Remember that
beriyth [word study]
refers to a contract made by passing between pieces of cut flesh and
Karath
means to cut or make a covenant. Also
keep in mind that covenant was the most solemn,
binding, intimate, inviolable compact known in the ancient world and was held in high
esteem by all ancient societies in contrast to our modern society. This discussion will examine the Old Testament covenant between Jonathan
and David and the practical application of this Old Testament picture to
the life of a New Covenant believer. New Testament passages which parallel
the Old Testament picture of the events of 1Samuel 18:1-4 can help you
understand from another vantage point some of the events which transpired
when we entered into the New Covenant by grace through faith.
THE COVENANT
BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID
One of the most famous man to man
covenants was between King Saul's son Jonathan and David, who had been
anointed to be the next king by the prophet Samuel (1Sa 16:12, 13). 1
Samuel 18, follows David's slaying of Goliath which
catapulted him (at least for the moment) into the good graces
of King Saul who brought him into his court (1Sa 18:2).
1Sa 17:58 And Saul said to
him, "Whose son are you, young man?" And David answered, "I am the son of
your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite."
18:1 Now it came about when he (David) had finished speaking to Saul, that
the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of (Keil say literally = “The soul of Jonathan
bound itself to the soul of David", NIV = "became one in spirit with"
NIV) David, and Jonathan loved him as himself (literally = "as his own
soul")
2 And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's
house.
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant ("cut a covenant"
Karath
beriyth [word study])
David because he loved him as himself. (TLB paraphrase =
"Jonathan swore to be his blood brother")
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to
David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.
Keep in mind that in 1Sa
16:13 the Spirit came upon David in power. As the Standard Reference
Library comments...
We may assume that the Spirit guided David's hand on the harp strings that
banished an evil spirit from Saul (1Sal 16:14-23), guided the same hand as
it hurled a stone at Goliath (1Sa 17:49), guided David's mind in his
military strategy (1Sa 18:5) and the administration of justice (2Sa 8:15),
and inspired the many psalms of David (2Sa 23:1, 2).
Here in 1Samuel 18:1-4 we see
even prior to cutting a covenant, the souls of Jonathan and David were
knit together or as the NIV renders it they "became one in spirit"
(NET has "became bound together in friendship"). Note that this knitting
is a reflection of the fact that Jonathan loved David as himself.
As an aside, the Scripture does not record at what point Jonathan realized
that David had been anointed by Samuel (1Sa 16:13) as God's choice for
Israel's next king.
Henry Clay Trumbull comments
that...
From that hour the hearts of David and
Jonathan were as one. Jonathan could turn away from father and
mother, and could repress all personal ambition, and all purely
selfish longings, in proof of his loving fidelity to him who was dear
to him as his own blood.' His love for David was " wonderful, passing the
love of women."' (H.
Clay Trumbull. The Blood Covenant)
Jonathan initiated the cutting of a Covenant (Karath
beriyth [word study])
with David because he loved him as himself.
He loved David as his soul or as his own life.
Now, thinking back on other
covenants between men (Ge
21:22-34, 26:26-31, 31:43-55 - see
Summary), how does this covenant differ from most of those other covenants between
men? Clearly it is based not on fear as most of the other covenants
but on friendship.
Ralph Davis comments that...
Jonathan was apparently taken with
David immediately. “Jonathan loved him like his very self” (v1 NJB).
Because of this they made a covenant. Jonathan, so verse 3 indicates,
took the initiative: “So Jonathan — along with David — cut a covenant
because he loved him as himself.” If we press the verb, the bond was
inaugurated by severing an animal and by both parties passing between the
pieces as if to say, “If I am unfaithful to my word in this covenant, may
I end up in pieces as this animal.” (Ralph
Davis, D. Focus on the Bible: 1 Samuel - notes on chapter 1Samuel 18)
|
Excursus on Love
that Motivated Cutting Covenant Twice in 1 Samuel
18:1-4 the Scripture records that Jonathan loved him as his
own soul. The Hebrew verb 'ahab (Strong's
157) describes God's love
for His children (Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a youth I loved
him"), human love for God (Deut. 6:5 "you shall love the LORD your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might"),
and the love for every man which is commanded by God (Lev 19:18 "you
shall love your neighbor as yourself").
In another use of
love which helps under Jonathan's love for David in 1 Samuel
18:1,4 we read that...
"David came to Saul and attended him,
and Saul loved ('ahab,
157)
him greatly; and he became his armor bearer." (1Samuel 16:21). Later in 1
Samuel 18 we read that...
"all Israel and Judah loved
('ahab,
157)
David, and he went out and came in before them. (1Samuel 18:16)
The first use of the Hebrew verb for
love is found in Genesis 22 where God tests Abraham's faith by
commanding him to...
"Take now your son, your only son, whom
you love ('ahab,
157), Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there
as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."
(Genesis 22:2) Some writers
have suggested that the "love" between Jonathan and
David was indicative of a homosexual relationship. Against this
interpretation is the fact that the Hebrew verb 'ahab is never used
in the Old Testament to signify what is clearly (as determined from the
context) a homosexual desire or activity. Instead the Old
Testament uses the Hebrew verb, yada, which means "to know" to
indicate close relationship in a sexual sense in both heterosexual and
homosexual relationships.
Thus yada refers to homosexual relationships in the following texts...
Before they lay down, the men of the
city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the
people from every quarter and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where
are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may
have relations ('yada) with them." (Genesis 19:4, 5)
While they were making merry, behold,
the men of the city, certain worthless fellows (literally "sons of
belial", belial being transliterated as a synonym for Satan in 2 Cor 6:15)
, surrounded the house, pounding the door; and they spoke to the owner of
the house, the old man, saying, "Bring out the man who came into your
house that we may have relations ('yada) with him."
(Judges 19:22).
Finally, note that the verb 'yada
is never used to describe the relationship between Jonathan's and David.
The phrase "loved him as HIMSELF"
is literally "loved him as his SOUL". Clearly the
relationship of Jonathan and David touched the very depth of their beings.
Thus in the present context, the Hebrew noun for soul (nephesh) conveys
the idea of Jonathan's inner man and reflects the totality of his being.
