Daniel – Josh Hanson Ministries

Authority (pt 3)

Josh — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:10:00 +0000

‌SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)

DATE: 8–3-25

As always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — if you’re joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.

INTRODUCTION

We’re continuing our series in Romans this weekend. We’re in the practical application section of Paul’s letter where — after eleven chapters of rich theological truths — Paul shows us how what we believe is to shape how we live. That’s the journey we began with Paul’s “therefore” statement…

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Paul tells us to live our lives as sacrificial offerings to God — where our lives are acts of worship that make our God look glorious to the world because of what we believe. And — one of the ways that our lives can make God look glorious to the world — is something we’ve been looking at for a few weeks. For Paul’s forcing us into the nitty gritty of life so we see how — what we believe — is to shape how we live. And this is all incredibly practical stuff — for it addresses how the Christian faith actually changes us.

So — if you have your Bible — please turn with me to Romans chapter thirteen. We’ll be in Romans chapter thirteen — looking at verses one through seven. There Paul writes…

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

1 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 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, 4 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 wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

If you’re just joining us, two weeks ago we saw that what this text teaches is pretty straightforward — it’s not hard to understand. But we returned to this passage for a second and third week because — though it’s straightforward and easy to understand — applying this text is where things get hard. Last week we looked at what God’s Word says both to those in authority and those under authority and — today — we’ll look at some implications of this text and how we’re to live because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Now — if you wouldn’t call yourself a Christian — know that we’ll be talking about politics today — but not how you might think. You see — when we talk about submitting to authority — one area of life where this can’t be ignored is in the area of government. And — generally speaking — politics is a religion in our country. And we’re a nation full of fully devoted followers of the religions of the Republican and Democrat parties.

For example, it’s not a surprise to me that — after the first week on authority and submission — I started hearing you all ask the question, “What about Hitler?” Our culture’s aversion to submission has made Hitler the go to example. First, I don’t know that Nero — the Roman Emperor that Paul refers to in Romans — was much better than Hitler. Admittedly we don’t have near the detailed history on Nero that we do on Hitler — but what we do have on Nero isn’t all warm and fuzzy.

And — second — and this gets to the religiousness of politics in our country — both political parties in our country love to compare the other side to Hitler and Nazism.

On the right — author Eric Metaxas — in his book Letter to the American Church — essentially compares living under the Biden administration to living in Germany in the 1930s, compares the American Church of today with the German Church of the 1930’s — who conceded to Hitler — and uses Dietrich Bonhoeffer as the example of how Christians should respond to what was happening in the US with civil disobedience.

But now that Trump is president — Bonhoeffer is the example used by the left because — of course — Trump is like Hitler, the Republican Party is like the Nazis, and so on. When the other party’s in charge — this is absolutely believable. But when your party’s in charge — it’s absolutely ridiculous to make such a comparison. And — that’s the case — because — politics is a religion in our country.

Now — today — as I promised — we’ll focus on two questions: When to obey authority and when to disobey authority.

THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT

But — first — we need to talk about the purpose of government according to the Bible. Did you know that God has a purpose for government? That’s what Paul tells us in verse three when he writes…

Romans 13:3–4 ESV

3 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, 4 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 wrongdoer.

Government — when it fulfills its God-given purpose — will promote what is good and prohibit and punish what is evil — good and evil as defined by God. This is God’s purpose for our government — here in the United States, here in Ohio, and here in Findlay. Yet this is also God’s purpose for the governments of the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. All governments have this purpose — no government is outside of God’s authority and — as governing authorities under his absolute authority — they have an obligation to do what God has created them to do.

This is no different than God’s purpose for any of us as individuals. For example, God has a purpose for every single Christian.

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Every single Christian has been saved by God to make him look glorious to the world by doing the works he’s called us to do.

God has also created the church — a gathering of his people here on earth — for a purpose. The way we describe this purpose at Gateway is “we exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ.” For Jesus said…

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

And — in our verses from Romans — Paul tells us that the purpose of government is to promote what is good and to punish what is evil. When governments — any government — promote what is good and punish what is evil it is fulfilling its God given purpose. And when governments — any government — don’t do this — they’re not fulfilling their God given purpose.

As I mentioned two weeks ago — the Westminster Confession of Faith — our denomination’s doctrinal standard — says…

God, the supreme Lord and King of the whole world, has ordained civil authorities to be over people under him for his own glory and the public good. For this purpose he has armed civil authorities with the power of the sword to defend and encourage those who are good and to punish wrongdoers. (WCF 23.1)

But did you notice how Paul describes governing authorities as God’s servant? Some translations have “God’s ministers.” This tells us that those who serve in government are not to be self-serving — how about that for a radical idea? Instead, those serving in government are to serve their citizens with the purpose of God being glorified. For that’s what it means to be a servant of God.

Additionally, being called God’s servant implies that those in government have an obligation to submit themselves to God’s authority, commands, and definition of what is good and what is evil. Those in government are not free to do whatever they want. They’re not free to choose what is good and what isn’t. They’re not free from authority — but occupy a position of authority because they’ve been appointed by God and are under his authority.

Like I said last week — Paul’s words would’ve been a warning to Caesar — the emperor of Rome. A man who assumed he was at the top of the authority org chart. The man everyone else in the Roman Empire also assumed was at the top of the authority org chart. To the emperor, Paul says, “Caesar, you’re God’s servant. He’s put you in authority to do his purpose. You’re no god — you’re a servant of God.”

Instead of “in God we trust” on their coins — the Roman Empire had some variation of “Caesar is Lord” or “Caesar, the son of a god” on them. If only we — the citizens of a nation who have “in God we trust” on our money — would live up to our motto. The citizens of the Roman Empire — they lived up to their motto — which is why Jesus was once questioned about whether people should pay taxes to Caesar or not. So he asked for a Roman coin…

Mark 12:16–17 ESV

16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.

A Roman Coin had Caesar’s image on it — so give the coin back to Caesar — pay your taxes. But don’t forget that God has put his image on something — and that is something all of us are to give back to him.

Do you know what that something is? Us — for we’re all made in the image of God — Christian or not — including Caesar. Including President Trump, and Governor DeWine, and Mayor Muryn, and all who serve in government — here in the US — and anywhere else.

All of this is on Paul’s mind when he calls those in government God’s servants. “Give yourself first to God — so that — in your position of authority — you promote what God has said is good and punish what God has said is evil.”

Mr. President, give yourself first to God — so that — in your position of authority you promote only what God has said is good and punish only what God has said is evil.
Mr. Governor, give yourself first to God — so that — in your position of authority you promote only what God has said is good and punish only what God has said is evil.
Madame Mayor, give yourself first to God — so that — in your position of authority you promote only what God has said is good and punish only what God has said is evil.

As followers of Jesus, this is to be our attitude towards those in government — when the person in office is who we voted for and when it’s not. And — this being our posture — means that we’ll be different than those who are followers of the Republican or Democrat religions. For we take God at his Word — and trust that there is no governing authority except those who’ve been appointed by God to be his servant. Including Nero. Including Biden. Including Trump. And — yes — even including Hitler. For the only alternative is to believe that God’s sovereign authority is limited — that he’s not above Nero or Hitler or Biden or Trump. And a God who isn’t above all things, people, places, and nations is not a god worthy of our worship.

WHEN TO OBEY AUTHORITY

With that being said — and in knowing that all those who serve in earthly authority are sinners and may inadvertently or purposely promote what God has said is evil and punish what God has said is good — including those who are members of your political party — we now turn to the nitty-gritty and controversial topics of when to obey those in authority and when to disobey.

Let’s begin with when to obey authority. But — first — a reminder of what Paul tells us.

Romans 13:1–2 ESV

As I’ve been reiterating, God — in being sovereign — in being in control of all things — has appointed all who hold a position of authority — including those in government.

The people you voted for.
The people you didn’t vote for.
The people who serve in our country’s government.
And the people who serve in China, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, North Korea, you name it.
For there is no government outside of God’s control and there are no individuals in authority who are outside of his sovereignty either.
Thus — Paul says — be subject to the governing authorities. Submit to them. Obey them.

Which tells us that the starting point — for every follower of Jesus — when it comes to your relationship with those in authority — is one of obedience. Our default position should be obedience — not disobedience. For we’re to obey them — regardless if we voted for them or not — when what they ask or command us to do is not sinful. And that’s key: If what those in authority over us are asking or commanding us to do — is not sinful — we’re to obey.

And I know what some of you are thinking, “But what if — it’s not sinful — but I still disagree?” We’ll get to that in a moment, but for now — what I want you to see — from Paul’s words — which are God’s Word to us — is that our relationship with those in authority begins with our submission. Rebellion against God’s authority is what destroyed our relationship with him in the first place. Satan was first to rebel against God’s authority and he convinced Adam and Eve to rebel as well. And — for the rest of us — it didn’t take any convincing — we were born rebellious against God’s authority. And much of the tension we’ve felt while exploring the topic of authority and submission — is rooted in — not our distrust and rebellion against earthly authority — but is really rooted in our distrust and rebellion against God and his sovereignty over all who are in authority. Something true for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Remember — Jesus said pay taxes to Caesar.
Remember — that Paul wrote these words while a wicked man was emperor of Rome.
Remember Joseph — and how he submitted to Pharaoh and served as his second-in-command in Egypt.
Remember Nehemiah and Daniel — who served Babylonian kings. And Esther who was married to one.

We have biblical example after biblical example after biblical example — in addition to clear commands — of what our posture is to be towards those who are in authority over us: When they’re not asking us to sin — we’re to submit to their authority.

WHEN TO DISOBEY AUTHORITY

But now we turn to what you all have been waiting for. For there are times when we must disobey authority. One last reminder from Paul.

Romans 13:3–5 ESV

When those in authority — instead of promoting what is good — as defined by God — and punishing what is evil — also as defined by God — promote what God has said is evil and punish what God has said is good — then we must disobey. And because we live in an age that is defiant to authority — even godly and God-appointed authority — I want you to pay close attention to these biblical examples of disobedience to authority.

When Pharaoh ordered the murder of all male Jewish babies — some midwives refused to obey his command. This was before “thou shall not murder” was etched in stone — but it was still sin. Here’s what happened.

Exodus 1:15–17 NLT

15 Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: 16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

Why did they refuse the king’s order — what was the root of their disobedience? Their fear of God. A pastor from the 1600’s said, “The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much and God too little.” When our disobedience to those in authority is required — it must be rooted in our fear of God.

This was true of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who — though threatened with death if they would not sin by worshiping the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar — said to the king…

Daniel 3:16–18 ESV

16 “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

The midwives disobeyed because they feared God and the consequences of murder which they knew — even without the Ten Commandments — was evil. Daniel’s three friends also feared God and refused to disobey his command “thou shall have no other gods before me.” But what I want you to notice is how they would rather die than sin by following the orders of the king. And they did not resist being thrown into the furnace. They did not resist the sword that Paul refers to in Romans — that may slaughter us. Rarely are we asked to commit sins such as murder or false worship today — and yet — our default position is not only to disobey authority — we also get upset when there are consequences for our unbiblical disobedience.

Continuing with biblical examples.

Daniel 6:10 ESV

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Daniel’s opponents had convinced the king to sign a decree that no one could pray to anyone but him — and Daniel disobeyed the decree — even when he knew it would mean meeting some hungry lions up close and in person. When’s the last time the US government asked you to pray to a political figure?

Or take Esther who — when learning that her fellow Jews were in serious trouble because of a decree her husband had been tricked into signing — and knowing that the law of the land stated that if anyone approached the king without being invited — including her, his wife, the queen — they were subject to possibly being killed! She says…

Esther 4:11–16 ESV

11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.” 12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Another case where the act of disobedience came with the potential of death. Not inconvenience — death! Not even jail time — but death! Oh how far we’ve fallen — not only in what we will disobey authority over — but also in how we think that our disobedience should come without consequences. Yet this is not what we find in the Bible.

The biblical examples continue — there’s Peter and John. Who were arrested and threatened by those in authority for preaching about Jesus. The authorities told them to stop preaching about Jesus. What was their response to these threats?

Acts 4:19–20 ESV

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

And — after being arrested and threatened again — because they were preaching about Jesus…

Acts 5:29 ESV

29 Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

And — before being released — the authorities had them beaten for their disobedience. Do you know how the apostles responded to their beating? They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus. Why do so few Christians today find it a joy to be counted worthy of suffering for Jesus? Because we want our disobedience without the suffering, don’t we?

