Something that fascinates me most about other people, is what they believe. I am always so interested and curious to find out what other people believe—especially their religious beliefs. And the stronger they believe what they believe, the more interested I become. This curiosity has yielded many fruitful conversations, and usually an opportunity for me to share what I believe.
One thing I love to share is found in 2 Peter 1:16. "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." Peter is referring to the apostles sharing the gospel. He's saying in effect, "I didn't just hear some crazy rumor and relay it to you. I was actually there and saw him with my own eyes!"
An eyewitness is the most powerful testimony there is. When police investigators get to the scene of a crime, they immediately want to know if anyone witnessed the crime. And the more of them the better. Because once they've heard from multiple eyewitnesses, they can reconstruct the crime much easier and with greater accuracy.
Friends, that what we have in the New Testament! Peter and the apostles are telling us exactly what they saw! They were with Jesus, they talked to him, and heard his teachings. They saw him die, and they saw him after he rose from the dead. And they wrote it all down for us!
The next time someone tries to tell you that the Bible is just a bunch of stories, or that Christianity is for people who are ignorant, you can take them to this verse. There's a whole lot more you can show them of course, but this is a great place to start. And it's good to remind ourselves from time to time too. We have good reason to believe Jesus was who he said he was. Not because of clever myths, but because of written accounts centuries old from eyewitness like Peter.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
1 Peter 5
I talk a lot about not following Christ because we have to, because it's our duty. But instead following him because of a heart that is willing; that it's our joy to follow him. But I don't want you to get the idea that the Christian life is all butterflies and rainbows. It's hard. Life is hard enough as it is, but followers of Christ can be assured of even more hardship—so much so that we're not to be surprised when hardship comes (1 Peter 4:12).
What if that was all Peter said? "Life's tough, especially for believers. Good luck." That would be pretty depressing. Where's the joy in that? But wonderfully, mercifully, God through Peter gives hope to those who are weighed down by troubles.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7). We have a mighty God who cares for us! Not only is he strong enough to hold the world in his hand (Isaiah 40:12), he holds us in the palm of his hand too! (Isaiah 49:16). And he invites us to let him carry our worries (1 Peter 5:7).
What are you worried about? Right now you may feel the weight of all kinds of troubles: school work or maybe school bullies; a family member's health or maybe your own health; your relationships with friends or maybe your relationship with God. We worry about so many things. And we give them to God, only to take them right back.
At some point you must humble yourself and recognize that you can't carry the weight of your own troubles. But God can. And he's offered to do that for you. Not just for you to get a short break and then take them back, but for him to carry them permanently. Will you trust in his strength and his care for you, and cast your cares on him?
What if that was all Peter said? "Life's tough, especially for believers. Good luck." That would be pretty depressing. Where's the joy in that? But wonderfully, mercifully, God through Peter gives hope to those who are weighed down by troubles.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7). We have a mighty God who cares for us! Not only is he strong enough to hold the world in his hand (Isaiah 40:12), he holds us in the palm of his hand too! (Isaiah 49:16). And he invites us to let him carry our worries (1 Peter 5:7).
What are you worried about? Right now you may feel the weight of all kinds of troubles: school work or maybe school bullies; a family member's health or maybe your own health; your relationships with friends or maybe your relationship with God. We worry about so many things. And we give them to God, only to take them right back.
At some point you must humble yourself and recognize that you can't carry the weight of your own troubles. But God can. And he's offered to do that for you. Not just for you to get a short break and then take them back, but for him to carry them permanently. Will you trust in his strength and his care for you, and cast your cares on him?
Monday, November 28, 2011
1 Peter 4
It's discouraging sometimes when you look around your church and everyone seems to have found what they have to offer. Pastors are preaching, band members are performing, volunteers are... volunteering. You get the idea. You might even begin to think that you don't have anything to offer. Well not so fast! 1 Peter 4:10-11 offers encouragement.
"As each has received a gift"—well there you go right there! Every member of the body of Christ has received a gift, an ability of some kind given directly by God. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (vs 10). So the gifts we are given are not for our benefit; they are to be used to serve others. Peter goes on to say that whether we speak, or serve, or whatever we do, it should be done to God—"in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (vs 11).
Not only are the gifts given for the purpose of serving others, but for the deeper purpose of glorifying God. This verse says that if you are a child of God, you have been given a gift. And you are to use that gift to serve others, and ultimately glorify God.
So how do know what your gift is? Glad you asked. The best advice I've heard on finding your gift is actually pretty simple—think of what you are really passionate about, and then see if there is an opportunity to use that passion to serve at your local church. It could be kids, music, video production, preparing food, even traffic control. And if you can't think of anything, just start serving anyway. Pick something at random and jump in. You'll probably find out right away if it's not your gift(!). And if it is something you enjoy, and you're effective at it, then mission accomplished.
The point is, God gave you a gift and he wants you to use it—to serve others, and glorify him.
"As each has received a gift"—well there you go right there! Every member of the body of Christ has received a gift, an ability of some kind given directly by God. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (vs 10). So the gifts we are given are not for our benefit; they are to be used to serve others. Peter goes on to say that whether we speak, or serve, or whatever we do, it should be done to God—"in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (vs 11).
Not only are the gifts given for the purpose of serving others, but for the deeper purpose of glorifying God. This verse says that if you are a child of God, you have been given a gift. And you are to use that gift to serve others, and ultimately glorify God.
So how do know what your gift is? Glad you asked. The best advice I've heard on finding your gift is actually pretty simple—think of what you are really passionate about, and then see if there is an opportunity to use that passion to serve at your local church. It could be kids, music, video production, preparing food, even traffic control. And if you can't think of anything, just start serving anyway. Pick something at random and jump in. You'll probably find out right away if it's not your gift(!). And if it is something you enjoy, and you're effective at it, then mission accomplished.
The point is, God gave you a gift and he wants you to use it—to serve others, and glorify him.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
1 Peter 3
"Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (vv 14b-15).
The issue here is the opposition and ridicule one will face if they choose to do what is right. You may know what that feels like. The group wants to go one way, and you have a choice—go with the crowd, or go against them by doing what is right. Which is easy, except the fact that going against the crowd is hard.
But why? The reason it's hard is because in that moment we are mostly concerned about what others think of us. But Peter wants us to be concerned with honoring Christ. That's the key to always being prepared to give a reason for the hope you have—setting your heart on honoring Christ as holy, rather than on being concerned with what others think of you.
Easier said than done for sure. But think about the hope that we have for moment. Our hope is founded in Christ himself, and because of him we get to spend eternity with him in heaven. Eternity. Now think about your reputation. Usually it only matters for a moment, but even if it mattered for your whole lifetime, how does that compare with eternity?
I know this does not guarantee you will do what is right the next time you're faced with a decision to go against the crowd. But I'm hopeful that it will cause you to think twice. Will you make your choice out of fear of what others will think? Or will you make your choice out of a heart that is set on honoring Christ as holy?
The issue here is the opposition and ridicule one will face if they choose to do what is right. You may know what that feels like. The group wants to go one way, and you have a choice—go with the crowd, or go against them by doing what is right. Which is easy, except the fact that going against the crowd is hard.
But why? The reason it's hard is because in that moment we are mostly concerned about what others think of us. But Peter wants us to be concerned with honoring Christ. That's the key to always being prepared to give a reason for the hope you have—setting your heart on honoring Christ as holy, rather than on being concerned with what others think of you.
Easier said than done for sure. But think about the hope that we have for moment. Our hope is founded in Christ himself, and because of him we get to spend eternity with him in heaven. Eternity. Now think about your reputation. Usually it only matters for a moment, but even if it mattered for your whole lifetime, how does that compare with eternity?
