9. Living by Uncontrolled Feelings
“A ninth factor in loss of joy is living by uncontrolled feelings, living by flesh instead of by the spirit. …Contrary to what the world continually touts, self-centeredness is the surest source of dissatisfaction and discontentment. Neither does talking properly to one’s self involve some sort of “positive confession” that supposedly creates reality. That is foolish. Talking to oneself about God, His Word, and His will is the issue.” (John MacArthur)
Mankind seems to be constantly obsessed with himself and his esteem. And yet, isn’t this the problem from the fall? I say less self-esteem and more God-esteem! (Maybe I can make a really cool sticker with God-esteem peeing on self-esteem!*)
*sarcasm laid on pretty thick
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
#8 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
8. Forgetfulness
“An eighth cause of lack of joy is forgetfulness. Forgetting the Lord is not a mark of innocence but of faithlessness and sin. …The spiritual disharmony that causes division in churches is not incited by new converts but by those who have left their first love” (John MacArthur)
Here are 5 ways that I shamefully forget the Lord. Any you'd like to share?
1. I become consumed with status quo rather than spiritual growth.
2. I rely on my own skill rather than the Holy Spirit.
3. I celebrate my own goodness rather than the work of Christ, which made me righteous.
4. I blame God when things go wrong, and praise myself when things go right.
5. I become more upset with the “injustice” of a bad sports call rather than the injustice of a perfect Lord and Savior being crucified.
“An eighth cause of lack of joy is forgetfulness. Forgetting the Lord is not a mark of innocence but of faithlessness and sin. …The spiritual disharmony that causes division in churches is not incited by new converts but by those who have left their first love” (John MacArthur)
Here are 5 ways that I shamefully forget the Lord. Any you'd like to share?
1. I become consumed with status quo rather than spiritual growth.
2. I rely on my own skill rather than the Holy Spirit.
3. I celebrate my own goodness rather than the work of Christ, which made me righteous.
4. I blame God when things go wrong, and praise myself when things go right.
5. I become more upset with the “injustice” of a bad sports call rather than the injustice of a perfect Lord and Savior being crucified.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
#7 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
7. Ingratitude
“A seventh negative element that robs believers of joy is ingratitude. Few things are more repugnant than ingratitude. Paul commanded that prayers and supplications to God be made with thanksgiving. (Phil. 4:6)… Rebellious sinners are indicted and sentenced to divine judgment because of their ingratitude (Rom. 1:18-21).” (John MacArthur)
What is there to be said about ingratitude? Few things bother me more than a person who complains or is not thankful when they receive a gift, living as if the world revolves around them and owes them a favor. And yet, I am that ungrateful person! The only difference is that I do it with my Savior’s grace and love. Please Father forgive me!
“A seventh negative element that robs believers of joy is ingratitude. Few things are more repugnant than ingratitude. Paul commanded that prayers and supplications to God be made with thanksgiving. (Phil. 4:6)… Rebellious sinners are indicted and sentenced to divine judgment because of their ingratitude (Rom. 1:18-21).” (John MacArthur)
What is there to be said about ingratitude? Few things bother me more than a person who complains or is not thankful when they receive a gift, living as if the world revolves around them and owes them a favor. And yet, I am that ungrateful person! The only difference is that I do it with my Savior’s grace and love. Please Father forgive me!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
#6 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
6. Focusing on Circumstances
“A sixth way believers lose their joy is by focusing on circumstances. Despite the abundant blessings all believers have in the Lord, many become dissatisfied with their circumstances. They are unhappy with their physical or mental capacities, their appearance, the opportunities that came their way, or with countless other things they do not have but think they deserve." (John MacArthur)
Guilty! I am embarrassed to admit how often I complain about "Manna" and completely forget about God's deliverance, provision, and promises.
