Tag: God’s wrath
Day 2–Truth for Resisters
Scripture reading for May 5: Romans 13:2-5“Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrong-doer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”
Paul was under the authority of the Roman government as a citizen. He was also a devout Jew who was under God’s appointment as an apostle. God instructed him to write concerning authority and those resisting it. In general believers are not to resist authority established by God if what they ask us to do is reasonable under God’s law. We are not to break existing laws unless they force us to disobey God. Even then, resistance is to be courteous and respectful. (See Daniel 3:16-18)
Paul warned those doing wrong to be fearful of those in authority. He reminded them that those in authority ‘bear the sword’ and it wasn’t just for show. He also reminded them that they were ‘servants of God’ who carried out God’s wrath on wrong-doers. He emphasized that they must be subject to those in authority, not just to avoid God’s wrath, but so their conscience would not bring conviction and a personal reminder of God’s displeasure and their guilt.
Law enforcement is established by governments to protect and bless those doing right. It is to apprehend and punish those doing wrong. This is all a part of God’s ongoing purpose to bring peace and justice to society in order that they might find Him. All law enforcement serves at God’s pleasure and He watches over them to keep them doing right. If they do wrong, God knows how to correct the situation.
Prayer: Father God, I am thankful for those that You have provided to protect those who desire to do right and live a peaceful life. Help me to submit to them and pray that they would do their jobs with integrity and fairness, treating each person with respect and dignity. May You protect them from evil-doers. Amen.
Don’t resist God’s authority
Scripture reading for July 1: Romans 13
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he dos not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
We are born in sin. The underlying essence of sin is resistance and disobedience to rightful authority. Scripture makes it plain that all authority has been instituted by God. Authority is delegated by God to those He places in positions of authority. God ordains those in authority to protect the weak, innocent, and obedient members of society. He also empowers authority to restrain evil, rebellion and harm in those resisting authority. They are given power even to take life of certain law-breakers. Paul described this as being a servant of God’s wrath, avenging those involved in evil.
Resisting parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, or church leaders is resisting what has been established by God. Scripture directs believers to submit to those in authority. We are to honor and obey authority because we honor God. Those in authority are a protective covering supplied by God to the righteous, protecting them from wrong-doers. Paul clarified that we are subject to those in authority not only to avoid God’s wrath, but for conscience sake. God has placed a knowledge of right and wrong in us through conscience. We are to be at peace with God, our conscience, and authority.
What attitudes and actions display a resistance and disrespect of authority in our culture? Do you find that the view of all authority coming from God for your good is widely held by those around you? What are some ways that you might show honor to those God has placed over you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my rebellion against authority. I find myself justifying breaking laws, speaking evil of those in leadership I disagree with, and even resisting You and Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me to form new respect for Your authority and those you place over me. Help me! Amen.
The Gospel saves from wrath
Scripture reading for February 9th: Romans 1
Key Scriptures: Romans 1:16-20 “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. for what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
Paul wrote a letter to the Roman church where he laid out in terms that both Jew and Gentile could understand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and man’s universal need for salvation and God’s righteousness. He was not ashamed of the Gospel message–Jesus Christ, Son of God, crucified for our sins, buried and raised from the dead to God’s right hand. This message, when preached and believed in faith brings salvation from God’s wrath to Jews and Gentiles. It gives right-standing with God to those once under His wrath because Jesus Christ took God’s wrath against sin on the cross. God has revealed the truth about His eternal power and divine nature to all men through creation. Man has pushed this truth out of their thinking but that will be no excuse when they stand before Him. Those without Christ will face God’s eternal wrath.
Psalm 19:1-3 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the power of God for salvation through Your life, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. I desire to preach the Good News every day I am given on this earth. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today for this task.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.””
Be subject to Authority!
Scripture reading for June 9th: Proverbs 11-13, Psalm 8, Romans 13
Key Scriptures: Romans 13:1-5 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval, for his is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.”
God’s Word teaches us that He alone creates authority and places people in authority to fulfill His will and purposes. When we resist authority, we are resisting God’s appointed one. God’s appointed one is there for your good and protection. If you are doing wrong, God’s authority is there to punish and restrain evil. Each person knows this because God has made it plain in their conscience. There are no excuses now and will be none when we stand before God and answer for deeds done in our body in rebellion to our conscience and His appointed authority!