All of these examples are summarized by one of my Bible commentaries, which states…The Bible gives a very clear basis for civil disobedience; namely, if the state commands what God forbids, or if the state forbids what God commands, then civil disobedience is a Christian duty.

On the Conscience and Is Yours Biblical?

Which leads to one last aspect of submission and authority: What if what’s being asked isn’t sinful, but you still disagree with the decision of those in authority? This is the question of conscience. This is a question in which we must be biblical in our answer and not take our cues from the culture around us. For it’s far easier than we think to confuse our conscience with what God has said in his Word — and we’re far too trusting of our conscience — as if our conscience is the Holy Spirit or untainted by sin or something. Yet listen to what Paul says about this.

1 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

Paul says, “When others judge me — even in a court of law — that’s no big deal. I’m not aware of any reason for me to be judged — my conscience is clear. But” — and this is key — “just because my conscience is clear doesn’t mean I’m innocent. The Lord will judge me.”

Did you know that your conscience being clear doesn’t mean that you’re innocent when it comes to God? That’s true for the Christian and non-Christian. Which is why we Christians must be biblical in our relationship to those in authority. For as one author writes…In an era when respect for authority is at low ebb, it is necessary to point out that Christians must be very careful to ensure that any act of civil disobedience is a matter of conscience inspired by divine principle, because there is an unfortunate tendency for Peter’s dictum — “We must obey God rather than men” — to be applied in a manner far removed from the original intent.

CONCLUSION

Some concluding thoughts based on what we’ve seen over the past three weeks.

First, remember that we — Christians — are people who follow a Savior who submitted himself to those in authority even when it cost him his life. And he’s called us to be people who — not only look to his cross for salvation — but carry our own — as we follow his example of submitting ourselves to those God has placed over us in authority.

Second, remember that God’s purpose in our submission to authority is to grow our trust of his sovereignty and — simultaneously — to grow us in humility. Did you know that God is more concerned about your trust in him than he is in your civil liberties? And that he’s more concerned about your humility because — when God says he opposes the proud — he means it. And submission to authority is a key way God destroys our pride.

Third, we must remember that Jesus never promised us a fair fight in this world. In fact — he warned us to not be surprised when those in authority use it against us. He even said, “If they treat me this way, how do you think they’re going to treat you?” Our submission to authority isn’t about us being treated fairly — it’s about us trusting our God.

Fourth, remember that being treated unfairly — being persecuted even — by those in authority is not what sends a person to Hell — and this is good news! Pride, unbelief, and being self-centered are reasons people spend eternity in Hell. If you have faith in Jesus there is nothing anyone can do — not Caesar, not Hitler, not Biden or Trump — there is not anything anyone can do to keep you from eternity with Jesus if you believe in him.

Finally, we must remember that — not only will our submission to authority show an unbelieving world how Christ has changed us — but our being respectful and honoring to all in authority will make our God look glorious to the world. For this is the kind of submission to authority that he’s called and commanded his people to display — for it reflects our submission to his authority over our lives, our marriages, our families, our churches, our city, state, nation — and yes — over the entire world. For our submission to authority is first and foremost about our submission to him — before it’s about our submission to them. Let’s pray.

PRAYER

Sovereign God, what a challenging word — yet again — for us today. It seems as if everything in us wants to follow the path of Satan when it comes to submission — we want to rebel. Like Adam and Eve we so easily distrust you and your Word to us that we our default is to disobey you. We think we know better. We choose to go our own way: The way of the fool. The way of the wicked. The way of those who will be judged by you.

Spirit of God, if not for you calling us out of the darkness of our rebellion — none of us would submit ourselves to your authority. And — yet — you delight in opening the eyes of the spiritually blind, of giving ears that hear to those who are spiritually deaf, to give new — full of life — hearts to those who’ve been hard towards your love — hearts that find joy in submitting to your authority.

This is all possible because you — Jesus — fully submitted yourself to your Father’s authority. Including obeying ahead of time what Paul would later write in Romans — for you submitted yourself to the governing authorities of your day. Even when they used their power and position to murder you. Forgive us for believing that we’re able to benefit from your submission while not submitting ourselves to your Word on this issue. For your Word makes it clear: We’re to submit to authority. Yes — there are times where disobeying authority is biblically valid and necessary — but based on the examples we’ve seen — many aren’t submitting when we should and we rebel when we have no biblical grounds. Forgive us for not representing you well. And help us — empower us — remind us of your Word — so that we do represent you well from this day forward by obeying your Word and making you look glorious to the world. And we pray all of this in your name. Amen.

BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available)

May your submission to your sovereign God be displayed in your submission to the authorities he’s placed over you. Amen.

God loves you. I love you. You are sent.

Authority (pt 2)

Josh — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 11:02:42 +0000

‌SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)

DATE: 7-27-25

INTRODUCTION

We’re continuing our series in Romans this weekend and we’re in the practical application section of Paul’s letter. You may remember that — after eleven chapters of rich theological truths — Paul gets to the “so what” in chapter twelve. Meaning he addresses how all of the theology — that’s found in the first eleven chapters — is to play itself out in how we live. That’s the journey we began earlier this year with Paul’s big “therefore” statement — when he writes…

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

Because of the theology he’s taught us — Paul now tells us to live our lives as sacrificial offerings to God — where our lives are acts of worship that make our God look glorious to the world. And one way our lives can make God look glorious to the world — that Paul addresses in our verses — leads us to what may be the most controversial subject I’ve ever preached on.

So with that teaser — if you have your Bible — please turn with me to Romans chapter thirteen. We’ll be in Romans chapter thirteen today — looking at verses one through seven. There Paul writes…

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

Last week we saw that what this text teaches us is pretty straightforward — it’s not hard to understand. But we’re returning to this passage because — though it’s straightforward and easy to understand — applying this text is where things get hard. Which is why we’ll spend today — and next week — looking at some implications of this text and how we’re to live differently — in our submission to authority — because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Now — if you’re here and wouldn’t call yourself a Christian — know that — just like last week — today’s sermon will include talking about politics — but not how you might think. You see, when we talk about submitting to authority, one area of life where this can’t be ignored is in the area of government. That’s why I said this may be the most controversial subject I’ve ever preached on because — generally speaking — politics is a religion in our country. And we’re a nation full of fully devoted followers of the religion of the Republican and Democrat parties. And these religions — like all religions — don’t like to be messed with — even when a truer and more authoritative religion comes along.

So we’ll be addressing submission to political authorities — in addition to submission and authority in other areas of life beyond politics — the home, the church, the workplace, and so on.

Last week we focused on what Paul says in our verses and the important doctrine of the sovereignty of God that this text teaches us — a doctrine we must first believe in order to have any hope in knowing how to apply what this text teaches. Next week — we’ll focus on many implications and scenarios and “what about’s” you may’ve been thinking about all week long — including when to obey and when to disobey authority.

But before we can talk about when to obey or disobey — we need to look at authority from two perspectives — which is what we’re going to do today. We’ll look at authority from the perspective of being in authority over others. And then we’ll look at authority from the perspective of being under the authority of others. Being in authority — which — if we have to pick one or the other — this is most people’s choice over being under the authority of others.

But before we get to these two perspectives on authority — we need to first turn somewhere that may surprise you — to the Ten Commandments.

AUTHORITY AND THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

Back in 2023 — if you were with us — you may remember that I preached through the Ten Commandments. One of the sermons was titled God’s Family. Does anyone remember what commandment I preached on for that sermon? The fifth commandment which is…

Exodus 20:12 ESV

12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

You may be thinking, “What does this commandment have to do with submitting to authority?” In that sermon, I said, “The word honor means to consider someone or something as worthy of respect. It means to show them reverence — meaning appreciation — and awe — which means a sense of admiration. To give someone honor has the idea of giving weight or a heaviness to them. And — to honor someone — is to treat them as significant.”

I also said, “You can dishonor someone by physical actions and you can dishonor someone by your attitude towards them. And this second one — in particular — is the part of the commandment we don’t want to submit ourselves to. We get that spitting in someone’s face or calling them a derogatory name is dishonoring and unacceptable — so we’ve learned to control our actions and — most of the time — our words. But breaking this commandment is just as easily done by our thoughts about people. Hoping that their plan fails. Wanting to see them get what they deserve. Not even saying a bad word about them, but deep down — in the depth of your soul — desiring ill will towards them.”

We then looked at how this commandment applies to the local church — which is a spiritual family — and how the authors of the New Testament use the same language — one of honor — to describe our relationship with those in authority over us.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

And just as children are commanded to obey their parents — Christians are commanded to…

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

In response to these verses I said, “And the way you help your leaders give an account for your soul with joy is by obeying them — and submitting to them — as your pastors submit themselves to Christ and to each other. And this is not something to be taken lightly — neither on the part of the elders who will give an account to God some day for how they lead — nor on the part of you — the congregation — who will give an account to God some day for how joyful you made it for your pastors to lead you. Pastors are not to imitate ungodly, abusive authority just as congregation members are not to imitate rebellious, unsubmissive, ungodly children.”

Last week I had us turn to the Westminster Confession of Faith — our denomination’s doctrinal standard. Today I’m going to have us look at the Westminster Larger Catechism. As you may know — when I’m not preaching — staff and elders have been preaching a series based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The shorter catechism was written for children and has less questions and answers — which is what a catechism is — questions and biblical answers. But with less questions it was shorter in length — thus its name — the shorter catechism.

The larger catechism was written primarily for adults and has more questions and answers making it longer in length — resulting in its catchy title. The one hundred and twenty-third question of the larger catechism is…

Q. 123. What is the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment is: Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

The next question asks…

Q. 124. To whom does father and mother refer in the fifth commandment? A. Father and mother refer not just to our parents but…specifically to those whom God has ordained to be over us in positions of authority, whether in our family, the church, or civil government.

Now I just reviewed the sermon I preached two years ago on this commandment — but know that there’s much biblical warrant for applying this commandment to these other relationships. For example — in First Timothy — Paul describes our relationship with our fellow Christians using familial terms.

1 Timothy 5:1–2 ESV

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

And — in the Old Testament — there are examples of those in authority being referred to as a father — Naaman being one example in Second Kings. All that to say the application of this commandment goes beyond our earthly parents.

Continuing in the larger catechism we read…

Q. 125. Why are those over us referred to as father and mother? A. The terms father and mother remind those in authority that, like fathers and mothers, they are responsible for and should act in a loving and tender way, appropriately reflecting their particular relationship, toward those under them; and those under them are also encouraged to accept their authority more willingly and cheerfully, as if they were their parents.

Leading us to the next question…

Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment? A. In general, the fifth commandment outlines our obligations to others, depending upon our particular relationship to them, whether over, under, or equal to them.

Over, under, or equal to them. We’re not going to focus on the “equal to” relationships in our lives today — just the relationships where someone is either over us — in authority — or under us — in submission. And we’ll begin by addressing those who are in authority.

TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY

Something interesting I discovered — while preparing for this sermon — is that some scholars believe that Paul expected Caesar to read his letter. Paul’s writing this letter to Christians living in Rome — which the Roman Empire is named after. Paul had some run-ins with the Roman government by this point. Some date his arrest in Jerusalem to be as early as 55 AD — and he wrote Romans around 57 AD — so potentially after his arrest. Paul also knew that Christians in Rome were experiencing the beginnings of conflict with the government.

But with this expectation — that Caesar may read his letter — imagine the boldness in making the statement…

Romans 13:1–4 ESV

1 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 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, 4 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 wrongdoer.

Paul calls Caesar God’s servant. “Caesar, I know your title is emperor — I know that you have people worship you like you’re a god — but I want you to know that you’re accountable to the One true God — for you are his servant.” Talk about fighting words. Who tells the emperor that he’s not at the top of the pecking order? Only someone who really believes in the sovereignty of their God, that’s who — see last week’s sermon.

Next week we’ll touch on the purpose of government — to promote what is good and stop what is bad — as God defines good and bad — but for now — let’s return to the Westminster Larger Catechism and the instruction it gives to all who are in authority.

