15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
In this book, Paul is responding to an important controversy that was developing in the church at Galatia. Some people were telling the members of this church, mostly Gentiles, that faith in Christ was not enough. They said that to be truly saved and enter the kingdom of God, a person also had to follow the old Jewish Law. Paul has been striving for the last three chapters to correct this misunderstanding.
Here, Paul tries to explain that the Law does not matter by taking an example from the legal world. He said that the salvation offered through Jesus was not something new, but a fulfillment of the ancient covenant, or legal contract, that God had made with Abraham. God promised Abraham that he and his offspring would be God’s children, and that all nations would be blessed through them. This is fulfilled in Jesus. The Law did not change that promise or that plan.
Think of it this way: when a family adopts a child, they enter into a legally binding agreement that they will love and care for that child as if s/he were their own, and that that child will forever be a part of their family. If, later on, they assign that child a list of chores or a curfew, the child’s performance or neglect of those duties does not change the adoption agreement. No matter what, the child is promised a place in the family. God’s covenant with Abraham allowed him to adopt all people into his family as his children through what Jesus did. The Law set curfews and boundaries to protect the people and gave them chores to develop their characters. However, doing or not doing our chores does not affect our position in God’s family. God drew up the contract, Jesus paid the fee. Once we sign on the dotted line, we’re in. God loves us no matter what. We cannot earn that love, it is freely given. Rejoice in that today.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
—Galatians 3.10–14—
10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because "the righteous will live by faith." 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, "Whoever does these things will live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
You are a carpenter. Your father and grandfather were both carpenters, establishing the family trade. Everyone knows your talent and customers flock to your name and reputation. Carpentry is your life and your identity.
One day you and your father are reflecting on the family business. “I built 2 houses in the same city block one year,” you remember. “Termites moved through the whole block the next year, ate ‘em up one by one.”
With a knowing “sigh,” your father offers a suggestion. “We should’ve known son. Wood rots. It just can’t do anything else.”
Just as the limitations of wood undermine the work of a carpenter, the Apostle Paul can look at his people (he was a Jew, after all) and see that their own scriptures spoke of a “curse”, a ticking time bomb of sorts that was embedded in their Law. But unlike the carpenter and his wood, Israel’s problem was not their Law—it was themselves.
Paul could see that the entire history of Israel told the story of a people who fell short of their goal to be God’s light to the world—a people who missed what God wanted of them amid the cursed and rotted ruins of their religion—a people who believed they had God in their pocket. And yet, miraculously, God still accomplished his purposes...not according to any law, but according to a promise made to Abraham.
We would do well to pray not to make the same mistakes.
You are a carpenter. Your father and grandfather were both carpenters, establishing the family trade. Everyone knows your talent and customers flock to your name and reputation. Carpentry is your life and your identity.
One day you and your father are reflecting on the family business. “I built 2 houses in the same city block one year,” you remember. “Termites moved through the whole block the next year, ate ‘em up one by one.”
With a knowing “sigh,” your father offers a suggestion. “We should’ve known son. Wood rots. It just can’t do anything else.”
Just as the limitations of wood undermine the work of a carpenter, the Apostle Paul can look at his people (he was a Jew, after all) and see that their own scriptures spoke of a “curse”, a ticking time bomb of sorts that was embedded in their Law. But unlike the carpenter and his wood, Israel’s problem was not their Law—it was themselves.
Paul could see that the entire history of Israel told the story of a people who fell short of their goal to be God’s light to the world—a people who missed what God wanted of them amid the cursed and rotted ruins of their religion—a people who believed they had God in their pocket. And yet, miraculously, God still accomplished his purposes...not according to any law, but according to a promise made to Abraham.
We would do well to pray not to make the same mistakes.
—Galatians 3.1–9—
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by your observing the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
The beginning of Galatians three talks about the fact that works aren’t enough, you have to have faith. As is the case today, many of the people were trying to earn their way into heaven and that just isn’t possible.
