Wednesday, December 19, 2007
2 Peter 1
I have decided to continue the Chapter Memory Study into the book of 2 Peter. Again, the purpose of this study is to read and study the Bible, one chapter at a time, pulling out key verses for memorizing while creating an outline that helps me remember 'where stuff is'.
Let me pause and say that I did take a 'week off' to review many of the verses and outlines that I have already completed. I find that if I don't review, I lose much of what I have worked hard to hide in my heart. So, if you feel some of those early verses slipping, take this week to review. I was blessed by it, and I'm sure you will be,too.
The memory passage for 2 Pet 1 is;
2 Peter 1:5-8, 20-21 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The thematic outline is going to be based on the first three letters of Peter (P.E.T). For the first chapter it is Practice Your Faith and Prophecy from God.
After a short introduction, including the very poetic and gracious 'may grace and peace be multiplied to you', Peter moves into the first main section of chapter one; Practice your faith. He sets the stage by introducing the importance things pertaining to life and godliness (3). As in verse 2, verse 3 is centered around the critical component of knowing God; the God of grace, peace, divine power, glory and excellence. He has granted us precious and great promises through the salvation that comes from Christ. But, we must put to practice the objective truth of our salvation.
Verse 5 begins a series of instructions that build on each other and are interrelated. We are to make 'every effort' to supplement our faith with these qualities. Supplement is a Greek word that was used for the supply and training of the Greek chorus. To stretch the metaphor a bit, we are to feed and discipline the complex harmony of virtue that should accompany our faith in Christ.
We are to add virtue to our faith (I like the image in Col 3:12 of 'putting on' virtue) so that our lives reveal the fruit of a changed heart. We are to add knowledge to virtue so that life is not just jumping from emotion to emotion. We are to add self-control to knowledge so that the knowledge does not 'puff up' and become an end in itself. Adding steadfastness to self-control prevents us from retreating in to self-absorption in time of battle. Godliness must accompany steadfastness so we do not become self-sufficient in our dealings; forgetting who we are and who God is. Brotherly affection should be the natural fruit of godliness; care and unity in the body of Christ. And, as in Col 3:14, love should accompany our relationships and cover all these virtues in 'perfect harmony'.
Look at the beauty of verse 8; if these things are evident in you, and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful for the Lord. There is an element of discipline and the expectation of 'working out our salvation' (Phil 2:12). And that it should continue and increase. We must not just accept Christ for our salvation and then ignore Him until heaven. In fact, if we lack these qualities, our vision becomes clouded and we can forget much of our foundational faith (9). So we are to be diligent (same as v5, 'make every effort') to walk out our salvation and standing with God; living subjectively in the objective truth by practicing these qualities so that we will not fall. Then our reward in heaven will be 'richly provided'. I was challenged by Dallas Willard with this thought; how do we feel about spending eternity with Someone we didn't care to spend any time with on earth? (The Great Omission).
Something struck me about verses 12-15. Peter uses words like 'remind you', 'stir you up', and 'recall' these qualities and this truth. But look how he commends them in v12, 'though you know them and are established in the truth'. They not only know the importance of having and increasing in these qualities, they are already doing it! But he still reminds them, and says that he will continue reminding them until he dies. How quickly we turn to wanting to hear 'something new', or a 'fresh look' at a passage or concept. What we really need is to be reminded of the basics; even if, especially if, we are already attempting to obey those things. It is not boring or mundane to be reminded of, encouraged in, or exhorted to something we have heard before. And it is not boring or mundane to proclaim those things either.
Verse 16 begins the second main section of this chapter; Prophecy from God. Peter makes it clear that they are not deceived or swayed by myths and false teaching; He and the apostles are eye-witnesses to the coming, majesty, honor, and glory of Christ. While we make fun of Peter for his reaction at the Transfiguration, it obviously did not escape him as to what was happening then. And in addition, the writings of Scripture, the prophecy of God which lights our path as a lamp, does not come from human interpretation or origination. God spoke through men and Holy Spirit carried them along as they proclaimed His word. This is an important passage concerning the Authorship and inerrancy of Scripture; the whole Bible is inspired by God and inerrant in doctrine, history, science, chronology and all other areas.
How does this affect my worship?
I was thinking again this week about our posture toward God. Worship and prayer are, I think, directly effected by our posture to God. Increasing in the qualities discussed in this chapter, essentially becoming a better human being, could lead us to elevate ourselves unduly. Let me not forget the theme of 1 Pet 5; humility toward God and others. If pride and self-sufficiency take over, my posture toward God is damaged. While we are to add these qualities to our faith, we must never forget what our faith is; full trust and submission to God, acceptance of the free gift of grace through Christ, and denying ourselves daily by taking up our cross and following Him. Pride is opposed to this. Humility draws us closer.
How does this affect my discipleship?
It reminds me, not too subtly, of how much I have to do and how far I have to go. I can rest in the grace and peace of Christ for my eternity, but I must never rest as I live for Him and discipline myself for His glory on this earth. Again from Willard; grace is opposed to earning, but not opposed to effort (The Great Omission, and others).
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in Christ today,
Ethan
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
1 Peter 5
Today we wrap up the Chapter Memory Study in the book of 1 Peter. The over all theme of Hope in Suffering held true, as did the acronym HOPES for the outline. I reminded myself that I need to go back and just read through 1 Peter now that I have studied it. I have recognized certain themes and points of emphasis that would be interesting to view in light of the whole work.
The memory passage for 1 Peter 5 is;
1 Peter 5:2a, 5-10 (ESV)
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you,
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
As always, I made a priority decision in this passage. In order for the whole passage to fit in my brain this week, I needed to trim a bit. I shortened verse 2 (while maintaining the main theme) in order to include 6 verses from 5-10, which I felt deserved attention.
The outline theme (the 'S' in hopeS) is Shepherd, Submit, and Stand firm humbly. This chapter is short, but has three main ideas. The over all theme is humility toward each other and God; an this is played out in the role of a shepherd, the sheep, and the servants of God.
Beginning in verse 1, Peter has some specific exhortations for shepherds. He reminds the elders that he is a fellow elder and shepherd who has seen the sufferings of the chief Shepherd and will be reunited with Him when His glory is revealed. The charge to us now; shepherd God's flock. How? Not grudgingly, greedily, or harshly, but willingly, eagerly, and by setting a good example. And never forget that Christ is the Chief Shepherd who has an unfading crown of glory for us in heaven.
Now, to those who are younger Peter reminds them to be subject to the elders. But everyone is to 'clothe themselves' with humility toward one another; remembering that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Prov 3:34, James 4:6).
Verse 6 begins the second sub-section; submit. Everyone, elders and the flock, are to submit,or humble themselves, to God. The words of Micah 6:8 ring through; 'do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God'. But we can't separate verse 5 from verse 6. I do not think it is possible to walk proudly with each other and then walk humbly with God. Our heart posture will most certainly carry over into all our relationships. The reverse is also likely; we can not truly walk humbly with God without that effecting our relationships with others. Humility, in both cases, is a posture of the heart that we must achieve and maintain. We can leave the exalting to God. He knows the correct time, the proper manner, and the appropriate degree to which we should ultimately be exalted. If we try to exalt ourselves, it would be the wrong time, the wrong manner, and most likely to the wrong degree.
But take heart; God is not arbitrary in His dealings. He invites us to cast all of our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Unlike humbling one's self before a dictatorial tyrant, our submission and servant hood is to a loving, caring God who truly knows what's best for us and will work in us to that end.
