In 2nd Timothy 1 we are reminded of the gift God has given us. 6"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline...12b Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."(NIV)
We are to treasure the gift God has brought to us through the word and ministry of His people. It is so easy to forget that during trials and hardships. Satan will do everything in his power to convince us otherwise. Staying true to God will strengthen your faith and testimony.
In chapter 2 we are instructed to stay strong in two things: 1; Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and 2; Endure hardship together as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, competing by the rules (doing things God's way) and we will be rewarded. We are not to quarrel or pursue evil desires of our youth, but to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
Chapter 3 defines godlessness in the last days. 2"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." They are the ones who persecute the church, even though they may claim to be part of us. Our knowledge of scripture will give us wisdom. 16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
In chapter 4 we are given instruction on Preaching the word in and out of season. Many will not accept this and will reject sound doctrine (Godly truth). They will only accept what they want to hear. It is easier to do what we want than what God wants and that also takes us out of a position of power and puts God there. There is a crown of righteousness for those who persevere to the end. Be true to God and He will show you mighty things as He does them through you.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Titus
Titus chapter 1 begins telling us what position that God has placed Paul. He was placed to minister to the people of God and reveal the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness - 2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior." (NIV)
Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.
In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.
In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)
We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)
Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.
In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.
In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)
We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
1st Timothy
In 1st Timothy 1 we see what Christ meant in Revelation chapter 1 when He said they had lost their first love. They had taken their minds off of what Christ was leading them to do and were concentrating on things that were dear to them, not Him. They were caught up in "meaningless arguments that promote controversies rather than God's work which is by faith." The law is made to define and reveal sin, not to live by or to minister by. We are to walk by faith in communion with God and not get caught up in the rules and regulations that so easily entangle us. By grace God has saves us and delivered us from the law that could not save. When we walk by the law we look good compared to others. When we walk by grace we take our eyes off each other and the law and fix our eyes on Christ and what He has in mind to have us become, do and think. When that happens the law no longer is relevant as we seek to do His will. The law is no longer the standard - Christ is and what He wants is relevant. We are to hold on to what we learned in the beginning and He will show us in a daily basis what we need to keep from shipwrecking our faith.
In chapter 2 we see the urgency of intercessory prayer - 1 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." Paul directs us to lift up "holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."
In chapter 3 we see Paul giving instructions to church leaders. We are to lead lives that would have others see god working in and through us. WE are to be tested to be sure there is nothing ungodly in our lives. This will not only gain the respect of our families. but others as well. We must also manage our children and household well. 14 "I am writing you these instructions so that 15 ... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
In chapter 4 we encounter the truth that there will be false teachers. Their consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. We are to seek God for what is acceptable in His sight. A thorough knowledge of His word is needed to sort through the rhetoric.
9 "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Then we were shown not to neglect our gift that was given to us when we were saved.
In chapter 5 we are instructed to treat older men as our father, older women as our mother, and younger ones as our brothers and sisters. We are to give proper recognition to the widows in need. We are to make a list of widows and put the older ones on it and encourage the younger ones to work and not become idle. Paul counsels the younger ones to marry and have children, manage their homes and not to be used as a vessel to spread slander. 16 "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need."(NIV) The families should help first and then the church. We are to rule without favoritism and God (who knows what He is doing) places us here to work together. He will bring glory to Himself will use us to bring others to a close encounter with our Lord as we do the things He instructs.
In chapter 2 we see the urgency of intercessory prayer - 1 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." Paul directs us to lift up "holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."
In chapter 3 we see Paul giving instructions to church leaders. We are to lead lives that would have others see god working in and through us. WE are to be tested to be sure there is nothing ungodly in our lives. This will not only gain the respect of our families. but others as well. We must also manage our children and household well. 14 "I am writing you these instructions so that 15 ... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
In chapter 4 we encounter the truth that there will be false teachers. Their consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. We are to seek God for what is acceptable in His sight. A thorough knowledge of His word is needed to sort through the rhetoric.