Question one hundred and twenty-nine asks…

Q. 129. What is required of those in authority towards those under them? A. As is appropriate to the position of power they have received from God and to the particular relationship involved, those in authority should love, pray for, and bless those under them. They should teach, advise, and warn them, approving, praising, and rewarding those that do well while disapproving, blaming, and punishing those who do wrong. They should also protect those under them and provide the things they need for soul and body. Those in authority should also be examples of serious, wise, and holy behavior so as to bring glory to God and honor to themselves and thereby maintain the authority God has bestowed on them.

I don’t think any of us would have issues submitting to authority if those in authority fulfilled these requirements established by God. Love, pray for, and bless those under your authority. Teach, advise, and warn them. To those who do well — approve, praise, and reward. To those who do wrong — hold them accountable — because you love them. Protect those under you. Provide for them. Be an example to them.

As Paul tells Timothy — who’s pastoring in Ephesus…

1 Timothy 4:12–16 ESV

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Pastors — who have authority in the local church — are to be an example to their congregation — something God expects of all in authority to be for those who are under their leadership.

Husbands — set an example to your wives.
Parents — set an example to your children.
Those in government — set an example to the citizens.
Bosses — set an example to your employees.
And so on.

Returning to the catechism — the next question asks…

Q. 130. What are the particular sins of those in authority? A. In addition to failing to do what is required of them and using their position for self-aggrandizement and for their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure, the sins of those in authority include: commanding things that are unlawful or that cannot be accomplished by those under them; persuading, encouraging, and rewarding those under them for doing evil; dissuading, discouraging, and not rewarding them for doing good; excessive punishment; carelessly exposing or allowing them to do wrong and to be put in the way of temptation or danger; provoking them to anger; and anything that dishonors themselves or undermines their authority by being unjust, imprudent, too severe, or lax.

These are the behaviors that concern us when we’re under authority, right? But does the fact that authority can be abused give us biblical justification to not submit?

TO THOSE UNDER AUTHORITY

That’s where we turn now because Paul’s command is about submitting to authority. Our verses aren’t about how one should behave when in authority — though Paul does imply some things for those in authority — but the thrust of his mandate is to those under authority.

So back to the behaviors that concern us when we’re under authority: Does the fact that authority can be abused give us biblical warrant for disobeying Paul’s mandate? It doesn’t.

For example, David submitted to King Saul’s authority even after God had anointed him — David — to be king. David even refused to speak ill of Saul — much less rebel against his authority. Did he flee for his life? You bet he did! But he still respected the fact that Saul was king — so he fled while submitting himself to Saul’s authority as king.

And don’t forget that Paul’s words about submitting to authority come after he wrote…

Romans 8:35–37 ESV

Paul acknowledges that Christians are being slaughtered and killed — he didn’t forget this a few chapters later when he writes about submitting to authorities. And — listen — I’m just like you. This is incredibly challenging to everything I want to be true. I want God’s Word to say something like, “Don’t submit to those who slaughter you” or something like that. But Paul — inspired by the Holy Spirit — doesn’t write that. He acknowledges that the Roman Empire is killing them — and yet — he says, “Submit to them anyway.”

And — when we reject this mandate to submit — we sin. For when God’s Word mandates or commands us to do something — when we don’t do it — we sin. Like I said last week and this week — this isn’t going to be a popular sermon.

And since this sermon can’t lose much more popularity — let me ask: What’s your favorite sinful way to respond to authority? Few of us are bold enough for straight up — in your face — rebellion — we like our paycheck too much for that — we don’t want to go to jail — and so on — so what’s your go to sinful response to authority that still keeps your life pretty comfortable?

Complaining to your spouse.
A growing resentment towards a government official.
Social media slander.
Wasting time at work to “pay back the man.”

The sin of those in authority over us does not excuse our sinful response. For our submission to them is — as I said last week — ultimately a display of our submission to Christ — who submitted himself to sinful authorities even when it cost him his life.

What does the larger catechism have to say to those of us who are under authority?

Q. 127. What kind of honor is owed to those over us? A. Those over us deserve respect in our hearts, our words, and our actions. We must pray and give thanks for them, emulate their virtues and gifts, willingly heed and obey their lawful commands and advice, submit to their correction, be faithful to them, and defend and support their persons and authority, as is appropriate to their rank and position. We must also tolerate their imperfections and infirmities and cover them with our love, so that we will be an honor to them and to their authority.

And question one hundred and twenty-eight asks…

Q. 128. What are the particular sins against those in authority by those under them? A. The sins of those under authority against those over them are: any failure to perform what is required by them; being envious of, holding in contempt, or rebelling against their person or position as reflected in their lawful advice, commands, and correction; cursing at or making fun of them or any kind of stubborn resistance and disgraceful display that brings shame and dishonor to their person and authority.

And if you’re looking for a scriptural escape clause — know that the Bible is unified on this topic.

Titus 3:1–2 ESV

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

No escape clause. Submit to rulers and those in authority. Speak evil of no one.

Colossians 3:18 ESV

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

No escape clause. Wives submit to your husbands.

Ephesians 5:18–21 ESV

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

No escape clause. Christians submit to one another.

1 Peter 2:13–19 ESV

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

No escape clause. Submit to every human institution and — by the way — honor the emperor. Yes. The guy who’s slaughtering you.

Next week we’ll look at times when we must disobey those in authority and — spoiler alert — biblically justified disobedience to authority usually results in extreme persecution — like getting thrown into a fiery furnace, a lion’s den, or actual death.

Which may cause someone to wonder, “Are we free to publicly disagree with those in authority over us?” Yes. But how we do so is incredibly important

What do we see biblically? We have the example of Daniel who publicly criticized two kings in his day — Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. After interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream — the dream where God warns him about his pride — Daniel concludes his interpretation with…

Daniel 4:27 ESV

27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”

As you probably know — Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t listen to Daniel’s warning. But notice how respectful Daniel was to the king.

John the baptist publicly rebuked King Herod for his relationship with his brother’s wife.

Mark 6:18 ESV

18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Which resulted in John’s imprisonment and eventual beheading because — even when respectfully given — some will want our heads for what we say.

And then there’s Paul — the guy who wrote the words that are challenging all of us. He’s been arrested…

Acts 22:30–23:3 ESV

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. 1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Paul’s not a fan of having his face beat in. Yet watch what happens next.

Acts 23:4–5 ESV

4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Paul immediately acknowledges that his reaction to getting punched in the face went against God’s Word. When he first spoke — in reaction to being struck — he wasn’t aware that Ananias was the high priest — and thus an authority over Paul in the Jewish religion. But as soon as he’s told what position Ananias held — Paul confesses that what he did — in response to getting hit — was wrong. He doesn’t justify himself. He doesn’t point the finger at what caused him to speak out. He admits to being wrong. What submission to God’s Word and those he placed in authority.

CONCLUSION

Oh there’s much we can learn from Paul when it comes to submitting to God’s Word on this issue! Yes — those in authority will be held accountable for how they steward their responsibilities — but when their accountability becomes our main focus — we lose sight of what we will give God an account for: Our submission to those he’s put in authority over us. For every authority God puts in your life is there to make you more like Christ. And that’s God’s goal for you — to become more like Jesus.

So pray for the salvation of those in authority over you.
If they’re a Christian — pray for their growth in godliness and Christ-like character.
Ask God to lead them in their responsibilities.
Pray for their success — for God will only bless success that brings him glory.
Pray for your response to those in authority over you.
And thank God for the opportunity he’s giving you to grow by submitting to the authority he’s put in your life.

For when you do — and when I do — we’ll show the world the submission that our Savior displayed while here on earth. For Jesus did say…

John 6:38 ESV

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

And he said…

John 8:29 ESV

29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

And we can — and will — please God when we submit to him — by submitting to those he’s placed in authority over us — trusting that there is no authority in our life except which comes from him. Let’s pray.

PRAYER

Father, you are sovereign. We continue to meditate on what it means for you to be in control of all things — including all who are in authority. For none are in authority except those whom you’ve put there. That’s true for those who make you look glorious by stewarding their responsibilities well. And that’s true for those who — like Caesar — need to take heed that they’re working for you whether they realize it or not — for they will give an account for how they use the authority you’ve given them.

Spirit, give comfort to those who fear authority — who’ve been abused by authority — who’ve seen the destruction that those who misuse authority can cause. Remind them that all in authority will give an account to you. You’ll make the final judgment — and your decision will be just.

And — Jesus — you submitted yourself to your Father’s authority and to the human authorities who used what God had entrusted to them to bring about your death. You are our Savior and our example of what a life looks like that makes our Heavenly Father look glorious through our submission to authority. Ultimately — may our submission to others come from our lives being first and fully submitted to you.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — these are tough thoughts — challenging ideas — yet a clear picture of the “therefore” life we’ve been called to live. We need your power to do so. Your grace to do so. Your protection to do so. Your mercy to do so. Please give us everything we need to make you look glorious through our submission. And we pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available)

May you go — submitting your life to Christ — and trusting him as you submit to others. Amen.

God loves you. I love you. You are sent.

SERMON TITLE: Authority (pt 2)

‌SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)

SPEAKER: Josh Hanson

DATE: 7-27-25

TURN MIC ON / WELCOME

INTRODUCTION

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

So we’ll be addressing submission to political authorities — in addition to submission and authority in other areas of life beyond politics — the home, the church, the workplace, and so on.

But before we get to these two perspectives on authority — we need to first turn somewhere that may surprise you — to the Ten Commandments.

AUTHORITY AND THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

Exodus 20:12 ESV

12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

And just as children are commanded to obey their parents — Christians are commanded to…

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

Q. 123. What is the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment is: Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

The next question asks…

1 Timothy 5:1–2 ESV

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Continuing in the larger catechism we read…

Leading us to the next question…

TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY

But with this expectation — that Caesar may read his letter — imagine the boldness in making the statement…

Romans 13:1–4 ESV

Question one hundred and twenty-nine asks…

As Paul tells Timothy — who’s pastoring in Ephesus…

1 Timothy 4:12–16 ESV

Pastors — who have authority in the local church — are to be an example to their congregation — something God expects of all in authority to be for those who are under their leadership.

Husbands — set an example to your wives.
Parents — set an example to your children.
Those in government — set an example to the citizens.
Bosses — set an example to your employees.
And so on.

Returning to the catechism — the next question asks…

These are the behaviors that concern us when we’re under authority, right? But does the fact that authority can be abused give us biblical justification to not submit?

TO THOSE UNDER AUTHORITY

So back to the behaviors that concern us when we’re under authority: Does the fact that authority can be abused give us biblical warrant for disobeying Paul’s mandate? It doesn’t.

And don’t forget that Paul’s words about submitting to authority come after he wrote…

Romans 8:35–37 ESV

Complaining to your spouse.
A growing resentment towards a government official.
Social media slander.
Wasting time at work to “pay back the man.”

What does the larger catechism have to say to those of us who are under authority?

And question one hundred and twenty-eight asks…

And if you’re looking for a scriptural escape clause — know that the Bible is unified on this topic.

Titus 3:1–2 ESV

No escape clause. Submit to rulers and those in authority. Speak evil of no one.

Colossians 3:18 ESV

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

No escape clause. Wives submit to your husbands.

Ephesians 5:18–21 ESV

No escape clause. Christians submit to one another.

1 Peter 2:13–19 ESV

No escape clause. Submit to every human institution and — by the way — honor the emperor. Yes. The guy who’s slaughtering you.

Which may cause someone to wonder, “Are we free to publicly disagree with those in authority over us?” Yes. But how we do so is incredibly important

Daniel 4:27 ESV

As you probably know — Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t listen to Daniel’s warning. But notice how respectful Daniel was to the king.

John the baptist publicly rebuked King Herod for his relationship with his brother’s wife.

Mark 6:18 ESV

18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Which resulted in John’s imprisonment and eventual beheading because — even when respectfully given — some will want our heads for what we say.

And then there’s Paul — the guy who wrote the words that are challenging all of us. He’s been arrested…

Acts 22:30–23:3 ESV

Paul’s not a fan of having his face beat in. Yet watch what happens next.

Acts 23:4–5 ESV

CONCLUSION

So pray for the salvation of those in authority over you.
If they’re a Christian — pray for their growth in godliness and Christ-like character.
Ask God to lead them in their responsibilities.
Pray for their success — for God will only bless success that brings him glory.
Pray for your response to those in authority over you.
And thank God for the opportunity he’s giving you to grow by submitting to the authority he’s put in your life.

