Reformed & Expository Preaching

The Complexity of Forgiveness in the Christian Community

The concept of forgiveness is complex, balancing the call to forgive wholeheartedly with the need for wisdom and protection against enabling sin or specifically abuse. The catechism emphasizes bearing the cost of forgiveness, enduring whatever consequences arise while consciously choosing to let go of grudges. This call to bear extends beyond forgiveness to tolerating differences within the Christian community, as exemplified by the early church’s struggles with cultural and religious diversity. The Jewish people had to get along with the Gentiles in particular. Unfortunately, this did not go so well. Remember, Christian Liberty is the freedom to work out my salvation rather than my permission to test the boundaries of grace.

Christ Sets the Tone for Forgiveness

Colossians 3 emphasizes the importance of forgiveness within the Christian community, highlighting that it is not optional but a necessary consequence of being God’s people. Forgiveness, rooted in love and understanding of our shared identity in Christ, is a reflection of God’s grace and a means to honor Christ. The ultimate standard for forgiveness is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full cost of our sins, enabling us to be reconciled to God.

The Cost of Forgiveness

The call to forgive, as outlined in Colossians 3, is rooted in understanding our identity in Christ and the cost of His forgiveness. Forgiveness means lifting or taking away.  This means that we will bear the cost when we forgive.  So, forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we trust an individual or group again, but rather that we entrust justice to God. While we forgive, we may need to set boundaries and protect ourselves from harm, as exemplified by Paul’s warnings about individuals like Alexander the Coppersmith. However, we still move beyond the offense; we understand that the offense will never be compensated, and we press forward without holding a grudge. The event is in the past, and now we move forward in the future.

The Standard of Forgiveness

The text emphasizes the importance of forgiveness within the Christian community, highlighting that it is not optional but a necessary consequence of being God’s people. Forgiveness, rooted in love and understanding of our shared identity in Christ, is a reflection of God’s grace and a means to honor Christ. The ultimate standard for forgiveness is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full cost of our sins, so that we could be reconciled to God. We need to reflect on the reality that we are brought near to God as those who have offended and incurred a debt that we can never pay. Christ bore the cost to bring us near to the living God so we can enter the most holy place by being seated with Christ in our union with him.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a complex Christian concept, balancing the call to forgive wholeheartedly with the need for wisdom and protection. It is rooted in understanding our shared identity in Christ and the cost of His forgiveness, reflecting God’s grace and honoring Christ.  Yes, forgiveness will cost, but we need to remember the cost that Christ bore for us to draw near to him.

Recognizing the Reality of Spiritual Warfare

In reflecting on spiritual warfare, it’s tempting to either overemphasize or downplay Satan’s influence. While some traditions see every life event as a battle against demonic forces, there’s a risk of overlooking the profound impact of personal sin, which can align us with the devil’s schemes. Satan seeks to destroy not just individuals but God’s very credibility. If he could snatch even one soul from Christ’s hand, then he would expose God as a liar. This sobering reality stirs a call to vigilance—not through human strength, but by recognizing the unseen battle. Our fleshly instinct to “buck up” and rely on personal fortitude misses the deeper truth: true victory lies in dependence on Christ, who faced and overcame the ultimate spiritual battle for us.

The Ease of Faith and the Devil’s Deception

Living in a land of relative ease, where faith requires little sacrifice, can dull our appreciation for Christianity’s beauty. Unlike those in persecuted regions, where believers face life-threatening risks, our daily struggles often revolve around mundane tasks like getting to church on time. This comfort can blind us to Satan’s work, as Baudelaire warned: the devil’s greatest wile is convincing the world he doesn’t exist. Without a perceived threat, we neglect spiritual defenses. Yet, Christ calls us to a different weapon, which is prayer over the sword. In the face of Satan’s relentless efforts to undermine God’s integrity, we’re urged to turn to prayer, trusting not in our own strength but in the One who has already overcome.

