Submit to God

January 13, 2019 Background Scripture: James 4:1 – 10 Lesson Passage: James 4:1 – 10 Sometimes it seems as if the word submission is used in more negative ways than positive ones. There can be the aura of being taken advantage of or abused for the one in submission. Perhaps the only positive way to look at submission is when it is paired with overwhelming love for the one who submits. This is precisely the offer that God extends to everyone. God has done everything necessary to secure a blissful eternal life in His presence for every person. Many will never receive this wonderful gift of grace because it requires individuals to submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ and to agree to the intent to do God’s will. It sounds too good to be true. Put another way, it sounds like an offer to receive something great for little or nothing. Is there such a thing as something being given truly free of charge to the recipient? Mind you, the gift is far from being free! It is the most priceless gift ever. But, it can be received free of charge to the recipient. That makes the offer sound even more incredible. That’s where submission comes in. The first man, Adam, was created in God’s image and after God’s likeness. Adam was created in a state of pure innocence. He naturally lived a life of submission that allowed him to always enjoy the blessings of God as well as God’s presence and fellowship. Adam was later given a companion who was suitable for him so that he would not have to enjoy those blessings alone. All was well until the couple was offered what they were told was an even better situation than the one they had. Simply put, the offer was for them to disobey God and their lives would be better. Adam and Eve had everything they needed but this offer promised them even more. The relationship they had with God was a relationship of submission. To violate that relationship and follow the instructions of the serpent was an act of submitting to the serpent. Their decision allowed sin to enter the world, and since that time, sin has constantly challenged humanity to disobey God and submit to anyone or anything but God. Tribulations in the form of heartaches, hardships, corruption, diseases, pain, a short lifespan and many other disorders have been experienced as a result of sin’s presence in the world. These tribulations beget dysfunctional relationships, fights, and wars. In our text today, James explains the connection between the ills of society and the problem of human submission. Sin is much more than an attitude. Sin is somehow intertwined within the human DNA. The problems we experience externally all originate internally. Sin manifests itself as some form of open rebellion against God. Even when we are saved and have the Spirit of Christ in us, sin in our flesh constantly wars against the Spirit of Christ in us. It is the indwelling Spirit who gives us an ever-present living hope. And he beckons us to submit to God, humble ourselves in God’s sight, and receive divine elevation. Robert C. Hudson December 19, 2018

Love God and Serve Others

December 30, 2018 Background Scripture: Matthew 25:31 – 46 Lesson Passage: Matthew 25:31 – 46 Today’s lesson describes what is sometimes referred to as the judgement of the nations. Premillennialists are those who believe that we currently live at a time prior to the Millennium when Jesus sets up an earthly kingdom and rules in the earth. For those who label themselves as premillennialists, it is believed that the judgement in our lesson text takes place after the Great Tribulation and at the onset of the establishment of Jesus’ earthly kingdom. Jesus’ earthly kingdom is described in the book of Revelation as lasting for one thousand years. With the holy war ended and Jesus triumphant, the nations of the world would then be brought before the throne of Jesus to be judged. It should be kept in mind that the church is raptured out of the world before the tribulation period begins. Without the worldwide evangelistic work of the Church during the time of tribulation, the only ones offering salvation to the world will be a few faithful witnesses that God will send but the world will reject. Meanwhile, God has committed the final judgement of the world to Jesus—the only wise Potentate. The age of grace would have been long passed and men would only have their deeds to depend on to justify them in the divine judgement. Jesus, the righteous Judge, will separate the righteous within the nations from the evil. Jesus will then sentence the evil to eternal damnation and the righteous he will welcome into his kingdom. When questions are raised by either side, the response will be the same. Their judgement is meted out according to their treatment of the least among people: the hungry, the thirsty, the outcast, the naked, the sick, and the righteous who are imprisoned. Jesus identifies with the least among us. When the least are relieved of the burdens of life, Jesus takes it personal as his own relief. When the least, in their distress, are ignored and left uncared for, then Jesus is also ignored. Although we don’t believe this judgment pertains to the church, there is still much that we can learn from it. In spite of salvation by grace for the church, we still observe from this judgement that Jesus identifies with the least. Therefore, our worship of him should involve serving others. Likewise, our love of God can be demonstrated by how we treat the least among us since we know that Jesus readily identifies with them. As we serve people by ministering to their needs, Jesus says that our actions are directly affecting him. It should be comforting to us to know that every time we bring a measure of relief to the poor and afflicted, we are, in essence, meeting the needs of Jesus. Put another way, we cannot do anything for God, who is spirit, while at the same time ignoring the plight of the people around us. There are many who look down on and despise the poor in society. There are many who shun the sick and imprisoned. This would be consistent if they also denied the existence of God. But many dare to claim God as both their Lord and their Savior and yet fail to see Jesus’ identity as being intertwined with those whom they despise. If you love God, then serve people. Robert C. Hudson November 12, 2018