"So the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor again the head to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary." ~ 1 Corinthians 12:21-22
It is amazing to think that the believer OUGHT to have a lack of strength to be necessary in the body of Christ. This is not a singular teaching within Scripture, but on that is revealed many times. The second letter to the Corinthian church closes out by showing that the life and demonstration of kenosis by Jesus shows the necessity of weakness and humility for the power of God to be made manifest in the lives of those who seek Him. Two verses in particular stand out with relation to the need for weakness in the body of Christ.
First, 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me." These are the words of Jesus to Paul and they remind him that weakness is an opportune time for God's grace to be made apparent in Paul's life. At times we do not recognize the sweeping effects of grace in our own life until a portion of that grace is removed (if for just a brief period of time). To understand God's total grace, we have to desperate and helpless from time to time. Job, Abram, Moses, Paul and Peter all understood to be at a loss of some sort of control or comfort and had to depend on God's grace even if circumstances were not ideal. God uses the human need for contrast to show us our need for him. Man recognizes certain traits not in a manner of definition but in a manner of difference. We do not understand dark without light. Cold without hot. Joy without sorrow. God uses weakness so that man can ascertain the beauty and strength of His Grace.
Secondly, 2 Corinthians 13:3b-4 - "He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God's power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God's power." In an age of self dependence it seems self defeating to claim that depending on someone else is an example of strength. Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father and not His own. Christ is the example to us that we cannot do much in our own strength but that God's power (the power to resurrect, to turn water to wine, to multiply the gift of fish and bread) trumps a self-reliant spirit.
Submitting my life to serve God and glorify Him is difficult and counter intuitive. But the fruits of His strength in our life are breathtaking...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Ephesians 6:19-20
"and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." ~ Ephesians 6:19-20
God has truly blessed me over the last two months by allowing me to speak at a number of churches and youth groups. It is always difficult for me to speak at a church that I am not familiar with. So many times I wrestle with, "What does God want me to say?" It is very easy for me to tell a number of stories and share encouraging moments from my life with a little bit of God's Word sprinkled in. At the beginning of August I read those two verses from Ephesians 6 and I came away very challenged by Paul's words.
Here's a man who is in prison and is facing many difficulties. He could likewise take the route that I have been tempted to do. Take the easy route...use existential stories to encourage...offer little challenge to the audience. Yet, Paul asked the Ephesians for both the ability to speak God's Word and the boldness to proclaim it without fear, doubt, or partiality. Martin Luther speaks in a similar tone:
"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ however boldly I may be professing Christ."
I came away very challenged to be a teacher who is biblical grounded, at times encouraging, but one who is not afraid to challenge myself and others with the Bible. The boldness that Paul prays for is the same I find myself constantly praying for. Being passive in teaching God's Word can come in a number of avenues. Fear of "going too deep", fear of being boring, or even the fear of preaching something that convicts not only the audience but the speaker. To teach from conviction is not hypocrisy but reality. Peter taught of faith and his faith wavered in the garden. Paul teaches of unity in the body but argued with Barnabas, could not reconcile, and the two went their separate ways. These teachings are not nullified because of such, but something that is better understood after the fact because of the conviction of one's shortcomings through the Holy Spirit.
Its interesting to note so many youth groups and churches pride themselves on being Biblically based. Even my seminary's core verse is 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness". Its a remarkable verse that the modern youth group can leave two gaping holes in. We like to teach and train in righteousness. Yet we doubt, waver on, and even ignore Scripture that is critical or that corrects specific issues and sins within the body of Christ. We do not truly believe in the profitability of Scripture unless we use it for all these things: teaching, training, critical analysis, and correcting lacking traits. My prayer is that I and other teachers and ministers boldly (yet humbly) teach God's Word in spite of our fears of reprisal or inadequacy. The Gospel is an offense. Why should we expect otherwise?
God has truly blessed me over the last two months by allowing me to speak at a number of churches and youth groups. It is always difficult for me to speak at a church that I am not familiar with. So many times I wrestle with, "What does God want me to say?" It is very easy for me to tell a number of stories and share encouraging moments from my life with a little bit of God's Word sprinkled in. At the beginning of August I read those two verses from Ephesians 6 and I came away very challenged by Paul's words.
Here's a man who is in prison and is facing many difficulties. He could likewise take the route that I have been tempted to do. Take the easy route...use existential stories to encourage...offer little challenge to the audience. Yet, Paul asked the Ephesians for both the ability to speak God's Word and the boldness to proclaim it without fear, doubt, or partiality. Martin Luther speaks in a similar tone:
"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ however boldly I may be professing Christ."