The point is that Jonathan loved David as much as he loved his own life
and, as verse 4 indicates,. there was nothing Jonathan would not do for
David. ’’David is
seen in Jonathan’s clothes that all may take notice he is Jonathan’s
second self.’’
Finally, respected conservative
commentators such as Dr. Tom Constable do not interpret the
relationship between Jonathan and David as anything other than a
covenant of deep friendship, Constable writing that...
Jonathan loved David as he loved
himself (1Sa 18:1, 3; cf. Lev 19:18). He loved David, as he should
have, since David had committed himself to glorifying God and
fulfilling His will even at the expense of his personal safety. Some
homosexuals have tried to use the writer’s statements of Jonathan’s
love for David as support that their lifestyle has good biblical
precedent. However the Hebrew word ‘aheb, translated “love” here,
nowhere else describes homosexual desire or activity. Rather when
homosexual relations are in view the Holy Spirit used the word yada,
translated “know” in the sense of “have sex with” (cf. Gen. 19:5; Jdg.
19:22). (Tom
Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible)
The Standard Reference Library comments that
Some individuals in Jonathan's
position might have been jealous of David, but not he. A valiant
warrior himself, Jonathan had received the same kind of admiration
from the people as was now being showered upon this newcomer. Yet far
from being envious, Jonathan was filled with admiration for David.
Instead of seeing David's accomplishments as the basis for hostility,
Jonathan saw them as the basis for friendship; and he became one in
spirit with David. One quality of a person who would be a friend and
have a friend is the capacity of seeing and appreciating in another
that which is noble and admirable. This Jonathan possessed to a marked
degree. As Saul's son, he could be considered the rightful successor
to his father's throne; yet he did not hesitate to offer his love and
friendship to David, even when it was clear that David would be Saul's
successor. (The Standard Reference Library – Old Testament Volume 2:
The History of Israel)
Adam Clarke writes that...
The most intimate friendship
subsisted between them; and they loved each other with pure hearts
fervently. No love was lost between them; each was worthy of the
other. They had a friendship which could not be affected with changes
or chances, and which exemplified all that the ancients have said on
the subject; "Friendship produces an entire sameness; it is one
soul in two bodies: a friend is another self." (Bolding added)
Larry Richards adds that...
When we remember that Jonathan
would normally have succeeded Saul as Israel’s king, his friendship
for David is especially impressive. The OT contains no finer example
of what it means to be a friend. The story of how David returned
Jonathan’s friendship is found in 2 Sam. 9. (The
Bible Reader's Companion)
Believer's Study Bible
writes that...
Neither the word for love here,
ahav (Hebrew), nor the relationship of the two men suggests any
abnormality. The word ahav was a technical term in covenant texts for
the bonding together by pacts of loyalty and reciprocal
responsibility. It refers, then, to a relationship between two parties
who could depend on one another.
(Criswell,
W A. Believer's Study Bible: New King James Version. 1991. Thomas
Nelson)
Hughes
writes that...
This love did not develop in a
month or even a day, but in a flash! It was because David’s sizzling
soul met such a deep need in Jonathan’s — “At last I have found
someone who lives like me!” He really did love him as himself, and in
doing so was loving his neighbor as himself — and he was thus
fulfilling the Law of God....Jonathan, the king’s son, stands humbly
in his undergarment, while the shepherd boy dons the prince’s robe and
armament. Jonathan’s act was one of honor, equality, and
vulnerability. To wear the robe of a king was an immense honor, as
testified by Haman’s fateful request to wear the Persian king’s robe
and parade through the streets (cf. Esther 6:6, 7, 8, 9). Jonathan’s
symbolic divestiture formally abolished David’s status as a shepherd
and placed him side by side as an equal. His disrobing was a conscious
display of vulnerability and real risk. The Shakespearean gesture
meant, “My life for your life” — and he meant every bit of it. |
Exchange of Robes:
Putting on the Other Party
Jonathan demonstrates
his commitment to this solemn covenant by giving David
his royal robe.
In a symbolic sense,
(especially as this practice was understood in ancient times) in the context
of covenant, David is "putting on"
Jonathan.
David is taking on the identity of his covenant partner Jonathan. In essence the
two have become one.
Note that this new relationship heralds an end of
independent living for both partners since they now are called to live for each other.
There is to be a surrender of self
interest for the covenant partner
and we see that Jonathan willingly gave up his right to be king!
Compare
these profound truths (end to independent living, etc) to the marriage covenant (Ge
2:24 - see
Covenant As It Relates to Marriage).
Are you as convicted as I am, even after 41 years of marriage!
An ancient writer said that
Friendship (Notes
on term friend associated with covenant) is an
entire sameness
and one soul; a friend is another self. (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge)
Ralph Davis
comments that...
Jonathan also stripped himself of his
robe and gave it to David, as well as his war coat or armor, his sword,
bow, and belt (v. 4). All this was both significant and surprising;
significant because the clothes signify the person and his position —
hence Jonathan renounces his position as crown prince and transfers, so
far as his own will goes, the right of succession to David. (See Note 2
below) No one in the Near East would do that. (It’s like telling
your real estate agent, “Let’s set the price fifteen thousand dollars
lower; I’m not concerned to get as much as I possibly can for my house.”
And his or her reaction is…?) You did not transfer your crown rights to an
upcomer, you eliminated him! But Jonathan does not ape the boring
expectations of his culture. S. G. DeGraaf is on the right track when he
says, “This deed on his part was an act of faith. Only faith makes us
willing to be the lesser. Faith causes us to surrender the rights we
pretend to have over against the Christ, who is truly Israel’s king.”
[Note 2 -...Rummel refers to an
Akkadian document discovered at Ugarit in which Utrisharruma, a
thirteenth–century king of Ugarit, makes a divorce settlement with his
queen. The couple’s son, the crown prince, may go with his mother if he
wants, but in that case he will abdicate his right to the throne. He must
indicate this decision by leaving his clothes on the throne. Compare also
Nus 20:22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 1Ki 19:19, 20, 21. In the last
scene of 1Samuel 19 Saul, rendered harmless by the power of God’s
Spirit, strips off (pasat, 1Sa 19:24; same verb as in 1Sa 18:4 of
Jonathan) his clothes, which may signify that even Saul, against his will,
acknowledges that he has forfeited the kingship (cf. Robert P. Gordon, I &
II Samuel: A Commentary [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986], 165].
