Greetings brothers and sisters,
Galatians 2 continues with some history of Paul's ministry along with some interactions he had with fellow apostles; some positive and some confrontational.
The memory passage for is;
Galatians 2:9,14,16a (ESV)
9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ,
**Note. If you have not already memorized vv19-20, I would recommend doing so.
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. 20 It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The outline theme is The Gospel of Faith.
The first 10 verses of chapter 2 recount a visit to Jerusalem made by Paul, Barnabas, and Titus. The reason Paul gives is that he received a revelation (2) to go and proclaim the Gospel of Christ, as He was revealed it, to the leaders (those who seemed influential) in Jerusalem. But clearly it was also designed (by God) as a test for those who might be swayed by the Judaizers to hold to circumcision IN ADDITION TO faith in Christ as means of salvation. As Paul describes, the visit was a success in that they were able to establish the true Gospel and refute the Judaizers.
Paul mentions specific men that he interacted with; James (1/2 brother of Jesus, author of James, leader of the Jerusalem church), Cephas (Peter), and John (author of the Gospel and epistles). These 'pillars' perceived the grace given to Paul and extended a hand of fellowship to them as they continued their mission (to the Gentiles). Even though they were 'tasked' to different people, there was a sign of unity under the Headship of Christ.
But this unity was tested when Peter later visited Paul in Antioch. Apparently Peter was enjoying his freedom in Christ (vividly described in Acts 10) until members of the 'circumcision party' arrived from Jerusalem. At this time, he pulled back his fellowship with the Gentiles in fear of the Jewish believers. Paul had to call him on it. His confrontation begins in v14, and some believe continues to the end of this chapter. Basically, Paul calls Peter a hypocrite. His fear of man compromises the unity in the Body of Christ.
Following, in vv15-21, Paul recounts the essentials of the Gospel. Whether Jew or Gentile, no one can be justified (declared righteous) through works of the law. The only way to be justified is by faith in Jesus Christ. This is no license to do as we please one we are 'in'. For because of the law, we must die with Christ and live in Christ in order that the grace of God not be nullified.
His conclusion is piercing; 'for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose' (21).
How does this affect my worship?
If I could only remember the cost He paid when I worship. The line at the end of the song "Here I Am to Worship" sometimes rings through my head; "and I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross". It is my sin that He bore, willingly, on the cross. He died so that I can live. Who am I to think that by doing something, anything, can I add to that work. Any attempt on my part, in worship or otherwise, to add to the work of Christ on the cross is an insult to Him. Lord, please forgive me. Please help my worship be focused more on you, and less on me.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Confrontation and discipline, while extremely unpopular in the church today, are critical to the continued unification of the body of Christ. In a church setting or in the context of discipleship, if we are not willing to confront sin and hypocrisy (always on the foundation of the true Gospel), then we run the risk of losing our witness. It can be done, and must be done, in love and grace; but it must be done. I must be open to do it, and I must be open to receive it. Lord, please help me.
Only by grace, only through faith in Christ alone,
Ethan
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Galatians 1
Grace and peace of God to you,
After completing several months in 1 Corinthians, I have decided to break the consecutive plan and jump to Galatians. I will come back to 2 Corinthians sometime, but I was feeling led to do something out of order. I also will probably alternate with a Gospel (probably John). But we'll see where this takes me.
The overall theme of Galatians is the true Gospel. Some have called Galatians the 'first draft' of Romans. Paul defends the source of the Gospel, the salvation in the Gospel, and subject of godly living.
The Memory Passage for Galatians 1 is
Galatians 1:1,6,11-2 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Outline Theme is 'The Gospel Stands Alone".
This letter begins with Paul's signature style; saying hello and starting to teach at the same time. He addresses the source of his apostleship, from God, and extends grace and peace to the recipients in the name of the Lord who is the source of the Gospel.
Verse 6 begins his admonishment of the Galatian church with 'astonishment'. Paul was just there not long ago, and already they are turning to a different 'gospel' (false teaching). Paul's caveat was that there is no other real gospel, just people and teachings meant to 'distort' the Gospel of Christ. If anyone else, even an angel, preaches a different Gospel than he did, they are to disregard it and the bearer is to be cursed. Paul may have been accused of just playing to the crowd and giving the people what they want. But if he was trying to 'please men', he could not serve Christ. Clearly the tone of his letter (and now doubt his teaching when he was with them) made it clear that this was not man-pleasing, but God-pleasing.
Beginning in verse 11, Paul begins to defend the source of the Gospel he preaches. It is not made up or taught by men, nor was it delivered to Paul by anyone (even the other Apostles). After his dramatic conversion, (which he gives a brief testimony to in vv13-16a) he went to Arabia, back to Damascus, and waited there 3 years. Paul was taught the Gospel by the direct revelation of Jesus Christ. After this time he did go to Jerusalem and met with Paul and James, but not for ministry or doctrinal instruction. On his early journeys he was still only known as 'that guy who was seeking to destroy the church Christ, now preaches the Gospel of Christ.
And they glorified God because of him.
