WSC Q&A #43 & #44

#43 Q: What is the preface to the ten commandments? 
A: The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

#44 Q: What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
A: The preface to the ten commandments teaches us that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
1 Peter 1:14-19 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

I am doing something a little different this week by combining last week's and this week's catechism. As you can see from the Q&As, they build off of each other and I felt they were too connected to separate them into two blog posts. 

Perhaps some may find it odd that God would give a preface to his law. After all, he is God! He does not need to preface anything he commands. Notice, though, what God is doing here. He is reminding the Exodus community (and us) of who he is and what he has done for his people. Why should we obey this law that we're about to receive? Because God is Lord over all. He is our God, and he is our Redeemer. God, in this preface, is revealing something about himself. Yes, he is the sovereign Lord of all. He has a right to command what he wills and he has a right to demand and expect perfect obedience to his law. But here he is revealing that what he desires is that his people obey and follow his law out of a sense of joy and gratitude for who God is and what he has done for us in delivering us out of the bondage and slavery of sin and the devil. Why should we strive to keep the commandments of God? Not simply because he is God, but because he is our God, the God who has made us a people when we were not a people. The God who has made us into a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a chosen race, a people for his own possession. When we reflect and meditate on this truth, how can we not have a deep longing and desire to serve and please God as he has commanded?

 

Worth Reading

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As we continue this weekly series we remind you that the inclusion of links to various articles does not mean we endorse everything written by the author or even necessarily agree with everything in the linked article, but we do think it's worth reading and thinking about with discernment.

Ephesians 4

The gathered worship for Proclamation will be held at Westminster PCA in Lancaster at 5pm this Sunday, November 1. It is a special, one-time service where we are officially “organized” into a particular congregation of the PCA. We will not have a sermon on the gospel of Mark, but three separate “charges”: to the pastor, to the officers, and to the congregation. Ephesians 4 is a good chapter to read in preparation for this service.

The Church Is Not a Drive-Through Restaurant

This is good for us to be reminded of on the weekend of our particularization service. I thank God for the people of Proclamation who have made many counter-cultural sacrifices in becoming part of this new local body of Christ.

What is Reformation Day?

A single event on a single day changed the world. It was October 31, 1517. . .One of Luther’s 95 Theses simply declares, “The Church’s true treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” That alone is the meaning of Reformation Day. The church had lost sight of the gospel because it had long ago papered over the pages of God’s Word with layer upon layer of tradition. . .What is Reformation Day? It is the day the light of the gospel broke forth out of darkness. It was the day that began the Protestant Reformation.

The Reformation Gave Us A Seat At The Table

Among all the critical rediscoveries during the Reformation, it is easy to overlook the importance of recovering the Lord’s Supper as a covenantal meal (not a re-presenting of Christ’s atoning death) with all the elements (bread and cup) distributed to every believer (no longer withholding the cup from the laity). The Lord’s Supper acts as a family table where we can enjoy fellowship with each other and with our Host, partaking of the rich feast of blessings purchased for us at the cross.

Should Christians Take Part in Halloween Celebrations?

Jesus-loving, Bible-reading, well-meaning Christians disagree about whether it is appropriate for a believer to participate in Halloween activities. . .

The Mortification of Sin

Today we begin working our way through John Owen’s book, The Mortification of Sin. The idea is we read this together and that we read the corresponding chapters prior to the blog post each week. So hopefully if you are joining us you have already read the first two chapters. Each Wednesday I hope to post a blog that will contain thoughts, quotes, and questions related to the previous week’s reading.

 

As we read, may we keep in mind Owen’s goal in writing this book as stated in the preface: “to promote the work of gospel mortification in the hearts of believers and direct them into safe paths where they will find rest for their souls.” (viii)

How does the gospel inform and empower and direct our fight against sin?

