Spiritual sluggishness is not to be tolerated; it's to be fought. It's potentially a faith-race abortifacient (Hebrews 3:19). It's a weight that needs to be laid aside (Hebrews 12:2). So how do you do that?Read the full article here.
Spiritual sluggishness is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). We all experience it. In the slog of our long faith-race and the adversity we encounter from the world, our flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 2:2–3), there are times the reward gets obscured by confusion and discouragements.
- Identify the doubt. Sluggishness has a cause. What is sapping your faith?
- Repent. Unbelief is a sin. Seek to actively turn from it.
- Target that unbelief with biblical truth. Stop whatever else you may be doing for devotional reading and focus on and pray through texts that deal directly with this issue. Lay aside your other book reading and read things that address this doubt.
- Don't go it alone. Humble yourself and share your struggle with trusted counselors God has given you. Our great Coach often speaks through assistant coaches (Hebrews 3:13).
Though we may not want them, these are when we most need our Coach's exhortations. They may sting, they may humble us, but they are laced with mercy because they help clear our muddled minds, shake off the lethargy, and run again with endurance.
Showing posts with label Edification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edification. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Dealing with Spiritual Sluggishness
Jon Bloom of Desiring God discusses a problem I believe most of us suffer from more often than we like to admit:
Thursday, August 09, 2012
All-Reformed Radio, All the Time
Ligonier Ministries introduces RefNet (short for Reformation Network), 24-hour internet radio dedicated to the historic Christian faith. Along with teaching and sermons from the likes of R. C. Sproul, Alistair Begg, and John Piper, it also features audiobooks, scripture reading, music, news, and more. It's available as an app for your mobile device, but you can also listen online through the RefNet web site.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Steve Camp on Harsh Language
Over on his blog, Steve Camp takes Paul Tripp to task for using harsh language -- in this case, his use of the "s" word. Yes, that "s" word.
If you are in any way offended by the use of that word, regardless of context, then I suggest that you stop reading right now. If, on the other hand, you are interested in what all the fuss is about, you may want to view the video in question. Here it is:
Steve Camp didn't like it. Not one bit. He writes:
First of all, there were at least 20 seconds worth of disclaimers warning those who might be offended by the use of that particular four-letter word. Thus, the context in which the subsequent language was used was clearly and firmly established. This was a guy talking about a frank discussion he had with his family regarding language; it wasn't a preacher delivering a flowery sermon on Mother's Day.
Secondly, it was not used in a judgmental, blasphemous, or sexually perverse manner. It was employed to illustrate a specific point -- and judging by the vitriolic, knee-jerk responses in the comments section on Mr. Camp's blog, it succeeded.
Thirdly, Tripp said that if he was in a context where that word could not minister grace or edify, then it shouldn't be said. But, as he pointed out, that goes for everything we say. Again, reemphasizing the main point of the video.
Camp called the video "crap" (a word he later edited out of his original response) and referred to Paul Tripp, Mark Driscoll, and John Piper as "pinheads." He admitted in the comments section that he used those words "intentionally to see if anyone would take the bait and use that as a diversion to somehow justify Tripp." Well, Paul Tripp happened to use the "s" word, and Camp was all over it like a muskie on a minnow.
Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." So, if Paul Tripp can get people to consider their overblown reaction to one little word in light of what scripture says about everything we say, then mission accomplished.
Many Christians, however, cite the above verse in order to admonish other believers who use the occasional coarse word. But how is "corrupting talk" defined in this passage? The definition is obvious in that it is contrasted with talk that it is "good for building up." In other words, we should avoid talk that does not build up. Could that include calling another brother in Christ a "pinhead"?
Oh, but that isn't the same as dropping the "s" bomb. Camp says that one who uses such a word "to make a 'profound biblical point' is a lightweight and has thought culturally but not biblically." Yet in condemning Tripp, Camp himself is guilty of thinking culturally. After all, the Bible doesn't define what constitutes a swear word; culture does. In fact, our culture has assigned meanings to all sorts of words, drawing distinctions between those deemed unsavory and those considered acceptable in polite conversation.
If you go back and watch the video again, you will note that Tripp does say that the use of the "s" word is considered impolite. But, again, it is not a word that is judgmental, blasphemous, or sexual in nature.
Now, to be clear, I am not saying that this gives Christians license to use it like any other word. But I think the fact that so many commenters on Mr. Camp's blog couldn't get past that one word that they failed to grasp the actual point of the video demonstrates why such a discussion on language is needed. Intent and context are much more important than the words themselves.