Verses 8-10 wrap up the main outline with some encouragement to stand firm. First, a warning; be sober-minded and watchful because your enemy is crouched for attack. The devil is likened to a lion 'seeking someone to devour'. We are to resist him by standing firm in our faith. This assault on God's kingdom is not isolated, but world-wide. But after all of the suffering, our gracious God will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us based on His calling of us to glory through Christ. And don't forget; He rules.
Peter acknowledges the one taking dictation (Silvanus) and reaffirms (possibly now in his own hand-writing) that his messages is true. He then sends greetings from 'she who is in Babylon' (a possible reference to the church of Rome) and Mark before signing off with a blessing of peace.
How does this affect my worship?
I owe my Shepherd everything. He sought me when I was lost, He cares for me when I'm sick, He leads me to the place I can receive nourishment, He provides for my growth and maturity, and He protects me in times of danger. I often call out to Jesus, as Shepherd, for all of these things, but I do not often thank Jesus for being my Shepherd. When I meet Him in heaven, my Chief Shepherd, I will most certainly fall to my face and thank Him. I can begin now.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I am in an interesting position of being a pastor (and 'elder') but being relatively young. I have certain shepherding responsibilities, but also certain people I must submit to. But humility works both ways. I must lead humbly and follow humbly. I must always clothe myself and walk in humility. Even, especially when, I am discipling someone young or new in the faith. An example of humility from the beginning is a strong foundation of any discipleship relationship.
May you walk humbly with God and others,
Ethan
Thursday, November 08, 2007
1 Peter 4
We continue this week in 1 Peter 4 (I'm not feeling creative with the intro this week). The outline (HOPES) also continues with the 'E' of hopEs.
This weeks memory passage is:
1 Peter 4:1,2,7,12-13 (ESV)
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
The outline theme is Emulate Christ's suffering and Endure Christ's sufferings. (that is, emulate the way Christ suffered, and endure the sufferings of Christ).
The first section (1-11) addresses Christ's suffering in the flesh and how we should approach that suffering in our lives. We are to 'arm ourselves' with the same thinking that Christ had. For if we suffer as He did, by denying the flesh and the world, we will be avoiding sin. This verse is not approval of asceticism (suffering in the flesh leads to sinless life) but an affirmation that following Christ in all His ways (according to all He commanded) and being crucified with Him (Gal 2:20) to the world (Gal 6:14) leads to a life of holiness and righteousness in the new self (Eph 4:24). It leads to a life no longer submitted to human passions, but to the will of God.
The behavior of the world (Gentiles; see text for list) will be judged by God according to His holiness and justice. We are clearly warned in His Word to avoid (crucify, deny) the behavior of the world and walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16).
Verse 7 is an interesting commentary on prayer. Peter mentions that the end of all things is at hand (meaning the return of Christ) and that we should be self-controlled and sober-minded in our prayers. These two things relate to our disciplines and our thoughts. Prayer is closely related to the the state of our minds and the state of our discipline. Our physical and mental posture affects our prayers (not kneeling or prostrate, but the condition of our bodies and minds). Paul writes at the end of 1 Cor 9 that he trains and disciplines his body so that it does not disqualify his preaching. Here, Peter writes that an undisciplined mind and body affects our prayers.
The end of this section focuses on life in the body. We are to love each other, show hospitality, and use our gifts so that the body might be edified and God may be glorified.
The second main section, (12-19; Endure Christ's sufferings) deals more with trials, persecutions and sufferings associated with following Christ. First of all, we should expect something. Peter says we 'should not be surprised' when trials come, as if it were strange. Our response to persecution, or sharing Christ's suffering, should be to rejoice. We can rejoice now, in the midst of our trial, because we know we will rejoice when He returns and His glory is revealed. We can set our hope fully on that future grace (1:13) that we will experience when appear with Him in glory (Col 3:4) and His glory is revealed.
If we are insulted for the name of Christ, we should be comforted in that we have Holy Spirit inside us and that He 'rests upon us' in those times. Suffering for breaking the law of man is not the same as suffering because of the name of Christ; one will lead to punishment by men, the other gives glory to God. Judgment at the hands of human law may come, justly or not, and it will begin with those who belong to God (because we SHOULD be easy to spot). And if we, who have the Gospel and the hope of God, face judgment and scrutiny for living righteously, how much more will the worldly and unrighteous be judged?
But thank the Lord for giving us encouragement at the end:
1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
He is faithful and good; and we can trust Him through it all. amen.
How does this affect my worship?
Rejoicing is a common theme in worship. We rejoice in who God is and what He has done. We rejoice in His victory of sin. We rejoice when He 'comes through for us'. But in this chapter we are reminded to rejoice when we are associated with and receive persecution because of Christ. And the foundation for that joy is that we KNOW we will be able to rejoice in heaven with Him for eternity. We will see Him like He is (1 John 3:2) and His glory will be revealed. God asks us to endure now, because the end of the story will be worth it.
How does this affect my discipleship?
That pesky verse 7 makes me squirm. Not the 'end of all things is near' part, but the second part. 'Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers'. I know that how I treat my wife can affect my prayers (3:7), but how I treat my body does too? My self-control (will, discipline) and sober-mindedness (thoughts) affect my prayers. Becoming a disciple, much more making disciples, has to include some aspect of discipline; thought and action, mind and body. Dallas Willard reminds me that the 'spiritual disciplines' are all things we do with our bodies; they can't be separated (The Great Omission, chapter 8). How do I do that? And how do I teach that?
May the Lord fill you with the knowledge of His will,
Ethan
Thursday, November 01, 2007
1 Peter 3
This week's study is in 1 Peter 3. So far I have been able to stick with the acronym 'HOPES' for this book. By the way, I took that from some ideas that a few commentators offered on the main overall theme for the book. If I find a better word (with 5 letters) for the acronym, we'll have some serious editing.
But, for now, chapter 3 builds on the 'P' of HOPES, and the outline theme is Pure Conduct and Prepared to Proclaim.
The memory passage (for now) is:
1 Peter 3:1,2,7,15-16 (ESV)
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives— 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Again, as always, I had trouble narrowing down the passage. There are always more verses to memorize that there is time in which to memorize. I'm trying to stick with the purpose of this study and keep the memory passages to those verses that most represent the ideas in the chapter.
The Pure Conduct Peter writes about is between husbands and wives. Wives are to subject themselves to their own husband even if he is not a Christ-follower. If he indeed isn't, the testimony with the most value is respectful pure conduct toward him. Wives aren't to focus on the external adornments but the condition of their heart. This passage is not a prohibition against jewelry and hair-braids, but a warning against making that the focus. Like the holy women of old, who serve as an example, maintain a godly wife-hood even with a non-believing husband.
Husbands are given a separate command; live with your wives in an understanding way and honor them as the weaker vessel. We are heirs with them in Christ, and if we do not love them as Christ loves the church, it has an effect on our prayers. Peter doesn't expound on what hindered prayers look like, but the principle is clear. If you are treating your wife the wrong way, you are directly affecting your relationship to God.
The second, and longer, section I have titled Prepared to Proclaim. It includes how to be prepared and what to proclaim. First we see a list of behavioral instructions; have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tender heart, humble mind, don't repay evil with evil or reviling with reviling, bless others, keep your tongue from deceit, turn away from evil, do good, speak and pursue peace, be zealous for good, and have no fear if you are suffering for righteousness' sake. (8-13) Being prepared to make a defense (15) begins by living a godly and righteous life. Why else would anyone ask you for a reason for the hope you have? If your life does not reflect the hope you have, the question will not come. By following Christ and obeying all that He commanded we live out the hope He gives us. Our lives should be in constant readiness to proclaim the Gospel as a result of the hope of the Gospel being constantly displayed in our lives.
