His Temptation and Ours | My Utmost For His Highest
https://utmost.org/his-temptation-and-ours/
https://utmost.org/his-temptation-and-ours/
My Utmost for His Highest
His Temptation and Ours
Until we are born again, the only kind of temptation we understand is the kind mentioned in James 1:14, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires ...
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Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as He powerfully directs all things for His own glory and creation’s good.
Scripture
COLOSSIANS 1:19–20
"For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross."
Commentary
JOHN BUNYAN
Jesus is a Redeemer, that is his name; he came into the world on this very business, to redeem his people, to redeem them from all iniquity (Titus 2:14), from this present evil world, from our vain conversations. He hath shed his precious blood to purchase us, we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). We are none of our own, we are his, the purchase of his blood; and we may be confident that he dearly loves us, for he dearly bought us; and if he had not dearly loved us, he would never have given himself for us (Gal. 2:20). That was the highest testimony of his love; he loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood (Rev. 1:5). He will redeem us from the wrath to come.
Scripture
COLOSSIANS 1:19–20
"For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross."
Commentary
JOHN BUNYAN
Jesus is a Redeemer, that is his name; he came into the world on this very business, to redeem his people, to redeem them from all iniquity (Titus 2:14), from this present evil world, from our vain conversations. He hath shed his precious blood to purchase us, we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). We are none of our own, we are his, the purchase of his blood; and we may be confident that he dearly loves us, for he dearly bought us; and if he had not dearly loved us, he would never have given himself for us (Gal. 2:20). That was the highest testimony of his love; he loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood (Rev. 1:5). He will redeem us from the wrath to come.
Devotional
VERMON PIERRE
Many pictures have been taken of the Grand Canyon. But none of them can really do it justice. The Grand Canyon is just one of those things best experienced in person. You can see it on people’s faces as they walk up to the rim and look out over the Canyon for the first time. They can’t help but be immediately struck by its immensity and unique beauty. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Yet even there, standing at the rim, looking out over the Canyon, you won’t get a full experience of the place. It’s when you actually go down into the Canyon that you begin to see that it is bigger and deeper, more glorious in fact, than you initially saw. The view of the Grand Canyon at the rim is just the beginning of the even grander view that you will experience once you travel into the Canyon.
So it is with the gospel. As we first step up to the gospel, we see a most beautiful and awe-inspiring sight—the salvation of sinners. More specifically, that God through Jesus Christ has graciously acted to save a sinful people unto himself. These people are redeemed from sin and made a new creation and are adopted forever into the family of God.
It’s an amazing, beautiful, incredible message. And, at the same time, it is just the beginning of God’s saving, redeeming, and renewing work. As we head deeper into the gospel, a fuller and even more glorious picture emerges. We see that God’s saving of sinners was always intended to open up into a deeper, wider, all-encompassing saving of the whole creation.
The saving of sinners is at the heart of the gospel. It is the fountainhead. And from this fountainhead flows a mighty river, one full of redemptive, healing power for every square inch of the cosmos.
How is this possible? Through “his blood, shed on the cross” (Col. 1:20). Creation was in bondage due to the fall of man, locked behind the gates of hell. But then God moves toward us and, using the cross of Jesus Christ, smashes down those gates! Through God’s gracious efforts, a people and indeed a whole creation are freed. They are now in the kingdom of the Son, a place of complete redemption and total renewal.
All of this does two things for us.
1. It gives us hope about the future. All around us we see evidence of the fall in things like unjust social systems and moral cultural decline and terrible suffering and death. The gospel message in its fullest form tells us not to despair but to have a sure and certain hope that one day all such things will be wiped away and replaced with peace and harmony, with the “healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2).
This hope, however, is mixed with a warning. For the fallen creation includes many who are still opposed to God, who continue to reject his rule and the One he sent to rule, Jesus. The redeeming work of the gospel means that all things, including those who oppose the Lord, will eventually be brought to heel. The question every person faces now is whether that redeeming work will be experienced with joyful awe or with the painful gnashing of teeth.
2. It gives us motivation in the present. The creation has not been abandoned by God. Instead, through Jesus, it has been reclaimed by him and will eventually be made brand new. It will be a creation characterized by harmony and peace, rightly related to God and humanity. The church today is an early outpost of this new creation and a primary means toward bringing about this new creation.
This means then that the church is not a passive bystander to the world. Nor is it an imperiled passenger in the world, only biding its time until it is rescued off of the sinking creation. Instead, the church is a divinely commissioned community of people whose faithful efforts in the world even now matter, insofar as they proclaim and embody the redeeming and renewing power of the gospel.
