Walking in the Flesh, Part 2

January 3, 2025

We live in a day of moralism. A day in which anyone who claims the name of Jesus is considered a Christian. As a result, Christians have lost their way in what it means to live like a Christian. We have allowed many “acceptable sins” and destructive attitudes to mark our lives. Unfortunately, these actions and attitudes reveal that we are not walking the Spirit but after our flesh. We are not living godly lives.

The problem of Christians living like unbelievers is not new. In the early church, Paul penned a letter to the churches of Galatia. In that letter, he provided a way for us to tell if we are walking the Spirit or the flesh. In short, our actions and attitudes reveal what we are following. Last week, we began looking at the list that marks those living after the flesh.

The second part of the list deals with what we worship. Those who walk after the flesh are marked by idolatry and sorcery. Immediately, most Christians would proclaim that this is not an issue for them. We don’t generally have a statue in our homes to which we sacrifice. Nor do we hold seances in our homes. Yet, when we consider these concepts, we discover that we struggle with these sins.

Idolatry is to worship anything other than God. To worship something is to assign it inordinate value. As we examine our lives and the lives of Christians around us, we discover that we all struggle with idolatry. Our hearts are idol factories that create them as fast as we can destroy them. We regularly struggle with valuing things more than God or asking things to do what only God can do.

One sure way to discover your idols is to examine your time/money, and conversations. You might also ask what makes you angry. Inevitably, we get angry when our idol gets poked. When we examine our lives through these filters, we discover that they are full of idols. Sports, money, jobs, family, politics, conspiracy theories, recognition, and acceptance quickly become idols. Unless we remain vigilant, they begin to dominate our lives.

As we consider sorcery, we might discover two ways we unintentionally struggle with this sin. First, some Christians fall prey to concepts like karma and rituals, which bring luck. We “knock on wood” and wear the lucky clothes. These seemingly innocuous actions reveal that we trust in something other than God for direction. Second, the word used here is the same word from which we get our English word pharmaceutical. Many Christians reveal how they live an addiction to items in life. Things like caffeine, over-the-counter drugs, and yes, even vitamins and oils become an addiction. These things can be used for health and God’s glory in their proper place. But they become harmful when we allow them undue weight in our lives. We must always be on guard to keep Christ first and not allow other things to become a talisman to us.

I am taking a break from our study regarding decision-making this week because I want to share a lesson that God has driven home to me in the last twenty-four hours. I have coached my boys’ soccer teams for the past twelve years. I watched them grow from fun little guys into men who now tower over me. Each stage has been an incredible blessing. Last night, that chapter of life closed for my oldest son. As he walked off the field, ending his senior season of high school, it hit me that I would no longer be on the bench as he came off the field—no more practices or strategy sessions as a coach. I went out to him and met him on the field. Through tears, we hugged each other. I expressed my pride in him and thanked him for letting me coach him. It also hit me that I will do this again with my other son next year. That one will be harder because then it will be all done.

This morning, I received a call from my dad that my mom suffered a stroke. As I write this, we are still waiting to discover the long-term impacts. Thankfully, it appears that her life is not in immediate jeopardy. Yet, it reminded me that life is brief. We all have an end date, and we don’t get to decide or know when it is. Each day is a gift.

These events remind me that we must live each day for Christ while we can. We must savor every day that God gives us. In James 4, James addresses the foolishness of believing that we control life. In verse 13, he challenges those who make plans with the belief that they are in control. In verse 14, he reminds us, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Our lives are like steam coming off a pot of boiling water. It appears, and then it is gone.

So often, we live life as though nothing will change and everything will remain forever. Yet we know that this is not true. It feels like our children grow up overnight. Our minds tell us we are young, while our bodies scream otherwise. Before long, we look in the mirror, and an old person stares at us. Life keeps moving. But this is not a sad or terrible thing. Each season of life holds importance. God has sovereignly ordained each segment and event. James reveals that our role is to acknowledge God throughout. We should respond, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As we walk through every stage, we must acknowledge God. Acknowledging God means more than lip service. It involves walking in obedience to Him.

We should treat each day as a precious gift from God. I see two practical ramifications. First, savor each day. While we plan for the future and work for what is coming, we must not overlook the day in which we live. Parents, your kids will not always be there. When they ask you to do something with them, prioritize it. Put down what you are doing and spend quality time with them. Kids (both old and young), your parents will not always be there. Don’t dismiss them for insignificant things. Talk to them, hug them, and spend time with them.

