Friday, November 7, 2014

SOAP 11/07/2014; Job 31:1

Today's reading: Job 31, 32; Galatians 5, 6

S) "I have made a covenant with my eyes;
How then could I gaze at a virgin?"

Job 31:1 (NASB)

O) Once again, Job was asserting his innocence, this time regarding his purity in lust. What's notable, is that he actually linked what he saw, with his sexual purity. This is what Jesus echoed in Matthew 5:27-28, when He said that adultery in the heart was the same as physical unfaithfulness. This was speaking to a deeper, internal sin, not an outward transgression. The key to Job's purity in this, was the language he used. A covenant is not the same as a vow. Vows are little more than promises with consequences. Covenants, though, are a mutually beneficial, mutually obligatory agreement. Job called his commitment a covenant, because he saw the benefit in the purity of his eyes. By keeping his eyes clean, he was being blessed. In return, he was choosing to keep his eyes clean.

A) There are two main reasons, I think, that Christians struggle with lust, even after accepting Matthew 5:28. First, it is the realization that a wandering, lustful eye is destructive. There is no "victimless crime" with this, because the looker will always be a victim (possibly in addition to others, still). The second problem, is failing to see the blessing of purity. I think many men will make vows, realizing the destructive nature of lust (and any sin). But, those vows will fail if the benefits of purity are not drawn into focus. This is generally where I have failed. The vow is still more of a white-knuckled approach. A covenant is a more complete understanding of the grace-laden nature of our God and His covenant to us, especially after Christ. The original, natural way of God, is for His creations to be blessed in His purity. Through faith in Jesus, I am given righteousness. In that righteousness, I am blessed when I walk in purity. This order is restored by the covenant of the New Testament. Keeping that dynamic in focus is the essence of seeing my commitment as a covenant instead of a vow.

P) Father, it is simply amazing, the way You have authored this covenant with Your creations. You didn't have to bless us. You didn't have to make it, so that I am blessed when I walk out the righteousness You've given me. It is gift upon gift, and blessing on top of blessing. You add mercy to grace, and grace to mercy. You are holy and worthy. May the Holy Spirit remind me of what's at stake when I am tempted. Not simply remembering what negative consequences come with sin, but remembering what positive promises come with purity. It is a joy to live as You intended. It is a joy to live in Your will. You are a righteous and sovereign, loving and kind King. Your holiness demands obedience, but Your goodness makes obedience a joy. Let me remember that, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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