# 463 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is wickedness. This is another term that seems rather vague as we speak of it today. I mean couldn't wickedness be defined as “all evil things?” The word here carries with it the idea of “maliciousness unleashed”. It is 'expressed” malice that affects others.
Okay, what do we mean by malice? It is any and all vicious ill will, spite, or hatred.
Have you ever done something to someone out of spite? Then you are guilty of this sin of wickedness. “It's that “I'll show him or her,”....... and then you do! It's one of the things listed in Proverbs 6 that the Lord hates: “A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,” (Prov 6:18) The heart schemes and the feet carry it out.
Remember this the next time you catch yourself saying, “I'll show them!” Nip it in the bud and remember if there is any vengeance needed to be carried out, God will take care of it. Ro 12:19 says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
And if you are guilty of the sin of wickedness, confess it, turn from it, and receive God's forgiveness.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Covetousness Defined
# 462 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is covetousness. The Greek word is a combination of two words which mean “to have more.” Covetousness is one's desire for having more or for what he has not“. As murder and adultery can be committed in the heart, so thievery can be committed in the heart through covetousness.
But covetousness is even more serious than that. Col 3:5 flat out states that “covetousness is idolatry.” In Zodhiates Study Bible we read that covetousness is the longing of the creature which has forsaken God (idolatry) to fill itself with the lower objects of nature. (materialism)
That hits the nail right on the head.
Now, it's not a sin to be rich or to have possessions, it's all about attitude toward material goods. I think it's summed up best in 1 Tim 6:17-19, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
The charge to the rich is to not be haughty, you know, “(MY barns, MY crops, MY money, MY soul) nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on the certainty of God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. The rich are to be rich in good works, in other words, God made them rich for a purpose, and that purpose is to be generous and ready to share.
Sharing our blessings is one way that we demonstrate the lavishness of the love of God through Christ. When motivated by faith in Christ, it is proof of our love for God. This is foundational to eternal life....faith motivated action. It's part of what James meant in his discussion about the relationship between faith and works in Jas 2:14.
“ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
If we covet anything, let it be the Kingdom of God, “Seek first (Give precedence to) the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt 6:33)
No need to covet God will give you over and above what you really need.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is covetousness. The Greek word is a combination of two words which mean “to have more.” Covetousness is one's desire for having more or for what he has not“. As murder and adultery can be committed in the heart, so thievery can be committed in the heart through covetousness.
But covetousness is even more serious than that. Col 3:5 flat out states that “covetousness is idolatry.” In Zodhiates Study Bible we read that covetousness is the longing of the creature which has forsaken God (idolatry) to fill itself with the lower objects of nature. (materialism)
That hits the nail right on the head.
Now, it's not a sin to be rich or to have possessions, it's all about attitude toward material goods. I think it's summed up best in 1 Tim 6:17-19, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
The charge to the rich is to not be haughty, you know, “(MY barns, MY crops, MY money, MY soul) nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on the certainty of God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. The rich are to be rich in good works, in other words, God made them rich for a purpose, and that purpose is to be generous and ready to share.
Sharing our blessings is one way that we demonstrate the lavishness of the love of God through Christ. When motivated by faith in Christ, it is proof of our love for God. This is foundational to eternal life....faith motivated action. It's part of what James meant in his discussion about the relationship between faith and works in Jas 2:14.
“ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
If we covet anything, let it be the Kingdom of God, “Seek first (Give precedence to) the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt 6:33)
No need to covet God will give you over and above what you really need.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thou Shalt Not Filch?
# 461 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is thefts. Another easy one right? A theft occurs when something is stolen. Mention the word robbery or thief and you get a mental image of someone forcefully taking something from someone else. But thievery is much more than that.
It's interesting that the word “theft” here comes from a Greek word that means “filch.” Now that's a word we don't hear too much these days. It means to “appropriate casually.” And to appropriate is to take or make use of without authority or right. Oh boy, I think we all just got caught with our hands in the cookie jar!
How many times have we made a copy of a song or a movie without authority or right? How many times have we carried a ream of paper home from work, or made unauthorized copies on the copy machine? How many times have we filched the company dollar as we tended to personal matters on the internet or phone?
Filching is a sin and just like the preceding sins of adultery, fornication, and murder, it must be confessed. We need to ask Jesus to forgive and then, as in the other cases, “go and sin no more.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is thefts. Another easy one right? A theft occurs when something is stolen. Mention the word robbery or thief and you get a mental image of someone forcefully taking something from someone else. But thievery is much more than that.
It's interesting that the word “theft” here comes from a Greek word that means “filch.” Now that's a word we don't hear too much these days. It means to “appropriate casually.” And to appropriate is to take or make use of without authority or right. Oh boy, I think we all just got caught with our hands in the cookie jar!
How many times have we made a copy of a song or a movie without authority or right? How many times have we carried a ream of paper home from work, or made unauthorized copies on the copy machine? How many times have we filched the company dollar as we tended to personal matters on the internet or phone?
Filching is a sin and just like the preceding sins of adultery, fornication, and murder, it must be confessed. We need to ask Jesus to forgive and then, as in the other cases, “go and sin no more.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Assassination By Lip, Heart, and Mind
# 460 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
In the matter of murder, we need to pay heed to the words of Jesus found in Mt 5:22,23, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Let me paraphrase His words: “You've been taught for as long as you can remember that you shouldn't commit murder, and everyone who commits murder will be dealt with in court. But I say to you that if this commandment were correctly understood, even the person who is enraged in his mind against someone, to the point that they wish them harm deserves to go to the same court for they are guilty in God's eyes of the same crime.....murder. Further, those who would view someone else as utterly useless, deserves to be taken to an even higher court, and whoever regards someone as moronic deserves to go to hell.”
Jesus, I know I have been guilty of this sin. I struggle with it more often than I like to admit. That makes me a murderer and I deserve to go to hell. But I know too, that there is no sin that you have not paid for and so I come to You asking for mercy. Forgive me, and deliver me from these sins of assassination with my lips, heart, and mind.” I ask it in Your name, Amen.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
In the matter of murder, we need to pay heed to the words of Jesus found in Mt 5:22,23, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Let me paraphrase His words: “You've been taught for as long as you can remember that you shouldn't commit murder, and everyone who commits murder will be dealt with in court. But I say to you that if this commandment were correctly understood, even the person who is enraged in his mind against someone, to the point that they wish them harm deserves to go to the same court for they are guilty in God's eyes of the same crime.....murder. Further, those who would view someone else as utterly useless, deserves to be taken to an even higher court, and whoever regards someone as moronic deserves to go to hell.”