VERMON PIERRE
Many pictures have been taken of the Grand Canyon. But none of them can really do it justice. The Grand Canyon is just one of those things best experienced in person. You can see it on people’s faces as they walk up to the rim and look out over the Canyon for the first time. They can’t help but be immediately struck by its immensity and unique beauty. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Yet even there, standing at the rim, looking out over the Canyon, you won’t get a full experience of the place. It’s when you actually go down into the Canyon that you begin to see that it is bigger and deeper, more glorious in fact, than you initially saw. The view of the Grand Canyon at the rim is just the beginning of the even grander view that you will experience once you travel into the Canyon.
So it is with the gospel. As we first step up to the gospel, we see a most beautiful and awe-inspiring sight—the salvation of sinners. More specifically, that God through Jesus Christ has graciously acted to save a sinful people unto himself. These people are redeemed from sin and made a new creation and are adopted forever into the family of God.
It’s an amazing, beautiful, incredible message. And, at the same time, it is just the beginning of God’s saving, redeeming, and renewing work. As we head deeper into the gospel, a fuller and even more glorious picture emerges. We see that God’s saving of sinners was always intended to open up into a deeper, wider, all-encompassing saving of the whole creation.
The saving of sinners is at the heart of the gospel. It is the fountainhead. And from this fountainhead flows a mighty river, one full of redemptive, healing power for every square inch of the cosmos.
How is this possible? Through “his blood, shed on the cross” (Col. 1:20). Creation was in bondage due to the fall of man, locked behind the gates of hell. But then God moves toward us and, using the cross of Jesus Christ, smashes down those gates! Through God’s gracious efforts, a people and indeed a whole creation are freed. They are now in the kingdom of the Son, a place of complete redemption and total renewal.
All of this does two things for us.
1. It gives us hope about the future. All around us we see evidence of the fall in things like unjust social systems and moral cultural decline and terrible suffering and death. The gospel message in its fullest form tells us not to despair but to have a sure and certain hope that one day all such things will be wiped away and replaced with peace and harmony, with the “healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2).
This hope, however, is mixed with a warning. For the fallen creation includes many who are still opposed to God, who continue to reject his rule and the One he sent to rule, Jesus. The redeeming work of the gospel means that all things, including those who oppose the Lord, will eventually be brought to heel. The question every person faces now is whether that redeeming work will be experienced with joyful awe or with the painful gnashing of teeth.
2. It gives us motivation in the present. The creation has not been abandoned by God. Instead, through Jesus, it has been reclaimed by him and will eventually be made brand new. It will be a creation characterized by harmony and peace, rightly related to God and humanity. The church today is an early outpost of this new creation and a primary means toward bringing about this new creation.
This means then that the church is not a passive bystander to the world. Nor is it an imperiled passenger in the world, only biding its time until it is rescued off of the sinking creation. Instead, the church is a divinely commissioned community of people whose faithful efforts in the world even now matter, insofar as they proclaim and embody the redeeming and renewing power of the gospel.
Prayer
Creation’s Redeemer, the world will not always be as it is now, fallen and groaning for the fullness of your kingdom. Thank you that, ultimately, you will make all things new. We rejoice that your redemption extends to the world you have made. Amen.
Creation’s Redeemer, the world will not always be as it is now, fallen and groaning for the fullness of your kingdom. Thank you that, ultimately, you will make all things new. We rejoice that your redemption extends to the world you have made. Amen.
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"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
~The Apostle Paul
Romans 8:18-25
*This passage of Scripture has always intrigued me. It's a masterpiece of writing with Divine inspiration.
Paul is edifying the body of believers about their current situation of bondage and suffering while trying to live the life of faith in the city of Rome.
He does this by reminding them of the future glory and freedom that is coming through the victory that Christ has purchased and obtained.
He emphasizes that all of their sufferings, indeed, the sufferings that are felt and seen throughout all creation has its origin in sin.
And where was sin first felt by man? In the garden. And it's destructive effects didn't stop with Adam and Eve, the curse of sin spread throughout the entire creation, even outside of this planet. But the promise of salvation and restoration was also given. The salvation part was accomplished on the cross, and the empty tomb. The restoration part is what we are all now longing and waiting for, including the creation.
That's what the above passage is speaking about.
When Christ returns, He will restore humanity and creation back to the way it started in the garden.
