Marginalized Demons
August 1, 2023 at 3:29 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 4 CommentsTags: Augustine, homosexuality, Lucifer, marginalized groups, pride, pride month, Satan, victimhood, virtue signaling, woke ideology
At the risk of exposing myself as what some younger people online call a “boomer,” I’m going to make a confession: Occasionally, I will post a picture that contains a quote by a theologian. I believe these pictures are called “memes,” but I’m not sure about that (I’m not even sure how to pronounce “meme” – is it “meem?”) Here’s the most recent one that I posted:
And here is one of the responses it received: “Wow what a way to take a dig at a marginalized group.” This anemic and unimaginative rebuke was accompanied by one of those little emojis with a tear dropping down from one eye, turning the traditional yellow smiley face into what my Cajun friends call a bouder (pronounced boo-day) face.
One thing I’ve learned is that, when someone has an issue with such a clear and Biblically-accurate statement from a theologian widely-acknowledged as orthodox (at least in the topic on which he is being quoted), it’s probably best to ignore it. Alas, though, failing to learn from past online dust-ups, I find myself sufficiently interested to respond.
My first concern is what is meant by “marginalized.” Obviously, this is one of those “woke” terms, so popular in so-called “critical theory” and “social justice” virtue-signaling, that the commenter probably picked up from the ultra-liberal mainstream media. A “marginalized” group is supposed to be a group that is treated unfairly by those whole hold all the power in society. They are discriminated against because they are somehow underprivileged. And, when I think about it, I suppose that Lucifer and all the former angels in Heaven WERE marginalized after they rebelled against God. I mean, He did condemn them for all eternity, and cast them out of the most privileged and glorified place in the universe: the beatific presence of God. I guess that’s a type of marginalization, although it was 100% their own fault, and, as the meme states, it was caused by the grievous sin of pride.
However, let’s assume for a moment that the “marginalized group” at whom I am supposedly guilty of taking “a dig” are the sexual perverts and deviants who like to openly celebrate their sinful pride by using a rainbow flag to symbolize their own sins. Now I must ponder the question of just how “marginalized” these folks are. They are so “marginalized” that they hold some of the highest positions of political and governmental power in the land:
Now, admittedly, I may be new to “woke” ideology, but this to me does not seem to meet the definition of “marginalized.” Nor does parading the streets to cheering throngs of fellow perverts, nor does reading books to preschoolers at public libraries while dressed as prostitutes, nor does getting millions of dollars to appear in the advertising campaigns of some of the most popular beverage and sportswear companies in the world. I mean, if that makes you part of a “marginalized group,” then I wish that preborn babies could be so marginalized – at least to the point of leaving the womb alive, despite their parents and the abortion doctors wishing to “oppress” them to death – literally.
So, while I certainly wouldn’t agree with Augustine on every point of theology, we can be thankful that we can quote his example of lovingly warning those who love their sin more than God, and that the illogical and anti-Gospel idea that a person’s own wickedness qualifies him for victimhood status can be countered with the hope of repentance and salvation and victory over sin found in Christ and Christ alone for all people, no matter how marginalized they may want to believe they are.
Tooting Your Own Horn
December 30, 2020 at 4:46 pm | Posted in I Samuel | 2 CommentsTags: 1 Samuel 11, 1 Samuel 12, 1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 3, commentary on 1 Samuel, pride, Samuel, Saul, Sunday School lessons on 1 Samuel
In I Samuel Chapter 11 Nahash, the Ammonite “snake” surrounded Jabeshgilead and proposed a surrender. His terms of surrender? “Just let us gouge out everybody’s right eye and we won’t kill you.” (This would have been an especially tough consequence for me, since my right eye is the only one working these days.) This punishment would have humiliated the Israelites in addition to hindering their archery skills.
Jabeshgilead asked for help although they hadn’t been willing to help others in Judges 21.
And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
I Samuel 11:5-6
Saul was plowing and he received power from the Spirit, but he also got angry in his own spirit. God raised an army of 330,000 and Saul attacked by night. Now the people really began to trust Saul.