I know this does not guarantee you will do what is right the next time you're faced with a decision to go against the crowd. But I'm hopeful that it will cause you to think twice. Will you make your choice out of fear of what others will think? Or will you make your choice out of a heart that is set on honoring Christ as holy?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
1 Peter 2
Have you ever had someone in another car get mad at you while you're driving? Maybe they lay on their horn, or give you the finger. And then when they pull in front of you they have a Jesus fish on their back bumper? This has happened to me a couple times, and it makes me think of 1 Peter 2:12: "Keep your conduct among Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
The "Gentiles" Peter is referring to are unbelieving non-Jews. These people would look to slander Christians, and would use anything they could as ammo against them. So Peter wants his readers to behave in such a way that these unbelievers will have nothing to use against them. In fact, he wants them to behave this way until the day of judgment. The idea is that unbelievers would see their good deeds long enough that they would actually turn from being slanderers to being believers, and praise God when he returns.
So of course I'm sad when the person raging at me on the road has a symbol of Christianity on their bumper. Everyone else on the road sees what I'm seeing, and probably thinks what I'm thinking: "You call yourself a Christian?" But then how often do I conduct myself dishonorably around people who know I'm a Christian? I'm telling them with my words that I'm different—that I'm loving and kind and patient—but my actions say otherwise.
Friends, the "Gentiles" are all around us; we are always being watched by those who do not believe, probably closely if we are bold about our faith. So let's make sure our behavior lines up with the faith we're professing. Let's conduct ourselves in such a way that they will see and have nothing to say but give glory to God.
The "Gentiles" Peter is referring to are unbelieving non-Jews. These people would look to slander Christians, and would use anything they could as ammo against them. So Peter wants his readers to behave in such a way that these unbelievers will have nothing to use against them. In fact, he wants them to behave this way until the day of judgment. The idea is that unbelievers would see their good deeds long enough that they would actually turn from being slanderers to being believers, and praise God when he returns.
So of course I'm sad when the person raging at me on the road has a symbol of Christianity on their bumper. Everyone else on the road sees what I'm seeing, and probably thinks what I'm thinking: "You call yourself a Christian?" But then how often do I conduct myself dishonorably around people who know I'm a Christian? I'm telling them with my words that I'm different—that I'm loving and kind and patient—but my actions say otherwise.
Friends, the "Gentiles" are all around us; we are always being watched by those who do not believe, probably closely if we are bold about our faith. So let's make sure our behavior lines up with the faith we're professing. Let's conduct ourselves in such a way that they will see and have nothing to say but give glory to God.
Friday, November 25, 2011
1 Peter 1
Remember the two questions to ask at the beginning of a new book? (1) Who wrote the book?, and (2) Why was it written? Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote this book. And it was written to a group of exiled Christians (meaning they'd been taken away from their home), encouraging them to hold fast to the living hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, even in the midst of suffering.
Verses 6-8 of this first chapter give us a great snapshot of what I just described as the purpose of this book. "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."
Similar to what James said to his church, Peter tells his readers to rejoice—not because of the trials themselves—but because their faith will get tested by the trials and be found genuine. The result is a joy that is (1) inexpressible (literally, W.O.W.!), and (2) filled with glory (because it glorifies Christ when his followers endure suffering because they love him so much).
When we face trials in life it can be tempting to get upset and complain. That's what the world does, so the world's not gonna fault you for that. But these are opportunities to be different! These are opportunities to show that our faith in Jesus is genuine by enduring these tests with inexpressible joy.
Verses 6-8 of this first chapter give us a great snapshot of what I just described as the purpose of this book. "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."
Similar to what James said to his church, Peter tells his readers to rejoice—not because of the trials themselves—but because their faith will get tested by the trials and be found genuine. The result is a joy that is (1) inexpressible (literally, W.O.W.!), and (2) filled with glory (because it glorifies Christ when his followers endure suffering because they love him so much).
When we face trials in life it can be tempting to get upset and complain. That's what the world does, so the world's not gonna fault you for that. But these are opportunities to be different! These are opportunities to show that our faith in Jesus is genuine by enduring these tests with inexpressible joy.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
James 5
Sometimes people ask me, "If God is sovereign, and he already knows everything that's going to happen, why should I pray?" Well James gives some insight here in chapter 5 that might help us with that question.
He offers one simple response to a variety of life's circumstances: prayer. Whether suffering or cheerful; sickness or sinful, James says we should pray. Not because it makes us feel good (though it often does), but because it can actually affect the outcome of our lives. Health is restored to those who are sick; forgiveness is given to those who have sinned (vs 15). "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (vs 16, emphasis added).
It is a mystery to us that prayer could be effectual to a God who knows the outcome of all things. Yet we have examples time and again in Scripture of men calling out to God, e.g., Moses, David, Elijah, Jonah, and God responding sometimes contrary to what he said he would do. They believed God would answer their prayers, and we should too.
In fact we must believe that God answers prayer! It may not be in our timing, or in the way we wanted, but that's why God's sovereignty is so comforting! Can you imagine if God just did what we humans asked him to do? That would be a scary place to live. Instead, we trust in a God who knows the outcome of all things. But he also ordained our prayer as a means to his ends. When we pray to God, we are not changing his mind; we are taking hold of what he is willing to bestow upon us, as Luther said.
So trust in God's goodness and his sovereignty as you call out to him in faith, trusting that fervent prayer can accomplish much.
He offers one simple response to a variety of life's circumstances: prayer. Whether suffering or cheerful; sickness or sinful, James says we should pray. Not because it makes us feel good (though it often does), but because it can actually affect the outcome of our lives. Health is restored to those who are sick; forgiveness is given to those who have sinned (vs 15). "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (vs 16, emphasis added).
It is a mystery to us that prayer could be effectual to a God who knows the outcome of all things. Yet we have examples time and again in Scripture of men calling out to God, e.g., Moses, David, Elijah, Jonah, and God responding sometimes contrary to what he said he would do. They believed God would answer their prayers, and we should too.
In fact we must believe that God answers prayer! It may not be in our timing, or in the way we wanted, but that's why God's sovereignty is so comforting! Can you imagine if God just did what we humans asked him to do? That would be a scary place to live. Instead, we trust in a God who knows the outcome of all things. But he also ordained our prayer as a means to his ends. When we pray to God, we are not changing his mind; we are taking hold of what he is willing to bestow upon us, as Luther said.
So trust in God's goodness and his sovereignty as you call out to him in faith, trusting that fervent prayer can accomplish much.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
James 4
Here in chapter 4, James held nothing back. Check it out: "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your own passions. You adulteresses!" (vv 1-4). Wow!
The people to whom James wrote apparently wanted a lot of stuff—material things—and when they didn't get what they wanted, they fought and argued and even killed in order to get it. That's pretty low. But then, they got God involved. They asked him for the things they wanted—not to use them for his glory, but to satisfy their own passions.
Here's the imagery: A woman who goes to her husband and asks him for money so she can go buy him a gift. Of course he loves her so much that he's delighted to give her the money. Then she takes that money, goes down the street, and pays another man to sleep with her. She betrays her husband not only by committing adultery, but using his money to pay for it.
This is what we do to God! We ask him for things, and often he graciously gives them to us, and then we use those things to satisfy ourselves! We forget that God is far more satisfying than anything here on earth. Even the good things he has given to us are to be enjoyed because they have been given to us by God, and we should use them to bring him glory. Don't give your greatest love to the things of this world; use the things of this world to give your greatest love to God.
Friends, if you have betrayed God in this way, please repent. But also know that there is hope: God gives grace! (vs 6). Therefore, humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up (vs 10).