(Ralph
Davis, D. Focus on the Bible: 1 Samuel - notes on chapter 1Samuel 18)
Matthew Henry offers the apt
description that...
David is
seen in
Jonathan’s clothes that all may take notice he is Jonathan’s second self.
Our Lord Jesus has thus shown His love to us, that He stripped Himself to
clothe us, emptied Himself to enrich us...He clothed Himself with our rags.
HOW DID JESUS
TAKE OUR ROBE?
Philippians 2:6-8
In Philippians Paul explains how
it was possible for Jesus Christ to take man's "robe" writing that ...
although He existed in the form (morphe =
stresses essence of one’s nature-his continuous state or condition In His
preincarnate state Christ possessed every divine attribute) of God,
did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped (clutched, embraced,
prized, held onto), but emptied
Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness
of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Php 2:6, 7,
8-note)
All Praise to Thee, Eternal Lord
by Martin Luther
All praise to Thee, Eternal Lord,
Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;
Choosing a manger for Thy throne,
While worlds on worlds are Thine alone.
For all eternity Jesus wore the "robe of
Divinity" as co-equal with God (Php 2:5, 6, 7-note).
In order to take on the "robe" of humanity He stepped down from His exalted
position as the only begotten Son of God as Paul carefully outlines...
(1) He chose not to demand or cling to
His rights as God. He continued to fully exist as God but during His
incarnation refused to hold on to His divine rights and privileges. (Note
that equality refers to exact equivalence!)
(2) He emptied Himself. Although
He remained fully God He emptied Himself completely of certain aspects of
His prerogatives as God. (Note that in the gospels He still was able to
perform miracles, forgive sins and know the hearts of people.)
(3) He took the form of a
bond-servant (see doulos). Form is the Greek word
morphe [word study]
which stresses essence of
one’s nature. Thus Jesus existed in the form (morphe) of God and now in the
form (morphe) of a bond-servant. In other words, He did not just put on the
external raiment of a slave but actually became a slave in the fullest
sense. (Note that bond-servant is
doulos [see
word study])
(4) He was made in the likeness of
men. Likeness means that which is made to be like something else,
not just in appearance but in reality. Jesus possessed all the attributes of
men and was not simply a reasonable facsimile of a man, not like Adam before
the Fall but with all the frailties, limitations, and suffering that were
the result of the Fall. All except that He was without sin. He 2:14
[see note]
is a good "commentary" stating that
Since then the children share in flesh
and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same
(5) Being found in appearance as a man.
This phrase teaches that Jesus was recognized as a man by those who observed
Him during His time on earth. The word appearance is schema which contrasts
with form (morphe) and likeness (homoioma) which both refer to
the the very essence and basic nature. Schema on the other hand refers to
outward shape or from. Here Paul describes Jesus' whole outward appearance
which bore no difference to that of other men. Note that Paul's use of of
schema is not meant to suggest that Christ’s humanity was only apparent and
not real for that point is addressed in both #3 and #4 above.
(6) He humbled Himself. The word
humbled (tapeinoo) has the root idea of that which lies low and thus means
to be brought low, referring especially to one's attitude. Greeks saw
humility as shameful, but Jesus took the attitude of lowering Himself
relative to God and to other men! This is an astounding, unfathomable truth.
Believers need to remember this great truth when the slightest impulse
arises to become self-assertive and self-seeking (or anything else focused
on "self").
(7) He became obedient to the point of
death. Jesus in taking on man's robe, died in man's place, in perfect
submission to His Father. He took on the robe of humanity in order that he
might bear our sins (1Pe 2:24, 2Cor 5:21) and that we in exchange might put on His robe of
righteousness by entering the New Covenant. What an incredible exchange of robes! This is a foundational
truth of the New Covenant in His blood. “While we were still helpless, at
the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Ro 5:6-note).
Hosanna to the Prince of Light
by Isaac Watts
Hosanna to the Prince of light,
That clothed Himself in clay,
Entered the iron gates of death,
And tore the bars away.
Death is no more the king of dread,
Since our Immanuel rose;
He took the tyrant’s sting away,
And spoiled our hellish foes.
In summary, we observe that Jesus
exchanged His robe of Divinity for the likeness of a man. He
fulfilled His destiny as a Man by becoming obedient to the point of death on
a cross thus becoming our Substitute for sin. This is the New Covenant in
His blood. Now when the Father looks at us he sees us in the righteousness
of His Son. As discussed more below, our new position calls for a new
practice.
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
by Charles Wesley
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
(Beloved, do you see
the New Covenant here?)
’Tis mercy all, immense and
free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
(Beloved, do you see
the exchange of robes here?)
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Now let's summarize the parallels between
the covenant Jonathan cut with David and the new covenant Jesus cut with
believers.
PUTTING ON THE COVENANT
PARTNER'S IDENTITY |
| |
Who Initiates Covenant? |
What is Motive? |
What is the Heart Attitude? |
What Happens to Identity? |
What Happens to "Rights"? |
|
Jonathan |
Jonathan
1Sa 18:3 |
Love
1Sa 18:1, 3 |
Humility |
David "put on Jonathan" |
Jonathan gave up his rights to the
throne |
|
Jesus |
Jesus
Lk 22:20 |
Love
Jn 15:13,
Ro 5:8-note |
Humility
Php 2:5-note
Php 2:8-note |
Believers put on Christ Gal 3:27
(see below) |
Jesus did not regard equality with
God a thing to be grasped |
When did Jesus (Who in the OT was
designated as the "Covenant" and the "Covenant Messenger") cut
the new covenant? On the night before He was crucified, Jesus announced the
inauguration of the new covenant Luke recording...
And in the same way He took the cup after
they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new
covenant in My blood. (Lk 22:20, cp Mt 26:28, 1Co 11:25)
In making this declaration, He was
fulfilling the prophetic promise in Jeremiah...
Behold, days are coming," declares the
LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the
house of Judah." (Jer 31:31)
Then on the next day Jesus consummated
the New Covenant by spilling His blood on the Cross. It was at this time
that Jesus cut covenant for you and for me. In that pinnacle event of all
human history Paul teaches us that...
