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The Fear of the Lord Part 2

12 Mar
The Fear of the Lord Part 2

I’ve been going through the book of 1 Peter. In my last post I took a side trip to talk about the fear of the Lord. That was based on Peter’s statement about the work of holiness in our lives.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

We saw that the lord judges our works, not on the appearance, but on the quality. That’s more about the motivation that was involved. Good works may impress people, but God looks at the heart.

The way we learn about motivations is how well we serve the Lord when no one is looking.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

I keep emphasizing the fact that the fear of the Lord is more than simply a reverence before Him. This verse makes that point abundantly clear. When Paul uses the word “trembling”, he’s obviously going way beyond reverence.

However, we need to know how this fear should work in our lives. Remember, we’re not talking about being afraid of God. That’s not how He works. The Lord doesn’t want you to serve Him because you’re afraid that He’ll blast you if you mess up.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:15-16 NIV

The clear teaching of Scripture tells us that we’re not to be slaves to fear. Some Christians mess this up – they let fear control them. As I said in my last post, what we should be afraid of is messing up the relationship we have with Christ.

This fear is of the loss of some of the good things we have in Christ. It’s like a loving parent who tells their child, “Clean your room or you’re not going to your friend’s party tonight.” The child doesn’t fear the parent, but missing the party.

How does that work in us as believers?

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I John 4:18 NIV

Fear has to do with punishment. That’s the same with the fear of God. Like all children – we don’t want to be punished. Too many preachers and teachers focus judgment and punishment.

The judgment of God is an important truth. But the fact is, God would rather reward our obedience than deal with disobedience. And here’s the beauty of it.

“Love drives out fear”

NOOOOOO!!

It’s perfect love. Mature love. That drives out fear. As a child, in becoming mature, I learn better and better to obey. So, the older I get, the less fear of punishment I have. As my love matures, don’t work because of fear, but because I’m part of the family.

The bottom line is that as love matures, our misplaced fear decreases.

Question: How have you seen this love maturing in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2025 in Faith, Legalism, Sonship, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Path to Holiness

05 Mar
The Path to Holiness

As we’ve been going through Peter’s first letter, we see a clear path that leads us to the walk of holiness. He has taken us step by step through the process. It’s what I’ve talked about for the last few posts.

First, we needed start the renewal of our minds by the Word of God. Then, we must become spiritually sober. After that, we can take up an eternal perspective.

At this point we’re beginning to hear from the Holy Spirit. Now, the final piece is to do what we’re hearing from the Lord.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1 Peter 1:14 NIV

We need to understand that this word, obedient, literally means to hear attentively. So Peter is addressing people who want to see God at work in their lives. They are closely listening for the Lord’s instructions to them.

Also, don’t forget that he calls them children who hear attentively. At this stage in their spiritual development, they’re not quite mature yet. But they’re headed in the right direction.

Peter now gives an exhortation to those who want to grow spiritually. If you’re trying to hear and obey God’s voice, then you must stop conforming to your old lifestyle.

The word picture speaks of external conditions. It’s like the apostle is telling us to stop wearing the uniform of our old life before Christ. We need to stop running after the things we used to long for when we didn’t know what we know now. Basically, we must walk in what we know.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about the world. How they’re operating in ignorance. They don’t understand that their longing will never be fulfilled.

The more they run after these things, the less they’re satisfied. That’s the effect of pursuing the temporary.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Ephesians 4:20-21 NIV

We don’t serve Christ like the world lives. Paul says the same as Peter. The truth of God’s Word is the foundation.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

First we have to be taught by the Word. Then we can put off the old self. We can stop conforming to the old lifestyle.

He also tells us to renew our minds. That includes beginning to look to the eternal things and spiritual issues.

Then we can walk in the new self. That’s what will lead us to true holiness and righteousness. Which also means we are now acceptable for his service.

That’s the difference between simply being called versus being chosen for the Lord’s work.

Our goal is to be holy. It must be done the Lord’s way. Setting ourselves apart for His use. He’s done His part – it’s time for us to do ours.

Question: How far along the path to holiness do you see yourself?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 5, 2025 in Anointing, Leadership, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Chosen for a Purpose

12 Feb
Chosen for a Purpose

We’re now studying the book of 1 Peter. For the last couple of posts I’ve been talking about Peter’s opening remarks. They are very eye-opening.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV

I’ve talked about the fact that he is writing to the elect; aliens, scattered throughout the world. Today I want to emphasize that we are chosen. That word chosen means selected, hand-picked, or favorite.