But when that opportunity comes (which it should if we are really living the life of Christ) we are to speak the truth in love, with gentleness and respect. The delivery, as well as the content, must be above reproach so that any slander or accusation will be put to shame (16). While there may be injustice and suffering, it is better to suffer for Christ than to suffer for sin. Christ's suffering is our example. He, the righteous one, suffered once that He might bring us to God.
Verses 19-21 have had many different interpretations. Without going in to great detail, this is the most accepted interpretation as well as I can understand it. Peter is talking about Christ, in the spirit, proclaiming God through Noah to the people who were destroyed in the flood. They were saved from the water (not by the water) as a symbol of the way we are saved from sin by Christ. Baptism is a symbol of this saving act, but not the saving act itself.
We have seen Christ's life (16), His death (18), His resurrection (21), and now His ascension (22). He is in heaven, at the right hand of God; and He is Lord.
How does this affect my worship?
I'm struck by how my treatment of my wife can affect my prayers. It does not expound on that in this passage, but it would naturally follow that my worship would be affected also. I don't think it is humanly possible to walk in righteousness and humility with God and walk in wickedness and pride with people. How I treat my wife affects my relationship with God, of which worship is a large component. How I treat other people affects my relationship with God. How I treat myself affects my relationship with God. I am not truly fulfilling the first great commandment if I ignore the second great commandment.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I have to model 'how it can be different'. Following Christ is different that following the world. Loving my wife the way He loves the church is different from the world. The way of the world leads to destruction, the way of Christ leads to eternal life. I must play out His way in my life so that anyone I dare disciple can see how 'it can be different'. Somehow I must live out 'follow me as I follow Him' (1 Cor 11:1)
Blessings,
Ethan
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
1 Peter 2
We continue today in a series I call "1 Peter HOPES"; based on the main theme of the book that became the acronym for the thematic outline.
The memory passage is;
1 Peter 2:4-5, 13,17,24-25 (ESV)
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
(and let me tell you, this week was especially hard to narrow it down to this many verses)
The outline theme (beginning with 'O' this week; hOpes) is Our Priesthood, Our Submission.
1 Peter 2 begins with a comment on Christian maturity. True believers should put away (which Peter sees as something WE must do) malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These are not signs of growing believers who should be longing for pure spiritual milk. This pure milk contributes to the growth that comes in those who have truly 'tasted that the Lord is good' (2).
Many people seem to group vv1-3 with the end of 1 Pet 1. So the beginning of the 'priesthood' theme seems to be in verse 4. (*note; I have limited my memory study to the accepted chapter breaks and not thematic outlines as rendered by scholars and commentators).
The idea of 'living stones' and the priesthood are linked in this section; Christ is a Living Stone that became the cornerstone of faith and salvation. We are said to be living stones built on THE Living Stone as a spiritual house; and we are then a holy priesthood in that house. The main duty of that office is 'to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ' and 'proclaim the excellencies' of God. Worship! Christ, being the Living Cornerstone to believers and the stumbling stone to unbelievers, by His work on the cross made possible the adoption of Jew and Gentile alike 'from darkness to light' (10). Gentiles, who were not a chose people or holy nation, are now 'a royal priesthood for His own possession'. What great mercy He has shown us!
And in response to His great mercy, we should abstain from the passions of the flesh that war with the Spirit dwelling in us. We should be righteous before God, but also upright and above reproach before other people. Even if we are accused or persecuted unjustly, on the day of visitation (by God into their lives or by the return of Christ) our good deeds will be evident and God will be glorified.
As I read through 1 Peter 2:13-25, I noticed some similarities with Romans 13. In my memory study of Rom 13, I titled the chapter 'Righteous Submission'. It included submission to earthly authorities, to each other, and to the Lord. This section of 1 Peter follows the same pattern.
First Peter deals with the issue of earthly governments. We are to be subject to the leader of the land and the people he has under him not in spite of the Lord's leadership, but in honor of Him. We actually honor Him by submitting to the human authorities over us. The line is crossed when that human authority is in direct opposition to Christs' rule in our lives. Living uprightly before people, in submission to earthly authority, silences the ignorant accusations of those around us. We are ultimately servants of God, but should be subject to the authorities He placed over us (Rom 13:1).
Next we are to honor each other; both believers and nonbelievers. Above all, we should fear God, but also honor everyone around us, love the brotherhood and honor the emperor. This must somehow be done when we are treated well or poorly. Being punished for breaking the law is just; being punished when we are innocent, when we are mindful of God, honors Him because we have 'become like Him' in His suffering(Phil 3:10).
Lastly, Peter reminds us of what Christ did for us and the model He presented. He was sinless and did not return evil with evil. He suffered silently, trusting that the justice of God would prevail. He bore our sins in His body (became sin for us 2 Cor 5:21) so we could die to sin and live to righteousness. Our healing came at the price of His wounds. And though we strayed like sheep, we have returned to the Shepherd, or Overseer, of our souls.
How does this affect my worship?
As I was driving the other day, I got stuck on verse 24 for a while. He bore our sins in His body that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. What does a life that has died to sin and lives to righteousness look like? If I walk in righteousness at all in this life, it is because of what He has done. And that could be the subject of my worship for years. I am to 'give Him the thanks due His righteousness' (Ps 7:17), but I also give Him thanks for my righteousness; because that is also His.
How does this affect my discipleship?
How do I guard/protect/ensure that what is built on a disciple's foundation (Christ) is strong and lasting (1 Cor 3:11-15)? If I am to make disciples, what role/responsibility do I have in their building? Some? That is sobering. While my own priesthood, my walk with Christ, is critical, we have been given the charge to have some co-apprenticeship responsibility in the walk of whoever we disciple. And while I believe this is very 'organic' in nature (as opposed to mechanic) and is as unique as each relationship is, we still will give account for how we carry out our orders; to make disciples. Lord, help us. Show Your mercy, and guide us. For Your glory and Your name's sake.
May you be mindful of God as you walk with Him today,
Ethan
Thursday, October 11, 2007
1 Peter 1
Well, I was having trouble deciding what to study next, and here we are; 1 Peter. After Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and a few random studies, I decided to dig into 1 Peter. It has been a coon's age since I studied the letters of Peter, and I found myself drawn to it for some reason. I would like to go back to a Gospel at some point, but I have to figure out how that memory study would play out given the length and content.
So, the memory passage for 1 Peter is
1 Peter 1:3-4, 13-16 (ESV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
The outline acronym for 1 Peter is 'HOPES' (had to make it plural to cover all 5 chapters), so the first chapter outline has words beginning with 'H'.
Hope in Christ, Holy living.
Peter begins this letter by identifying himself and asserting his apostleship. He sends this letter to many churches 'of the dispersion' and blesses them with a very Trinitarian phrase; according the the foreknowledge of the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ. Then we find a phrase very common in Paul's writing, but Peter kicks it up a notch; may grace and peace be multiplied to you.
The next section is the first outline section starting with 'Hope in Christ'. He blesses God and proclaims that by the work of Christ we have been born again to a living hope that is sealed and secure in heaven. The words imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven, and guarded through faith provide much encouragement and hope to those facing current trial or hardship. In this knowledge, we can rejoice in that the genuineness of our faith is being tested by fire; and unlike gold that perishes, we can trust that our enduring faith will result in praise, glory, and honor to God when Jesus returns.
While our faith is placed in One we have not seen, we can rejoice with certainty that He will fulfill His promise and bring to completion the outcome of our faith; salvation! This plan of salvation is not new, but has been searched out and written about for many years by the prophets. Peter includes the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories to remind them that the complete picture of the work of Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament.