The people to whom James wrote apparently wanted a lot of stuff—material things—and when they didn't get what they wanted, they fought and argued and even killed in order to get it. That's pretty low. But then, they got God involved. They asked him for the things they wanted—not to use them for his glory, but to satisfy their own passions.
Here's the imagery: A woman who goes to her husband and asks him for money so she can go buy him a gift. Of course he loves her so much that he's delighted to give her the money. Then she takes that money, goes down the street, and pays another man to sleep with her. She betrays her husband not only by committing adultery, but using his money to pay for it.
This is what we do to God! We ask him for things, and often he graciously gives them to us, and then we use those things to satisfy ourselves! We forget that God is far more satisfying than anything here on earth. Even the good things he has given to us are to be enjoyed because they have been given to us by God, and we should use them to bring him glory. Don't give your greatest love to the things of this world; use the things of this world to give your greatest love to God.
Friends, if you have betrayed God in this way, please repent. But also know that there is hope: God gives grace! (vs 6). Therefore, humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up (vs 10).
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
James 3
In my Bible, the title added by translators over chapter 3 is "Taming the Tongue." Here James offers a few analogies to help us understand the power of our speech.
A bit in a horse's mouth is small but it can be used to direct the body of the entire horse (vs 3). So also massive ships are steered by tiny rudders (vs 4). Indeed an entire forest can be set on fire by lighting a match (vs 5). The point is clear: The tongue may be small, but it possesses great power to control a person.
Well this presents a problem because, with the same tongue, we can bless God, and curse the people around us (vs 9). But James says this shouldn't be so (vs 10). A tongue that both blesses and curses, belongs to a person who is not genuinely blessing God. So what's the key to taming one's tongue then? James tells us at the end of the passage.
According to James there are two kinds of wisdom—earthly wisdom, and wisdom from above. Earthly wisdom is marked by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (vs 14). It's not hard to imagine how those qualities would affect someone's speech. But wisdom from above is marked by peace and gentleness, mercy and sincerity (vs 17). Now imagine the speech of a person possessing those qualities.
Taming the tongue is a very difficult thing to do. Your only chance to control it is to be given the wisdom that comes from above. So, just like we were told in chapter one, ask God to give you that wisdom!
A bit in a horse's mouth is small but it can be used to direct the body of the entire horse (vs 3). So also massive ships are steered by tiny rudders (vs 4). Indeed an entire forest can be set on fire by lighting a match (vs 5). The point is clear: The tongue may be small, but it possesses great power to control a person.
Well this presents a problem because, with the same tongue, we can bless God, and curse the people around us (vs 9). But James says this shouldn't be so (vs 10). A tongue that both blesses and curses, belongs to a person who is not genuinely blessing God. So what's the key to taming one's tongue then? James tells us at the end of the passage.
According to James there are two kinds of wisdom—earthly wisdom, and wisdom from above. Earthly wisdom is marked by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (vs 14). It's not hard to imagine how those qualities would affect someone's speech. But wisdom from above is marked by peace and gentleness, mercy and sincerity (vs 17). Now imagine the speech of a person possessing those qualities.
Taming the tongue is a very difficult thing to do. Your only chance to control it is to be given the wisdom that comes from above. So, just like we were told in chapter one, ask God to give you that wisdom!
Monday, November 21, 2011
James 2
In chapter one James tells his readers to be doers of the word and not hearers only (1:22). He follows with an analogy of a man who looks at his reflection in a mirror, but goes away forgetting what he looked like. Here, James explains that idea a little further.
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" (vs 14). A person who has faith, but not the fruit of good works in their life, does not have the saving faith of the Bible. When James asks if that faith can save a man, he's speaking of a faith which is useless (vs 20).
Rather, James is arguing for a faith that is shown to be genuine, saving faith because of the works it produces. That kind of faith is active because it results in active works (vs 22). Just like a body without the spirit of life in it is dead, so faith which does not result in good works is dead (vs 26).
Does the pattern of your life confirm the faith you profess? If it doesn't, then maybe this is a good time to consider asking God to give you the sincere faith that James describes here—the kind which not only professes to be saving faith, but produces good works to prove it.
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" (vs 14). A person who has faith, but not the fruit of good works in their life, does not have the saving faith of the Bible. When James asks if that faith can save a man, he's speaking of a faith which is useless (vs 20).
Rather, James is arguing for a faith that is shown to be genuine, saving faith because of the works it produces. That kind of faith is active because it results in active works (vs 22). Just like a body without the spirit of life in it is dead, so faith which does not result in good works is dead (vs 26).
Does the pattern of your life confirm the faith you profess? If it doesn't, then maybe this is a good time to consider asking God to give you the sincere faith that James describes here—the kind which not only professes to be saving faith, but produces good works to prove it.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
James 1
Anytime you begin reading a new book of the Bible, it's important to ask two preliminary questions: (1)Who wrote the book? and, (2)Why was it written? In this case, the book is believed to have been written by Jesus' brother James. James was the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem (Acts 15). In short, he wrote this letter to encourage the people of his church not just to profess faith but to live it out.
Right out of the gate we are met by a seemingly strange instruction. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance" (vv 2-3). What?!
James is not telling his readers to rejoice in the hard times themselves; they would just be gluttons for punishment. Rather, he wants them to rejoice when hard times come because of the endurance it will produce in them. Anyone can love God and others when things are going well. But it takes great perseverance to love God and others when life gets hard.
So what's your goal in the Christian life? If you're looking for a comfortable, cozy Christian life, then this instruction from James will be obscure and puzzling to you. But if your goal in the Christian life is to mature and grow in holiness, then this passage will not only make sense to you, but will be a source of great encouragement.
Right out of the gate we are met by a seemingly strange instruction. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance" (vv 2-3). What?!
James is not telling his readers to rejoice in the hard times themselves; they would just be gluttons for punishment. Rather, he wants them to rejoice when hard times come because of the endurance it will produce in them. Anyone can love God and others when things are going well. But it takes great perseverance to love God and others when life gets hard.
So what's your goal in the Christian life? If you're looking for a comfortable, cozy Christian life, then this instruction from James will be obscure and puzzling to you. But if your goal in the Christian life is to mature and grow in holiness, then this passage will not only make sense to you, but will be a source of great encouragement.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Hebrews 13
In Hebrews 13 the author tells his readers to remember two types of people: prisoners and leaders.
First, the author says to "remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them" (vs 3). The reference is to Christians who have been imprisoned on account of their faith. And since all Christians are a part of one body, the body of Christ, we should feel the agony of their mistreatment as though we ourselves are being mistreated.
Second, the author says to "remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God" (vs 7). Godly leaders live lives which are worthy of imitation. We are to make a practice of observing their lives and following suit.
If we do not remember those who are persecuted, we are in danger of forgetting that we are at war with an enemy. And if we do not remember those godly leaders among us, we are in danger of straying from our faith.
So do this: locate one person whom you know is being persecuted for their faith, and find out as much as you can about that person. Then locate one godly leader whose life is worth imitating, and find out as much as you can about that person too. Take note of each of these two people as often as you can, and let their lives characterize yours.
First, the author says to "remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them" (vs 3). The reference is to Christians who have been imprisoned on account of their faith. And since all Christians are a part of one body, the body of Christ, we should feel the agony of their mistreatment as though we ourselves are being mistreated.
Second, the author says to "remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God" (vs 7). Godly leaders live lives which are worthy of imitation. We are to make a practice of observing their lives and following suit.
If we do not remember those who are persecuted, we are in danger of forgetting that we are at war with an enemy. And if we do not remember those godly leaders among us, we are in danger of straying from our faith.