For when you do — and when I do — we’ll show the world the submission that our Savior displayed while here on earth. For Jesus did say…

John 6:38 ESV

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

And he said…

John 8:29 ESV

29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

PRAYER

BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available)

May you go — submitting your life to Christ — and trusting him as you submit to others. Amen.

God loves you. I love you. You are sent.

Authority (pt 1)

Josh — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:43:00 +0000

‌SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)

DATE: 7-20-25

INTRODUCTION

We’re continuing our series in Romans this weekend. And we’re in the practical application section of Paul’s letter. You may remember that — after eleven chapters of rich theological truths — Paul gets to the “so what” beginning in chapter twelve. Meaning he addresses how all of the theology — found in the first eleven chapters — is to play itself out in how we live. Or — at least — how it should influence the way we live. That’s the journey we began earlier this year with Paul’s big “therefore” statement — when he writes…

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

In light of the theology he’s taught us — Paul now tells us to live our lives as sacrificial offerings to God — where our lives are acts of worship that make our God look glorious to the world. And the way our lives can make God look glorious to the world — that Paul addresses in our verses for today — leads us to what will most likely be the most controversial subject I’ve ever preached on as the pastor here. More controversial than the gift of prophecy or predestination — more controversial than church membership or infant baptism. For Paul’s showing us what not being conformed to this world looks like in some of the touchiest parts of life.

With that — if you have your Bible — please turn with me to Romans chapter thirteen. We’ll be in Romans chapter thirteen today — looking at verses one through seven. There Paul writes…

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

What this text teaches is pretty straightforward. Today we’ll cover what Paul is saying — at a high level — as we remind ourselves of the situation in which he’s writing these words — and we’ll also explore an important doctrine we must believe in order for what Paul’s teaching us to make any kind of sense.

Next week we’ll return to this passage — because — though it’s straightforward and clear — applying this text is where things get hard. So we’ll spend next week talking about some implications of this text and how we’re to live differently both — when we’re in authority — and when we’re under — or in submission to — authority.

Then — the following and final week of looking at these verses — we’ll address the authority questions that everyone asks: When must we obey authority and — the more popular question — when can we disobey authority?

Now — if you’re here and wouldn’t call yourself a Christian — know that — for the next few weeks — we’ll be talking politics — but not how you might think. When we talk about submitting to authority — one area of life where this can’t be ignored is in the area of government. That’s why I said this may be the most controversial subject I’ve ever preached on because — generally speaking — politics is a religion in our country. And we’re a nation with many who are fully devoted followers of the Republican and Democrat religions — I mean — parties.

So — warning — politics is going to be brought up. Yet submitting to authority applies to many other areas of life beyond politics — the home, church, where you work, and so on — so we’ll briefly touch on these areas of life over the next few weeks as well.

Again — next week we’ll focus on those in and under authority. And — the week after that — we’ll address some of the implications and scenarios and “what about’s” that you’ve probably thought of when it comes to submission and authority. I wish I could get right to these questions — but we have to lay some biblical groundwork first — and my guess is that you’ll thank me for breaking this up over multiple weeks rather than trying to address it all in one really long sermon.

So here’s our goal for today. Today I want to — first — explain the text: what is Paul saying and what was going on in Paul’s world when he wrote these words? Then I want to focus on an important doctrine this text teaches us that we must believe in order to have any hope in knowing how to apply what our verses teach.

What is Paul saying? And an important doctrine for us to believe.

PAUL’S POINT

First — what is Paul teaching us in this text? Let’s just read the entire passage again.

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

So what is Paul saying? He starts with a mandate: “Let every person” — meaning every single person — including you and me — “let every person be subject to the governing authorities.”

In making this mandate, Paul places an obligation on his original readers — and given that this is in the Bible — the obligation applies to all Christians — including those of us who follow Jesus today.

We who live in the United States.
Christians who live in the United Kingdom.
Christians who live in China.
And Christians who live in North Korea.

This mandate applies to all Christians. Which makes what Paul mandates both straightforward — and — incredibly challenging.

As one pastor writes…The strength of this statement intensifies when we realize that Paul was talking of a very non-Christian government—the pagan Roman empire. The “authorities” Paul has in view were at best unfriendly, and at worst actively hostile, toward the church. The increasingly secular west is only just beginning to experience the level of hostility that first-century believers faced; the 21st-century persecuted church experiences it every day. It is this type of “state” which Paul tells the Christian to submit himself to. The default position of the Christian (every Christian) to the state (any state) is to submit.

Now this mandate isn’t too rattling when you’re a Christian living in the United States and the individual you voted for is in the White House. But then we go all cray cray when the other party’s candidate wins — “not my president.” So let’s take a step outside of our small United States of America world and think of the Christians who live in North Korea. How can Paul — inspired by the Holy Spirit — make such a mandate that applies to Christians living in North Korea?

His justification comes in his next sentence where he states that “there is no authority except from God.” This will be the foundation for the doctrine we’ll look at in a moment — but this biblical truth — this doctrine when believed — is how Paul’s mandate is obeyed.

Without a firm understanding of — and belief in — this doctrine — that all who are in authority are there because God has put him or her there — we will not obey this mandate — which is sinful, by the way.
We won’t live the changed life that our faith says we can live.
Because the fuel for our “being subject to the governing authorities” — whether we live in the US, the UK, China, North Korea — or — the Roman Empire in which Paul lived when he wrote these words — is believing that “there is no authority except from God.”

Yet — not only did Paul live under the rule of the Roman Empire — he’s writing this letter to Christians who live in the city of Rome — the city where the Roman Empire gets its name from. So — earlier — when Paul wrote…

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

…these Christians in Rome would’ve immediately had questions about how all of this “not conforming to the world” stuff applies to their relationship with Caesar. For Paul has essentially told them, “Don’t be conformed to the Caesar worshiping world that you live in the midst of.” And they’re probably all like, “Well how does that work, Paul?”

About twenty years earlier, Jesus was asked something similar. Here’s what happened.

Mark 12:13–17 ESV

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.

Here’s Jesus’s point: Pay taxes to Caesar, but don’t worship him. And worshiping him can include an absolute allegiance and unqualified obedience to him. But — as Christians — there’s only One we worship. The early Christians understood this and constantly ran into trouble when the leaders of the Roman Empire realized that they believed they were required to submit to an authority higher than the emperor.

The Westminster Confession of Faith — our denomination’s doctrinal standard — summarizes all of this with…

God, the supreme Lord and King of the whole world, has ordained civil authorities to be over people under him for his own glory and the public good. For this purpose he has armed civil authorities with the power of the sword to defend and encourage those who are good and to punish wrongdoers. (WCF 23.1)

It cites our verses from Romans chapter thirteen — as reference — and also First Peter chapter two, which says…

1 Peter 2:13–14 ESV

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

We read commands like this from Peter and are immediately concerned with the lack of a loophole. Every human institution — including the emperor? The emperor, the boss, the husband, the church leadership — and yes — even the people you didn’t vote for. Yes — both Peter and Paul agree.

But the Christians living in Rome would’ve been just as shocked as you by such a statement because the Roman emperors they’ve lived under were not good men. These weren’t godly, God-fearing, emperors.

During the time Paul wrote this letter, things were fairly peaceful for Christians in the Roman Empire. Yes, the Jews were persecuting them, but the Roman Empire had yet to amp up its persecution of Christians. That will come a few years after Romans is written. But — as we see in Acts eighteen — which takes place about five years before Paul writes Romans — some Christians had been kicked out of Rome and we’re not exactly sure why. But what this tells us is that the relationship between the Christians and the government was deteriorating.

Paul would’ve been aware of all of this — Peter too. Which is why Peter and Paul both have to explain why such submission is required. Peter says we’re to submit “for the Lord’s sake” and Paul says we submit “because all authority is established by God.” These two statements show us that our response to authority will either reflect positively or negatively on Jesus and what we believe about him. That’s what’s at stake with our submission to authority.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

Which leads us to the important doctrine of our text — a doctrine that’s meant to give us confidence as we submit to authority — regardless if we live here in the US or in nations where Christians are persecuted. The doctrine our text highlights is the sovereignty of God. One resource I use defines the sovereignty of God as…

The biblical teaching concerning the absolute, irresistible, infinite, and unconditional exercise of God’s self-will over every area of his creation. (The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia)

Christians like to debate about humanity’s free will. God’s sovereignty means that he has a will too — and his is free — in fact — God’s free will is freer than any of ours — that’s what it means for him to be God and for us to not be.

We find God’s sovereignty in verse one of our chapter — where Paul writes…

Romans 13:1 ESV

1 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.

God — in being sovereign — has established every government that has ever existed — all governments today and all governments throughout history. And — in being sovereign — he has also brought to an end every government that no longer exists.

But it’s not just Paul who claims God’s sovereignty over those in authority. For we read…

Proverbs 8:15–16 ESV

15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.

And…

Proverbs 21:1 ESV

1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he (God) turns it (the king’s heart) wherever he will.

Or take the prophet Habakkuk who’s book begins with…

Habakkuk 1:1–4 NLT

1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. 2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.

I’ll paraphrase Habakkuk’s words for you: God, things are not good! Are you going to do anything about it?

And here’s God’s reply to Habakkuk.

Habakkuk 1:5–11 NLT

5 The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands. 7 They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like. 8 Their horses are swifter than cheetahs and fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their charioteers charge from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey. 9 “On they come, all bent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind, sweeping captives ahead of them like sand. 10 They scoff at kings and princes and scorn all their fortresses. They simply pile ramps of earth against their walls and capture them! 11 They sweep past like the wind and are gone. But they are deeply guilty, for their own strength is their god.”

Be honest. If you were Habakkuk — how would you have responded to God? Imagine our country tanking. Economic tanking. Morality tanking. Spiritually tanking. Emotionally tanking. Relationally tanking. Imagine everything just going down, down, down. So you pray to God. Imagine God answering you with, “OK. I’ll do something. I’m going to have China invade the US and completely take it over.” Now you understand what God just said to Habakkuk.

The God you believe in — does he have this kind of sovereignty over the nations? Can he raise up cruel and violent people to bring about his judgment — even if the judgment is on his people? For God — in being sovereign — can use any and all human authority to accomplish his purpose. A wicked nation, an evil ruler, a candidate from the other political party — all of them can be used by God to execute his will here on earth — because — he is sovereign.

Take King Jeroboam —a wicked man who wouldn’t listen to wise advice. Where’s God’s sovereignty when a wicked man becomes king? It’s right here.

1 Kings 12:15 ESV

15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

King Jeroboam’s decision leads to the division of Israel — one nation becomes two. And why did this happen — why did Jeroboam make this decision? So that the word of the Lord would be fulfilled.

Centuries later — when Nebuchadnezzar — who had defeated and conquered the people of God — has a dream about a statue — Daniel tells him…

Daniel 2:37–38 ESV

37 You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, 38 and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are the head of gold.

This pagan — “people of God conquering and enslaving king” — was given the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory — by — the God of the people whom he had conquered. How about that?

Does the God you believe in have this kind of sovereignty? Can he use the other political party’s candidate or some other nation’s ruler to accomplish his will? He’s done so in the past — with wicked and evil kings. For — as Nebuchadnezzar will later be told…

Daniel 4:25 ESV

25 seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.

A truth about God’s sovereignty that — not only a pagan king needs to learn — but a truth we all need to learn. God rules the kingdoms and nations and states and homes and churches and marriages of mankind. He puts in authority whomever he wills.

We love our freedom — here in the US — but do we believe that — even our freedom — is under God’s sovereignty? This is something we must not forget.

Nebuchadnezzar’s nation will eventually fall to Persia and its king — Cyrus — who the prophet Isaiah recorded these words about nearly two hundred years before Cyrus would reign as an earthly king.

Isaiah 45:1–13 NLT

1 This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one, whose right hand he will empower. Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear. Their fortress gates will be opened, never to shut again. 2 This is what the Lord says: “I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. 4 “And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. 5 I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, 6 so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. 8 “Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them. 9 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ 10 How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” 11 This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? 12 I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. 13 I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people— without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

There’s comfort to be found in this doctrine. Because we believe that God is directing the hearts of all who are in authority — even when those in authority make decisions you disagree with — you can trust in the outcome. For if God could lose control over those leading Babylon or Persia or Israel — or if he’s lost control over those leading North Korea or Iran, China or Afghanistan or those who lead the Democrat or Republican Party — then he’s not sovereign. And a God who’s not sovereign isn’t a god worthy of our worship. For only a sovereign God can give you confidence like Joseph — to say…

Genesis 50:20 NLT

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Joseph said this to his brothers who had sold him into slavery hoping they’d never have to see him again. He’s framed. He’s imprisoned. He’s forgotten. And — yet — God “intended it all for good” — that’s Joseph’s way of describing God’s sovereignty.

