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The Daily Word of Righteousness
What Sin Is, #11
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (Hebrews 4:1—NIV)
A rigid adherence to the letter of the fourth commandment brought the leading Jews into conflict with the Lord Jesus on several occasions. But the Lord always flowed with the flowings of the Godhead, and this should be our goal also.
When we are walking according to the Spirit of God the righteousness of the Ten Commandments is assigned to us.
In the Book of Hebrews we are commanded to press into the rest of God.
Some have interpreted this verse to mean we must make every effort not to work on Saturday, the Sabbath day.
However, the text prevents this interpretation. Please notice the following:
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. (Hebrews 4:8—NIV)
In the above verse the rest of God is associated with the land of Canaan. Obviously, it is not saying Joshua enabled the Israelites to not throw a light switch on Saturday. Rather the rest of God is the fullness of the inheritance to which the Lord is bringing us.
The entire context of the Book of Hebrews reveals that the rest of God has to do with being made perfect in the Lord's will.
God had planned something better for us so only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 11:40-12:1,2—NIV)
In order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:4—NIV)
To follow our own course in any endeavor, whether religious or secular, without taking up our cross and following Christ, is sin and will bring us into conflict with His will.
Fifth: Does the New Testament command us to be respectful and obedient to authority?
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. (Romans 13:5—NIV)
We Americans have a difficult time accepting authority, perhaps because our nation was born in revolution. We are proud, arrogant, knowing nothing at all really.
The concept of democracy and the exercise of opinion polls have given us the idea that we are running the government. Our schools do not teach students respect for the law, in some instances. Our philosophers talk about "taking control," meaning we are to be subject only to our own desires and whims. This is a destructive social attitude and will lead to our downfall unless the Lord in His goodness pours out His Spirit on our nation.
No, we are not the great ones we think we are. We need generous helpings of humility and a willingness to submit ourselves to authority and to law if we expect God to help us and be with us.
To be continued.