1689

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 309

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Day 309

Of Marriage.

Chapter 25, Paragraph 2.

“…for the increase of Man-kind, with a legitimate issue,…”

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 1:28

Reflection

Through technology and medical advances, we today have the ability to separate sexual intimacy and childbearing to an extent unheard of in the 17th century. This has led to a variety of opinions concerning reproduction. Such opinions range from no children ever, to children being nice but not necessary, to have as many as you can no matter what. We think of children as a choice we make, and such a view affects how we view marriage.

When children are born out of wedlock, the sexual act that led to the child is no longer condemned by our society. It is simply regarded as another choice. How many times, though, is the announcement of an unwed pregnancy met with disapproval for not being responsible? “Responsible” in our society means not getting pregnant. The real irresponsibility, though, is in accepting such relationships as neither wrong nor inferior. While life is to be treasured, the marriage relationship is the institution through which children are to enter the world. The benefit of being born to a married couple far outweighs being born out of wedlock, because God has ordained marriage to be the vehicle for reproduction. Anything outside of that is sin.

Marriage is about more than yourself. In it, you are aiding your spouse physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And one of the purposes of marriage is to have children. To welcome new life and devote yourself to the upbringing of this life is self-sacrificing, and it is hard. Yet it is a blessing marriage provides. When a man and woman commit to aiding each other, and children are the fruit of that union, there is stability for the children. There is a shared history. There is a family.

Questions to Consider

  • How does your view of children affect your view of marriage?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 308

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Day 308

Of Marriage.

Chapter 25, Paragraph 2.

“Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of Husband and Wife,…”

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 2:18

Reflection

Marriage is mutual. This means that in marriage you are not the star of the show. You are, however, the best supporting sidekick. As a wife, you are to aid your husband in whatever life brings to the two of you. Likewise, your husband is to help you. Isn’t that what the wedding vows entail when the bride and groom promise “for better or worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health”?

Now, the help that your spouse may give you may not be quite what you were expecting when you said “I do.” Marriage is a great instrument of the Holy Spirit often used to work sanctification in His people. As you learn how to live with one another, you learn how to love one another. All the quirks and bad habits of your husband stir the pot of annoyance and discontentment that lurk in your sinful members. What do you do about it? Avoid it? Run away? Give in to temptation? Marriage forces you to deal with your own sin, and teaches you how to live with a sinner.

Living for others is hardly easy, but the mutual aid given by a husband and wife to each other is why marriage was created. Striving to put aside their own interests, the couple that seeks to serve the other obtains the reward of knowing someone in a way unlike any other relationship. Through praying for one another, forgiving one another, and trusting Christ to use that relationship for His glory, those who are married are able to grow in godliness.

 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. -Philippians 2:3-4

Questions to Consider

  • If you are married, how are you helping your spouse? If you are not married yet, how are you looking to others’ interests?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 307

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Day 307

Of Marriage.

Chapter 25, Paragraph 1.

“Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.”

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 2:24

Malachi 2:15

Matthew 19:5,6

Reflection

What is marriage? Is it happily ever after? Is it just a piece of paper? Many of us have learned what marriage is supposed to be from our parents, Disney movies, and the world around us. Unless your parents had a rock solid relationship, you never really learned what real-life marriage should look like. Conflicting views of what constitutes being married have risen in recent years, adding to the confusion.

So what is marriage? When we look in the beginning of God’s word, we see that God created Adam and Eve to complement each other. Eve was to assist her husband in tending the Garden of Eden, and Adam was to care for his wife. There was one man and one woman, and they were joined together. Their relationship was one of intimacy, trust, and love.

Yet problems seem to arise when we read further on in the Old Testament. Many in Israel – even godly kings – take more than one wife, and there is seemingly little objection. What’s up with that? Does God allow polygamy? To obtain the answer, we have to read ahead to the New Testament. Since the Gospel is further revealed in the New than in the Old, it will shine light on the issue of marriage. What does our Lord say in Matthew 19? Rather than citing the examples of polygamy, He points to one man and one woman becoming one flesh. Paul in Ephesians 5 compares marriage to the relationship between Christ and His Church. Does Christ have more than one bride? Of course not!

There is a 1:1 ratio in marriage. One man, and one woman, covenanting together to support one another. It is an institution given by God for the blessing of humanity. If we want to know what marriage is, then we need to look to the One who instituted it, not our experiences, movies, or society.

Questions to Consider

  • What is marriage according to the Bible? How does that compare with what society claims marriage to be?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 306

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Day 306

Of the Civil Magistrate.

Chapter 24, Paragraph 3.

“…and we ought to make supplications and prayers for Kings, and all that are in Authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.”

