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How To Treat An Enemy

The Apostle Paul tells the Romans (quoting Prov. 25:21), “If your enemy is hungry, feed him’ if he is thirsty, give him a drink” (Rom. 12:20). Often, the best way to get rid of an enemy is to treat him as a friend. This, of course, applies to those who have slighted or hurt us personally, not to those who are the avowed enemies of the cross. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [of Christ], do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (II Jn. 1:10-11). But with certain necessary exceptions, here is how to treat an enemy:

  1. Love him, and be kind to him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:27, 35)
  2. Bless him, and desire the best for him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28)
  3. Do good things for him (Matt. 5:44)
  4. Pray for him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28)
  5. Lend to him without obligation or expectation of return (Lk. 6:35)
  6. Be merciful to him (Lk. 6:36; Rom. 12:17-21)

Christian Sympathy

In Romans 12, Paul’s theme is the unity of the body of Christ, and the interdependence of members of the body (vs. 5). Each one’s gifts are different, so that each can make a significant contribution to the whole. We ought not to boast or be conceited about a gift, because it is just that–a gift from the Lord (cf. I Cor. 12:11). And He also gives the faith needed for the fruitful exercise of the gift (vs. 3). Beyond mere giftedness, the unity of the body is affected by our attitudes toward one another. What brings one person joy ought to cause others around to rejoice. What brings grief to one ought to touch the others with sorrow.

boy crying

The Chapter exhorts us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). If we are unconcerned, and intent only on our own needs, we are not functioning properly as part of the body. Matthew Henry says, “True love will interest us in the sorrows and joys of one another, and teach us to make them our own….Not that we must participate in the sinful mirths and mournings of any. Not envying those that prosper, but rejoicing with them; not despising those that are in trouble, but concerned for them, and ready to help them.”

While there is a dimension of human sympathy which is always appropriate, our response must be tempered with some understanding of the reason for the other’s grief. Not all painful circumstances can be dealt with in the same way. Here are four possible reasons for weeping:

  1. The Season’s Common Reaping. The pains that will naturally be a part of our fallen humanity–sickness, aging, accidental injury, and so on, come upon all.
  2. The Saint’s Confessed Repentance. “Godly sorrow [over sin] produces repentance” (II Cor. 7:10).
  3. The Self’s Childish Ravings. The immature response to a deprivation of self, or the “poor me’s” of self pity.
  4. The Sinner’s Calloused Remorse. Not sorrow for sin so much as regret because of the consequent pain and loss it brings (cf. Heb. 12:16-17).

It would seem that the first two of these must be dealt with much differently than the last two, where there is a place for rebuke and admonition.

Encouragement In Service

Galatians 6:9 provides words of encouragement for the servant of Christ, and a significant promise. It says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The first and last parts of the verse give us the negative, the interior of the verse reflects the positive. “Do not become weary (discouraged, disheartened); do not lose heart (give up, quit). Instead, keep on doing good, serving the Lord, because there will be a time of harvest in due season (at the proper time).”

There is weariness and discouragement in Christian service. Sometimes it is because we seem to see little fruit. But it may also be for less noble reasons. That we grow impatient with people who show less spiritual insight than we imagine we do. Or because our efforts and gifts are not appreciated as we think they should be.

First, we would do well to examine our hearts for unrealistic expectations or selfish motivations. But if our hearts are in tune with God’s heart, there is still possible weariness and discouragement. It is to be expected in the service of weak creatures as we are. But we must see that we do not give up and quit. Faithful service will have its reward in the end. The harvest comes at the proper time (cf. I Cor. 15:58; II Thess. 3:13; Jas. 5:7). As there is a natural progression from sowing to reaping, there is a natural tendency to slip from discouragement to despair. But if we are doing God’s work, we can continue to count on Him.

