iChristian

Mortification and Vivification

Arthur Pink,
Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught with reference to your former way of life, to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires–to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image–in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.”

The Christian life is not a playground, but a battlefield. We are called to take up arms against two mighty foes: the indwelling corruption of our flesh; and the sluggishness of our hearts toward God. Scripture speaks of this double duty as mortification of sin, and vivification of grace.

Whenever the Holy Spirit regenerates someone, He implants a holy principle within that person which always manifests itself in the ongoing work of mortification and vivification. That is, the practical putting off of the old man and the putting on of the new man. This mortification and vivification is continued throughout life, and will not end until glorification.

First, the mortification of sin. The flesh is a restless rebel, forever plotting treason against its rightful King. Pride, envy, lust, sloth, anger, impurity–these are no trifles, but serpents whose venom would destroy the soul if left unchecked. Our duty is not to pamperthem, but to slay them. The believer must take the sword of the Spirit and pierce through every darling sin, however small it may appear. Yet we cannot mortify any sin by the sheer strength of our will. Only as we walk in the Spirit, will He enable us to mortify sin.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh!” (Galatians 5:16)

Second, the vivification of our graces, so that we increase in strength and make further advances in true piety. To mortify sin is to pull up the weeds–but we must also nurture the flowers of holiness. We can do this, only as we vivify our graces: faith must be exercised, love  must be kindled, hope must be nourished, prayer must be cultivated. A barren soul is not a safe soul. When our graces are not growing, then our sins will be spreading. But again, here is our weakness: left to ourselves, we can no more make faith flourish than we can make the lilies grow. It is the Spirit who breathes life, waters every grace, and makes the believer fruitful in every good work.

Thus the Christian is ever cast upon the Spirit. Only through Him, can we kill sin and cultivate holiness. Let us then walk by the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, and depend wholly on the Spirit–until that day when sin shall be no more, and grace shall blossom into glory!

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)

The workings of grace in the heart

J.C. Ryle 
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
 
The workings of grace in the heart are utterly mysterious and unsearchable. 
  
We cannot explain why the Word produces effects on one person in a congregation, and not upon another. 
  
We cannot explain why, in some cases; with every possible advantage, and in spite of every entreaty–people reject the Word, and continue dead in trespasses and sins. 
  
We cannot explain why in other cases; with every possible difficulty, and with no encouragement–people are born again, and become decided Christians. 
  
We cannot define the manner in which the Spirit of God conveys life to a soul, and the exact process by which a believer receives a new nature. 
  
All these are hidden things to us. 
We see certain results, but we can go no further. 
  
This is deeply instructive. It is humbling no doubt to ministers, and teachers of others. 
  The highest abilities, 
    the most powerful preaching, 
      the most diligent working, 
        cannot command success. 
 
God alone can give spiritual life! 
 
But it is a truth at the same time, which supplies an admirable antidote to excessive anxiety and despondency. Our principal work is to sow the seed. That done, we may wait with faith and patience for the result. We may leave our work with the Lord. He alone can, if He thinks fit, give success. 
  
Romans 9:15, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

The whole Christian life is drawn in one line

Charles Spurgeon, “Coming, Always Coming” 
1 Peter 2:4, “Coming to Him”

This is an apt description of the whole of the Christian life. I consider it to be a complete picture of a saint, drawn with one stroke. In all circumstances and conditions, we are to come to Jesus alone.

The Christian life is begun, continued, and perfected altogether in dependence upon the Lord Jesus. He is both the author and the finisher of our faith.

If we begin aright, we begin with “Christ is all!”
If we live aright, we live with “Christ is all!”
And if we finish aright, we finish with “Christ is all!”

We are to be always coming to Him:
coming to Him for spiritual nourishment;
coming to Him for needed grace;
coming to Him for cleansing, guidance, support and comfort;
coming in fact, for everything. 

The whole Christian life is drawn in one line–it is a continuous “coming to Jesus!”

I am persuaded that the only happy, holy, safe way for a Christian to live, is to live in daily dependence upon Jesus and to come to Him at all times, in all respects, under all circumstances, for everything!

May it be the habit of our lives to be incessantly coming to our loving and merciful Savior.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:1-3

Better than wine!

Charles Spurgeon, et al. 
Canticles 1:2, “Your love is better than wine!”

