The Edified Church:
Christ’s Goal, Our Hope
From the Teaching Notes of Denny Bates
It was the great C. H. Spurgeon who said,
“Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you.
So carve your name on hearts and not on marble.”
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NASB95)
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Ten Marks Of A Healthy Church
1. The Mark of a Gifted Leadership (vs. 11)
2. The Mark of Equipping Christians to Serve (vs. 12)
3. The Mark of Gifted Leaders Who Build Up the Body of Christ (vs. 12)
4. The Mark of the Unity of the Faith (vs. 13)
5. The Mark of the Knowledge of the Son of God (vs. 13)
6. The Mark of Maturity (vs. 13)
7. The Mark of Stability (vs. 14)
8. The Mark of Strong Relationships Founded Upon the Truth (vs. 15)
9. The Mark of Growing Up (vs. 15)
10. The Mark of an Edified Body that Edifies and Builds Each Other Up (vs. 16)
Dr. Robert Coleman says,
“One must ask, why are so many professed Christians today stunted in their growth and ineffectual in their witness? . . . Indeed, it would appear that the teachings of Christ regarding self-denial and dedication have been replaced by a sort of respectable ‘do-as-you-please’ philosophy of expediency.” Pg. 59. Coleman, Robert E. 1963, 1964, 1993. The master plan of evangelism. Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell.
An Important Indicator…
“An important indicator for the health of the denomination [Southern Baptists] is new baptisms, which fell in 2008 for the fourth straight year to 342,198, a 1 percent drop and the lowest level since 1987, according to Lifeway Christian Resources, the publishing arm of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention. Total membership of about 16.2 million was flat over the same period, falling by 38,482 or 0.2 percent.” Source: www.thestate.com; Saturday, June 20, 2009
Points to consider:
1. A lot of emphasis is placed upon presenting an evangelistic message during services at many evangelical churches across America. My question is really two-fold: One, with this much of an emphasis, how many souls are coming to Christ during the service (in a month, over the past year, over the past five years)? And two, how empowered (or edified) are the members of the Body of Christ at the local church level when it comes to sharing their faith and bringing others to Christ?
2. My seminary professor, Dr. Harold Burchett, always said that an edified church will become a soul-winning church. It is my observation that we (the leaders of the church) can to do a better job of edifying our flock. And how is a believer edified? He or she is edified when he or she experiences spiritual growth. This is best accomplished when it is modeled by a mentor or disciplemaker.
3. When spiritual growth is occurring and becomes a reality in the lives of believers there is (a) a far greater depth of walking in grace, (b) a greater depth of awe and wonder of the Lord by participating in meaningful worship, (c) a fresh commitment for deeper Bible study, reflection and personal application, (d) an intentional decision to be devoted in prayer by seeking to know Christ in an intimate way, (e) a desire to bond with others in a community of faith, (f) a willingness to serve God and our fellow man by using our spiritual gifts and (g) a strategic plan to share our faith with the lost.
4. Conversely, when there is little to no spiritual growth occurring in a body of believers, there are several noticeable outcomes: (a) a lack of enthusiasm—for God, for personal spiritual growth, for the body, for the lost; (b) a fracturing of community where the desire for close fellowship with each other wanes; (c) a dulling of the willingness to serve; (d) a lack of desire for personal and corporate prayer; (e) a mistaken religious exercise of what is presented as “worship” becomes nothing more than a watched performance and feel-good entertainment; (f) and while there may very well be new people who join the body, they must be considered as “transfer” growth (those who are shopping around)—not “regenerated” growth (those who have come to saving faith in Christ).
The Bible gives us clear plans on what is expected from us…
The saints of the Lord are to be equipped and built up or edified—by leaders as well as the entire body, contributing to the spiritual growth of each member.
By Leaders…And The Body
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Ephesians 4:12 (NASB95)
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NASB95)
By Leaders…And The Body
We are all charged to go and make disciples and teach them what it means to live for Jesus.
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB95)
By Leaders…And The Body
We are to make an eternal investment in people.
28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (NASB95)
Ten Marks Of A Healthy Church
1. The Mark of a Gifted Leadership (vs. 11)
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
• The Body Of Christ Needs Mentors
• “Mentoring is not about coming to know something; that would be education. Mentoring isn’t about learning to do something; that would be training. Mentoring is about showing someone how to be something. It’s about becoming a learner and follower of Jesus Christ because that’s what makes our Father most pleased . . . you only know that you’re a follower of Jesus when you’ve helped someone else become a follower of Jesus.” (Campbell 2009, 18)
• “The term mentor actually comes from the world of Greek mythology. Ulysses placed his son Telmachus under the tutelage and care of a wise sage named Mentor. Ulysses was away fighting in the Trojan War, so Mentor was responsible for teaching young Telemachus ‘not only book learning but also in the wiles of the world.’ Mentor’s task was to provide an education of soul and spirit as well as mind, and education in wisdom and not merely in information.” Pg. 35 (Anderson & Reese, 1999)
• The gifts to the church are gifted people. The subject He is emphatic in the Greek to denote that Christ Himself gives the gifted people. Five kinds of gifted people are listed in the predicate accusative, so the NIV correctly translates, gave some to be.
