Avoiding the downward steps of denial (Peter's Denial 2)

In the July issue, in an article called Escaping the stupidity of self-confidence we considered how, before his crucifixion, Jesus had warned Peter that he was about to deny his Lord. What about the denial itself? What can we learn from that incident?

The story has clearly been preserved as a warning to us. If even the great Apostle Peter could fall so easily, despite the clearest warning, which of us is safe from such a danger? If we want to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord, we will take carefiil note of Peter's failure and learn, by God's grace, not to repeat the same mistakes in our own lives.

When we look at what happened, clearly Peter's denial was a series of slips and not a sudden unpredictable fall. Like slipping down a slope, losing one grip after another or like falling downstairs one step at a time, so Peter fell lower and lower until he was at rock bottom.

One reason for such spectacular falls among Christians is a failiure to 'nip things in the bud'. Things are allowed to go on unchecked. Sin is left to fester and eventually disaster follows. We need to learn with Charles Wesley to 'tremble at the approach of sin' and with the Puritans to oppose the first risings of sin. It is no good letting things slide. Neglecting our spiritual state can only make things worse.

Peter's story marks out the downward steps of denial for us. We need to recognise those steps and seek to avoid them. We can identify at least eight.

1. Self-confidence

We talked about this danger in the previous article. This is where Peter's problems began. Pride comes before a fall. Remember too that God resists the proud. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (I Corinthians 10:12). Humility is the best antidote to falling into sin unawares. It frightens me when I hear someone say, 'Well, that's something I'd never do.' Rather we should say, "There go I but for the grace of God'. But watch yourself for you also may be tempted, Paul warns the spiritual in the Galatian churches.

2. Ignoring the warnings found in God's Word

Of course, what exacerbated Peter's fall was his total disregard for the warnings of Christ, even though Jesus quotes from Zechariah the sheep of the flock will be scattered (see Matthew 26:31). If a man deliberately drives his car through a red light he has only himself to blame for the consequences. If you disregard the warnings that come on nearly every page of Scripture and you fall into sin, you have only yourself to blame. Take seriously the warnings in God's Word.

3. A lack of watchfulness

The very next thing in Scripture following Jesus' warnings to Peter and the other disciples is the story of what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane that night, the night of his betrayal. You remember that it was Peter, along with James and John, who were selected to go with Jesus a little way off from the others to pray. He looked to his closest friends, his leading disciples, for support. And what happened? They fell asleep. It exemplified their lack of watchfulness. Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? he asks. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:40,41). Watch out that you do not fall into temptation. Be alert. Be on guard as good soldiers of Christ.

4. Giving in to the temptation of resorting to carnal means of serving Christ

It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus was arrested. From John's account it becomes clear that it is Peter who draws his sword to defend Jesus. No doubt he intended to strike off Malchus's head, although he ended up only slicing off an ear, which Jesus quickly restored. Jesus rebuked Peter for such an unwarranted and foolhardy act (see John 18:10,11). It is typical of worldly bravado to suppose that we can somehow serve the Lord by our own methods. It is often the mark of a sinking believer that in desperation he will try and save himself by thrusting out wildly in some new but foolhardy endeavour intended to be for the good of the gospel but entirely contrary to all that Christ desires.

5. 'Following at a distance' with more concern for your body than for your soul

Next we find Peter following Jesus at a distance (Matthew 26:58). He follows Jesus right up to the court of the High Priest and stands warming himself at the fire there (John 18:15-18). Again Peter's action is typical of many who are steadily drifting from the Lord. They still follow the Lord, yes, but at a distance. Their chief concern, though, is no longer to walk closely with the Lord. They are unwilling to suffer with him. Their concern is earthly not heavenly. They think more about their bodies than their souls. Is that you? You are in a dangerous position. Disaster is inevitable unless there is real repentance.

6. Denying the Lord

Considering all that has gone before, it is no surprise when we fmd Peter finally denying the Lord. I don't know or understand what you 're talking about, he lies.

7. Denying the Lord again

And when you have denied the Lord once, there is no telling how many more times you may do it. Peter was soon repeating his folly and denying his Lord to someone else. God has made us to be creatures of habit. Those habits can be good or bad.

8. Vehemently and totally denying the Lord

Mark 14:71 brings us to the very bottom of Peter's shameful cesspit. He began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them 'I don t know this man that you are talking about'. What a frightening picture. In just a few hours, a man who seemed so bold for the Lord, so strong for him, is vehemently cursing and swearing and denying any knowledge of the Lord Jesus at all. May it never happen to any of us. It will not, if we look to God and take care that, the moment we begin on this frightening downward rush, we realise what is happening and cry out to God for mercy, repentance and forgiveness.