Earlier in Romans — Paul describes God’s sovereignty this way.

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

“All things work together for good” — all things — including those who are in authority over you. I mean if — as Paul goes on to say…

Romans 8:31 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The implied answer being, “No one can be against us.” And as he continues…

Romans 8:35–39 ESV

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What authority — and who in authority — can separate you from God’s love? No one. But don’t miss — and maybe this time it’ll feel a little heavier to you — but don’t miss Paul’s words, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we’re regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

Even when those in authority kill and slaughter God’s people — God’s sovereignty doesn’t waver. Because — in every circumstance — those whom God has put over you in authority is part of his good plan for you.

CONCLUSION

Which shouldn’t surprise us — for we follow Jesus who — when…

John 19:10–11 ESV

10 Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above…”

Pilate may not have recognized where his authority came from — but Jesus knew. And Pilate’s authority — which he used to crucify Jesus — was under the sovereign power of God.

And more important than Pilate’s authority or the power of any leader of any nation is the authority of Jesus Christ — the Sovereign One. For he — after having defeated death — said…

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus — the King of kings and Lord of lords — is reigning and ruling and orchestrating all things so that his will is accomplished — in the world — and in your life.

And here’s what I hope you’re hearing — for this is where this little mini-series on authority is going to take all of us who follow Jesus: My hope is that we’ll all begin to see with greater clarity — how our view of authority — both when we’re in authority — but especially when we’re under authority — how our view — and more importantly — our obedience to the authority God has placed over us — at home, at work, in the church, in our nation, and so on — I hope we’ll all see how our obedience to the authority God has placed over us is a reflection of our submission to him — more than it’s about our submission to them.

Your obedience to authority — if you believe Jesus — or your lack of submission to authority — reveals more about your submission to God than it does to whoever he’s placed over you. For he is the One who has placed all authority in your life. And the “therefore” life — that Paul’s showing us — is a life that’s submitted to the authority of the only Sovereign God —a submitted life to God which displays itself by submitting to the authority he’s placed over us. When we live in North Korea. Or China. Or the UK. Or here in the US. Let’s pray.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, you are sovereign — in control — orchestrating your plan and purpose for your creation. Nothing and no one is outside of your sovereign authority. No king or queen. No prime minister or president. And none of us. For you are God — you are sovereign — and we are not.

Holy Spirit, our sin has caused us to distrust and rebel against authority — including yours. We believe ourselves to always be right, to know what’s best, to not be accountable to anyone, and so on — all lies. Forgive us of such arrogance and pride.

And — Jesus — all authority in heaven and on earth is yours. And we trust you to do what is right, what is best, and what is for our good. You’ve never given us a reason to doubt your goodness or trustworthiness — so we choose — right now — to trust. And we do so admitting that it’s so hard — for we want control. So thank you in advance for being patient and gracious with us. And we pray all of this in your name. Amen.

BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available)

May you go submitting yourself to the authority of the One who is Sovereign — trusting that he is working out all things for the good of his people. Amen.

God loves you. I love you. You are sent.

Episode 198 – Q&A

Josh — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:53:37 +0000

Questions

If Satan was an angel and there is no sin in heaven, how did Satan sin?

The Bible doesn’t give us a clear answer as to why Satan disobeyed and rebelled against God. It just tells us that he did.

What is different about the coming of the Holy Spirit to believers in the time of the New Covenant, versus His work in believers under the Old Covenant? My understanding is that we would refer to believers of both ages as “regenerate”, since this is a prerequisite for true faith. But in the New Covenant I usually think of this as coinciding with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer.

During Pastor Josh’s sermons we have been discussing prophecy, dreams, and the end times. I did not grow up in the EPC or Presbyterian Churches. Why doesn’t Pastor Josh explain what the organizations beliefs are on these different topics?

I’d encourage the individual to go to our church YouTube channel and watch a Saturday seminar I did titled Naturally Supernatural Part 2.
But there isn’t an official belief on these topics in the EPC.

What does our church believes happens to infants or children during the rapture or end of times? What scripture is there to read that discusses this or supports our belief?

There’s a vast difference between the end times and the rapture. We’re living in the end times right now, so I’ll focus on the rapture part of the question.
The question then is, “When Jesus returns, what happens to infants/children who weren’t able to receive or reject him as their Savior? Will they be raptured to Heaven or sent to Hell?”
- I think I’ve answered a similar question about infants/children who die. So I’ll quickly summarize my response.
- Scripture doesn’t say much on this topic, so we must be careful.
- Where I land, this isn’t an official Gateway position or EPC position as this isn’t a topic with enough biblical evidence to have an “official position” — however I land here: “Since God’s grace is enough to cover the sins of those who realize what it means to both be born in sin and that they have sinned against God, his grace is enough to cover the sins of infants/children who never reached the opportunity to realize what it means to be born in sin.”

How do we know all souls are eternal, specifically the ones not found in the book of life? I recently met someone who believes in annihilationism and says that after the final judgment, those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life, still live on the new earth with God for all eternity, however, those not in the book of life will essentially cease to exist, body and soul, rather than be in hell for all eternity.

Because Jesus tells us so. And he actually connects eternal life and eternal death. Where if one isn’t true, then neither are.
To save time, I’ll read just one passage where Jesus makes this clear: Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ³²Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. ³⁴Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ⁴⁰And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,⁶ you did it to me.’ ⁴¹“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴²For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ ⁴⁵Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
In the Greek, the same word is used — and is present — meaning, the translators aren’t implying that the fire and punishment are eternal just like life is eternal — the Greek text actually says that the fire and punishment are eternal along with life. Therefore, annihilationism ignores what Jesus actually says.
For those who argue that the punishment could be eternal in a non-existent state — then one must also conclude that somehow the life that Jesus mentions could be just as eternal and of a non-existent state. And that’s not the life any Christians believes they’re headed for. So neither can the punishment be anything other than eternal for those who reject Christ.
Finally, here’s what annihilationism actually does: it excuses us from sharing the gospel with people. Think about it. If there’s no eternal punishment — if all that happens to people who don’t believe in Jesus is that they will cease to exist — how compelling is that to share the gospel with them?

My life group was discussing the sermon from Daniel 8, and we had a point that we all got kind of stuck on. Pastor Josh talked about the two approaches: 1) the higher critics’ approach of not accepting all the prophetic details, or 2) believing that God is the author of history. He said that both of these views have obstacles. We understand the obstacles for #1, but we were confused about what the actual obstacle is for #2. Our best guess is that the “obstacle” is that it will be more challenging for Christians to live out their faith the closer we get to the end of this world. But we also struggled to see that as an obstacle because being challenged should actually strengthen our faith. So, can you confirm what the obstacle is to believing that God is the author of history?

The questioner seems to have understood both of my points. Where there may still be confusion is on what I meant by obstacles for us Christians as we live in the end times. I’ll share a few of these obstacles from my point of view as a pastor and see if that helps clarify what I meant in the sermon.
- Take some of Paul’s final words about the end times from 2nd Timothy chapter 3:
- But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.
- These are all obstacles for us as we strive to live faithfully. And we’re all prone to deceiving ourselves into thinking that we’re not the people doing the things that Paul lists! That’s the blindness our enemy continues to try and place over all our eyes. Now the diligence needed to overcome these obstacles may be present in the folks in the group who wrestled with my statement — but — again as a pastor — I see far too many followers of Jesus with very little endurance these days. Lots of compromise these days. Lots of appearing godly while denying the power of our faith. And it’s a huge concern because we’re the people — unlike the higher critics — who take God at his Word. Yet we don’t take him seriously when his Word is critiquing us.

In Romans 11, Paul tells us that there was left a remnant of God’s people, the Jews, who were able to hear with their ears and see with their eyes the truths of God’s redemptive work through Jesus. This remnant would be God’s instrument to bring the gospel to the gentiles in order to add them to the tree of Israel. And the reason he does this is 1) so that He may fulfill the promise he made to his people through the prophets to bring salvation to the gentiles and 2) to make the hardened Jews jealous in order to save some. Do you believe that this second point is still the intention for today? That God is still continuing to use the grafting in of gentiles to make the Jews jealous and bring some of them to faith and repentance? Or do you think purpose of the Jew’s jealousy has ran it’s course and was more of an early church approach to saving some Jews? Paul says in verses 13 and 14 that God appointed him as an Apostle to the gentiles and Paul wants to make the Jews jealous in order to save some. I ask this question because I wonder if Jews of today would actually become jealous of the ongoing grafting in of the gentiles.

I’ll be preaching through Romans 11 in the near future — at the time of this recording — so more to come on this. But I think the context of the verses indicate that the jealousy continues until the full number of Gentiles are grafted in (11:25). So until the full number of Gentiles is reached — the period of their jealousy continues.

I really enjoy History….The History Channel is a favorite of ours. Lately I’ve been thinking how, as Christians, we are to reconcile ancient cultures and events with our belief in the Bible and timelines we have been taught and believe. Where do the cultures and peoples of the Americas come from and when did they get there compared to Biblical time lines and events? How does a pyramid in South America look so similar to a pyramid in Egypt? Ancient drawings depict similar figures all around the world. Continents seem to have fit together in the past and would suggest drastic continental movement of the Earth’s surface….separating peoples and cultures. The populating of the world in Genesis is confusing and hard to explain. These are all thoughts and questions that I’d like to be able to discuss intelligently with my family and friends. Or should we even worry or contemplate such things?

I wouldn’t say don’t worry about contemplating such things, just realize what the point of the Bible is when it comes to its history portions. It’s not telling the history of every civilization, but mainly of the Jewish people and then the spread of the church in the NT. Allow other historians to be informative, but when they start to say, “Because of what we know over here, then the Bible isn’t true” understand that they probably have an agenda that goes beyond their history of study.

Podcast Episode 72: Predestination pt 2

Josh — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:21:33 +0000

Release Date: Apr 27, 2021

Predestination Questions

We received many questions from several different listeners all asking about similar topics. What follows are those questions lumped together into 4 Big Ideas. We tackled parts of Ideas #1 & 4 in part 1 of our Predestination Q&A and address #2 & 3 today.

Big Idea 1 – Predestination: It is my understanding that God wants all people to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), but we know that not all people are saved. If salvation is 100% up to God with zero human involvement, why doesn’t he choose to elect and save everyone? Does the word “all” actually just mean “some?” Similarly…if God predestined some to be saved, then he must have also predestined some to be condemned to hell. Why would God predestine humans, whom he created in his image and loves, for eternity in hell?

Big Idea 2 – Losing salvation: Back in Romans 6 we learned that God gave us freedom from sin and he also gave us freedom for righteousness. So how does this relate to the example of the person who was resuscitated by God’s grace after being dead, drowned at the bottom of the sea. Can that saved person then, refuse life by wading back into the mire? What about the basketball player in your sermon…was he saved based on committing his life to Christ when he was younger despite his change later in his life?

God’s will and our will (8:45):

Proverbs 19:21
Psalm 33:10-11
Proverbs 16:9
Daniel 4:34-35
James 1:18
1 Samuel 26:17-21
Acts 9:1-19a
Genesis 50:20
Isaiah 10:5-19
Habakkuk 1:5-11
Acts 2:22-24
1 Chronicles 13:2-3
Psalm 145:19
Acts 15:28
1 Thess 4:3
1 Thess 5:16-18
2 Peter 3:9
1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 Timothy 4:10
Romans 6:17-20
Ephesians 2:1-5
Colossians 2:13
1 Tim 5:6
2 Tim 2:23-26
Titus 1:15-16

Limits to our freedom (45:15)

“Choose whom you will serve” passages (53:35):

Deut 30:16
Joshua 24:14-16
1 Corinthians 10:13
Philippians 2:12-13
Romans 7:15-25

Big Idea 3 – Free Will: Is it Gateway’s belief that a person has no choice or free will in accepting the call of God? I have always believed that all who God creates are chosen and all are called but some do not accept the call and therefore do not have salvation. You did mention at the end of your sermon that how we respond to God’s call to salvation is important, but you didn’t really expand on that. What are we actually doing when we “accept Christ into our hearts?” It feels like there is some free will in our response to God’s call.