I came away very challenged to be a teacher who is biblical grounded, at times encouraging, but one who is not afraid to challenge myself and others with the Bible. The boldness that Paul prays for is the same I find myself constantly praying for. Being passive in teaching God's Word can come in a number of avenues. Fear of "going too deep", fear of being boring, or even the fear of preaching something that convicts not only the audience but the speaker. To teach from conviction is not hypocrisy but reality. Peter taught of faith and his faith wavered in the garden. Paul teaches of unity in the body but argued with Barnabas, could not reconcile, and the two went their separate ways. These teachings are not nullified because of such, but something that is better understood after the fact because of the conviction of one's shortcomings through the Holy Spirit.
Its interesting to note so many youth groups and churches pride themselves on being Biblically based. Even my seminary's core verse is 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness". Its a remarkable verse that the modern youth group can leave two gaping holes in. We like to teach and train in righteousness. Yet we doubt, waver on, and even ignore Scripture that is critical or that corrects specific issues and sins within the body of Christ. We do not truly believe in the profitability of Scripture unless we use it for all these things: teaching, training, critical analysis, and correcting lacking traits. My prayer is that I and other teachers and ministers boldly (yet humbly) teach God's Word in spite of our fears of reprisal or inadequacy. The Gospel is an offense. Why should we expect otherwise?
Friday, October 2, 2009
1 Corinthians 12:7-8
"A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit" ~ 1 Corinthians 12:7-8
Paul follows his discussion on the variations of gifts and ministries within the body of Christ, to a discussion on the certain manifestations of the Spirit and what sort of fruit is produced by the Spirit in the life of the believer.
Verse 7 is an encouraging verse which reminds the believer that the Spirit is active and working in the life of the believer. The Spirit works in the sanctification of the believer, the equipping of the believer, and intercession are all works of the Spirit that are of benefit to the believer and to the body of Christ as a whole. The word "manifestation" is a continual verb, meaning that the Spirit is at constant and lasting work in my life. It is humbling knowing that this is a gracious gift of the Spirit...I have done nothing to attain such a gift. Yet not only my good is produced by His gifting but also "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). God grants us these gifts as an encouragement and sign of His working but also to tend to His other sheep. This mutual blessing shapes the body of Christ and makes it stronger.
Verse 8 begins to talk about the different manifestations of the Spirit. This verse has a pair of somewhat similar gifts: wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is referring to the one who has great insight into matters of theological doctrine. This would certainly the man who delves into the depths of Scripture and discern its meaning. Such a manifestation would be made up of the equipping to do such and a passion to pursue the depths of Scripture. The manifestation of knowledge is referring to an undestanding of life and how to apply God's Word to it. Where wisdom would be shown in Peter's Pentecost sermon or Paul on Mars Hill, knowledge is seen in action as Jesus and the disciples minister to the people or the setting up of the deacon ministry in Acts.
We often think of the gifting of the Spirit as an actual action that we can complete. Yet, in this verse we are reminded that those who seek to immerse themself and others in Scripture are men and women who the Spirit has set aside for such things.
to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit" ~ 1 Corinthians 12:7-8
Paul follows his discussion on the variations of gifts and ministries within the body of Christ, to a discussion on the certain manifestations of the Spirit and what sort of fruit is produced by the Spirit in the life of the believer.
Verse 7 is an encouraging verse which reminds the believer that the Spirit is active and working in the life of the believer. The Spirit works in the sanctification of the believer, the equipping of the believer, and intercession are all works of the Spirit that are of benefit to the believer and to the body of Christ as a whole. The word "manifestation" is a continual verb, meaning that the Spirit is at constant and lasting work in my life. It is humbling knowing that this is a gracious gift of the Spirit...I have done nothing to attain such a gift. Yet not only my good is produced by His gifting but also "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). God grants us these gifts as an encouragement and sign of His working but also to tend to His other sheep. This mutual blessing shapes the body of Christ and makes it stronger.
Verse 8 begins to talk about the different manifestations of the Spirit. This verse has a pair of somewhat similar gifts: wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is referring to the one who has great insight into matters of theological doctrine. This would certainly the man who delves into the depths of Scripture and discern its meaning. Such a manifestation would be made up of the equipping to do such and a passion to pursue the depths of Scripture. The manifestation of knowledge is referring to an undestanding of life and how to apply God's Word to it. Where wisdom would be shown in Peter's Pentecost sermon or Paul on Mars Hill, knowledge is seen in action as Jesus and the disciples minister to the people or the setting up of the deacon ministry in Acts.