Christ’s Anguish and Our Call to Prayer

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness Christ’s intense anguish, sweating drops like gushing blood as He faced the weight of enduring hell’s wrath for us. Innocent, yet burdened, He was ministered to by an angel, echoing God’s care for Elijah. Meanwhile, the disciples succumbed to grief, sleeping instead of praying, and resorted to swords, misunderstanding the spiritual battle’s nature. Christ’s rebuke and healing of the servant’s ear reveal that spiritual warfare isn’t fought with fleshly weapons. Judas’s betrayal with a kiss and the crowd’s shortsighted rejection of Christ, despite His miracles, which betray his prophetic credibility, highlight human failure to align with God’s truth. Yet, Christ’s faithfulness calls us to pray, seeking strength to resist temptation and stand firm in His victory.

Victory Through Humility and Trust in Christ

Our response to Satan’s schemes must be rooted in humility and prayer, not self-reliance. Like Hezekiah or the psalmist in Psalm 139, we’re called to seek God’s conviction and guidance, trusting His Spirit to conform us to His will. Satan prowls, seeking to disrupt our contentment in Christ, but the cross and resurrection assure us of victory. Christ’s resurrection guarantees an indestructible kingdom, and through prayer, we participate in His triumph. Let us live as grateful conquerors, not fearing Satan’s wiles but resting in the Redeemer’s power, praying for wisdom to honor Him and confidence that His promises will never fail.

Knowing Our God

When we pray for our daily bread, as taught in the Lord’s Prayer, we acknowledge God as the source of all good things, both spiritual and physical. Psalm 145, particularly verses 10–14, reveals God’s character as a loving provider who created us with physical needs. Far from being distant, He intimately understands our need for sustenance, as seen in Christ’s own experience of hunger during His temptation. This prayer is not about limiting ourselves to bread alone but recognizing that God, who formed us, cares for every aspect of our existence, calling us to trust in His provision.

God’s Provision for All Creation

Psalm 145 celebrates God’s provision, not just for humanity but for all creation. Verses 15–16 highlight how every creature, from the mighty lion to the smallest ant, looks to God for sustenance. He satisfies the desires of every living thing, not merely providing the minimum but generously caring for His creation. This reflects His righteousness and kindness, reminding us that our physical needs are not sinful but part of His design. When we pray for daily bread, we express gratitude for His abundant care and provision.

The Nearness of Our King

God is not a distant ruler but a King who draws near to those who call on Him (Psalm 145:18). Unlike earthly leaders who may not know their people, God hears the cries of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires (verse 19). This nearness assures us that our prayers are heard, and our needs are known. By praying for daily bread, we align ourselves with a God who is present, attentive, and committed to our well-being, fostering a life of praise and trust in His everlasting kingdom.

Living in Praise of God

The conclusion of Psalm 145 invites us to live in continual praise, or “Hallelujah,” for God’s goodness and provision. This praise extends from this life into eternity, as His kingdom endures forever (verses 11–13). When we pray for our daily bread, we are not merely asking for physical sustenance but celebrating a God who provides holistically—spiritually and physically. Through Christ’s victory over sin and death, we see the ultimate fulfillment of God’s care, encouraging us to walk daily in gratitude and trust, praising Him for His mercy and nearness.

Preparing for Turmoil in the Kingdom

In times of uncertainty and struggle, preparation is essential, much like keeping winter gear in vehicles during Montana summers to anticipate sudden snowstorms even at unexpected times. Jesus does not advocate for carelessness but acknowledges human responsibility in facing dangers. However, Jesus' words in Luke present a seeming contradiction. On the one hand, He instructs His disciples to acquire swords for readiness amid unrest and war. Then, on the other hand, He is disturbed when they produce two swords. Ultimately, the text invites reflection on the deeper complexity of God's kingdom amidst the fallen world. We want to trust in our tangible weapons, but fail to see the deeper spiritual threats that surround us.

The Ironic Bravado of the Disciples

The disciples, echoing the Pharisees' positioning for power, argue about their significance during the last supper. Christ directly addresses Peter, implying that he is the boastful leader. Jesus warns Peter that Satan demanded to sift Peter. Peter boasts of his fleshly strength, and commitment to Christ. He singles out Peter (addressed as Simon Simon) with a warning: Satan has demanded to sift him like wheat, evoking Job's trials. This underscores Peter's reliance on his own strength and bravado, contrasting with the true foundation of the apostolic witness. Peter's declaration of readiness for prison or death reveals his overconfidence, which Jesus prophesies will lead to three denials before the rooster crows, a verifiable sign of His prophetic authority. Christ is highlighting the call to perseverance through trials rather than triumphs, reminding them that the kingdom involves hardships, not just glory.