“A sixth way believers lose their joy is by focusing on circumstances. Despite the abundant blessings all believers have in the Lord, many become dissatisfied with their circumstances. They are unhappy with their physical or mental capacities, their appearance, the opportunities that came their way, or with countless other things they do not have but think they deserve." (John MacArthur)
Guilty! I am embarrassed to admit how often I complain about "Manna" and completely forget about God's deliverance, provision, and promises.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Importance of a Father
I will finish the 10 things that rob us of joy but I wanted to share some thoughts of mine.
What is it like to grow up without a positive influence from a father? Often I feel like I was dropped into the wilderness and told to survive alone. There was no one to warn me about dangers, no one to show me how to find shelter, and no one to guide me home. I feel like I missed out on information that was essential early on. I needed someone to tell me the dangers of pornography, I needed someone to show me that God takes us in under his wings, and I needed someone to remind me that following Christ is difficult but worth it. My Heavenly Father has since taught me these things, but I carry the scars of someone who learned much to late. On top of all this is pride. Because I grew up without a father, I think I can now do everything on my own. This causes me to isolate myself, not have compassion on those struggling, and become defensive when others try to teach me. There is hope though. Because of Christ, I am able to say a few things. The first is that I forgive my earthly father, the second is that I want to see my earthly father in heaven, and the third is that I am able to understand the difference between my earthly father and Heavenly Father. (The last of these I am so grateful for because I know not everyone can) Why do I post this? Partly to help me heal the hurt inside and partly to help others who struggle. There is hope my friends and it is found in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
What is it like to grow up without a positive influence from a father? Often I feel like I was dropped into the wilderness and told to survive alone. There was no one to warn me about dangers, no one to show me how to find shelter, and no one to guide me home. I feel like I missed out on information that was essential early on. I needed someone to tell me the dangers of pornography, I needed someone to show me that God takes us in under his wings, and I needed someone to remind me that following Christ is difficult but worth it. My Heavenly Father has since taught me these things, but I carry the scars of someone who learned much to late. On top of all this is pride. Because I grew up without a father, I think I can now do everything on my own. This causes me to isolate myself, not have compassion on those struggling, and become defensive when others try to teach me. There is hope though. Because of Christ, I am able to say a few things. The first is that I forgive my earthly father, the second is that I want to see my earthly father in heaven, and the third is that I am able to understand the difference between my earthly father and Heavenly Father. (The last of these I am so grateful for because I know not everyone can) Why do I post this? Partly to help me heal the hurt inside and partly to help others who struggle. There is hope my friends and it is found in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
# 5 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
5. Spiritual High Followed by Emotional Low
“A fifth cause of joylessness is the emotional low that frequently follows a spiritual high… Such times are surprising and bewildering, and can rob unwary believers of their joy.” (John MacArthur)
What makes this point stand apart from all the others is that this is something we cannot necessarily control. Sin, prayerlessness, and an understanding of God’s sovereignty are all things that we can correct. However, coming down after a spiritual high is inevitable. The key, which MacArthur alludes to, is being wary. Being able to recognize the patterns that follow a spiritual high will help us to avoid sin and will serve as encouragement when we return back down.
“A fifth cause of joylessness is the emotional low that frequently follows a spiritual high… Such times are surprising and bewildering, and can rob unwary believers of their joy.” (John MacArthur)
What makes this point stand apart from all the others is that this is something we cannot necessarily control. Sin, prayerlessness, and an understanding of God’s sovereignty are all things that we can correct. However, coming down after a spiritual high is inevitable. The key, which MacArthur alludes to, is being wary. Being able to recognize the patterns that follow a spiritual high will help us to avoid sin and will serve as encouragement when we return back down.
Friday, May 16, 2008
# 4 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
4. Prayerlessness
“A fourth negative element that steals joy is prayerlessness. Believers who fail to pray inevitably lose sight of God’s sovereignty and His love and care for us. Such believers either give up hope, as Habakkuk did for a while, or else seek help from other sources.” (John MacArthur)
Give me your thoughts on this. Is there a relationship between pray and joy or prayerlessness and bitterness?
