God on earth, and Christ's risen life in us–these are the essentials. Having that glory among us, such matters as food and clothing become very minor indeed. That is why the Christian life, as set forth in the Bible, is never legalistic but wonderfully flexible.
If you wish to dress more moderately and eat less costly food, it is good. But if you have more money and feel like eating better or spending more on clothes, you may do it. The pivotal question is how much spiritual reality is manifested in your life. Do remember that a Christian is not an ascetic. He lives an adaptable life, sensitive always to him who in us is exceedingly great and glorious, and who is ruled not so much by abstinence as by transcendence.
The Bible allows us great latitude in external things such as food. Why is it that you may eat or not eat as you like? Because from God's viewpoint this is only a minor matter. God attaches no great importance to prohibitions. Instead, he lays stress on what is positive. The life of the Son of God on earth, and Christ's risen life in us–these are the essentials. Having that glory among us, such matters as food and clothing become very minor indeed. That is why the Christian life, as set forth in the Bible, is never legalistic but wonderfully flexible.
If you wish to dress more moderately and eat less costly food, it is good. But if you have more money and feel like eating better or spending more on clothes, you may do it. The pivotal question is how much spiritual reality is manifested in your life. Do remember that a Christian is not an ascetic. He lives an adaptable life, sensitive always to him who in us is exceedingly great and glorious, and who is ruled not so much by abstinence as by transcendence.
October 23
"The fear of man bringeth a snare." Proverbs 29:25
Once there were two men who worked in the same firm. One of them found Christ as his Savior; but it happened that both men were extremely timid. The one who was saved dared not tell the other that this had happened, while the other could not work up enough courage to ask the converted man what had occurred, though he could see the change.
They shared the same table at work. Daily they faced each other, yet one dared not tell and the other dared not ask. At last the one who had believed could stand it no longer; so after much prayer, he went to his friend and said, "I am a most timid man. For at least three months I have not dared to tell you that I have believed in the Lord Jesus." Then his friend answered, "All these three months I have been longing to ask you what has happened." If you live in fear of others, it may help you to remember that perhaps others fear you. Take courage and speak.
Once there were two men who worked in the same firm. One of them found Christ as his Savior; but it happened that both men were extremely timid. The one who was saved dared not tell the other that this had happened, while the other could not work up enough courage to ask the converted man what had occurred, though he could see the change.
They shared the same table at work. Daily they faced each other, yet one dared not tell and the other dared not ask. At last the one who had believed could stand it no longer; so after much prayer, he went to his friend and said, "I am a most timid man. For at least three months I have not dared to tell you that I have believed in the Lord Jesus." Then his friend answered, "All these three months I have been longing to ask you what has happened." If you live in fear of others, it may help you to remember that perhaps others fear you. Take courage and speak.
October 22
"He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen." 1 John 4:20
We might perhaps add to the Apostle John's words. "If we cannot love our brothers whom we see, how can we love the brothers whom we cannot see?" Paul wrote to the Corinthians about love, because love unites. In Corinth there was envy and strife; so Paul told them that love envies not, seeks not her own, thinks no evil of others; in other words, love does not divide and separate. All this was an exhortation to the believers in Corinth to love one another at close quarters.
Many of us are good at brotherly love so long as the brethren concerned are faraway and unseen. It is loving those whom we see everyday that really tests our love for God. The Corinthians were to love their brothers in Corinth first of all. Later, perhaps, they might go to Ephesus and love the members of Christ there. Only later still would they ascend into heaven to see the Body of Christ in its wholeness. This is the right order and the most difficult, for it tests our sincerity.
We might perhaps add to the Apostle John's words. "If we cannot love our brothers whom we see, how can we love the brothers whom we cannot see?" Paul wrote to the Corinthians about love, because love unites. In Corinth there was envy and strife; so Paul told them that love envies not, seeks not her own, thinks no evil of others; in other words, love does not divide and separate. All this was an exhortation to the believers in Corinth to love one another at close quarters.
Many of us are good at brotherly love so long as the brethren concerned are faraway and unseen. It is loving those whom we see everyday that really tests our love for God. The Corinthians were to love their brothers in Corinth first of all. Later, perhaps, they might go to Ephesus and love the members of Christ there. Only later still would they ascend into heaven to see the Body of Christ in its wholeness. This is the right order and the most difficult, for it tests our sincerity.