Of course actions are important to, as James 2:26 says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” It is impossible to have faith without deeds, but what Paul is saying is that you can have deeds without faith.
We like the Galatians sometimes need to be reminded that the deeds are only important if we have the faith to back it up, because we are saved through faith. It is also much harder to strengthen your faith that your deeds. Faith requires a long-term commitment to wanting to know and follow God’s plan and there are several ways that we can do this. Reading, memorizing and meditating over God’s word is a great way to see His faithfulness and begin to build up more trust in Him. The biggest thing you can do is to pray, how can you have a relationship without communication? God is always there and he loves to talk to you.
7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
The beginning of Galatians three talks about the fact that works aren’t enough, you have to have faith. As is the case today, many of the people were trying to earn their way into heaven and that just isn’t possible.
Of course actions are important to, as James 2:26 says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” It is impossible to have faith without deeds, but what Paul is saying is that you can have deeds without faith.
We like the Galatians sometimes need to be reminded that the deeds are only important if we have the faith to back it up, because we are saved through faith. It is also much harder to strengthen your faith that your deeds. Faith requires a long-term commitment to wanting to know and follow God’s plan and there are several ways that we can do this. Reading, memorizing and meditating over God’s word is a great way to see His faithfulness and begin to build up more trust in Him. The biggest thing you can do is to pray, how can you have a relationship without communication? God is always there and he loves to talk to you.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Galatians 2.18-21
18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.
19 "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"There is only one way to heaven. That is the purpose for Christ dying on the cross for us. If there were any other way then what would be the point of striving to be like Christ. We have to live by faith not knowing what will happen next but knowing that if we trust in Christ, He will always lead us in the right direction. Making sure we are always striving and not going back to the way we were before Christ came into our life is important because we need to show Christ that we are faithful to him always.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Galatians 2.14–17
14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
15 "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
17 "But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!
Have you ever read through some of the rules and regulations in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy? It’s kind of interesting to read through it. Some of the rules in there you are quite aware of (such as do not lie, and do not steal). Others you probably aren’t aware of (such as do not lend money with interest or that land that is sold has to be returned to it’s original owner every 50 years).
Have you ever wondered why we follow some laws and ignore others? Paul, in this passage, is wondering the same thing. If you look back in Acts Chapter 10, Peter has a vision from God about Gentile converts. In it, God tells him that he can eat any animal, regardless of whether or not that animal is considered ceremonially clean or unclean (some more of the obscure laws from Leviticus that we have put into the “ignore” category). In Acts 15, Peter, on the basis of this vision, claims that Gentiles can become Christians without circumcision (yet another law from the OT).
Now, it seems, Peter has decided that circumcision is mandatory for salvation. But, he seems to be content to continue eating “unclean food. Paul reminds us that it’s not any of the old laws that save us, but faith in Christ.
What laws are you using to gauge the “Christianity” of others?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Galatians 2.11-13
11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
In this passage, Peter is eating and hanging out with the Gentiles but separates himself from them when friends of James arrive. If you have to hide your actions from other people like Peter in this passage, you probably shouldn’t be doing them at all! If you read on in verse 13, Peter’s hypocrisy even causes Barnabas to sin as well. Leading a double life like Peter did might work at first, but it will always catch up to you and someone will eventually find out. If you know of someone who is doing something similar to Peter, perhaps hiding something from their parents or living differently on Friday night then they do on Sunday morning, I encourage you to confront them much like Paul did in our passage. If this person is you, pray that God will forgive you and make a conscious effort to change.
