ZEAL IS NOT ENOUGH

Trevor S Ferguson

December 27, 2011

Romans 10:1-3 (KJV)
¹ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
² For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
³ For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

INTRODUCTION

We are living in an age where people are often moved by hype and less so by substance. Action and results are often valued more than attitude and motive. In the church some persons are extremely zealous towards God and would desire to be involved and in charge of various activities but sometimes this is not backed up by an understanding of the word of God or principles of righteousness.

Today, as we reflect on the passage from Romans 10, I want to highlight three important principles: 1) Being zealous towards God is not enough to ensure salvation; 2) Ignorance can cost us our salvation; and 3) Knowledge of God and His word is vital for Christian development and the preservation of our salvation

EXPOSITION

1) Being zealous towards God is not enough to ensure salvation

Paul describes Israel as having the zeal of God. They were fervent believers in the existence of God; they observed the laws and statutes as outlined in the Old Testament; they passionately defended their beliefs. 

Paul himself was the best example of zeal without knowledge. He persecuted the Christians because he believed they had erred from the Jewish faith. However, it was not until he came face to face with Jesus on the Damascus road, and subsequently received instructions from Ananias the prophet, that he was able to fulfill the requirements of salvation.

There are many today who profess to serve Jesus, but until they come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and receive salvation as outlines in the book of Acts, they are in danger of dying in their sins. 

Let us, like Paul, pray that God will reveal the word of salvation to all, that they too can be saved.

2) Ignorance can cost us our salvation

Verse three of Romans 10 illustrates the danger of ignorance. Being ignorant of God’s righteousness, Israel went ahead and established their own righteousness! This was exemplified  in the practices of the Pharisees. Because of their failure to understand the principles contained in God’s law, they set up a system requiring persons to follow the letter of the law and in so doing drifted further and further from God.  Look at what Jesus said of them in Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Their ignorant zeal had led them to a place where when they thought they were working for God, they were instead carving out places in hell!

Let’s beware of thee error of the Pharisees

3) Knowledge of God is vital for Christian Development and the preservation of our salvation

The scriptures below illustrate this very well.

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Acts 17:10-11

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Peter 1:5-7

 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

2^nd Peter 3:17-18

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

2^nd Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

CONCLUSION

Let us resolve today to commit ourselves to studying the word of God and to glean from it the knowledge of God, lest like Israel and the Pharisees we fall into error and miss out on our salvation

The Daniel Character: Excellence in Academics, Excellence in Work, Excellence in Ministry

Trevor S. Ferguson

December 17, 2011

The world today is short of good role models. Many men and women previously held in high esteem have been shown to have serious character flaws and have had to resign from their lofty positions and some have even ended up in prison. The problem is pervasive. From politics to the classroom, entertainment, sports and even in the church. Prominent entertainers have been convicted of drug trafficking, others have been charged with murder. Politicians have been found to be corrupt and have had to resign their post; there have been wide-scale mismanagement, cost overruns, lying and arrogance. Few, if any, of these can be held up as role models for the maturing youth who will be required to lead the next generation.

In the church we have another type of imbalance. There is a gross shortage of willing and able workers. As Jesus posited in Matthew 9:27: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Many of the able are not willing and the willing are often not ‘able’. Many of the persons in the church with great success in academia and in their secular work find little time to put into the church and many of the persons who work in the church do not take time to improve themselves so that they can serve more efficiently, effectively and appeal to a wider cross-section of persons.

Today I want to propose to all, that there is another way where we can achieve the best of both worlds. We can build persons of good character who will excel in academia, who will excel in their secular work and who will excel in ministry. I will call this ‘The Daniel Character’ because I believe that in Daniel we have the best example of the complete man, characterized by excellence in academics, excellence in work and excellence in ministry

I must confess that Daniel is my favourite bible character. My favourite part of course is not the episode in the lions’ den, what I admire most is that from the time we meet him as a teenager captured and brought to Babylon until his last prophecy is recorded some seventy years later his character remained unblemished.

Let’s look at some of these character defining events in Daniel’s life and see how we can learn from his actions and attitude.