Escaping the stupidity of self-confidence (Peter's Denial 1)

A large number of words in English can be formed by using the prefix Self-. Some refer to potentially good things such as self-examination, self-abasement, self-denial, self-discipline, self-restraint. Some are more dubious. Self assertion, self-esteem, self-help, self-respect, self-regard. These have their dangers. Others are clearly opposed to what the gospel teaches. For example, self-conceit, self-importance, self-reliance, self-righteousness, self-seeking.

Amongst these is the dangerous sin of self-confidence. It was the area in which the apostle Peter, in particular, famously came to grief. It is the reason why he petered out. Despite Christ's solemn warning Peter fell. We will fall to if we do not escape from the stupidity of self-confidence. 'Beware of no man more than yourself' warns C H Spurgeon. He was steeped in the Puritans and no doubt had read their warnings. Flavel referred to self as a man's household god. Goodwin labelled it the spirit of unregeneracy. A later writer called it the beginning of unfaithfulness. More recently, Jim Packer has warned, We can never distrust ourselves too much. "I" trouble is perhaps our biggest problem. Again and again we put confidence in ourselves instead of in God. Christ's dealings with Peter prior to his denial stand as a lasting warning against such foolishness. The following points, that arise out of the passages where the warning is recorded, reveal the stupidity of self-confidence.

1 Satan's great desire for you to be self-confident proves the stupidity of such a course

Luke 22:31 reveals Satan's role in Peter's downfall, Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. It reminds us of the opening chapters of Job. Simon (Jesus deliberately uses that name) was no rock. The other disciples are included (the you is plural) but Jesus speaks especially to Peter.

Satan wants to sift us all. Sifting was used to separate the grain from the husks. To sift, then, means to shake and then to blow on in order to separate good from bad. The choice of word no doubt points to God's purposes in allowing this. The Devil's hope was that Peter would be sifted out but Jesus has prayed for him. It is the Devil's masterpiece to make us think well of ourselves, observed one writer. He himself fell, through pride, and he knows it is the easiest way to make others fall too. Watch out!

2 Past failings should warn you against the stupidity of present self-confidence

It was not as if Peter had not made similar mistakes in the past. Good intentions are never enough. We must learn from past mistakes. Peter failed to do this.

• Remember the incident of walking on the water recorded in Matthew 14. Even if Peter was not guilty of self-confidence at the beginning, looking away from Jesus to the wind and the waves is another species of the same thing. Despairing self-confidence is an oxymoron but it exists I He should have learned to keep his eyes on Jesus.
• In Matthew 16 he receives a stern rebuke. What else but self-confidence could have led Peter to speak to Jesus in such a way? One would think it impossible to forget such a rebuke.
• In John 13 we read how Peter at first refused to have his feet washed by Jesus. Although he quickly reversed his decision, it again shows too high an estimate of self before Jesus. Peter having got it wrong once that evening one would think humility must follow but no. And where has your self-confidence in the past got you? Only away from the Lord and into a mess. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18) or to quote an uninspired proverb 'History teaches us that history teaches us nothing'. We ought to learn humility and self-distrust from our past mistakes.

3 The Bible contains many warnings against the stupidity of self-confidence

• In the Old Testament. Matthew tells us (26:31) that Christ quoted Zechariah 13:11 They will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered but this has no impact on Peter. One of the chief lessons of the Old Testament is how easily people fall. Think of Israel in the desert and under the Judges; think of the Northern Kings and many in the south; think of the Exile.
• Christ. Christ himself gives both a general warning to all and a specific warning to Peter. But Peter will not listen. The New Testament contains many similar warnings. We neglect such warnings at our peril.

4 Self-confidence proudly places confidence in self and despises others

This comes out in the very way Peter expresses himself. See Matthew 26:33 (Mark 14:29, Luke 22:24) Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will. 

• He had a high view of self. Are you like that? Is your head swollen? A Puritan has written. 'Inexpert Christians can hardly believe themselves so weak and sinful as the Lord's word shows them to be, but so much the more as they have an honest purpose to stand they have a fleshly confidence in their own strength.'
• He had a low view of others. But remember Philippians 2:3, In humility consider others better than yourselves. Jesus takes up this aspect of Peter's pride after the resurrection when he asks him, to his shame Do you truly love me more than these? (John 21:15). By that time he had learned to stop comparing himself with others. It is a lesson Paul learned too and sought to get over to the Corinthians, when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves he says of the false teachers, they are not wise. All boasting must be in the Lord. It is not the one who commends himself who is approved but he whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:12-18). Have you learned that lesson?

5 Self-confidence has far too high an opinion of its own resources

Even if I have to die with you says Peter, I will never disown you (Matthew 26:35, Mark 14:31). Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death (Luke 22:33). In fact, Peter was not ready at all. Are you miscalculating your powers? Knowing yourself is an important part of true wisdom. Pray Search me, O God, and know my heart, ... see if there is any offensive way in me ... (Psalm 139:23, 24). 'He that trusts most to his own strength is nearest to the most fearful fall' adds the Puritan quoted above.

