Colossians 2:6-7 - "6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving."
Thoughts on today's verses:
These are great verses! They serve as a reminder to anyone who has been a Christian for a while. Do you remember how you received Christ Jesus as Lord? Paul said to the Philippian Jailer in Acts 16:31 that he needed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he would be saved! Hopefully we quote a similar verse often to others: "for by grace you are saved, through faith, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast."
We are saved through faith and we are to continue in our Christian walk by that same faith! And, as we grow in faith, our foundation is strengthened, our faith is strengthened and it ultimately results in thanksgiving that is overflowing!
Continue walking by faith!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 09, 2011
Colossians 3:20 - "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Thoughts on today's verse:
Perhaps you heard this in your house growing up, or you find yourself repeating it to your children. There are some important truths nestled in this short verse.
The first truth addresses the source: to children, they have a special command from the Lord Himself. The illustration falls short in many ways, but this is sort of like the pastor making an application to children in the middle of his sermon. I know that when the pastor would do that when I was a child, I perked up a bit because now I felt like he was talking to me! Well, this is what is happening here in this verse - the Lord is taking a moment to address the children specifically.
The second truth is the command, which is simple. There are no multiple steps or questions about method - just obey your parents. God doesn't say that there is a time to obey and a time not to obey, just obey in everything.
The third truth addresses the motivation. For children it is simply that this pleases the Lord, there is nothing else, and there doesn't need to be!
For those of us who are not children we learn that God has established authorities, and you just might be one of those authorities.
We also see that for the myriad commands that are addressed to Christians in general and other groups specifically, obedience to those commands results in the Lord being pleased. We must not forget that what God has instructed us to do is not so that we would groan under a checklist of do's and don't's, but because he knows what is best for us and when we do it, He is delighted! Let's purpose in our hearts to please the Lord by doing what He has commanded!
Thoughts on today's verse:
Perhaps you heard this in your house growing up, or you find yourself repeating it to your children. There are some important truths nestled in this short verse.
The first truth addresses the source: to children, they have a special command from the Lord Himself. The illustration falls short in many ways, but this is sort of like the pastor making an application to children in the middle of his sermon. I know that when the pastor would do that when I was a child, I perked up a bit because now I felt like he was talking to me! Well, this is what is happening here in this verse - the Lord is taking a moment to address the children specifically.
The second truth is the command, which is simple. There are no multiple steps or questions about method - just obey your parents. God doesn't say that there is a time to obey and a time not to obey, just obey in everything.
The third truth addresses the motivation. For children it is simply that this pleases the Lord, there is nothing else, and there doesn't need to be!
For those of us who are not children we learn that God has established authorities, and you just might be one of those authorities.
We also see that for the myriad commands that are addressed to Christians in general and other groups specifically, obedience to those commands results in the Lord being pleased. We must not forget that what God has instructed us to do is not so that we would groan under a checklist of do's and don't's, but because he knows what is best for us and when we do it, He is delighted! Let's purpose in our hearts to please the Lord by doing what He has commanded!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Colossians 1:17 "And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
Thoughts on today's verse:
This is such a short verse, and yet is packed with incredible theology and doctrine. When we ponder the statement that Christ is before all things, we recognize that He was different. As Christ, He has no beginning and no end, thus he could say to the Pharisees in John 8:58 that "before Abraham was I AM." We call this the eternality of Christ. Sure, he came into the world as a man, and was born a baby, but this does not mean that prior to the Christmas event Christ did not exist - no, He has existed forever!
Secondly, we notice something that should cause us to ponder greatly the fact of our living and breathing right now - that "in Him all things consist." This simple statment has enormous implications. Namely that the only thing that keeps this planet in its orbit around the sun is Christ; that the only reason we don't go flying off the planet is because of Christ; that the only reason the molecules that make up everything on earth stay in the formation that they are and not sponateously combust is Christ! The only reason that you and I can breathe at this moment is because Christ is holding us together! This is an incredible thought: the one who has existed from eternity past is the one who sustains our life one moment at a time! Praise God!
Thoughts on today's verse:
This is such a short verse, and yet is packed with incredible theology and doctrine. When we ponder the statement that Christ is before all things, we recognize that He was different. As Christ, He has no beginning and no end, thus he could say to the Pharisees in John 8:58 that "before Abraham was I AM." We call this the eternality of Christ. Sure, he came into the world as a man, and was born a baby, but this does not mean that prior to the Christmas event Christ did not exist - no, He has existed forever!