How does this affect my worship?
If we offer a sacrifice of praise based on the one, true Word of Christ, in spirit and truth, the fruit of our lips will give all glory to God. And the only consequence we should ever have in anyone else's worship should be that they glorify God because of His work in us. The moment I, we, me, us enter into the worship equation (other than a vessel of offering), we have stolen glory from the only One who is worthy. I want people to thank God for what He has done in my life (not thank me for my work), to glorify Him for the worship led through me (not glorify me for worship led to me), and to praise His name for any acceptable offering that He may receive under my direction (not praise me for the quality of my leadership). To Him be glory forevermore in Christ Jesus.
How does this affect my discipleship?
On those days when I am 'astonished' that those I am co-apprenticing seem to have missed the point, or come with questions that show no growth (or un-growth), will I have the grace and peace that Paul has? In my admonishment, will they know that I truly love them? As I teach them (again and again) the basics of the Gospel, will I have the patience and forbearance of Christ? Can I teach and guide without stealing any of the glory?
I must.
But I can't do it alone. Lord, help me.
May you walk in His grace and His peace as you direct others toward Him,
Ethan
After completing several months in 1 Corinthians, I have decided to break the consecutive plan and jump to Galatians. I will come back to 2 Corinthians sometime, but I was feeling led to do something out of order. I also will probably alternate with a Gospel (probably John). But we'll see where this takes me.
The overall theme of Galatians is the true Gospel. Some have called Galatians the 'first draft' of Romans. Paul defends the source of the Gospel, the salvation in the Gospel, and subject of godly living.
The Memory Passage for Galatians 1 is
Galatians 1:1,6,11-2 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Outline Theme is 'The Gospel Stands Alone".
This letter begins with Paul's signature style; saying hello and starting to teach at the same time. He addresses the source of his apostleship, from God, and extends grace and peace to the recipients in the name of the Lord who is the source of the Gospel.
Verse 6 begins his admonishment of the Galatian church with 'astonishment'. Paul was just there not long ago, and already they are turning to a different 'gospel' (false teaching). Paul's caveat was that there is no other real gospel, just people and teachings meant to 'distort' the Gospel of Christ. If anyone else, even an angel, preaches a different Gospel than he did, they are to disregard it and the bearer is to be cursed. Paul may have been accused of just playing to the crowd and giving the people what they want. But if he was trying to 'please men', he could not serve Christ. Clearly the tone of his letter (and now doubt his teaching when he was with them) made it clear that this was not man-pleasing, but God-pleasing.
Beginning in verse 11, Paul begins to defend the source of the Gospel he preaches. It is not made up or taught by men, nor was it delivered to Paul by anyone (even the other Apostles). After his dramatic conversion, (which he gives a brief testimony to in vv13-16a) he went to Arabia, back to Damascus, and waited there 3 years. Paul was taught the Gospel by the direct revelation of Jesus Christ. After this time he did go to Jerusalem and met with Paul and James, but not for ministry or doctrinal instruction. On his early journeys he was still only known as 'that guy who was seeking to destroy the church Christ, now preaches the Gospel of Christ.
And they glorified God because of him.
How does this affect my worship?
If we offer a sacrifice of praise based on the one, true Word of Christ, in spirit and truth, the fruit of our lips will give all glory to God. And the only consequence we should ever have in anyone else's worship should be that they glorify God because of His work in us. The moment I, we, me, us enter into the worship equation (other than a vessel of offering), we have stolen glory from the only One who is worthy. I want people to thank God for what He has done in my life (not thank me for my work), to glorify Him for the worship led through me (not glorify me for worship led to me), and to praise His name for any acceptable offering that He may receive under my direction (not praise me for the quality of my leadership). To Him be glory forevermore in Christ Jesus.
How does this affect my discipleship?
On those days when I am 'astonished' that those I am co-apprenticing seem to have missed the point, or come with questions that show no growth (or un-growth), will I have the grace and peace that Paul has? In my admonishment, will they know that I truly love them? As I teach them (again and again) the basics of the Gospel, will I have the patience and forbearance of Christ? Can I teach and guide without stealing any of the glory?
I must.
But I can't do it alone. Lord, help me.
May you walk in His grace and His peace as you direct others toward Him,
Ethan
Thursday, February 08, 2007
1 Corinthians 16
Greetings in the Lord!
We have come to the final chapter of 1 Corinthians. While it may seem that he could have just stopped after the expansive 15th chapter, Paul follows with a few words of closing remarks, final teachings, commendations, condemnations, and compliments. Also, somewhat hidden in the chapter, are some principles for church authority and submission.
The memory passage is
1 Corinthians 16:2,13-14,23-24 (ESV)
2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The outline theme is Correct Collection and Conclusion.
The Corinthians heard news of the collection for the church in Jerusalem and sought some direction. The principles of this instruction, while certainly specific to this instance, can be applied to our giving today. It was regular, proportionate, saved, and planned for. (16:2)
Paul was also very aware of being above reproach concerning the gift. He had no intention of taking a cut, and ensured this by requesting accountability.
