Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. A simple enough thought. But absolutely world changing. This is the epitome of love right here. Jesus did not need us, but He wanted us. Not because there was anything good in us that was desirable, but because of His mercy, grace, and love.
In all the pantheons of all the false religions, there is no story quite like this. In those false religions, 'gods' are often portrayed as selfish beings. Yet in this story that we know to be true, Jesus loved and gave. What more could we hope for?
Am I living by the faith of the Son of God today? Is His love and generosity alive in me? How am I showing it to those around me?
Friday, June 29, 2018
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Neither Was I Taught
Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Paul is writing to a church that is being deceived and led astray by people claiming to preach another "gospel". Through his own testimony, Paul is pointing out that his experience of the Gospel was not through teaching of men, but by revelation of God.
As Christians, the authority of our faith does not rest in man. Every generation has its well-known Christian leaders. People look to these fallen humans for guidance. And while at times they can provide good leadership, they cannot replace the revelation of God. Even back in Paul's day, he makes the point that he didn't even talk to Peter, one of the main leaders of the church, for 3 years after Paul was saved. He didn't need to because his revelation came from God.
This is not to say that we should all be loners who never talk to other Christians or who never listen to what others have to say. It is merely to point out that Christ and the Gospel is sufficient. If that is all we have, that is all we need. And also to make the point that anything that does not line up with the revealed Gospel of Christ is garbage.
What is your experience with the Gospel? Does it depend on other people and their take on the Gospel? Or is it a deep, intimate, one-on-one relationship with Christ?
Paul is writing to a church that is being deceived and led astray by people claiming to preach another "gospel". Through his own testimony, Paul is pointing out that his experience of the Gospel was not through teaching of men, but by revelation of God.
As Christians, the authority of our faith does not rest in man. Every generation has its well-known Christian leaders. People look to these fallen humans for guidance. And while at times they can provide good leadership, they cannot replace the revelation of God. Even back in Paul's day, he makes the point that he didn't even talk to Peter, one of the main leaders of the church, for 3 years after Paul was saved. He didn't need to because his revelation came from God.
This is not to say that we should all be loners who never talk to other Christians or who never listen to what others have to say. It is merely to point out that Christ and the Gospel is sufficient. If that is all we have, that is all we need. And also to make the point that anything that does not line up with the revealed Gospel of Christ is garbage.
What is your experience with the Gospel? Does it depend on other people and their take on the Gospel? Or is it a deep, intimate, one-on-one relationship with Christ?
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Perfect Perfection
2 Corinthians 13:9 "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection."
2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Since the Bible is translated, doing word studies is an essential tool to understand God's Word. The word 'perfection' in verse 9 has this definition: "a strengthening, perfecting of the soul, a training, disciplining, instructing." If you insert that definition in place of "perfection", it gives the verse a very different meaning.
It's the same with verse 11. Paul's command to be perfect does not mean that we are commanded to be without fault. That is not possible! The word 'perfect' here means, "ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be." Both words have this idea of completion.
We know that while we are not complete yet, one day we will be. In the meantime, it is a process that Jesus is continually moving us through to become more like Him, more complete. So the question is, am I working to train and discipline myself so that I can become what I ought to be?
2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Since the Bible is translated, doing word studies is an essential tool to understand God's Word. The word 'perfection' in verse 9 has this definition: "a strengthening, perfecting of the soul, a training, disciplining, instructing." If you insert that definition in place of "perfection", it gives the verse a very different meaning.
It's the same with verse 11. Paul's command to be perfect does not mean that we are commanded to be without fault. That is not possible! The word 'perfect' here means, "ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be." Both words have this idea of completion.
We know that while we are not complete yet, one day we will be. In the meantime, it is a process that Jesus is continually moving us through to become more like Him, more complete. So the question is, am I working to train and discipline myself so that I can become what I ought to be?