Second, money and events don’t last. Relationships and service for Christ last. I do not regret missing money-making opportunities to coach my boys. I do not regret missing time working on my car or reading my books to play with my kids. I do not regret prioritizing friendships over things. Make sure you prioritize the things that matter. In the last twenty-four hours, one chapter with my son closed, and my mom suffered a significant health event. These events reminded me to enjoy and make the most of where I am now. Life changes quickly.

Today we celebrate Christ’s death. Two thousand years ago, on that fateful day, Christ suffered and died for our sins. As you meditate on Christ’s death today, here is a rough schedule of that day Christ purchased our redemption:

4:00-6:00 am – Jesus was brought before Caiaphas and Annas for trial. They could not find anything to convict Jesus, so a false witness was brought. Asked if He is the Christ, Jesus responded, “You have said it yourself.” He was then beaten and spit on.

As Jesus stood before Caiaphas and Annas, Peter made his way to the courtyard outside. Confronted about being one of the Jesus People, he flatly denied it. By the third confrontation, he began to curse. Then the rooster crowed; Peter saw Jesus leaving the compound and wept in shame.

6:00-8:00 am – Daylight appeared, and the Jewish leaders dragged Jesus to Pilate for sentencing. However, Pilate had no desire to become involved in what he perceived to be a no-win situation. He stated, “I find no guilt in this man.” Asking if Jesus is Galilean, Pilate found a jurisdiction loophole. So, he sent Jesus to Herod, who oversaw Galilee.

Herod attempted to question Jesus, but Jesus kept silent. Finally, Herod allowed his soldiers to abuse Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate.

When Jesus arrived back before Pilate, Pilate continued to question Jesus. However, Jesus continued to remain silent. Marveling at Jesus’ composure, Pilate offered the gathering crowd the opportunity to release Jesus. However, with the urging of the religious leaders, the crowd demanded that Pilate release a thief and murderer named Barabbas instead. They then demanded that Pilate crucify Jesus. After symbolically washing his hands, Pilate turned Jesus over for death.

After Jesus was condemned, the soldier renewed their abuse. They whipped Him, beat Him, jammed a crown of thorns on His head, and put a purple robe on His bloody and tattered body. After humiliating Jesus, they removed the robe and prepared a bloody and battered Jesus for death.

8:00-8:30 am – Jesus began the trek through the city and outside the walls to Golgotha for crucifixion. Having endured so much abuse, He could not carry His cross. The soldiers grabbed a man named Simon from the crowd and forced him to take Jesus’ cross the rest of the way.

As Jesus made his way to Golgotha, a crowd followed him weeping. Jesus turned and told them not to weep for Him but for themselves. For, if the leaders did this when Jesus was with them, what would they do when He was gone?

9:00 am – The group arrived at Golgotha. They stretched Jesus’ arms across the beam and nailed his wrists to the wood. They then nailed his ankles to the vertical piece and hoisted the cross in place. The process of procuring our redemption had begun.

9:00-9:30 am – Jesus was offered a drink to numb the pain, but He refused. Having completed their work, the soldiers settled in for a day of watching the criminals die. They began to cast lots to determine who got to take home the various items of the criminal’s clothing.

The soldiers placed a placard over Jesus stating His “crime”: He was the King of the Jews. He cries out, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do!”

9:30-11:00 am – The Chief Priests, Scribes, and soldiers begin to abuse Jesus verbally. “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” “He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe.” Of course, they wouldn’t believe it. Jesus had done various miracles, but they only cared for their power. “He trusts in God; let God rescue Him. He claims to be the Son of God.” The two thieves began to get in on the verbal abuse through the pain. “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

11:00 am -12:00 pm – One of the thieves fell under conviction and rebuked the other thief. He then turned to Jesus and asked to be remembered when Christ came to His Kingdom. Jesus responded with forgiveness, “Today you will be with Me in paradise!”

Through the pain, Jesus looked down and observed a group of women, His mother, and John. He instructed John to care for Mary. And from that day forward, John took her into his house. Even in death, Jesus continued to show compassion.

12:00-3:00 pm – An eerie three-hour darkness fell across the land. The sun would not shine on the death of its Creator. After hanging on the cross all morning, Jesus’ body began to dehydrate from the loss of fluids, and his lungs screamed out for oxygen. Pushing up against the nails, He struggled for a breath. But the dehydration would cause his muscles to cramp, and he would drop back down and begin to suffocate.

The darkness continued, and our sin was placed on Jesus. The Father turned His face away from His Son for the first time. Jesus cried out, “My Father, My Father, why have You forsaken Me?” He was made sin for us!

Suffering from intense dehydration and suffocation and knowing that only one Scripture remained which He needed to fulfill, Jesus cried out, “I thirst!” Someone brought a sponge dipped in sour wine.