6 Self-confidence is impatient with the unfolding of God's purposes

It comes out only in John's gospel but clearly Peter is way ahead of himself. Jesus speaks of his departure and Peter asks where Jesus is going. Jesus says Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later. But Peter is insistent, even petulant, Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you (John 13:36, 37). Yes, the time would come when he would bravely die for the Lord's glory but he was hardly ready for it at this point.

I remember as a 16 year old being eager to get into a Bible College and out as a pastor, a work I was far from ready for at 18. A further eight years of study did me no harm as I learned the sentiment of Lamentations 3:27. The Lord's timing is best.

7 Self-confidence has far too high an idea of its own self importance

It was not that Peter was going to die for Jesus but Jesus was going to die for Peter. Will you really lay down your life for me? (John 13:38). So often we think about what we are going to do for God. But what really matters is what he has done for us. What we do is only in response to what he has already done. See the definition of love in 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Peter would one day die for his Lord but not before his Lord had first died for him. So let us all beware of self-confidence in its various forms. Flee Satan; learn from past mistakes; take note of the Bible's many warnings; seek humility; look to God; be patient; keep uppermost in your mind what Christ has done for you. Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Church Profile 1989

Childs Hill Baptist Church

ORIGINS

In 1865 Child's Hill was a village of laundry workers and labourers engaged in constructing the new Midland railway line. The place was notorious for drunkenness, cockfighting and similar evils. It was in this setting that William Rickard, a Devonian (I wrote Cornish but that is wrong), began his open air work.

Mr Rickard was working with the fashionable Heath Street Baptist Church in Hampstead, but by 1866 he was meeting regularly with twelve others in a laundry here and a Sunday School had also been started. In 1870 a permanent building was erected, thanks to the generosity of cotton merchant James Harvey and others, and seven years later the church was formally constituted by covenant.

EARLY DAYS

For more than twenty years Mr Rickard was not only a faithful minister but also a pillar in the community. This early testimony has been preserved.

He was a man who felt very deeply his responsibility, and for many years it was his custom to seclude himself for an hour every day, in his vestry, to plead with God especially on behalf of the neighbourhood. He was a powerful evangelistic preacher and hundreds were converted under his ministry. His one great object in life was to preach Christ and he lost no opportunity of doing so. In season and out of season he was ever pleading with sinners to trust the Saviour.

On at least two occasions, C. H. Spurgeon preached at the chapel and the next minister, J. Sylvester Poulton, was a former student at the Pastor's College and first came to the church on a student mission.

DECLINE

The downgrade controversy seems to have passed by without the church's notice. Throughout the early part of the century numbers continued to increase but although there is no evidence of liberal teaching, there was a slow drift away from solid and evangelistic preaching. Bazaars, teas and concerts became the great concern, and the needs of a lost world, if not forgotten, did not have the prominence they once had. Inevitably, numbers began to decline and by the end of the third ministry (another long one under an ex-missionary to the Congo) things were in a state of spiritual declension.

CHANGE

The story of the church from the mid fifties is quite a different one. By this time Child's Hill was no longer a village but a part of the ever-growing London conurbation. It was on the verge of even more change as roads and housing were modernised and the villagers were joined by ever more exotic outsiders.

RECOVERY

Three long ministries (85 years together) were succeeded by a succession of shorter ministries under young men fresh from college who were eager to offset the ravages of long neglect. During this thirty-year period much sterling work has been done. There have been negative aspects, such as variations in theology and lack of continuity (due to various factors) but the present situation is most encouraging. At present we have a converted and baptised membership of about 30; many of these are committed to remaining in the area; outreach into the community continues to grow; the long neglect of the buildings has been brought to a halt; in a word - people's minds have been driven back to the Scriptures, ties with liberal churches have been severed and a truly spiritual work has been set on foot once again.

TODAY

Of course, there is still a great deal to be done. Over the years, inevitably, some confusion has been sown in the minds of people who have remained in the community as the church has gone through its different phases; the cost of living continues to be prohibitive for many young couples despite their desire to remain in the area (we've resorted to housing one couple in a part of our buildings); understandably, we have a generation gap from the thirties to sixties, no teenagers, and a young leadership; finally, the incredible social, ethnic, religious and financial variation in the area brings its own problems, and yet its own challenge too.

EVANGELISM

As you might expect, one of the chief concerns of a church like Child's Hill is evangelism, reaching the lost. Apart from the obvious and essential elements of personal witness and regular, consistent proclamation from the pulpit we have engaged in various types of witness. Regularly, we give out tracts in our nearest shopping area (Golders Green). Recently, we have begun to produce our own 'home-made' tracts for this purpose. We also seek to give out invitations to people in the area to come to our regular meetings.