— Bible Knowledge Commentary
2. The Mark of Equipping Christians to Serve (vs. 12)
12 for the equipping [or preparation] of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
• An Interesting Word Study…
• The purpose of the gifted men is to prepare God’s people for works of service. More literally, this purpose is “for the perfecting or equipping (katartismon; cf. the verb katartizō in Matt. 4:21, ‘mending’ or ‘preparing’ nets; in Gal. 6:1, ‘restore’ for proper use; cf. 2 Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21) of the saints unto the work of the ministry” (diakonias). Gifted people (Eph. 4:11) are to minister the Word to others so that they in turn are readied to get involved in ministering to others (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2). The goal of all this is the building up or edifying of the body of Christ (cf. Eph. 4:16).
— Bible Knowledge Commentary
A Leader’s Task…
• “This passage shows that the leadership of the local church should prepare people to be effective ministers for Jesus Christ. That includes helping them grow into spiritual maturity, and the end result is full employment of God’s gifts through His people. When every member is doing his or her own part, the church will build itself up on love. To get this job done, training and development must be multileveled. The word translated ‘prepare’ in Ephesians 4:12 means ‘to train an athlete, to mend a broken bone, to restore something in disrepair.’ –Bill Hull”
3. The Mark of Gifted Leaders Who Build Up the Body of Christ (vs. 12)
12 for the equipping [or preparation] of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
“upbuilding, strengthening, encouragement; building, structure” — Barclay Newman: NT Greek-English Dictionary
Building Up The Body…
• “Richard Foster, in his best selling book Celebration of Discipline, begins by noting, ‘the desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people (page 1).”
4. The Mark of the Unity of the Faith (vs. 13)
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Unity of the Spirit…
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NASB95)
11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
This is the blessing of a healthy church—unity.
5. The Mark of the Knowledge of the Son of God (vs. 13)
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Knowing Him…
Philippians 3:7-11 (NASB95)
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ . . . 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
This is the blessing of a healthy church—knowing Jesus.
6. The Mark of Maturity (vs. 13)
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Spiritual Maturity Is The Goal…
• In order to grow spiritually, it takes effort; effort that is supernaturally undergirded by the grace of God. It takes obedience and a clear decision to follow the Lord. Pastor and writer Rick Warren underscores this when he writes,
• “Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—always begins with a decision. Jesus calls us, and we respond: ‘Come, be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.’” (Warren 2002, 179)
The Blessing of Spiritual Maturity
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NASB95)
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,
21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
This is the blessing of a healthy church—spiritual maturity.
7. The Mark of Stability (vs. 14)
14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Stability For The Believer…
Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB95)
6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
This is the blessing of a healthy church—spiritual, mental, and emotional stability.
8. The Mark of Strong Relationships Founded Upon the Truth (vs. 15)
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
An Environment of Truth and Grace
• “In emotionally healthy churches, people take a deep, hard look inside their hearts, asking, ‘What is going on that Jesus Christ is trying to change?’” Pg. 69
• Scazzero, Peter L. (2003). The emotionally healthy church: a strategy for discipleship that actually changes lives. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Speaking the Truth….In Love…
• Paul stated positively that by speaking the truth in love (lit., “truthing in love,” which has the idea of maintaining truth in love in both speech and life) believers may grow up into Him with reference to all things. — Bible Knowledge Commentary
This is the blessing of a healthy church—where a culture of truth and grace allow for trust to exist.
9. The Mark of Growing Up (vs. 15)
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Growing Up In Him…
• Psychologists Cloud and Townsend add their perspective of how vitally important it is to know our spiritual bearings:
• “If we are going to deeply help people on the path to spiritual growth, we have to know where we came from, where we went from there, and where we are heading.” (Cloud and Townsend 2001, 26)
Growing Up In Him…
Hebrews 6:1 (NASB95)
1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
This is the blessing of a healthy church—where disciples of Jesus, across the spiritual spectrum, are growing up.