So do this: locate one person whom you know is being persecuted for their faith, and find out as much as you can about that person. Then locate one godly leader whose life is worth imitating, and find out as much as you can about that person too. Take note of each of these two people as often as you can, and let their lives characterize yours.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Hebrews 12
We have talked about not holding tightly to the things of this world, but holding fast to Christ, who is our greatest possession. Hebrews 12 continues that theme by entreating us to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely" (vs 1).
That is no easy task, though! But since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (the witnesses are those mentioned in the previous chapter), we can run with endurance the race that is set before us (vs 1). But not only do we look to them as an example, most of all we look to Jesus (vs 2). He endured so much suffering: he was brutally beaten, spit on, forced to carry his own cross and then hung on it until he suffocated to death. But he endured all the way to his death because of the joy that was set before him!
We too have a joy set before us—the promise of heaven—which is waiting for us if we finish the race having kept our faith. But remember what we said earlier, this is not an easy task! In fact, on our own, it's impossible. Even Jesus cried out to God to carry him through death and raise him to sit at the right hand of the throne of God. How much more do we need Jesus, who founded our faith, to be the one to perfect it?
So it is with confidence that we lay aside every weight. While we hold on to Jesus, we can be sure that he will perfect our faith until we finish the race.
That is no easy task, though! But since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (the witnesses are those mentioned in the previous chapter), we can run with endurance the race that is set before us (vs 1). But not only do we look to them as an example, most of all we look to Jesus (vs 2). He endured so much suffering: he was brutally beaten, spit on, forced to carry his own cross and then hung on it until he suffocated to death. But he endured all the way to his death because of the joy that was set before him!
We too have a joy set before us—the promise of heaven—which is waiting for us if we finish the race having kept our faith. But remember what we said earlier, this is not an easy task! In fact, on our own, it's impossible. Even Jesus cried out to God to carry him through death and raise him to sit at the right hand of the throne of God. How much more do we need Jesus, who founded our faith, to be the one to perfect it?
So it is with confidence that we lay aside every weight. While we hold on to Jesus, we can be sure that he will perfect our faith until we finish the race.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hebrews 11
Much like yesterday's reading showed us that Jesus is a far greater possession than anything else we could have on earth, this chapter will show us that the promise of a reward in heaven is far better than any life we could have here on earth.
Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the "Hall of Faith" because it mentions the lives of many who lived by faith. Two observations:
(1) The faith described here is not blind faith. We have faith in things we can't see (like the God of the universe) because we have no earthly way to "prove" they exist. Instead, we acknowledge the truth of the Bible because the only person who could know for sure if it was true has told us so, and we have good reason to believe him.
(2) The faith described here seems to be the only thing these people have in common. Some died; some didn't die. Some were mighty in war and conquered kingdoms; others were tortured and imprisoned. But what did they have in common? They took God at his word, and looked ahead to the promise of a "city" designed and built by God.
Will you, like Moses, consider the reproach of Christ greater wealth then the treasures of this world? If you trust Christ, and have faith that God is who he said he was, there's no guarantee what will happen to you here on earth. The only guarantee is that you will rise from this life to one far better—an eternal life in the very presence of your greatest earthly possession, Jesus.
Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the "Hall of Faith" because it mentions the lives of many who lived by faith. Two observations:
(1) The faith described here is not blind faith. We have faith in things we can't see (like the God of the universe) because we have no earthly way to "prove" they exist. Instead, we acknowledge the truth of the Bible because the only person who could know for sure if it was true has told us so, and we have good reason to believe him.
(2) The faith described here seems to be the only thing these people have in common. Some died; some didn't die. Some were mighty in war and conquered kingdoms; others were tortured and imprisoned. But what did they have in common? They took God at his word, and looked ahead to the promise of a "city" designed and built by God.
Will you, like Moses, consider the reproach of Christ greater wealth then the treasures of this world? If you trust Christ, and have faith that God is who he said he was, there's no guarantee what will happen to you here on earth. The only guarantee is that you will rise from this life to one far better—an eternal life in the very presence of your greatest earthly possession, Jesus.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Hebrews 10
After eating Chinese for lunch today, my younger brother sat back and cracked open his fortune cookie. It said, "You will spend many years in comfort and material wealth." He and I laughed. But I think there are many people in the West who believe that following Christ will give them a life like that. Hebrews 10:32-39 seems to say something different.
The author of Hebrews calls for his original readers to remember back to when they were first saved. Evidently they endured much suffering, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction (vv 32-33). The suffering they endured was because of the faith that they professed. He also says they joyfully accepted the plundering of their property (vs 34a). Why would anyone joyfully accept their possessions being stolen? That sounds crazy.
Well look again at the second half of verse 34. "You joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." They gladly gave up their material possessions because they had Jesus! In their minds, he was their greatest earthly possession. So when their things were taken from them they could laugh and say, 'You can take that stuff. I've got Jesus.' They valued Christ so much that they did not hold tightly to the things of this world.
Think about your most valuable material property. What would be your response if it was taken from you? You might be angry, or desperate to get it back, or scared at the thought of never seeing it again. And it makes sense that you would feel that way. After all, we value our things. But what about with Jesus? If everything was taken from you, would you be more desperate to get Jesus back than any of your other possessions? We should hold loosely to the things of this world, because we have Jesus—the greatest possession anyone can have.
The author of Hebrews calls for his original readers to remember back to when they were first saved. Evidently they endured much suffering, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction (vv 32-33). The suffering they endured was because of the faith that they professed. He also says they joyfully accepted the plundering of their property (vs 34a). Why would anyone joyfully accept their possessions being stolen? That sounds crazy.
Well look again at the second half of verse 34. "You joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." They gladly gave up their material possessions because they had Jesus! In their minds, he was their greatest earthly possession. So when their things were taken from them they could laugh and say, 'You can take that stuff. I've got Jesus.' They valued Christ so much that they did not hold tightly to the things of this world.
Think about your most valuable material property. What would be your response if it was taken from you? You might be angry, or desperate to get it back, or scared at the thought of never seeing it again. And it makes sense that you would feel that way. After all, we value our things. But what about with Jesus? If everything was taken from you, would you be more desperate to get Jesus back than any of your other possessions? We should hold loosely to the things of this world, because we have Jesus—the greatest possession anyone can have.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Hebrews 9
We will never feel the force of what the author of Hebrews is trying to convey if we do not feel the weight that those under the old covenant felt. Let's see if this chapter gives us a chance to do that.
The author describes some of the regulations under the first covenant (vv 1-8). Then verses 9-10 offer an observation: The entire system under the first covenant was just an illustration of a better covenant to come. The animal sacrifices couldn't actually clear consciences, just cover the people's sin temporarily until a perfect "lamb" could be offered.
What might be hard for us to understand though, is that in those days, animals were more than just pets—they represented people's livelihood. Animals provided milk for drinking, meat to be eaten, coats for warmth, and they labored in the field as well. In other words, they were incredibly valuable. So imagine the need to give up one of your most valuable possessions everyday in order to remain faithful to the covenant you made with God. That's what it was like to live under the old covenant.
We do no such thing, however, because Christ offered himself without blemish to God, to purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (vs 14). We have no need to purify ourselves by offering something to God, Christ has done that for us.
I wonder if you know any Christians who live like they're under the old covenant. Like they have to earn their salvation by offering things to God. Maybe you're like that. You don't offer sheep, but maybe you read your Bible and pray and go to church as a way to get God to forgive you for your sin. But he already took care of that! The covenant obligation has been paid; you are now free to respond in holy service to God.