He (God the Father) made Him (Jesus) Who
knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness
of God in Him. (2Co 5:21)
In First Corinthians Paul explains why
Jesus took on the robe of humanity in order to become mankind's sin bearer,
writing...
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ
all shall be made alive. (1Cor 15:22)
In this important passage, Paul explains
that are only two possible spiritual positions for every man and woman ever
born. By "default", every person is born into Adam's family and "inherits"
the "sin virus" (Ro 5:12) and is destined for eternal death. However, when
one enters the New Covenant by grace through faith, God transfers them from
their old position in Adam (in the kingdom of darkness, under the
dominion of Satan, under the dominion of Sin, that rules as an evil "King"
or "Slavemaster") to their new position in Christ (into the Kingdom
of Light, with Christ as their new Master). In Adam, we wore Adam's filthy,
dirty, rotting "clothes". Isaiah described it this way writing that...
all of us have become like one who is
unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment
(literally "menstrual rags"!) (Isaiah 64:6)
When we entered into the new covenant with
Christ, our faithful Friend
(Jn 15:13, 14, 15),
did we experience an exchange of robes
analogous to that which occurred between Jonathan and David?
Paul explains that when we entered the
New Covenant our spiritual garment was supernaturally changed writing
that...
you are all sons of God through faith in
(union with) Christ Jesus (see
in Christ). 27 For all of you who were baptized
(baptizo) into Christ have clothed
yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female;
for
you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if (since = assumes this to be true) you belong to Christ, then you
are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:26, 27,
28, 29)
In this passage Paul explains several
truths that now apply to every believer....
We are sons of God through faith
in Christ based on our entry into the new covenant (Gal 3:26). This
describes our "new position" - in the family of God (Gal 3:26, cp Jn 1:12,
13, 1Jn 3:1-note).
We have been
baptized [word study] (past
tense, accomplished fact at the moment of our regeneration)
into Christ. In other words, we were identified with Him (comment)
(Gal 3:27)
We have
clothed
(word
study)
ourselves with Christ (Gal 3:29) - This
passage thus parallels Jonathan giving David his robe in 1Sa 18:
We belong to Christ
(independent living should be "put off" as we live for the One we
belong to) (Gal 3:29)
We are Abraham's offspring - Heirs of
the promises given to him. Eg, promises such as (1) God is now our God and (2) through us the world is blessed.
(Gal 3:29)
In the Revelation we see the "robe motif"
once again, John recording...
After these things I looked, and behold,
a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes
and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and
they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on
the throne, and to the Lamb." 11 And all the angels were standing around the
throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on
their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen, blessing
and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to
our God forever and ever. Amen." 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying
to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and
where have they come from?" 14 I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he
said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great TRIBULATION, and
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
(Ed: Clearly they have entered the New Covenant - they have exchanged
their filthy robes of self righteousness for the fine robes of Savior
righteousness) 15 "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and
they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne
will spread His tabernacle over them. (Revelation 7:9-14)
Edward Mote penned the following
words which could well have been the "theme song" for the "exchange of
robes" in covenant...
My Hope Is Built
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood
and righteousness.
(Can you see the
concept of "covenant" in this line?)
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath,
His covenant,
His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness
alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Do these truths help
you begin to understand the exchange of robes that took place when you
entered into the New Covenant?
Paul is saying that every believer has
clothed themselves with Christ or has "put on" Christ, somewhat like a
soldier who belongs to an army demonstrates his association by putting on
his uniform. The believer who identifies himself with Jesus Christ through
faith is divinely clothed with Christ which is a graphic way to describe Christ’s life, presence, and righteous nature enveloping the believer.
Whatever the Lord Jesus is and has, becomes the believer’s. Because Christ
has the love of the Father, so do believers. Because Christ has full access
to the Father, so do believers. And because Christ has the full resources of
the Father, so do believers.
When This Passing World Is Done
Robert Murray McCheyne
(1813-1843)
see his biography
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
The Wycliffe Bible
Commentary adds that..
Jonathan, the son of the king, gave all the
material gifts. David, the poor man’s son, gave but love and respect. One is
reminded of the gift of God’s Son to poverty-stricken humanity.
(Pfeiffer,
C F: Wycliffe Bible Commentary. 1981. Moody or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Adam Clarke...
Presents of clothes or rich robes, in token of respect and friendship (Ed:
Keep in mind that "friendship" was related to covenant), are frequent in the
East. And how frequently arms and clothing were presented by warriors to
each other in token of friendship, may be seen in Homer and other ancient
writers. (A Commentary and Critical Notes)
What were our clothes like
before God saved us
by grace through faith?
The
prophet Isaiah explains that "all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags" (Isaiah
64:6, Is 64:6KJV) (click
comment)
How is Christ's robe described earlier by
Isaiah?
Isaiah records that God
has clothed
(Messiah) with garments of salvation... wrapped (Him) with a robe of
righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)
What happened to our
old rags
when we entered new covenant?
Paul explains that
By God's
doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us... righteousness (1Co 1:30)
Paul adds in this second letter to the
Corinthians that
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on
our behalf (cp Ro 8:3-note,
Ro 8:4-note), that we might become righteousness
of God in Him. (2Co 5:21)
’Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies
by Charles Wesley
Accepted in the Well-beloved,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
I see the bar to heaven removed;
And all Thy merits, Lord, are mine.
So now, believers are "clothed"
in the righteousness of Christ on the basis of the "exchange of robes"
that occurred when we entered the New Covenant in His blood. In a
practical sense it follows that what the world should now see is His
righteousness in us.
How would this occur?
By seeing our new righteous behavior that
corresponds to our new clothing which reflects our new union and new identity
with Christ ("baptized into Christ"..."clothed with Christ").
In summary, by virtue of the new covenant we have entered, believers take
on Christ's identity and now have a oneness with Christ ("two become
one").
How does one know they have been
clothed with New Covenant clothes?
Phil Newton addresses this question...
How do you recognize a true Christian?