10. The Mark of an Edified Body that Edifies and Builds Each Other Up (vs. 16)
16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Everyone Is Involved…
• “Every disciple should make disciples . . . Disciple making included introducing people to Christ, building them up in faith, and sending them into the harvest field . . . Some disciples will have leadership gifts, and God will call them to spearhead the disciple-making activity. Only a few are called to leadership in the corporate body, but every disciple should take part in the disciple-making process at some level.” (Hull 1990, 20-21)
Everyone Is Involved…
• “The discipling church is at least three things: a hospital for the spiritually sick, a greenhouse for the growth of new believers, and a training center for the eager and well.” Pg. 41 (Hull, 1990)
Everyone Is Involved…
• There is great opportunity for those who are willing to following the Scriptural mandate of making disciples. Robert Coleman states,
• “Anyone who is willing to follow Christ can become a mighty influence on the world providing, of course, this person has the proper training.” (Coleman 1994, 38)
Everyone Is Involved…
• “To plan on making disciples, we need to know what one is and how people become disciples. We need to know these things by personal experience. . .” (Willard 1998, 300)
• “We work hard to disciple others, but only God can transform them.” (Waggoner 2008, 14).
Everyone Is Involved…
• Much of the success of a discipleship relationship comes from targeted, Spirit-led prayer. It is a supernatural experience and must be treated as so:
• “I always want the person to whom I am offering this invitation (of discipleship) to know that he or she is not an individual who I have blindly chosen out of the church directory but someone the Lord has laid on my heart with a settled conviction over time.” Pg. 124 (Ogden 2003, 124).
Everyone Is Involved…
Colossians 1:17-18 (NASB95)
17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
This is the blessing of a healthy church—where the Body of Christ is connected to the Head and to each other, loving them, encouraging them, building them up.
Some Final Words…
• “The purpose of Christian formation is not developing a better self-image, achieving self-fulfillment or finding self-affirmation; nor is it the development of individualistic qualities that make singularly outstanding saints. Rather, it is developing certain qualities that enable us to live responsibly with the community that we have been baptized into.” Pg. 102-103 (Chan 1998, 102-103)
• Some Final Words…
• “. . . the goal of the Christian life is not to turn out fine specimens of sainthood. It is the union with God—glorifying God and enjoying God forever, fulfilling the ultimate purpose for which we were created.” (Chan 1998, 126)
• “What is your mission in life? Is it to serve God in some unique way? Is it to minister to your spouse or your family or your neighbors? Is it to rescue the victims or to heal the wounded? Is it to make the world a better place to live? You will not do any of those things very effectively without making choices for the nourishment of your own life. Hungry people cannot work as effectively as those whose needs for nourishments have been satisfied.” (Buhler 1991, 24)
• How does a believer satisfy the spiritual hunger that is a constant reminder of one’s need? We need to turn to God, allow Him to feed us as we live the discipled life.
• Discipleship is for hungry people, people who need the Lord. Once we find the nourishment we need, we will be able to lead others to the Bread of Life; and then,
• “. . . your experiences in nourishing yourself will help you know how to nourish others. It is folly to try to talk other people into living nourished lives when we don’t even know what that it is!” (Buhler 1991, 26)
• “The words of an old Hasidic rabbi on his deathbed are true: When I was young, I set out to change the world. When I grew older, I perceived that this was too ambitious so I set out to change my state. This, too, I realized as I grew older was too ambitious, so I set out to change my town. When I realized I could not even do this, I tried to change my family. Now as an old man, I know that I should have started by changing myself. If I had started with myself, maybe then I would have succeeded in changing my family, the town, or even the state—and who knows, maybe even the world!” Pg. 100 / Scazzero, Peter L. (2003).
In Summary, Ten Marks Of A Healthy Church
1. The Mark of a Gifted Leadership (vs. 11)
2. The Mark of Equipping Christians to Serve (vs. 12)
3. The Mark of Gifted Leaders Who Build Up the Body of Christ (vs. 12)
4. The Mark of the Unity of the Faith (vs. 13)
5. The Mark of the Knowledge of the Son of God (vs. 13)
6. The Mark of Maturity (vs. 13)
7. The Mark of Stability (vs. 14)
8. The Mark of Strong Relationships Founded Upon the Truth (vs. 15)
9. The Mark of Growing Up (vs. 15)
10. The Mark of an Edified Body that Edifies and Builds Each Other Up (vs. 16)
Want To Learn More About Living the Discipled Life?
I would invite you to join me on my blog, http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com, or via Facebook, and let’s learn together what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A complete copy of this teaching, “The Edified Church,” is posted on the blog. You can also email me via email at dbates2416@aol.com.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Stay on the Alert
As believers, we need to take great care in order to protect our testimony. The potential to fall into public sin not only can happen to kings or governors; it can also happen to us. This teaching, Stay on the Alert, was given at a men's prayer retreat at Church at Sandhurst in June. It was a timely word then, and I believe a timely word now. It is lengthy, but do not allow the length of the lesson to keep you from reflecting and applying what is presented. May the Lord grant each one of us multiplied grace and peace and the power to resist the pull of personal destruction.
