Category: Mercy

After admitting that he was chief among sinners (15), Paul then writes that despite his low state he received mercy from God.  This truth can be seen both in his conversion in Acts 9, and in his many personal explanations of  that conversion to Christ.

Here he states why that mercy was shown to him. So that in him Jesus Christ’s longsuffering could be demonstrated. If God was willing to save the most violent and zealous enemy of the faith, and then use him as a preeminent apologist for that same faith, it is obvious that anyone who accepts Christ can be forgiven. This is a truth that gives hope to all.

It is for this reason in verse 17 Paul praises God so graciously in this spontaneous expression of praise. He is eternal and immortal — without beginning or end. He is invisible—indicating His spiritual and divine nature. And He is wise to an extent that defies comparison.

For these reasons He is worthy of the praise of our lips and pens.

Fourteen years before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul had be “caught up” (to snatch or catch away) to Paradise.  This was a forceful action. In other words, Paul did not work or earn this passage, he was transported. It was a wonderful thing, a blessed gift or privilege. While wonderful, it was not a legitimate thing to boast about because it was a gift from God.

So, while Paul mentioned it as another proof of his choosing by God, he wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:5, “Of such a one (Paul’s oblique reference to himself) I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.”

Paul’s explanation, though a bit hard to understand, establishes a very important truth. Our standing with God is based upon a given gift, not our own merited works. There is a big difference between required obedience, and the mercy of God. Jesus told His disciples, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10).

Paul was only willing to boast in a way that would bring God the glory. Consider his conclusion, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

(Adapted from a sermon outline “starter” that appeared on Facebook by Mark Posey on 1/19/24)

Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ will know what is called the “golden rule.”  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

The rule encompasses the most important truth for the Christian, and that is the imperative of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It is not inappropriate to call it the golden rule, though that is a name given it by man, not found in scripture. Continue reading “Five “Golden” Rules” →

As Christians, we are to emulate the goodness and love of Jesus Christ as we interact with enemies, and those who disappoint or use us.

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Have you ever been in so great anguish that you asked yourself these types of questions?

• “Will the Lord cast off forever?”
• “And will He be favorable no more?”
• “Has His mercy ceased forever?”
• “Has His promise failed evermore?”
• “Has God forgotten to be gracious?”
• “Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?”

The Psalmist in Psalm 77 asked just these questions.  He even said, “This is my anguish” (10). But, he knew the answers to the question even as he asked them. We know God. We know His righteousness and His mercy and love for us. We just sometimes forget them when times are difficult, or when God chastised us for our sins.

How do we overcome this? We think of all that God has done for us in the past! Hear the Psalmist’s words:

“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the Sons of Jacob and Joseph” (10-15).

In 1 Samuel 15, God is described as the Strength of Israel. The term here was used to establish the consequence of sin, and the fairness of God’s dealings with mankind.

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The word condescend is an interesting one. We tend to bristle when someone speaks in a condescending tone toward us. It is a sign to us that they think they are better, stronger, smarter, wiser than us. It seems to indicate arrogance, and we find it unseemly.

The word condescend is defined by Webster: 1) to assume an air of superiority. 2a) to descend to a less formal or dignified level. 2b) to waive the privileges of rank.

While the word does hold negative connotations, such is not necessary. Consider the reality that God is truly superior. If He condescends to His creation, it is not a negative thing. It is an indication of His love and concern for us.

The Psalmist recognized this. “From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?” (Psalm 113:3-6).

God condescended to send His Son to earth to benefit mankind. His Son condescended to come, “taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 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” (Philippians 2:7-8).

God came down to our level, to lift us up to His. “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Psalm 113:2).

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In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul poetically refers to the knowledge of Christ (which he preached) as a fragrance. He wrote, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (15).

It is interesting to note that in the NKJV the word “fragrance” is used in verses 14 and 15. But, the word “aroma” is used in verse 16. These are two similar, but different Greek words.

“Fragrance” comes from the Greek (euodia) and refers to a sweet or good scent. The KJV translates it “sweet savour.”

However, “aroma” is from the Greek (osme), and simply means a smell or odor. The KJV translates it “savour.” Why the difference?

Verses 14 and 15 refer to the objective reality. The gospel of Jesus Christ is sweet. It is good. There is no disputing this truth. Jesus died on the cross for mankind. His death was an expression of God’s grace, and love toward man.

Verse 16 refers to the subjective perception individuals have about the gospel of Christ. “To the one [those who are perishing] we are the aroma of death [a stench] leading to death, and to the other [those who are being saved] the aroma of life [a sweet scent] leading to life.”

The good news of the gospel is a sweet smell. But, the most important question is, “How does it smell to you?”

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Speaker: Ian Tilley

A short (12 min.) discussion of the text of Hebrews 12:25-29, with applications.

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In Colossians 3:12, one of the characteristics that Paul indicated the elect should “put on” is “tender mercies.” The KJV and Young’s literal translation put it most literally, “bowels of mercy.” The ASV and ESV have it “a heart of compassion” and “compassionate hearts”, respectively.

It is not surprising Paul would use such biological terms to indicate the seat of empathy. We do the same, which is why the newer translations use the word heart to translate the phrase. We talk about broken hearts, tender hearts and smitten hearts. Here, the apostle is talking about the need for the child of God to be compassionate, and to express that compassion to others.

Paul used the same words in Philippians 2:1, indicating that such compassion is the appropriate response of a child of God who has experienced consolation in Christ.

Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Philippians, said it well. He notes that bowels of mercy indicate legitimate compassion, not merely outward action:

“Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another’s misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched.”

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Psalm 106 details the many rebellions and examples of disobedience committed by the Israelites against God. He dealt with their disobedience, even to the point of allowing them to be subjected by their enemies. However, it is amazing how many times God restored His people because of His love for them.

“Many times He delivered them; but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry; and for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies” (Psalm 106:43-45).

In the same way, we can receive pardon, no matter how badly we have grieved our God. It is required that we cry out to Him with a penitent spirit. If we do, we too can expect that for our sake He will remember His promises to us, and “relent according to the multitude of His mercies.”

As the Psalmist concludes, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Praise the Lord!” (106:48).

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

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What Does God Value in Man? Eyes of humility. A tongue of truth. Hands that do honest work. A good heart. Cautious feet. Those who advocate for justice and mercy, A maker of peace. That is what God values.

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Psalm 52, a psalm of David, describes David’s words to an enemy who sought to inform King Saul of his whereabouts. Of this man, David wrote, “Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue” (2-4). David then proclaims his confidence that “God shall likewise destroy you forever” (5).

Apparently this man, in his wickedness, had obtained financial security. David said of him, “Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness” (7). This description is so appropriate to our day. There are so many in our nation who have trusted in their riches.

Continue reading “COVID-19 (17) Trust in the Mercy of God Forever” →

My wife and I were talking this morning about the Virginia governor’s shelter in place order that extends to June 10th. It seems that as the weather changed, hundreds in Virginia were heading to Virginia’s beaches, ignoring the government’s suggested limitations. So, the suggestion was made into an order, and for the next 10-11 weeks, all will stay home except for necessary outings.

This, of course, is to keep people from getting sick, and to save lives. But, I told her, think of all those who are in domestic situations that include abuse. Wives, and children, cooped up with abusive husbands and fathers, who may be losing jobs, depressed, (and the “necessary” liquor stores are still open)!

Continue reading “COVID-19 (8) Show Kindness and Mercy to One Another” →

The three reforms that Nehemiah enacted, as recorded in Nehemiah 13, serve to instruct when applications are made for us today.

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