Secondly, we notice something that should cause us to ponder greatly the fact of our living and breathing right now - that "in Him all things consist." This simple statment has enormous implications. Namely that the only thing that keeps this planet in its orbit around the sun is Christ; that the only reason we don't go flying off the planet is because of Christ; that the only reason the molecules that make up everything on earth stay in the formation that they are and not sponateously combust is Christ! The only reason that you and I can breathe at this moment is because Christ is holding us together! This is an incredible thought: the one who has existed from eternity past is the one who sustains our life one moment at a time! Praise God!
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we think about Jesus Christ, we often think about his work on the cross, and rightfully so, for it was an incredible work that Christ accomplished. One of the things that makes it even more amazing is the fact that Christ was not merely a man on cross like the men on his right and on his left - He was and is, the creator of all things! Our verse today says that everything that exists was created by Christ!
John says something similar in the Gospel that bears his name: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." - John 1:3
Paul, through the Spirit, expounds upon that idea and demonstrates some of the things that fall under the purview of Christ's creative work: all that is in heaven, all that is on the earth; all the visible aspects of creation that you can possibly think of. Let's stop for a moment and consider the fact that not too long ago NASA received an image from one of its sattellites that was pointed towards the blackest spot that they could find in space, that took a several month long exposure shot. What came back was mind boggling. What appeared to be nothing at first actually contained thousands of galaxies with millions and billions more stars and countless planets! What is even more amazing is that before NASA discovered those, Christ already knew about them for he created them!
But the Scriptures don't stop there - they say that He also created what was invisible, namely thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. This should be a great comfort to us as we recognize that powers are indeed put in place by God, and have been especially created for a purpose within this creation. But what's more, they do not simply run amuck, according to their own whim; they are constantly under the watchful eye of Christ and will one day give an account for their use of this position that He created!
Finally, we recognize not only the agent in creation - Christ, but also the purpose of Creation - that it was made for Him! You and I are a part of creation, and the Scriptures say that all of Creation was made for Christ! It was not made for us, but for Him.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we think about Jesus Christ, we often think about his work on the cross, and rightfully so, for it was an incredible work that Christ accomplished. One of the things that makes it even more amazing is the fact that Christ was not merely a man on cross like the men on his right and on his left - He was and is, the creator of all things! Our verse today says that everything that exists was created by Christ!
John says something similar in the Gospel that bears his name: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." - John 1:3
Paul, through the Spirit, expounds upon that idea and demonstrates some of the things that fall under the purview of Christ's creative work: all that is in heaven, all that is on the earth; all the visible aspects of creation that you can possibly think of. Let's stop for a moment and consider the fact that not too long ago NASA received an image from one of its sattellites that was pointed towards the blackest spot that they could find in space, that took a several month long exposure shot. What came back was mind boggling. What appeared to be nothing at first actually contained thousands of galaxies with millions and billions more stars and countless planets! What is even more amazing is that before NASA discovered those, Christ already knew about them for he created them!
But the Scriptures don't stop there - they say that He also created what was invisible, namely thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. This should be a great comfort to us as we recognize that powers are indeed put in place by God, and have been especially created for a purpose within this creation. But what's more, they do not simply run amuck, according to their own whim; they are constantly under the watchful eye of Christ and will one day give an account for their use of this position that He created!
Finally, we recognize not only the agent in creation - Christ, but also the purpose of Creation - that it was made for Him! You and I are a part of creation, and the Scriptures say that all of Creation was made for Christ! It was not made for us, but for Him.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Thoughts on today's verse:
We often speak of teaching our children, yet children don't just need to be taught, they need to be trained! When we think of teaching we think of the classroom, we think of books, we think of lectures. These all have their place! After all, it was Solomon who wrote this earlier in Proverbs 1:
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
However, when we think of training our minds often turn to things like athletics, new jobs, learning a musical instrument. These types of things take training; they take practice and diligence! You could learn all there is to know about basketball from a book and from lectures, but it is an entirely different thing to go out on the court and play well. Perhaps you started a new job, or you remember your first day at a brand new job. You couldn't just start and perform well, you had to practice, you had to train. The same could be said of a musical instrument: at the end of the day, it just takes hard work, repition, and much training. This is what the Lord is teaching us as parents, namely two things:
1) A child will not arrive at the right end without any guidance - we must be involved in their lives and upbringing.
