November 13, 2011
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the servant's evaluation: What do you have that you have not received?
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
What do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!O, servant of God, tread meekly
Instruct in loving humilityWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Take the towel, wash the feet of My sheep
Feed My flock, to yourself take heedWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Can you make the dry bones revive and breathe?
I cause the lame to walk, the blind to seeWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Beware the leaven of the Pharisees
Cleanse yourself from pride and vile hypocrisyWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Be apt to teach, kind to all men
Perhaps I might grant repentanceWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!In season and out, My Gospel preach
Restore in a spirit of gentlenessWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!It pleases Me to save through foolishness
Labor hard by My grace, in My yoke restWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Learn of Me, be clothed with humble meekness
Cast off the cloak of your self-righteousnessWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!
Only by sovereign grace abounding to thee
No longer under wrath, you obtained mercyWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Sow, water and pray – do not cease
But remember Who brings the increaseWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Your vain boasts and your haughty eye
Take heed, such things I do despiseWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Arrogance and impatient irritation
These are not fruits of My holy nationWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!The devil is prowling in bright disguise
Keep watch, be not wise in your own eyesWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!Preach My Word in trembling and fear
Guard against the quarrelsome sneerWhat do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!
You may even speak with angels' tongues
But is all you do being done in love?What do you have that you have not received?
O, child of God, My Spirit do not grieve!As you strive to pull an erring soul from the snare
Be careful you not be captured and end up thereI Corinthians 4:1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy... 7b What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
II Timothy 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.I Corinthians 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
I Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Related:the parable of Jesus and the Pharisee
1st Sunday after Epiphany: Characteristics of false religion, # 1-Hypocrisy
4th Sunday after Epiphany: Characteristics of false religion, # 4-Self-righteousness
6th Sunday after Epiphany: Characteristics of true religion, # 2, part 1-honesty & sincerity
from the archives: "How do we know if we're speaking the truth in love?"
Lenten Reflections: He answered nothing...But Jesus still answered nothing.
Christian, are you bearing fruit in keeping with repentance?
"As soon as the ball left my hand"....The Power of the Tongue
my deep concern for the churches
Father, forgive me for joking
"Satan tempted me to hold my tongue..." (Whitefield)
William Perkins on Isaiah 6 and the tongue
Your word & my tongue
Why I write and minister - My credo for being a godly encourager
Postcards from God in England: the frisking at Heathrow
dedication 2010 (addendum): may He temper my tongue with love
Letter 24 on assurance and fighting for joy (the Father's discipline)
Scripture quotations unless otherwise indicated are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Comments (2)
I'm taking this with me this week as a reminder of how a servant's heart ought to revealed in me.
@quest4god@revelife - Thanks, Norm. This is written for myself as much as anyone. Spiritual pride is a continuing struggle of mine – a plank I need to address before I can get to looking at others' specks.