In the opening chapter Owen examines the second half of Romans 8:13, “if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live”, and comes to this thesis:

The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, should also make it their business all of their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin. (2)

Owen claimed that the fight against sin is a necessary and central part of the Christian life, and that “there is a clear connection between the mortifying of the deeds of the body and living” (2). Does this mean that our salvation - ‘life’ - depends on our work of mortifying sin? No. Eternal life is the gift of God (Romans 6:21), so Owen points out the connection is not a cause and effect connection, but rather a means and end.

It is very important that in our fight against sin we recognize that “our strength in the performance of this duty comes through the Spirit” (2). This is Owen’s third point in chapter one and he reminds us that all other ways of mortification are in vain. Owen writes, “Mortification from a self-strength, carried on by ways of self-invention, to the end of a self-righteousness, is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world” (3). A strong statement to be sure and one to keep in mind as we carry on the fight.

Our fight is against indwelling sin, the corrupted flesh that can give birth to evil desires. We are to fight against or mortify indwelling sin. To mortify is to put to death. Owen says it is “the constant duty of believers to render a death blow to the deeds of the flesh, that they may not have life and strength to bring forth their destructive influence” (4). Perhaps he has in mind James 1:13-15.

Owen begins chapter two by reminding us of Colossians 3:5:

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

And then he asks:

            Do you mortify?

Do you make it your daily work?

You must always be at it while you live;

do not take a day off from this work;

Always be killing sin or it will be killing you.

He then gives six reasons for why we must be at this important work.

1. Indwelling sin always abides while we are in this world, therefore, there is always a need for it to be mortified.

He that is appointed to kill an enemy, has only done half his work if he quits before the enemy is dead.

2. Sin is still acting and laboring to bring forth the deeds of the flesh.

This may have been the point that hit me hardest in the first two chapters. Listen to the warnings Owen gives:

When sin lets us alone, we may let sin alone; but sin is always active when it seems to be the most quiet, and its waters are often deep when they are calm… Sin is always acting, always conceiving, and always seducing and tempting...If sin is always of killing our souls, and we are slothful, negligent, and foolish in this batter, can we expect a favorable outcome? There is not a day but sin foils or is foiled, prevails or is prevailed upon. It will always be so while we live in this world. Sin will not spare for one day.

This is where it is important to remember that our fight must be driven by the gospel. It must be empowered by the Holy Spirit. If we are not careful we can read that warning and be driven to despair! How can I defeat so great an enemy? Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ! God will complete the work He has begun in us. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. If we walk by the Spirit we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

3. Sin, if not continually mortified, will bring forth great, cursed, scandalous, and soul-destroying sins.

Every time sin rises to tempt or entice, it always seeks to express itself in the extreme.

Think about that! Don’t be deceived by sin or think you can tame it.

4. The Holy Spirit and our new nature are given to us to oppose sin and lust.

His graces and gifts are bestowed on us to use, exercise, and get benefit from. If we do not seek daily to mortify sin, we sin against the goodness, kindness, wisdom, grace, and love of God, Who has given us the weapons of our warfare.

5. Neglect of this duty makes the inner man decay instead of renewing him.

6. Our spiritual growth is our daily duty.

This cannot be accomplished without the daily mortifying of sin… We will not be making progress in holiness without walking over the bellies of our lusts.

Gotta love Owen’s use of imagery!

Owen’s main point so far:

Even while we claim the meritorious mortification of our sin through the work of the cross of Christ, and though the implantation of our new life in Christ is in opposition to and destructive of the expression of sin, sin remains, acts, and works in the best of believers while we are yet in this world. It must be our daily duty to mortify it.

And one closing thought from Owen: Let a man pretend what he will, little concern over sin is a serious offense to the grace and mercy of God! Or, as Charles Spurgeon put it, “I cannot trifle with the evil which slew my best Friend.”

NEXT WEEK

Read chapters 3-4 by next Wednesday. We have only just begun so there is still plenty of time for you to get the book and read along.

