Yesterday, we looked at part of a letter in our Bibles that revealed the reality that Christians act unchristian by acting arrogantly towards leadership when we fail to respect their role in advancing the kingdom mission that the church has been given. But Paul also shows us another way Christians act unchristian by acting arrogantly toward leadership:
I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
In these verses, we see the Apostle Paul reveal for us three ways in which leaders are to correct those whom they serve and how Christians can act unchristian to such correction. First, church leaders are to correct like a loving father. Paul tells the members of the church at Corinth that the reason that he is being so pointed in his comments is not to guilt them into change; just like a loving father with their children, Paul’s desire for the church is for them to change their attitude in a way that reflects who they are really called to be as followers of Jesus.
Second, church leaders are to correct us toward Christ. In light of his unique role in the life of the church of Corinth, Paul continues by strongly urging the members of the church of Corinth to imitate his life and his teachings. And just like the Apostle Paul, leaders are to imitate Christ’s teaching and lifestyle. In addition, leaders are also to send us others who will help us to live a life that imitates Christ.
Third, leaders are to correct us away from spiritual pride. Paul addresses a rumor that has come to him by Chloe that some of the members of the church had become spiritually proud as a result of the belief that Paul was afraid to travel to Corinth to confront them personally. So Paul responds to this rumor by explaining that when God allows him to return to Corinth, he will come to know and understand the source of the spiritual pride of the members of the church at Corinth by looking at their walk, not their talk. Paul then explains that the reason that he will look at their walk and not their talk is due to the fact that the kingdom of God is revealed by ones walk not ones talk. And in the same way today, leaders in the church are to correct us by looking at our walk and our talk. As followers of Jesus, we are to walk the walk and talk the talk.
Christians who act unchristian, however, seem to do a lot of talking and very little walking when it comes to following Jesus. Paul is revealing for us the timeless reality that Christians also act unchristian by acting arrogantly toward leaders when we fail to respond to correction. Paul then concludes by asking the church a simple question: “What do you have in mind for my visit? What would you like to happen?” Paul’s point here is that leaders are to provide correction by using the right discipline for what the occasion requires. The goal of correction is for repentance, which is a turning of ones trajectory of life that was once moving away from God back towards God. So leaders are to use the level of correction necessary to change ones trajectory back toward God, no more and no less. Christians who act unchristian however want to be in authority but not under authority and will respond by rejecting any attempts at correction by authority.
So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by arrogantly failing to respond to the correction that you have received from a leader in the church in the past?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How Do You View Those Who Lead In Your Church?
Yesterday, we looked at part of a letter in our bibles that revealed the reality that Christians act unchristian by acting arrogantly towards leadership when we fail to respect their role in the spiritual growth that occurs in a church. But Paul also shows us another way that we can fail as Christians to respect the role that leadership plays in a local church:
"For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
In these verses we see that the members of the church in Corinth failed to respect leadership's role in advancing God’s kingdom mission. Paul continues his sarcastic rant to expose the church of Corinth’s false view of themselves as a result of their spiritual pride. Paul begins by explaining that he considers that it is probable that God considers the apostles and the leaders of the early church as having the lowest possible rank and status in society. He continues by stating that it seems that God has placed them in Corinth so that the Corinthians would view them as condemned men that are there for the amusement of the church members, the world, and the supernatural beings.
Paul then exposes how the Corinthians view themselves as opposed to Paul and the other apostles with three striking comparative phrases. First, Paul explains that the members of the church of Corinth viewed themselves as having the spiritual insight and wisdom that Paul and others lacked. Second, Paul states that the members of the church at Corinth viewed themselves as spiritually strong, healthy and effective in ministry, while Paul was viewed as ineffective and unimpressive. Finally, Paul explains that while the church at Corinth were viewed as highly respected and having status and esteem, Paul was viewed with contempt and a lack of respect.
Paul then makes a shift from sarcasm to reality by explaining the difficulties that a missionary and church planter like himself experienced. Paul reveals that reality that missionaries and church planters often experience a lack of resources, and mistreatment or abuse from the very people that they are attempting to reach with the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel. Paul explains that he and other missionaries and church planters respond to the rejection and persecution that comes with their role in what God is doing in the world by praying for God’s blessing and power to impact others as they undergo suffering without giving in to it. In addition, missionaries and other church planters and leaders respond to slander and criticism of their ministries by having a “my door is always open” attitude that invites engagement with those who are critical.
Paul's point here is that Christians act unchristian when we have a low view of a leaders service to the Lord. Christians act unchristian when we view leaders with contempt. Christians act unchristian when we minimize the price that leaders pay in order to serve the Lord and advance His kingdom.
So, how do you view those who lead your church? And how should we view those who serve in leadership of a local church?
"For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
In these verses we see that the members of the church in Corinth failed to respect leadership's role in advancing God’s kingdom mission. Paul continues his sarcastic rant to expose the church of Corinth’s false view of themselves as a result of their spiritual pride. Paul begins by explaining that he considers that it is probable that God considers the apostles and the leaders of the early church as having the lowest possible rank and status in society. He continues by stating that it seems that God has placed them in Corinth so that the Corinthians would view them as condemned men that are there for the amusement of the church members, the world, and the supernatural beings.
Paul then exposes how the Corinthians view themselves as opposed to Paul and the other apostles with three striking comparative phrases. First, Paul explains that the members of the church of Corinth viewed themselves as having the spiritual insight and wisdom that Paul and others lacked. Second, Paul states that the members of the church at Corinth viewed themselves as spiritually strong, healthy and effective in ministry, while Paul was viewed as ineffective and unimpressive. Finally, Paul explains that while the church at Corinth were viewed as highly respected and having status and esteem, Paul was viewed with contempt and a lack of respect.
Paul then makes a shift from sarcasm to reality by explaining the difficulties that a missionary and church planter like himself experienced. Paul reveals that reality that missionaries and church planters often experience a lack of resources, and mistreatment or abuse from the very people that they are attempting to reach with the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel. Paul explains that he and other missionaries and church planters respond to the rejection and persecution that comes with their role in what God is doing in the world by praying for God’s blessing and power to impact others as they undergo suffering without giving in to it. In addition, missionaries and other church planters and leaders respond to slander and criticism of their ministries by having a “my door is always open” attitude that invites engagement with those who are critical.
Paul's point here is that Christians act unchristian when we have a low view of a leaders service to the Lord. Christians act unchristian when we view leaders with contempt. Christians act unchristian when we minimize the price that leaders pay in order to serve the Lord and advance His kingdom.
