Does God Scare You?
In general, and for the most part, humanity doesn’t like to be under surveillance. “I feel like somebody is watching me” is a way to describe discomfort or even an unexplainable case of the heebie-jeebies. George Orwell’s “Big Brother” is now short-hand for living under unjust micromanagement, usually facilitated through a gazillion cameras, microphones, and sensors.
Does it scare you, then, just a little, to know the Bible teaches God sees, hears, knows, and remembers every work of your hands, every thought of your mind, and every intention of your heart?
“No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
Pauline Absence in Philippi
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, and it’s very unlikely that he’ll return to Philippi soon, if ever. He writes as a man facing death in chapter one, after all. But having commended the Philippian church to unity through Christlike humility, Paul charges them, “As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)
The apostolic cat is away; will the mice play? We’ve all seen this dynamic. Children are mischievous when mom isn’t watching. Students push boundaries with substitute teachers. Employees work harder when the boss is around. I bet you tap the brakes when you see a squad car on the interstate.
But, what about whole churches, will they be faithful without Paul?
So Paul reminds them of this great and terrible doctrine of omnipresent omniscience, “for it is God who works among you all” (Philippians 2:13). Our English language often undersells the second-person plural, “Y’all” - but Paul doesn’t. He isn’t talking about individual sanctification here but divine presence in the collective congregation!
Where two or three are gathered, Christ said, He is there with them. In this regard, Grand Forks is no different than Philippi. So when you grumble against one another or get into disputes with each other, Paul says, “Jesus is right here with us.” Like a gracious older brother reminding his siblings to stop bickering before Dad gets back, Paul is still admonishing the Philippian church toward unity, even about significant things like evangelistic methodology (Philippians 1:18)!
God is here. God sees. God knows. Does that scare you?
Wonderful Knowledge
In Psalm 139, David sings of this searching eye of God’s all-present omniscience. “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether! … Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:4, 7)
Such knowledge as God has of all things, David says, “Is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6).
In many ways, we’re describing the basic fundamental difference between believers and unbelievers. Those who believe in the goodness and mercy of God, loving Him in return, trusting in His grace, and striving to please him can respond to his knowledge of our every thought and deed with praise and thanksgiving. If God only knows some things about your life, how could Jesus account for all your sins in his death on the cross?
For those who resist His grace, doubt His goodness, and spurn His commandments, the thought of God knowing all their ways is sheer terror, and “the wicked flee when no one pursues.” (Proverbs 28:1).
Bold Obedience
But the proverb continues, “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” God, the righteous judge who declared you justified in Christ, is among us at Faith Evangelical Free Church, “both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Don’t be like the wicked who shrink back and flee from God, burying their talents in the sand. Rather, be glad, rejoice, hold fast the boldness of your confession of Christ Jesus as Lord of all - and get to work without grumbling or disputing.
It’s the Christian way to shine as lights in the world.
(Sing it: All My Ways, Missing Not One)