In this passage, Peter is eating and hanging out with the Gentiles but separates himself from them when friends of James arrive. If you have to hide your actions from other people like Peter in this passage, you probably shouldn’t be doing them at all! If you read on in verse 13, Peter’s hypocrisy even causes Barnabas to sin as well. Leading a double life like Peter did might work at first, but it will always catch up to you and someone will eventually find out. If you know of someone who is doing something similar to Peter, perhaps hiding something from their parents or living differently on Friday night then they do on Sunday morning, I encourage you to confront them much like Paul did in our passage. If this person is you, pray that God will forgive you and make a conscious effort to change.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Galatians 2.1–10
1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
In this passage Paul secretly visits the leaders in Jerusalem to reveal the revelation he has received from God concerning the freedom we have in Christ. Recognizing the grace bestowed upon Paul, the Jewish leadership extended fellowship to Paul and blessed him to continue his mission to the Gentiles. What was this freedom that Paul felt so important to express to the Jewish leaders? Given in this passage as an example of Old Testament law was circumcision. To be a part of God’s people circumcision was required to show that one was set apart to God. But Paul wanted to let everyone know that Christ’s death had changed everything. No longer is anyone subject to living to the letter of the law to be considered God’s people. In fact, it was now the acceptance of Christ’s death, the one perfect sacrifice, for the spiritual “circumcision” of our hearts that allows us to be called God’s children.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Galatians 1.18-24
18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24 And they praised God because of me.
What sticks out to me in this passage is the attitude of the church toward Paul (formerly Saul, the persecutor).
What would you think if someone who was previously your worst enemy now claimed to be your strong advocate and encourager? What if Osama Bin Laden suddenly decided to rebuild the part of lower Manhattan he once destroyed? Would I be inclined to accept and approve of his offer?
Paul "saw the light," so to speak. And the response of the church was to praise God. Talk about being on the same page with God in His work of redeeming lives and turning them toward His purpose.
Am I on that page?
Galatians 1.11-17
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any human source, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Paul is concerned here with the authenticity of his ministry. He wants the Galatians to realize that what he does is not motivated by any earthly thing, but motivated by a special calling from Jesus Christ.
I wonder if my ministry is authentic in that sense? Is it a thing that comes about because I have willed it to, or is it only attributable to God and his plan and grace? I wonder if I take too much credit for what God has done and is doing...
Paul is also concerned with drawing a sharp distinction between his former life as an enemy of the church (and of God, by extension) and his present life of humble service. Even though Paul expended a lot of effort persecuting the church, he STILL views his whole life in view of God's purpose...despite the roadblocks, GOD STILL SET HIM APART AT BIRTH!
Oh, the mystery and wonder and unsearchableness of the Lord God Almighty!
Who has known his mind that he might counsel him?
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
Paul is concerned here with the authenticity of his ministry. He wants the Galatians to realize that what he does is not motivated by any earthly thing, but motivated by a special calling from Jesus Christ.
I wonder if my ministry is authentic in that sense? Is it a thing that comes about because I have willed it to, or is it only attributable to God and his plan and grace? I wonder if I take too much credit for what God has done and is doing...
Paul is also concerned with drawing a sharp distinction between his former life as an enemy of the church (and of God, by extension) and his present life of humble service. Even though Paul expended a lot of effort persecuting the church, he STILL views his whole life in view of God's purpose...despite the roadblocks, GOD STILL SET HIM APART AT BIRTH!
Oh, the mystery and wonder and unsearchableness of the Lord God Almighty!
Who has known his mind that he might counsel him?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Galatians 1.6–10
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let that person be under God's curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let that person be under God's curse!
Today it seems there are people who used to have beliefs a few years ago, and now have changed their minds to believe in something totally different. How do people get so caught up in beliefs that are not of Jesus? I hear about people I use to know in my high school days and I wonder what or who has gotten a hold of them. I looked up to these people because of their faith. They relied on God everyday and I prayed I could have enough faith to know and believe the bible is true. But someone or thing has put doubt in their mind and they follow another religion or group like Mormons or Jehovah witnesses. They still read the bible right but then they have other beliefs and doctrine that they believe that’s not part of the Christian bible.
