Category: The New You

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Friday, August 22, 2014
“Purer in Influence”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Mat. 5:13).

Matthew chapters five, six, and seven record for us the great sermon on the mount delivered by Jesus, the Master Teacher. In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus gives the beatitudes, statements of blessing upon those who seek God’s way for their lives. It’s interesting that verse thirteen then shifts from God blessing us to how we – as God’s people – can bless others.

You know, it’s true: God blesses us so that we can bless others. So what about you today? How will you bless someone today? Assisting others in benevolence, paying for someone’s meal, and helping a friend move are absolutely some ways that you can be a blessing. Further, being there for someone in a moment of need, caring for them when they are sick, praying for them when they have experienced loss in their family – these are all great ways to be a blessing. It’s interesting, though, that Jesus is much more general than that as we come to Matthew 5:13. Jesus says that you can be a blessing simply through your influence.

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In Matthew five, Jesus uses salt to teach an important point about your influence and mine. “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus said. Here are four points about salt.

1. Salt makes things better. Salt was used in ancient times in the same way that we use it today: to flavor foods. It was also employed as a means of preservation, and it found its usefulness even among the Old Testament sacrifices. Sometimes people with health problems are forced to cut back or even to totally eliminate their salt intake. Many people dread those orders from the doctor because it means that their food isn’t going to taste good anymore! In Job chapter six, Job asks, “Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” (Job 6:6). This illustrates the value of salt going all the way back to ancient history.

2. Christians are to make the earth better. A close look at Matthew 5:13 reveals some important thoughts. Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth” (emp. mine, RH). The Greek text places special emphasis on the word “you.” You – and only you – are the salt of the earth! Christians have this unique responsibility to make the earth a better place. If we don’t do it, then who will?

Now we’re not necessarily talking about preserving the planet itself, though we certainly understand that the material blessings that we have are just that – blessings that we should use with good stewardship. But the earth will be a better place when we act in accordance with the will of God. That’s how you and I will be salt. In other words, we will be a good influence on other people. We will be a good influence on all of the earth.

3. “Unsalty” salt is worthless. What’s the point of having salt if it doesn’t do anything to enhance the flavor of food? Jesus says that this kind of salt is “good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Now make the application.

4. “Unsalty” Christians are worthless. That stung a little, didn’t it? “Unsalty” Christians are worthless?! That’s right. What are you more than others if you claim to be a Christian, but you aren’t living the Christian life? What do you do more than other people do if you live your life without consideration of holiness and purity? How are you making the earth  better, how are you helping people to come out of sin and to know Jesus? Someone said: “the world would rather us be honey, but Jesus expects us to be salt.” Good point. Your influence is valuable. Jesus expects you to have an impact – a positive impact – on the world simply by nature of the fact that you are a Christian.

Let’s wrap it up: A poet wrote:

My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done;

Leave countless marks for good or ill, ere sets the evening sun.

This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray:

Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.

All this week we have focused on purity: purity of heart, purity of body, purity of speech, purity in the church, and, today, purity in our influence. May God help us to be pure. May we never lose our drive to continue a pursuit of purity.

Memory Verse: Make Psalm 19:14 your life’s mission, and you won’t lose your drive to be pure:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Over the weekend: Be sure to worship God on Sunday, the Lord’s day. Assemble with God’s people in your area and worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Need help locating a place to worship? Check out our interactive map that will help you find a congregation of God’s people in your area! Just go to thelightnetwork.tv/worship.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield, and I’ll meet you right here on Monday for another edition of The New You. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, August 21, 2014
“Purer in Christ”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 4-5).

We’ve been focusing this week upon purity: purity of heart, purity of the body, and purity of speech. Today, though, we need to focus upon keeping the church pure. You know, this is often a neglected subject. I can understand why because it isn’t a very pleasant one.

In 1 Corinthians 5, we read of a brother in Christ who had turned back to sin. He was committing sexual immorality. Now that is obviously a problem in and of itself, but the problem was deeper than that. The other Christians at Corinth was simply tolerating that behavior. It seems that no one said anything to the erring Christian about it. In so doing, Paul says that they were jeopardizing the purity of the church in Corinth!