So, how do you view those who lead your church? And how should we view those who serve in leadership of a local church?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Who Do You Make Much Of?
The past couple of weeks, I have been blogging about how Christians can act unchristian in their interactions with those who are in authority as leadership in the local church. In a letter in our Bibles called 1 Corinthians, a man named Paul spend a great time dealing with this issue because of the impact that division, spiritual pride and arrogance can have on any church.
And as Paul continued his letter to a church in Corinth, we see him point out another way that Christians can act unchristian towards those who serve as pastors and ministry leaders in the church:
"Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you." 1 Corinthians 4:6-8
In this section of his letter the Apostle Paul reveals for us that Christians act unchristian when we act arrogantly toward leadership. In these verses, we see that Christians act unchristian by acting arrogantly toward leadership when we fail to respect their role.
Paul begins this section his letter to the church at Corinth by explaining to the Corinthian church that he had used analogies to help them learn not to exceed what was written. Paul is revealing the reality that the members of the church at Corinth were not following Jesus teachings that had been communicated to them. The reason Paul gives for the uses of his previous analogies was so that no one would become arrogant in behalf of one over the other. Paul is revealing that the members of the church of Corinth were spiritually proud and were expressing that spiritual pride and arrogance in the form of causing division in the church over which leader they were going to follow; Paul or Apollos.
The members of the church at Corinth were acting arrogantly toward the churches leadership by failing to respect their role in the church. Paul then reveals that the members of the church at Corinth failed to respect the leadership’s role in their spiritual growth.
In verse 7, Paul uses three rhetorical questions to reveal this reality. If these question was to be asked today, it would sound something like this: "Who do you think you are to think you are so spiritual? Who was the one who shared the gospel and loved and served you in a way that brought you to Christ? If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, then why are you so spiritually proud in light of what Jesus did for you? Why don’t you reflect Jesus character?"
Paul then follows up these rhetorical questions in verse 8 with four incredibly sarcastic statements designed to expose the spiritual pride of the members of the church in Corinth. If Paul was making these statements today, they would sound something like this: "O, you don’t need me, you already have all the spiritual food you need. You have already learned all that you need to know spiritually. You know everything you need to know. You already are as wise as God. You are way smarter than Apollos or I. And you already are way more powerful and prominent that we could ever be; and you didn’t even need us to achieve the spiritual status that you have achieved. Boy you have already arrived. You are all that and a bag of chips! You are so much better than we are. I actually wish you were what you thought you were, because that would mean that Jesus had actually come back to establish His kingdom and we would be in Heaven with you."
The timeless point that Paul was making through the use of these rhetorical questions and sarcasm is that today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, as Christians we act unchristian when we display an attitude of ungrateful spiritual pride that results in us becoming focused on making much of us instead of making much of God.
So, who do you make much of? What does what you make much of reveal about how proud or humble you are?
And as Paul continued his letter to a church in Corinth, we see him point out another way that Christians can act unchristian towards those who serve as pastors and ministry leaders in the church:
"Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you." 1 Corinthians 4:6-8
In this section of his letter the Apostle Paul reveals for us that Christians act unchristian when we act arrogantly toward leadership. In these verses, we see that Christians act unchristian by acting arrogantly toward leadership when we fail to respect their role.
Paul begins this section his letter to the church at Corinth by explaining to the Corinthian church that he had used analogies to help them learn not to exceed what was written. Paul is revealing the reality that the members of the church at Corinth were not following Jesus teachings that had been communicated to them. The reason Paul gives for the uses of his previous analogies was so that no one would become arrogant in behalf of one over the other. Paul is revealing that the members of the church of Corinth were spiritually proud and were expressing that spiritual pride and arrogance in the form of causing division in the church over which leader they were going to follow; Paul or Apollos.
The members of the church at Corinth were acting arrogantly toward the churches leadership by failing to respect their role in the church. Paul then reveals that the members of the church at Corinth failed to respect the leadership’s role in their spiritual growth.
In verse 7, Paul uses three rhetorical questions to reveal this reality. If these question was to be asked today, it would sound something like this: "Who do you think you are to think you are so spiritual? Who was the one who shared the gospel and loved and served you in a way that brought you to Christ? If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, then why are you so spiritually proud in light of what Jesus did for you? Why don’t you reflect Jesus character?"
Paul then follows up these rhetorical questions in verse 8 with four incredibly sarcastic statements designed to expose the spiritual pride of the members of the church in Corinth. If Paul was making these statements today, they would sound something like this: "O, you don’t need me, you already have all the spiritual food you need. You have already learned all that you need to know spiritually. You know everything you need to know. You already are as wise as God. You are way smarter than Apollos or I. And you already are way more powerful and prominent that we could ever be; and you didn’t even need us to achieve the spiritual status that you have achieved. Boy you have already arrived. You are all that and a bag of chips! You are so much better than we are. I actually wish you were what you thought you were, because that would mean that Jesus had actually come back to establish His kingdom and we would be in Heaven with you."
The timeless point that Paul was making through the use of these rhetorical questions and sarcasm is that today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, as Christians we act unchristian when we display an attitude of ungrateful spiritual pride that results in us becoming focused on making much of us instead of making much of God.
So, who do you make much of? What does what you make much of reveal about how proud or humble you are?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Are You Smart Enough to Criticize Ministry Leaders?
Yesterday, we looked at the reality that Christians can act unchristian when we believe that we are smarter than God. A second way that Christians can act unchristian by believing that they are smarter than they are is when we believe that we are smart enough to criticize ministry leaders. We see this way revealed for us in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5:
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
In this passage we see the Apostle Paul reveal three criteria by which ministry leaders should be evaluated on. Paul begins by stating that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right job description. Paul here is commanding the church at Corinth to evaluate and judge him based on his position as an assistant to Jesus and manager of the mysteries of God, which are the timeless truths about God contained in the message of the gospel. These truths were previously hidden, but have now been made known through Christ and the messengers of the message of the gospel. Pastors and ministry leaders are assistants to Jesus, who is the Senior Pastor, and are responsible to manage the message of the gospel and the ministry that they have been given by Jesus.
A second criterion for evaluating ministry leaders is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right standard. Paul continues in verse two by stating that it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. Paul is explaining that the position of an assistant to Jesus and manager of the message of the gospel requires and demands that one be worthy of trust. Upon examination those who serve Jesus by managing and proclaiming the message of the gospel must demonstrate faithfulness with the message and the ministry. Ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the message of the gospel. Pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate an ability to proclaim accurately and faithfully the whole counsel of God, even the parts you and I do not like to hear. In addition, pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the ministry that they have been given.