Jesus, I know I have been guilty of this sin. I struggle with it more often than I like to admit. That makes me a murderer and I deserve to go to hell. But I know too, that there is no sin that you have not paid for and so I come to You asking for mercy. Forgive me, and deliver me from these sins of assassination with my lips, heart, and mind.” I ask it in Your name, Amen.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, June 20, 2011
God Does Not Make Junk
# 459 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
We've talked about the physical act of murder, now let's turn our attention to some other ways we can be guilty of murder in God's eyes. Jesus mentioned them in Mt 5. They include: (1) being angry at someone to the point of wishing them harm, (2) regarding someone as useless, and (3) regarding someone as moronic. He said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Mt 5:21,22)
Why Jesus? What's the problem here? The problem is God does not make junk. Every person has been made in God's image. So to call a person a moron is to call God a moron. To consider someone useless is to consider God as useless, and to be enraged to the point of just having the thought of doing harm to a person is to think to do harm to something that God has fearfully and wonderfully made.
Remember, Every person that God has made is a statement from on high, and we would do well to always remember that He is the Potter and we are the clay!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
We've talked about the physical act of murder, now let's turn our attention to some other ways we can be guilty of murder in God's eyes. Jesus mentioned them in Mt 5. They include: (1) being angry at someone to the point of wishing them harm, (2) regarding someone as useless, and (3) regarding someone as moronic. He said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Mt 5:21,22)
Why Jesus? What's the problem here? The problem is God does not make junk. Every person has been made in God's image. So to call a person a moron is to call God a moron. To consider someone useless is to consider God as useless, and to be enraged to the point of just having the thought of doing harm to a person is to think to do harm to something that God has fearfully and wonderfully made.
Remember, Every person that God has made is a statement from on high, and we would do well to always remember that He is the Potter and we are the clay!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Abortion Is Murder
# 457 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Next on the list of “evil things” is murders. One would think that it would not be necessary to define this sin. But as with the sins of adultery and fornication, through neglect, expediency, and ignorance, this sin has become widely accepted in our culture and even in the church.
What is murder? Someone who once was a living human being created in the image of God, is now no longer a living human being because someone took steps to purposely end that person's life. That is murder! How could anyone get that one wrong?
But we do.
Every day over 3,000 babies are aborted in America alone. Some 55 million have been aborted since abortion was legalized in 1973. What in the world has happened that we could casually accept such carnage? Somehow we have come to believe that the unborn child is not really alive. Biology 101 tells us a different story as does Christianity 101.
Two simple passages from Scripture should clarify when life begins. The first is found in Ps 51:5, “ in sin did my mother conceive me.” Simply restated this passage means we are sinners from the moment of conception.
The second is found in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death.” Now think about it! How can the penalty of death be exacted on something that is not first alive? Life begins at conception!
Abortion is murder, but again, remember there is no sin that Jesus did not die for. There is forgiveness in Him. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:9)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things” is murders. One would think that it would not be necessary to define this sin. But as with the sins of adultery and fornication, through neglect, expediency, and ignorance, this sin has become widely accepted in our culture and even in the church.
What is murder? Someone who once was a living human being created in the image of God, is now no longer a living human being because someone took steps to purposely end that person's life. That is murder! How could anyone get that one wrong?
But we do.
Every day over 3,000 babies are aborted in America alone. Some 55 million have been aborted since abortion was legalized in 1973. What in the world has happened that we could casually accept such carnage? Somehow we have come to believe that the unborn child is not really alive. Biology 101 tells us a different story as does Christianity 101.
Two simple passages from Scripture should clarify when life begins. The first is found in Ps 51:5, “ in sin did my mother conceive me.” Simply restated this passage means we are sinners from the moment of conception.
The second is found in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death.” Now think about it! How can the penalty of death be exacted on something that is not first alive? Life begins at conception!
Abortion is murder, but again, remember there is no sin that Jesus did not die for. There is forgiveness in Him. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:9)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Status: I'm In A Relationship
# 456 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Next on the list of “evil things” is fornication. Fornication is defined as any and all illicit sexual activity before marriage. Years ago we called it “living in sin.” or “shacking up.” And once again we find a sin that has become a tremendous stronghold of the devil in the church.
There is tremendous pressure from the devil and the world to commit this sin and our flesh is all too willing to cooperate. Young people do it because they see its acceptance and promotion in all forms of the media. As far as they can tell, “everyone indeed does it!” “Didn't mom and dad do it after their divorce?”
Even seniors citizens are engaging in this practice because of its financial advantages in the tax structure.
Our own generation, perhaps reflecting on the sins of our youth, refuse to speak out against this sin. The church often remains silent for fear of stepping on some people's toes and losing members and finances.
Meanwhile precious souls are headed for eternal destruction, all for the sake of “being in a relationship.” (Today's code word for the sin of fornication.) Stop it!
Hear the Word of God on this matter! The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 6:9 that fornicators are among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, and then goes on to say in v 11, “Such WERE some of you.” In other words believers can and MUST become ex-fornicators.
“But I believe in God, isn't that enough?” Beloved, belief involves more than an intellectual assent that there is a God. Listen to what Jesus said in Lu 6:46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?
Turn to Jesus and be set free from this sin, and all other damnable sins.Damnable simply because they are proof that you really haven't submitted to the lordship of Christ.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things” is fornication. Fornication is defined as any and all illicit sexual activity before marriage. Years ago we called it “living in sin.” or “shacking up.” And once again we find a sin that has become a tremendous stronghold of the devil in the church.
There is tremendous pressure from the devil and the world to commit this sin and our flesh is all too willing to cooperate. Young people do it because they see its acceptance and promotion in all forms of the media. As far as they can tell, “everyone indeed does it!” “Didn't mom and dad do it after their divorce?”
Even seniors citizens are engaging in this practice because of its financial advantages in the tax structure.
Our own generation, perhaps reflecting on the sins of our youth, refuse to speak out against this sin. The church often remains silent for fear of stepping on some people's toes and losing members and finances.
Meanwhile precious souls are headed for eternal destruction, all for the sake of “being in a relationship.” (Today's code word for the sin of fornication.) Stop it!
Hear the Word of God on this matter! The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 6:9 that fornicators are among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, and then goes on to say in v 11, “Such WERE some of you.” In other words believers can and MUST become ex-fornicators.
“But I believe in God, isn't that enough?” Beloved, belief involves more than an intellectual assent that there is a God. Listen to what Jesus said in Lu 6:46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?
Turn to Jesus and be set free from this sin, and all other damnable sins.Damnable simply because they are proof that you really haven't submitted to the lordship of Christ.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, June 17, 2011
How Do We Turn This Thing Around
# 455 - As I wrap up this look at divorce and remarriage and how they relate to the sin of adultery, there is a great sense of futility. How in the world can we possibly turn this around in our culture and in the church? It is way out of hand! How can we once more make sexuality and marriage what God originally intended it to be? It's going to take resolve and the help of Almighty God.
It's not much different than dealing with the sin of drunkenness. The person who desires to be free from this sin, confesses it as sin, receives God's forgiveness and then resolves with the help of God to remain permanently sober. This is what we must do with this sin. We must recapture the biblical concept of the permanence of marriage. Then we must teach it and model it in our own lives for the next generation.
