Words
Citizens, 26 Ocotober 2025
26 10 25
Citizens
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!
Words, 24 July 2011
01 08 11
Big Idea: We are to know the Word, obey the Word, and share the Word.
What is your favorite word? Probably your name. Words are the building blocks of communication. They are the subject of the game Scrabble and its newer rival Words with Friends. Words are powerful. They convey meaning. Words can encourage or destroy, inform or confuse.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (1:19-20)
That sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry
Let’s go back for a moment and review the context. The previous verses say
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:16-18)
Notice that phrase...
...“word of truth.” The Greek is “logos” and means “word, spoken or written, often with a focus on the content of a communication.” Jesus is referred to as “The Word” in John 1:1 which emphasizes His own deity and the communication of who God is and what He is like.
We have been given the Word, both Jesus Christ and the Bible. God chose to give us new life and the Word.
Followers of Jesus that know Jesus and the Bible are to be...
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry
When I was writing my message this week, I accidentally wrote
Quick to speak
Slow to listen
Slow to become angry
Unfortunately, that probably describes me more accurately. I love to speak (aren’t you glad!). It has been said, however, that God has given us one mouth and two ears. I’m trying to become a better listener. It’s difficult. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about what I’m going to say next rather than truly listening to the speaker.
We are also to be slow to anger. This is impossible without being filled with the Holy Spirit, something we talked about a few weeks ago. If you missed it, I encourage you to download the podcast because being filled with the Holy Spirit is one of the most vital and yet ignored aspects of following Jesus. We need to confess our sins, get rid of the junk in our lives, and invite the Holy Spirit to fill us. That’s exactly what the next verse says...
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (1:19-21)
Is there any moral filth or evil in your life? Get rid of it!
Last week I mentioned my (weed) garden. Before I could plant my garden, I had to first remove all of the weeds from last year. I rototilled the soil and then planted seeds.
What is in the garden of your mind? Fox News? Facebook? Gossip? Lust? Or the Word?
Let me be very frank: if you are not filling your mind with the Word, it’s sin!
Last week I said there were sins of commission that we commit and sins of omission when we ignore things. You cannot follow Jesus if you don’t know Him. You can’t obey God’s Word if you don’t know what it says.
We have more resources and opportunities to fill our minds with God’s Word than ever before. People in other countries smuggle pages of the Bible, risking their own lives, in order to read it. We can listen to it in our cars, read it on our phones, buy countless translations and study editions, and even watch much of it on film.
If you spend any time online, I urge you to download the free YouVersion app or bookmark YouVersion.com on your computer. It’s a totally free resource where you can both read and listen to the Bible, post notes, interact with others, and view various reading plans. I’m reading through the Bible this year with the Life Journal reading plan. I begin most every day using my iPad to read the Bible before I even get out of bed. It’s a great way to start the day!
Perhaps you’ve tried to read the Bible and found it to be boring or difficult to understand. If so, a reading plan is great, especially one that takes you through both the Old and New Testament each day. I often find that out of the four or five chapters I read each day, if one or two are less than exciting, inevitably one or two will be timely and powerful. For daily reading, I’m using the New Living Translation and love it.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does. (1:22-25)
Did you catch that? Don’t just read the Bible, do what it says.
I’ve met people that love to study the Bible, but they never apply it. That’s like a soldier who spends all day polishing his gun collection but never goes into battle. There are many so-called Bible scholars that are atheists! They completely miss the point! They are educated, but not transformed. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were like that. Their brain was filled, but it never reached their heart.
Watching workout videos won’t help you lose weight!
Most of us are educated far beyond our level of obedience.
A common complaint to pastors is that they want deeper teaching. Deep teaching means I want you to confuse me so I don’t have to do anything about it! Mark Twain famously said, “It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Jesus said
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
They both heard the same word but had different outcomes.
Listen to this!
“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:47-48)
We’re judged by what we do, not what we know (the opposite of most schools!).
James concludes...
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (1:26-27)
A few years ago I was talking with a man who told me that he was not into organized religion. I told him that I hated organized religion! He was surprised and said, “But I thought you were a pastor.” I explained that I follow Jesus, not a religion. I know Jesus through prayer and the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Religion is man’s attempt to know God, but Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. He came to foster a relationship, to give us freedom and real life, and to establish His Kingdom. He has sent us on a mission to be His hands and feet, serving orphans and widows and the poor and needy. He wants us fully engaged in the world, but so filled with the Word that it transforms the world rather than the world polluting us.
It grieves me when I see Christianity reduced to information without transformation. We need information, but it most not stop with information. We need application which then leads to transformation.
We were created to know God, not merely know about God. Jesus Christ is the Word. Do you know Him? He gave Himself and also the Bible. Let’s get into the Word. Let’s let the Word get into us. Finally, let’s practice true religion and get the Word into the world, our broken world that is desperately in need of faith, hope, and love.