10 Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Today it seems there are people who used to have beliefs a few years ago, and now have changed their minds to believe in something totally different. How do people get so caught up in beliefs that are not of Jesus? I hear about people I use to know in my high school days and I wonder what or who has gotten a hold of them. I looked up to these people because of their faith. They relied on God everyday and I prayed I could have enough faith to know and believe the bible is true. But someone or thing has put doubt in their mind and they follow another religion or group like Mormons or Jehovah witnesses. They still read the bible right but then they have other beliefs and doctrine that they believe that’s not part of the Christian bible.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Galatians 1.1–5
1 Paul, an apostle—sent not with a human commission nor by human authority, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters with me,
To the churches in Galatia:
Our devotional efforts today take us to Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, which is also a letter to us.
As we read through this epistle we’ll find some of the words to be pretty harsh, but here in the beginning Paul reminds us of the compassion of our God. The greeting wishes us grace and peace. Paul then reminds us that Jesus is the one who gave himself up to rescue us from the present evil age.
The first century could be called a “present evil age”. It was a time of violence, a time of uncertainty, a time in which Christians were being harshly criticized; sounds a lot like the twenty-first century. Just browse the internet and you will be flooded with stories of violence, uncertainty and it is easy to find those who are harsh toward Christ’s church.
Take time to examine Jesus, investigate his claims, and then take time to thank him for his willingness to be our eternal life rescuer.
To the churches in Galatia:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Our devotional efforts today take us to Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, which is also a letter to us.
As we read through this epistle we’ll find some of the words to be pretty harsh, but here in the beginning Paul reminds us of the compassion of our God. The greeting wishes us grace and peace. Paul then reminds us that Jesus is the one who gave himself up to rescue us from the present evil age.
The first century could be called a “present evil age”. It was a time of violence, a time of uncertainty, a time in which Christians were being harshly criticized; sounds a lot like the twenty-first century. Just browse the internet and you will be flooded with stories of violence, uncertainty and it is easy to find those who are harsh toward Christ’s church.
Take time to examine Jesus, investigate his claims, and then take time to thank him for his willingness to be our eternal life rescuer.
2 Corinthians 13.11–14
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
In this section Paul is basically saying good-by and finishing his letter, but there are some important last minute reminders that he wants to bring up. He says to aim for perfection; a simple reminder that our standards are to be higher than those of the world. He says listen to my appeal. Basically, make sure that you take the advice in this letter to heart and put it into practice. Be of one mind—focus on the things of Christ in your thought life. And, finally, live in peace; be concerned about others even more than you care for yourself.
He goes on to say that they should greet each other with a holy kiss which would be kind of awkward in CCF so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Lastly, he reminds the church that the saints say hello and the most important thing, that no matter what happens God and Jesus are always there for them just like they are here for you and me.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God's people here send their greetings.
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
In this section Paul is basically saying good-by and finishing his letter, but there are some important last minute reminders that he wants to bring up. He says to aim for perfection; a simple reminder that our standards are to be higher than those of the world. He says listen to my appeal. Basically, make sure that you take the advice in this letter to heart and put it into practice. Be of one mind—focus on the things of Christ in your thought life. And, finally, live in peace; be concerned about others even more than you care for yourself.
He goes on to say that they should greet each other with a holy kiss which would be kind of awkward in CCF so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Lastly, he reminds the church that the saints say hello and the most important thing, that no matter what happens God and Jesus are always there for them just like they are here for you and me.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
II Corinthians 13:5-10
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? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. 10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
I once had a boss who most of my co-workers didn’t like. But, he was one of those bosses who didn’t really care if we liked him or not. He was one who wasn’t afraid to be tough on you or yell at you when you were screwing up. He could be a real pain at times.
I never had much of a problem with him, though. The thing was, I was good at that job, and did what I was supposed to do. Thus, he never had to show his “tough” side, so we got along pretty well.
Paul’s giving a warning here: he can be the tough boss. He doesn’t want to be, but he will do whatever keeps him on the side of the truth. His preference, though, is for the Corinthians to do what is right, and thus the natural reaction to be on of gentleness and joy.