It would seem that such a question would be unnecessary in the church, yet
in our day this is a most valid question. Many people masquerade as
Christians when in fact they are not. Multitudes of others consider
themselves Christians simply because of their association with the Church
or due to their adherence to a certain set of beliefs, yet they give no
evidence of true Christianity. Unless we can discern between true
Christianity and false Christianity, we are in danger of accepting into
the Church as Christian those who are still unregenerate.
A hundred years ago, Bishop J.C. Ryle spoke of this same subject in
describing true Christianity.
A true Christian is not a mere baptized
man or woman. He is something more. He is not a person who only goes, as a
matter of form, to a church or chapel on Sundays, and lives all the rest
of the week as if there was no God. Formality is not Christianity.
Ignorant lip worship is not true religion....All are not true Christians
who are members of the visible church of Christ.
The true Christian is one whose religion is in his heart and life. It is
felt by himself in his heart. It is seen by others in his conduct and
life. He feels his sinfulness, guilt and badness, and repents. He sees
Jesus Christ to be that divine Saviour whom his souls needs, and commits
himself to Him. He puts off the old man with his corrupt and carnal
habits, and puts on the new man. He lives a new and holy life,
fighting habitually against the world, the flesh and the devil. Christ
Himself is the Corner-stone of his Christianity [Holiness, 234-235].
Contrast this description of true
Christians with what is prevalent in our own day. What do you find? You
discover multitudes who know nothing of the gospel and the work of Christ
on the cross, yet consider themselves to be Christians. You find others
who have no concern for walking in holiness or obeying the Lord or
submitting to Christ’s Lordship, yet who adamantly call themselves
Christians. There is a wide gap between profession and practice, between
the Christian of the New Testament and the Christian of the 20th century
church. To this our Lord gives the simple assessment, "Either make the
tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad;
for the tree is known by its fruit" (Mt 12:33).
The danger of all this comes in the practice of the Church accepting the
false and tossing aside the true. When we lose our ability to discern
truth and error, true Christianity and false Christianity, we will begin
to slowly disintegrate from within. Our standards will be shattered. Our
doctrine will be trashed. Our mission to proclaim Christ to the ends of
the earth will be lost. In fact, we will find ourselves no better off than
the church of the Dark Ages, in which few believers could be found in the
visible church. (Sermon
from the Book of Acts)
A "New Name"
Acts 11:26
See Another Discussion of "New Name" or Change of Names
In addition, as other Biblical
covenants emphasize, believers also experience a "name change".
What do you think our new name might be? In Acts 11 Luke records the
following event...
And it came about that for an entire
year they (Barnabas and Saul) met with the church, and taught considerable
numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
(Acts 11:26)
So our "new name" is "Christian"
(see
word study on Christianos)
(5546
= Christianos from Christós = Christ from chrio = to
anoint, so Christ = "Anointed One") a word found only 3 times in the
NT (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1Pe 4:16-note) and the name given to the
disciples or followers of Christ at Antioch. The meaning of Christianos
is not totally clear but seems to mean an adherent of Christ. Some think
this is a diminutive form of Christos, meaning "little Christ."
Irregardless Christianos connects or identifies a believer with his
Lord (as we see in the New Covenant). In a real sense a Christian means
bearing the Name of Christ our Lord. In our modern world, most people who
hear the term “Christian” consider it to be essentially the
opposite of “pagan.” But the name carries the idea of “a Christ
one, belonging to Christ.” Certainly it is a privilege to bear the
name and to suffer for His name’s sake.
As covenant partners with Christ what
is the new responsibility we have as result of our new identity? To live in such a way that others see Christ's life not ours
(cf "Christ in you the hope of glory" see Col 1:27-note
and "Christ...our life" see Col 3:4-note),
cp Jn 2031, 14:19, 1Jn 5:12), ! Because of our new clothes and new identity we are called to "walk in a
manner worthy of the Lord" our Covenant Partner (Col 1:10-Note)
A New Power
Romans 6
We see an amplification of this truth in
Romans 6
where Paul explains that believers receive a new power which enables us to fulfill
our awesome responsibility. Paul explains that...
1 What shall we say then? Are we to
continue in sin that grace might increase?
2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
have been baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in
order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the
Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death,
certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of
sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin;
7 for he who has died is freed from sin.
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with
Him,
To summarize Paul's points we see that...
(1) We have died (past tense, completed
action =
aorist tense) to SIN (the power of Sin,
Sin as our "master") Now we have a choice to
not obey the power of Sin. (see note
Romans 6:2)
(2) We were
baptized
(see
word study)
into His death (Identified with His death
on Calvary) (see note
Romans 6:3)
(3) Now we can walk in
newness
of life - we have access to "Resurrection
power" (see note
Romans 6:4)
(4) Our
old
self
has been crucified with Christ =
Our body of SIN has done away with (see
note on
old self)
(see notes
Romans 6:6)
(5) We no longer need to be slaves to our old master SIN (see notes
Romans 6:6)
6:8: We have been freed from the
power and rule of SIN (see notes on
Romans 6:8)
The
question we each need to ask ourselves is "Who do others see now?"
Do they see Christ in me the hope (certainty) of (future) glory or do they
just see me?
A New Motive
Romans 13:12-14
In Romans 13:12, 13, 14
Paul gives us a new motive to carry out
our new responsibility? What motive do you see in this passage?
The night (spiritual darkness that
enshrouds this present world) is almost over. (see
note) The day is at hand (the day when the
"Light of the World" returns to dispel all darkness = Second
Coming of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ) Let us therefore lay aside the
deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Ro 13:12-note)
What does Paul say about our
responsibility in this passage in Ro 13:12-note,
Ro 13:13-note?
Lay Aside the deeds of darkness (note)
Put on (clothe ourselves with) the
armor of light (note)
Behave properly as in the day
You may be thinking "I thought
we were clothed with Christ when we entered into the New Covenant by faith".
The answer is, yes, we have already "put
on" Christ at the time of salvation. This "putting on" however
represents a one time event and signifies our
new, eternally secure position before God. Our position in union with
Christ, identified with Christ, clothed with Christ, baptized into Christ
occurred at a moment in time past and can never be altered. This doctrine is
true forever. However, doctrine always demands "duty". In other words,
believers now have a responsibility to practice a lifestyle and
behaviors which are concordant or in keeping with our new position.
