The Commands of Christ - 12i
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Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Open: The Sunday I was gone, Rev. Don Railey and his wife Darla discussed TFI (Traumatic Faith Injury).
He described it as similar to TBI that earthly military experience.
TFI would be when some cataclysmic explosion occurs in your life that damages your faith.
TBI symptoms:
NIH: Depends on:
The type of injury
How severe the injury is
What area of the brain is injured
Can be mild or severe:
Mild:
Headache Confusion
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus
Tiredness or sleepiness
A bad taste in the mouth
A change in sleep habits
Behavior or mood changes
Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or vomiting
A person with moderate or severe TBI may have some of the symptoms listed for mild TBI. In addition, the person may experience any of the following:
Headache that gets worse or will not go away
Loss of vision in one or both eyes
Repeated vomiting or continued nausea
Slurred speech
Convulsions or seizures
An inability to wake up from sleep
Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes
Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
Uncoordinated or “clumsy” movements
Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hours
In a similar manner might TFI be dependent on how bad the “spiritual explosion” is?
But even that will depend on how well “armored” the individual is:
Muslim terrorists in the Middle East exploited our troops’ vulnerable vehicles as well as soldiers on foot.
Isn’t that what the enemy does? He looks for vulnerabilities.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,
Comparing to TBI, what are some symptoms of TFI?
Whiteboard
Do YOU think TFI a real problem?
Are we “soldiers of Jesus? Does that mean we may get exposed to “explosions?”
Might satan do his best to injure by an “IED?” Completely unexpected “explosion?”
Because, as Bro. Railey said, “Satan wants to steal kill and destroy.”
People who don’t have a solid foundation of faith can turn away from God when some “explosion” occurs in their life.
Using the thought that Brother Railey brought forth about the disciples, that Jesus was telling them He was going to die.
Maybe Judas experienced TFI. He had faith, but it was based on a wrong idea about who Jesus was and what He came to do. He got discouraged and fell away from his faith. He actively turned against Jesus, betraying Him.
Peter denied Jesus
ALL the disciples ran in the Garden.
Or, it could be the death of a loved one (like the disciples with Jesus?)
Thomas doubted. (Actually ALL of them doubted at first.)
Job loss, financial reverses,
Sicknesses like cancer, covid, dementia, other life-changing illnesses)
But Bro. Railey really zoomed in on Suffering (like Job)
Railey said, “People don’t know how to experience suffering.”
Thoughts?
We live in a society that has great comfort and convenience. It makes us soft spiritually.
Do you think there are (or, do you know) people who have experienced this?
Could it be that some cases have been misdiagnosed? Sometimes it was offense (Bait of satan). The failures of people around us?
Like Joseph (forgotten for years)?
Have YOU experienced this?
Is healing possible?
Complete healing? Or will there always be lingering side-effects?
Have you been healed?
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you men like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
What restored Peter’s faith? Seeing Jesus?
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
Why or why not (do you believe healing is possible)?
How does suffering compare to persecution?
Dose these verses describe suffering or persecution?
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
All persecution is suffering, but not all suffering is persecution.
What about the suffering of the Luke 10:30-37 who was robbed and a Samaritan came along and ministered to him.
You know, I think this situation really happened. the Samaritan thought know one knew — but God saw and gave it to Jesus through the revelation of the Holy Spirit to use as an example for teaching what being a neighbor means.
What about those in Matthew 25:31-39?
People hungry, thirsty, lonely (a stranger), poorly clothed (no shoes - people in Africa die from lack of shoes), sick, or in prison.
What do those who are suffering need to do in times of suffering?
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.
I find fewer people will come to an altar for prayer — even when they are suffering greatly. Why?
Let’s pray for those suffering.
Those suffering from TFI
The Persecuted— Matthew 5:10–12
1. In spite of our efforts at peacemaking, what does Jesus say we will experience (Matthew 5:10-12)?
Why should this cause us to rejoice?
2. Why would the world hate the kind of people described in the beatitudes? Or people who are salt and light? Or people who keep and teach the Law and the Prophets? (as Brother Jay taught?)
What is the difference between the Law and the Prophets?
3. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was killed by the Nazis because of his faith, wrote: "With every beatitude the gulf is widened between the disciples and the people." How do the beatitudes challenge you to be different?
From: LifeGuide Topical Bible Studies - Sermon on the Mount.
Concerning Persecution, this beatitude explodes several myths:
1. The myth that Christianity is a means of deliverance from suffering. As we become more like Jesus, we should expect to be treated like Jesus!
2. The myth that God loves his children too much to allow them to suffer at the hands of unbelievers. God does indeed love us, but that does not mean we will be insulated from the pain of persecution.
3. The myth that those who suffer persecution are being chastised for their sin. But remember: the persecuted are also the pure in heart! Often it is precisely because of one’s success in manifesting the characteristics contained in the other beatitudes that provokes persecution.
4. The myth that suffering is always the sign of God’s displeasure or anger.
5. The myth that suffering can separate us from the love of Christ. But see Romans 8:35.
6. The myth that suffering or persecution at the hands of the unbeliever is a sign of the latter’s victory. See Rev. 12:11.
7. The myth that suffering is selective, restricted to a few special saints. Says Stott:
“The condition of being despised and rejected, slandered and persecuted, is as much a normal mark of Christian discipleship as being pure in heart or merciful. Every Christian is to be a peacemaker, and every Christian is to expect opposition. Those who hunger for righteousness will suffer for the righteousness they crave.”