The third criterion that Paul reveals for us is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right supervisor. In the first part of verse 3, Paul tells the members of the church at Corinth that it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court. What Paul is explaining here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to others. Now that does not mean that pastors and ministry leaders are not to be under the godly authority of the Elders and other church leadership. What it does mean is that ministry leaders are not to become focused on the evaluations of others either in the church or others who are outside the church. Because the sad reality is when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what the members of the church think about a sermon or a ministry; or when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what others who are not Christians think about a sermon or a ministry, they run the risk of becoming pleasers of men who solely seek the approval of men.
Paul then continues by stating that he does not even examine his own ministry. What Paul is communicating here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to themselves. Paul’s’ point is that pastors and ministry leaders are not to focus on self evaluation, because the reality is that pastors and ministry leaders are not vindicated from criticism as a result of their personal feelings. All of us have blind spots in our judgment that cause self evaluation to be a risky and inaccurate endeavor. We all need accountability, lovingly honest feedback and encouragement.
Paul then reveals that the one that examines or questions his ministry and whom he ultimately will be held accountable to is Jesus Himself. Every pastor and ministry leader is ultimately accountable to the Lord Himself for how faithful and trustworthy they are with the message of the gospel and the ministry they have been given. And because of this reality, Paul commands the church at Corinth to stop their present unfavorable judgment of his ministry and message through their criticism and fault finding. Paul the explains that they should wait until Jesus return because Jesus, upon His return, will reveal and make known the things that are hidden and will make known the intentions and purposes that was behind a person’s desires and decisions.
Paul concludes by revealing that it will be God who will express admiration and approval for the management of the ministry and the message of gospel that we are given. Christians who act unchristian, however, believe that they are smart enough to criticize, to judge, and to evaluate and uncover the hidden intentions and motives that lie behind critical ministry decisions that are made by pastors and ministry leaders.
So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by believing that you are smarter than you really are? You would never say you were as smart as God, but you are sure that you are smarter than everyone else. You are smart enough to really understand what really is going on. Is that you? Paul's point to the church at Corinth, and us today, is we must be very careful before passing critical and judgmental opinions towards pastors and other ministry leaders. So let's take these words to heart and work together in partnership to accomplish the mission God has for us.
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
In this passage we see the Apostle Paul reveal three criteria by which ministry leaders should be evaluated on. Paul begins by stating that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right job description. Paul here is commanding the church at Corinth to evaluate and judge him based on his position as an assistant to Jesus and manager of the mysteries of God, which are the timeless truths about God contained in the message of the gospel. These truths were previously hidden, but have now been made known through Christ and the messengers of the message of the gospel. Pastors and ministry leaders are assistants to Jesus, who is the Senior Pastor, and are responsible to manage the message of the gospel and the ministry that they have been given by Jesus.
A second criterion for evaluating ministry leaders is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right standard. Paul continues in verse two by stating that it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. Paul is explaining that the position of an assistant to Jesus and manager of the message of the gospel requires and demands that one be worthy of trust. Upon examination those who serve Jesus by managing and proclaiming the message of the gospel must demonstrate faithfulness with the message and the ministry. Ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the message of the gospel. Pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate an ability to proclaim accurately and faithfully the whole counsel of God, even the parts you and I do not like to hear. In addition, pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the ministry that they have been given.
The third criterion that Paul reveals for us is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right supervisor. In the first part of verse 3, Paul tells the members of the church at Corinth that it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court. What Paul is explaining here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to others. Now that does not mean that pastors and ministry leaders are not to be under the godly authority of the Elders and other church leadership. What it does mean is that ministry leaders are not to become focused on the evaluations of others either in the church or others who are outside the church. Because the sad reality is when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what the members of the church think about a sermon or a ministry; or when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what others who are not Christians think about a sermon or a ministry, they run the risk of becoming pleasers of men who solely seek the approval of men.
Paul then continues by stating that he does not even examine his own ministry. What Paul is communicating here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to themselves. Paul’s’ point is that pastors and ministry leaders are not to focus on self evaluation, because the reality is that pastors and ministry leaders are not vindicated from criticism as a result of their personal feelings. All of us have blind spots in our judgment that cause self evaluation to be a risky and inaccurate endeavor. We all need accountability, lovingly honest feedback and encouragement.
Paul then reveals that the one that examines or questions his ministry and whom he ultimately will be held accountable to is Jesus Himself. Every pastor and ministry leader is ultimately accountable to the Lord Himself for how faithful and trustworthy they are with the message of the gospel and the ministry they have been given. And because of this reality, Paul commands the church at Corinth to stop their present unfavorable judgment of his ministry and message through their criticism and fault finding. Paul the explains that they should wait until Jesus return because Jesus, upon His return, will reveal and make known the things that are hidden and will make known the intentions and purposes that was behind a person’s desires and decisions.
Paul concludes by revealing that it will be God who will express admiration and approval for the management of the ministry and the message of gospel that we are given. Christians who act unchristian, however, believe that they are smart enough to criticize, to judge, and to evaluate and uncover the hidden intentions and motives that lie behind critical ministry decisions that are made by pastors and ministry leaders.
So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by believing that you are smarter than you really are? You would never say you were as smart as God, but you are sure that you are smarter than everyone else. You are smart enough to really understand what really is going on. Is that you? Paul's point to the church at Corinth, and us today, is we must be very careful before passing critical and judgmental opinions towards pastors and other ministry leaders. So let's take these words to heart and work together in partnership to accomplish the mission God has for us.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
How Smart Are You?
Have you ever been around a person who thinks that they are smarter than they are? Have you ever been around a person who thinks or, worse yet, knows that they are the smartest person in the room? Can you relate to the problems and issues that erupt when someone thinks that they are smarter than they really are?
In a section of letter that was written within 25 years of Jesus death, we see a timeless truth that reveals for us the reality that this problem is a problem that was just as prevalent 2,000 years ago as it is today. And that timeless truth is that as Christians, we act unchristian when we believe that we are smarter than we are. We see this in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23:
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
In these verses we see the apostle Paul, who wrote this letter, reveal one way that Christians act unchristian by believing we are smarter than we are. That way is that Christians act unchristian when we believe that we are as smart as God. Paul begins by commanding the members of the church at Corinth to not deceive themselves. Paul reveals that the members of the church at Corinth were being deceived into accepting the false idea that they possessed wisdom and understanding equal to God. The members of the church of Corinth had deceived themselves into thinking that they were as smart as God.
