Have you noticed that all of Christ's teachings, as recorded in the Sermon (and throughout the New Testament), make up a seamless robe? Despite coming
from a hodgepodge of sources and having been massaged by a number of
scribes with sharply divergent points of view, the teachings all fit
together. Even if a point here or there seems to clash, those contradictions are just so much static in a message that comes through loud and clear. The unity of the message that collectively
comes through these disparate sources is itself a miracle.
Again, the new way of life to which Jesus points implies real faith, real trust in God, reliance on God to provide for our routine needs. If you are focused on doing things God wants done, God will back you up. If you are no longer chasing earthly wants, you are able to put your energy into serving him and hence into spreading God's kingdom. But in truth many of us are, sad to say, lukewarm Christians, the type that aren't worth spit in service of the kingdom, as we unsuccessfully try to serve two masters, if we even do that much, "ye of little faith."
A theory has long been afloat that draws a distinction between "professional Christians" (such as clergy) and the Christian masses. Yet if you read Jesus' words, nothing of the sort is taught. In fact he admonishes his followers not to adopt honorifics, such as Father, in order that they relate to each other as true brothers.
For many of us, of course, learning to let go and let God – i.e., to deny the self – is a process, often a painfully slow process. Maybe Rome wasn't built in a day, but the Allies hit the beaches in a day as they struggled toward total victory. When one is born anew, he "hits the beach" on a sometimes hard journey toward total victory. He is more than a conqueror through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
The self must decrease that he may increase in our hearts (John 3:30).
The theme of self-denial runs through the Sermon and, indeed, through the four gospels and generally through the New Testament. Some verses in the Sermon where this theme is evident are Matthew 5:27-28, 5:38-45, 6:1-3, 6:19-21, 6:24-31, 7:1-5.
Yet though the oath of Hippocrates shows that abortion was an issue in the Hellenistic world, [TAW.1] there is nothing on it in the Sermon or, in fact, anywhere in the New Testament. That is because such a thing was UNTHINKABLE among Jews of that era.
A fervent, effectual prayer that availed much
http://tiny.cc/2f0roz
(If that link is inoperable, look for Sheila Walsh's testimony in her book [TAW.2] or elsewhere on the net.)
But the self-denial issue is found not only in major crises. It crops up even in low-key matters.
Again, the new way of life to which Jesus points implies real faith, real trust in God, reliance on God to provide for our routine needs. If you are focused on doing things God wants done, God will back you up. If you are no longer chasing earthly wants, you are able to put your energy into serving him and hence into spreading God's kingdom. But in truth many of us are, sad to say, lukewarm Christians, the type that aren't worth spit in service of the kingdom, as we unsuccessfully try to serve two masters, if we even do that much, "ye of little faith."
A theory has long been afloat that draws a distinction between "professional Christians" (such as clergy) and the Christian masses. Yet if you read Jesus' words, nothing of the sort is taught. In fact he admonishes his followers not to adopt honorifics, such as Father, in order that they relate to each other as true brothers.
Matthew 23:6-10
What Jesus
is calling for, as he addresses his students and anyone else who cares
to listen, is earnest commitment to God, full reliance on God, and a
love of God's righteousness (= rightness). We can do anything through
Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
For many of us, of course, learning to let go and let God – i.e., to deny the self – is a process, often a painfully slow process. Maybe Rome wasn't built in a day, but the Allies hit the beaches in a day as they struggled toward total victory. When one is born anew, he "hits the beach" on a sometimes hard journey toward total victory. He is more than a conqueror through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
The self must decrease that he may increase in our hearts (John 3:30).
The theme of self-denial runs through the Sermon and, indeed, through the four gospels and generally through the New Testament. Some verses in the Sermon where this theme is evident are Matthew 5:27-28, 5:38-45, 6:1-3, 6:19-21, 6:24-31, 7:1-5.
¶ Self-denial means putting someone else's needs ahead of your own needs. This applies not only to family and friends but even to strangers, or people you don't like. By this you can love another, even though you may not like (strongly identify with) the other person. God knows you are acting this way for love of him. But that counts as love of the unlovable one.
¶ Self-denial means cheerfully relying on God to meet your needs, spiritual and material, which he is happy to do for all those who know Jesus. Even though God sends his kindness on the just and the unjust, those made just in God's eyes by faith in Jesus are given very special, personal help.
¶ Self-denial means being able and willing – though perhaps reluctantly – to on occasion fast for God, because eating up God's mission for you today is better than rushing aboard the "6 o'clock express" for chow time. If you choose, it is a good thing to fast (and pray) on some schedule. Yet, let us be cautious. One thing the Sermon does not do, despite first impressions, is to lay down some kind of "law." Yes, we grant that very early in the Christian era some thought that Jesus' disciples should live in communes in which extreme asceticism was practiced. Such regimens may have been good for a few, but let us not forget that strict routines can inhibit the Spirit. Recall Jesus saying that his true disciples blow this way and that, with no one able to predict how they will move.
John 3:8
Self-denial can be a difficult subject. When a pregnant young woman is stressed about having the baby, she may feel a strong need to put her own interests ahead of the unborn child's. She feels pressure from parents or other relatives who want to make the problem go away more out of concern for their own peace of mind than for the girl or her unborn child. And, of course, the boy often breathes a sigh of relief if the girl aborts his child. (I pass no judgment on any particular person; my past is not exactly unblemished in this regard.)The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Yet though the oath of Hippocrates shows that abortion was an issue in the Hellenistic world, [TAW.1] there is nothing on it in the Sermon or, in fact, anywhere in the New Testament. That is because such a thing was UNTHINKABLE among Jews of that era.
A fervent, effectual prayer that availed much
http://tiny.cc/2f0roz
(If that link is inoperable, look for Sheila Walsh's testimony in her book [TAW.2] or elsewhere on the net.)
But the self-denial issue is found not only in major crises. It crops up even in low-key matters.
I recall that a few years back I was practicing a rather mild form of asceticism, following with little variation the same routine over the course of a year. Then one day, I found myself blocked by a rather assertive, but unpleasant, person. There was nothing for it, but to flee. I was compelled by circumstances to break my pattern and do something different. It was at that point that the Lord kindly told me that I had reached the limit of that particular ascetic choice and needed a change. The unpleasant person had been sent by God in order to redirect my steps. God had approved my self-imposed regimen; he likes acts of faith. Yet, he would not let me go too far and corrected me. The point of this anecdote is that Christians must beware willfulness even in self-denial (but Jesus saves us from our missteps).
Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Matthew 16:23-25
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Draft 6
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