Why has God chosen us? The answer is simply because we responded to His call.

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:14 NIV

We are all invited – called – but chosen means that you responded and put yourself in the position of being selected. I talked about that in my first post of this series. Now we’ll take it a step further.

The Apostle Peter described this truth in the verse we looked at above. He said that we were chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father. Then we were sanctified by the working of the Holy Spirit in us.

That, in and of itself, is great news. But he didn’t stop there. He had to put in that tough little word – “for”. That changes everything. That means that there was a reason for all that He did. It can be summed up in one word – purpose.

It turns out that we are strangers, scattered and chosen for a purpose. What is that purpose? According to Peter, the purpose is obedience to Christ.

That word obedience literally means to hear under. You could also call it attentive listening. If I’m an alien, then I must listen to MY King. Being scattered in the world I have to listen for the Lord’s special instructions for me.

If I’m chosen, then I need to listen to the one who chose me. We must listen carefully and follow His instructions. If we don’t, then things will start to go wrong.

The problem is that listening requires time in the Lord’s presence. We live in a fast paced world. We look for the quick fixes. How can I get it done immediately?

The truth is that there’s no technology that can speed up the development of relationship. The only way is by spending time. Whether it’s with another human, or the Holy Spirit, I have to take the time necessary to get to know them. This fact will never change.

I am a stranger, an alien, to this world. I am scattered to be salt. I am chosen by God to obey Him. Therefore, I must listen attentively.

We need these attitudes if we’re going to be effective for Christ. Only then will we see a difference in the world around us. The world is desperately waiting for a church that knows who they are in Christ.

Question: How have you made a difference for Christ in the lives of those around you?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 12, 2025 in Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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Working for Christ

09 Feb
Working for Christ

We’re continuing through the book of Colossians. Paul is winding down to his conclusion. He has talked about relationships in the home. Now he goes to the workplace.

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Colossians 3:22 NKJV

First of all, let me say a word about slavery. There are those who wrongly accuse the Scripture of condoning slavery. This is not an accurate view.

At the time this was written, slavery was a normal part of society. It existed either by forced slavery, or with some, a voluntary slavery to pay off a debt.

The Scripture acknowledges the existence of slavery. Here, Paul writes to show the attitude needed to serve Christ if someone found themselves in that position.

The teaching against this institution is found in the letter to Philemon. But I’ll get to that in some future posts.

For now, we can apply this teaching to the employer-employee relationship. In most cases, workers are under a contractual obligation to work certain hours for a certain amount of money. Like it or not, that’s a form of voluntary servitude.

If you notice, I didn’t use my normal translation for the above verse. That’s because it leaves out an important phrase that’s in the original.

That phrase is, according to the flesh. There’s a qualification to us obeying those over us in all things. If I’m ordered to do something that’s against my spiritual nature, I don’t have to obey.

That being said, there’s more to it than simply being disobedient. I should first try and reason with my boss about an alternative way to accomplish their goals. It’s all about attitudes.

That’s especially true as Paul talks about not just doing good work while I’m being watched. I need to understand that I represent Christ. I’m under the Lord’s watchful eye all the time.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:23-25 NIV

We live with the knowledge that ultimately, our rewards (or lack thereof) come from the Lord. Christ is the One that we’re truly working for.

There may be some things that I can get away with here on earth. My natural supervisor only sees so much.

But my heavenly Supervisor is on a whole different level. I know that He’s with me at all times, in all things. Christ is the person who I’m really trying to please. That knowledge should spur me on to my best work.

Of course, employers don’t get a free pass.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 NIV

We all need to bring this understanding with us into the workplace. We are Christians not just at home or in church. We represent Christ in every environment or position we find ourselves in.

Question: How well do you represent Christ in your workplace?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 9, 2024 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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Spiritual Relationships

07 Feb
Spiritual Relationships

We’re looking at Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He now starts a new section. He’s giving some final exhortations before concluding.

In the past, Paul has written about family issues in detail. Now, he’s simply reminding them of his teaching. Paul makes a statement about each member of the family.

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

Colossians 3:18 NIV

He is saying to wives that they need to make a choice to view themselves as under their husband in rank. This is not something the husband can force. It’s a matter of the heart.

This doesn’t imply that the wife is inferior to the husband. It’s also not a matter of blind obedience. It’s about what’s fitting – proper – in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Colossians 3:19 NIV

To husbands, he says that they must make a choice to actively, positively participate in the lives of their wives. In this way, the husband is not striving to please himself, but doing the best for his wife’s sake.