Instead of being deceived, Paul commands those who think that they are as smart as God to change their opinion of themselves so as to reflect reality. Paul explains that the reason that the church at Corinth needed to change their opinion when it comes to their view of how smart they are as compared to God’s divine wisdom is because the wisdom and understanding that is possessed by the world is mere foolishness when compared with the wisdom that flows from God. Paul quotes Job 5:13 and Psalm 93:11 to show that human wisdom is not what it appears to be and is instead empty, worthless and thus foolish when compared with God’s divine wisdom.
And because of the reality that God’s wisdom is far superior to human wisdom, Paul commands the members of the church at Corinth to let no one boast in men. The Apostle was calling the church at Corinth to not take pride in the personality or the seeming wisdom of a man. Instead, he was calling them to change their exalted opinion of their wisdom in order to reflect their proper relationship with God.
Paul responds to the situation at the church by explaining that the opposite is true through their relationship with Christ. Paul is explaining that as followers of Jesus, “you do not belong to another man; instead they belong to you, as your servants, because you all belong to Christ, and Christ is God’s”. And today, just as it was 2000 years ago, the reality is that God is the ultimate reality and is the owner of all things. Paul’s point is that our position and possessions in the world is ultimately under the Leadership and Lordship of God through Jesus Christ. Everything that we have in terms of wisdom, position, and possessions ultimately belongs to God through Jesus Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we are not to take pride in human position or possessions; instead we are to take pride in being Christ’s possession. Christians who act unchristian however, would rather take pride in their own wisdom, position, and possessions, which reveals the reality that they have accepted and embraced false ideas about how smart they really are.
So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by believing that you are smarter than you really are? Do you ever give the impression that you know as much as God?
In a section of letter that was written within 25 years of Jesus death, we see a timeless truth that reveals for us the reality that this problem is a problem that was just as prevalent 2,000 years ago as it is today. And that timeless truth is that as Christians, we act unchristian when we believe that we are smarter than we are. We see this in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23:
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
In these verses we see the apostle Paul, who wrote this letter, reveal one way that Christians act unchristian by believing we are smarter than we are. That way is that Christians act unchristian when we believe that we are as smart as God. Paul begins by commanding the members of the church at Corinth to not deceive themselves. Paul reveals that the members of the church at Corinth were being deceived into accepting the false idea that they possessed wisdom and understanding equal to God. The members of the church of Corinth had deceived themselves into thinking that they were as smart as God.
Instead of being deceived, Paul commands those who think that they are as smart as God to change their opinion of themselves so as to reflect reality. Paul explains that the reason that the church at Corinth needed to change their opinion when it comes to their view of how smart they are as compared to God’s divine wisdom is because the wisdom and understanding that is possessed by the world is mere foolishness when compared with the wisdom that flows from God. Paul quotes Job 5:13 and Psalm 93:11 to show that human wisdom is not what it appears to be and is instead empty, worthless and thus foolish when compared with God’s divine wisdom.
And because of the reality that God’s wisdom is far superior to human wisdom, Paul commands the members of the church at Corinth to let no one boast in men. The Apostle was calling the church at Corinth to not take pride in the personality or the seeming wisdom of a man. Instead, he was calling them to change their exalted opinion of their wisdom in order to reflect their proper relationship with God.
Paul responds to the situation at the church by explaining that the opposite is true through their relationship with Christ. Paul is explaining that as followers of Jesus, “you do not belong to another man; instead they belong to you, as your servants, because you all belong to Christ, and Christ is God’s”. And today, just as it was 2000 years ago, the reality is that God is the ultimate reality and is the owner of all things. Paul’s point is that our position and possessions in the world is ultimately under the Leadership and Lordship of God through Jesus Christ. Everything that we have in terms of wisdom, position, and possessions ultimately belongs to God through Jesus Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we are not to take pride in human position or possessions; instead we are to take pride in being Christ’s possession. Christians who act unchristian however, would rather take pride in their own wisdom, position, and possessions, which reveals the reality that they have accepted and embraced false ideas about how smart they really are.
So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by believing that you are smarter than you really are? Do you ever give the impression that you know as much as God?
Monday, July 19, 2010
What Gender is God???
This morning, I watched intently as my daughter participated in a hands-on wild life exhibit at the resort we are staying at. At one point in the presentation, the person who was handling the presentation stated "we should treat all animals with respect, because God created all animals for a purpose. And she would be upset if we did not treat her creation with respect".
The presenters (who happened to be female) comments opened a door to a natural and often asked question: What gender is God? How do we know if God is male or female? And does it matter what gender God is?
Fortunately, God Himself answers this question for us in the pages of the Bible. Jesus, in a famous conversation with a woman at a well revealed the following about God in John 4:24:
"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Yet while God is Spirit, Jesus often referred to God as His Heavenly Father. Just look at some of Jesus many comments about God:
But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. John 5:17-18
Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God'" John 8:54
But not only is the first person of the Triune God, while Spirit, referred to in male terms, Jesus Christ, the second person of the Triune God is also male. This is significant when it comes to the question of the gender of God because of what the writer of a letter in our Bibles called the book of Hebrews states:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:1-3
The writer of the gospel of John also spoke of Jesus and His role as the unique Son Of God:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Jesus Christ is "God in a Bod": Jesus Christ is God who entered into humanity to reveal and explain God to us. He is the visible representation of the invisible God. And Jesus Christ was a man's man.
But not only are the first two persons of the Triune God referred to as being male; the third person of the Triune God, The Holy Spirit, is also referred to as He:
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13
And while the Bible clearly indicates that God is not a "she"; it is not because it was written by male chauvinist pigs that lived in a male dominated culture, as many will claim in their attempt to justify their position. All three persons of the Triune God are described as being male because that is who they are.
And the fact that God is described in male terms in no way diminishes the value and worth that women have in God's sight, as we see in the beginning of God's story, which is recorded for us in the Book of Genesis:
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27
Men and women were created in God's relational image: All of humanity was created for relationships. We were created for a relationship with God and we were created for relationships with one another. And men and women are equally valuable in God's sight.
So, what is your reaction to what the Bible states about the gender of God? How does the reality of God's "gender" impact your relationship with Him and how you relate to Him?
The presenters (who happened to be female) comments opened a door to a natural and often asked question: What gender is God? How do we know if God is male or female? And does it matter what gender God is?
