Jan
30
Written by:
Bob Flynn
1/30/2009 8:33 AM
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
(Hebrews 11:3 NLT)
Sagacity
SAGAC'ITY, n. [L. sagacitas.]
1. Quickness or acuteness of scent; applied to animals.
2. Quickness or acuteness of discernment or penetration; readiness of apprehension; the faculty of readily discerning and distinguishing ideas, and of separating truth from falsehood.
Sagacity finds out the intermediate ideas, to discover what connection there is in each link of the chain.
"Through faith we understand" (Heb. 11:3). Spiritual understanding is not, therefore, dependent upon human sagacity or learning; it depends only on the teaching of the indwelling Spirit. Possessing this Biblical testimony, misunderstanding at this point is without excuse. (Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Grace)
In today's world where information systems permeate every fiber of our lives, it is easy to assume that our ability to apprehend the things of God could be dependent upon our "quick discernment." However, this could not be further from the truth! We are wholly (and wonderfully) dependent (kept) by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and He only lives in the hearts of those who are saved! Yet in our day we have a thundering horde who are quick to speak and slow to listen, when all the while the Word says "be still and know that I am God." Our sagacity abounds in the deception of our souls that would believe that we are something when we are nothing. Whose hand was it that held us safe above the pit of eternal judgment, held safe against that day when we would believe? And would we now believe that that this very same mournful sagacity somehow speaks "ex cathedra" without the "washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." Do we now consider ourselves as "arrived," when we must "endure to the end to be saved?" No we lean upon our learnedness as if we could discern the Holy Oracles from the counterfeit of the enemy. In so doing the very same tempter that caused the undoing of our paradisiacal parents succeeds in our collapse as well. How then shall we live? The same way by which we were saved, by faith alone in Christ alone!
Psalm 46: This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid. (Matthew Henry)
"All the ancient fathers descended from Abraham, both before the Law and under the Law, were glorified and magnified, not through themselves, nor through their works of righteousness which they had done, but through His will. Therefore we, also, being called through His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified through ourselves, neither through our own wisdom, or understanding, or piety, or works which we have done in holiness of heart, but through faith, that faith through which the Almighty God hath justified all that ever lived; to whom be glory for ever, Amen!" (Clement of Rome)
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn