Be Careful To Maintain Good Works
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
In Wednesday's Bible study we used verses that foretold that stumbling blocks were going to come our way. And we needed to be prepared. This lesson is about such a stumbling block and the readiness to meet the challenges properly. The study began as I was listening to a preacher, I believe I was in Lexington Ky., and one of the verses he chose contained the word corruption. Now that was not his subject on that day but somehow I was driven to do a Bible word search on corruption. Out of this curiosity gradually developed this lesson.
I have often said I do not have to go very far to find a topic for a sermon. A glance in the mirror is all I need for inspiration. Well this is one of those teachable moments for me.
As I neared the end of unfolding this lesson from His word, it became clear to me that through God's word He is telling us: not to have hearts of corruption; not to be part of corruption by accessory or knowledge and clearly God provides these words so that we may not be fooled or drawn into corruption.
You see we can be used cunningly and unwittingly to enable the acts of a corrupt heart. The corrupt heart wants to spread discontent; you see the discontented heart wants you to join in as an ally in the discontentedness. Where harmony cannot be found, there is discontentedness. There is another facet; the target. You or I could be the target of trickery. So be careful out there - there is corruption in the world.
If any of us think that we are immune to corruption, look at the life of Solomon. He was the son of David, God's own man, He was the wisest man to have ever lived and he fell and was deceived and became corrupt. The hill of corruption was so named because Solomon erected temples to idols on this high place.
What I found in my study is a logical grouping of passages into to three main headings. Therefore, this study journey will have a section on the description of corruption followed by the characteristics of corruption. We will conclude with the deliverance from corruption. In other words, what do we do about it?
Description Of Corruption
Look at our reading: 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV)
4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Look at verse 4. In part: "So that through God's promises you may partake in the divine nature." We are not going to read past this "divine nature" without understanding what it is.
God's nature is perfect. The essence of God's divine nature is love and righteousness. He is the source of a divine love called "agape" love. This is a love of unmerited favor. Which means, favor that is not deserved. It is a love that is offered to all of mankind through God's grace. God's divine nature is also the source of righteousness in the world. His nature is the source of all goodness, truth, and wisdom. God's divine nature is so awesome that we cannot fully comprehend God. His nature is a great mystery to us that He reveals to mankind at the right place in time.
In verse 3 of 2 Peter 4 we read that His divine power has given us everything we need for life. We should want for nothing. Through God's word and knowledge of him we may participate in the nature of God. God's word put into action and knowledge of Him is the escape route from corruption.
Although God's nature is a mystery to us, we are not a mystery to God. He understands man completely and has something to say about corruption. Corruption, we read, is in the world. It is something that is found here, where we exist. Corruption is worldly. As we read on we find that corruption is caused by evil desires. God's word animates this sin for us in some vital passages. I have selected one such a passage for us today. Turn with me to Malachi 1 verse 14:
Malachi 1:14 (NKJV)
14 " But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished- For I am a great King," Says the LORD of hosts, " And My name is to be feared among the nations.
This is an example of corruption in worship to God. First we see that the heart of corruption is described as deceit. Other words for deceit are dishonest, insincere, sham and trickery. Next we see the result, a curse. Cursed be the deceiver says the Lord of hosts. In this example, the deceiver is using appearance of Godliness for personal gain.
Logically, I at first proposed that in order for one to be a deceiver that person must be good at deceiving. To obtain the judgment of a deceiver one would have at least been successful at the act at least once. But as I think it through, I would say that attempted deceit is still corruption, because the heart is corrupt.
All of us have faced deceit. Some we saw right through, others were successful in their attempts. What I can tell you is the person in the act of deceiving detests being corrected on the behavior and will more than likely lash out in some way to turn the attention away from themselves or harm the person who cautioned them on the behavior. This has just been my observation.
Sometimes the corrupter comes alone as in Alexander the Coppersmith. Sometimes the deceiver comes in alignment like Ahab and Jezebel or Ananias and Sapphira and there are others in the book. Here is a homework assignment: Study how these two alliances breathed their last in this world. Cursed be the deceiver - it is an example of God's warning.
