It is in God's Word where we learn of the nature and extent of our misery in sin, it is in Scripture that we learn of the manner in which we were made, first given life- pursued in redemption, the coming of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, the accomplishment and application of His redeeming work, and so on. All of this we get from the Word - wisdom, direction, understanding, knowledge, and a life that pleases the Lord, all of this get from the Word. This is the case because the Word is not only content but it is Divine speech made powerful by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church

A Word for All Seasons

So there is a lot to say about those matters of which many men have had a lot to already say about the end of days, the last days in which the Church has been called to minister. Many have attempted to interpret the length, nature of, and arrival of the last days, and many have done it quite poorly and have led a host of well meaning saints down the wrong paths. This morning Paul gives us clarity as it relates to the nature of the last days, the days between His first and second comings, as to the character of those who bump up against and even come against the church, and how we are to think of them and what we are to do with such a godless people - oppose them.

The Raging of the Nations

We see a collection of various laws given here it might appear a bit random in their arrangement, which would be totally fine, there is a theme - guidance for the promotion and prolonging of life. Where the world, apart from Christ, embraces death, loves death, and longs to apply death to others and to themselves- The Lord would have us, as his holy congregation, be about the business of helping one another to guard, to promote, and to prolong life as a gift from him.

Prolonging Life

Murder and Marriage

Set Apart for Holy Use

-Do not be afraid- is the underlying exhortation for Israel as they go to war against those who dwell in the land, whose worship and lives are an utter offense to the Lord. When you go to war you are to carry in your chest courage that God is with you, and you are to engage as those who bear the name of the Lord, who does not wish for the force that Israel uses to become needless violence. It is for this reason that the Lord gives boundaries for just war and for how to engage righteously the nations around them. Even in war, we must be tied to the Word of God.--As Israel will one day move into the Promised Land, there must be instruction given to the people as to how they were to prepare themselves, that is dress themselves for battle. First, they were to be inwardly prepared, second, they were to get their houses in order before they left, third, they were conduct themselves according to the primary moral principle -though shalt not kill-- and that those who seek peace might find it, that those who worship through violence might be removed from off the face of the earth, and that in all things you plan for how to uphold life. What we find at the marrow of it all is this principle, that God desires for His people to show force in order to promote righteousness and life.

War and the 6th Commandment

The previous call directed to the minister was to remember, remember Jesus Christ, the seed of David risen from the dead. This theological truth and covenantal reality was to shape Timothy's faith and hope as he ministered to the saints. In addition to this he was to help them remember the same, and to have this truth shape their own pursuit of personal holiness and congregational commitments - that they would not waste their time or another's time with vain babblings. Instead of wasting precious time show yourself to be a worker, approved and unashamed, devoted to Christ's kingdom and glory.

Calling to Holiness

Even a cursory glance of the case laws of the book of Deuteronomy shines a light that reveals just how good God is, how patient He is with sinners such as ourselves, and how incredibly practical the law is in promoting the lives of those under it. Take the cities of refuge, which were safe harbors for those who might flee unrighteous vengeance against those who by accident took another life -manslaughter-. God's law met sinners in their sin and provided for them a blueprint for mitigating the effects of the Fall and even our own violent designs. Let us then reason together how we might be defenders of the innocent, uphold the cause of righteousness and truth, and establish real policy that protect life and not faint in the day of true justice.

A Refuge for Sinners

This is the one, the text that I think of more than any other as we look down the seemingly dark corridor that appears to tighten around us as a church in what appears to be a shrinking island of tolerance by our neighbors around us. By neighbors I mean the powers that be, and by shrinking tolerance I mean the increasing distaste for the call to repent of your sin and embrace Christ alone for salvation. This exclusive claim has no place for tranny rights, unfettered murder of the unborn, or support for unbridled power at the expense of the weak and the poor. Christ will be exalted, and though it may cost us dearly, the Gospel mission does not die with us, any more than it stops when we stop. No, the Kingdom will expand until it covers over all the earth -Ezk. 47- and becomes the largest tree in the garden -Mk. 4-30-32-. Its coming, and though will not happen in our lifetime, its coming. It cannot help but come because the Resurrection power of transformation is inevitable. The Word is not bound.

For the Sake of the Elect

Having expressed delight in the Gospel of power and grace, Paul expresses his delight in the suffering for the sake of Christ Jesus. Through his suffering there was a question in his mind concerning the saints in the various churches he ministered among - who will stand with Paul- Who will remain faithful to Christ and Christ's own disciples when the warfare comes close to our doors- Will you, that you might wear the crown of life-

Courage and Forgiveness

There is much debate today concerning the nature of justice. What is it, how do we apply it faithfully, and how do we honor a righteous and holy God who delights in true justice. Well perhaps the first two questions are focused on, but rarely the last one, certainly not in the age where social justice is the cultural cause de jour. How would God cause us to think of and administer justice among a people where justice is neither desired and rarely achieved- Let us study this very important matter to establishing a society in which people are blessed.

The Lord Loves Justice, Pt. 1

Righteousness and Truth are -kissing cousins- as they both reflect the goodness and clarity of the Lord who has made Himself known. God has made His truth and goodness known in His own direct revelation to men through the prophets and apostles and has given to men in every corporate sphere of relationships, be they ecclesiastical or political -church or state- the call to maintain truth and justice that men might live in peace. How are sinners to maintain the cause of justice- Carefully, according to God's standards that the truth might come out and righteousness maintained.

The Lord Loves Justice, Pt. 2

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