Monday, June 25, 2018
Examine Yourselves
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
Examine: "to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself"
Prove: "to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals"
Saying you are a Christian is not enough. When it comes to situations where your eternal destiny is on the line, taking a long, hard, close look it warranted.
I love the part of the definition above that speaks of scrutinizing to see if something is genuine. I think of an expensive piece of artwork. Even the best can be forged, however a forged piece of art is worthless and a fraud. The last thing that we want is for our relationship with Christ to be a fraud.
Testing metals can sometimes involve extreme stress or heat. Are you willing to put yourself through that to insure that you are indeed in the faith?
Examine: "to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself"
Prove: "to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals"
Saying you are a Christian is not enough. When it comes to situations where your eternal destiny is on the line, taking a long, hard, close look it warranted.
I love the part of the definition above that speaks of scrutinizing to see if something is genuine. I think of an expensive piece of artwork. Even the best can be forged, however a forged piece of art is worthless and a fraud. The last thing that we want is for our relationship with Christ to be a fraud.
Testing metals can sometimes involve extreme stress or heat. Are you willing to put yourself through that to insure that you are indeed in the faith?
Monday, June 18, 2018
Chapter 11
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Chapter 11 provides a lot of context for this verse. I think usually it's just talked about in reference to Paul's thorn in the flesh. But for many verses prior to that, Paul is going over a long list of trials and tribulations that he has had to endure. His thorn in the flesh was a big part of this, no doubt, however if takes the previous chapter to really help us understand the full depth and scope of what Paul endured to come to this understanding.
And that's the beautiful thing about the Scriptures. They are here for us to teach us and instruct us so that we can learn through the experience of others. And not only that, so that after having learned, when we experience something similar, we can know that God is faithful and will remain faithful no matter what we go through.
We like to think about His grace being sufficient, His strength being made perfect in our weakness, His power resting on us, being strong despite our weakness, but what we don't like near as much is the rest of the verse. Chapter 11 was necessary for Paul to truly experience His strength and power. If we want the promises here in 12:9-10, we must take pleasure in our infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses when they come for Christ's sake.
What things am I suffering for Christ's sake? Am I glorying in them? If there's nothing, thank God, but maybe also take stock of your life. Is it a life different enough for the world to even notice?
Chapter 11 provides a lot of context for this verse. I think usually it's just talked about in reference to Paul's thorn in the flesh. But for many verses prior to that, Paul is going over a long list of trials and tribulations that he has had to endure. His thorn in the flesh was a big part of this, no doubt, however if takes the previous chapter to really help us understand the full depth and scope of what Paul endured to come to this understanding.
And that's the beautiful thing about the Scriptures. They are here for us to teach us and instruct us so that we can learn through the experience of others. And not only that, so that after having learned, when we experience something similar, we can know that God is faithful and will remain faithful no matter what we go through.
We like to think about His grace being sufficient, His strength being made perfect in our weakness, His power resting on us, being strong despite our weakness, but what we don't like near as much is the rest of the verse. Chapter 11 was necessary for Paul to truly experience His strength and power. If we want the promises here in 12:9-10, we must take pleasure in our infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses when they come for Christ's sake.
What things am I suffering for Christ's sake? Am I glorying in them? If there's nothing, thank God, but maybe also take stock of your life. Is it a life different enough for the world to even notice?
Friday, June 15, 2018
Glory: Verb
2 Corinthians 10:17 "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
The verb "glory" here means, to "(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice." The word has the picture of actually standing in His presence and what we would do if we were there. In this day and age of equality, I think we've largely lost the concept of what it means to glory in something because most of what we see on a daily basis is pretty normal.
But the God we serve is not normal. When we are humble (having a proper perspective of ourselves in light of Who God is) then we will see the need to glory in Him and not in anything else. Make your boast in what He has done. Tell other proudly of how God has acted on your behalf. Rejoice in what He has done. Find in His actions your source of joy.
In what am I glorying today? Do I even know how to glory?
