God's Approval Process

Why is it that some of our plans work out and some do not?  Have you ever considered that they have to pass though God’s approval process first?

God is sovereign over the affairs of the world and the plans of all humanity.  Ultimately, only His designs are the ones that indeed move forward, even when He allows the wicked to go ahead and succeed temporarily.  Everything must have God’s approval to take place in this world; and this is re-assuring.  

Even more personal to us as His People is having our plans line up with His plans.  We don’t just want Him to let us go ahead with our plans as if we were heathen.  We want our plans to really please God and truly advance His purposes in this world.  It is our responsibility to align our motivations and plans accordingly in order for them to be established by Him and used positively for His purposes. 

The Process

We are familiar with approval processes.  Maybe we have an idea, or a plan, but it needs approval from those in authority.  Such a review will usually improve the idea or strengthen the plan.  It will also ensure that it fulfills the right purpose and accomplishes what it should.  This is common procedure in our workplaces, in our schools, in government, and even with our parents.

Sometimes it can be frustrating and slow; other times it can be helpful, re-assuring, and resourceful.  Overall, it is good to have approval from authority and a well run process, so our lives and societies can be lived in an orderly and fair manner.

Proverbs 16:1-3 talks about God’s approval process over all the plans of all people.  Certainly, the analogy will break down at some point, but the author of Proverbs would have us consider it anyway because it is helpful for us.

Proverbs 16:1–3 ESV “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

The Details

Verse 1 makes it clear that God has, as we might say, “the last word” on any given matter.  He gives the “answer” to any particular path of action.  This might also be interpreted as Yahweh working in the actual words of people.  He let’s spoken what He wants, and He even confounds as people speak.  Further, for His own, He leads them in what to say at right time and in right way.  We can easily envision, even recall, how such things have come to pass.

Verse 2 tells us that Yahweh is constantly evaluating the motives behind the plans contained in verse 1.  Everyone, generally speaking, is self-justifying in their motivations.  Sometimes this is trickery, sometimes delusional, other times it is just naïveté.  We are complex beings with complex motives, often beyond our own self-understanding.

But, Yahweh sees the truth always, even when people do not see it about themselves or others.  He alone is able to weigh the complexities of human thoughts and drives.  This is important for us to recognize and pray through for ourselves.

Psalms 19:12–13 ESV “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.”

Psalms 139:23–24 ESV “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” 

1 Corinthians 4:3–5 ESV “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”

Verse 3 provides us as believers the best course of action given the above truths in verses 1 and 2.  We should commit (literally “roll”) our plans over to Yahweh willingly at beginning when we make them, and then all way through to their completion.  In doing so, He will establish them as they should be.  As earlier taught in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge him [meaning to know and be with Him], and he will make straight your paths.”

The Confidence

We need not worry then too much about purity of heart, because we do not have it, nor will we ever have such an experience in this life.  We all know this and know our need for His continual mercy.  We need not worry too much either about our effectiveness, our assessments of situations, or the expected outcomes from our plans.  In other words, we are not concerned with self-confidence regarding our motives or our abilities, but having a God-confidence in what we are doing.  

We are encouraged to be taught that everything must have God’s approval to take place in this world.  As Christians, our goal is not just to push our plans though God’s approval grid.  We must continually learn to “commit our work to Yahweh” for Him to establish it.  We want our plans to be pleasing to Him, and even advance His purposes for His glory. 

When A Missionary Has To Return Home Unexpectedly

Sending back a missionary is not an easy thing to do, neither is returning home early as a missionary; such situations can be really awkward.  There will be many questions and concerns.  

The Apostle Paul had to do it and we can learn from this example of Epaphroditus. 

Philippians 2:25–30 ESV “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.”

Epaphroditus quite possibly carried this letter to the Philippian church with him.  If not, both he and the letter arrived in Philippi about the same time. 

His Great Value in the Mission

The Apostle begins by stating the matter plainly and then commending Epaphroditus very highly.  He doesn’t want them to get any wrong ideas, but to hold him in high regard.