You can listen to the podcast here.
What is your favorite word? Probably your name. Words are the building blocks of communication. They are the subject of the game Scrabble and its newer rival Words with Friends. Words are powerful. They convey meaning. Words can encourage or destroy, inform or confuse.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (1:19-20)
That sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry
Let’s go back for a moment and review the context. The previous verses say
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:16-18)
Notice that phrase...
...“word of truth.” The Greek is “logos” and means “word, spoken or written, often with a focus on the content of a communication.” Jesus is referred to as “The Word” in John 1:1 which emphasizes His own deity and the communication of who God is and what He is like.
We have been given the Word, both Jesus Christ and the Bible. God chose to give us new life and the Word.
Followers of Jesus that know Jesus and the Bible are to be...
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry
When I was writing my message this week, I accidentally wrote
Quick to speak
Slow to listen
Slow to become angry
Unfortunately, that probably describes me more accurately. I love to speak (aren’t you glad!). It has been said, however, that God has given us one mouth and two ears. I’m trying to become a better listener. It’s difficult. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about what I’m going to say next rather than truly listening to the speaker.
We are also to be slow to anger. This is impossible without being filled with the Holy Spirit, something we talked about a few weeks ago. If you missed it, I encourage you to download the podcast because being filled with the Holy Spirit is one of the most vital and yet ignored aspects of following Jesus. We need to confess our sins, get rid of the junk in our lives, and invite the Holy Spirit to fill us. That’s exactly what the next verse says...
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (1:19-21)
Is there any moral filth or evil in your life? Get rid of it!
Last week I mentioned my (weed) garden. Before I could plant my garden, I had to first remove all of the weeds from last year. I rototilled the soil and then planted seeds.
What is in the garden of your mind? Fox News? Facebook? Gossip? Lust? Or the Word?
Let me be very frank: if you are not filling your mind with the Word, it’s sin!
Last week I said there were sins of commission that we commit and sins of omission when we ignore things. You cannot follow Jesus if you don’t know Him. You can’t obey God’s Word if you don’t know what it says.
We have more resources and opportunities to fill our minds with God’s Word than ever before. People in other countries smuggle pages of the Bible, risking their own lives, in order to read it. We can listen to it in our cars, read it on our phones, buy countless translations and study editions, and even watch much of it on film.
If you spend any time online, I urge you to download the free YouVersion app or bookmark YouVersion.com on your computer. It’s a totally free resource where you can both read and listen to the Bible, post notes, interact with others, and view various reading plans. I’m reading through the Bible this year with the Life Journal reading plan. I begin most every day using my iPad to read the Bible before I even get out of bed. It’s a great way to start the day!
Perhaps you’ve tried to read the Bible and found it to be boring or difficult to understand. If so, a reading plan is great, especially one that takes you through both the Old and New Testament each day. I often find that out of the four or five chapters I read each day, if one or two are less than exciting, inevitably one or two will be timely and powerful. For daily reading, I’m using the New Living Translation and love it.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does. (1:22-25)
Did you catch that? Don’t just read the Bible, do what it says.
I’ve met people that love to study the Bible, but they never apply it. That’s like a soldier who spends all day polishing his gun collection but never goes into battle. There are many so-called Bible scholars that are atheists! They completely miss the point! They are educated, but not transformed. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were like that. Their brain was filled, but it never reached their heart.
Watching workout videos won’t help you lose weight!
Most of us are educated far beyond our level of obedience.
A common complaint to pastors is that they want deeper teaching. Deep teaching means I want you to confuse me so I don’t have to do anything about it! Mark Twain famously said, “It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Jesus said
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
They both heard the same word but had different outcomes.
Listen to this!
“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:47-48)
We’re judged by what we do, not what we know (the opposite of most schools!).
James concludes...
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (1:26-27)
A few years ago I was talking with a man who told me that he was not into organized religion. I told him that I hated organized religion! He was surprised and said, “But I thought you were a pastor.” I explained that I follow Jesus, not a religion. I know Jesus through prayer and the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Religion is man’s attempt to know God, but Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. He came to foster a relationship, to give us freedom and real life, and to establish His Kingdom. He has sent us on a mission to be His hands and feet, serving orphans and widows and the poor and needy. He wants us fully engaged in the world, but so filled with the Word that it transforms the world rather than the world polluting us.
It grieves me when I see Christianity reduced to information without transformation. We need information, but it most not stop with information. We need application which then leads to transformation.
We were created to know God, not merely know about God. Jesus Christ is the Word. Do you know Him? He gave Himself and also the Bible. Let’s get into the Word. Let’s let the Word get into us. Finally, let’s practice true religion and get the Word into the world, our broken world that is desperately in need of faith, hope, and love.
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