The second outline section begins in verse 13 with Holy living (or 'called to be holy'). We are to prepare our minds, with sober thinking, to set our hope fully on the future grace we will receive when Christ returns. A way we do this is not conforming to our former ignorance, but seeking to be holy as He is holy. Peter uses the phrase 'as obedient children' to remind us that we have an active, loving, attentive Father in heaven who wants to train and discipline us into a life of holiness and righteousness. Our Father is impartial in His judgment and will evaluate our conduct during this time on earth. But, because He ransomed us with the precious blood of Christ, the pure and spotless Lamb, our inheritance is secure and our adoption final. While our works and deeds will be tested with fire (1 Cor 3:13) at the judgment seat of Christ, our lives are now hidden with Christ (Col 3:3) and we will appear with Him when He returns (Col 3:4).
Again, the Person and work of Christ were known fully before the foundation of the world, and through that Person and work we can be certain that our faith and hope are secure in God. Our part in holy living is a lifestyle of obedience to Christ and love in the body of Christ. The fruit of our sanctification leads to eternal life (Rom 6:22); like an imperishable seed that does not wither, but remains forever in heaven according to the living and abiding Word of God.
How does this affect my worship?
Notice the times Peter uses the word 'rejoice'? We are to rejoice when we are grieved by various trials and if we are having feelings of doubt (though you do not now see Him). How do we do this? We all sing the songs with the theme 'no matter what, I'll still praise You!', but how does that actually play out. Trials and doubt are two of the first things I would think of that would rob my praise and worship. And yet we are taught, commanded, to rejoice in the face of it all. This shouldn't be grudgingly or half-hearted; but filled with joy. Can I really do that?
How does this affect my discipleship?
What is my role as a disciple-maker in the holy living of those I teach and disciple? I so quickly want to jump into 'behavior management' so that their lives look more like holy lives. I'm having a hard time trusting the process. And that is helpful to remember; we are all in process. I don't have to be Holy Spirit; that's His job. Isn't that why wisdom and discernment are on the top of many lists of prayer needs for the maturity of believers? As I increase in knowledge of Christ and in knowing Him, I also must increase in how to appropriately apply that to my life and the lives of those I disciple. Lord help me.
May grace and peace be multiplied to you!
Ethan
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Colossians 4
Today is the last study in book of Colossians. The memory passage for chapter 4 is
Colossians 4:2-6, 12 (ESV)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
The outline theme (beginning with another 'O') is Open doors and Old friends.
Verse one of Colossians 4 is really the conclusion of chapter 3. Paul discusses family issues and reminds masters of slaves to treat their slaves justly and fairly; keeping in mind that they, too, have a master in heaven who will treat them justly and fairly and will judge them righteously for their conduct.
Verses 2-6 is a section I titled 'Open doors' based on the overall theme of proclaiming the Word of God to unbelievers through the open doors God provides. First, pray. Pray steadfastly and alertly in a posture of thanksgiving. Specifically, pray that God opens doors for the Gospel and that His servants would make it clear as they speak it. Pray that His servants conduct themselves wisely and graciously toward outsiders; making the best use of our limited time and learning how to respond to everyone. In this section we see prayer, proclamation, and proper speech as key characteristics of the Christian laborer. I have prayed this prayer for others as well as myself. Notice in verse 6 how he focuses on how we respond to outsiders, and not what we say. What we say is critically important (as it should be of sound doctrine and glorifying to God) but HOW we say it, graciously and in love, is also very important. This seems to be echoed in 1 Pet 3:15-16; we should always be prepared to share the Gospel, but should do it 'with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience'.
The final section of chapter 4 I titled "Old friends". In addition to it working very nicely with the alliterated outline, it reminds me that Paul ends this letter with comments from and greetings through his close companions.
Tychicus would deliver this letter to the church in Colosse as well as bring information and encouragement from him. Onesimus is a runaway slave from Colosse who is now returning with Tychicus having become a believer (see Philemon). Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jews that Paul calls 'fellow workers' who give him much comfort. It's interesting that Mark is now officially 're-instated' by Paul after deserting him on Paul's first journey.
Epaphras likely planted the church in Colosse, and here sends personal greetings back to his former flock. His personal connection with the church is also evident in his prayers for them; he struggles in prayer that they stand mature and fully assured in God's will. Along with 4:2-6, and of course 1:9-10, this passage is one I often pray for myself and others.
Paul briefly mentions Luke and Demas (who would later abandon Paul) before sending his own personal greetings to the Laodicean church and the fellowship at Nympha's house. Archippus gets a personal exhortation to 'fulfill the ministry' he was called to. And finally Paul signs the letter, asking for prayer in his imprisonment, and sending grace to his readers.
How does this affect my worship?
Once again we see thanksgiving (v2). Whether in prayer or worship, thanksgiving must be the heart-posture of the offerer. Thanksgiving aligns ourselves with God in proper perspective of who He is and who we are. It's an act of humble submission that (in our lives) places Christ back on the throne and us at His feet. While He is always King and is always Lord of the universe, we do not always 'regard Him' as Lord (1 Pet 3:15). Thanksgiving is an attitude that moves us back into proper alignment with the Lord of our kingdom. In that posture, our worship can be 'holy and pleasing', a true 'living sacrifice' of worship (Rom 12:1).
How does this affect my discipleship?
Epaphras no doubt invested much into the believers in Colosse. Whatever reasons led him to leave and join Paul, we still see in him a close spiritual connection with them. His prayer is passionate and personal. No matter if the official, or 'formal', discipleship relationship may not continue forever (and shouldn't if it is to reproduce), the relationships forged in the process do continue forever. The guys that I meet with and invest in may move on to other ministries in other places, but my responsibility is to remember them, struggle for them, in prayer as they continue to multiply the work that we began.
Grace to you,
Ethan
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Colossians 3
This is one of those chapters I dread writing about. Colossians chapter 3 could be the subject of a whole series of blogs by itself, and I am limited to one summary entry. Were I to pick a 'life verse' (3:16) from a 'life chapter' (ch3), this would be it. I will do my best to do it justice.
The memory passage for this chapter is really, really hard to discern. I have already memorized most of it, so picking from those verses and certain other thematic verses was difficult. Based on the thematic outline of Life in Christ and Life in the Family, I would choose 1-4 and 18-21. But this leaves out an 'essential' memory section of 12-17 (not to mention 23-24). So, for the sake of this study I will have to make a compromise. If I were to limit the memory section to about 6 verses it would be
Colossians 3:3-4, 16-17, 18-21 (ESV)
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
(I know, that's eight, but 18-21 is no longer than some single verses in Romans...)
The thematic outline, as stated above, is Life in Christ and Life in the Family.
Life in Christ
Chapter 3 begins by orienting our life in Christ; it is to be IN CHRIST. If we have been raised with Him (which we have) we should seek Him and His kingdom, not the things on earth. Since 'one who has died has been set free from sin' (Rom 6:7) we are now hidden (secure and safe) with Christ in God. And when He appears in glory, we will appear with Him (1 Cor 15:49).
So, if your life in Christ is oriented with Christ, here's what you also have to do: put to death the deeds of the flesh (not just 'not seek' them). What are those? Sexual immorality, impurity, passion (lust), evil desire, covetousness, idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. These are examples of the 'old self' and walking in the flesh. But we are to put off the old self (like dirty clothes, cf Gal 5:16-21) and are to put on the new self (like clean clothes, cf Eph 4:22ff). This new self comes from God and is made in His image. There is no distinction of race, appearance, or status in Christ; we all have sinned (Rom 3:23) and we all are redeemed (Rom 3:24) by the blood of Christ. And in Christ there is true unity and oneness with each other as we embrace unity and oneness with Him.