I. The Peril of Today

  1. That we will grow weary (serving faithfully is hard work)
  2. That we will lose heart and become discouraged
  3. (Implied) that we will cease doing what is good and right

II. The Promise of Tomorrow

  1. That there is a due season of harvest (cf. vs. 7)
  2. That we shall reap (spiritual fruit and eternal rewards)
  3. (Implied) that we can finish well, by God’s grace (vs. 10; cf. I Cor. 15:58)

Thoughts on Romans 8:28

Along with John 3:16 and a few other texts, Romans 8:28 is especially well known and loved by Bible-believing Christians. What an encouragement to “know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

The verse is often taken simply as an exhortation to look on the bright side of things. In that regard, a friend shared this family incident with me. She said, “My grandfather believed a man should never speak or act in anger. One day, some of the family called on him, including his little granddaughter. The adults were in the house visiting, while she was allowed to play outside. After a time, she came in, approached the old man, and said, ‘Grandpa, I have been helping you. I weeded your garden.’ In some curiosity, if not concern, he followed her outside to view her handiwork. The little girl had pulled up every single vegetable in the garden! In dismay, Grandpa held his head in both hands–his way when greatly distressed. Finally, he turned to her and said in a quiet voice, ‘Darling, you have just saved Grandpa a whole lot of work!’”

There is certainly wonderful comfort in knowing that God is in control, and good will come out of our trials. In the words of Henry Hildebrand, founder of the Briercrest Schools in Saskatchewan, Canada, “Our tomorrows have to pass by Him for approval, before they reach us.” When John Bunyan was cast into prison in 1660 for preaching without the forms and sanctions of the Church of England, he said this: “Let the rage and malice of men be never so great, they can do no more, nor go farther than God permits them: but when they have done their worst, we know all things shall work together for good to them that love God. Farewell.”

But beyond using the familiar words to console ourselves when circumstances seem contrary, we are enriched by great and profound truths here. The early part of Romans 8 has to do with daily living in the power of the Holy Spirit. The latter half, introduced by vs. 28, concerns the certainty of the believer’s eternal future, guaranteed by the omnipotence of a sovereign God. Harry Ironside comments, “We have a glorious chain of five links in vs. 29-30, reaching from eternity in the past to eternity in the future–foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, glorified! Every link was forged in heaven, and not one can ever be broken.”

I have always viewed these linked blessings as anticipatory. That God, dwelling in eternity (Isa. 57:15), is able to see our glorification as already completed, since He sees the end from the beginning. However, it could be that these are intended as positional realities already possessed, already legally ours. In that sense, we are already counted as glorified “in Christ” as to our eternal standing, just as surely as we are justified in Him. This makes our future experience of that glory all the more certain and secure.

That is the atmosphere in which the promise of vs. 28 is given. And I wonder about the description of “those who love God,” whether it is primarily a matter of our current state or our eternal standing. In other words, will things only work out for good today if we are conscious of a certain level of love for the Lord in our hearts? Or demonstrate our love in some practical and particular way? And if so, how much love is enough to activate His providence? And how can we be sure we have enough of it?

This does not make sense. God who “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11) is not hampered by such outside forces (cf. vs. 29-30). It would seem, rather, that “those who love God” is to be seen as a parallel expression to “those who are the called according to His purpose [i.e. those called to salvation in accordance with His plan],” (cf. I Cor. 1:9). Thus we are to view this as a positional matter. It is simply a description of the born again Christian. We who are believers are identified as the “lovers of God” (cf. I Cor. 2:9; Eph. 6:24; II Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; 2:5).

To further get in mind the many facets of this wonderful text, it may be helpful to consider the verse in reverse for a moment.