Psalm 8:4-5 “. . .what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I am thankful for those in authority, believing that You have placed them there for my good and blessing. Help me to honor and obey them, teaching others through example.
Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Filling up the measure of Sins
Scripture reading for September 13: 1st Thessalonians 2, Psalm 34, Proverbs 30
Key Scriptures: 1st Thessalonians 2:14-16 “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved–so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last.”
Paul commended the Thessalonian church for their willingness to suffer as the churches in Judea had. There the Jews had killed the Lord Jesus, persecuted those who believed in Him and drove Paul and others out of the area. These religious people were displeasing to God and opposing all mankind! This filled up the measure of their sins and ultimately brought the wrath of God upon them. This is the consequence of opposing God’s people and rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord.
Faith Confession: Lord, I am willing to suffer persecution and abuse by those who oppose Jesus Christ. Help me to continue to believe and preach the Gospel message to whoever will listen so they may be saved from God’s coming and ongoing wrath.
Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
A demonstration of God’s Love
Scripture reading for June 19th: Romans 5, Psalm 122, Proverbs 29
Key Scriptures: Romans 5:6-10 “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die–but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.”
Paul clearly stated that we are all sinners, for all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. In that state of sin and separation from God, when we were actually under God’s wrath against sin, Christ came at just the right time and died for all sinners. He did this to demonstrate God’s love to all sinners and provide a way for their salvation from God’s wrath. Christ’s death and shed blood bring justification and reconciliation. His resurrected life guarantees our salvation!
Faith confession: I receive justification, reconciliation and eternal security in the City of God through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and shed blood. I thank Him for resurrection life that His resurrection from the dead guarantees for me and all who repent and believe.
Psalm 122:6-7 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
Possessing eternal life!
Scripture reading for April 9th: John 3, Psalm 71, Proverbs 9
Key Scriptures: John 3:33-36 “Whoever receives His testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For He whom God has sent utters the words of God for He gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
John the Baptist was a witness sent by God testifying that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world. John the Apostle used to be a disciple of John the Baptist but left him to follow Jesus. In writing this Gospel account, John affirms that whoever receives John the Baptist’s testimony affirms that God is true. Jesus Christ was sent by God the Father to make the gift of the Holy Spirit possible. We must actively believe in Jesus and obey Him or the wrath of God will remain on us.
Faith Confession: Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and my Savior through Your sacrifice on the cross. I actively trust in You and seek to obey. Eternal life is my exciting future!
Proverbs 9:10-11 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
Given over by God!
Scripture reading for November 18th: Romans 1-3
My wife and I have raised five children and discipline has not been easy. Children are born with a sin-nature and they want what they want, when they want it! Part of the job of parenting is to set boundaries and discipline. Sometimes, having their own way could lead to injury or possibly death. As parents we instruct our children to make wise choices that bring God’s blessing and favor.
God makes Himself known to all men through nature. (Romans 1:20) When men refuse to acknowledge the truth about God as creator of all life they come under God’s wrath. God’s wrath is His holy anger against sin and rebellion. God’s wrath is happening on a continual basis and experienced eternally by those who die in a lost state.
As a result of suppressing the truth that was made clear to them by God through nature, men become darkened in their hearts and their thinking becomes futile and empty. They imagine themselves as the center of all things and think they are wise and intelligent. When man chooses this route, against all evidence to the contrary, God’s response is to give them over to what they desire in their darkened hearts. “Have it your way!” might be another way to say it!
As a result of being given over, men exchange the truth of God for a lie and begin to worship created things rather than the creator. (Romans 1:25) They give themselves to sexual immorality. The sexual immorality sometimes takes the form of homosexuality and lesbian activity. When God withdraws His light from their minds because they ignore His truth, every kind of sin and wickedness comes from their darkened minds! Those under God’s wrath are ‘given over’ not only participate in this wickedness but they encourage others who also practice this same evil! (Romans 1:32)
In our nation God has given many people over to their own lusts and darkness. Much light is available, but God forces no one to follow truth. He wants none to perish and has made provision for all who will choose salvation. The power of the Gospel message offers righteousness by faith to all who will believe! (Romans 1:16-17) Lord, have mercy on our nation!