The believer finds his truest joy, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world, but in the enduring and soul-satisfying love of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Your love is better than wine,” says the Bride to her Beloved–and the heart of every redeemed soul echoes the same. Earthly joys may sparkle for a moment, but they soon fade. Christ’s love is better–it is . . .
  purer,
    deeper,
      richer,
        and forever satisfying.

Wine may gladden the heart of man, but it cannot quiet his conscience. It may brighten the face, but it cannot cleanse the soul. But the love of Christ–what comfort, what peace, what delight it brings! One moment in communion with Him, outweighs a lifetime of the world’s pleasures. We have tasted His love, and it is like honey from the comb–sweeter than anything earth can offer.
His presence lifts the downcast.
  His fellowship strengthens the weary.
    His nearness satisfies every longing.

Beloved, consider how Christ has poured out His love for you. Not in word only, but in blood–love proven on the cross; love triumphant over sin, death, and Hell.
He loved you when you were unlovable.
He sought you when you were wandering.
He died for you when you were madly rushing to Hell.
And now He bids you to draw near and drink deeply of His love.
He is the Fountain of living waters, the true Vine from which every drop of heavenly joy flows.

Has the world disappointed you? 
Has its wine turned sour in your mouth?
Come again to the Savior. Let His love be your comfort, your song, and your strength. Here is no deceit, no regret, no after-bitterness–only pure delight, joy unspeakable and full of glory.

O believer, dwell often beneath the shadow of the Cross. Sit down under His banner of love, and feast on the riches of His grace. The love of Jesus is the joy of Heaven begun on earth, and the foretaste of eternal bliss! Drink to the full, and be satisfied in Him!

A new creation!

Charles Spurgeon, et al. 
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Whenever anyone is saved by the sovereign grace of God, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit–he becomes a new creation in Christ. This is not a mere moral improvement, nor a religious reformation, nor the adoption of a more wholesome lifestyle–but a supernatural work of the Spirit, producing a new nature.

Having experienced this miracle of salvation, the new man now has new views, new ambitions, new convictions, new desires, new notions, new hopes, new dreads, new pleasures, new aims, new principles, new affections, new joys, and new pursuits. Everything about him is changed. He does, as it were, live in a new world!

He was once spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, governed by the flesh, blind to truth, and hostile to God!

Now, his affections are changed–he loves what he once hated, and hates what he once loved!

Now, his mind is renewed–he no longer sees life through the lens of popular culture, but through the lens of Scripture.

Now, his will is liberated–he longs to do the will of God, though not without struggle. Though sin still remains in his flesh, it no longer  reigns in his life.

The believer is brought into a new realm: from darkness, to light; from death, to life; from the kingdom of Satan, to the kingdom of God. He is  adopted as God’s child, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and sealed  for the day of redemption. In Christ, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms is now his! (Ephesians 1:3-8).

His past is forgiven,
his present is transformed,
and his future is secured.

But the glory of this new creation lies not in the man himself, but in the One who made him new. Just as the original creation displayed the majesty of God–so this new creation displays the greatness of His sovereignty, mercy, and grace.

Christian, never forget who you are–you are not what you once were. And though you are not yet what you will be–you are already made new in Christ. Let this truth humble you, encourage you, and move you to walk in newness of life, to the glory of God who “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins!” Colossians 1:13–14

Judge not, lest you be judged!

Charles Spurgeon, et al.
Few verses are more misunderstood or misused than the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged!” In our day of moral relativism, blame-shifting, and self-justification, this verse is regularly pulled out of context to silence any voice that dares to call sin what it is. Yet such misuse turns the Lord’s words on their head, distorting both His meaning and His purpose.

First, what Jesus is NOT saying: He is not forbidding all forms of judgment. Scripture itself commands believers to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14), to expose the fruitless deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and to confront a brother or sister who is in sin (Galatians 6:1). In fact, just a few verses later in Matthew 7, Jesus warns against giving what is sacred to dogs (verse 6), and identifying false prophets by their fruits (verses 15-20)–both of which require spiritual discernment and righteous judgment. Clearly then, Jesus is not promoting a blind tolerance of sin, or moral indifference.

Nor is He forbidding the correction of others. His very command, “then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye”–implies that helping a brother overcome sin is a necessary and loving work. But it must be done with humility, self-awareness, and sincerity.