Stay On The Alert—Keeping Yourself Out Of Trouble
Teaching Notes of Denny Bates / Proverbs 7
I THE EFFECTUAL MINISTRY OF THE WORD OF GOD (7:1-5)
A. We are to keep His Words and treasure His commandments
1 My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you.
Teaching Point:
What does it mean to “treasure” His commands? The Hebrew word is ṣāpân.
It means hide, treasure, store up.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
ṣāpân occurs thirty-six times. It means to conceal something with a definite purpose, either for protection or for sinister reasons.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Application Point:
This is lived out when we obey the command of Scripture to hide God’s Word in our heart. Note the charge and the benefit of so doing:
Psalms 119:9-11 (NASB95)
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
Staying on Point:
Walking in the Word of God; meditating upon it, will draw us closer to Him.
B. We are to keep His commandments or teachings in front of us, close in our heart
2 Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Teaching Point:
Note six distinct charges: (1) To keep His words; (2) To treasure His commandments; (3) To keep His commandments [and live]; (4) To keep His teaching as the apple of one’s eye; (5) To bind His commandments and teaching on one’s fingers; and (6) To write them on the tablet of one’s heart.
Application Point:
For the disciple of Jesus Christ, there is the great benefit of abiding in, living in, the Word of God. The person who chooses to make this a way of life will experience joy, joy made full by His presence.
John 15:7-11 (NASB95)
7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Staying on Point:
Making it a point to make the Word of God our focal point for living will make a lasting impact upon our life.
C. When we value God’s wisdom and seek to receive understanding, we will be protected when temptation comes our way
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your intimate friend;
5 That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words.
Teaching Point:
There is an illustration of tender intimacy being described in this passage of Scripture. The idea is one must be willing to get to know, really know all about those whom you love: in this case, God’s wisdom and understanding.
Application Point:
For the Christian believer there is a great journey ahead; when and only when, we are pursuing what is worthy of pursuit: God’s Word, God’s wisdom, and God’s revelation of Himself.
Proverbs 2:1-6 (NASB95)
1 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Staying on Point:
Seeking God’s wisdom and understanding will protect us when temptation comes our way.
II THE VICTIM’S NAIVETE (7:6-9)
A. We are to know our weaknesses and pray for common sense
6 For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice,
7 And I saw among the naive, And discerned among the youths A young man lacking sense,
Teaching Point:
What does the writer of Proverbs mean when he says this young man lacked “sense?” The Hebrew word is “leb” and it means he lacked the right kind of inner man, mind, or heart.
Transliterated Word: leb (524b)
Root: from the same as 3824;
Definition: inner man, mind, will, heart:--
— NASB Greek-Hebrew Dictionary
Concrete meanings of lēb referred to the internal organ and to analogous physical locations. However, in its abstract meanings, "heart" became the richest biblical term for the totality of man's inner or immaterial nature.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
By far the majority of the usages of lēb refer either to the inner or immaterial nature in general or to one of the three traditional personality functions of man; emotion, thought, or will.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Application Point:
The disciple of Jesus Christ who truly wants to follow Him must give no place to an unprotected heart. Common sense demands it. The enemies of a heart that lacks sense are dangerous and many and must be overcome.
1. There is the enemy of committing adultery.
Proverbs 6:32 (NASB95)
32 The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself does it.
Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB95)
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY';
28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2. There is the enemy of youthful lusts.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB95)
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
3. There is the enemy of worldliness.
1 John 2:15-17 (NASB95)
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Staying on Point:
Knowing our weaknesses can become a great strength if we can exhibit good sense along the way.
B. We are to know our weaknesses and stay out of trouble
8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he takes the way to her house,
9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the middle of the night and in the darkness.
Teaching Point:
It is important for the believer to carefully choose the right path. Opportunities for the right decisions are literally at the fork of the road. We do not wander through life. Every decision has intent. Every path has consequences: some for life…and some for death.
Application Point:
The Word of God has much to say when it comes to choosing the right path.
1. When we do it the right way, God promises to make our paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
2. We must not take the path of the wicked.
Proverbs 4:14 (NASB95)
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
3. We must follow the Lord’s guidance and walk in the path of the righteous.
Psalms 23:3 (NASB95)
3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4. We must learn of the Lord’s ways and of His paths.
Psalms 25:4 (NASB95)
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Psalms 16:11 (NASB95)
11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Staying on Point:
Knowing the right paths to choose will keep us from losing our way and falling into trouble.
III THE SEDUCTRESS’ CHARACTER (7:10-12)
10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.
11 She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home;
12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, And lurks by every corner.