“A fourth negative element that steals joy is prayerlessness. Believers who fail to pray inevitably lose sight of God’s sovereignty and His love and care for us. Such believers either give up hope, as Habakkuk did for a while, or else seek help from other sources.” (John MacArthur)
Give me your thoughts on this. Is there a relationship between pray and joy or prayerlessness and bitterness?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
# 3 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy
3. Inadequate Understanding Of God’s Sovereignty
“A third factor that robs believers of joy is an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. For believers to fret and worry over their circumstances and to fear what the future may hold is tantamount to doubting God’s sovereignty, as well as his power and love." (John MacArthur)
I find it interesting that MacArthur would tie doubting God’s power and love with an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. I remember a time when I struggled with the circumstances of leaving my old church and the difficulty of finding a new one. I recall telling people, “I trust that God has a plan, but I don’t trust humans to carry out that plan”. What?! As if God’s sovereign plan could be thwarted by human decision, whether right or wrong! In reality, I was questioning God’s ability (power) to control what was going on in my life and the world around me. Though I did not realize it at the time, I also doubted God’s love and found myself questioning whether or not God knew what was best in my life. This resulted in a bitterness that took root in my heart and absolutely robbed me of joy.
Agree or Disagree? What are your thoughts?
“A third factor that robs believers of joy is an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. For believers to fret and worry over their circumstances and to fear what the future may hold is tantamount to doubting God’s sovereignty, as well as his power and love." (John MacArthur)
I find it interesting that MacArthur would tie doubting God’s power and love with an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. I remember a time when I struggled with the circumstances of leaving my old church and the difficulty of finding a new one. I recall telling people, “I trust that God has a plan, but I don’t trust humans to carry out that plan”. What?! As if God’s sovereign plan could be thwarted by human decision, whether right or wrong! In reality, I was questioning God’s ability (power) to control what was going on in my life and the world around me. Though I did not realize it at the time, I also doubted God’s love and found myself questioning whether or not God knew what was best in my life. This resulted in a bitterness that took root in my heart and absolutely robbed me of joy.
Agree or Disagree? What are your thoughts?
Friday, May 9, 2008
# 2 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy?
2. The influence of Satan and his Demons
“A second factor that hinders joy is the influence of Satan and his demons… In many ways, including false teachers, the devil attempts to deceive believers. Although he cannot rob them of salvation, he can, and often does, rob them of joy (as does their sin).” (John MacArthur)
Isn’t this the truth! I don’t know any other influence that steals away my contentment in God more than my own sin. Whether this plays out in lust, pride, bitterness, or any other sin amongst the long list I struggle with, the result is always the same; feeling alone, empty, and unloved.
“A second factor that hinders joy is the influence of Satan and his demons… In many ways, including false teachers, the devil attempts to deceive believers. Although he cannot rob them of salvation, he can, and often does, rob them of joy (as does their sin).” (John MacArthur)
Isn’t this the truth! I don’t know any other influence that steals away my contentment in God more than my own sin. Whether this plays out in lust, pride, bitterness, or any other sin amongst the long list I struggle with, the result is always the same; feeling alone, empty, and unloved.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy?
In John MacArthur’s commentary on the book of Philippians he gives 10 factors that rob believers of biblical joy. Over the next few days I plan to post them one by one and give my own personal experience and reflections on each of them. I would love to hear your own thoughts and personal experiences with each of these as well.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Scott
1. False Salvation
“First and by far the most important is false salvation. The church has always included those whose faith is not genuine. Because they do not possess the indwelling Holy Spirit, such false professors cannot possess biblical joy. They may attend churches where God’s word is taught, and they may fellowship with genuine believers. Yet because they do not know the Lord, they cannot experience His joy. If they laugh, it is sadly, “the laughter of the fool, [which] is futility” (Ecc.7:6)” (John MacArthur)
I suppose we need some understanding of biblical joy to fully comprehend this truth. Biblical joy is a deep rooted satisfaction or contentment that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Happiness is often thought to be synonymous with biblical joy, however I believe happiness is tied more closely with human emotion rather than satisfaction in God. For example, one can be in the midst of deep pain, whether physically or emotionally, and still be satisfied or content. There is definitely happiness in joy, but circumstances will often distinguish the difference between the two.
