The Final Word

The following is my article in our church newsletter, The Final Word:

On June 7th, we will finish (God willing!) a 6 week sermon series on “Can I really know if there is a God?” The study was intended to answer questions like:
- If there really is a God, has He done anything to make Himself known?
- Has God left us with any evidence or clues that He truly exists?
- Is it really possible for a human being to know that there is a God?

The study is assuming that if we are to know God, it is up to Him to do something to make Himself known. If God chose to keep Himself hidden, He could! But the Bible tells us that we have been given much revelation from God to let us know who He is! God has not left Himself without a testimony, but instead has revealed Himself through Creation, our conscience, the Commandments, through Christ and even through His church.

But, while it is true that God has revealed Himself through these means, it is also still true that for us to know Him, it will require work or diligence on our part. Much like any good relationship that you have, it is only possible because the other person is willing to open up themselves and allow you to know them. But, just because someone is willing to be known doesn’t guarantee that you will have a deep and meaningful relationship with them. Often it takes effort and work on your part. You have to set time aside for conversations and activities that allow you to truly understand and know the other person. This is why the Bible often uses terms like “seek the Lord” and “draw near to God” or “pursue God”. For us to know God and have a growing relationship with Him, it will always require diligence and discipline on our part.

I am telling you this as an introduction to a new summer series that we will be offering beginning June 14th during the Adult Bible Fellowships. Our ABF classes meet at 9:30 am each Sunday morning. We will be taking a class called “Spiritual Disciplines: For the purpose of Godliness”. This class will be a foundation class for us as we launch our “Core Tracks” in September. The Spiritual Disciplines class is based on a book by Donald Whitney called “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”. The goal of this class is to help each of us grow in godliness.

We usually like to think about ourselves growing in godliness but we cringe when we hear the word discipline. But we have to remind ourselves that growth in godliness doesn’t just happen. It is no different than any other area of skill or ability. Most of us have been watching the NBA playoffs here in Northeast Ohio. We are following our beloved Cavaliers and hoping that they can forge a comeback over the Orlando Magic (UPDATE: Never mind!!). Every Cavs fan knows that there is one reason why they have made it this far and there is only one guy who can possibly bring them back. LeBron. Yes, he has reached the status of “one name” individuals. Like Michael, Tiger, Shaq, and now LeBron. Well, when we watch LeBron do what he does, we often forget that this required hours of commitment and dedication to the sport of basketball. It often looks so effortless for him that we deceive ourselves by thinking that this just comes natural for him. Certainly natural talent and ability has something to do with it but LeBron had to do something with that natural talent and ability that God gave him. He had to put in many years of disciplined practice. While LeBron’s efforts are celebrated before a worldwide audience, our efforts to grow in godliness are still far more important.

The apostle Paul spoke of this in I Timothy 4:7-8:

“train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

As important and impressive as physical training and exercise can be, we are told here that spiritual training unto godliness is far more significant. In fact, while physical training does have some value (strength, better health, etc.), godliness has value in every way! Knowing God and becoming more Christ-like will have an impact on every part of our lives. The word “train” in I Timothy in the greek is actually where we get the word “gymnasium” in English. When we do physical training, we often go to the gym to use weights or kettle bells (ask Mary Jane and Amanda) to train and build up your muscles. In much the same way, the spiritual disciplines are like the weights that we use to exercise ourselves unto godliness. We will be taking a look at the following spiritual disciplines throughout the summer: Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, service, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling and learning.

So, we hope that you will commit to being a part of these classes and grow in godliness this summer and continue in them until Christ returns!

May I end this with a warning from the author himself:

“Do not fall into the trap of thinking that spiritual disciplines are a way to reconciliation with God. Practicing, even mastering spiritual disciplines will not make you right with God. Only repentance and faith in Jesus Christ – trusting in His atoning sacrifice to pay the penalty for your sins and having His righteousness credited to your account – can make you right with God. Throughout our Christian life, when we are seeking to do something to grow closer to God – we must be aware of our innate attraction to seek forgiveness from God through obedience to God. Only Christ can reconcile us to God!”