Teaching Point:
There is no room to negotiate a peace treaty with a person of this kind of character. In this case, she is the aggressor, seeking to bring down anyone who becomes entangled in her destructive web. Note her characteristics: (1) She is aggressive; (2) She is a provocative dresser; (3) She is cunning of heart; (4) She is boisterous and rebellious; (5) She is on the prowl, canvassing the streets and lurking by every corner.
Application Point:
What is a believer to do when a temptation comes dressed up and is chasing after him? The Bible gives some practical advice to one and to all; for both young and old.
1. Do not seek to outsmart the temptation. Do the right thing: Turn and RUN the other way!
Proverbs 3:7 (NASB95)
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB95)
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2. Do not give any temptation a foothold in your life.
James 1:14-15 (NASB95)
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
3. Do not lose control of your eyes.
2 Peter 2:14 (NASB95)
14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;
4. DO guard your heart.
Proverbs 4:23 (NASB95)
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Matthew 15:19 (NASB95)
19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
Staying on Point:
Making sure we are aware of the character traits of the enemy we are dealing with will help us resist their attack.
IV THE SEDUCTRESS’ TACTICS (7:13-21)
13 So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him:
14 "I was due to offer peace offerings; Today I have paid my vows.
15 "Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.
16 "I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt.
17 "I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 "Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses.
19 "For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him, At the full moon he will come home."
21 With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him.
Teaching Point:
The tactics of the adulterous woman are clearly spelled out in this passage of Scripture. She (1) Works quickly; (2) Has no fear or shame; (3) Wears her religion on her sleeve; (4) Has the “right” ambiance in place; (5) Gives a vivid description of the upcoming experience; (6) Ensures that the coast is clear; (7) Flatters him; and then (8) Seduces him.
Application Point:
Sin is attractive. In fact, the Scripture teaches that sin is good or pleasurable for a season. But the inevitable outcome of habitual sin, without the intervention of Christ, is death.
Romans 6:23 (NASB95)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Staying on Point:
Making sure we guard our heart and not succumb to the things we illicitly want will give us an even greater freedom over the power of sin.
V THE VICTIM’S RESPONSE (7:22-23)
22 Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,
23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life.
Teaching Point:
There is much sorrow when a saint becomes enamored with sin; thinking all the time, it will have no effect upon him. The reality is that sin bites, and it bites hard. As this passage of Scripture describes, there is a robotic blindness, a bound up sensation that takes place when temptation overcomes us. The arrow strikes…the snare is tripped…a life that had so much to look forward to, is lost.
Application Point:
Sin is destructive. The Bible describes some of the consequences of sin this way:
1. Sin separates us from God.
Genesis 3:8 (NASB95)
8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
2. Sin causes strife and destruction.
Proverbs 17:19 (NASB95)
19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction.
3. Sin will burn the offender.
Proverbs 6:27 (NASB95)
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom And his clothes not be burned?
4. Sin has the capacity to destroy the treacherous.
Proverbs 11:3 (NASB95)
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.
5. Sin will destroy those who are enemies of the cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:18-19 (NASB95)
18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
6. Sin’s only antidote is the soul-cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6-9 (NASB95)
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Staying on Point:
Keeping short accounts with God will be our saving grace when we do succumb to temptation and sin.
VI THE FATHER’S CLOSING EXHORTATION (7:24-27)
24 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths.
26 For many are the victims she has cast down, And numerous are all her slain.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death.
Teaching Point:
The Father gives some clear instructions of warning after telling this story. This is what He says we should do in order to protect ourselves from becoming the next naïve youth who has no sense. He says to (1) Listen to Him; (2) To pay attention to the words of His mouth; (3) To not let our heart turn aside to the one who is tempting us; (5) To not stray into her paths. And if we fail to heed the Father’s words, we will be added to the list of victims.
Application Point:
It is imperative that the believer pay close attention to what the Father is saying. How do we know what He is saying? We will find what He is saying to us in His Word. He is saying that…
1. The Word of God is perfect, completely reliable.
Psalms 19:7 (NASB95)
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
2. The Word of God is eternal.
Isaiah 40:8 (NASB95)
8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
3. The Word of God is living.
Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95)
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
4. The Word of God is powerful.
Isaiah 55:11 (NASB95)
11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
5. The Word of God is what brings us faith.
Romans 10:17 (NASB95)
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Staying on Point:
Staying on the alert requires that we marinate our hearts in God’s Word.
Psalms 119:32 (AMP)
32 I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing.
Stay On The Alert—Keeping Yourself Out Of Trouble
Teaching Notes of Denny Bates / Proverbs 7
I THE EFFECTUAL MINISTRY OF THE WORD OF GOD (7:1-5)
A. We are to keep His Words and treasure His commandments
1 My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you.
Teaching Point:
What does it mean to “treasure” His commands? The Hebrew word is ṣāpân.