Verse 12 begins a section of Scripture that I have long memorized (and would highly recommend doing. Although I confess that I have not RE-memorized it in the ESV; it's still rattling around in my brain in the NIV). After telling us to set our mind and hearts on Christ, reminding us what walking apart from Christ looks like, and then reminding us of our unity in Christ, Paul tells us more of what we should do.
Put on (as a garment) compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. He adds forbearance (Gal 6:2), forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness. These are all things that are unnatural and unattainable without Christ. They describe His very character. And as we put off the old self and the old practices, He has promised to fill us in Him (2:10) and give us His holy and righteous character (Eph 4:24). And our unity and peace comes from letting Him rule in all of our hearts.
I wrote an entire entry a while back on the next verse, so I will briefly summarize it here. The Word of Christ, the 'all that He commanded' us, is the place we must start. Not just reading, not just hearing, but letting it dwell richly in our hearts through memory and meditation. As an outpouring of the rich-dwelling of His Word, we must disciple each other with teaching and admonishment in the spiritual wisdom and understanding (1:9ff) He gives us. And as we grow in our apprenticeship to Jesus, we can join together in corporate worship by giving thanks to Him in a variety of ways. This is the core of the disciple; His Word, His wisdom, and His worship.
Verse 17 speaks for itself.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Life in the Family
Verse 18 begins a change in focus; Life in the family. Here we read a short version of what Paul writes in Ephesians 5:22ff. Wives are to submit to their husbands, who are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Children are to obey their parents, and fathers are not to provoke their children to anger and discourage them. While we do not have a modern context (in this country) for slavery, the principle can apply to our work. We are to work as if the Lord is our boss; not just when someone is watching or only enough to please people. We should work for the reward that waits for us from the Lord, and leave the judgment of those who mistreat us in the hands of God.
How does this affect my worship?
I have found my worship to be truly enhanced as I let His Word dwell richly in my heart. It gives me a language for praise and an example for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a critical element to true worship. After studying worship throughout the Bible, I find that thanksgiving seems to be always present, preceding, or following passages concerning worship. Thanksgiving re-orients us into a proper posture toward our God who sustains our very life. It aligns us in His kingdom and under His authority. It turns our face toward Him as we pray, worship, or commune with Him. And it can begin as simply as 'thank You'.
How does his affect my discipleship?
I see v16 as an expansion of how we are to 'teach (disciples) all that (Jesus) commanded'. We are to be grounded in His Word and filled with His wisdom (in order to teach and admonish effectively). I'm encouraged that He doesn't just give us a command and then say 'good luck with that'. He has given us access to all of His power and authority to fulfill His command.
May Christ and His Word dwell in you richly,
Ethan
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Colossians 2
This week we continue in the Chapter Memory System in the book of Colossians. I am going to ride this outline theme memory trick as long as I can. I'll probably have to write a separate entry to explain more fully. Basically, these outline points all start with 'O'. The outline points for chapter 1 all started with 'C'. I'm trying to use the acronym of 'Colo' (the first 4 letters in Colossians) to help remember what is in each chapter. So far, it has worked for Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians (to this point). I don't know if it will work for other books (especially the ones with a 'first' and a 'second', or ones who don't have enough letters to account for all of the chapters, ei Romans), but for now, it's working.
So, the outline theme for Colossians 2 is Order in the church, Overruling authority, Overriding legalism.
The memory passage is
Colossians 2:5, 9-10, 16-17 (ESV)
5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
(I have also previously memorized 6-7, 13-14, and 18-19 during my sermon series. As always, there are no rules as to what verse/s to memorize in each chapter.)
Paul continues his thoughts that ended chapter 1 in verses 1-5; his ministry to the church. He struggles (likely in prayer) for them, encourages them, and blesses them in Christ. And while continuing to battle the false teachings that assailed the Colossian church, he states that Christ alone has all 'hidden knowledge and wisdom' (confronting the Gnostic belief that certain people were given certain revelations that elevated their spiritual standing) (3). He compliments their 'good order' (a military term describing disciplined, battle-ready lines) and their faith even though he has only heard of it (5). This is the core of the first outline point; he acknowledges the Order in the church.
The second section begins in verse 6 with a 'therefore'. Paul deals with the Overruling authority of Christ and our response to it. First of all, as believers and followers of Christ, we should continue to walk in Him, be rooted and built up in Him, be established in Him, and offer thanksgiving in Him. (6-7).
He then volleys a full assault on false philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition, and the elemental spirits who are not established in or submitted to Christ. Christ, he continues, is the Head of ALL rule and authority because in His very body (another confrontation of Gnosticism) dwells the whole fullness of deity (9-10). This verse, along with 1:19, offer a clear teaching of Christ being fully God and fully man; not just one or the other.
After stating Christ's role as Head, Paul addresses His role as Redeemer; He took our sin on Himself, while we were dead in sin and uncircumcised in the flesh, to the grave and then raised us again with Him. By this act, Christ gave us a spiritual circumcision (not by the hands of man), freedom from our debt(by canceling it on the cross), and victory over Satan and his rulers an authorities (11-15). This section (6-15) outlines and proclaims Christ's Overruling authority.
The third section of Chapter 2 deals with the issue of man's legalistic tendencies and the need for us to Override legalism. In verses 16-19, Paul lists a number of specific issues related to legalism. The main idea is that we should not give any other person the say or authority in our lives to pass judgment (16) or disqualify (18) us in regards to human standards of outward 'righteousness'. This includes food, drink, celebrations, Sabbath, asceticism, worship of angels, and visions. These are a 'shadow of the things to come, and they puff up the mind (17,18). The substance is in Christ, the Head, from Whom we get our nourishment, our unity, and our growth.
Verse 20 (echoed in Gal 4:9) confronts our human willingness to submit to a yoke of spiritual slavery even after we have been set free in Christ. Human rules and elemental spirits have no more authority over us even though they may have the appearance of wisdom and righteousness. The truth is, not only are they contrary to life in Christ, but they don't work. They have 'no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh' (23). Following rules and ordinances created by man in order to appear spiritual or righteous only washes the outside, but leave the inside corrupt (cf. Matt 23:25-28). In Christ, we are free from the oppression of Phariseeism because He has given us authority to Override legalism.
How does this affect my worship?
At least in practice, we are free from rules and orders imposed by others in reference to worship. Scripture is clear that God seeks worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) that comes from a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Whether I stand or sit, sing hymns or praise songs, play organ or drums, or whenever, wherever, however I worship, it must be 'from Him, through Him, and to Him' (Rom 11:36). In order for my sacrifice of praise to be holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1), it must begin and end with Him.
How does the affect my discipleship?
It is so easy to drift into some sort of legalistic program with new disciples. I have faced this many times myself. "Don't swear, stop smoking, use words like 'redeemed' and 'disciple', memorize scripture, clean up your thought life..." and then you're on the right track to becoming a REAL Christian. I must make disciples of Christ; He commanded it. But I must not at any point change the focus from what Holy Spirit is doing in their life to what I want them to do. That is making disciples of Ethan, not Christ. Lord, forgive me for trying to take over. As I follow You, please give me the wisdom to help them follow You.
Let's follow Him together,
Ethan
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Colossians 1
Having 'recently' preached through Colossians (Summer-Fall of 2005), I'm finding it very refreshing to be back in this wonderful little book for a review and refresher. This study, the Chapter Memory Study, has a much different focus and scope that would a preaching series, so there are different things that have grabbed my attention. And while I memorized one passage from each sermon (which would cover any variety of verses), this study has, and I'm sure will continue to, draw out other more 'thematic' scriptures for memory.
The memory passage for Colossians 1 is:
Colossians 1:9-12, 15-19, 24 (ESV)
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
(Note; I had already memorized 9-12, so I added a few extra verses for myself this week)
The Thematic Outline is Core prayer, Christ is preeminent, and Church ministry.