The Certain Power of Prayer and Faith

Christ’s resolution is surprising. He says, "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." This prayer is no mere cliché but a powerful defense against Satan's accusations, demonstrating the power of the weapon given to believers. Faith is portrayed as the instrument for receiving Christ's blessings and redemption, providing otherworldly strength beyond human effort. Though Peter will fall, Jesus assures his return and role will serve to strengthen others. We praise God for he preserves us while we persevere in his power. The Canons of Dordt Head 5 Articles 5-8 warn that sin can grieve the Spirit and wound the conscience, but the Spirit will preserve God’s people and restore them to God's favor. We rest in the assurance that true strength comes from weakness and dependence on Christ, rather than our self-reliance or the weapons of this age..

The Ironic Banter and Spiritual Reality

In a moment of ironic banter, Jesus recalls the disciples' earlier mission where they lacked nothing, contrasting it with future turmoil requiring metaphorical "swords"—symbols of conflict and threat in the kingdom's ebbs and flows, as seen in Acts. When the disciples literally produce two swords, Jesus dismisses it with "Enough!" not as sufficiency, but to end their misunderstanding of the true danger that awaits them. The battle is spiritual, against forces like Satan, not flesh and blood. Fulfilling Isaiah 53:12, Jesus is numbered among transgressors, suffering unjustly while interceding eternally for His people. The sermon concludes that Christ's heavenly intercession sustains believers amid persecution's subtleties. We are exhorted to cling to Him as we persevere in grace, even in comfortable times where faith's value might be undervalued. Ultimately, we rest in knowing that we will be preserved. Our great priest lives to make intercession for his people. We are more than conquers in his strength rather than our own.

Human beings naturally struggle with making God in our image, seeking to bend Him to our desires rather than aligning with His will. Our praying that the Lord’s will be done is not about getting God to serve us, but about reshaping our hearts to celebrate and obey His good will. Even in the presence of temptation, sin, and our natural rebellion, God calls us to consciously discern what is righteous, putting aside desires contrary to Christ while nurturing those aligned with Him. True obedience, then, comes from a place of humility and vulnerability before God, recognizing that growth in faith is a lifelong process of being shaped and refined.

The text highlights that living according to God’s will requires training and discipline, but it is not about guilt or legalism. Through the epiphany of Christ, the manifestation of God’s plan of redemption, we are reminded that God’s work in us is both sovereign and gracious. Our obedience is empowered by the Spirit, transforming our desires from self-serving to God-centered. This transformation is ongoing: God purifies, sanctifies, and motivates us to pursue good works, not for human approval, but to reflect Christ’s glory in our lives.

Finally, believers exist “between two epiphanies”: the first being Christ’s initial appearance, which secured redemption, and the second being His ultimate return, which will consummate glory. In this in-between period, our task is to live faithfully under God’s guidance, desiring His will, discerning righteousness, and relying on His Spirit. Our obedience is not passive but active, joyful, and empowered by grace. As we anticipate the next epiphany, we are called to embrace our identity as redeemed people, longing to see the full revelation of God’s glory while faithfully walking in His present guidance.

The Nature of Redemption

When Christ institutes the Lord’s Supper, he captures the uniqueness of the Passover in contrast to the familiar myth-making found in "’ Twas the Night Before Christmas." While the poem crafts a benevolent Santa Claus who rewards the good, Christ’s Lord’s Supper, which builds on the Passover, underscores the necessity of violent redemption, revealing humanity’s deep need for a savior who does more than merely reward or punish based on merit. Christ’s appropriation of the Passover demonstrates that redemption is not a gentle or sentimental transaction, but a costly one that addresses the fundamental brokenness and unworthiness present in every person.