Fortunately, God Himself answers this question for us in the pages of the Bible. Jesus, in a famous conversation with a woman at a well revealed the following about God in John 4:24:
"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Yet while God is Spirit, Jesus often referred to God as His Heavenly Father. Just look at some of Jesus many comments about God:
But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. John 5:17-18
Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God'" John 8:54
But not only is the first person of the Triune God, while Spirit, referred to in male terms, Jesus Christ, the second person of the Triune God is also male. This is significant when it comes to the question of the gender of God because of what the writer of a letter in our Bibles called the book of Hebrews states:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:1-3
The writer of the gospel of John also spoke of Jesus and His role as the unique Son Of God:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Jesus Christ is "God in a Bod": Jesus Christ is God who entered into humanity to reveal and explain God to us. He is the visible representation of the invisible God. And Jesus Christ was a man's man.
But not only are the first two persons of the Triune God referred to as being male; the third person of the Triune God, The Holy Spirit, is also referred to as He:
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13
And while the Bible clearly indicates that God is not a "she"; it is not because it was written by male chauvinist pigs that lived in a male dominated culture, as many will claim in their attempt to justify their position. All three persons of the Triune God are described as being male because that is who they are.
And the fact that God is described in male terms in no way diminishes the value and worth that women have in God's sight, as we see in the beginning of God's story, which is recorded for us in the Book of Genesis:
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27
Men and women were created in God's relational image: All of humanity was created for relationships. We were created for a relationship with God and we were created for relationships with one another. And men and women are equally valuable in God's sight.
So, what is your reaction to what the Bible states about the gender of God? How does the reality of God's "gender" impact your relationship with Him and how you relate to Him?
Friday, July 16, 2010
When the Church acts Unchristian when it Fails to Complete the Mission, Part 3
This week we have seen two ways that the church can act unchristian by failing to complete its mission. Paul concludes the section of his letter to the church of Corinth that we have been looking at by revealing a third way that Christians can act unchristian by failing to complete the mission. That third way is that we fail to complete the mission when we try to damage the church. We see this reality revealed for us in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17:
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."
In verse 16, Paul asks a rhetorical question that reveals a timeless truth that both the Corinthian church and many churches today should know the answer to. "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" Paul here is not talking to individual Christians; Paul here is talking to the church at Corinth. We know that to be the case because the “you” in verse 16 is plural. While this section of Paul’s letter has profound implications for individual followers of Jesus, these implications are related to how followers of Jesus are to partner together in the mission and ministry of the church.
Paul here is questioning the church at Corinth, and churches today, as to whether they know and understand that the church is a temple of God where the Holy Spirit takes up residence and lives. Paul is pointing out the timeless truth that churches are to understand their significance in their communities. This church has been placed by God in this distinctive environment to be distinctively different in terms of how we relate to God and to one another.
And because of this reality, Paul states in verse 17 that if any man attempts to destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him. Paul’s point here is that if any human sets as their goal to damage and destroy a church, that God will respond with punishment that is devastating and eternal nature. That is how strongly God feels about his bride the church. Attempting to damage and destroy the church would be like if I were to go up to your spouse and punch him or her in the throat. If I were to do that, how would you respond? Now how do you think God is going to respond when people punch His bride, the church, in the throat by attempting to damage and destroy her though division, dissention, and other sin?
Paul continues by explaining that the reason God feels so strongly is due to the fact that the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. What Paul is communicating here is that the church is to be dedicated and set apart to serve God as the vehicle that He uses to accomplish the kingdom mission of revealing His Son Jesus to the world.
So are you participating in a church community in a way that helps advance the mission we have been give? Or are you acting in a way that is damaging instead of advancing what God desires to do?
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."
In verse 16, Paul asks a rhetorical question that reveals a timeless truth that both the Corinthian church and many churches today should know the answer to. "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" Paul here is not talking to individual Christians; Paul here is talking to the church at Corinth. We know that to be the case because the “you” in verse 16 is plural. While this section of Paul’s letter has profound implications for individual followers of Jesus, these implications are related to how followers of Jesus are to partner together in the mission and ministry of the church.
Paul here is questioning the church at Corinth, and churches today, as to whether they know and understand that the church is a temple of God where the Holy Spirit takes up residence and lives. Paul is pointing out the timeless truth that churches are to understand their significance in their communities. This church has been placed by God in this distinctive environment to be distinctively different in terms of how we relate to God and to one another.
And because of this reality, Paul states in verse 17 that if any man attempts to destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him. Paul’s point here is that if any human sets as their goal to damage and destroy a church, that God will respond with punishment that is devastating and eternal nature. That is how strongly God feels about his bride the church. Attempting to damage and destroy the church would be like if I were to go up to your spouse and punch him or her in the throat. If I were to do that, how would you respond? Now how do you think God is going to respond when people punch His bride, the church, in the throat by attempting to damage and destroy her though division, dissention, and other sin?
Paul continues by explaining that the reason God feels so strongly is due to the fact that the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. What Paul is communicating here is that the church is to be dedicated and set apart to serve God as the vehicle that He uses to accomplish the kingdom mission of revealing His Son Jesus to the world.
So are you participating in a church community in a way that helps advance the mission we have been give? Or are you acting in a way that is damaging instead of advancing what God desires to do?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
When the Church acts Unchristian by Failing to Complete its Mission, Part 2...
As a community of believers called the church, we have been given a mission to accomplish. Yet, as we saw a few days ago, when followers of Jesus attempt to advance and accomplish the kingdom mission that we have been given by God by building a church on any other foundation than the claims of Christ, the message of the gospel, and the teachings of the Bible, at the end of the day all of their efforts will fail to complete the mission.
But not only does the church fail to complete its mission by trying to build on the wrong foundation. The church also fails to complete the mission when we try to build with the wrong materials. We see Paul reveal this reality for us in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
In these verses, we see the Apostle Paul reveal for us a timeless truth and some consequences when it comes to the materials that we use when we attempt to complete the kingdom mission we have been given by God. First, in verse 12, we see the truth that, as followers of Jesus, we have a choice of materials to use to attempt to complete the mission.
And while the truth is that we have a choice of material that we can use to attempt to complete the mission we have been given by God, those choices have consequences. We see Paul reveal this reality for us in verse 13, where he states that each mans work will become evident, for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. The quality of work being done to expand and accomplish the mission of the church will become readily known when Christ returns. Upon Christ’s return, Christ will test and reveal the results and the quality of the churches ministry. Whether or not the mission and the ministry of the church was built upon perishable or imperishable principles will be revealed and made fully known as Jesus Himself will test the quality of the churches attempts to complete God’s kingdom mission.
