Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
If you turn on the television and spend five minutes watching a show or commercials, you will notice one general theme: we are expected to cater to ourselves. Society thrives on humanism. Commercials solicit our wants and desires. Situation comedies revolve around a character's pursuit of career, love, or money. Even Christian authors are writing books on how to "Become a Better You" and "Live in Abundance." However, the central message of the cross is anti-humanism. It is a call to deny yourself and to be crucified with Christ.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes that we have been crucified with Christ. He uses the perfect tense, indicating that, though the event was completed in the past, it has a lasting effect. As believers, we share in both Christ's death and resurrection. The life we now live is not a result of anything that we have done on our own, but rather it is a result of the workings of Christ. Since we are now united with Christ, there is no more "I" in the sense that we are an individualistic, self-centered person. Christ's selfless sacrifice united us to him and calls us to do the same: to die to our selfish nature and live in fellowship with him. Therefore, we should no longer live according to our own desires, but we should allow Christ to live in and through us. We should do this because he was faithful in showing his love for us through his sacrifice. As a result, we ought to do the same.
Instead of focusing on ourselves, and what feeds our selfish desires, we should instead, focus on how we might serve the kingdom of God. Will this build our wealth, popularity, or status? Probably not. But it will build our character and obedience. If we do not of focus on how we might increase our own status, but place our minds on how we might display God's glory, we will show the world that we are different.
Tomorrow, we will look more in depth as to what this principle looks like practically. For today, I pose the question: who are you living for and who does the world see when they look at you?
You Are Becoming... So Who Are You Becoming?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Words We Speak
Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
The cliche "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," might hold true in social settings. However, as believers in Christ, we are called to do even more. We are to be intentional with our words. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul first gives the mandate that no corrupt speech come forth from the believers mouths. The adjective for corrupt is a Greek term that is also used of fish that had been left out in the market too long (cf. Matthew 12:33-34; BDAG). Therefore,if ingested by others, our words can have the same damaging affect as stinky, rotten, fish. Paul makes no room for concession as to which words are included in the mandate. No word coming from the mouth should have any ill characteristic whether it is vulgar language or slanderous talk. Often times, we think that if we telling something in jest or speaking sarcastically, our words are exempt. However, this verse states otherwise.
After giving the command of how the Ephesians are to guard their speech, Paul directs them in the way in which they should exhort one another. Their speech should be wholesome and beneficial in order to build up or strengthen the Christian community. Not only are believers to be beneficial in what we say, but we are to be intentional in how, when, and to whom to say it. Paul instructs the Ephesians to speak that which is beneficial of the need, therefore showing a prudence to the words spoken. Often times we can speak wholesome words, but if they are to the wrong person, in the wrong situation, or at the wrong time, they fall on deaf ears. The purpose for our good speech is so that we might give grace to those who hear our words. As image-bearers of God and followers of Christ, we are to be administrators of grace. One way in which to do that is through our words.
If we actually begin to think intentionally about being administrators of grace before we begin our conversation with both believers and non-believers, think about the impact our words would have on society. It would be much easier to hold back the words that have rude meaning and speak words of truth, love, and encouragement.
The challenge in this verse is to think before you speak. Not only should we think about WHAT we say, but think about WHY we are saying it. When we do, we will make a greater impact for the kingdom of God.
The cliche "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," might hold true in social settings. However, as believers in Christ, we are called to do even more. We are to be intentional with our words. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul first gives the mandate that no corrupt speech come forth from the believers mouths. The adjective for corrupt is a Greek term that is also used of fish that had been left out in the market too long (cf. Matthew 12:33-34; BDAG). Therefore,if ingested by others, our words can have the same damaging affect as stinky, rotten, fish. Paul makes no room for concession as to which words are included in the mandate. No word coming from the mouth should have any ill characteristic whether it is vulgar language or slanderous talk. Often times, we think that if we telling something in jest or speaking sarcastically, our words are exempt. However, this verse states otherwise.
