Glory of God: Preventing Truth Decay

Taken from Kevin DeYoung's blog: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/06/24/glory-of-god-preventing-truth-decay/

John 16:12-15

He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (v. 14)

If last week we looked at the importance of following Jesus with more than words, today we look at how our words about Jesus still matter. The work of the Holy Spirit is to take “what is mine”–who Jesus is and what he has done–and declare it to us.

In other words, speaking good theology glorifies God. Sometimes people say “I’m into the person of Jesus, not propositions about Jesus.” This sounds pious, but how can we have one without the other? Is your wife honored when you profess undying love for her, but describe her as a tall, blonde when she’s really a short brunette? How can you make much of God if you cannot tell me who he is? How can you magnify his character if there is no definition to it? How can you honor his worth if you don’t know why he’s worthy?

Don’t buy the “deeds not creeds” mantra. Truth matters. God does not get glory by our being uncertain and ambiguous about who he is, what he has done, and why is supremely valuable. God gets glory when we lovingly and truthfully declare theological, propositional truths about his internal excellencies, his saving work, and the weight of his glory.

A Puritan Prayer - The Valley of Vision

"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."

To Be Broken and Vulnerable Before God

A repost from Boundless Webzine. (Yes they do have other articles other than boy-girl-relationship articles, what joy)

"Vulnerable Before God" by Amy Seed, as below.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).

What would happen if we started every day with this prayer? How different would our lives look?

Vulnerability is difficult. It requires a great deal of humility and trust especially when we face challenges that are more personal than we are comfortable sharing. Weaknesses can be hard to admit, and I think this is especially true when it comes to talking with God.

Vulnerability is not one of my strongest qualities. It’s hard for me to talk about personal struggles with others even if I do trust them. I would much rather exhibit my strengths than my weaknesses even though I know God is glorified through those weaknesses.

I have been blessed over the years with several close friends who challenge me to drop the façade that everything is always OK and force me into a place of healthy vulnerability. They are the friends who ask me on a consistent basis what God is doing in my life or how I really feel about certain situations. They get me to open up even when I don’t feel like talking about those things. They don’t accept answers that are only surface deep. You may have friends like that and can relate to what I mean.

While I’m learning to be more open, I still lack a consistent vulnerability before God. It’s an interesting statement when I think about it because God already knows how I feel.

For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything (1 John 3:20).

The times when I approach God with vulnerability are those times when I am the most broken. That is not to say my prayers are not always sincere, but there is a stronger, more heartfelt longing for God and His Word when I reach breaking points in my life.

I can’t help but wonder how different my life would look if my heart were more aligned with God’s heart. It’s hard for me to approach God about struggles or decisions before they become overwhelming. I know there are times when I am afraid of the changes and challenges God may have in store for me or what He might reveal about my character.

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name (Psalm 86:11).

Maybe we’re only vulnerable before God when we are truly open to what He will do in our lives. Giving our struggles up to God usually means we’re in for some big changes or some big challenges. Maybe it takes getting us to a breaking point before we’re finally willing to let go of the plans we have for our lives and follow God’s call to something new.

I know my relationship with God would be a lot stronger if I invited Him to evaluate my life daily in such a no-nonsense way. I would have to be willing to hear His report and be open to making changes in my life. Starting each day with such an emphasis on who God is would make me more careful to make sure my thoughts and actions align with Scripture.

When I think about asking God to point out the areas in my life that need the most work, I almost don’t want to know what He would reveal to me. I don’t think any of us enjoy working through our hardships and raw emotions, but imagine what our lives would be like if we intentionally did it anyway.

The bolded statements are what I can relate to so much. About being authentic, real, and reminding myself daily (or consistently) who God is.

...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."

Hebrews 12:1-3, NKJV.

Quote

"Daily Christian living is daily Christian dying".

- Tullian Tchividjian