What do you need to do to keep the boss on his “lighter” side? Who do you need to be “tougher” with?
I once had a boss who most of my co-workers didn’t like. But, he was one of those bosses who didn’t really care if we liked him or not. He was one who wasn’t afraid to be tough on you or yell at you when you were screwing up. He could be a real pain at times.
I never had much of a problem with him, though. The thing was, I was good at that job, and did what I was supposed to do. Thus, he never had to show his “tough” side, so we got along pretty well.
Paul’s giving a warning here: he can be the tough boss. He doesn’t want to be, but he will do whatever keeps him on the side of the truth. His preference, though, is for the Corinthians to do what is right, and thus the natural reaction to be on of gentleness and joy.
What do you need to do to keep the boss on his “lighter” side? Who do you need to be “tougher” with?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
II Corinthians 13:1-4
“This is the third time I am coming to you EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY
THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.
2I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,
3since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you”
The Apostle again gives us two principles for Christian living as
relates to our interactions with other people. First, it is important for the Christian to live his/her life based on facts rather than rumors or gossip. Don’t trust whatever evil is said of someone else unless you have concrete
evidence of the same i.e. unless it is “confirmed by the testimony of two or three” others. Always give others the benefit of the doubt! The second point the Apostle raises is the service towards others. Jesus modeled this for Apostle Paul who models it for us that we become weak for others just as the Son of God left His lofty throne to serve our needs. In this sense, Jesus is our eternal contemporary. How well are you serving other brothers and sisters in Christ? What about the hurting word at large? This is the real deal!
THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.
2I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,
3since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you”
The Apostle again gives us two principles for Christian living as
relates to our interactions with other people. First, it is important for the Christian to live his/her life based on facts rather than rumors or gossip. Don’t trust whatever evil is said of someone else unless you have concrete
evidence of the same i.e. unless it is “confirmed by the testimony of two or three” others. Always give others the benefit of the doubt! The second point the Apostle raises is the service towards others. Jesus modeled this for Apostle Paul who models it for us that we become weak for others just as the Son of God left His lofty throne to serve our needs. In this sense, Jesus is our eternal contemporary. How well are you serving other brothers and sisters in Christ? What about the hurting word at large? This is the real deal!
Monday, March 30, 2009
II Corinthians 12:19-21
19Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 20For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 21I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
Paul, one of the most famous of Christ’s apostles, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, ridicule, and all other forms of persecution without showing fear, admits here to being afraid. What is he afraid of? He is afraid of failings. He knows that the Corinthians have had failings in the past: quarrels, jealousy, gossip, and other problems. He fears that he has failed to correct these problems and that he is not capable of correcting them. This fear of facing the failings in ourselves and others still plagues the church today. The band Casting Crowns wrote a song about it called “Stained Glass Masquerade.” As you read the lyrics, consider the message and what should be done.
Is there anyone who fails? Is there anyone who falls?
Am I the only one in church today feeling so small?
‘Cause when I take a look around, everybody seems so strong.
I know they’ll soon discover that I don’t belong.
So I tuck it all away like everything’s okay.
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too.
So with a painted grin, I’ll play the part again so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people, under shiny plastic steeples,
With walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
Cause if the invitation’s open to every heart that has been broken,
Maybe then we’ll close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Paul, one of the most famous of Christ’s apostles, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, ridicule, and all other forms of persecution without showing fear, admits here to being afraid. What is he afraid of? He is afraid of failings. He knows that the Corinthians have had failings in the past: quarrels, jealousy, gossip, and other problems. He fears that he has failed to correct these problems and that he is not capable of correcting them. This fear of facing the failings in ourselves and others still plagues the church today. The band Casting Crowns wrote a song about it called “Stained Glass Masquerade.” As you read the lyrics, consider the message and what should be done.
Is there anyone who fails? Is there anyone who falls?
Am I the only one in church today feeling so small?
‘Cause when I take a look around, everybody seems so strong.
I know they’ll soon discover that I don’t belong.
