Treasuring God's Truth in Your Hearts

1 Peter 2:9-10: Christian Identity:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you have not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Peter tells Christians who they are in this passage. In fact there are five elements Peter highlights about Christians which are: “(1) a chosen race, (2) a royal priesthood, (3) a holy nation, (4) God’s special possession, (5) those who have been constituted the people of God by God’s remarkable mercy.” [1]

Because blogs are supposed to be short, we will focus on being “chosen.” Some people do not like the idea of being chosen because they feel God’s choosing implies a loveless forcing on everyone’s will. [2] Nothing could be further from the truth. The Father’s love and grace rescues His elect who were dead in their sin. [3] The LORD’s choosing is the only way to salvation because our wills lead us away from God. [4] Further, the Trinity’s choosing promises an abiding with us for all life’s struggles, [5] help in combating our sins and growing in holiness, [6] and will be with us always, no matter what. [7] Being chosen is an eternal gift for all those called by the Holy Spirit.

This blog was written by Seth Dunn

[1] Carson, D.A. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 1030.

[2] [The following author does not hold this view, but summarizes it] Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics: God and Creation, Vol. 2. General Ed. John Bolt, Trans. John Vriend. Grand Rapids, MI: the Dutch Reformed Translation Society/Baker Academic, 2004), 339.

[3] Psalm 130:7-8, John 3:16; 6:32-40; 10:7-18, 17:1-23, Ephesians 1:3-6, 2:1-10, etc. Also, see blog on Matthew 22:36-40 for discussions on what love is.

[4] Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:9-20; 5:12-14; 8:7-8.

[5] Psalm 34:18; Joshua 1: 5 & 9, Hebrews 13:5-6.

[6] Romans 8:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:11; 15:45; Galatians 5:16-17.

[7] Jeremiah 31 (especially vv33), Romans 8:31-39.

Treasuring God's Truth in Your Heart

Matthew 22:36-40: Love In Action:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Christ’s commands in this passage are more than “situation ethics” and “mere legalism” because they demand “internalized love.” [1] Jesus requires love for God and neighbor because true obedience only happens when true love accompanies action. [2] Christianity is a religion that demands the whole person, affections and action included.

Why is it so hard to have love infused works? Many unbelievers have stories about Christians being heartless in their care, or polite believers without delivery on their promises. There are many reasons for this, but we will focus on two. First, Christians still sin and need grace as they grow in godliness. [3] This does not excuse sin in believers, but reminders us to look to Jesus Whose perfection shines in weakness. Just as you would not let car salesmen keep you from buying a vehicle, do not let growing believers divert you from Christ. Secondarily, displeasure with Christian ministry can be founded in misunderstanding “love.” Love is not blind acceptance, as some teach, but showing the love of God in Christ to someone. [4] God’s love is unlike our love, but is the love we need to begin living the commandments.

This blog was written by Seth Dunn

[1] Beale, G.K. and Carson, D.A. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 81-82.

[2] Calvin, John. Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke Vol. 2. Trams. William Pringle. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984), 59.

[3] Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 7:7-25; 8:13

[4] 1 John 4:7-11, 19-21. Dunn, “That’s What I Like,” (Sermon: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 7, 2017).

Treasuring God's Truth in Your Heart

Psalm 96:7-9: Given His Due:

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth!

In previous blogs on Psalm 96 we saw that God’s works and underserved grace is cause for singing (verses 1-3), and He is infinitely greater than any manmade religion (verses 4-6). Now Psalm 96:7-9 teaches the proper response to the Triune God is total and lifelong devotion to Him. We understand the need for this full hearted service from the word “ascribe.” “Ascribe” in “the passage . . .  would demand everyone to acknowledge the Lord Yahweh as the great king and offer such ascription of glory and greatness as is [equal] with his majesty.” [1] Accordingly, all people are expected to acknowledge God as their superior and give Him the praise He deserves.

