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Producing this?

Treasuring Christ

Treasuring Christ
1 Peter 2
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,
2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby: 3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
In this passage, Peter uses several word pictures to display for us tremendous truths regarding Christ, our relationship to Him and how to live out that relationship.



First, let us look at the direction of this passage in an overview.
Peter addresses a group of people who are in desperate circumstances. They are scattered throughout Asia because of their faith. They were being persecuted by the Roman Emperor Nero. Many of their friends and relatives had been put to death. These to whom Peter was writing were running for their lives. They were living as aliens, or temporary residents in their current locations.

Because of this difficult life situation, Peter speaks to them of some very comforting and solid spiritual truths. In chapter 1, he assures them of their faith in God. They have been chosen by God; they have been given a living hope; they have a secured inheritance of eternal life; and they have the promise that their present suffering will produce eternal spiritual reward.

He then speaks to them about the character of God. He reminds them that God is holy, pure, set apart from sin, and therefore, they should be also. There are at least three reasons for this: since they have been born again, they belong to Christ and not to themselves. The second reason is that life is temporary, something which his readers knew all too well. The third is that the enduring Word of God is the only thing that will last, therefore it is imperative to live by it.

OUR SPIRITUAL CALLING DEMANDS SPIRITUIAL LIVING

Spiritual desires – vs. 1-3

Spiritual values – vs. 4

Spiritual house – vs. 5-8

Spiritual calling – vs. 9-10

Spiritual desires –
In light of the fact that only the Word of God will endure, Peter speaks of the desire of the believer.
1. To desire the enduring word, certain things need to be set aside.
a. Malice – wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws; a vicious nature bent on the harm of others.
b. Guile – deceit, to decoy
c. Hypocrisies - the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more laudable beliefs than is the case. The call for consistency.
d. Envy - the envious person cannot be satisfied with what he has and will always crave for more. His evil desires and pleasures are insatiable, and he cannot abide any other person’s having something that he himself does not have or having more of something than he himself has.
e. Evil speaking – defamation of character

These attitudes and practices are to be laid aside. A definite choice, done now. His message is to stop what you are doing.

He assumes that these are prevalent sins that all believers must deal with.

Two questions: did I prepare to receive God’s Word?
The heart must be prepared in order for the word of God to be received. In preparation for the Word today, what did you do yesterday to get ready? Did you spend your time in personal pursuit of pleasure? Did you spend any time alone with God?

Are my relationships with others such that I the evil desires have been put away.

2. To desire the Word of God, a certain urgency must be displayed.
a. Like a newborn baby
b. Untainted, without anything else mixed in
c. Based on the grace (kindness) of God Psalm 34:8:
O taste and see that the Lord is good.
Jerry Bridges: "It is impossible to practice godliness without a constant, consistent and balanced intake of the Word of God in our lives." I submit that the opposite is also true, i.e. it is impossible to process the Word if godliness is not practiced.

Spiritual Values

Peter makes crystal clear that treasuring Christ is God’s response to Christ and therefore should be ours.
Peter is pondering and applying several Old Testament texts that point to Christ as a stone. Isaiah 28:16 (“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation”) and Psalm 118:22 (“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”).
Look with me at verse 4: “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.” Note carefully the word “precious.” Then look at verse 6, Again Peter gets our attention with the word “precious.” Very simply and very amazingly think of the implications that God almighty with infinite knowledge and infinite wisdom and infinitely perfect capacities to see and savor what is infinitely valuable and beautiful—this God values Jesus Christ as precious. This is simply another way of saying he treasures Christ. Treasuring means feeling the preciousness of what you value or what you prize.
if God, who sees all things as they truly are and feels all things as they truly are, treasures Christ, so should we. In fact it is clear that God treasures Christ above all other things. There is nothing more valuable in the universe than Christ, because he is God and he is the manifestation of God precisely so that we might see him and savor him—that is, treasure him. (Piper)

Second, this text makes clear that treasuring Christ is more, not less, than knowing Christ is precious. It is feeling it and acting on it. (Piper)

When we value Christ, we value those whom He loves. Therefore, it would make no sense to have malice, envy, evil speaking against any of them.
To not properly value Christ is to stumble over Him.
The Jewish leaders did that in Jesus’ day.
The Christians of our day do that when we do not see as important the values and commands of Christ.
To stumble over Christ has disastrous consequences.
1. it can lead to no salvation.
2. It can lead to disobedience.
3. it can lead to disjointed living.