Big Idea 4: Why evangelize? If the golden chain of salvation is unbreakable, and those he foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified, then why do we need to share the gospel? Are some people doomed hopelessly to deny Christ no matter how much they hear about him? (58:55)

Rom 10:10-17
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15
Acts 1:8

EPISODE 127: Q&A

Josh — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:37:08 +0000

Date: 09/07/2022

Questions

The book of Hebrews starts by laying out the case that Jesus is better than angels. This teaching would have countered the worship of angels above Jesus, but has it also caused us to downplay the importance of the role angels and the spirit world play in our lives?

I think we have a misunderstanding regarding angels, not primarily because of the Hebrews passage, but because we’re just not clear on what the Bible actually teaches about them.
There’s a quote that says, “Christians are so heavenly minded they’re of no earthly good.” The problem is that many of the people who’ve done the most earthly good — establishing hospitals, orphanages, clean water, tackled malnutrition, and so on — have been the most heavenly minded people.
Similarly, I don’t think anyone can be so Jesus minded that other parts of our theology and faith are downgraded (like angels). In fact, the more Jesus minded you are the more all of your theology gets elevated. But for those who get wrapped up in secondary theological issues — raising them up as really really important — often their Jesus-mindedness wanes.
Now that I’ve said my bit and am off my soapbox, what does Scripture say about angels?
1. Angels are messengers. Both in the Old and New Testament we see this as their primary role.
  1. In Genesis, angels appear to Abraham to give him the message about what’s going to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah.
  2. In Matthew an angel appears to Joseph telling him to not abandon Mary. In Luke, an angel appears to Mary.
2. The Angel of the LORD is prominent in the Old Testament. Often this angel has divine-like qualities. Some interpret the Angel of the Lord to be prefigures of Christ before his incarnation.
  1. Example in Genesis 16:7-13 ESV. After Hagar was sent away by Sarah, “The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” 13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.””
3. Satan and demons are fallen angels.
  1. In Job Satan appears in the heavenly realms with the other angels.
  2. He’s called the “prince of the power of the air” in Ephesians (which is angelic language).
  3. In Revelation 2 and 3 (mentioned next), the seven churches have seven stars and angels. In chapter 12, Satan is said to have swept a third of the stars out of the sky (stars meaning angels that are now demons).
  4. Jude 1:6 — And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.
4. The seven churches in Revelation all have an angel associated with them. This is descriptive — not prescriptive — so we’d be going too far if we suggest that every local church has an angel associated with it.
5. We’re not to worship angels. Colossians 2:18; Revelation 1
6. Regarding guardian angels — there’s not much in Scripture to defend the usual idea of guardian angels.
  1. Hebrews 1:14 — Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
  2. Daniel 12:1 — At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.
  3. Hebrews 13:2 — Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
  4. Matthew 18:10 — “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
  5. Psalm 91:11 — For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Satan quotes this verse to Jesus as he tempts him. So we know how this verse is fulfilled — in Christ; not us.)

In Pastor Robert’s sermon on 6/26/22 on 2 Timothy 2:1-19, he said that the word for men in verse 2 indicates both men and women (which I agree with – anthropos in the Greek refers to all humankind), and because of that, both men and women are responsible for spreading the gospel. In light of that, why does Gateway hold the stance that women should not preach from the pulpit? Is that not spreading the gospel, which both men and women are commanded to do per this passage (and many others)?

Since the question asker brings up the Greek language, let’s dive in and see how the original language answers their question.
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy to “entrust to faithful men (and women) who will be able to teach others. The Greek word — translated in English as “teach” — is found 97 times in the New Testament. Never once is it translated as “preach” in English. Only once — in the ESV — is the Greek word not directly translated as “teach/taught/teaching/etc…” and that’s when it’s translated as “directed” in a verse that has nothing to do with preaching.
Additionally, there is another Greek word that we translate as “preach” in English. In fact, in 2 Timothy — the book Pastor Robert preached from — Paul uses this Greek word in the well-known verse “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV) And — notice — that the word “teaching” is in the same verse as a different Greek word translated as preach. And this is the same Greek word translated as teach in chapter 2. So what does this all mean? Well it shows us that Paul means something different between teaching and preaching.
I bring all of this up because the questioner’s point seems to be “If 2 Timothy 2:2 tells us that men and women are to teach…then why don’t we allow women to preach from the pulpit?” Because teaching and preaching are two different ministries in the church. Are they both ways in which the gospel is spread? Absolutely! So the good news is that men and women — who are both responsible for spreading the gospel — can do so in many ways without limiting ourselves to preaching being the only way this is fulfilled.

How do we reconcile or respond to moral failures or alleged moral failures of a church or church leadership? For instance, the Hillsong Church founders and some of its pastors have been accused of abusing members. But does that mean we should boycott the worship songs of the Hillsong band? An investigation into the SBC found that SBC leaders abused women and children but covered it up. Does that mean we abandon resources published by Lifeway, the publishing arm of the SBC? If we took the boycott approach, we would eventually boycott everything. And it “punishes” these individuals or groups that may have no influence or knowledge of the abusive behavior conducted by others in their organization.

On a similar topic, this question came in: Let me preface by saying I just finished the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast which got me wondering how Gateway protects itself from something similar: a dominant lead pastor that eventually becomes almost like a dictator to the detriment of the church?
1. In what ways is there oversight and accountability for Pastor Josh?
2. What is the process for major decisions to be made and who leads those discussions or who has the final say in decision making? (Example: should we go down to 1 service vs 2? Should we be a multi-site church or not?)
3. When there is disagreement in direction between elders, how does it get resolved? Can you share any examples?
4. What is the staff’s level of authority vs. elders/deacons?
5. Who sets the vision for the church and what does that process look like?
6. One of the big problems with Mars Hill and its leadership seemed to be pride. Could Pastor Josh maybe show some vulnerability and talk about any areas or sin in his life today that he wrestles with? What theological areas are a little gray to him right now that he is working through? Is there any stance or view he had that he has recently changed on? Maybe outside of the sin question, are there personality or character items that he sees area for growth for himself?

First, to the second set of questions. I’d encourage anyone listening to go listen to a sermon I preached in our Acts series on August 14, 2022. It’s titled “Team Gateway.” In that sermon I talk about the various roles and responsibilities that elders, staff, deacons, and church members all have. That would cover everything from the vision for Gateway, decision making, and so on. I think it will also help clarify the difference between how Gateway is structured compared to churches like Mars Hill. We have a legitimate plurality of leadership. Meaning, the elders are not my board of directors who hold me accountable in how I lead Gateway. The elders are my co-leaders, co-pastors, co-laborers. In fact, in our denominational language I’m a teaching elder which implies my primary role is to teach and preach God’s Word. Other than Robert — who’s also a teaching elder — the remaining 12 elders are called ruling elders — with their primary responsibility being ruling or leading the church. This is a key distinction between us and churches who view the pastor as the CEO of the church. That’s not our model — which is how Mars Hill was organized.
As far as what should we do with people we admire or have learned from — other pastors, authors, so on — who have a moral failure?
1. First, we should all respond with prayer and repentance. There’s a juicy gossip train we all seem to jump on when there’s another scandal. Websites and blogs are dedicated to the moral failures of others. And this is to our shame. Now the news should be reported, but our first response as God’s people should be prayer and repentance. Prayer because God’s name and reputation has been dishonored once again. Repentance because we often are quick to speak and judge whoever’s made the headline this week — as if we’re not just as susceptible to giving in to sin ourselves.
2. Second, I would suggest practicing patience. No need to throw out all of their books today. But watch for repentance in their life. Public repentance because public sin requires public repentance. Watch to see if they just jump back into ministry as if nothing ever happened. If that’s the case, throw their books in the trash. You can find better things to read. But if they do repent — which we should be praying for — rejoice and celebrate for this is what our Heavenly Father is doing because of their repentance.
3. Third, guard your heart and make growth in personal holiness a priority. One of my life resolutions is: “Remember, what this congregation needs from me most is my personal holiness.” That’s what you need from me. But it’s what I need from you. And what we all need from each other.
4. Finally, make the local church a priority. Make deepening your relationship with others in your local church a priority. Make knowing your elders a priority. We’re often devastated when a pastor we’ve never met has a scandal. Meanwhile, there are faithful pastors in our lives who we make little effort to get to know, to build a relationship with, and to develop a sweet bond of trust with. Back to us having a plurality of leadership. This means that if you think your elders aren’t real elders — or don’t think you’ve been reached out to unless I (Pastor Josh) have called you — then know that your view of church leadership is too narrow. You’re wanting us to operate in an unbiblical way where — Josh don’t act like the CEO or sole pastor of the church when it comes to authority, but do act like the CEO or sole pastor of the church when it comes to care and relationships. And neither are biblical or healthy. Beyond that, I’ve only got so much relational capital. I can’t build intimate relational trust with everyone at Gateway — there’s just too many folks. But — kind of like the seven degrees of Kevin Bacon — if you get in close relationships with others at Gateway — I bet it won’t take very long before you personally know someone who knows me — or knows someone who knows someone who knows me. And then it’s up to you to trust their relationship with me. Their words about me. Their judgment of me. But know that there’s a large gap of trust that can’t be built unless we all take steps to be in relationships with others — to be known by others — to love and be loved by others. I know this can be scary. I know that past betrayals may make us less trusting of others today. But that’s a hurdle that I and the leadership of Gateway will never be able to get over — no matter how genuinely trustworthy we are — without all of us taking steps towards each other in relationship — what the Bible calls fellowship.

EPISODE: 188 – May 2024 Sermon Review

Josh — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:39:08 +0000

Date: 5/26/2024

Questions

Review of Daniel Series (pt. 2)

Josh said Biblical faith isn’t having confidence in particular outcomes; it’s having confidence in our sovereign God. Could you share a time in your life when you had confidence in God, not the outcome? (4:00)

King Nebuchadnezzar had an experience that made his relationship with God personal. At what point in your life did you feel like your relationship with God became much more personal? (9:20)

Pastor Josh mentioned how miracles can leave people in awe or cause them to question what they’ve seen, but miracles rarely are the means by which someone comes to faith. What’s more common in bringing about faith is a crisis. Have you experienced any miracles that left you in awe or caused you to question? (12:55)

In your sermon on the fiery furnace, you said the fourth man King Nebuchadnezzar saw in the fiery furnace was a theophany. What is the difference between a theophany and a Christophany, and how can we tell one from the other when we’re reading Scripture? (23:20)

EPISODE: 185 – April 2024 Sermon Review

Josh — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:30:38 +0000

Date: 4/28/2024

Questions

Review of Daniel Series ( pt. 1)

In the sermon Pastor Josh shared the story while in the military of the unreasonable demand. Our Life Group would like to know what Josh did and what was the outcome? (3:00)

Can dreams still be prophetic today? If so, how can we know if our dreams mean something? (8:35)

In Daniel 2:30 the NLT says, “And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.” The KJV also uses the word “heart”, but the ESV, NIV & NASB all use the word “mind.” Heart and mind seem like two different things, so what are your thoughts on this? (16:23)

Josh talked about the renaming of Daniel’s friends from Hananiah Mishael and Azariah to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how their new names related to the pagan gods of the Babylonians. If Daniel was the author of the book (which we agree he likely was), then why, outside of direct quotes, does he not refer to his friends by their Hebrew names? (18:26)

Did Nebuchadnezzar ever completely turn to Christ? (24:04)

Daniel

Josh — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 18:54:32 +0000

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3 (ESV)

DATE: 8-26-18

It’s good to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And one thing I want you to know — and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time with us or if you’re worshiping at our North Main campus — I want you to know that God loves you and I love you too.

SERIES INTRODUCTION

And welcome back to all of our college students. I saw some of you this past week at your kick off dinner. College students — free food every Thursday night at our North Main campus. Free. Food. Hint. Hint.

Speaking of hints. In the end of the gospel of Luke, there’s an interesting story about Jesus. After He’d been killed on the cross, Jesus appears to two men who thought He was dead — He somehow hid who He was from them — so they have no idea who they are talking to. His crucifixion has crushed whatever hopes they had about Him. And when Jesus shows up on the road, He gives them — and us — a hint as to how we’re to read and understand the Bible.