And,
2) The process of bringing up a child will take a lot of work - it not something that we can sit back and be passive about!
Thoughts on today's verse:
We often speak of teaching our children, yet children don't just need to be taught, they need to be trained! When we think of teaching we think of the classroom, we think of books, we think of lectures. These all have their place! After all, it was Solomon who wrote this earlier in Proverbs 1:
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
However, when we think of training our minds often turn to things like athletics, new jobs, learning a musical instrument. These types of things take training; they take practice and diligence! You could learn all there is to know about basketball from a book and from lectures, but it is an entirely different thing to go out on the court and play well. Perhaps you started a new job, or you remember your first day at a brand new job. You couldn't just start and perform well, you had to practice, you had to train. The same could be said of a musical instrument: at the end of the day, it just takes hard work, repition, and much training. This is what the Lord is teaching us as parents, namely two things:
1) A child will not arrive at the right end without any guidance - we must be involved in their lives and upbringing.
And,
2) The process of bringing up a child will take a lot of work - it not something that we can sit back and be passive about!
Monday, September 05, 2011
Psalm 36:1-4 -
" 1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. 3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil."
Thoughts on today's verses:
I know that sometimes, when I read Scripture that is aimed at the wicked, my mind tends to start putting the names of people I think are wicked in, alongside the passage. In reality, God knows who the wicked are, and nothing will escape his all-seeing eye, or his all-knowing mind. But, one thing that I can do when I read a passage such as this is to examine myself. After all, Paul said in 2 Cor. 13:5 that we ought to examine ourselves and to test ourselves, to see whether or not we are in the faith - that is, whether or not we have a life that is characterized by Christ. What is unique about this passage is the progression of the wicked from dabbling in sin to, in the end, being characterized by a life of sin!
1) He flatters himself when he finds out his iniquities and when he hates - perhaps you think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Remember that you are to let another praise you and not your own lips! But, this takes it a step further, in that when the wicked does something wrong, he lies to himself and convinces himself that he is okay. Lord, let us be truthful with ourselves as the Spirit examines us!
2) The Words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit - Lying lips are an abomination of the Lord, but they that deal truly are his delight!
3) He has ceased to be wise and to do good. At one time we may have been doing right and good, but we may have stopped.
4) He devises wickedness on his bed. Rather than thinking about things that are good, and build up (see Phil. 4:8), perhaps you think about evil and wicked things.
5) He sets himself in a way that is not good - now you purpose to do that which is displeasing to the Lord.
6) He does not abhor evil - your whole life has changed, starting from the small actions, to your affections, where you actually embrace that which God calls evil.
Oh, may we let this list examine us, and may it not be said of us that any of these traits of the wicked are present in our own lives!
" 1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. 3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil."
Thoughts on today's verses:
I know that sometimes, when I read Scripture that is aimed at the wicked, my mind tends to start putting the names of people I think are wicked in, alongside the passage. In reality, God knows who the wicked are, and nothing will escape his all-seeing eye, or his all-knowing mind. But, one thing that I can do when I read a passage such as this is to examine myself. After all, Paul said in 2 Cor. 13:5 that we ought to examine ourselves and to test ourselves, to see whether or not we are in the faith - that is, whether or not we have a life that is characterized by Christ. What is unique about this passage is the progression of the wicked from dabbling in sin to, in the end, being characterized by a life of sin!
1) He flatters himself when he finds out his iniquities and when he hates - perhaps you think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Remember that you are to let another praise you and not your own lips! But, this takes it a step further, in that when the wicked does something wrong, he lies to himself and convinces himself that he is okay. Lord, let us be truthful with ourselves as the Spirit examines us!
2) The Words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit - Lying lips are an abomination of the Lord, but they that deal truly are his delight!
3) He has ceased to be wise and to do good. At one time we may have been doing right and good, but we may have stopped.
4) He devises wickedness on his bed. Rather than thinking about things that are good, and build up (see Phil. 4:8), perhaps you think about evil and wicked things.
5) He sets himself in a way that is not good - now you purpose to do that which is displeasing to the Lord.
6) He does not abhor evil - your whole life has changed, starting from the small actions, to your affections, where you actually embrace that which God calls evil.
Oh, may we let this list examine us, and may it not be said of us that any of these traits of the wicked are present in our own lives!
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Ephesians 2:19
"You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household."