In I Samuel Chapter 12 Samuel transferred authority to Saul. After 500 years of judges, now Israel would be a “kingdom.”
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
I Samuel 12:3
“Here I am,” said Samuel, a statement of obedience that he had first said as a boy:
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
I Samuel 3:4
No one could accuse Samuel of being a bad judge or prophet.
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.
I Samuel 12:7
Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.
I Samuel 12:17
Samuel called Israel’s request for a king wicked, yet it did not surprise God, and it was part of His plan to bring about the throne of David and the Messiah.
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
I Samuel 12:22
Samuel “prayed up a storm.” The people needed to accept the consequences of getting what they asked for and then learning how to live with it by faith. Samuel would pray for the people no matter what the future held.
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
I Samuel 12:23
As Christians we must pray this way too.
In I Samuel Chapter 13 we see the beginning of Saul’s downfall: pride. Jonathan, Saul’s son, was very brave. He played a big part in the opening battle of the Israelites’ war of liberation, but Saul did not give Jonathan credit.
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
I Samuel 13:3
Instead of giving credit where credit was due, Saul “tooted his own horn.” Let us not be like Saul.
Ministers Must be Meek
January 9, 2017 at 3:00 pm | Posted in I Corinthians | 12 CommentsTags: 1 Corinthians 4, Apostles, Biblical sarcasm, Christian ministry, commentary on 1 Corinthians, humility, ministers, pride, Sunday School lessons on 1 Corinthians
Previously we learned that ministers must be managers.
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
I Corinthians 4:1-2
The word for “ministers” in 4:1 is hyperetes – the under-rowers on a Roman trireme – the lowliest of the low. They are workers who exist only to serve. While it is true that the Apostles were ministers who revealed the mysteries of God, they did not see themselves as overseers rationing out food so that no one gets too much or too little. They saw themselves as slaves driven to reach the destination of greater knowledge and greater intimate relationship with Christ.
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
I Corinthians 4:6
There were other factions causing division in the church at Corinth, but Paul used himself and Apollos to set an example of humility. Just as the puffiness of pride will destroy a marriage, so it will also destroy a church family. Puffiness is emptiness masquerading as fullness, and it is a symptom of pride. The Holy Spirit here does a better job deflating egos than Tom Brady does deflating footballs.
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
I Corinthians 4:7
Who made me different from anyone else? God did. What do I have that I did not receive? Nothing. Why am I proud of it if it was purely a gift? Because I forgot I am a Know, and not a Know-Not, and I thought I could steal a little of God’s glory for myself (or at least distribute some of it to somebody I really admire).
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to engage in some biting sarcasm.
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
I Corinthians 4:8
The “us” he referred to was the Apostles. He was suggesting to the Corinthians that, since they seemed to believe they had outgrown their teachers, perhaps they could teach the Apostles. After all, Paul and the Apostles were just out on their mission field, in the world, fighting to the death for Jesus, that’s all.
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
I Corinthians 4:9
The “spectacle” was the last part of a gladiator show, when only the too-drunk-to-leave or the really poor or the most-depraved stuck around to see slaves and criminals fed to beasts. The main events were “contests” – these were just spectacles.
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
I Corinthians 4:10-13
It’s as if Paul was saying, “We’re just out here putting on a show, being humiliated, laughed at as we suffer, but you’ve got this whole Christianity thing really figured out. It’s really about sitting around trying to show off whose teacher has the most knowledge, and trying to brag about how smart you are.” He was being honest about his own hardships, persecution, and suffering, but he was also driving home the point that meekness is of the utmost importance in managing the knowledge and gifts given by God for the purpose of Christian ministry.
Next time we will see that ministers must be mild.
Becoming Part of the Family
November 18, 2016 at 9:53 am | Posted in Mark, The Family of Faith | 6 CommentsTags: Adoption, American pride, commentary on Mark, family of faith, family of God, God's family, Mark 9, pride, regeneration, Sunday School lessons on Mark
You get into an earthly family by being born or by being adopted. You get into God’s family by being born again (regeneration). He also adopts born-again believers into His family (grants them the status of adult children). This is very important to remember, because, as we are trying to do good to those who are outside of our family, the best “good” we can do them is to invite and encourage them to join the family of God.