“And he (Jesus) said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he (Jesus) said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And (verse 27 is key because this is why we’ve been doing this series — this is how we know that the whole Bible is telling one story — watch what Jesus does here…and…) beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:17-27 ESV)

You should circle the phrase “all the Scriptures” in verse 27. That’s why it’s OK to find Jesus in all of the Bible — including the Old Testament. Because Jesus tells us that the whole Bible is about Him — even the Old Testament prophets — the books we’ve been looking at in this series.

And I just mentioned circling a word in your Bible. I’ve been encouraging you to bring a Bible with you during this series because most of us — if we read the Bible throughout the week — we read from a physical Bible. And if that’s the case — which research suggests it is — we should bring our Bibles with us when we gather together.

I mean if you sign up for golf lessons, you’ll get more out of the lessons if you bring your golf clubs, right? You could pay for the golf lessons, sit and listen to someone lecture on how to golf — you could even watch the instructor swing his clubs — but if you never bring your clubs — well — the lessons aren’t going to be all that helpful. But if you bring your clubs and learn how to use them during the lessons — you’ll become a better golfer. And the same is true if we’d bring our Bibles to church with us — I think you’ll find that what happens here at Gateway on the weekend will start to connect with your life throughout the week.

DANIEL OVERVIEW

So if you have your Bible please turn with me to Daniel chapter 3 — Daniel chapter 3.

And, if you’re a guest with us, something we like to do at Gateway is let you ask questions. So if you have a question during the sermon, you can text your question in to the number printed on the bulletin or you can submit it on the Gateway app.

And like we’ve done each week in this series, let’s start with a highlight reel of the book of Daniel before we jump in to chapter 3. The book is written by a guy named Daniel. He lived in exile during the same time period as some of the other prophets we’ve looked at — like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. And his ministry overlaps the reigns of a Babylonian king — Nebuchadnezzar — and a Persian king — Cyrus — which dates the book between 605-536 B.C.

At this point in history, Babylon is the world power. You may remember — from previous weeks — that the Babylonians defeated the Assyrians and are now conquering other nations. And one of their strategies, was to deport — to exile — the professional class out of the lands they’d conquered. They’d deport the artists, scholars, military leaders, and government officials to Babylon — they’d integrate them into the Babylonian culture — assimilate them into their society — and here’s why.

When you do this, you take the culture makers out of the nation you’ve conquered and indoctrinate them with your culture. So after a generation or two they accept your values and culture as the norm. The people you’ve conquered lose their distinctions — lose their beliefs and values and religious systems — and adopt your culture. It’s quite the strategy — actually — don’t just conquer with military force — conquer through assimilation — and within a generation or two — you have an entire people who’ve abandoned their values and have adopted yours. And — dare I say — this is a strategy that’s worked well here in the US as we Christians have been assimilated by our nation’s culture and values and — in many ways — have lost what should make us distinct.

And as I said, Daniel was brought to live in Babylon. And it’s helpful to think of the book as made up of two parts. The first part — chapters 1-6 — tell the stories of Daniel and his friends. These stories give us a glimpse as to what it means to live faithfully while in exile. Daniel and his friends end up working for the king — and there’s a story of the king having a dream and God gives Daniel an understanding of the dream and how to interpret it. The king responds to the whole situation in a way that you’d think he had converted to worshipping Daniel’s God. Listen to these words that come from the king’s mouth. “Truly, your (Daniel — your) God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”” (Daniel 2:47b ESV)

Sounds like the king believes in Daniel’s God, right? But as we’ll see today, people can say they believe all kinds of things about God without really believing in Him after all.

The second part of Daniel — chapters 7-12 — is full of different prophecies and visions about the future. And many Christians love to get caught up in creating end times charts and timelines and maps that show which modern day countries are being referred to in these prophecies — but here’s the point of the second half of Daniel: God’s in control — that’s the central theme of the book — the sovereignty of God — God is in control of all things — including the world powers that are at war with His people.

Now — if we’re honest — we judge this idea of God being in control. Especially when things aren’t going our way. We can all — even the most faithful of us — begin to think — “God, are You paying attention to what’s going on down here?”

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Christian or not — we make judgment calls about things all the time — especially about things going on in the world. Making judgment calls is pretty normal.

We make judgments about what to wear — or what not to wear — salmon colored pants are on my “not to wear list” — by the way.

We make judgments about how to raise our children. How to invest in our future. What to eat. Whether or not to exercise. How to spend our money and so on.

But something all of us need to recognize is that none of our judgments are perfect — except my decision to not wear salmon colored pants. None of us are perfect and neither are our judgments. All of us — if we’re honest — can look back and see some judgments we made that were bad calls.

Maybe it was a judgment you made about someone on a first impression or whether or not to eat those oysters that smelled a little funny — we’ve all made bad judgment calls before.

And in our story — in Daniel chapter 3 — we’re going to see someone make a terrible judgment call. And it’s one that many people make today.

DANIEL 3

Let’s begin in Daniel 3 — verse 1. And — to give you a heads up — Daniel actually isn’t in our story. I know some of you were excited — because — after the last few weeks you were like “OK. Daniel. I know this book. He’s the guy that gets thrown into the lion’s den.” And that’s not the story we’re looking at today. Sorry to disappoint.

But Daniel — he’s not in our story. We’re not really sure what he’s doing while all this is going on — but he’s missing in action during this story. Alright — let’s start in verse 1.

“King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits (So that’s 90 feet tall by 9 feet wide for all of you struggling to convert cubits to feet in your head.). He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces (that’s everybody who’s anybody) to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans (Chaldeans are fortune tellers — they…) came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. (So these guys are jealous of Daniel’s friends. And…) 9 They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

So get this. Abandoning God to worship false gods resulted in punishment — they were exiled. Now — in exile — not abandoning God to worship false gods results in punishment. Do the wrong thing — get punished. Do the right thing — get punished.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. (Now you need to know that Nebuchadnezzar has been gracious to these guys. Along with Daniel — he’s appointed them to leadership positions in his kingdom — so he’s been good to them and he’s thinking — “this is how you pay me back?” They’re not just disrespecting him — they’re embarrassing him.) So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. (“I’m giving you a second chance.”) But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

Now Nebuchadnezzar just made a judgment call about God. It’s one that’s made all the time. It’s a judgment call about the god you worship. The word worship comes up nine times in this story, which happens to be the same number of times the fiery furnace is mentioned. And that’s the conflict — the tension — who will they worship? God or Nebuchadnezzar? But there’s another key word — the word “deliver.” “Who is the god who will deliver — or rescue — you,” the king asks. A judgment call made by the king — “surely your God can’t rescue you from my hand.” What kind of judgment calls do you make about God?

I recently talked with a guy who’s made a judgment call about God. His god is a god who is only love. And his problem with the God of the Bible — is that though He’s a loving God — He’s also wrathful. And what this guy couldn’t understand is how a God — who is love — could send people to Hell because they don’t believe in Jesus. For him, a loving God can’t send people to Hell.

So I said to him, “The issue isn’t that the Christian God is less loving — it’s that He’s more loving than you’re giving Him credit for.” I said, “If someone tries to harm my daughter, it would be unloving for me to watch her be harmed and do nothing. My love for her would cause me to do something. And if that’s true for me, how much more so is that true of God’s love for Jesus? The reason why people are punished in Hell for all eternity isn’t because God is unloving — it’s because of the infinite love He has for Jesus. God loves Jesus infinitely more than He loves any of us. So if someone rejects Jesus, the most loving thing God can do is send them to Hell. Otherwise His love for Jesus is all a sham. And if His love for Jesus is a sham, so is He love for us.” The guy said he needed to think about that some more.

But it’s not just non-Christians who make judgment calls about God — we Christians do too. Like, “Well of course God isn’t with me now, think of all of the horrible things I’ve done this past week.” Or “if only I would’ve spent more time reading my Bible — then God would’ve gotten that cute girl to notice me.” Or “maybe that’s why I’m suffering — I should’ve served at the soup kitchen instead of going to the movies on Friday night.” We — Christians — make judgment calls about God just like non-Christians do. But let’s see how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond — what’s their judgment call about God?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. (“Our minds are made up.”) 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to (do what? Our God is able to…) deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will (what? God will…) deliver us out of your hand, O king. (What faith. What boldness. What confidence. If only we had faith like them, right? Well…let’s keep reading.) 18 But if not (wait — what? What happened to “God is able to deliver us and God will deliver us?” What’s up with the “But if not?” Here’s what’s happening.

They’re not doubting God’s ability to deliver them — they’re just not certain what God will do. Just because we obey God doesn’t mean we won’t get burned. Up to this point in history, God’s never delivered anyone from fire — He’s done all kinds of miracles — but nothing like this. So they don’t know what God will do. And the point isn’t their commitment to God — they weren’t trying to make a point about having bold faith — they’re making a point about the God they worship. And here’s their point — this is why they were willing to face the furnace: God’s worth it. God is worth it — that’s their point. Is the god you worship worth being thrown into a fiery furnace for? If not, maybe you need to reconsider who you’re worshipping.

“But if not,” they say…), be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury (he’s fiery hot now), and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated (“They’re gonna know just how mad I am.”). 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

What? They stood faithfully for God — they refused to worship the statue — and this is what they get — they get thrown into the fire?

Do you want to know a secret about the Christian faith? Only people who really know who God is — who’ve made an accurate judgment call about God — based on His Word — only people who really know who God is are willing to get thrown into the fire for what they believe in.

Could be something you’re dealing with at work — where your boss has asked you to do something dishonest. It can be tempting to worship the golden statue of job security.

Or when you’re out with your friends and they pass around an inappropriate picture — it can be hard not to look because you want to be “one of the guys.” It can be tempting to worship the golden statue of peer pressure.

Could be when your boyfriend wants to take things physically farther than you’re comfortable with — it can be hard to not go there because — if you don’t — maybe he’ll leave. It can be tempting to worship the golden statue of feeling loved by someone.

An all to real truth about the Christian faith is that obeying God doesn’t mean things will always turn out the way you want them to. Sometimes obedience gets you thrown into the fire. As someone has said, “Biblical faith has the assurance to say, ‘I know my God is able to deliver me.’ It has the confidence to say, ‘I believe that my God will deliver me.’ But it also has the submission to say, ‘But even if he doesn’t — I will still trust him.’”

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste (So he’s sitting in a spot where he can watch the men burn and he sees something that shocks him). He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” (Another problem for all of you math lovers — this one’s simple though. How many guys were thrown into the furnace? Three, right?) They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (The language used here means some sort of spiritual being. The fourth person — who’s delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from being burned in the fire — is divine.)

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.” (Daniel 3:1-30 ESV)

Now before we get too excited for the king, do you remember the story from Daniel chapter 2? How the king had a dream and Daniel interpreted it for him and then the king responded with what sounded like belief in God — that all came before this story — where he’s forcing people to worship a statue or be thrown into the fire. I mean — given how he’s been acting — I think it’s safe to say that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t really believe in God at the end of chapter 2.

And in verse 28, we see something that looks like belief again — but look closely in verse 28. Does the king say “Blessed be my God?” No. He says, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”

And if you keep reading in the book of Daniel, you’ll see that though the king’s had an experience with God — he doesn’t believe yet — at least not in a way that’s caused him to make a right judgment call about God. Even though he’s seen this miracle — Nebuchadnezzar has made his judgment about God — and he’s still not ready to believe.

FINDING JESUS IN DANIEL

Now about that fourth person in the fire — He’s our thread that helps us find Jesus. Throughout the Bible, we find mysterious figures who show up in various stories. Sometimes they’re described as men, other times as an angel, and other times it’s even wilder — like bushes that are on fire yet don’t burn up. And these are called theophanies — so what’s a theophany? A theophany is a “manifestation of God” — they signify the presence and glory of God.

In Genesis chapter 18, Abraham is approached by some mysterious men-like beings. They warn him about the judgment coming on Sodom and Gomorrah. But what I want you to notice — the next time you read Genesis chapter 18 — is how the text says again and again that God is speaking to Abraham as he talks to these mysterious men.