Spiritual House
Foundation: the apostles and prophets of Eph 2:20
Cornerstone: Jesus Christ of Eph 2:20, 1 Peter 2:
Living Stones: each individual believer I Peter 2: 6-7
Holy Priesthood: offers up spiritual sacrifices.

The Cornerstone: That from which everything is measured.
The prophets wrote predicting Him; the apostles wrote looking back on Him.
The Willamette Stone was a small stone obelisk originally located in the western hills of Portland, Oregon in the United States. It marked the intersection and origin of the Willamette Meridian and Willamette Baseline, which defined the grid system of sections and townships (six miles square) from which all real property in the states of Oregon and Washington has been measured following the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850. The fact is that all real estate property is measured from this one point. The application is that Christ is the measurement of all which is spiritual in our lives.

The most important value has been placed on the cornerstone. He has precious blood (1:19); He is precious ( 2:4,6,7); our faith is precious (2P 1:1); God’s promises are precious (2P 1:4)

Building the foundation of your house is one of the most important tasks while building your house. If the foundation is not properly laid then the entire edifice will be unstable. ( a contractor's website )
I Corinthians 3

Therefore, with Christ as my Cornerstone, when I find a principle to apply, I do so willingly. When I find a sin to avoid, I do so willingly. When I find a spiritual value, I adopt it willingly. Christ is my Cornerstone.

Spiritual Calling
What it means is this (and more): the supreme trait of the new Christian race is treasuring Christ.

1. We are called to be unique ( To stand out in the world is to fit in with God )
2. We are called to declare God’s truth
3. We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices (verse 5)

Philippians 2:17
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:15
15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16But to do good and to communicate (share ) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

As we consider the four truths from this passage, let us put them in relationship with each other.
1. A spiritual foundation for life is centered in Christ Jesus. Take care how you build on it.
2. Spiritual values are centered in Christ Jesus. What you value determines the direction of your life.
3. Spiritual values determine spiritual desires. Your desires will always be in line with your values.
4. Spiritual desires will build spiritual relationships with people. Don’t start with trying to clean up your relationships. Clean up your values and desires, and you will have the power to clean up your relationships.

Are you centered on the Cornerstone? Each one of us has one. Is it Christ?

You never know where the trail leads

I have a great group of students in my classes at Grace Academy. Earlier this week, we had some excitement. One of our students collapsed during PE class, needed CPR and use of a defibulator to bring his heart back to beating.

Here is some of what happened behind the scenes: On the Wednesday prior, our chapel speaker spoke on the theme "Living Well, Dying Well." He was exhorting us to live in such a way that we would be remembered with godly character. He had been impacted with this message by the death of his father earlier in the year. It was a moving and important message.

I require the students to take notes during chapel. Then, by Friday, they are to turn in those notes with a paragraph of application. On this particular week, the assignment due date was postponed to Monday due to a short school day on Friday.

My student wrote a very good reflection paper on chapel and ended with a good conclusion. He turned it in to me at the end of class, about 2 PM. Before 3:00PM, he had collapsed on campus and was enroute to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the father of a student, a paramedic by profession, was on campus to re-enroll his son for next year. He had taken the wrong papers to the office and so walked back to his car to get the right ones. As he walked past the gym, a group of students ran past him, doing their laps of the campus for PE class. Our student was part of that group. The dad began to walk back up the hill and came across our student who had just collapsed. Several other students were on the scene and were sent to have a call made and to get the PE teacher. The on campus defib. machine was rushed to the scene, applied and administered a shock as needed to restore this student.

Looking back, this is a wonderful story of God's provision and care. A paramedic on campus at just the right time. A chapel message for spiritual preparation. A concerned student body seeking to be a help to a fellow student. And a piece of equipment for just the right purpose, added to the resources of the school after a different student collapsed last year at his home.

God is so good. He provides for us, prepares us and delivers us often in ways we cannot imagine. Give thanks to the wonderful provision of our Great God!!

This passion week has again jogged my mind to remember the work of Christ for me. The perfect lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world. Adam did not realize what he was doing when he sinned. He did not see far enough into the future to realize that his deeds would paralyze and corrupt his children. His sin demanded a Savior, One predetermined to provide perfect salvation. And so Adam's sin blinded the eyes of the Jews, Romans - - all who took part in placing Christ on the cross - - so that we might be freed from the blindness of sin. And so He became the second Adam, to bring deliverance onto a people polluted by the first Adam. What a beautiful picture of glory for us.

