Greetings again, my friends,
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
1 Peter 1
Grace and peace to you,
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
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
Greetings,
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
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
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