Thoughts on today's verse:
The fact that Paul would say that the believers in the Ephesian church were "no longer" might be an indication that some within the church were still living like foreigners to God's household. While it is true that this is a statement about our pre-salvation relationship to God (foreigners and aliens), it gets at a heart question: how are you living today? Perhaps you have experienced God's great salvation, so freely given, but you have turned your back on God to again pursue the empty pleasures of the world.
If you've ever traveled to a foreign country, where you didn't know the language, you can relate to the awkward feeling that you had of not being at home. It just didn't feel completely comfortable, you didn't speak the language, you didn't know the customs, the food was different, and so on. However, when you returned to you own country, you fit in: you spoke the language, you knew the customs, the food was something you were used to. People today are going to be a foreigner and an alien somewhere: either a foreigner to God and other believers and citizen of the world; or a foreigner to the world and a member of God's household!
If you have experienced the salvation that God offers through His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, then you a fellow citizen with God's people. As members of God's household, we ought to live in a way that reflects this great reality!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Psalm 33:13-15
13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Some say that God is impersonal. A theory of creation exists which says that God created everything and just let it go. However, the Bible teaches the immanence God, that he is involved in his creation. We see that here, in these verses. He sees us all, there is none hidden. And not only does he see us, but also, He sees our works. To some this is terrifying, but to others it provides hope and comfort.
13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Some say that God is impersonal. A theory of creation exists which says that God created everything and just let it go. However, the Bible teaches the immanence God, that he is involved in his creation. We see that here, in these verses. He sees us all, there is none hidden. And not only does he see us, but also, He sees our works. To some this is terrifying, but to others it provides hope and comfort.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Matthew 10:37-39
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
How much do you love the Savior? On Friday we looked at verses 32-33 of this same chapter where we were challenged on the level of our committment to Christ in being willing to confess Him before others. Here, the bar is raised yet again. We are told that our love for our Savior should excell beyond any other love on earth, and that love will result in a life style that is marked by following Christ. Just as in Mt. 4:18-22 where Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called to follow Christ and they dropped everything to follow him, so we see here that we too are called to follow Christ. Are you worthy of Him? Are you taking up your cross and following him? Do you love him more than anything else?
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
How much do you love the Savior? On Friday we looked at verses 32-33 of this same chapter where we were challenged on the level of our committment to Christ in being willing to confess Him before others. Here, the bar is raised yet again. We are told that our love for our Savior should excell beyond any other love on earth, and that love will result in a life style that is marked by following Christ. Just as in Mt. 4:18-22 where Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called to follow Christ and they dropped everything to follow him, so we see here that we too are called to follow Christ. Are you worthy of Him? Are you taking up your cross and following him? Do you love him more than anything else?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Matthew 8:23-27
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Thoughts on Today's Verse:
Following Jesus does not always mean that our pathway will be calm and peaceful. However, we are to trust Him as He leads us for he will never leave us nor forsake us. When the storms come, and they will come, it is too easy to forget who it is that is present with us. This is what the disciples forgot, which prompted their question of his identity. So, when you find yourself in a storm of life, remember that you are not without hope, nor are you alone, for you have the Creator of the universe there with you!
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Thoughts on Today's Verse:
Following Jesus does not always mean that our pathway will be calm and peaceful. However, we are to trust Him as He leads us for he will never leave us nor forsake us. When the storms come, and they will come, it is too easy to forget who it is that is present with us. This is what the disciples forgot, which prompted their question of his identity. So, when you find yourself in a storm of life, remember that you are not without hope, nor are you alone, for you have the Creator of the universe there with you!
Matthew 9:35-38
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[e] 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[f] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Every day we see people. That's a part of life to which there are few exceptions. Have you ever stopped to think about the people you pass on a daily basis, perhaps as you travel to and from work, or as you stroll through the park, or take a lunch break, or go shopping? As Jesus went through the cities and villages, he saw multitudes of people and was moved with compassion. What he saw was a great need for salvation. The multitudes need to hear the gospel, and we who have already experienced the salvation that comes from Christ have been tasked to share this good news!
Romans 10:14-15:
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[e] 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[f] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Every day we see people. That's a part of life to which there are few exceptions. Have you ever stopped to think about the people you pass on a daily basis, perhaps as you travel to and from work, or as you stroll through the park, or take a lunch break, or go shopping? As Jesus went through the cities and villages, he saw multitudes of people and was moved with compassion. What he saw was a great need for salvation. The multitudes need to hear the gospel, and we who have already experienced the salvation that comes from Christ have been tasked to share this good news!