What Jesus IS condemning, is self-righteous, hypocritical judgment–the kind that sees minor faults in others, while ignoring major ones in ourselves. He is exposing the pride that delights in criticizing others from a position of moral superiority, while remaining blind to our own sin.

The image which Jesus paints is intentionally exaggerated in order to make His point: a man with a plank sticking out of his eye, trying to remove a speck of dust from someone else’s eye. None are more unjust in their judgments of others, than those who have a high opinion of themselves.

Until we have first humbled ourselves before God, repented of our own sin, and been cleansed by His grace–we are not fit to help others. We must first judge ourselves rightly–only then will we be able to see clearly and act compassionately.

In the end, this passage is not a prohibition against loving confrontation. The real force of Jesus’ words is this: Judge yourself first. Deal with your own sinful heart, before you presume to deal with another’s. And when you do speak to others about their sin, let it be from a place of grace, truth, and godly love–never from hypocrisy.

Judgment that aligns with God’s Word, is exercised in humility and aims at  restoration–is not only permitted–it is commanded. The problem is not judgment itself, but self-righteous, hypocritical, or unjust judgment.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should  restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

The Ways ad Ends of the Wicked

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 
Psalm 1:4-6,
“Not so the wicked!
 They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked will perish!”

“Not so the wicked!” 
With these solemn words, the Psalmist draws a sharp contrast between the godly and the ungodly. The righteous are like fruitful trees–rooted, nourished and prosperous. But “the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away.” Chaff is the worthless husk separated from grain–light, dry, and empty. It is easily scattered and quickly forgotten. Such is every life lived apart from God: rootless, fruitless, and ultimately futile. However impressive the wicked may appear for a season, their prosperity is short-lived and their end is destruction! (Psalm 73:18-19)

The wicked “will not stand in the judgment.” 
They will have no defense, no covering, no hope. When they stand before the Judge of all the earth, their works will be burned up as stubble. All their excuses will be silenced. The day of judgment will reveal what they are: rebels against the Most High God, having rejected His Son and despised His Word. They will not be counted “in the assembly of the righteous.” They may have mingled with the godly on earth–but in the last day, the Shepherd will infallibly separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32). Their exclusion will be eternal.

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Here is the final contrast.

The Lord lovingly and attentively watches over the path of His redeemed people. He guards their steps, directs their course, and brings them safely home.

But the way of the wicked–though it may seem smooth for a time–leads only to ruin! Their end is not annihilation, but everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46). The broad road may appear pleasant, but it descends into outer darkness, with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!

Reader, Psalm 1 presents only two ways: the way of life, and the way of death.
One is watched over by God, ending in glory.
The other is forsaken by God, ending in judgment.

Which way are you walking? The only escape from the perishing path, is found in Jesus. He bore the wrath for sinners, that all who turn from their wicked ways and trust in Him may be counted among the righteous. “The Lord knows those who are His!” (2 Timothy 2:19) Let every soul flee to Him and find life!

If there were an ant at the door of your granary

Charles Spurgeon

(You will find it helpful to  LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
 
“Do not be afraid . . . for I Myself will help you!” Isaiah 41:14
 
Today, let us hear the Lord Jesus speak to each one of us: “I Myself will help you!It is but a small thing for Me, your God, to help you. Consider what I have done already.
 
What! not help you? Why, before the world began, I chose you to be My treasured possession. 
 
What! not help you? Why, I laid aside My glory and became a man for you.
 
What! not help you? Why, I bought you with My sin-atoning blood.
 
What! not help you? Why, I have died for you! And if I have done the greater, then will I not do the lesser? I gave up My life for you! And if I have done all this for you, then I will surely help you now. If you had need of a thousand times as much help, then I would give it to you. You require little, compared with what I am ready to give. It is much for you to need–but it is nothing for Me to bestow. 
 
What! not help you? Fear not! If there were an ant at the door of your granaryasking for help–it would not ruin you to give him a handful of your wheat! Just so, you are nothing but a tiny insect at the door of My all-sufficiency!” 
  
“I Myself will help you!” O my soul, is not this enough? 
  
Bring your empty pitcher here! Surely this well will fill it. 
  