Understanding the permanence of marriage, and God's restrictions against remarriage after a divorce, forces us to tough it out (with His help) and when the road gets rough, work through our marital problems. Some will have to bite the bullet and live out their lives as singles for the sake of the kingdom of God. But if we, the church won't do what Jesus says to do in His Word, who will?
In this matter of adultery through divorce and remarriage, let me repeat the words of Jesus as HE spoke them to the woman caught in the act of adultery. “I do not condemn you, go and sin no more.” What was He saying here? He was saying I forgive your sin of adultery, but draw a line in the sand in this matter and resolve not to cross it again. Taking these words to heart, is the starting point for turning this situation around.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
It's not much different than dealing with the sin of drunkenness. The person who desires to be free from this sin, confesses it as sin, receives God's forgiveness and then resolves with the help of God to remain permanently sober. This is what we must do with this sin. We must recapture the biblical concept of the permanence of marriage. Then we must teach it and model it in our own lives for the next generation.
Understanding the permanence of marriage, and God's restrictions against remarriage after a divorce, forces us to tough it out (with His help) and when the road gets rough, work through our marital problems. Some will have to bite the bullet and live out their lives as singles for the sake of the kingdom of God. But if we, the church won't do what Jesus says to do in His Word, who will?
In this matter of adultery through divorce and remarriage, let me repeat the words of Jesus as HE spoke them to the woman caught in the act of adultery. “I do not condemn you, go and sin no more.” What was He saying here? He was saying I forgive your sin of adultery, but draw a line in the sand in this matter and resolve not to cross it again. Taking these words to heart, is the starting point for turning this situation around.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What's A Eunuch Got To Do With It?
# 454 - In Today's Living Word, we continue looking at the matter of divorce and remarriage. As Jesus is teaching His disciples about divorce and remarriage in the Book of Matthew, He says something that really helps clarify this matter of the permanence of marriage.
He said in Mt 19:12, “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven.”
What did He mean by this in the context of divorce and remarriage? Well, since (1) the biblical model for sex is ALWAYS within the confines of matrimony, and (2) eunuchs are those who are not able to procreate, He was saying that there are people in this world who have had sex removed from their radar screen.
Some may be predisposed by God to not have an interest in marriage, (eunuchs) from birth) others may want to remain single in order to serve the Lord in a special way, (eunuchs for the kingdom) and others are made eunuchs by the decisions of others (eunuchs by men and namely in context here through man's decision to divorce)
This is one of the richest passages in all of Scripture as it concerns sexual purity and God's plan for the permanence of marriage. And for those who have been made eunuchs by divorce, it seems that God may have opened a door for you to serve Him wholeheartedly as those who are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
I know this is a tough pill to swallow, and one of the reasons it's so tough to swallow, is that the church has dropped the ball on the teaching of the permanence of marriage. Just as they had dropped the ball in the days of Jesus.
He knew too, that this was a tough pill to swallow! That's why He preceded it in Mt 19:11, with “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.” BUT having said that He concludes His illustration of the eunuchs by saying, “let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
What does that tell you? It tells you that the BEST course of action is to receive it. Our ability to receive this saying comes from the Holy Spirit. If He lives and dwells in you, and you are willing, you can receive this saying! Phil 4:13 reminds us that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Phil 4:13)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
He said in Mt 19:12, “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven.”
What did He mean by this in the context of divorce and remarriage? Well, since (1) the biblical model for sex is ALWAYS within the confines of matrimony, and (2) eunuchs are those who are not able to procreate, He was saying that there are people in this world who have had sex removed from their radar screen.
Some may be predisposed by God to not have an interest in marriage, (eunuchs) from birth) others may want to remain single in order to serve the Lord in a special way, (eunuchs for the kingdom) and others are made eunuchs by the decisions of others (eunuchs by men and namely in context here through man's decision to divorce)
This is one of the richest passages in all of Scripture as it concerns sexual purity and God's plan for the permanence of marriage. And for those who have been made eunuchs by divorce, it seems that God may have opened a door for you to serve Him wholeheartedly as those who are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
I know this is a tough pill to swallow, and one of the reasons it's so tough to swallow, is that the church has dropped the ball on the teaching of the permanence of marriage. Just as they had dropped the ball in the days of Jesus.
He knew too, that this was a tough pill to swallow! That's why He preceded it in Mt 19:11, with “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.” BUT having said that He concludes His illustration of the eunuchs by saying, “let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
What does that tell you? It tells you that the BEST course of action is to receive it. Our ability to receive this saying comes from the Holy Spirit. If He lives and dwells in you, and you are willing, you can receive this saying! Phil 4:13 reminds us that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Phil 4:13)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Matter of Abuse
# 453 - On Today's Living Word, we continue looking at the matter of divorce and remarriage. What is a person to do who finds themselves in an abusive marriage? Here the Bible leaves some wriggle room for separation. 1 Cor 7:10 says, “the wife should not separate from her husband but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.”
Sometimes for their own physical safety, and the safety of the children, a spouse needs to separate from the abuser. The spouse is under no obligation to return to their mate in such instances, but divorce and remarriage are still out of the question.
Spousal abuse ought to be rare in a Christian marriage but, if it does occur, the abuser should be prepared to face any and all legal consequences, and should be willing to undergo counseling to remedy the situation. There are laws in civilized countries against harming others.
Speaking about the role of government in Rom 13:4, the Holy Spirit says, “ he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.” God has provided for civil authorities to step in for such cases, and one of the problems is the civil authorities are far too soft on the abuser. Read Romans 13:4 again. Does that sound like a slap on the wrist?
Yes, God has provided a means to deal severely with abusers, but He has not provided a means for divorce.
Meanwhile, the church could and should do a lot more for those who feel trapped in an abusive situation. They should of course be prepared to discipline the “Christian” abuser, and be ready to dig into their pockets to provide shelter and sustenance for the abused.
Whether her husband is incarcerated, or angrily waiting for her to return home, she and the children need an advocate. Or what part of taking care of widows and orphans have we failed to grasp?
Remember that the goal in all abusive situations is the restoration of the abuser, and after that has been accomplished the reconciliation of the marriage.
Still another area that the church needs to be more active in, is prevention. That means education. We need to educate our youth on this issue, teaching our boys to be godly men and our girls to be godly women. Our young people need to see the importance of marrying followers of Christ, and even then, they need to be able to spot the signs of potential abusers before they tie the knot.
The matter of abuse is a huge cloud over the institution of marriage. It seems almost impossible to tackle it, but it's not going to go away if we sit on our hands and do nothing. How do you eat an elephant? You resolve to do it, and you start one bite at a time.
It's time for the church to get some resolve here, and with the help of God, we can start down the road of a biblical response to this problem.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sometimes for their own physical safety, and the safety of the children, a spouse needs to separate from the abuser. The spouse is under no obligation to return to their mate in such instances, but divorce and remarriage are still out of the question.