Along with another local Baptist church and the Harrow Road church planting team we have set up a telephone message system - Bible Line. This involves providing a two minute taped message which can be phoned at any hour of the day or night.

For some time we have been seeking to establish a work amongst children and young people. This work is a totally pioneering effort and so has proved very demanding. We have made some progress.

A little while ago we arranged a meal on a Thursday evening and invited our unbelieving friends to eat with us and hear the message of the gospel. This was very encouraging in that a number of unbelievers came, some of whom had never come to us before. We plan to do something similar in the near future.

We have no success story. Each effort has brought a little encouragement but no conversions. Yet we continue to hold the word of life out to those who are perishing all around us. We trust that those who are appointed to eternal life will be brought in, in due time.

THE PRESENT PASTOR .... at Child's Hill is Gary Brady. Gary has been at the church for five years. Gary is from South Wales and, following studies in Aberystwyth and Cardiff, came to study at the London Theological Seminary, just two miles from the church. He was married last Summer to Eleri, a daughter of the manse, from Aberystwyth. Eleri works part time as a secretary in the BEC office in St. Albans (British Evangelical Council now Affinity). The other elder at Child's Hill is Dr. Stephen Mitchell, also a former LTS student. Steve is from Glastonbury and his wife, Pat, is a Dubliner. At present their future is unclear as they await the Lord's leading into a sphere for pastoral ministry. The church was formerly joined to the Baptist Union and the LBA but has severed this connection in the interests of doctrinal and practical clarity. They assemble with the Grace Baptist family of churches and are looking forward to hosting this year's assembly.

A recent sermon

SIN-OUR MAJOR PROBLEM (Romans 1:28-32) Gary Brady

Romans chapter one is a mirror. Here we come face to face with ourselves as we really are by nature. You shrink from the truth I know but you must face the facts. There are four things here to face up to.

1. The root of the problem

Mentioned before, here it is again in 28a - (Men) did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. It's not that men do not know there is a God or are unsure; rather they refuse to glorify God or give him thanks. They'd rather believe a lie than accept the truth about God (think of faith in evolution). As G. K. Chesterton put it (in the Father Brown stories): When men stop believing in God they don't believe nothing; they believe anything. Here Paul particularly brings out men's arrogance. Life is busy, some things are not worth the time and effort. Is that your attitude to knowing God? 'I don't care if he's there or not'. That's your basic problem, you're an ostrich! Face the truth, worship the Lord. Repent. The full wrath of the Lamb is coming soon.

2. The stem of the problem

'Someone up there doesn't like me' says the superstitious atheist. When? When his wicked schemes fail. But no, that's a sign of God's mercy. It is a kindness that should lead to repentance. God's wrath is quite different. You are saying, '1 don't want anything to do with God or his ways'. 'Okay, have it your way' the Lord says, as it were. (Think of how the parable of the lost son begins.) God gives men over. What a dreadful thing to be given over. Don't be sorry when you don't get your own way. Give thanks to God. Pray, 'Your will be done. Lord, not mine'. Crucify self. Each increase in wickedness is a punishment from heaven. Notice carefully the connection here. Not, unbelief leading to wrong-doing. No, unbelief leads firstly to a depraved mind (Cf vv 21,24,26). The problem begins with the heart. You are a sinner. It's hard to deny. But what makes you a sinner? ... I'll make it simple, what makes an apple tree an apple tree? 'Easy' you say, 'It's got apples on it'. Wrong. What makes an apple tree an apple tree is its nature. As Jesus says 'A good tree will produce good fruit, a bad tree will produce bad fruit'. Your sins are fruit, evidence. What makes you a sinner is your nature, your depraved mind. Therefore the way out is not simply to try and stop sinning. That would be like trying to kill an apple tree by picking the apples! No the tree must be uprooted or chopped down and a new one planted. You need to be delivered from your depraved mind and brought back to faith in God. Cry out to God to deliver you from your depravity and bring you back to himself.

3. The fruit of the problem

Although sins are the symptom rather than the disease, we must put the spotlight there for a moment. Sometimes it's not until we see the effect of a thing that we begin to sit up and take notice. If I say, 'Here's a sinner' you have a vague picture in mind. If I say 'Here's a thief' the picture is clearer. I can call you sinners all night and you won't mind too much but once I get specific, then your conscience will shout. Paul often has lists of sins like the one(s) in vv 29-31. I don't want to go through this catalogue in detail, but we must expose our consciences to what is written here. At some point, sooner or later, your consciences will be struck. You cannot conscientiously read this list and say I1 am innocent'. (At this point the preacher proceeded to apply vv 29-31 to the congregation for a short while. Readers are recommended to look at those verses and see where they have fallen.)