After giving the command of how the Ephesians are to guard their speech, Paul directs them in the way in which they should exhort one another. Their speech should be wholesome and beneficial in order to build up or strengthen the Christian community. Not only are believers to be beneficial in what we say, but we are to be intentional in how, when, and to whom to say it. Paul instructs the Ephesians to speak that which is beneficial of the need, therefore showing a prudence to the words spoken. Often times we can speak wholesome words, but if they are to the wrong person, in the wrong situation, or at the wrong time, they fall on deaf ears. The purpose for our good speech is so that we might give grace to those who hear our words. As image-bearers of God and followers of Christ, we are to be administrators of grace. One way in which to do that is through our words.
If we actually begin to think intentionally about being administrators of grace before we begin our conversation with both believers and non-believers, think about the impact our words would have on society. It would be much easier to hold back the words that have rude meaning and speak words of truth, love, and encouragement.
The challenge in this verse is to think before you speak. Not only should we think about WHAT we say, but think about WHY we are saying it. When we do, we will make a greater impact for the kingdom of God.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Trusting in the Name of the Lord
Psalm 9:10 - And those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
There is an element of trust that requires a knowledge of who God is. In Scripture, the name of the Lord represents His character and nature. Therefore, in order for us to completely entrust ourselves into Him, it is important that we know who we are giving ourselves to. Otherwise, there is no depth to the relationship and when hard times fall, our faith may waiver.
Imagine a young couple who fell in love "at first sight" and decided to get married that same day. They knew little about each other, nothing of their background, or how they would handle different situations. After the initial "buzz" wore off, what do you think would happen to the couple? Chances are, they would find out that their relationship was not what they thought it was.
In the same way, if we think that we have faith without having a knowledge of who God is, we carry the risk of having wrong perceptions about God. We then might carry with that wrong expectations. Then, when God does not meet our wrong expectations of Him, we blame Him.
However, when we know the character of God, the natural result is trust, because in His nature is faithfulness, trustworthiness, truth, honor, etc. By knowing God's character, represented by His name, we are given reassurance in times of trouble.
The challenge today is to look through Scripture at some of the names of God and see how He is that name in your life.
There is an element of trust that requires a knowledge of who God is. In Scripture, the name of the Lord represents His character and nature. Therefore, in order for us to completely entrust ourselves into Him, it is important that we know who we are giving ourselves to. Otherwise, there is no depth to the relationship and when hard times fall, our faith may waiver.
Imagine a young couple who fell in love "at first sight" and decided to get married that same day. They knew little about each other, nothing of their background, or how they would handle different situations. After the initial "buzz" wore off, what do you think would happen to the couple? Chances are, they would find out that their relationship was not what they thought it was.
In the same way, if we think that we have faith without having a knowledge of who God is, we carry the risk of having wrong perceptions about God. We then might carry with that wrong expectations. Then, when God does not meet our wrong expectations of Him, we blame Him.
However, when we know the character of God, the natural result is trust, because in His nature is faithfulness, trustworthiness, truth, honor, etc. By knowing God's character, represented by His name, we are given reassurance in times of trouble.
The challenge today is to look through Scripture at some of the names of God and see how He is that name in your life.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Dealing with Disappointments
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
We all go through times of disappointment. They could be due to circumstances or they could be because of a consequence of sin. The question is,"how do we deal with disappointment?" We have several options: 1. we could rationalize it 2. we could project our disappointment onto someone else 3. we can repress it and can just pretend to forget about it 4. we can do a series of other unhealthy defense mechanisms or 5. we can turn to Scripture and see what to do.
The Apostle Paul went through many disappointments within his lifetime. In 1 Thessalonians, we see that one of his great disappointments was not being able to visit the church in Thessalonica. In chapter 2, he discusses his great desire to see his beloved followers in whom he had invested so much time. However, in Acts 17, it shows that his visit had to be cut short due to opposition. It is for this reason that he still has not been able to return to the church there. Instead of sulking about his disappointment, Paul sends Timothy to check on the congregation while he remained in Athens (1 Thess. 3:1-2).
We can learn several things from the way Paul responded to disappointment through the exhortation he gave in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
1. Express joy in all things. Paul consistently expressed the joy he had in Christ. He saw the faith of the Thessalonians to be a source of joy. This was unswayed by circumstances because he saw God at work in them. He therefore did not have an ownership over them, but saw them as belonging to God. We often struggle with expressing joy in our lives when we lay claim over things that ultimately belong to God. This could include our plans, our loved ones, our jobs, etc.