9 "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Then we were shown not to neglect our gift that was given to us when we were saved.
In chapter 5 we are instructed to treat older men as our father, older women as our mother, and younger ones as our brothers and sisters. We are to give proper recognition to the widows in need. We are to make a list of widows and put the older ones on it and encourage the younger ones to work and not become idle. Paul counsels the younger ones to marry and have children, manage their homes and not to be used as a vessel to spread slander. 16 "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need."(NIV) The families should help first and then the church. We are to rule without favoritism and God (who knows what He is doing) places us here to work together. He will bring glory to Himself will use us to bring others to a close encounter with our Lord as we do the things He instructs.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Romans 14-16
Romans 13 ends by asking us to behave decently as in the day and to stay away from sexual immorality and debauchery, dissension or jealousy. 14"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." In Psalms 32:10 the Lord tells us; "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him."
Then we start chapter 14 by being asked to "accept Him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters." We are not talking about immorality, but God's ordained freedom in Christ not to be bound to the law or the old covenant that restricted such matters. 3"The man who eats everything must not look down on one who does...22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."(NIV) We are to make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification (building up of the body of believers).
In chapter 15 we are told to bear with the failings of the weak and please our neighbor for his good to encourage and build him up. Paul then asks for a spirit of unity 6"so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy,"(NIV) One of the best ways we can glorify God and be a witness to others is to have love for each other and unity with each other as the people of God.
Then we start chapter 14 by being asked to "accept Him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters." We are not talking about immorality, but God's ordained freedom in Christ not to be bound to the law or the old covenant that restricted such matters. 3"The man who eats everything must not look down on one who does...22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."(NIV) We are to make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification (building up of the body of believers).
In chapter 15 we are told to bear with the failings of the weak and please our neighbor for his good to encourage and build him up. Paul then asks for a spirit of unity 6"so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy,"(NIV) One of the best ways we can glorify God and be a witness to others is to have love for each other and unity with each other as the people of God.
Friday, December 5, 2008
2 Corinthians 10-13
In chapter 10 we see speaking boldly and showing divine power to demolish strongholds. 5"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."(NIV)
Our thoughts will manifest themselves in our actions. When they are surrendered to the authority of Christ, the strongholds are bound. 15b"Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. 17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[c] 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."(NIV)
God gives the vision for His work to be accomplished. It is His work, He shows us His vision for accomplishing and He accomplishes it through the work of the Holy Spirit.
In chapter 11 & 12 we see Paul talking about false Apostles. The father of lies will send his messengers in with deception that will undermine God's work. His plan is to seek, kill and destroy everything that is of spiritual value. He will pull you away from God and His people if we believe his ways and walk in them. Proverbs 21:16 tells us "A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." These are people who do not know the Lord. God views the spiritually dead as those who are truly dead. The believers who die physically never really die, they make the spiritual transition into the presence of God. God appoints Hid people to different positions in the kingdom and those are the people who truly belong there as we carry out His will (assignment). During those assignments God reveals things that we need to share with His people and with that comes the power to carry out the task.
In chapter 13 we are to test ourselves. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?..11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.
Our thoughts will manifest themselves in our actions. When they are surrendered to the authority of Christ, the strongholds are bound. 15b"Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. 17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[c] 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."(NIV)
God gives the vision for His work to be accomplished. It is His work, He shows us His vision for accomplishing and He accomplishes it through the work of the Holy Spirit.
In chapter 11 & 12 we see Paul talking about false Apostles. The father of lies will send his messengers in with deception that will undermine God's work. His plan is to seek, kill and destroy everything that is of spiritual value. He will pull you away from God and His people if we believe his ways and walk in them. Proverbs 21:16 tells us "A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." These are people who do not know the Lord. God views the spiritually dead as those who are truly dead. The believers who die physically never really die, they make the spiritual transition into the presence of God. God appoints Hid people to different positions in the kingdom and those are the people who truly belong there as we carry out His will (assignment). During those assignments God reveals things that we need to share with His people and with that comes the power to carry out the task.