So I tuck it all away like everything’s okay.
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too.
So with a painted grin, I’ll play the part again so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people, under shiny plastic steeples,
With walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
Cause if the invitation’s open to every heart that has been broken,
Maybe then we’ll close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Friday, March 27, 2009
II Corinthians 12:14-18
14Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? 16Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! 17Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you? 18I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course?
One thing about my parents is that they weren’t the type to always tell me what I wanted to hear. I can think of so many times growing up that I would listen to just about everybody but my parents. Seeking that type of independence is part of growing up, but the hardest lesson is the realization is that we should listen to our parents because they are the ones who are no matter what looking out for our best interests over their own.
Paul is dealing with the same thing with the Corinthians. Other pastors have come in and undermined what he has taught. Part of their tactic is to point out how impressive they are and how unimpressive Paul is. Paul points out that all he has ever done is love them and acted in their interests rather than talk about how great he is.
Who are you listening to? Who should you be listening to?
One thing about my parents is that they weren’t the type to always tell me what I wanted to hear. I can think of so many times growing up that I would listen to just about everybody but my parents. Seeking that type of independence is part of growing up, but the hardest lesson is the realization is that we should listen to our parents because they are the ones who are no matter what looking out for our best interests over their own.
Paul is dealing with the same thing with the Corinthians. Other pastors have come in and undermined what he has taught. Part of their tactic is to point out how impressive they are and how unimpressive Paul is. Paul points out that all he has ever done is love them and acted in their interests rather than talk about how great he is.
Who are you listening to? Who should you be listening to?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
II Corinthians 12:11-13
11I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. 12The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance. 13How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
When we were younger our parents looked out for us and took care of us. They knew what was best for our lives when we were little children. We were dependent upon them to take care of us and knowing what was best for our lives. Our relationship with Christ should be the same. We should rely on Christ to guide us daily as in the direction we should go. For by ourselves we are nothing, but with Christ we can do anything. Christ can give us the strength to do the things we need to do we just need to remember that we need Him in our lives so that He can help us.
When we were younger our parents looked out for us and took care of us. They knew what was best for our lives when we were little children. We were dependent upon them to take care of us and knowing what was best for our lives. Our relationship with Christ should be the same. We should rely on Christ to guide us daily as in the direction we should go. For by ourselves we are nothing, but with Christ we can do anything. Christ can give us the strength to do the things we need to do we just need to remember that we need Him in our lives so that He can help us.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
II Corinthians 12:7-10
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
From lemons to lemon drops
We can’t be entirely sure what the thorn in the flesh was that Paul spoke of, but it was a physical affliction of some kind. In any case, we are still able to apply the lessons Paul learned to our own afflictions, physical or otherwise.
In our lives, we receive many of our blessings through transformation, rather than substitution. When Paul prayed three times for the removal of his affliction, he was saying “God, give me health instead of sickness, deliverance instead of pain and weakness.” But many times, instead of removing what burdens us, God gives us grace so that the affliction works for us and not against us.
That reminds me of my favorite verse of scripture: Romans 8:28. My paraphrase of it goes like this: God causes everything to work out for those that love Him and are seeking to live according to His purpose for them.
I have endured a great many trials in my life, and through every one of them, God has been faithful to help me embrace this verse which assures me that He is with me through ALL things, not merely some or most of them.
From lemons to lemon drops
We can’t be entirely sure what the thorn in the flesh was that Paul spoke of, but it was a physical affliction of some kind. In any case, we are still able to apply the lessons Paul learned to our own afflictions, physical or otherwise.
In our lives, we receive many of our blessings through transformation, rather than substitution. When Paul prayed three times for the removal of his affliction, he was saying “God, give me health instead of sickness, deliverance instead of pain and weakness.” But many times, instead of removing what burdens us, God gives us grace so that the affliction works for us and not against us.
That reminds me of my favorite verse of scripture: Romans 8:28. My paraphrase of it goes like this: God causes everything to work out for those that love Him and are seeking to live according to His purpose for them.