You’re not to be harsh. You’re not ordering them as their lord. The wife is not a slave to the husband. You’re in this together to make the best family environment.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Colossians 3:20 NIV

When it comes to the children, we get to the word, obey. Just a note; this is NOT the same word as submit, above. The children’s place is a place of obedience.

All throughout Scripture it’s clear that children are to obey their parents. I would even say that if you’re a single adult living with your parents, then you still need to follow the “house rules”.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21 NIV

I believe this is more about dealing with older children. As they mature, they begin to question certain things. That’s when we must learn to communicate.

They may ask, “Why?”

“Because I’m the father and I said so.” is not an appropriate answer. As I parent, I need to show some respect for them as a thinking person.

The word, discouraged in this verse, literally means to be without passion. There are too many people in this generation who have grown up passionless. They spend their lives trying to self medicate with entertainment, social media, alcohol, or any of a thousand other things that can fill their time.

This is why the home is a sacred place. For believers, it should be a small picture of the church of Jesus Christ.

Christ is the head of the home and each of the members are striving to fulfill the corporate calling. Yes, every home has a calling. Every member of the family has a part to play.

That’s why how we treat one another is so important. Selfishness by any one member can bring the whole structure down. That’s why so many homes are in turmoil.

As believers, our goal should be a home where Christ is portrayed in all of His glory. It should be an example to the world of how life should be.

Question: How well do you fulfill your spiritual role in your family?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2024 in Relationships

 

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Work It Out

18 Sep
Work It Out

As we go through Paul’s Philippian letter, we see that he used Christ for our example of victory through obedience. The Lord is now exalted to the highest place of authority. Based upon that, there’s a response we need to walk in.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

Now that we’ve seen Christ’s example, we should follow that lead. We must have an obedience to God that takes place even when no one is around to watch us. It’s not about impressing other people.

But, there’s a deeper truth here. He tells us that we need to work out our salvation. That’s something important that we don’t hear preached very much these days. However, in order to understand it, we need to grasp the full scope of our salvation.

First of all, our salvation in Christ is not a “one prayer and it’s done” event. Salvation is an ongoing process. The first step was our redemption from sin, the curse, and hell. In that sense, I was saved.

Then, there’s more that goes along with this. Christ wants to perfect His righteousness and holiness in me. The Holy Spirit is cleaning up my life.

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.

2 Peter 1:3 NIV

The deeper my knowledge of God, the more I see His hand at work in me. I continue to grow and mature in the spirit. I see more of His will being accomplished in my life. In this sense, I am being saved – the ongoing process.

In order for that to happen, I need to submit to God’s plan for my life. That’s a daily decision to follow His ways. That’s what Paul means by working out your salvation.

The apostle actually says that we work it out with fear and trembling. That’s important. The Greek word for fear in this verse is where we get our word, phobia from.

Think about what that means. For example, if someone has claustrophobia, they will not go into a small space. It affects what they will and will not do.

In the same way, we need to fear not working out our salvation. This fear should affect all that we do. Not because we’re afraid of going to hell – our initial salvation took care of that. But what I fear, is ruining something that Christ paid such a high price to accomplish.

You may be thinking that you could never be good enough or strong enough to do all of this. Well, you’re absolutely right!

That’s where the second half of the passage in Philippians comes in. It literally says that it’s God who energizes you to do what He’s called you to do…. And He gives you the desire to do it. The Lord will put the determination in your heart to follow through on His will in your life.

As you spend time in His presence, you begin to know Him on a deeper level. Then, you find out His plans for your life. As you remain in that quiet place, the Holy Spirit places the desire, and the strength to accomplish all of this, into your heart.

I’ve said it more than once – we serve an excellent God!

Question: How has your desire to serve God changed over time with Him.

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 18, 2023 in Encouragement, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Mutual Submission Part Two

14 Jun
Mutual Submission Part Two

In my last post, we began looking at the section of Ephesians that talks about submission. To review, here’s the verse Paul started with.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

I talked about husbands and wives. Now we’ll go on to other relationships.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV

Now we get into the parent and child relationships. The home is the first place we learn to be obedient. Unfortunately, we live in a society where disobedience is held in high regard.

But, it doesn’t end with childhood. Once you grow up, there’s still an obligation. That’s to honor our parents. Especially for believers, this needs to be a part of our adult life.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 NIV

Then, there’s the role of the father. Too often, it’s ignored in our modern society. We somehow feel that raising children is the mother’s area. Scripture takes a different view.

That word, exasperate, literally means to anger alongside. I believe that’s talking about a father who only shows up to tell a child that they’re wrong. Or that they’re disappointed with them. That’s a very frustrating childhood.