In
Ro 13:12, 13, 14 Paul is speaking to those who have already "put on" Christ in
salvation and now he is calling for each believer to moment by moment "put on" the
attitudes and actions associated with and made possible by our new life in
Christ our covenant partner. The Bible uses other terms such as
justification ("past tense salvation") to describe our position in Christ
and sanctification ("present tense salvation") to describe our practice in
Christ. (Click
for several tables summarizing past, present and future tense salvation).
What will this new behavior look like
according to Paul?
Let us behave properly as in the day, not
in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not
in strife and jealousy. (Romans 13:13-note)
We won't continue to partake of things
like carousing (riotous conduct, especially nocturnal riotous festivities), drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, sensuality,
strife, jealousy (Romans 13:13-note)
According to Paul in Romans 13:14, what
"clothes" do believers now need to put on daily and moment by moment
throughout the day as the "opportunity" arises?
But
put on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and
make
no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts
(see
epithumia
= a drive or passion directed toward the object desired).
(Ro 13:14-note)
William Barclay translates Romans
13:14
this way...
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ as a man
puts on a garment, and stop living a life in which your first thought is to
gratify the desires of Christless human nature. (Barclay,
W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster
Press)
And so we note that Paul gives 2 commands
meant to enable us as covenant partners with Christ to live out our new life
in Him.
(1)
Put on (tense =
aorist imperative
= do it now,
it's urgent)
the Lord Jesus Christ (note "Lord" = kurios = master, owner, possessor - we
are no longer to live as if we were our own)
Note: To put on Christ is to daily and moment by moment adopt His
whole lifestyle and live as He lived
(2)
Make
no provision for the
flesh
(the corrupt nature inherited from Adam
which is centered upon self, prone to sin, and opposed to God -
Click
further
analysis of
"flesh")
in regard to its lusts
(see commentary
Ro 13:14)
(See
note)
Notice that the
tense of "make" is
present imperative
which in concert with the Greek negative literally
means "Stop doing this!" "Stop
continually making provision!" implying that they were making
plans for the
strong desires
latent in their old
flesh
nature, a fallen which, although
"dethroned" is still present in believers.
The difference now is that believers are "strengthened by the grace
that is in Christ Jesus" (2Ti 2:1-note);
cp the role of "grace" as our instructor in Titus 2:11-note,
Titus 2:12-note,
"teaches" in Titus 2:12NIV)
and enabled by Spirit (Ro 8:13-note)
to say "yes" to Jesus (Spirit gives us the "want to") and "no" to the
flesh (Spirit gives us the "don't want to") (see our
responsibility to work out your
salvation while God is working in us to enable that working out
- Php 2:12-note,
Php 2:13-note,
cp Ezekiel 36:26, 27).
The word "provision" (word
study)
is
pronoia
(from pró = before + noiéo = think, so
literally "think before"). We think about the sin that "pleases" us and
make plans for it. The point is that most sinful behavior
results from
wrong ideas and lustful desires we allow to linger in our minds for as James
teaches "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by
his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and
when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." (James
1:14,15-notes) Paul commands us to put provision aside as if it were dirty,
filthy clothes.
A New Self =
A New Man
Ephesians 4:21-32
In
Ephesians 4
Paul describes
what happened
to our "filthy rags" when we entered into covenant the Lord
Jesus and He gave us His robe explaining that...
21 If (or since = following is
assumed true) indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him,
just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner
of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in
accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the
spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness
of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
25 Therefore, laying aside
falsehood,
SPEAK TRUTH, EACH ONE of you, WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are
members of one another. 26
BE ANGRY, AND yet
DO NOT SIN;
do not let
the sun
go
down on your anger, 27 and
do not give
the devil an
opportunity. 28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him
labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he
may have something to share with him who has need. 29 Let no
unwholesome word
proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is
good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may
give grace to those who hear. 30 And
do not grieve the Holy Spirit of
God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all
bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander
be put away from
you, along with all malice. 32 And
be kind to one another,
tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has
forgiven you. (see notes
Ephesians 4:21-32)
(Red
= commands)
Summing up the truths as related to
covenant we see that...
(1)
We Laid aside
OLD SELF (Old
Self = all I was in the filthy garment of Adam before I
put on Christ's robe of righteousness at salvation) (Ephesians 4:22 -
see note)
(2) WE ARE BEING Renewed in
spirit of your mind (This process began the moment we entered the new
covenant and is occurring continually in our lives as the Holy Spirit takes
the truth of the Word and renews our thinking at the core level,
transforming us from glory to glory) (Ephesians 4:23 -
see note)
(3)
WE have
Put on the
NEW SELF…(See
note) (Ephesians 4:24 -see
notes)
Note that some commentators feel Ephesians 4:22, 23, 24 represents instructions to be followed.
Others, feel these describe past tense events that took place the
moment we were converted and thus equate with our position.
Stated another way, our position now is that at a point in time in the past when we
received Christ by faith, the Spirit did a work in us. At that moment
we laid aside
the
Old Self and put on the
New Self.
In other words this spiritual exchange (new for old) was an
instantaneous past completed action which was produced by the Holy
Spirit at the time of salvation.
Notice that in Ephesians 4:25 Paul begins with "therefore"
(term
of conclusion).
The idea is that since at the time of salvation we have put off the
old self and put on the new self, now empowered by the Spirit Who
energizes the new person we are in Christ, we have a
responsibility to daily put this new life into practice by putting off and putting on the following specific
attitudes and actions, as described in Eph 4:25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 32. The chart below
summarizes the "filthy rags" we need to take off and fling aside so
that our practice corresponds to our new position and identity as
those clothed in robes of Christ's righteousness...dear Christian,
covenant partner of Christ, beloved of the Father, how are you doing
in each of these areas?
|
PUT OFF |
PUT ON |
|
Ep 4:25
falsehood (lying)
Ep 4:26 sinful anger
Ep 4:28 stealing
Ep 4:29 rotten words
Ep 4:31 bitterness, wrath,
anger, clamor, slander, malice |
Ep 4:25
speak truth
Ep 4:26 righteous anger
Ep 4:28 work for living
Ep 4:29 Word that build up
Ep 4:32 be kind, tender
hearted, forgiving |
Related Resources:
Ephesians 4:22 Commentary notes:
Lay off old, Old Man, New Man
Ephesians 4:24 Commentary notes:
Put on New Self
Ephesians 4:20-24 Sermon: A Brand New Way of
Life - 2
Ephesians 4:22-27 Sermon: A Brand New Way of
Life - 3
Ephesians 4:17-27,
4:28-32
><>><>><>
Our
Daily Bread
has the following devotional related to this passage...Spiritual Reupholstering - When
we moved into our home 5 years ago, we discovered that the former owner
had left us six dining room chairs. They were covered with fabric of
beautiful African art—tasteful zebra stripes. We appreciated the
unexpected gifts and used them frequently when entertaining guests.