The verb "glory" here means, to "(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice." The word has the picture of actually standing in His presence and what we would do if we were there. In this day and age of equality, I think we've largely lost the concept of what it means to glory in something because most of what we see on a daily basis is pretty normal.
But the God we serve is not normal. When we are humble (having a proper perspective of ourselves in light of Who God is) then we will see the need to glory in Him and not in anything else. Make your boast in what He has done. Tell other proudly of how God has acted on your behalf. Rejoice in what He has done. Find in His actions your source of joy.
In what am I glorying today? Do I even know how to glory?
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Sinful Imaginations
2 Corinthians 2:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
This is a verse we're pretty comfortable with but I believe has largely lost its meaning. What are imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God? I believe Paul is talking about sin, plain and simple. Sin begins as an imagination and attempts to be greater than the knowledge we have of God.
For example - someone does something to tick you off. If you slow down the tape, your anger begins as an imagination. Yet the knowledge of God confronts that imagination. Through the knowledge of God we know that anger is wrong and that love ought to be our response. Yet this sin makes itself a "high thing" and tries to trump that knowledge.
In that moment we have a choice - will we cast down that imagination? Will we bring that thought into obedient captivity to Christ? Or will we let it overcome what we know of God and rule us?
This is a verse we're pretty comfortable with but I believe has largely lost its meaning. What are imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God? I believe Paul is talking about sin, plain and simple. Sin begins as an imagination and attempts to be greater than the knowledge we have of God.
For example - someone does something to tick you off. If you slow down the tape, your anger begins as an imagination. Yet the knowledge of God confronts that imagination. Through the knowledge of God we know that anger is wrong and that love ought to be our response. Yet this sin makes itself a "high thing" and tries to trump that knowledge.
In that moment we have a choice - will we cast down that imagination? Will we bring that thought into obedient captivity to Christ? Or will we let it overcome what we know of God and rule us?
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
A Cheerful Giver
2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
I have read this verse many times. I have heard sermons preached on this verse. Reading it this time though with the context of the entire chapter and book, it almost makes me mad thinking about the teaching I've heard on it. This verse is not about tithing to the church, as I have so often heard it preached.
This verse is about giving to the poor, abounding in good works, sacrificial service, fulfilling the needs of the saints. Most of the messages and teaching I've heard on this verse would have you believe that all Paul meant was "wear a smile when you put the tithe in the offering plate".
The church was designed to be the body of Christ. What did Christ do when he was bodily present on earth? He ministered to the poor and needy, he sacrificially served and gave to the least, He met the needs of His disciples. His example to us is not to just sit in a pew and smile while we fill up the offering plate once a week.
I have read this verse many times. I have heard sermons preached on this verse. Reading it this time though with the context of the entire chapter and book, it almost makes me mad thinking about the teaching I've heard on it. This verse is not about tithing to the church, as I have so often heard it preached.
This verse is about giving to the poor, abounding in good works, sacrificial service, fulfilling the needs of the saints. Most of the messages and teaching I've heard on this verse would have you believe that all Paul meant was "wear a smile when you put the tithe in the offering plate".
The church was designed to be the body of Christ. What did Christ do when he was bodily present on earth? He ministered to the poor and needy, he sacrificially served and gave to the least, He met the needs of His disciples. His example to us is not to just sit in a pew and smile while we fill up the offering plate once a week.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Clenching or Giving
2 Corinthians 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
We serve the Creator of the Universe. He designed and made this place to operate on certain immutable rules. This verse contains one of those rules. If you were hoping to get enough of a harvest to provide for you and your family, you could not sow just a little. You would likely use all the seed you had. Use it all up. Then you would wait. And pray.
When harvest time came though, your sowing paid off. Because for each seed that you sowed, you got more than that in return. That one planted seed grew and became a stalk of grain that contains many, many more seeds. I know Paul was speaking of different grain, but just to give you an idea, a single stalk of Oklahoma wheat can have 30 or more grains per head. A 30x return on investment.