Several points as we examine the subject of church purity (sometimes referred to as church discipline). First, we will see the command. Second, the erring. Third, the purpose. Then, the procedure. Fifth, the pain, and, finally, the product.

First, notice the command. Paul says “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:4-5). This is definitely a command! Other passages in the New Testament, like 2 Thes. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 5:20; and Titus 3:10-11 also command this action for unfaithfulness in the church.

Second, we see the erring. Paul instructs the Corinthian brethren to identify the erring, or unfaithful, Christian and to help him to be restored. As God’s people, we have a responsibility to each other. James 5:19-20 says that we are to help each other if one of us “wanders from the truth.” Galatians 6:1-2 teaches that we are to seek to restore one another if a brother or sister is “overtaken in a trespass.” That is how we “bear one another’s burdens.”

In the third place, look at the purpose. Why were they to do this? It wasn’t to kick that Christian out of the church, that’s for sure! The Lord adds you to His church (Acts 2:47), and it’s not up to anyone to kick anyone else out of it! Instead, God’s plan for church purity has a three-fold purpose: to bring the wayward back (1 Cor. 5:5); to deter others from living in sin (1 Tim. 5:20); and to gauge the obedience of the church (2 Cor. 2:9).

Fourth, notice the procedure. How is this to be done? While we don’t have a specific mandated way that this is to be accomplished, we do have several passages that guide us. First, notice the scenario between two brothers in Matthew 18:15-17. This is where Jesus talked about going to the brother privately, then taken two or three witnesses if he won’t hear you, then taking it before the assembly. One thing we need to understand is this: church discipline is to be public. When things get to this point, we’ve tried everything else. We have attempted to reach out to the erring brother or sister. We have tried to give them time to repent and to turn again to the Lord, but they have refused. Now we must take it before the church. Again, remember why we do it: to try to cause them to repent and to keep the church pure.

Fifth, the pain. This process hurts. No one likes to exercise discipline and no one enjoys to be disciplined. You know what? It hurt in New Testament times, too. In 2 Corinthians, after the discipline has been exercised, Paul notes that he wrote the first letter out of “much affliction and anguish of heart … with many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4). The pain is definitely there. It’s real. But sometimes pain is necessary, isn’t it? I mean, we’re talking about restoring souls here. We’re talking about helping fallen Christians to see the error of their ways and to return home! What’s more important: some discomfort here or eternal punishment in hell? We’re sensitive to the pain, but we must proceed. God’s way is always best.

Finally, look at the product. This is what God’s plan for church purity is all about. Some people look at this plan and they say, “That’s a bit harsh” or, “God doesn’t expect us to do that today.” Listen: God does expect us to do this today. We’re talking about the church, the bride of Christ. We’re talking about the souls of men and women – brothers and sisters in Jesus! When Paul writes the letter that we have now called 2 Corinthians, he is happy to report that the brother on whom discipline was exercised has now come home! He says, “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9). That’s great news! That’s the desired product of exercising this discipline.

Let’s wrap it up: Do we trust God enough to believe that His way is best? God knows how to discipline His children (just read Hebrews 12). Sure, there are going to be people who absolutely refuse to change, but that won’t be because God gave up on them. That will be because they were unwilling to repent of sin and return to God. But here’s what I know for a fact: God’s way is always best.

Memory Verse: The church will be pure if we will remember this verse from the psalms:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Sometime today: Read Matthew 5:14-16 and consider your influence on other people. That’s tomorrow’s topic for The New You.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014
“Purer in Speech”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).

In James 3, the Holy Spirit offers us six pictures of the tongue. James relates the tongue to a bit, a rudder, a fire, a poisonous animal, a fountain, and a fig tree. From these six images, we derive three important points about the tongue, and we see that improper use of our tongues renders us impure and jeopardizes our salvation.

First, notice the tongue’s power to DIRECT. James references the bit that is put in a horses mouth. That bit brings the power of that horse under man’s control. James also mentions the rudder that steers large ships that are driven by fierce winds. It is that “very small rudder” that turns the ship “wherever the pilot desires” (James 3:4). Both the bit and the rudder must overcome contrary forces. Both of these must be under the control of a strong hand, and both of these items have the power to direct, which means that they affect other people. Just as these small members – the bit in the horse’s mouth and the rudder on the ship – bring great strength and power under control, so the tongue has the ability to direct destiny, even though it is a small member of the body.