But if God is so incredible, as verses 4-6 teach, how can we His creation give Him His due? Sadly, we cannot. [2] Is there any hope? If God is so great He justly deserves His due, and if He is not glorified He will rightly judge us. Yet, for those who believe in Jesus Christ judgment is already settled. [3] Christ perfectly ascribed to God His glory for us. [4] When we believe in Jesus His righteous works are placed on us and God sees His perfect attribution, not our poor praise. [5] Christians can be encouraged that the Holy Spirit helps us improve our ascribing to God. [6] Non-Christians can know that if they call on Jesus’ name God will see Christ’s work, and they are saved from the coming judgment.

This blog was written by Seth Dunn

[1] Gilchrist, P.R. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament Eds. R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer Jr., & B. K. Waltke, Chicago: Moody Press. 1999), Logos Bible Software 6, 368.

[2] Isaiah 64:6.

[3] Luke 23:34, Romans 4:25, 5:8.

[4] Matthew 5:17-20, Luke 24:36-49, John 10:15.

[5] Titus 3:3-8.

[6] 1 Peter 1:2, Romans 8:13.

Treasuring God's Truth in Your Heart

Psalm 96:1-3: Belt It Out:

Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Perhaps you have had the experience (good or bad) where friends hears a song on the radio they like so much they turn it up, and belt their cover of the song. What makes people sing? What inspires people to “grace” you with ear piercing notes?

Psalm 96, and all of Scripture, teaches that God’s greatness is song worthy. The Bible praises God for Who He is,[1] His creation that praises Him back,[2] and for salvation.[3] The salvation and works that God is praised for often carry an idea of awe-inspiring deliverance, and can be spiritual. [4]

This salvation should make us sing because we do not deserve it. When we look at who we are, and what we have created, we find ourselves inferior and rebellious to God. [5] In our wickedness, Christ has died to deliver us. All shortcomings, shame, and sin are removed for those who believe in Christ. [6] If you are a non-Christ, know that if you confess Him as your only means of salvation you will have cause for singing. If you are a Christian, unashamedly belt the salvation that has been given to you so others can sing with you.

This blog was written by Seth Dunn

[1] 1 Chronicles 16:26-33; Psalm 8:1 & 9, 29:1, 30:4.

[2] 1 Chronicles 16:9, & 23-25; Psalm 19:1-6, 97.1, 98.7-8, Is. 42.10, Is. 60.6.

[3] Psalm 27:1, 40.3, 71:15 & 17, 92:9, 98:1-3 & 9, 145:12, Is. 25:9, 52:7, Revelation 5:9, 15:3.

[4] Hamilton, Victor P, et. al. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Vol. II. Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. (Chicago, IL: Moody Bible Institute, 1980), 732, and Beale, and Carson, D.A. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament.” Edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 1102.

[5] Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:9-20.

[6] Psalm 130:3-8, Luke 24:44-49, Acts 2:29-36, etc.

Treasuring God's Truth in Your Heart

Psalm 96:4-6: Second To None:

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

A modern teaching tells us, “You believe what you believe, and I believe what I believe.” This sentiment is not found in the Bible. In fact, Scripture is unapologetically clear that salvation is exclusively found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [1] God’s Word is also explicit that following any god, religion, and/or system besides orthodox Christianity increases “sorrows.” [2]

The reason why unbiblical beliefs do not work is because they all are empty and worthless. [3] In contrast, God is more powerful, capable, holy, righteous, loving, wise, and just than anything people may create. [4] The mystery of the Gospel is that this Holy God has made the only way for us to behold his “splendor and majesty . . . in his sanctuary.” [5] By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has absorbed God’s wrath on our behalf that we might worship Him. [6] Whether you are a Christian or non-Christian today you can repent of worship that is worthless, and embrace a holy, redeeming God Who is second to none.

This blog was written by Seth Dunn

[1] Psalm 62:1-2; 37:39; 130:7-8, Matthew 19:25-26, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9, Revelation 7:10, etc.

[2] Psalm 16:4.

[3] Psalm 96:5, Isaiah 44:6-20, Jeremiah 10:11-12.

[4] Genesis 1:1, Leviticus 19:4, 1 Chronicles 16:25-27, Psalm 18:3; 29:1-2; 89:6-7; 95:3, Isaiah 42:5, Revelation 4-5.

[5] Psalm 96:6, Ephesians 3:1-6.

[6] Luke 23:34, John 17:19-21.