Core Prayer
After one of Paul's signature greetings including authorship, his company, his audience, and a blessing of grace and peace from God, he begins a section that is filled with prayerful tones. He writes that they 'thank God' in their 'prayers' (3) and that they 'have not ceased to pray' (9) for this body of believers. His prayers include thankfulness for their faith in Christ and love for other saints grounded in hope (4), that the Gospel has taken root and born fruit in them (5) and for their enduring faith and obedience to Christ and His servant Epaphras (7).
Verses 9-12 contain a prayer that I have frequently prayed for myself and others. The first supplication is for increased knowledge of God's will and for its application with spiritual wisdom and understanding. The resulting action is worked out in the believers walk. In fact, the next part of the prayer spells the word W.A.L.K. Our walk is to be:
Worthy of Him
Acceptable to Him
Laboring for Him
Knowing more of Him
This walk can be accomplished because God supplies His strength, power and might for our endurance and patience. With this, we can joyfully give thanks to God, at all times, as the One who has qualified us, as adopted children, to receive the inheritance in His kingdom. Our adoption is possible because He transferred us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom and authority of His Son who bought us on the cross (13-14).
Christ's Preeminence
One of the reasons I included all of 15-19 as the memory passage is that I didn't know where to stop. One of the main heresies threatening the Colossian church was a denial of the deity of Christ. Paul clobbers that heresy with these powerful words:
He is the image (representation and manifestation) of God
He is the firstborn (in rank, not 'the first One born') of creation
All things were created through Him and for Him
He is eternal; before all things
He is the Sustainer; He holds it all together
He is the Head of the church
He conquered death as the firstborn from the dead
He is preeminent
In Him, the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
His resulting work was to reconcile all things to Himself through the cross; allowing those who were hostile to God access to the sanctifying work of Holy Spirit through Whom they can be made holy and blameless before Him. Paul's 'if' assumes that they would continue in the faith based on the evidence that they were redeemed, reconciled and regenerate in Christ.
Church Ministry
For the sake of the church, Paul shares in the trials and sufferings that Christ experienced while He ministered on this earth. This verse does not teach that Christ's sacrifice was insufficient in any way (the word 'suffering' is never used for Christ's death) but that those who follow Christ will, and should, be treated in some ways the way He was. This is 'sharing His suffering' (Phil 3:10). The revelation of the mystery of Christ, that salvation has come to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, is the call and mission of Paul's ministry.
The last two verses of this chapter summarize well the goal and power of ministry; to proclaim Christ and make disciples (warning and teaching in wisdom leading to maturity) by the strength and power of God working in us. More on this later.
How does this affect my worship?
The words of vv15-20 could be the focus of unending worship. Christ, the Author and Perfecter of faith, is, was, and always will be Creator, Sustainer, Lord, and Head. The fact that all things were created for Him implies that all things created should worship Him. The words of Romans 11:36 resound here; from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things.
Glory to Him, and Him alone.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I will often quote vv28-29 in conversations concerning discipleship. First of all, He is the subject of our proclamation. We proclaim Him and His kingdom. He is also the subject of our teaching and admonition (not to mention the source of spiritual wisdom and understanding, cf 9). He is also the goal of our sanctification as maturity in Christ yields Christ-likeness. And while this call to ministry is for us to obey, it does not come without the requisite power and strength. Isn't this the Great Commission in action? Go (proclaim) and make disciples (teaching and admonishing everything He commanded)!
May the Sustainer sustain you in His strength,
Ethan
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Philippians 4
As we conclude the shortest book thus far in the Chapter Memory Study today, we look at Paul's closing words to the church in Philippi.
The memory passage is;
Philippians 4:1,9,11,13,19 (ESV)
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
The outline theme is Love, learn, and lean in the Christian walk.
Paul's affection for the beloved brothers in the Philippian church is evident from the very first verse. He loves them and longs for them, and he calls them his joy and crown. This underlying affection flavors even his most pointed confrontation of the letter in vv 2-3. These two women who appeared to be competing for attention or a following were reminded that we are united through Christ; all of our names (in the body of believers) are written in the book of life.
Verse 4 begins a beautiful passage of encouragement and exhortation that continues through verse 9. Rejoice in the Lord, for in Him you have much to rejoice about. Let His grace and gentleness be very evident in your lives as we live for His returning; which is near. Don't make agreements with anxiety; instead, pray and present your every need to God, in the posture of thanksgiving. He, who has no limit to grace or peace and who knows your need, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Also he writes them to dwell on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. This is followed by a challenge for them to practice the things they have learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul so that they don't just get the peace of God, but also the God of peace.
Following an example of love and the challenge to learn from Paul's example, we read a reminder to find our contentment in God and God alone. While Paul was grateful for the gifts and support he had received, but kept it all in eternal perspective. In times of plenty and times of little, he proclaims that he is content in God who strengthens him to do all things. His focus is not the actual physical gift, but the impact, or fruit, that the gift will have in the kingdom. And what a blessing to give someone; that God will supply every need based on the riches He has in glory and gives us through Christ! And it is always and forever to Him and for His glory.
How does this affect my worship?
There seems to be a worship theme running through the Bible concerning contentedness in God. 'No matter what happens, good or bad, I will praise You. If I am in prosperity or need, I will praise You. If I overflow with joy or am burdened with sorrow, I will praise You.' How does my worship change if I really believe that He will supply all of my needs and all of my strength to stand firm for Him in this world?
How does this affect my discipleship?
For some reason, verse 9 has never stuck out to me as a verse about discipleship until now. Paul basically says 'everything I have invested in you, teaching, giving, speaking, and living; do these things as a way to get closer to God (and have Him draw closer to you).' Inherent in Paul's discipleship mentality is that he lives his whole life in front of people with the expectation that they will do the same. It must multiply so that it can reach the ends of the earth.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
Ethan
Monday, July 30, 2007
Philippians 3
Hello again brothers and sisters,
The Chapter Memory Study continues today in Philippians 3. The Memory Passage is a long one, but I just couldn't figure out a great place to stop.
Philippians 3:7-11,12 (ESV)
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
The outline themes are 'I count as loss' and 'I press on'.
After a typically Pauline greeting and encouragement to rejoice, Paul reminds his readers of the dangers of adding anything to salvation by grace through faith in Christ. The Judaizers were pressing hard to add the Hebrew right of circumcision as a necessary step for Gentiles to be truly saved. Paul calls them 'those who mutilate the flesh' (2). He then turns the tables on them with an unexpected argument; I of all people could put confidence in the flesh because of my heritage and my actions prior to knowing Christ.
Next comes one of the most concise and essential passages for anyone who truly wishes to follow Christ. The theme of Luke 9:23 is expanded in great detail. 'Whatever I had, have, or will have, I count as loss, or garbage, because it's better to know Christ. And being found in Him gives me the true righteousness from God that depends on faith in Christ. I must share with Him in His sufferings, but I know He promises that the power of His Spirit that raised Him from the dead will sustain me as I strive to attain ultimate resurrection when He returns."
Verse 12 transitions into the next thematic section; I press on. After about 30 years of following Christ, Paul still has this encouragement for himself and his readers; keep pressing on! 'I have not made it yet, but I press on for that ultimate prize; being with Christ forever'.
Verses 15-17 outline a tremendous model for discipleship. As we mature, the Lord will mold our thinking to be what He reveals to us. And then we are to hold fast to what we have already gained in Him. Once again in verse 17 (as in 1 Cor 4:16 and 11:1) Paul urges his readers to imitate him. This is not for his ego or because he intends to usurp the place of Christ in our ultimate discipleship, but because he understands that God has formed him into a teacher and model for younger believers. We are to 'keep our eyes on those who walk according to our example'. More on this later.