If you are in any way offended by the use of that word, regardless of context, then I suggest that you stop reading right now. If, on the other hand, you are interested in what all the fuss is about, you may want to view the video in question. Here it is:
Steve Camp didn't like it. Not one bit. He writes:
- FYI: this is one of the promo videos for Piper's upcoming DG Conference "The Power of Words and the Wonder of God" at the end of September produced by his ministry. They had to put a disclaimer at the front of this video because of its bad language. But even then, Piper is Clintonian in not really owning it calling the "s" word "...potentially offensive, four letter language..." Personally... I'm staying home. I don't need to pay 175 bucks to hear these pinheads not give us the Scriptures and dance around what "wholesome speech" might mean as they wrest the Word to suit their own guttural proclivities. Besides, when you invite Tripp and Driscoll rather than MacArthur, Sproul, Mohler, Duncan, or Begg - then something is amiss; or in this case, a mess.
First of all, there were at least 20 seconds worth of disclaimers warning those who might be offended by the use of that particular four-letter word. Thus, the context in which the subsequent language was used was clearly and firmly established. This was a guy talking about a frank discussion he had with his family regarding language; it wasn't a preacher delivering a flowery sermon on Mother's Day.
Secondly, it was not used in a judgmental, blasphemous, or sexually perverse manner. It was employed to illustrate a specific point -- and judging by the vitriolic, knee-jerk responses in the comments section on Mr. Camp's blog, it succeeded.
Thirdly, Tripp said that if he was in a context where that word could not minister grace or edify, then it shouldn't be said. But, as he pointed out, that goes for everything we say. Again, reemphasizing the main point of the video.
Camp called the video "crap" (a word he later edited out of his original response) and referred to Paul Tripp, Mark Driscoll, and John Piper as "pinheads." He admitted in the comments section that he used those words "intentionally to see if anyone would take the bait and use that as a diversion to somehow justify Tripp." Well, Paul Tripp happened to use the "s" word, and Camp was all over it like a muskie on a minnow.
Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." So, if Paul Tripp can get people to consider their overblown reaction to one little word in light of what scripture says about everything we say, then mission accomplished.
Many Christians, however, cite the above verse in order to admonish other believers who use the occasional coarse word. But how is "corrupting talk" defined in this passage? The definition is obvious in that it is contrasted with talk that it is "good for building up." In other words, we should avoid talk that does not build up. Could that include calling another brother in Christ a "pinhead"?
Oh, but that isn't the same as dropping the "s" bomb. Camp says that one who uses such a word "to make a 'profound biblical point' is a lightweight and has thought culturally but not biblically." Yet in condemning Tripp, Camp himself is guilty of thinking culturally. After all, the Bible doesn't define what constitutes a swear word; culture does. In fact, our culture has assigned meanings to all sorts of words, drawing distinctions between those deemed unsavory and those considered acceptable in polite conversation.
If you go back and watch the video again, you will note that Tripp does say that the use of the "s" word is considered impolite. But, again, it is not a word that is judgmental, blasphemous, or sexual in nature.
Now, to be clear, I am not saying that this gives Christians license to use it like any other word. But I think the fact that so many commenters on Mr. Camp's blog couldn't get past that one word that they failed to grasp the actual point of the video demonstrates why such a discussion on language is needed. Intent and context are much more important than the words themselves.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
(I wrote this seven years ago, one week after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.)
As our nation's leaders decide how to respond to the recent terrorist attacks, the American people are trying to come to terms with the tremendous loss of life and the unsettling sense of insecurity that inevitably follows such tragedies. Many are struggling with questions left unanswered and are wondering where they can turn for comfort in their time of grief. Many are also beginning to understand that there is more to this than meets the eye.
The term "holy war" has been bandied about by politicians and members of the media to describe the suicidal resolve of the radical Muslim terrorists responsible for these atrocities. Little do they realize how descriptive that term really is.
There are forces of good and evil at war in a spiritual world we can neither see nor touch. From Scripture we learn that these forces, however intangible they may seem, directly affect our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). The invisible battle that is raging is just as real as any we see here on earth.
The Muslim extremists who despise our country are right about one thing. There is a "Great Satan" at work in the world, but it is not America. He is the Devil, an evil spirit, a fallen angel. The Bible tells us that he "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1st Peter 5:8). He is the supreme commander of countless demon hordes whose primary objective is to thwart God's plan for mankind.
