Bible Ballistics: Source or Resource? Pt. 2 11/10/13 Vol. 2 No.26

As we continue our discussion this week regarding ‘Source’ or ‘Resource’, let’s think about our definitions from last week, the difference was that God can be our total and ultimate source for all things, or we can relegate him to simply one ‘re’source among many to meet our own needs.

We saw that when we come to Jesus for salvation we receive “all we need for life and godliness” and that Jesus changes our lives from being controlled and influenced by Satan and our own flesh to being controlled and led by God’s Spirit when we are made alive in Christ Jesus.  (Eph 2:1-10, you may want to review last weeks article).  The other option is to do it our own way.  The scripture that I’d like to share today is quite a bit longer than I usually list but feel that it is imperative to let God’s word speak and make a few simple observations of the text.  Paul addresses this very problem of going one’s own way in

Romans 1:17-32, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do all      

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenant breakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Quite a passage.  Let’s glean the basics here—we can receive the salvation that God offers in Christ Jesus and live by faith and the ‘righteousness of Christ’ (see 2 Cor. 5:21).  Or we can experience the progression of sin and it’s degrading effects upon our life.  **And there are always effects resulting from every choice we make-good or bad.**

The effect of rejecting God’s way for our own begins with the “wrath of God”, even as Jesus himself said in

John 3:18-20 speaking of himself, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”   

Remaining under condemnation is the consequence of rejecting God’s way, of being your own ‘source’.  Life/Death and Light/Dark are the choices.

Paul also tells us in Romans 1 that all men are accountable, as God has made himself known to all creation and men reject the knowledge of God and chose to reject the living God, and serve and worship the ‘CREATURE’ rather than the “CREATOR”.  We also see that this choice and continuation in it leads to ‘vain’ wisdom, ingratitude and darkened hearts.  I hope that you will take the time to go through all of this passage and watch the progression sin takes.  From simply ignoring God and His ways to total depravity in every way—sexual sin and perversion are the terminus of man’s ‘self-righteousness’.  Man entrenched in his own way.  God will give him over to reap the consequence of his choices.  Look at the list in verses 28-32– it’s like reading the headlines of our daily newspapers.  WE ARE THERE.  We accept and condone sin as good, and rebuke those who speak the truth of God, as being ‘liars’ and ‘hate-mongers’.

What are you choosing?  To go God’s way or your own?  Have you considered the cost?  Are we believers being bold and courageous with the truth of God—Jesus?  Are we willing to share the truth at the peril of our own lives, jobs, esteem and reputation?  If Jesus tarries and doesn’t return soon we better be ready to pay the price!!!   Read and study the book of Jeremiah—how those who claimed to be God’s own people, but weren’t really, hated the one who was sent by God to call them to repentance.

John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Are we ‘abiding’ in Him and bearing fruit or doing nothing?

 John 8:24,  “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” 

 The only question that matters for all eternity is, ‘do you believe that Jesus is God, and that HE died for YOUR sins’?  If you trust him for salvation the promise is life, but if not as Jesus says here, ‘if ye believe not….ye shall die in your sins.”  It’s your choice.  Choose well, the results are eternal—life or death, heaven or hell.  Examine yourself and share the truth as you have opportunity.