Scripture Lookup

1 Timothy 2:1,2

Reflection

When my husband and I were dating, he would bring me to family gatherings at his grandparents’ house in the summer. With lawn chairs set up in a circle in the driveway and food set up on tables in the garage, various siblings, aunts and uncles would sit and discuss whatever was in the news. Inevitably politics would come up, and people who had never held a government position suddenly became experts on foreign policy, domestic issues, and freely gave opinions of various politicians’ job performance. The certainty with which these opinions were expressed was astounding!

The “expertise” that arises when politics are discussed is not limited to those summer gatherings in that driveway. It seems that everyone knows exactly how to fix whatever the issue du jour is, and is certain that Mr. or Ms. Politician does not. Yet as Christians, we are to pray for those in authority over us. Rather than being quick to share our critiques of the government, we should first be beseeching our Lord that those He has placed in authority over us will rule justly and wisely.

This does not mean that we are never to criticize the choices and policies our leaders make. Yet it should give us pause the next time we are about to share a meme demeaning a politician, or stating derogatory remarks about someone in government. Would we be so quick to state such things to them personally? As Christians, we are to share the Gospel with the lost. Many of our leaders are lost. Who will pray for them?

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. -1 Timothy 2: 8

Questions to Consider

  • What is your attitude towards your government officials? Are you praying for them first and foremost, or complaining?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 305

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Day 305

Of the Civil Magistrate.

Chapter 24, Paragraph 3.

“Civil Magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid; subjection in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us, in the Lord; not only for wrath but for Conscience sake;…”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 13:5-7

1 Peter 2:17

Reflection

Do you obey the laws created by the government? Why? Is it because you’ve always done so? Because you were taught it was what a good citizen does? Perhaps you obey because you fear the consequences. If those in authority over you did not have the power to punish you, would you still obey their laws?

The government of your land has been ordained by God. This does not mean that whoever rules over you may decree whatever he wishes, and you are to blindly obey. It does mean that whatever law in enacted, you are to be subject to it as long as it is lawful. The law of the land is not the final authority: God’s law is. Where do we find God’s law? His moral law is found in Scripture. To the extent that a law of a country aligns with the moral law, it is to be obeyed without grumbling or complaining. As Christians, our primary motivation for obeying the government is not that those in power might favor us, or to keep them from persecuting us. Our allegiance is with God, and we obey our leaders because we desire to obey Him.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. -Colossians 3:23,24

Questions to Consider

  • What is your motivation for obeying the laws of your land?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 304

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Day 304

Of the Civil Magistrate.

Chapter 24, Paragraph 2.

“…according to the wholesome Laws of each Kingdom, and Commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.”

Scripture Lookup

Luke 3:14

Reflection

“War! What is it good for?”

While the 1970 hit song “War” may answer that it is good for absolutely nothing, Scripture does not share that opinion. Such a notion may be surprising to some. Didn’t Jesus say to turn the other cheek? Doesn’t Romans 12 say, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord“?

As Christians, we are to pursue peace with all men as much as it depends on us. Our own personal grudges must not be allowed to take fruition. A Christian serving in government, however, has a duty to protect his fellow citizens and uphold justice. Such a responsibility involves fighting against those who attempt to harm those citizens. The government “does not bear the sword for nothing”, as Romans 13:4 states. At times that sword of the government will be used. Wielding the sword against attackers is called war.

So what is war good for? War is bloody, violent, and terrible. There have been may wars fought for sinful, vain reasons. Governments should not enter such conflicts lightly. Yet there are times when war is necessary. In those times, war is good for the protection of a nation’s citizens and for the promotion of peace.

Questions to Consider

  • In what circumstances would war be just and necessary?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 303

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Day 303

Of the Civil Magistrate.

Chapter 24, Paragraph 2.

” It is lawful for Christians to Accept, and Execute the Office of a Magistrate, when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain Justice and Peace,…”

Scripture Lookup

2 Samuel 23:3

Psalm 82:3,4

Reflection

Can you be a Christian and be involved in the government?

Many religious sects have answered that question with “No.” God’s kingdom is not of this world, they argue, so to be involved with something so occupied with the here and now is unseemly for a Christian. Government is corrupt, and Christians are to not associate with corruption. Anabaptists, from which groups like the Amish have descended, held to this position.

Such a view that rejects involvement in government fails to recognize that government is not in itself a bad thing. Upholding justice and maintaining peace are good works: “By me [Wisdom] kings reign, and rulers decree justice.” -Proverbs 8:13 God has established rulers over the people for their protection and for His glory. At times, those rulers may be Christians. While serving in the government may be fraught with many temptations and challenges, a Christian does not sin if that is her vocation.

Withdrawing from distasteful professions seems noble. Yet it is important to distinguish between those professions that are inherently sinful (like prostitution) and those who merely carry a bad reputation (like lawyers and used car salesmen). Politics can be a dirty business, but it doesn’t have to be. Christians are free to pursue vocations in the government.