October 21
"But one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42
Jesus never implied that Martha should not work. Indeed, the Bible elsewhere tells us that the man who does not work should not eat. Nor did he propose to Martha that she should spend half her time serving and the other half dealing with matters of the spirit. He never suggested that doing her "many things" was wrong, but he reminded her that she should not let them fret and irritate her. Martha did not engage in too many tasks; she indulged in too many worries.
Thank God that there was also a Mary. She had chosen the best portion, which is communion with the Lord, and she represents the other half of the picture. What Jesus wanted was that Martha would follow her sister's example of peace of heart, even while she worked. We can all be like Martha, occupied with outward things; but at one and the same time we must be like Mary, in fellowship with Christ within. Any man or woman may be outwardly busy while inwardly sitting at the feet of Jesus. That is true service.
Jesus never implied that Martha should not work. Indeed, the Bible elsewhere tells us that the man who does not work should not eat. Nor did he propose to Martha that she should spend half her time serving and the other half dealing with matters of the spirit. He never suggested that doing her "many things" was wrong, but he reminded her that she should not let them fret and irritate her. Martha did not engage in too many tasks; she indulged in too many worries.
Thank God that there was also a Mary. She had chosen the best portion, which is communion with the Lord, and she represents the other half of the picture. What Jesus wanted was that Martha would follow her sister's example of peace of heart, even while she worked. We can all be like Martha, occupied with outward things; but at one and the same time we must be like Mary, in fellowship with Christ within. Any man or woman may be outwardly busy while inwardly sitting at the feet of Jesus. That is true service.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
October 20
"Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper." 1 Corinthians 16:2
The first day of the week spoken here is different from the Sabbath of the Old Testament. It is not a day of assessment nor is it merely a day for physical rest. It directs us rather to two things we especially ought to do. One is to come together to the Lord God in order to receive grace from him, and the other is to offer to him our gifts. It is a day for us to rejoice in the Lord.
Is it not surprising to find that our gifts are to be made weekly and not monthly? Many wait until the end of the month, and some may even wait until year's end, to give their gifts to God, but Paul tells us we must balance our accounts before him on the first day of each week. Let us note too that each one is free to decide on his own percentage. Give more if you can give more, less if you have less. The important thing is that you should give your portion joyfully.
The first day of the week spoken here is different from the Sabbath of the Old Testament. It is not a day of assessment nor is it merely a day for physical rest. It directs us rather to two things we especially ought to do. One is to come together to the Lord God in order to receive grace from him, and the other is to offer to him our gifts. It is a day for us to rejoice in the Lord.
Is it not surprising to find that our gifts are to be made weekly and not monthly? Many wait until the end of the month, and some may even wait until year's end, to give their gifts to God, but Paul tells us we must balance our accounts before him on the first day of each week. Let us note too that each one is free to decide on his own percentage. Give more if you can give more, less if you have less. The important thing is that you should give your portion joyfully.
October 19
"Whosoever would become great among you shall be your servant [margin]." Matthew 20:26
We who would be leaders must learn not to lord it over those entrusted to our care nor to lead them on faster than their ability to follow. If we have a word from the Lord for them, we should be faithful in sharing it; but we dare not insist that they accept its message. Let us remember that God approves the free will he has given to man; and if he never coerces man, how dare we? Let us learn to walk softly before him and to be very slow to put ourselves up before men in the role of leader.
It should be no matter for self-gratification that people are ready to learn what we have to say. Rather should it drive us to the Lord in fear and trembling. No matter how strong our convictions, we must learn to distrust ourselves, for we are prone to err; and the more we are liable to go astray. The danger is that the greater the following we attract, the more our self-confidence is fed and the less we are able to receive help from others.
We who would be leaders must learn not to lord it over those entrusted to our care nor to lead them on faster than their ability to follow. If we have a word from the Lord for them, we should be faithful in sharing it; but we dare not insist that they accept its message. Let us remember that God approves the free will he has given to man; and if he never coerces man, how dare we? Let us learn to walk softly before him and to be very slow to put ourselves up before men in the role of leader.
It should be no matter for self-gratification that people are ready to learn what we have to say. Rather should it drive us to the Lord in fear and trembling. No matter how strong our convictions, we must learn to distrust ourselves, for we are prone to err; and the more we are liable to go astray. The danger is that the greater the following we attract, the more our self-confidence is fed and the less we are able to receive help from others.
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