Redemption had been paid. Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” Paid in full! He paid a debt he did not owe and placed righteousness on the accounts of the elect. Jesus then cried out again with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” And the Savior died. Earth raged. A great earthquake struck, rocks split, the veil in the Temple ripped, and tombs opened. The Centurion stated in awe, “He was the Son of God!”

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, my family decorates the house for Christmas. Usually, we have Christmas music playing in the background. Sometimes, we end the day watching a Christmas movie. All these activities serve to place us into the “Christmas spirit.” We then spend the rest of December with a warm fuzzy feeling, looking at the lights, listening to the songs, and anticipating Christmas Day. For whatever reason, I have not been in the Christmas spirit this year. Maybe it is our unseasonably warm weather (until this week). Maybe it is the different December schedule now that the boys are older. For whatever reason, I have found myself commenting that it doesn’t feel like Christmas.

Over the last few days, I have contemplated my lack of Christmas feeling. I concluded that this is not necessarily a bad thing. So often, my Christmas spirit centers around things that have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. I love the feeling of looking at lights, listening to Frosty the Snowman, and watching feel-good Christmas movies. However, this year, I have focused less on these things and more on how Christmas fits into God’s eternal plan. It makes me wonder if I have missed this vital aspect of Christmas in previous years.

Man’s fall into sin did not surprise God. In eternity past, God determined to send His Son to redeem the people He had not yet created. So, when man fell into sin, God promised that the woman’s seed (Jesus) would crush the serpent’s head (sin and Satan). Thousands of years past, sin destroyed the world, yet the seed had not arrived. Until that first Christmas, all seemed lost. Yet, at the right time, Christ came. God became flesh in a small farm town outside Jerusalem and dwelt among us. Yet He did not come for Christmas. He came for Good Friday and Easter. For through His sacrifice on the cross, we have life eternal.

Yet, even then, the story of Christmas points forward to more than Good Friday and Easter. We have the promise in John 14 that Christ will return for us. Although it has been thousands of years, and all may seem lost, the day is coming when Jesus will come again and eradicate sin and its effects. Our broken bodies will be made whole. Conflicts will cease. Death will be no more. When we celebrate Christmas, we are also celebrating Christ’s second coming. The difference will be that the Christmas feeling will last for all eternity at that time.

As you celebrate this year, remember that the sorrow caused by sin will cease to reign. Thorns will no longer infest the ground. Christ will be known throughout the earth. And we will reign with Him. In your sorrow, look up! Your King is coming. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

This contemplation of thanksgiving began last Sunday as the church body readily and joyfully shared their testimonies of God’s grace. I am so very grateful for my church family. In 2017, God brought us together in His gracious goodness. My church family at Cambria has proven to be loving, compassionate, generous, encouraging, exhorting, and full of godly servants. They love the Word and long to be taught its eternal truths. They love each other and continually demonstrate that love through their good works for one another. They have been encouraging to my family. They have regularly gone out of their way to care for my wife and boys. I am continually amazed at God’s gracious goodness in granting me the privilege of shepherding this church. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be.

I am thankful for the family God has gifted me. Proverbs 18:22 tells us that he who finds a wife finds a treasure. Proverbs 31:10 informs us that an excellent wife is far more precious than jewels. I am a wealthy man. God has granted me an amazing wife. She is kind, loving, hard-working, loves the Lord, is full of integrity and character, is meek, gentle, and a gem. This is true because she values her relationship with God above all else. She allows the Word to form and change her. For nineteen years, I have been amazed that I scored so far out of my league. God has seen fit to grant me two incredible young men. They have grown from joyful little boys to godly men who tower over me. Their love for God is a constant blessing. Their love of fun and jokes brings laughter to our home. They are turning into young men sensitive to the Spirit of God and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. This is all to the praise of God’s glorious grace. He could accomplish this.

I am thankful for the ministry partners God granted to us. Pastor Christian and Chelsea have been a tremendous blessing to me, Heather, and our church. Their energy, excitement, maturity, and passion for God have been exactly what our church needed. They have continually displayed a heart of discipleship and care for God’s people. God has been very good to us.

 I hope this Thanksgiving letter prompts you to examine your own life and praise God for the unique gifts He has given you. He is always good and always faithful. You have much to be thankful for … you just need to look. 