The first telling statement is seen in Daniel 1:8. Confronted with a situation where he was being fed food that violated his conscience the scripture tells us that Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. With this clear position he spoke to the person in charge and expressed to him that the food being served violated his conscience and therefore he would not partake. He went further however to suggest an alternative that would accomplish the king’s desire but would preserve his personal integrity before God. As a result Daniel was able to continue in the kings employ and along with his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego became models of right living. Daniel 1:20 records the end result of their initial endeavours: “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.”

The next encounter described in Daniel 2 shows Daniel’s ability to respond in a time of crisis. When he learnt of a decree requiring all the wise men of Babylon to be killed, Daniel did not cower in fear but enquired into the reason for that decision. When he was told the reason he went in to speak to the king and again offered a solution: “Give me some time, I will show the king the interpretation.” Of course, we know the end result. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was revealed to Daniel in a vision and he was able to share it and the interpretation with the king.

The lion’s den encounter must be included in any discourse on Daniel. But the issues that led to him having to face the lions must not be overlooked. By now Daniel had been part of the service of at least three kings. Now about 80 years old Daniel was one of three presidents in the kingdom. Daniel was reported to be preferred above all the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him. When his subordinates sought to find occasion against him they could find none and therefore had to find accusation as it pertains to the fervency of his commitment to God. This I say is the hallmark of an excellent worker.

The last example I would like to mention pertains to his approach to the apparent expiration of the time appointed for the Babylonian captivity and his intersession on behalf of the nation of Israel.  Daniel chapter nine records these events, how he had recalled the prophesy of Jeremiah, that Israel would spend seventy years in Babylonian captivity and then have the opportunity to return to Jerusalem. Daniel’s approach again was not dismay but he used the opportunity to intercede to God on Israel’s behalf and as a result receive the great revelation concerning the Israel’s seventy prophetic weeks covering the period from the return to Jerusalem until the final revelation of the Messiah in his kingdom.

So what can we learn from Daniel?

My challenge to us today is to become the Daniels of this generation. The church urgently needs men and women of integrity who will excel not only in academics, who will excel not only in their secular work, who will not only develop into leaders in society, who will not only have money and influence but who will also be committed to the cause of Christ.

My challenge today is a call for young men and women who will diligent study the word of God, who will rightly divide the word of truth.

My challenge today is for men and women who will commit to prayer and fasting and seeking after God until Christ forms in them producing an excellent spirit, righteous character, unwavering faith and holy boldness.

My challenge today is for men and women who will avail themselves to the ministry of the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

My challenge today is for men and women who will sit in the highest offices in the land but will be unshaken in faith, fervent in standards and apostolic to the core.

When we develop men and women with this Daniel Character, we will have better churches, we will have better communities, we will have a better Jamaica, we will have a better world!

I close with the words on one of our old songs: Dare to be a Daniel:

1. Standing by a purpose true,
   Heeding God’s command,
   Honor them, the faithful few!
   All hail to Daniel’s band!
2. Many mighty men are lost,
   Daring not to stand,
   Who for God had been a host
   By joining Daniel’s band.
3. Many giants, great and tall,
   Stalking through the land,
   Headlong to the earth would fall,
   If met by Daniel’s band.
4. Hold the Gospel banner high!
   On to vict’ry grand!
   Satan and his hosts defy,
   And shout for Daniel’s band.

Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE?

Trevor S. Ferguson

December 7, 2011

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NKJV)
¹² "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
¹³ and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?

Micah 6:6-8 (NKJV)
⁶ With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old?
⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
⁸ He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

INTRODUCTION

As Christians today we are sometimes uncertain as to what God expects of us in our daily walk. Most of us understand and accept the requirements for salvation (i.e. baptism in Jesus name and  baptism of the Holy Ghost), but what we should do next is often unclear. In some churches there is undue emphasis on legalistic concepts, requiring members to follow a strict set of rules or standards, and suggesting that such adherence will guarantee future salvation and rewards in heaven, without considering that person's attitude towards God or his fellowman. Others take a very loose approach suggesting the Christians may do as the like once they maintain their church attendance and continue to profess Christ as their Saviour. Neither of these is sufficiently accurate. We therefore need to turn to the word of God for guidance.