I’ve hinted at the story of Moses and the burning bush — which you’re probably familiar with from the book of Exodus. Later in Exodus, God appears as a cloud during the day and as fire at night. The cloud and fire are the presence of God. When Moses is given the Ten Commandments, God descends on the mountain in the form of smoke, and fire, and earthquakes.

A man named Joshua finds himself face to face with the “commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua asks, “Are you on our side or on the side of the enemy?” And the commander replies, “No.” Which is a way of saying, “Wrong question, Josh. The right question is…are you on My side?” And do you know what Joshua does? He worships this mysterious commander. Now in the Bible — when people start to worship an angel — the angel always tells them to stop — but not here — so this commander isn’t just some angel. Who alone is worthy of worship? God is.

And there are other stories of mysterious figures — doing divine-like things — being worshiped — all things we’d associate with God — including this fourth figure in the furnace who delivers — who saves — Daniel’s friends. This figure who Nebuchadnezzar says is, “like a son of the gods” is — in reality — the Son of God. For Jesus is the One who rescues — He’s the deliverer. In fact, His name — Jesus — means “God saves.”

But Jesus has another name. Immanuel, which means “God with us.” And these Old Testament theophanies all point us to Jesus — God in the flesh — because they remind us that Jesus is our God — our Savior — who is — with us.

And we make judgment calls about His presence with us all of the time, don’t we? “If only He’d show up physically — like He did in the furnace — then I’d believe in Him” — maybe you’ve thought something like that before. But an important part of our faith is to understand that — though theophanies are real experiences — they’re more like solar eclipses than a sun rise. Solar eclipses happen — they’re just not the norm. But a sun rise — well that’s the norm.

So we should recognize God’s every day presence in our lives in other ways. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in our lives. Jesus promised that He would send us the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher, Helper, and Guide. And in the book of Acts we see Jesus fulfill His promise — the Holy Spirit is God with us.

The Bible is often overlooked for the gift of God’s presence that it is. The Bible is not God, but it is His Word. And Peter tells us something quite profound about the Bible. He says, “I was there on the mountain when the voice of God said, ‘This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’” Then Peter goes on to say that we have access to something even more powerful than being on that mountain with him when he heard the voice of God. Do you know what it is? Peter says it’s the Bible — for it is God’s Word to us.

Finally, the church is a way to experience the presence of God. We’re called the temple of God’s Spirit and the body of Christ — to be with God’s people is to be in God’s presence.

CONCLUSION

These are all ways that we can experience God’s presence in our lives — even when we find ourselves in a fiery furnace kind of situation. Jesus won’t always protect us from the fiery furnaces of life — but He’ll always walk through them with us. And — as the Bible tells us — at “just the right time” — God sent His Son to save His people — to deliver us — not from a fiery furnace — but from a fiery Hell.

The whole Bible tells one story — the story of Jesus. I hope that as you read it, you’ll be excited to discover how what you’re reading points you to Jesus — God who is always with you. For He is the point of the whole Bible. Let’s pray.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your presence in our lives. We ask You to help us make better judgment calls about who You are. We know this means that we must be in Your Word — for in it — You have revealed to us who You are.

Jesus, for anyone going through a fiery furnace experience — I ask that You would assure them of Your presence. Often — when life is hard — we judge You to be absent, uncaring, maybe even non-existent. Please forgive us for not trusting in Your promise to never leave us.

And Holy Spirit, remind us of the many opportunities we have to experience Your presence with us. Through God’s Word to us — the Bible. Through the church — the body of Christ. And through Your daily guidance in our lives. God help us — to trust in Your presence. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How Long, O Lord?

Josh — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:04:13 +0000

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 12:1-13 (NLT)

DATE: 8-25-24

As always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — are joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.

SERIES INTRO

Can you believe it? We’re finishing our series in the book of Daniel today. And — our verses for today — conclude the final vision that Daniel is given. A vision that began back in chapter ten — is a vision that’s an echo — a repeat, if you will — of two earlier visions Daniel received as well as a dream that King Nebuchadnezzar was given. So let’s finish the book of Daniel and his final vision by turning to our text for today.

We’ll be in Daniel chapter twelve — beginning in verse one.

Daniel 12:1–13 (NLT)

¹ “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. ² Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. ³ Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” ⁵ Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. ⁶ One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?”

⁷ The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” ⁸ I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?” ⁹ But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. ¹⁰ Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. ¹¹ “From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. ¹² And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days! ¹³ “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

INTRODUCTION

Though it may not seem like it — the book of Daniel ends with some good news. God has guaranteed the end of his people’s exile — God has guaranteed the end of his people’s exile. This is true — not only for the people in Daniel’s day — but is a promise guaranteed to every generation of God’s people: life in this land of exile is coming to an end. This is what we find in the key verse of our text — which also happens to be the last verse of the book — verse thirteen — where we read…

Daniel 12:13 (NLT)

‌¹³ “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

‌“Daniel, keep doing what you’ve been doing during all your days of exile — keep being faithful until your very last breath. For — in the end — on the day when the Son of Man returns — you will rise again and receive your reward.”

‌The last words spoken to Daniel are words meant to inspire him to remain steadfast — to remain faithful and diligent — to not give into despair and hopelessness. For the eternal reward awaiting the people of God far outweighs the difficulties and challenges we face in this land of exile. And I say this knowing the enormity of some of the difficulties you’re facing — I say this knowing that some of you are in the midst of challenges that seem insurmountable.

But the promise to us — to those whose hope is not in what can be seen with our eyes in this land of exile — or that what we’re going through can be fixed in this life — which is what this land of exile wants us to believe — that everything is fixable — but the reality is not everything is fixable in this life. Thus our hope is in him who sees us in our suffering and pain and who — in love — gave his life for us so that we might have eternal life with him.

EVERLASTING LIFE OR EVERLASTING SHAME WILL BE YOURS

So let’s return to the beginning of our chapter and see the reason for our hope. We’re back in verse one.

Daniel 12:1–4 (NLT)

‌¹ “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. ² Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. ³ Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

‌“Daniel, a time of anguish and sorrow is coming that will exceed every other moment in history.” Yet look at the hope found in the words at the end of verse one.

Daniel 12:1b (NLT)

‌¹ But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued.

‌Rescue — a theme found throughout the Bible — is most clearly in the Exodus story — where God rescues his people out of their enslavement in Egypt. A story which points forward to the greatest Rescue Story: God sending his Son to rescue his people from their enslavement to Satan, sin, death, and Hell. Rescue is your guarantee if your hope and trust is in the Rescuer — Jesus Christ.

‌Yet many have died before Jesus’ return to rescue his people. And — most likely — all of us will die before Jesus returns. I say this — not because I know when Jesus will return — I say this based on the fact that nearly every generation before us has thought they were the ones who would not die and would experience the return of Christ — yet death is what they experienced. So — most likely — the same will be true for us.

So it’s better to prepare for death now but — do so — knowing that even death isn’t an insurmountable opponent for our Rescuer — Jesus Christ.

Daniel’s also told that…

Daniel 12:2 (NLT)

² Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

All who die — will rise up on the last day — the day when Christ returns. All — not just Christians — but everyone who’s ever lived will be raised from the dead on the last day. The promise of resurrection is for everyone. However — and this is key — some will be raised to everlasting life while others will be raised to everlasting disgrace. Notice that everlasting is before both words — life and disgrace. There is no everlasting life without there also being everlasting disgrace or death.

We catch a glimpse of what’s being said here at the end of the book of Revelation. This will be a lengthy portion of Scripture — but I hope it brings encouragement to your soul — if you’re a Christian — and awakens you to your eternal reality — if you’re not. The apostle John writes…

Revelation 21:1-8; 21:22–22:17 (NLT)

¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. ² And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. ⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” ⁵ And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

⁶ And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega — the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷ All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. ⁸ “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

²² I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. ²⁴ The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. ²⁵ Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. ²⁶ And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. ²⁷ Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty — but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. ¹ Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

² It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. ³ No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no night there — no need for lamps or sun — for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. ⁶ Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.” ⁷ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” ⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. ⁹ But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”

¹⁰ Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. ¹¹ Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.” ¹² “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” ¹⁴ Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. ¹⁵ Outside the city are the dogs — the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” ¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. – Revelation 21:1-8; 21:22–22:17 (NLT)

HOW LONG UNTIL THE END?

And we can be stirred with hope by these words about our eternal destiny and still cry out, “But how long, O Lord, until the end? How much longer must I experience this pain or that suffering or this trial or that despair — due to living in this land of exile? How long, O Lord? How long?” We’re in verse five.

Daniel 12:5–12 (NLT)

⁵ Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. ⁶ One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?” ⁷ The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” ⁸ I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?”

⁹ But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. ¹⁰ Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. ¹¹ “From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. ¹² And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days!

Did you notice that the question, “How long” isn’t Daniel’s question? Daniel asks, “How will all this finally end” because he — just like us — thinks “If I can just figure out the details — I’ll be able to interpret the times correctly.” But it’s an angelic figure who asks “How long” and the response to him is “time, times, and half a time.” A phrase that’s brought about much speculation and calculation — but don’t miss a key detail in the reply.

Daniel 12:7b (NLT)

‌⁷ When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.”

There’s still sorrow to come — there’s still trials ahead for the people of God — there’s still more to endure. But nothing very specific is given as to how much longer — so Daniel asks his question about how this will all finally end. And the messenger — if you noticed — doesn’t answer his question. He gently dismisses Daniel’s question before saying…

Daniel 12:10 (NLT)

¹⁰ Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.

“Daniel, until this all happens — God’s people will continue to be purified, cleansed, and refined by the trials of living in exile — and — those who are wicked will continue in their ways.”

And then — sort of out of the blue — the messenger mentions two sets of days — which — if we’ve learned anything about visions and dreams and symbols and numbers and — the complexities of interpreting them — we know to be careful here. But what is clear — is that a time of anguish — much worse than ever seen before — is still to come. And those who are wicked will continue to remain wicked — while those who are faithful will continue to remain faithful. And a blessing is guaranteed to all those who remain faithful as they live in exile.

For just as Daniel is told…

Daniel 12:13 (NLT)

‌¹³ “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

‌GO, REST, RISE

Know that — as for you — man or woman of God — young boy or girl who believes in Jesus — single, newly married, widowed, or empty nesters — continue in faithfulness until the end of your days — knowing that rest is coming — eternal rest. Knowing that your day of rescue is certain — for you will rise again when Christ returns. Knowing that an immeasurable reward is yours — for Christ has shared his inheritance with you.

‌So no matter how hard today may be — no matter how much anguish you may experience in the days ahead — without knowing what sorrow you may experience as you live in this land of exile — remain hopeful. Remain faithful. Remain steadfast. For a promise has been made to you and it is guaranteed: Eternal life is yours. Eternal life is yours. Eternal life is yours.

SCOTT MCKEE VIDEO INTERVIEW

To conclude today’s sermon — and our time in Daniel — I recorded a video with a friend of mine who’s a pastor in our denomination. Scott McKee is the pastor of Ward Church in Michigan.

At the age of fifty — just seven years ago — Scott was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. He had surgery. Went through treatments. And was in remission. Then — about a year ago — his cancer returned. And — this time — the treatment nearly killed him. Yet — he beat cancer again. But he knew something wasn’t right.

Some of Scott’s organs had merged together due to the many surgeries he had to remove the cancer. He wasn’t able to eat or keep anything down so the doctor’s performed another surgery in hopes of separating his organs. However the situation was so bad the doctor’s had to abandon the operation — this was just a few months ago.

For now — the only way Scott can get nutrients is through an IV which he has to be attached to for fourteen hours a day. He’s lost over fifty pounds in three months and — in one of our last phone calls together Scott said — “Josh, I think I’m comfortable saying that I’m suffering now.”

Scott’s been married to his wife Angie for thirty-two years. And they have three kids — all college age or older. With that as an introduction to Scott and his situation — here’s my conversation with him about suffering and the hope that is still ours as we live in this land of exile.

BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available / PRAYING FOR YOU CARDS FOR SCOTT)

We have cards — out in the lobby — if you’d like to write a note to Scott to encourage him. Write him a note, sign it, and drop it in the box/basket that’s in the lobby and we’ll get them mailed to him. Please don’t take them with you otherwise you’ll need to mail it yourself to Ward Church. But let’s be an encouragement to Scott.

And — now our closing prayer of blessing.

May you continue to live faithfully in this land of exile — and do so with great hope in knowing that your Rescuer is coming — and he is coming soon. Amen.

God loves you. I love you. You are sent.