Spousal abuse ought to be rare in a Christian marriage but, if it does occur, the abuser should be prepared to face any and all legal consequences, and should be willing to undergo counseling to remedy the situation. There are laws in civilized countries against harming others.
Speaking about the role of government in Rom 13:4, the Holy Spirit says, “ he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.” God has provided for civil authorities to step in for such cases, and one of the problems is the civil authorities are far too soft on the abuser. Read Romans 13:4 again. Does that sound like a slap on the wrist?
Yes, God has provided a means to deal severely with abusers, but He has not provided a means for divorce.
Meanwhile, the church could and should do a lot more for those who feel trapped in an abusive situation. They should of course be prepared to discipline the “Christian” abuser, and be ready to dig into their pockets to provide shelter and sustenance for the abused.
Whether her husband is incarcerated, or angrily waiting for her to return home, she and the children need an advocate. Or what part of taking care of widows and orphans have we failed to grasp?
Remember that the goal in all abusive situations is the restoration of the abuser, and after that has been accomplished the reconciliation of the marriage.
Still another area that the church needs to be more active in, is prevention. That means education. We need to educate our youth on this issue, teaching our boys to be godly men and our girls to be godly women. Our young people need to see the importance of marrying followers of Christ, and even then, they need to be able to spot the signs of potential abusers before they tie the knot.
The matter of abuse is a huge cloud over the institution of marriage. It seems almost impossible to tackle it, but it's not going to go away if we sit on our hands and do nothing. How do you eat an elephant? You resolve to do it, and you start one bite at a time.
It's time for the church to get some resolve here, and with the help of God, we can start down the road of a biblical response to this problem.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The So-Called Exception Clauses For Divorce Part 4
# 452 - Today we continue looking at the sin of remarriage after a divorce and why the Bible calls it adultery. Specifically today I want to talk about the so called “exception” of desertion. In 1 Corinthians 7, the Holy Spirit addresses the matter by giving this charge; “the wife should not separate from her husband, (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband, and the husband should not divorce his wife.”) (v10,11) Then the Holy Spirit goes on to say that if someone is married to an unbeliever, he or she should not divorce. And in v15 He says, “”But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister (the abandoned spouse) is is not enslaved.”
Ask yourself a question here. Who is the one who departs in a marriage? It is the unbeliever! Those are strong Holy Spirit inspired words! We can infer from this then that the believer seeks to work it out and keep it together no matter what!
The unbeliever departs because he or she doesn't know any better, the believer should know better and seek to remain in the marriage because they know marriage is permanent and it is to be a reflection of God's faithfulness to His church. This faithfulness is demonstrated in His willingness to forgive any and all of our sins. (Except the sin of disbelief)
Please note that there is no provision for remarriage in the case of desertion. The Law of marriage as stated in Rom 7:2 still applies. It is indeed, “till death do us part.”
Next time, we'll address the issue of spousal abuse.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Ask yourself a question here. Who is the one who departs in a marriage? It is the unbeliever! Those are strong Holy Spirit inspired words! We can infer from this then that the believer seeks to work it out and keep it together no matter what!
The unbeliever departs because he or she doesn't know any better, the believer should know better and seek to remain in the marriage because they know marriage is permanent and it is to be a reflection of God's faithfulness to His church. This faithfulness is demonstrated in His willingness to forgive any and all of our sins. (Except the sin of disbelief)
Please note that there is no provision for remarriage in the case of desertion. The Law of marriage as stated in Rom 7:2 still applies. It is indeed, “till death do us part.”
Next time, we'll address the issue of spousal abuse.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Monday, June 13, 2011
The So-Called Exception Clauses For Divorce Part 3
# 451 - In Today's Living Word, we continue looking at the sin of remarriage after a divorce and why the Bible calls it adultery. Specifically today I want to talk about the so called “exception” clause found in the Gospel of Matthew. These passages, are only found only in Mt 5:32, and 19:9 are used by Christians as grounds for divorce in cases of sexual unfaithfulness. But is that what is being said? In both cases the King James uses the word “fornication” not adultery.
Let's look at them again: Mt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of FORNICATION, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Mt 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for FORNICATION, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
The New Revised Standard version of Scripture uses the term “unchastity,”which fits even better in light of yesterday's blog on this matter.
Remember the Holy Spirit chooses His words very carefully in Scripture. He could've used the word adultery here, but He chose the word fornication. Why? Fornication is illicit sex BEFORE the consummation of a marriage, and adultery is illicit sex AFTER the consummation of a marriage.
Matthew's Jewish audience would've understood this passage to mean that any illicit sexual activity during the time of betrothal would be grounds for calling off the marriage because it was the sin of fornication. Damaged goods were grounds for calling off the marriage.
These were the grounds Joseph thought he had with Mary and why he considered putting her away quietly. To put her away “loudly” would've meant to expose what he thought at the time was Mary's sin, and that would've resulted in death by stoning for Mary.
They took the sin of living together far more seriously in those days than we do in New Testament times. Thankfully, we no longer stone people to death for this sin. However, that does not mean that we should take the sin of fornication lightly. It needs to be dealt with in the church through church discipline, with the goal of restoring the offenders to a right relationship with God through repentance and renewal. Our sons and daughters (and others) are in grave spiritual danger when they engage in this sin for it is plainly stated in 1Co 6:9,10, that such offenders are cut off from the kingdom of God.
“ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God..”
Such offenders however are not without hope, for the very next verse tells us, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God..”
“Such were some of you.” You and I have an opportunity by the grace of God to renounce all the sins on that list, as we surrender our lives to Jesus and follow the Holy Spirit.
I didn't mean to get off the main subject here, but the sin of fornication is a very serious matter in the church today.
Now, back to the matter at hand. Adultery is a terrible sin, a horrible breach of trust and mutual love, but it is not grounds for divorce. Marriage is permanent, and when the sin of adultery is committed it needs to be worked through and dealt with just as Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery. He forgave her and told her to go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Let's look at them again: Mt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of FORNICATION, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Mt 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for FORNICATION, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
The New Revised Standard version of Scripture uses the term “unchastity,”which fits even better in light of yesterday's blog on this matter.
Remember the Holy Spirit chooses His words very carefully in Scripture. He could've used the word adultery here, but He chose the word fornication. Why? Fornication is illicit sex BEFORE the consummation of a marriage, and adultery is illicit sex AFTER the consummation of a marriage.
Matthew's Jewish audience would've understood this passage to mean that any illicit sexual activity during the time of betrothal would be grounds for calling off the marriage because it was the sin of fornication. Damaged goods were grounds for calling off the marriage.
These were the grounds Joseph thought he had with Mary and why he considered putting her away quietly. To put her away “loudly” would've meant to expose what he thought at the time was Mary's sin, and that would've resulted in death by stoning for Mary.