The texts today provide us with two scriptural references outlining God’s requirements. While both are Old Testament texts the principles outlined are clearly applicable to the New Testament church and is supported by New Testament scriptures.

EXPOSITION

The text in Deuteronomy 10 forms part of Moses’ last words to the children of Israel. In Deuteronomy, often called the Second Law, Moses recounted the law before Israel to ensure that they had a good understanding of God’s expectation of them before they entered into the Promised Land. This chapter begins with the recounting of how the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments and how he had placed them in the Ark of the Covenant as God had commanded. It also speaks about the death of Aaron and the calling of the Levites to divine service. Verse 12 however, makes a sudden transition from the historical narrative to a question “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee?” Moses then went on to give five things God required of Israel. These were: 1) to fear the LORD, 2) to walk in all His ways, 3) to love Him, 4) to serve the LORD with all their heart and with all their soul, 5) to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes. Let’s look briefly on each of these.

The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is a poorly understood concept. People often think of this as being afraid of God. The word fear in this text comes from the Hebrew yare (yaw-ray) – which has as its primary meaning ‘to revere’, i.e. to have reverence for (God). To fear the Lord means to (1) Recognize his holiness, justice and righteousness (2) to regard Him with holy awe and reverence (3) to place our trust in him alone (4) to recognize that he is a God who is angry about sin and has the power to punish those who transgress his righteous laws. 

Walking in God’s Way

God has appointed a way that leads to life. This is described in the New Testament as the straight and narrow way. We must know Gods words and walk according to his instructions.

Loving God

Love in this text is derived from a Hebrew word meaning ‘to have affection for’. It is not enough to fear God. We must love Him – we must have a great affection for him – in a similar way to how we love our mothers or fathers. We must feel close to Him. He is a part of us, we belong to Him. In Matthew 22:37 Jesus described the commandment to love the Lord as the great commandment in the Law, thus illustrating how important it is for us to love the Lord.

Serving God

The word used in this context is from a Hebrew word meaning to ‘work’, often in the context of a slave / bond-servant. In serving God we have a responsibility to see that His will is accomplished in the earth. We serve God by being His witnesses and ambassadors in the earth.

Keeping Gods Commandments

This highlights the principle of obedience to the revealed word of God. Therefore whatever he says, that we should do. Remember Jesus’ instruction: ‘If ye love me keep my commandments’

Micah’s rendition of God’s Requirements

The prophet Micah adds another dimension to the question of what God requires, this time emphasizing our duty towards our fellowmen and before God. His instruction were: Do Justly; Love Mercy; Walk Humbly. This highlights concepts which are often ignored by the present day church. We must remember that not only do we have a duty to God, but we also have a responsibility to our neighbours and fellowmen. Remember we are commanded to love or neighbour as we love ourselves! We must deal justly in all our doings – e.g. a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. We must show mercy to people in positions of disadvantage. We must forgive those who wrong us! We must have compassion for people in need. We must walk in humility – the Christian should never be puffed up. We must walk humbly before God and before man.

CONCLUSIONS

Are we fulfilling God’s requirements today? Let us endeavour to live by these requirements so that God will be pleased with us; that He gets the glory from our life and work so that when He comes we will be ready waiting to meet Him.

Have you obeyed the command of God? If not, will you make a decision today? Remember: The wise hears the word of the Lord and obeys them! Make a wise decision to follow Him today!

The Revelation of the Name of Jesus

Trevor Ferguson

November 26, 2011

Philippians 2:5-13 (NKJV)
⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

INTRODUCTION

In modern societies the concept of a name has lost much of its significance. This is in contrast to ancient societies, such as in biblical times, in which names were rich with meaning and often carried prophetic significance. For example, Abraham was originally called Abram, meaning ‘high father’, but God changed his name to Abraham meaning 'father of a multitude' to indicate the promise of the mighty nation that his offspring would become. Isaac’s name meant ‘laughter’, indicating the joy he brought to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Jacob’s name meant ‘supplanter’ or ‘trickster’ but was changed to Israel, meaning ‘he who prevails with God’, after his encounter with God at Peniel.