  1. God’s purpose is that we be “conformed to the image of His Son” (vs. 29). As someone has put it, “God loves us enough to accept us as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way!”
  2. His call is His sovereign and effectual choice of individuals to be saved and fulfil this eternal purpose (vs. 30). “Those who are the called” are those He has saved by grace, through faith in Christ.
  3. These are the ones who love God (i.e. are lovers of God). “We love Him because He first loved us” (I Jn. 4:19).
  4. The good that is in view is surely the advancement of His ultimate purpose. In God’s hands, even seeming negatives become beneficial. “We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors” (vs. 36-37).
  5. The working together is God’s providence, the “pro-video” (before-seeing) by which He is able to work in our lives, using all that happens to accomplish His will. Some ancient manuscripts render it, “God causes all things to work together for good.” The point is similar, but that emphasizes God’s sovereign omnipotence in orchestrating all the complexities of our lives to bring about His design.
  6. All things are included, not just those that seem by human evaluation to be accomplishing the end the Lord has in mind. Absolutely the worst thing that has ever happened, and the worst thing that human beings have ever done, was to nail the sinless Son of God to a cross. The principle of this text is therefore demonstrated to the ultimate degree in the fact that God has worked through that terrible event to bring about infinite and eternal good for the very ones whose sin put Him there.
  7. We know all this by the inspired revelation given in His Word, and because we see there that God has already established the glorious end of the process as a certainty (vs. 30). What a blessing! What an assurance!

Hope In Service For Christ

When we say, “I hope so,” we likely mean that is what we wish for, that is our desire. But biblical hope, given to the believer by the Lord, is far more than a wish or a maybe. It may be defined as: the joyful certainty of future blessing. Because it is founded upon the holy character and omnipotence of the One who promises in His Word, we can rest in the things that are “hoped” for with supreme confidence. Truly, “Our God and Father…has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace” (II Thess. 2:16).

“The hope of salvation” (I Thess. 5:8) is the joyful certainty of the future blessings of salvation. That is a “good hope,” indeed! It is a better hope, when contrasted with the Law which condemns the sinner, but has no ability to save (Heb. 7:19). And it is living hope which gives a present guarantee and assurance of our glorious future (I Pet. 1:3-5). The final fulfilment of these things is tied to the “blessed hope” of Christ’s return (Tit. 2:13).

Here is the basis for service: our eternal comfort (or encouragement)–the beneficial hope engendered in us by the Spirit, because of our standing in grace (cf. Rom. 5:2). We serve the Lord in hope of His blessing on our service. There is comfort now, in testing times, and a certain hope of what the outcome of our work will be at the return of the King. Paul views these as a resource available to each believer. It is the apostle’s prayer that God might “comfort [our] hearts and establish [us] in every good word and work” (vs. 17). This hope in Him should motivate us to faithful energetic service for the Lord.

Second Thessalonians 2:16-17 is a prayer especially for grace in Christian service. Other prayers in the epistle have a bearing on this as well. There is a prayer for God’s blessing, and for His glory–which should be our underlying motive (1:11-12); a prayer for love and patience (3:5); and a prayer for peace (3:16). In our service for the Lord, we need strength and love. We minister out of the richness of His blessing, and for His glory. It is a great cause in which to be involved. But we need patience to keep at it, and comfort and peace in leaving the outcome with Him. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9; cf. I Cor. 15:58).

“I will cut him off…”

Question: What is the meaning of God’s warning that He would “cut off” the Israelites that disobey His Law?

Answer: The Lord uses that particular phrase in the Old Testament Law with reference to the punishment of sinners. The words “cut off” are employed many times. For example, in Leviticus 17:10, God says, “Whatever man…who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person…and will cut him off from among his people.”

The phrase is a warning of judgment or punishment to come, but exactly what does it mean? There is uncertainty about that. Possibly there were several options and alternatives, depending on the particular case. As to whether the cutting off invariably took place following sinful behaviour, and whether it was permanent and irrevocable, are further issues. This too seems to have depended somewhat on the situation.

In some instances the “cutting off” involved physical death (Exod. 9:15; 31:14; cf. Gen. 9:11). In Leviticus 20:2-3, for the terrible sin of child sacrifice, the guilty one was to be stoned, and the Lord says “I will…cut him off from his people.” Some suggest that implies eternal punishment following his execution. But that need not be so.