The author describes some of the regulations under the first covenant (vv 1-8). Then verses 9-10 offer an observation: The entire system under the first covenant was just an illustration of a better covenant to come. The animal sacrifices couldn't actually clear consciences, just cover the people's sin temporarily until a perfect "lamb" could be offered.
What might be hard for us to understand though, is that in those days, animals were more than just pets—they represented people's livelihood. Animals provided milk for drinking, meat to be eaten, coats for warmth, and they labored in the field as well. In other words, they were incredibly valuable. So imagine the need to give up one of your most valuable possessions everyday in order to remain faithful to the covenant you made with God. That's what it was like to live under the old covenant.
We do no such thing, however, because Christ offered himself without blemish to God, to purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (vs 14). We have no need to purify ourselves by offering something to God, Christ has done that for us.
I wonder if you know any Christians who live like they're under the old covenant. Like they have to earn their salvation by offering things to God. Maybe you're like that. You don't offer sheep, but maybe you read your Bible and pray and go to church as a way to get God to forgive you for your sin. But he already took care of that! The covenant obligation has been paid; you are now free to respond in holy service to God.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Hebrews 8
If you've had any trouble grasping the point of the last few chapters, chapter 8 is here to make it clear.
The author has been contrasting the old covenant that God made with Moses on Mt. Sinai, with the new covenant that God made through his son, Jesus, on the cross. The old covenant was based on the law, which was given by God to Moses. But the law only made people liable to be condemned for their sin. It was completely unable to remove that condemnation, and the sacrificial system could only promise a short-lived pardon of sin to the people of that covenant.
The new covenant, however, which Christ mediates, is better because it is enacted on better promises (vs 6). Two things it promises:
(1)This covenant does not hold people liable to be condemned for their sin. Rather, it promises a full pardon of their sins, by laying the weight of those sins on Christ (vs 12).
(2)Before, God wrote his laws to his people; now God will write his laws in his people. So it also promises that those who belong to this covenant will "know" the Lord (vs 11), because he has written his law in their hearts (vs 10).
This is why Paul told the Galatians that he had only found reason for boasting in the cross of Jesus. He knew that it was not because of anything he did that his eternity in heaven was secured. He could only boast in Jesus, who had given his life to become Paul's perfect high priest.
There is nothing we can do to save ourselves either. It is only through our dependence on Christ's work as our mediator that all of our sins are forgiven and that we may truly know the Lord our God. Since we, like Paul, are powerless to save ourselves through the law, we too should praise God for saving us by sending a great high priest to pardon our sins.
The author has been contrasting the old covenant that God made with Moses on Mt. Sinai, with the new covenant that God made through his son, Jesus, on the cross. The old covenant was based on the law, which was given by God to Moses. But the law only made people liable to be condemned for their sin. It was completely unable to remove that condemnation, and the sacrificial system could only promise a short-lived pardon of sin to the people of that covenant.
The new covenant, however, which Christ mediates, is better because it is enacted on better promises (vs 6). Two things it promises:
(1)This covenant does not hold people liable to be condemned for their sin. Rather, it promises a full pardon of their sins, by laying the weight of those sins on Christ (vs 12).
(2)Before, God wrote his laws to his people; now God will write his laws in his people. So it also promises that those who belong to this covenant will "know" the Lord (vs 11), because he has written his law in their hearts (vs 10).
This is why Paul told the Galatians that he had only found reason for boasting in the cross of Jesus. He knew that it was not because of anything he did that his eternity in heaven was secured. He could only boast in Jesus, who had given his life to become Paul's perfect high priest.
There is nothing we can do to save ourselves either. It is only through our dependence on Christ's work as our mediator that all of our sins are forgiven and that we may truly know the Lord our God. Since we, like Paul, are powerless to save ourselves through the law, we too should praise God for saving us by sending a great high priest to pardon our sins.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hebrews 7
Just as Jesus was "greater" than Moses back in chapter 3, now we are shown that Jesus is also a greater high priest than all the priests who came before him.
See, all the priests who came before Jesus had limitations. They had to make sacrifices everyday, first for themselves and then for the people (vs 27), and they all eventually died (vs 23). Jesus, on the other hand, has no need for daily sacrifices because he offered himself as a sacrifice once for all (vs 27). And he doesn't have to worry about dying because, having already died and then risen, he now continues living forever and interceding for those who draw near to him (vv 24-25).
Why does this matter to us? Well imagine standing before the throne of God, in all of it's splendor and majesty and glory. What will you offer to God so he will accept you into heaven? The blood of sheep and goats? Your own righteousness?! What is the only acceptable sacrifice we can offer to God for our entrance into heaven? Jesus Christ alone. Nothing else will work. That's why Jesus gave himself for us, and now lives to intercede on our behalf.
So go back to that scene we just imagined: You're standing before God on judgment day, and he says, "What do you bring me that I will grant you entrance into heaven?" Are you going to start muttering something about what a good person you were? Or look around hoping to find something you can offer?
Or... will you be able to smile as Jesus steps forward, and says, "It's okay, Dad, this one's with me."
See, all the priests who came before Jesus had limitations. They had to make sacrifices everyday, first for themselves and then for the people (vs 27), and they all eventually died (vs 23). Jesus, on the other hand, has no need for daily sacrifices because he offered himself as a sacrifice once for all (vs 27). And he doesn't have to worry about dying because, having already died and then risen, he now continues living forever and interceding for those who draw near to him (vv 24-25).
Why does this matter to us? Well imagine standing before the throne of God, in all of it's splendor and majesty and glory. What will you offer to God so he will accept you into heaven? The blood of sheep and goats? Your own righteousness?! What is the only acceptable sacrifice we can offer to God for our entrance into heaven? Jesus Christ alone. Nothing else will work. That's why Jesus gave himself for us, and now lives to intercede on our behalf.
So go back to that scene we just imagined: You're standing before God on judgment day, and he says, "What do you bring me that I will grant you entrance into heaven?" Are you going to start muttering something about what a good person you were? Or look around hoping to find something you can offer?
Or... will you be able to smile as Jesus steps forward, and says, "It's okay, Dad, this one's with me."
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Hebrews 6
Hebrews 6:1-8 is an admonition for those who have tasted a little bit of the goodness of God's word, to move on from just tasting, to drinking deeply of the goodness of God's word.
In verses 1-2 the writer speaks of moving on from elementary doctrine, and then he lists 6 things. What do you notice about them? Repentance of dead works, faith towards God, instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection and eternal judgment—they all reflect good doctrine for sure, but those things in and of themselves do not necessarily reflect a change in the heart of a person.They are elementary because they are just the beginning.
In the OT it was common for someone who experienced deep sadness or remorse to tear their clothes. It was an outward expression of their inward emotion. The problem is that it could easily become only an outward expression.
This is what the writer of Hebrews is cautioning against. So in effect he says, "Drink deeply the rain of God's word and produce a useful crop! Do not be like those who, after the rain of God's word falls on them, produces thorns and thistles. They initially show outward signs of genuine repentance, but they never mature, and eventually the true state of their heart is exposed."
If you believe in Jesus, don't wait to mature in your faith! Don't say, "Well of course I believe in Jesus, but I'll get to know him later. Right now I'm too busy and I have other things I want to do first."
Instead, drink deeply of God's word now! And bear a good crop, that you may reflect on the outside, the true change of your heart on the inside.
In verses 1-2 the writer speaks of moving on from elementary doctrine, and then he lists 6 things. What do you notice about them? Repentance of dead works, faith towards God, instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection and eternal judgment—they all reflect good doctrine for sure, but those things in and of themselves do not necessarily reflect a change in the heart of a person.They are elementary because they are just the beginning.