Just as the names of the Patriarchs were significant, the name of God is also significant and rich with meaning. As we read the bible, we see a progressive revelation of the name of God, culminating with the revelation of the name of Jesus in the New Testament. Today, I want to share with you on the great revelation of the name above all names, the name of Jesus.

EXPOSITION

When God revealed himself to Abraham and the patriarchs he revealed himself as The Lord Almighty. The Hebrew term is “El Shaddai”, the all sufficient God, indicating His power to accomplish that which he says He will accomplish and His ability to bless – richly, abundantly and continually. As El Shaddai, there was no limit to His power, specifically as it relates to Abraham, God could fulfil His promise of a son and a mighty nation, even though Abraham was then 99 years old.

In Exodus 6, God further reveals Himself to Moses as JEHOVAH. Jehovah means The Self-existing One or in other words ‘He is’ (or, ‘The One Who Is’). As Jehovah He lived in the everlasting present tense, thus He was able to say to Moses when Moses had asked for His name in Exodus 3 – ‘I AM THAT I AM’, ‘I AM’ sent you. As “the Great I AM”, God exist from the beginning of beginnings, He is “the First and the Last”, “The Alpha and Omega”. He is creator of all things, and also Judge of all the earth. He called the earth into existence and will cause this present earth to pass away. Nothing can exist without Him. He is the Self-existing One

In addition to the revelation of the name Jehovah, God has further revealed aspects of His character:

In Genesis 22:14, He revealed Himself as Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord Who provides”, when Abraham needed a lamb for the sacrifice.

In Exodus 15:26, He reveals himself as Jehovah-rapha – “The Lord that heals”. Israel would therefore not experience the plagues of Egypt.

In Exodus 17:15, He is Jehovah-nissi – “The Lords our banner” (The Lord who gives us Victory).

In Judges 6:24, He is Jehovah-shalom – “The Lord our peace” (Gideon was assured of peace in a time of conflict).

In Psalm 23:1, He is Jehovah-raah – “the Lord our shepherd” (A revelation of God’s care and protection to David in a time uncertainty).

The Old Testament prophets prophesied concerning the further revelation of the name of God. In Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah declared – behold a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel i.e. is God with us. Isaiah further declares in Isaiah 9:6 “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father and the prince of peace". Despite these prophetic utterances the precise saving name was not revealed to the Old Testament prophets. Isaiah however prophesied in Isaiah 52:6 “therefore my people shall know my name.”

In the fullness of time however, God did reveal his saving name. When the angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1: 21, he declared: “And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” This name Jesus literally means Jehovah-Saviour or Jehovah is Salvation. It incorporates all that the name Jehovah denotes and adds to it the attribute of salvation.

Jesus is thus the saving name of God: Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Repentance and remission of sins is preached in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47)

Baptism is correctly administered in  the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)

The Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus (John 14:26)

We are sanctified though his name (1^st Corinthians 6:11)

Healing occurs in Jesus name (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 4:10)

Deliverance comes in Jesus name (Luke 4:18)

In Philippians 2:9-10, Paul describes the name of Jesus as “a name which is above every name. Note that he uses similar terminology in Ephesians 1:21 when he writes that, God had set Jesus “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” Jesus is the greatest revelation of the name of God. Paul therefore declares … at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow … every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

APPLICATION

Having made the above declaration Paul now challenges the Philippians “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. It is good to know about God, but knowledge of God cannot save. Today the appropriate response to this revelation is to make sure that we have obeyed the word of God and are ready for his coming. Remember, every knee shall bow! It is better to bow now than to be forced to do so when he returns.

How does one receive salvation? The response is simple and is given in Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ … and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note however that after initial salvation we must live a life of holiness and righteousness before God as we prepare for His coming.