Romans 10:14-15:
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 10:16
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Sending sheep out among wolves is not a very safe environment. For the sheep, there is great hostility, as the wolves are their predator. If the sheep did not know that this was the situation, it could find itself facing great harm very quickly. In order to survive in such an environment would take much caution and wisdom. Our situation is similar, and this is what the Lord was speaking of. As Christians, the world to which we are sent is not one that welcomes the gospel message! Great hostility exists towards Christianity and the message of Christ. Therefore, we are to be exceedingly wise in our conduct and never seek to intentionally provoke others. Paul said eslewhere, "as much as is possible, live peaceably with all men."
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Sending sheep out among wolves is not a very safe environment. For the sheep, there is great hostility, as the wolves are their predator. If the sheep did not know that this was the situation, it could find itself facing great harm very quickly. In order to survive in such an environment would take much caution and wisdom. Our situation is similar, and this is what the Lord was speaking of. As Christians, the world to which we are sent is not one that welcomes the gospel message! Great hostility exists towards Christianity and the message of Christ. Therefore, we are to be exceedingly wise in our conduct and never seek to intentionally provoke others. Paul said eslewhere, "as much as is possible, live peaceably with all men."
Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
Some view salvation as a ticket. It's their ticket to make sure they don't go to hell, and nothing more. Jesus implies in this verse that, at the very least, there is much more to salvation than a free pass to heaven. Part of what it means to be a Christian is to share the gospel with others, it is a way that you can show that you are a Christian, not a way to become a Christian. Remember: "you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your bodies!" Have you confessed Christ to others?
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
Some view salvation as a ticket. It's their ticket to make sure they don't go to hell, and nothing more. Jesus implies in this verse that, at the very least, there is much more to salvation than a free pass to heaven. Part of what it means to be a Christian is to share the gospel with others, it is a way that you can show that you are a Christian, not a way to become a Christian. Remember: "you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your bodies!" Have you confessed Christ to others?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
May 8, 2008
Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
I come back to this verse time and time again because of the significance behind it. Paul said this after an incredible history. It smacks of 2 Cor 4:17 - "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (cf. Colossians 1:24) To Paul, this "momentary, light affliction" meant something much more than what it probably conjures up in our minds. Think of his own account of this in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Paul was on the brink of death, tortured and starved, all for the cause of Christ.
Notice here that none of these things were for crimes that we had done, but rather, because people were rejecting the message. Matthew 10:22 speaks to this cause - "hated by all because of My name." Remember the admonition that still stands today: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matt 10:16). Remember also Acts 24:16. Too, if you are in jail because of something wrong which you did, that is your own fault. Do not blame God for that.
"The glory that is to be revealed in us." Comparing our present sufferings to future glory is nearly impossible, but even if we were to compare present blessings with future glory there would be nothing to compare. We know that the earth and all it contains will burn up in a fervent heat (2 Peter 3:12). We also know that the entire creation groans and travails in pains (Romans 8:22), and in fact we, as believers groans within ourselves waiting for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). "We shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). We also think of Isaiah who saw the Lord high and lifted up. His reaction was one of true worship. Also, Paul, who was caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) who describes this foretaste thus: "was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which man is not permitted to speak" (2 Cor 12:4). Or, what about the words of John, who saw Him who sat on the throne (Revelation 20:11)? A Divine foretaste again. Following the judgment of all sin there descends upon the earth a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). At that time God will say once more and finally - "it is done," (Rev. 21:6) and then begins a new life, unimaginable where we dwell with our Creator as was originally intended - apart from sin, face to face.
Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
I come back to this verse time and time again because of the significance behind it. Paul said this after an incredible history. It smacks of 2 Cor 4:17 - "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (cf. Colossians 1:24) To Paul, this "momentary, light affliction" meant something much more than what it probably conjures up in our minds. Think of his own account of this in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Paul was on the brink of death, tortured and starved, all for the cause of Christ.
Notice here that none of these things were for crimes that we had done, but rather, because people were rejecting the message. Matthew 10:22 speaks to this cause - "hated by all because of My name." Remember the admonition that still stands today: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matt 10:16). Remember also Acts 24:16. Too, if you are in jail because of something wrong which you did, that is your own fault. Do not blame God for that.