Now with that said back to MacArthur’s quotation…
Without question, I think this is a sad truth that plagues our churches more than we realize. The ironic truth to MacArthur’s statement is that you can’t even say this person is being robed of biblical joy, simply because they never had it to begin with. The bible continually reminds us that there will be those among us who never really knew the shepherd. The parable of the sower, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sheep and Goats”, and the sad reality of Judas’ life all testify to this truth. Having been in ministry over 10 years, I have many times seen people seemingly come alive in Christ only to wither away later. Now please hear me out on this, I do not think we are responsible for passing judgment on whether or not someone has salvation. I realize that people will go through all sorts of different periods in their lives, and some may even seem to walk away from God, only to return later. The parable of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son emphasize this. When they, who seem to be lost, return scripture tells us there is a par-tay in heaven. Needless to say, not everyone will return.
There is a stigma that those who hold a reformed theology are not concerned with the lost. I think this partially has to do with our view of God’s sovereignty in election and because of poor representation in the past (A little yeast can ruin the whole batch). Do I hold a reformed view of God’s election? Yes, but that does not stop me from morning over the lost and pleading that God will open their eyes. It absolutely breaks my heart to know that I have friends and family members that will perish. Like Paul, I continue to pray that God will save them and allow them to experience biblical joy.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Scott
1. False Salvation
“First and by far the most important is false salvation. The church has always included those whose faith is not genuine. Because they do not possess the indwelling Holy Spirit, such false professors cannot possess biblical joy. They may attend churches where God’s word is taught, and they may fellowship with genuine believers. Yet because they do not know the Lord, they cannot experience His joy. If they laugh, it is sadly, “the laughter of the fool, [which] is futility” (Ecc.7:6)” (John MacArthur)
I suppose we need some understanding of biblical joy to fully comprehend this truth. Biblical joy is a deep rooted satisfaction or contentment that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Happiness is often thought to be synonymous with biblical joy, however I believe happiness is tied more closely with human emotion rather than satisfaction in God. For example, one can be in the midst of deep pain, whether physically or emotionally, and still be satisfied or content. There is definitely happiness in joy, but circumstances will often distinguish the difference between the two.
Now with that said back to MacArthur’s quotation…
Without question, I think this is a sad truth that plagues our churches more than we realize. The ironic truth to MacArthur’s statement is that you can’t even say this person is being robed of biblical joy, simply because they never had it to begin with. The bible continually reminds us that there will be those among us who never really knew the shepherd. The parable of the sower, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sheep and Goats”, and the sad reality of Judas’ life all testify to this truth. Having been in ministry over 10 years, I have many times seen people seemingly come alive in Christ only to wither away later. Now please hear me out on this, I do not think we are responsible for passing judgment on whether or not someone has salvation. I realize that people will go through all sorts of different periods in their lives, and some may even seem to walk away from God, only to return later. The parable of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son emphasize this. When they, who seem to be lost, return scripture tells us there is a par-tay in heaven. Needless to say, not everyone will return.
There is a stigma that those who hold a reformed theology are not concerned with the lost. I think this partially has to do with our view of God’s sovereignty in election and because of poor representation in the past (A little yeast can ruin the whole batch). Do I hold a reformed view of God’s election? Yes, but that does not stop me from morning over the lost and pleading that God will open their eyes. It absolutely breaks my heart to know that I have friends and family members that will perish. Like Paul, I continue to pray that God will save them and allow them to experience biblical joy.
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