It means hide, treasure, store up.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
ṣāpân occurs thirty-six times. It means to conceal something with a definite purpose, either for protection or for sinister reasons.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Application Point:
This is lived out when we obey the command of Scripture to hide God’s Word in our heart. Note the charge and the benefit of so doing:
Psalms 119:9-11 (NASB95)
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
Staying on Point:
Walking in the Word of God; meditating upon it, will draw us closer to Him.
B. We are to keep His commandments or teachings in front of us, close in our heart
2 Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Teaching Point:
Note six distinct charges: (1) To keep His words; (2) To treasure His commandments; (3) To keep His commandments [and live]; (4) To keep His teaching as the apple of one’s eye; (5) To bind His commandments and teaching on one’s fingers; and (6) To write them on the tablet of one’s heart.
Application Point:
For the disciple of Jesus Christ, there is the great benefit of abiding in, living in, the Word of God. The person who chooses to make this a way of life will experience joy, joy made full by His presence.
John 15:7-11 (NASB95)
7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Staying on Point:
Making it a point to make the Word of God our focal point for living will make a lasting impact upon our life.
C. When we value God’s wisdom and seek to receive understanding, we will be protected when temptation comes our way
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your intimate friend;
5 That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words.
Teaching Point:
There is an illustration of tender intimacy being described in this passage of Scripture. The idea is one must be willing to get to know, really know all about those whom you love: in this case, God’s wisdom and understanding.
Application Point:
For the Christian believer there is a great journey ahead; when and only when, we are pursuing what is worthy of pursuit: God’s Word, God’s wisdom, and God’s revelation of Himself.
Proverbs 2:1-6 (NASB95)
1 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Staying on Point:
Seeking God’s wisdom and understanding will protect us when temptation comes our way.
II THE VICTIM’S NAIVETE (7:6-9)
A. We are to know our weaknesses and pray for common sense
6 For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice,
7 And I saw among the naive, And discerned among the youths A young man lacking sense,
Teaching Point:
What does the writer of Proverbs mean when he says this young man lacked “sense?” The Hebrew word is “leb” and it means he lacked the right kind of inner man, mind, or heart.
Transliterated Word: leb (524b)
Root: from the same as 3824;
Definition: inner man, mind, will, heart:--
— NASB Greek-Hebrew Dictionary
Concrete meanings of lēb referred to the internal organ and to analogous physical locations. However, in its abstract meanings, "heart" became the richest biblical term for the totality of man's inner or immaterial nature.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
By far the majority of the usages of lēb refer either to the inner or immaterial nature in general or to one of the three traditional personality functions of man; emotion, thought, or will.
— Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Application Point:
The disciple of Jesus Christ who truly wants to follow Him must give no place to an unprotected heart. Common sense demands it. The enemies of a heart that lacks sense are dangerous and many and must be overcome.
1. There is the enemy of committing adultery.
Proverbs 6:32 (NASB95)
32 The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself does it.
Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB95)
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY';
28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2. There is the enemy of youthful lusts.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB95)
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
3. There is the enemy of worldliness.
1 John 2:15-17 (NASB95)
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Staying on Point:
Knowing our weaknesses can become a great strength if we can exhibit good sense along the way.
B. We are to know our weaknesses and stay out of trouble
8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he takes the way to her house,
9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the middle of the night and in the darkness.
Teaching Point:
It is important for the believer to carefully choose the right path. Opportunities for the right decisions are literally at the fork of the road. We do not wander through life. Every decision has intent. Every path has consequences: some for life…and some for death.
Application Point:
The Word of God has much to say when it comes to choosing the right path.
1. When we do it the right way, God promises to make our paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
2. We must not take the path of the wicked.
Proverbs 4:14 (NASB95)
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
3. We must follow the Lord’s guidance and walk in the path of the righteous.
Psalms 23:3 (NASB95)
3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4. We must learn of the Lord’s ways and of His paths.
Psalms 25:4 (NASB95)
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Psalms 16:11 (NASB95)
11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Staying on Point:
Knowing the right paths to choose will keep us from losing our way and falling into trouble.
III THE SEDUCTRESS’ CHARACTER (7:10-12)
10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.
11 She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home;
12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, And lurks by every corner.
Teaching Point:
There is no room to negotiate a peace treaty with a person of this kind of character. In this case, she is the aggressor, seeking to bring down anyone who becomes entangled in her destructive web. Note her characteristics: (1) She is aggressive; (2) She is a provocative dresser; (3) She is cunning of heart; (4) She is boisterous and rebellious; (5) She is on the prowl, canvassing the streets and lurking by every corner.
Application Point:
What is a believer to do when a temptation comes dressed up and is chasing after him? The Bible gives some practical advice to one and to all; for both young and old.