It’s interesting that James connects sins of speech with sins of the whole body. “For we all stumble in many things,” James says. “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). One who has the ability to harness the power of his or her words likely has the strength to keep his or her entire body pure.

Second, notice the tongue’s power to DESTROY. James says that the tongue “is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6). It is a destructive force. All of us have been on the receiving end of someone’s destructive words. Perhaps you, like me, have been the one who has even uttered destructive words. It doesn’t take long in life for us to realize just how powerful our words can be … especially to people that we see often like family and close friends.

Further, James says that the tongue is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). While the fire is an open force, the poison is a subtle force. Think about sins of speech like gossip, slander, and backbiting. These are poisons, and may they be far from God’s people!

Third, notice the tongue’s power to DELIGHT. James notes that we can use our tongues to bless our God (James 3:9). This is the highest occupation our lips could ever enjoy. However, don’t miss the warning that James gives in this context: “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9-10). Don’t be guilty of this sin. Don’t be hypocritical in your speech! Be sure that you are consistent in what you teach and in what you practice in your everyday conversation. Be sure that you are pure in heart, body, and speech.

Let’s wrap it up: Ephesians 4:29 says “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” There are two sides of this verse. First, the negative: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” That’s pretty clear, isn’t it? He doesn’t have to list every cuss word in the book or every sin of speech of us to understand the command. Keep your speech pure. Then, Paul gives the positive side: “… but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Let your speech be filled with grace. That will brighten everyone’s day and lead to further down the pathway of purity.

Memory Verse: Once again, Psalm 19:14 is a perfect verse for us to memorize and recall when temptation to be impure creeps in.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Sometime today: Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and answer two questions. First, what was going on in the Corinthian church? Second, what was the church supposed to do about it? More on that tomorrow as we discuss keeping the church pure.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014
“Purer in Body”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body (1 Cor. 6:18).

God is interested in complete purity for His people. Yesterday, we noted the Bible’s food for our thoughts and saw that it is possible for us to think in a pure way. Today, we turn our attention to our bodies.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul points out three extremely important ways that our bodies are to be pure for the Lord. First, my body is a PART of the body. Second, my body is a PLACE for God. Third, my body has been PURCHASED by the blood of Christ. All of this from 1 Corinthians 6:15-20.

First, my body is a PART of the body. “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” Paul asked in 1 Corinthians 6:15. Later in 1 Corinthians, Paul would discuss the idea that the church is the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches what Paul is discussing here, that Christians are the members of Christ’s body. Now I’m not talking about a “member” in the sense that one might be a member of a club. To be a member of Christ’s body literally means to function as a limb of the body. Paul is using an appropriate illustration here to point out the importance of every Christian in the church. We accomplish Christ’s will through our acts of obedience, therefore, we are Christ’s “members” today.

This really ought to revolutionize the way that I look at my body. Suddenly my body isn’t about me – it’s about being a good steward of what I’ve been given in my physical body! That’s why Paul then warns Christians not to engage in that which will harm the body with sin. Paul specifically mentions fornication here. To engage in harlotry is to participate in a union that far separate from Christ.

By contrast, Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one (John 17), united in Him. I have a spiritual relationship with Christ (Eph. 1:3ff.; Col. 3:1-4). I am a part of the body of Christ, and I am to employ my physical blessings – yes, even my own body – in His service.

Second, my body is a PLACE for God. Paul asks, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19). John tells us that those who keep God’s commandments have the Spirit within them (1 John 3:24; 4:13). This doesn’t refer to a miraculous indwelling of the Spirit. Instead, this is the Spirit working through the Word. As we internalize the Word, the Spirit abides within us.

Look at the point here: your body is supposed to be a dwelling place – a temple – for the Spirit, that is, for the Word. You are an earthen vessel carrying a treasure (2 Cor. 4:7), so act like it! Your body is no place for immorality and sin! The Proverbs writer discusses a man who was enticed by an adulteress. Her words are appealing to the man, and he ultimately gives in to her temptations. The Proverbs writer says “He did not know it would cost his life” (Prov. 7:23). The text continues: “For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death” (Prov. 7:26-27).