They took the sin of living together far more seriously in those days than we do in New Testament times. Thankfully, we no longer stone people to death for this sin. However, that does not mean that we should take the sin of fornication lightly. It needs to be dealt with in the church through church discipline, with the goal of restoring the offenders to a right relationship with God through repentance and renewal. Our sons and daughters (and others) are in grave spiritual danger when they engage in this sin for it is plainly stated in 1Co 6:9,10, that such offenders are cut off from the kingdom of God.
“ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God..”
Such offenders however are not without hope, for the very next verse tells us, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God..”
“Such were some of you.” You and I have an opportunity by the grace of God to renounce all the sins on that list, as we surrender our lives to Jesus and follow the Holy Spirit.
I didn't mean to get off the main subject here, but the sin of fornication is a very serious matter in the church today.
Now, back to the matter at hand. Adultery is a terrible sin, a horrible breach of trust and mutual love, but it is not grounds for divorce. Marriage is permanent, and when the sin of adultery is committed it needs to be worked through and dealt with just as Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery. He forgave her and told her to go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The So-Called Exception Clauses For Divorce Part 2
# 450 - In Today's Living Word, we continue looking at the sin of remarriage after a divorce and why Jesus calls it adultery. Sadly, divorce and remarriage have become widely accepted in the church, but to quote Jesus on this matter, “but from the beginning it was not so.” (Mt 19:8)
But what about the so called exceptions of adultery and desertion? The exception passages that people use for adultery are found in Mt 5:32 "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
And in Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
The exception noted is for “sexual immorality.” It's interesting that this exception is not mentioned in any of the other gospels. Mark 10:11 says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another she commits adultery.” Luke 16:18 says, “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
No exceptions given in either Mark or Luke! Why? Because the Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience and the Gospels of Mark and Luke were written primarily for Gentile audiences
The wedding customs of the Jews and Gentiles were different and the exception given in Matthew concerns SEXUAL IMMORALITY during the time of betrothal, not after the consummation of the marriage.
Briefly, here's how the Jewish custom concerning betrothal and marriage worked. The father of the prospective groom, met with the father of the prospective bride, and a price was agreed upon. The groom then went away to prepare a place for he and his bride. When ready, he would come for his bride, a marriage feast would be held, and he and the bride would then slip off and consummate the marriage.
If, on the wedding night, it was discovered that the bride was not a virgin, (had been sexually immoral, unfaithful) the marriage could be ended. This is the exception spoken of by Jesus and why it was only spoken in the Gospel of Matthew.
And by the way, this Jewish custom is a beautiful picture of salvation and eternal life. The Father of Jesus (God) meets with the father of world, (the devil) and purchases His Son's bride. The price God paid was the death of His Son. When it was paid His Son went away to build a mansion for His bride, and one day soon, the Son will return for His bride, (the church....believers) Those who have remained faithful will live in the mansion forever, and those who are unfaithful will be divorced (sent away to hell.)
There is NO EXCEPTION FOR ADULTERY. Marriage is permanent. Is it easy? Of course not, but neither is our walk of faith, and God desires to help us through all the difficulties we might face in our marriage and our walk of faith.
And remember, when adultery is committed through remarriage after a divorce, confess it as sin, stay in the new marriage, and don't divorce again. Go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
But what about the so called exceptions of adultery and desertion? The exception passages that people use for adultery are found in Mt 5:32 "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
And in Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
The exception noted is for “sexual immorality.” It's interesting that this exception is not mentioned in any of the other gospels. Mark 10:11 says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another she commits adultery.” Luke 16:18 says, “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
No exceptions given in either Mark or Luke! Why? Because the Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience and the Gospels of Mark and Luke were written primarily for Gentile audiences
The wedding customs of the Jews and Gentiles were different and the exception given in Matthew concerns SEXUAL IMMORALITY during the time of betrothal, not after the consummation of the marriage.
Briefly, here's how the Jewish custom concerning betrothal and marriage worked. The father of the prospective groom, met with the father of the prospective bride, and a price was agreed upon. The groom then went away to prepare a place for he and his bride. When ready, he would come for his bride, a marriage feast would be held, and he and the bride would then slip off and consummate the marriage.
If, on the wedding night, it was discovered that the bride was not a virgin, (had been sexually immoral, unfaithful) the marriage could be ended. This is the exception spoken of by Jesus and why it was only spoken in the Gospel of Matthew.
And by the way, this Jewish custom is a beautiful picture of salvation and eternal life. The Father of Jesus (God) meets with the father of world, (the devil) and purchases His Son's bride. The price God paid was the death of His Son. When it was paid His Son went away to build a mansion for His bride, and one day soon, the Son will return for His bride, (the church....believers) Those who have remained faithful will live in the mansion forever, and those who are unfaithful will be divorced (sent away to hell.)
There is NO EXCEPTION FOR ADULTERY. Marriage is permanent. Is it easy? Of course not, but neither is our walk of faith, and God desires to help us through all the difficulties we might face in our marriage and our walk of faith.
And remember, when adultery is committed through remarriage after a divorce, confess it as sin, stay in the new marriage, and don't divorce again. Go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The So-Called Exception Clauses For Divorce Part 1
# 449 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc, "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Adultery. An evil thing. According to Scripture, adultery is committed every time a divorcee remarries while the original spouse is still alive. Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, COMMITS ADULTERY; and whoever marries her who is divorced COMMITS ADULTERY."
“But what about the “exceptions.”? A fair question, let's look at the so called exceptions which the church for the most part has adopted through the years because of expediency and compromise, and quite frankly, a refusal to think the matter through.
The two exceptions for divorce most commonly noted are in cases of desertion and adultery. Now, these are very terrible sins, but are they grounds for divorce?
Let's begin with the exception of adultery which is often quoted in Matthew 5:32, "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason EXCEPT SEXUAL IMMORALITY causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery, and in Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
THINK about what's being said here!
First of all, to accept the premise that divorce is allowable for the sin of adultery is to basically allow for all divorces because as Jesus stated in Mt 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Adultery is committed just by looking at another with lustful intent.
Do you really believe then that Jesus would allow adultery as grounds for divorce?
Picture Jesus as the judge in such a divorce case. “Well your Honor according to Your Law, man is not allowed to separate what You have joined together. (Mt 19:6) However, according to my interpretation of Your Law concerning divorce. You must grant my request for a divorce because You have allowed for the ending of a marriage due to the sin of adultery. Since Your law also defines adultery as just looking at someone else with lust, You therefore must grant me this divorce because I caught my spouse ogling another person.”
Is Jesus this kind of ambivalent Lawmaker? Is our God a God of loopholes? I think not.
To allow for such an exception would open up the floodgates of divorce because most all of us are guilty of this sin of lustful looking at one time or another. Would any marriage be safe? It would be “all fault” divorce instead of “no fault.”
If marriage is this “holy institution that God loves,” (Mal 2:11) then Jesus must be speaking of something else here in this so called exception clause! We'll dig a little deeper next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Adultery. An evil thing. According to Scripture, adultery is committed every time a divorcee remarries while the original spouse is still alive. Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, COMMITS ADULTERY; and whoever marries her who is divorced COMMITS ADULTERY."