Instead, our role should be that of a trainer. Our goal as a father should be the emotional and spiritual strength of our children.

This verse tells us that we need to give them instruction in the Lord. This means that we call attention to the ways of the Lord. We do that by allowing our children to see us praying and reading the Scripture. Spiritual manhood is something that can’t be overemphasized.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Ephesians 6:5-8 NIV

No, the Bible does not support slavery, but just the opposite. The book of Philemon is testimony to that. However, it does talk about things that were common practices in society, slavery being one of them.

This can be applied to the employee, employer relationship. Wherever we find ourselves in that corporate chain of command, we need to realize that Christ is our ultimate manager. We must work as we would work for Christ Himself.

That includes when they’re not watching us. We need to be a witness to the goodness of God, no matter what we’re doing. That also includes the times when we’re the ones in charge.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:9 NIV

Business owners need to act as Jesus would. Treat those under you with love and respect. This is how we show forth the glory of God. We desire to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ attractive to as many people as possible.

Question: How well do you portray Christ in you work relationships?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 14, 2023 in Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

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Watch for Stumbling Blocks

16 Sep
Watch for Stumbling Blocks

We’re continuing to study the Gospel of Luke. We’re now starting chapter 17. Jesus makes a comment that many people think is just a random exhortation.

That’s because of the way our Bibles were put together. Remember, originally there were no chapters and verses. They were added later to make it easier to find things. This is one of those places where they mess things up.

Jesus is continuing His same thought from chapter 16. He has just told the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This comment refers to that story.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.”

Luke 17:1-3a NIV

The phrase, things that cause people to sin, actually means things that cause offense. It means things that could possibly trap you in anger and bitterness.

Going back to the rich man and Lazarus, we can see the connection. Everyday Lazarus was placed at the rich man’s doorstep. Everyday, Lazarus watched the lavish lifestyle that was lived out in that house.

Everyday he longed for the scraps that were carelessly thrown away, but he was denied from getting them. This means that everyday Lazarus was given an opportunity to be offended and become angry and bitter at God.

These offenses are not isolated incidents. By His language, the Lord makes it clear that they will come upon us regularly. Like it or not, you will be given the opportunity to be offended. It’s how you handle that temptation that matters.

Sometimes this word, offense, is translated as a stumbling block. The rich man was probably oblivious to the fact that he was laying down stumbling blocks, everyday, in the path of Lazarus. The implication is that Lazarus had to watch his attitude everyday.

That’s why the Lord said we need to watch ourselves. I don’t think Jesus is talking about us watching out to not offend people. He offended multitudes. His focus is that we don’t pick up bitterness and anger when given the opportunity.

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

Luke 17:3-6 NIV

The disciples were having a hard time with this. The Lord taught that if someone offends you seven times in one day, you must still forgive them. That means you have to release any bitterness and anger against them.

The disciples tried to sound holy to get around it. “We don’t have enough faith for that yet!” Jesus made it clear that you don’t need faith, you only need obedience to His word.

It’s good to see that the Apostle John grabbed hold of this truth. He wrote about it in one of his letters.

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

1 John 2:10 NIV

If you walk in the love of Christ, then you’re walking in the light. This verse literally say that in that case, you have no offense – no stumbling blocks – inside you.

We need to live free of bitterness. Release your offenses to God. Walk in forgiveness, the same forgiveness that was shown to you on the cross. Only then can you walk in the peace and joy of the Lord.

Question: How free are you from offense and bitterness?

© 2022 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 16, 2022 in Faith, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Looking for Convenience?

17 Jan
Looking for Convenience?

As we continue through the Gospel of Luke, today’s post finds us starting chapter 5. You may want to review Luke 5:1-11 before reading this post.

Jesus has now started His public ministry. He’s traveling around Israel, teaching as He goes. This section of Scripture finds Him at the Sea of Galilee.

As the Lord begins speaking, a large crowd forms around Him to listen to the Word of God. Seeing some fishermen nearby, Jesus asks them if they could take Him out on the water a little way. This is because the lake acts like a natural sound amplifier, so the people could hear Him better.

There’s some background that you need to understand about this encounter. This is not the first time Simon (Peter) has met with Jesus.

Andrew, Simon’s brother, was a disciple of John the Baptist. After hearing the testimony of John, Andrew met with Jesus. Realizing that He was the Messiah, Andrew took his brother, Simon, to meet with the Lord. It was at that meeting that Jesus began calling Simon by the name Peter. (John 1:35-41)

Now, getting back to the present events, we find Peter and his business partners washing their nets. They had just spent the whole night fishing, with no results. Peter were tired, frustrated, and probably not in the best mood when Jesus came to him with this request.