4. The problem in its advanced state

In v 32 we see the ultimate condemnation. The situation is not, as so many claim, that people don't know right from wrong. They do. You do and I do. We also know what will happen to us if we go on doing these things - we will die. Oh yes, we try to deny it, but deep down, we know the truth. There must be a day of reckoning. We will have to give an account. Yet so many not only continue to do these same evil things but they even encourage others to do the same (v 32). Giving approval to others is the final depth. We reach it sooner than we expect.

So what will you do? Agree that what I say is true and then go on living without Christ? That's the attitude of the drug addict. How hopeless! It doesn't have to be. Stop! Turn! Cry out for help and for mercy! The Lord will hear. Put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This article appeared in Grace Magazine in March 1989

Too many magazines?

Are there too many Christian periodicals? One might believe so, but if there are over 20 magazines devoted solely to knitting it is hard to see that there are too many concerned with the things of the Lord. The truth is, we live in the age of the magazine, and we, as Christians, ought to reckon with that fact.

W H Smith have recently produced a brochure listing over a thousand titles available through their branches. These cover everything from taxation to tobacco, tropical fish to family trees, accountancy to zoom lenses!

WHAT ARE PEOPLE READING?

An analysis of the available printed matter is fascinating. Did you know, for instance, there are over 60 magazines dealing with computing? (Which one does your pastor read?) Looking at what is available, we begin to grasp the sorts of things that are holding the hearts and minds of the population. Many magazines are devoted to women's fashion, including 14 on hairstyles alone! Another dozen or more cover slimming and similar subjects.

Not surprisingly, a large number of periodicals are concerned with hobbies, sports and pastimes. Ten, most of them monthly, deal with hi-fi equipment. With other titles concentrating on cars, photography, antiques and video and TV, we easily deduce that the nation's reading habits are in harmony with the rampant materialism that has gripped men and women everywhere.

It is no surprise to find Marks and Spencer, and others, actually selling their catalogues as enjoyable reading, or to find the British edition of GQ selling itself as the most sophisticated, up-market magazine for affluent men whose ethos is success with style.

A depressing 71 periodicals contain nothing but crosswords and other puzzles. There is even a Christian Puzzler! If you can't beat them? Most disturbing are some of the 40 or more publications dealing with guns, martial arts and related themes. Many of the titles may be innocent enough but, with titles like Combat and Survival, Guns and Ammo and Survival Weaponry and Techniques freely available, one is inclined to be concerned.

Despite their conservative stance on the issue, even Smiths stock seven adult titles including Playboy and Gay News. There are also eight adult humour titles which include vulgar comics such as Viz.

THE YOUNG

The young are thoroughly supplied with nearly 50 children's comics, a host of titles aimed at older children and over 30 magazines devoted to pop music. No parent would ever have time to sift through this deluge and, therefore, it is vital that children from Christian homes be taught to think critically about what they read. We need to learn what James Sire has dubbed, how to read slowly. Another dozen titles are aimed at parents; others are for the elderly.

Other titles (e.g. Spare Rib and Marxism Today) remind us that virtually all the material available in the newsagents will be presenting life from a viewpoint that is contrary to Scripture.

RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS

The brochure does not list a number of religious titles, these are hidden away under general interest and are mainly the organs of the historic denominations. For some reason, Evangelical Times is not mentioned. Alongside these, it is sobering to find Horoscope, Psychic News and Zodiac. A new periodical, Green Magazine, is featured not just as a publication for our environment but also as a single point of reference for the growing number of individuals to whom Green is becoming a way of life.

LASTING SIGNIFICANCE

We ought not to think of magazines as entirely ephemeral. Currently, some 40 part-works are available, covering various subjects from aeroplanes to the zodiac. These build up into large reference tomes. Many of the world's greatest novels began life as magazine serials (Uncle Tom's Cabin, Middlemarch, Heart of Darkness, etc). Nearer to our own hearts, we remember that most of the very helpful messages of A W Pink appeared originally in magazine format (Studies in Scripture), and some of our best-loved hymns first saw the light of day in Christian periodicals (All hail the power, Revive Thy work, Beneath the cross of Jesus, etc). What were Spurgeon's printed sermons but a weekly bulletin of precious seed from the hand of Cod's servant? A wealth of fascinating material charting the history of revivals in this country lies buried in the denominational periodicals of the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

TAKE CARE!

There are many magazines of various sorts, Christian and secular. We have to be selective as to which we take. Let us try to read widely, making good use of libraries and friends. The magazine format is usually less demanding than books and we must be careful to avoid the ready reckoner mentality which receives information in pre-packed journalistic morsels. For news, book reviews, fresh insights and general stimulus the appropriate magazines are invaluable.