I have endured a great many trials in my life, and through every one of them, God has been faithful to help me embrace this verse which assures me that He is with me through ALL things, not merely some or most of them.
Monday, March 23, 2009
II Corinthians 11:21-29
What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Everyone loves to be praised. Some crave this praise more than others. Many strive to be stronger, faster, prettier, smarter, and better than everyone else so that they can have more praise. When others do not give forth praise, it is human nature to boast and praise ourselves. Such boasting leads to pride, and pride goes before a fall. Therefore, God instructs us not to boast about ourselves or our possessions or our plans. Ultimately, we cannot control any of that. Therefore, we are instructed to boast in the Lord.
So WHY is Paul boasting here? Even he admits that it is foolish to do so. However, note the topic of his boasting. At first glance, this is not something to be proud of. Paul’s life was full of trials and pain. Still, this serves the purpose of showing his merit, his perseverance. Paul suffered freely and frequently for the sake of the gospel and when he boasts, he boasts not of how many churches he has planted, or how much he gave to the poor, or how many people he led to Christ. No. Instead he boasts about his weaknesses. God strength shines best through our weaknesses, not our strengths. This is a message every Christian martyr can testify to.
What do you boast about? Strengths or weaknesses? Does the light of God’s strength shine through you? Be aware. If you boast, do it for the right reasons and give the glory to God.
Everyone loves to be praised. Some crave this praise more than others. Many strive to be stronger, faster, prettier, smarter, and better than everyone else so that they can have more praise. When others do not give forth praise, it is human nature to boast and praise ourselves. Such boasting leads to pride, and pride goes before a fall. Therefore, God instructs us not to boast about ourselves or our possessions or our plans. Ultimately, we cannot control any of that. Therefore, we are instructed to boast in the Lord.
So WHY is Paul boasting here? Even he admits that it is foolish to do so. However, note the topic of his boasting. At first glance, this is not something to be proud of. Paul’s life was full of trials and pain. Still, this serves the purpose of showing his merit, his perseverance. Paul suffered freely and frequently for the sake of the gospel and when he boasts, he boasts not of how many churches he has planted, or how much he gave to the poor, or how many people he led to Christ. No. Instead he boasts about his weaknesses. God strength shines best through our weaknesses, not our strengths. This is a message every Christian martyr can testify to.
What do you boast about? Strengths or weaknesses? Does the light of God’s strength shine through you? Be aware. If you boast, do it for the right reasons and give the glory to God.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 11:16-21
16I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. 19You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! 20In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. 21To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.
Why is Paul talking so much about his own suffering?
It wasn’t the kind of boasting that expects praise in return. No. I think Paul spoke of his suffering because he wanted people to know how passionate he was about the church. “Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of how the churches are getting along. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?”
They were aware he had suffered, but the very specific accounts of the offenses against him were sure to attract attention and assure them that he was suffering because he was completely committed to seeing the truth of Christ spoken everywhere he went.
Paul’s ministry and suffering still speak. His testimony, teaching and suffering has been an example to an untold number of people over the past two thousand years. We’ve been charged with taking the truth to the ends of the earth, and Paul is one of the greatest examples of someone who was not ashamed or afraid of doing that.
What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.
Why is Paul talking so much about his own suffering?
It wasn’t the kind of boasting that expects praise in return. No. I think Paul spoke of his suffering because he wanted people to know how passionate he was about the church. “Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of how the churches are getting along. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?”
They were aware he had suffered, but the very specific accounts of the offenses against him were sure to attract attention and assure them that he was suffering because he was completely committed to seeing the truth of Christ spoken everywhere he went.
Paul’s ministry and suffering still speak. His testimony, teaching and suffering has been an example to an untold number of people over the past two thousand years. We’ve been charged with taking the truth to the ends of the earth, and Paul is one of the greatest examples of someone who was not ashamed or afraid of doing that.
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