YOUR TURN

It would be great to hear what you gained from these opening chapters. Feel free to post comments below or talk with one another about what you are reading. Do not feel that you need to say anything shocking or profound. Just share what stirred your heart or what gave you pause or what confused you. Let’s make sure we’re reading this book together.

 

Sermon Follow Up

I closed the sermon this past Sunday by quoting (with some minor edits) from a sermon by Dr. S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) entitled “That’s My King”:

Visuals set to the audio of the famous sermon "Seven Way King" as spoken by Dr. S.M. Lockridge. The audio is slightly edited for a better flow in the video. The music in the background was performed live by the GCC band while the video played on the screens. It then led directly into the worship song "Here is Our King" (To see the performance in it's entirety go here: http://www.gccwired.com/mediaplayer/playeropener.asp?id=478 ) Created entirely using After Effects with footage from the movie "The Passion of the Christ". The video took 30 hours to create plus around 6 hours of rendering. The final After Effects project file totaled well over 600 layers. By popular demand I have enabled downloading of this video. This is for personal, non-commercial use only. Please contact me before using for any other means. If you would like to download this video without the live band underneath, that version can be found here: http://vimeo.com/10485795

Transcript of the original below (HT: David Reimer):

“My King” – Dr. S.M. Lockridge

My King was born King.

The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews — that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel — that’s a national King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings
and He is the Lord of lords.

Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him.
Do you know Him?

Don’t try to mislead me.
Do you know my King?

David said the Heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament showeth His handiwork.
My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

Well, well,
He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.

He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s august.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.

Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology.
He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion.
That’s my King.

He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.

Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?

Well, my King is a King of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the Master of the mighty.
He’s the Captain of the conquerors.
He’s the Head of the heroes.
He’s the Leader of the legislators.
He’s the Overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the Governor of governors.
He’s the Prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.

That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah.
That’s my King. My King, yeah.

His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Well. I wish I could describe Him to you,
but He’s indescribable.
He’s indescribable. Yeah!

He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.

I’m trying to tell you,
the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him,
let alone a man explain Him.
You can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hand.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.

Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him,
but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

That’s my King. Yeah!

He always has been and He always will be.
I’m talking about He had no predecessor
and He’ll have no successor.
There was nobody before Him
and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him
and He’s not gonna resign.
That’s my King! That’s my King!

Thine, Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Well, all the power belongs to my King.
We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power,
but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power.

Yeah.
And the glory.
We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves,
but the glory is all His. Yes.
Thine is the Kingdom
and the power and the glory,
forever and ever
and ever
and ever.

How long is that?
And ever and ever and ever and ever.
And when you get through with all of the forevers,
then, Amen.

 

Worth Reading

Today we start what we hope will be a worthwhile weekly feature. Each Friday we plan to post a few links to material that we believe is worth your time to read. Material that in a variety of ways will help us glorify and enjoy God forever and encourage and equip us as we seek to Praise God, Love People, and Proclaim Christ, all while Praying in the Spirit. (As with the quotes included in our Reflection each week, the inclusion of links to various articles does not mean we endorse everything written by the author or even necessarily agree with everything in the linked article, but we do think it's worth reading and thinking about with discernment.)

Mark 10:17-31 

Do you come to our gathered worship service expecting God to speak to you through his Word? We encourage you to prayerfully read through the passage that will be preached prior to the service to help you prepare.

Notecard Answers For Why I Believe the Bible

There are many times when our confidence in the Bible can come under attack… Continue to tutor yourself with the reality that God’s Word is in fact God’s Word. Do this in the good times as well as the difficult times. Keep on studying and delighting in this truth that you might be able to properly deal with doubts both from within and from without.

Reignite Your Prayer Life

Why do so many followers of Jesus suffer with such unsatisfying prayer lives..? Donald Whitney offers one possible solution: Pray the Bible. In other words, slowly read a passage of Scripture and pray about all that comes to mind as you read.

Seven Great and Seven Bad Experiences of First-time Church Guests

If you want to make an immediate difference in your church, read these fourteen brief experiences.