No, your body is no place for cheap, passing pleasure. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit! You realize what this means, don’t you? Listen to Paul’s words: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19, emp. mine, RH). You do not belong to yourself. You – the new you – are a slave to righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). You and I better take this seriously.

Third, my body has been PURCHASED by Christ (1 Cor. 6:20). Paul says, “For you were bought at a price.” We know what that price was. Acts 20:28 says that Jesus “purchased [the church] with His own blood.” 1 Peter 2:9 says that Christians are God’s “own special people” (NKJV), or “a people for His own possession” (ESV).

That price was a great price. Peter reminds us that we “were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).

That price demands that God be glorified! Paul says, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20). The tense that Paul uses is urgent, implying that this glorification must be attained. To glorify God in our body means that we will use our bodies in such a way that men will see that our bodies belong to God. We refuse to use them for sinful acts, we reserve them entirely for obedience to God.

Let’s wrap it up: Your pursuit of purity begins with your thoughts – becoming purer in heart – and then should extend to your body. Remember that your body is a part of THE body, that your body is a place for God, and that your body has been purchased by Christ.

Memory Verse: You and I will be purer in body if we will memorize and then live Psalm 19:14:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Sometime today: Read Ephesians 4:29 about pure speech. Tomorrow on The New You we will be challenged to exercise purity with our tongues.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Monday, August 18, 2014
“Purer in Heart”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things (Mat. 12:35).

The Master Teacher was right. Your heart is the seat of your activity; everything you do and everything you are stems from how you think. What kind of treasure do you have? Good or evil? Good treasure means good actions; evil treasure means evil actions.

This week, we’re going to focus on purity, and today I want us to begin at the very core of our purity: our hearts. Later this week, we will discuss being purer in body, purer in speech, purer in Christ, and purer in influence. However, none of that will be accomplished without first being purer in heart.

But first, let’s ask this question: is this really necessary? So often we look at sin as the outward things, the things you can see. I mean, if no one knows about it, and if no one is affected by it in a bad way, then does it really matter? But here’s what we need to remember to answer this question: all sin separates us from God, thus endangering our souls (Isa. 59:1-2). The Word of God does not just rebuke sin of activity, but also sin of speech and thought. The Holy Spirit says that Christians ought to be involved in “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

So you tell me: Is God interested in our full obedience, or just in our obedience in actions? I think you and I both know the answer.

That’s why I want us to study together from Philippians 4:8-9. The little epistle of Philippians is all about teaching us how to think – especially, how to think with regard to our joy in Christ. Here’s what Paul says in Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Do you want your thoughts to be more pleasing to Christ, more pure? Well here’s some food for thought right out of the Bread of Life:

First, our thoughts must be HONEST. Paul says that we should think on “whatever things are true” and “whatever things are noble.” Let’s notice here that the word “whatever” is quite broad, isn’t it? We’re talking about everything – in mass – that is true, noble, and so on (as the verse continues). You and I are to focus on that which is spiritually true and real. There’s a lot of false doctrine out there and a lot of people are swept away by it. You – the new you – should focus on what you can KNOW from God’s Word. Be honest enough to accept that truth from God, and to allow it to make you free (John 17:17; 8:32). Further, our thoughts should be on whatever is noble. The word means honorable, respected, revered. I know that there are people out there who have little or no respect for God’s Word, but that’s not us. Realize the value of what you have in the Word. Read it, study it – yea, meditate on it.

Second, our thoughts must be HOLY. Now it seems to me that this list is comprised of six related entities. So that which is true is also noble, and that which is true and noble is also just and pure. Justice is righteousness, and purity is what we call something that is without stain. How can you focus on righteousness and purity apart from the Truth?

Listen: there’s plenty of unholy garbage that could fill our minds. In fact, Satan is trying his hardest to get it into your brain. It will come through the media, among other places, and it will find you even if you aren’t looking for it! This means that you must have your mind on guard. Be prepared to look the other way when you have to. Be ready to stop watching that TV show or youtube video. Your holiness is at stake! Remember: “as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

Third, our thoughts must be GRACIOUS. Paul ends the list of six here in Philippians 4:8 in this way: “whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report.” Again, these items are related to what he has already stated. That which is “lovely” is something that you receive with affection. You want to internalize it because of how great it is. This is the message of grace! This is the truth! The “wonderful story of love” is truly lovely. Further, we are to think on things that are “of good report.” Those three words translate one Greek word which means “well spoken of.” One who has honest thoughts and holy thoughts will graciously receive the Word and will speak graciously of the Word.