2. Remain thankful no matter the circumstance. Paul continues to thank God throughout the letter, though God's plans might not have matched up to his own. (1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9; 5:18). We often struggle with thankfulness when we let the disappointing situation distract us from our relationship with God. However, having a spirit of thankfulness helps us keep a proper perspective of the situation and the God in charge.
3. Continue in prayer. Prayer is a pervasive element in Paul's ministry. He prays for the people he ministers to and continues to pray for an opportunity to see them again. His persistence in prayer shows his reliance upon God in all circumstances. It also shows that no matter the circumstance, God is the priority. (1 Thess 1:2; 3:10; 5:17). When faced with disappointment, we should continue to express our trust in God through prayer. It helps us keep hope in God's plan for our lives.
God's ultimate will for our lives is our sanctification. He desires for us to develop Christ-like character by walking in the Spirit. By doing these three things, we keep ourselves from blocking the Spirit's work in our life.
We all go through times of disappointment. They could be due to circumstances or they could be because of a consequence of sin. The question is,"how do we deal with disappointment?" We have several options: 1. we could rationalize it 2. we could project our disappointment onto someone else 3. we can repress it and can just pretend to forget about it 4. we can do a series of other unhealthy defense mechanisms or 5. we can turn to Scripture and see what to do.
The Apostle Paul went through many disappointments within his lifetime. In 1 Thessalonians, we see that one of his great disappointments was not being able to visit the church in Thessalonica. In chapter 2, he discusses his great desire to see his beloved followers in whom he had invested so much time. However, in Acts 17, it shows that his visit had to be cut short due to opposition. It is for this reason that he still has not been able to return to the church there. Instead of sulking about his disappointment, Paul sends Timothy to check on the congregation while he remained in Athens (1 Thess. 3:1-2).
We can learn several things from the way Paul responded to disappointment through the exhortation he gave in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
1. Express joy in all things. Paul consistently expressed the joy he had in Christ. He saw the faith of the Thessalonians to be a source of joy. This was unswayed by circumstances because he saw God at work in them. He therefore did not have an ownership over them, but saw them as belonging to God. We often struggle with expressing joy in our lives when we lay claim over things that ultimately belong to God. This could include our plans, our loved ones, our jobs, etc.
2. Remain thankful no matter the circumstance. Paul continues to thank God throughout the letter, though God's plans might not have matched up to his own. (1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9; 5:18). We often struggle with thankfulness when we let the disappointing situation distract us from our relationship with God. However, having a spirit of thankfulness helps us keep a proper perspective of the situation and the God in charge.
3. Continue in prayer. Prayer is a pervasive element in Paul's ministry. He prays for the people he ministers to and continues to pray for an opportunity to see them again. His persistence in prayer shows his reliance upon God in all circumstances. It also shows that no matter the circumstance, God is the priority. (1 Thess 1:2; 3:10; 5:17). When faced with disappointment, we should continue to express our trust in God through prayer. It helps us keep hope in God's plan for our lives.
God's ultimate will for our lives is our sanctification. He desires for us to develop Christ-like character by walking in the Spirit. By doing these three things, we keep ourselves from blocking the Spirit's work in our life.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Using Your Giftedness
Romans 12:3-6 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as one body, we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.
The Body of Christ can be a beautiful testimony of what Christianity has to offer. However, it also has the potential to keep people from ever turning to Christ. If someone sees the Church not functioning in unity and harmony, they begin to call Christians hypocrites and begin to discredit the gospel message in its entirety. Romans 12:3-6 gives us instruction as to how to serve within the Body.
The first step is to have an appropriate view of ourselves. We are not to think of each other more highly than we ought, but instead to think of yourself with a sound mind. I cannot help but thinking of those poor fools on American Idol who go up to the judges with pride covering their faces. They talk the talk, and wear the starlet outfit. And then they open their mouths to sing. I sit there thinking, "did no one love them enough to tell them that they were TERRIBLE?" Then, when the judges tell them that it was the worst audition that they have ever heard, the pseudo-singer doesn't believe it. They have not thought of themselves with sober judgement and therefore their attitude of themselves is to high. Their pride makes them not coachable and not useful for any good purpose. We have these same personalities in our churches. Those who are confident that they are the best at one certain area of ministry or another. Paul tells us to instead of getting caught up with thinking too highly of ourselves, we are to be sensible in how we view ourselves which comes from our faith.