Such a step (i.e. a cutting off) is also involved in what would seem to be a much lesser offense: A man having physical relations with a woman during her menstrual period (Lev. 20:18), which surely did not result in eternal damnation. It more likely has to do with ceremonial uncleanness which rendered them temporarily unable to participate in religious activities.

Another possibility, depending on the situation, is that the cutting off referred to the ending of the family line. In such cases, it would mean that the individual would have no descendants, and his name and memorial would be cut off from Israel (Ruth 4:10; I Sam. 24:21).

Other times, what is implied seems to be ostracism and excommunication– that the one who is “cut off” would be excluded from the community, at least for a period of time, and be unable to worship and fellowship there. Note the wording in Leviticus 22:3. The Lord says, “…that person shall be cut off from My presence.” Under the Law, the camp of Israel was uniquely the place of the manifest presence of God. To be cut off from Israel was to be excluded from the one place on earth which God had ordained for sacrifices to be made. This punishment might also imply the removal of the person from under the protecting umbrella of God’s covenants with Israel. In such a state, he faced continuing peril (Lev. 22:3; Num. 19:13, 20).

Compare David’s plea, “Do not cast me away from Your presence” (Ps. 51:11). There is no exact equivalent of this under Grace. God’s presence is not localized in a temple, and every true believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God forever. Also, there are no continuing sacrifices to be made for sin at some central altar. But a partial parallel might be the breakdown of fellowship with God when a Christian sins, which is to be remedied by confession of that sin (I Jn. 1:5-10).

Perhaps ostracism and loss of fellowship in the community of Israel is similar to what Christ describes in Matthew 18:17, “If he [the unrepentant sinner] refuses to hear the church [the assembly of believers] let him be to you like a heathen [a Gentile] and a tax collector [men viewed as traitors to their nation]” (cf. I Cor. 5:9-13). And there may be a parallel to Paul’s reference to delivering an individual to Satan that he may be prompted and prodded to change his ways (I Cor. 5:5; I Tim. 1:20). The umbrella of blessing and protection is removed. There is danger of temporal chastisement as a result, but it is not a hopeless situation if there is repentance and an appeal is made to the grace and mercy of God.

How To Handle Opposition

The Bible makes it quite clear that the saints live on enemy territory (Jn. 15:18-21; II Tim. 3:12). We can expect to be misunderstood, ridiculed, and persecuted for the cause of Christ. But Psalm 37 offers some instruction on what to do about it, and what not to do.

What Not to Do.

Don’t become annoyed, anxious, or envious of the seeming success of the wicked (Psalm 37:1,7,8). The prosperity of the wicked is short-lived (Psalm 27:2,9-10,12-15,20,35-36,38), and fretting only harms the one who frets (Psalm 37:8).

What to Do.

  1. Trust in the Lord–in His direction and the rightness of His commands–and keep on obeying Him and doing right (Psalm 37:3,27; cf. Psalm 37:21,25-26,30-31,32-33).
  2. Possess your possessions, depending on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 37:3,16).
  3. Delight yourself in God Himself, worshiping and praising Him (Psalm 37:4).
  4. Commit your future to the Lord and “rest,” waiting patiently for Him to act in His good time (Psalm 37:5,7,34). Ultimate justice and eternal blessing await (Psalm 37:4-6,9,11,17,19,22-24,28-29,34,37,39-40).

There is a pattern here. The repeated exhortation not to fret brackets a description of various aspects of faith, drawing our attention away from where it too often focuses to where it should focus.

  1. A. Do not fret (Psalm 37:1-2)
  2. Trust (Psalm 37:3)
  3. Delight (Psalm 37:4)
  4. Commit (Psalm 37:5-6)
  5. Rest (Psalm 37:7a)
  6. Do not fret (Psalm 37:7b-8)

Waiting On God

What does it mean to wait on the Lord? It is an expression used many times, especially in the psalms (cf. Ps. 37:34; 40:1; 52:9; 62:1, 5; 69:3, 6; 123:2; 130:5, 6; 145:15; Prov. 20:22). The frequency of the expression in Psalms is understandable, given that the book focuses on the devotional life of the saints. Below are some things implied by the word wait. They are adapted from a publication put out by Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute, in 2001. Not all will apply equally in a given case, and yet they are each part of the attitude described.