"The glory that is to be revealed in us." Comparing our present sufferings to future glory is nearly impossible, but even if we were to compare present blessings with future glory there would be nothing to compare. We know that the earth and all it contains will burn up in a fervent heat (2 Peter 3:12). We also know that the entire creation groans and travails in pains (Romans 8:22), and in fact we, as believers groans within ourselves waiting for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). "We shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). We also think of Isaiah who saw the Lord high and lifted up. His reaction was one of true worship. Also, Paul, who was caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) who describes this foretaste thus: "was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which man is not permitted to speak" (2 Cor 12:4). Or, what about the words of John, who saw Him who sat on the throne (Revelation 20:11)? A Divine foretaste again. Following the judgment of all sin there descends upon the earth a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). At that time God will say once more and finally - "it is done," (Rev. 21:6) and then begins a new life, unimaginable where we dwell with our Creator as was originally intended - apart from sin, face to face.
May 6, 2008
Romans 8:12-13 - "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die: but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Cf. Galatians 3:3; Galatians 5:16
Our life is to be a life of activity, not one of complacence. The idea that we are to be "putting to death" something involves will on our part. We are active participants in the battle and God does not and will not do it all for us. This really has nothing to do with salvation. Salvation is totally of the Lord alone. We are talking about post-salvation - walking in Christ, being conformed to His image. This is two-sided. On the one hand you are strengthened to do what you need to by God, but on the other hand, you have the responsibility to do what God has commanded you to do. There is no shirking it, there is no getting out of your own duties.
However, this passage does offer some solace. We know that we are to be putting to death the deeds of the body, but we do this great task through the Holy Spirit! Ah! Strength from above.
~The Means to Live~
Romans 8:12-13 - "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die: but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Cf. Galatians 3:3; Galatians 5:16
Our life is to be a life of activity, not one of complacence. The idea that we are to be "putting to death" something involves will on our part. We are active participants in the battle and God does not and will not do it all for us. This really has nothing to do with salvation. Salvation is totally of the Lord alone. We are talking about post-salvation - walking in Christ, being conformed to His image. This is two-sided. On the one hand you are strengthened to do what you need to by God, but on the other hand, you have the responsibility to do what God has commanded you to do. There is no shirking it, there is no getting out of your own duties.
However, this passage does offer some solace. We know that we are to be putting to death the deeds of the body, but we do this great task through the Holy Spirit! Ah! Strength from above.
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 5, 2008
Romans 8:11 - "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
How often do we quote Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?" Truth be known, we quote it a lot, and probably almost flippantly at that. Indeed, we have been granted incredible power. Does it mean that we would be able to lift up a car? Probably not, though if God were to receive glory from that action then of course He would be able to grant your that power. but, power here seems to be talking about things that we as human kind have not been able to figure out. We are speaking of transcendent power. For instance, we know that in the field of microbiology scientists have been able to view the smallest particle known to man - the atom. Two questions though: How do we know that there isn't anything smaller than the atom? And, secondly, what holds all these atoms together?
That last one is the really baffling question. It doesn't make sense that these atoms just "hang around" with each other. If we could somehow figure out how to isolate these atoms we surely wouldn't be able to figure out how to get them to hold together. But, we have an answer from Scripture: "His before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). That is incredible power that is transcendent.
Or, what about life? That is one of those other transcendent issues. We can take all the right ingredients and put them together and yet no life will come into a creature - why? God is the only One with that power - Genesis 2:7 - "then the Lord God formed man of hte dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." So clearly, the power that is from above is transcendent, used for more than the mundane. This is the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. And this, Paul says, is the power that gives us spiritual life and becomes an infinite resource!
So, the next time you think about using Philippians 4:13, remember that the power that is being spoken of is much more than the mundane - it is transcendent power that goes beyond our imagination and it is available to all who believe.
~Living With Resurrection Power~
Romans 8:11 - "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
How often do we quote Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?" Truth be known, we quote it a lot, and probably almost flippantly at that. Indeed, we have been granted incredible power. Does it mean that we would be able to lift up a car? Probably not, though if God were to receive glory from that action then of course He would be able to grant your that power. but, power here seems to be talking about things that we as human kind have not been able to figure out. We are speaking of transcendent power. For instance, we know that in the field of microbiology scientists have been able to view the smallest particle known to man - the atom. Two questions though: How do we know that there isn't anything smaller than the atom? And, secondly, what holds all these atoms together?
That last one is the really baffling question. It doesn't make sense that these atoms just "hang around" with each other. If we could somehow figure out how to isolate these atoms we surely wouldn't be able to figure out how to get them to hold together. But, we have an answer from Scripture: "His before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). That is incredible power that is transcendent.