In chapter 13 we are to test ourselves. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?..11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.
2 Cor 5-9
Chapter 5 deals with how we view life differently as a Christian. We are instructed to set our eyes on the eternal, not the temporal (what we can see and touch). What we face here is temporary. What we face spiritually is forever. This earthly life was given to us in order to gain a heavenly dwelling place by having a life - giving relationship with the giver life. Rather than to develop ourselves spiritually, we have a tendency to go back and concentrate on this physical body we live in and our present battles in life. As others see us win the spiritual battles they get a glimmer of faith and hope through a surrendered life that fears God. Then Christ will take care of our earthly battles. We are sometimes so worried about our physical body that we forget the spiritual. Satan's plan is to take our eyes off the eternal (God) and concentrate physical (ourselves). 5:9"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (NIV)
We are to live not for ourselves but for Him who gave His life for us. We have a message of reconciliation to share with the world. This is our message: 5:20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
In chapter 6 we see how being yoked with unbelievers can cause us to do the things discussed earlier because they do not walk by the spirit but by sight. We are to be set apart from the world in a way that will draw the world to Him. As we live a consecrated life Christ draws all men to Him through us. That's how the Holy Spirit works through us.
Chapter 7 deals with Paul's joy in the Corinthians responding to God by examining themselves and having Godly repentance after getting Paul's last letter. 7:10"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV) We should examine our thoughts, actions, and attitudes periodically and through humility take what is revealed to the throne of grace and God lovingly forgives and completely restores us.
Then in chapters 8&9 Paul talks about the giving. Some gave out of their poverty, some out of their abundance. Paul had been telling others about the Corinthian church and was excited about their progress. He wanted them to put some aside every week so when they came to collect for the churches they would have shown diligence in their giving.
9:6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
We are to live not for ourselves but for Him who gave His life for us. We have a message of reconciliation to share with the world. This is our message: 5:20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
In chapter 6 we see how being yoked with unbelievers can cause us to do the things discussed earlier because they do not walk by the spirit but by sight. We are to be set apart from the world in a way that will draw the world to Him. As we live a consecrated life Christ draws all men to Him through us. That's how the Holy Spirit works through us.
Chapter 7 deals with Paul's joy in the Corinthians responding to God by examining themselves and having Godly repentance after getting Paul's last letter. 7:10"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV) We should examine our thoughts, actions, and attitudes periodically and through humility take what is revealed to the throne of grace and God lovingly forgives and completely restores us.
Then in chapters 8&9 Paul talks about the giving. Some gave out of their poverty, some out of their abundance. Paul had been telling others about the Corinthian church and was excited about their progress. He wanted them to put some aside every week so when they came to collect for the churches they would have shown diligence in their giving.
9:6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
2nd Corinthians 1-4
In 2ND Corinthians 1 Paul greets them and starts with God's comfort and compassion. God allows us to experience similar trials and sufferings so that we may be of comfort and encouragement to those experiencing trials. These hardships happen that we may rely on totally God for everything who has power over life and death. When we set our hope on Him the outcome will be more than we could do - it's God's power at work. We are to lift each other up in prayers - that's the help that will provide God's help in their trials. It may not make sense to us, but God wants to meet their needs and will speak to us and them as we pray.
In chapters 2and 3 we see the intent of discipline is restoration. We are to forgive and restore those who have fallen away from the walk God has shown them. We are to forgive and comfort so they will not be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow. With obedience even through church discipline comes forgiveness. That's a vital part of the new covenant. As God disciplines us and forgives us, we are to forgive in the spirit of the new covenant to keep Satan from having any victories in anything. When we turn to Christ the veil is taken away and we are given understanding. We are being transformed into His image. This is a continuous process as we remain in Him.
Here are some verses of encouragement in chapter 4. 4:8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body... 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) So let's keep our eyes on the prize and not get overwhelmed in the heat of the battle or ministry Christ has placed you in.
