The Hagiasmos Project

Wear the Right Strait Jacket

Philip Decker — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:14:53 +0000

This week I had the joy of leading a group in consideration of what it takes to be growing as preachers. I told them we need to wear the right strait-jacket. I also told them that most preachers wear the wrong one.

Actually, when it comes to biblical preaching there aren’t as many rules as people tend to think. The preacher has all sorts of freedom that should be instructed through experience of what works effectively, what achieves communication goals, etc. But there are not as many rules as …

This is a fantastic article, I pray that pastors would start thinking this way. You can’t read a passage and make application without considering the proper interpretation.

Psalm 119-Lessons Learned, Part 2

Philip Decker — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 02:15:14 +0000

In my year of studying Psalm 119 I learned and re-learned a number of things. Each stanza of the Psalm proved to teach me something of great value. When I reviewed the Psalm as a whole, I came away with a few big picture lessons that were hinted at over and over again. I wrote about the first in another post; here I would like to discuss the second lesson that I walked away with. In Lesson One we examined how the value we attribute to the Word has a direct impact on the change that it has in our lives. Simply said, if we do not value the Bible as the Word of God we will not be challenged by it the way God intends. Similarly, Lesson Two recognizes a correlation between the Word and something else, namely God. This post will examine how “My attitude towards the Bible is an indication of my attitude towards God himself.” This is an idea that is first introduced in verse 7. The Psalmist says, “ I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.” Here in the first stanza the Psalmist points to the fact that the Word of God is responsible for his praise of God. Once the Psalmist learns the rules of God he will praise of God. This is where Lesson Two begins; demonstrating how the our attitude and relation with God is directly impacted by the Word.

In the first chapter of his Gospel, John explains to his readers that Jesus’ incarnation resulted in the perfect and complete revelation of God. The Word became flesh before our eyes. For years scribes had labored over the revelation of God in writing but they missed or rejected the Revelation of God in person. Is this because Jesus wasn’t really a perfect representation of God? Certainly not. This was because their understanding of God was wrong because their understanding of Scripture was wrong. Their failure to respond to the written Word of God properly directly impacted their response to the Word of God made flesh. Psalm 119 reminded me of this principle over and over again. Take for example verse 12 and 102; in verse 12 the Psalmist pleads with God that He teach him more about his Word, “Blessed are you, O LORD;teach me your statutes!” Then in verse 102 he states that because God has taught him he obeys and does not stray. His interacting with the Word and God went hand in hand. He obeyed the Word by submitting to God and obey God by submitting to the Word.

This psalm is littered with statements in which the Psalmist calls out to God on the basis of His Word. In each instance where the Psalmist praises God it is because of His Word. Inverse 62 the Psalmist confesses to His late night praise and in verse 172 he sings. The reason is because of His Word. Interestingly, in verse 48 the Psalmist lifts up his hands, reaches for, desires the Word in the same way He desires God (28:2 and 88:9). We cannot claim to love God and despise His commands. In fact, Jesus set that as a benchmark for true Christianity. John recorded Jesus saying that those who love Him will keep His commandments (John 14:15). There is a direct correlation between our submission to the Word and our submission to Christ. (As there ought to be since He is the Word made flesh).

So, Christian, as you consider your life and discipleship, do so with the Word in mind. It is be the measuring stick by which you will be measured. I do not mean that our acceptance before God is based on our obedience, it is based on Christ’s; I do mean, however, that your sanctification can be measured by you obedience. The Word of God is a gift to you and I that is meant to reveal God as He is. If you are claiming to honor God but do not honor His Words you are sorely mistaken. Take the time this week to examine your attitude towards God’s Word. I think you may be surprised by what it reveals about your attitude towards Him.

A World of Theology

Philip Decker — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:39:29 +0000

While in college I had to read through a systematic theology book by Charles Ryrie. Since that time I have read through a couple others and there always seems to be a consistent remark somewhere in their pages, “Everyone is a theologian.” Though their theology may not be great, none the less the have thoughts and opinions about God. This is great news for a nerd like me that enjoys thinking about theology and discussing it with people. If everyone around me is a theologian, then theology (good or bad) is all around me. I just have to frame my mind to see it.

For example, just today I received an email from my credit card company regarding the miles that I have acquired. They wanted to congratulate me on redeeming those miles and turning them into something I wanted and then they gave me some pointers on how to be a better redeemer in the future. The theology of the guy who wrote this email jumped out at me immediately because they were using theological language. To this company (and much of the world) “redemption” is a quick, painless decision that we make to turn something worthless into something we like. As believers, we know it to be something entirely different. “Redemption” is that painful process on the part of God that changes dead, sinful man into God-glorifying people through the death of Jesus.