And what a passionate plea for the children of God to live as citizens of heaven in hopeful anticipation of our glorification for eternity with Him! The opposite of this way of life is as an enemies of the cross who seek to feed their flesh and worship shameful, worldly things.
How does this affect my worship?
The core of the word worship is 'worth'. The first part of verse 8 speaks profoundly to this idea of what is really worth it. If I truly value knowing Jesus Christ my Lord above all else, how can I help but loose my grip on anything I have gained on my own. If my focus is Him and only Him, and if I truly place surpassing worth in knowing Him, my worship will be transformed. Only by losing everything can I truly gain the best He has for me; Himself.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Verse 17 is one of those unexpected verses that just jumped out at me in this study. Paul sets up a mindset for multiplicational discipleship. Imitate me, and watch those who imitate me and those I have discipled. And if we truly emulate Paul, we then must at some point turn around to others and say 'Imitate me and those I have discipled'. For us to truly and righteously be able to say that, we must count every worldly thing as loss and be striving for only Christ. Without abandonment to Christ, this plea for imitators (or disciples) would be self-serving and pride-feeding. I must always remember that I am making disciples of Christ, not Ethan. Not just 'follow me', but always 'follow me as I follow Him'!
May you count as loss and press on in Him, to Him, and for His sake!
Ethan
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Philippians 2
The second chapter of Philippians deals with Christ's humility and example, God's help for us as we work out our salvation, and the example of two heroes of the faith.
The memory passage is;
Philippians 2:5-8, 12-13 (ESV)
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
12 Therefore, my beloved, 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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The outline themes are Humility, Help, and Heroes in the Christian Walk.
The first few verses of Chapter Two center around the Mind of Christ. From the encouragement, comfort, love, affection, sympathy, and participation in the Spirit through Christ comes the desire to be of the same mind; the mind of Christ in one accord. Not rivalry, conceit, pride or selfishness.
What is the mind of Christ? Though He was (is) God, He humbled Himself (made Himself nothing) by becoming a man. And He humbled Himself even more by dying, as the innocent, spotless Lamb, in the worst way of the day, in order that we might share in His resurrection. The mind and heart of Christ is that of love and sacrifice for me. Through His humiliation, He has opened the door for my glorification.
The mind of Christ is not just a 'state of being', but leads to action. We are to 'work out our own salvation' with fear and trembling. This is not working 'for' salvation, but working it out in the sense of our daily life. God's investment in us is ultimately for His good pleasure and glory. Somehow there is the gift of grace that is freely (unearned) given with which we must then work out in our walk with Christ. This is to be done without grumbling or questioning so that we can be separate from the world; free of blemish and corruption in the midst of a stained and corrupt world. This fruit in the lives of those he discipled gave Paul joy and contentment in that his life and labor for the kingdom of God that were not wasted.
The last section focuses on two men that Paul holds up as examples of walking with Christ. Timothy is highly regarded as unique (no one like him) and worthy in the work of the kingdom. Paul emphasizes Timothy's genuine concern and love for the Philippian church and the benefit he will be to them. Epaphroditus is honored by Paul as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier in the work of the kingdom. He apparently gave of himself freely to Paul and the ministry of the Word as he 'was ill, near to death' before God healed him. His service was invaluable to Paul, and will certainly be the same for the Philippians.
Notice how Paul sent his best men to the Philippians. It wasn't those he could spare, or someone extra; he sent the best. It would have been easy to justify the need to keep these pillars close by in Paul's 'greater ministry'. But he raised them up, discipled them, and sent them. For the kingdom to multiply, disciples and disciple-makers must have a mindset of multiplication from beginning to end. Only then can our discipleship truly reach to the ends of the earth.
How does this affect my worship?
Verses 9 and 10 will be the subject of praise for eternity. As we now, and in heaven, thank God the Father for His love and enduring mercy, we will not be able to separate the exaltation of Christ from that strain. It is the very reason we will be able to praise for eternity in the first place. After all Christ went through, God exalted Him and honored Him; and with this is the seal of our own glorification. We are united with Him in His death, but also in His resurrection (Rom 6:5), and we are hidden with Him so much that when He appears, we will also appear with Him (Col 3:4) and be like Him (1 Cor 15:49, 1 John 3:2).
How does this affect my discipleship?
Do I have the courage to let my 'best disciples' go and make more disciples? Those will be the men who challenge and stretch me the most, who I am the closest to in vulnerability and accountability, and who I love the most. Can I turn them loose? I must. If the Lord is gracious and shows His favor to me by letting me disciple and apprentice with men like this, it would be selfish of me to keep them to myself.
May you walk in the Mind of Christ today,
Ethan
Monday, June 25, 2007
Philippians 1
The memory passage for Philippians 1 is;
Philippians 1:9-10,12,27 (ESV)
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
12I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
The three sections of Philippians 1 deal with prayer, proclamation, and persistence in the Christian walk.
Verses 1 through 11 contain Paul's greeting to the Philippians and his prayer for them. It's interesting to note that in his greeting, Paul does not include a statement about his apostleship (as he does in other letters). He simply refers to himself as a 'servant'. But as is common in his letters, he blesses them with the grace and peace of God.
The beginning of the prayer is full of thanksgiving; for their past and present partnership in the Gospel, for their continued sanctification by God, and for their close bond of love in Christ Jesus. He follows this thanksgiving with supplication; that their love may abound with knowledge and discernment, that they may approve what is excellent in order to be pure and blameless before Christ, and that they be filled with the fruit of righteousness from Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Notice that Paul 'postures' himself with thanksgiving before he moves to supplication. Even in his letters, while most certainly in his personal prayer life, he understands the importance of aligning himself under the authority of Christ and in the power of His kingdom. From that posture of submission and servanthood Paul moves into his requests for the church.
12-18 offer a wonderfully encouraging comment on the advance of the Gospel. First, Paul writes that his imprisonment, while meant to keep him quiet, has actually brought the Gospel into a place it would never have reached otherwise! Paul's continued witness, even under duress, brought the light of the Gospel to the imperial guard. This testimony of the sovereignty of God concerning the Gospel is expounded further as he describes different peoples' motivations for proclaiming Christ. Some proclaim Him with pure motives and other with ulterior motives. In this case, Paul doesn't jump all over the people who preach Christ from 'envy and rivalry', but simply rejoices that Christ is proclaimed!
After sharing his prayer and commenting on the advancement of the Gospel, Paul moves into a section about persistence in his walk with Christ. Paul lets us inside his 'inner conflict' to see the deep desire he has to depart the pain and suffering of life and be united with Christ forever. He confesses that he is 'hard-pressed' between wanting to stay on earth for the sake of the Gospel or desiring to be with Christ. Verse 21 seems to be often quoted, but is a powerful reminder of our true motivation and goal; eternity with Christ! But a few words before this oft quoted verse we find a statement of deep devotion; '...always Christ be honored in my body, whether by life or by death'.
Paul lays out the two sides of his inner conflict; staying here means more fruit for the kingdom, continued progress in joy and faith, and increased glory to God while leaving would be eternal joy and peace with Christ. His conclusion is that he is to stay for now. And given his testimony, he implores them to let their 'manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ' so that if he is there or not, he may hear that they are 'standing firm in one spirit and one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel'.
He then encourages them to not be frightened by their opponents. Their suffering for Christ is a sure sign of destruction to those who oppose Him and a sure sign of salvation for those who partake in His suffering.
How does this affect my worship?