Paul continues in verse 14 and 15 by revealing for us the two possible consequences that await as a result of the choice of materials we use to complete the mission. First, in verse 14, Paul explains that if any mans work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. Paul’s point here is that enduring ministry results in eternal rewards. Just as imperishable items are able to pass through fire without being destroyed, as Jesus tests the quality of what the church and its members produce through the ministry and mission of the church, what continues to exist or endure after the test will be rewarded and recognized as completing the mission and that they were given.
In contrast to the enduring ministry that results in eternal rewards, Paul states in verse 15 that if any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet as through fire. Paul’s point here is that temporary ministry results in a narrow escape. Paul is revealing for us the reality that as Jesus Himself tests the quality of what the church and its members produce through the ministry and mission of the church, what does not endure but is consumed will result in the church and it’s members experiencing punishment for the poor quality of the churches ministry.
Now you might be here this morning and you may be wondering “what do you mean that Christians and churches will receive punishment by Jesus?” Paul uses the imagery of a person who escapes a burning house to reveal that that while those who choose to leverage poor and perishable principles in an attempt to complete God’s kingdom mission will still experience the eternal relationship with God that they were created for, they will experience the punishment of seeing all of what they attempted to accomplish for God and His kingdom revealed for the poor quality that it was. Their temporary ministry will be exposed for what it truly was-temporary.
So what materials are you using to accomplish the mission that God has given us?
But not only does the church fail to complete its mission by trying to build on the wrong foundation. The church also fails to complete the mission when we try to build with the wrong materials. We see Paul reveal this reality for us in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
In these verses, we see the Apostle Paul reveal for us a timeless truth and some consequences when it comes to the materials that we use when we attempt to complete the kingdom mission we have been given by God. First, in verse 12, we see the truth that, as followers of Jesus, we have a choice of materials to use to attempt to complete the mission.
And while the truth is that we have a choice of material that we can use to attempt to complete the mission we have been given by God, those choices have consequences. We see Paul reveal this reality for us in verse 13, where he states that each mans work will become evident, for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. The quality of work being done to expand and accomplish the mission of the church will become readily known when Christ returns. Upon Christ’s return, Christ will test and reveal the results and the quality of the churches ministry. Whether or not the mission and the ministry of the church was built upon perishable or imperishable principles will be revealed and made fully known as Jesus Himself will test the quality of the churches attempts to complete God’s kingdom mission.
Paul continues in verse 14 and 15 by revealing for us the two possible consequences that await as a result of the choice of materials we use to complete the mission. First, in verse 14, Paul explains that if any mans work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. Paul’s point here is that enduring ministry results in eternal rewards. Just as imperishable items are able to pass through fire without being destroyed, as Jesus tests the quality of what the church and its members produce through the ministry and mission of the church, what continues to exist or endure after the test will be rewarded and recognized as completing the mission and that they were given.
In contrast to the enduring ministry that results in eternal rewards, Paul states in verse 15 that if any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet as through fire. Paul’s point here is that temporary ministry results in a narrow escape. Paul is revealing for us the reality that as Jesus Himself tests the quality of what the church and its members produce through the ministry and mission of the church, what does not endure but is consumed will result in the church and it’s members experiencing punishment for the poor quality of the churches ministry.
Now you might be here this morning and you may be wondering “what do you mean that Christians and churches will receive punishment by Jesus?” Paul uses the imagery of a person who escapes a burning house to reveal that that while those who choose to leverage poor and perishable principles in an attempt to complete God’s kingdom mission will still experience the eternal relationship with God that they were created for, they will experience the punishment of seeing all of what they attempted to accomplish for God and His kingdom revealed for the poor quality that it was. Their temporary ministry will be exposed for what it truly was-temporary.
So what materials are you using to accomplish the mission that God has given us?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
When the Church acts Unchristian by Failing to Complete its Mission...
Dates serve as signposts for individuals and for nations to mark significant and even life changing events. For America, the dates of December 7, 1941 and June 6, 1944 are two such dates. And these dates share striking similarities and dramatic differences. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. A few years later, on June 6, 1944, operation overlord, which we refer to as D-Day, occurred.
The days leading up to December 7, 1941 and June 6, 1944 involved tremendous strategic planning. Yet while both dates are strikingly similar in terms of the complex and effective strategic planning that occurred for their missions, there were dramatic differences when it came to the outcomes that occurred. While the Japanese success was overwhelming it was not complete. The D-Day operation, by contrast, achieved all the mission objectives as a result of the bravery and execution of American and allied forces. Less than one year after D-Day, on May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France. As these two dates that are etched in the memory of America remind us, a perfect plan for a mission is not enough; a mission is only accomplished when the forces involved actually complete the mission.
That which is true in war is also true in our spiritual life. As followers of Jesus, we have been given a mission to accomplish. And a timeless truth is that Christians act unchristian when the church fails to complete the mission that it has been given by God. The Apostle Paul, in a section of a letter that he wrote to a church that was composed of people who claimed to be Christians but lived their day to day lives in a way the failed to reflect Christ or follow His teachings, talked about how Christians can act unchristian when the church fails to complete its mission:
"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
In these verses, we see that the church fails to complete the mission when we try to build on the wrong foundation. Paul is explaining to the church at Corinth, and to churches today, that the one true foundation of the church is based on the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel. Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel is the only true foundation of the church; no one can start or plant a church that honors God and advances the kingdom mission that He has given us on any other foundation.
So when follower of Jesus attempt to advance and accomplish the kingdom mission that we have been given by God by building a church on any other foundation than the claims of Christ, the message of the gospel, and the teachings of the Bible, at the end of the day all of their efforts to complete the mission will fail. It is as simple as that.
So what foundation are you trying to use to accomplish the mission that God has given us?
The days leading up to December 7, 1941 and June 6, 1944 involved tremendous strategic planning. Yet while both dates are strikingly similar in terms of the complex and effective strategic planning that occurred for their missions, there were dramatic differences when it came to the outcomes that occurred. While the Japanese success was overwhelming it was not complete. The D-Day operation, by contrast, achieved all the mission objectives as a result of the bravery and execution of American and allied forces. Less than one year after D-Day, on May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France. As these two dates that are etched in the memory of America remind us, a perfect plan for a mission is not enough; a mission is only accomplished when the forces involved actually complete the mission.
