Reflections from June 7, 2010

Paul tells us today in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lets anyone should boast."

Paul makes it clear that we are not saved on account of faith, but grace is the source of our salvation. Faith is the channel through which our salvation comes. Also, salvation is not something we do to ourselves, it's something that only comes from God as a gift. We do not receive salvation by anything we do as in "not of works". The Holy Spirit has been very careful to guard this precious doctrine of salvation by grace against all forms of heresy. Works in Scripture are the product or fruit of salvation, not the cause of it. We shouldn't boast about the things we do for God because there will be no boasting in heaven. There won't be anyone there who has anything to boast about.

Solomon warns us in Proverbs 6:9-11 about being lazy where he says, "How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep -- So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man."

Solomon is not saying that we shouldn't sleep otherwise we'll be considered lazy. I think what he is saying is to not spend all our time lounging around and taking naps. We need to be diligent and obtain proper rest, then when we get up, get going! Consider the previous verses where is brings up ants. They are always busy, gathering food, caring for offspring, being productive. They prepare themselves for whatever may come their way. If we don't do that, we'll end up not knowing what hit us when we have no money or provisions, and we'll be very needy.

Solomon speaks again of unwise actions in Proverbs 7:9-11, "And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding, Passing along in the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night."

Speaking specifically (I believe) of a prostitute, Solomon warns us against going out to look for one; even if there is no intention of using one! Anyone, especially those not strong in the Lord, can be seduced by their deception (which is really Satan's deception) and end up committing a serious sin. That's why Solomon compares a "simple" person as the one being seduced...he implies that we as "intelligent" people won't want to be compared to them and thus won't partake in this activity, because we know better.

Blessings to all