1. Do not seek to outsmart the temptation. Do the right thing: Turn and RUN the other way!
Proverbs 3:7 (NASB95)
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB95)
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2. Do not give any temptation a foothold in your life.
James 1:14-15 (NASB95)
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
3. Do not lose control of your eyes.
2 Peter 2:14 (NASB95)
14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;
4. DO guard your heart.
Proverbs 4:23 (NASB95)
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Matthew 15:19 (NASB95)
19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
Staying on Point:
Making sure we are aware of the character traits of the enemy we are dealing with will help us resist their attack.
IV THE SEDUCTRESS’ TACTICS (7:13-21)
13 So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him:
14 "I was due to offer peace offerings; Today I have paid my vows.
15 "Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.
16 "I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt.
17 "I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 "Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses.
19 "For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him, At the full moon he will come home."
21 With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him.
Teaching Point:
The tactics of the adulterous woman are clearly spelled out in this passage of Scripture. She (1) Works quickly; (2) Has no fear or shame; (3) Wears her religion on her sleeve; (4) Has the “right” ambiance in place; (5) Gives a vivid description of the upcoming experience; (6) Ensures that the coast is clear; (7) Flatters him; and then (8) Seduces him.
Application Point:
Sin is attractive. In fact, the Scripture teaches that sin is good or pleasurable for a season. But the inevitable outcome of habitual sin, without the intervention of Christ, is death.
Romans 6:23 (NASB95)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Staying on Point:
Making sure we guard our heart and not succumb to the things we illicitly want will give us an even greater freedom over the power of sin.
V THE VICTIM’S RESPONSE (7:22-23)
22 Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,
23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life.
Teaching Point:
There is much sorrow when a saint becomes enamored with sin; thinking all the time, it will have no effect upon him. The reality is that sin bites, and it bites hard. As this passage of Scripture describes, there is a robotic blindness, a bound up sensation that takes place when temptation overcomes us. The arrow strikes…the snare is tripped…a life that had so much to look forward to, is lost.
Application Point:
Sin is destructive. The Bible describes some of the consequences of sin this way:
1. Sin separates us from God.
Genesis 3:8 (NASB95)
8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
2. Sin causes strife and destruction.
Proverbs 17:19 (NASB95)
19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction.
3. Sin will burn the offender.
Proverbs 6:27 (NASB95)
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom And his clothes not be burned?
4. Sin has the capacity to destroy the treacherous.
Proverbs 11:3 (NASB95)
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.
5. Sin will destroy those who are enemies of the cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:18-19 (NASB95)
18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
6. Sin’s only antidote is the soul-cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6-9 (NASB95)
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Staying on Point:
Keeping short accounts with God will be our saving grace when we do succumb to temptation and sin.
VI THE FATHER’S CLOSING EXHORTATION (7:24-27)
24 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths.
26 For many are the victims she has cast down, And numerous are all her slain.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death.
Teaching Point:
The Father gives some clear instructions of warning after telling this story. This is what He says we should do in order to protect ourselves from becoming the next naïve youth who has no sense. He says to (1) Listen to Him; (2) To pay attention to the words of His mouth; (3) To not let our heart turn aside to the one who is tempting us; (5) To not stray into her paths. And if we fail to heed the Father’s words, we will be added to the list of victims.
Application Point:
It is imperative that the believer pay close attention to what the Father is saying. How do we know what He is saying? We will find what He is saying to us in His Word. He is saying that…
1. The Word of God is perfect, completely reliable.
Psalms 19:7 (NASB95)
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
2. The Word of God is eternal.
Isaiah 40:8 (NASB95)
8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
3. The Word of God is living.
Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95)
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
4. The Word of God is powerful.
Isaiah 55:11 (NASB95)
11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
5. The Word of God is what brings us faith.
Romans 10:17 (NASB95)
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Staying on Point:
Staying on the alert requires that we marinate our hearts in God’s Word.
Psalms 119:32 (AMP)
32 I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Success? Fame? Character?
Chuck Colson has correctly stated that character really matters when it is all said and done. The recent death (and life) of Michael Jackson underscores this point. In Colson's own words...
The Pinnacle of Success?
The Passing of a Pop Star
July 8, 2009
I am an aging, white conservative Baptist. My taste in music runs from Bach to Mozart to Lawrence Welk. Indeed, my staff might say I am the un-hippest man alive.
So you might think that I am surprised by the frenzied and non-stop media coverage of the death of Michael Jackson—perhaps the greatest pop star of all time. But I’m not.
You may think that I don’t “get” why his fans by the millions are grieving, buying up Jackson CDs like they are going out of style, holding vigils at his mansion, desperately trying to get tickets to his memorial service in Los Angeles. But I do.
Here is why they have reason to mourn: Michael Jackson was, by any standard, a musical genius. His albums and his videos thrilled successive generations of pop fans. In fact, I was enthralled myself when I first watched his video presentation at an Epcot exhibit some 20 years ago.