Listen to this song👇
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
~The Apostle Paul
Romans 8:18-25
*This passage of Scripture has always intrigued me. It's a masterpiece of writing with Divine inspiration.
Paul is edifying the body of believers about their current situation of bondage and suffering while trying to live the life of faith in the city of Rome.
He does this by reminding them of the future glory and freedom that is coming through the victory that Christ has purchased and obtained.
He emphasizes that all of their sufferings, indeed, the sufferings that are felt and seen throughout all creation has its origin in sin.
And where was sin first felt by man? In the garden. And it's destructive effects didn't stop with Adam and Eve, the curse of sin spread throughout the entire creation, even outside of this planet. But the promise of salvation and restoration was also given. The salvation part was accomplished on the cross, and the empty tomb. The restoration part is what we are all now longing and waiting for, including the creation.
That's what the above passage is speaking about.
When Christ returns, He will restore humanity and creation back to the way it started in the garden.
Listen to this song👇
She Waits
Dressed in chains, now she waits
Lookin' back upon that day
When the dawn first held its gaze
Upon the son and the daughter's face
But strange now it seems
Like some dark and distant dream
Still she hopes and longs to be
Once again, and finally free
So she waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She's seen empires come and go
Watched the kingdom's children grow
Sparks and embers far from home
Born to shine, and to behold
'Cause on her chain is a lock and the key
Is the radiance she will see
From the light that's gonna be
Cast from the sons and the daughters free
So she waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She's a captive til' she sees
By the morning light redeemed
Sons and daughters
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
It's been a long time comin'
But she hopes and she hopes for it
It's been a long time comin'
But she hopes and she hopes for it
https://youtu.be/StDUdyP1vu8
Dressed in chains, now she waits
Lookin' back upon that day
When the dawn first held its gaze
Upon the son and the daughter's face
But strange now it seems
Like some dark and distant dream
Still she hopes and longs to be
Once again, and finally free
So she waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She's seen empires come and go
Watched the kingdom's children grow
Sparks and embers far from home
Born to shine, and to behold
'Cause on her chain is a lock and the key
Is the radiance she will see
From the light that's gonna be
Cast from the sons and the daughters free
So she waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She's a captive til' she sees
By the morning light redeemed
Sons and daughters
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
She waits, she waits
She waits
It's been a long time comin'
But she hopes and she hopes for it
It's been a long time comin'
But she hopes and she hopes for it
https://youtu.be/StDUdyP1vu8
YouTube
The Gray Havens - "She Waits" [Official Audio]
The story behind our band name ↓
https://laylo.com/grayhavensmusic/KeoVcTjd
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Lyrics:
Dressed in chains, now she waits
Lookin' back upon that day
When the dawn first held its gaze
Upon the son and the daughter's face
But strange now it seems
Like some…
https://laylo.com/grayhavensmusic/KeoVcTjd
________
Lyrics:
Dressed in chains, now she waits
Lookin' back upon that day
When the dawn first held its gaze
Upon the son and the daughter's face
But strange now it seems
Like some…
Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 1 | Desiring God
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/subjected-to-futility-in-hope-part-1
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/subjected-to-futility-in-hope-part-1
Desiring God
Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 1
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of…
Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 2 | Desiring God
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/subjected-to-futility-in-hope-part-2
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/subjected-to-futility-in-hope-part-2
Desiring God
Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 2
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of…
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ephesians 4:17-19 KJV
Ephesians 4:17-19 KJV
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Forwarded from Living Freed
"If you dwell on your feelings about things rather than dwelling on the faithfulness, the love, and the mercy of God, then you're likely to have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Our feelings are very fleeting and ephemeral, aren't they? We can't depend on them for 5 minutes at a time. But dwelling on the love, faithfulness, and mercy of God is always safe."
~Elizabeth Elliott
~Elizabeth Elliott
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“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:26-29 KJV
Ephesians 4:26-29 KJV
Isaiah 54:10🕊️ “Even if the mountains were to crumble and the hills disappear, my heart of steadfast love will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken, says Yahweh, whose love and compassion will never give up on you”❤️-💌 The Lord wants to heal the hidden bruises of your heart. He knows that ours hearts have been wounded and souls crushed with pain one way or another. He knows all the hidden and buried wounds. His promise is that He will never leave you or forsake you. This is His word and His endless love and truth that is real to save and heal you. This is His heart and it never changes. ALL HIS PROMISES ARE YES AND AMEN. He is for you.
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❤️🕊️
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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
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