Or, what about life? That is one of those other transcendent issues. We can take all the right ingredients and put them together and yet no life will come into a creature - why? God is the only One with that power - Genesis 2:7 - "then the Lord God formed man of hte dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." So clearly, the power that is from above is transcendent, used for more than the mundane. This is the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. And this, Paul says, is the power that gives us spiritual life and becomes an infinite resource!
So, the next time you think about using Philippians 4:13, remember that the power that is being spoken of is much more than the mundane - it is transcendent power that goes beyond our imagination and it is available to all who believe.
May 3, 2008
Romans 8:9 - "however, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."
Coming off the preceding verses we realize that the one who is truly in the flesh is incapable of pleasing God, and is in fact hostile. Thus, knowing this, the person who can have friendship with God is marked by one thing: The Holy Spirit.
Note: You are not saved, a true believer, unless you have the Spirit.
This verse does much to shatter the theology of much of the charismatic world, and those who adopt a Schaeffarian view of sanctification. The phrase "if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you" reminds the reader of 2 Corinthians 13:5. Also note the unity of the godhead in this verse: The Spirit of God is then called the Spirit of Christ. Just as I might say to my wife: "Honey, thank you for doing such and so. Oh, and sweetie, do you think that you could hep me?" You wouldn't think I was talking bout someone else - so don' do it here with the Holy Spirit - they are not two, but one and the same!
Romans 8:9 - "however, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."
Coming off the preceding verses we realize that the one who is truly in the flesh is incapable of pleasing God, and is in fact hostile. Thus, knowing this, the person who can have friendship with God is marked by one thing: The Holy Spirit.
Note: You are not saved, a true believer, unless you have the Spirit.
This verse does much to shatter the theology of much of the charismatic world, and those who adopt a Schaeffarian view of sanctification. The phrase "if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you" reminds the reader of 2 Corinthians 13:5. Also note the unity of the godhead in this verse: The Spirit of God is then called the Spirit of Christ. Just as I might say to my wife: "Honey, thank you for doing such and so. Oh, and sweetie, do you think that you could hep me?" You wouldn't think I was talking bout someone else - so don' do it here with the Holy Spirit - they are not two, but one and the same!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
May 2, 2008
Romans 8:5-8 "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
It seems that these verses indicate that "the flesh" refers to one who is not truly saved.
1). Death
2). Hostility toward God
3). Not able to subject itself to God
4). Unable to please God
Of course there are many parallels to a truly saved individual who is not walking according to the Spirit. That man is still at enmity with God, could ultimately die because of sin (though it would not necessarily be eternal death), and is most assuredly unable to please God, for God is never pleased with sin. "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear" (Ps. 66:18).
Or, what about James 4:4 - ". . .do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." These verses speak of one who has a relationship with God. Therefore, the truth of Romans 8:5-8, though it clearly seems to be talking about unbelievers, has dramatic parallels to the believer. The only place where there would be a difference would be on the third point - "not able to subject itself to God," for the true believer always has the ability to turn from his sin and confess them from a heart of true repentance (1 John 1:9) to restore fellowship with his Creator!
Flee immorality (1 Cor 6:18)
Flee from idolatry (1 Cor 10:14)
Flee from these things (speaking about things that would take us away from the true doctrine of Christ, and more specifically money - which is "the root of all sorts of evil") - (1 Tim 6:11)
Flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim 2:22)
Romans 8:5-8 "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
It seems that these verses indicate that "the flesh" refers to one who is not truly saved.
Note: Mind set on flesh =
1). Death
2). Hostility toward God
3). Not able to subject itself to God
4). Unable to please God
Of course there are many parallels to a truly saved individual who is not walking according to the Spirit. That man is still at enmity with God, could ultimately die because of sin (though it would not necessarily be eternal death), and is most assuredly unable to please God, for God is never pleased with sin. "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear" (Ps. 66:18).
Or, what about James 4:4 - ". . .do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." These verses speak of one who has a relationship with God. Therefore, the truth of Romans 8:5-8, though it clearly seems to be talking about unbelievers, has dramatic parallels to the believer. The only place where there would be a difference would be on the third point - "not able to subject itself to God," for the true believer always has the ability to turn from his sin and confess them from a heart of true repentance (1 John 1:9) to restore fellowship with his Creator!