Christ’s Transformation

Central to the message is how Christ’s celebration and redefinition of Passover radically departs from tradition. Instead of recounting a distant act of salvation, Jesus identifies himself as the sacrificial lamb, instigating the new covenant through his body and blood. These actions confound expectations and overturn religious scripts, compelling the disciples and all who remember the story to reflect on the true meaning of remembrance and participation in God’s redemption. The meal serves not merely as a memorial, but as a sign of ongoing spiritual communion, nourishment, and transformation that only comes through Christ.

Kingdom Values and Discipleship

Finally, the sermon challenges listeners to reconsider their attitudes toward significance, worthiness, and power in God’s kingdom. The disciples’ arguments over position at the table reveal human tendencies to seek status, even at a sacred moment of redemption. Christ responds by redefining greatness in terms of humble service and dependence on divine grace. The text calls believers to find joy not in our achievements or entitlement, but in Christ’s radical grace that alone makes the recipients worthy to draw near. Ironically, we find our significance by emptying ourselves of significance.

In the Lord’s Prayer, the petition “Your kingdom come” may initially seem strange because Christ has already inaugurated His kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. He also rules from heaven after ascending to the right hand of God.  Different theological perspectives interpret the kingdom differently.  There are some who anticipate a progressive improvement of the world or a literal thousand-year reign, while others, like the Reformed “amillennial” view, see Christ’s kingdom as a present spiritual reality with a future consummation. This view emphasizes that Christ reigns now, advances His kingdom progressively, and will ultimately bring it to completion, culminating in the fullness of His redemptive plan.

Spiritual Reign and Church Advancement

The Lord’s Prayer reflects a desire for Christ’s active rule in our lives. It asks for His domination over us, calling believers to deeper subjection and sanctification. It also expresses a longing for the growth and preservation of the Church, spreading the gospel to all nations, and the defeat of Satan’s work and all opposition to God’s Word. The kingdom is not merely a future event but is actively advancing as Christ works in the lives of individuals and the broader Church, progressively sanctifying believers and bringing more people into His fold.

Resurrection as First Fruits and Guarantee

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 underscores the resurrection of Christ as central to the kingdom and the gospel. Christ’s resurrection is the “first fruits,” consecrating the harvest and guaranteeing the resurrection of believers. It demonstrates victory over death, which is the ultimate enemy, and his resurrection ensures that Christians are set apart as God’s people. The first fruits would set apart the whole harvest unto God.  This connects the present spiritual reign of Christ to a future, visible consummation, reminding believers that their faith is grounded in a real, historic event and that the ultimate triumph over sin and death is secured.

The Ultimate Consummation and Hope

Though Christ reigns spiritually now, His kingdom will be fully consummated when all things are subjected to Him, death is defeated, and His redemptive plan is completed. The millennium and other biblical numbers symbolize this completion rather than a literal temporal period. For instance, are there literally 1000 hills, or is the Lord just emphasizing that he owns all the cattle?  Clearly, the Lord is emphasizing the fullness and completeness of his providence when he mentions he owns the cattle on a 1000 hills.  Believers are called to submit to Christ, engage in spiritual warfare against sin and evil, and cultivate concern for the lost. However, the true physical glory kingdom only comes when Christ publicly returns, bringing us into the new heavens and earth.

Ultimately, praying “Your kingdom come” expresses longing for Christ’s final triumph, the resurrection harvest, and the full enjoyment of God’s glory in a consummated creation as we dwell in the heavenly city forever.

The Pattern of God’s Sovereignty in Scripture

The events surrounding Christ and the conspiracy against Him should not surprise us when we consider the broader biblical narrative. From Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden to the promise of a victorious offspring, Scripture consistently demonstrates humanity’s failure to live by God’s word alongside God’s unwavering plan for redemption. Abraham’s test with Isaac and the deliverance of Israel from Egypt highlight a recurring pattern: God’s promises come to fruition through unexpected or seemingly impossible circumstances. Even in situations marked by human failure, sin, and death, God remains sovereign, orchestrating history toward His redemptive purpose.