Let’s wrap it up: Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. These are things that are virtuous and praiseworthy, Paul says at the end of verse eight. And these are things upon which we should meditate. The word means to take an inventory, to reckon. In other words, recognize the value of truth, nobility, justice, purity, love, and a good report. Make them a part of who you are, and let God bless you through them.

Memory Verse: This week’s verse is perfect to remind us to think pure thoughts:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Sometime today: Read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 about your body. As you do so, answer this question: does your body belong to you? More on that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Friday, August 15, 2014
“Defending the Home”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb. 13:4).

In this single statement, the inspired writer of Hebrews implicitly addresses many of today’s attacks against our homes.

You know, the definition of the home is under attack. And yet, the Hebrews writer clearly says that “marriage is honorable among all.” We know, of course, that he is referring to what the Bible calls marriage – one man and one woman for life (Gen. 2:18-24; Mat. 19:4-6; Rom. 7:1-4).

The roles of the home are under attack. That’s why we have spent the past three days looking at God’s plan for husbands, wives, and children.

Respect for the home is under attack. The verse before us says that “marriage is honorable among all.” This is what that it should be. Yet, we live in a culture that undervalues marriage. Recent Barna research indicates that more and more adults are involved in “cohabitation” (living together outside the bond of marriage). A 2010 survey found that nearly forty percent of responders said that marriage is “becoming obsolete.”

The sanctity of the home is under attack. Marriage is a holy bond. Our verse says that “the [marriage] bed is undefiled.” That is, it is unsoiled, pure.

For these reasons already mentioned, and many other reasons, I like Hebrews 13:4. I think it is a great verse for us to internalize and to practice. I like that the Bible says in this verse that marriage is honorable among all. That word “honorable” provides us with an interesting study. It is the same word that is used by Peter in three different passages. I want us to look at those passages now.

First, Peter uses this Greek word translated “honorable” in our text over in 1 Peter 1:7: “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Marriage is honorable. In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter uses the same Greek word to refer to precious faith that has been tried by fire.

The second verse I want us to see is 1 Peter 1:19. Listen to this: “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Marriage is honorable (Heb. 13:4). And in 1 Peter 1:19, Peter uses the same Greek word translated “honorable” in Hebrews 13:4 that is translated “precious” in 1 Peter 1:19. How precious is marriage? Well, the same descriptive word was used here with reference to the blood of Christ.

The third verse I want us to notice together is 2 Peter 1:4. “By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Hebrews says that marriage is honorable. Here, Peter uses that same word when he refers to the “precious promises” of God.

So how precious is marriage? Well, it’s a God-given institution to enrich our lives here. It’s so precious that the same word used to describe marriage is also used to describe precious faith, the precious blood of Christ, and the precious promises that God gives to the faithful. To me, that speaks volumes.

Let’s wrap it up: The home is under attack. Satan knows that the status of our homes indicates the status of the church. You can measure spiritual strength by the strength of your home, can’t you?

Who is going to defend the home today? Listen brother or sister, it has to be us. God expects us to defend His divine institution, the home. How can we do that? I want to offer to you six suggestions here at the end of this week.

First, Study your Bible. Personally study, from God’s Word, the subjects of human sexuality and the marriage relationship. Be convicted of what the Bible teaches.

Second, love like Jesus. Let Him be your guide and treat your spouse and your children as Jesus would.

Third, Fulfill your role. Don’t shirk on your responsibilities – no matter how great or small they may seem in your eyes. Obey God and be faithful to Him, especially in your home.

Fourth, train your children. If you don’t, then who will? Who’s going to teach them and prepare them to have godly homes? Titus two says that the older are to teach the younger.

Fifth, Start with yourself. Don’t point the finger at your spouse. Begin within. Examine yourself (2 Cor. 13:5).

Finally, pray to your Father. He cares about your home. His cause today needs your home to be what He expects it to be. That’s how we’re going to shine as lights in our dark world.