Am I sowing bountifully in my life? Or am I clenching what I have? A lack of generosity is really just a lack of faith. Do you want a bountiful harvest? Then it's time to give!
We serve the Creator of the Universe. He designed and made this place to operate on certain immutable rules. This verse contains one of those rules. If you were hoping to get enough of a harvest to provide for you and your family, you could not sow just a little. You would likely use all the seed you had. Use it all up. Then you would wait. And pray.
When harvest time came though, your sowing paid off. Because for each seed that you sowed, you got more than that in return. That one planted seed grew and became a stalk of grain that contains many, many more seeds. I know Paul was speaking of different grain, but just to give you an idea, a single stalk of Oklahoma wheat can have 30 or more grains per head. A 30x return on investment.
Am I sowing bountifully in my life? Or am I clenching what I have? A lack of generosity is really just a lack of faith. Do you want a bountiful harvest? Then it's time to give!
Monday, June 11, 2018
Beyond Your Power
2 Corinthians 8:3 "For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;"
The capacity that a surrendered child of God has to give and sacrifice is really something. But we all have our limit. Our power to aid those around us to our own detriment has a boundary that we will reach. Then what?
That surrendered child of God will find what is beyond their own power. It's as if we're running a race and we run, and we run, and we run until we can absolutely run no more. We collapse forward, but instead of hitting the ground God's power (which was their all along) is their to grab us and carry us beyond where our power could get us.
We foolishly set limits to our generosity and our ability. The God Who dwells inside us is not limited. And it's His power in us that allows us to be generous in the first place. Have I ever experienced that power beyond my power? Has it been recently?
The capacity that a surrendered child of God has to give and sacrifice is really something. But we all have our limit. Our power to aid those around us to our own detriment has a boundary that we will reach. Then what?
That surrendered child of God will find what is beyond their own power. It's as if we're running a race and we run, and we run, and we run until we can absolutely run no more. We collapse forward, but instead of hitting the ground God's power (which was their all along) is their to grab us and carry us beyond where our power could get us.
We foolishly set limits to our generosity and our ability. The God Who dwells inside us is not limited. And it's His power in us that allows us to be generous in the first place. Have I ever experienced that power beyond my power? Has it been recently?
Thursday, June 7, 2018
He Became Poor
2 Corinthians 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
So often, riches ensnare their owners. In fact, it's not a stretch to say that often times the "owner" ceases to truly be the owner and instead the riches become master. Praise God, our Lord Jesus Christ did not let His riches own Him!
He truly is our example in all things. Any riches we have on this earth cannot even be compared to the riches He enjoyed in Heaven. Yet it was nothing to Him. He left it all because He loves us. He didn't want Heaven without us.
Are there any riches in my life that I am unwilling to give up? How can I say 'thank you' and follow Christ's sacrificial example today?
So often, riches ensnare their owners. In fact, it's not a stretch to say that often times the "owner" ceases to truly be the owner and instead the riches become master. Praise God, our Lord Jesus Christ did not let His riches own Him!
He truly is our example in all things. Any riches we have on this earth cannot even be compared to the riches He enjoyed in Heaven. Yet it was nothing to Him. He left it all because He loves us. He didn't want Heaven without us.
Are there any riches in my life that I am unwilling to give up? How can I say 'thank you' and follow Christ's sacrificial example today?
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Within Were Fears
2 Corinthians 7:5-6 "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;"
Perhaps I'm alone in this, but when there is fear in my life, my general reaction is shame. I know that is not how a Christian is supposed to live because God's perfect love casts out fear. Therefore, if there is fear in my life, I'm not living in Christ's love as I ought. After the shame, my next general reaction is to try and get rid of the fear on my own.
While repenting is a good thing to do when we have fear born out of a lack of faith, God knows our weaknesses. He understands our faults and our failings. When their is fear in our life, we don't have to deal with it by ourselves. God is there to comfort like the good Father that He is.