First, Paul says that Epaphroditus is “my brother,” speaking to the affectionate bond established by working closely together for the Gospel.  He was Paul’s “fellow worker,” part of his inner circle doing critical evangelism and church planting work.  He was a “fellow soldier,” which is a way of referencing the opposition, persecution and suffering he endured with Paul, perhaps even prison in this spiritual warfare.

Epaphroditus was also their apostle or “messenger,” sent into pioneering missionary work with the Apostle Paul.  Furthermore, he was sent to serve Paul’s needs as his assistant.  They likely heard about Paul’s imprisonment and sent off Epaphroditus to “minister” to the Apostle.  However, it appears that he ended up doing much more than this, as is often the case on the mission field.

The Apostle Paul had two main reasons for sending the missionary Epaphroditus back to his home church in Philippi.  Epaphroditus needed to be with them again.  And the Philippian church needed him for their own joy in the ministry.

His Need to Be Back Home


It was urgent that Epaphroditus return home to the Philippian church because of his longing for them and distress for them, and perhaps even because of the illness itself.  These are emotional reasons, but they should not be looked upon as negative reasons, for Paul does not present them in such a manner.  

It is not uncommon to write Epaphroditus off as homesick and emotionally frail, unfit for service.  However, his longing for them was not likely immaturity, or a mental illness, or something showing him abnormal and unsuitable for the mission enterprise.  More likely, this was an ongoing longing that was processed appropriately and spiritually.


The Apostle Paul validates and approves of him throughout this letter.  Now was the right time to send him back, having completed his work, and recovered from near death.  And it is possible that he would return again to Paul’s team sometime later after this trip home.


Epaphroditus’ anguish over his home church had to do with them hearing about his illness and wanting to communicate more clearly with them.  If they were in Ephesus this would be a relatively brief trip, taking just days; but if they were in Rome, then travel would take weeks.  

If he got sick on his way to see Paul, it could have been reported by a traveling companion, and Epaphroditus knew about their concern and wanted to get back soon.  If he got sick later while with Paul, then maybe a messenger told the Philippians about Epaphroditus, and after they send a message of concern it is decided to send Epaphroditus back immediately.
 


The Apostle further confirms the seriousness of the illness and so the distress over this.  Epaphroditus almost died for the Gospel!  Paul himself was very emotionally involved as he emphasizes God’s mercy to him and not having “sorrow upon sorrow,” in his death.  

God glorified Himself in healing and showing mercy to Epaphroditus, to Paul, to Philippians.  There must have been intense prayers, prayer meetings, efforts, emotions, energy, faith expended.  They were prepared for whatever God would do, but what a joy to have the mercy of healing!


Sometimes missionaries need to come home for periods of time for all sorts of good reasons, even retooling, and sometimes permanently.  This should not be seen as failure, but as part of the intensity of the mission of the Gospel.  Rather we are to rejoice in it all, especially as churches involved in sending and supporting!

The Church’s Need for More Joy

We don’t know the nature of the illness, extent of healing, or whether Epaphroditus would return to work with Paul.  Yet, it seems that he was sent home earlier than expected.

The Apostle Paul had two goals in mind for the Philippians.  First that they would see him and rejoice again; and second, that he himself would be relieved of the responsibility he bears for all of them.

The Apostle is eager to send Epaphroditus back to them that they may “rejoice again.”  Seeing him would be cause to rejoice yet again, certainly over his recovery, but really to rejoice with him over all the Gospel work accomplished.  So, Paul really wants to give them more joy, joy in the Mission!


Paul would no longer have to bear the burden of Epaphroditus not being where he should be right now and perhaps in his condition, and himself worrying about the Philippians’ concerns.  


Paul further encourages the church to celebrate together with Epaphroditus.  This would dispel any discouragement that might be lingering, or hesitancy on how to respond.  He certainly doesn’t want his main church partner in the Mission to lose any enthusiasm over a normal minor setback, which really shouldn’t even be perceived as such.  This is not a failure, but a success!  Rejoice!

They are to make a big deal about his return.  Welcome him, honor him, be filled with joy together.  To do so “in the Lord” is to take a spiritual view of matters, Christ’s view of the Gospel Mission.  Much has been accomplished, and their will be more to do, more sacrifices to be made!