Another obvious theology that jumped out at me this week came while watching tv one evening. On a show that was making no attempt to define and shape my worldview came a remark that perked my ears. One character asked another how he could get rid of the anger inside him. The other character responded with an answer reminiscent of the Gospel. Her one-word answer was “Forgiveness.” Granted, that is nowhere near the full message of the Gospel and the context of the show was self-improvement; but what a wonderful catalyst to explain that the only way to avoid the anger and wrath of the Holy Creator is through the forgiveness He offers in Jesus.

Another little theology moment came this week while at Lake Erie with some of my family. We were on the shore and I looked down at the sand and thought of Abraham. God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sands on the sea shore. Lake Erie may or may not have been in that count, but to consider such a large number is mind-numbing. Then to consider Paul’s commentary in Galatians on that promise is even more humbling because he says that God was referring to you and I, children of the promise. What a great reminder that lake shore was for me on how small I am in the scheme of history. How great God is for having such a plan.

So what is my point in all this. There is an underlying insinuation to these thoughts; we need to be meditating, rehearsing, and preaching the Gospel to ourselves. It is kind if like the months after you buy a new car, you begin seeing other people who have that car all over the place. When we fill our minds with thoughts of God and His Gospel we will begin to see it all around us. So here is my exhortation, read through the first 7 chapters of Romans today and then look for as many reminders of the Gospel as you can.

Psalm 119-Lessons Learned, Part 1

Philip Decker — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:32 +0000

During the 2010 calendar year I decided to devote my studies in the Word to Psalm 119. I had read a book by David Powlison that covered the psalm from a counseling perspective. I was very intrigued by his use of the psalm and how he wove it together as a whole, so I decided to do the same. I wanted to know why the psalmist was so consumed with the Scriptures. Over the course of the year I studied my way through each stanza of the psalm and came up with application questions for each. (You can read through those studies on the blog.) At the beginning of 2011, I sat down and went back through my notes and tried to sum it all up. In that study and review I was able to bottom line my study to three main lessons that we can learn from Psalm 119.

The Bible is called the “Word of God” for a reason, and that reason should be obvious. The words in the Bible are in fact the very words of the world’s Creator. Though we sometimes read the Bible like a volume of nice quotes and inspirational sayings, its true purpose is much greater. God’s intention for the Bible is revelation, and not just revelation for revelation’s sake either. This revelation is meant to incite change. God has revealed Himself to His creation in Scripture with the expressed purpose of bringing Himself glory through the change He causes in our lives. We see this in the psalmist’s life in Psalm 119. That is why I can say that the first lesson this psalm has taught me is: “The value we attribute to the Word of God is directly related to the impact that it has in our lives.” Much change, both in our inner man (the immaterial part of man) and the outer man (the physical part of man), can be seen when a heart is receptive to the Word of God. That is exactly what is seen in the life of the writer of Psalm 119. (I am not calling for the hyper-Calvinistic hatred seen by groups like the Westboro Baptists, rather a righteous hatred of sin that is motivated by holy love.)

The psalmist’s inner man was changed comprehensively, resulting in a visible change to his outer man. This change began in his mind: we see in verses 98, 99, and 104, that the time the psalmist spent studying the Word of God has a tremendous impact on his wisdom and intellect. As the psalmist grew in understanding, there was an obvious change in his emotions and attitude towards the world around him. In verse 104 we see a growing hatred for the things that God hates that it is a direct result of understanding the Words of God. “Through your precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way,” – the Word produced change. In verses 118 and 119, we see that God has a hatred and contempt for those who reject His Word and the way he ”discards them like dross.” The psalmist picks up on this godly response and reports in numerous verses (50, 104, 113, 128, and 163) that he too hates the wicked and the evil they do. But as a result of this godly hatred, anger, and contempt, there is a love that also grows in the psalmist’s life. Amongst numerous verses (14, 16, 20, 31, 47, 70, 97, 159, 174) there is one that puts the psalmist’s love in direct contrast to the hatred. Verse 163 says, “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.” Our love for one thing generally demonstrates our functional hatred for another. In this case, a love for God and His Word results in a hatred for disobedience and evil.