That which is true in war is also true in our spiritual life. As followers of Jesus, we have been given a mission to accomplish. And a timeless truth is that Christians act unchristian when the church fails to complete the mission that it has been given by God. The Apostle Paul, in a section of a letter that he wrote to a church that was composed of people who claimed to be Christians but lived their day to day lives in a way the failed to reflect Christ or follow His teachings, talked about how Christians can act unchristian when the church fails to complete its mission:
"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
In these verses, we see that the church fails to complete the mission when we try to build on the wrong foundation. Paul is explaining to the church at Corinth, and to churches today, that the one true foundation of the church is based on the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel. Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel is the only true foundation of the church; no one can start or plant a church that honors God and advances the kingdom mission that He has given us on any other foundation.
So when follower of Jesus attempt to advance and accomplish the kingdom mission that we have been given by God by building a church on any other foundation than the claims of Christ, the message of the gospel, and the teachings of the Bible, at the end of the day all of their efforts to complete the mission will fail. It is as simple as that.
So what foundation are you trying to use to accomplish the mission that God has given us?
Monday, July 12, 2010
So, Who Do You Think You Are?
Yesterday, our church celebrated its annual church picnic. Since where our church located has an average afternoon temperature of over 110 degrees this time of year, we have the picnic in a park that is about an hour away. This park is located in the mountains at about 6,400 feet, where it is about 30-40 degrees cooler. In addition, the park is nestled amongst pine trees and has an amazing view of the surrounding area.
As we approached the park, I began looking around at the amazing scenery that stretched for miles and miles. I found myself wondering "So, who do you think you are? Compared to the size and scope of this world and its beauty, how do you think you stack up?"
Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a place in your life where you found yourself asking two fundamental questions: "Who am I?" and "Do I matter?" The first question deals with our identity, while the second question deals with our significance and importance. Maybe today you find yourself struggling with the answers to these questions.
These questions are not new questions. Almost 2,800 years earlier, a man wrote down his thoughts for us as he wrestled with these questions and the answers that he discovered. Fortunately, we have his search preserved for us in the pages of the Bible:
"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:3-9
This section of the Bible reveals for us the reality that humanity has a unique role and is of incredible value and worth in God's sight. Of all of God's creation, only humanity was created for a relationship with God. Of all of God's creation, only humanity was given the role to be God's representative here on earth. Humanity was charged to steward, or manage the rest of God's creation, while reflecting God's character in the process.
And while there are times that we as humans totally fail to represent God, reflect His character, or manage His creation, the reality is that we God has given us a unique role and a unique privilege in the world we live in. And with great privilege comes great responsibility.
So how are you handling the responsibility that comes with the great and unique place you occupy in the universe? How are you responding to the reality that God has created you for a relationship with Him and to represent Him on this earth?
So who do you think you are? And how are you living in light of who you are?
As we approached the park, I began looking around at the amazing scenery that stretched for miles and miles. I found myself wondering "So, who do you think you are? Compared to the size and scope of this world and its beauty, how do you think you stack up?"
Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a place in your life where you found yourself asking two fundamental questions: "Who am I?" and "Do I matter?" The first question deals with our identity, while the second question deals with our significance and importance. Maybe today you find yourself struggling with the answers to these questions.
These questions are not new questions. Almost 2,800 years earlier, a man wrote down his thoughts for us as he wrestled with these questions and the answers that he discovered. Fortunately, we have his search preserved for us in the pages of the Bible:
"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:3-9
This section of the Bible reveals for us the reality that humanity has a unique role and is of incredible value and worth in God's sight. Of all of God's creation, only humanity was created for a relationship with God. Of all of God's creation, only humanity was given the role to be God's representative here on earth. Humanity was charged to steward, or manage the rest of God's creation, while reflecting God's character in the process.
And while there are times that we as humans totally fail to represent God, reflect His character, or manage His creation, the reality is that we God has given us a unique role and a unique privilege in the world we live in. And with great privilege comes great responsibility.
So how are you handling the responsibility that comes with the great and unique place you occupy in the universe? How are you responding to the reality that God has created you for a relationship with Him and to represent Him on this earth?
So who do you think you are? And how are you living in light of who you are?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Are Christians to be Independent?
Over the last few days, I have found myself pondering the meaning of independence. I celebrate the blessings that come with living in a country that has the freedoms that America provides as a result of independence.
And while we have incredible freedom to worship, travel, and express our opinions in America, as Christians is independence a Biblical value? In other words, does God value the idea of His followers being totally independent of one another? A section of a letter to a church answers this question for us:
"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit...And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 26-27
As followers of Jesus, while we should be grateful for our independence as a nation and the freedoms we possess as a result, we should strive to be interdependent as members of a Bible believing church that follows Jesus as Lord and Leader. We are divinely designed to be in relationship with God and to be in interdependent relationships with one another.
When we choose to be either independent or dependent when it comes to our relationship with God and others, however, we end up living outside of how we were designed to be.
So how are you striving to live you life as a Christian in light of the freedom that we have been blessed with in America? As someone who is totally dependent upon others? As someone who is totally independent of others? Or as someone who is involved in an interdependent community of Christ followers?
And while we have incredible freedom to worship, travel, and express our opinions in America, as Christians is independence a Biblical value? In other words, does God value the idea of His followers being totally independent of one another? A section of a letter to a church answers this question for us:
"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit...And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 26-27
As followers of Jesus, while we should be grateful for our independence as a nation and the freedoms we possess as a result, we should strive to be interdependent as members of a Bible believing church that follows Jesus as Lord and Leader. We are divinely designed to be in relationship with God and to be in interdependent relationships with one another.
When we choose to be either independent or dependent when it comes to our relationship with God and others, however, we end up living outside of how we were designed to be.
So how are you striving to live you life as a Christian in light of the freedom that we have been blessed with in America? As someone who is totally dependent upon others? As someone who is totally independent of others? Or as someone who is involved in an interdependent community of Christ followers?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Where were you in 1960?
Where were you in 1960? I don't know about you, but I was not even born yet. Yet, 50 years ago, my in-laws made the following promises to one another:
"to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
And for 50 years, they have kept those vows: for better, for worse; in good times and bad; as they have seen children and grandchildren enter into their lives; as family and friends have come and gone; and as their health has gradually declined over time.
And now, as they enter into the final chapter of their lives, we are able to celebrate the example that they have left for us; the example that marriage is not a contract to be entered into but a covenant that is to be kept.