We Christians know the forces of evil will ultimately fail. Though we may appear to lose a battle every now and then, we have read the end of the Book and rest in the fact that our heavenly Commander in Chief has already won the war. Anything Satan has to throw at us cannot take that away, no matter how devastating the situation may seem at the time.
Although this struggle between good and evil cannot be seen in the physical realm, the effects of this spiritual warfare can. Evil drives people to do bad things. It attacks without warning, and it can become terrifyingly evident during traumatic events like the ones witnessed on September 11.
Despite the feelings of hate, frustration, and despair we have all experienced as a result of these terrorist attacks, there is a blessed hope to be found. We who have been given the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ know that we are eternally safe and secure from the evil that plagues the world. Although we cannot escape the physical and emotional pain that comes from living in a fallen, sinful world, that eternal flame of hope will never be extinguished, and the reward promised by our Heavenly Father will far outweigh any suffering we may endure here on earth.
Over 450 years ago, the great Reformer Martin Luther penned one of the most magnificent hymns of all time, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." I can hardly sing it without tears in my eyes, and that was especially true this past Sunday, only days after first seeing the death and destruction in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
The hymn's message is one of hope and encouragement in the midst of life's trials for those who have Christ as their Lord and Savior:
As Christians, we should have the desire to bring others into the shelter of our Mighty Fortress. We should be praying for healing and comfort in this time of crisis. We should also be reaching out in love and doing what we can to meet the needs of those who are suffering.
It is our prayer that throughout all of this others may find the eternal hope we have in Christ. With that hope, we can stand firm and confront evil knowing who the ultimate victor is. We can have the confidence to say to those who strike out against us, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Let us not lose hope, and let us trust that God can and will bring about good from evil.
As our nation's leaders decide how to respond to the recent terrorist attacks, the American people are trying to come to terms with the tremendous loss of life and the unsettling sense of insecurity that inevitably follows such tragedies. Many are struggling with questions left unanswered and are wondering where they can turn for comfort in their time of grief. Many are also beginning to understand that there is more to this than meets the eye.
The term "holy war" has been bandied about by politicians and members of the media to describe the suicidal resolve of the radical Muslim terrorists responsible for these atrocities. Little do they realize how descriptive that term really is.
There are forces of good and evil at war in a spiritual world we can neither see nor touch. From Scripture we learn that these forces, however intangible they may seem, directly affect our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). The invisible battle that is raging is just as real as any we see here on earth.The Muslim extremists who despise our country are right about one thing. There is a "Great Satan" at work in the world, but it is not America. He is the Devil, an evil spirit, a fallen angel. The Bible tells us that he "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1st Peter 5:8). He is the supreme commander of countless demon hordes whose primary objective is to thwart God's plan for mankind.
We Christians know the forces of evil will ultimately fail. Though we may appear to lose a battle every now and then, we have read the end of the Book and rest in the fact that our heavenly Commander in Chief has already won the war. Anything Satan has to throw at us cannot take that away, no matter how devastating the situation may seem at the time.
Although this struggle between good and evil cannot be seen in the physical realm, the effects of this spiritual warfare can. Evil drives people to do bad things. It attacks without warning, and it can become terrifyingly evident during traumatic events like the ones witnessed on September 11.
Despite the feelings of hate, frustration, and despair we have all experienced as a result of these terrorist attacks, there is a blessed hope to be found. We who have been given the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ know that we are eternally safe and secure from the evil that plagues the world. Although we cannot escape the physical and emotional pain that comes from living in a fallen, sinful world, that eternal flame of hope will never be extinguished, and the reward promised by our Heavenly Father will far outweigh any suffering we may endure here on earth.
Over 450 years ago, the great Reformer Martin Luther penned one of the most magnificent hymns of all time, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." I can hardly sing it without tears in my eyes, and that was especially true this past Sunday, only days after first seeing the death and destruction in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
The hymn's message is one of hope and encouragement in the midst of life's trials for those who have Christ as their Lord and Savior:
- A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim -
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow'rs -
No thanks to them - abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him Who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is for ever.
As Christians, we should have the desire to bring others into the shelter of our Mighty Fortress. We should be praying for healing and comfort in this time of crisis. We should also be reaching out in love and doing what we can to meet the needs of those who are suffering.
It is our prayer that throughout all of this others may find the eternal hope we have in Christ. With that hope, we can stand firm and confront evil knowing who the ultimate victor is. We can have the confidence to say to those who strike out against us, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Let us not lose hope, and let us trust that God can and will bring about good from evil.
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