Trespass…

Trespass…

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. ~ Matthew 6:12 (New Matthew Bible)

Our text comes from one of a few English translations that use the word trespasses instead of sins or debts like we find in the more prominent English translations of the Bible. I can remember in Catholic Catechism reciting the Lord’s Prayer with the word trespasses; and it has stuck with me. So, I wanted to research if there are any differences in the meanings of these various words used here.

Looking at the word trespass, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: an unlawful act; a violation of moral or social ethics; wrongdoing; transgression; offense; a breach; sin; or debt. When we trespass, we have made an unwarranted or uninvited incursion into the private or protected space of another.

Looking at the word sin, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: an offense against religious or moral law; a violation that is highly reprehensible; a transgression of the law of God; offense; a breach; trespass; or debt. When we commit a sin, we have encroached upon or violated the rights of another.

Looking at the word debt, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: something owed; an obligation; the state of being under obligation to pay or repay someone in return for something received; a liability; sin; or trespass. Thus, when we are indebted to someone, we have an obligation to repay them what is owed.

With these definitions in view, we can readily see a convergence of meaning regardless of which word is used in the translation; and we would do well to expound on what Jesus was expressing as He taught His disciples and followers how to pray. The primary focus here is on asking forgiveness for our trespasses or sins and the resulting debt or obligation created by our transgressions – whether committed against God or (by extension) other people. From the context, we should understand that we have a debt or obligation owed to God for our sins and trespasses; and our prayer is to receive forgiveness; that is, a cancellation of the debt owed because it is exceedingly beyond our ability to ever repay.

In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant found in Matthew 18:21-35, we are afforded a penetrating glimpse into the enormity of our own sin debt as Jesus taught the importance of forgiving others their debts or obligations to us. He concluded by asserting the necessity for His disciples and followers (believers) to forgive others for their trespasses, wrongdoings, violations, transgressions, sins, and any other form of indebtedness owed. As Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14)

If we carefully ponder these scriptures and lessons, we would do well to realize who has the greater debt to be repaid. The sin debt we owe to our Heavenly Father is far greater than any debt another human being could ever owe to us. For us to contrast the “degree” of our own iniquity toward God with the trespasses of others against us truly misses the point of the message Jesus taught. Quite frankly, there is no comparison in terms of worthiness to receive forgiveness of sins. None of us is worthy to receive forgiveness of any measure. Forgiveness is an act of mercy … an act of love on the part of the one who forgives (releases the debt). As Paul affirmed: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” (Cf. Ephesians 2:4-5)

Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV)

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Dear reader, I urge you to refrain from ever considering of how much someone else might owe you for any trespasses committed against you. Whatever their debt to you might be, while justified, does not compare to the debt any one of us owe to God. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) So, if God in His great love and mercy can choose to forgive you and me through the death of Jesus, then as His children we have the same capacity to forgive one another. Indeed, it is a commandment that we do so!

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Have a Blessed Day!

Content

Content…

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ~ Philippians 4:11

In his letter to the believers at Philippi, Paul shares profound insight into the self-discipline necessary for a mature faith in Christ Jesus to persevere. He describes what it takes to attain a faith that will surmount and endure the challenges we will experience in life – contentment. Paul had gone through unimaginable hardship and suffering during his missionary journeys; and yet, his faith seemed to abound all the more through the afflictions he suffered. As he indicates in the text, there is a deep lesson to be “learned” as we walk with Christ and participate in his sufferings. (Cf. Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13)

Contentment. What does it mean to be content? The word connotes a state of being filled or satisfied. To be content means to be happy, pleased, gratified, or blessed … to the point of complete delight or enjoyment. Being content … feeling full and satisfied is rather easy when you have plenty and the circumstances of life seem in your favor. But Paul indicates that he had cultivated the ability to be content even when he had been unjustly locked in a stock and thrown into the utter darkness of an inner prison dungeon. (Cf. Acts 16:16-40)

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

In reading the text, we readily understand that contentment is not our natural tendency. When Paul states, “I have learned,” it indicates that at one time he did not know how to be content. Through the difficulties that he suffered in life, Paul learned how to be content in any situation or circumstance. It was a mindset that he attained after many years of experiencing the grace of God in times of trouble. And so, there is a wonderful lesson Paul affords us for our walks as Christians.

Here are some other scriptures to focus on as we pursue the virtue of contentment:

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. Romans 8:17

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:10

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

I believe the secret to contentment is to possess an unwavering focus on the inheritance that is kept in heaven for you. (Cf. 1 Peter 1:3-5) Yes, keep your eyes upon the goal and press onward to attain it. (Cf. Philippians 3:14) Indeed, Christ Jesus is our example – who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) For “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ Jesus should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14)

Yes, dear reader, keep your eyes upon Jesus and His redemption! He is the One who provides you with the strength needed to attain contentment in this life. Only in Him will you find true contentment or real delight in any circumstance. Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

Have a Blessed Day!

The Conundrum of Comparison

Psalm 73:25-26

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

This excerpt from Psalm 73 is often quoted, but have you read the entire Psalm to see its context. It has a great message regarding our attitudes towards those who do seem to prosper in this world … yet do not know God nor have a faithful relationship with him. Too often, we compare our financial situations with others who seem to “prosper” more than ourselves. In doing so, we walk a dangerous line and fail to see the greater blessing of trusting God and serving Him with our lives. When Asaph, the Psalmist, went into the sanctuary of God, he discerned the end of the unrighteous and took hope in the resurrection to come for the righteous. He concluded in his supplication before God:

Psalm 73:23-28 (ESV)

²³Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. ²⁴You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. ²⁵Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. ²⁶My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength (the rock) of my heart and my portion forever. ²⁷For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. ²⁸But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

It is probably best not to make comparisons with others because to do so often provokes envy and misguides our hearts. We can be enticed to covet things we do not have … not considering what we do have in Christ Jesus is far better than any riches this world might have to offer. As Paul wrote:

1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NIV)

⁶Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. ⁹But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ¹¹But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Tag: Contentment