“But what about the “exceptions.”? A fair question, let's look at the so called exceptions which the church for the most part has adopted through the years because of expediency and compromise, and quite frankly, a refusal to think the matter through.
The two exceptions for divorce most commonly noted are in cases of desertion and adultery. Now, these are very terrible sins, but are they grounds for divorce?
Let's begin with the exception of adultery which is often quoted in Matthew 5:32, "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason EXCEPT SEXUAL IMMORALITY causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery, and in Mt 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, EXCEPT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
THINK about what's being said here!
First of all, to accept the premise that divorce is allowable for the sin of adultery is to basically allow for all divorces because as Jesus stated in Mt 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Adultery is committed just by looking at another with lustful intent.
Do you really believe then that Jesus would allow adultery as grounds for divorce?
Picture Jesus as the judge in such a divorce case. “Well your Honor according to Your Law, man is not allowed to separate what You have joined together. (Mt 19:6) However, according to my interpretation of Your Law concerning divorce. You must grant my request for a divorce because You have allowed for the ending of a marriage due to the sin of adultery. Since Your law also defines adultery as just looking at someone else with lust, You therefore must grant me this divorce because I caught my spouse ogling another person.”
Is Jesus this kind of ambivalent Lawmaker? Is our God a God of loopholes? I think not.
To allow for such an exception would open up the floodgates of divorce because most all of us are guilty of this sin of lustful looking at one time or another. Would any marriage be safe? It would be “all fault” divorce instead of “no fault.”
If marriage is this “holy institution that God loves,” (Mal 2:11) then Jesus must be speaking of something else here in this so called exception clause! We'll dig a little deeper next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, June 10, 2011
She (He) Will Be Called An Adulteress
# 448 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc, "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Adultery. An evil thing. According to Scripture, adultery is committed every time a divorcee remarries while the original spouse is still alive. Marriage in God's eyes is permanent, it is indeed, “till death do us part.” “What therefore God has joined together, let not (don't allow) man separate (pull it apart.).”
The Holy Spirit addresses the matter further in the Book of Romans, “Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive.” (Rom 7:2,3)
This law applies to the husband as well, and what are those who remarry called? Adulterers. Why? Because marriage in God's eyes is permanent. The only thing that ends a marriage is the death of a spouse and since our time on earth is determined by God, it is God alone who determines when a marriage is ended.
“Let not man put asunder, ” simply restated is, “don't allow for divorce.”
For those who have committed this sin and remarried, remember, it is forgivable, go forward in your remarriage, but go and sin no more. And let no man put this new marriage asunder. More on this issue next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Adultery. An evil thing. According to Scripture, adultery is committed every time a divorcee remarries while the original spouse is still alive. Marriage in God's eyes is permanent, it is indeed, “till death do us part.” “What therefore God has joined together, let not (don't allow) man separate (pull it apart.).”
The Holy Spirit addresses the matter further in the Book of Romans, “Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive.” (Rom 7:2,3)
This law applies to the husband as well, and what are those who remarry called? Adulterers. Why? Because marriage in God's eyes is permanent. The only thing that ends a marriage is the death of a spouse and since our time on earth is determined by God, it is God alone who determines when a marriage is ended.
“Let not man put asunder, ” simply restated is, “don't allow for divorce.”
For those who have committed this sin and remarried, remember, it is forgivable, go forward in your remarriage, but go and sin no more. And let no man put this new marriage asunder. More on this issue next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Whoever Remarries After A Divorce Commits Adultery
# 447 - Today's living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc, "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Adultery. Jesus calls it an evil thing. But what is adultery?
It is the physical act of having sex with someone other than your spouse, and it is also present in the heart of one who just looks lustfully at someone other than their spouse.
But there is still another biblical definition of adultery that we don't like to talk about because it is so prevalent in the world and in the church, and that is remarriage after a divorce.
Listen to the words of Jesus in this matter. “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another she commits adultery. (Mr 10:11,12)
Remarriage after divorce is COMMITTING the act of adultery. Why? Well, pay attention to what's being said. Jesus chooses His words very carefully. The person who remarries commits adultery against their original spouse. And what is adultery? It is unfaithfulness to your SPOUSE. What does that tell us? It tells us that God does not recognize the divorce. In His eyes, the man and wife are still one. What God has joined together, let not man separate.
If this would not be the case Jesus would've used another word, he would've called it something else other than adultery.....but He didn't.
Remember, if you've committed this sin of adultery, confess it, receive God's forgiveness, go and sin no more. More on this issue next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Adultery. Jesus calls it an evil thing. But what is adultery?
It is the physical act of having sex with someone other than your spouse, and it is also present in the heart of one who just looks lustfully at someone other than their spouse.
But there is still another biblical definition of adultery that we don't like to talk about because it is so prevalent in the world and in the church, and that is remarriage after a divorce.
Listen to the words of Jesus in this matter. “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another she commits adultery. (Mr 10:11,12)
Remarriage after divorce is COMMITTING the act of adultery. Why? Well, pay attention to what's being said. Jesus chooses His words very carefully. The person who remarries commits adultery against their original spouse. And what is adultery? It is unfaithfulness to your SPOUSE. What does that tell us? It tells us that God does not recognize the divorce. In His eyes, the man and wife are still one. What God has joined together, let not man separate.
If this would not be the case Jesus would've used another word, he would've called it something else other than adultery.....but He didn't.
Remember, if you've committed this sin of adultery, confess it, receive God's forgiveness, go and sin no more. More on this issue next time.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Adultery, Fornication, and Lustful Intent
# 446 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
These specific sins are all called evil things by Jesus. But what does it mean to commit adultery? Is it just the physical act of having sex with someone other than your spouse? Jesus told us in the sermon on the mount that “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:27)
In using the word adultery Jesus is speaking of the married, however, it does not excuse the unmarried, for the unmarried who look upon a woman in such a way have already “fornicated” with her in his heart. Jesus is talking about lust here and even though the lustful look is not the actual physical committing of the sin, it reveals the presence of the sin of adultery or fornication in the heart, and like all other sin it must be dealt with. It must be confessed and desired to be forsaken.
This sin, by the way, applies to both male and female, and if you struggle with wayward, lustful glances and viewing pornography, the sin of adultery, (or fornication) has been uncovered in your heart.
What to do? Admit it, confess it, then cover it with the blood of Jesus and go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
These specific sins are all called evil things by Jesus. But what does it mean to commit adultery? Is it just the physical act of having sex with someone other than your spouse? Jesus told us in the sermon on the mount that “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:27)
In using the word adultery Jesus is speaking of the married, however, it does not excuse the unmarried, for the unmarried who look upon a woman in such a way have already “fornicated” with her in his heart. Jesus is talking about lust here and even though the lustful look is not the actual physical committing of the sin, it reveals the presence of the sin of adultery or fornication in the heart, and like all other sin it must be dealt with. It must be confessed and desired to be forsaken.