In the OT it was common for someone who experienced deep sadness or remorse to tear their clothes. It was an outward expression of their inward emotion. The problem is that it could easily become only an outward expression.
This is what the writer of Hebrews is cautioning against. So in effect he says, "Drink deeply the rain of God's word and produce a useful crop! Do not be like those who, after the rain of God's word falls on them, produces thorns and thistles. They initially show outward signs of genuine repentance, but they never mature, and eventually the true state of their heart is exposed."
If you believe in Jesus, don't wait to mature in your faith! Don't say, "Well of course I believe in Jesus, but I'll get to know him later. Right now I'm too busy and I have other things I want to do first."
Instead, drink deeply of God's word now! And bear a good crop, that you may reflect on the outside, the true change of your heart on the inside.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Hebrews 5
We've seen that the book of Hebrews looks back to the time between the fall and the redemption. During that time, God had set up a covenant with his people in which animals could be sacrificed to pay for the people's sins against God. A high priest would be chosen by God to offer these sacrifices for sins (5:1). You see, sinful people could not come to God alone; they had to come through the blood of a spotless lamb—everyday.
But then God chose Jesus, not only as our high priest (vv 5-6), but also as our spotless lamb! He was made perfect by learning to obey God in suffering (vv 8-9). That didn't come easy, though. It says he cried out to God with tears (vs 7). Jesus prayed fervently, and he cried out to God for strength to obey him in the midst of suffering.
Do you see? Suffering is necessary for us to learn obedience to the will of God, but we are not without help! We have a great high priest who showed us the power of reverent prayer to a sovereign God. And just like him, we can be strengthened to obey God by calling out to him for help.
Are you following the example set forth by Jesus? When life is tough, are you crying out to God and asking for strength to obey him? Or are you trusting in your own strength? Jesus knows what it feels like to experience anguish—read verse 7, it's dripping with anguish! He knows how you feel, and he's inviting you to ask him for help.
So ask him. Whatever it is your struggling with, pray and sincerely ask God to give you the strength to obey him in the midst of that difficulty.
But then God chose Jesus, not only as our high priest (vv 5-6), but also as our spotless lamb! He was made perfect by learning to obey God in suffering (vv 8-9). That didn't come easy, though. It says he cried out to God with tears (vs 7). Jesus prayed fervently, and he cried out to God for strength to obey him in the midst of suffering.
Do you see? Suffering is necessary for us to learn obedience to the will of God, but we are not without help! We have a great high priest who showed us the power of reverent prayer to a sovereign God. And just like him, we can be strengthened to obey God by calling out to him for help.
Are you following the example set forth by Jesus? When life is tough, are you crying out to God and asking for strength to obey him? Or are you trusting in your own strength? Jesus knows what it feels like to experience anguish—read verse 7, it's dripping with anguish! He knows how you feel, and he's inviting you to ask him for help.
So ask him. Whatever it is your struggling with, pray and sincerely ask God to give you the strength to obey him in the midst of that difficulty.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Hebrews 4
Going back to the previous chapter, we see that the hearts of men can lead them away from God (3:7-11) The writer speaks of a "rest" for believers, which they will enter into after their work is finished, provided their hearts do not lead them away from God (3:12). Here in chapter 4, we see that this is a heavenly rest—a rest in glory, where the people of God will enjoy the presence of God for eternity (vs 9). "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience" (vs 11).
How do we strive? We do two things: (1) we go to the word of God as the instrument which discerns the intentions of our hearts, and (2) when our weaknesses are exposed, we go to the Son of God for grace.
(1) God's word is a sword for us to use in our fight against the enemy. But this sword also pierces us, cutting open our hearts and exposing all that would hinder us from our progress in the fight of faith (vv 12-13).
(2) With our weaknesses in full view, we would be in big trouble if we served a god who could not sympathize with us in our shortcomings. We would surely be seen as useless and then be disposed. But we have a high priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, for he has been tempted just as we are (vv 14-15).
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (vs 16). God is a personal, loving Father who invites you into his rest through the grace of his Son.
So go to God's word to discern what's in your heart, and then go to God's Son to get grace for that which is exposed.
How do we strive? We do two things: (1) we go to the word of God as the instrument which discerns the intentions of our hearts, and (2) when our weaknesses are exposed, we go to the Son of God for grace.
(1) God's word is a sword for us to use in our fight against the enemy. But this sword also pierces us, cutting open our hearts and exposing all that would hinder us from our progress in the fight of faith (vv 12-13).
(2) With our weaknesses in full view, we would be in big trouble if we served a god who could not sympathize with us in our shortcomings. We would surely be seen as useless and then be disposed. But we have a high priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, for he has been tempted just as we are (vv 14-15).
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (vs 16). God is a personal, loving Father who invites you into his rest through the grace of his Son.
So go to God's word to discern what's in your heart, and then go to God's Son to get grace for that which is exposed.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Hebrews 3
Lately we've been discussing the metanarrative, or "big story," of the Bible. Here's another way to look at it. The Bible can be summarized in four words: creation, fall, redemption, recreation. The whole cosmos is created by God (Genesis 1-2), is judged at the fall of man (Genesis 3), is redeemed through Christ's death on the cross (Matthew 27), and will be recreated when Christ returns (2 Peter 3).
The book of Hebrews takes place in between redemption and recreation—Christ has died and risen, but not yet returned. However, this book also looks back to the time between the fall and the redemption. Its goal is to show us the supremacy of Jesus; or some say, to show us that "Jesus is better."
So here in chapter 3 Jesus is compared to Moses. Remember, Moses was God's servant, chosen to lead God's people out of Egypt and into the promised land. "Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later" (vs 5). High praise here for Moses. But, Jesus is better. "Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (vs 3). Moses's faithfulness was meant to point us ultimately to God's chosen Son, who would lead God's people out of sin and death and into eternal life. Do you see the connection? Moses lived about 1500 years before Jesus, yet his life and faithfulness point to Christ, and help us to understand the magnificence of God's Son.
So we did two things: (1) We placed the passage into the metanarrative (creation, fall, redemption, recreation; and (2) We showed how it is connected to Jesus. Whenever you read a passage of Scripture, ask where it fits into the metanarrative of the Bible, and ask how it relates to Jesus.
The book of Hebrews takes place in between redemption and recreation—Christ has died and risen, but not yet returned. However, this book also looks back to the time between the fall and the redemption. Its goal is to show us the supremacy of Jesus; or some say, to show us that "Jesus is better."
So here in chapter 3 Jesus is compared to Moses. Remember, Moses was God's servant, chosen to lead God's people out of Egypt and into the promised land. "Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later" (vs 5). High praise here for Moses. But, Jesus is better. "Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (vs 3). Moses's faithfulness was meant to point us ultimately to God's chosen Son, who would lead God's people out of sin and death and into eternal life. Do you see the connection? Moses lived about 1500 years before Jesus, yet his life and faithfulness point to Christ, and help us to understand the magnificence of God's Son.
So we did two things: (1) We placed the passage into the metanarrative (creation, fall, redemption, recreation; and (2) We showed how it is connected to Jesus. Whenever you read a passage of Scripture, ask where it fits into the metanarrative of the Bible, and ask how it relates to Jesus.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Hebrews 2
In yesterday's reading we paid attention to the contrast between the redemptive story in the Old Testament, and its culminating in the revelation of Jesus in the New Testament. Based on that, the author says here in the second chapter that "we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard" (vs 1, emphasis mine) Two questions:
(1) What have we heard? We heard the metanarrative, the "big story" of the Bible. That God sent his Son, who is the exact imprint of God's nature, to make purification for our sins and then sit down at the right hand of God (1:3).