It is also important to remember, as we minister to our fellow family members in the family of God, that none of us deserve to be in this family. Babies don’t birth themselves, and you can’t adopt yourself into a family. We are only a part of this family by God’s grace – His unmerited favor – His election of us – not our impressive abilities and not our works. We can’t “earn” grace. I’m not proud to be an American because I had nothing to do with where I was born. It would be even more ludicrous for me to be proud to be a Christian, because God is the One Who made me a Christian. I did not make myself one.
This motivates me to do good especially to those who are in the family of faith because they belong to God. If you are my brother in Christ, then you are God’s son, which means God loves you. A good Father protects His children, so I’m placing myself in danger if I fail to treat you the way God wants me to treat you.
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Mark 9:42
The Humble King
March 21, 2016 at 1:46 pm | Posted in Matthew | 8 CommentsTags: child-like faith, commentary on Matthew, humility, humility of Jesus, Mark 10, Matthew 17, Matthew 18, pride, Romans 5, Sunday School lessons on Matthew
Matthew began showing us the humility of the King in Chapter 17 with the account of the King Who paid tribute. Jesus helped Peter to understand the practicality of glory. God’s glory, if it is to be reflected in a way onto men, must be a disciplined glory which always points back to God. As Christ’s disciples we must be loyal to the One Who loves us enough and is gracious enough to shine His glory on us.
Did you know the word “shed” is used in 50 different verses in the King James Version of the Bible? Every single time up until Romans 5:5 it is used in reference to blood (except II Samuel 20:10 where it’s talking about guts). Guess what it refers to in Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:5
After this experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the coin in the fish’s mouth, they must have really “got it,” right? After the Disciples saw their King transfigured in their midst, you would think their question would be, “Lord – King Jesus – what would You have us to do?” But that was NOT their question. Their question was, “Which one of us will get more than the others in this Kingdom?”
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Matthew 18:1
This was not a very humble question. In fact, it appears to have been evidence of pride. Pride is thinking too much of ourselves. Humility is not thinking too little of ourselves. It’s not really even thinking realistically about ourselves. A better definition of humility would be not thinking of ourselves AT ALL. We can’t be trusted to have an opinion about how great or how little we are (Jeremiah 17:9). Our hearts are wicked and we are too biased and prejudiced to conduct a fair examination of ourselves – to see if we are humble or not.
The humblest person is the happiest person because he only sees opportunities for God’s glory. He’s not tired, not frustrated, not boastful, not depressed, not discouraged, not ashamed – because it hasn’t occurred to him to be those things – because he hasn’t thought about himself at all.
Pop psychology says that we should start exhorting people to be happy with themselves just the way they are, and it sounds good. It mixes a little truth with a little leaven – contentment mixed with self-esteem – so it even sounds kind of spiritual. “Be all that you can be.” “Get everything that God wants you to have.” “Have your best life now.” Saul of Tarsus had prestige, wealth, friends, a great career, a job he loved, room for advancement, respect. Then he met Christ – and he took his “best life now” and he threw it away to live like the scum of the earth for Christ’s sake, and for God’s glory.
Jesus wanted to show the Disciples what He thought about their argument over who would be “greatest” in the Kingdom, so He called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said:
… Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
This child was not spoiled. I cringe when I think what would have happened if He called one of my children to sit on His lap! Would she be laughing at her friends, sticking her tongue out? This child apparently exhibited the virtue of childlikeness, rather than the vice of childishness.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:15
The quality of childlikeness that Jesus was pointing out was not playfulness, nor embarrassment, nor shyness, nor boldness. The quality that He wanted to illustrate was unselfconsciousness, which is another word for humility. Unspoiled children have a desire to please. They want to please their fathers, and others. Many times, as parents, we are guilty of causing them to lose this quality. We must not cause them to stumble.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:7-9
We should be stepping-stones, not stumbling-blocks. We should be blessings, not burdens.