Corruption - Be ready for it. It can happen in the world, in government, in financial markets, in the work place and yes even in a congregation.
Now turn with me to Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
A corrupt heart is described as laying up treasures on earth. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. Treasures can be wealth, social status, and positions of authority, power or control. Sometimes the corrupt heart treasures to have power over others or to be in command of something. We just think of treasures on earth as material possessions. It can be more than just that. It is more about an attitude of pride. An attitude that projects, "I'm important, I have power over others and I'm in charge of this or that" The corrupt heart will attempt to tiptoe or elbow its way into power. Can you see why it is so important that when elders are appointed that the men are appointed with the appropriate desire and heart?
Turn with me to Genesis 6:12 (NKJV)
12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
God's word describes to us that the earth is corrupt. And it looks to me that very few can live through it and not become infected or affected by some sort of corruption. At some point in time we may all get dragged into it or fall victim to it.
Immorality is one form of corruption that exists on earth. From our verse in Genesis: All flesh on the earth had corrupted their way. Moving on to Galatians 6:8 we read:
Galatians 6:8 (NKJV)
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
In Galatians we learn that if we are not resisting the wills of our hearts and of our flesh, corruption and death is the final outcome. Galatians describes corruption as giving in to the wills of the flesh. Just because a man or a woman has accepted Christ and is baptized, this baptism is not vaccination that wards off corruption or a corrupt heart.
In Galatians 5:19 (NKJV) and further Paul list examples of immorality that needs to be eliminated from our lives.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
These verses speak for themselves. However I do have a comment on verse 21. Notice in verse 21 Paul uses the phrase "and the like" to cover acts of corruption he did not list. He wants us to know that the list is broader than what is listed in his letter. The breadth of corruption is wide. This realization was eye opening for me. Be Careful To Maintain Good Works.
I notice that time is getting short, let us examine the characteristics of corruption.
Characteristics Of Corruption
Turn with me to Luke 6 beginning in verse 43.
Luke 6:43-45 (NKJV)
43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
A corrupt person brings forth evil. God tells us that this type of person will give us clues. But you have to know that the masters of the trade creep in slowly.
Verse 45 in part: "For out of the abundance of the heart will his mouth will speak." From this mouth will come deceit and lies, smooth talk to scam, dishonesty, trickery, and deception. This mouth will demonize the just and what is good to elevate self or advance the agenda.
You see the corrupt have an agenda, some sort of personal gain. Some will come saying "I don't have an agenda". I have heard this often enough to know that statement means this person has a hidden agenda. They will deceitfully enlist or openly enlist others in the effort. The gain could be tangible in the form wealth and or intangible in the form of control, power and position. Once in power they may use coercion to advance the agenda. Some people will, out of fear, be a part of it in knowledge or maybe not by approval, but just by turning the head or caving in. You see it takes courage to stand up for what is right.
Others will be used innocently, because lacking wisdom they acted on a lie without investigating for truth. If you or I are entertaining or listening to idle talk we are being drawn in and it makes us, if not an accomplice, a pawn. The conversation might begin with a question, "what do you think of this person" or "what do you think about what was said in the message". The Pharisees often used questions in attempts to trap Jesus. It is a snare set to drag you in. Be Careful To Maintain Good Works.
In the workplace, for example, the "use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining or maintaining any position of power or control" is referred to as office politics. I just rolled out of 32 years of this stuff, politics was rampant. Politics is also found in government and special interest groups. It is worldly, Be Careful To Maintain Good Works.
Verse 44 in part: "For every tree is known by its fruit"; What is the litmus test for corruption? If a man's enemies cannot find corruption in him, then he is not corrupt. I deduce that no one can test themselves for corruption. Look at Daniel 6:4 (NIV)
4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
Daniel is a perfect example of a good man and out of the treasure of his heart brought forth good.
Deliverance From Corruption
Our final segment is on the deliverance from corruption. God's word gives us instruction on how to help people who have corruption in their hearts. Helping people; isn't helping people doing God's work? That is the purpose of this lesson from God's word - to help. Look at Titus 3 beginning in verse 8. You will want to have your bible open and on your lap for this scripture.