Finally, few can have failed to have seen two magazines - The Watchtower and Awake! - assiduously peddled by those who style themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses. Is there not some way that evangelicals could find of producing a high quality magazine for evangelistic use? Such a resource would be a major asset to the churches and an excellent tool for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

This article originally appeared in Grace Magazine in 1990

Is Male Headship a Result of the Fall?

For anyone who is willing to take the Scriptures seriously, there can be no doubt that they teach male headship. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:3 we are told plainly 'The head of the woman is man'. Thus, in families, wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord in everything (Ephesians 5:22ff). In the church, a woman should learn in quietness and full submission, and is not permitted to teach or have authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:11,12).

What is the reason for this? Is it all a result of the Fall of mankind in Adam? Some verses may suggest so. In Genesis 3:16, following Adam's sin, Eve is rebuked and told by God, '1 will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you'. Similarly, in the New Testament, Paul says that one reason why a woman should not lead and preach in the church is that 'Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner' (1 Timothy 2:14). Is not male headship, therefore, just a punishment following the Fall?

SUBMISSION IN A PERFECT WORLD?

But is it true that in the perfect world before the Fall there was no such thing as Eve's submission and Adam's headship? Without its context, a text is just a pretext for a false idea. A more careful reading of the texts quoted above, in context, will show the truth.

If we look again at 1 Timothy 2:14 we see that the immediately preceding verse supporting male headship says, 'For Adam was formed first, then Eve' (verse 13). Paul does argue from the state of things following the Fall but he also goes back before the Fall. The very order of creation argues for male headship.

1 Corinthians 11:7-9 is the same, '(man) is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.' Of course, procreation reminds us that men and women are not independent of each other (verses 11, 12). If we go back to Genesis we remember that Adam was indeed created first and that Eve was made after him, for him and out of him, with the express purpose that she should be a helper suitable for him (2:18). In the Fall, male headship seems to have been reversed. Eve takes the lead. She eats first and then gives some of the fruit to Adam. God's curse on the serpent and his words to the woman and the man follow. In order to see the nature of these rebukes, remember, as an example, that part of Adam's lot (3:17-19) would be to know painful toil and to eat in the sweat of his brow. It is clear that God is not here introducing work as a punishment. Rather, in this fallen world, work will no longer be easy. From the beginning, Adam was put in the garden to work it and take care of it (2:15). He also gave names to all the animals (2:19, 20). Work existed before the Fall as well as after. The difference is that after the Fall it became so much more difficult and wearying.

HEADSHIP IN A PERFECT WORLD?

Male headship is similar. It was there before the Fall as well as after. The difference is that it has now become a problem. God's words to Eve, 'Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you' in 3:16 point to the difficulties that male headship would bring after the Fall.

Firstly, your desire will be for your husband. Yearning for man's rule is now rooted in woman's very nature. For all her thoughts of independence, she inevitably finds herself desiring a man and wanting to be ruled by him. Further, 'and he will rule over you', there is also the keenness of man to domineer over woman. In an unfallen world such things are not to be feared. Their primitive beauty is imperfectly echoed in Christian marriage. There, ideally, the woman's desire for the man is no hindrance, for he rules in love. Sadly, most of the time, things are far different. We see it in the harsh rule of men over women, even to the point of physical violence and mental torture. We see it, on one hand, in the willingness of women to endure so much at the hands of men; on the other, in the struggle against innate desire as women seek to rid themselves of their femininity and divest themselves of their dependence upon men.

SIN THE REAL PROBLEM

Is male headship a result of the Fall? It is not. Rather, the difficulties and suffering associated with male headship are a result of the Fall. That distinction is important. As hard work can be good and rewarding in Christ, so is male headship. Similarly, just as work is often difficult, frustrating, unproductive and unrewarding in a fallen world, so male headship is abused and is often a source of much difficulty and frustration. It is sin that causes this, not the fact of male headship.

It is very important to remember this. If we suppose that one of the problems in the churches is lack of female leadership, we are wrong. Rather, one of the great needs today is for men to lead well and for women to be submissive. Or if we think problems in a marriage are due to the wife's submissiveness or to a lack of equality in the home, we are again wrong. Rather, wives must be submissive and husbands must love their wives, according to the word. The problem is sin, not the way God structured the world. The calling of believers is to live within such God-given structures, not to suppose that they are simply the result of the Fall.

Understanding the Times R T Kendall and His Own Brand of Reformed Theology

'My brand of Calvinism sets me free to win the lost' claims Dr R T Kendall, the maverick pastor of Westminster Chapel, in a recent interview.  'I don't accept Limited Atonement' he explains, '... That way you can say to anybody, 'Christ died for you' and be telling the truth'.'