When we recently moved again, those chairs needed a makeover to match our
new decor. So I called an upholsterer and asked, "Shouldn't we just put
the new material over the existing fabric?" He responded, "No, you'll ruin
the shape of the chair if you just put new material over the old."
The work of God in our lives is similar. He's not interested in merely
changing our spiritual appearance. Instead, He intends to replace our
character with what is called "the new man," made in the image of Christ
(Ephesians 4:24). The flesh has a tendency to perform religious activity,
but this is not the work of the Holy Spirit. He will completely transform
us on the inside.
But the process is a partnership (Philippians 2:12, 13). As we daily lay
aside our old behaviors and replace them with godly ones, the God of grace
works in us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
God wants to reupholster us. —Dennis Fisher
(Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Dear Lord, You've given new life to me—
A great and full salvation;
And may the life that others see
Display the transformation. —Hess
When you receive Christ, God's work in
you has just begun.
><>><>><>
Oswald Chambers in a devotional
entitled "Continuous Conversion" writes...
These words of our Lord (Matthew 18:3)
refer to our initial conversion, but we should continue to turn to God as
children, being continuously converted every day of our lives. If we trust
in our own abilities, instead of God’s, we produce consequences for which
God will hold us responsible. When God through His sovereignty brings us
into new situations, we should immediately make sure that our natural life
submits to the spiritual, obeying the orders of the Spirit of God. Just
because we have responded properly in the past is no guarantee that we
will do so again. The response of the natural to the spiritual should be
continuous conversion, but this is where we so often refuse to be
obedient. No matter what our situation is, the Spirit of God remains
unchanged and His salvation unaltered. But we must "put on the new man . .
." (Ep 4:24-note). God holds us accountable every time we refuse to
convert ourselves, and He sees our refusal as willful disobedience. Our
natural life must not rule— God must rule in us.
To refuse to be continuously converted puts a stumbling block in the
growth of our spiritual life. There are areas of self-will in our lives
where our pride pours contempt on the throne of God and says, "I won’t
submit." We deify our independence and self-will and call them by the
wrong name. What God sees as stubborn weakness, we call strength. There
are whole areas of our lives that have not yet been brought into
submission, and this can only be done by this continuous conversion.
Slowly but surely we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God.
><>><>><>
A New Practice
Colossians 3
After spending two chapters explaining
the truth about the believer's position in Christ, in
Colossians 3 Paul turns to the believer's practice. He first
reminds us about our new "robe" or our new position and new power.
1 If then you have been raised up with
Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right
hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed
with Him in glory.
Observe that the truth in Col 3:1
(note)
assures us that we can now walk in newness of life, for if we have been
raised up the implication is that we have "resurrection power" to live the
Christ life. Knowing however that how we think always determines how we
behave, Paul gives two commands we are to continually strive to obey....
(1) Seek (make this the habit of your
live) the things above
(2) Set your mind (make this the habit of your live) on things above, not on
things on the earth (as we think so we will act) (Col 3:1-note;
Col 3:2-note)
In Col 3:3
(note)
Paul reaffirms the
truth that a supernatural transaction has taken place in us at the moment we
entered the New Covenant -- we died (i.e., our old self was crucified with
Christ) and this immutable covenant is secured by the fact that we are now
permanently (perfect
tense =
happened at a point in time with continuing effect -- speaks of permanent
effect) hidden with Christ in God. Dearly beloved, remember that
nothing, absolutely nothing can negate or reverse this grand truth. You are
secure with your faithful Friend and covenant Partner Christ
Jesus...forever!
And in Col 3;4
(note) Paul explains how
it is possible to fulfill our responsibility to live in a manner worthy of
our Covenant Partner. How? Christ...our life! There is no verb (no "is" in
the original Greek) so direct and complete is this relationship. Paul
summarizes this same life changing, mysterious truth in Galatians 2:20
declaring...
"I have been crucified with Christ; and
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and
delivered Himself up for me." (Galatians
2:20 - see notes)
And as if this truth were not enough,
Paul reminds us that (1) Christ will return and (2) we will be revealed with
Him. These truth serve to motivate us to diligently seek to purify ourselves
just as He is pure, to live for our Bridegroom Whose "clothes" we now wear,
and as His bride daily performing righteous acts [put off's and put on's]
which Revelation 19:8 (see
note)
describes as the "fine linen, bright and clean" we will one day soon wear at
the marriage supper of the Lamb) (see notes
Colossians 3:3;
Colossians 3:4). Note that it has been
estimated that roughly one in twenty verses in the NT speak directly or
indirectly about the Second Coming of our Lord. Living in the light of His
imminent return should motivate us to walk accordingly. John echoes this
sentiment in his first epistle writing...
And now, little children, abide in Him,
so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him
in shame at His coming....2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has
not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we
shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who
has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1John
2:28, 3:2, 3)
In Col 3:12-note
Paul reminds us of our new identity in Christ's "garment of salvation"
explaining that we are "chosen of God, holy (eternally set apart from this
temporal world by God and for God) and beloved (which should motivate us to
please the One Who "clothed" us)
Based on the truths Paul has summarized
in Colossians 3:1, 2, 3, 4, what are some of the "filthy rags" we need to take off
and fling aside so that our practice corresponds to our new identity as
those clothed in robes of Christ's righteousness?
|
PUT OFF |
PUT ON |
|
Col 3:5
immorality,
impurity,
passion,
evil desire,
greed = idolatry
Col 3:8, 9 anger,
wrath,
malice,
slander,
abusive speech,
lying |
Col 3:12, 13, 14
heart of compassion,
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience
bearing with one
another
forgiving one
another
put on love
Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ
rule in your hearts.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ
richly dwell within you (Ephesians 5:18 parallel = filled with the
Spirit)
Col 3:17 Do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus |
(see commentary
Colossians 3:5,
3:6;
3:7;
3:8;
Colossians 3:9,
3:10,
3
:11,
3:12;
3:13;
3:14;
3:15;
3:16)
Our Daily Bread has the following devotional related to this passage...