This sin, by the way, applies to both male and female, and if you struggle with wayward, lustful glances and viewing pornography, the sin of adultery, (or fornication) has been uncovered in your heart.
What to do? Admit it, confess it, then cover it with the blood of Jesus and go and sin no more.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Some Rationalizations For Adultery
# 445 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Jesus tells us here that our heart rationalizes sinful behavior and then He goes on to give some examples of sinful behavior. He starts out with the sin of adultery. Before we get to the biblical definitions and examples of adultery, let's look at some of the rationalizations. “I don't love my spouse anymore.” “It feels so right.” “Every one else does it. ” “ My spouse doesn't understand me like my lover does.” “Many people in the Bible committed adultery” “What's a little pornography, I'm not physically touching the other person” Everyone else remarries after a divorce”
These are all rationalizations that begin in the heart, proceed from the heart, and then break out in the sin of adultery. When employed by the sinner, none of these rationalizations, change the fact that adultery has been committed.
Adultery is adultery and if you have been caught in the act of adultery by God, in accordance with His Word, learn from the woman who was caught in the act. She acknowledged Jesus as Lord, and then He said “I do not condemn you, go and sin no more.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Jesus tells us here that our heart rationalizes sinful behavior and then He goes on to give some examples of sinful behavior. He starts out with the sin of adultery. Before we get to the biblical definitions and examples of adultery, let's look at some of the rationalizations. “I don't love my spouse anymore.” “It feels so right.” “Every one else does it. ” “ My spouse doesn't understand me like my lover does.” “Many people in the Bible committed adultery” “What's a little pornography, I'm not physically touching the other person” Everyone else remarries after a divorce”
These are all rationalizations that begin in the heart, proceed from the heart, and then break out in the sin of adultery. When employed by the sinner, none of these rationalizations, change the fact that adultery has been committed.
Adultery is adultery and if you have been caught in the act of adultery by God, in accordance with His Word, learn from the woman who was caught in the act. She acknowledged Jesus as Lord, and then He said “I do not condemn you, go and sin no more.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Monday, June 6, 2011
Defining Evil Thoughts
# 444 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Jesus gives us a partial list of things that God regards as evil. He starts out by telling us that evil thoughts proceed (are discharged) from the heart. The evil thoughts are then listed, but what about these evil thoughts?
The Greek words used here mean, injurious or worthless rationalization. This is the starting point for sin. It is the rationalization in our heart of all things injurious and worthless. What makes something injurious or worthless? It is anything that God deems wrong. His commands are for our benefit not our harm.
Let's face it, our mother Eve was an expert at rationalization of injurious behavior and we are no different. Listen to her rationalization for her disobedience, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate,” (Gen 3:6)
“It seems so right.” How many times have we likewise rationalized our own sinful behavior! How many times have we given place to our own evil thoughts, and charged ahead into injurious and worthless actions.
Never forget the price Eve and Adam paid for their rebellion. Paradise lost! It could only be regained through personal repentance and faith in God's promise of the future redemption through Jesus. It is the same for you and I today for all of our own worthless and injurious rationalizations against God and His Word. Repent and believe in Jesus.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Jesus gives us a partial list of things that God regards as evil. He starts out by telling us that evil thoughts proceed (are discharged) from the heart. The evil thoughts are then listed, but what about these evil thoughts?
The Greek words used here mean, injurious or worthless rationalization. This is the starting point for sin. It is the rationalization in our heart of all things injurious and worthless. What makes something injurious or worthless? It is anything that God deems wrong. His commands are for our benefit not our harm.
Let's face it, our mother Eve was an expert at rationalization of injurious behavior and we are no different. Listen to her rationalization for her disobedience, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate,” (Gen 3:6)
“It seems so right.” How many times have we likewise rationalized our own sinful behavior! How many times have we given place to our own evil thoughts, and charged ahead into injurious and worthless actions.
Never forget the price Eve and Adam paid for their rebellion. Paradise lost! It could only be regained through personal repentance and faith in God's promise of the future redemption through Jesus. It is the same for you and I today for all of our own worthless and injurious rationalizations against God and His Word. Repent and believe in Jesus.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
What Are We Putting On God's Plate
# 443 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Do you want to know what constitutes evil? Many times the Scriptures give us lists of evil behaviors, but I fear that for the most part we don't spend a lot of time actually thinking about them. I hope we would all agree that evil is not pleasing to God. If it is not pleasing to Him and we say we love Him, wouldn't it behoove us to find out what these things are that He considers evil and then seek to avoid them? My wife loves me and she knows I detest liver. Since she knows I detest it, I know I will never find it on my plate. Should we not have the same attitude toward God?
In this portion of Scripture Jesus gives us a partial list of what the Father does not want us to put on His plate. Instead of quickly scanning through them, without taking the time to understand fully what they are, let's learn to pause and reflect on them and honestly ask ourselves if we are guilty of any of these things.
In the next several days, let's take some time to look at these big sounding words that for the most part have been removed from our vocabulary. Let's see what they really mean, and then let us ask the Holy Spirit to convict or convince us of any “evil-doing” on our part.
And then let's allow Him to take us to the cross that we might be forgiven of our sins, and challenged to “go and sin no more.” Let's purpose in our heart with the help of God, to cease from putting these things that He hates on His plate.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Do you want to know what constitutes evil? Many times the Scriptures give us lists of evil behaviors, but I fear that for the most part we don't spend a lot of time actually thinking about them. I hope we would all agree that evil is not pleasing to God. If it is not pleasing to Him and we say we love Him, wouldn't it behoove us to find out what these things are that He considers evil and then seek to avoid them? My wife loves me and she knows I detest liver. Since she knows I detest it, I know I will never find it on my plate. Should we not have the same attitude toward God?
In this portion of Scripture Jesus gives us a partial list of what the Father does not want us to put on His plate. Instead of quickly scanning through them, without taking the time to understand fully what they are, let's learn to pause and reflect on them and honestly ask ourselves if we are guilty of any of these things.
In the next several days, let's take some time to look at these big sounding words that for the most part have been removed from our vocabulary. Let's see what they really mean, and then let us ask the Holy Spirit to convict or convince us of any “evil-doing” on our part.
And then let's allow Him to take us to the cross that we might be forgiven of our sins, and challenged to “go and sin no more.” Let's purpose in our heart with the help of God, to cease from putting these things that He hates on His plate.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Like Removing the Lid of A Septic Tank
# 441 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21-23 “"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Sin starts with the heart. It is the human condition since the fall. And Jesus here removes the lid of our heart to give us a glimpse of some of what we will find in it. It's not a pretty sight. It's like removing the lid of a septic tank. Gross.
Part of our struggle as human beings is to keep the lid on, lest these sins break out in physical action, stinking up our lives and the lives of others. One of the functions of God's Law is to keep these “sins” in the septic tank.