Limited atonement and evangelism

The argument is an old but persistent one. If we do hold that Christ died only for the elect, does that not make evangelism much more difficult? Would we not be more successful if we took the view that Christ died for all? However, Dr Kendall himself has to admit, 'We are doing our best within the area but we are only having modest success.' He is hardly unique amongst his contemporaries there, of course, but it is obvious that the rejection of Limited Atonement is no panacea for lack of success in evangelism.

Historically, of course, there is no difficulty in giving examples of five point Calvinists who were remarkably successful evangelists. C H Spurgeon in the 19th century and George Whitefield in the 18th century spring readily to mind.

Whitefield once wrote to Wesley

Universal redemption, as you set it forth, is really the highest reproach upon the dignity of the Son of God, and the merit of His blood ... Universal redemption, taken in a literal sense, falls entirely to the ground. For how can all be universally redeemed if all are not finally saved?

Spurgeon said once in a sermon,

Some say that all men are Christ's by purchase. But, beloved, you and I do not believe in a sham redemption which does not redeem. We do not believe in a universal redemption which extends even to those who were in hell before the Saviour died, and which includes the fallen angels as well as unrepentant men. We believe in an effectual redemption, and can never agree with those who would teach us that Christ's blood was shed in vain.

There is no reason at all why accepting the doctrine of Limited Atonement should make anyone less evangelistic. More humble yes, but' not less evangelistic. If it does, that person has misunderstood the Word of God. A recent publication, A Price for a People by Tom Wells, deals very well with this issue in short and clear compass.

Appeals

In the interview, Dr Kendall goes on to defend his practice of closing evangelistic services with an appeal to come to the front by saying that Dr Lloyd Jones had no difficulty with his practice when he did it following sermons preached by 'The Doctor' in Upper Heyford in the seventies. More pertinent is the fact that in a long and evangelistically successful ministry of over forty years Lloyd Jones never advocated or practiced 'giving an appeal'. His opposition to the practice is very clear from the helpful chapter entitled 'Calling for decisions' in his widely known Preaching and Preachers. 

'People deserve an opportunity to respond to the gospel' argues Lloyd Jones' successor at Westminster Chapel, 'and giving them that opportunity is to allow them to do what they want.'

However, this relatively modern practice is never found in the New Testament. In an appendix to his 1986 book The Great Invitation, Erroll Hulse answers all 22 of Dr Kendall's arguments in favour of this unhelpful practice.

Gifts of the Spirit

Towards the end of the interview, Dr Kendall reiterates his view that the 'Gifts of the Spirit' (ie the supernatural gifts we read of in the New Testament) can be known today. Offending all sides he says, on the one hand, 'How many have the true gift, healing or tongues or prophecy, is in my view questionable.' (Whether he considers Paul Cain, a member of Westminster Chapel, to be a true or false prophet is not stated). On the other hand, he adds, 'I'm certainly open to them. What we'd like to see more is their genuine operation.'

Once again, Dr Kendall is out of step both with the New Testament and the Reformed Theology to which he lays claim. The appendix to Walter Chantry's Signs Of The Apostles, first published in 1973, cites some 15 eminent Christian teachers, from John Chrysostom to A W Pink, all of whom taught quite clearly, from Scripture, what has been the historic Christian view, that the supernatural sign gifts operated only until the completion of the canon of Scripture and have now ceased. Chantry's brief book is still a competent rebuttal of the notion that supernatural gifts are for today. And it does not all hinge on 1 Corinthians 13 by any means!

(The original interview appeared in Christian Lifestyle Vol 2, No 2, 1993 Ed. Andrew Saunders)

This article originally appeared in Grace Magazine

Praying to the Almighty

Prayer and the sovereignty of God

Every thoughtful person who prays has to face certain inevitable questions. These have to do with the biblical doctrine of the sovereignty of God. According to his eternal purpose, God has decreed all that comes to pass. This is clear from such verses as Daniel 4:35 and Ephesians 1:11. Now, if God is sovereign, why should I pray? Similarly, what does prayer actually do? Is it true that prayer changes things? Does it move the hand that guides the world?

TOO NARROW

Perhaps the first thing that needs to be said about such questions is that they presuppose too narrow an idea of prayer. Prayer is more than simply asking for things. It is communion with God and includes confession of sin, adoration of the triune God, praise and thanksgiving. These vital elements of prayer ought not to be forgotten. The apparent problem of the sovereignty of God is strictly confined to intercession and supplication.

SIMPLEST ANSWER

The simplest answer to anyone who questions whether they ought to pray, even though God has decreed all that will come to pass, is that this is the plain command of God's word. 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers', writes Paul (Ephesians 6:18). The Lord himself was constantly in prayer whilst on earth. He is to be our example. For Samuel Storms, 'The fact is that God has commanded that I pray, therefore that is what I must do.'