Is there any fear in my life? What is its source? Can I repent of my fear and lack of faith and let myself be held by the God who comforts those that are cast down?
Perhaps I'm alone in this, but when there is fear in my life, my general reaction is shame. I know that is not how a Christian is supposed to live because God's perfect love casts out fear. Therefore, if there is fear in my life, I'm not living in Christ's love as I ought. After the shame, my next general reaction is to try and get rid of the fear on my own.
While repenting is a good thing to do when we have fear born out of a lack of faith, God knows our weaknesses. He understands our faults and our failings. When their is fear in our life, we don't have to deal with it by ourselves. God is there to comfort like the good Father that He is.
Is there any fear in my life? What is its source? Can I repent of my fear and lack of faith and let myself be held by the God who comforts those that are cast down?
Monday, June 4, 2018
Blaming the Ministry
2 Corinthians 6:3 "Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:"
As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. Many of the people we meet will potentially never experience His love apart from their interaction with us. That is why Paul exhorts the church to not give offence in any thing. It's not so that you get along well with others, it's so that the ministry (reconciliation with God, the Gospel) is not blamed for our poor behavior.
Think of a super fancy restaurant, one where a tie is required and there's more silverware than you know what to do with. The waiters and waitresses are all dressed a certain way that identifies them with that restaurant. They all act a certain way. If they fail to act in the expected way (say they're rude, obnoxious, or inattentive), they could get fired. Why? Because their behavior reflected poorly on the restaurant. If you have a bad experience with a waiter or waitress, there's a good chance you won't come back.
How much more important is this concept in our Christian lives! Paul goes on for 6 verses giving examples of problems and hardships we might encounter. His point is regardless of what we experience, we are "dressed" in a certain way that identifies us with Christ. Therefore, it is imperative that our actions line up with Who we serve and show His love and grace to the world.
Is my life being lived "giving no offense" today?
NOTE: Some may take this to mean that we should never offend anyone. That is not our job at all and it is not what Paul means here. Jesus offended people. A lot. The Truth offends the sinner as it should. We must never compromise the Truth in order to attempt to not offend someone. The word "offense" here means, "an occasion of stumbling, to do something which causes others to stumble. i.e. leads them into error or sin." In other words, a Christian's behavior in all the circumstances Paul lists ought to be such that points the world to Christ and does not create a stumbling block that will lead them to sin.
As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. Many of the people we meet will potentially never experience His love apart from their interaction with us. That is why Paul exhorts the church to not give offence in any thing. It's not so that you get along well with others, it's so that the ministry (reconciliation with God, the Gospel) is not blamed for our poor behavior.
Think of a super fancy restaurant, one where a tie is required and there's more silverware than you know what to do with. The waiters and waitresses are all dressed a certain way that identifies them with that restaurant. They all act a certain way. If they fail to act in the expected way (say they're rude, obnoxious, or inattentive), they could get fired. Why? Because their behavior reflected poorly on the restaurant. If you have a bad experience with a waiter or waitress, there's a good chance you won't come back.
How much more important is this concept in our Christian lives! Paul goes on for 6 verses giving examples of problems and hardships we might encounter. His point is regardless of what we experience, we are "dressed" in a certain way that identifies us with Christ. Therefore, it is imperative that our actions line up with Who we serve and show His love and grace to the world.
Is my life being lived "giving no offense" today?
NOTE: Some may take this to mean that we should never offend anyone. That is not our job at all and it is not what Paul means here. Jesus offended people. A lot. The Truth offends the sinner as it should. We must never compromise the Truth in order to attempt to not offend someone. The word "offense" here means, "an occasion of stumbling, to do something which causes others to stumble. i.e. leads them into error or sin." In other words, a Christian's behavior in all the circumstances Paul lists ought to be such that points the world to Christ and does not create a stumbling block that will lead them to sin.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)