(2) Why must we pay much closer attention to that? Without much work and careful attention, our minds do not retain what is poured into them. If we do not take care to hold on to what we have heard, it will slip away and we will receive "just retribution" (vs 2).
Do not think that you can simply hear the gospel, be saved, and never give a second thought to the gospel ever again. The author of Hebrews says if you do this you will surely "drift away from it." We must go back to the gospel, day after day. Not to be saved over and over again, but to remind us that we have a strong grounding for our faith.
So pay close attention to God's word, especially as it relates to Jesus, lest you drift away from it.
(1) What have we heard? We heard the metanarrative, the "big story" of the Bible. That God sent his Son, who is the exact imprint of God's nature, to make purification for our sins and then sit down at the right hand of God (1:3).
(2) Why must we pay much closer attention to that? Without much work and careful attention, our minds do not retain what is poured into them. If we do not take care to hold on to what we have heard, it will slip away and we will receive "just retribution" (vs 2).
Do not think that you can simply hear the gospel, be saved, and never give a second thought to the gospel ever again. The author of Hebrews says if you do this you will surely "drift away from it." We must go back to the gospel, day after day. Not to be saved over and over again, but to remind us that we have a strong grounding for our faith.
So pay close attention to God's word, especially as it relates to Jesus, lest you drift away from it.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Hebrews 1
Pay very close attention to the contrast in the opening verses to this chapter. They shout, "Everything has changed!"
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (vv 1-2)."Long ago" stands in contrast to "in these last days." God speaking to "our fathers" stands in contrast to the fact that he now speaks "to us." And the most important contrast to notice is the way in which he speaks. Previously it was "in many ways...by the prophets." And now it is simply "by his Son."
So what does all of this mean? Well it means that we are to understand a difference between what came before Jesus, and what came after Jesus. The author is saying that the revelation which came from God in the Old Testament, came in the form of many books as God was unfolding redemptive history. The revelation which came after that (the New Testament) is, quite simply, Jesus himself. So we are to understand the New Testament as bearing witness to Jesus.
This is the idea of seeing the Bible as a metanarrative. That's just a fancy word for "big story." It means that the Bible may appear to be just a collection of random stories, but in fact they are all woven together by a grand theme, a metanarrative. In short, the grand theme of the Bible is that God sent his Son to save his people.
We'll explore that grand theme some more in the future, but for now I want you to make a practice of considering that grand theme as you read Scripture. When you read a passage, ask yourself, "What does this passage have to do with the grand theme of the Bible?"
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (vv 1-2)."Long ago" stands in contrast to "in these last days." God speaking to "our fathers" stands in contrast to the fact that he now speaks "to us." And the most important contrast to notice is the way in which he speaks. Previously it was "in many ways...by the prophets." And now it is simply "by his Son."
So what does all of this mean? Well it means that we are to understand a difference between what came before Jesus, and what came after Jesus. The author is saying that the revelation which came from God in the Old Testament, came in the form of many books as God was unfolding redemptive history. The revelation which came after that (the New Testament) is, quite simply, Jesus himself. So we are to understand the New Testament as bearing witness to Jesus.
This is the idea of seeing the Bible as a metanarrative. That's just a fancy word for "big story." It means that the Bible may appear to be just a collection of random stories, but in fact they are all woven together by a grand theme, a metanarrative. In short, the grand theme of the Bible is that God sent his Son to save his people.
We'll explore that grand theme some more in the future, but for now I want you to make a practice of considering that grand theme as you read Scripture. When you read a passage, ask yourself, "What does this passage have to do with the grand theme of the Bible?"
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Philemon
When you consider that if a runaway slave was caught the penalty could be death, this letter to Philemon becomes a picture of the reconciliation of the gospel.
Onesimus is the runaway slave in this case, and he is being sent back to his master by Paul. Paul knows what's at stake here. So he appeals to Philemon, the master, asking him to show grace to Onesimus, and accept him back. But not as a slave; Paul asks him to receive him as a brother, "both in the flesh and in the Lord" (vs 16). This is not what Onesimus deserves. He likely stole from Philemon and then ran off; by law he deserves a harsh beating, maybe even death.
In fact this is what we all deserve (Rom. 6:23). But God, in his mercy, saved us from death by the death of his son, Jesus. So Paul closes the letter with a reference to this: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (vs 25). I wonder if this carried any more weight given the subject of the letter? The grace of Jesus has been given to Philemon, and Paul is asking him to extend that same grace to Onesimus.
Is this your response to others when they wrong you? Are you charitable toward them, even though they don't deserve it? Make it a practice to extend grace whenever you can, for Christ your Savior gave his life to give you grace.
Onesimus is the runaway slave in this case, and he is being sent back to his master by Paul. Paul knows what's at stake here. So he appeals to Philemon, the master, asking him to show grace to Onesimus, and accept him back. But not as a slave; Paul asks him to receive him as a brother, "both in the flesh and in the Lord" (vs 16). This is not what Onesimus deserves. He likely stole from Philemon and then ran off; by law he deserves a harsh beating, maybe even death.
In fact this is what we all deserve (Rom. 6:23). But God, in his mercy, saved us from death by the death of his son, Jesus. So Paul closes the letter with a reference to this: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (vs 25). I wonder if this carried any more weight given the subject of the letter? The grace of Jesus has been given to Philemon, and Paul is asking him to extend that same grace to Onesimus.
Is this your response to others when they wrong you? Are you charitable toward them, even though they don't deserve it? Make it a practice to extend grace whenever you can, for Christ your Savior gave his life to give you grace.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Titus 3
If I had to pick a tagline for the book of Titus, it would be this: "Saved by grace; now devote yourselves to good works."
Back in the first chapter we noted Paul's qualifications for elders and concluded that those who profess to know God should not deny him by their works (1:16). Then in yesterday's reading, we saw that in fact Christ Jesus died to purify a people for himself who would be zealous to do good works (2:14). And finally here in the third chapter we find not one but two exhortations like the two just mentioned. Paul uses the phrase which I drew out above—that the people of God should "devote themselves to good works" (3:8, 14).
Why has Paul gone to all the trouble to emphasize this point? Remember that Paul is writing to a man who's caring for churches in which many are legalistic and ungodly. So to address the legalistic among them who would try to add their own effort to salvation, Paul plainly lays out the gospel, in 2:11-14, and 3:3-7. He is very careful to explain that salvation comes to us only because, in God's goodness and loving kindness, he saved us and justified us by grace (vv 4, 7). NOT because of works done by us in righteousness (vs 5a).
Then, to address the ungodly among them, he tells them to devote themselves to good works. You see, it's very easy to read the above statements about salvation, and think that all of our works are bad. But that is not what this passage, or indeed what the Bible, is saying. Our works (actions), can't gain salvation. But once we are saved, we cannot simply sit back and think God will take care of the rest. We are responsible for listening to our Father's voice (reading Scripture), and then responding in faith and obedience.
Saved by grace; now devote yourselves to good works.
Back in the first chapter we noted Paul's qualifications for elders and concluded that those who profess to know God should not deny him by their works (1:16). Then in yesterday's reading, we saw that in fact Christ Jesus died to purify a people for himself who would be zealous to do good works (2:14). And finally here in the third chapter we find not one but two exhortations like the two just mentioned. Paul uses the phrase which I drew out above—that the people of God should "devote themselves to good works" (3:8, 14).
Why has Paul gone to all the trouble to emphasize this point? Remember that Paul is writing to a man who's caring for churches in which many are legalistic and ungodly. So to address the legalistic among them who would try to add their own effort to salvation, Paul plainly lays out the gospel, in 2:11-14, and 3:3-7. He is very careful to explain that salvation comes to us only because, in God's goodness and loving kindness, he saved us and justified us by grace (vv 4, 7). NOT because of works done by us in righteousness (vs 5a).