Titus 3 (NKJV)
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
In this passage we see that the contentions are not the root cause. Contentions are the symptom of the heart of the discordant. The root cause is found in verse 10 the divisive. The root cause is man or a woman with a corrupt heart.
In an assembly we are to help the corrupt twice. If there is no repentance we are to have nothing else to do with this person. By command we are to put an end to corruptive behavior. This way we are not dragged into the foolish controversies. Because some corrupt folks are so cunning, sometimes it is necessary to trace a line through all the arguments or disputes that happen over time to see who the center of it all is. In a congregation, if swift and discrete action is not taken then contentions and disputes will disrupt worship.
The grave error: the quest for power in religion is an evil desire. There is collateral damage, the children and young people; they will witness the controversies and arguments. This increases the probability of losing this future generation. Also evangelism is impossible in periods of divide. The command: Two warnings and then have nothing else to do with the person. - Titus 3:10.
The only remedy is through repentance and conversion, turn with me to 1 Peter 1:13-23. Interesting, Peter, a man who is documented as having a past of being quick to anger, has much to tell us. If Peter was a doctor, this is his prescription. (NKJV)
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Peter tells us that we must prepare our minds for action; be self-controlled and avoid the ways of the world. And he tells us we can't save ourselves; it is Christ that was sacrificed for our sakes.
And finally if someone deceived or injured you and has repented how should we care for this person. Yes, forgiveness; turn with me to 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (NKJV).
5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent-not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Close
I know you are thinking that he is going on until 1:00 o'clock. Well I'm nearly finished.
Be Careful To Maintain Good Works. I don't know about you but I needed this lesson. It is not something that I ever heard taught. But clearly the lesson is from God's word and it is here to help us. If you felt like you were sitting on pin cushion, know that this lesson went through my own heart first.
A wise man once told me: Discord flows as fast as a lightning strike. It goes through a group just that fast. The good news is - it can be healed. The recovery is slow as with most illness. The speed of recovery is kind of like pouring molasses from a jar. It takes a while for it to hit your biscuit, but the result is so sweet.
So you see harmony is a valuable, hold on to it tight. Don't let it slip through your fingers. If you lose it, look for it, search it out, it is still there it is just hidden behind something.
When we first came here there was the number 13 on the attendance chart. Now we see 80 and 90's. You have a successful growing assembly here, protect it. We want you to succeed, that it's the purpose of this lesson. So sometime in the future if you face the worldly troubles found in this lesson from God's word, Remember that you have Titus 3:10 - it takes wisdom and bravery to use it - use it properly with kindness.
I am reminded of a story. I studied American literature at some point in my life. I remember a story fits in well with this lesson. There is an American folk tale which has two characters Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit. Brer Fox set a trap for Brer Rabbit. The Fox coated a baby doll with a sticky substance from a pine tree. If you ever cut your own Christmas tree you know what I'm talking about. Well Brer Rabbit ended up with all fours stuck to this doll and as the story goes he manages to free himself before the Fox can put an end to him. The story ends with the rabbit trying to clean himself of the sticky pine tree residue. My point: Like Brer Rabbit working to remove the sap that coats his fur, total extraction from corruption is most difficult - it is not easy, because we are in a corrupt world.
So the lesson is: 1) Be careful to maintain good works, there is corruption all about the world. No place is immune. 2) Be content. Save yourself - corruption and contentment cannot occupy the same heart. 3) Be careful, don't be duped or dragged in. 4) Take the appropriate and kind corrective action if corruption is present. 5) Forgive and love when those that cause grief.
Pray with me. God help us put away the evil desires of our hearts, grant us peace and harmony throughout our days. Give us your wisdom and strength so that we may be careful to maintain good works. In Your Son's name we pray.
Contributors: Indiucky
Reader Comments:
What a great lesson! I needed that. I'm amazed at how God works in our lives and believe me I know he's working in mine. My prayer to start my day this morning....Lord please teach me not to be caught up in worldly things and to stay focused on heaven the most important thing. Those wordly things are tricky and they are stumbling blocks for us all at times. Then the Lord sent me your lesson. Funny how that works isn't it. What a great way to start my week!
- S.O.