  1. Waiting is resting in patient contentment concerning God’s plan.
  2. Waiting is eager expectation and hope concerning what God is going to do.
  3. Waiting is listening attentively to hear God’s voice through His Word.
  4. Waiting is exercising wisdom to evaluate incoming information and assess priorities.
  5. Waiting is walking in the Spirit, determined to live in faith and obedience, step by step, toward God.
  6. Waiting is praying with thanksgiving–the thanksgiving of faith that trusts the Lord to do what is best.
  7. Waiting is growing. The time of waiting on God deepens our relationship with Him and develops Christian character. (Thus waiting is not a waste of time!)
  8. Waiting is readiness to respond when God reveals what is next.

Levels of Confidence

Psalm 27 suggests three levels of confidence in God. Through the various experiences of life, our faith can be seen to progress through these.

  1. Confidence in the Abstract (Psalm 27:1-6). Faith in this case is more than just a theory, but it is largely untested. In the psalm, David is speaking of his aspirations, and how he expects the Lord to help him. This could be illustrated today by the new Christian, or perhaps the young Bible college student, determined to follow Christ and make a difference in his world.
  2. Confidence in Action (Psalm 27:7-12). Theory is put to the test in a crisis situation. David cries out to the Lord for help, assured that He will hear and answer. To follow the above illustration, here is the Bible college graduate, facing the burdens and conflicts of ministry.
  3. Confidence in Affirmation (Psalm 27:13-14). This is the testimony of experience with God, and the counsel of one who has found the Lord sufficient in a trying time. He speaks from his heart and challenges others to appropriate what he has proven to be true.

Reminders and Admonitions (The Book of Hebrews)

The final chapter of the book of Hebrews gives some significant reminders and admonitions to the saints of God (especially Hebrews 13:1-17). These represent practical aspects of Christian living by which we can honour the Lord and fulfil His purpose.

  1. “Do not forget to entertain strangers.” We are to maintain our love for the saints, and be hospitable toward others (vs. 1-2).
  2. “Remember the prisoners.” We are to show compassion toward those who are oppressed for their faith in Christ (vs. 3).
  3. “Marriage is honourable among all.” We are to live morally, respecting the sanctity of marriage (vs. 4).
  4. “Be content with such things as you have.” We are to be content, avoiding the world’s materialistic and acquisitive passions (vs. 5-6).
  5. “Remember those who rule over you [continuous tense, keep on remembering].” We are to respect and obey those in church leadership (vs. 7, 17).
  6. “Do not be carried about with various and strange [alien to the gospel of grace] doctrines.” We are to defend and maintain sound doctrine, avoiding a drift into religious fads and fashions (vs. 8-9; cf. Eph. 4:14).
  7. “Let us go forth to Him outside the camp.” We are to be willing to identify with Christ (as “Christ-ones”–Christians), whatever the cost (vs. 10-14).
  8. “Do not forget to do good and to share.” We are to serve faithfully as believer-priests, whose duties include offering praise to God, and help to others (vs. 15-16).

Better (The Book of Hebrews)

A good keyword for the book of Hebrews might well be Better (a term used a dozen times in the book). The writer wants to show his Jewish readers that in Christ we have a better High Priest, with a better sacrifice, better promises based on a better covenant, and so on. In the opening verses (Heb. 1:1-3) he refers to the prophets who “spoke in time past,” demonstrating how the Son of God is infinitely superior.

  1. He is “heir of all”–His unique ownership
  2. He is the Creator of the universe–His unique power
  3. He is “the brightness of His [the Father’s] glory–His unique splendour
  4. He is “the express image” of God–His unique nature
  5. He is “upholding all things”–His unique work
  6. He “by Himself purged our sins”–His unique salavation
  7. His is seated “at the right hand of the Majesty on high”–His unique place

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