Not only was the psalmist’s inner man changed in his affections, but also growth in his joy. We see his responses to adversity, obedience, sorrow, and persecution in this psalm. Each time, those situations are met with joy and praise in God and His Word (1-2, 28, 50, 83, 86, 111). These changes are evidence of inner man growth that is consistent with the psalmist’s spiritual growth in general. We see him desiring more growth and more learning from God (33, 37, 81, 97, 102, 168). His desire is to learn from God so that his faithfulness will increase even more (12).

As with all spiritual sanctification, change in the inner man results in change to the “outer man.” In verse 59, the psalmist changes his actions upon consideration of the Word. In verses 62 and 148, the psalmist is studying and meditating on the Word in the middle of the night. The inner man change to his desires resulted in a physical change of his routines. The psalmist also saw a change in his activities as well; numerous verses indicate that he used his body to praise God (120, 172, 164, 131, 123, 45, 148).

These observations of the psalmist’s life should drive home the thought that the Word of God has direct impact on all areas of our life. The psalmist declares in verse 10 that his whole heart is seeking after God and is motivated to obey. This is the impact that the Word has on our lives when we employ it properly. The extent to which our lives our changed by the Word of God is directly related to the amount we value it.

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Exposition, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Tread Mark Questions, Word of God

Psalm 119:169-176 Taw

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:22:47 +0000

[169] Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!
[170] Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.
[171] My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.
[172] My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.
[173] Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
[174] I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
[175] Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.
[176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
(Psalm 119:169-176 ESV)
Tread Mark Questions

Am I grateful for what God has taught me from His Word?
Do I praise God for the trustworthiness of the Bible?
Do I live my life from the stance of humility that is keenly aware of God’s pursuing grace for His own?

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Daily Devotion, Exposition, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Religion, Tread Mark Questions, Word of God

Psalm 119:161-168 Sin and Shin

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:21:59 +0000

[161] Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
[162] I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
[163] I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
[164] Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
[165] Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
[166] I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.
[167] My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
[168] I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
(Psalm 119:161-168 ESV)
Tread Mark Questions

Am I more in awe of God’s Word or the power of governments?
Do I treat the Bible like treasure?
Do I love the Word as much as I hate sin?
Do I praise God for His Word?
Do I recognize the correlation between my love for the Word and my obedience to it?
Am I motivated towards obedience by the omniscient power of God?

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Daily Devotion, Exposition, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Tread Mark Questions

Psalm 119:153-160 Resh

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:21:13 +0000

[153] Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
[154] Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
[155] Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
[156] Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.
[157] Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
[158] I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.
[159] Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.
[160] The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
(Psalm 119:153-160 ESV)
Tread Mark Questions

Am I aware of the hope of salvation offered in the Word of God?
Do I live aware of the faithfulness of God that is evidenced in the Scriptures?
Do I recognize the severity of disobedience to the Law of God? Does that disobedience disgust me?
Do I believe the Word is true?

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Daily Devotion, Exposition, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Religion, Tread Mark Questions

Psalm 119:145-152 Qoph

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:20:19 +0000

[145] With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes.
[146] I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.
[147] I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.
[148] My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.
[149] Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
[150] They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.
[151] But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.
[152] Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.
(Psalm 119:145-152 ESV)
Tread Mark Questions

Do I plead with God, asking Him to sustain me so that I can obey Him more?
Is studying the Word something I go out of my way to do?
If the Scriptures speak of its own faithfulness, do I trust it?

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Daily Devotion, Exposition, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Tread Mark Questions

Psalm 119:137-144 Tsadhe

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:19:27 +0000

[137] Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.
[138] You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.
[139] My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words.
[140] Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
[141] I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
[142] Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.
[143] Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.
[144] Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
(Psalm 119:137-144 ESV)
Tread Mark Questions

Am I aware that God does only what is consistent with His character?
In the midst of life’s difficulties, do I still delight in the Word?
Is Scripture the lens through which I interpret life?

Tagged: Application, Bible Study, Daily Devotion, Exposition, God, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Tread Mark Questions, Word of God

Psalm 119:129-136 Pe

Philip Decker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:18:32 +0000

[129] Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
[130] The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
[131] I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.
[132] Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
[133] Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
[134] Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
[135] Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
[136] My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
(Psalm 119:129-136 ESV)
Tread Mark Question

Do I recognize the inherent value of God’s Word?
Do I yearn for the Word of God life I do for water?
Do I recognize the sovereignty of God over my temptations?
Do I ache for those who do not obey the Word of God?

Tagged: Application, Bible, Bible Study, God's Word, Implications, Psalm 119, Religion, Tread Mark Questions