I am thankful for their and many other examples of people who, while by no means perfect, strive to follow the life long commitment that a man and woman make before their Creator.
"to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
And for 50 years, they have kept those vows: for better, for worse; in good times and bad; as they have seen children and grandchildren enter into their lives; as family and friends have come and gone; and as their health has gradually declined over time.
And now, as they enter into the final chapter of their lives, we are able to celebrate the example that they have left for us; the example that marriage is not a contract to be entered into but a covenant that is to be kept.
I am thankful for their and many other examples of people who, while by no means perfect, strive to follow the life long commitment that a man and woman make before their Creator.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Who causes spiritual growth?
This week, we have been looking at how Christians act unchristian as a result of rivalries based on personalities that reveal our spiritual immaturity and our failure to recognize roles. In the passage we have been looking at, a man named Paul reveals a third thing that can occur in the lives of Christians who act unchristian as a result of rivalries based on personalities. And the third thing that can occur is that rivalries based on personalities fail to recognize who causes spiritual growth. We see this reality revealed for us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9:
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."
In these verses, we see Paul show us three things that spiritual maturity recognizes when it comes to what causes spiritual growth. First, spiritual maturity recognizes that God causes spiritual growth. In verse 6, Paul uses a farming analogy to unpack the reality that while Paul and Apollos each had different roles and responsibilities in the church at Corinth, it was not Paul or Apollos who caused the church to grow; it was the work of God through Paul and Apollos that caused the church to expand and grow.
And in the same way today, it is not the pastor or the people, or the environments that the pastor and people create that causes spiritual growth and maturity. It is God working through the pastor, the people, and the environments that causes spiritual growth and maturity.
Second, spiritual maturity recognizes a mutual concern for spiritual growth. In the first half of verse 8, Paul explains that he and Apollos are united in their mutual concern for the health and spiritual growth of the church at Corinth. In addition, maturity recognizes that there is diversity based on the quality of their ministry. In the second half of verse 8, Paul states that while they are united in their focus for the churches spiritual growth, they understand that their different roles within the church will result in each of them being evaluated and rewarded for the quality of their ministry by God.
And just like the church at Corinth, we are to recognize that as followers of Jesus partnering together in the church, we are to be united in the common mission that God has given us to be the vehicle that He uses to reveal His Son Jesus to the world, while at the same time understanding that we will be evaluated based on the specific gifts and ministry roles and responsibilities that we are given in the church. Christians who act unchristian, however, reverse these realities. Christians who act unchristian end up with diversity when it comes to their concern for spiritual health and growth while expecting unity when it comes to roles, responsibilities and rewards.
Third, spiritual maturity recognizes that Jesus is the Senior Pastor. In verse 9, Paul closes this section of his letter by reinforcing the reality that everything is under God’s leadership and plan; As God’s fellow workers, Paul and Apollos are serving under the leadership of Jesus, who is the Sr. Pastor.
And just as it was at the church in Corinth, the reality is that pastors and leaders serve under Jesus, who is the senior Pastor. In addition, the church at Corinth, who Paul describes as a field and a building here, also belong to Jesus. Paul’s point here is that because of this reality, the church should leave behind their spiritual immaturity that is focused on jealousy and rivalry. Instead the church should move forward by uniting under the reality that Jesus is the Sr. Pastor and that every aspect of the church is under His leadership, so that they could move forward in a growing and maturing relationship with Jesus as individuals and as a church.
Maturity recognizes and responds to the reality that Jesus is the Senior Pastor and that those who serve in leadership in the church are to be followed as they follow Jesus. Christians who act unchristian, on the other hand, want to be in authority but not under authority, which reveals the reality of their spiritual maturity.
So are you a Christian who acts unchristian by failing to recognize who causes spiritual growth and the reality that Jesus is the Sr. Pastor?
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."
In these verses, we see Paul show us three things that spiritual maturity recognizes when it comes to what causes spiritual growth. First, spiritual maturity recognizes that God causes spiritual growth. In verse 6, Paul uses a farming analogy to unpack the reality that while Paul and Apollos each had different roles and responsibilities in the church at Corinth, it was not Paul or Apollos who caused the church to grow; it was the work of God through Paul and Apollos that caused the church to expand and grow.
And in the same way today, it is not the pastor or the people, or the environments that the pastor and people create that causes spiritual growth and maturity. It is God working through the pastor, the people, and the environments that causes spiritual growth and maturity.
Second, spiritual maturity recognizes a mutual concern for spiritual growth. In the first half of verse 8, Paul explains that he and Apollos are united in their mutual concern for the health and spiritual growth of the church at Corinth. In addition, maturity recognizes that there is diversity based on the quality of their ministry. In the second half of verse 8, Paul states that while they are united in their focus for the churches spiritual growth, they understand that their different roles within the church will result in each of them being evaluated and rewarded for the quality of their ministry by God.
And just like the church at Corinth, we are to recognize that as followers of Jesus partnering together in the church, we are to be united in the common mission that God has given us to be the vehicle that He uses to reveal His Son Jesus to the world, while at the same time understanding that we will be evaluated based on the specific gifts and ministry roles and responsibilities that we are given in the church. Christians who act unchristian, however, reverse these realities. Christians who act unchristian end up with diversity when it comes to their concern for spiritual health and growth while expecting unity when it comes to roles, responsibilities and rewards.
Third, spiritual maturity recognizes that Jesus is the Senior Pastor. In verse 9, Paul closes this section of his letter by reinforcing the reality that everything is under God’s leadership and plan; As God’s fellow workers, Paul and Apollos are serving under the leadership of Jesus, who is the Sr. Pastor.
And just as it was at the church in Corinth, the reality is that pastors and leaders serve under Jesus, who is the senior Pastor. In addition, the church at Corinth, who Paul describes as a field and a building here, also belong to Jesus. Paul’s point here is that because of this reality, the church should leave behind their spiritual immaturity that is focused on jealousy and rivalry. Instead the church should move forward by uniting under the reality that Jesus is the Sr. Pastor and that every aspect of the church is under His leadership, so that they could move forward in a growing and maturing relationship with Jesus as individuals and as a church.
Maturity recognizes and responds to the reality that Jesus is the Senior Pastor and that those who serve in leadership in the church are to be followed as they follow Jesus. Christians who act unchristian, on the other hand, want to be in authority but not under authority, which reveals the reality of their spiritual maturity.
So are you a Christian who acts unchristian by failing to recognize who causes spiritual growth and the reality that Jesus is the Sr. Pastor?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)