S.W.I.M. with Humility
January 6, 2016 at 4:37 pm | Posted in Job, Quotes | 4 CommentsTags: Biblical mysteries, Charles H. Spurgeon, Charles Spurgeon quotes, Job 38, mysteries of God, pride, providence of God, sovereignty of God, Spurgeon Quotes
Some of us are lured by pride into believing that we are “deep” thinkers. We ponder the mysteries of God. We believe we have “figured out” some of the inner workings and mysteries of His providence and sovereignty. We are quick to pontificate, but reluctant to utter the dreaded inquiry-stifling words: “I don’t know.”
Certainly we want to immerse ourselves as deeply into Biblical doctrine as God would have us to go, but we must be careful not to dive down into sinful frustration, nor to burst up in a splash of hubris, claiming that we are masters of the deep, smugly certain and unteachable.
A god who could be completely fathomed would not be a real God at all. He would be encompassed and susceptible to explanation by the finite minds of creatures. The true God reminds us of our inferiority and our place of abject humility before His majesty.
Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
Job 38:16
Some things in nature must remain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators. Human knowledge has bounds beyond which it cannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this be so in the things which are seen and temporal, I may rest assured that it is even more so in matters spiritual and eternal. Why, then, have I been torturing my brain with speculations as to destiny and will, fixed fate, and human responsibility? These deep and dark truths I am no more able to comprehend than to find out the depth which coucheth beneath, from which old ocean draws her watery stores. Why am I so curious to know the reason of my Lord’s providences, the motive of his actions, the design of his visitations? Shall I ever be able to clasp the sun in my fist, and hold the universe in my palm? yet these are as a drop of a bucket compared with the Lord my God. Let me not strive to understand the infinite, but spend my strength in love. What I cannot gain by intellect I can possess by affection, and let that suffice me. I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea, but I can enjoy the healthful breezes which sweep over its bosom, and I can sail over its blue waves with propitious winds. If I could enter the springs of the sea, the feat would serve no useful purpose either to myself or to others, it would not save the sinking bark, or give back the drowned mariner to his weeping wife and children; neither would my solving deep mysteries avail me a single whit, for the least love to God, and the simplest act of obedience to him, are better than the profoundest knowledge. My Lord, I leave the infinite to thee, and pray thee to put far from me such a love for the tree of knowledge as might keep me from the tree of life.
Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
“Evening Devotion for September 5”
The Deep End 
The Enemies of Togetherness
January 8, 2024 at 1:08 pm | Posted in Philippians | 2 CommentsTags: commentary on Philippians, contentment, Phlippians 2, pride, selfishness, sin of pride, social justice, Sunday School lessons on Philippians, vainglory
The number one enemy of unity – togetherness in spirit and in deed – and of having joy in that togetherness – is selfishness: love of self (which is not really the Christian, Biblical type of love). So in order to have the same love, to be in one accord, and to have the same mind, here is the number one thing that we must overcome:
Philippians 2:3
Strife is fighting among ourselves: contention. It is sinful competition rather than cooperation. Vainglory is being proud of something about which we have no basis for being proud. Often we are proud of something we have truly accomplished. We might have some basis for being pleased with ourselves when we work hard or figure out a problem or don’t give up. For example, we might maintain our diet or exercise every day, or we might get a promotion or a raise because we’ve been good workers, or we might help somebody even when it costs us. The danger in this type of pride is that we don’t give glory to God Who really deserves to be praised whenever we benefit in some way. However, there is a whole other level of pride: vainglory. This is when we glory in things in which we had absolutely no part: our skin color, where we were born, our natural mental or physical abilities (“giftedness”), even our salvation!
The basis for a great deal of pride (as well as a lack of contentment) is comparison.
Philippians 2:4
Look on the things of others not enviously or covetously, but in order to see needs and promote the welfare others, even at the expense of your own recognition or advantage. This idea of envy or covetousness lies at the root of sinful worldly philosophies that decry privilege and class and advantage and oppression and diversity and equality and social “injustice.” Instead we ought to praise God for our own “privilege” and for that of others, while at the same time recognizing it as an opportunity to bless others in His name. If you are part of a privileged class, economic status, skin color, nationality, sex, etc., you ought to be joyful and thankful, and to praise God and glorify Him FOR it and WITH it.