There was, indeed, no one quite like Michael Jackson. And now there will be no new albums, no comeback concert tour, no new dance moves. That’s why they’re mourning.
But here’s why they—and all of us—should mourn the real tragedy that Michael Jackson’s story is. Andrew Sullivan at the Atlantic Monthly blog said it well: Michael Jackson “was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.” He was, as Sullivan noted, nothing but a creature of our culture, which puts “fame and celebrity” at its core, with money as its driving force, without regard for the person caught up in it or the character he exhibits.
By numerous published accounts, Jackson was emotionally abused by his father, a man consumed by the idea that his child could be a superstar. Jackson was a drug addict accused of pedophilia, given to all manner of bizarre behavior. He was, in the end, as Bob Herbert opined in the New York Times, “psychologically disabled, to the point where he was a danger to himself and others.”
It makes the scenes of adoring crowds pushing and shoving to get near yesterday’s memorial service, and the non-stop live television coverage, all the more bizarre and tragic. We worship the celebrity for his fame, degenerate lifestyle not withstanding.
Jackson achieved the summit of what this culture values most—fame—and paid for it with his life. And that is a tragedy.
Life is filled with teaching moments. And for parents, this tragedy is an opportunity to talk with our children about what they really want out of life—what matters most.
And it’s also a time for parents to look in the mirror and ask what we really want for our kids. If the answer is success in life, then we had better know what that definition of success is.
That’s because even Christian parents are not immune to the siren song of fame and fortune for their kids. It’s great that your child can sing and dance. It’s wonderful that he can hit a baseball a country mile. She just might win that academic scholarship to Harvard.
But winning that scholarship, or playing in the major leagues, is not the Christian definition of success. Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God is.
Character matters. Not fame. No matter how un-hip that sounds.
The Pinnacle of Success?
The Passing of a Pop Star
July 8, 2009
I am an aging, white conservative Baptist. My taste in music runs from Bach to Mozart to Lawrence Welk. Indeed, my staff might say I am the un-hippest man alive.
So you might think that I am surprised by the frenzied and non-stop media coverage of the death of Michael Jackson—perhaps the greatest pop star of all time. But I’m not.
You may think that I don’t “get” why his fans by the millions are grieving, buying up Jackson CDs like they are going out of style, holding vigils at his mansion, desperately trying to get tickets to his memorial service in Los Angeles. But I do.
Here is why they have reason to mourn: Michael Jackson was, by any standard, a musical genius. His albums and his videos thrilled successive generations of pop fans. In fact, I was enthralled myself when I first watched his video presentation at an Epcot exhibit some 20 years ago.
There was, indeed, no one quite like Michael Jackson. And now there will be no new albums, no comeback concert tour, no new dance moves. That’s why they’re mourning.
But here’s why they—and all of us—should mourn the real tragedy that Michael Jackson’s story is. Andrew Sullivan at the Atlantic Monthly blog said it well: Michael Jackson “was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.” He was, as Sullivan noted, nothing but a creature of our culture, which puts “fame and celebrity” at its core, with money as its driving force, without regard for the person caught up in it or the character he exhibits.
By numerous published accounts, Jackson was emotionally abused by his father, a man consumed by the idea that his child could be a superstar. Jackson was a drug addict accused of pedophilia, given to all manner of bizarre behavior. He was, in the end, as Bob Herbert opined in the New York Times, “psychologically disabled, to the point where he was a danger to himself and others.”
It makes the scenes of adoring crowds pushing and shoving to get near yesterday’s memorial service, and the non-stop live television coverage, all the more bizarre and tragic. We worship the celebrity for his fame, degenerate lifestyle not withstanding.
Jackson achieved the summit of what this culture values most—fame—and paid for it with his life. And that is a tragedy.
Life is filled with teaching moments. And for parents, this tragedy is an opportunity to talk with our children about what they really want out of life—what matters most.
And it’s also a time for parents to look in the mirror and ask what we really want for our kids. If the answer is success in life, then we had better know what that definition of success is.
That’s because even Christian parents are not immune to the siren song of fame and fortune for their kids. It’s great that your child can sing and dance. It’s wonderful that he can hit a baseball a country mile. She just might win that academic scholarship to Harvard.
But winning that scholarship, or playing in the major leagues, is not the Christian definition of success. Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God is.
Character matters. Not fame. No matter how un-hip that sounds.
Time
“Daniel’s loyalty was tested by what he ate. Ours is tested by what we put on our calendars. Where you spend your time is an indication of where your loyalties lie. In effect, you pledge your allegiance to the person or thing that receives your time.” (Pg. 75). From Andy Stanley, "Choosing to Cheat."
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