There was no remedy!
Scripture reading for May 2nd: 2nd Chronicles 33-36
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and His dwelling place. But they mocked His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.” 2nd Chronicle 36:15-16
The period of the Kings and Chronicles ends with this sober statement concerning the Lord’s evaluation of the state of His people. He sent messengers repeatedly. He had loved them and provided for them. He had driven out their enemies and delivered them miraculously time after time. He had given them His presence in their midst and a way to return to Him. But they mocked His words and mistreated the prophets. This aroused God’s anger and He sent the promised consequences!
“There was no remedy!” Does it mean that God would not hear the prayers of His people any more? Did it mean that He had given up on them and was through? Did it mean that God had failed His people and would not honor the covenants that He had made with them?
No, God is faithful, even when we are faithless! (2nd Timothy 2:11-13) God was going to allow the consequences of their stubbornness to fall on them. They would see the destruction of their temple and go into captivity. The land would enjoy it’s sabbath rests that they failed to give in accordance with God’s Word. (2nd Chronicles 36:21) Seventy years would pass in captivity as decreed by Jeremiah, the prophet. (Jeremiah 25:11-12) After this time of captivity and punishment, God would again restore the nation to their land and rebuild the temple. Isaiah the prophet correctly named Cyrus as the ruler who would give the decree to rebuild Jerusalem more than 150 years before it happened! (Isaiah 44:28)
God is merciful even in judgment! He lets us in on His plan if we are humble and will listen to His Word. But there is coming another day when there will be “no remedy” for those who reject Jesus Christ! Without repentance and faith in Him, there will be eternal captivity in the Lake of Fire! (Revelation 20:11-15) Let’s humbly cling to God’s remedy!
Slash and burn theology!
Scripture reading for August 13th: Jeremiah 34-36
Jeremiah 36 gives us a record of the process of recording scripture in written form. Jeremiah the prophet dictated to his secretary, Baruch, what God had revealed to him concerning the judgment coming on Jerusalem. Baruch took a pen and ink and wrote the words down on a papyrus scroll. (Jeremiah 36:18) He was told by Jeremiah to go and read the words to the people in the temple of the Lord. (Jeremiah 36:8) As he read the words of coming destruction and God’s wrath against the people because of their sins, officials of the king heard the message. They had him read it again to them and they decided that the king must be notified. They warned Baruch to tell Jeremiah to go and hide both of them.
The king was sitting by a fire and had a scribe’s knife in his hand as the scroll was being read. As he heard the words of a portion of the scroll, the king cut it off, threw it into the fire and burned it up. (Jeremiah 36:23-24) They showed no fear or respect for what the Lord had said or for the written word of God. In fact, the king gave orders to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch, but the Lord had hidden them! God knows how to protect his people!
As I read this account, I could not help but wonder if God’s people are still doing this same thing today. When some who claim to be Christians read the command “you shall not murder”, they don’t believe that it applies to them or their politics and simply ‘slash and burn’ the word of God! They vote to keep murder legal by supporting abortion. When some who claim the name of Christ hear that no homosexual offender will inherit the kingdom of God, they ‘slash and burn’ and sanction gay marriages and ordain gay pastors and priests. Still others cut out the verses concerning salvation by grace through faith and continue to teach a righteousness based on good works.
The ‘slash and burn’ mentality is bad theology and yield’s God’s wrath and judgment. King Jehoiakim lost his future place in the messianic line as well as a decent and honorable burial. (Jeremiah 36:30-31) All that was written by Jeremiah and Baruch would come to pass because God watches over His word to perform it! (Jeremiah 1:12) No word of God is void of power. It is a fire and a hammer that will burn and smash those who try to oppose it! (Jeremiah 23:29) Take time today to reflect on your treatment of God’s word. Make a fresh commitment to read, believe, and obey the word of God. Good theology puts the fire in your bones!