No Lie (based on "Do not lie to
one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.
— Col 3:9-note) - A college football coach resigns after admitting he
falsified his academic and athletic credentials. A career military officer
confesses to wearing combat decorations he did not earn. A job applicant
acknowledges that her stated experience in "food and beverage oversight" was
actually making coffee each morning at the office.
Within each of us is a tendency to embellish the truth in order to impress
others. Whether on a job résumé or in casual conversation, exaggeration
comes naturally—but we pay a price. Small lies usually grow larger as we try
to avoid discovery. Then we wonder how we ever got ourselves into such a
predicament.
The Bible says, "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who created him" (Col 3:9, 10-note). In other
words, if we've placed our faith in Jesus as our Savior, lying is
inconsistent with what God expects us to be. The antidote to the poison of
self-promotion is a growing Christlikeness—a spirit of mercy, kindness,
humility, patience, forgiveness, and love (Col 3:12, 13, 14-see notes
Col 3:12;
13;
14).
If we genuinely care about people, we won't need to try to impress them at
any cost. —David C. McCasland (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Lord, help me to please You by telling
the truth,
Being honest in words and in deeds;
And help me to conquer my selfish desires,
To love others and care for their needs. —Fitzhugh
Honesty means never having to look over
your shoulder.
Hebrews 2:9-18 Notes
How does Hebrews describe Jesus' taking
on a "robe" in the likeness of man?
Hebrews 2
teaches that ...
we do see Him who has been made for a
little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering
of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God (grace
prompted by unbounded love moved Jesus to suffer in our place. ) He might
taste ("taste" is a Hebrew metaphor that does not mean “to sample” but to
partake fully, to taste with the mouth and yielding the metaphorical sense
"come to know", the idea being that Jesus died, with all that that entails =
conveys the truth that Jesus was our Substitute) death (ultimate curse of
man’s lost destiny) for everyone (the cross conquering the curse and opening
the way for man to receive a the crown again, having originally been given
dominion over the earth)... 14 Since then the children share (koinonia =
have fellowship, communion = having something in common with others, in this
case flesh and blood) in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook
(means to take hold of something that is not naturally one’s own kind =
Jesus was not by nature flesh and blood, but willingly took hold of it out
of love for us in order to die in our place and allow us to take hold of the
divine nature which was not naturally ours, see 2Pe 1:4-note) of the same, that through
death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the
devil (Sin gives Satan power over fallen man and the wages of sin is death,
thus he had the power of death and sought to keep unregenerate men in sin so
that when they died they would go into eternal death) 15 and might deliver
(with the "weapon" of eternal life testified to by His resurrection) those who through fear of death
(the "king of terrors", see 1Cor 15:55 "O death where is your sting?") were subject to
slavery all their lives (Death was like a cruel dictator who we feared
because of the finality of his "decree" - believers have by faith placed
themselves into the arms of their new Master and King Who conquered death
and He will carry us safely through to the other side of the grave!). 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels
(they do not experience redemption as does man),
but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham (as described above,
"Abraham's offspring" Gal 3:29). 17 Therefore, He had to be
made like His brethren in all things (speaking again of Jesus taking on
fallen man's "robe" in order that He might cut covenant and), that He might become a merciful and
faithful high priest (He came not only to save us but to sympathize with us) in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for
the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted (Jesus
identified with man and experienced what we experienced that He might
sympathize with our weakness and yet without sin) in that which He
has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. (He
2:9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18-See
notes
He 2:9,
14;
15;
16;
17;
18)
Jesus was made for a little while lower
than angels so that by the grace of God He might taste death for fallen
men but first He had to partake of the "garment" of flesh and blood (our
humanity). The Son of God died as a Man that he might
(1) Render powerless the Devil who had
the power of death
(2) Deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their
lives
(3) Give help to those who are spiritual
descendants of Abraham
Jesus' identification with fallen man
accomplished and specifically His suffering
when He was tempted made Him
ever able (the inherent power) to come to aid of (click
boetheo
= from
boe = cry out + theo = run so means to run
to aid of one who cries out for help) those with whom
He is in covenant when they are being tempted. (See expansion of this
thought in discussion of the exchange of armor and belt) (see related study
-
The LORD my Helper)
Application:
Live Like a New Man!
Have you cast off the filthy
rags of unrighteousness you inherited from Adam and put on Christ's new
"garment of
salvation" by grace through faith?
Now that you have a new "garment
of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" are you fulfilling your
responsibility to your Covenant partner by living accordingly?
Are you daily and moment by
moment putting off the filthy rags of the old self life and putting on the
attitudes and behaviors of the
new self,
keeping your clothes "unstained by
the world" (James 1:27-note) so that "so that when He appears, you may have
confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming."
(1John
2:28)?:
Who does the world see when they
see you? Whose "clothes" do they see?
To ask it another way, is your life a libel or a Bible
to the lost world?
Beloved are you making
your "bridal gown" bright and clean by daily putting off the deeds
of darkness and putting on the deeds of light, thinking and acting like
Jesus, your Covenant Partner, your Bridegroom when He walked upon the earth
in "your clothes"?
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the
glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made
herself ready. And it was given to her to clothe herself in
fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous
acts of the saints. (such as the put off's and put on's) And he said to
me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the
Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." (Re
19:8, 9-notes
Re 19:8;
9)
The Lord Jesus Christ, your Covenant
Partner and your Bridegroom declares
Behold,
I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man
according to what he has done
(Rev 22:12-note)
Lay aside the deeds of darkness and put
on the armor of light, the attitude and actions of the Lord Jesus Christ for
the day of His return draws nigh!