We often think of the gifting of the Spirit as an actual action that we can complete. Yet, in this verse we are reminded that those who seek to immerse themself and others in Scripture are men and women who the Spirit has set aside for such things.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
" Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything." ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
In an age of specialized ministry, Paul provides a reminder to the Corinthian church that though there may be different gifts of the spirit, they are all given by the grace of God. The body of Christ is one that is tremendously diverse and blessed. Each gifting, each ministry is something that God has ordained and is active in working in for His glory. Yet in our day, do we see the Spirit active in ministries that we do not belong to? Though I am deeply involved in youth ministry, can I see that Christ is also the Lord over a Senior adult ministry? Do I see that within my body (His Church) of believers that God is active in sanctifying those who He has called and are pursuing Him?
Unity within the body extends past my perception of what "body" should mean (my desired worship preference, my preferred means of service ministry, age range) and to those who are rooted in Christ in many different statuses of life. God does great works in those who seek Him and love Him.
Ephesians 4:4-7 ~ "There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Think of the body of believers that you belong to. It may be a church, a small Bible study, a campus ministry, a group of friends. It is amazing to see that within each there are distinct and separate giftings, but God uses each gifting for His benefit....and mine. God uses these different people who are all under the same calling and who were saved and blessed through Christ's sacrifice and the santifying work of the Spirit. This distinct gifting by the grace of God benefits me in that though I may not be burdened to being the Gospel to children, to foreign countries, or to the modern workplace other people have been given the burden and opportunity to do so. God allows us to come into intimate contact with those who have pursued Him decades before we were born and who He has more than adequately equipped to disciple us. He places us in the midst of those who have an earnest passion for things that we have no desire to learn or do. Yet, we avoid these people, when we should not.
So the question come to the forefront, "How do I support the other portions of the body of Christ?" I should seek to support the work of Christ in any means (whether money, time, effort, prayer) that I have at my disposal. I have not been called to be specialized and quarantined to my comfortable preferences. I have been called to go to all the people and nations, identifying them with the Father, and teaching them His Word. Do not shrink back, do not become timid...you have been gifted...you have been blessed....you have been given a spirit of power, love and discipline.
Romans 15:5-6 ~ "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
In an age of specialized ministry, Paul provides a reminder to the Corinthian church that though there may be different gifts of the spirit, they are all given by the grace of God. The body of Christ is one that is tremendously diverse and blessed. Each gifting, each ministry is something that God has ordained and is active in working in for His glory. Yet in our day, do we see the Spirit active in ministries that we do not belong to? Though I am deeply involved in youth ministry, can I see that Christ is also the Lord over a Senior adult ministry? Do I see that within my body (His Church) of believers that God is active in sanctifying those who He has called and are pursuing Him?
Unity within the body extends past my perception of what "body" should mean (my desired worship preference, my preferred means of service ministry, age range) and to those who are rooted in Christ in many different statuses of life. God does great works in those who seek Him and love Him.
Ephesians 4:4-7 ~ "There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Think of the body of believers that you belong to. It may be a church, a small Bible study, a campus ministry, a group of friends. It is amazing to see that within each there are distinct and separate giftings, but God uses each gifting for His benefit....and mine. God uses these different people who are all under the same calling and who were saved and blessed through Christ's sacrifice and the santifying work of the Spirit. This distinct gifting by the grace of God benefits me in that though I may not be burdened to being the Gospel to children, to foreign countries, or to the modern workplace other people have been given the burden and opportunity to do so. God allows us to come into intimate contact with those who have pursued Him decades before we were born and who He has more than adequately equipped to disciple us. He places us in the midst of those who have an earnest passion for things that we have no desire to learn or do. Yet, we avoid these people, when we should not.
So the question come to the forefront, "How do I support the other portions of the body of Christ?" I should seek to support the work of Christ in any means (whether money, time, effort, prayer) that I have at my disposal. I have not been called to be specialized and quarantined to my comfortable preferences. I have been called to go to all the people and nations, identifying them with the Father, and teaching them His Word. Do not shrink back, do not become timid...you have been gifted...you have been blessed....you have been given a spirit of power, love and discipline.
Romans 15:5-6 ~ "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)