Preaching in Titus

I have attached a link to a file that contains an audio copy of a message I preached last year. (scroll down to 3/9/2008) It is a biographical message about Titus. I originally preached it in a series of expositions on the book of Titus. I have since preached it at several churches as well as to the Grace Academy student body. Me desire since studying Titus is to be a man who lives up to the character of such a man. I trust it is your desire as well.

Camping Tips

I love to camp but do not get to do much this summer. Had one outing in 2008 so far. Probably will need to be content with that. Usually get to hunt this time of year, but it does not look good for that activity this year.

Anyway, here are some camping tips. Have not tried any of these yet, but some look interesting. Camping Tips
Get even with a bear who raids your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.
Old socks can be made into high fiber beef jerky by smoking them over an open fire.
When smoking a fish, never inhale.
A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes.
The best backpacks are named for national parks or mountain ranges. Steer clear of those named for landfills.
Acupuncture was invented by a camper who found a porcupine in his sleeping bag.
While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheard of. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.
Effective January 1, 1997, you will actually have to enlist in the Swiss Army to get a Swiss Army Knife.

When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.
You’ll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass.
You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing into a plastic garbage bag with several geese.
When camping, always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you something to wipe your nose on.
You can compress the diameter of your rolled up sleeping bag by running over it with your car.
A two-man pup tent does not have enough room for two men and does not include a pup.
A potato baked in the coals for one hour makes an excellent side dish. A potato baked in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck.
You can start a fire without matches by eating Mexican food, then breathing on a pile of dry sticks.
The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
Check the washing instructions before purchasing any apparel to be worn camping. Buy only those that read “Beat on a rock in stream.”
The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled campers for generations. The sight of a bald man, however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle.
It’s entirely possible to spend your whole vacation on a winding mountain road behind a large motor home.
In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent mate.

The Trial of the Trail

Coal Lake

I discovered a beautiful little lake a few years back called Coal Lake. It is at about 4000' elevation in the Cascade Mountains on the West side. When I first discovered it, I was looking for the trail to North Lake and Independence Lake which start nearby. Coal Lake is not large but it is deep and cold, coming directly from snow pack most of the year. The drawback to Coal Lake when I first discovered it is that it is only 100' from the road. Therefore, it was overused and badly in need of rehabilitation.

And then came the rains of 2005. The rains washed out the road about 3 miles from the trail head, and I do not think there will be a repair of the wash out. It is rather major. In addition, since that time three more landslides have come down to cover the road. Now, it is a 3+ mile hike to this little beauty. Margaret, Annie and I tackled this one a few days back and totally enjoyed the experience. Most of the trail is old road, so it is easy to walk and easy on the feet (something which is becoming more of a priority these days).

As we approached the lake, we were in for a surprise. At that elevation on July 8 there was still a good bit of snow. A tent was pitched at the lake, so I am sure they enjoyed some chilly nights sitting on snow all night.

As I think back on this hike, there are several things that come to mind. Like a road that needs maintenance and care, our lives need to have routine maintenance. This road washed out because the culvert that allowed a small stream to pass under the road most of the year clogged up with debris and allowed a massive amount of rain to wash out the road. I like to take my Bible and sit down on a Saturday or Sunday morning when it is still early and quiet in the house and just read. For me, this time of reading is a time of cleansing and renewal. This is not my only reading time, but it is unique and a special time when routine maintainence is done on my soul. Taking a good recording of a special hymn or song that is rich with meaning also helps to fine tune my appetite for the Lord.

It will not be many years and this road, which was once the route of travel for log trucks and heavy equipment will be a single track through a thicket of young trees. They have already sprouted along the edge and show good signs of taking hold. Hikers will keep a path open if the three lakes continue to attract visitors. Left to itself, this road will eventually pass away and return to the condition of the land before the road was cut. If we are interested in keeping a spiritual life that is vibrant, we need to make regular paths to the Word, so that our time of neglect does not allow our lives to get overgrown with things that choke out the Word. Jesus spoke of that in a word picture when speaking of the story of the sower.

A small lake, which once was taken for granted by the many who passed by on the road is now appreciated as a destination and resting place by those who need to struggle to get there. Admittedly, the struggle is not great, but it is more than it was. I think we tend to appreciate more those things that we struggle for. Join with me in working hard at not neglecting the ones or things which we consider "easy" and in showing appreciation for the things God has put in our lives that come with effort.

I just got home from a long day at Home Depot. I was on my feet all day helping customers and loading block. My feet were tired this evening. But there was a sense of satisfaction that accompanied the tired feet. They showed that something had been accomplished. In a few days, that accomplishment will be rewarded with a check. There is something good about the struggle of accomplishment.