Questions to Consider

  • What are the hindrances to Christians serving in government, and how can they be overcome?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 302

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Day 302

Of the Civil Magistrate.

Chapter 24, Paragraph 1.

“God the supreme Lord, and King of all the World, has ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him, over the people for his own glory, and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the Sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 13:1-4

Reflection

When our hearts are regenerated, we see obeying God as our Lord and king as desirable. After all, He is most holy and good, so He is worthy of our obedience. It is an honor to serve Him. Obeying other people, though, is sometimes a challenge. Why should we listen to those who might not have our best interests at heart, who are fallen sinners? What makes them worthy of our respect and subordination?

It is not “what” that makes them worthy of our respect, but “who”. God Himself has ordained the governments that rule over us. Our leaders may be godly Christians, or ruthless atheists, but it is our obedience to Christ that compels us to submit to their authority. Why would God set up governments? Ultimately they, like everything else, exist for the glory of God. Yet governments also have a specific role: to protect its citizens. To fulfill this purpose it is granted by God the ability to wield the sword; that is, to administer justice and defend against those who wish to harm the people under its care.

In countries where our government officials are elected, it is easy to think that their appointment is only due to the outworkings of various groups. Frustration towards the political “machine” can take our eyes off the One truly in charge. Yet God has sovereignly decreed who is to lead each nation, for His own glory. No matter who is in power, may we strive to respect and submit to their decisions as much as Scripture allows.

Questions to Consider

  • What is your attitude towards your government? Is your attitude Biblical?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 301

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Day 301

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows.

Chapter 23, Paragraph 5.

“…and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious, and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 19:11

Reflection

When I was a child I had aspirations to be a ballerina. I was awestruck each time I watched these women perform. Beautiful not only in costume and in movement, they embodied the culture of self-denial that surrounded the dance world: strictly watch what you eat, steel your mind against the fatigue, sacrifice your social life, push through the pain and don’t complain. Those who followed those mantras had the reward of achieving grace an ordinary woman could not.

In Roman Catholic culture, such awe as I had for ballet dancers surrounds those men and women who enter monastical life. They, too, live a life of self-denial. Their pleasures are denied for a seemingly greater goal. Dangling in front of them is the reward of achieving a greater holiness than those in the everyday world.

Taking monastical vows, and the life of asceticism that accompanies it, is very attractive. In such a system your level of holiness is determined by how devoted you are. Increasing in piety is only limited by yourself; therefore, push yourself further up the ladder to receive your well-earned reward. This system, however, is totally antithetical with the Gospel. No matter how hard we work, we cannot merit His favor by our actions. Only through faith in Christ alone can we be saved. Our holiness rests upon Him alone. Any good we do is through the Spirit, and good works are only those which Scripture states.

The Bible warns against false teachers who appeal to our senses with a life of asceticism. May we not be enamored with such superstition as has ensnared those who have joined monastic orders. Let our zeal be for Christ, and may we follow what He has commanded in His word.

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. -Colossians 2:20-23, NASB

 

Questions to Consider

  • Is there anything you are doing to be “more holy” that Scripture doesn’t warrant?

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 300

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Day 300

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows.

Chapter 23, Paragraph 5.

“…professed poverty,…”

Scripture Lookup

Ephesians 4:28

Reflection

Money. Something whose influence grips us tightly. Something of which the Bible warns us not to get attached:

You cannot serve God and wealth. -Matthew 6:24

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. -1 Timothy 6:10

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have;… -Hebrews 13:5

Affected as we are by material goods, when we see someone who has eschewed all that on purpose, we automatically think he or she has attained a state of holiness that we have not. After all, they don’t have to struggle with the desire for money when they don’t have it, right? They’ve even vowed never to accumulate stuff! It is the ultimate in minimalism, and for those who feel that tug-of-war within them concerning material gain, it is appealing.

But where in Scripture does it say that living in poverty is next to godliness? It does not. Interestingly, often the vow of poverty is taken by those who also vow a life of perpetual singleness. It is easy to say that you will cast off the cares of this world by not marrying, and awfully convenient to live as a pauper when you have no one dependent upon you. As is the case in vows of chastity, the family is left behind in the quest for holiness.

Yet there is no shame in providing for those in your household. God providentially supplies material goods to those who labor so that they may have extra to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28). If a vow of poverty is to be desired above wealth, then there is no opportunity to give to those who have a need, as you do not have the resources to do so.

The desire for money is strong, and often competes with our affections for Christ. Yet it is not evil, and is a means to much good. To swear it off completely is neither right, nor warranted in Scripture.

Questions to Consider

  • What is your attitude towards money and material goods?