This is a good place to start but more can be said.

CONDITION, NOT CAUSE

A A Hodge points out that the great mistake many make when it comes to God's decree is concentrating on parts instead of the whole. A common but superficial argument against belief in election is that it will stifle evangelistic fervour. Many, by their words and actions, have demonstrated this to be untrue. The God who elects sinners also provides the means whereby they are converted. In a similar way, we must see that our prayers are as much under God's sovereignty as any answers to them. The same God who has decreed the end has also decreed that this end shall be reached through his appointed means and one of them is prayer (Pink). Hodge shows the shallowness of thinking some show when they ask, on their reasoning, 'If God has eternally decreed that you should live what is the use of your breathing?' In order to teach us, the Lord has so arranged things that we either use the means or go without the ends. Prayer is a condition of blessing not its cause.

This is confirmed in the Scriptures. In Ezekiel 36 blessing is prophesied for Israel, then in verse 37 we read, 'This also will I let the House of Israel ask me to do for them: I will increase their men like a flock' (NASB). Prayer is clearly part of God's sovereign purpose. Similar things are found in Jeremiah 29:11,12 and Zechariah 10:6, 13:9. We also have the reactions of Daniel and Elijah recorded when they realised God's word was about to be fulfilled. They did not sit back, they earnestly prayed! (see Daniel 9:2,3 and 1 Kings 18:42). The design of prayer is not that God's will may be altered but that it may be accomplished (Pink).

'INSPIRER AND HEARER'

A further point to remember is that the desire to pray is itself God's gift. The initiative comes from on high. Effective prayers start in heaven and are sent down by God himself (Kelly). The Holy Spirit stirs us up to pray and seek our Father's face. He gives us the spirit of supplication to begin with.

PURPOSE OF PRAYER

Such considerations enable us to put the purpose of prayer into a proper biblical perspective. The purpose of prayer is not to inform God, much less to instruct him. How absurd! Rather, we are confessing our sense of need. It is for our sakes we pray, not for God's. He knows what is in my mind and I have the privilege of articulating to him what is there (Sproul).

Calvin lists six purposes:

1. It fires us with desire to seek, love and serve him. 'We flee to him as a sacred anchor.

2. It purifies those desires as we pour out our whole hearts.

3. It leads to true gratitude. We recognise where our blessings come from.

4. When prayers are answered we are led to meditate on his kindness more ardently.

5. We embrace with greater delight those things which we acknowledge to have been obtained by prayers.

6. It reminds us that God is ever present to help and defend us.

James Hastings maintains: 'Our wants are for the sake of coming into communion with God, our eternal need ... That we should receive what we ask in respect of our lower needs is not God's end in making us pray, for he could give us everything without that. To bring his child to his knee, God withholds that man may ask.'

'Prayer is a confession of creature weakness. Yea, of helplessness ... the acknowledgement of our need' (Pink). As in all things God's honour and glory is the chief thing and this means submission on our part.

Our Lord taught us to pray: Your will be done and left us the example of Gethsemane. We know God's revealed will in his word but his secret will, his decree, we do not know. The promise of 1 John 5:14 refers to the secret will. It cannot mean that anything a believer asks that is in line with Scripture will be done. It is when we ask according to God's secret will that he hears us. Strictly speaking, every true prayer in faith receives an answer. However, the answer is not always what we would wish or expect. Paul's prayers seemed to go unanswered until he learned: My grace is sufficient. We do not tell the Lord what to do but we express our needs, confident the Father knows what you need before you ask.

ARGUING WITH GOD

In emphasising the reflex benefits of prayer to the worshipper, there is the danger of accepting the psychologist's view that prayer does you good. B M Palmer warns: If prayer is nothing more; than offering good advice to oneself then it is a mockery to offer it to God ... If the attention be drawn from (God) to consider what effect the exercise is to produce on ourselves, in that instant it ceases to be prayer and resolves itself into pious meditation'. 

It is nothing short of tragic when a supposed fidelity to the doctrine of God's sovereignty serves only to paralyse a man's praying. Jeremiah 15:1 makes abundantly clear that prayer, in and of itself, cannot avail. But elsewhere it is made clear that fervent pleading is of great worth in God's sight. Abraham, Jacob, Moses and others stand as beacons to us pointing to the need of earnest supplication. Douglas Kelly emphasises how such men argued for God to act in line with his character and show mercy. Surely God honours such prayers still today .... He does not change.

CONCLUSION

We do not come to some fickle deity who changes like the wind but to the omnipotent and immutable God. 'Prayer', said Luther, 'is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of his willingness'. 

Thou art coming to a King,

Large petitions with thee bring;

For his grace and power are such

None can ever ask too much. (John Newton)