Memory Verse: If our homes would use Psalm 1:1-2 as sort of a motto, we would all be blessed.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  (Psa. 1:1-2).

Over the weekend: I hope you can spend time with your family. Worship God with them on Sunday, the Lord’s day.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, and I’m Robert Hatfield. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, August 14, 2014
“The Home: Children”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord (Col. 3:20).

As you may know, we’re focusing on the home this week on The New You. Part of being the new you, a Christian, is fulfilling the role that you have in your home. God has given instructions to everyone: husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, and, yes, children, too! The verse before us, Colossians 3:20, is just one of several Bible verses that indicate that important role that children have in the home.

“Children, obey.” That’s how the Holy Spirit begins the brief discussion of the role of children in the home. If we were to summarize in one word the role of husbands in the home, that word would be LOVE. The role of women summarized is SUBMIT. The role of children summarized is OBEY. Yesterday, we noted together that a woman submits to her husband voluntarily. She chooses to do this. However, that word “obey” is not proposed as a suggestion, this verse is a clear command. The word literally means “to hear under, to heed a command.” The present active imperative verb form that is used indicates that absolute obedience is required.

Paul says, “Children, obey your parents in all things” (Col. 3:20, emp. mine, RH). In every area, children are to be obedient. This refers to the “little things” as well as the “big things.” I remember that the young man David proved himself to be an obedient servant of God by being obedient to his father, Jesse, when Jesse asked David to go get a report about David’s older brothers (1 Sam. 17). David eagerly obeyed his dad’s command. Paul put it this way over in Ephesians six: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise” (Eph. 6:1-2).

“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” Those words “well pleasing” refer to that which is acceptable to God. For children, obeying their parents and fulfilling their place in the home is as much God’s work for their lives as any other command of God. This is what they are to do. This is God’s plan.

Parents, what are you doing to ensure that your children know God’s expectations of them? Are you helping to train them for adulthood by being a good example of your role in the home? Something worth considering.

Let’s wrap it up: When Paul says that children are to obey their parents, he uses an important word. That same word is used of obeying the gospel (Rom. 6:17), obeying God or Christ (Phil. 2:12), and obeying the teaching of the apostles (2 Thes. 3:14).  It indicates a readiness to hear and carry out instructions given by one who has the right to command. This is nothing to sneeze at. This deserves children’s attention and diligence.

Memory Verse: Psalm 1:1-2 is a great verse for all of us – young and old – to memorize and apply.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  (Psa. 1:1-2).

Sometime today: Look at Hebrews 13:4 and contemplate this verse’s relevance to today’s culture. We plan to spend a few minutes in defense of God’s pattern for the home tomorrow on The New You.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Wednesday, August 13, 2014
“The Home: Wives”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord (Col. 3:18).

This week on The New You is all about God’s pattern for the home. I’m not here to push my own views about the subject, and this is certainly not a political issue. No, this is a biblical issue. The Bible is clear concerning the roles of husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, and children. May God help us all to fulfill our place in His pattern for our families.

Wives, you are front and center on today’s program, and the verse before us is one that has been somewhat touchy in the past. Colossians 3:18 says that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is echoed in Ephesians five, 1 Corinthians eleven, and elsewhere in Scripture. If someone wanted to summarize the role of women in the home in just one word, I think that word would have to be “submit.” Let’s explore this thought in three facets: first, we’ll see the grounds for submission, second, the attitude of submission, and, third, the atmosphere for this submission in the home.

First, upon what grounds is the wife to submit to her husband? I mean, wasn’t this just a social trend in the first century, eastern culture? It’s a valid question, and the Bible gives the answer. The grounds for the woman submitting to the man go all the way back to day one – literally! That is, day one of the marriage institution. You recall that Adam, the man, was created on the sixth day of creation. Upon surveying all that had been made, God concluded that it was not good for man to be alone. Then this happened: “The LORD God said…’I will make him a helper comparable to him’” (Gen. 2:18). So, God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam and the first surgery was performed! God took one of Adam’s ribs, “and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man” (Gen. 2:21-22). Why was woman created? To be a helper to man. Now does that mean that the woman is lower than the man? Of course not. She was made from his side, not his head (as if to indicate that she was above him) or his foot (as if to indicate that he is above her). She is his equal. Yet, their roles are different, aren’t they? She is his suitable helper.