Christ Himself had directed in it all—selecting him, sending him, returning him—through them.  Epaphroditus gave what the whole church cold not give—their physical presence and service.  If they all could have been there undoubtedly they all would have been.  Epaphroditus was an extension of them, and Paul was grateful. 

Epaphroditus served like Christ for Christ’s goals for the Gospel, risking and nearly giving up his life.  Epaphroditus courageously put himself in harms way for the work of Christ.  He did not play life safe.  The Mission is risky.  And this makes the joy all the more joyful!

Christians Have 7 Lives

You might have met some Christians who seem to have seven lives.

Proverbs 24:15–16 ESV “Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

The Righteous Often Targeted

This situation is a clear reference back to the beginning and the father’s first lecture in chapter one.   The admonition there was not to get involved with the criminal element of society, leading to a life and lifestyle of crime.  It may seem like a quick and easy way to prosper in this world, but as this Proverb points out, the righteous will win in the end.

In spite of the warning, many still plot to take advantage of others, even involving violence.  As noted in this Proverb, very often it is the followers of God who are looked at as easy targets.  They are targeted because have many blessings, because of the wicked’s hatred of God and of those more righteous than he.  Added to this is the devil himself who is also interested in afflicting and distracting those loved by Christ.

Have you been such a target?  Have you seen and heard about astounding situations in other parts of the world?  Or, maybe you were the criminal now transformed Jesus’ Gospel?

Psalms 20:7-8 ESV “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”

The Righteous Always Rise

Those who follow the Wisdom of God do recover, no matter how much they suffer.  This recovery often takes place in their soul before it takes place physically in this life.  And this is not all.  We know it will be made eternally permanent at the Resurrection and in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Falling “seven” times is a poetic way of saying innumerable times, too many to count.  If it is said that a cat has “nine lives,” we might say that a follower of Yahweh has “seven lives,” which is more than nine.   Somehow we mange to escape from so many severe situations, seemingly unharmed.  As we are told all over Proverbs in a variety of ways, “our Redeemer is strong” (23:11) on behalf of His own.

This repeated falling and rising is also a way of speaking about our sufferings as holy and purposeful by God.  He is watching over His own, giving grace for increased faith, hope and love.  And the vindication of glory will come in His time and in His way.

Those who do not follow Wisdom (that is, the wicked), easily stumble and fall in times of calamity.  Surely you have seen such fragile lives unravel, and feeble souls shrivel.  It doesn’t take much to destroy a life, dishearten a person, and leave one isolated.  The wicked will not turn to God in these times, but continue in rebellion.

Hear Their Stories & Tell Your Own

Do you know Christians like this who suffer a lot but keep coming back?  There are probably a few in your church who seen to have seven lives; have you met them and heard their stories yet?

My mother was one of those Christians who suffered a lot but somehow kept coming back from dead.  She wasn’t always so resilient though.  This was a transformation God worked in her life after she became a Christian.  She would always be praising the Lord and spreading happiness, regardless of what was pain was going on in her life, even to the very end.

How are you doing with attacks of enemies, whether they are personal, as a result of the world and its system, due to illness, or from the devil?  Here is a prayer of confidence.

Micah 7:8 ESV “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.”

Keep looking for God’s rescue in the present, and keep looking into the future to the final resurrection just like our author of Proverbs would have us do.

Adding Hell To God’s Plan For People’s Lives

He said, “I already have a wonderful life, thank you.”

This was a response we received often when presenting the Gospel to our dorm mates in college using the evangelism tool when had been trained to use.

Something was Missing

Obviously our friends didn’t know the fullness of the wonderful life they were missing by not having Christ.  And some of them surely didn’t have a very good life and were covering this up.  How could we get through to them?

As we (our discipleship group of four) examined our Gospel presentation more carefully, we realized that a very important point was absent—the reality of hell.  Sin was discussed but only as preventing good things in life.  Honestly, most of our friends at this school were greatly privileged and didn’t really see it that way.

So, we figured out a place to insert this discussion with a couple Bible verses.  Hopefully, this would open up some discussion.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV “. . . it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” 

2 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

A New Approach

Every week we would go out evangelizing in the dorms, so the following week we tried our new approach.  As a result, the conversations got more serious, personal and lively.   We were pleased.