One more thing. Here’s a spiritual nugget for you. When you read the Gospels, you have to realize that Jesus had the same ministry to the disciples that the Holy Spirit has to the church right now. We can gain a lot of insight as we read it this way.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit is instructing us to do something when we don’t feel like it. We need to learn to get over our attitudes and simply obey Him. We must think like Peter and agree with the Spirit.

I don’t know how long Jesus taught the people. The Scripture doesn’t say. However long it was, I’m sure Peter was anxious to get home to rest.

Finally, Jesus finishes His teaching to the crowds. Peter is ready to return home. But that doesn’t happen.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Luke 5:4

Jesus has another request. Isn’t that just like the Holy Spirit. There are times the Spirit wants you to do things when it seems most inconvenient.

There have been times I was tired, frustrated, or just in a bad mood. It seems like that’s the time the Lord picks for me to minister to someone to help meet their needs. I have to pick up Peter’s attitude in these instances.

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Luke 5:5

“Lord, I really don’t feel like helping anyone right now. But, because You say so…I’ll do it.”

The results of obedience are amazing. In Peter’s case, they got a haul of fishes beyond anything they could have imagined.

It cut Peter to the heart. He saw that Jesus was operating in the power of Almighty God. As he reflected on all of his bad attitudes and internal complaints, he fell to his knees. He realized his need for a life-change.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”

Luke 5:10b

It always strikes me that true repentance brings a confirmation of God’s love. Peter was truly changed that day. And not just him, but his whole fishing company.

Peter, Andrew, James, and John all laid down their nets that day. They left all to follow Christ and obey His words. We need to walk that same road, and we’ll see the same results.

Question: How have you obeyed the Holy Spirit’s call when it was inconvenient?

© 2022 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on January 17, 2022 in Faith, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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A Hardened Heart

31 May
A Hardened Heart

In my last post, I started taking a little side trip to discuss mercy, from a biblical perspective. I explained that mercy is one of three foundations of God’s righteous law. The three are faith, judgment, and mercy.

Now we need to understand the important role that mercy should have in our lives.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:3-4

The mercy of God speaks of new birth and an inheritance. It’s the family blessing of God. As I said in my last post, mercy is the reward for being an obedient child of God.

In essence the walk of sonship is the walk of mercy. It’s a higher way of life than the faith-walk.

But, what we don’t get, is how it ties into the fact that God exists outside of time. That’s why His mercy looks random to us sometimes.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:12-13

This is Paul’s testimony of the work of Christ in his life. Paul received mercy, not based upon what he had done, but upon what God knew he would become in the future.

God knows who is going to respond to Him. So, He sometimes bases the blessings He gives on that foreknowledge. That’s why many seemingly sinful people receive protection, provision, and grace long before they bow their knee to Christ.

The Lord knew that you were going to choose Him. There are others, however, that He knows will never choose Christ, no matter the circumstances. Mercy is always based on obedience – past, present or future.

Now with an understanding of the mercy of God we can move forward with our study of Romans.

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Romans 9:17

We need to understand this verse from the standpoint of God’s mercy. This verse doesn’t say, “I made you king…” It literally says, “I resurrected you…” God got what was on the inside of Pharaoh to come out. These things sometimes only come out in the heat of emotion.

If you read Exodus, chapters 7-9, you’ll see Moses going before Pharaoh again and again. Each time Pharaoh says he’ll let Israel go, but then he goes back on his word. He wants to negotiate, and look kingly, but his heart was actually against Moses and Israel.

Finally, God declared that He had spared Pharaoh to show His power. In that way, God’s mighty name would be proclaimed throughout the earth.

Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Romans 9:18

According to His will, God grants mercy to His obedient sons and daughters. Others, the Lord will make stubborn, because that’s what they want to happen.

God did not do something with Pharaoh against his will. Just the opposite – God strengthened Pharaoh’s resolve to do what was already in his heart.

God didn’t want Pharaoh to cave in to the pressure from his advisors or magicians. God gave Pharaoh the backbone to do what he actually wanted to do.

That’s why it’s so important for us to pray for God to soften the hearts of those around us. We don’t want anyone hardened against the Gospel of Christ.

Question: In what ways have you seen emotions bring out what’s in a person’s heart?

© 2021 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2021 in Ministry, Power of God, Sonship, Spiritual Walk

 

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