In chapters 2and 3 we see the intent of discipline is restoration. We are to forgive and restore those who have fallen away from the walk God has shown them. We are to forgive and comfort so they will not be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow. With obedience even through church discipline comes forgiveness. That's a vital part of the new covenant. As God disciplines us and forgives us, we are to forgive in the spirit of the new covenant to keep Satan from having any victories in anything. When we turn to Christ the veil is taken away and we are given understanding. We are being transformed into His image. This is a continuous process as we remain in Him.
Here are some verses of encouragement in chapter 4. 4:8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body... 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) So let's keep our eyes on the prize and not get overwhelmed in the heat of the battle or ministry Christ has placed you in.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
1 Corinthians 15-16
In chapter 15 we see Paul urging us to not forget what we were taught in the beginning. Those core values or doctrines we hold close to our heart will deep root us and establish us in the faith when false teachings are presented. In this case those were spreading rumors that there is no resurrection from the dead. That makes those who refuse God rest easier, no resurrection - no judgment, no judgment - no consequences for our choices and actions. If there is no after life, there will be no sentence and no eternity. When we open ourselves to false teachings then we are open to all different ideas and philosophies. These may contain truth, but are not the original genuine faith that gives life. When we enter the scripture and the author speaks from the truth that gives true understanding, we can then distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit. That's the job of the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth. We then apply truth and pray for the Holy Spirit to show us the way. For example: If we are going to be raised, we must first die. That is a natural part of life that only comes a that point in life. That is when the mortal puts on immortality. That is God's plan for us to overcome death. 16:55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (NIV) Always pray for the Lord to guide you in all truth.
Monday, December 1, 2008
1 Corinthians 9-11
In chapter 9 Paul tells us He could have asked for support for His preaching as other apostles, but He chose to work and not be an extra financial burden to the Corinthians. He wanted them to understand that the prize was not material gain, but we should run in such a way that would get the prize that will last forever. He wants us to follow His example of loving God's people and building relationships in order to win people of all backgrounds and nationalities to Christ.
In chapter 10 we are instructed not to abuse our new freedom in Christ. We are not to be caught up in the same trap that caused Israel much grief. While we are not under the law we, are to use their examples as a warning and learn not to repeat their mistakes that causes our Lord to grieve. I believe it hurts God when we do these things and He will not tolerate us going down that road that leads to pain and destruction. He knows the consequences of our thoughts and activities and as a loving father He intervenes before we destroy ourselves. The job of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of these things.
In chapter 11 we are shown propriety in worship. There is an order to everything and the Lord has created certain things to be subject to each other and dependent on each other, but everything is subject to our Lord to whom we must all give an account for our thoughts and actions. The Lord created this order for us to submit to the place He has ordained we should serve. In Him there is order. This is offensive to some as we have a tendency to want to be in charge of our own destiny. Understanding that God's plan is always best gives me comfort. Trusting Him with our life makes it possible to put everything under His authority and in His order.
In chapter 10 we are instructed not to abuse our new freedom in Christ. We are not to be caught up in the same trap that caused Israel much grief. While we are not under the law we, are to use their examples as a warning and learn not to repeat their mistakes that causes our Lord to grieve. I believe it hurts God when we do these things and He will not tolerate us going down that road that leads to pain and destruction. He knows the consequences of our thoughts and activities and as a loving father He intervenes before we destroy ourselves. The job of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of these things.
In chapter 11 we are shown propriety in worship. There is an order to everything and the Lord has created certain things to be subject to each other and dependent on each other, but everything is subject to our Lord to whom we must all give an account for our thoughts and actions. The Lord created this order for us to submit to the place He has ordained we should serve. In Him there is order. This is offensive to some as we have a tendency to want to be in charge of our own destiny. Understanding that God's plan is always best gives me comfort. Trusting Him with our life makes it possible to put everything under His authority and in His order.
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