Flee immorality (1 Cor 6:18)
Flee from idolatry (1 Cor 10:14)
Flee from these things (speaking about things that would take us away from the true doctrine of Christ, and more specifically money - which is "the root of all sorts of evil") - (1 Tim 6:11)
Flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim 2:22)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
April 30, 2008
"For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh." - Romans 8:3
We will never be saved by works (Titus 3:5; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal 2:21), as if that weren't obvious. But what are works? How would one define a work? A work would be something that one thinks he can do to attain salvation apart from God's unique prescription which is through Christ alone. So, how does one decide that a "work" of his will be sufficient (keeping in mind that no work will ever be sufficient apart from the work of Christ)? The answer is found in the law. Romans 2:15 says that "they show the work of the Law written in their hearts." We are conscious of a sense of right and wrong according to this verse. However, the condemnation goes further. Paul says in Romans 1:18 that mankind, in general, suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. Paul goes on to talk about this in detail in Romans 7 showing that the law becomes a schoolmaster, and, rather than making it easier to do right, it makes it painfully obvious how corrupt we are and incapable of doing right. Thus, whenever we try to do a "work" we are going off of a conscious standard (which is seared) and a quasi-moral standard (which is always in flux, driven by humanism).
We think because the law says "do not kill" that if we haven't killed then we are doing okay - forgetting about the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:22. Or, what about coveting, or adultery? The issue is the heart, and all the law does is expose the true wickedness (Jer. 17:9). Thus, whenever someone thinks they can arrive at salvation with their own merit they cast off this key principle that the Law is powerless in this matter!
The law is tied to the flesh and is therefore "weak through it." It can, and does, show sinfulness and guilt but cannot cleanse. Here is what the Law could not do; and, exactly at that point, where the Law lost its potency, God stepped in, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh (fully human yet without sin) and for sin - the only acceptable payment. Romans 8:4 goes on to say that Christ was sent so that the requirement of the Law would be fulfilled in us (through Christ) who . . . walk according to the Spirit.
~An Impotent Law~
"For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh." - Romans 8:3
We will never be saved by works (Titus 3:5; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal 2:21), as if that weren't obvious. But what are works? How would one define a work? A work would be something that one thinks he can do to attain salvation apart from God's unique prescription which is through Christ alone. So, how does one decide that a "work" of his will be sufficient (keeping in mind that no work will ever be sufficient apart from the work of Christ)? The answer is found in the law. Romans 2:15 says that "they show the work of the Law written in their hearts." We are conscious of a sense of right and wrong according to this verse. However, the condemnation goes further. Paul says in Romans 1:18 that mankind, in general, suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. Paul goes on to talk about this in detail in Romans 7 showing that the law becomes a schoolmaster, and, rather than making it easier to do right, it makes it painfully obvious how corrupt we are and incapable of doing right. Thus, whenever we try to do a "work" we are going off of a conscious standard (which is seared) and a quasi-moral standard (which is always in flux, driven by humanism).
We think because the law says "do not kill" that if we haven't killed then we are doing okay - forgetting about the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:22. Or, what about coveting, or adultery? The issue is the heart, and all the law does is expose the true wickedness (Jer. 17:9). Thus, whenever someone thinks they can arrive at salvation with their own merit they cast off this key principle that the Law is powerless in this matter!
The law is tied to the flesh and is therefore "weak through it." It can, and does, show sinfulness and guilt but cannot cleanse. Here is what the Law could not do; and, exactly at that point, where the Law lost its potency, God stepped in, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh (fully human yet without sin) and for sin - the only acceptable payment. Romans 8:4 goes on to say that Christ was sent so that the requirement of the Law would be fulfilled in us (through Christ) who . . . walk according to the Spirit.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
2 Corinthians 1:13-14 – “For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.”
For the Christian, our hope personally is the Word of God; and, when we are seeking to encourage another believer, their hope and confidence is in the Word solely! This Scripture points out the fact that we can be discouraged. When Paul says that he hopes that they will understand until the end, there is the implication that some might not. This implies a grave responsibility for us as children of God to constantly be encouraging and exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching! Also, in this passage we see the great principle of fellowship and the power of discipleship – “that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.” When we are discipling others we rejoice in them. There is a bond that is created. This is convicting to me because it shows how important discipleship is. I personally have not had the opportunities, or should I say, I haven’t taken the opportunities or made the opportunities to disciple others and create those bonds. This is the type of stuff that will last until the end – not the other things. Only what is spiritual counts!
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