The second step is to find your function and serve faithfully. Paul tells us that we are all members of one body and that we all do not have the same function. By having a sound judgment of ourselves, we are better able to serve as the member that God has called us to be with the giftedness He has given us. If we think too highly of ourselves, our role in the Body will seem insignificant or not good enough. We will vie for another position. We will try to manipulate and politicize to be in an area of service that might not be within our giftedness, simply because we see it as more desirable. However, God gives us spiritual gifts for the reason of building up the Body of Christ and for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). We are therefore not competing against each other. Rather, we are serving one another as we serve Christ.
First Corinthians 12:24 states, "But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
The Body of Christ can be a beautiful testimony of what Christianity has to offer. However, it also has the potential to keep people from ever turning to Christ. If someone sees the Church not functioning in unity and harmony, they begin to call Christians hypocrites and begin to discredit the gospel message in its entirety. Romans 12:3-6 gives us instruction as to how to serve within the Body.
The first step is to have an appropriate view of ourselves. We are not to think of each other more highly than we ought, but instead to think of yourself with a sound mind. I cannot help but thinking of those poor fools on American Idol who go up to the judges with pride covering their faces. They talk the talk, and wear the starlet outfit. And then they open their mouths to sing. I sit there thinking, "did no one love them enough to tell them that they were TERRIBLE?" Then, when the judges tell them that it was the worst audition that they have ever heard, the pseudo-singer doesn't believe it. They have not thought of themselves with sober judgement and therefore their attitude of themselves is to high. Their pride makes them not coachable and not useful for any good purpose. We have these same personalities in our churches. Those who are confident that they are the best at one certain area of ministry or another. Paul tells us to instead of getting caught up with thinking too highly of ourselves, we are to be sensible in how we view ourselves which comes from our faith.
The second step is to find your function and serve faithfully. Paul tells us that we are all members of one body and that we all do not have the same function. By having a sound judgment of ourselves, we are better able to serve as the member that God has called us to be with the giftedness He has given us. If we think too highly of ourselves, our role in the Body will seem insignificant or not good enough. We will vie for another position. We will try to manipulate and politicize to be in an area of service that might not be within our giftedness, simply because we see it as more desirable. However, God gives us spiritual gifts for the reason of building up the Body of Christ and for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). We are therefore not competing against each other. Rather, we are serving one another as we serve Christ.
First Corinthians 12:24 states, "But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Love of the Father
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
If you asked anyone if they knew any Bible verse, if they could quote one, it would most likely be John 3:16. You see it plastered on banners at baseball games, written on billboard, and screened on tee-shirts. I often wonder though how many people take time to actually meditate on how profound this verse actually is.
On one hand was a disobedient world; a creation that had rioted against God for generations and generations. On the other, was the Second Person if the Trinity, the Son, perfect in obedience and fellowship with the Father. Yet, because of love, the Father actively gives the Son as a sacrifice. He does this so that whoever simply believes in the Son will not perish, which is what everyone deserves, but would rather have eternal life.
My two children were sick this past weekend. On Saturday, I watched as my daughter tried to crawl, only to collapse on the floor in exhaustion. I thought to myself that I would do anything to trade places with her. I would gladly endure the pain to take hers away. I then immediately thought about what God the Father had to endure in watching Christ on the cross. I thought about the love that had to compel Him to make such a sacrifice. I then thought about my own selfishness. I certainly would not give either of my children for anyone. I simply do not have enough love in me. Yet, God not only endured temporary separation of fellowship with the Son, but He also had to see Him mocked, scorned, beaten, broken, and crucified. As a parent, I am too selfish in my love. However, it makes me love and revere God all the more. He would love me so much that He would be willing to endure that kind of heartbreak, willingly, so that I might have the opportunity to have a relationship with Him. If I do not believe and take advantage of that relationship and embrace that love, then, shame on me. I deserved none of it, but the Father was gracious enough to see that I should gain access to Him. The Son loved the Father and loved those whom the Father gave Him to be obedient to the cross. If I cannot live my life out of gratefulness, then shame on me.