Hasten! gather up your needs, and bring them all here–your emptiness, your woes, your troubles. Behold, this river of God is full for your supply. What more can you desire? The Eternal God is your helper! 
  
“The Lord is with me; He is my helper!” Psalm 118:7 
 
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 
 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Worship at Immanuel’s feet

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

(We highly suggest that you LISTEN to the audio as you READ the text below.
  This is perhaps the most Christ-exalting hymn that we have ever heard!)
 
1. Worship at Immanuel’s feet;

See in His face what wonders meet,

Earth is too narrow to express

His worth, His glory, or His grace.

2. The whole creation can afford

But some faint shadows of my Lord;

Nature, to make His beauties known,

Must mingle colors not her own.

3. Is He compared to Wine or Bread?

Dear Lord, our souls would thus be fed.

That flesh, that dying blood of thine,

Is bread of life, is heavenly wine.

4. Is He a Tree? the world receives

Salvation from His healing leaves;

That righteous branch, that fruitful bough,

Is David’s root and offspring too.

5. Is He a Rose? not Sharon yields

Such fragrancy in all her fields;

Or if the Lily He assume,

The valleys bless the rich perfume.

6. Is He a Vine? His heavenly root

Supplies the boughs with life and fruit;

O let a lasting union join

My soul to Christ, the living Vine!

7. Is He a Head? each member lives,

And owns the vital power He gives;

The saints below and saints above,

Joined by His Spirit and His love.

8. Is He a Fountain? there I bathe,

And heal the plague of sin and death;

These waters all my soul renew,

And cleanse my spotted garments too.

9. Is He a Fire? He’ll purge my dross;

But the true gold sustains no loss;

Like a Refiner shall He sit,

And tread the refuse with His feet.

10. Is He a Rock? how firm He proves!

The Rock of Ages never moves;

Yet the sweet streams that from Him flow,

Attend us all the desert through.

11. Is He a Way? He leads to God;

The path is drawn in lines of blood;

There would I walk with hope and zeal,

Till I arrive at Zion’s hill.

12. Is He a Door? I’ll enter in;

Behold the pastures large and green;

A paradise divinely fair;

None but the sheep have freedom there.

13. Is He designed the Cornerstone,

For men to build their heaven upon?

I’ll make Him my foundation too,

Nor fear the plots of hell below.

14. Is He a Temple? I adore

The indwelling majesty and power;

And still to His most holy place,

Whene’er I pray, I’ll turn my face.

15. Is He a Star? He breaks the night,

Piercing the shades with dawning light;

I know His glories from afar,

I know the bright, the Morning Star.

16. Is He a Sun? His beams are grace,

His course is joy and righteousness;

Nations rejoice when He appears

To chase their clouds and dry their tears.

17. O let me climb those higher skies,

Where storms and darkness never rise!

Where He displays His powers abroad,

And shines and reigns the incarnate God!

18. Nor earth, nor seas, nor sun, nor stars,

Nor heaven His full resemblance bears;

His beauties we can never trace,

Till we behold Him face to face!

The Christian’s grand ambition

Charles Spurgeon

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God!”

What the Christian longs for, is that he may so approach the Lord as to feel himself to be a friend of God, and know that God’s love is most surely his own.

Oh, the sweetness of knowing that there is nothing between God and you, but friendship and love; that all the sad and sinful past is forgiven and even blotted out of the Lord’s remembrance; and that now you may speak to Him without fear and trust in Him without dread.

Atonement has removed His righteous wrath and brought His boundless love. Now you may come and lie in His bosom for it is your Father’s bosom; and hide under the shadow of His wing for it is your Father’s wing, and it will cover you from all harm even as a hen covers her chicks. It is the prelude of Heaven to feel that:

“The God that rules on high,
 And thunders when He please,
 Who rides upon the stormy sky,
 And manages the seas;
 This awesome God is mine!”

All of His power is for my protection,
all of His wisdom is for my direction,
all of His tenderness is for my consolation,
all of His truth is for my encouragement,
all of His grandeur is for my ennobling, and
all the infinity of His nature is for my eternal glorification.

The Christian’s grand ambition is to walk with God, and to dwell in communion with Him. He longs to abide in Him, to be forever God’s beloved, and to become daily more and more conformed to Him.

“Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” Psalm 73:25-26