GOD'S GLORY IN JUDGMENT (13 OF 18)
Scripture: Revelation 15:5-8, Revelation 16:1-21
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God's Glory in Judgment (13 of 18)
Series: Revelation
Patrick Edwards
Revelation 15:5-16:21
Introduction
I'll admit this morning that one of my favorite phrases in the English language is, ''Suffer fools gladly.'' It comes from the William Tyndale translation of the New Testament in the mid-sixteenth century, where Paul accuses the Corinthians of tolerating and even indulging in teaching that contradicts the apostolic message of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:13). Of course, over time we've come to use this phrase as a way of saying someone will not tolerate those who are consider dumber or beneath them. Again, I confess to sometime saying when I am particularly frustrated that, ''I do not suffer fools gladly.''
But when you think about it this is a terribly arrogant and condescending thing to think let alone say out loud. What this sentiment expresses is that there are people ''beneath'' me and, thus, are not worthy of a hearing or of my consideration. Again, what a terribly godless sentiment. Right, because consider how the Bible describes God's attitude:
''The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,'' (Exodus 34:6).
''But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth,'' (Psalm 86:13).
''And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;'' (2 Peter 3:15).
God, who has every right in the universe to look down His nose at all people, God, who is clearly higher and greater and surpassing all in intellect, this God doesn't refuse to suffer fools. Rather, He is longsuffering; He is slow to anger. And why? Peter says it is that we would recognize our foolishness and repent and be saved. As Paul wrote to the Romans, ''Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?'' (Romans 2:4)
I say all of this, this morning, to help us see t ...
Series: Revelation
Patrick Edwards
Revelation 15:5-16:21
Introduction
I'll admit this morning that one of my favorite phrases in the English language is, ''Suffer fools gladly.'' It comes from the William Tyndale translation of the New Testament in the mid-sixteenth century, where Paul accuses the Corinthians of tolerating and even indulging in teaching that contradicts the apostolic message of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:13). Of course, over time we've come to use this phrase as a way of saying someone will not tolerate those who are consider dumber or beneath them. Again, I confess to sometime saying when I am particularly frustrated that, ''I do not suffer fools gladly.''
But when you think about it this is a terribly arrogant and condescending thing to think let alone say out loud. What this sentiment expresses is that there are people ''beneath'' me and, thus, are not worthy of a hearing or of my consideration. Again, what a terribly godless sentiment. Right, because consider how the Bible describes God's attitude:
''The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,'' (Exodus 34:6).
''But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth,'' (Psalm 86:13).
''And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;'' (2 Peter 3:15).
God, who has every right in the universe to look down His nose at all people, God, who is clearly higher and greater and surpassing all in intellect, this God doesn't refuse to suffer fools. Rather, He is longsuffering; He is slow to anger. And why? Peter says it is that we would recognize our foolishness and repent and be saved. As Paul wrote to the Romans, ''Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?'' (Romans 2:4)
I say all of this, this morning, to help us see t ...
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