Then, to address the ungodly among them, he tells them to devote themselves to good works. You see, it's very easy to read the above statements about salvation, and think that all of our works are bad. But that is not what this passage, or indeed what the Bible, is saying. Our works (actions), can't gain salvation. But once we are saved, we cannot simply sit back and think God will take care of the rest. We are responsible for listening to our Father's voice (reading Scripture), and then responding in faith and obedience.
Saved by grace; now devote yourselves to good works.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Titus 2
The Psalmist describes memorizing Scripture as storing up God's word in our hearts. God wants us to put his promises into our hearts so that, no matter where we are or what we are doing, the Holy Spirit can call them to mind. Then we, and those around us, can be strengthened by their truth. Memorization is hard work, though. But don't give up, keep at it. God's not keeping score. Even if it takes you weeks to memorize a few verses, it will be well worth it.
One of the best places to start, is with the central message of the Bible—the gospel. Certainly all of God's word is precious, but those verses which tell of God's Son giving his life in our place are the most precious of all. Having instant access to these kinds of passages is tremendously useful!
One such passage is Titus 2:11-14. Friends, memorize this passage; it will serve you well in the future, I promise. I would love to break down each phrase in these four verses right here, but we do not have the space.
So I will just encourage you to do that yourself. Commit it to memory, one phrase at a time. And with each phrase, think over what is being said. Look for key terms like "grace," "hope," and "redeem," and then define them. Also, try to put the passage in order. For instance, if the grace of God trains us to renounce ungodliness, then the first two points on your timeline could be (1) ungodliness and worldly passions, and (2) the grace of God. You fill in the rest.
Basically, get to know this passage. Let it be a precious reminder of the work Jesus Christ has done on your behalf. And use these four verses, whenever and wherever, to share that good news with others.
One of the best places to start, is with the central message of the Bible—the gospel. Certainly all of God's word is precious, but those verses which tell of God's Son giving his life in our place are the most precious of all. Having instant access to these kinds of passages is tremendously useful!
One such passage is Titus 2:11-14. Friends, memorize this passage; it will serve you well in the future, I promise. I would love to break down each phrase in these four verses right here, but we do not have the space.
So I will just encourage you to do that yourself. Commit it to memory, one phrase at a time. And with each phrase, think over what is being said. Look for key terms like "grace," "hope," and "redeem," and then define them. Also, try to put the passage in order. For instance, if the grace of God trains us to renounce ungodliness, then the first two points on your timeline could be (1) ungodliness and worldly passions, and (2) the grace of God. You fill in the rest.
Basically, get to know this passage. Let it be a precious reminder of the work Jesus Christ has done on your behalf. And use these four verses, whenever and wherever, to share that good news with others.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Titus 1
Living in the heart of the "Bible belt" usually means when you meet someone here they ask you where you go to church. Many people who live in Tennessee claim to know Christ—being a Christian is just part of the culture.
Titus was a man familiar with this kind of experience. He lived on the Island of Crete and was leading a group of churches which Paul had originally founded. Paul's description of the Cretans culminates with verse 16. "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."
This is why in the previous section (vv 5-9), Paul's qualifications for leaders in the church are not only that they know sound doctrine and be able to rebuke those who contradict it (vs 9). But also that they be, "above reproach." That means he wants their behavior to reflect what they claim to believe about Christ.
Our behavior also reflects what we believe. Does your behavior show others that you are a follower of Christ? If we profess to know God, then our actions should reflect that claim. You see, a knowledge of the truth and a godly life go hand in hand for the true believer.
So I want to encourage you in the same way James encouraged his church: Be doers of the word! Show yourself to be above reproach by listening to God's word and doing what it says.
Titus was a man familiar with this kind of experience. He lived on the Island of Crete and was leading a group of churches which Paul had originally founded. Paul's description of the Cretans culminates with verse 16. "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."
This is why in the previous section (vv 5-9), Paul's qualifications for leaders in the church are not only that they know sound doctrine and be able to rebuke those who contradict it (vs 9). But also that they be, "above reproach." That means he wants their behavior to reflect what they claim to believe about Christ.
Our behavior also reflects what we believe. Does your behavior show others that you are a follower of Christ? If we profess to know God, then our actions should reflect that claim. You see, a knowledge of the truth and a godly life go hand in hand for the true believer.
So I want to encourage you in the same way James encouraged his church: Be doers of the word! Show yourself to be above reproach by listening to God's word and doing what it says.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
2 Timothy 4
In yesterday's reading we saw the important role that God's word plays in our lives if we are to faithfully follow Christ. We are in grave danger of being led astray if we ignore the word of God. So there's a responsibility on our part to know God's word, and to live by what it says.
Here, Paul wants us to feel the weight of another responsibility: the one of preaching God's word to others. And according to 1 Timothy 4:2a there are only two times we are to preach God's word: in season, and out of season.
All joking aside, don't miss Paul's point. Remember, this was the last letter Paul ever wrote. He was about to be executed, and Timothy would be taking his place. And because of the coming difficulty in which many would "wander off into myths," it was imperative that Timothy teach the truth of God's word—all the time.
It is no different for us today. Because there are so many who would turn away from listening to the truth, it is imperative that God's people preach God's word. If you are a follower of Christ then you are called to "do the work of an evangelist"—that is, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and careful instruction (vs 2b).
So preach the word, all the time.
Here, Paul wants us to feel the weight of another responsibility: the one of preaching God's word to others. And according to 1 Timothy 4:2a there are only two times we are to preach God's word: in season, and out of season.
All joking aside, don't miss Paul's point. Remember, this was the last letter Paul ever wrote. He was about to be executed, and Timothy would be taking his place. And because of the coming difficulty in which many would "wander off into myths," it was imperative that Timothy teach the truth of God's word—all the time.
It is no different for us today. Because there are so many who would turn away from listening to the truth, it is imperative that God's people preach God's word. If you are a follower of Christ then you are called to "do the work of an evangelist"—that is, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and careful instruction (vs 2b).
So preach the word, all the time.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
2 Timothy 3
Paul sets the tone here by telling Timothy to understand that there will be difficulty in the days until Christ's return. During that time many will be led astray by various passions, of which he lists more than a few (vv 2-6). In stark contrast though is Timothy, who has followed Paul's example, and in more ways than one, including his suffering (vv 10-11).
But it's not only Timothy who will follow Paul's example. "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (vs 12). Sometimes the Bible is so plain. If you desire to live a godly life, it will not be easy.
So what can we do to endure the difficulty that we know is coming for us who follow Christ? What does Paul tell Timothy to do? Verse 14, "Continue in what you have learned." What has he learned? Well, from his youth he has studied the Scriptures, which Paul says "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (vs 15) and they are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (vs 16).
Simply put, the Christian life is going to be very hard. And many will be led astray, but you don't have to be one of them. Instead, you can be competent, equipped for every good work. How? Living by the word of God.
But it's not only Timothy who will follow Paul's example. "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (vs 12). Sometimes the Bible is so plain. If you desire to live a godly life, it will not be easy.
So what can we do to endure the difficulty that we know is coming for us who follow Christ? What does Paul tell Timothy to do? Verse 14, "Continue in what you have learned." What has he learned? Well, from his youth he has studied the Scriptures, which Paul says "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (vs 15) and they are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (vs 16).
Simply put, the Christian life is going to be very hard. And many will be led astray, but you don't have to be one of them. Instead, you can be competent, equipped for every good work. How? Living by the word of God.
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