The Threat of Malicious Men

In the context of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and scribes sought to kill Christ. These leaders, charged with upholding holiness, we engage in unholiness.  They were conspiring in secret, out of fear of the crowds, rather than a genuine fear of the Lord. Their actions reveal a tragic distortion of human priorities: they were willing to reject God’s appointed Messiah to preserve their own power and image. Judas, who aligned himself with them, illustrates the conscious surrender to evil that is possible when hearts turn from God. Here, Scripture reveals the stark reality of human sinfulness in contrast to God’s ultimate control.  This is showing a horrible state where men join to conspire with Satan literally.

Christ as the Passover Lamb

Amid conspiracies, chaos, and betrayal, Christ demonstrates His role as the Passover Lamb. Luke emphasizes the timing and preparation of the Passover meal, showing Christ’s sovereign orchestration of events. Though Judas knew that the meal would take place, Christ provided just enough guidance for His disciples to prepare without compromising His redemptive plan. Christ proves that he is a prophet and he will lay down his life at the appointed time.  Like the original Passover in Egypt, where the blood of the lamb saved God’s people, Christ willingly submits to the suffering and betrayal that will lead to the cross, fulfilling God’s plan without error or accident. He demonstrates that redemption comes through precise divine timing, not human schemes.

Our Redemption and Consecration in Him

Christ’s work as the Passover Lamb extends beyond historical events; it consecrates and redeems His people. While Israel’s festivals often fell short of their intended meaning due to human sin, Christ fulfills them perfectly, securing redemption once for all. He comes to undeserving people, covers their sins, and establishes a definitive exodus from death to life. Luke presents this to assure us that nothing in our lives surprises God because He is faithful and so powerful that he fulfills his promises. Our identity, consecration, and strength are found in Him, the Lamb of God, who calls us to bow the knee and live in the fullness of His redemption.

Christ concludes with a call to maintain a perspective rooted in hope and perseverance, even in the face of suffering or discouragement. We see through history tha Christians face persecution.  We can think of postwar Europe and the commitment required of Christians under threat.  He highlights the continual need to evaluate priorities and find strength not in oneself but in the risen Christ. We might be tempted to give in to fear or pessimism, but believers are urged to pray, trust, and remember that their ultimate victory is in Christ, who has triumphed and secured new life for his people. The final exhortation is to cling to the Savior in humility, recognizing that lasting strength comes from him and not from human effort or institutions.

May we be a discerning people who are not deceived by the false teachers and prophets in our day.  Let us be a discerning people who seek to pursue our Lord as we walk in his wisdom.

Understanding Our Heavenly Father

At first, the idea of calling God our Father can feel strange. This is because He seems distant or absent from us, being all the way in heaven. Yet Scripture and the catechism remind us that God’s fatherhood is not about abandonment, but about his personal majesty and personal care. Our desire to pray to Him as our Father reflects the truth that he has secured us in Christ, making him not only our Creator but also our Redeemer.

Earthly Fathers and God’s Image

Human experiences with fathers shape how we perceive God. Psychological research shows that children without present fathers often struggle with impulse control, moral development, and independence. Likewise, some of the top Atheist thinkers who criticize Christianity grew up without Fathers. Paul Vitz’s “Faith of the Fatherless” is a good study to read for further reflection. The point of this shows us that earthly fathers influence our perception of God. Psalm 103 counters distorted views, revealing a Father who is merciful, compassionate, and full of steadfast mercy.

God’s Compassion and Steadfast Love

Though God’s throne is in heaven, He is not distant or indifferent. Psalm 103 emphasizes His mercy, grace, and the complete removal of our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” Fear of God, properly understood, is reverence, not terror. God knows our fragility; he knows that we are dust, and he upholds us. This shows his love, inviting us to draw near and live in confidence of His care and redemption.

Living as Children of a Redeeming Father

Recognizing God as our heavenly Father transforms how we live and relate to Him. His steadfast love and mercy encourage gratitude, reverence, and obedience. We should not do this out of terror, but out of trust and devotion. As Psalm 103 teaches, God’s care is constant, His throne is established forever, and His children are never abandoned. We are called to bless, praise, and find joy in being His redeemed children. Let us see our God as the Father who has revealed himself in his word, and not the false views we impose on him.