This is why Paul, in 1 Corinthians eleven, describes the order of things in this way: “the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (11:3). Then, Paul continues: “For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but the woman for the man” (1 Cor. 11:8-9). This issue of submission is not a cultural issue; it is an issue of creation order. The Bible sets the record straight.

But in the second place, let’s notice the attitude of submission. What does it mean to submit as a wife to your husband? Well, this is really an attitude, or a frame of mind. The Greek word that is used in Colossians three actually means “to arrange oneself under, to subordinate.” Paul uses the present middle imperative tense which indicate that the wife voluntarily submits to her husband! Why? Because she wants to obey God. Brother or sister, this is not a position of slavery; this is a position of honor. Not because it is an honor to submit to a man – nope, has nothing to do with it. This is an honor because it is an honor to do God’s will and to fulfill my role according to His plan.

Third, there is an atmosphere in which this submission will best take place. This is the part where I shift my attention away from just wives to speak to all of us for a moment. Why would a wife voluntarily place herself under her husband in submission? Well, first because she wants to please God. But, secondarily, I think she would do so because he is fulfilling his role in the home. So, when Colossians 3:19 is in place – “Husbands, love your wives” – then the right atmosphere will be set for Colossians 3:18 to take place. Is this to say that a wife can use her husband as an excuse for unfaithfulness to God? Of course not. I’m simply pointing out that God’s plan is always best. Don’t you agree?

Let’s wrap it up: In the home, there are roles for husbands and there are roles for wives. Men, sometimes it isn’t easy or fun to be the spiritual leader. Women, I’m sure that sometimes it isn’t easy or fun to submit to your husband. But this is, in a very elementary way, God’s plan for our homes. May God bless your home and mine.

Memory Verse: Let’s take a look once again at Psalm 1:1-2.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  (Psa. 1:1-2).

Sometime today: Read Colossians 3:20, where the Bible has some instructions for children. That’s tomorrow’s topic on The New You.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Tuesday, August 12, 2014
“The Home: Husbands”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them (Col. 3:19).

Author Fay Angus describes what she believes are the four D’s of marriage as depression, despair, drink, and divorce. It’s sad that some people view marriage this way. When we do things by God’s authority, then we will find marriage to be one of the greatest blessings of life.

Husbands: today we focus on what you need to do make your marriage great. God has big plans for you, and it’s time that we stop shirking our responsibilities to our heavenly Father, to our wives, and to our children.

You and I are familiar with the fact that the Bible commands the husbands to lead their households. However, if I were to look at the Scriptures that speak to husbands and summarize the role of a husband in one word, I would not choose the word “lead.” Instead, I would choose the word LOVE.

In Colossians 3:19, Paul says, “Husbands, love your wives…” In Ephesians 5:25, Paul says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Notice that God’s love is the standard for the love that we are to have for our wives. This is a selfless, sacrificial love.

The husband should love his wife lest he become abusive toward her. It’s true that Ephesians 5:23 says that “the husband is the head of the wife.” He is to lead his family spiritually. Yet, he should not let this power to go his head. When love governs his authority in the home, then he will sacrifice for her, sympathize with her, and seek her welfare.

The end of Colossians 3:19 is interesting. Paul says, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” To “be bitter toward” the wife is the opposite of the original command: “love your wives.” This is intended to stop the harshness that some husbands may be tempted to use against their wives. Husbands, she is not your maid, and she certainly is not your slave. She is your loving companion, your suitable helper (Gen. 2), and she is deserving of your honor.

The wise man wrote, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD” (Prov. 18:22). Further, Peter exhorts us husbands to treat our wives with love and respect: “ Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Before leaving the topic of husbands as the leaders of the household, it’s important to note that the New Testament has a lot to say to fathers. For example, I find it interesting that in Colossians three, fathers are specifically addressed, while mothers aren’t mentioned. Fathers, you better listen up. “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:21). This verse is a parallel thought to Ephesians 6:4. Don’t exercise undue or harsh discipline. Anger engenders anger, so don’t cause your children to lack spirit or lose heart, that is, to be discouraged. Ephesians 6:4 states this verse in the positive: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” That’s how you can avoid discouraging those children. Educate them in the way of the Lord. Fathers, notice that this education is directed at you, the leader of your home. Don’t shirk this responsibility.