“What is the meaning of life? Why do I exist? What is my purpose?” These questions must be answered. As we’ve studied Ecclesiastes, Solomon has clearly shown us the vanity of this world. The things of this world will never satisfy your soul or give you purpose. Money, pleasure, fun, knowledge, experiences, and success can’t provide what our souls desperately crave. Ultimately, these things are vanity because they can’t fix our problem with death, and they don’t last. So then what is the meaning of life? In Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, Solomon gives the answer by addressing two final questions:

The first question is, “How did we get here?” (Eccl. 12:9-12) These verses recap Solomon’s quest. He has diligently studied the matter. He tested everything this world has to offer. Solomon carefully and thoughtfully wrote this book to give us his research and conclusion. He wanted to use his wisdom to teach others. He didn’t just hoard his wealth of understanding, but wanted to help others understand the truth about God and life in this world. Solomon has written the truth. It hasn’t always been pleasant or nice, but he gave us the cold hard facts. As he recaps his journey, he’s demonstrating the gravity of this question and the importance of the answer.

In verses 11-12, we see that Solomon is certain about his conclusion. There is no other answer. Solomon reveals that the Source of wisdom is God, the Good Shepherd. God gave Solomon wisdom and led him to this conclusion. This didn’t come from him or some philosopher. This book and this answer came from God. In fact, he’s so sure of the answer that he warns against any other conclusion. People will continue to study, research, and write about the meaning of life. Mankind is constantly theorizing and writing about our origin and purpose. Solomon says none of these theories will satisfy and they’ll just prove to be false. So don’t look for the answer anywhere else. If someone offers a different conclusion, then they’re wrong. Solomon is certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the purpose of human life.

The second question is, “What is the meaning of life?” (Eccl. 12:13-14) Listen to Solomon’s conclusion, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” What is your purpose in life? Your purpose is to fear God and to keep His commandments. That word “fear” has the idea of loyal submission. To fear God, we must surrender our lives to God and commit to serving Him. Remember Ecclesiastes 3:14 said that all God’s actions are to bring people to fear Him. In chapter 5, we learned that to fear God means to worship Him in humility, honor Him in prayer, and obey Him with haste. This fear is a reverential awe and respect of God’s power and holiness. It is the proper response to God. We should bow our lives in reverence before the King.

This is why God hates arrogance and pride. Proverbs 6:16-17a – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes.” Proverbs 8:13 – “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” God hates the arrogance of mankind. So it’s wise to humble ourselves and fear God.

This humble respect of God should cause us to “keep His commandments.” We find His commands in His Word. God has revealed Himself in the Bible. So if we truly fear Him (as we should) then we’ll do what He says. That means we should seek to please Him with our lives. It’s similar to a marriage relationship. If I say I love my wife, but never do what she asks and don’t listen to her, that makes me a liar and terrible husband. Because if I truly love her and respect her, then I’ll do what she asks. My actions prove my words. It’s the same way with the fear of the Lord. If we fear God, then we’ll do what He says. We’ll trust His Word. Keeping His commandments is proof that we fear Him.

Solomon says, “for this is the whole duty of man.” That is, “this is the purpose of mankind.” God created you so that you would fear and obey Him. He created you for Himself. Your life belongs to God. So your purpose is to worship and serve God. Now some might think- “We’ll that’s too bad. This is my life. I’ll do whatever I want.” Verse 14 is for you. Solomon warns, “For God will bring every deed into judgment.” Anticipating pushback Solomon assures the skeptic- “God will judge you.” Everything you do on this earth will be judged by the Creator.

Solomon says whether it’s done in secret or in the open, whether it’s evil or good, it will all be judged by God. Why should you fear God and keep His commandments? Because He’s the Final Judge. Ecclesiastes 5:12-13 promised that those who fear God won’t have to worry on judgment day. It says, “it will be well with those who fear God.” But the wicked, those that reject God and live for themselves, will face His eternal wrath. You can reject God, but you can’t escape Him.

As we’ve said all along, the meaning of life must be eternal. Who is eternal? God is. The meaning of life must be universal. God offers His grace to everyone. The meaning of life must be personal. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles us to Himself, adopts us into His family, and indwells us by His Spirit. God is a personal God. He loves us and cares about us. He wants us as His own. And finally, the meaning of life must fix our problem with death. Who conquered death once and for all? Jesus Christ conquered death by His death and resurrection. Only He can give us eternal life. So the meaning of life is only found in God!

That’s the conclusion. Why do you exist? What is the purpose of your life? To fear God and keep His commandments. You exist for God. So the question is: Will you submit to God or will you reject Him? To those that submit- God offers eternal life and joy forevermore. To those that reject God- as you waste your life on the vanity of this world and race towards judgment day, please remember that God’s grace is for you. Repent and trust in Christ for salvation and He’ll forgive your sin and grant you eternal life.