As at the end of Romans, Paul includes some travel plans. His desire is to see this church again, but a great ministry opportunity has opened up that he can not refuse. He 'does it all for the sake of the Gospel' (9:23) and that motivation drives him in his ministry.
Verse 12 is an interesting insight into Paul's leadership style and the relationship he had with his fellow believers. He strongly encouraged Apollos to go to Corinth, but Apollos did not feel it was the right time to go. Paul didn't order or coerce him to go against his will. There was a sense of brotherhood and partnership that motivated his leadership.
An exhortation to be diligent (watchful), stand firm in the true faith, act mature, and be strong in verse 13 sets up the reminder in verse 14 to let everything be done in love.
Verses 15 and 16 give us some insight into Paul's expectation for believers to respect and submit to those who 'have devoted themselves to the service of the saints'. He says to 'be subject to such as these' as they serve the Lord in their capacity (official or otherwise). But he doesn't let anyone off the hook, reminding them that they are all workers and laborers in the kingdom and should act as such.
As is his normal practice, Paul sends news and greetings from those who are with him. He compliments some for their encouraging presence, and testifies to the unity in the body by sending greeting from another assembly.
Paul signs this letter, and adds a final warning and closing blessing.
How does this affect my worship?
I'm struck by the instructions for giving. Paul teaches them to be disciplined, prepared, and consistent with their offerings. He knew that if they waited until he came to them, the offering would be 'thrown together' and probably would not yield as much as a consistent effort. Possibly he was trying to avoid the guilt-driven offering that some might feel obliged to give. It is clear that Paul wanted this act of worship to be thoughtful, planned and meaningful. We can take that advice for all areas of worship.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Just one read through the final verses of Chapter 16 gives us a glimpse of Paul's approach to discipleship. Even starting back with his travel plans, his comments about Timothy, about Apollos, about the first people he baptized in Corinth, about those who visited him and those who hosted the church; we see a genuine care and love for the fellow believers that he has taught, trained, served with and discipled. Paul's was not producing 'cookie-cutter' disciples by pressing them through a mold in anonymous uniformity. He built life-long relationships that could continue the work of discipleship as long as they lived.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you,
Ethan
We have come to the final chapter of 1 Corinthians. While it may seem that he could have just stopped after the expansive 15th chapter, Paul follows with a few words of closing remarks, final teachings, commendations, condemnations, and compliments. Also, somewhat hidden in the chapter, are some principles for church authority and submission.
The memory passage is
1 Corinthians 16:2,13-14,23-24 (ESV)
2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The outline theme is Correct Collection and Conclusion.
The Corinthians heard news of the collection for the church in Jerusalem and sought some direction. The principles of this instruction, while certainly specific to this instance, can be applied to our giving today. It was regular, proportionate, saved, and planned for. (16:2)
Paul was also very aware of being above reproach concerning the gift. He had no intention of taking a cut, and ensured this by requesting accountability.
As at the end of Romans, Paul includes some travel plans. His desire is to see this church again, but a great ministry opportunity has opened up that he can not refuse. He 'does it all for the sake of the Gospel' (9:23) and that motivation drives him in his ministry.
Verse 12 is an interesting insight into Paul's leadership style and the relationship he had with his fellow believers. He strongly encouraged Apollos to go to Corinth, but Apollos did not feel it was the right time to go. Paul didn't order or coerce him to go against his will. There was a sense of brotherhood and partnership that motivated his leadership.
An exhortation to be diligent (watchful), stand firm in the true faith, act mature, and be strong in verse 13 sets up the reminder in verse 14 to let everything be done in love.
Verses 15 and 16 give us some insight into Paul's expectation for believers to respect and submit to those who 'have devoted themselves to the service of the saints'. He says to 'be subject to such as these' as they serve the Lord in their capacity (official or otherwise). But he doesn't let anyone off the hook, reminding them that they are all workers and laborers in the kingdom and should act as such.
As is his normal practice, Paul sends news and greetings from those who are with him. He compliments some for their encouraging presence, and testifies to the unity in the body by sending greeting from another assembly.
Paul signs this letter, and adds a final warning and closing blessing.
How does this affect my worship?
I'm struck by the instructions for giving. Paul teaches them to be disciplined, prepared, and consistent with their offerings. He knew that if they waited until he came to them, the offering would be 'thrown together' and probably would not yield as much as a consistent effort. Possibly he was trying to avoid the guilt-driven offering that some might feel obliged to give. It is clear that Paul wanted this act of worship to be thoughtful, planned and meaningful. We can take that advice for all areas of worship.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Just one read through the final verses of Chapter 16 gives us a glimpse of Paul's approach to discipleship. Even starting back with his travel plans, his comments about Timothy, about Apollos, about the first people he baptized in Corinth, about those who visited him and those who hosted the church; we see a genuine care and love for the fellow believers that he has taught, trained, served with and discipled. Paul's was not producing 'cookie-cutter' disciples by pressing them through a mold in anonymous uniformity. He built life-long relationships that could continue the work of discipleship as long as they lived.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you,
Ethan
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