The Holy Spirit is a great aid here for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. But even with the aid of God's Law and the Holy Spirit, the contents of our heart are what they are. And the contents of the human heart makes us all sinners in need of a Savior.
The only heart that is perfectly clean is the heart of Jesus, and the promise of the Gospel is this: When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God sees the heart of Jesus and not yours. It's why Ezekiel prophesied, “”And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” (Ezek 36:26) Receive your new heart today! Forsake your wicked ways and surrender your life anew to Jesus.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sin starts with the heart. It is the human condition since the fall. And Jesus here removes the lid of our heart to give us a glimpse of some of what we will find in it. It's not a pretty sight. It's like removing the lid of a septic tank. Gross.
Part of our struggle as human beings is to keep the lid on, lest these sins break out in physical action, stinking up our lives and the lives of others. One of the functions of God's Law is to keep these “sins” in the septic tank.
The Holy Spirit is a great aid here for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. But even with the aid of God's Law and the Holy Spirit, the contents of our heart are what they are. And the contents of the human heart makes us all sinners in need of a Savior.
The only heart that is perfectly clean is the heart of Jesus, and the promise of the Gospel is this: When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God sees the heart of Jesus and not yours. It's why Ezekiel prophesied, “”And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” (Ezek 36:26) Receive your new heart today! Forsake your wicked ways and surrender your life anew to Jesus.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Little Adolph Hitlers
# 441 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:20-23 And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
The heart is a cesspool. I think we need to be constantly reminded of that fact because one of the wicked attributes of the heart that Jesus listed is “deceit.” Our heart is so wicked it constantly lies to us about how wicked we really are.
As we listen to our heart we begin to believe that we are basically “good” persons. Most of us have either fallen for that lie, or are living it right now. Our heart tell s us that we are “good enough” people and that God will surely allow us into heaven on Judgment Day. C'mon, admit it, most of us think that the good we have done in this life outweighs the bad and this fact alone will guarantee us a spot in heaven.
But if that's the case for even one of us.....who needs Jesus? This Jesus who paid the price for every wicked thought word and deed that ever proceeded or will proceed from your lying heart said, “without Me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) and that first and foremost means sneaking your way into heaven. You can't do it without Him!
In this portion of Mark, Jesus is merely restating Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Sometimes we pick up the paper or our history books and we read of the atrocities committed against other people and we shake our heads and wonder, “How can anybody be so wicked?”
Well listen people and understand and get on your knees and thank God because without the influence of His grace through His Word, in this world, we would all be little Adolph Hitlers. Don't believe me? Well, that doesn't surprise me. Read Jeremiah 17:9 again.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The heart is a cesspool. I think we need to be constantly reminded of that fact because one of the wicked attributes of the heart that Jesus listed is “deceit.” Our heart is so wicked it constantly lies to us about how wicked we really are.
As we listen to our heart we begin to believe that we are basically “good” persons. Most of us have either fallen for that lie, or are living it right now. Our heart tell s us that we are “good enough” people and that God will surely allow us into heaven on Judgment Day. C'mon, admit it, most of us think that the good we have done in this life outweighs the bad and this fact alone will guarantee us a spot in heaven.
But if that's the case for even one of us.....who needs Jesus? This Jesus who paid the price for every wicked thought word and deed that ever proceeded or will proceed from your lying heart said, “without Me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) and that first and foremost means sneaking your way into heaven. You can't do it without Him!
In this portion of Mark, Jesus is merely restating Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Sometimes we pick up the paper or our history books and we read of the atrocities committed against other people and we shake our heads and wonder, “How can anybody be so wicked?”
Well listen people and understand and get on your knees and thank God because without the influence of His grace through His Word, in this world, we would all be little Adolph Hitlers. Don't believe me? Well, that doesn't surprise me. Read Jeremiah 17:9 again.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Your Wretched Heart
# 440 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:20,21a, “And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,
The human heart is a cesspool of filth and wickedness! We don't like to face that fact. We like to think that we are basically good people. The Bible tells another story. Jer 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”
It has been that way since Adam and Eve tasted of the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In eating of the fruit, an awareness of what is good and evil, that had been lacking, entered the human heart. Until that time Adam and Eve did not have to differentiate between good and evil, all was good.
But now they would see the stark contrast. Their hearts now forever contaminated with evil thoughts, capable of breaking out in evil actions at any time. This is what we have inherited from them. Even as Christians, we know good and desire to do it, but our heart, contaminated with the knowledge of all that is evil, keeps getting in the way.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in Rom 7:14, 15 “but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” This is our dilemma and the only solution is Jesus Christ! As Paul concluded the seventh chapter of Romans with these words, “ Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Give Jesus your wretched heart today! It is your only hope for redemption.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The human heart is a cesspool of filth and wickedness! We don't like to face that fact. We like to think that we are basically good people. The Bible tells another story. Jer 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”
It has been that way since Adam and Eve tasted of the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In eating of the fruit, an awareness of what is good and evil, that had been lacking, entered the human heart. Until that time Adam and Eve did not have to differentiate between good and evil, all was good.
But now they would see the stark contrast. Their hearts now forever contaminated with evil thoughts, capable of breaking out in evil actions at any time. This is what we have inherited from them. Even as Christians, we know good and desire to do it, but our heart, contaminated with the knowledge of all that is evil, keeps getting in the way.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in Rom 7:14, 15 “but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” This is our dilemma and the only solution is Jesus Christ! As Paul concluded the seventh chapter of Romans with these words, “ Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Give Jesus your wretched heart today! It is your only hope for redemption.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Parable of the Privy
# 439 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:18,19 “So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, "because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"
This is biology 101. Jesus uses the common privy to make a point. And we could call this the “parable of the privy.” The King James speaks very clearly about these physical substances which enter our bodies when it says in verse 19, “Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, (which is basically the Greek word for outhouse.) purging all meats.”
If sin entered us through physical means repentance would be a daily natural function. A simple trip to the privy would take care of it. Oh if sin could only be removed that easily! Yet it is removed that easy! Even easier. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The word “cleanse” here is the same word Jesus used for “purging.”
He who has ears to hear let him hear! In the parable of the privy, learn the importance of daily confession in eliminating the harmful waste of sin in your life. To neglect this spiritual function is to invite spiritual plumbing problems into your life. Where's the joy in that?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
This is biology 101. Jesus uses the common privy to make a point. And we could call this the “parable of the privy.” The King James speaks very clearly about these physical substances which enter our bodies when it says in verse 19, “Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, (which is basically the Greek word for outhouse.) purging all meats.”
If sin entered us through physical means repentance would be a daily natural function. A simple trip to the privy would take care of it. Oh if sin could only be removed that easily! Yet it is removed that easy! Even easier. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The word “cleanse” here is the same word Jesus used for “purging.”
He who has ears to hear let him hear! In the parable of the privy, learn the importance of daily confession in eliminating the harmful waste of sin in your life. To neglect this spiritual function is to invite spiritual plumbing problems into your life. Where's the joy in that?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
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