That Christ be honored in my body, whether by life or death, is a wonderful statement of whole-life worship. It can't be just my words or actions that worship, but it must be my whole body fully turned and tuned to God. The scope of that worship is whole life and possible death. Does it seem sometimes that the 'easier' worship would be death? Living, walking, running the Christian life is tiring and challenging. But we are called to live, walk, run until the end, whenever that may be.
How does this affect my discipleship?
How do verses 3-6 speak to discipleship? The core of his prayer is the partnership he has with the church in Philippi. The time he spent teaching and discipling them was enriching for his own soul as well. And he knows that the work God started in them, through Him, will be brought to completion with or without him. I hope to have partners, fellow partakers in the Gospel, who I can thank God for as I look back on my life. How better to do that than invest my life into making disciples?
May you walk in prayer, proclamation, and persistence in the Christian walk.
Ethan
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Ephesians 6:14-18 (Armor of God)
I decided to take a brief side-trail in my Chapter Memory Study this week. Since the whole passage on the Armor of God did not 'fit' into the parameters (self-imposed) of the memory study, I felt it would be beneficial to take a week to hear, hide, and heed this passage further.
So, the passage is;
Ephesians 6:14-18 (ESV)
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
This whole subsection (starting in verse 10) calls for us to 'be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might'. Thankfully, Paul expands this directive in the verses to follow. Beginning in v14 He outlines the spiritual armor that we have access to as believers. Two common verbs used in this passage are 'put on' (cf. Christ in Rom 13:14, Gal 3:27; new self in Eph 4:24, Col 3:10; immortality in 1 Cor 15:53-54; Christ's character and virtue in Col 3:12) and 'take up' (used for Jesus going to heaven, Mark 16:19; Paul onto a ship, Acts 20:13-14, a person to in order to bring, 2 Tim 4:11). While I don't understand the nuances of these words, the implications are helpful. We 'put on' these gifts from God, as clothes or covering, for protection, identification, regeneration, and even as a sign of future glorification. It becomes a part of who we are and how we stand before God. We 'take up' the armor in order to use it (as Paul wanted Mark 'taken up' to him because of his usefulness, 2 Tim 4:11). The armor of God is not just for decoration or style; it is useful and intended to be used in the kingdom.
'Stand therefore' is the initial command; it is imperative that we stand our ground without wilting or retreating. The 'belt of truth' is to be fastened around us, as a binding for our garments and a place to hang armor and weapons. Truth both binds us and frees us in the service of Christ. This is not just the facts about God or the Gospel, but His manifest truth seen in our life and walk; integrity, faithfulness, wisdom, etc.
The 'breastplate of righteousness' consists of our walk in the righteousness given by Christ. Not just our status of justification, but the out-living of His righteousness in us. Not just our knowledge of Christ, but our living and submitting to Him.
Our shoes are the readiness (or preparedness) that comes from the Gospel of peace. I, and many others I presume, have read this to mean that the Gospel is our footwear. But it seems that the shoes are the foundation of faith and hope that comes from the Gospel. Again, I fall short on the nuances of the syntax, but either approach emphasizes the importance of the Gospel being our firm, and only, foundation. It is the power of God for salvation, the revealed righteousness of God (Rom 1:16-17) for faith.
This 'shield of faith', or the shield that consists of faith, is to be taken up as a defense against the flaming assault of the evil one. The arrows will fly, but the shield of our faith, by the grace of God, stands ready to deflect and extinguish them.
The 'helmet of salvation' is either salvation from present trial and trouble or the future salvation and victory assured to believers. Either way, we can be assured that God is our Rock, our Fortress, our Shield, and our salvation (Ps 18:2).
The 'sword of the Spirit' is the spoken word of God as directed and applied by Holy Spirit. Our example of this sword in action is Jesus' wielding of the Word in opposition to Satan's temptation. Again we see the importance of hearing (Rom 10:17), hiding (Ps 119:11), and heeding (James 1:22) God's Word.
Prayer was referred to by some as the 'spear' in the armor. While the text doesn't say that, nor is that the reason I include it in this study, it is clear that prayer is the essential attitude and posture that must always surround and abide in the Christian warrior. 'At all times', 'keep alert', and 'all perseverance' clearly convey a sense of consistency, urgency, and 'endurancy' for our prayer lives.
One commentator noticed that there is no armor listed for our backs. Thus the importance of praying for the other saints, those at war along side of us, as we stand firm together in Him.
While this is clearly a brief overview of a passage that could be drawn out and examined much more closely, I still have been challenged and awakened in new ways as the Lord guided me through it.
I hope you have been, too.
grace and peace,
Ethan
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Ephesians 6
The memory passage for Ephesians 6 is'
Ephesians 6:1,5,10-11 (ESV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
The outline theme is Submission and Armor in Him.
Paul continues on the theme of submission (picked up from the second half of chapter 5) and deals with the parent-child relationship and the slave-master relationship. Children are to obey their parents because it is right; according to the 5th commandment. Fathers (again only fathers are mentioned here, as in Col 3:21) should not provoke (exasperate) their children to anger, but should be disciplined to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
While the slave-master relationship does not exist in our modern culture, there are principles that apply to other interactions such as the employee-employer relationship. The keys that Paul outlines for proper service are obedience, reverence, sincerity, integrity, doing the will of God, and working as if for the Lord. This can be done regardless of any human response or reward because all things 'reward-worthy' will be acknowledged by the Lord. Masters must always remember that they, too, have a Master who gives them the right example of how to lead. In fact, our Master gives us the perfect example of a Servant and a Master.
In both of these relationships we see principles for godly submission in whatever our situation may be. Of course, we must remember to first be submitted to our Master and let Him and His peace rule in all of our relationships.
The second section of Ephesians 6 is introduced well in vv 10-11; be strong in the Lord and put on His armor. By drawing on His endless strength and bearing His armor we can stand against the schemes of the devil. These schemes do not originate with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces of evil that are working in this present age.
Now to the armor; again with the purpose of withstanding the evil in this age. The six pieces listed are;
1. belt of truth (listed first; the belt holds the armor together)
2. breastplate of righteousness (righteous living in the Spirit)
3. shoes of the Gospel (as the foundation on which we stand in hope and peace)
4. shield of faith (or a shield made of faith, protects the other armor)
5. helmet of salvation (protects our head, assures us of victory and salvation)
6. sword of the Spirit ('word' is the preached word (rhema) as directed by the Spirit for a specific need)
While not pieces of the armor, per se, prayer and alertness are critical characteristics of a soldier who is fully girded for battle. We must pray continually (1 Thess 5:17) in the power and sphere of the Spirit and be persistent in perseverance. Paul includes (as He does in Col 4) a plea for prayer for himself and his ministry of boldly proclaiming the Gospel.
In order that the Ephesians would know how and what Paul was doing, Paul sent his faithful brother and messenger Tychicus. Paul's written testimony and personal testimony are to be a source of encouragement to the hearts of the believers.
How does this affect my worship?
Even though the context is good servant-hood, the content of verse 6 seems to speak also to our worship. Worship that is truly pleasing to God is not to be done 'in front of other people'. Even while in the corporate setting (in which we are clearly visible by others) our actions should not be to draw attention to ourselves. As servants, and worshipers, of Christ, we are to do His will and offer Him worship from a heart that longs to obey Him and serve Him. We are to be God-pleasers, not man-pleasers.
How does this affect my discipleship?
One commentator noted that there is no armor listed for one's back. If nothing else, it caused me to think about the importance of not going into battle alone. As you walk with the Lord and bear His armor in the battle against the enemy, it is critical to go to battle with someone who has your back. We were never intended to fight this battle without Him, and we were never intended to fight this battle without each other.
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible,
Ethan