Many of our friends hadn’t thought about the consequences of sin due to offending an infinitely holy and just God.  Then, when we talked about the love and mercy of God in Christ there was more interest, overall.  The Cross and Resurrection of Christ became a topic of curiosity.

I think we improved the evangelism tool.  It over-emphasized the love of God and the benefits of being rightly related to Him.  It under-played the justice and righteousness of God.  But, no tool is perfect or complete in itself; it is just a tool to be used with creativity.

The best part was that many of our conversations with people no longer fell flat and just ended.  Many wanted to continue talking about the Bible, their lives, religion, world issues and such.  And a good number were interested enough to join in discussion groups or small group Bible studies on the person and work of Christ.

What Might You Improve?

What tools are you using?  Are they as effective as you think they should be?  You don’t have to throw them out and criticize them.  Perhaps, you could make some improvements.

Kiss The Son

The hope of every new year:  His Messiah will reign upon the earth, soon.

Psalm 2:7–12 ESV “I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

In this Psalm, the future Messianic King speaks concerning the promised universal reign decreed for Him.  In this Psalm, the King would be like a son to God who would be like a Father to him.  In fulfillment of this Psalm, Jesus Christ came to earth as the True Son of God the Father, the True King of the Covenant People of God.

The Decree Unfolding

The word “today” in the Psalm refers to the day of the coronation of the King onward.  The “today” for Our Lord Jesus the Messiah King would be all throughout His ministry.  This verse of the Psalm is quoted at His Baptism (Matthew 3:17; Luke 3:22), at His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17), about His Resurrection (Acts 13:33); and most importantly upon His Coronation in Heaven in His Exaltation (Hebrews 1:5; 5:5).

He currently reigns from heaven over all things for His Church, subduing His enemies.  He is building the Church by the Gospel being proclaimed in mission around the world and true worshippers of the true God being made.

He will return to inherit all the nations, to the ends of the earth as His possession.  He will rule over all the earth’s inhabitants.  Our Lord Christ will be “heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2).

Genesis 49:10 ESV “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”

He will establish righteousness in the earth and destroy and subjugate all the rebellious peoples, as a most fitting and glorious conclusion to this present age.  This will be the time for the vindication of God, of His Christ and of His people in this world.  It will be a time when society will be blessed with full justice and true peace.

In addition, Christ Jesus will share this amazing Psalm 2 glory with His Church!

Revelation 2:26–29 ESV “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Afterward, this great conclusion to world history will open up into the New Heavens and New Earth forevermore!

(If you are interested in reading more Scripture passages on this topic, see for example, Psalm 72, 110; Isaiah 2, 9, 11, 65; Micah 4, 5; Daniel 2, 7; Ezekiel 34, 37; Zechariah 14; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 19-22.)

The Summons still Stands

The Psalmist speaks to all the world, in light of all this truth, and offers the only hope.  Yet, it is a most blessed hope!   Submit now, “Kiss the Son,” and receive grace and eventual reward with the Anointed One.  Submit later, be forced to honor the Son, and receive wrath and eternal destruction from the Anointed One.

The wise decision for which the Psalmist is calling is this:  Worship and serve Yahweh, the Only True God, the Holy Triune One, now in reverent awe.  Kiss the Son of God in homage as the Anointed One and rightful heir of world and all things.  Here is the Gospel of God in Jesus Christ announced beforehand by Psalm 2!

Each of us in our sin is in rebellion against heaven.  This is described in the first part of Psalm 2.

Psalm 2:1–3 ESV “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.””

The Lord God has appointed Jesus Christ, not only as the coming Conqueror, but first as the Savior of world.  If you haven’t done so already, submit yourself now to the Cross of Christ for the forgiveness of your sin and the gaining of the true hope of eternal life.  Be wise and be blessed:  Kiss the Son.  Worship Him.  Acknowledge His authority.  Accept His reign.

We do not know when the Final Day will come.  So, take refuge now; for then, there will be no refuge.  Join the People of God.  The full and eternal blessings for His People will come when the Lord God will establish His Messiah as King over all the earth.  And this will be the best new year ever!