The bible is our authority, Not circumstances!

As Christians we live in a precarious position of already but not yet. We are already justified but we are not yet glorified. We are already citizens of the kingdom of God but we are still living in a fallen world. As such we are still in a daily battle to fight the temptation of letting our current realities dictate to us on matters of faith. All throughout scripture we see examples of men and women called to trust in what they cannot see. Abraham was asked to trust in a promise. Moses was asked to trust in a command. New Testament believers are asked to trust in an incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. 

I see three examples in scripture where we are shown the opposite sides of looking at a current situation and making a decision based on that, rather than on God's law. 

I'll start in the new testament and show the positive side of this equation. The Apostle Paul, as was typical, finds himself in prison. In the book of Colossians, we find him writing to encourage as well as teach them not to be dismayed by current circumstances. Look at the following verses and see the theme starting to emerge.

1:24 - I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

2:1 - For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

Paul was assuring them that he was indeed not in a glorious and cheerful situation. Paul had never visited Colosse and what they heard about him came through word of mouth. The church had been founded by Epaphras who apparently heard Paul preach in Ephesus. (Acts 19:1-10). In fact, at some point, Epaphras was also imprisoned with Paul. (Col. 4:12,13)

This is the point we want to look at today. Even though Paul was in prison, and from a human standpoint, it didn’t look like a great situation; Paul never wavered from his mission and call. He starts the letter with this encouraging unwavering greeting... we never to cease to pray for you all (1:1-14). Even in prison, Paul continues to pray. Next, he exalts Christ. Paul's only reason for existing in his mind was to make the deity and preeminence of Jesus known (1:15-23). He then goes on to reiterate that even though he is suffering, it is for a purpose (1:24- 2:30). We are not just carrying on down here while God rests upon His throne. God is always actively working to bring about His sovereign purpose in this world. Then we see a pivot in Paul's letter. 

4 - Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words...        

8 - Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 

We could go into a lot of theology here and discuss topics such as covenants (2:11-12), regeneration (2:13) justification (2:14), or the conquering Christ (2:15). There is much to be said for Paul addressing FALSE doctrines here such as asceticism, false humility, and Christians wanting to be Jewish and keep feasts and festivals or being enthralled with angels (2:16-17). I pray that you will take the time to study this on your own, however, I think we have made the point that Paul didn’t base his faith on circumstances.

Now for the opposite side of the coin let's look to the old testament at two interesting stories of a clear example of what happens when someone does begin to look at life through the prism of cause and effect.

In 2 Chronicles 26, there is a brief outline of the life of king Uzziah. If this name sounds familiar, it is the same king that has passed away when the prophet Isaiah sees his vision of the Lord sitting on His throne. Uzziah was made king at the age of 16. Verses 1-3 seem to tell us that part of his rule overlapped his father's Amaziahs reign as king by some years. The story starts out great as do many of the kings in the history of Israel. Uzziah seeks to do right before God. He even sets out to learn from Godly leaders such as Zechariah (26:5). During this time of obedience, God greatly blesses Uzziah and the kingdom of Judah as well. Not only were they defeating their enemies, but they were also booming economically. The military might of Judah was unmatched in that day and Uzziah's fame was renowned. Tragically, as usual, this is where the story takes a turn. In verse sixteen we read...

26:16 - But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.      

This is a common narrative throughout the old testament and is a vivid warning to us today that our hearts are not to be trusted In times of blessing. 

A more explicit story that paints the picture well of trusting circumstances above God's law and the results of that decision can be found just two chapters later. At 28:1 we read...

28:1 - Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he DID NOT DO what was right in the sight of the Lord, as his father David had done. 2For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made molded images for the Baals. 3He burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 4And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.

Notice first of all the contrast between Uzziah and Ahaz. Uzziah started out good and was deceived by pride. Ahaz, however, was evil out the gate. He used his position NOT for God's glory but for his own. He built idols and even went as far as burning his own children to death as a human sacrifice to false gods. Right in the middle of this description of Ahaz’s debauchery is an almost mind-blowing statement. 

5 - Therefore the LORD (YAHWEH) his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria.

I'll just leave that right here and ask you to study it out on your own. For the sake of time lets jump ahead to our main point, namely decisions based on circumstances. In verse 22 we see that Ahaz has yet to learn from God's chastising and continues into great Apostasy. Which leads us to this...

23 - For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him, saying, 

“Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” 

But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel.

 Whatever you face today I would encourage you to remember that it is a temporary situation, yet your decision could have far-reaching effects. Look to God's Word for counsel and DO what God commands, not what feels good or looks like an easy way out of your strife.