People may speak highly of these virtues, but they often despise the person in whom they appear. “The only homage that wickedness can pay to righteousness,” noted Spurgeon, “is to persecute it.”
Several other things to note:
Jesus does not pronounce as blessed those who suffer for any reason whatsoever. The beatitude applies to those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. See esp. 1 Pt. 2:18–21. In this passage we are told that to keep our mouths shut and patiently endure when suffering for some sin we have committed is no great virtue (Peter’s words are: “what credit is there …”). But to restrain ourselves from retaliation and self-vindication when we are unjustly wronged is especially pleasing to the Lord. Some suffering and persecution is deserved and therefore disgraceful. But we have actually been “called” (1 Pt. 2:21) to endure unjust, undeserved persecution. Again, Peter encourages you to “keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (3:16–17).
In 1 Peter 4:12 we are told that we should “not be surprised at the fiery ordeal” of persecution and suffering that comes upon us, and that for 3 reasons. (1) The suffering of persecution plays an essential role in our sanctification. It is, says Peter, “for our testing” (4:12). Suffering is critical to the formation of Christian character: it hones, refines, purges, and purifies us, as well as compels us to rely more wholeheartedly on the all-sufficiency of God’s grace. (2) Suffering now will only serve to intensify the joy of our glorification (“to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation,” 4:13). (3) Finally, there is a special, unique anointing of the Spirit on Christians who suffer for Christ’s sake and bear his reproach. Indeed, “if you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (4:14). The word “glory” here has the definite article, lit. “the glory,” thus pointing (most likely) to the “glory” of v. 13, the “glory” of Christ to be revealed fully at his second coming. The point is this: to suffer reproach for Christ is to enter into the experience of that glory in advance of its ultimate and consummate display at the end of the age!
Note also in 1 Peter 4:15–16 that, again, some suffering is shameful, namely, the suffering that comes from sinning (v. 15). However, as John Brown says, “there are (also) sufferings to which Christians may be exposed, merely because they are Christians, merely because they profess the faith, obey the laws, observe the institutions of Christ; and that such sufferings, however disgraceful in their own nature, and in the estimation of men, are no proper ground of shame to those who meet with them; but, on the contrary, should be subjects of giving glory and thanksgiving to God” (Expository Discourses on 1 Peter [Banner of Truth], 400).
If you wish to avoid persecution in the world, here is what you must do: mimic the world’s standards, never criticize its values, keep quiet about the gospel, laugh at its sordid humor, smile and keep silent when God’s name is mocked and reviled, and be ashamed of Jesus Christ.
Note also that Jesus broadens persecution to include insults and verbal attacks. For us, in our day, this is often the only form of persecution we experience.
Notice that in v. 10 it is “for the sake of righteousness,” but in v. 11 it is “on account of Me,” i.e., Jesus. Two things to conclude from this: (a) The world not only does not care for these qualities, it cares even less for the person in whom they are found. (b) “This confirms that the righteousness of life that is in view is in imitation of Jesus. Simultaneously, it so identifies the disciple of Jesus with the practice of Jesus’ righteousness that there is no place for professed allegiance to Jesus that is not full of righteousness” (Carson, 28).
Observe carefully how Jesus says we are to respond to such persecution:
“Rejoice and be glad!” We are not to retaliate like an unbeliever would. We are not to sulk like a child. We are not to lick our wounds in self-pity like a beaten dog. We are not simply to grin and bear it like a Stoic. Still less are we to pretend that pain feels good. But even more: we are not only not to retaliate, we must not even resent it. Rather, we are to rejoice and be glad! But how can a sane person do that?
First, by reflecting on the fact that such pain is minimal when compared with the agonies of hell.
Second, by remembering John 15:21 (“But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me”). To claim exemption from persecution is to renounce one’s association with Jesus. If you think you are above and beyond persecution, you are above and beyond Jesus.
Third, recall Acts 5:40–42.
Fourth, recall Romans 5:3–5.
Fifth, recall Romans 8:16–17 (suffering is a sign of our adoption as sons).
Sixth, consider 1 Peter 4:12ff. Persecution is not only essential for our sanctification, it also intensifies our glory at Christ’s return!
Seventh, we are promised reward in heaven (Mt. 5:12). See 2 Cor. 4:16–18.
Says Piper: “One way of rejoicing in suffering comes from fixing our minds firmly on the greatness of the reward that will come to us in the resurrection. The effect of this kind of focus is to make our present pain seem small by comparison to what is coming” (Desiring God, 234).
Draw strength in the time of suffering by remembering Jesus.
· Are you poor? “Foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
· Are you opposed? “Against the holy child Jesus … both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles … were gathered together.”
· Do your enemies claim to be religious? Remember who crucified the Son of God!
· Are you suffering reproach? “They bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, and said, ‘Hail, king of the Jews.’ ”
· Are you slandered? Jesus was accused of doing miracles by the power of Satan.
· Are you used and despised? They beat and spat upon the King of glory.
· Do your friends betray you? Remember Judas!
· Have you lost possessions? They cast lots for Jesus’ robe.
· Do you suffer unjustly? Pilate said, “I find no fault in this man.”
From: Storms, S. (2016). Biblical Studies: The Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:10–12). Edmond, OK: Sam Storms.