It is such a simple message, but it cost so much. Please let it not just be something that you place on a poster or a shirt, but let it be a message you embrace with your whole heart.
If you asked anyone if they knew any Bible verse, if they could quote one, it would most likely be John 3:16. You see it plastered on banners at baseball games, written on billboard, and screened on tee-shirts. I often wonder though how many people take time to actually meditate on how profound this verse actually is.
On one hand was a disobedient world; a creation that had rioted against God for generations and generations. On the other, was the Second Person if the Trinity, the Son, perfect in obedience and fellowship with the Father. Yet, because of love, the Father actively gives the Son as a sacrifice. He does this so that whoever simply believes in the Son will not perish, which is what everyone deserves, but would rather have eternal life.
My two children were sick this past weekend. On Saturday, I watched as my daughter tried to crawl, only to collapse on the floor in exhaustion. I thought to myself that I would do anything to trade places with her. I would gladly endure the pain to take hers away. I then immediately thought about what God the Father had to endure in watching Christ on the cross. I thought about the love that had to compel Him to make such a sacrifice. I then thought about my own selfishness. I certainly would not give either of my children for anyone. I simply do not have enough love in me. Yet, God not only endured temporary separation of fellowship with the Son, but He also had to see Him mocked, scorned, beaten, broken, and crucified. As a parent, I am too selfish in my love. However, it makes me love and revere God all the more. He would love me so much that He would be willing to endure that kind of heartbreak, willingly, so that I might have the opportunity to have a relationship with Him. If I do not believe and take advantage of that relationship and embrace that love, then, shame on me. I deserved none of it, but the Father was gracious enough to see that I should gain access to Him. The Son loved the Father and loved those whom the Father gave Him to be obedient to the cross. If I cannot live my life out of gratefulness, then shame on me.
It is such a simple message, but it cost so much. Please let it not just be something that you place on a poster or a shirt, but let it be a message you embrace with your whole heart.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Shepherd and Sheep Part 2
1 Peter 2:24-25 - He himself (Jesus) bore our sins in his body on a tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you were healed. For you were straying like sheep, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Sheep are known for their propensity to stray. Sheep have been known to wander from the herd and lead themselves to the edge of a cliff or to be found dead alone in the middle of nowhere. This is the state in which we were in without Christ. We were wandering around, lost and without hope. It was for this reason that Christ died on the cross. Our response is that we should get rid of our old and sinful way of living and turn and live in obedience to Christ.We are no longer characterized by our old sinful selves. Rather, by the wounding of Christ on the cross, we are spiritually, healed. It is because of this healing relationship that we have been brought back to God, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
The text says that we were straying like sheep. That no longer characterizes the believer. However, God continues to Shepherd us. He continues to guide and lead us. Unfortunately, we sometimes desire to revert back to "sheep mentality". We like to think of ourselves as wandering, without hope instead of realizing the change that Christ made for us on the cross. We have been healed. The effects of our sins have been healed. Our relationship with God has been healed. Our response is to get ride of the old way of thinking and living and to accept and practice the new that has been established in Christ. We to rely on God as our Shepherd and allow Him to be Overseer of our souls. When we do, we do not have to worry about straying.
Sheep are known for their propensity to stray. Sheep have been known to wander from the herd and lead themselves to the edge of a cliff or to be found dead alone in the middle of nowhere. This is the state in which we were in without Christ. We were wandering around, lost and without hope. It was for this reason that Christ died on the cross. Our response is that we should get rid of our old and sinful way of living and turn and live in obedience to Christ.We are no longer characterized by our old sinful selves. Rather, by the wounding of Christ on the cross, we are spiritually, healed. It is because of this healing relationship that we have been brought back to God, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
The text says that we were straying like sheep. That no longer characterizes the believer. However, God continues to Shepherd us. He continues to guide and lead us. Unfortunately, we sometimes desire to revert back to "sheep mentality". We like to think of ourselves as wandering, without hope instead of realizing the change that Christ made for us on the cross. We have been healed. The effects of our sins have been healed. Our relationship with God has been healed. Our response is to get ride of the old way of thinking and living and to accept and practice the new that has been established in Christ. We to rely on God as our Shepherd and allow Him to be Overseer of our souls. When we do, we do not have to worry about straying.
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