Let’s wrap it up: Husbands and fathers, if we stepped up and fulfilled God’s commands for us, then we’d be half-way down the road to enjoying the beauty of marriage God’s way. Lead your home with that selfless, sacrificial love. Put others above yourself, and always put God first.

Memory Verse: This seems like an appropriate time to be reminded of this week’s memory verse. The first two verses of Psalm 1 point us in the right direction to get our homes on the right track.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  (Psa. 1:1-2).

Sometime today: Read Colossians 3:18, where the Holy Spirit gives commands for the wife’s role in the home. More on that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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Monday, August 11, 2014
“The Home: An Education”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mat. 19:4-6)

These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 19, a passage that is extremely clear, yet fairly controversial in our day and time. The subjects of marriage and the family are hot topics right now, aren’t they? Just this past weekend, Emily and I were in downtown Charleston, SC celebrating our anniversary. When we arrived we noticed a lot of commotion and celebration. There were parade floats and people were dressed up. Then we were able to get a closer look. This was the annual “pride parade,” a time when the LGBT movement in our country is literally paraded on the main streets of downtown Charleston.

Listen, I want to be clear. I don’t hate anyone, and I don’t believe that God hates anyone. While we certainly didn’t hang around to watch the parade, I did notice as we walked past that some people carried signs proclaiming the love of God for all mankind. To that I say, “Amen!” I know that God loves everyone and that Christ died for every soul who has ever lived and who ever will live. But, as Paul put it, “shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!” (Rom. 6:1-2, KJV).

This week on the program, we’re going to be studying about God’s pattern for the home. Today, we begin with the very words of the Savior Who loves us all. In Matthew 19, Jesus gives us an education about the home.

First, notice the PLAN. The Lord says, “have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female’…?” (Mat. 19:4). That’s a fact, isn’t it? When God created the institution of the home, He created it between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:18-25). This is God’s plan.

Second, notice the PRESCRIPTION. Again, hear the Lord’s words: “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife” (Mat. 19:5). Jesus is quoting Genesis 2:24 here. Once that man and that woman have been joined together in marriage, they now constitute a home of their own. Do they kick their family to the curb? Well of course not. However, that man is to be the head of his house, and that woman is to be a keeper of her home. They have responsibilities and are expected to provide for themselves. This is God’s prescription.

Third, notice the PERMANENCE of this bond. Jesus says that the man and the woman are to “be joined.” Other translations say “to cleave.” The word literally means to stay “glued” to each other. Romans seven tells us that the marriage bond lasts as long as both the husband and the wife live (Rom. 7:2-3). We better heed the word of the Lord, my friends!

Fourth, there is the PRECIOUSNESS of this marriage bond. Jesus says, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mat. 19:6). Who joined them together? Was it the preacher who officiated the service? No.Was it the judge who issued the marriage license? No. See, marriage is not an institution created by man or by the government. This is an institution from God. As such, God joins the man and the woman together. And, consequently, they better conduct themselves in accordance with God’s Will. Further, why do our lawmakers think that it is up to them to redefine marriage today? Marriage belongs to God, my friends.

Fifth, notice the PROTECTION aspect of marriage. Jesus states that fornication is the only acceptable reason in God’s sight for a marriage to be dissolved (Mat. 19:9). May our marriages never end for such sin! This reminds me of the reason Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 7: “Because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2). Marriage is designed to keep us pure of sexual sin. Remember that the Hebrews writer says that the marriage bed is undefiled (Heb. 13:4).

Let’s wrap it up: Let’s do marriage God’s way. Please notice that my words today aren’t my own, but they are the very words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 19:4-9. This is the truth. May God help us to speak it, apply it, practice it, and defend it.

Oh, and by the way: remember that you have a personal responsibility in your own marriage to uphold these truths. Those who point the finger at others while neglecting their own faithfulness to God are unwise (cf. Rom. 2:1-11).

Memory Verse: This week, we want to focus on the first two verses of the first Psalm. May God help us to keep ourselves from evil.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  (Psa. 1:1-2).

Sometime today: Read Ephesians 5:22-33. As you read, focus especially on God’s will for husbands. More on that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!